The Winter Season December1, 19 72--March 3 1, 19 73

accompanyingthem, seemedworthy of record: single NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION birdswere seenat Warren Pt. in Little Compton,R ! , / Davis W. Finch Dec. 17 (KBK, DLK, FP), and in Massachusettsat Manomet Feb. 3 (RAF, VL) and Plum I., Feb. 10 The Maritimes experienceda cold and early winter (RB, RK, HP). Unreported last winter, single Eared Grebes were discovered at Schoodic Pt., Me., Jan adverselyaffecting half-hardy wintering birds, but mid- 14 (apparentlythe state'sfourth sightrecord, WCT), winter weather throughoutthe Region was marked by prolongedmild spellsin Januaryand February which at Plum I., Mass., Jan. 27 (PWP), andin RhodeIsland, where there were two previous sightrecords at Moon- kept snowdepths down in the Maritimesand the ground virtually bare in much of eastern New England, and stone Beach also on Jan. 27 (DLK, CW), the latter March was particularlyopen. These conditionsprob- bird (.9)reappearing off nearby QuonochontaugFeb ably accountedfor the scarcity of birds reported at 5 (KBK). A perplexingnumber of reportsof the con- feeders in the northern part of the Region. siderably rarer W. Grebe came from a short bit of Mass- achusetts coastline from Plum I. south to N. Scituate First wasa birdfound on Cape Ann at MagnoliaJan 13(CAG) whichwas seenby a numberof experienced observersat intervalsuntil at least Feb. 25 (HD'E, RPE, WRP et al.), and what was perhapsthe same bird was seenat Plum I., Feb. 1 (DCA). One found at N. ScituateFeb. 5 (MM) was rediscoveredat inter- vals to Mar. 23 (BAS et al.), and one photographed at Marblehead off Devereux Beach Mar. 14 (RAF) was still present at the end of the month. Excluding a few South Shore reports of possiblyspontaneous origin, and consideringthe rather sedentaryhabits of winteringgrebes, it seemsprobable that the Magnolia, Marblehead and N. Scituate birds were three different • •-'• tea A r t AN t I C individuals, a surprisingtotal given the scarcity of recent reports in the Region. Dick Forster, mindful of an old Massachusettscontroversy relative to the very remote chance of Great Crested Grebe, stated that no confusionwas possible,both the Magnoliaand . Marbleheadbirds having jet black plumage,long, thin, yellow bills, and bright red eyes. A Pied-billed Grebe FLIGHTS•It was a good winter for Common at Clyde River, ShelburneCo., N.S., Jan. 24 and two E•ders, Gyrfalcons in New Brunswick, Black-headed thereFeb. 20 wererather far northfor winterers(Jim Gulls in southern New England, Red-breasted Force, fide PRD). Nuthatches, Northern Shrikes, Evening and Pine The onlyreports of N. Fulmarsin the Bayof Fundy Grosbeaks, American Goldfinches and Red Cross- were ten from the "Bluenose" Dec. 7-8 (WCR) and bdls,but an averageto poor winter for Barrow's Gold- three Dec. 21-22(EVT et al.), perhapsindicating a eneyes, Harlequin.Ducks, King Eiders, Rough-legged return to "normal" abundance there after last winter's Hawks, Glaucous Gulls, Snowy Owls, Boreal Chick- much higher counts. On transits of the Cabot Strait adees, BohemianWaxwings, Common Redpolls and ferry, two were recordedDec. 31 (WPN et al.), but White-winged Crossbills. many more later in the season, 483 being counted in 4¬ hours on the northern and unfrozenpart of the CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS--A total of 122 crossing, Mar. 23 (DWF). In Massachusetts, two C B Cs, 72 of them publishedin American Birds, pro- GreaterShearwaters off RevereBeach Dec. 16(DTB, duceda list of 197 species,four additionalraces (in- HD'E) and one off Plum I., Dec. 27 (DCA) were cludingIpswich Sparrow and OregonJunco) and one quite late, but more surprising was the carefully hybrid,with six otherspecies recorded in countperiod. documentedoccurrence of 30 at various points of a Golden Eagle, King Rail, Little Gull, Northern Three- transit of the "Prince of Fundy'; betweenYarmouth, toed Woodpecker and Pine Warbler went unrecorded. N.S. and Portland, Me., Mar. 30, almost two months beforethe species'normal late May arrival in the n.w GREBES, TUBENOSES--This season's three Atlantic (PRH, RRH). A winter Manx Shearwater reports of Arctic Loons came from expert observers, at Sandy Neck in Barnstable, Mass., Jan. 28 was and despitethe smallmeasure of uncertaintyinevitably unusualbut not unprecedentedin the Region(RP)

586 American Birds, June 1973 CORMORANTS, HERONS--C B C records of 26 (DWF, PRH) On Pnnce Edward Island, counts Double-crested Cormorants included two •n the harbor at the species'two mmn wintering locaht•eswere below at Yarmouth, N.S., Dec. 21-22 (EVT et al.) and last year's, the highest being 110 at West River and another at Saint John, N.B., Dec. 30, new to C B Cs 25 at Oyster Bay Bridge Feb. 4 (AAMacL), and In m the province. Farther south, the ten individuals n. New Brunswick at Dalhousie, where the thermal reportedon five C B Cs in Massachusettsand Con- plant was not in operation this year and open water necticut reflected the changingwinter status of these consequentlyless extensive, the season'smaximum b•rds, formerly almost unknown at this season.Single was only 28 on Dec. 20, well below the last two winters' Great Egrets were found as late as Dec. 23-25 at maxima of 245 and 147 (J-PL). Elsewhere farther south Weekapaug, R.i. (EAS) and Dec. 28-29 at Hingham, in the Regionthe season'stotal includingC B Cs was Mass. (Norman Moreau, fide RPE); on Cape Cod a about 93 birds at 31 localities, the southernmostbeing w•nterer remained around E. Orleans from Dec. 23 8 on the C B C at Buzzards Bay, an area where until to at least Feb. 5 (WB et al.) and a Snowy Egret, quite recently the specieswas believed irregular and less frequent as a lingerer, was present at Hyannis rare. A Buffiehead wintering on the upper reaches of Dec. 20-Jan.7 (Mr. & Mrs. StevenLawson,fide RPE). North River near Milton, P.E.I. was thought to be the first such record in the province, though the birds WATERFOWL---The season's only Whistling winter routinely in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Swanswere singlebirds in Massachusetts,at Wareham (AAMacL). The season's total of Harlequin Ducks Feb. 5 (RM), at Dartmouth Feb. 13 (WRvB) and at in the entire Region was 31 birds at ten localities from Westport Feb. 25 (VL et al.), the latter two records Nova Scotia to Massachusetts; seven on three Nova possibly involving the same bird. In Newfoundland, Scotia C B Cs were more than expected there, but a Brant off Portland Creek Mar. 25 was unusual, the at New England's best Harlequin areas the highest speciesbeing seldom recorded in the province(DWF), counts obtained were below recent levels: seven at and five Snow Geese at Tracadie Harbour, P.E.I., Cape Neddick, Me., Feb. 19 (HMC), 12 at Magnolia, Dec. 5 were noteworthy both for date and place Cape Ann Jan. 28 (DTB et al.) and oneat Squibnocket, (RMacD). A Eurasian Green-winged Teal at Martha's Vineyard Dec. 30 and Feb. 17-19 (GGD, Winchester, Mass., Feb. 12 was unique this winter, ARK, RMS). King Eiders, totaling 35 at 15 localities reports in the Regionbeing most usual in March and from Nova Scotia to Rhode Island, were also fewer April (Harold Payson et al.), and singleunseasonable than in recent years, the only flock being 14 at Cape Blue-wingedTeal were found at Halifax (West) Dec. Elizabeth, Me., Dec. 3 which had diminished to ten 16, the speciesnot previously recorded on Nova Scotia by Jan. 27 (VS). Common Eiders were quite numerous, C B Cs, and on Cape Cod at Sandwich Feb. 21 (RP the Cape Cod C B C total of nearly 25,000 was well et al.). Distributed much as in recent years, seven above the recent average, and flocks of 3000-7000 were Eur. Wigeons occurred in the s.e. part of the Region; noted at five or more coastal localities elsewhere m m Massachusetts, a bird again wintered at Little Massachusetts. More than usual reached the coasts Harbor, Cohasset Jan. 1-Mar. 11 or later (WRP et of w. Rhode Island and e. Connecticut, but scoters al ), one was foundon the New BedfordC B C Dec. in this part of the Region were reportedly very scarce 30, two were seen at Nantucket Jan. 22 (EFA), and (EAS, NSP). one at S. Dartmouth Mar. 24 (SH). In Rhode Island, one remained on Gorton's Pond in Warwick Nov. 25- HAWKS, EAGLES--C B C totals of these birds Jan 1 (DW et al.), and another was seen at Watch- appearin Table i, whichpermits a five-year compari- emoket Cove in E. ProvidenceJan. 17(FP). Five Wood son of their numbers. The gradual increase of Ducks on the C B C at Halifax (East) Dec. 17 seemed Goshawksseems clearly indicated,and thoughno quite unusual, given the scarcity of the bird in the incursionwas detectable in thisyear's C B C figures, province at any season. there were said to be more than usual in Newfoundland Redheads and Canvasbacks, unrecorded this winter (HJC), Prince Edward island where 25 or more north of Massachusetts, were numerous in the southern individualswere seen or live-trappedat a pheasant part of the Region. Nantucket, as usual, had the highest farm (AAMacL), Massachusetts where some birders C B C total of Redheads (136) but 60+ at Martha's spokeof a "massiveincursion" (CAG, WRP), and Vineyard Feb. 17-19 were remarkable for that place Rhode Island where five or more winter records were as were, to a somewhat lesser extent, 150+ Canvas- somewhatabove the average. A completesummation backs (GGD, ARK, RMS), and in early January, as of reportsfor the four-monthperiod, including C B C many as 500+ Canvasbacks were present around Fal- and count period birds, yielded the total of about mouth (CAG, WRP). What Falmouth didn't have 130 individualsin the Region, more than usual, but though, for the first winter since the species' appear- not dramatically so. The similarly completetotals of ance there in January of 1963, was Tufted Duck, and Cooper's Hawks since 1968-69(9, 17, 48, 17, 52) the end of an era seemed at hand. Considering the indicatefluctuation in numbersof winteringbirds, numbers of Barrow's Goldeneyes found at certain assuming(despite the odds) correct identification,or localities in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, at least constant error. More than half of this winter's the species is surprisingly infrequent in Nova Scotia 52reports came from Massachusettsand Rhode Island, and Newfoundland, where this winter's only reports of particular interest was an individual as far north were of single birds on the C B C at Halifax (East) as CaledoniaMt., N.B., Feb. 25-Mar. 1 (DSC, CET Dec. 17, at Green Cove, Cape Breton Highlands N. et al.). Rough-leggedHawks were reportedlyscarce P, Feb. 4 (WPN), and at St. Paul's inlet, Nfld., Mar. in the Maritimes, and the Regional C B C total of

Volume 27, Number 3 587 TABLE I Numbers of Hawks and Eagles Reported on 122 Christmas Bird Counts Made in the Northeastern Maritime Region, 1972-73.*

Goshawk 3 2 2 3 4 5 16 1 -- 5 17 23 32 36 Sharp-shinnedHawk 2 19 I 3 9 7 13 -- 1 23 26 74 34 55 Cooper's Hawk -- I -- 3 -- I 5 6 18 8 5 Acclpiter sp. I -- -- 1 0 3 3 1 Red-tailed Hawk -- 31 -- 4 13 3 82 10 17 94 135 223 178 160 Red-shouldered Hawk -- 2 I 5 I 1 4 10 14 8 10 Rough-leggedHawk -- 11 I 28 3 6 23 1 2 51 82 104 192 75 Golden Eagle ------0 1 I 1 0 Bald Eagle 5 44 -- 6 33 -- I -- -- 51 82 73 79 89 Marsh Hawk 2 44 16 3 47 59 113 74 65 Osprey 2 -- 0 2 0 0 2 Gyrfalcon 1 ------0 0 1 3 1 Peregrine Falcon -- 1 -- -- I -- 2 2 2 1 2 Falcon sp. -- I .... 0 0 0 I 1 Merlin -- 6 -- 3 I -- 3 2 -- 10 8 17 7 15 Americ/•n Kestrel -- 13 I 3 14 14 143 41 19 168 202 234 284 248 hawk sp. -- 3 -- 4 I .... 3 0 3 2 8

Number of CBCs: 3 32 2 27 31 7 15 3 2 84 104 107 117 122

*As the similartables of the last four years,excludes birds seen count period but not on countday.

75was a four-yearlow. Two GoldenEagles were found GALLINACEOUS BIRDS, RAILS, SHORE- in Massachusetts,an adult presentJan. 5-Feb. 19 in BIRDS--As usual,the RegionalC B C highof Gray the S. Dartmoutharea, possiblythe bird that wintered Partridgewas at Wolfville,N.S., where33 were found, there in 1969-70and 1970-71(Jane Hamlin, WRP et the onlyothers being a totalof sevenon thetwo Prince al ) andone at QuabbinReservoir Mar. 8 (THG). In EdwardIsland counts. No King Railswere recorded New Brunswick,two Ospreysat St. Andrews Dec. on C B Cs this season,but one was photographed 17were new to provincialC B Cs and termed"quite Feb. 20-22at Plymouth,Mass., wherea bird wasfound unusual"by David Christie, who foundthe report winteringtwo yearsago (CAG, WRP). The winter's acceptable. In many cases, however, winter northernmostClapper Rail was at Moody Beachin "Ospreys"are probablyyoung Bald Eagles,which York Co., Me., Jan. 1 (DJA, DWF, RWS);at any canbe nearlypure white below. At leasteight Gyrfal- seasonthe speciesis rare north of Massachusetts. As conswere seenthis winter: on Prince EdwardIsland, last year, a Sorawas foundattempting tQ winterat a gray bird seen three times (NH, fide AAMacL), Ipswich,Mass., Jan. 7-13 (CAG, WRPet al.). Twenty in New Brunswicka white bird near Southampton, speciesof shorebirdsoccurred in theperiod, including York Co., in November(Robert Squires,fide DSC), somelate fall and early springmigrants. Among the a white bird at Dalhousie Dec. 21 and a dark bird formerwere three Piping Plovers on Cape Cod at North there Dec. 22-Mar. 16 (J-PL), one or moregray birds Beach,Chatham Dec. 23 possiblywintering there as aroundSaint John Dec. 30-Mar. 22 (CLJ, DSC et al.), in previousyears (CAG, WRP), a SpottedSandpiper anda graybird in SomervilleMar. 16(Donald Kimball, at MiddlesexFells, Mass., Dec. 10(RHS) and in Con- fide DSC), in Mainea whitebird at Phippsburg,Mar. necticut in even later one Dec. 30 at Eastern Point 19 (GS) and in Massachusettsthe gray bird of last in Groton,on the New LondonC B C, a LesserYel- fall which remainedat Monomoy until at least Jan. lowlegsat Brunswick,Me., Dec. 3 (Gamble,ftde 2 (WB, RAF et al.). Otherthan the C B C birds, CMP), a White-rumpedSandpiper at Gloucester, four PeregrineFalcons were reportedin New Bruns- Mass.,Dec. 9 (Murphyet al., fide RPE) andthree wick (I) and Massachusetts(3), and 22 Merlins; Long-billedDowitchers at PlumI., Mass.,Dec. ll mostlyin NovaScotia (8) andMassachusetts (7). (DCA). RuddyTurnstones again wintered on offshore

588 American Birds, June 1973 rocksat traditionallocahtles up to eightat Lomsbourg, highestcount in the Squantum-Wollastonarea was 26 Cape Breton (IMacG, WPN et el ), five or more at on the C B C Dec 17, but 24 were still there Feb BlddefordPool, Me. (KCE, PWS et el.) and up to 18(MLG) andelsewhere in New Englandthere were 38 at Little Harbor in Cohasset,Mass. (PM, MM et at least32 birdsnot recordedon the C B Cs, some el ). Three surprisingwinter shorebirdrecords came in areaswhere they have been found infrequently from Nova Scotia: a Red Knot at South Bar near heretofore,such as four or moreindividuals on Cape Sydney,Cape BretonDec. 4-Jan.6 (IMacG), an imma- Cod duringFebruary and March, I at NantucketJan ture • Ruff with the turnstonesat LouisbourgMar. 23-26(second island record, EFA), 2 at Katama, 10,perhaps a phenomenallyearly migrant (WPN) and Martha'sVineyard Feb. 17-18(GGD, ARK, RMS), at the sameplace a N. Phalaropeseen swimming close varyingnumbers with about 250 Bonaparte's Gulls at inshore Dec. 29 (SL et el.). An early Am. Golden WatchemoketCove, R.I., Jan. 19-Mar.4, the peak Plover appeared at Newburyport, Mass., Mar. 31 14on Feb. 4 (RCS, CW et el.), andtwo with 1000+ (Clark Ewer, MLG et el.). Bonaparte'sGulls Mar. 4-10 at Griswold's Pt. in Old Lyme,Conn. (first local record, William Burt, JMC) JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS--Late jaegerswere A hintof migration was that in Newfoundland,a peak observedon two MassachusettsC B Cs: a Pomarlne of 40+ Black-headedGulls at Quidi Vidi L. Dec 3 off RevereBeach near Boston Dec. 16(DTB, HD'E) wasreduced after freeze-up to a winteringpopulation andon CapeCod at Parasiticat Brewster(NPH). of 12or so,and increased to 23 by Mar. 11(HJC), Glaucousand Iceland Gulls on C B Cs in Newfound- aboutthe time when numbers decrease in the southern landand the Marltimesnumbered 45 and 1531(1 : partof theRegion. The perlod's only Laughing Gulls 34),while figures for New Englandwere 6 and33 (1 wereC B C birds,one at New London,two at New 5 5); whileIcelands were in aboutaverage numbers Bedfordand one, surprisingly, at Halifax (East), and (exceptsomewhat lower at traditionalspots in Mass- the onlyLittle Gullswere one at Cohasset,Mass , achusettsand New Brunswick),Glaucous Gulls were Dec. 3 (SH), 1-3at Newburyportthroughout the onlyabout one third as numerousas lastyear. In the winter,and at leastfour at Old Lymein theperiod matterof IcelandGull races, it wouldseem appropriate Mar. 10-24(first local record, William Butt, JMC) to discontinuethe C B C pEocedureof counting kurn- A Forster'sTern on the New Hampshirecoast at Sea- henias an "additionalrace" unlessby somemeans brookDec. 10was the only winter tern anywhere m --ornithologicalwizardry or a shotgun---thenominate the Region(CAF). racecan also be proven.In anycase, a specification suchas "Iceland Gull, 441 (40% kurnlieni)"is both ALCIDS--Both the Bay of Fundy and the Isles speculativeand uninterpretable (40% of what?).Two of ShoalsC B Cs recordedall six species,the latter gullsthought to be Glaucousx Herringhybrids were countfor the first time. SingleRazorbills, uncommon foundin the Region,an adult at Meredith,N.H., Dec. in RhodeIsland, were found at WeekapaugJan 21 31(DJA, DWF) anda subadultat Eastport,Me., Mar. (EAS) andPt. JudithJan. 29 (DW), while2-3 remained 19 (photographed,DWF). The first, whichresembled at Galileefrom Jan. 29 to at leastMar. 31 (DLK, thesupposed hybrid of lastwinter at Portsmouth(•/rn. EAS et al.). The southernmostCom. Murres occurred Btrds26:577), was standing on the ice with Herring in Massachusetts,anoiled bird picked up at Brewster Gulls, andwas obviouslylarger, with longertarsi, Feb. 24 (WilliamSheldon, fide RPE) and one seen heavierhead and neck,heavier and longerbill, and at NantucketMar. 25 (EFA). Two notablyhigh wingtipsextending only slightly beyond the tail, in all C BC totalsof Black Guillemots were 151 at St. John's, theserespects a typicalGlaucous. However the mantle Nfld.and 163 at BrierI., N.S., a newnational high was only slightlypaler than that of HerringGull, and On CapeCod, a BlackGuillemot at North BeachIn the primarytips were black, though less extensively ChathamDec. 23 (CAG, WRP) wasunusual there thanin the HerringGulls, suggesting in flight a rather andthe season's southernmost, as were single oiled intense kumlieni. The secondbird was likewise in most Com. Puffinspicked up at N. EasthamDec. 25 and respectsa subadultGlaucous Gull, largewith long EasthamMar. 9 (WB). dark-tippedbright pink bill andmantle paler than in anyplumage of HerringGull, butthe primary tips were OWLS--Varyrare north of Massachusetts,a Barn very dark, almostblack, and extensively so. In Nova Owlwas seen at Plainfield,N.H., Dec.20 (Lawrence Scotia,the Lesser Black-backed Gull first seen at Digby Taylor, fide RAB), and even farther north of the in Marchof 1970wintered there again, probably present species'limits in recent years were two Screech Owls, dailyalthough the only dates at hand are Nov. 1(CLJ), one of eachcolor phase, well seenand heardat Nac- Jan. 28 (RRH) and Mar. 30 (PRH, RRH). The Re- kawick,York Co., N.B., Dec. 30 (WASet el) It glon's two Mew Gulls returned to Newfoundland for wasa mediocrewinter for SnowyOwls, the season's the fourth successivewinter at Quidi Vidi L. in St. totalin theentire Region being about 35 (cf., 15,58, John's Dec. 3-17 (HJC) and to Massachusettsfor the 108in thelast three years). Of the season'sfive Hawk thirdsuccessive winter in Newburyportharbor, where Owls, singlebirds at Brewer,Me., from aboutDec it apparentlywent undetected among the manyRing- 20to Mar. 6 (GF et rnult.el.) andat Gilford,N H , billedGulls until Mar. 13(RAF), thereafter remaining from Jan. 28 or earlierto Mar.25 (WSL et multel ) to at least Apr. 14. Black-headedGulls on C B Cs attractedthrongs of birders. In NovaScotia, one photo- mNewfoundland and the Marltimes numbered 106 (cf., graphednear New Glasgow Mar. 10was the first pro- 88, 282, 74, 72 in the lastfour winters)and in New vincialrecord in a decade(Jim Elliott et el.), andin England38 (cf., 2, 24, 20, 9). In Massachusettsthe areaswhere the species is a bit lessinfrequent, single

Volume 27, Number 3 589 birds were seen at Hartland, N B , Mar 17 (Donald except for one on the C B C at Quincy, Mass , none Kimball, fide DSC) and at Deer Lake, Nfld., Mar. was found south of the species' limits as a breeder 4 (PRH et al.). Hawk Owls in the Region in the last Red-breasted Nuthatches on the other hand, which four yearshave numbered 3, 2, 1,0. In New Brunswick, last fall stageda heavy flight, were numerousthrough- a dozen or so reports of Barred Owls were more than out the Region, including the Marltimes. m most winters, and with many of the birds perched m the open, David Christie was led to wonder whether THRUSHES, PIPITS--Certainly the bird of the food was scarce in local woodlands or whether a minor season was a Fieldfare discovered at St. John's, Nfld , incursion had taken place. The season'sonly Boreal Jan. 1, feedingwith a Robin in a Rosa multiflorahedge Owls were dead birds picked up at Rocky Harbour, (photographed, HJC et al.). The bird was locally Nfld, Mar. 22 (PRH) and at Orono, Me., Apr. 9 reported to have been present about two weeks, but (AAB); Regionaltotals in the last four years have been was not positively reported again after Jan. 2. Aside 2, 1, 1, 0, only two of them alive. from the population establishedsince 1937in Green- HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS, FLY- land, North American recordsare limited to specimens CATCHERS--In Massachusetts, a Ruby-throated from Stamford, Conn. (April, 1878) and Jens Munk Hummingbirdwhich struck a windowin SudburyMar. I. off Baffin I. (1939), and sight records at Ottawa 18 was taken alive to Mass. Audubon's Drumlin Farm, (Jan. 8, 1967; AFN 21:414) and Bombay Hook, Del where it survived a short while (JB); a comparably (Mar. 30-Apr. 4, 1969; AFN 23:465). Interestingly, unseasonable bird was seen at Chatham Mar. 26, 1969 a bird was presentthis winter at Larchmont, N.Y, (AFN 23:570). The only Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Feb. 3-11, and it subsequentlycame to light, reported a specieswhose northeastwardadvance has perhaps by Phyllis Dobson in the N.S.B.S. Newsletter, that slowed down, were feeder birds in N. Harpswell, Me., in Cape Breton two probable Fieldfares had been seen from Nov. 6 to at least Feb. 5 (Clarence Skolfield on five occasionsby two independentobservers during et mult. al.) and in Waterford, Conn., from early fall October, 1971, on the barrens south of Louisbourg, to at least Dec. 30 (v.o., fide RCD). WinteringRed- and that a third observer had independentlydiscovered headedWoodpeckers were also quite scarce: in s. New two birds there again in October, 1972. Brunswickone frequenteda feeder in Lawrence Sta- tion from Dec. 8 to late January (HWMacC) and The season'sonly Varied Thrushes,apparently, were another was seen at West Musquash Dec. 26 (J.M. singlebirds in count period at Ellsworth, Me. and on Le Blanc,fide DSC), but the onlyothers in the Region Cape Cod at Orleans Jan. 8 (Howard Rich et al ) were singlebirds at Brunswick, Me., Dec. 12 (v.o., Two WaterPipits, a notablyerratic species, were seen fide CMP) and at Alton, N.H., Nov. 3- Jan. 8 on the C B C at St. Andrews, N.B., Dec. 17, and (WSL et al.). A Black-backedThree-toed Woodpecker singlebirds in Massachusettsat Plum I., Dec. 29 and at Nantucket was uniqueon C B Cs in New England Truro, Cape Cod Feb. 10-13 (RAF et al.). and individuals of the considerably rarer Northern Three-toed Woodpeckerwere reported near Rocky WAXWINGS, SHRIKES--A modest flight of Harbour, Nfld., Dec. 24 (first Gros Morne N. P. Bohemian Waxwings brought about 311 birds to the record,Pat McLeod,Gisela Westphalen, fide 'PRH), Regionas follows, numbersof localitiesin parentheses at Ingonish, Cape Breton Feb. 1-6 (Irene Gettas, one in Newfoundland, _+40in Nova Scotia (4), +_20 photographedfor first authenticatedN.S. record by on Prince Edward Island (2), _+94in New Brunswick WPN), and in New Brunswickat ShippeganI., Jan. (10), +_147 in Maine (9), 8 in e. Massachusetts(5) and 14 (Hilaire Chiassonet al.) and at Clifton Royal, Kings one in Rhode Island. Comparisonof thesefigures with Co , Feb. 15 (Donald McAlpine, fide DSC). Late those of the previousfour winters (/IFN 23:454;/IFN flycatchersincluded single W. Kingbirdsat Falmouth 24:485;Am. Birds 26:580) showsthat this year's flight Heights, Mass., Dec. 16 (RP et al.) and at Dalvay, was similar in volume and distribution to that of 1969- P E.I., Dec. 25 (first provincial record, AAMacL et 70. Considerablylarger flights occurred in 1968-69and al ) and in New Brunswicka Great CrestedFlycatcher 1971-72,while nonewhatever occurredin 1970-71.The at Sackville Dec. 2 found dead the next day (HH) Rhode Island bird mentioned above, one of very few and an E. Phoebeat Fredericton during C B C period staterecords, was seenwith Cedar WaKwingsat Fiske- (fide DSC). ville Mar. 7 (J. & R. Gee). The flight of N. Shrikes SWALLOWS, JAYS, TITMICE, NUTHATCH- was impressive, with a Regional C B C total of 88 ESsTree Swallows attempting to winter on the (of., in the last four winters, 36, 34, 76, 43); above w shore of Rhode Island at Carolina numbered averagenumbers were presentin Nova Scotia,a "large four on Jan. 31, three on Feb. 4 and one on Feb. incursion" was noted on Prince Edward Island, and 15,none thereafter apparently surviving as in pastyears the largest flight since 1965-66 in New Brunswick, (EAS, DW et al.). Blue Jays were numerousin Nova where increasingnumbers after about Mar. 6 indicated Scotia,and in New Brunswickwhere wintering birds return migrants (DSC). It is interesting to note how have greatlyincreased since about 1967,the C B C few N. Shrikes get south of about c. Massachusetts, total was the highestever, as was the case in Maine on the five big C B Cs along the Connecticut shore and New Hampshire, but in certain localities in the only two have been recorded in the last six years s e part of the Region, particularly the Boston area, Carefully identified Loggerhead Shrikes were found jays were surprisinglyscarce. Boreal Chickadees were at Cape Spear near Cape Tormentine, N.B., Dec 20 low in Nova Scotia, very low in New Brunswick, and (BH et al.) and at Saco, Me., Dec. 30 (AMT et al )

590 AmericanBirds, June 1973 WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS OTHER FRINGILLIDS--A 9 Painted Bunting --Three late warblers were reported in Massachusetts; frequentinga feederat Plymouth,Mass. from January a Parula on the Martha's Vineyard C B C Dec. to Feb. 11 was seenby many observers.The Regional 30, a Mourning Warbler picked up freshly dead in C B C total of Dickcisselswas only three (cf., 9, 54, ManchesterDec. 20 (LeslieHoltz, SPI, identification 10, 7 in the past four years) and no more than 14 other confirmedby RAP), andan Am. Redstartat Chatham individualswere reported during the winter. Singlelate Dec. 18(RVC). On the C B C at NewportCo., R.I. or wintering Grasshopper Sparrows were found at andWestport, Mass., Dec. 17,single Brewer's Black- Economy,N.S., Nov. 18-Dec. 14 (FS), at Hampton, birds were seenat Portsmouth,R.I. (CharlesBlake) N.H., Dec. 23-24 (RWL) and two or three others on and at WestportPt., Mass. (DLE et al.); it is almost Cape Cod. Dark-eyed Juncosof one or anotherwestern inexplicablethat this count circle should have produced race were reported on C B Cs at Halifax West) and a total of seven Brewer's Blackbirds on four counts Mount Desert I., and three were presentaround Bos- m the lastdecade, given the neartotal lack of reports ton duringthe winter. A Tree Sparrow at Oxen Pond at anyseason from elsewhere in the Region.In Mass- near St. John's Nfld., Dec. 20 (BernardJackson) was achusetts, a • W. Tanager frequented a feeder at thought to be a first record for the Avalon Peninsula Annisquamfrom Jan. 6 to at leastFeb. 25 (RPE et The speciesis a quiteuncommon transient in the pro- mult.al.), andanother was picked up deadat Orleans vince, not knownto breedor winter. Finally, the sea- Jan. 31 (WB). son'sonly Clay-coloredSparrow was seen at Westport, Mass., Feb. 24 (VL). WINTER FINCHES--As has been the case in recent winters, EveningGrosbeaks were widespread, SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface, under- recordedon 91 of the Region's 122 C B Cs from New- lined), contributors (boldface), observers and other foundland to Connecticut, with the Regional high of abbreviations--Dennis J. Abbott III, Donald C. Alex- 1020on the New Hampshire coast, but numberswere ander, Edith F. Andrews,(WB) Wallace Bailey, James reported to be slightly below averagein Newfoundland, Baird, Albert A. Barden, Jr., Richard Bowen, Robert the Marltimes and Maine. Purple Finch distribution A. Bradley•Dorothy W. Briggs,David T. Brown,Wil- was that of a normal non-flight year: very few after liam Burt, Harold M. Card, David S. Christie• James early winter north of Massachusetts(133 birds, on 24 M. Clark, Howard J. Clase, Robert V. Clem, Severyn of 102 counts) but reasonably plentiful in the three S. Dana, Edward J. Danforth, GeorgeG. Daniels,Her- southernstates (about 1300, on 19 of 20 counts). Pine man D'Entremont, Robert C. Dewire, Phyllis R. Grosbeaks were widespread, recorded on 89 C B Cs, Dobson, Kimball C. Elkins, David L. Emerson, Ruth with above average numbers in the Marltimes and aver- P. Emery, C. Anthony Federer, Davis W. Finch, age numbers south in New England through Mass- Richard A. Forster, Gail Freese, Thomas H. Gagnon, achusetts,dropping off sharplythereafter, not a single Murray L. Gardler, Carl A. Goodrich III, Hinrich Har- bird being found on the Connecticut coast. The Re- ries, Vera H.. Hebert, Sibley Higginbotham, Norman glonal C B C high was 524 at Concord, Mass., where P. Hill, Peter R. Hope, Richard R. Howie, Barry the birds were concentrated by a particular abundance Hughson, Nelson Hurry, Sarah P. Ingalls, Cecil L of crabapples.After three good flights in the last four Johnston, Allan R. Keith, Katherine B. Kinsey, years, this was an obvious off-year for Com. Redpolls, Richard Kleber, Douglas L. Kraus, Vernon Laux, only 524 of which were reported on 36 C B Cs, mostly Roger W. Lawrence, Jean-Paul Lebel, Trevor L. m the Maritimes and Maine and virtually none in s. Lloyd-Evans, William S. Lord, Simon Lunn, H. Willa New England. Interestingly, there was evidence of a MacCoubrey, Reginald MacDonald, Ian MacGregor, late winter movement typical of the species, reports A. Angus MacLean• Lloyd B. Macpherson, Diann of a few larger flocks in March coming from Maine MacRae, Philip Martin, Reginald Maxim, Michael and Prince Edward Island. Pine Siskinspresented a Moore, Wayne P. Nelly, Christopher M. Packard, rather complicatedpicture: good C B C numbersin Henry Parker, Raymond•A. P•gnter, Jr., Robert New Hampshire (e.g. 2210at Laconia - New Hampton) Pease, Frances Perry, Wayne R. Petersen, Elisabeth and fair numbersin Maine, the birds widely but thinly W. Phinney, Peter W. Post, Noble S. Proctor, William distributed elsewhere, but a sudden increase in num- C. Russell, Richard M. Sargent, Eloise A. Saunders, bers was noted about mid-February in e. Mass- Vera Scamman, Paul W. Schwalbe, Robert W. Smart, achusetts and in Maine. American Goldfinches were BruceA. Sorrie, Francis Spaulding,Richard C. Spicer, abundant from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick south W. Austin Squires, Gertrude Stevens, Robert H. and particularly sothroughout New England;in Maine, Stymeist,Allen M. Thomas, Edward V. Thompson, where the C B C total was the highest in five years, William C. Townsend, C. Eric Tull, William R. yon an influx was noted during the third week of January Bergen, Jr., Dallas Wait, Thomas Warren, Robert and in New Brunswick a similar one about Feb. 6-12. Wirth, Charles Wood, N.S.B.S., Nova Scotia Bird Red Crossbills were distinctly more widespreadand Society, v.o., various observers.--DAVIS W. FINCH, more numerous than White-wingeds, which were 240 W 98 St., Apt. 11-c, New York, N.Y. 10025. nearly absent from s. New England and very scarce elsewhere. Maine and Nova Scotia accounted for about 85% of the Red Crossbills reported on C B Cs, and this was said to be the first time in at least 20 years that any numbers of the birds had wintered in Nova. Scotia (LBMacp).

Volume27, Number 3 591 HUDSON-ST. LAWRENCE REGION Most were along the ocean front, though several were noted in Long [. Sound, including one as far west as / Ned R. Boyajian Larchmont, N.Y., Mar. 22. Two Horned Grebes at Verbank, N.Y., Dec. 6 were considered late for that It was a remarkably mild winter, in some locales locality. An Eared Grebe was present on Onondaga the mildest on record. Open water was abundant in L., N.Y., Dec. 25-30 (MR,FS) and less surprisingly, south and central areas, and even in the north, many one was present at Oak Beach, L.I., Mar. 2-18 (m.ob.). larger lakes did not freeze over completely until mid- Double-crested Cormorants apparently lingered in appreciable numbers. One at Fulton, N.Y., Dec. 23 (GS et al.) was only the second winter record for that section of the state. On w. Long I. Sound, 8 were • • Rivieredo I•Pl seen at Pelham Bay Park Dec. 28 (GK et al.) and at least 2 wintered in the Greenwich-Stamford area (JZ). In addition, it seems likely a southboundflock of 60 cormorants inland at Cedar Grove, N.J., Jan. 5 were Double-crested. Another unidentified flock of ,,,,o,, ,i,,.,.,,V!- 20 at Munsey Park, L. [., Jan. 14 may alsohave been, though perhaps they were Great Cormorants from nearby Long I. Sound. A Great Blue Heron wintered at S. Onondaga,N.Y. and a migrantwas seen at Stock- bridge, Mass., Apr. 1, a very early date for Berkshire County. At Tobay Pond, L.I., a Great Egret appeared as early as Mar. 18. An Am. Bittern was seen at Oneida L., N.Y., Mar. 31 and 2 others at Cold Spring, Putnam Co., N.Y., Feb. 25. The latter, at least, probably win- tered locally, a remarkable occurrence.

WATERFOWL---Although Whistling Swans were not particularly numerous, they managed to show in some unusual places. There was one at Pittsfield, Mass., Dec. 10-Jan. 7 (RG). During the return flight, Feb•ary. Snowfa,was also eomp•atively light. Met- flocks of 8 were seen at Great Kills Park, Staten I., ropolit• New •ork hadvirtually none, and mo•t other Feb. 25 and Katonah, N.Y., Mar. 10. But most unusual localesreposed lesseraceumulation• and f• more were 3 at Qu6bec City Mar. 17 (P.Q.S.P.B.). Also rapidmelt-off thsn is u•ual.Although these eondition• unusual for the locality was a Brant at Cote Ste. produeoda Region-wideabundance of overwintering Catherine, Que. on the late date of Jan. 14. Mallards half-h•dies, •clud•g a significantnumber from the continued to increase as a wintering species in n.c. more "delicate" end of that spectrum,birds were by New York; counts ranging from 400 to 1300 were no means ubiquitously abundant. in fact, in some reported from several places. Black Ducks, on the places, particularlysouthward, they •eemod ra•er other hand, continued low in that area. There were se•ee. M•ny feeders,especially, s•ferod a dearthof a few reports of up to 100 or so but otherwise G. activity.The tendencyof manynodal •nter species Smith's average of 6-10 a day seemed about typical. to remain northw•d in number• probably had some- Once again,a sprinklingof Gadwalls wintered in south- t•ng to do with thi•. But perhapsit was e•ua, y ern areas where formerly unknown, e.g., several on easethst this ye•, one place wasjust about as go• ponds in s.c. New York and along the Hudson R. as •other. Birds may have been •idely •pread out A Green-winged Teal lingered at Des Chines, Qu6. instead of eoneentratod in farorod •e• as in more until the very late date of Dec. 10 and singles of this normal•inte•. The consequentroduetion • densities, specieswintered at Springfield, Mass. and Syracuse. especiallyin the noisily "goodspots" observersare There was an individual of the crecca race of this wont to frequent,could have createdan impression species on Long I. at Glen Cove Jan. 14 (TZ) and of lesser number. much more unusual, one at Rumson, N.J., Jan. 5-7 A further event of interest was the occurrence (WS et al.) and 2 at Fair Haven on L. Ontario Mar. a v•ieW of borealspecies in sma]Mo-moderatenum- 1%24(FS et al.). There were a few other puddle duck ber; app•ently • ove•ow from the greatinvasion reports of note, most a result of the mild season. Single west of the Region. Blue-winged Teals were seen as late as Dec. 21 at The mild weather continued into the beginning Fair Haven Beach S.P., N.Y. and mid-January at the migratoryperiod bringing numerous reports Overpeck Creek, N.J. Two good local counts were returns. Many of•e•e may have beenindividuals that four N. Shovelers at Milford, Conn., Jan. I and 22 winterod f•ther north th• usual. The most wide- Am. Wigeons at Roundout Res., Sullivan Co., N.Y., •preadi•ux of theseoecdrod duringa pe•od of south- Mar. 14. A total of 15-20Wood Ducks were reported, erly winds •. 17-19. north to w. Massachusetts. Counts of 72 Redheads at SkaneatelesL., N.Y., Jan. 13 (GS) and 70 at Oneida OREBES, CORMORANTS, HERONSROd- L., Mar. 16 (MR) seemed good for recent years. A necked Orebes, in ones and twos, became frequent notablyrare occuirencefor Hull, Qu6. was a wintering in late winter, especiallyin the last weeks of the •eason. Barrow's Goldeneye(m.ob.). One of this species was

592 American Birds, June 1973 also seennear Fulton, N Y , Jan 14 (FS) The approx- year in the Berkshires Reports seemed up in other imately 500 Com. Eiders reported from Montauk m areas also. Ring-neckedPheasants, on the other hand, late Fall remained there, the highest winter total known continuedto decline in many places. Habitat loss and for the Region. Oswego Harbor's more-or-less cessationof stockingwere the most frequently offered expected King Eider was present Jan. 14-28 (MR et explanations. Mcintosh reported Gray Partridges al ) and 4-5 were seen on the coast during the season. holding their own around Montreal. Up to 100 could Two unusual mid-winter occurrences for Qu6bec were be seen in groups of 15-20 during the winter from the 3 Oldsquaws at Cote Ste. Catherine Jan. 4, one of commuter train between Dorval and Montreal West which lingered to Jan. 28, and 2 Surf Scoters at Val- A Chukar presentat a feeder in Dutchess County dur- leyfield Feb. 10. Abundant open water in southern ing February was considered a recent release (fide areas attracted numbersof migrant Corn. Mergansers OW). Small numbers of Turkeys continued to be m March. Flocks of 25-150 were present on any number reported with some frequency in w. Massachusetts of pondsand along the Hudson R. Most were in the C.V.M., for example, 7 at New Salem, but there were scattered sightingselsewhere RAPTORS--Turkey Vultures returned to the north as well. There were a number of interestingshorebird quite early. There was one at Richmond, Mass. as reports; both wintering birds and early returns. The early as Mar. 21 and 10 at Canaan, Columbia Co., warm front of Mar. 17 brought 5 early Am. Oyster- N Y., Apr. 1. One was also seen Mar. 18 at Jamaica catchers to Shinnecock Inlet. Several Ruddy Turn- Bay Wildlife Ref. where it is always unusual. There stoneswintered along the coast, including 2 at Great hadbeen a fair hawkflight the day beforein the Hudson Kills, Staten I. An Am. Woodcock was seen in Dutch- Valley, e.g., 30 birds in four hoursin mid-afternoon essCounty Jan. 3 anda Corn. Snipeat Pittsfield, Mass , along the Palisades. Not unexpectedly, wintering Goshawks were much in evidence following last Fall's Jan. 1. Am. Woodcocks also returned early; there were 2 at Sharon, Conn., Mar. 2 and one at Ile Perrot, flight. The Connecticut Valley, Mass. (below, C V.M.) and Long 1., perhapsbecause of intensity Qu6., Mar. 15. Also quite early was a Greater Yellow- of coverage,seemed to have the most, about 18 and legsat LarchmontMar. 10.Purple Sandpipers wintered 12 respectively.But every report coveringan area of on the Stamford breakwater, a point considerablyfar west on Long I. Soundfor this species.Highest count any size from Qu6becto New Jerseyhad from 1 to was 15 on Jan. 22. Also of considerable interest were 8 Two or three territorial pairs of Red-shouldered Hawks were discovered on the Ferber Tract in Sussex a SemipalmatedSandpiper at Milford Pt., Conn., Jan County, N.J. in late March. Rough-leggedHawks, 1 and a Marbled Godwit Jan. 9 and subsequently, at MorichesInlet (m.ob.). But perhapsmost startling was althoughfound consistentlyin their mostfavored area, e g., Ft. Edwards,N.Y., Hackensa•k Meadows,N.J., the presence Dec. 20, of 3-4 Red Phalaropesin the Oswego-SandyPond, N.Y. area (FS). Glaucous and remainedgenerally scarce. Some locales, e.g., Mon- treal, recorded none until the return flight in March. Iceland Gulls seemedbelow par. The gull concentra- Three winter Golden Eagles were reported, two in tion at Beauharnois,Qu6., a good indicator, had a high of 7 Glaucous on Jan. 15 and one or two Icelands the C.V.M. (B.N.W.M.)and one at Verbank, N.Y., throughthe season.In the south,relatively few of e•ther Feb. 15 (RT,fide OW). Several migrantGoldens were species were noted. Most reports as usual, were seen at Derby Hill, N.Y. in the last days of March. from the major dumps.Unusual for Charlotte, Vt. was A fuller accountwill appearin the SpringReport. Post- a wintering Great Black-backedGull, present through ChristmasBird Count reports of Bald Eagles,including 17 at Roundout Res., N.Y., Feb. 4, totaled 42, of Mar. 20 (BG). Black-headed and Little Gulls were in normalnumbers along the coast.As usual, sightings which 29 were adults and only 6 tmmatures (others unspecified). Although this was considerably more of the former were fairly evenly scatteredthrough the season, those of the latter, concentrated mostly In than last yeaifs 25-30, it was doubtlessowing entirely March. Two Corn. Terns were seen at Montauk on to more wintering eagles this year, rather than more the late date of Dec. 15, along with a good haul of eagles,per se. Incidentally, southernreports peaked Alcids; 3 Thick-billed Murres and 4 Dovekies (RK m mid-to-late February, about the time of extensive et al.). Otherwise Alcids were not particularly freezing northward. Twelve Ospreys at Jim Thorpe, numerous. Only a few scattered Razorbills and Pa., Apr. 10 was a goodcount for that area. Puleston Dovekies were reported, all from e. Long I. reportedthat 15 of the 34 Ospreynests active on Gar- diner'sI. last year were occupiedby at leastone bird DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS--Five by Apr. 1. Four inland reports of Merlins was quite Mourning Doves wintered at Montreal and 2-3 in c remarkable for winter. One wintered as far north as Vermont, includingTopsham's first. Indication of its Quebec City (C.O.Q., fide MM). Other reports were continued increase elsewhere were 100+ at Ludlow, Dutchess County, N.Y., Jan. 27 (J&MK) Larchmont, Mass., Feb. 28 and a total of about 280 present at N Y., Feb. 6 (PL et al.) and OverpeckCreek, N.J., 29 or 30 feederssurveyed during the winter in n. Nassau mid-January(NB). The post-ChristmasCount reports County, L.I. (L.L.A.S.). Bristol, Vt. recordedits first of Gyrfalcon were all from Quebec. One wintered at Monk Parakeet. It apparently appeared in the fall, but Quebec City, one was seen at BeauharnoisJan. 14 was confirmed Jan. 14. It was still present at season's and one, which first appearedin the Hull-Ottawa area end (BG). Other northward reports of parakeets Jan. 6, was shot near Pointe Gatineau Jan. 18. included 2 in the C.V.M. and 3-4 in n. New York GAMEBIRDS, SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, Heck banded 6 young Great Horned Owls at three TERNS, ALCIDS--Despite some habitat loss, nests in n. Nassau County. The known sites in that Ruffed Grouse were reported as having had a good area are now six, with a possible seventh. There were

Volume 27, Number 3 593 20 Snowy Owls during the winter around Montreal southward, with rapidly decreasingfrequency An and vicinity and about 10-12scattered elsewhere south apparent sharp decline in Tufted Titmouse on the to DutchessCounty. A few smallroosts of Long-eared annual New England Survey, 2838 rs. 4464 in 1972, Owls, none exceeding5-6 birds, were reported from seemedowing to a lack of participantsthis year (fide scattered localities. One of the most ogled birds of B.N.W.M). Hopefully this extremely useful project the seasonwas a particularly cooperative Great Gray will not be abandoned. Brown Creepers wintered Owl presentat Gill, Mass., Jan. 22 to mid-March northwardin greatnumbers. At Montreal,for instance, (mob.). Two of this specieswere alsoshot in the Hull, there were 2-3 in nearly every woodlotOqde MM) Qu• area in late winter. But it was around Montreal A House Wren was seen at E. Haven, Conn., Jan that northern owls made their real showing. Only one 28 (NP). Carolina Wrens continuedto be reported Hawk Owl was reported, at Mt. St. Hilaire Jan. 28. northwardin better-than-averagenumbers. There were But no less than 4 Great Grays were found, 3 of them 3 in the C.V.M. for the season and 2-3 others in scat- in a roost at Dollard des Ormeaux Mar. 3-18 tered localesnorth to Fayetteville, N.Y. (P Q S.P.B.). There were also one, perhaps two, MIMIDS THROUGH SHRIKES--A total of 14 Boreal Owls at St. Laurant Mar. 19-23 (P.QS.P.B.). wintering Mockingbirds in Hampden County, Mass Saw-whet Owls seemed in about normal numbers and singles at Middlebury, Vt. and Rosemare, Qu• Regionwide.A concentrationof reportsin March was were indicative of the northern penetration of this probably indicative of a return flight, e.g., 4 in the species, while 20 at 17 feeders on the L.L.A.S. survey Montreal area Mar. 5-20. was good indication of its stability in the south A Belted Kingfisherswere unusuallyfrequent inland. Sage Thrasher seen at Jamaica Bay Ref., Jan. 14-19 There were 6 reports for the winter in the C.V.M. (m.ob.) was the second sightingon Long I. in thiee and many scatteredsingles in suchplaces as Lakeville, months (same bird?). Several northern observers, Conn. and Amenia, N.Y. Further evidence of boreal mainly east of a line, Hudson Valley-L. Champlain, stirringswere 7 N. Three-toedWoodpeckers wintering commented on the great number of wintering Am around Montreal. Several Black-backed Three-toed Robins. Typical was Montreal, where their Woodpeckerswere also reportedfrom northernareas unprecedentedfrequency in yards and gardenselicited though only marginally more than normally. Red- considerableradio and presscomment. But to the west- bellled Woodpeckerscontinued in goodnumbers, most ward, they seemedquite scarce. Except for the sudden unusual was one wintering at Southampton, Mass. appearanceof 88 on Dec. 31 at OnondagaHill, N Y (mob.). Red-headedWoodpeckers also seemedin during a period of strong SE winds, only scattered comparativelygood shape. Many morewintered than groups of 1-10 were noted. Southward, numbers usual, includingsingles as far north as Port Ontario, seemed normal. Biggest event of the season was the N Y and Williamstown, Mass. More important, secondN. American record of Fieldfare. Discovered by Tramontano reported them holding their own in the Lehman, and seen subsequentlyby mobs,it was pre- rural sections of Orange County, N.Y., e.g., three sent at Larchmont Feb. 3-12. There seems little doubt at Bullville Feb. 11. it was an authentically wild specimen.It was shy and FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRENS--A few wary, and showed no signsof the cage-wearto which E Phoebes-were reported, including one Jan. 25 as captive Turdidae are particularlysusceptible Oqde RR) far north as Wallingford,Conn. There were alsoreports Further, there is no evidence of any commercial trade of a few wintering Tree Swallows here and there, in this speciesfor about 15 years, nor are any currently mostly on the coast, though 3 were seen over Hemp- known to be privately owned. A thorough check of stead Res., L.l., Jan. 20. A single migrant of this zoologicalcollections revealed none missingOqde RR) species returned to Red Oak Mills, N.Y. as early as On Jan. 6, a Ruby-crownedKinglet wasfound at Peru, Mar 17. A goodly number of Gray Jays were noted Vt. (LW, fide WN) a locale remarkably far north for in non-breeding areas. Several were reported around this speciesin winter. There were also 2 at Ashley, Hull, includinga group of 15 present around a garbage Mass., Jan.13 and numerous other sightingssouth- dump Feb. 17 to end of period. Other counts par- ward. A notable invasion of Bohemian Waxwings tlcularly good for the localities were 4 in the w. Adiron- occurredin Quebec,with flocks of up to 200 appearing dacksand 5 in the C.V.M. Elsewhere,5-6 singleswere at Hudson in December. They reached Montreal in reported, scattered from s. Quebec to c. Vermont. February, where flock-size ranged from 200-300 at There were someexceptions, for example,Jenny L., peak to 30-40 at end of season.Only a scatteredfew N Y Blue Jays continuedlow over large portionsof were noted elsewhere. In New York there was one the Region. Indicative was a 35 per cent reduction at Fair Haven Beach S.P., Dec. 9 and 2 at Oswego from the pastfive year averageof winter population Dec. 21 (FS). Another was seen at Monson, Mass , in seven miles alongthe Hudson R. in New Jersey. Feb. 11-12 (PM, fide RS). N. Shrikes remained in The highest count of Com. Raven noted was 9 at fairly goodnumbers following last Fall's flight. Typical Topsham, Vt., Dec. 13. Otherwise 1-2 per sighting were 6 in Berkshire County for the season,3 at Cedar- were reported from the usual areas in s. Quebec, n. ville, N.Y., Jan. I and four in Dutchess County in New England and the e. Adirondacks. A good move- March. More unusualwere severalreports of wintering ment of 350-400 Corn. Crows was noted Mar. 9 on Loggerhead Shrikes, including birds as far north as a trip from Sharon, Conn. to Scotch Plains, N.J. Boreal Hampshire County, Mass., Orange and Dutchess Chickadees, although better than average, were Counties, N.Y. and W. Hartford, Conn. Migrants of scarcely epidemic. Of the 35-40 reported, about half this species also returned quite early, with one at were in s. Quebec. The remainder were scattered Montreal Mar. 17.

594 AmericanBirds, June 1973 WARBLERS. lCTERlDS--Continmng the pattern kms were absent in some places and fairly regular in of last Fall, there were a number of reports of late- others, but seldom in flocks of more than 10-50 lingering warblers and a few unusual overwintering Overall, they were more commonsouthward though records as well. Noteworthy in the latter respect were there seemed to be more local northern concentrations the numerousinland reports of specieswhich normally than in most years. They becamevery widespreaddur- occur in winter only on or near the coast. For instance, ingthe returnflight, especiallynorthward, where from several Palm Warblers and a few Com. Yellowthroats mid-Feburarythrough March, flocks of up to 200 were and Yellow-breasted Chats were scattered inland north quitefrequent. Red Crossbillsdecreased very rapidly to w. Massachusetts.There were also sightingsof con- in partsof the north after December.Many locales siderablygreater rarity. Two Black-throatedBlue War- had only smallflocks at infrequentintervals, although blers were reported on Long l., one at Brookhaven a few, e.g., Winhall, Vt., Eagle Bay, N.Y., reported Dec. 1-24 and another (fide DP) at Greenport Dec. sustainednumbers through the season.In the south 28 Still another of the auduboni race of the Yellow- there were a few flocks of 30-50on Long I. and smaller, rumped Warbler was discovered on Long I., this one morescattered groups inland. White-winged Crossbills carefully studied at Jones Beach Jan. 25 (AW). Single remainedquite scarce with onlyscattered singles and Pine Warblers wintered as far north as Durhamville, occasionalsmall flocks in the north and stray individu- N Y. (m.ob.) and Ashley, Mass. (DF, fide RS) and als in the south. 2-3 were found southward. At E. Syracuse, an Oven- bird was discovered Dec. 18 (MR) and on Dec. 24, OTHER FINCHES--Nine Cardinals wintered two Am. Redstarts were seen at Croton Pt., N.Y. around Montreal and 47 in the vicinity of Vergennes, (T&WH). But most startling, in point of time, was Vt.; notablyhigh counts for thesenorthern areas. Also the report of an Oporornis, identified as a female of interest was one seen in the w. Adirondacks at Old Mourning Warbler, at Manhasset, L.I., Jan. 7(PG). Forge Dec. 10. The annual New England survey Reports of a few wintering Red-winged Blackbirds, recorded only 4295 rs. 6003 last year, but see Tufted Com. Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds in the Titmouse, above. A ? Rose-breastedGrosbeak winter- h•ghlandsofc. Vermont have beenincreasing in recent ingin the vicinity of Syracusewas the only onereported years and the several present this winter were felt to this winter. Purple Finches were reported as notably be more than just phenomena of the season (WN). scarce northward. Most extreme was Montreal, w•th Numerous Northern Orioles (galbula race) perhaps only one sightingof two birdsall winter. Other 1ocaht•es as many as 30-35, were reported north to w. Mass- had at least scattered reports of very small groups achusetts,mostly at feeders. Much more unusual were On the other hand, almost every area in the Region two bullockii. One spentthe entire winter, in company reported an abundanceof Am. Goldfinches. At with a galbula, at a feeder in E. Moriches, L. 1. (m. oh.). Pittsfield, Mass., for instance, Goodrich had a flock The other was present January-February at a feeder of 52 wintering at his feeder. On a wider scale, roving •n Piscataway, N.J. (m.ob.). flocks of 50-500 were frequent everywhere, although centers of abundance seemedto correspondwith those WINTER FINCHES--With one possible excep- of the Pine and Evening Grosbeaks. In the south, tion, there seemed to be no further major incursions several Dickcisselslingered into December and a few nor other sudden changesin the patterns of relative overwintered. A Rufous-sided Towhee wintered as far abundance set in Fall. As usual, finches, especially north as Ferrisburg, Vt. An individual of the princeps grosbeaks,tended to become more localized and less race of Savannah Sparrow at Milford Pt., Conn., Jan evenly distributedas the seasonprogressed. The return I (NP) was agood find for that locale. Several individu- Illght, which was well under way by mid-March, als of western races of Dark-eyed Junco were reported brought another brief period of more wide-spread Most were typical oreganus,but two pink-sidedtypes occurrence. But there was no evidence of the extreme were seen, one at Hudson, Qu&, late December-late late lingeringnoted last year. Most birds were gone January,the other at Monson, Mass., Jan. 29. Chipp•ng by month's end. Evening Grosbeaks were relatively Sparrows and Field Sparrows wintered in numbers scarce along the coast, and surprisingly,in a usually considerablyfar north. The C.V.M., for instance,had favored haunt, the C.V.M. Otherwise they were locally at least 25 Fields for the season. Late Lincoln's Spar- abundant. Typical flocks ranged in size from 50 to rows were recorded at Middlebury, Vt., Nov. 3-5 (BP) 200 or more and seemedto occur with equalfrequency and Brookhaven, L.I., Nov. 21-Dec. 26 (DP). Another north and south. Pine Grosbeaks, in flocks of 10-50, apparentlywintered. It was presentat a feeder during were locally common, althoughdecreasing somewhat February at Amenia, N.Y. (T&WS, fide OW) in flock-size and considerably in flock-frequency, Although Snow Buntings, N.Y. (T&WS, fide OW) southward. At Montreal there was a decided increase and spottily distributed through the winter, returmng in early February, with flocks of up to 200. This may birds appeared in great numbers at Montreal where have represented an incursion from the north, since two flocks of about 2000 each were noted Mar. 24-25 by and large birds to the southward had not yet begun to move. On Jan. 13 Foxall saw several flocks of Com. CORRIGENDA--AII from Am. Birds 27:34. The Redpolls about two miles north of Hull, Qu&, but record of 25 Solitary Vireos in the Oneida L. Basin otherwise they were very scarce. One or two small •shouldbe deleted.The dataon Orange-crownedWar- flocks were reported from a few northern locales. blerin the OneidaL. Basinused to exemplifyRegional Elsewhere they occurred only as scattered individuals status that seasonshould read, "Record early amval or were absent entirely. During mid-winter, Pine Sis- Sept. 7, and late departure Nov. 2..." The locale

Volume 27, Number 3 595 of the Myrtle Warbler with brood-patchwas Jenny bitter cold spell Jan 6-14, the rest of the month being L , N.Y.. not Vischer'sFerry. The numberof Red- rather warm. March averaged 4ø-BOFabove normal wingedBlackbirds at L. Ontarioshould read "nearly at all reporting stations. Although precipitation was 15,000..". somewhat above the mean for the season, snowfall was only a fractionof the expectedamount. Curiously, the only fall of note was in extreme southeastern Vir- OBSERVERS--Dorothy Ackley, G. Albertine, M. ginia, where Norfolk reported 9 inches on January 9, Anderson, Pat Anderson, Betty Barnum, Roy Barth, a spillover from an exceptionalstorm in the Carolinas L Bartlett, Bruce Beehler, AI Bell, Bird Notes of and Georgia. Western Massachusetts, Irving Black, Bill Boeringer, Ned Boyajian, Francis Brabant, Darlene Bradford, Brooklyn Bird Club, William Brasseau,Ada Carter, V Clarkson, Club Des Ornithologues De Quebec, Gary Cohen,Barbara Conally, Normand David, Steve Dempsey, Paul Desjardins, F. Dirtrich, Florence Danaugh, Mrs. JamesDowns, Laura Drummond, I •deric• Balllmore• •BrlgonfineNat Ruth Dwelley, Joan Ernsting, Paul Ethier, Davis Finch, RogerFoxall, Irene Frey, Tom Gagnon,Paul Gfilen, C. Goodrich, Robert Goodrich, Michel Gos- W*VA. •" / Washinton{ • IDEL• Max sehn,J. Green, BeatriceGuyerr, Thelma Haight, Ran Harcourt, C. Hazlett, Otto Heck, Margaret Hendrick, L Hodge, Tom and William Howe, Mary Ivanoff, Helen Jez, Mrs. AndrewJohnson, Richard Kane (RK), Chuck Keiweg, Ellen Keiweg, Ken Kelly, Richard Kelly, Jimand Mary Key, BruceKindseth, Tim Kabel, Richard Koch, George Komorowski, D. La Fontaine, Mrs J. Lacoste, R. Lapfade, Jo Ann Larson, Paul Lehman, Tom Love, Lyman Langdon Audubon As might be expectedfrom the above weather sum- Society, Mrs. Ray Lyman, Alison Macdonald, mary, there were exceptional numbers of overwinter- Elizabeth Macdonald, Joe MacDonald, Mrs. P. Mag- ingbirds usually moving farther south; these were espe- nuson,Helen Manson, PriscillaMartin (PM), William cially evident during the Christmas Bird Counts. Also Marble, Mabel Mclntosh, Shirley Melum, Brian of particular interest this season were the results of Morro, John Moyle, William Norse, Mr. and Mrs. A. a numberof pelagicfield trips, as well as someoutstand- Norwine. Barbara Ouimet, Belle Peebles, Sheila Pee- ing observations made along the shore. bles, Bruce Peterson (BP), W. Peterson, Noble Proctor, Provinceof QuebecSociety for the Protection GREBES THROUGH CORMORANTS•A Red- of Birds, Dennis Puleston, Ralph T. Waterman Bird necked Grebe on the Potomac R. at Seneca, Md, Club, Norman Reeds, Catherine Reid, Scott Richard- Dec. 17 was extremely unusualfor the Piedmont (EH son, George Rickards, Tom Riley, Marge Rusk, et al.). A large concentrationof Horned Grebes moved Richard Ryan, Eric Salzman,Lorna Salzman,William into Chincoteague N.W.R., Va. in mid January, and Sandford, Fritz Scheider, Cornelia Schultz, A. Vaughn estimated a peak here of 1400 on Feb. 25 Schwab, Beedy Serra, Arnet Sheppard, Eve Sim- An Eared Grebe was found at Craney I., Hampton covltz, D. Slangwhite, Gerald Smith, Barbara Roads,Va., Dec. 21 & 26 (GSG). A light-phaseNorth- Spencer, Chris Spies, J. Steeves,Timothy Sterrett, ern Fulmar was carefully identified 18 mi. off Ocean Ken Stier, RudolphStone (RS), Trixie and William City, Md., Feb. 3, the first state sightrecord (PGD, Strauss, Alma Stunbacher, Esther Swayer, Jack CSR, RAR, et al.). Gannets were in good numbers Swedberg,D. Taupiers, Bea Thomas,Terry Thormin, in the s. part of the Region, with 619 noted in the Robert Tillman, Doris Tirrel, Anne Townsend, Tony Cape Henry, Va. area Dec. 31 •de PWSy). Off Ocean Townsend, John Tramontano, Tom Tyning, Mr. and City up to 165 were noted all winter 20-30 mi. offshore Mrs JamesVan Dresar, JamesVan Scoy, ReginaVan (RARet al.). Twelve Great Cormorants wintered at Scoy, Fritz Waterman, Otis Waterman, Berna Barnegat Inlet, N.J. (JD), and single individuals were Weissman, Leroy Williams, AI Wallin, Jo Wright, found at several locations along the Delmarva Pen, Mary Yegella, Mary Yenlin, Robert Yunick, Joe includingone near Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 27 (HTA Zeranski, Guy Zern, Ted Zinn.--NED R. BOYAJIAN, eta[.). 9 Reading Terrace, Fair Lawn, N.J. 07410. HERONS, IBIS•Wintering heronswere in good numbersalong the coast but by no means were up MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION to the concentrations of the previous winter. Some / F. R. Scott and David A. Cutler interestingwinter reportsfrom upper ChesapeakeBay included a Green Heron near Crisfield, Md., Feb 3 After a fairly cool fall, December was far warmer (PGB et al.), an ad. Little Blue Heron at the same than normalfor the third year in a row. Overall, January place Jan. 14 (PGB), 2 Snowy Egrets in s. Dorchester and February had relatively normal temperatures, Co., Mdl, Dec. 26 (CSR & GCR), and an although the averageshide the fact that there was a unprecedented 9 Louisiana Herons near Crisfield Dec

596 Amm•canB•rds, June 1973 27 (fide CRV) The peak count of Great Blue Herons Creek W•ldhfe Area, near Kle•nfeltersv•lle (GAF), and at a roost at Bombay Hook N.W.R., Del. was 67 on 13 were seen at Allentown Mar. 24 (HM). In Jan. 9 (NEH). Five Cattle Egrets were noted at Knott's ChesapeakeBay Redheadnumbers were much higher, I, Va., Dec. 9 (WWF), 2 were seen at Back Bay the best reports being 350 at Hooper I., Md., Dec N W.R., Va., Dec. 29 (RLAn & GSG), and one was 2 (RAR) and 5400 on the Honga R., Dorchester Co , found near Chincoteague,Va., Dec. 28 (CSR). There Md., Dec. 29 (fide CSR). A 6 Barrow's Goldeneye were two winter reports of Yellow-crowned Night appeared at Shark R. Inlet, N.J., Jan. 6 for the fourth Herons in lower Chesapeake Bay, 2 near Mathews, successive year and remained until Mar. 25 (KR, Va., Dec. 30 (RJW et al.) and one at Newport News, PWSm, and many others). Up to 4 Harlequin Ducks Va. the same day (fide WPS). First spring arrivals were present at Ocean City, Md. off and on Dec. 23- •ncluded l0 Cattle Egrets at Leipsic, Del., Mar. 15 Feb. 4 (JMA, RAR et al.), and up to 3 were seen (NEH), a Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Norfolk, alongthe ChesapeakeBay Bridge-Tunnel, Va. at least Va., Mar. 18 (RLAk), and 40 Glossy Ibis at Little to Mar. 10 (JMA, RLAk, WWF et al.). A few eiders Creek, Del., Mar. 17 (NEH). On Mar. 13 there were appeared at various localities along the immediate 200 or more pairs of Great Blue Herons at their nests coast, the best counts being up to 20 King Eiders at at Bluff Pt., St. Marys Co., Md. (JMA). Barnegat Inlet, N.J., Jan. 13-Mar. 4 (MC, PWSm et al.) and--along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge- SWANS, GEESE--Mute Swans continued their Tunnel--12 Com. Eiders Jan. 26 and 5 King Eiders steady increase in s. Delaware with 69 reported in Dec. 9 (RLAk & GSG). Scoterswere in goodnumbers the Rehoboth Beach area Dec. 30 (SHD et al.). Field in ChesapeakeBay off Hampton, Va., with a peak feeding in the Whistling Swan, first reported in this Jan. 22 of 5000 White-winged and 7000 Surf Scoters Region three years ago (Am. Birds 24: 489, 1970) has At National Park, N.J. McNeill noted a peak of only now becomecommon in the ChesapeakeBay area from 6000 Ruddy Ducks Jan. 25, a slow decline of some the RappahannockR., Va. northward and including 50% in five years. Twenty-six Hooded Mergansers s e. Pennsylvaniaand all of Delaware. Winter records wintered on a smalllake at New Cumberland, Pa. (CJ), of this species are also increasing inland. Morrin a good number for this inland locality. reported that 836 wintered at Manor Twp., Pa., and 41 were found on the Piedmont at Seneca, Md., Dec. HAWKS--A Turkey Vulture roost at Princeton, 17 (fide JWO). Twenty-two flying over Richmond, N.J. contained 100 birds Dec. 16 (RIB), and the first Va., Mar. 24 wereunprecedented (DWS). Brounnoted "spring" Turkey Vulture arrivals occurred at Mill some unusual Canada Goose movements over New Grove and Sumneytown, Pa., Jan. 16 (EG, GAF) R•nggold, Pa., with a very late southward movement A roost at the latter locationreached a peak of 130 of 125on Dec. 7 and a very early northwardmovement on Feb. 23 (GAF). Black Vulture numbers seemed of 74 on Feb. 5. The first major northward flight here well up this winter on the Delmarva Pen., the best was of 4300 birds Mar. 14. Brant remainedin relatively counts being 36 in the Ocean City, Md. area Dec low numbersalong the coast, thougha count of 5500 29 (fide CSR) and 50 at Sudlersville, Md., Feb. 11 at Chincoteague,Va., Dec. 28 was fairly good (PAD (NEH). Elsewhere, 2 were reported at Lewisville, Pa , et al.). White-frontedGeese were reportedfour times Mar. 4 (PLH). Followingthe bigfall flightof Goshawks •n the Region. An ad. was seenat Blackwater N.W.R., into the Region, there were numerouswinter reports Md., Dec. 2 (RAR), 2 were found near Bay Ridge, of this speciesin the n. part of the Region, a number Md., Dec. 5 (PGD), 2 were seen at Hog I., Surry for Maryland, and two for Virginia. These last were Co., Va.• Feb. 3 (CRB et al.), and an ad. observed single birds at Brooke Dec. 18 (CB & TBN) and at BombayHook N.W.R., Del., Mar. 18 was present Roanoke Dec. 31 (BJO). Two Broad-wingedHawks severaldays (JL). An ad. 6 LesserWhite-fronted Goose at Clifton, Va. Feb. 27 were extraordinarily early was shot at Bombay Hook Dec. 21 and photographed (JWE). One called loudly for some time. Bald Eagles (NEH). Details will be published elsewhere. Two were much in evidence during the winter in Dorchester Snow Geese wintered inland at Green Lanes Res., and SomersetCos., Md., with apeak count at Blackwa- Pa. (GAF & AM), the third year for this, and on the ter Ref. of 6 ad. and 9imm., Feb. 10(HTA). Elsewhere, coast Vaughn noted some odd movements of Snow 2 wintered at Middle Creek Wildlife Area, Pa. (CJ), Geese in midwinter. On Jan. 7 he observed a southward and 2 adult and 2 immatures spent most of the winter movement of 750 Snow Geese in V2 hour off Ocean at BrigantineN.W.R., N.J. (BCH). By late February City, Md., whereas850 were seen moving on Jan. 19 and early March most of the known nests in the northward over and off Wallops I., Va. ChesapeakeBay area had apparentlyincubating b•rds (JMA et al.). The first Osprey was noted at a nest DUCKS--The Eurasian race of the Green-winged at Chincoteague,Va., Mar. ll (CRV), and a "dark Teal was reported from five localitiesin Delaware and gray to brown" phaseGyrfalcon was presentat Black- SouthJersey, and the Eur. Wigeonwas found in four water Ref. Nov. 30-Dec. 8 (PAD, WHJ, RAR et al ), d•fferentsites. Blue-winged Teal were seenin a number a first sightrecord for Maryland. of placesduring the winter, the most notable records being12 in s. DorchesterCo., Md., Dec. 26 (fide CSR) GROUSE, MARSH BIRDS---Two Ruffed Grouse and one far inland at Warren, Va., Dec. 31 (CES). near Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 27 were extraordinary A few Wood Ducks wintered at Lynchburg, Va. andthe first recordfor Virginia's EasternShore (RCS) (RSF), and reports of Redheads seemed to be They may have been privately released birds. One •ncreasing.In s.e. Pennsylvania20 wintered at Middle flushed in w. Goochland Co., Va., Jan. 28 was the

Volume27, Number 3 597 farthesteast report on record for s c V•rg•ma (ABD and off Ocean City Jan 13 and 19 and Mar 25 (RAR, & CES). There were far more than the usual wintering HLW et al.). A Skua 20 miles off Ocean City Jan rail reports, undoubtedly due to the mild winter. Near 13 was the first Maryland sight record of this species Princeton, N.J. Blicharz, Bloor, and Macklin found (RAR), and single lceland Gulls were seen in the same 2 King Rails, 6 Virginia Rails, and 2 Sofas Jan. 13, generalarea Dec. 23and Mar. 3 (RA R). A Great Black- and among the other Sora reports was one inland near backed Gull was observed flying over Clifton, Va, Woodbridge, Va., Dec. 23 (CDC & WLD). lnland Mar. 27 with a small flock of other gulls (JWE). This Virginia Rails included one at Brooke, Va., Dec. 18 area of the e. edge of the Piedmont is at least 12 miles (fide ETM) and one at Dyke marsh, Fairfax Co., Va., from any sizable body of water. As more observers Jan 13 (JMA), and 32 were reportedat Back Bay become acquaintedwith the small European gulls, they Ref, Va., Dec. 29 (fide PWSy). A Yellow Rail was are reportedwith more frequencyin the Region.There flushed three times at Assateague 1., Md., Dec. 29 were at least six reports of the Black-headed Gull, (JHB & WR), and two Black Railswere reported,one including singleswell offshore(15-20 miles) of Ocean at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (DEP & RHP) and one City Feb. 3 and Mar. 25 (PGD & RAR). One interest- at FishermanI., Va., Mar. 3 (REAk & RLAn). The ing report was of an immature which frequented the Corn Gallinule census at Trenton marsh, N.J. totaled Old Dominion University parking lot in Norfolk, Va 10 birds Jan. 25 (RJB). for about two weeks and was photographedFeb. 4 (WWF, RLAk, GSG). The Little Gull was similarly reported in at least six localities, all alongthe immediate SHOREBIRDS--An Am. Oystercatcherat Indian coast. Bonaparte's Gulls were in rather low numbers R Inlet, Del., Jan. 20 was undoubtedlya wintering in the Cape Henry, Va. area until mid-March, when bird (WJW). In New Jersey, the first 12 springarrivals several thousandscould be found along the shoreline were noted at Tuckerton Mar. 18 (PWSm). A count (RLAk). A curious concentration of these birds of 170 Killdeers at Bombay Hook Ref., Del., Dec. occurred along the rivers at the upper edge of the 13 was considered a good-sized winter flock (NEH). Coastal Plain Dec. 16, the first day of the C B C Up to 3 Am. Golden Plovers were presentat Smyrna, periodand a day of very strongNW windsfollowing Del , Mar. 24-Apr. 1 (WB, NEH, RSm), and one was the passageof an intensefrontal system.These counts, seen at Blackwater Ref., Md., Apr. I (BB). There perhaps indicating a late southward overland move- were several good winter counts of Am. Woodcocks, ment, were 65, Hopewell, Va. (DWS), 46, Washington, including 25 in s. Dorchester Co., Md., Dec. 26 (fi'de D.C. (fide RLP), 24, Accokeek,Md. (RLS), and 75, CSR). Dyke noted 2 •¾ in courtship flights at Glenolden, Pa. (fide ER). All four of these were Assateague I., Md., Jan. 4, and Fielder and McQuarry emphasized as unusual numbers on the C B Cs. The first heard them calling at Lynchburg, Va., Feb. 24. Black-legged Kittiwake was recorded on all six of the Six Whimbrels and a remarkable 123 Willets were found boat trips organized by Rowlett out of Ocean City, in the Cape Charles, Va. area Dec. 27 (HTA et al.), with a peak of over 200 on Feb. 3. Closer in, one and one Whimbrel was seen at Fisherman 1., Va., was seen near Cape Henry, Va., Dec. 31 (RLAk & Mar 10 (WWF). Holgersen found 4 early Pectoral WWF). A Forster's Tern and a Black Skimmer at Hol- Sandpipersat Smyrna Mar. 15, and a Stilt Sandpiper gate, N.J., Dec. 3 were both quite late (AM), whereas at Brigantine Ref., N.J., Dec. 3 was very late (JD). a Caspian Tern near Cambridge, Md., Mar. 25 was lnland near Washington, D.C. 16 Dunlin were found early (PGD). at Mason's Neck, Va., Dec. 23 (PAD & PGD) and 16 at Dyke marsh, Va., Jan. 1 (JMA). This species overwintered at Blackwater Ref., Md. with a peak AI•CIDS--This was probably the best year on count of 475 on Feb. 24 (HTA). The Marbled Godwit recent record for large alcids in this Region. At least count in the Cape Charles area was 63 on Dec. 27 10 Razorbills were picked up, mostly oiled but still (JWT et al.), a record number, and a flock of 6 at alive, on the New Jersey coast Jan. 7 to the end of BrigantineRef., Jan. 13 was unprecedentedfor winter the period, several of them ending up at the (JFA). Holgersen found one Ruff at Smyrna Mar. 18 Washington, D.C. zoo (GAF, RJS et al.), and off and 2 on Mar. 24. One Am. Avocet was observed Ocean City, Md. the species was noted on five of at ChincoteagueRef., Va., Dec. 28 (RLAk), and 60 the six boat trips, with 4 seen Feb. 3 & Mar. 3 and were found at Craney l., Va., Jan. 7 (WWF). The 8 on Mar. 25 (RARet al.). In addition to these, uniden- first recordedspring arrivals were 16at BombayHook tified large alcidswere reportedon severaltrips, includ- Ref, Del., Mar. 18 (NEH) and 14 at Brigantine Ref., ing 7 on the last date. ACom. Murre picked up alive Mar 25 (JD). on the beach at Back Bay Ref., Va., Feb. 13 was the first confirmed record for the state (fide DLH) JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMERS--Winter One was also seen in the Sea Girt, N.J. area Jan reportsof jaegers, almostunknown in this Regionuntil 20-21 (RJB & MD), and another picked up at Beach a few years ago, were much in evidence this year. Haven, N.J., Mar. 7 ended up in the Washingtonzoo Single Pomafine Jaegerswere noted at Back Bay Ref., (JHChn). Two Thick-billed Murres were positively Va , Dec. 29 (PWSy) and off Ocean City, Md., Feb. identified, one seen 38 mi. east of Ocean City Mar 3 (PGD, RARet al.), and a ParasiticJaeger was seen 3 (RAR) and one picked up dead (oiled) at Barnegat along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Va., Dec. Light, N.J., Mar. 10 (NE). Curiously, Dovekieswere 31 (HTA & WCR). Single unidentified jaegers were reported only three times, including one 10 mi. east reported four times: Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (JHCtr) of Ocean City Dec. 23 (RAR).

598 AmericanBirds, June 1973 Dec. 27 (HTA et al.). At Longwood, Pa. a singing • and a ? apparently working on a nest site were found Mar. 25 (JG). Many observers reported the Winter Wren in unusuallygood numbersin the Delaware Val- ley area, and 10 were noted in the Trenton, N.J. area Dec. 30 (fide RJB). A heavy migration of robins occurredthrough much of the Regionin mid-February. Good counts included 2000 at Clifton, Va., Feb. 15 OWE) and 2000 at Longwood, Pa., Feb. 19 (JG). A Swainsoh'sThrush was reported near Chincoteague, Va., Dec. 28 (RPT). GNATCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS--A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was present at Bombay Hook Ref., Dec. 17-31 (MVB et al.), and another was seen at Back Bay Ref., Va., Dec. 29 (FCR & WFR). Two at Lynchburg, Va., Mar. 12 may have been extremely early transients(KF). Northern Shrikes were reported three times in s.e. Pennsylvania, one at New Ringgold Dec. 17-21 (MB), one at Penn Manor Dec. 30 (RSe), and one at Middle Creek Wildlife Area Mar. 9 (WWK). Single White-eyedVireos were noted at Oyster, Va., Dec. 27 (JMA & DDG) and at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (RH Pet al.). Another in Dismal Swamp, Va., Mar. Immature Razorbill, Beach Haven, N.J., •lar. 4, 30 was probably an early migrant (RLAk & WWF). 1973. Oiled on breast and wing. PhotolB. C. Hhstt. Two Solitary Vireos were reported, one at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (RLAk) and another at Little Creek, DOVES, PARAKEETS, OWLS---Two Mourning Va., Dec. 31 (WWF). Dove nests with eggs were located at Dyke marsh, Va., Mar. 4 (JMA). The Monk Parakeet, previously WARBLERS--Black-and-white Warblers were reported in the n. part of the Region, was confirmed recorded on three occasions, one at Baker's Basin, for the first time in Virginia during the fall and winter N.J., Dec. 3 (RJB), another at Pomona, N.J., Dec. at Gwynn's I., Roanoke, and Seaford(GRD). Appar- 18 (JD), and a third at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (FCB). ent roostingnests were built at Gwynn's I. and Seaford, The only inland report of a winter Orange-crowned but no breeding in the wild has yet been reported for Warbler was one at Oxon Hill, Md., Dec. 16 (PGD), the state. All of the above birds have sincedisappeared but a singing• was found at Fort Eustis, Va., Mar. or been "removed" by the State Department of l0 (DLM). A late Nashville Warbler was seen at Agriculture. There were other reports of this species Baker's Basin, N.J.. Dec. 3 (RJB), and one was present from Maryland and the Delaware Valley area. Heck at Longwood Gardens, Pa., Dec. 10-Jan. 10 (JG). could find only 3 Great Horned Owl pairs nesting in Farther south, 2 Nashville Warblers were noted at Hunterdon Co.. N.J., and young were visible in one Oyster, Va., Dec. 27 (DA & NS) and one at Back Mar. 31. Only one Snowy Owl report was received, Bay Reft, Dec. 29 (DEP & RHP), and a N. Parula a bird at Limekiln, Pa. Decemberand January(REC). was observed at Lawrenceville, N.J., Dec. 2 Heck reported 50 Long-eared Owls in ten roosts in (RJB). Two more Black-throatedGray Warblers were Hunterdon Co, N.J. during the winter, and Blicharz reported in s.e. Pennsylvania in addition to the one found 28 in the Princeton, N.J. area during January. previously reported during the fall. One was present Among the other reports were 3 at LongwoodGardens, at Swarthmore Nov. 27-Dec. 7 (HA), and Wonderly Pa., Dec. 1 (JG), 3 near Sandy Point S. P., Md. mid- picked one up dead at Gladwyne Jan. 15. Two Prairie January to the end of the period OS), and a road kill Warblers were seen near Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 27 near Easton. Md., Mar. I 1 (HTA). Sheppardbanded (JML & HEL) and one at Chincoteague Reft, Va., 15 Saw-whet Owls in various places in c. Maryland, Dec. 28 (MAB, SCS & JWV). Among the other winter and a normal number were found in roosts in the n. warbler reports were an Ovenbird near Cape Charles part of the Region (OAH. JCM et al.). Dec. 27 (PGD), a Louisiana Waterthrush at Denton, Md., Dec. 16 (MWH), a ConnecticutWarbler at lsland HUMMINGBIRDS TO THRUSHES--A Ruby- Beach, N.J., Dec. 30 (FHL), and a Wilson's Warbler throated Hummingbird was seen at Bombay Hook in Washington, D.C., Dec. 18 (NS). Ref., Del., Apr. I, an unprecedenteddate (EJR), and 2 Pileated Woodpeckerswintered at Princeton, N.J., BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAG ERS--Row- where they are normally very scarce (fide RJB). A lett found a ? Yellow-headed Blackbird at Ocean City, Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was photographednear Back Md., Dec. 24, a c•was seen near Cape Charles Dec. Bay, Va., Dec. 2 (WWF et al.), and a very early Barn 27 (WCR), and a pair appearedat a feeding station Swallow was reported at Westmoreland. Va.. Mar. at Wilmington, Del., Mar. 21 (H BC & WJW), Northern 1 (JMA). Red-breasted Nuthatches were rather com- Orioles wintered over most of the Region but were mon all winter in the s. part of the Region, with the considerably more frequent in the s. part. At least 6 Cape Charles, Va. area, for example, reporting43 on apparently wintered near Trenton, N.J. (CF, EL), and

Volume27, Number 3 599 up to 32 were noted at one time in Norfolk, Va during counted 3 Vesper Sparrows at Urbana, Frederick Co , the period (BD, WWF). Males of the Bullock's race Md., Feb. 18.The Oregonrace of the Dark-eyedJunco of this species occurred at Princeton Jct., N.J., Mar. was reportednear Chincoteague,Va., Dec. 28 (RPT) 9 to the end of the period (MK, EBlr, RJB) and at andat Lawrenceville,N.J., Jan. 6-Apr. 1 (RJB et al ), Gloucester, Va., Dec. 29- Mar. 8 (MLW--photo- and Potman reported a bird in PhiladelphiaNov 4 graphed), the latter a first state record. Sykes found believedto be a hybrid betweenthe Dark-eyedJunco a Brewer's Blackbirdnear Cape Charles Dec. 27, and and the White-throatedSparrow. The openwinter was 11 were discoverednear Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (WWF particularlyfavorable for ChippingSparrows, and they & WCR). Common Grackles were in larger than usual were recordedon 11 of Maryland'sC B Cs, including numbersin s.c. Pennsylvania.About 2500 were present 24 at TriadelphiaRes., Dec. 23 (NM & DS). Lapland at Norristown in January and February (RJM), and Longspurswere found at severallocalities along the Hartman reported "thousands" at New Hope Jan. 8. coast, but the 25 at Holgate, N.J., Mar. 4 was an A 9 or imm. W. Tanager was present near Medford, extraordinarycount (PWSm). N J , Dec. 30-Jan. 17 (HS et al.), and in s.c. Virginia a 3 was seen at Back Bay Dec. 29 (HTA & MMB) CORRIGENDA--Twenty-six Goshawks were and an apparent 9 remained at Norfolk Jan. 13-Mar. recordedat Cape May, N.J. duringthe fall, not 50 18 (RLAk, EBr, WWF et al.). as reported (WSC--Am. Birds 27: 37, 1973), and only one Com. Tern was seen on the Lehigh R., Sept. 30, not 11 (RW--ibid., p. 38). NORTHERN FINCHES--Evening Grosbeaks seemed to withdraw from the Delaware Valley area CONTRIBUTORS--Cecil Abbott, David Abbott, by late November, but they remained common over J. M. Abbott, R. L. Ake, J. F. Akers, H. Alexander, the s part of the Region,though generally less so than R. L. Anderson, H. T. Armistead, M. V. Barnhill, last year except in s.c. Virginia where they were unusu- Bruce Beehler, Clark Blake, C. R. Blem, R. J ally abundant. The Purple Finch population was uni- Blicharz, Ed Bloor, Katherine Btamwell, Eliot versally reported as quite high in the Region, and a Breneiser, W. Brokow, Maurice Broun, M. M few Pine Grosbeaks were reported south to Browne, J. H. Buckalew, Floy C. Burford, P. G Washington, D.C., with a peak of 15 at Eaglesmere, Bystrak,J. H. Carter, Maurice Challet, J. H. Chamb- Pa, Feb. 11 (C J). ACom. Redpoll at Glenmoore, lin, W. S. Clark, R. E. Cook, H. B. Copelin, C Pa , Jan. 12 was the only report of this species(JF, D. Cremeans,John Danzenbaker, A. B. Davenport, SAF et al.). Pine Siskins were somewhat erratic but W. L. Del Grande, Mary Doschef, Mr. and Mrs. Ben were neverthelesscommon in parts of Virginia, espe- Dowe, G. R. Dudderar, P. A. DuMont, P. G cially in February and March. Red Crossbills were DuMont, S. H. Dyke, J. W. Eike, Nat Ewer, Keith In good numbersin the n. part of the Region and on Fielder, W. W. Fogleman, Cynthia Fox, G. A the Delmarva Pen. with such peak counts as 50 in Franchois, Jonn Frankenfield, Sarah A. Frankenfield, s Dorchester Co., Md. Dec. 26 (fide CSR), 42 at R. S. Freer, Ed Grahm, G. S. Grant, JesseGrantham, Cape Charles Dec. 27 (fide HTA), and 30at Lawrence- D. D. Green, Evan Hannay, D. J. Hartman, O. A ville, N.J., Mar. 18 (BBlr). The only White-winged Heck, M. W. Hewitt, B.C. Hiatt, N. E. Holgersen, Crossbillsreported were 2 near Cape Charles Dec. D. L. Holland, David Holmes, P. L. Hurlock, Cliff 27 (PGD). Jones, W. H. Julian, W. W. Kelley, Jr., Mrs. Marlon Kmenta, Ann Kutz, J. Lehman, H. E. LeGrand, Jr, F. H. Lesser, Ester Loos, J. M. Lynch, Nancy OTHER FRINGILLIDS--A Black-headed Gros- MacClintock, Ed Mackiln, E. T. McKnight, J. T beak was present at Princeton, N.J., Nov. 24-Dec. McNeill, P. E. McQuarry, R. J. Middleton, J. C 17 (KB), and there were three Painted Bunting reports Miller, August Mirabella, Dorothy L..Mitchell, from s.c. Virginia, a 5 at Norfolk Jan. 8 to the end Myriam P. Moore, H. Motrin, T. B. Nolan, J. W of the period (RLAk et al.), a pair at Portsmouth Oberman, B. J. Opengaff, D. E. Peake, R. H. Peake, Feb 24-25 (DP,fide WWF), and a 5at Virginia Beach Donald Phillips, S. H. Potman, R. L. Pyle, Wayne Mar. 12 (CA, fide WWF). Although House Finches Reichardt, E. J. Reimann, Keith Richards, F. C seemed much less common than in recent years in Richardson,Edward Rigby, C. S. Robbins,G. C. Rob- s c Virginia, they were in highernumbers elsewhere. bins, W. F. Rountrey, R. A. Rowlett, W. C. Russell, Somepeak countsin the s. part of the Regionincluded R. Sehl, Napier Shelton, Jay Sheppard, R. Smart, P 53 at Lynchburg,Va., Dec. 16(fide MP M), 76 at Ocean W. Smith, R. J. Smith, R. L. Smith, W. P. Smith, City, Md., Dec. 29 (fide CSR), and 25 at Little Creek, D. W. Sonneborn, Donald Spencer, Howard Spen- Va , Dec. 31 (fide PWSy). At Wormleysburg,Pa. a delow, C. E. Stevens, Ruth C. Strosnider, Susan C pair was feeding young in a nest Mar. 23, the second Sturm, P. W. Sykes, Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Teele, J year this specieshas nestedhere (AK). Observers con- W. Terborgh, C. R. Vaughn, J. W. Via, M. L. Wass, tlnued to make an effort to monitor the Ipswich race R. J. Watson, W. J. Wayne, H. L. Weirenga, Robert of the Savannah Sparrow, and maximum counts Wilttaut, Charles Wonderly--F. R. SCOTT, 115 Ken- reported included 18 in the Ocean City area Dec. 29 nondale Lane, Richmond, Va. 23226 and DAVID A. (fide CSR) and 18 at Cape Henlopen, Del., Feb. 19 CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Drive, Wyncote, Pa. 19095. (MB & CJ). Shelton found a Grasshopper Sparrow near Ocean City Dec. 29, a Henslow's Sparrow was seenat Little Creek, Va., Dec. 31 (RHP), and Holmes

600 AmericanBirds, June 1973 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION cally scatteredand brief, but as many as 15 bii-dswere reported to have overwintered at Roanoke Rapids L. / Robert P. Teulings (ML). A Red-necked Grebe was an unusual winter visitor at Roanoke Rapids Dec. 10 (ML), as were The most unusualfeature of our winter seasonwas individuals sightedat Pawley's I., Dec. 20 (DF,PN) undoubtedlythe massiveice and snow storm which and Cape Hatteras Feb. 17 (GG). An inland count hitthe coastal and central portions of theRegion Feb. of 95 Horned Grebes was recorded at Roanoke Rapids 9-11.Observers in the mostseverely affected areas L. Feb. 15 (ML). An Eared Grebe was seen Jan. 27-28 reported vivid accountsof birds driven to starvation at L. Hartwell near Clemson, S.C. (SG), a rare record in the aftermathof the storm.The tacticsof survival believed to be the secondfor the state. Another rarity includedmobbing offeeding stations, forced migration, was a Western Grebe at Bulls I., S.C., Mar. 9 (DC predation and even cannibalism. & DC). On the N.C. Outer Banks, an out-of-season occurrence of a Sooty Shearwater was recorded Mar. I I at Pea I. (JP,JC). There was an unusualappearance of White Pelicans at Charleston, where as many as 25 were present in early January (DF). Fair numbers of Brown Pelicans wintered there, including some color-marked immatures which were identified as birds of Florida origin (TB). A few Brown Pelicans wintered as far n. as Morehead City, where a sizeablewintering population of at least 2000 Double-crested Cormorants was also reported (JF). WADERS•Several Cattle Egrets were still pre- sent at Morehead City in late December and one of these apparently lingered through the entire season (JF). A late occurrence for the Least Bittern was recorded there Dec. 29 when an individual was flushed at the Roosevelt Natural Area (JP). Censusesof known roostingplaces in the Morehead City vicinity showed Some Eyewitness Accounts -- On the afternoon of surprisingly large populations of some 800 Black- Feb. 10 at Hilton Head I., S.C., Harold and Rachel crowned Night Herons and an estimated 100 White Axtell noticed significantflocks of sparrows, black- Ibis (JF). The White Ibis were up sharplyin that local- birds.and a varietyof otherland birdsmoving along ity from last winter, particularly the number of adults, thebeach. A heavycoating of sleetcovered the ground, providingfurther evidencethat the speciesis extending andthe flocksseemed to be desperatelysearching for its year-aroundrange northward. A mid-winter record food. The Axtells scatteredmillet seedin a parking for the Glossy Ibis was noted at Bodie I., Jan. 26 area behindthe dunes, soonattracting over 500 birds, (HL,EL,GO,SP) following an unusual count of I1 many of which behavedsluggishly as if already near there on the Dec. 30 CBC. On the s. coast, a Roseate exhaustion.Flocks of ChippingSparrows were seen Spoonbill was observed at St. Simon's I., Ga., Mar. feedingalong the roadway, obliviousto close brushes 22 (CC, fide CM). with the tires of autos passingover them! SWANS AND GEESE--Swans were present in After the storm at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Jay normal numbersat L. Mattamuskeet, the principal Carter found many passerines concentrated on the refugefor the speciesin the Region(JD). Last winter beach, including Water Pipits, Am. Robins, Yellow- many swansbypassed the refugeand migratedfarther rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and sparrows. The birds south,but thisextended movement was not repeated were foraging along the water's edge, sometimesfol- this season. Canada Geese at L. Mattamuskeet were lowing the waves like shorebirds.A gull was seen to downto 8000this winter, a merefraction of thepopula- devour a small passefine on the beach. In the same tionsof 100,000+there five yearsago. The Pea Island area, FrancesNeedham saw a Blue Jay strugglewith N.W.R. censusesshowed ca. 5000 Canadaspresent a Yellowirumped(Myrtle) Warbler, and then fly off at the mid-seasonpeak (TW), and a flock of 1200win- with the warbler in its beak. teredat Stevenson'sPonds near Weldon in Northamp- Dennis Forsythe and Ted Beckerr both reported ton Co., N.C. (ML). There were reports of Brant heavy mortality of small landbirds at Charleston and seen at several locations along the coast from Bodie noted an exodus of warblers and gnatcatcherswhich I. to Wilmington,the largestbeing 162 on the CBC had previously been regular. An incident of can- at Bodie I., Dec. 30. SriowGeese at Pea Island N.W.R. nibalism,observed by Beckett, was of White-throated reacheda high of almost 10,000,but onceagain the Sparrows feeding on dead members of their own star attraction at the refuge for most observerswas species. the Ross' Goose which has beena regularwinter resi- dent there for the past four years. LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS•On the coast, an impressive flock of over 1000 Corn. Loons DUCKS---Again a Green-winged(Corn.) Teal was was massedat Cape Lookout Bight Mar. 8 OF). Winter presentthrough the winter at Pea. I. (NFW & m.ob.). occurrencesof Corn. Loons on inlandlakes were typi~ Reports of casual visitors elsewhere were a Fulvous

Volume 27, Number 3 601 Tree Duck shot near Georgetown, S C , Jan 9 (fide JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMERS--A Parasi- SG) and a drake Mandarin Duck shot on the Trent tic Jaegerwas observed Feb. 15near Brunswick, Ga , R near New Bern, N.C., Nov. 25 (fide RPH). The a rare winter visitor (CM). (See also Bodie I. CBC ) wild status of the latter bird must be questioned, but The secondsight record for the Iceland Gull in North it was found to be a perfect specimen with unworn Carolina occurred Feb. 11 at Oregon Inlet where an plumageindicating it had not recently been captive. individual was well studied for 10 min. at the bridge Ted Beckett noted a marked scarcity of Redheads and (SJ,KKa). There were two reports of Black-headed Canvasbacks in the Charleston area this winter along Gulls from the Charleston area this winter: an with fewer Black Ducks and Ruddy Ducks. Although individual Dec. 31 at South I. (TB,SL) and one Jan the count of Redheads was down in the Bodie-Pea 21 at Hampton Park (DF). On Mar. 10, three Little I area, Canvasbackswere foundin goodnumbers there Gulls (1 ad. and 2 imm.) were seen on Hatteras 1 (CBC data) and up to 5000were reportedto have win- at Buxton(JP,JC). An ad. Black-leggedKittiwake, par- tered at L. Mattamuskeet (JD). tially oiled, was observedat closerange in flight and at rest on the beach at Pea I., Dec. 31 (HL,ML et al.). (Seealso Bodie I. CBC.) A late recordfor a Least BIRDS OF PREY--A Goshawk was a surprise Tern was reportedfrom Port Royal, S.C., Dec. 28 visitornear ChapelHill Dec. 24 (HM). This is only (OH). Approximately30 BlackSkimmers wintered in the third recorded occurrencefor North Carolina and the Morehead City area (JF), and one was noted as the first outside the mountains.An ad. Golden Eagle far north as Pea I., Jan. 26 (HL,EL,GO,SP). was seen Mar. 18 at Bulls I., S.C. (PN). Two Bald Eagleswintered at L. Mattamuskeet(m.ob.) and 3 were DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS--Win- presentthrough the seasonat MagnoliaGardens near Charleston(TB). Two Ospreyswere winterresidents teringGround Doves were found at W. OnslowBeach, at Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkes Co., N.C., well N.C., Dec. 23 (GG) and Ft. Macon, N.C., Jan northof theirexpected winter range. (WS). Therewere 27 (JF). A definite report of a residentMonk Parakeet also at least three off-season sightings from has come from the Atlanta area (East Point). Although OkefenokeeN.W.R. (fide EC) where Ospreysare usu- only a singlebird has been seenthere so far, it has ally absentfrom early Octoberuntil they return to been regularlypresent since last springand has built nest in February. Also noted at Okefenokeewere a a permanentroost (DC & DC). Elsewhere,one was PeregrineFalcon Jan. 9 at GannetL. (WM,RF) and noted on the Athens, Ga., CBC and at least two one Jan. 27 at Chesser Prairie (RTh). individuals were seen in the Georgia coastal area at St. Simon's 1. and Sea 1. during March (fide CM) It is not yet clear whether the species has become RAILS, GALLINULES--At Brookgreen Gar- establishedat theselocations. Late recordsof a Whip- dens near Huntington Beach, S.C., during the days poor-willon BogueBanks near Atlantic Beach,N C , following the winter storm of Feb. 9-10, rails were Dec. 24 (JF) and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at driven from their normal habitat by the flooding Wac- Wrightsville BeachJan. 8 (DE) were noteworthy. Two camaw R. Dozens of King, Virginia, and Sofa Rails rarities were seenat the Okefenokee Refuge: a Vermil- were seen on the paths and amongthe plantingsin ion Flycatcher Jan. 13(RF,fide EC) and a Gray King- the publicpart of the garden,affording observers an bird Mar. 22 (DP,NF). unexcelledopportunity to see theseusually secretive birds (FP,ED). At Morehead City, the populationof NUTHATCHES THROUGH VIREOS--The wintering Com. Gallinules appears to be on the winter invasion of Red-breasted Nuthatches turned increase,probably due to the recent introductionof out to be rather modestdespite earlier reportsof a more man-made fresh water impoundments, sewage strongfall flight.The specieswas recordedon only sludgeponds, etc. (JF). 19 of the 30 CBC's in the Region and numberswere light to moderate.Various observers commented on a superabundanceof Am. Robinsthis season,espe- SHOREBIRDS--On Feb. 10, Am. Woodcock cially in the coastalsections following the February were so abundant in the hammocks at Savannah snowstorm.Three Sprague's Pipits were carefully iden- N W R. that no moist, leaf-coveredportion of the for- tifiedamong a smallflock of HornedLarks at Creech's est could be scannedwithout spottingone (SY,PY). Pongin n.e. York Co., S.C., Jan. 25 (FC & WC) This influx coincided with the heavy snowfall of that White-eyedVireos were frequently seen throughout period elsewhere in South Carolina and Georgia. A the winter period at Charleston(TB), and one was late-hngeringSpotted Sandpiper was present through recorded at Harker's l., N.C., Jan. 22 (CRH). December at Thagard's L. near Whispering Pines, N C (JC). An inlandwinter record for Greater Yellow- legs was noted in Northampton Co., N.C., where a BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES--The huge s•nglebird was present at OcconeecheeNeck Jan. 20 winter roost of several million blackbirds and Starlings -21 (JW,ML). An unusually late Stilt Sandpiper was which plaguedresidents of ScotlandNeck, N.C for found at Jekyll l., Dec. 31 (RM,TM,RSm). The first the pastseveral years failed to materializethis season ttudsonianGodwit ever recordedin Georgia was discov- Only about 50,000 birds were present, and it is not ered at Sapelo I., Dec. 30 (TR,JR,JLC,LD), and known whether a new roost in that area has been estab- another was found at Moore's Landing near McClel- lished. Data are generallylacking on other major black- lanville, S.C., Feb. 25 (PN). bird roostsin the Region, but it is known from CBC

602 AmericanBirds, June 1973 tabulations that there were sizeable roosts near Atlanta OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS-- and Raleigh. Red-winged Blackbirds were extremely Harold Axtell, Rachel Axtell, Frank Aycock, Wilson abundant at Thomasville, Ga., and Brewer's Black- Baker, Ted Beckett, Henry Bielstein, Charles Blake, birds were common at Rome. New findings by Robert Bruce Bolick, Jay Carter, Catherine Clark, Elizabeth L. Crawford and Henry M. Stevenson cast doubt on Clarkson, Flo Cobey, William Cobey, Don Cohrs, earlier reports of Bullock's Orioles at Thomasville Doris Cohrs, Jack L. Cooper, Robert Crawford, quoted in Am. Birds 25:566 and 26:49. A recently col- Eugene Cypert, Evelyn Dabbs, Leslie Davenport, lected specimen of a bird thought to be a Bullock's John Davis, Wally Dreyfoos, Dot Earle, Nat Fleck, has proved to be a ? Baltimore Oriole with certain Dennis Forsythe, Ronald Fowler, John Fussell, Sid- confusing plumage characteristics. [The two species ney Gauthreaux, Gilbert Grant, Orion Hack, Frank are now one:the Northern Oriole--Ed.]. Holleman, Robert P. Holmes, C. Royce Hough, Gar- WINTER FINCHES--Most observers agreed it vin Hughes, Scott Juelfs, Ken Kaufmann (KKa), L. wasa goodseason for the northernfinches, although Klein, Kitty Kosh, Stan Langston, Edmund LeGrand, not overall a record breaker. Early arrival of Evening Harry LeGrand, Vera Littleton, Merrill Lynch, Grosbeaksand Purple Finches, as documentedin the Charles W. McRae, Robert Manns, Cecily Masters, Fall summary,signalled a majorinflux of thesevisitors. Jim Martin, Wendell Metzen, Terry Moore. Helmut Red Crossbills also made a good showing, but Pine Mueller, Frances Needham, Caroline Newhall, Mary Siskins were scarce. House Finches were reported Anne Neville, M. J. Nicholson, Ruth Noonan, Perry from ten locations as far s. as Sumter, S.C., with size- Nugent, Gard Otis. James F. Parnell, SebastianPatti. able CBC tallies of 49 at Winston-Salem, 35 at Raleigh, Debby Pigman,James O. Pullman, Frederick Probst, 82 at Greensboro, and 32 at Charlotte. There was a James Reinig, Tom Rial, Lawrence Robinson, Jay well-described, but uncorroborated, observation of a Shuler, Robert W. Smart, Rosemary Smith (RSm), Hoary Redpollat GeorgeF. Townes'feeder in Pickens Wendell Smith, Ramona Snavely, Mrs. Richard C. Co., S.C. near Cleveland, Dec. 30 and Jan. I. The Tanner, Robert Teulings, Rolly Thoren (RTh), George invasion of Red Crossbills was a near-equal to the Townes, William Wagner, L. O. Wells, Gall unprecedented 1969-70 season, with occurrences Whitehurst, Vivian Whitlock, Tim Wilkins, N. Wil- recorded over a wide area of the Piedmont from liamson, John Wright, Pat Young, Sam Young. Winston-Salem eastward to Raleigh and Southern ---ROBERT P. TEULINGS, Route 2, Box 154, Chapel Pines and as far south as Turbeville, S.C. and Atlanta. Hill, N.C. 27514.

OTHER FRINGILLIDS--A tardy Rose-breasted Grosbeakwas at WilmingtonJan. 14(KK). Again there was a mid-winter report of a Blue Grosbeak, this time FLORIDA REGION an individual seen Jan. 29-30 at a feeder in Eden, N.C. (RLT, fide RN). A 5 and ? Painted Bunting / Glen E. Woolfenden were feeder visitors through the seasonat Morehead City (LK,MJN, fide .IF), while Dickcissels were WEATHER---Winter camein like a lamb,but went reported from five locationsin the Carolinas. Savannah out like a lion. Decemberaveraged 3øF above normal (Ipswich) Sparrows were winter visitors as far s. as with the first cold front not until the 16th and most Sea I. and St. Simon's I., Ga. (m. oh.), and there of its averagerainfall on the 21st-22nd.January had were occurrences of single Tree Sparrows at a feeder near average temperatures, with 1-3 inches above aver- in Charleston Feb. 28 (PN) and at Chapel Hill Mar. 19 (WW, fide RT). A White-crowned Sparrow was CENTRALSOUTHERN reported as a locally rare winter visitor at Charleston Feb. 28 (PN) and three were seen on the s. coast at Jekyll I. on the CBC Dec. 30. Elsewhere, White- crowned were conspicuously common in the OcconeecheeNeck sectionof Northampton Co., N.C. where flocks of up to 40 were seen (ML). A Lincoln's Sparrow was observedat a Charlestonfeeder Dec. 7 (PN). Severalobservers, by carefullychecking flocks of Horned Larks, were able to find Lapland Longspurs. As many as 15 to 20 of the latter specieswere thus found wintering at Occoneechee Neck (ML,EL,JW), and another individual was seen near Clayton, N.C., : ' • • • • Palm Jan. 7, the first record for Wake County since the 1890's(HL,EL). Snow Buntingswere apparentlyvery scarce in the Region this winter, the only sightings beingof a singlebird near SavannahFeb. 18 (fide PY) and one at Charleston Feb. 25 (PN). • Ca• •ble• • •Koy Larg• Acknowledgement--The author wishes to thank JamesO. Pullman and Elizabeth Teulings who did 95% of the work only to have this editor chop their brilliant / LOWERKEYS • Bay prose into unrecognizablebits.

Volume 27, Number 3 603 agermnfall February brought the third greatest snow- WADERS--White morph Great Blue Herons wan- stormin Flonda'shistory, w•th a maximumof 3 inches derednorth to JacksonwileMar 18-31(DG), where m manynorthern localities. Temperatures were 3-6ø seen last year, and Pelican I. Dec. 30 and late Mar belownormal, and especially significant, both for the (JB,SW) on the eastcoast, and St. Petersburgin Dec touristtrade and the welfareof certainbirds, were and VeniceMar. 29 (RLF) on the Gulf. Dark morph themany days of well-below-normal daily high tempera- GreatBlue Herons began nest-building near Payne's tures.Rain in Februarywas near normal most places, Prairieby Dec. 26 (SAN), while Cattle Egretsd•d butslightly below in centralFlorida. Unfortunately not return until Mar. 1 (JHH). Cattle Egretsarrived pre-1970water levels have yet to be attained, although in the Tallahasseeregion Mar. 17, and at Alligator heavyrains locally, and especially in northFlorida Pt. the first Yellow-crownedNight Heronsreturned •n March,may raise water levels some places. March Mar. 21 (HMS). A few ReddishEgrets wintered north summarizedthe season with a warmbeginning and to BradentonMar. 20 (EVM), St. PetersburgDec a coldending, which resulted from several strong 18 (VM), McKay Bay, where eightwere seenMar fronts. 24 (SKR), and Dog I., Franklin Co. Mar. 3, the first winterrecord for the division(HMS). Anotherrenan- der of the difference in the winter birds of north and SURVIVAL--The fine line between survival and southFlorida is 26 Least Bitternsalong 5 mi. of Lox- starvationfor avian insectivoresalways comes into ahatcheeN.W.R. Dec. 20 (PWS) and record of one sharpfocus when extended cold spells occur in Florida. It •s at thesetimes that many deador weak and under- in the Panhandle,where rare in winter,at St. George I. Franklin Co., Dec. 9 (JMS). An Am. B•ttern weightbirds, suchas Yellow-rumpedand Palm War- appearedat Key West Mar. 22 (FTH) where rare blersare found. Most birdscan survivecold as long Probablyit was a springmigrant from farther south as they can feed, but with extendedperiods of' low The serious decline in Wood Storks in s. Florida temperaturesinsect food disappearsand starvation will continue,since nesting is rumoredto have failed soonfollows. This pastFebruary many persons around againat CorkscrewSanctuary and is doomedto frolure Tampa broughtin Yellow-rumpedWarblers dead with no apparentinjuries or weak and underweight.I also in the s. Everglades,where any youngproduced by receivednumerous reports of dead Purple Martins. 400late March nesting pairs at the MadeiraColony, As soon as daytime temperaturesreturned to normal EvergladesNat'l Park (below colony, E.N.P ), will inquiriesregarding these birds stopped. perishin June when higher water will.dispersetheir food (JCO). No large nestingcolonies of heronsor ibis formedanywhere in the interiorsouthern 'glades LOONS, GREBES, SHEARWATERS--Common duringthe winter, attestingto the generallypoor feed- Loonsseemed down in numbers from last year through- ing conditionsthroughout (JCO). Several storkswere out muchof Florida (JBE) includingTampa Bay seenin Wakulla Co. in December, where rare in winter (RWS), althoughof normalabundance along part of (fide HMS). A bright red Scarlet Ibis roosted w•th theeast coast (HWK). Thefirst regional inland record White Ibises at Loxahatcheebeginning late Feb (JD, ofthe uncommon Red-throated Loon came from High HPL, TWM, PWS). Glossy Ibises were seenin good Springs,Alachua Co., Mar. 17(RS) wherea birdwas numbersat several localities in interior s. Florida, with pickedup alive and relea•sed apparently in healthycon- 46 at Bartow Mar. 5 (HBH,JBE), a local high count dition.The rare EaredGrebe was found both at Tierra With the exception of the Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis VerdaDec. 16(JBE, VM), whereit stayedfor months may be one of the few colonial waders doing well in andabout 20 miles away along the Courtney-Campbell Florida. CausewayJan. 11 (JBE). Two Audubon'sShearwaters (PWS),the onlytubenose reported this winter, were WATERFOWL--Near Tallahassee Canada Geese seenabout 20 milesoff Mayportin the AtlanticJan. by the hundredsas well as two white morphand ten 21 (PWS). bluemorph Snow Geese occurred Jan. 28 (JBE),and five moredark morphs were seen at St. MarksRefuge PELECANIFORMS--Early springmigration of Jan. 4 (CSG). Payne'sPrairie not only had a Snow White Pelicanswas markedby 85 flying west over Goose(dark morph), Dec. 8 (SAN), butwas the winter St MarksLight Feb. 24 (JHH, HMS). McKay Bay homefor the rare White-frontedGoose: one appeared hadfew this winterwith a maximumof 22 (JJD), but last fall and was still present at the end of March thec. interiornear Lakeland had over 100which ranged Fulvous Tree Ducks continue to increase in Florida south to Brewster(JBE et al.). Two Brown Boobies with 2500, an all-time high, at LoxahatcheeDe- were seen, an adult off Indiatlantic Feb. 22 (ADC, cemberand January,1800 in February,and 2000in HGC) and an immaturenearby at Sharpesalong the March. Scatteredreports came in from elsewhere, Indian R. found Mar. 9 (Maggie Bowman)and seen includingthree on Payne'sPrairie Dec. 27 (SAN), throughoutthe month(ADC, RDB et al.). Gannets and one at McKay Bay in November and on Mar were scarcein the n. Gulf (HMS), but occurredreg- 30 (JJD),and a highof 13at St. MarksRefuge Dec ularlyalong the Atlantic Coast where the highest count 30-Jan.5, wherethe speciesis rare, especiallyin of 108individuals (10% adults) was made off Mayport winter. Jan.21 by numerousmembers of the recently-formed Noteworthy among the dabblers are the fourth Florida OrnithologicalSociety. An Anhinga,rare in annualreturn of the (same?)Eur. Wigeonto Wakulla the Lower Keys, was seen on Stock Island Dec. 5 Springswhere it was seen by numerousobservers, (FTH). includingHarold Axtell, who again raised the question

604 American B•rds, June 1973 of its being a hybrid (see Am Btrds 25 568, 1971) Everglades in Dade Co Dec 18 (PWS) The few A Cinnamon Teal is reported having been shot at Mer- reports of Merlins supports the opinion (JBE) of rapid ritt Island Refuge in December (JJ). Numbers of N. decline. One was at Gainesville Dec. 27 (JB), another Shovelers seemed below normal (JBE), at least at at La Crosse Mar. 22 (JHH). J. N. Layne's census McKay Bay (GEW), although a few more wintered route for Am. Kestrels indicated fewer this winter than in the Keys than usual (RTP, FTH). Early nesting the previousfive, which corroboratesa generalimpres- of a Wood Duck at St. Marks is documentedby four sion (JBE). fresheggs Feb. 15(CSG). LesserScaup were far below usual numbers around St. Petersburg and Tampa in TURKEYS, CRANES--Far from usual habitat was December (RWS,GEW), and generally in peninsular a hen Turkey on a dike near mangroves south of Vero Florida this winter (JBE). At least 25 Greater Scaup Beach (HF,WGG). Intensive studyof Sandhill Cranes were among 10,000 Lessers in the Cocoa area on the at Payne's Prairie revealed migration of wintering Atlantic Coast, Jan. 14 (RDB,HPL,RWS), but the populations began Feb. 24, peaked the first week in speciesremains virtually unknownalong the peninsular March, and included 1328 birds (SAN). The I00 + Gulf Coast. Records of rare sea ducks include the individuals flying north near Lakeland the first week return in December of a Harlequin Duck to Miami, in March may havejoined those on the Prairie migra- where seen last year, and a Common Eider whose wan- tion staginggrounds, as more left Payne's Prairie than derings in the Cocoa area were followed Nov. 24 wintered there (SAN). (TWM) -Feb. 13 (RDB,WFW,ADC). The latest Corn. Goldeneyeon recordfor BrevardCo. wasat Rockledge LIMPKINS, RAILS--A Il•p•in on Plantation Mar 19(ADC). Scoterswere scarcerthan usualalong .KeyMar. 28-29(RTP) is locallyrare andsuggests the Panhandle coast where seen most often in Florida migratio'•from farther south. A,.•Bla•%k•R•il thatrushed (HMS), which makesthe secondLakeland area record fromadry •lade control burn near •'dy•al•alm E.N.P of a White-winged Scoter Dec. 7-23 (PJF,JBE), and Fd•, w•su•'•, cap p•otogra3-h'•d7•,•nd released perhapsthe same individual at AuburndaleJan. 8, all by Harold W. Werner. Wintering rails can be abundant the more interesting. William B. King obtained an wheresuitable habitat persists, as shown by 1•46King excellent color photograph of a Masked Duck along Rails and 143 Soras counted along a 5-mi. stretch at Anhmga Trail in E.N.P. Feb. 8 (JCO,WBR). LoxahatcheeDec. 20 (PWS). A Purple Gallinule at L. Al•fi(•ua Co.Mar. 12 (JHH) could have been DIURNAL RAPTORS--Swallow-tailed Kites a winteringindividual or a very early migrant. appearedat Mullet Key Mar. 10 (WB) and Winter SHOREBIRDS--The 11 Am. Golden Plovers seen Haven Mar. 17 (fide JBE). EvergladesKites at Lox- at L. Jackson, Leon Co., Mar. 17 probably were ahatcheenumbered at leas•7•l_•arch (TWM,PWS) andtwo pairs were at theSt. Johns•R.Reservoir near broughteast by a coldfront (HMS). Three Long-billed Curlews in Franklin County Mar. 20 (Ed Reimann), is Vero Beach in February and March (GRM,TG). Sharp-shinned Hawks seemed more common than high for the area. Upland Sandpiperswere seen at usualin c. Florida (JBE,GEW), but reportsof Cooper's Titusville, one Mar. 21 and offshore from Marathon, Hawks varied from only one all winter (JBE) to seem- two Mar. 27 (RS). A Solitary Sandpiper at Bartow Feb. 25 (PJF) is one of a few winter recordsfor the mgly more numerousthan usual near Vero Beach (HWK). One Rough-leggedHawk wai seenat Guana area. A flock of up to 19 Purple Sandpiperswas on Wildlife ManagementArea, St. JohnsCo., Feb. 11 the Mayportjetties in December-Januaryand two were (FW), and a dark-phaseShort-tailed Hawk, rare in at New SmyrnaMar. 9 (Betty King et al.) Two Pectoral the Keys, was on Big Pine Key sporadicallyJan. 20- Sandpiperswere seennear Gainesville Dec. 27 (DWJ), and 16 in a flock at Lakeland Mar. 29 was the only Mar. 10 (DLR). Fewer than usualSwainsoh's Hawks were seen in the Homestead farmlands this winter, local springrecord (JBE). A flock of 15 Long-billed Dowitchers Feb. 8, also was a local high count for but two were seen Jan. 18 (JCO). Prize among the the Lakeland area (JBE). Stilt Sandpiperswintered at rarer Floridaraptors, a GoldenEagle, was discovered on Payhe'sPrairie Jan. 4 (JBE) andphotographed Jan. the Lakeland sewagepits, as is usual, but were gone by late Mar. (JBE), while one at Eau Gallie, Mar 9 (SAN). On Feb. 10 one was at St. Marks Light 27 (ADC) was consideredearly. One Am. Avocet was (VSP). Marsh Hawks seemedscarcer this winter in seen at Mayport Dec. 19, and 300 was the peak for c Florida (JBE), the Tampa area and De Soto County McKay Bay Mar. 24 (SKR). The pelagic trip off (GEW), •nd in s. Dade Countywhere 2-5 with a max- lmum of 10 were seen this winter along a route where MayportJan. 21 produced19 Red Phalaropes(F.O.S) a few years ago 10-25 was normal December-March and apparentlythe 40-mile gale Dec. 16 broughtthe one N. Phalaropeseen in the Indian R. near Sebastian (JCO). A study of Caracarasin the HighlandsCo. area begunby JamesN. Layne this winter resulted (VH,HV). in a count of 21 individuals and two nests near L. JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS Jaeger records for Placid. Reportof two Caracarasalong Ft. Myers Beach from Nov. 13 on, and carrying nesting material to a winter 1972-73agree with the opinions of most cur- small mangroveisland nearby Mar. 26 (Nelsons,.fidf rently active birders, namely that Pomafines out- EJF) is of interestbecause this habitatis not known number Parasitics. Off Mayport on Jan. 21 members to be usedby the species.As expected,few Peregrine of the F.O.S. saw 18 Pomarines only. Two more were Falcons or Merlins were seen. A Peregrine was at seen from Boynton Beach Dec. 9 (CYB,PWS). The St PetersburgDec. 16 (VM,JBE) and another in s. only Parasitic Jaeger reported was one in the Gulf

Volume27,Number 3 605 off St Georges I Jan 19 (RdM,HMS), the second cessful•ntroduct•on •n the M•am•area, •s reported from winter record for any jaeger for the division As •n PlnellasCounty, where two b•rds, probably apmr, were several recent winters, locally rare gulls were seen at watchedby G. Newcomerfor an hoar on the Courtney- numerous localities. An Iceland Gull was at Port CampbellCauseway Feb. 24 untila passingcar kfiled Canaveral Inlet Jan. 14 (RDB,HPL,PWS), and one the female(*U.S.F.). of the few Great Black-backed Gulls that inhabit the Tampa Bay area each winter stayed at John's Pass OWLS, NIGHTJARS, HUMMINGBIRDS-- for months (WB,GEW et al.). A few Lesser Black- Short-eared Owls remained late near Cocoa where back Gulls have been reported every winter since one was seen Mar. 9 (ADC) and at St. Marks where 1971 when the first specimen was obtained, but I two were flushedMar. 25 (CSG). BurrowingOwls think the bird truly has increasedin Florida and is now stilllive onMarathon in the Keyswhere three were seen a regular, rare winter residentas opposedto the theory this winter. SeveralCorn.-Nighthawks wintered •n that birdersnow report what they overlookedor were downtownMiami; two wereseen there Jan. 2 (Ira J reluctantto report earlier. This winter an individual Abramson).Ruby-throated Hummingbirds wintered at returned to Key West in October and was last seen Jacksonville,where one fed on shrimpplants (MJW) Mar. 7 (FTH et al.), and one was seen at Port and at WinterHaven (PJF). A perhapstoo early Canaveral Feb. 22 (ADC) and perhapsearlier in the individualfor thisseason's weather was found dead near month. Black-headedGulls were reported from four GainesvilleMar. 12 (JEH). localities. The earliest was seen with Laughing Gulls at a dump in Tampa Dec. 23 (SF), and another, or FLYCATCHERS--A W. Kingbird found at possiblythe sameindividual, was seenin the Laughing McKayBay in November(JJD) still waspresent Gull colony on the Bayway in St. Petersburgin March Feb. 2. Another was seen even farther north at (WB). Another was along the Indian R. at Cocoa AlligatorPt. Dec. 26 (JMS). The Loggerhead Kingbird Mar. 5-14 (RDB,ADC,WFW), with possibly the (but seeAm. Birds26:595 regarding identificatmn) samebird being sightedat SebastianInlet Mar. 23 by returnedto Islamoradathis winter.It was seenby a winter visitor himself, K. C. Parkes. The prize many (e.g., Jan. 31 by Whitney Eastman),and larid was a winter-plumaged ad. Little Gull seen additionalphotographs (SS) reportedlywere taken off Mayportwith Bonaparte's Gulls, an•t least Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were more numerousnear 50 Black-leggedKittiwakes were seen the same day Homesteadthis winter where 25 were countedJan (F O.S.). 25 (JMK).Three also were in St. Petersburgmost of St. Petersburghas, duringthe previousfive winters, the winter(VM). One Great CrestedFlycatcher tallied from 1400 to 3700 Laughing Gulls on the C near Bartow Jan. 6 is the only local mid-winterrecord B C, but this year on Dec. 16 the estimatewas 16,000. (JBE,PJF). A Wied's Crested Flycatcher at No explanationfor the muchlarger numberis apparent St. Marks Dec. 2 (VM,WB,NOW) is a first for the at this time. The Sandwich Tern, virtually unknown Tallahasseearea. Vermilion Flycatchers showed up inland, was in the center of the state on L. Placid at ThompsonCo. Pk., Dade Co., November-early Feb. 17 (FEL). March, (JMK et al.), KanapohaRanch, Alachua Co., Jan. 3-Mar. 12 (JEH,BW) and at St. Marks PIGEONS, CUCKOOS, AND PARROTS--A Lightand Tallahassee Feb. 18(MJZ). White-winged Dove was obtained on Mashes I. (Wakulla Co.)Jan. 7 (JMS, *F.S.U.) which is the sec- LARKS, CREEPERS, WRENS--A Horned Lark, ond divisional winter record, one was seen 15 mi. west identified as a Northern, was at Mayport much of the of Vero BeachDec. 11 (ARH,PWS). White-crowned winter. It was seenfrom late November(NOW) to Pigeonswere more numerous than usual in the K.eys Feb. 3 (HMS) and wasphotographed by Dave Matron in early 1973and seemedto be increasingearlier than A Brown Creeper was at Fernandina Beach Mar 18 usualwith, for example,.,41Lht'•.PlantationKey-Key (HB) and at Gainesville were seena Winter Wren Dec J•a,go area Mar. 8 (RTP). The goodfi'uit cropof the' 27-Jan.15 (JEH) anda Bewick'sWren Dec. 10(DWJ) stranglerfig and sacredtree of India is suggestedas the cause(FTH). The Ringed Turtle Dove, known THRUSHES, WAXWINGS--Wintering robins from Floridafor morethan 20 yearsprimarily because were thought to be more abundant this year than •n of a smallpopulation in urbanSt. Petersburg,but one the recent past (JBE, J. Richard Gilliland), while was observedon Hypoluxo I., Palm Beach Co., Mar. almostall agreedCedar Waxwingswere scarce(JBE, 19 (HPL,PWS), and anothernear Delray Beachfrom HWK,HMS,GEW). An exception was over 200 at late Februaryon (PWS). About a dozenpairs of Inca Lakeland Jan. 11, but even there none was seen later Dovesinhabit osm•iLwhlo•o_f Key West, where they OBE). havebeen for about10 years. •g•Sb i:•portsof inter- estinclude a M•g•r•ov.9Cuckoo near Qal•f• Q•r•l, Lee WARBLERS--This season's winter and early Co., Feb. 19 (Dave Harris) and a very early Yellow- spring warbler records mostly fall into one of two bfiled Cuckooat Bartow Mar. 31 (JBE,PJF). The categories,uncommon and rare winterers or earlier- dozen or so Smooth-billed Anis seen near Winter than-usualspring migrants. Four Wom eatin W r- Haven, and mentionedin the fall report, scatteredinto blers near Homestead Feb. 9 (JMK) was•t hlgl• in variousnearby towns during the winter. An individual wintereven'•'-s•"Florida, and oneat Sarasota-Mar ofthis species also showed up at OrmondBe..a• Dec. 26 was early (DHM). Three Blue-winged_•/aX.b_[e_rson 9 (GC).The Qanary-winged Parakeet, a currently suc- StockI. Mar. 26 (RS) may•/•II'-lia•O•'D'•en earl'•ml-

606 AmericanBirds, June 1973 grants.ATe, e,e,e,e,e,e,e,e,e•ess•ee whichwas carefully studied near Vero Beach Jan. 18, certainly was a wintering individual, but another at Gainesville Mar. 30 (JEH) probablywas an early migrant.One Nashville Warbler, rare anywhere in Florida, was seen near Bartow Mar. 24 (PJF). Parulas and Prairies were among the first St, sizable wave of landbird migrants to pass through Florida Mar. 14 and shortly thereafter, but several Parulas also were seen about the state in winter. Much rarer in winter is the Magnolia Warbler, one of which was near Lakeland Jan. 6 (PJF,JBE,HBH). A Cape May at St. Marks Light Feb. 24 (JHH,NOW) seems certain to have been wintering, but six togetherat Bis- cayne Nat'l Monument Mar..9 may well have been early migrants(JCO). At least five localitiesreported wintering Black-throate½lGreen Warblers, and the rare Black-throatedGray v.•asat Big Pine Key Dec. 15 (RTP,SS). \ • ""'

TANAGERS The big news for this group is the discovery of at least four and probably six Stripe- headedTanagers on Hypoluxo I. (Palm Beach Co.). A pair was seenfirst Mar• 19 (HPL,PWS) and numer- ous observers saw them later. Strong easterly winds prevailed during the discovery and all were present through the end of March, raising the possibility of Harris' Sparrow.High Springs,Fla., Mar. 31, 1973. breeding.The Islamoradaindividual was presentagain Photo/James Horner. at leastin February.W•,•tern Tanagers, or at least one, were present at feeders at Vero Beach, mid- Co. Dec. 18-Mar. 14 (CHC) and two and three were December to Jan. 24 (ARK, HWK) and Pompano seennear TallahasseeJan. 28 & Feb. 12 (HMS). Song Beachlate Januaryto early February (LB). A Summer Sparrowsseemed more common in c. Floridaincluding Tanager was at a Jacksonville feeder all winter for the Tampa area (GEW) in early winter (JBE). thethird winter (JPW) while/another arrived early to the same city Mar. 7 and another even earlier to Boca INITIALED CONTRIBUTORS--W. Wilson RatonFeb. 11 (JRC,PWS,•.HW). The remains of a Baker, Robert D. Barbor, Harold Belcher, Leone late Summer Tanager were found on St. Georges I. Beshgetoor,Wesley Biggs,John Bowman,C. Yancy Dec. 2 (JMS, HMS). Byrd, JamesR. Cargill, Geoffrey Carleton,Julie P. Cocke, Caroline H. Coleman, Allan D. Cruickshank, FINCHES AND SPARROWS---An ad. • Rose- Helen G. Cruickshank,Rob deMeijer, JamesJ. Dins- breasted Grosbeak was banded west of Vero Beach more, John Doebel, John B. Edscorn, Pat S. Fabrick, Feb. 16 (HW), and earlier, on Jan. 16, a P Blue Gros- Paul J. Fellers, Steven Fickett, Erma J. Fisk, R. L. beak was banded at the same place (HW). A Painted France, Howard Frank, Denby Gatlin, C. S. Gidden, Bunting Seen Dec. 27 (NOW) and a DickcisselJan. Terry Goff, W. Grant Guthrie, Frances T. Hames, 9 (JPC) apparentlywintered in Jacksonville.Evening Harlan B. Herbert, A. Ronald Hight, John H. Hinter- Grosbeaks appeared in good numbers first to Jackson- mister, James E. Horner, Virginia Hubbard, Johnnie ville and St. Augustine Dec. 15, and in January at Johnson,David W. Johnston,Herbert W. Kale, James Tall Timbers Research Station (WWB), and February M. King, Howard P. Langridge,Fred E. Lohrer, at Gainesville (PSF). At least 50 were along the n.e. DonaldH. Mace, Virginia M. Markgraf,Thomas W. coast, and at many places they stayed late, including Martin,George R. Maxwell,Edith V. Miller, Vaughan at Gainesville where they lingered beyond the winter Morrison, StephenA. Nesbit, John C. Ogden, period. PurpleFinches were abundantwith hundreds Veronica S. Pantelidis, Richard T. Paul, William B. around Tallahassee(HMS) and Gainesville (VMM) Robertson,Scott K. Robinson, Douglas L. Roselie, and one wandered south to Lakeland Jan. 6 (JBE,PJF) Ralph W. Schreiber,Robert Smart, Sandy Sprunt, and three to Bartow Jan. 14 (PJF). A lone Pine Siskin Henry M. Stevenson,James M. Stevenson,Paul W. was reportedat a feeder in JacksonvilleJan. 15-25 Sykes,Helen Vick, Bob Wallace,Noel O. Warner, (VMM). Am. Goldfinches seemed scarcer than in Fred Wetzel, Jane P. White, W. Foster White, M. recentprevious years (JHH, GEW et al.). Tops among Joyce Williams, Harold Wilson, Seth Wineland. the sparrowsseen in Florida this winter was a Harris' Ronald H. Willocks, Martha Jane Zackert. Other Sparrowat High Springsfrom Feb. 22 on (RS) where abbreviations: C B C, Christmas Bird Count, U.S.F., it was seen by many and photographed (JEH). At Univ. of South Florida. E.N.P., EvergladesNational McKay Bay Dec. 16 where a C B C party identified Pari, F.O.S. Florida Ornithological Society, F.S.U. over 100 speciesby noon for the second consecutive Florida State Univ., *-specimen.--GLEN E. year, were two White-crowned Sparrowsfound again WOOLFENDEN, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of South Dec. 13 (GEW). Farther north 3 were seen in Alachua Florida, Tampa, Fla. 33620.

Volume 27, Number 3 607 froze late this winter, on Dec. 10 (CJM et al.); and one at Port Franks Dec. 23 (DR et al.). Amherst I. had a Horned Grebe Feb. 6 & 23 (K.F.N.). Pied-billed ONTARIO--WESTERN NEW YORK Grebes are more usualin winter, but singlebirds at REGION Sudbury Feb. 27 (KM), and on the Ottawa C B C /C!ive E. Goodwin & Richard C. Rosche (HNM) were noteworthy, and there were 6 on the Long Pt. C B C. There were 2 early birds at Hamilton The winter was memorable more for its eccentric Mar. 4 (WS et al.); and other early recordsfor this weather than its bird life: we had a cold, wet December, sectioninclude a Double-crestedCormorant at Long Pt. Mar. 25 00, RC), and a Great Blue Heron at a mild and dry January, cold and dry February and a Ottawa Mar. 15 (fide RAF). There were numerous wet and warm March. In total the effect was of a very isolatedGreat Blues reported along the lower Great open winter, with periodsof almost no snow even in Lakes (below, lower Lakes) and there was one at more northerly areas, and much rain. SydenhamJan. 5-6 (DS, CS). •l'llUD$OhlBAY / HAN. / Winisk•'"•CapeHenrielto Maria SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS---The WhistlingSwan movementwas almost two weeks early, with reports

BAY from mid-March: at Kingston 8 at SandhurstMar. 12 RIO were the earliest ever there (fide RDW). Once more

Moosonee Long Pt. missed the main concentrations, with birds QUE. againat L. St. Clair from Mar. 12, increasingto 5000 Lake by the end of the period (m. ob.). Three birds were ne el(..... at London Dec. 16 (JS), and 2 at Hamilton to Feb. t Kirklandß 9 (GM), wheresome 400 flew over Mar. 15-18(m. •_ For*Williota ,•n•"• Lake• •0• ob.). There were 260 Canada Geese on Wolfe I. to Jan.6 (AEB), andone at Ottawathroughout (m. ob.). MINN. The Torontogoose flock continues to increasein spite of beingused by variousagencies as a sourceof young birdsfor transferelsewhere: the Jan. 7 inventory recorded l ll8; the flock originatesfrom 65 birds in January, 1964and numbered 680 when inventorled last year, mostof the birdsappearing to be the descendents of the originalgroup released.They are fed by the TorontoParks Department, but rangequite widely. o,,o . . Two White-frontedGeese at KingsvilleMar. I I (JPK) In spite of the cold fall a good number of later werethe onlyreport of thisspecies for theearly spring migrantsstayed on into December, and the open condi- movement. There were an unusual 20 Snow Geese tions, and the abundance of food in the south must at OttawaMar. 11(EB), 2 at Wolfe I. Mar. 28 (AEH, have aided survival. Orchard after orchard had apples GW) and 4 at Long Pt. Mar. II (JH, DH), but the remaining on the trees, or available on the ground, bird reportedon the RichmondHill C B C proved and there was an abundance of unused wild Duit still to be an immatureexotic (fide GB). The manyearly available when spring arrived. Hence this account is reportsincluded 2 Gadwallat KingstonMar. 24(RKE); embellished with records of wintering species, and a Green-wingedTeal at DelawareMar. l0 (WRJ)and some•such as Mourning Doves and Common Orack- 4 at HamiltonMar. 4 (WS); two Blue-wingedTeal lesSave become so commonplace as to not merit at Turkey Pt. Mar. 18(GBr et al.) and 4 Am. Wigeon remark even when present in numbers in the south. at KomokaMar. 3 (WRJ). All of the lastfour species The mild March provided an unusually early spring. were present at Ayr Jan. 18, when a N. Shoveler was Much movement was one to two weeks early, and alsoseen (CAC et al.) as dabblingducks continue to many record and n•r-record •tes were recorded, far be reportedin ever increasingnumbers over winter, too many, in fact, to enumerate here. On March 15 and althoughthe Toronto OrnithologicalClub wild- the temperature at Toronto hit an astonishing fowl inventoryshowed a much reducedvariety from 67•F, some 20• above normal • But the weekend brought lastyear this may have a reflectionof poorlake condi- a return to winter, and there was a reverse migration tions. A Green-wingedTeal also winteredat Bartie on March 18 of many of the species that had surged from Jan. 21 (CJM) and 2 Wood Ducks at Kitchener in during the previous few •ys. (CAC et el.); a bird of this speciesat Ottawa Mar. Although winter finch movement was mixed there 18 was early (fide RAF). were other incursions and some of the fall movements BothRedheads and Canvasback yielded some high left birds behind to liven the winter scene: the reader counts; at Presqu'ile there were 400 Redheads Mar. should note pa•icularly Goshawks, Gyrfalcons, Gray 15-31;and 100Canvasbacks Mar. 24 (I•RM). There Jays and Bohemian Waxwings. were over 5000 Canvasbacks at River Canard Jan. 21 (JPK), and the Londonarea had its largestnumbers GREBES, CORMORANTS, HERONS•rebes ever, with 2 at StrathroyMar. 8 (WRJ), over 200 Mar. provided a go• number of winter records. There were 15(TNH) and some5-600 in all (fide WRJ). A Lesser 2 Red-necked Grebes on Kempenfeldt Bay, which Scaupwas at Ottawa to Jan. I (m. ob. ), and a Barrow's

608 AmericanBirds, June 1973 Goldeneyewas againat Oakvillethroughout There R•ng-neckedPheasant population moves to the outly- were 2 GoldeneyeX HoodedMerganser hybrids at ing townships in the summer (AWa, fide GB); th•s Sombrauntil February: past years have yielded a single explains the relatively high concentrations of birds bird Kingstonhad good or record countson Jan. 6: around metro feeding stations.A Sandhill Crane made 643 Corn. Goldeneye, 410 Buffleheadand 1544 Old- one of the species' infrequent s. Ontario appearances squaw (K.F.N.). By contrast the Toronto area num- in Kent Co. Mar. 31 OffdeAHK). This season'sbatch berswere down, and one must speculate whether con- of wintering rail attempts included a Sora at London tlnulngfilling operations there plus the more open lake Jan. 6 (DC et al.); 17 Virginia Rails on the Long Pt conditionsmoved birds elsewhere. Harlequin Ducks C B C, and 2 at Kingston which actually survived were in good numbersalthough the Toronto I. bird the winter (K.F.N.). Another Kingston survivor was failed to reappear:there were 2 in Lambton Co. Dec. a Corn. Gallinule, the first successfulwintering on 23 (DR, AR, WL) and singlebirds on the Hamilton record there (FC, RDW). C B C, at ClarksonJan. 7 (CEGet al.), on the Niagara R, Dec. 6 (m. ob.)and at Torontofrom mid-January SHOREBIRDS--A late Killdeer at London Dec (RHW et al.). Therewere 2 White-wingedScoters off 16 (MT), and Corn. Snipe at KingstonDec. 17 (RBS) PrinceEdward Point (below, P.E. Pt.)Jan. 6 (JAW, andPort Hope Jan. 14-28(RJ) werepossibly attempting RDW) anda SurfScoter Dec. 17was Kingston's latest to winter. Early dates for snipe and Am. Woodcock (K F.N.). Earlyrecords for divingducks included a at Kingston were Mar. 16 and Mar. 8 respectively RuddyDuck at BronteMar. 15(M J) with13 the follow- (RDW, RN), and at Ottawa Mar. 16 & Mar. 28 Offde ing day (AW), and 2 Red-breastedMerganser at RAF). A woodcock was seen at Hamilton on Mar Strathroy Mar. 10 (WRJ). 7 (RC), and in the area of Pt. Pelee National Park (below, Pelee)there was an early Lesser Yellowlegs HAWKS, EAGLES--Goshawks seemed to be Mar. 25 (AJR). Purple Sandpiperswere seenat Kettle everywhere!At least 25 differentbirds were reported, Pt. Dec. 23 (DR) and on the Niagara R., Dec. 25 ranging from s.w. Ontario (Ipperwash) east to King- (HHA). ston and north to Sudbury. Eastern Ontario had the most, with 8 at Kingstonin December (fide RDW). GULLS-White gulls appearedin moderate num- Red-tailed Hawk numbers were reduced in some of bers along the lower Lakes, and there were 9 Glaucous the traditional locations for winter concentrations, for Gulls alongthe St. Clair R. over the period (DR) and example, in n.w. Toronto (fide GB, JSa); however, 2 at London Dec. 16 (ML). Reports of a LesserBlack- there were good numbersin somelocalities, especially backed Gull continued: one in Vaughan Twp. Dec m s.w. Ontario where 46 were counted on Dec. 23 9 (GB), and St. Davids Dec. 27 (RFA, AC). Early in Lambton Co. (JPK et al.). A pure white bird was reports include 14 Herring Gulls at Mattawa Mar. 17, seennear Nashvilleduring January (AD, GB et al.). equalling the 30-year record (ARo, fide LdeKL), ScatteredRed-shouldered Hawks were seen,perhaps and a good count of 5000 Bonaparte'sGulls at Pelee reflectingthe open winter. Rough-leggedHawk num- Mar. 25 (AHK). Rarer gulls were a Little Gull at Ron- berswere moderateon the whole, but the specieswas deau Dec. 26 (JPK) and a Black-leggedKittiwake on numerousin Lambton Co. Feb. 25 OffdeAHK). Three the Hamilton C B C. Golden Eagles were seen in the Sudbury area Feb. 8-26 (fide LR, KM), and there were 7 Bald Eaglesight- DOVES, OWLS--Mourning Doves are one of the rags, rangingfrom Fort Frances (GIP, SW) to Sault specieswhich are increasingly abundant in winter Ste. Marie (WNG) and the upper St. Lawrence R. counts of 184 in the Toronto region OffdeGB), 38 in (K F.N.). Gyrfalconswere the other hawk speciesto Lloydtown(GB) and60 in SimcoeCo. (CJM) are rep- appear in record numbers: there were 8 well- resentative. Snowy Owls appeared in scattered documentedreports over the period, and againthe con- numbers, and the Kingston area had only 8-10 birds centration was in the east, west to Toronto and north as the microtine population on Wolfe I. apparently to Sudbury. There were 4 at Ottawa, including one crashed.By Feb. 25 migrantswere beginning to appear that spent a lazy two weeks picking off Rock Doves and 21 birds were seen on Amherst I. The commoner in a suburbanquarry, only to be shot later OffdeRAF). owls were in only low numbers,although some smaller Ottawa also had a Peregrine Falcon, Dec. ll-Feb. concentrationswere reportedfrom favoured localities 18 (RP, RAF), and there was a bird at Midland Dec. Noteworthy individual reports were a Barred Owl in 18 (JEE). A Merlin on Dec. 17 was Kingston'slatest Victoria Twp. which was injured Dec. 5 and nursed (RDW); the Thunder Bay C B C recorded what has back to health by Dec. 20 (KM), and a Short-eared become a traditional wintering bird of this species Owl on Barrie I. Dec. 3 ON). By contrastall the rarer there. Buteo migrationwas noted at Hamilton on Mar. owl speciesappeared in good numbers: single Hawk 9, with 60 Red-taileds(SWo, RF) and at P.E. Pt. Mar. Owls were at PeterboroughDec. 17-Feb. 7 (GH), 24, with 53 birds of 6 species(RDW). Gogamain February OffdeKM), Ottawa, Jan. 13-Mar 4 (m. oh.), and Barrie Dec. 3 (JM). There were also GROUSE THROUGH GALLINULES--Six 4 Great Gray Owls in February:one shotfor taking grouseat the Barrie I. lek from Mar. 23 all appeared a chickenat TehkummahFeb. 14(KM), anotherwhich to be good Sharp-tailedGrouse (GB, NC), although was injuredand died at Nolalu Feb. 5 (AM), and other it has been considereda hybrid populationin the past; birdsat NapaneeFeb. 25 (MK) and in the Minesrag no good Greater Prairie Chicken have been seen there Swamp Feb. 4 (CH, SM, CJM). Seven Boreal Owls since1969 (fide JN). The metropolitanToronto winter were seen, mostly in the east and all in the New Year

Volume 27, Numbel 3 609 however,one •n Alisa CraigFeb 6-Mar 23 wasthe Carohna Wrens and 7 Long-billed Marsh Wrens secondMiddlesex Co. record(HC et al.), andanother Carohna Wrens are showing signs of a recovery wasseen in AlgonquinP. P. Jan. 15(RT). elsewhere, with birds at Toronto throughout (T.O C) and one at Kingston Mar. 18 (HQ). WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- MOCKINGBIRDS THROUGH SHRIKES---The NoteworthyPileated Woodpecker reports were from Rondeau, where 2 were seen Feb. 24 (AJR), and Mockingbird noted above at the Lakehead was still present at the end of the period (KD), and one at Manitoulinl., wherethere were 5 on Mar. 21 (CB). Ottawa to Jan. 7 was the second winter record there Two Red-belliedWoodpeckers in Lambton Co. and (fide RAF); there were 4 other reports in the south another2 in Kent Co. werepresent throughout (fide Noteworthy Brown Thrashers were 2 at Ottawa m AHK). The season'soutstanding rarity was a Lewis' January (fide RAF), one at Providence Bay, Woodpeckerat WindsorFeb. 6-Mar. l0 (m. ob.); this Manitoulin I., Dec. 3-Mar. 25 (CB), and a bird at Kmg- s•ghtinglends strong support to the Peleesighting ston which was the first successful wintering there reportedin the fall summary.The specieswas photo- (JCB). Extraordinary numbers of Am. Robins were graphed and is new to the Province. The most seen: the 34 on the Ottawa C B C compares with a noteworthywintering report from this group was previoushigh of 6, and the record of 148on the Toronto Ottawa'sfirst winter Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, which C B C does not do justice to the flocks of 30-60 birds was presentto early February(AT). This specieshas which were present in many areas of the city. Isolated now been recordedregularly along the lower Lakes birds were reported north to Parry Sound (CAC), m recentyears; perhaps following the pattern*ofCom. Fhckerswhich are nowwell established, if thinly dis- Manitoulin I. (CB) and Sudbury (EH). Two unsup- tnbuted,winterers in thesame area. Hairy Woodpeck- ported reports of Varied Thrushes were at Colborne ers appeared in excellent numbers in s. Ontario for Dec. 15-30(ERM) and Sault Ste. Marie Dec. 14 (KB), thefirst time in someyears, and both species of three- and Ottawa had a late Hermit Thrush Dec. 3 OHs) toed woodpeckerswere also more common: there were Eastern Ontario experienceda very good movement 14 reports of Black-backedThree-toeds and 12 of of BohemainWaxwings: the 703 on the Ottawa C B C Northern Three-toedsin the southand east, with compares with a previous high there of 204, and 500 were seenin one flock on Jan. 6 (fide RAF); both Ottawaaccounting for somehalf of the sightingsin each case. A late E. Phoebe was at Pelee Dec. 24 these figures appear to represent Provincial records, (JPK). Kingston'searliest recorded Horned Lark nest- but the hugeflight of 1958-9was far more widespread, mgwas on WolfeI. Mar. 25, whena nestwith 3 eggs as were several smaller influxes since. This year the wasfound (JW); this species was in "enormousflocks" birdsranged in moderatenumbers to Sudbury,Parry Sound, North Bay and Peterborough, and there were on Feb. 10in Kent Co., and some5000 were estimated 2 at London Dec. 1-14 (HIF). There were relatively (DR). An earlyTree Swallowwas at KingstonMar. 18 (RDW). few reports after early January. Northern Shrikes appeared in good numbersearly, but then largely van- ished until late winter, when a few more were seen JAYS THROUGH WRENS--After last fall's inva- Early LoggerheadShrikes were at Bronte Mar. 3 (MI, sion Gray Jays were widespread. On the Canadian PM) and Ottawa Mar. 18 (fide RAF). Shieldbirds were comingregularly to feedersin many localitiesand there were at least35 reportsfrom further WARBLERS--In keeping with the heavy numbers south,and westto London(HW). The 19on the Ottawa of winteringreports, this group provided a host of late C B C were a record high, and there were 6 in Simcoe birdsand winteringattempts: an Orange-crownedWar- Co (CJM) and smaller numbers elsewhere. No return bler was at Long Pt. Dec. 16 (MJ,AW) and a Pine movementhad beendetected to the end of the period. Warbler at Angus Dec. 10, when a Yellow-rumped Black-billedMagpies also provided more reports: there Warbler was also seen(JM et al.) A bird of the latter were 2 on the Thunder Bay C B C and another there species was also seen at Richmond Hill Dec. 30~31 Feb. 16 (PT); much more striking was a bird at Pelee (GB et al.) and at Pelee a peak of 10 was recorded from Jan. 12 (AJR et al.). One of the three Clark's on Feb. 20 (JAG). Com. Yellowthroats were the most Nutcrackersmentioned in the last report--the one in frequentwarblers seen, with some 12 reportsin the PmpoongeTwp.--subsequently proved to be a Mock- area east to Toronto and north to London. Most were ragbird. The fact that it was misidentifiedby at least early in the winter but singlebirds at Port Credit (DEP 27 observers, including some thoroughly competent et al.), Pelee (JPK,AR) and Hamilton (RC,JO) were ones, is an interestingcommentary on both the hazards present to early February at least. of field identificationand the power of suggestion.After the record fall Boreal Chickadee flight there were BLACKBIRDS--The Pimisi Bay-Mattawa area record numberswintering. The C B Cs tell the story had record early arrivals of a Red-winged Blackbird well, and shouldbe examined,but they fail to illustrate Mar. II and a Com. Grackle Mar. 19 (LdeKL,ARo) a pattern over the period that several observers Both of these species wintered extensively further detected: numbers dropped off during January but south, and a Red-winged(?!--Ed.) at Coniston on Jan there appeared to be a migratory movement in late 13was Sudbury'sfirst in winter(JN). Other winterers March, and birds were presentinto early April; for included 40 Rusty Blackbirds at P.E. Pt., Jan 6 example,in London(JCH, DC). Exceptionalnumbers (JAW,RDW) and 70 Brown-headed Cowbirds at of wrens wintered: a House Wren was on the Pelee Waterloo Dec. 31 (CAC). A Brewer's Blackbird was C B C, which also recorded 16 Winter Wrens, 18 seenat Aldershoton Mar. 18 (DKP,TP).

610 American B•rds, June 1973 FINCHES, SPARROWS--CardAnals contAnue to Sub-regionalEditors (boldface),Contributors 0tahc) consolidatetheir position to the east: for example, the and Observers--M. E. Abbott, R. F. Andtie, H H 23 on the Kingston C B C were the most ever there. Axtell, J. C. Bayly, A. E. Bell, C. Bell, G. Bennett, In 1963 a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch visited a feeder E. Bousfield, R. Bringeman, K. Brown, C. A. Camp- AnNeebing Twp., and someone took a photograph bell, J. Campbell, N. Chesterfield, A. Clark, H. Cle- about which peoplehave arguedever since.This year mens, F. Cooke, D. Currie, R. Curry, A. Dawe, K the debate was finally stilled and the species' place Denis,K. Dinsmore(KDi), R. K. Edwards,J. H. Enn •, on the Ontario list is secured by three excellent shots J. E. Evans, H. I. Ferguson, R. Findlayson, R. A. of a bird, again presentat Thunder Bay Feb. 25-Mar. Foxall, W. E. Godfi'ey,J. A. Greenhouse,W. N. Grigg, 25 (BJS); it was identified as the littoralis race (fide D. Hanna, J. Hanna, C. Harris, J. Harris (JHs), G WEG). Winter finch movements were unusual: Eve- Harrison, T. N. Hayman, E. Hazen, J. C. Higgins, rangGrosbeaks were widespreadand the Peterborough A. E. Hughes, M. lylniak, W. R. Jarmain, M. Jenn- and Barrie C B Cs had record counts (fide RB, CJM), ings, R. John, A. H. Kelley, M. Kimmett, Kingston and Ottawa had possibly the best flight ever (fide Field Naturalists, J.P. Kleiman, W. Lamb, J. Lamey RAF). Further west the specieswas in more moderate (JLa), M. Larmour, L. de Kiriline Lawrence, J numbers, and in the Toronto area at least tended to Lemon, E. R. MacDonald, C. J. MacFayden, H. N dAsappearas the winter progressed.This feature was MacKenzie, B. MacTavish, A. Martenson, G. Meyer, much more pronouncedin the invasionof Pine Gros- P. Modny, J. Moore, K. Mornson (KMo), K. Mor- beaks, which was an excellent flight, but still only a rison, multiple observers (m.ob.), J. Nicholson, R shadow of last year: 7 C B Cs exceeded 100 birds, Norman, J. Olmsted, G. 1. Park, D. E. Perks, H but only Hamilton with 354 exceeded the 200 mark, Petty, R. Poulin, D. K. Powell, T. Powell, D. Prest, althoughthere were 200 in SimcoeCo. Mar. 5 (CJM). H. QuillJam, P. w. Richter, A. Rider, A. Ross (ARo), In the majority of cases the flight appeared to have L. Roy, D. Rupert, A. J. Ryff, J. Satterly (JSa), C passed in the New Year, and the southwest had few Silver, D. Sliter, W. Smith, B. J. Spenceley, R B bardsat all. Redpolls and Purple Finches were almost Stewart, J. Strickland, M. Tabak, Mrs. P. Tapp, absent, but Pine Siskins became more common as the Toronto OrnithologicalClub, R. Tozer, A. Tyler, A seasonprogressed and Kingstonhad unprecedented Wainio (AWa), Mr. & Mrs. H. Walker, S. Walshe, numbers after mid-January with flocks of up to 150 J. A. Warren, R. D. Weir, R. H. Westmore, S. Wood bardsat Ivy Lea (fide RDW). They were common (SWo), G. Woods, J. Woods, A. Worm•ng- at Ottawa from late February, and madea goodshow- ton.--CLIVE E. GOODWIN, Apt. 610, 45 LaRose Ave., Angin most other areas. The 1000 Am. Goldfinches Weston, Ontario, Canada. M9P IA8. Dec. 10 at Kingston (RDW) were a good count of th•s species, which was generally present in moderate numbers in the south; there were 5 as far north as WESTERN NEW YORK AND NORTH- LAvelyJan. 21 (JL). Crossbillsof both specieswere WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.--After the severe scattered, with Red Crossbills the commoner of the wintry weather conditions of late fall, the winter two season was surprise. Average temperatures were A Harris' Sparrow was at Ottawa Nov. 26 (DP). much above normal during December, January Other sparrow records fall mainly into two groups: was more like March, and March was the warmest w•nteringattempts and early arrivals, and at somecost in many years; only February produced normal to to sequencethey will be reviewed in these categories. below normal temperatures. Snowfall was far below A Rufous-sided Towhee at Kingston Mar. 23 (HQ) the long-term averages and most of what fell came was the earliest ever there; Ottawa had an early Savan- during December; Rochester received only 45 inches nah Sparrow Mar. 23 and a Fox Sparrow Mar. 30 of snow (comparedwith 142inches during the 1970-71 (fide RAF); and Pimisi Bay a record earJyDark-eyed season). Junco Mar. 14 and 6 Song Sparrows Mar. 16 Except for generalizationsand comparisons, most (LdeKL,ARo). There were 3 Savannah Sparrow Christmas Bird Count data is not repeated below, for reports in December: 2 in the Toronto area (GB,JLa) specifics,the readeris referredto the publishedresults and one in Kent Co. (fide AHK). Pelee had a Vesper Recordsoutlined below are all from N.Y. State except Sparrow, Fox Sparrow and 40 Swamp Sparrows on where otherwise noted. Feb. 17 (JPK). Chipping Sparrowsprovided the major surprise: there were 5 reports of this species, which SWANS AND GEESE--Single Mute Swans, Asa rare winterer at best: Brampton Dec. I-4 (fide always very scarce, were at Presque I., Pa., Dec 30 AD), Kingston throughout(JCB), Bronte Jan. I & 14 (DS) and at Hamburg, Erie Co., Mar. 17 & 31 (RA, (MJ), Ottawa Feb. 19 (BM), and London from Dec. TB). There were still 140 Whistling Swans on 16(MEA). Other wintering sparrowsincluded a White- ChautauquaL. Dec. 14(RS); springmigrants, in num- crowned Sparrow at Kingston Dec. 17 (fide RDW), bers under a hundred,were locally reported Mar. 14- a northerly White-throated Sparrowat Wasi Falls Jan. 31. For the second year, thousands instead of hun- 21-Feb. 4 (HP), a Lincoln's Sparrowon the Long Pt. dredsof Canada Geese wintered on Cayuga L.; mAgra- C B C, and a Song Sparrow at Parry Sound Dec. tion began in late February with a big flight Mar 1 25 (CAC, JC). Snow Buntingsmoved in largenumbers; & 2 and numbersincreased rapidly so that by Mar there were 3 counts of over 1000, and in Kent Co. 16a peak of 79,000, the highestever, was at Montezuma 8000 were estimated Feb. 10 and 5000 Feb. 24 N.W.R. and 40,000 more were on Cayuga L. (DM, (DR,A JR). RG). Farther westward, however, at the IroquoAs

Volume 27, Number 3 611 N.W.R., Canada Goose numbers peaked a week later at about 57,300 (JM). Until a relatively recent few years ago, Snow and Blue Geese were uncommon to rare in all partsof the Region,but now hundredsand some- times thousandsof both speciescontinue to frequent Montezuma N.W.R. each springalong with the Cana- das; however, their status has not changed in the Iroquois N.W.R. area, the other Regional goosecon- centration area.

DUCKS---As to be expected there were many more reports of half-hardy dabblingducks than drying the averagewinter, with Green-wingedTeal, Gadwall, and Wood Duck being especially widespread. In the Finger Lakes region where they winter regularly in large numbers, a maximum of 2000 Redheads were estimatedon CanandaiguaL. Jan. 27 (JC et al.). Late fall concentrations of diving ducks included 3800 Oldsquawsand 700 White-wingedScoters on the south shore of L. Ontario at Oklahoma Beach, Monroe Co., Dec. l I (AK) and 260 Ruddy Ducks and 145 Hooded Merganserson ChautauquaL. Dec. 14 (FE). A Corn. Eider was at Manitou, Monroe Co. on the south shore of L. Ontario, where it has been more or less regular in recent years, Dec. 14 (WL). Gyrfalcon, Presque Isle State Park, Pa., Feb. 26-27, 1973. Donald Snyder and (photo by) Charles Krantz. HAWKS There was relatively little evidence of the southward invasion of Goshawks in the Region during the winter months;however, this was thought Bay, Monroe Co. There were several reports of Bald to be more a result of various individuals and statistical Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Pigeon Hawks during committeeshesitating to report, rather than an absence this period. of birds; there were four winter reports in the Rochester area, several in extreme w. New York, and another, GALLINACEOUS BIRDS AND RAILS--Ring- that apparently aided in the depletionof the local Blue necked Pheasantpopulations were thoughtto be down, Jay population, occurred frequently during January probably resulting from poor nesting success last near Romulus, SenecaCo. (M J). A new Regionalhigh summer. Turkeys continued their slow but steady of 20 was noted Mar. 29 as they moved alongthe south northward repopulationof the Region as evidenced shore of L. Ontario at Webster, Monroe Co. OC). by reports of eight at the Seneca Army Depot near To continuewith winteringhawks, the Sharp-shinned Romulus, at a lower elevation than usually expected and Cooper's Hawks were more commonlocally than (fide M J). Very late and possibly representingwinter- in the average year. Red-tailed Hawks were concen- ing attempts were a Virginia Rail that was caught in trated in good numbers on the Lake Ontario Plains a muskrat trap at Montezuma N.W.R. in early Jan. (below, L.O.P.) and more Red-shoulderedHawks than (fide NC) and a Corn. Gallinule near Rochester Dec. usual were reported. It was generally a poor season 23 (TT et al.). for Rough-leggedHawks; the few that moved into the Region came later than usual and it wasn't until mid- SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS---Reports of February that maximum numbers occurred on the Killdeer, Am. Woodcockand Com. Snipe were espe- L.O.P.; a bad storm Feb. 13-14was thoughtto have cially numerous during the early part of the season; broughtthem in for sevenwere seen alonga four-mile fall migrants stayed late and spring migrants came stretch of road near Romulus Feb. 14 (MJ). A dark early. Two Am. Woodcock were already performing phase Gyrfal½onwas studied carefully at Presque I., on their breeding groundsat Belmont, Allegany Co., Pa., Feb. 26 (DS) where it was the first record for Mar. 6 (VP et al.). A single Red Phalarope, always that area and one of only a few for the State. Good scarce, was in the Rochester area Dec. 3 CFT et al.). color photographs,one of which is locatedin the Nat'l. The Franklin's Gull, observed at Presque I., Pa. on Photoduplicate File, were taken Feb. 27 (CKr). the Dec. 30 Christmas Bird Count (JS), was about Reminiscent of the "good old days", was an imm. the seventh record for the State (fide RB). One or Peregrine Falcon that frequentedthe Elmira area dur- two Little Gulls frequented both the Lower Niagara ing Jan. where it was seen to snatch a pigeon from R. near Lewiston, Niagara Co. and the lrondequoit the air (WW). Bay area from early Dec. through Jan. 7 (m. ob.). Spring migrant hawks were evident along the south shores of both L. Erie and L. Ontario Mar. 28 & 29. DOVES--The mild March weather probably On the latter date 650 Red-tailed Hawks, 150 Red- induceda Mourning Dove to have two eggsin its nest shouldered Hawks, 22 Marsh Hawks (GP) and two on the record early date of Mar. 16 at Jamestown; Golden Eagles (NM et aL) were reportedat Braddock the nest was later abandoned (CB).

612 AmericanBirds, June 1973 and another was at Ithaca Mar 13 (JT) Normal num- bers of White-breasted Nuthatches were present while MONK PARAKEET--There was a rash of Red-breasted Nuthatches were more common and reports of this exotic in several parts of the Region. widespread than average. The Waterloo, Seneca Co. individual previously reported remained all winter (JW et al.). Another was CREEPERS THROUGH SHRIKES--Brown at Burdett, Schuyler Co. during most of Dec. (JB). Creepers tended to be more common than during the Still anotherwas reportedin the Hamburg-EastAurora average winter. Several Long-billed Marsh Wrens region during the Christmas Count period. In occurred during the early part of the season; there Chautauqua County, six reports were believed to be are no reports during the normal year. Mockingbirds valid (fide DC) includinga specimenobtained at Dun- held their own, with 29 individuals reported on the kirk Mar. 30 and now in the collection at the State Christmas Bird Counts; they have yet to spread into University College at Fredonia (AB, fide DC). Refer- the hilly, higher elevations as the Cardinal has done nng to the Chautauqua County birds, Carlson stated, in recent years. The early part of the season also "We're not convinced, however, that these birds are broughtmore than the usual number of Hermit Thrush from the original New York City area colonies. In and Ruby-crownedKinglet reports. Up to sevenBohe- fact, the specimencollected was shotjust acrossthe mian Waxwingswere irregularly noted in the Rochester street from where it had escapeda week earlier. Further area at Hamlin Beach S.P. and Durand Eastman Park investigationhas revealed that a pet storein Jamestown Dec. 3 - Mar. 3 (TT et al.). Cedar Waxwings were hasbeen sellingMonk Parakeetsfor sometime. Doubt- widespreadin about normal numbers. Like the Rough- less the same is true of several pet shops in Buffalo. legged Hawk, N. Shrikes were late in arriving, but We need banding records, more information (I think they were widespread in all sectionsthrough late Mar there were many sightingsin the past that were not reported because we knew the individuals were local WARBLERS--Myrtle Warblers were more com- escapes)or evidenceof nestingbefore we can say for mon than normal at the start of the season. An imm certain that the birds have indeed spread through 5 Yellow-rumped(Audubon's) Warbler, thought to be upstate New York." the fourth N.Y. State record, frequented a Pine City, Chemung Co. suet feeder Nov. 30-Mar. 9 (WH, NC, OWLS---About nine individual Snowy Owls fre- DK et al.); a good written descriptionis available and quented the Lake Plains during the period; one noted a field note is to appear in a future issue of the Kingbtrd Feb 21 at Hamlin Beach S.P. possesseda red plastic Several Corn. Yellowthroats occurred during Dec in band on its right wing (AK) - any information?A Feb- areas where they are often unreported at that time ruary Long-eared Owl roost near Waterloo contained of the year. A very late Yellow-breasted Chat was a maximum of six in the early part of the month (.IT at Pittsford, Monroe Co., Dec. 4-11 (EH et al.). et al ); elsewhere,very few were reported. Small num- bers of Short-eared Owls were concentrated in at least HOUSE SPARROWS AND BLACKBIRDS-- sevenL.O.P. localities, with the maximum of 13 being An unknowndisease apparently decimated up to 60 near Waterloo Feb. 20 (DK). per cent of certain House Sparrowpopulations at feedersnear Sampson S.P. (fideMJ). A lateNorthern Oriolewas at Greece,Monroe Co., Dec. 18(fide WL) WOODPECKERS AND LARKS---A N. Three- and another spent part of the winter at an Elmira feeder toed Woodpeckerwas far south of its normal range Dec. 20-Feb. 2 (ABr, fide WH). at Phelps, Ontario Co., Jan. 6 (WB). Seldom do we receive reports of more than just a few Horned Larks FRINGILLIDS--All of the northern finches were (E a.alpestris); therefore, a flock of 30 in Pomfret reportedduring the season.Evening Grosbeaksand Twp., Chautauqua Co., Jan. 20 was noteworthy (RS Pine Grosbeaksstaged the largestand most obvious et al ). southward incursion. Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills camenext in abundance,followed by onlya fewreports CORVIDS, TITS AND NUTHATCHES--Re- of smallnumbers of Corn.Redpolls and White-winged flectlng events elsewhereon the continentlast fall was Crossbills. Most of the finches were most abundant a Gray Jay that remainedat Ithaca where it was photo- in the hilly southerntier counties of New York. Max- graphed(DK) from Dec. 12 into Feb. (m.ob., fide imumcounts of somespecies included 203 Evening DM); this was the first authenticRegional report. Blue Grosbeaks(180 in oneflock) at AlfredDec. 24 (EB), Jay numberswere aboutnormal. A Corn. Raven,very 330Pine Grosbeaks (150 in oneflock) at W. Almond, rare but reported with increasing frequency, was AlleganyCo., Dec. 27 (LB & DB) and350 Pine Sisklns studied closely at Webster Mar. 16 (WL1); this con- along the L. Ontario shore east of Rochester Dec stltuted the third report for the Rochesterarea (fide 3 (TT et al.). Among the maximum count of 45 Red TT) Black-capped Chickadee numbers were some- Crossbillsat JamestownMar. 31 weresix immatures, what higher than average. Last fall's Ontario flight approximatelythree-fourths adult size (RS); nesting of Boreal Chickadees was reflected by a maximum was suspectedthere. Purple Finches and Am. Gold- of four that occurred Jan. 21-Mar. 4 on the south fincheswere about normal, althoughlocally more shore of L. Ontario at Hamlin Beach S.P. (m.ob., fide common than usual. TT), two others were noted on the Elmira Christmas Amongother fringillid reports was a subadult• Rose- Bird Count, one was at Eden, Erie Co., Mar. 8 (TB) breastedGrosbeak that winteredat Irondequoitfor

Volume 27, Number 3 613 the first Rochester area winter record (GL et al.). House Finch populationsremained stable at the two regular localities in the Region -- Elmira and

Eggertsville,Erie Co.; a singlebird was noted Feb. .... J 26at Ithaca (fide DM) whereit hasirregularly occurred in the past. Most all of the usual half-hardy sparrows were moreabundant than on an average.Two Chipping Sparrowsspent part of the winter at feedersin James- town (CB et al.) and Belmont (LB & DB). At Ithaca, an ad. 5 Harris' Sparrow remained at a feeder Dec. 12 through mid-Mar. where it was photographed(JT, DM et al.). A secondad. 5in slightlydifferent plumage from the first mentioned, appeared at a feeder about four miles away during the last week of Dec. (JT, ' Z Go/Ii DM et al.) in early Jan. anotherwas foundat a Water- / Knoxville..*• Ashev• N loo feederand becauseof plumagesimiliarities, it was thought by some to possibly have been the same •a og • • .... • , individual as the second Ithaca bird (JT, DM, FW, WB et al.). Lapland Longspursand Snow Buntings -.. were scarce; however, several flocks of hundreds of the latter were reported and a flock of about 1000was numbersof species.For exampleat Carmichaels,Pa. 7 noted in the Keuka Park area (FG). specieswere listed in record numbersand at Pitts- burgh ]0 species wcrc so •portcd. Many of the stragglc• or'unusualwinter birds made it throughthe CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and OB- winter successfully. SERVERS•Robert Andrle, Clarence Beal, Wal- At the other end of the period, March was unusually ter Benning, (AB) Allen Benton, Richard Bollinger, warm, and vegetationwas far advancedby the end of Thomas Bourne, (ABr) AI Bradt, Elizabeth Brooks, the month. While there were many individual cases Jack Brubaker, Doris Burton, Lou Burton, DouglasCarl- of extremely early arrivals, the spring migration did son, Noel Cutright, Jerry Czech, Flora Eiderkin, not sccmto bc very muchadvanced, and generala•ival Robert Gustarson, Frank Guthrie, Elihu Hedges, dates wcrc about normal. Willfred Howard, Morgan Jones,Allen Kemnitzer, Along with the late stragglers,and the •rly arrivals DouglasKibbe, (CK) ClarenceKlingensmith, (CKr) there was a major influx of "no•hcrn finches" and Charles Krantz, Gerhard Leubner, (WL) Walter several real rarities for the Region. Listman,(WLI) Warren Lloyd, DorothyMcllroy, Neil Moon, John Morse, Glenn Perrigo, Vivian Pitzrick, GREBES, PELICANS, HERONS--Horned Donald Sny•ler, James Stull, Robert Sundell, James Grebes were not common in the northbound flight in Tare, ThomasTetlow, JaysonWalker, William Welles. March but in December there were some unusually -- RICHARD C. ROSCHE, 305 Elm St., Crawford, large concentrationsreposed, as for example a flock Neb. 69339. of 75 on Dccp Creek L., Garrett Co., Md., Dec. 7 (FP) and 79 on Watauga L., Tenn. Dec. 16 (GW & APPALACHIAN REGION DL,fide GE). A White Pelion was presenton Noels L., Tenn., Nov. 28-Dcc. 23 (JO). / George A. Hall The mild weather was probably responsiblefor the large number of repo•s of wintering Great Blue Many oldtimersfelt that this was the mildestwinter Herons in the noah, with rcpo•s comingfrom as f• in at least 50 years. If this isn't entirely accurate it north as Warren, Pa. (WH), and Lock Haven, Pa. is closeenough. At the Pittsburghweather station the (PS), and a total of ]0 recordsfrom the Pittsburgh temperature accumulationamounted to 583 day- •ca (DF). A Corn. Egret Dec. 6 in Roan Co., Tenn. degreesin excessof normalfor the period. February (CN & MWi,fide JO) was very late and one in G•rctt was slightlybelow normal,but Decemberand March Co., Md. Mar. 30 was v•y •rly (FP). werefar warmerthan usual. Precipitation for the period was about normal, but practically all of this came as WATERFOWLsUnusually large numbers of rain, and there was little snowfall, and never any ducks remained in the Region well into December, accumulation of snow. as for example2]• duckson L. A•hur, Pa. Dec. The mild, open winter had severaleffects on the 10 (WOR & SR, fide DF). On the other hand the bird observations.For one thingfeeding stations were northboundflight was muchpoorer than in ]972 (e.g. not frequentedby largenumbers of birds,and many numbersonly one-fourthof 1972at L. Arthur--DF) peoplespeculated that populations were low. The mild and no areasreported any greatconcentrations by the December induceda great rash of stragglingfall mi- end of the period. At Elizabethton(GE), Charleston, grants, and the account that follows has numerous W.Va. (NG), and Morgantown, W. Va. (GAH) the "late dates"reported. Most areas, therefore, had excel- flightswc• very poor.The mild March weatherap•r- lent results on their Christmas Bird Counts, both in re- cntly offeredlittle inducementfor the birds to come spect to numbersof individualsand in respect to downand halt their flight. The only majorflights were

614 AmericanBirds, June 1973 reported Mar 17 when one of the few bad storms of Pa , which•s ratherearly (RB), and3 Red-shouldered the seasonproduced good fl•ghts at Lock Haven, Pa. Hawk nestswere found m KanawhaState Forest, (PS) and Indiana,Pa. (CW). Althoughmost species W.Va. (NG). The only reportof the seasonof a Golden were reported,the smallnumbers make it impossible Eaglewas one sightedJan. 14 in TazewellCo., Va to estimatethe overallstatus of eachspecies. (MM), andthe only Bald Eagle report was from Cham- WhistlingSwans remained unusually late at Deep bersburg,Pa. Jan. 27 (DV). An Ospreyat L. Arthur, Creek L., Md. Dec. 17 (FP), L. Arthur, Pa. Dec. Pa. Feb. 24 (MK, fide DF). A Peregrinewas seen 27 (MG, fide DF, FWP), and Dec. 31 near Car- at Marietta,O. on Mar. 9 (MSi&JSi,fideJS). michaels,Pa. (RB). More unusualwere the swansat McDowellCo., N.C., Dec. 16(WHet al., fide JH) CRANES, RAILS, SHOREBIRDS--Theonly and Jonesboro,Tenn., Jan. 10-Mar. 18 (GE). At reportof SandhillCranes was from Dalton, Ga. where Butler,Pa. the main spring flight passed through about 40were seen Mar. 5 (MCo,fide AH). BothVirginia Mar 14(FWP), but in the spring there were few reports Rails and Soraswere foundnear Alcoa, Tenn. Mar from pointsoff of the ratherrigidly defined normal 14,rather early (CN & MWi, fide JO). Killdeerwin- fl•ghtline. Canada Geese were also migrating heavily teredin unusualnumbers; 500 wintering at Coonskin m w PennsylvaniaMar. 14-15.There were only two Park nearCharleston, W.Va. (NG), 99 on the Car- reportsof SnowGeese: 7 blue-phasedat Oneida,Pa. michaels,Pa. CBC (RB) and manyreports from •n early March (fide FWP) and 4 blue-phasedand 8 elsewhere.The mid-Marchmigration was also very white-phasedat BooneL., Tenn. Jan. 16 (PR, fide, heavy. Common Snipe also wintered in unusual GE) numbers:24 on the Carmichaels CBC (RB) and many CommonGoldeneyes were unusually scarce at Mor- otherreports. Here too the springflight was good, gantown(GAH), Lock Haven (PS) and Pittsburgh for example26 seenin one spotat Lock Haven Mar (DF) but were common in the e. Panhandle of West 23 (JV, fide PS). A rather late Am. Woodcock was V•rgmia(CM), and one on the Dalton, Ga. Christmas seenat StateCollege, Pa. Dec. 19 (MW). The only B•rdCount was only the secondrecord there (AH). signsof shorebirdmigration by the endof the period It •s likely that mostof the populationfound open werea fewPectoral Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs waternorth of our Region.Greater Scaup are not often at variousplaces, although a Spotted Sandpiper in Gar- rehablyreported from this Region, so one seen at Deep rett Co. Mar. 28 was early (FP). CreekL. Mar. 24 (FP) and the commentthat they were more commonthan usualat Lock Haven (PS) DOVES, PARAKEETS, OWLS--Mourmng are noteworthy.Oldsquaws were reportedfrom Gar- Doveswintered in goodnumbers at Charleston,W.Va rett Co., Md. Dec. 12 (FP), from L. Arthur Dec. 16 (NG) andWarren, Pa, (WLH), butnumbers were down (FWP), and from SenecaL., Ohio Mar. 16-Mar. 28 by about50 per centin WestVirginia's e. Panhandle (MC, JS).White-winged Scoters were reported only (CM). Another recordcount was the 77 listed on the fromLock Haven (3 on Mar. 15--PS)and L. Arthur CarmichaelsCBC (RB). (2 on Mar. 24•TM, fide DF). The Monk Parakeetsat Pittsburghwintered suc- The two most interestingand novel waterfowl cessfully,and a newlocation for the speciesin that recordscame from Virginia where a HarlequinDuck areawas discovered (DF). Thebirds had been reported waspresent near Blacksburg Feb. 20 - Apr. 7 (CA & at Asheville,N.C. earlierand thesestill persisted MGr,fide JWM), and8 FulvousTree Ducks were seen (RCR),while there were three reports from Rote, Pa, on Dec. 8 & 9 nearStaunton (MH, fide RSS). with an unconfirmedreport of a flock of 25-35birds there (PS). VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES---There was a The Barn Owl hasbeen a speciesof someconcern winterroost of Turkey Vulturescomprising about 250 in the Regionand so reports of threeactive nests near b•rdsnear Blacksburg,Va, (JWM). Northboundmi- Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE), two nests near Blacksburg, grants were reported as early as Feb. 14 at Rote, Pa. Va. (JWM), and one at Clarksville,Pa. (RB) were (PS)and Feb. 24 at Barnsville,O. (MC). FourBlack heartening.The only reportsof Saw-whetOwls came Vulturesat BarnsvilleMar. 24(MC) and2 at Mountain from Warren, Pa. where two were found in March LakePark, Md. werewell north of the expected range. (WLH & H J). The heavy incursion of Goshawks noted in other Regionsin the fall had not been reportedin this WHIP-POOR-WILLS, SWIFTS, KING- Region, but winter records came from Lock Haven FISHERS--Whip-poor-wills at Marietta, O. Mar (CH,fide PS);Venango Co., Pa., oneshot in February 13 and the McClintic Wildlife Station, W. Va. Mar (fide FWP); Garrett Co., Dec. 17 (FP); Marietta, 31 were remarkablyearly OS). Also early were 4 O , oneshot in Januaryand one seen Mar. 25 (JS); Chimney Swifts seen at Marietta Mar. 14, but these andBuncombe Co., N.C., firstauthentic state record, were not seen after the cold weather of Mar. 16-17 b•rdphotographed (JH, RCR). BothSharp-shinned (JS). BeltedKingfishers, no doubtencouraged by the and Cooper'sHawks were reported more frequently open water, wintered in unusuallyhigh numbers. thanusual, and this is encouragingnews if theincrease is real. WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, In the northernpart of the RegionRough-legged SWALLOWS--Wintering Red-headedWoodpeckers Hawks wintered in good numbers and Red-tailed at Waynesburg,Pa. (RB), Morgantown(DS), and one Hawks were in above-normalnumbers. Red-tailed near JohnsonCity, Tenn. Feb. 10 (SG,JD,MD) were Hawks were nestingbefore Mar. 19 at Clarksville, unusual.An E. Phoeberemained in the Pittsburgharea

Volume 27, Number 3 615 untfi Dec 30 (TM) The earliest m•grants were seen American Robins also w•ntered In unusual numbers, at Lew•sburg, W.Va. Feb. 9 (COH), but general arrival and there were many more reports of Hermit Thrushes was not until Mar. 2 at Fancy Gap, Va. (RAK) to this year than usual. Two remarkable winter records Mar 15at State College, (WSC), Indiana, Pa. (CDW), were the Swainson'sThrush at Dalton Feb. 4 (MCo, and lnwood, W. Va. (CM) with other dates within fide APH), the second winter record there, and one those limits. bandedat McClintic Wildlife Station Mar. 31 (JS)--no Purple Martins had arrived at Elizabethton, Tenn. previous records before late April); but the prize Mar. 3, a week early (FB, fide GEL Marietta Mar. thrush of the year was Varied Thrush in Allegheny 13 (JS), and Waynesboro, Va. Mar. 24 (RSS). It would Co., Pa. Feb. 3-Mar. 10 (WHy, fide DDF). appearthat last summer'smartin catastrophewill mean many empty housesthis summer, as a few birds were KINGLETS AND SHRIKES--Golden-crowned seenat any place.Tree Swallowswere at SenecaLake, Kinglets were quite common in the north, but farther O Mar. 17 (JS), McClintic Wildlife Station Mar. 27 south, for example at Kingsport, Tenn. (TF) they were (NG), and Garrett Co. Mar. 29 (FP). A rather early scarce.This same phenomenonwas noticedfor several Rough-winged Swallow was seen in Polk Co. N.C. other specieswhich failed, apparently, to migrate to Mar. 21 (JH). their normal wintering grounds. Ruby-crowned K•ng- lets were also in above average numbers. CORVIDS, CH1CKADEES--Com. Ravens were It was an unusuallygood year for Northern Shrikes nesting near Warren, Pa. at the end of the period, with 6 reports from near Warren, Pa. (WLH), four and it was thought that possibly a second pair might from Pittsburgh(DF), and one from Bald Eagle S P, be present (WLH). Ravens were also reported from Pa. (MCI, MW), and one from Fairview, Md (SS, fide DV). Mountain Lake Park, Md. in December and January, where they are not regular (FP). Very few Black- capped Chickadees were to be found south of the nor- WARBLERS--Yellow-rumped Warblers wintered mal range this year, although 6 on a CBC in Carter in good numbers in the north, with one unusually far Co , Ky. were noteworthy (EK, fide AS). north at Slippery Rock, Pa. Feb. 22 (JB, fide DBF), but as with the kinglets mentioned above they were scarce at Kingsport, Tenn (TWF) and at Elizabethton NUTHATCHES, CREEPERS, WRENS--At (GDE). Pine Warblers are not often mentionedin these Morgantown (GAH) and Dalton (APH) White- reportsbut this seasonreports came from: Buncombe breasted Nuthatches continued to be scarce. At the Co., N.C.--five on the CBC, Dec. 30 (JH), latter location it was thought that the recent increase Elizabethton, Tenn.--two coming to a feeder through •n the Brown-headedNuthatch might be partly respon- January (PR, fide GE); Charlestown--arrived Mar sible for this decline. The Brown-headed Nuthatch 10 (NG); and Blue Ridge Parkway, Va.--seen Mar continues to increase in w. North Carolina, with up 14 (RSS). Some early winter stragglerswere Corn Yel- to 20 individuals counted at one location (JH), Red- lowthroat at L. Arthur Dec. 3 (DF); Cape May Warbler breasted Nuthatches were unusually common in the coming to a feeder at Clarksville until Jan. 10 (RB), spruce-firforest at highelevations in Tennessee(FB), anda Black-and-whiteWarbler at DaltonJan. 28 (JHy, and were numerous and widespread throughout the fide AH). The only other migrant that arrived by the Region,being more common than usual at feedingsta- end of the period wasthe LouisianaWaterthrush which trans. Brown Creepers were in moderate ntlmbers arrived at Charleston Mar. 25 (NG)and Elizabethton everywhere,but the 30 seenin oneday at the Univer- Mar. 31 (G E). sity Arboretum at Morgantown (DS) was most unusual. BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS--The only large Winter Wrens were unusually common in the north, concentrationof blackbirdsreported was a roost near and Carolina Wrens continue their upswing in the Asheville, N.C. where about a million Com. Grackles northernpart of the range.Very noteworthywere the and 150,000 Red-winged Blackbirds spent the winter 32 listed on the Carmichaels CBC (RB) and the 279 There were also approximately500 Brewer's Black- on the Pittsburgh CBC (DF). A House Wren at Hen- birds in this aggregation (JH). Brewer's Blackbirds dersonville, N.C. Mar. 5 was quite early (JH) and were also found at Hoiston L., Tenn. (LRH & GE) a record of Bewick's Wren at Blacksburg,(CA, fide Mar. 14. Despite the mild weather the generalarrival JWM) was the first record in several years there. of Red-wingedBlackbirds, meadowlarks, grackles, and Brown-headed Cowbirds was at the normal t•me in MIMIDS, THRUSHES--The Mockingbird con- early March. A Bobolink at York, Pa. Mar. 17 was t•nues to move northward in force. There were 6•7 a remarkably early straggler(DV). There were three reportsfrom Lock Haven (PS), one report in Garrett apparently successfulwintering Northern Orioles at Co (FP) at a rather high elevation, one at Newcomers- Wheeling,W.Va. (CC); Waynesboro,Va. (RSS), and town, O. (ES), and a total of 26 on the Pittsburgh Kingsport, Tenn. (TF). A Western Tanager was seen CBC (DF). A Catbird remained in Pittsburgh until at Indiana, Pa. Dec. 7 (CDW). at leastDec. 31 (DF) and one wasseen at State College, Feb. 4 (MW). As usual Brown Thrashers attempted FRINGILLIDS--As usual the excitement of the to spend the winter in the north and the mild weather winter depends upon the so-called northern finches, resulted in more than the usual numbers, e.g. 7 and with five species staging major invasions, and (normal of 3) on the PittsburghCBC (DBF). several others in moderate numbers this was an unusu-

616 AmericanB•rds, June 1973 ally goodw•nter EveningGrosbeaks seem definitely numbers in the north of the Regmn At the wnter's to have broken the alternate year pattern prevalent feedingstation in Morgantown,it was secondin abun- a decade ago, and were widespread and abundant dance only to the junco, of the ground feeding birds throughoutthe Region.The distributionwas somewhat The White-crowned Sparrow joined its congenerand spotty,and while someareas reported the bestnumbers winter records came from Sheffield, Pa. (TG, RS,fide m recent years, other placessaw only a few, and along WLH); Lock Haven (PS), West Liberty, W.Va. (ED, the Ohio R. there were only a few records. The real fide GP), and State College (DB, fide WC), all well invader of the year was the Purple Finch, which was north of the usual winter range. The only report of unusuallyabundant in the Great Valley from Chambers- Lapland Longspur was of two at L. Arthur Feb. 25 burg, Pa. to Knoxville. At State College one bander (DF). Snow Buntings were reported twice from banded 660 for the season (MW, fide WC) and at the Pittsburgharea (DF), and from Rockfish Gap on lnwood, W.Va. anotherbander banded over 100(CM). the Blue Ridge, Va. Dec. 1 (RSS). There were three Westwardfrom the Valley a few placeshad equally reports of Harris' Sparrow: Weston, W.Va. Feb. l0 abundant numbers but generally the distribution was (MMe), Marietta, O., Feb. 14-Mar. I (JS), and spottier and numbers lower. A third speciesin very Tazewell, Va. Dec. 29 (WBL). large numbers was the Pine Siskin, but it also had an erratic distribution, large numbers at Morgantown CONTRIBUTORS--Curtis Adkisson, Richard (GAH) and rather few at Clarksville, (RB) only 30 Almy, John B. Baziun,Jr., Fred Behrend,Ralph Bell, m•les away. Red Crossbills were in modest numbers JeanBoosel, Dorothy Bordner,Mary Chapman(MC), compared with the preceding three species but they William Clark, Jr., Morton Claster (MCI), Charles were widespreadthroughout the Region. There were Conrad, Elizabeth DeGarmo, Joy Dillenbeck, Martha only three reports of White-winged Crossbills: one Dillenbeck, Glen Eller, David Freeland, Thomas flock at State College (MMa, fide MW); 21 in Finucane,Carl Garner, MargaretGeible (MG), Norris AlleghenyCo. Pa. Dec. 30 (JG,fide DF); and a flock Gluck, Sally Goodin, Ted Grisez, Joseph Grom, seenregularly after Jan. 10 at Jersey Shore, Pa. OV, Davisson Grove, Michael Grubb (MGr), JosephHall fide PS). The fifth major invaderwas the Pine Gros- (JH), Walter Hall, Anne Hamilton,C. O. Handley, beak All the Pennsylvania stations reported some, Sr., Walther Havekotte, Cecil Hazlett, Mozelle often in good numbers.At Lock Haven it was the Henkel, L. R. Hemdon, William L. Highhouse,June bestyear since1967 (PS), and therewere nine separate Hyder(JHy), HarrisJohnson, Randall Kendrick, Ercel reportsin the Pittsburgharea (DF). However, there Kozee, Mary Kruth, Mrs. W. B. Leslie, Dick Luna, were only three reportsfrom southof Pennsylvania: Michael Marich (MMa), Tom McGary, Marion Means Great Meadows in Shenandoah N.P., Va. Jan. 20 (MMe), Clark Miller, Mark Mullins (MM), Chuck (RSS) and Feb. 18 (JBB);and Cheat Mt. near Cheat Nicholson,J. B. Owen, Glen Phillips, Frances Pope, Bridge, W.Va. Mar. 2 (GAH). F. W. Preston, Peter Range, Robert Rine, Scott House Finches continue to do well at Indiana, Pa. Robinson, W. O. Robinson, Robert Ruiz, David (DW), returnedto Chariestown,W.Va. for the second Samuel,Ruth Samuelson, Paul Schwalbe, Ellis Shimp, winter (CM), and were presentat Front Royal, Va. JulesSimon (JSi), Mary Simon(MSi), Ruth S. Snyder, (RA) and Blacksburg(JWM). They have arrived at Anne Stamm, Susan Stauffer, Jerie Stewart, James Knoxville, (CM, fide JBO)and at Greeneville, Tenn. Vanemon, Dennis Varza, Gary Wallace, Merle (JBO). The farthest penetration of the Region west Whitney,Cora Williams, Morris Williams(MWi), Mer- of the mountainsis indicated by reports from two Ioca- rill Wood(MW)--GEORGE A. HALL, Departmentof trans in Allegheny Co., Pa. (DF). Common Redpolls Chemistry,West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. d•d not come south in any numbers. The biggest ag- Va. 26506. gregationwas a flock of 40 at L. Arthur Feb. 25 (DF). There were also reports of small flocks or singlesfrom P•ttsburgh(DF), State College(MB, fide WC), Lock Haven, Grandfather Mt., N.C. Dec. 28, and Asheville WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION Dec 30 (JH). / Irma W. Chipman Dark-eyed Juncos were consideredto be scarce at several places. This may have been illusory as the This was a mild and open winter, with temperatures result of the mild weather but at Charleston a CBC generally above normal. The coldest weather, w•th total of 144 compared with 627 in 1971 would seem snowstorms, was experienced during the first three to indicate •_ definite decrease. Tree Sparrows were weeks of December, after which a warming trend uncommon at all locations that mentioned them. developed.In this Regionwe look forward to a January Ch•pping Sparrows were somewhat early in their thaw which usually lasts a few days, but one whtch arrival: Mar. 4 at Waynesboro, Va. (RSS); Mar. 15 lasted three weeks--as it did this year--was unbe- at Pittsburgh(DF). The Field Sparrowwas another lievable! In late January temperatures plunged, speciesin low numberson the CharlestonCBC, with but the cold wave was of short duration. During the only 36 listedcompared with 173last year. (NG). The early cold wave in December, the lakes froze over Charleston CBC count of White-throated Sparrows about a month earlier than normal, and the ice went was only 249 compared with 865 a year ago (NG), out of the lakes equally early, in Marchain Lake but this decreaseclearly reflects a shift in wintering Winnebagothe earliest ever. N. llnicky reported the rangesince the specieswas presentin unprecedented warmestwinter ever recordedin the Michigan Upper Peninsula (below U.P.).

Volume27, Number3 617 WATERFOWL--Six Mute Swans were noted at four Michigan sites, and another was seen by mul- titudes near Dousman, Wis., during February and March (DT). On Dec. 3, 3600 Whistling Swans were seen on the Weaver marshes, Wabasha Co., Mmn (FZL), with one reportedfrom St. Joseph,Mich. Dec 19 & Jan. 4 (FM, RS, WB), and several in the lower Detroit R. in January(AHK). Five free-flyingTrumpe- ter Swansfrom introduced stockappeared at Excelsior, Minn., Dec. 30. About 300 Canada Geese wintered at Kensington Metro Park, Oakland, Minn. (RFW) In Wisconsingeese began moving northward the last week in February, but in Minnesota they wintered in at least five areas. Snow Goose winter records came • iOWABELO•TeBELO•T• M•LWAU•E•I•A.jJACjK$ONß from Buffalo, s.w. Mich. (RS), Wisconsin--3 reports I i ,ND.o,o includingGreen Bay and SturgeonBay (blue-phase) Michigan experienceda bad snowstorm March 17• -- with 40 seen flying over the Soo, Mich. Mar 7 no doubt many birds suffered, but some found suste- (SH). nance at feeders. But Ilnicky reported few birds at A few Gadwalls were noted, includingtwo on Paw feedersin the U.P. and bandednot a singlebird during Paw L., Mich. Dec. 19-Jan. 1 (EG, RS), and on the January, February or March. Meanwhile, winter rains Madison and Hudson, Wis. C B Cs, with more than on already saturatedground raised water levels, mak- the usual number noted at Erie Marsh, and Belle Isle, ing poor shorebirdingand affecting some marsh nest- (AHK). At Berrien Springs, Mich., a Pintail was seen ers Dec. 17 (RS), the species was present in Milwaukee There were more hawks than usual, but it was a duringJanuary and February (EB et al.), and in Alpena very poor winter for eaglesin the Thunder Bay area County, Mich., in January. A 9 Green-winged Teal of Michigan (Wm. Grigg). An ad. Bald Eagle was winteredin Milwaukee, (MD et al.) while Blue-winged caught in a Fox trap Feb. 16, and taken to Kellogg Teal yielded scattered reports in December from Bird Sanctuary, where it died Mar. 7. Worse news Ortonville, Minn. (DP) Buffalo Co., Wis. (MMs), and was that an ad. Golden Eagle was trapped, again in Oconomowoc, Wis. (DS). An Am. Wigeon success- a fox trap, and killed, in s.w. MissaukeeCo., in mid- fully wintered in Milwaukee (EB,MD et al.), while December. a N. Shoveler wintered at Madison, where 27 had been counted on the C B C. Wood Duck was noted on LOON THROUGH HERONS--Common Loons nine regional C B Cs, and wintered successfullyin four locations. were present until the lakes froze. Two were rescued by a conservationofficer on Dec. 7 in s. Mich. (MJ), On Dec. 16, a • Barrow's Goldeneye,first for the three stayed near Sugar I., Ottawa Co., e. U.P. until w. edge of Minnesota, was seen at Ortonville (DP), Dec. 11 (WNG), and two were at Port Sheldon in a d was carefully identified in Kenosha harbor, Wls w c. Michigan until Dec. 23 (JP). Red-neckedGrebes Dec. 6 & 23 (RH). Other waterfowl records for the were observednear Kalamazoo until Jan. 1 (RA), and period include 100 Oldsquaws at Ludington S P , throughoutthe period in the Oconomowoc area of Wis- Mich., Jan. 25 (RH), 125 White-winged Scoters on consin (EP et al.) with two found Mar. 19 at Robbins L. Michigan, n. Kenosha Co., Dec. 5 (RH), two in L in s. Mich. (MJ). An Eared Grebe was found at Kenoshaharbor Feb. 16(RR), and onein BentonHar- Benton Harbor Mar. 16 (RS). Pied-billed Grebes were bor Mar. 19 (RS), three Ruddy Ducks at L. Geneva, noted on three Wis. C B Cs, observed at Fergus Falls, Wis., Dec. 30 and 2 at Milwaukee Dec. 31 (.fide DT), Minn., Dec. 17 & Jan. 7, and they successfully win- Hooded Merganserwintering at La Crosse(FL), Mil- tered at Black Dog, Minn. (RBJ), Menasha, Wis. (DT), waukee (MD) and Port Washington, Wis. (TB), with and Dane Co., Wis. (PA). one at Alpena in January (WNG). A Double-crested Cormorant was carefully observed at the end of November and Dec. 1-2 at BIRDS OF PREY--Two Turkey Vultures were Elkhart L. Sheboygan Co., Wis. (EK et al.), a late reported in s.e. Michigan Mar. 13, which is early date. Great Blue Herons lingered late, with up to ten (AHK), but one day later than one along the Miss in the Monroe marshes in s.e. Mich in late December R. n. of La Crosse(MD, LE). In Michigan,the earliest (AHK), andJanuary sightings at St. Croix, Wis. (MO), date was Mar. 6 at Allegan State Game Area, with and Sherburne, Minn. The Great Blue heronry e. of another there Mar. 26 (NR,PRa,MJ) An Mottville in s.e. Mich. became active on Mar. I with unprecedented number of Goshawks were seen in Wis- the first arrivals. By Mar. 31 the heronry totaled 60 consin during the period, with 25 C B Cs reporting nests, with 19 in one tree. A Green Heron Mar. 22 them. There were 25 winter reports from 12 Mmn in Milwaukee was 2« weeks earlier than the previous counties, which is 2-3 times the usual number (JCG) state record! The Great Egret too set an arrival record One was in Allegan Co., w.c. Mich., Jan. 20 (HC), at Wayne Co., Mich. Mar. 7, with other arrivals at and another was seen in Marquette Feb. 17 (JRu) La Crosse Mar. 21 (JR) and Horicon Marsh, Wis. Nine reportscame from s.e. Michigan(AHK), with Mar. 31 (JI). There were several reports of lingering one at Jones in s.e. Michigan Feb. 26. There were Black-crownedNight Herons, with two as late as Jan. sightings of Coopefts Hawks from 24 Wisconsin 12 (AHK). counties,with two birds in Allegan Co., Mich , Jan

618 20 (HC) and two m Ottawa Co , M•ch , Feb 18 were reported from Wisconsin only from seven (JP,HC). Sharp-shinnedHawks were reported from counties,Waushara being the northernmostwith high- eight counties, includingthree reports from Detroit, est number (47) on any C B C. They wintered well. where wintering birds are unusual. Large numbersof A Sandhill Crane was heard calling and its tracks Red-tailed Hawks were reported, especially in early foundon the WaukeshaC B C Dec. 17 (RA). Migrant December in Macomb and St. Clair Cos., Mich. (total Sandhill Cranes were returningto s. and c. Wisconsin of 104 birds) with 152 others elsewhere (AHK), with duringearly and mid-March, whichis very early. Two numbers in w.c. Michigan (JP). Reports of a Red- Sandhillsappeared in MasonCo., Mich. Mar. 20 (EG). shoulderedHawk eating suet from a feeder in Crow The species is unusual in the Detroit area, but this Wing Co., Minn., early November-Dec. 12, Jan. 23, year three birds were seen; several had appearedin & Feb. 23 could be of three different individuals.(TS). the nesting area in Jackson Co., Mich., in late March The specieswas reportedas more numerousthan usual (AHK). Two Virginia Rails were sighted in late from Michigan; Wisconsin had reports from 13 December in the Detroit area, where there are few counties,reporting the bird unusuallycommon during winter records. One arrived in the Muskegon Co., the period. Mich., Mar. 31 (GW). A large number of Am. Coots The Golden Eagle was observed in four areas of were at Port Sheldon, Mich., Mar. 27 (BM). Minnesota Dec. 16-Feb. 26 (RBJ,FZL), with one seen There was a large movement of Killdeer in the Re- feeding on a deer carcass at Lutsen, Dec. 7 (L.A. gion duringthe first week of March. An Am. Woodcock Scherer, fide JCG). Three well-documented reports was flushed from a highway ditch in Kenosha Co., came from Wisconsin:Juneau Co., Jan. 13 (MD,LD) Mar 3, the datea new early recordfor Wisconsin(RH). and Feb. 3 (same bird? - DT), and Buffalo Co., Feb. A Corn, Snipe, the fifth winter record for Mich- 10 (SK). One was sightedat Allegan State Game Area igan, was found in Monroe Co. Dec. 16. (AHK), and a Mar 3 & 11 (NR, PRa, M J, PJ). Others were at freshly-killedbird wasfound on a highwayat Marquette Fennville, s.w. Mich., Feb. 18 (TC, RS) and Mar. Jan. 14 (WR). One Lesser Yellowlegs was spotted in 18-31 (DS, RS, JW). Numbers of Bald Eagles were Ozaukee Co., Wis. Mar. 28 (T&CB), and the fifth lower than usual in Wisconsin, but there were 21 re- December Dunlin report for Michigan was one seen ports, mainly along the Mississippi and Wisconsin in Monroe Co. the 16th (AM). R•vers. The scarcitymay have beencaused by the early freezing weather in December. There were four GULLS--According to Minnesota birders, the s•ghtJngsin n.e. Michigan Jan. 28-Mar. 24 (RS, OBE, Glaucous Gull was less numerous than usual on L. WNG, CB). Other period reports came from Sugar Superior, with no first-year birds seen, indicating a Camp, Oneida Co., Wis., Mar. 16(EG), the St. Mary's poor 1972breeding season (JCG). There were but four R throughout the period (m.ob.) throughout Foster reports from Wisconsin. One Iceland Gull was C•ty, U.P., Dec. 29 (LP), and 1-3 at Allegan, Mich., reported in Waukesha Co. [date?] (IB,MD). There was throughout (JAB). A white-phase Gryfalcon was a Little Gull at Belle Isle Dec. 10 (JPK); this is carefully observed in Barren Co., Wis. Dec. 17, 25, the second winter record of a bird rare at any time. Jan 20 (AG). In Minnesota, one was found injured in Record numbers of Herring Gulls frequented Mar- Martin Co. [date and fate?--Ed]. Another was found quette harbor--highest count 1739+. Ozaukee County at McGregor, Minn. Jan. 28 (TS), and one in inter- boasteda Bonaparte'sGull on Dec. 30 (GAL). mediate plumage at Duluth Feb. 4 & 26 (B&DC). Finally, a dark phase Gyr was seen near the Soo, M•ch , Jan. 13 & Feb. 3 (WNG). The only reports of DOVES, PARAKEETS, OWLS--Mourning Peregrine Falcons came from Minnesota and were Doves nested as early as Mar. 6 in s.e. Michigan, early migrants.An unusualnumber of winter recordsof with fledgingMar. 13. (Mrs. Cox). The specieswin- Merhns (all well-documented) were received. tered well in Wisconsin, but numbers were down. They included, in Wisconsin:one Dec. 16 in Shawano Monk Parakeetswere reportedfrom at leasteight loca- Co (LMF), one in December and on Jan. 5 in Langlade tions in the Detroit area, often more than single birds, Co (BP), Juneau Co. Jan. 26 (MD, LE, WW) & Feb. and most eatingfruit in small orchards.[This may be 3 (DT), and one Mar. 3 at Milwaukee (DT). Minne- the first official confirmation of the fears expressed sota sightings included one Dec. 16 at Ortonville about the spreadof this speciesby agriculturalinter- (DP), oneJan. 23at Ottawa Co. (GH)and oneJan. 23in ests--Ed.] Crow Wing Co. (TS). American Kestrels wintered A pair of Barn Owls in Monroe Co., previously in good numbers. reported, were still present during the period. This is an extremely scarcebird in the area (AHK). Also reportedthere were nesting Great HornedOwls. Thr•e GAMEBIRDS, CRANES, SHOREBIRDS-- were reported in the e. U.P., with one west of the Greater Prairie Chickens were noted in Portage Soo at Moran Mar. 24 (DR), and one wintering at Co, Wis. (DH) Dec. 19, and two were in Dodge the Cedarvilledump (HH). ScreechOwl, rare in the Co Dec. 21 (CG). Sharp-tailed Grouse has made far north, was noted in Beck Co., Minn., and on Dec a good comebackwith controlled burning to improve 16in Ottertail Co. at Tamarack N.W.R. (KRE). Snowy •ts habitat at Crex Meadows, Wis., and was reported Owls madea goodshowing throughout Michigan, with as commonthere duringthe period (NS). On Dec. 20, one in Mason Co. Dec. 19 (EG), three in Muskegan 48 were counted in Taylor Co., Wis., and on Jan. (GW), andfour in a 3-milearea in c. OttawaCo. Jan 17 four were seen 6 mi. west of the Soo (MA, WNG). 13 (HC). It was very common in open fields s. of No Spruce Grouse were reported, while Bobwhites the Soo; where Grigg and Avery recorded48 sightings

Volume27, Number 3 619 Jan 12-Mar 30, and calculated that there were 14 dif- impossible to find after the storm of Dec 12, but by ferentowls wintering within 12 miles of theSoo, only Jan. 24 they were back again (M J). Tree Swallows one of whichwas a solidwhite ad. • (fide WNG). and Purple Martins arrived in that area on Mar 21, Thepeak in Duluthharbor was six Jan. 7 (MK). There but there were record early arrivals of Tree Swallows were reports from other areas, but this was not an in Wisconsin, i.e. Mar. 12 in Buffalo County (MD, invasionyear; few werereported from Wisconsin,all LE). Many Gray Jays were reported in the e U P , singlesexcept for nineseen at GreenBay during the they seemedto be everywhere this past winter There period,with one still present in lateMarch (TE). In were reports from six Wisconsincounties, with num- n e. Michigan reports were few, with one near Metz bers rangingfrom 1 to 25. This was an invasion year Dec. 18and another near Hillman in mid-January(JE). for the Black-billedMagpie in Minnesota. Eight birds There were two well-documentedreports of Great were seen in the same period in Aitkin, Marshall, and GrayOwl in Wisconsin.One was found dead (car kill?) Big Stone counties, three from St. Louis, Cherbourne, near Pensaukeein Oconto Co., Feb. 23 (GJ), and and Hubbard counties. Singles were noted in Cook another was observed in a tree in Vilas Co., Feb. 2 (accidental this far south), and Mille Lacs counties (HB). There wereeight reports from Minnesota,which Clark's Nutcracker made an appearance in several •s high (fide JCG). Long-eared Owls made a better areas well east of its normal range; several reports showingthan usual. During the period8-10 were seen were from Wisconsin, but only was documented It m Dane Co, three in Kenosha County, and 10+ in was carefully observed in Point Beach S P , MilwaukeeCounty, with one in Ottawa Co., Dec. 8 ManitowocCo. Jan. 13 (DTi). One stayedat a feeder (HC). Reportsof singleShort-eared Owls came from at Christmas L., Minn. from November to Feb 20 Fonddu Lac, Wis. in December,Racine Dec. 16(EPr), (RT). Another was observed in Marquette m and Jan.-Feb. (MD et al.). In Minnesota, one was December. Fourteen counties in Wisconsin reported at OdessaDec. 16(DP), and two were seenin Ottertail Corn. Ravens. They ranged as far south as Juneau Co. (KRE), where on Jan. 18 one was found dead Co. Jan. 14 & 20 (BF) andJackson Co. [date9](SR) (BAH). Six winteredin a pine plantationin Ottawa It was an invasion year for the Boreal Chickadee. Co. (JP), as did a groupof 16 in MacombCounty In n.e. Minnesota it was reportedfrom eight counties andanother bird in WayneCounty (AHK). It was numerous at Cedarville in the e. U.P (FH) A Hawk Owl was observedMar. 4 in Aitkin Co., It was found in smaller numbers in Moran (DR), St Minn. (TS et al.). A BorealOwl (no details)was lgnace (WNG), and the Soo (BS,RHo,EA). One was recordedin Duluth (fide JCG), and a Saw-whetOwl observedin Berrien Springs Dec. 1-3, one at Niles was at Houston, Minn., Dec. 19 (FZL). In s.e. Jan. 27, and 4 at Marquette (JW, EQ). It was observed Michigan,where there are few records,three were in Douglas(BK), Langlade(EPr,CR) Oneida(FR) and seen.It wasalso observed near Hubbard Lake (RS), Price counties(KK, MN). In s.e. Michigan about 46 La Crosse (FZL), Chippewa County (SR) and Boreals were reported from 12 stations, The Tufted WaukeshaCounty (CH). Titmouseis increasingits rangenorthward; this winter it was reportedfrom 16 Wisconsincounties, the north- WOODPECKERS THROUGH MIMIDS--The ernmost was Brown County. It was an excellent winter Northern Flicker successfullywintered in 20 counties for Red-breasted Nuthatch with numbers distributed of Wisconsin but numbers were down. One inter- statewide in Wisconsin,but the species was absent mediatered-shafted form was seen Dec. 12-14,and in the e. U.P. No Winter Wrens were reportedfrom on Dec. 20 another pure red-shafted form also was Michiganthis past winter, after last year's plethora• seenat the samefeeder in Duluth (MMC). The Red- Wisconsinhad reportsfrom six counties. After years belliedWoodpecker continues to extendits range of almost complete absence, Carolina Wrens are northward;six individualswere seenin Minnesota, increasingin Michigan, and Minnesota had one bird but as yet thereare no breedingrecords. Red-headed Dec. l-Mar. I at in Hennepin County (RBJ et al) Woodpeckerswere lessnumerous there than usual, Mockingbird, rare in Wisconsin, wintered well m withnumbers down in s.w. Michigan,but increasing Michigan. One wintered, supported by a feeder m m s.e. Michigan(AHK). One winterednear Hubbard Manitowoc, and another wintered at Waterford, Lake (RC). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere noted Racine Co. (fide MD). A Gray Catbird was ob- Dec. 31 at Rochester,Minn., (JAB) and Jan. 4 at servedat Crosse Ile Jan. 2 (JPK) and another was at Duluth (KS), the latter the first winter record that far Ann Arbor Dec. 30 (AM); there were only four pre- north. Four birds winteredin Wisconsin;two were vious winter records there. Another wintered at a m Grand RapidsJan. 29 (RB). Black-backedThree- feederin Marquette(RM). Othersingle catbirds were toed Woodpeckerswere recordedin HubbardCo., located in s.w. Michigan, Milwaukee County, and Dec. 16& Jan. 13(RBJ,DR), DouglasCo., Dec. 22 Kenosha.The Curve-billedThrasher which camedaily (MG), andat the MadisonArboretum Jan. 26 (DT), to Merle Maier'sfeeder in BuffaloCity, Wis., survived Crow Wing Co., Feb. 2 (TS); and OcontoCo., Feb. the winter, and in doing so causedmuch excitement 4 (JW,TE). among observers. The bird had built three unsuccessful Migrant E. Phoebebegan to appearin Wisconsin nests last summer, and brought 200+ visitors to the duringthe last two weeksof March. In s.e. Michigan, Maier's back yard. Early in December, 2 • Varied where the bird has been scarcefor severalyears, one Thrushes appeared in Minnesota and remained until appearedat KensingtonPark [date?]and five at Stony Mar. 10 at Waukon,Mille Lacs Co. (TS,RBJ et al ) Creek Park [date?],one of the remainingnesting areas. A • came to the Zuelka feeder in Wisconsinregularly (AHK). In s. Michigan, Horned Larks were almost duringmid-December, and stayeduntil late February

620 AmericanBirds, June 1973 It was confirmed by (EP,MD,LE,DT et al ) One FR1NGILLIDS---Thls was an invasion w•nter for appearedin LudlngtonFeb 20 (EG) and wasalso well- EveningGrosbeaks in Wisconsinand lower Michigan, documented. A Townsend's Solitaire, far east of its there were very few at feeders in Minnesota, and only normal range, was discovered feeding on berries in scatteredreports from the U. P. (NJI). They werewide- Sheridan Park in Cudahy, Milwaukee Co. Feb. and spread near the Soo, however, Purple Finches were photographedby Mrs. Surderski. It was seen almost scarce.Pine Grosbeakswere reportedin modestnum- daily until mid-March and confirmed by MD, LE,EP bers in all three states but were scarce at the Soo. et al An unprecedentednumber of Hermit Thrushes The Corn. Redpolls, which were so numerous a year (42) were reportedfrom the Detroit area. Several came ago, were sadlymissed by observers.Pine Siskinswere to feeders duringthe entire winter in Milwaukee. One plentifulin mostareas. Red Crossbillsinvaded Grand wasalso observed in KenoshaDec. 13 (fide MD,LE). Rapids with as many as 20 at one time at feeders (JP). One in Duluth Dec. 17-Feb. 24providedthe first winter There were modest numbers in the U. P. (NJI), but record for Minnesota (RBJ,JCG et al.). Eastern common in all parts of Michigan, and Wisconsin had Bluebirds were more numerous in the Detroit area than impressive numbers. White-winged Crossbills were of late, with 23 birds reportedin variousplaces. At irregular in s. Michigan Dec. 12-Mar. 23 (MJ). They the studyarea in Stony Creek Park where Pinknowski were almost totally absent in Wisconsin. As would hasan ongoingproject, he reportedan early nest Mar. be expectedin a mild winter suchas the Region experi- 24 (the bluebirdssurvived the storm),but he reported enced, large numbers of wintering Rufous-sided that a scarcity of bluebirds by Mar. 25 indicated that Towhees and many speciesof sparrowswere recorded. the true springmigration was yet to come(fide AHK). A Gray-headedJunco was seenJan. 1-Feb. 24 at Boyd, Four Ruby-crownedKinglets were reportedfrom Lac qui Parle Co. (A&FE) and was the third state the Detroitarea, a largenumber for winter(AHK). record for Minneapolis. Lapland Longspurs were One was seenin Decemberin WaukeshaCo. (OC) scarce, and there were reports only from Goodhue and Dec. 6 in MilwaukeeCo. (ES). A Water Pipit C B C (JAB), Nicollet ON), and Cottonwood (LR). was observedMar. 8 in s.w. Michigan(RS). One was In Wisconsin December reports were from Dodge, also seen Dec. 16 in Monroe, Mich. Co. and was the Dane, St. Croix and Kenosha counties.Small flocks secondwinter reportfor that area(AHK). Bohemian of Snow Buntings were reported in Wisconsin, most Waxwingswere reportedfrom all three statesbut were of them in December but 100 were seen in mid- widespread.The largestflock reportedwas from Mar- February in Barren Co. and 200 Feb. 4 in JuneauCo. quette Co., Wis. where a flock of 150-200tarried most of the winterfeeding on the manyapples left on the CONTRIBUTORS--RobertAdams (RA), Evelyn trees at a country orchard. In w. c. Michigan another Armstrong,Peter Armstrong, Philip Ashman (PA), flockof 200was observed in OttawaCo. Jan. 14(HC Tom Ashman,Margaret Avery (MA), Ivy Balsom, et al ). Northern Shrikes were more numerous than RalphBaldwin, Roger Bajorek, Mr. & Mrs. J. Bartell, usual in the n.e. counties of Minnesota. Two were Mr. & Mrs. ElmerBasten, Carl Basel,Fred Bateman, notedat MarquetteJan. 20 (EQ). They werepresent Henry Bateman (HA), Harold Bauers, J. A. in excellent numbersin Wisconsin.A Loggerhead Baumhofer(JAB), JohnBaumgartner, Robert Bayer Shrikewas seen at closerange in AlleganCo. Mar. (RB), JamesBeckman, Dan Berger,Dick Beverly, 4 (JP) and anotherwas seen in n.e. Michigannear JohnBielefeldt, Carol & Tom Bintz(TB), WalterBooth some hawks Mar. 18 (WNG - a good view with 20x (WB), Robert Boyer(RBo), Mrs. JohnBrakefield, scope). Betty& Doug.Campbell (B&DC), E. Carhardt,Thos. W. Carpenter(TC), MarjorieM. Carr, Tom Casner, Harry Clark(HC), Ed. Cleary(EC), Olive Compton (OC), HarrielCopeland, Rick Counsellor(RC), Mr. WARBLERS, ICTERIDS--One doesn't associate & Mrs. H. Cox, ConnieDalrymple, Irene Dalrymple, warblers with northern winters but in the Detroit area RichardC. Davids,Richard Dean, Lisa Decker, Jerry an unusual number were recorded. There were •2 Diebold,Mary Donald(MD), Joe Eaton,Alpha & Orange-crownedWarblers reported, one of which flew Fred Eckhardt, Kim R. Eckert (KRE), Tom Ellis agmnsta window Dec. 2 in Fraser (TN) and another (TEl), Tom Erdman(TE), LouiseErickson (LE), •n a court of a school in Lincoln Park. These are the Ruth Erickson,O. B. Eustis(OBE), J. E. Faggan, latest recordsfor this species.Yellow-rumped War- Mrs. L. A. Fell, L. M. Fenton(LMF), BobFiehweg blers were found on s.w. Michigan C B Cs; 46 were (BF), DorothyL. Fogt,J. A. Fowler,R. C. Frohling, seen Six Corn. Yellowthroats were found in the JimFuller, Earl Gacherson (EG), EthelGetgood, Wal- Monroe Co. marshes Dec. 16. ter Giles,Chas. Gilmore (CG), Alta Goff (AG), Mar- A Yellow-headed Blackbird came to the Grace Hood vinGranlund (MG), KathyGrant, Win. N. Grigg(e feeder in Green Bay Decemberwhere it was seen on Upper Peninsulaand n.e. Michigan),Janet C. Green •he C B C Dec. 17 (fideEC). Onealso came to a (Minnesota),Delbert Greenman, Faith Hadley (FH), feeder in Macomb Co. Dec. 25-29. This is the first Ray Hallisy,James Hamers (JH), MaybelieHardy winter report for Michigan of a speciesrare in all sea- (MH), D. Hargreaves,Harry Harris (HH), Stella sons Rusty Blackbirdsmade their appearanceat 5 Haughton(SH), CarlHayseen, Don Helgerson(DH), locations in Wisconsin Dec. 17-Jan. I. Brewer's Black- Wm. Hilsenhoff, Robert Hirsch, BarbaraL. Hirt, b•rdswintered in severalcounties in Wisconsin(DT). BruceA. Hitman (BAH), Harry Hobson, Katherine A b•rdwas present at a feederall winterat Deerwood, Hobson,Thos. Hodges,Ron Hoffman(RH), Gary Crow Wing Co. (TS). Holleman(GH), Win. Hopkins(WH), RobertaHorry

Volume 27, Number 3 621 (Rhol, Helen Horton, N.J. Ilnicky, (Upper Peninsula), i MINN ONT. Terrance Ingram, John Iozikowski (Jl), Mike Ivanovs, Robert B. Janssen(RBJ), Gary Jolin (G J), Marie Jones, (s. Michigan), Michael Jones, Preston Jones, N. T. Kelley, Alice H. Kelley, (s.e. Michigan), Karl Kemp (KK), J. P. Kleiman, Bernard Klugow, E. D. Kopische(EDK), Steven Krings, Eleanor Kuhn (EK), Mrs. Norman Kukuk (NK), Tom Kurth (TK), G. Andrew Larsen (GAL), Violet Lender, Mary Leiffers, .... ,,, Mrs. Glen Leppa, Fred Z. Lesher (FZL), Harold .... II ,._ c •_'.o,•_._,ayge'• KY. • /"v-VA. Liebherr, Harold Lindberg, Bess Lipke, Mr. & Mrs. R. L. Liskow (RLL), Roy Lukes, Mr. and Mrs. Merton Maler (MMs), AI Maley (AM), Harold Mathiak, Bill Martinus (BM), Mrs. L. Maurin, Doug McWhirter, Ruby Molinare (RM), Floyd Murdock (FM), Earl February temperatureswere near or slightly below nor- Neeb, C. E. Nelson, J. Niemi, Marian A. Norris, mal for the eastern area, but above normal in the west- T. H. Notebaert, Manley Olson (MO), Karl Overman, ern part of the Region; however, March was above G. Palmer, Clarence Palmquist, Mr. Parfitt, Ed. normaleverywhere (up to I I. I øabove normal at Cleve- Peartree(EP), Mrs. Ed. Pelissier, Don Peterson(DP), land and the warmest on record for Louisville). Mrs. Ralph Pias, Bernard Pickering (BP), Ben Pin- December was very dark, only 5% of the total possi- kowski, Mr. & Mrs. E. E. Piontter, James Ponshair, ble sunshine was recorded for northern Ohio. and wet. (w.c. Michigan), Ed Prins (EPr), Ron Posuniak,James January was somewhat sunnier and not so wet--less Purcell, Leina Pynnonen (LP). Edward Quinn, Phyllis than average rainfall. February was considerednearly Raccasi (PRa), Mr. & Mrs. Radcliffe, F. Radliff(FR) average; however. March was destructive. In south- Nancy Rea (NR), Robert Reyda (RR), Geo. Richens, western Missouri, the total precipitation at the end Sam Robbins (SR), Lory Robertson. Wm. Robinson of March for 1973 was 11.81 inches compared to an (WR), David Rockeleau (DR), Wayne Rohde, Mary average of 4.62 inches: Iowa and Illinois recorded their Ross, Jerome Rosso (JR), Albert Roy, Mrs. John Rub- wettest March on record. In the eastern states, it was lin (JRu), Carol Rudy. Dick Ruhme, Lester Rupp, also very wet, but records were not set. Doug Ryan (DR), Alan J. Ryff, Dan Salisbury(DS), Becauseof the flooded areas and early warm temper- Aleda Savacol, Terry Savaloja (TS), Suzanne Schaub, atures, waterfowl species, which migrated from two Norma Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. R. J. Shannon, Dick to three weeksearly, were not found in large concentra- Sharp (DS). Dave Smitley, Lorna Smith, Roy Smith, tions. Many observerssuggested that waterfowl popu- (s.w. Michigan), W. Smith, W. A. Smith, Michael lations were down, but the birds were early and had Spagnolo, James E. Stevens, N. Stone (NS), Mrs. too many places to feed and rest and therefore were Stoffel, Bessie Stough (BS), Elmer Strehlow, Koni possiblyjust overlooked. Sunquist (KS), Peggy B. Teague, Daryl Tessen, Population decreaseswere suggestedfor Blue Jays (Wisconsin), Rollin Thoren. Wm. H. Thompson. Dar- in Missouri and Illinois, Tufted Titmice and Black- win Tiede (DTi), R. Tryon (RT), Peter Tweet, Wm. cappedChickadees in Ohio. Increaseswere suggested Tweit, Dave VanAppledorn, Dick Vetch, Mrs. W. for Eastern Bluebirds in Missouri, Red-headed Wood- Vogelsang, W. Waggoner, Jim Walter (JW), George peckers in Illinois and most of Missouri, and Blue Jays Wickstrom (GW), Melvin Wierzbicki, R. F. Wit- in Ohio. Many observers believe that the Red-headed tershein(RFW), Jean Whittler (JW), John Woodcock, Woodpecker and House Wren should be removed from Winnie Woodmansee(WW).--IRMA W. CHIPMAN, the Blue List for the Middlewestern Prairie Region R#2, Box 394, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982; and one contributor believes that the Piping Plover shouldbe added for this Region. Recently, observershave been rather hasty in iden- MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION tifyingdark-phase hawks and white-winged gulls with- / Vernon M. Kleen and Lee Bush out knowingall the factsabout the birdsthey've iden- tified. In order that further records of Harlan's Hawks The season was noted for its cloudiness and wetness. and IcelandGulls canbe acceptedas authentic,report- The MississippiRiver floodedthroughout most of its ers are requestedto submitfull detailsof their field coursethrough the Regionand madebirding difficult observationsindicating precisely how they determined or impossiblein favorite spotsalong its banks, espe- the identity of the bird in question,and how it differed cially during March. Temperaturesaveraged slightly from an odd-plumagedRough-legged Hawk or Glau- above normal during December(4øF. above normal cous Gull. Of course, the same documentaionis ex- at Cleveland) but an extreme cold spell occurredjust pectedfor all unusual observations before the recor;] prior to and duringthe early part of the Christmas can be published. Bird Count(C B C) period.In southwesternMissouri, a major freeze occurredDec. I ! and the area remained EXOTICS--Much interest has been given to the frozen until early February. January was cold to very expandingrange of the Monk Parakeet.Apparently cold in the Regionthe first two weeks,but was then the specieshas been presentin our Regionfor about warm to very warm the secondtwo weeks causing two years, but has not been reported by any of our a slightlyabove average temperature for the month. regularobservers. At leastone parakeetwas present

622 AmericanBirds, June 1973 at a feeder near Dayton, O , •n early January (fide VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES--The first RM) Others have been unofficially reported from the spring hawk m•grat•on was noticed m the Cleveland Chicago area during the past two years. area by independent observers Mar. 15 (D & M) along the lakefront; only a few individuals were observed, LOONS, GREBES--Common Loons were but a definite movement occurred. At least 12 Black reported as late as Dec. 17 at Cleveland (M) and Dec. Vultures were found at Louisville, Ky., Jan. 27, an 16 at Oakland City, Ind. (fide CM). Single birds were unusual observation for that area (LaS, AS, fide S) found at Notre Dame L., Ind., Jan. 1-12 (NR), and Goshawks remained "common" in much of the Region Thomas Hill, Mo., Feb. 23 (BG). One Horned Grebe during the period. From two to four were present in the w•ntered at Decatur, Ill. (H). A single Eared Grebe Iowa City, la., area in late January and one remained had returned to Fellow L., Mo., Mar. 10 (NF) and as late as Mar. 4 (NH); they were "too numerous to five were presentat Jacomo,Mo., Mar. 26 (KH). The list" in Illinois being reported from over 15 northern, only W. Grebe was reported from Bowling Green, 13 central and 3 southern Illinois locations; the latest Ky , Dec. 16 and remainedabout two weeks (HeS, report was Mar. 19 (H). At least nine birds were fide S). Pied-billed Grebes wintered in more than usual reportedfrom Missouri; the latest Jan. 15. There were numbers; eight were present at Springfield, I11., Jan. two reported from Indiana, one injured and later died 13 (H,K), 21 were counted at L. Pewee, Madisonville, in Pike Co., Dec. 19 (CM,DM) and one at Bristol, Ky , Dec. 16 (Hah) and they were regularly seen in Feb. 16 (NR). One adult was found near Cleveland, the Cleveland area (M). Jan. 7 (AF) for the only reported Ohio record. Records CORMORANTS, HERONS, BITTERNS--At of two Harlan's Hawks have been accepted for th•s least two Double-crested Cormorants remained at period; they were found at Squaw Creek Ref. Dec 23 & Mar. 31 (L). Red-shouldered Hawks were Crane L., Cass Co., Ill., until Dec. 2 (H,PW,BO), reported more often than usual. At Terre Haute, lnd, another was present through most of December at and Springfield, Mo., the hawks visited bird feeders Lotare, O. (CW). The 30 Great Blue Herons at Schell- and ate the suet (JM & NF, respectively). Single adults Osage, Mo. Jan. I was considered unusual for that were found in Chicago Jan. I (C) and Feb. 4 (H, B, area (NF). A Green Heron was found very early at et al.). As in past years, a few Broad-winged Hawks South Bend, Ind., Mar. 4. Little Blue Herons had were "identified" on C B Cs. Rough-legged Hawks returned to s.e. Missouri in large numbers at the end were scarce or below numbers throughout the entire of the report period (MSo). One Black-crownedNight Region. Golden Eagles were almost "common" this Heron remained at Southern Hills L., in s.w. Missouri, winter at appropriatelocations; several were reported all winter. An Am. Bittern was found dead at from C B Cs, especially Illinois, Missouri and Ken- Georgetown, Vermilion Co., Ill. Dec. 16 (MC). tucky. Three adults and four immatures were found WATERFOWL--At least two, possibly three, on Ill. Wildlife Refuges (throughout the state) Feb Whistling Swans wintered at Squaw Creek N.W.R., 17; three were present at Land Between the Lakes, Mo (L); three were found at E. Prairie, Mo., Feb. Ky., Feb. 24-25 (CP); up to four (all imm.) were seen 16 & 25 (MS; Haw), six were presentat Magee Marsh, on the Union Co., II1., C B C (K,GC,MH). The latest O , Feb. 18 (LV); the largest concentration of spring individual reported was seen at Mark Twain N.W.R , m•grants at Magee Marsh was only 200 birds, since Ill., Mar. 22 (V). The results of the annual Bald Eagle areas farther north were already free of ice (LV). A Survey along the Illinois and Mississippirivers showed few Wood Ducks wintered in the Cleveland area (M) that 964 eagles were counted (70% ad., 30% imm.-- and six were found in Posey Co., Ind., Jan. 5 (NS). EF). An Osprey was found near Louisville during Scaup (both species)populations along the Cleveland the C B C period(BM), anotherhad returnedto Ozark, lakefront were poor this year (M). A • Tul'ted Duck Mo., by mid-March (NF). Two Peregrine Falcons was found at Chicago Dec. 3 with a flock of Greater were observed together at Sullivan, Mo., Dec. 28 (JE, Scaup(C) and was still presentApr. 10; there is no fide JI). indicationthat this wasan escapedbird. Barrow'sGold- eneyeswere reported from the Mississippi R. near the Alton Dam (Illinois and Missouri) for over two weeks beginning Jan. 15 (DMc, m.ob.), and in the CRANES, RAILS, SHOREBIRDS--Two St JosephR., Ind. (near South Bend), Dec. 3 (RSi, Sandhill Cranes were found at Bowling Green, Ky , fide NR) & Feb. 18-20 (NR et al.). Buffleheadwas Feb. 21 (HeS), there were 36 at Oakland City, Ind , reported scarce in the Cleveland area as compared Mar. 10 (CM), singleswere found at Ozark, Mo., Mar to normalwintering populations (M). SingleOldsquaws 25 (NF) and Magee Marsh, O., Mar. 27 (SZ,fide LV) were inland at Oakland City, Ind., Dec. 8-10 (CM) One Virginia Rail was closely observed at Quiver and L. Carnico, Ky., Jan. 24 (DC). Harlequin Ducks Creek, Mason Co., Ill., Feb. 10 (H,K). A Sofa had were identified in the St. Joseph R., Ind., Jan. 7-Feb. returned to w. Ky. by Mar. 19 for the earliest state 3 (VI,NR, m.ob.) and at Northwestern Univ. in record (Hah). The Am. Woodcock returned much Chicago Dec. 23 (C). Inland reports of the White- earlier this year than usual, arriving in n. Illinois more winged Scorer included: one at Chillicothe, Ill., Feb. than a week ahead of the previous record: Chicago, 18 (MF, fide VH) and four (2•c• & 2•) at Sangchris Mar. 4 (C) and Rockford, Mar. I I (LJ). A singleBaird's L State Park, Ill., Mar. 18 (H). Populations of sea Sandpiper was present near Havana, Ill., as late as ducks in general in both L. Michigan and L. Erie were Dec. 2 (H,BO,PW). A Dunlin remained at Squaw reported down this year (B & M, respectively). Creek Ref. until Dec. 2 (L).

Volume27, Number3 623 GULLS--A high of only two Glaucous Gulls (Feb. 19) was reported from the Cleveland area (MSt), how- ever, five were found at Calumet (Chicago) Jan. 13; others included up to four different birds in the L. Chautauqua,II1., area Feb. 1-17(H,K) and a first year bird was at Springfield,II1., Feb. 16-17 (H). Iceland Gulls were identified at St. Louis Jan. 13 (A), Lorain, O., Feb. 10 & 18 (CW) and two at L. Chautauqua, I11., Feb. 3 (H). At Cleveland, Great Black-backed Gulls "made good appearances,especially in the ice periods" (M). Eleven were found there Jan. 6 (CW) and a high of 12 on Feb. I 1 (D). An imm. Black-headed Gull wasproperly documented and identified at Quiver L. (Havana), II1., Feb. 10; this constitutes the first state record for this species (H,K et al.). An imm. Black-leggedKittiwake was presentat Springfield, I11., Feb. 16 (H).

DOVES, OWLS, WOODPECKERS--During the Clark's Nutcratcker, Pleasantville, Iowa, Dec. 19, warm spells which occurred in Ohio in late January, 1972. PhotoIHerb Dorow. Mourning Doves began cooing, suggestiveof early CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES, CREEPERS, nesting (M,D). The only report of a Barn Owl came WRENS--Black-cappedChickadees were detectedin from Sullivan, Mo., where one bird was found Feb. numberssouth of their normal range near Springfield, 23; that was the first observation of this species in Mo., and were easilyidentified by their songand plum- that area for at leastsix years(J!). The arctic subspecies age Feb. 3 (NF et al.). A few BorealChickadees were (wapacuthu) of the Great Horned Owl was found in reportedfrom the Toledo, O., area, but authenticiden- the Chicagoarea Jan. 27-Feb. 4 (B,C); apparently, this tifications were not submitted; however, one bird was is only the second Illinois record of this subspecies. banded and photographedat Waite Hill (Cleveland) One Snowy Owl was reported; it was present at the Dec. 23-24 (AF). Red-breastedNuthatches were rela- LaPorte, Ind., airport Feb. 13-Mar. 30 (NR, m.ob.). tively commonthroughout the Region this winter. There were several Long-eared Owl reports this winter Clark reportsthat five Brown Creeperswere singing but only a few Short-eared Owls; the latter were "... at the Kankakee, (Ind.) Fish and Game area, consideredscarce throughout the Region. At least two Mar. 24. It is almost unheard of to hear this bird sing Saw-whet Owls wintered at Squaw Creek Ref. (L, in our area. [ !--Ed.]. Knowing the backgroundregard- m.ob.), another was found at Apple River Canyon ing this speciesat Kankakee, there is no doubt... S. P., ill., Jan. 21 (B, et al.), others were present at that these birds will be breeding here." One House Skokie Lagoons (Chicago) Feb. 25 (JR) and Magee Wren was reported from the Crab Orchard N.W.R., Marsh, O., Mar. 15-25 (LV). Ill., (below, C.O.N.W.R.) C B C (DH). At leasteight Bewick's Wrens were found on Kentucky C B Cs. PHOEBES, CORVIDS---One E. Phoebe was tal- At Sullivan, Mo., this specieswas missedthroughout lied on the Sullivan, Mo., C B C, another had arrived the winter period for the first time in over five years at Rockford, Ill., Mar. 17•the earliest ever reported (fideJ!); at Columbia,Mo., oneindividual had returned from there. A Black-billed Magpie was "reported" by Mar. 31 (BG). The Carolina Wren was reported from Grafton, Lorain Co., O., Dec. 23 & 31 (EB, as wintering in above normal numbersin the n. part fide D). One PitionJay remainedin the Shenandoah, of the Region, especially in the Cleveland (M) and !a., areathroughout the C B C periodand into January Chicago (B) areas. Single Long-billed Marsh Wrens (RZ). were found at Goose Lake Prairie, II1., Feb. 18 (B,C) for the first winter record in n. Illinois, at Quiver Creek (Havana), Ill., Mar. 3 (H,K) and SangchrisL. State Park, Ill., Dec. 3 & Mar. 4 (H). Clark's Nutcrackersinvaded the Region and were "common" in Iowa. Some individuals were present MIMIDS, THRUSHES, SOLITAIRES--A few there before the beginningof this report period, but catbirds were found on C B Cs this winter, one as had not been reported.Gladys Black of Pleasantville far north as South Bend, led. Brown Thrashers were wrote that she "... received letters about 27 sightings fairly commonthroughout the winterand were reported of the nutcrackerin Iowa in responseto one of (her) on 11 Kentucky C B Cs alone, and as far n. as the storiespublished in the Des Moines Sunday Register, Mary Gray Sanctuary,Ind. At leastsix werepresent Feb. 4, 1973.(She) receivedfive lettersfrom one small in 1•/• milesalong the edgeof HorseshoeL., Alexander town, Hull, in n.w. Iowa! All {records) were in w. Co., Ill., Jan. 25 (K). One Varied Thrush wasobserved or c. Iowa except one at the Mississippi R. at for nearly a week at Storm L., la., beginningNov. Dubuque." She indicated that these were the first 17 (VC). Hermit Thrusheswere consideredunusual authentic records for Iowa since 1894. (Photo). for Union Twp., Ind., Dec. 23 (fide NR) and St. Joseph,Mo., Dec. 10 (L). At leastone, possiblytwo,

624 AmericanBirds, June 1973 Townsend'sSohtmres appeared at theJames A Reed presentas far southasCONWR Mar 10(K) The WildlifeArea (KansasCity), Mo., Dec. 10(KH), one birds may nest in the Region this year, since several wasfound just w. of Prentice,Morgan Co., I11.,Dec. Illinois observers have found isolated pairs carrying 27-28for the first c. Illinois record (BO,H,PW et al.), nestingmaterial and beginningnest construction.A and anotherwas seenat SquawCreek Ref. Jan. 13-14 few Le Conte's Sparrows were found in extreme s. (LG, m.ob.). Illinois duringthe winter (H,K et al.) and springmi- grantswere presentat Springfield,I11., by Mar. 17 WAXWINGS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS (H,K). Vesper Sparrows were much more common --Bohemian Waxwings were first reported Dec. 2 this winter than usual; s.w. Missouri reported its first at Sterling, Ill.; initially only one bird was present, winterrecord. Nearly all areasreported that Tree Spar- but a maximum of three was found Dec. 25 (HAS, rows were down; throughwinter banding,Lee Johnson mob ), one bird was found dead at Springfield, was able to document this at Rockford, I11. Wintering I11, Dec. 22 (H), another was observed at Decatur, Harris' Sparrowswere reported from Carbondale,II1., Ill , Dec. 23 (H), and one was present at Maryville, (2 individualsat a feeder,DH), 1 immatureat Union Mo, Dec. 29-31 (E,SP,R). Several N. Shrikes, Co. Ref., II1., Jan. 24-25(K), PotatoCreek StatePark, all adults but one, were reported from n. Illinois, Ind., Feb. 4 & 14(VI;PR), and Columbia,Mo., Feb. especiallyfrom the Chicago area, as late as Feb. 18 10 (BG). It was suggestedthat LaplandLongspurs (C,B, m.ob.), a maximum of four was found there were much less common than usual everywhere. The Dec 17 (JS); the one imm. was at Thomson, Carroll Smith'sLongspurs were first encounteredMar. 19at Co, Ill., Jan. 18 (HaS,K); other reports were from Springfield,I11., and reach a maximumof only30 birds n Ohio, including one on the Toledo C B C and Mar. 29 (H). Snow Buntingswere also reported as one (no date) at Oregon (fide LV). An Orange- being scarce all winter. crowned Warbler was banded as late as Dec. 2 at Waite Hill, O. (AF). A PineWarbler was heard and seen CONTRIBUTORS--(sectional editors'names in in Lawrence Co., Ky., Mar. 4 (LaS, JP), five others boldfacetype; contributors are requested to sendtheir were found at the C.O.N.W.R., Mar. 10 (K). It was reportsto theseeditors). Major contributors are iden- quite unusualto find an Ovenbirdat a feeder in the tifiedwith a singleinitial as follows: (A)-Richard Ander- Louisville area during December (AW, fide BM). son(Missouri), (B)-Lawrence Balch (n. Illinois),(C)- Immature 6 Baltimore Orioles wintered at Illinois CharlesClark, (D)-Owen Davies, (E)-David Easterla, feedersin Salem (fide WJo) and Carbondale(fide K). (H)-H. DavidBohlen, (K)-Vernon K!een (s. Illinois), A Boat-tailed Grackle remained at Springfield, Mo., (L)-Floyd Lawhon,(M) William Klamm, (R)-Mark to be included on their C B C. Robbins,(S)-Anne Stamm (Kentucky), (V)-Sally Vas- se; otherobservers: Ed Bittner,Gladys Black, Mrs FRINGILLIDS--An imm. 6 Indigo Bunting was LawrenceBonner, Dorthy Buck, Marilyn Campbell, found in a multiflora hedge row at the Union Co. Lee Champney,J. Earl Comfort,Glenn Cooper, Den- Refuge, Ill., Dec. 31; it was present there Jan. 6 & nis Coskren,Virginia Crocker, Stan Dahlke, Russell 24 (K) and bandedon the latter date. This wasprobably Dufendach,Jack Emery, Ruth Erickson, Elton Fawks, the first winter record for Illinois of that species. A NathanFay, AnnetteFlanigan, Mr. & Mrs. Mervin D•ckcisselwas present with a groupof HouseSparrows Foster, Mr. & Mrs. JamesFunk, Leo Galloway, on the Terre Haute C B C. Evening Grosbeaks were CharlesGlasgow, Bill Goodge, Willard Gray, Nicholas widespreadthis winter and had only begun returning Halmi, (Han) JamesHancock, (Haw) JamesHaw, north at the end of the period. The following table DavidHayward, (Hil)Jack Hilsabeck, Kelly and Chris shows the number of Middlewestern Prairie Region Hobbs, Robert Holm, Mike Homoya, Virginia C B Cs reporting this and other species. Humphreys,L. BarfieHunt, Virgil Inman, Jim Irvine, 1972-73 ChristmasBird Count (WJa)Mr. & Mrs. WilburJackson, Lee Johnson, Mane Ohio Ind. Ill. Ky. Mo. Ia. Jones, (WJo) Winnie Jones, Charles E. Keller (Indiana), Jean Knoblaugh,Richard Lipka, Vula EveningGrosbeak 11 3 15 2 2 10 Malooley,(DM) Donn Mann,James & Amy Mason, CommonRedpoll 3 1 4 0 0 4 Red Crossbill 3 5 12 0 4 8 (DMc) DorothyMcClaren, Roland Mercer, Charles Mills, Burr Monroe, Mike Morrison, Bill O'Brien, VesperSparrow 4 0 7 2 1 2 Helen Olson,David Osborne (s. Ohio), SebastianPatti, Total No. CBCs 36 19 36 9 16 16 Jim Pasikowski, Clell Peterson, Phyllis Raccasl, Pine Grosbeakswere very scarcebut at least ten birds Nancy Rea, Scott Rea, Carl Rist, Elmer Rix, Jerry were reportedfrom the Clevelandarea Nov. 16-Feb. Rosenband,Jeffrey Sanders,Gale Schmidt, Allan 4 (fide D); the two individuals found at the Shadbourne,(HeS) Herbert Shadower,(HAS) Mr. & C O N.W.R. Dec. 30 were the first ever reported for Mrs. Harry Shaw, (RSh) Ralph Shook, (RSi) Ron s Ilhnois(GC et al.). CommonRedpolls were also Sirecox,(LaS) LawrenceSmith, (LiS) Litha Smith, very scarcethis winter; a maximumof six at onetime (MSo) Michael Southard, (MSt) Mike Stasko, wasthe highest number reported fromWestlake, O., NathaleeStocks, Mr. & Mrs. WayneTurner, Laurel (HO, fide D). Red Crossbillswere everywhere and Van Camp(n. Ohio), Francis& Katie Van Huffel, werereported throughout the period.One largeflock Clint Ward, Pat Ward, Armin Willig, SandraZenser, was found eatingragweed seeds as far as two miles Ruth Zollars.--VERNONM. KLEEN, Div. of wildlife away from the nearestconifer trees in MasonCo., Resources,Dept. of Conservation,Springfield, Illinms Ill, Mar. 3 (H, K), up to 35 birds (2 flocks) were 62706 and LEE BUSH, Cambria• Illinois 62915.

Volume27, Number 3 625 CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION into the coastal parts of the Region was unimpressive, the notable exceptions being a Mountain Plover in B Robert D. Purrington Alabama and a Curve-billed Thrasher in Louisiana (see below). Goshawks, always rare in the Region, were Although on the whole mild weather prevailed reported from as far south as New Orleans, and throughout the Region, the winter seasonwas spec- althoughlittle information was received on populations tacularly highlighted by two mid-winter storms of of regularly occurring species, there was some indica- unusual intensity along the Gulf Coast, the first of tion of an increase in numbers of wintering Sparrow which caused considerable mortality in southwestern Hawks, and Fox Sparrows were unusually common Louisiana. The boreal invasion which began to take in some coastal areas. shape near the end of fall migration manifested itself in the second great influx of Evening Grosbeaks in BOREAL INVASION--During the winter of 1968- the pastfour years,and an almostunprecedented move- 69 Evening Grosbeaks poured into the Region in ment of Red Crossbillsinto the Region. unprecedented numbers; this winter an invasion of comparablemagnitude occurred, which if anything was even more widespread than its predecessor. Whether numbers were greater is arguable, but Evening Gros- beaks appeared in smaller flocks at many more localities, causingconsiderable public notice. In middle Tennessee Parmer reported that they were more com- mon than ever before. Several flocks were noted in New Orleans, lasting into April, and many were pres- ent in coastal Alabama. Although Purple Finches were abundant, there was only scattered evidence of an influx of Pine Siskins. Perhapssurpassing the Eve- ning Grosbeak in terms of the excitement they gener- ated were Red Crossbills, which were seen in Louisiana for the first time since 1888 and provided Mississippi with its first record of the species.Sightings of approx- imately 113 crossbills were reported, mostly in small flocks. As usual, a number of normally non-wintering species, predominantly passerines, wintered, or attempted to do so, along the Gulf Coast. Most of the records of wintering warblers came from s.e. Louisiana, but observations of orioles, Rose-breasted Snows at New Orleans on January 11 and February and Blue Grosbeaks were widely distributed. 16 were the first in that subtropicallocality in eight years,but the mostserious impact of theJanuary storm LOONS, GREBES, PELICANS, BOOBIES was felt in southwestern Louisiana, where a severe ---This was generally regarded to be good year for icestorm apparently resulted in considerablebird mor- Com. Loons; a flock of 600+ at Gulf Breeze, Fla. tality. Newman vividly describedobservations in Jan. 25 (RDu) was unusual for that area, as were Baton Rouge of birds burdenedwith ice, unable or 4 at Rockefeller ReL, La. Dec. 2 (RBH). They were nearlyunable to fly, and of birdshaving lost tails and also thoughtmore commonthan usualin the vicinity apparentlyfeet owingto icingof the trees. In one case, of Grand Terre I., La. (RDP). Two Red-throated a Mockingbirdwas seenwhose wings were frozen to Loons on Woods Res., Tullahoma, Tenn. Dec. 2 (LS) its body. The real magnitudeof the mortalitywill never established the 13th record for the state. Horned be known; reports of birds known to have died as a Grebes peaked at 400 on Jan. I at Woods Res. result of the ice storm wcrc limited to Roseate Spoon- (KD&LDub) and a similarnumber at Mexico Beach, bills killed on or near Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Fla. Jan. 13 (SS) was unusuallylarge. Eared Grebes, Yet in both southwestern and southeastern Louisiana on the other hand, were extremely scarce in Cameron there were indicationsthat virtually all of the species Par., La. this winter (RJN). The secondrecord of the notedlingering in the coastalwoods in late December WesternGrebe for Mississippiwas establishedby one had either been killed or had left in the face of the closely observed on Ross Barnett Res. Dec. 2 severe weather. That mortality, of specieswhich can- (CB&WGW). Sixteen Brown Pelicans were seen at not be consideredhardy in the United Statesin winter, CalcasieuLake, SabinePar., Jan. 15 (JMV,JRW). The in itself is of minimal significance,but with Newman's specieswas last recordedon the Cameron-Sabine observations,suggests a much more widespreadkill C B C in 1957.Similarly encouragingwas the count of involvingcommon winter and residentspecies. 63 on the Dauphin I. C B C Dec. 30 (MWG). A Blue- As usual there was no shortage of rare vagrants, faced Booby at Alabama Pt. Jan. 6 (RRR,CLK,m.ob.) althoughas Newmancommented, there seemed to be was the fourth record for Alabama and the third in little patternto their occurrence.There was, of course, January. Unusual becauseof its proximity to shore the irruptionof northernfinches, but beyondthat there was an imm. Gannet near the mouth of the Empire failed to emergeany discerniblecommon denominator canal, PlaqueminesPar., Jan. 20 (RJN&RBH). The to the observations.The movement of western species speciesis rare west of the MississippiR. delta.

626 American Birds, June 1973 Althougha singleAnhlnga at the Bonnet Carre Spill- One, and perhapstwo Eur. WigeonJan 6 at LeGarde's way, La. Dec. 23 (MW) was unusual, seven in Tensas L., Annlston, Ala. (WJC) represented the second Par, Dec. 27 (RBH&REN) were remarkablyfar north Alabama record. For the first time in many years, an for a specieswhich rarely winters. Oldsquaw was seenin Baton Rouge, this on Jan. 18-19 (RJN, m.ob.). Ring-necked Ducks and Lesser Scaup HERONS, WATERFOWL--Six Green Herons in were reportedfrom middleTennessee in numbersequal the Triumph-Venice area of s.c. Louisiana Feb. 18 only to about 10 per cent of the numbers of a few (RJN,RDP,JCL&DAT) set a new high winter count years ago (HEP); Red-breasted Mergansers, on the for that locality. The Cattle Egret, which normally win- other hand, reached a peak of 360 at Nashville's Old ters only coastwisein the Region, was reported Nov. Hickory L. Nov. 22 (PC & MLB), the highestnumbers 22&28 in Cannon Co., Tenn. (FB,GN), the latest in ever recorded. fall for middle Tennessee, and Jan. I in Yalobusha Co, Miss. (WMD); 17 were seen in E. Baton Rouge RAPTORS--It hardly needs to be said that one key Par Jan. 3 (RJN), one was observedin Point Coupee to understandingpopulation changesamong raptors Par Mar. 6 (RJN), and 3 were reportedfrom Lafayette in the face of man's modification of the environment Co , Miss. Mar. 17 (WMD). One Jan. 25 at Tuscaloosa, is the painstakingcompilation of quantitative data on Ala (JCT) was the first winter record for the upper abundanceon a year-to-year basis.This year a 118-mde coastalplain of Alabama. These recordsat least suggest census was initiated, to be run twice each winter in an increasingtendency to winter away from the coast. Montgomery, Bullock, and Macon Cos., Alabama a Reddish Egret in Cameron Par., Jan. 14 (HDP, The results of this winter's census, taken on Jan. 16 AJN & JRW) was especially unusual in that it & 19 (JEK) are as follows: Red-tailed Hawk, 38, 38, was seen shortly after the severe winter storm, and Red-shouldered Hawk, 5, 1; Marsh Hawk, 5, 11; Spar- two Louisiana Herons in Iberville Par. Mar. 13 (JAR row Hawk, 6, 8; Total, 54, 58. & RJN) were early by more than 6 weeks for that The first Louisiana record of the Goshawk was locahty. Yellow-crowned Night Herons were seen at obtained when a banded individual was shot near New PensacolaDec. 10, 12 & 26. (RDu, Ldun, AFW & Orleans; details will be published elsewhere. This CLK), there were two previous winter records, and record is perhapsthe most remarkable evidenceof the one stayed through Dec. 12 at Birmingham(GC), the widespreadsouthward movement of Goshawksduring first winter record for the mountainregion of Alabama. A count of 3 Least Bitterns on the Venice C B C 1972-73.An injuredGoshawk was capturedat Gallatin, Tenn. Dec. 29 (PC &DC); it is expected that it will Dec 28 (RDP, et al.) was unusualfor a speciesrarely be possibleto eventually release the bird. Another was encounteredin winter; one was still presenton Feb. seen at Clarksville, Tenn., Jan. 6-9 (JDA), while an 18, having surviveda hard freeze in the area (RJN, imm. in Franklin Co., Ala. Feb. 10 (PLT, IFS et al ) RDP,DAT & JCL). was the second record for the state. Broad-winged -- S.A. • Hawks regularly winter in the Region only in s.e Louisiana. This winter one was seen at Decatur, Ala In perhapsthe most seriousresult of the January Nov. 24, the latest for that state. One was found at ice storm in s.w. Louisiana, John Walther of Sabine Grand Chenier, Cameron Par., Dec. 10 (RBH & 1ON), N W R. reportedhundreds of RoseateSpoonbills killed while the Venice C B C Dec. 28 (SAG et al.) yielded in Cameron Par. by snow, ice, and freezing tempera- another. The second winter record for the Florida sec- tures A few days later, on Jan. 13-14 only a dozen tion was establishedby one at Madanna Feb. 18 (MG or so survivors were found, although 50-75 were ob- & MG). A Swainsoh'sHawk Mar. 1 at Ft. Deposit, served repeatedin February and March (RJN, et al.). Ala. (PFC) was the 9th record for the state and the Remarkable in view of this mortality was a congrega- first for March. Ferruginous Hawk, the fifth Louisiana tion of 1400-1600spoonbills in Vermillion Par. Mar. record, was seen near Morrow, St. Landry Par., Dec 9 (JJL,RM,JMV), the largest number ever seen in 16 (ION). Golden Eagle was reportedfrom Tennessee Louisiana. The birds were thought to be potential Nov. 11 in the Woodbury area (FB), the earliest ever, nesters in the area. three wintered there. One Golden Eagle was seen in Madison Parish, La., Feb. 25 (DTK,RJN,WJL); three imm. Golden Eagle• were seen near Tallulah, La, The second record of the Whistling Swan for Feb. 10. In the same area on the same day, five uniden- Alabama'smountain region was establishedby one tified eaglesand four imm. Bald Eagleswere seen(JWG, near Oneonta from Dec. 19 to at least Jan. 13 PEG,TWG,LAH,JBr). There were the following (CL,GA,m.ob.). At Gum Cove, Cameron Par., 5 reports of Bald Eagles: Nov. 16-18 Nashville (fide CanadaGeese were seen Jan. 6 (RJN,DAD & JCL). MLB), Nov. 19, Cross Creek N.W.R., Term Resident observers said that the total number was on (W.A.S.), Nov. 23, Pickett Co., Tenn. (RH), Dec the orderof 20; thesemay be the only "wild" Canada 8, Ross Barnett Res., Miss. (1 ad.-WN), Dec. 13, Geesewintering in Louisiana!A singleRoss' Goose Daphne, Ala. (LPP), Jan. I Woods Res., Tenn was foundat SabineN.W.R. Dec. 30 (RJN) and (KD&LDub);, Feb. 17, Cross L., Caddo Par. (ION another had been reported from Rockefeller Ref. & JRS), Mar. 10. Montgomery, Ala (1 ad.-JEK). Bet- earlierin December.Three Fulvous Tree Ducks,pres- ween December and late March, 24 Am. Kestrels were ent from at least Dec. 9 in CameronPar. (RBH & banded in the Nashville area (JRi & HR), where they (RJN,m.ob.).Ring-flecked Ducks and Lesser Scaup were thought more common than during the past few the birdsmay have beenescapes from RockefellerRef. years.

Volume27, Number3 627 GRUIFORMES, SHOREBIRDS, LARIDS singleChuck-wall's-widows and Whip-poor-wallswere --Sandhill Cranes were noted in Pickett Co. recorded.A Whip-poor-walltaken near English Turn, Tennessee Nov. 23 (RH), where 41 were seen, and PlaqueminesPar., Feb. 28 (AFG) wasone of several on the Nashville C B C Dec. 30, the first record for in thatarea this winter. A Corn.Nighthawk was heard that locality. There were 31 at Gulf Shores, Ala. Jan. in W. BatonRouge Par. Jan. 22 (RBH); winterrecords 7 (MLB & GDJ). A Limpkin in Bay Co., Fla. on in Louisianaare confinedmostly to New Orleans Win- Dec. 29 (JG,KG & MG), was at the limit of the species' tering Archilochus hummingbirdswere at Reserve range. The elusive Black Rail was seen in salt marsh Dec. 17-Jan.6 (RJSet al.). A RufousHummingbird at the edge of the gulf on the Cameron-SabineC B C at a Mobilefeeder Dec. 18-19(Mr. & Mrs. MM) was Dec. 30 (RBH). Am. Coots reached peak numbers onlythe secondever seen in Alabama;an unidentified of 2000 at Woods Res., Tenn. Nov. 13 (KD & LDub), hummingbirdwas seenon DauphinI. Jan. 5 (TM) well below normal numbers. Snowy Plovers continue to be nearly absent from Louisiana beaches; one was noted on the Cameron-Sabine C B C Dec. 31 and 3 were found at Rutherford Beach, Cameron Par. Jan. WOODPECKERS THROUGH PIPITS--In 7 (RJN & JCL). A new species was added to the coastal Louisiana, from Cameron to Grand Isle, Red- Alabama list when a Mountain Plover was observed headed Woodpeckers were much more in evidence at Magnolia Springs from Jan. 6-15 (PFC, than usual. The cause of the movement, which began SEL,CLK,m.ob.). Photographs were obtained quite early, is unknown. Ordinarily they are absent (fide TAI). Twelve were seen at Alabama Pt., Ala. from the coast. The only W. Kingbirdsreported were Jan. 7 (MLB & GDJ). Six Whimbrels were observed from Alabama, where one was seen Dec. 3 at Dauphin at East Jetty, Cameron Par., La. Mar. 4 (AWP & I. (TH) and others at Fairhope Jan. 1 & 11 RJN), and one at Alabama Pt. Jan. 7 (MLB & GDJ) (AN,MN,JDW,JEK,TM). A Scissor-tailed was the first coastal record in winter for the state. Flycatcher at Panama City Dec. 7-8, (SS) was the The species winters only sparingly along the Gulf latest ever there by five days; individualswere noted Coast. The Pectoral Sandpiperis rarely found in winter in LouisianaDec. 9 at Cameron(GHL,RBH & JK), anywhere in the U.S. One at the Natchitoches fish Dec. 16 on the New Orleans C B C (RDP), and on hatchery Dec. 16 (RBH & RJN) was thus unexpected. the Venice C B C Dec. 28 (MMM et al.). A Wied's Least Sandpipers attempted to winter near Nashville Crested Flycatcher was observed closely on the for the first time, being present until Jan. 17 (MLB). Venice C B C (SAG,RJN,RDP,MMM & DN), and Three Stilt Sandpipersat Cameron Jan. 1 (RBH & wintering Empidonax flycatchers were seen on the RJN) were the first ever observed in winter in Venice count (SAG et al.) and on Dec. 29 on the Louisiana. Black-necked Stilts again wintered in the Reserve C B C (RJS & MW). As expected, there were Cameron area (RJN et al.), while one at Marcon Pt., scattered observations of Vermilion Flycatchers 9 Santa Rosa Co., Fla. Mar. 25 (DT) was considered reportedbelatedly, at L. Jackson,Miss., Oct. 24-Nov accidental. 28 (EA), and ad. ggat Grand Chenier, CameronPar, A Great Black-backed Gull was seen at Ft. Morgan, Dec. 3 (RJN,MN & HDP) and Ft. Jackson, Ala., Dec. 30 (PFC,VDH et al.), for the 6th state PlaqueminesPar., last seenon the Venice C B C (RDP record. Ring-Billed Gulls were well below normal at et al.). The latter bird apparently has wintered there Nashville's Old Hickory L., while Franklin's Gulls since 1968; its disappearancemay have been owing at Birmingham Dec. 14 (HHK) and at Decatur Dec. to the January freeze. 26 (DCH) were the fifth and sixth Alabama records. One or two Barn Swallows at Foley Dec. 23-Jan The first Louisiana record of the Little Gull was 7 (PFC) were the first ever observed in winter in obtained on Mar. 31 when an immature was collected Alabama. Apparently the result of the severe winter at Cameron(RJN & DAT--specimen to L. S.U. M. Z.). in the westernplains states, Horned Larks were found Black Terns were noted in Louisiana in Cameron Par. unusually far south in Louisiana with 30 in Rapides Dec. 30 & Mar. 25 (RJN et al.). Par. Dec. 16, (RBH & RJN) 56 near Lafayette the following day (BE), 2 at Baton Rouge Jan. 11 (RJN PIGEONS, ANIS, OWLS, GOATSUCKERS--A & RBH) coincidentwith the winterstorm, and again Band-tailed Pigeon seen during January near Minden, at Lafayette, 21 on Feb. 3 (MBE). The Lafayette Webster Par., (RK, fide RS) was the fifth record for records were the first for that area. One of the outstand- Louisiana. Groove-billed Anis were seen in Panama ing rarities of the season for Louisiana was a Curve- City, Fla. Dec. 10 & 29 (SS & DS), and 'were present billed Thrasher seen on the Cameron-Sabine C B C in usual numbers in coastal Louisiana, specifically Dec. 31 (HP & LT) and by many observersthe day Cameron Par., Reserve, and Venice in early winter. following.There are two previousrecords for the state Following the January freeze, there were no further Unusually late was a Swainson's Thrush seen Dec observations with the exception of 3 at Venice Mar. 2 in Hackberry Woods, Cameron Par. (HDP); a Wood 25 (RDP). Long-eared Owls were again observed near Thrush on the Cameron-SabineC B C (RDP & DN) Shreveport, the only place in Louisiana where they added to the growing list of mid-winter records of this are currently beingfound, with 2 seenFeb. 16-17ORS species.Sprague's Pipits continueto be found in small & RJN). A Saw-whet Owl found dead near Eufaula numbers in appropriate habitat in s. Louisiana, with Refuge Dec. 4 or 11 (MF) was the fourth record of reports from Cameron (HHJ), Reserve (RJS), and the species for Alabama. On both the Venice and New Orleans (RDP & RJS). Three were seen in Cameron-SabineC B Cs Dec. 28 & 31 respectively, Baldwin Co., Ala. Jan. 29 (VDH).

628 American Birds, June 1973 WARBLERS--The first winter record for Alabama Dec 3 & 3 1 (BF,SF,EL,JN) and coastal Alabama of the Magnolia Warbler was of one at Ft. Morgan s•ght•ngsJan 3-Mar 11 and Jan 9-22, the first w•nter Dec 30 (VDH). An Audubon's type Yellow-rumped records for that state. The specieswas noted as well Warbler was seen in the live oaks at Ft. Jackson, at Baton Rouge and Lafayette, La. At least 5 Black- Plaquemines Par., Jan. 20 (RBH), approximately the headed Grosbeaks were seen, from coastal Alabama 15th record for s.e. Louisiana, and another was ob- Jan. 8-Feb. 17 (SH & REH) and Mar. 16 (JDW), Pen- served at Lafayette Jan. 26 (MBE). A Black-throated sacola Dec. 7-Jan. 4 (SG), and Baton Rouge Feb. 16 Gray Warbler was at Smith's I., Cameron Par. Ded. (KH,RJN, & MN). BlueGrosbeaks were encountered 9 (JK)-Jan. 1, but disappeared after the storm. on Dec. 9 at Ft. Morgan(PFC), the latestfor Alabama, By now Black-throated Green and Yellow-throated Dec. 17-18 at Reserve, La. (MW & RJS), and Jan Warblers are expected in the Triumph-Venice area of 11 in Baton Rouge (RJN,HDP & PLB). Indigo Bunt- s e Louisiana and are encountered on nearly every ings are not entirely unexpectedin s.e. Louisiana m trip to that area. On the Venice C B C, the num- winter; this seasonone was seen at the Bonnet Carre bers recorded were 2 and 3, respectively. Spillway Dec. 16 (RJS) and another on the Venice Ovenbirds were found on the Venice C B C (RDP) C B C (RDP et al.). PaintedBuntings visited at least and m Cameron Par. Mar. 11 (RJN), the latter either two New Orleans feeders during December and a very early migrant or the only passerinestraggler January; another at Baton Rouge was thought to have known to survive the January storm. Waterthrushes returned to the same feeding station for at least four made a good showingthis winter, with two of each years(fide RJN). Dickcisselswere reported from Ten- specieson the Venice C B C, while a N. Waterthrush nessee where single birds were seen Dec. 28 at banded at Ft. Morgan Feb. 12 (JVP) was the first Clarksville (BM, fide JDA) and Jan. 8 at Woodbury m winter for Alabama. As late as Feb. 18 at least (FB). One at Baton Rouge Mar. 19-28 (RJN & MN) 3 individuals of this specieswere seen in the Venice may have been a surviving winter straggler. As noted area (RDP,RJN,DAT & JCL). Other recordsof over- above Evening Grosbeaks blanketed the Region wintering warblers in Louisiana were of a Yellow- Though more commonin the northern part of the area, breasted Chat in Cameron Par. Jan. 7 (JCL & RJN), they reached New Orleans in moderate numbers, cer- 3 W•lson's Warblers at Venice, where they are tainly bettering their showingof 1968-69(RDP), and expectedin smallnumbers on the C B C, and an Am. counts of up to 100 were made on the Alabama coast, Redstart on the Cameron-Sabine count (RJS). with the first birdsreaching the coastby Dec. 18(TAI) As of the end of the period there was no informatmn BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS-- availableon subspeciesidentification. Although Yellow-headed Blackbirds were seen near Lafayette, Purple Finches were present in unusually large num- La Dec. 17 (MBE,GE&KE), the first record for bers over the entire Region, there were relatively few that locality, and at Pensacola Dec. 23 (CLK), reports of Pine Siskins,and in generalit seemsto have where they have been found regularly since 1970. been a mediocre year for that northern finch. The only Although winteringorioles have becomealmost com- notable exception was at Shreveport where the specms monplacein the lower part of the Region, the was rather common. By all odds the most exciting Orchard Oriole is by far the least often reported of showing by a boreal specieswas the almost unparal- the "expected" species.The only one seenthis winter leled influx of Red Crossbills. There were at least two was on the Venice C B C (SAG & RJN). There were Mississippirecords, the first ever for that state, these at least 12records of Baltimoretype Northern Orioles on Oct. 29 when an imm. • was picked up dead near from mid-December through early March from s.e. Noxubee N.W.R. (JAJ), and on Feb. 24 when two Loms•ana, Alabama, and n.w. Florida. The only Bul- were seen near the same spot (JAJ). In Louisiana lock'stype Northern Orioles reported were in thecitrus almost 100 were reported as follows: Jan. 27 Caddo grovesnear Ft. Jackson,La., wherethe specieswinters Par., 80 (JRS & RJN), Jan.29 at Shreveport,12 (HHJ), regularly; up to 8 individuals were counted. Summer Mar. 20 at Monroe, 3 (DTK), and Mar. 22 at Swartz, Tanagers, rare in winter in the Region, were noted Ouachita Par., 2 (DTK). At Nashville, one was seen m Louisiana in Cameron Par. Dec. 9 (RBH,RJN & Feb. 11 and ten on the 17th (MLB), the second and MN), Dec. 28 at Venice (SAG et al.), and at a third area records, while the only report from Alabama Shreveport feeder from January through March (fide was of 5 in Bankhead State Forest Mar. 1 (TAI & HHJ) Much lesslikely in winter, on the basisof past HHK). The Sharp-tailed Sparrow winters primarily performanceis the ScarletTanager; a ? at Gulf Breeze, in the coastal salt marshesof the Region; one far inland Fla Nov. 22 was at the very least a very late migrant, in NatchitochesPar. Dec. 17 (RBH) was unexpected exceedingthe previous extreme date for the section Lark Sparrows, rare in winter and uncommonat any by 29 days. season in s. Louisiana, were seen Dec. 24 at Reserve (RC) and Mar. 24 in Cameron Par. (RJS,JCL,RJN FRINGILLIDS--Truly remarkable was the & MN), where 3 were found. Oregon type Dark-eyed number of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks recorded, includ- Juncos were observed in Nashville Nov. 10, 17 & 28 ing two recordsfrom Tennessee.The speciesis noted (ARL), at Rockefeller Ref., La. Dec. 1 (RBH), and morefrequently each winter, althoughthe generalmild- at BirminghamDec. 16-Jan.21 (JFH & MH), the fourth nessof early winter 1972-73no doubt was important. state record. Harris' Sparrows were observed in Ten- There were at least 9 records of the species, mostly nesseeat Donalson, Dec. 21-Mar. 10 (WAH,m.ob), at feeders, from early December well into March. and at Lebanon, Jan. 20-Mar. 10 (VB,m.ob.), Fox Especially noteworthy were Nashville area records Sparrows were significantly more common than usual

Volume 27, Number 3 629 alongthe coastfrom Cameronto DauphinI., but no commentswere received from elsewherein the Region.

CONTRIBUTORS--G. R. Abraham, Ed. Alex- ander, Jr., Joe D. Allen, C. R. Allen, Clifford M. Antulovich, Gussie Arnett, Ray Aycock, Kenneth Bailey, Kate Beck, Millicent Beck, J. Bennett, Chris- tine Berry, Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Berry, Mike L. Bierly, Lois Bing, Thomas Blakeny, BarbaraM. Bodman,J. Brown, (JBr), Andrea Bruner, P. L. Bruner, Frances Bryson, William J. Calvert, Ralph Cambre, Emily D. Campbell, Greg Carlisle, Shirley Cazedessus, P. Fairly Chandler, M. Courtman, S. Craddock, Dot Crawford, Paul Crawford, Mrs. Sid Curley, Lee Daniel, D. A. Darden, D. Dawson, W. Marvin Davis, Kenneth Dubke, Lil Dubke (LDub), Ray Dugas (RaD), Lucy Duncan, (LDun), Robert Duncan (RDu), Grace Eyster, Kenneth Eyster, Marshall B. Eyster, Bill Fintel, Sally Fintel, Michael Fuller, Amy Furnans, E. E. Furnans, Shirley Gade, M. W. Gaillard, Mary A. Gaillard, A. F. Gardner, A. L. Gardner, S. A. Gauthreaux, J. W. Goertz, P. E. Goertz, T. W. Goertz, Lyman Goodnight,Jeff Gray, Kathy Gray, Marion Gray, Mary Gray (MG & MG), Frank Groves, There was almost no snow in Montana and South Mrs. Ned Gnidry, L. A. Hamilton, Robert B. Dakota, little snow in North Dakota and most of the Hamilton, Robert H. Hamilton, John F. Harsh, snow had melted by mid-January, as far north as Mildred Harsh, Mrs. W. A. Hatcher, R. E. Hayward, Davidson, Sask. Sharon Hayward, Florence Healy, Leroy Healy, Verda D. Horne, Katie Howard, Rich Hudson, David WATERFOWL-•The northernmost open water C. Hulse, Thomas A. Imhof (Alabama), John Izral, reporting was from L. Wabamun, w. of Edmonton, Greg D. Jackson,J. A. Jackson,Horace H. Jeter, near a large power plant, where a Pied-billed Grebe JoyceJohnson, Mrs. Frank Jones,Cecil Kaigler,D. Dec. 31 and nine speciesof ducksincluded 5 Barrow's T. Kee, James E. Keeler, Patty Kendrick, William GoldeneyesFeb. 18 (LLG). Up to 4 Barrow's Gold- B. Kendrick, Joe Kennedy, Robert Kimble, Curtis L. eneyes and a single Harlequin Duck wintered at Cal- Kingsberry(n.w. Florida), Helen H. Kittinger,A. R. gary (VL). At SylvanL., Alta., the last ducksdeparted Lasky, James C. Leak, Don Lewis, Mary E. Lewis, Dec. 3, leaving about 100 frozen in the ice (HSA). A. Liles, J. Liles, W. J. Liles, Carol Linder, Stephen Between5000 and 10,000Mallards wintered at Calgary, E. Liston, George H. Lowery, Jr., Edna Lyle, John there were I06,075 Mallards and 6650 Canada Geese J. Lynch, Mary Mayhew, Thomas Mayhew, Mr. & in the C B C at L. Andes N.W.R., S.D. and 107 Mrs. Max McGill, JosieMetzger, Bill Millican, Russel Trumpeter Swans at LaCreek N.W.R., S.D. Ten Munson, M. J. Musumeche, Mac M. Myers, W. Neal, Wood Ducks wintered with Mallards at Silesia, Mont. Marcella H. Newman, Robert J. Newman (Louisiana), (SFM). There were 1214 Com. Mergansers at Jim Nixon. R. E. Noble, A. Nonkes, Mini Nonkes, Pickstown,S.D., Dec. 27 (WH). Donnie Norman, Glaydes Northcut, A. W. Palmisano, • S.Ao Henry E. Parmer (middle Tennessee),Harvey Patton, JamesV. Peavy, Lila P. Potter, H. Doug Pratt, Betty The first outbreakof "Dutch duck plague" or duck Price, Robert R. Reid, Heather Riggins, John Riggins virus enteritis (DVE) in epizootic proportionsamong (JRi), J. A. Rodgers, N. J. Schmitt, Don Scott, Lee wild waterfowl occurred in the central flyway at the Shafer, Ray Smith, Idalene F. Snead, Steve Stedman, L. Andes N.W.R. Previous outbreaks, since the dis- R. J. Stein, James R. Stewart, D. A. Tallman, Lee ease was first recognizedin this country in 1967, had Taylor, Percy L. Thigpen, James C. Thompson, Mil- beenlimited to commercialand captive flocks with only dred Tippett, L. R. Toenes, Dave Turpin, M. G. incidental losses among associatedwild waterfowl. Vaiden, Jacob M. Valentine, Charles Viers, Helen This highlycontagious virus disease affects only water- Wagster,John R. Walther, Warioto Audubon Society, fowl in which it producessevere hemorrhages, espe- F. M. Wasp, Melvin Weber, Dennis Welch, J. D. cially in the digestive system. Control measures Wetzel, A. F. Wicke, Mrs. W. G. Wills, ROBERT consistedof disposalof deadbirds, chlorination of open D. PURRINGTON, Departmeut of Physics, Tulane water and sodium carbonate treatment of ice on the University, New Orleans La. 70118. refugeto inactivatevirus, and dispersalof the flock to the nearby Missouri R. where flushingand dilution NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS wouldreduce the rate of transmission.Approximately / C. Stuart Houston 40,000 of the 100,000mallards wintering in the area are estimatedto have died duringthe outbreakwhich After a cold first half of December, it was one of lasted from early January to Early March. the mildestwinters on record throughoutthe region.

630 American Birds, June 1973 ACCIPITERS, BUTEOS--There was a moderate about Nov 1, later, a dog or cat draggedin the movement of Goshawks, with 18 observations at specimen,the first Groove-billedAni for South Edmonton, 20 at Saskatoonand 9 at Spirit L., Sask., Dakota (B JR). with singlesat ten other Canadian,six North Dakota and two South Dakota localities. A Sharp-shinned OWLS--Single Screech Owls were seen Jan. 9 at Hawk at Saskatoon Jan. 13 was a first winter record Lyleton, Man. (JLM), found dead Feb. 19 at Portland (JBG), one at BowdoinN.W.R., Malta, Mont., Jan. (DLK), identified Nov. 11 and found injured in mid- 25 was also unusual(RJK). A Cooper's Hawk was January at Jamestown(DHJ, JTL) and counted in the seen at Waubay N.W.R., S.D., Jan. 26 (KFH) and C B C at Tewaukon N.W.R., N.D. There was an another Feb. 27 & Mar. 10 at Rapid City (RK). At obvious movement of pale, northern Great Horned Edmonton there were 5 sightingsof Rough-legged Owls near Aberdeen, S.D. (LRL), corroborated by Hawks on three dates, Dec. 30-Feb. 17 and up to 5 further band recoveries of Saskatchewan owls in the wintered at Benton L. N.W.R., Great Falls, Mont. northern states. Snowy Owls were generally common, (GAH). with 154 individual sightingsin the Calgary area, 82 individualson 9 dates near Edmonton (including 19 EAGLES, FALCONS--Golden Eagles were on Dec. 17, 14 on Dec. 30 and 22 on Jan. 13), 34 reported from 34 and Bald Eagles from 22 localities, on 13 dates near Rosetown, 169 sightingsnear Sas- but this year only one Bald Eagle wintered at Squaw katoon, 20 individuals on 11 dates in February near Rapids Dam, Sask. Single, dark-phase Gyrfalcons Leeds, N.D. and repeated sightings at Aberdeen, were seen Feb. 18 & 25 near Calgary (HP, RP), Mar. S.D.; four were bandedat Holden, Alta (KT). Hawk 15 near Drumheller, Alta., Mar. 13 near Kindersley Owls were less commonthan the previous winter near Edmonton but one was seen at Stettler, Alta. Feb. (DGB), Jan. 9-10 near Saskatoon(VJH) and Mar. 17 n of Rosetown, Sask. (WER) and Jan. 10-25 at L. 27 (LML). A PygmyOwl wasphotographed at Water Ilo N W.R., Dunn Center, N.D. (CMD). Merlins Valley, n.w. of Calgary Jan. 21 (HV). A few Barred _asusual wintered on the Canadian prairies, with 10 Owls moved south from their forest habitat, with a on 7 dates at Edmonton and 6 sightingseach winter probablesight record for SpringValley Apr. 6 (FB), month at Calgary, plus 26 on 16 dates at Saskatoon, one struckby a car in ReginaDec. 31 (photographed 5 sightingsat Moose Jaw and 2 at Brandon. Mid-winter and releasedJan. 8, R.M.) and one at Fargo Jan. 23 records of Am. Kestrels included singles at Calgary (EGA). A Long-earedOwl winteredat Medicine Lake Jan 20 (BD), WinnipegJan. 4 (MR), JamestownFeb. N.W.R., Mont. (DNW). Short-eared Owls were 8 (HAK); they wintered at Vermillion and Yankton, absentfrom mostlocalities, yet 21 and 23 at Calgary S D Prairie Falcons were reported from the Calgary Jan. 6-7 were the highestwinter concentrationsever area through Dec. 21 and againafter Mar. 4 (VL, BD), recorded there. A Boreal Owl was capturad at at Vulcan, Alta., Jan. 10, 15, Feb. 7, 9 & Mar. 1 (EB), Robinson,N.D. Nov. 10 (CBS). at Regina throughthe winter (MB), on two December and five February dates at Spring Valley, Sask. (FB), WOODPECKERS, LARKS--At least two Corn. at L Ilo N.W.R., Jan. 10 (CMD), and at Belfield, Flickerswintered at Lethbridgeand one at MooseJaw N D, Dec. 9 (RES), at Rapid City Dec. 16 (EAS) Red-bellied Woodpeckers wintered at Vermillion, and Lacreek N.W.R., S.D., Dec. 27 (NRW), and two Volin, L. Burke and Pickstown, S.D. Several Lewis' at Benton Lake N.W.R., Mont., in February (GAH). Woodpeckers wintered at and south of Sturgis, S.D PeregrineFalcons were noted near Rapid City Dec. (EMS, EEM). Hairy/Downy ratios at feeding trays 17, 21, 26, 27, with two each on Jan. 13-14 and one were 10-10 at Spirit L., 6-12 at Indian Head, Sask Jan 28-29 (EAS, EMS), while one was seenat Angos- and 4-5 at Montpelier, N.D. In spite of the mild, open tura Dam s. of Hot Springs,S.D. Feb. 21 (DA), and winter, Horned Larks did not winter at Regina, Bran- one at Marmarth, N.D. Dec. 16 (PFS). don or Lyleton, Man. and only a few were seen at Vulcan, Alta.

GROUSE, COOT--Sharp-tailed Grouse were CORVIDS--A Gray Jay was seen near Saskatoon decreasedat Edmonton, not seen at Stettler or Vulcan, Jan. 14 & 28, one wintered at Spirit L., Sask. and Alta and rare at Tisdale, Sask., but were at their high- one was seen near St. John, N.D., Oct. 22 (RJG) est numbers in several years at Audubon N.W.R., BlueJays appeared at feedersin Calgaryfor the first Coleharbor,N.D. andin largercoveys near Rapid City. time, wintered at Lewiston, Mont., showedan increase Gray Partridgewere in smallnumbers at Vulcan, Birch at Tewaukon N.W.R., Cayuga and numbered 12 at Hdls, Kindersley, Kenaston and Sheho, but 39 fed Sheyenne,N.D. Black-billedMagpies were ubiquitous in one farmyard at Spring Valley, Sask. Up to 7 Am. on theplains, where 350 wintered at BowdoinN. W. R., Coots wintered at L. Wabamun, Alta. and 3 wintered Mont., a few were present all winter at Jamestown, near the Regina powerhouse. an increasewas evident from presencein 13 of 15North Dakota C B Cs and an increase was reported at several GULLS, DOVES, ANI--Two Glaucous Gulls South Dakota localities. Com. Ravens continued their were seenat Pierre Dec. 20-26(B JR). Mourning Doves unprecedented(at least sincethe days of the buffalo) wintered Bismarck, Jamestown, Grand Forks and southwardinvasion begun in the fall. In Alberta, they Dunseith, N.D. and at Brookings, Yankton, Pierre were reported from Rochfort Bridge, Mayerthorpe, and in Deuel Co., S.D. A farmer near Pickstown, Barrhead, Drayton Valley, Devon, L. Wabamun, S D noticeda strangemagpie-like bird in the brush Stony Plain, Edmonton, Elk I. Park (15 on Feb. 3),

Volume27, Number 3 631 Smoky L , Vegrewlle, Verm•lhon,Sylvan L (up to Fownsend'sSohtmres •ncluded two at Mandan Dec 15 all w•nter), lnmsfml, Cremona, Carstmrs, 17 and one at ArrowwoodN.W.R., N.D. Jan 17 Cochrane, and the first-ever records for the city of (JCS, JM), with one at Aberdeen Nov. 9-Mar 11 Calgary. Saskatchewan raven records included Star (LRL), up to 23 dailyin RapidCity all winter,and C•ty, Rosetown, Saskatoon (absent Dec. 24-Feb. 1-8at Pierre,S.D. (BJR). 16), Raymore, Lanigan, West Bend, Sheho,Spirit L., Kelliher, Gerald, Tantallon, Yarbo, Rocanville, WAXWINGS--BohemianWaxwings were m below Moosomin,Spring Valley, Regina,Grenfell, Wapella, average numbersthroughout most of Alberta and Sas- Langbank, Fairlight, Arcola, Carlyle, Moose Mtn. katchewan,particularly after late December, perhaps Park (the first since 1894), and Parkman. Manitoba relatedto a poor crop of rowanberries in cities,but reports came from Grandview, Birtle, Oak Lake, therewere thousands in Moose Jaw, 500 with one par- Brandon,Minnedosa, Portage la Prairie, Stonewall, tial albinophotographed at BowdoinN.W.R. and 400 Winnipeg,Arborg and Beausejour.Five ravenswin- at Medicine Lake N.W.R., Mont. There were above- tered near Willow City and eight n. of Bottineau average numbers at Sullys Hill, Bismarck and throughearly February (A.B.,O.M.) while singlera- TewaukonN.W.R., N.D. andgood numbers at Rap•d vens were reported Dec. 2 at Rolla, N.D. (PCH), City, Pierre,L. Burkeand Brookings,with the first Dec. 9 at Coleharbor (DCM and Dec. 29 & Jan. 6 in tenyears at Highmore.Cedar Waxwings froled to near Dunseith, N.B. (RES, RCF). stayinto late Decemberin Edmonton,Saskatoon and A Clark's Nutcracker wintered in Edmonton, and Winnipegthis year. up to 7 daily were at feedersin RapidCity.

CHICKADEES--Black-capped Chickadees BLACKBIRDS--Red-winged Blackbirdsremained returned in full force to feeders in Saskatoon; we throughJanuary or all winterat Crosby,Sullys H•11, seemedto have six at the writer's feeder, but banding Jamestown,Bismarck, and Tewaukon, N.D. andmany proved the numberto be 45, with somestill unbanded, wintered at Brookings,S.D. Rusty Blackbirds were most visitingquite regularly.Our previoushigh was in large flocks at Silesia, Mont., 20 wintered at a Ken- 1965when we seemedto have only three chickadees mare feedlot, 40 at Sullys Hill, 27 at Jamestown, 15 yet banded 14 in three days. In 1969, 1970 and 1971 at Grand Forks, 9 at Fargo, and 17 at Bismarck A we caughtnone as they almost disappearedfrom the Brewer's Blackbird survived the winter at Indian c•ty. Black-cappedsalso were "unusually common" Head, Sask., but about half of a group of 15 at th•s winter at Regina and increased at Tewaukon Aberdeen,S.D. died by mid-February. N W.R. MountainChickadees frequented two feeders at Rapid City (LMB). Boreal Chickadeeswere seen at BrookingsDec. 1-9 (NH) and s. of Brookingsin FRINGILLIDS.--A • Cardinal wintered near Moody Co. on Dec. 16 (BKH), the first records for Dauphin, Man. (W.J. Walley, Laurie Stephen) Eve- SouthDakota. Borealsalso seemedmore widespread ning Grosbeaks were decreased at Edmonton and m Alberta, with reports from Edmonton, Bon Accord, Holden, Alta. and Winnipeg and Pinawa, Man , but Wildwood,Caroline, Cremona(6, Jan. 21) and Calgary were in above average or record numbersat most other (4, Jan. 1)and from SaskatoonFeb. 22 andWauchope, localities, including 200 at Sullys Hill, N.D. Cassm's Sask., Dec. 27. Finchesnumbered up to 25 at Aberdeenand 4 at Rap•d City. A 6 Gray-crownedRosy Finch was near Regina NUTHATCHES, MI MI DS--White-breasted Jan. 19-21(DG), aflock of 25at Bowman, N.D Nov Nuthatches,no longerconsidered a rarity, winteredat 19(JO), oneat AberdeenJan. 27 throughend of period SherwoodPark and Calgary,Alta., MooseJaw, Saska- (LRL)and 100daily at a feeders. of RapidCity (WBH) toon and Indian Head, Sask. (a first), with one n. of Hoary Redpolls were absent from most 1ocaht•esand Rosetown Dec. 17. A Pygmy Nuthatch visited a Bill- Corn. Redpollswere generallyreported as scarceor ragsfeeder regularly (Ray Hays). A Mockingbirdpre- decreased. Pine Siskins were in higher numbers at sent throughoutDecember in Winnipeg,died the first many localities, with 7 at Saskatoon Dec. 27, 50 at week in January. Another Mockingbird at a Fargo Moose Jaw Jan. 28 and up to 8 at feedersdaily there- feeding station from Nov. 30 through March, lost after, large numbers at Bismarck with 150 banded most of its bill between its visits of Feb. 5 & 6, but (RNR), 50 at Valley City, 125at Fargo, 200 at Aber- learned to roll currants with its tongue and survived, in deen and 50 at Sioux Falls. spiteof this deformity and a badly crippled Foot (Fon- Red Crossbillswere in above average numbersat soe Bolin). Edmonton, Holden, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, R•ver- dale, Bismarck, Valley City, Fargo and Brookings THRUSHES--Am. Robins wintered at Edmonton A Rufous-sidedTowhee winteredat a Billingsfeeder and MooseJaw, Kenmare(at least3), SullysHill (13), (Helen Carlson).Dark-eyed Juncos wintered at Regina L I1o N.W.R. (12), Riverdale,Audubon N.W.R. (12, (2). Wolseley,Sask. (2), Balmoral,Man. (l)and R•ver- a first), Arrowwood N.W.R., Jamestown, Portland dale (10) with one at Kenmare, N.D., Dec 31-Jan and Mayville, in North Dakota, and Aberdeen (25), 5. At BowdoinN.W.R., Mont., 1500Tree Sparrows Brookings,Pierre, Sturgis,Highmore, Rapid City and wintered, while there were 454 at Sioux Falls Jan 31 L Burke (100) in South Dakota. A Varied Thrush and 349 at Brookings Dec. 16. Snow Buntings were at Calgary Dec. 10-30was a new winter species(HB, generally reported in below average numbers, espe- VL), and one wintered at Aberdeen, S.D. (LRL). cially in January and February.

632 AmericanB•rds, June 1973 CORRIGENDUM .4B27: 76, line 3, KidderCo., not Wilder Co.

CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface) --Helge S. Abrahamson, Don Adolphson, E.A r•*• "• -•--"'• i' - Lincoln -• ..... AIfstad, W. Anaka, E!iz. G. Anderson, Ed. Baldwin, L. M. Baylor, P. L. Beckie, M. Belcher. Wes Bell, • eDenv•r I •anha•an A. J. Binnie, FIossie Bogdan, Hattie Boothman, Alvin Brandt, D. G. Bush, Tom Callahan, G. Cole, H. W. . • • • t Haysß TopekaL• R. Copland, Eliz. Cruickshank, Barbara Danielson. C. M. Dinkins, W. Rosalie Early, Gary A. Eslinger, Adrian C. Fox, Ann M. Gammell, Ken Gardner, R. E. Gehlert, Dang Gilroy (and column, "Prairie Wildlife" in the Western Producer), David E. Goeke, ß: • • • , ß • •6it Oklahoma J. B. Gallop, Loran L. Gaulden,Raymond J. Green- : =:- 7 ==• .! I I to•. Ci• , . • ARK wood, Gary A. Hagedom, Kent F. Hall. Willis Hall. Warren B. Hamm, Bruce A. Hanson, M. O. Hanson, • , o.... c.•..• V. J. Harper, Bruce K. Harris, Jean M. Harris, Wayne C. Harris, Phyllis C. Hart, June Harter. D. R. M. Hatch, Lois C. Haynes, J. D. Hayward, R. O. Hilling, Alfred Hinds, Dale Hjertaas, Nelda Holden, K. J. Hoover, Eliz. K. Hubbard, D. H. Johnson, H. A. Kantrud, Rachel Katterjohn, Edith W. Kern, P. R. Kern, Rodney J. King, Doris Knecht, Herbert Krause. D. L. Kubischta,John Lane, Virginia Lang small coveysof Bobwhitesfroze. Many doveswhich (Calgary Field-Naturalist compiler), Evelyn Lein, froze wereon southside of roostingcover, or in build- Moray Lewis, L M. Lohr, John T. Lokemoen, L. ings,and near food. Thirty percentof the deaddoves R. Lynch, M. L. Mareschal, Jim Matthews. R. examinedhad food in the crop. Several live birds McCall, S. F. McClintock, E. E. Miller, J. L. Murray, examinedhad thick ice coveringtarsi and feet." Roy Wm. Niven, Lynn W. Oliphant, James Oberfoell, R. •oveless, a rancherof BasqueCo., Tex. found dead Palindat, R. N. Randall, Don H. Renaud, Wayne E. dovesin hay lofts and outbuildingsand aroundthe Renaud, S. D. Riome, Murray Ritchie, Barbara unh•vestedmaize he hadlea for the birds.The game Robinson, B. J. Rose, Irven O. Rostad, Barnet W. wardenat Meridian,Tex. reposedthat a millionand Schrank, H. Schuler, Frances A. Schultz, Esther M. a halfdoves perished in thatpart of Texas•de JMS). Serf, Start J. Shadick (Saskatoon Bird Review editor), Scaled Quail were found frozen in Hawed Co., Tex. P. D. Skaar, Mary Skinner, Olynda Smith, Eliz. A. (•BP). Wherever there were enormousflocks of win- Southmayd,Frank Splendoria,Paul F. Springer,Galen tering blackbirds, many were found dead under the L. Steffan, Willard E. Steffan, Craig B. Stewart, Robt. •oost. E. Stewart, Jas. C. Swanick, Catherine Thexton. Ken Trann, A. K. Trout, J. G. Turner, R. W. Turner, LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Cam. Loons H. Vander Pal, J. A. Wedgwood, R. W. Weier, Don were scarceon the plains this winter, but one in Brazos N. White, N. R. Whitney, LeotaWilliams.--C.STUART Co., Tex., Feb. 6 wasa first winterrecord (GFC). HOUSTON (and Mary I. Houston), 863 University White Pelicanswere reportedat Trinidad, Tex., Dec. Drive, Saskatoon, Sask. S7N 038. 26(GS,OCS), Hagerman N.W.R., Tex., Feb. 17(MB, m. ob.), BuffaloLake N.W.R., Tex., Jan.4 (MSu). SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Double-crested Cormorants were sighted at L. Meredithin the Texas PanhandleDec. 23 (JW), and / Frances Williams on BuffaloL. RefugeChristmas Bird Count(hereafter C B C). A Black-crownedNight Heron at SanAngelo, The winter of 1972-73was one of the wettest and Tex., Jan. 13 was an unusualwinter record (CCW). coldeston record. Many localities reported the longest Am. Bitternswere located at TulsaDec. 20 (T.A.S.), consecutiveperiod on record of below freezing temper- SanAngelo Jan. 13, Feb. l0 (CCW) and Brownfield, atures. Devastating snow and ice storms occurred Tex., Mar. 18 (M.N.). often.The extreme cold and snow-covered ground con- centratedpassefines at feederswhere they were easily WATERFOWL---WhistlingSwans were recorded observed.For example,Mrs. Moormanat Perkins, at Dumas,Tex., Feb. 20 (CS), HagermanRefuge Jan. Okla. reportedshe fed 200birds of 24 species,in addi- 1-21(CRB, KH), BoulderMar. 10(SL, m.ob.),Osage tion to morethan 200 HouseSparrows. Ponds. lakes Co., Okla., Feb. 24 (EH). White-frontedGeese were andstreams froze, so there were fewer wintering ducks notedat San Angeloand OsageCo. Two Ross'Geese and shorebirds than usual. werenetted at BuffaloL. Refugein December(MSu). There were severalreports of bird mortalityowing BlackDucks wintered at Dumas(JD) and in Osage to the extremecold. Wes Webb, district game ranger, Co. (B.A.S.). CinnamonTeal rarely winter in the estimated5000 MourningDoves froze in Greer Co., Region,but were reported at HagermanRefuge, Lub- Okla. Mrs. McGee of Lawton,Okla. wrote, "A few bock,Tex., SanAngelo, Wichita, and Big Spring, Tex.

Volume 27, Number 3 633 Wood Ducks wintered at Pueblo, Colo (VT) They day (GFC) A Kllldeer'snest with four eggswas found were recorded on the C B C at Wichita Mts N W R, at Lawton, Okla , Mar 14, about two weeks early Midland, Manhattan, Kans. and Junction City, Kans. (JMM). A Mountain Plover was noted in Schlelcher This specieswas noted throughoutthe area duringlate Co., Tex., Jan. 23 (CCW). An Am. Woodcock was March. An Oldsquaw collected in Garvin Co., Okla. found at Hagerman Refuge Feb. 17 (MB, m.ob ) A (KVH) was the only report of a "sea duck" on the Wilson's Snipe at Clayton, New Mex., Dec. 31 was plains. In late December, Hooded Mergansers were a rare winter record (AJK). numerousin Tarrant Co., Tex. and Hagerman Refuge, and were also noted at Buffalo L. and Wichita Mts. GULLS, TERNS--Glaucous Gulls were reported refuges. Red-breastedMergansers were found at Big at Oklahoma City Jan. 20-Feb. 23 (JN), Denver Dec Spring Mar. 9 (LBP, m.ob.), Osage Co., Dec. 30, 23, Jan. 6, Feb. 1 (JR), Berthoud (JL, m.ob - no Jan 18 (DG, EH), Wichita Mts., Dec. 8 (EAB). date given). A bird believedto be Thayer's Gull was studied carefully at Dallas Mar. 17 (HN). Frankhn's HAWKS--Charles A. Ely at Hays, Kans. com- Gull was late at Denver Dec. 3 (SL) and early at Dallas mented that "The Goshawk invasion seems to be the Mar. 4 (WP). A Forster'sTern wassighted at Trinidad, greatestsince 1916-17."There were recordsin Kansas Tex., Dec. 26 (GS, OCS). at Emporia, Manhattan, Junction City, Kingman, Klrwin, Lawrence, Topeka, KansasCity and Johnson DOVES, PARAKEETS, ROADRUNNERS-- Co In Nebraska they were sightedat Lincoln, Omaha, Inca Doves continue to spread northward, being Bellevue and Papillion. Oklahoma records were at reported at Ft. Worth, Denton, Tex., Palestine, Tex Osage Co., Stillwater and Salt Plains N.W.R. and Altus, Okla. When Oklahoma winds blew the nest Goshawks also appearedin Colorado at Bonny Reser- of Monk Parakeets out of a tree at Norman, the birds voir, Boulder and Ft. Collins and in Texas at Amarillo rebuilt in a "severe weather warning box," (siren and Callahan County. housing).Norman is in the heart of "tornado alley" Because of the concentration of small birds at feeders and the siren howls loudly and frequently, but the there were more reports of Sharp-shinned and parakeetsdon't seem to mind (GER). The unusual Cooper'sHawks than usual.Birders had only to look high number of eight Roadrunners was reported in out their windows to see that their largesse benefits Otero Co., Colo. (VT). At Norman, Roadrunners raptors as well as songbirds. But during the C B C seemedto sufferfrom hungerduring the frequentsnow period, only 46 Sharp-shinnedsand 48 Cooper's were storms, and one found dead was in an emaciated condi- counted in the whole Region. Given in the size of tion (G ER). the Regionand the numberof observers,this is a very small count of these Accipiters. Rough-leggedand FerruginousHawks were unusu- OWLS--Barn Owls were reportedonly at Dallas, ally commonthis winter. A Harris' Hawk was observed College Station, Tex., San Angelo, Midland, Washlta at Cheyenne Bottoms N.W.R., Dec. 11-Jan.7 (EM) N.W.R., Okla., L. Thomas, Tex., and Great Bend, and another was noted in Jackson Co., Okla., Feb. Kans. Are Barn Owls really this scarce or do birders 25 (JA). Seventy-nine Golden Eagleswere sighteddur- just not know where to look? A Screech Owl took ing the C B C, 26 of these being on Pawnee Nat'l up residencein a martin house in Irving, Tex , Mar Grasslands, Colo. In Kansas, 68 Bald Eagles during 4 (WP). A SnowyOwl was seenseveral times at Omaha, count period representeda new high (CAE). This is Neb., Dec. 7-Dec. 15 (MW, m.ob.). A Burrowing about the same number as were seen in all the rest Owl in BurlesonCo., Tex., Mar. 3 was a first County of the Region. An Osprey was present at Hagerman record (GFC, OG). Long-eared Owls were common RefugeFeb. 17 (MB, m.ob.) and one was at L. Tyler throughout the Region. Short-eared Owls were seen Mar. 26 (EC). A Caracarawas recorded at Wacoduring as far southas San Angelo, but this was not a major the C B C. Prairie Falcons were more numerous and invasionyear. A Saw-whet Owl was nettedand banded widespread than in recent years, but only three Pere- at Hays, Kans., a third record (CAE). This species grine Falcons were sighted during the entire period. was recorded on the C B C at Boulder and Bonny Reservoir, Colo. Pigeon Hawks were scarce, only 12 being recorded during the C B C. WOODPECKERS--Pileated Woodpeckers are RAILS, GALLINULES--Virginia Rails remained becomingslightly more commonat the westernedge through December in Lubbock Co. (ShM, DS), Ft. of their range. Recent records include Dallas Feb 4 Collins (WS), Pueblo (VT), Longmont (RE) and L. (HN), Emporia C B C, Hagerman Dec. 16 (RRy), Meredith (CBC). One at Midland Feb. 25 wasa second ClevelandCo., Okla. (m.ob.). Red-belliedWoodpeck- County record (EBi). Corn. Gallinules wintered at ers were west of their normal range at Bonny Dam Lubbock (AB, ShM) and were sightedat San Angelo Dec. 31 (PJ, m.ob.), Ft. Collins, Nov. 18-Mar 12 Jan. 15 (TM). (GF), L. Meredith C B C. A Golden-fronted Wood- pecker appearedat MuleshoeN.W.R., Tex., during SHOREBIRDS--Very few contributors even men- the C B C andat Dallas in December(WP). Population t•oned shorebirds, so it may be assumedthat shorebird of Red-headedWoodpeckers is muchreduced at Mof- migration was generally late this spring. Two early fett, Okla. (RML), e. Nebraska (JM), Ft. Worth Am. Golden Plovers were noted at Dallas Mar. 4 (WP) (F.W.A.S.), Cleveland Co. (GER). Five Lewis' and 13 were present in Brazos Co., Tex. the same Woodpeckers were counted during the Longmont

634 AmericanBirds, June 1973 C B C A Wllhamson's Sapsucker was banded at Bry- 54 replies from Colorado Springsand its suburbsand an, Tex , Feb 16(KAA) Another was noted at Amard- nine replies from elsewhere in the area At least 36 lo Dec 24 (RRo). of the 63 reports were of birds at feeding stations

FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--A Black NUTHATCHES, WRENS--Every contributor Phoebe at Midland Mar. 10-15 was the first record reported one or two records of Red-breasted since 1960(ABC, m.ob.). Say's Phoebes were unusu- Nuthatches, but only in Nebraska was the speciesat ally abundantthroughout the southwesternpart of the all abundant. Populationof Bewick's Wrens increased Region. Vermilion Flycatchers were located at greatly at Ft. Worth (MR) and Pueblo (VT). Carolina Eldorado, Okla., Mar. 14 (JA) and Big Spring Dec. Wrens wintered at Pueblo(VT), Wichita, Kans. (MM), 8 (LBP). A Violet-green Swallow in Latimer Co., Elk City, Okla. (lB), Denver (HH) and were more Colo , Mar. 14 was a new early date (DB). A Bank numerous than usual at Amarillo (T.P.A.S.). Winter Swallow in Brazos Co., Mar. 3 was 22 days early Wrens were reported only at Bellevue, Neb. (MW, (GFC) A Barn Swallow in Curry Co., New Mex., m.ob.). Three Long-billed Marsh Wrens at Cheyenne Dec 2 was the first winter record for the State in Bottoms were noteworthy (EM). Short-billed Marsh over 30 years (DPa). A Barn Swallow nest was built Wrens were found at Pueblo (VT), Waco (LMB) and at Ft Sill, Okla. in late March and had five eggsApr. Stanton, Tex. (FW). 4, a very early date (LM). MIMICS, THRUSHES--A Mockingbirdvisited CORVIDS--Scrub Jays are resident in many parts a feederin Boulderthe firstweek of February(BC) of the Region and often wander into localitiesadjacent A catbird wintered at Midland (TJ), 2 were seen to their accustomed range. But this winter unusually at Topekaon and after the C B C (fide CAE), and high numbers were seen out of habitat. They were oneremained at Bartlesville,Okla. until Dec. 2 (DG) sightedat Dodge City and Morton Co., Kans., Wichita BrownThrashers wintered at Lincoln(SLD) andHays Mts , Otero Co., Pueblo Co., Colorado Springs, (CAE). Nine Curve-billed Thrashers were counted Boulder, Clayton, Roosevelt Co., New Mex., Mid- northeastof PuebloFeb. 24 (VT, m.ob.)and one was land, Amarillo and Brownfield, Tex. Steller'sJays did sightedduring the Fort Morgan, Colo. C B C. Varied not wander as widely as Scrub Jays. They were most Thrusheswere noted at DenverDec. l, Jan. 15(LR), conspicuousin Colorado cities not far from the foot- Springfield,Neb., Jan.22 (MP), OmahaJan. 27 (MP) hills But they also reached Amarillo, Lubbock, Few Hermit Thrusheswintered in the Region.The Roosevelt Co., and the Black Mesa area of Oklahoma. populationof E. Bluebirdshas increasedat Tyler Pition Jays were sightedin many of the above locations (OCS) and Stillwater (ZM). There was an unusual and also at Goodland, Okla., Clayton, and Silverton, number of records of Mountain Bluebirds in Tex Oklahoma: Tulsa (A&BR), Wichita Mts (L.F.S.B.C.), RushSprings (SS), Elk City (IB) Thousandsof bluebirdsof threespecies migrated throughthe canyonsof the TexasPanhandle during The most interesting occurrence of the season was mid-March (T.P.A.S.). Townsend'sSolitaires were the invasion of Clark's Nutcrackers. The Nutcrackers commonin the westernhalf of the Regionand were soon located feeding stations in most of the cities of sightedeast to Dallas(HN, m.ob.)and south to San the plains and remained "gobbling suet" throughout Angelo (TM, CCW). the period. The Midland nutcrackerhad trouble trying to eat peanuts.He shelledthem efficiently, but the KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES--More nutmeatsfell to the ground. The bird never solved Ruby-crownedKinglets than usual wintered in Kansas the mystery of the empty shells. !f the nutcrackers andNebraska. Sprague's Pipits were sighted at Belle- did not locatea sourceof man-suppliedfood, they usu- vue, Mar. 17 (RG), SanAngelo C B C (CCW), and ally stayed in areas where there were pecan, oak or Dallas Mar. 24 (HN, m.ob.). It was the first record pine trees. !n Pueblo, nutcrackerswere observedeat- in sevenyears at the latterlocality. Bohemian Wax- lng dead House Sparrows which had succumbedto wings stageda major invasion.They winteredat the cold (VT). Lincoln,Omaha, Hays, Topeka, Dodge City, Junction Nutcrackers were sightedin Kansasat Dodge City, Ellis, Hays, Lacrosse, Topeka, Kansas City, and City, Black Mesa, E1 Dorado, Okla., Denver, Pueblo, Boulder,Johnstown, Ft. Collins, Lubbock, JohnsonCo.; in Oklahoma at Fletcher, Wichita Mts., Amarillo,Palo Duro Canyon.Numbers of N. Shrikes Norman,Stillwater; in Coloradoat• Lyons, Ft. Collins, were low in Colorado. Pueblo, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Weldona, Long- mont, in New Mexico at Clayton and Roosevelt Co.; m Texas at Amarillo, Dumas, Canadian, Buffalo L., VIREOS, WARBLERS--A White-eyedVireo was Umbarger,Plainview, Brownfield, Midland, Lubbock, recordedon the Nacogdoches, Tex. C B C. A Solitary Lamesa and Burkburnett. Vireoat DallasJan. 20 was a first winter record (HN) A Red-eyedVireo was noted at La Porte,Colo., Mar 4 (WS).A TennesseeWarbler was located during the Boerne, Tex. C B C. Nashville Warblers were seen Sam Gadd of Colorado Springs reported that he duringthe Lubbock C B C andat Portales, New Mex, madean appealthrough the local newspaperfor people Jan.20 (DPa). A ParulaWarbler at Bryan,Tex., Mar to report sightingsof wanderingCorvids. He received 12was early (KAA). A Black-throatedGray Warbler

Volume27, Number3 635 at BigSpring Mar 23was west of its usual range (LBP) All three speciesof rosy finches were common m A Yellow-throated Warbler was found during the Denver Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were found at NacogdochesC B C. This speciesreturned early to Longmont (CB, RE) and on the Pawnee Nat'l Grass- CollegeStation, Mar. 17(KAA) andDallas, Mar. 15 land (DKP). Common Redpolls were sighted at Boul- (HN). A MacGillivray'sWarbler was collected at Pot- der (BE), Ft. Collins (FH), Clayton (WC, AJK) But talesJan. 26 (DPa). The specimenis at E. New Mexico in Omaha there were only two records(MW) in contrast University. to the abundance of the specieslast year. As usual. the distribution of Pine Siskins was spotty. Only at ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--Yellow-headed Black- Johnson Co., Kans., Roosevelt Co., New Mex and birdslingered until the C B C periodand evenlater Kerrville, Tex. were they abundant. Small numbers at Omaha,Cheyenne Bottoms, Longmont, Colorado also occurred in Lincoln, Omaha, Hays, Tulsa, Brazos Springs,Lubbock, Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyonand Co., Tyler and Ft. Worth. Midi!and.A Bullock'stype NorthernOriole was Red Crossbills were still in the Region at the end slght•eddt•ving the NacogdochesC B C. RustyBlack- of March. Nebraska records included Lincoln, Belle- birdswere seenduring the winterat Hays, Norman, vue, and Omaha. In Kansas Red Crossbills wintered Duncar[•'L•wton, Elk City, Longmont,Colorado at Hays, Great Bend, McPherson, Wichita, Halstead, Springs,San Angelo, Midland, Eldoradb, Buffalo Topeka, Dodge City and Johnson Co. In Oklahoma L , Mu!.esh•Refuge and Waco. Boat-tailed Grack- they occurred at Norman, Altus, Chickasha, Duncan, leswere sighled at LubbockMar. 5 (AB, ShM)and Lawton, Ponca City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and atCheyeone Bottoms Dec. 23 (RMG). A Corn.Grack- Broken Bow. Colorado records were at Denver, Boul- le at Boulder Feb. 5 was early (SL). A W. Tanager der and Longmont. In Texas the species was noted was located at Amarillo Jan. I (PA). at Amarillo, Lubbock, Wichita Falls and as far south as Waco and San Angelo. FR1NG1LLIDS--A very early Cardinal nest was Green-tailed Towhees were recorded at Dallas Dec located at Norman. It was started the first week of 21 - Mar. 23 (EW, m.ob.). This specieswas also found March and held three eggs Mar. 18 (GMS). A Black- during the Pueblo C B C, a late date. Rufous-slded headed Grosbeak frequented a feeder in Big Spring Towhees wintered more commonly in Colorado, Ne- during February (MSt, m.ob.). A Dickcissel was braska and Kansas than usual. A Lark Bunting was observed at Manhattan for a week during the C B C sighted on the Bartlesville C B C (DG). White-winged period (m.ob.). Another was sighted at Bartlesville Juncoswere sightedat Ft. Collins (FH), Pawnee Nat'l Jan. 8 (GH). Grassland(SMc), Black Mesa region (STP), Omaha The Evening Grosbeak invasion centered in (RG), Longmont (AC), Great Bend (LN), Junction Oklahoma, where the birds visited feeders in at least City C B C, and ColoradoSprings (P J). Slate-colored 21 cities and towns! In Nebraska they appeared only type Dark-eyed Juncos were more common than the at Omaha. In Kansas, Evening Grosbeaks were Oregon type in w. Texas, which is the reverse of normal recorded at Great Bend, Manhattan, Hays, Halstead, distribution. Harris' Sparrows were low in numbers Junction City, Topeka, JohnsonCo. and Wichita. They in Oklahoma, but were frequently sighted in areas were more common than usual in the Colorado foothill west of their usual range. Reportscame from Weld cities. Texas records were mostly in the northern third Co., Colo., Ft. Collins, Morton Co., Kans., Kerrville, of the State: Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon, Tyler, Fort Boulder, Colorado Springsand Amarillo. Worth, Den,tgn,Nacogdoches, Gregg Co., Richard- Flocks of Lapland Longspurs occurred at Hays, son,Muleshoe .Refuge, Burkburnett and Abilene. But Hastings, Neb., Moffett, Okla., Elk City, Norman, there was alsO a record in Brazos Co., so the lack Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Weld Co., Pueblo, Pawnee of records in c. Texas may be a lack of observers Nat'l Grassland, Nunn, Nacogdoches, Waller Co , rather than actual absence of the birds. Tex., Burieson Co., Tex., Brazos Co., Tarrant Co Althoughcontributors at Omahaand Tulsa reported and Hagerman. A Smith's Longspursighted in Brazos fewer Purple Finches than usual this winter, others Co., Feb. 2 & 4 represented a first County record noted hugeincreases. Charles Brown of Sherman, Tex. (GFC). This species was recorded in Cushing Jan wrote, "Perhaps one of the most striking population 30 (DI), and three at Dallas Mar. 24 were in full spring changesin usual birds this year was the tremendous plumage (HN, m.ob.). A Snow Bunting found during increase of Purple Finches. We observed immense the Norman C B C waslater collected,a first specimen flocks in the field, and feeding stations in town were for Oklahoma (GMS). Two Snow Buntingsat Manhat- invaded by them. Many of the sightings came tan constituted the secondC B C record in 24 years immediatelybefore and immediatelyafter ice storms." (SW, MD). In Perkins, Okla., 418 Purple Finches were banded in two daysat a singlefeeding station (OP). Increased OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS--Peggy numbers were also noted in Bartlesville, Norman and Acord, Keith A. Arnold, John Ault, Bartlesville Audu- Oklahoma City. In Texas, Purple Finches were abun- bon Society, Eugene A. Bartnicki, Margaret Beatty, dant at Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, Tyler, Fort Worth, Esther Bennett, Ethelyne Bizilo, (EBi), Alfred Bjel- Sherman,lowas Park and Taylor Co. Cassin'sFinches land, Carl Bock, David Bolton, Charles R. Brown, were reportedfrom CheyenneBottoms (EM), Portales lna Brown, Lillian M. Brown, Brad Carlton, Cleveland (DPa), San Angelo (CCW, m.ob.), Amarillo (RRo, County Bird Club, G. Fred Collins,Allegra Collister, ES), Palo Duro Canyon (PA), and Lubbock (AB, Wesley Cook, A. B. Crockett, Edgar Cunningham, ShM). Dallas County Audubon Society, Marge Davidson,

636 AmericanBirds, June 1973 Ella Delap, Jack Dillard, Shirley L. Doole, Beth ton and Beaumont, and an ice storm to Falfurrias; Edwards, Charles A. Ely, Victor Emanuel, Richard temperature minimumsranged from 22ø to 28a F in Esposito, G. Findley, Foothills Audubon Club, Fort the Lower Rio GrandeValley, and Austinexperienced Worth Audubon Society, Sam Gadd, Orlyn Gaddis, 90 consecutivehours of freezing. Widespreadfrozen Dotty Goard, Ruth Green, R. M. Gunn, Karl Hailer, precipitation fell again on February 8 and 9; sleet Ada Henderson, Gene Hendricks, Louise Herring, coveredparts of the Rio Grande Delta and tempera- F. Hermann, Elizabeth Hicks, Harold Holt, Kenneth tures again reached the low 20s. Few instancesof bird Van Hoozer, Deloris lsted, Ted Jones, Paul Julian, mortality were reported, but lower counts of some Polly Keating, AdolfJ. Krehbiel, Steve Larson, Robert speciesfollowing the sub-freezingwet spellsappeared M. LaVal, Lawton-Fort Sill Bird Club, John Lindfors, ominous. From the delta area, reporterscommented David W. Lupton, Blaine M. Marshman, Ed Martinez, on the disappearanceof hummingbirds,titmice, gnat- JamesMalkowski, Terry Maxwell, S. McEIlin (SMc), catchers, kinglets and warblers following winter Janet M. McGee, Louis McGee, Sharon Menaul storms. Sick and dead Mockingbirds and frozen (ShM), Sophia Mery, Midland Naturalists, Malcolm Ground Doves were reported at Falfurrias after the Miller, Zella Moorman, Mary Louise Myers, John sleet storm of February 8 and 9. At San Antonio, radio Newell, Hazel Nichols, Larry Nossaman, David reports of "little birds frozen to tree branches" could Paschke (DPa), Sebastian T. Patti, L. B. Paul, Marie not be verified,but MourningDoves suffered heavy Pluta, David K. Porter, Oneta Puckett, Warren M. lossessouth of town (CRB). At AransasNational Wild- Pulich, Midge Randolph,Grace E. Ray, Jack Reddall, life Refuge, gnatcatchers,kinglets and warblers "all Anne & Bruce Reynolds, Rena Ross (RRo), Leona movedout with the coldweather in January"(LBM). Rowe, Rod Rylander(RRy), Ken Seyffert, O. C. Shef- 1ce and snow storms"killed many of thesmaller perch- field, W. Shuster,Gerald Smith, Jessie Maye Smith, ing birdsand severalRoseate Spoonbills at Anahuac Mahlon Speers, Carolyn Stallwitz, Layfette Stan- National Wildlife Refuge(RWC). kewitz, Sue Steele, Darlene Stevens,Estelle Stevens, Mary Stipp (MSt), Milt Suther (MSu), George M. Sutton, Texas Panhandle Audubon Society, Van LOONS, GANNETS, B1TTERNS---Com. Loons Truan, Tulsa Audubon Society, C. C. Wiedenfeld, were scarce at Rockport (DMW). Several Horned Melba Wigg, Lynn Willcockson, Jack Williams, Grebes, consideredrare, were seenon the upper coast, Sondra Williamson, Erin Wingren.--FRANCES and one was observed at Austin in mid-December (B R, WILLIAMS, 3307 Neely, Midland, Tex. 79701. MT). Mrs. Donohue counted 99 Eared Grebes and 141+ Least Grebes wintering in the Mission area of Hidalgo Co., until all vanishedafter a freeze on Feb. SOUTH TEXAS REGION 10. Least Grebes were "fairly common" on and near / Fred S. Webster, Jr. Santa Aria N.W.R. Two wintered on a sewage pond at Austin (BR et aLL Several Western Grebes appar- A severe winter, portendedby an influx of northern ently wintered at Laguna Atascosa N.W.R.; reports finches starting in late October and an ice storm in varied from 3 to 6. One was seen swimming in the northern areas on December 10 and I I, materialized surf at Bolivar Pen., Mar. 31 (VLE, TBF, RAR & for all areas of the Region in January. Temperature SW). Gannets were observed off the beaches of N. laws were not extreme, but frequency and duration and S. Padre i. on 6 days Dec. 28-Feb. 22 -- as many of cold spellsand the unusualand widespreadoccur- as 6 individualson a singleday. (BF). A subadultwas rence of snow, sleet and freezing rain madethe season observed feeding in East Bay and Marsh Pond (on memorable. A cold spell on January 9-12 brought snow Anahuac Ref.) Dec. 12 (fide RWC). On Feb. 8, an and sleet as far south as San Antonio, Victoria, Galves- Am. Bittern was found in a shallowgoldfish pond at a San Antonio residence. Bender observed it "wandering over the patio flagstones, occasionally picking at seeds put out for sparrows and doves. It roostedin a very small palm and was gonethe following morning." Populationof this specieswas again on the rise in the Corpus Christi area (KM). Numbers of Roseate Spoonbills wintered on the upper coast. An EaglePass Beeville estimated 300 were at Anahuac Ref., Feb. 24 (FC).

WATERFOWL---This winter saw the return of great flocks of Snow Geese to the upper coast (VLE). Presumably, populations which had been wintering farther north in recent years were driven southby diffi- culty in obtaining food. A flock of about 20,000 was seen in w. Harris Co., Jan. II (VLE & TBF). Peak locality counts were 30,000+ at Cove (AM), 35,000 ; ,. at Anahuac Ref. (RWC), and 80,000 at San Bernard N.W.R. (R.IF). Eleven Ross' Geese were observed at Anahuac Ref. in December (RWC). This species is now seeneach winter, albeit in very small numbers,

Volume27, Number3 637 50 Black-belhedTree Duckswintered on the Wright Godwits were noted m the Rockport area, while the Ranchnear Corpus Christi (KM), and30 Fulvous Tree Dunhn, usuallythe most numerousshorebird in winter, Ducksremained on a pondin the SantaMaria area was down (DMW). A high count of 4000 Am. Avocets of CameronCo. (WAS). CinnamonTeal, although was made at Galveston on Feb. 24 (VLE, TBF & never common,were in relativelygood numbers on RAR). the centralcoast. Ten drakesstayed at SantaAna Ref. untilmid-March (WAS). Some reporters remarked on GULLS--A LesserBlack-backed Gall was reported a scarcityof Redheads,Ring-necked Ducks, Canvas- at Galveston'ss. jetty Jan. 28 by observers(EM & backsand Lesser Scaups, but the sample is insufficient NP) familiar with the individual which wintered at to makea case.An Oldsquawwas seenby manyob- Texas City Dike from 1968to 1971.A Black-legged serversat Texas City Dike, where 2 White-winged Kittiwake was seen at Texas City Dike Jan. 7 (EM Scoterswere found Dec. 4and later (HN etaLL Fourin- et al.) and on other January dates. dividualsof the latter specieswere seenflying off- •hore at S. PadreI., Mar. 27 (SEL). A Corn.Merganser DOVES, ANIS, OWLS--Ground Doves reap- was observedat Austin Feb. 10 (JWW). pearedon AransasReft after an absenceof 2 years or more (LBM), and an unusuallylarge number was HAWKS--Sightings of White-tailed Kites were seenin the Freeportarea (VLE). The post-breeding scattered from Anahuac Ref. to the Rio Grande, wanderingsof an unusuallylarge Groove-billedAm althoughreports usually involved a lone individual. populationbrought numbers to the centraland upper At Santa Ana Ref., 25 individuals remained until mid- coastswhere they remainedat leastlong enoughto January (WAS). A Swallow-tailed Kite was seen at be recordedon ChristmasBird Counts.A Long-eared Rockport Feb. 25 and for some days thereafter Owl wasseen in ZapataCo., Dec. 24 (OCB). (DMW); it seemslikely that this was an early migrant. A bird identified as an ad. 9 Goshawk was seen at HUMMINGBIRDS, KINGFISHERS, MAR- Sheldon Res., n.e. of Houston, Jan. 12 (LGB, VLE TINS--Maintenance of hummingbirdfeeders enabled & TBF); this was a first upper coast area record. severalbirds to survivethe winterin the CorpusChnsn Several Swainson's Hawks were reported wintering area (KM). SingleGreen Kingfishers were seenat Aus- at Aransas Ref. (CE). The Ferruginous Hawk, always tin Feb. 5 (RAR), and at AransasRef. Feb. 9 (fide scarce,was reported more often than usual, especially LBM). First Purple Martins arrived on the central on the central coast. At least 2 Gray Hawks wintered coastin January. In February, frozen or starvedbirds on Santa Ana Ref. (WAS). A few single birds were were reported from each of 5 colonies under observa- seen between the refuge and Falcon L. Two Golden tion at Corpus Christi (fide KM). From Falfurnas, Eagleswere observed at Anahuac Reft in early winter the Bonessubmitted the following account:"A week (fide RWC); 2 were seen between Beeville and George of cold, rainy weather, Feb. 16-22, dealt a severe West (Live Oak Co.) in mid-February "with numerous blow to the martins in our area. When the weather hawks drawn by grassfires." (fide KM). Bald Eagles cleared on the morning of Feb. 23, we found that 21 (1 or 2) were seen at Anahuac Ref. on a few days had holedup in one of our martin housesfor the night (hde RC), and an immature was at Manor Lake, They were so weak they could hardly make it from Brazoria Co., Dec. 20 (DW). Two adults and 3 irama- the house, and barely able to fly. After they struggled tures were seen about 25 mi. w. of Austin Dec. 26 off we never saw them again. One was dead in the (LTA). An Aplomado Falcon was seen occasionally house. Another fell to the ground, stiff with cold, we throughout the seasonat Aransas Ref. (fide LBM, et revived it and it was able to fly. They were skin and al ). bones."

CRANES, RAILS, JA•ANAS--During the JAYS, CREEPERS--Good numbersof BlueJays, winter, 1 ad. WhoopingCrane disappeared,reducing brought south by a major post-breedingmovement, the populationat Aransas Ref. to 50. The missingbird's remained on the central coast for the season. A Brown mate paired with a singleadult nearby and they drove Creeper at Santa Ana Ref., Dec. 17 (WAS) was away the young bird of the original family group; the unusual. latterjoined a pair about4 mi. distant(LB M). Anahuac Reft no longer has a marsh buggy and the popular "rail trips" have been discontinued.As many as 12 CATBIRDS, THRASHERS, ROBINS--Two Jaqanaswere seen at Manor L. prior to the snows in Gray Catbirds wintered at Austin (MK, JWW) Januaryand February, but fewer thereafter(fide RJF). Apparently this was a good seasonfor this species on the coast. A Sage Thrasher was observed in the SHOREBIRDS--American Oystercatcher num- Falfurrias area between Feb. l 1-Mar. 3 (JB). Am bers were good at Rockport, but wintering plover Robins arrived in numbers in the San Benito area of species were much below normal (DMW). An Cameron Co. in late January (CEH). Fewer numbers unprecedented21 Wilson's Plover were seen at Gal- were noted in adjacent Hidalgo Co. in mid-February veston's s. jetty on Feb. 1 (VLE & TBF); this species (GD). Largenumbers invaded the Rockportand Cor- is not to be expected between December and March. pus Christi areas and remained for the season A "It looked as though the birds had just arrived, as wooded area in Brazoria Co. contained an estimated they were all bunchedin a flock resting" (TBF). Large millionrobins roosting in February (fide RJF). A roost flocks of Willets, Long-billedDowitchers and Marbled in the hillswest of Austin comprisedabout 30,000 birds

638 AmericanBirds, June 1973 (RA R). A Clay-coloredRobin was reported at Laguna than in former years (CC). Fox Sparrows,usually dif- Ata•cosa Ref. headquartersDec. l0 (CEH & PTM). ficult to find, were almost common in w. Harris Co. Feltner counted 37 on Jan. 13and commented, "1 found K1NG LETS, WA XW1NGS--Ruby-crowned King- them even feeding out on the edgesof pastures." On the Freeport C B C, Dec. 17, 40 were seen in a small let numbersdropped sharply at Austin after the first isolated grove of salt cedars near the beach" (VLE). winter storm of January. It was a very poor year for One was seenat Laguna Atascosa Ref., Jan. 28 (CLH), Cedar Waxwings at San Antonio, although "thous- althoughthis speciesis not to be expected so far south. ands" appeared with the snow of Feb. 8-9 (CRB). The largest influx of Lapland Longspurs in a decade occurred on the upper coast (VLE). High count was WARBLERS,OR1OLES--A CapeMay Warbler, 820 in one field Jan. I (TBF & EM). A few were describedin detail, wasseen at High I., Dec. 19(DW). identifiedat Austin from flocks of longspurs(sp.), dur- The scarce Black-throatedGray Warbler was seen at ing the season,and 30 were found at Seguin (Guadalupe Austin Dec. 26 (FSWL A Bay-breastedWarbler was Co.) Jan. 20 (RAR). seenand studiedwell at Mission Dec. 3 (GD). The occurrenceof a BlackpollWarbler, reportednear Mis- sion Dec. 4 (GD), is unprecedented. An Ovenbird CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS--L. T. wintered in the headquartersarea at Santa Ana Ref. Adams, Charles R. Bender,Johnny Boerjan, Mr. and (WAS). A Rufous-eappedWarbler (Basileuterus ruff- Mrs. O. C. Bone, Larry G. Borella, Russel W. frons) was seen well in the Falcon Dam area Feb. l0 Clapper, Fred Collins, Dr. George Cook, Clarence (VLE & JLR). This commonMexican speciesoccurs Cottam, Gladys Donohue, Victor L. Emanuel. Chris- within 100 mi. of the Texas border, but had not been tine Enright,Bruce A Fall, T. B. Feltner, Raymond recordedheretofore in the U.S.A. Threepairs of Black- J. Fleetwood,Dan H. Hardy, C. E. Hudson,Jr., Mary headedOrioles fed at sugarwater feeders throughout Kutac, Steven E. Larson, L. B. Marlatt, Kay the winter at Santa Ana Ref. (WAS). McCracken,Albert McGrew, EIric McHenry, Arlie McKay, P. T. Moore, Hazel Nichols, Dr. Frank O. FR1NG1LL1DS--UnusualIy large numbers of Novy, Noel Pettingell, Barbara Ribble, John L. Row- Pyrrhuloxiasconcentrated in feedingareas; about 1000 lett. Rose Ann Rowlett, Wayne A. Shifflett, Mike were noted in a cornfield in Starr Co., Feb. 10 (VLE Thomasson,John W. White, SuzanneWinckler, Doris & JLR). A Black-headed Grosbeak visited a feeder M. Winship,David Wolf-- FREDS. WEBSTER,JR., at Kingsville in early February (GC, fide KM). A d 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, Texas 78731. Orange-breasted Bunting (Passerina leclancherii) was netted 3 mi. s. of Mission Dec. 2 (AM & FON). The bird was in good plumage and gave no evidence of NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- being an escaped pet. This species is native to s.w. Mexico. Details of this occurrence will appear in the INTERMOUNTAIN REGION literature. The Evening Grosbeakinvasion rivaled that / Thomas H. Rogers of the winter of 1968-69. Again it reached as far southas San Antonio and the upper coast; Lake Jack- The first half of December in the Region produced son in Brazoria Co. was the southernmost locality the most severe weather of the winter, lasting an reported. The extent of geographicaldistribution was unprecedented two weeks, the mercury dropping perhaps more impressive than numbers. As many as below zero at practically every reporting locality. 100 birds were observed in a single flock, but other reports ranged from a few to 50 individuals. Birds had begun to appear within a 30-mile radius of Austin by mid-January, but on the upper coast most were noted in February and March. A few still remained at San %." '~ ., Antonio and Austin past mid-April. Purple Finches had a very good season;distribution closely paralleled that of the precedingspecies. Most arrived in January and departed before April. Pine Siskins were in good •Williamstake •n l numbersas far southas San Antonio, and on the upper . ß Houle %. coast. An unusualscarcity of Am. Goldfinch was noted in the Rio Grande Delta, but numbers were good in northern areas. An early invasion of Red Crossbills, recorded in the fall migrationreport, was followed by sightingsat Santa Ana Ref. ( a flock of about 25 on Dec. 13 - WAS), Corpus Christi, Beuscher State Park, and Austin. The populationpreviously reported at Bas- trop State Park remainedinto April. SavannahSpar- rows were more abundant than usual in w. Harris Co. (VLE). Dark-eyed Juncos reached the central and upper coasts in greater numbers than usual. Harris' Sparrows were more numerousat Welder Wildlife Ref.

Volume27, Number3 639 Helena, Mont reached -35øF and even Lewiston, the one that turned up at Penticton Dec 24 (SRC) Ida. droppedto -10 ø. Snowfallwas generally Over 130,000Mallards plus 4000 other ducks rep- light.The secondhalf of themonth turned abnormally resented the peak at Columbia Refuge and McNary mild with mostprecipitation in the form of rain, in Refuge had nearly 20,000 ducks, mostly Mallards, all aboutnormal quantities in easternWashington, north- winter. However, the Canvasback high of 300 was far ern Idaho and Montanawest of the ContinentalDivide below the 3000 recordedlast winter, as was the peak Corn. Merganser number of 600, compared to 3000 but markedly deficient elsewhere. Temperatures dippedto zeroor a fewdegrees below in earlyJanuary in January, 1972.Turnbull Refugehad'5000 Corn for a few days, then rose to daytimemarks usually Goldeneye at the first of March. abovefreezing, and as highas +56ø at Helena!Lewis- A few unusual occurrencespopped up. A g Eur. ton and Walla Walla each reached+57 ø.The remainder Wigeonwas seenon Philleo L. eastof Turnbull Refuge of the monthwas near normalin temperaturebut very in mid-Marchand possiblythe samebird appeared dry, with scantsnowfall. February was abnormally south of Spokane and a g at Reardan Mar. 31 (JA warmin spiteof a moderatedip duringthe second & WH). A • was sighted20 mi. north of Coulee City, week,and wasdecidedly moisture-deficient. Spokane Wash. Mar. 20 (EH). Twelve Oldsquaw were at receivedonly .48 in., 1.38in. belownormal, and only Okanagan Landing Dec. 26 (FP) and an imm. 3 Har- 3 5 in. of snow. Only the Walla Walla-Clarkstonarea lequin Duck at Spokane Feb. 3 was the first fall or had normalprecipitation. During March mostareas winter record there in about twenty years (JA & WH) receivedonly one-halfto one-thirdnormal moisture A White-winged Scoter was at Penticton Dec 26 and Yakima receivedonly .01 in., the leastsince 1909. (SRC) and one or two Red-breasted Mergansers were Only the Bozemanarea reported relatively wet condi- seen on the Spokane R. near Millwood Dec. 17-Feb tions.Temperatures continued unusually mild nearly 3, furnishingthe secondlocal winter record(JA; WH) everywhere, Yakima reportingthe third warmest March since 1932. Consequentlyponds dried up or HAWKS--Hawks in general were common, a were low and the snow pack in the mountainswas reasonable explanation being that the sparse snow about half of normal, presaginga hot, dry summer. cover made rodents easily available. One or two In general,abundant bird life wasreported, with Goshawks were noted at eight localities. The Baker, Fortine, Mont. a markedexception. The December Ore. C B C produced.a surprising20 Red-tailed,68 coldsnap froze waterearly and drovesome species Rough-leggedand 61 Marsh Hawks. Harlan's Hawk out, a few returningwith milder late-month conditions. was seen Jan. 10 in SweetgrassCo., Mont. (ETH & The generallack of snowcover favored the raptors RAH) and 2 were identifiedMar. 22 at Kamiak Butte and manyground feeders of othergroups. However, north of Pullman, Wash. (JWW). Both the Golden and someof the ground-feedingpassetines were little in Bald Eagle were reportedin somenumbers from many evidence,perhaps because easily available food kept localities. The rarely noted Gyrfalcon was noted at them from congregatingat feedingstations. The three localities,singles each time. One was on Turnbull "northernfinches" presented a mixedpicture, with RefugeJan. 23 (DK & DV); another was sightedon some abundant and others scarce. Ahtanum Ridge southwestof Yakima Dec. 28 (EB), and a third chased Mallards at the north arm of LOONS AND GREBES--A few Corn. Loons lin- OkanaganL., Dec. 17(JG). The scarcePeregrine Fal- gered into Decemberin the Region. One was seen con wassighted near Quincy, Wash., (PC) Bake.r, Ore , on the ice at Canyon Ferry Reservoir east of Helena and near Charlo, Mont. (CJH). Exceptions to the Dec. 10. Small numbers of Horned Grebes wintered general abundanceof hawks were Missoula, Fortme on OkanaganL in s. BritishColumbia and one Eared and Helena, Mont. At the former locality the scarcity Grebe at OkanaganLanding Dec. 26 (BAS) was very of Sharp-shinned Hawks and Merlins was re- unusual.Surprisingly, 19 W. Grebes were still at Pen- markable in view of the abundance of Bohemian ticton, B.C. Dec. 26, after the very severe cold of Waxwings. early December(SRC). GALLINACEOUS BIRDS--Ruffed Grouse num- CORMORANTS AND WATERFOWL--Ten Double-crested Cormorants on the Tri-cities (Pasco- bers appeared to be low. Six Sage Grouse were seen Richland-Kennewick)C B C were the first in six years. struttingon Mar. 11at Yakima Artillery Rangenorth- The first of the year for McNary N.W.R. appeared east of Yakima. A single Bobwhite was reported with on Feb. 20. California Quail at Whitman Monument, Walla Walla The extremely cold December weather brought Jan. 13 (JW). The latter specieswas commonto abun- many TrumpeterSwans to Red Rock Lakes Refuge dant in e. Oregonand Washingtonand 270 were seen where feeding operationsare carried on. The peak on the Penticton, B.C. Christmas Bird Count Small number was 270 on Jan. 29. Thirty-one Trumpeters, flocks of Japanese Green Pheasants, planted at includingfour cygnets,wintered in the display pool Kootenai Refuge near Bonners Ferry, Ida. in 1972, at Turnbull Refuge. CanadaGeese, althoughwintering were found scattered throughout the valley there, in many localities, were concentrated mostly at where the open winter favored them and also the Ring- McNary and ColumbiaRefuges. They peakedat nearly necked. A hen Turkey was seen on Umtanum Ridge 24,000 on Dec. I at the former refuge and at 5500 north of Yakima. Several plantings have been made at the latter. A White-fronted Goose stayed at in Yakima County. Twenty-one of the birdswere noted OkanaganLanding Dec. 10-22(AC) and was probably north of St. Maries, Ida. on the Indiana Mtn. C B C

American Birds, June 1973 64O RAILS, SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS---The Vir- Three Clark's Nutcrackers at Prince George Dec 30 ginia Rail was reportedat Columbia Refugeand one were most unusual (AB) The species was rather scarce was identified on the south side of Prineville, Ore. at most localities, at least in the valleys. Feb 8 (JE). Killdeer apparentlywintered only along the Snake R. south of Pullman, Wash. No more than CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES AND about ten Herring Gulls appeared at Coeur d' Alene CREEPERS--Chestnut-backed Chickadees were L m n Idaho duringJanuary (JA; WH). A few Ring- reported at Fernan Lake, Coeur d' Alene, Ida billed Gulls wintered at Spokaneand Wenatcheeand (SGS), at Pend Oreille L., Ida. (KB) and at Goose one at Okanagan Landing Dec. 26 was unusual. A Prairie near Yakima. Pygmy Nuthatches were Forster'sTern on the Tri-citiesC B C wasvery unusual. recordedat Missoula(PLW; PW). The Brown Creeper was unusually plentiful at Kamiak Butte north of Pull- OWLS--The Barn Owl appears to be pushingeast- man and on the Grande Ronde R. The seven found ward One was shot near a sheep ranch at Baker, on the Indian Mt. C B C was a surprising number Ore, in late January and another was found there a Besides appearing in the usual localities, two of the few dayslater. One bird was seen at Clarkston,Wash., speciesappeared at Walla Walla in mid-January. Dec 7 The specieswas seenoccasionally in January at McNary Refuge, where it has been more common WRENS, MIMIC THRUSHES AND m the past.Single Snowy Owls were observedat Prince THRUSHES -- Bewick's Wren was reported along George,B.C. Dec. 29 (AB) and near Heppner, Ore., the Naches and Yakima Rivers and Ahtanum and Top- Dec 13. Two sightingswere made east of Walla Walla, penishCreeks in the Yakima area. The largestnumber, near Dixie, duringthe Decembercold snap(F J; DH). six, was seen Mar. 2. The Tri-cities C B C turned One or two were seen on four dates Jan. 1-16, near up seven, and a few were seen near Umatilla, Ore Davenport, Wash. and one was found south of A Sage Thrasher was seen near Asotin Creek south Sprague,Wash., on the ratherlate date of Mar. 25 of Clarkston Mar. 19 (BP). American Robins were (JA, WH; S.A.S.). One of the scarceHawk Owls was not noted wintering in w. Montana or n. Idaho and found m the mountains east of Penticton Dec. 26 stayed only in moderate to small numbers in most of (SRC) Two BurrowingOwls were still at McNary the remainderof the Region. Exceptionswere the Pull- RefugeJan. 3 but no more were seen until Mar. 19. man area, where they were fairly common, and the It wasa goodwinter for Short-earedOwls, with many Prineville, Ore. area, where they were described as reportsfrom e. Oregon and Washington.They were very abundant, feeding on earthworms when the observed in the Bozeman area and at Kootenai Refuge, ground was not frozen and presumablyon juniper ber- where up to 8 were seen at a time. A Saw-whet Owl ries duringcolder periods. A Hermit Thrush was seen was heard from Mar. 13 on along the Little Spokane near Umatilla Jan. 28 (CC). R north of Spokane(VN & CS). KINGLETS AND WAXWINGS--Golden- HUMMINGBIRDS--Three hummingbirds, a g crowned Kingletsappeared in rather low numbers.One and 2 99, identified as Anna's, frequented a feeder or two Ruby-crownedKinglets were noted wintering at Wenatchee. The 99 disappeared in early December at Baker and Heppner, Ore., Walla Walla, Yakima, but the g stayeduntil Dec. 27. Spokane, Clarkston and the Grande Ronde R , Washington. Bohemian Waxwings were quite abun- WOODPECKERS--A 9 Yellow-shafted race of the dant in the part of the Region west of the Rockies Com Flicker was noted near the confluence of the and apparently rather scarce in the e. part. However, Grande Ronde R. with the Snake R. in extreme s.e. Missoula did have a peak of perhaps 1100 in early Washington(JWW) andanother was seen on Kootenai December. The highest concentrationwas some 3800 RefugeJan. 27, the first ever there. The subspecies at Penticton Dec. 26. Spokanehad numbersup to 2000 was also noted at Bozeman Feb. 14 & 17 (SC;PDS). in mid-February. Thousandswere recorded in Ellens- Four or five White-headed Woodpeckerswere found burg, Wash. and the birds penetrated south through at Indian Ford, west of Sisters, Ore. A g was seen Walla Walla, where some 300-400 were seen. Dec 1, nearWe!lpinit, Wash. Feb. 25 (WH) andone was noted to Baker, Prineville and Heppner, Ore. A flock of southof Springdale,Wash. Mar. 17(SAS). Up to six 45 was observed at the latter locality Feb. 19-20 ofthe uncommon Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeck- Prineville had the first major appearanceof the species ers were observed in the old burn at Turn Turn n.w. in sevenyears, with up to 150seen at a time and Bend, of Spokaneand singlebirds were seennear Clarkia, Ore. had a flock of 500 Feb. 24. Small numbers of Ida and in the Blue Mts. of s.e. Washington (JWW). wintering Cedar Waxwings were reported for e Oregon and Washington. The largest number seen at JAYS--About 100 Gray Jays were counted along once was 52 in the Spokane Valley Jan. 14. a one-mile stretch of road at Kootenai Refuge Mar. 16 Many localities reported unusuallyhigh numbers SHRIKES, STARLINGS AND WAR- of Com. Ravens. As many as 50 at a time fed in a BLERS--The Northern Shrike was described as un- field at Fortine, Mont. and the specieswas considered usually scarce at Missoula and Fortine in w. Montana to be on the increase in the vicinity of Charlo, Mont. but seemed to be in about normal abundance elsewhere Up to 50 at a time wereseen at KootenaiRefuge and Starlingsapparently were discouragedby the very cold more than usual were noted around Helena. The Kam- weather in early December in the n. Okanagan but loops, B.C. ChristmasBird Count came up with 89. some 1000 were counted at Penticton Dec. 26, and

Volume 27, Number 3 641 51 were noted at Prince George Dec 30 Elsewhere However, up to 60 were noted at M•ssoula, where the birds wintered in about normal numbers None they had not been common •n winter s•nce 1964 w•ntered at Fortine, Mont. but they were noted at Yakima had up to 40 at a time. American Goldfinches Kalispell. A Myrtle type Yellow-rumpedWarbler was were noted as common at Pullman and Yakima Baker •dentified at Yakima Mar. 19 (ERC). A few Audubon's had 148 on its C B C. A flock of 300 was seen near race of this warbler wintered in e. Washington. One Ellensburg Mar. 15 and a flock of 250 was seen near or two were seen on two dates at Walla Walla and Spangle,Wash. Feb. 18. The only record for the e they may have winteredat Yakima, where they were part of the Region was obtained on the Ennis, Mont seen Mar. 17 & 23. The Tri-cities C B C had 65, but C B C. The Regionnearly drew a blankon Red Cross- only a few stayed. Three were seen along the Snake bills. A few were seenat Vernon, Kamloops,Baker R near ClarkstonJan. 21 in an area subsequentlyrazed and Spokaneand they were seenat Bozeman. by the Army Corps of Engineers. SPARROWS--An unprecedentedevent was the WEAVERS, BLACKBIRDS--House Sparrow wintering of a Rufous-sided Towhee at a feeder at numbers at Vernon were much lower than normal with Bozeman. Many localities, especiallyin Montana, n no apparentexplanation, but numbersat Baker, were Idaho and the Okanagan, reported the Oregon race up An ad. • Yellow-headedBlackbird with an injured of the Dark-eyed Junco scarceor absentbut the b•rds foot was seen on a ranch near Vernon Dec. 17. This seemedup to usual numbersfarther west, at Pullman, •s apparentlythe first winter record for interior British Clarkston, Yakima and Walla Walla, Wash. and at Columbia. The most notable concentration of Red- Baker, Ore. A few Slate-colored type Dark-eyed w•ngedBlackbirds was a flock of 2000along the Colum- Juncos appeared at a number of localities •n the bia R. near Pasco Feb. 22. Forty at Baker, Ore. Dec. Okanagan,e. Washingtonand n.e. Oregon.Tree Spar- 16 was a high C B C number there and 457 Brewer's rows were noted as scarce at Missoula and •n the Blackbirds on the Count there was the third highest Okanagan. Two were found in a flock of Oregonjuncos ever obtained. Three were found on the Prince George near Asotin, Wash. on Mar. 8, Weber's first record C B C Dec. 30. A • RustyBlackbird in winter plumage for that area in five years. Singles were seen near was closely studied Jan. 20 about 10 mi. west of Coulee City, along Crab Creek west of Othello and Othello,Wash. (EH & DRP) anda singlebird appeared on Yakima Indian Reservation, Wash., and one was on the Ennis, Mont., C B C. (SC, DRS & PDS). noted at Charlo, Mont. The w. part of the Region Three Brown-headed Cowbirds were seen among had almost a deluge of Harris' Sparrow records, unhke Brewer's Blackbirds on the Yakima Indian Reserva- anything previously recorded. Up to six were seen tion Mar. 4. in several places in the Okanagan and one or more at a time were reported at Wenatchee, Quincy and FINCHES--Most localitiesin the Regionreported the Tri-cities in Washington. The specieswas noted Evening Grosbeaks rather common to abundant. A at Umatilla, Heppner and Baker in n.e. Oregon and few Cassin'sFinches were notedwintering at Vernon, at least three immatures apparently wintered at Yakima and Spokane. Helena had a C B C count of Bozeman. One or two were seen almost daily at M•s- 14 The House Finch, recently establishedat Missoula, soulaall duringMarch. White-crownedSparrows w•n- was noted regularly through the winter, with a high tered in numbers along the Snake R. and around count of about 65 in late December. Numbers for the Yakima and were reported also in the s. Okanagan, speciesseemed not to have fully recovered from the at McNary Refuge and at Spokane.A Golden-crowned severe winter of 1968-69in the Okanagan but the birds Sparrow visited a feeder at Enderby, B.C. Dec 6 were thought to be on the increase at Walla Walla. remaining until Jan. 3 (JM) and another came to a A few Pine Grosbeaks dropped into the valleys in feeder in Vernon Feb. 15(KG). An ad. White-throated several localities. Baker did better, with 50 on the Sparrow wintered at a feeder in Lavington, B.C and C B C Count, the highest ever, and Prince George was last seen Mar. 16 (JG). Six Fox Sparrows were recorded 195on Dec. 30. Gray-crowned Rosy Finches seen along the Snake R. at Wawawai Jan. 7 and one were seen mostly in the more westerly parts of the was there on the 21st (JWW). The specieswas seen P•egion.Flocks of around100 or morewere seen at in three localities close to Yakima during the w•nter Kamloops, B.C.; Vantage, Wash., and Baker and (ERC). One or 2 Lapland Longspurswere seen w•th Heppner, Ore. and a flock was noted in the Yakima Horned Larks in Ahtanum Valley just west of Yakima R canyon. A flock of 300 near Bozeman included an in January and February. One came to a feeder at albino. A single Black Rosy Finch was found on the Yakima and a 5 in winter plumage was seen Feb 8 Ennis, Mont. C B C (DR). Common Redpollswere (ERC). A few were noted in the Helena area Only generally scarce or absent except for Helena, where a few Snow Buntingswere observed,in the Bozeman 200 were seenon Dec. 9, and interior British Columbia. and Helena areas, around Davenport and Wdbur, Thousandswere reported in one flock at Vernon Jan. Wash. and at Prince George, where 37 were seen Dec 14 and 167 were counted at Prince George Dec. 30. 29. Groups up to 20 were present at Missoula. It was a good year to see Hoary Redpolls in British Co- CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS (area lumbia. Thirty-four were seen at Prince George editorsin boldface)--JamesActon, EugeneC. Barney, Dec. 30 (AB) and small numbers appeared at Vernon McNary Nat'l. WildlifeRefuge, Burbank, Wash , Art and Lavingtonthroughout the winter (JG). Pine Siskins Beaumont, Becky Benton, Hans Blattner, Elhs hkewise were absent or scarce at most localities. Bowhay, Kathryn Breslauer, Dave Brown, Columbia

642 AmericanB•rds, June 1973 Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge, Othello, Wash, Bob Buchanan,Bea Buzzetti, Steve R. Cannings,Edward Cardiff, Helen Carlson, Audrey Casperson, Phil Cheney, Urana Clarke, Charles Clough, Harold E. Cole, Jr., (CC), Craig Corder, SharonCotterell, Emily R. Cragg, Yakima, Wash. area, C. V. Davis, Wayne E. Doane, Wenatchee, Wash. area, Sid Draper, Judy Elkins, Win. Elliott, Nonie Embleton, Opal Foust, Jack T. Fowle, JamesGrant, southerninterior British Columbia, Tony Greager, Ed Grossman, Karl Gruener,Pauline Hager, Warren Hall. RalphL. Hand, Missoula, Mont. area, Lucille Hardinget, Eve T. and R. A. Hays, Mr. andMrs. C. J. Henry, Da! Hooper, Start Hughes. Eugene Hunn, Margaret Hunter, Burr and Sylvia Jahn, Frances Jones, Dan Kelley, Kay Kershaw, Vivian Kohlruss, Betty and Carolyn Lagevgren,Katherine Laupp, Audrey Lehman. Sister Louise Lyng, Isabelle Lynn, Don MacDonald, Carolyn McGhee, Jim Mack, Jon M. Malcolm, Sid Martin, Alice Matson, Niel F. Meadowcroft, Walla Walla, Wash. area, Elisabeth Moore, Robert Moran, Gerald Morserio, Prineville, Ore. area, Jo Nashem, V. mild weatherafter the early cold, but not enoughto Nealey, Art Newman, Martha Oliver, Frank Paul, melt any water; only 2000 waterfowl braved the winter Dennis R. Paulson, Del Pierce, Kootenai Nat'l. Wildlife at Malheur. At Zion observers found three new and Refuge, Bonners Ferry, Ida., Tyson W. Planz, Red six accidental records; of these five were water-related Rock Lakes Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge, Lima, Mont., Bob birds, suggestingthat freezes up north causederratic and Margaret J. Polumsky,Lewiston, Ida. - Clarkston, movements, even into desert areas like Zion. The con- Wash. area, Jan Reynolds, Wesley Ringerling, Dan tinuing snowfall hamperedearly migration, and very Rogers, Thomas H. Rogers, John Rumely, Jeff Saf- few migrantsf'fitered into the Region during March, ford, Connie Sherer, Don R. Skaar, P. D. Skaar, in marked contrast to 1972. Bozeman-Ennis, Mont. area, (CS), Connie Smedley, Joyce SpeechIcy, Helen Stamer, Mrs. S. O. Stanley CORMORANTS, HERONS--For the first time in for Spokane Audubon Society and northeastern the Rocky Mountain National Park (below R.M.N.P.) Washington, Marian Stevens, Esther Stewart, Gene area in any season,a Double-crested Cormorant came Stroops, Shirley G. Sturts, Coeur d' Alene, lda. area, calling, on Jan. I (TG, ** to AC). The Pocatello Ben A. Sugden,Otis D. Swisher, Glen Tamasi, Butch C B C produced a new bird for ldaho•a Green Her- Taylor, Heppner, Ore. area, Win. Thackaberry, Den- on. The bird survivedthe winter, at leastuntil April. nis Van Horn, Maurice Vial, Harold Vredenburgh, Ann M. Ward, Baker, Ore. area, Emily Weber, John SWANS, GEESE The frozen marshes of c. Utah W. Weber, Pullman, Wash. area, Winton Weydemeyer, and e. Oregon dispatchedmost Whistling Swans, but Fortinc, Mont. area, Dorothy White, Jack Winchell, normal numberswintered at Summer L., Ore. They Robert E. WoodIcy, Tri-cities, Wash. area, Paul J. began returning in February and had completed the Wolf, Dave Worley, Philip L. Wright, Maurice B. peak of their migration by the end of the season. Wright, Turnbull Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge, Cheney, Malheur counted 14,000 Mar. 7, but most departed Wash.--THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell seeminglyovernight. Ruby Lake's wintering Trumpe- Ave., Spokane,Wash. 99206. ter Swansnumbered 27 (41 last year). Malheur counted 45, including16 cygnets.A mystery:the Malheur popu- lation has remained steady, even though 86 cygnets have been raised since 1966. At Deer Flat N.W.R., GREAT BASIN-CENTRAL ROCKY Ida., 7600 Canada Geese wintered--about half the MOUNTAIN REGION population of a few years ago. During the January wildlife count, w. Colorado had 3901 Canada / Hugh E. Kingcry Geese•he highestin 12 years of counting. Scattered Snow Goose reports included 4 at Zion Feb. 15, the Bitter cold the first two-three weeks in December third record there (LA, AE); poor weather forced 500 and subsequentsevere weather drove migratory birds to make an unusual stop near Pocatello. At Malheur and marginalwintering species from the Region;and, Snow Geese built to 75,000 on Mar. 6. helpedby a poor conifercone crop, alsodrove montane birds down into the valleys. DUCKS--When the Bear R. marsh froze solid Dec. A chronicle of the cold and snow: Salt Lake City 10, it left for the winter only 200 Red-breasted and and Grand Junction had snow cover into March, and Com. Mergansers and 132 Canada Geese. Then to the Rio Grande River froze solid at Alamosa, Colo.-- the south,Dec. 16-20,desert-located Zion experienced as many Bald Eaglesas Mallards wintered at Alamosa an unusual influx of ducks on the Virgin R., with the National Wildlife Refuge. SoutheastOregon enjoyed usual Mallards outnumberedby Am. Wigeons and

Volume 27, Number 3 643 N Shovelers(h•gh count, 407 duckson the C B C) th•syear's weapon steel traps set out by amateurtrap- At M•mdoka N.W.R., Ida., the b•tter cold d•d not pers for suddenly-valuablebobcat and coyotepelts move the birds off as long as open water remained; A federal study showed2000-3000 caughtin 4 e the populationgradually declined to 4500 in mid- Nevada counties,half of which died (JE). An unknown January, mostly Mallards and Pintails. Seedskadee numberof hawkslikewise succumbed to the traps N W.R., Wyo., had an averagewinter populationof At SeedskadeeN.W.R. gunskilled 4 eaglesand 5 600 Mallards and 1500 Corn. Goldeneyes. While the Rough-leggedHawks in 2 weeks. frozen marshesand rivers left a grandtotal of 12 Mal- lards at Alamosa N.W.R., Colo., nearby Monte Vista In additionto the Wyoming survey, our contributors N W.R., with artesianwells and pumpskeeping water cited 349 Golden and 669 Bald Eagle observations, open, recordeda winteringpopulation of 20,000 Mal- eachup over last year by about 100. A winteringpopu- lards,up from 15,000last year. Desert Lake W.M.A., lation of 40-50 Balds was discovered in Nevada's Utah, saw its winter birdsplummet to zero in January; JarbridgeMts. Ospreys visited Reno Jan. 28 and, m then on Mar. 12 some 10,000 Pintails moved in--the late March, Alamosa (rare), Zion (new), Nampa, and largestinflux of waterfowl ever seen there. Ruby L. Sheridan.Three Gryfalconsappeared, in Idaho(CHT) m•grantsbegan trickling in to swellthe winterlow of and Wyoming (GR), amply substantiatedby details 340 ducksto 2825 by Mar. 31, including 1120 Pintails. We had 21 PeregrineFalcon reportsfrom 8 different But Stillwater Ref. attracted a mere 38,400 migrants locations. •n mid-March, comparedwith last year's 82,500; large flocksenjoyed the abundantwaterholes elsewhere in GROUSE, QUAIL--The severe winter took a toll the valley. Likewise, Malheur's springpeak came to on someintroduced game birds, while the nativessur- 73,200, lowest springuse in 4 years;Am. Wigeons vived relatively well. While scarce at Reno, Turkeys contributed the most noticeable reduction, from 34,700 were seen at Evergreen, Colo., and a number of s•tes a yearago to 6800this spring. Biologist McLaury cred- near Durango. Blue Grouse and Sage Grouse main- its the reduction to fewer flooded acres on the refuge tained normallevels, with the latter beginningto dance plus last yeaifs poor sagopondweed crop. at Hart Mt. Nat'l Antelope Range, Ore., Malheur, Barrow'sGoldeneyes wintered as usualat Dubois and Rupert, Ida., in mid-March. On the Laramie butalso appeared at RubyL. Feb.28 (veryunusual) Plains, south of Casper, the record depths of snow and Klamath Falls several times. An Oldsquaw stayed coverednot only all the sagebrushbut even all fence w•tha pairof Redheadsat KlamathL., Mar. 17-29 posts; Scott wonders about the fate of the 3000 Sage (LGo). FourHooded Mergansers strayed to Fish Grouse if the strutting groundsremain snow-covered SpringsN.W.R., Utah, Feb. 16, and 6 wintered during the mating season. on the Snake R. below Minidoka (WHS). White-tailedPtarmigan thrived in Colorado,w•th over 100 seen in February at Guanella Pass near HAWKS, EAGLES--Reno observers found a Georgetown(m. ob.) and a coveyof 8 feedingm White-tailedKite Mar. 16. RegionalC B Cs reported lowsFeb. 20 amidspeeding skiers at Vail. However 20 Goshawks,probably a normalcount. During the CaliforniaQuail suffered a declineat KlamathFalls, winterwe had about 2 dozenother observations, fewer Chukarsdropped in LemhiCo., Ida., andMalheur, thanlast year. C B Cscounted 34 Sharp-shinned and andGray Partridgeswere seen but twice all winter 29 Cooper'sHawl(s, with occasionalobservations at Sheridan,Wyo. The CamasN.W.R. pheasantpopu- throughthe winter,comparable to last year. Initial lationdropped from 1000last year to 200this year, fears of fewer hawksin w. Nevada dissipatedwith and"the severewinter cut quitedeeply" into the Bear suchdiscoveries as a troop of 61 Red-tailedHawks R. pheasants. near RenoJan. 28. A congregationof 200 Red-tailed and Rough-leggedHawks gatheredtogether near CRANES, SHOREBIRDS, GULLS--At Ft Col- KlamathFalls at the peakof the winterconcentration. lins,Colo., during the first warmweather Dec 19-21 after the intensecold passed,so did severalflocks of SandhillCranes, flying south after midnightThey returnedto Monte Vista Feb. 5, and built up to 4186 The WyomingGame & Fish Dept. counted9077 there with 6000 more in the rest of the San Luis Valley GoldenEagles (4549 ad., 1834imm., 2694not aged) Color markingsshow these birds breed in s.e. Idaho and 687 BaldEagles in January--adecline of 2000 The roughwinter drove even Killdeerfurther south Goldensfrom last year's count. Department officials thanusual, with none at mostplaces during mid-winter attributedthe declineto mild weatherthrther north, They pushednorth early though not alwaysw•th sure althoughother experts identify the cause as a crash instinct. At Crater L., "the mild February brought m jackrabbits.Similar declines occurred at Camas wanderingstrangers to highplaces. With a densefog N.W.R.,Ida. (refuge jackrabbits plummeted from 5000 shroudingeverything at 6500 feet, a Killdeer was to200) and Summer L. ("freeze,combined with a very observedstanding motionless in the 8-footsnowpack lowjackrabbit population put severe stress on eagles at 7 a.m. Feb. 9. Two hours later, and after a few ßa lowerproportion of imm.birds may be the result warming-upwing extensions, the bird lifted into the of the Decemberfreeze on younger,less-experienced air, directinghis course down slope to morefavorable birds.")Malheur had a normalwintering population, conditions." At Hart Mt. they first appearedFeb 12, but Deer Flat boasted42 winteringeagles--3 times a monthearlier than last year, and they arrived m late normal.In Nevada,man continued his toll of eagles, Februaryat RubyL. andLemhi Co. Fewerthan usual

644 AmericanB•rds, June 1973 early sandpipers arrived in March, the total roster CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES--Unusual includesGreater Yellowlegsat Grand JunctionMar numbersof Black-cappedChickadees appeared at Zion 12 and Klamath Falls Mar. 28; Lesser Yellowlegs at (74 on the C B C, average 6), Grand Junction (these Desert L. Mar. 29; Least Sandpiperat Grand Junction and Mountain Chickadeespresent in triple the usual Mar 12; the first peeps at Hart Mt. Mar. 26; and numbers), and Dubois. Mountain Chickadees seemed Long-billedDowitchers at Malheur Mar. 25. Herring commoner than usual at Salt Lake City, Castledale, Gulls made rare appearancesat Klamath Falls Dec. and Reno. Camas N.W.R. had a population of 16, R.M.N.P. Dec. 25, and Zion Mar. 22. Details 50--none last year--and a few passed through of Nevada's first records of Sabine's Gulls, seen last Minidoka N.W.R. in early February. Two sightings fall at Reno, will be publishedelsewhere. of Chestnut-backedChickadees at Crater L. implied an increase there. Plain Titmice deserted the pinyon/juniper forest to join the chickadeesin Grand OWLS--Several Barn Owls appeared on Seed- Junction, and Com. Bushtits trooped through Pueblo, skadeeMar. 14, and singleswintered at Malheur and Colorado Springs,and Denver foothills. Red-breasted Bear R.; however, with the December cold, three Nuthatchesvisited throughout the Regionbut in only modest numbers. Brown Creepers frequented a perishedat Bear R., as did two at Pocatello,locations number of unusual locations. All but one C B Cs with where they are not normally seen. Several observers found Screech Owls, at Ruby L. for the first refuge over 10 party-hoursfound them, and they stayedall record, and Zion, Ft. Collins, and Durango. Snowy winterin placeslike Salt Lake City, Rupert,Klamath Owls penetratedsouth to Nampa Feb. 18 and Seed- Falls, Durango, and Cheyenne. skadeeMar. 1. A parliamentof 20 Long-earedOwls which normally roosts near Lazear, Colo., from THRASHERS, THRUSHES--A Mockingbird December to February, failed to assemblethis year wintered at Unionville, Nev., and a Brown Thrasher (TC) The first Saw-whetOwls in severalyears were wintered at Nederland, Colo. (SC). Pikes Peak, Malheur, and Pocatello found Varied Thrushes for seenat Reno Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Casper, Wyo. Feb. 15, and Boulder, Colo. Dec. 16 (C B C ). The first Say's C B Cs; the PikesPeak bird stayedat leastuntil Apr 10. Reno recorded two observations in January, and Phoebes arrived at Reno Feb. 11, Unionville, Nev. Malheur and Rupert noted March visits of the north- Feb 21, and Durango Feb. 28, all quite early. First western thrush. swallowsof springcame with Violet-greensin mid- March at Springdaleand Lemhi Co., and early Trees WAXWINGS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS--We at Malheur Feb. 27, Pueblo(JL) and Klamath Falls had Bohemian Waxwings everywhere, from Cheyenne Mar 3, Provo, Utah, Mar. 7 (WS), and Reno Mar. (where they hand-fed on raisins) and Casper to La 12 Malheur'sTrees peakedat 1800,much reduced. Veta, Colo., from the Colorado Front Range to Reno Numbers ranged from one lone bird at Durango all winter to flocks of 1700 on the Denver C B C and JAYS--Gray Jayswintered normally, except for the 950 at Malheur Mar. 20. At Sheridan, where they groupsin Durangoand Gunnison.The CamasBlue winter even when not found further south, numbers Jay(Am. Birds27:94) was seen occasionally until Feb. were down. A few Cedar Waxwings mixed with the 28 Idaho had two other records--remarkable for a Bohemians. Observers in Zion, Rupert, and Klamath state with but one or two periodsprior to this fall: Falls commented on reduced observations of Log- 6 on Jan. 11-20 in Gooding Co. (m.ob. fide CHT); gerheadShrikes. House Sparrow populationat Camas and 6 on Feb. 25, with 10 Steller's Jays, in the Idaho increasedfrom 30 to 100. At Dubois, 10 came daily Primitive Area (MC). Fewer Steller's Jays wintered to a feeder, but up to 30 on cold days. "This implies in the high countrynear Boulderand Crater L., but that more than half of the current House Sparrowpopu- seemed normal in Summit Co., Colo. and Bryce lation prefersforaging to welfare, and comesfor a hand- CanyonN. P. Their low-countryincursions tapered out only when self-employmentis most hazardous" off, but theydid occurcommonly at oddlocations like Western Meadowlarks, which sometimes winter, Pocatello,Salt Lake City, Castledale,and Springdale, cleared out, returning everywhere in March. Utah, and Grand Junction,Hotchkiss, Saguache, and New Castle, Colo. PitionJays wandered as usual;large FINCHES--Finches descended to the towns and flocks occurred in the Front Range foothills, Cas- cities, leaving the high country bare. Crater L. had tledale,Utah, andn. Nevada.This wintermarked the no finchesall season,save one Oregontype Dark-eyed first time theyhad visited feeders in Durango;"People Junco Feb. 23. Poor cone crops at Crater L. and w 'blessed'with their numberssay they are worse than Colorado, and probably elsewhere, contributed to the Starlings."Clark's Nutcrackerscontinued their fall dispersalof finches (and jays?) to the low country wanderings,with more reportsfrom mostplaces men- EveningGrosbeaks appeared everywhere. Practically tlonedin thefall report,plus wintering birds at Monte all reports mentioned them, with unusual numbers Vista, Durango, New Castle, Cheyenne,and Pocatel- reported from Salt Lake City, Reno, Casper, lo, and February and March recordsat Buena Vista, Cheyenne, Sheridan, and Lemhi Co. This winter Colo, Salt Lake City, Dubois, and Klamath Falls. Utah's first reportsof Purple Finchescame from both In late March w. Nevada, which has not participated ends of the state, although details are on hand only in the jay influx, did have nutcrackersat Stillwater for those found around Kanab and Zion, which were and Reno. present Oct. 1-Dec. 31. Observer Stuart is probably

Volume 27, Number 3 645 the first to look for PurpleF•nches among the Cassin's AREA CONTRIBUTORS--(Ed•tors collectingob- Cassm's Finches appearedm many places m the low servations from their communit•es In boldface, with country, although only Reno and Colorado Springs numberof contributorslisted) Bear •ver N.W R , reported large numbers. A Few Pine Grosbeaks came Utah: William Zimmerman; Boulder, Colo. (13) out of the mountains--Cheyenne, Sheridan, Rupert, LouiseHering; Casper, Wyo.: Oliver Scott; Castledale, and Salt Lake City had them. Utah: Ann Wissler;Cheyenne, Wyo. (3): AnneGrier; Crater Lake Nat'l Park: James Holcomb; Colorado S.Ao Springs(3): MahlonSpeers; Desert Lake W.M.A Timothy Provan; Dubois, Wyo. (3): Mary Back; Most strikingfeature of the winter reports involved Durango, Colo. (5): Richard Stransky;Evergreen, rosy finches.Perhaps the heavy snow cover in the high Colo. (4): W. W. Brockher;Fish SpringsN.W R , country brought them, perhaps the shortage of food Utah; Rolf Kroft; Deer Flat N.W.R., Ida.: John m open country. Customarily they travel in huge winter Annear;Grand Junction, Colo. (15): LornaGustarson; flocks, descendinglike falling leaves upon feeding Hotchkiss,Colo.: Theo Colburn; KlamathFalls, Ore tables, road banks, and fields free of snow cover. Every Larry Goodhew;Lemhi & CusterCos., Ida.: Hadley mountain town in Colorado reported hundreds--3000- Roberts; Malheur N.W.R., Ore. (6): Eldon McLaury; 5000 at Gunnison; in Wyoming, Jackson, Dubois, McCoy, Colo.: Margaret Ewing; Minidoka N.W R Laramie, and Cheyenne had flocks up to 500; Ruby JohnHill; Nampa, Ida. (25): BelleShaw; Pocatello, L, Zion, Hotchkiss had first records. Pocatello had Ida. (4) C.H. Trost;Reno, Nev. (11): JessieAires; Rex- 300 in an historic roost in a mine shaft, but early burg, Ida.: Ririe Godfrey; R.M.N.P. (8): AllegraCol- December flocks in Lemhi Co. disappeared;did the lister; Ruby Lake N.W.R.: Lowell Napier; Rupert, mild weather there send them to winter in the high Ida.: W. H. Shillington;Seedskadee N.W.R., Wyo country, or did they move south and east? Most of Merle Bennett;Sheridan, Wyo.: (5): PlattHall; Stillwa- the birds in these widespread flocks were Gray- ter W. M.A., Nev.: Larry Napier; SummerLake, Ore crowned, althoughflocks in Colorado boastedvarying Larry Bright:Zion Nat'l Park, Utah (14): JeromeGif- numbersof Brown-capped.Flocks in w. Wyomingand ford. w Colorado had a few Blacks, and one banded at Pocatello Jan. 9 was Idaho's first winter record. OBSERVERS--Louise Arnold, David Bolton, Natasha Boyd, Mark Collie, Sherry Conner, Mrs Com. Redpolls occurred in Durango Dec. 13, Lewis Cummings, Robert Darnell, Dave DeSante, CasperJan. 12, and R.M.N.P. all winter.Pine Siskins Kenneth Diem, John Douglass, Austin Excell, Janet did not winter, except for a few at Cheyenne. Red Eyre, Sam Gadd, David Galinat, JamesGood, Bruce Crossbillsjoined the finch descent into some towns, Hamilton, May Hanesworth, A. S. Hyde, Gleb with birds coming to feeders from Laramie and Kashin, R. F. Kemp, Vernon Kousky. R. F. Krey, Cheyennesouth to Pueblo.Small flocks occurred in Steve Larson, Jerry Ligon, Carl Marti, Doris the mountainsof Colorado,in e. Idaho, Salt Lake City, McLaughlin,Sadie Morrison, Greg Munther,Warner and L. Tahoe, Nev. Two errant Lark Buntings Reeser, Gary Robinson, W. C. Royall, Jr., Fred appearedbriefly Mar. 7 at a Durangofeeder, during Ryser, William Stone, Richard Stuart, Mrs. S O a wet, heavy spring snowstorm. Swartz, Van Truan, Jack Welch.--HUGH E. KINGERY, 10 Emerson,Denver, Colo. 80218. JUNCOS, SPAr, ROWS--White-winged Juncos spreaddown the EasternSlope of the Rockiesto Pueblo,Rye, and La Veta; and westto SummitCo. SOUTHWEST REGION (Dec. 23-Feb.3), GrandJunction, and Durango. Tree / Gale Mortson Sparrowscame Mar. 13-15to Renoand Mar. 27 to Zion for its first record. As reported last season, The winter was the wettest one since 1941 in all Harris Sparrowsdispersed throughout the Region, parts of the Regionexcept possiblythe lower Pecos with,reportsfrom all statesexcept Oregon, and includ- Valley--this on theheels of an unusuallyrainy autumn ing4 winteringat Reno.White-crowned Sparrows usu- Stormfollowed storm, with only an occasionalsunny ally constitutethe second-mostabundant winter bird interim. Near-record depths of snow amountedto at Zion, but theynever arrived this year. They also nearlysix feet at Flagstaff,Arizona, and on the higher were absentfrom Durango, ColoradoSprings, and part of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, for Klamath Falls. R.M.N.P. never had seen a White- example. It was even deeper on the White Mountains throatedSparrow until April 26, 1972;this seasonit of east-central Arizona. The water content of snow had 4 reports! No Snow Buntingswere seen in on the Gila River watershed in Arizona and New Mex- Sheridan,but severalscattered flocks of 50 populated ico was 330 percent of average! the n. LaramiePlains south of Casper,where possibly The coldaccompanying these storms was not severe, theywinter regularly, and some were found in Lemhi but it stayedunusually late--Las Vegas,New Mexico, Co. all winter. One strayedto Red Feather Lakes, had a low of only 4øF on Mar. 31, followinga 21-tach Colo., for photographs(DB). snowfall, and it was so cold at this late date that the same storm left snow at Albuquerque, an unpre- ABBREVIATIONS--** sight record on file with cedented 10.5 inches of it, and snow came down to Regional Editor. below 3500 feet Mar. 29 in the Tucson area!

646 AmericanBirds, June 1973 records for Arizona. Seventeen White-fronted Geese were observedat the Las Vegas, Nev., Country Club pond Jan. 8-9 (Don Baepler, CL). An astonishing45 Mexican Ducks in a new area for them were reported on the Davis Mrs., Tex., C B C Dec. 29 (fide FW). Seventeen Wood Ducks in the Farmington, San Juan Co., N. Mex., area Dec. 16(fide AN) were a surprising total.

VULTURES, HAWKS--Twelve to 14 Black Vul- tures were soaring at San Bernardino Ranch, Ariz., Feb. 24 (DDa, CM). A new bird for Arizona is the White-tailed Kite•one was seen at Blue Pt., Feb. 25, by two veteran observers(R J, JS); it should be men- tionedhere that one was reportedin the Dragoon Mrs., Cochise Co., last Nov. 6 (DDa). Individual Goshawks were seen in lowlands throughoutthe region, some In the Lower Sonoran section of the Region, all 20 recordsin all; 3 were observedin the Farmington, the moisture meant an unusually green desert, with N. Mex., area Dec. 16 (AN et al.). A Harlan's Hawk spectacularwild flower shows in Southwestern Ari- was seen repeatedly at Phoenix Dec. 14-Mar. 25, and zona. The accompanyingprotracted cold delayed the another was there Feb. 17-Mar. 25 (DT, RW, RN leating and flowering of most plants, so that mesquites et al.). The ad. Red-shoulderedHawk foundlast Sep- at Tucson, for example, showed no sign of green at temberat MdrmonFarm, near Las Vegas, Nev., was the end of the period. perhaps the same one observed there Dec. 2-Feb. 17 As was the case during the fall, the winter was (CL, VM et al.). noteworthyfor invasionsby a numberof birds in virtu- On Mar. 30, RJ and JS witnessed a record number ally unprecedentednumbers. The cause of these incur- of Zone-tailed Hawks in Maricopa Co., Ariz.•6 in sions was apparently, for most species.a failure of all at Blue Pt. and Ft. McDowell, includinga flight pine nut and juniper berry crops to the north of this of 3. For the second winter, an unusual number of region and in the north part of this region. Rough-leggedHawks was reported, includinga possi- ble first record for Mexico, one on Feb. 16 less than GREBES THROUGH HERONSArt ad. Pied- a mile n. of Cananea,Sonora (WR). Quite a few Bald billed Grebe at Arivaca Jet., Pima Co., Ariz., Mar. Eagleswere reportedregion-wide--at least 22 in singles 10 was accompanied by 3 small young on an unusually or pairsplus as many as 11at ConchasL., San Miguel early date (Anne Alden, SR). Three Double-crested Co., N. Mex., in February (Lyle Berger)and 5 adults Cormorants were at ponds on the San Bernardino about 18miles n. of FarmingtonFeD. 25 (HLe). They Ranch, Cochise Co., Ariz., Feb. 24 (DDa, CM). An werealso seen in dry-landlocations, including one adult ad. Little Blue Heron was .at Tanque Verde Ranch e. of Nogales, Santa Cruz Co., Ariz., Dec. 13 (Dick e. of Tucson Dec. 7-21 (CC, Don Lamm et al.) for & Bea Smith) and one immature about 20 miles n.e. an unusual winter record, and one (age?) was at El of Douglas, Cochise Co., Ariz., Dec. 26 (Walter Paso Dec. 30 (fide GW). Cattle Egret numbers were Spofford).A dozenPeregrine Falcons were reported, up, with as many as 16 during January at Clint, El a few more than usual; Merlins were also seen more Paso Co., Tex. (Faye Surratt), 23 in December at often. Phoenix (BB, RW), 20 in March at Tempe, Maricopa Co., Ariz. (Hugh Hanson et al.), and at least 30 Win- terhaven, Imperial Co., Calif., Mar. 26 (DE et al.). A Least Bittern at Blue Pt., on the Salt R. in Maricopa SANDHILL CRANES--Some maximum winter Co., Ariz., Mar. 17, was in a new winteringlocality counts were 51 at Albuquerque Dec. 17 (fide AE), (gJ. JS). 10,500 on Bosquedel Apache N.W.R., N. Mex., Jan. 2 (GZ), about 6500 near Columbus, Luna Co., N. WOOD STORK--One of the most remarkable Mex., Dec. 10 (RF, Tom Brake), and 800 in Kansas records of the season was provided by a Wood Settlement,Cochise Co., Ariz., Feb. 10 (BH). About Stork, satisfactorilyphotographed in flight over the 25 were seenjust n.e. of Lordsburg,Hidalgo Co., N. highway not far e. of Tombstone, Cochise Co., Ariz., Mex., Feb. I (RF), a new wintering location. About Dec. 24 (Don Schmoldt, Gerry Lasser, Roger Will- 45 were at Elephant Butte Marsh, Sierra Co., N. Mex., march). There are no winter records for this region Jan. 9 (CH, BE) and nearly 200 near Cliff, Grant Co., since 1903. N. Mex., Mar. 11(RF). Four hundredwere migrating over Bandolier Nat'l Monument, Sandoval Co., N. WATERFOWL---A Black Brant was found at Tuc- Mex., Feb. 25 (Marjory Swain), andflocks (maximum, son Dec. 29-30(HF et al.), while anotherwas seen 470) were sightedover AlbuquerqueFeb. 18-Mar. 11 on the Arizona side of the Colorado R. about 5 miles (Pat Basham). Although the last ones left Bitter Lake n. of Topock,Mohave Co., Mar. 20 (Robt. Karges, N.W.R., N. Mex., Mar. 16, flightsof 20-25were seen AnthonyMoskos). These are the third and fourth overheadthere through Mar. 31 (LK).

Volume27, Number3 647 RAILS, GALLINULES--One each of Virginia HUMMINGBIRDS--Remarkably early returning Rail and Sora were noted near Klrtland, San Juan Co, hummingbirds,considering the weather, were reported N Mex., Feb. 4 (AN), and a Corn. Gallinule was at Portal, Ariz., by lsobel Hicks: Broad-tailed Mar at the same marsh Jan. 30-Mar. 3 (CS). 4, Rivoli Mar. 4, and Blue-throated Mar. 8. A •rAnna's Hummingbirdwas in e. E1Paso for the fourthconsecu- SHOREBIRDS--Unusual for springwere Snowy tive winter (Roberta Wilcox), and a ½was also present Plover in Maricopa Co., Ariz.--one s. of Chandler in another part of town Jan. 14-Feb. 2 (GW). A nest Mar. 28 (Roland Shook et al.) and one at Phoenix found in Tucson Feb. 12 fledged young; another nest Mar. 29-30(RB, BB). Eight Long-billedCurlews were "across the street" from the first was being built on m an alfalfa field near Las Cruces, Dona Ana Co., Mar. 4 but was abandoned(HF, WB); a nestin Phoenix N Mex., Mar. 24 (Debra Hickman). Two Greater fledgedyoung Jan. 7 (fide JW). A •rwas seen in Globe, Yellowlegs were wintering at Farmington Dec. 16 Gila Co., Ariz., Dec. 16 8: Jan. 12 (Sallie Harris) (Donna Thatcher). A Red Phalarope was identified at Sierra Vista, Cochise Co., Ariz., Dec. 7 (DDa, KINGFISHERS, WOODPECKERS--A Green CM). Kingfisher was noted below L. Patagonia, Santa Cruz Co., Ariz., Mar. 3 (Mark Robbinset al.). A few Lewis' GULLS--The GlaucousGull reportedfrom Boul- Woodpeckers were scattered throughouts.c. Arizona, der Beach,Nev., on L. Mead Nov. 30 was probably they were relatively common in Phoenix, but absent the same one seen at the Las Vegas dump Dec. 16 at Corrales, Sandoval Co., N. Mex., where usually (CL). An imm. Glaucous-wingedGull was seenin the present(RT). As many as 6 (all o) Williamson'sSap- Las Vegas area Dec. 16 & 28 (CL). A surprisingtotal suckers were found on the e. side of the Chiricahua of 31 Herring Gulls was counted at Lakes Avalon and Mts., Ariz., Mar. 27 (Allen Crockett), as one was in McMillan, Eddy Co., N. Mex., Dec. 23 (fide SW). Phoenix Dec. 23-Jan. 7 (Kenn Kaufman et al) An ad. Bonaparte'sGull in winterplumage was flying Four Hairy Woodpeckers were noted at Elephant along U.S. I-8 near Sentinel, Maricopa Co., Ariz., Butte Marsh, N. Mex., Jan, 9-10 (CH, BE). Mar. 26 (DE et al.), 4 were near Loving, Eddy Co., N Mex., Dec. 24 (fide SW), and 2 were at Phoenix FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--An odd record Dec. 5 (Zona Brighton). indeed was that of a Thick-billedKingbird at Laguna Dam, Yuma Co., Ariz., Dec. 17-Jan.4 (and later9) DOVES, ANIS--A White-wingedDove was listed (SBc, DT et al.; photographed by DT). A Coues' on the Davis Mts., Tex., C B C Dec. 29 (fide FW). Flycatcher was heard calling repeatedly at Tanque A GroundDove wasseen, usually with an Inca Dove, Verde Ranch e. of Tucson Dec. 14 (SR). This was at Tule Springs,Nev., near Las Vegas, Feb. 18-Mar. an unusual winter for swallows in s. Arizona: 5 Violet- 5 (CL, VM). Six were listedon the C B C at Bosque greensat Tucson Jan. I (Phil Norton, RN et al.), one Ref., Dec. 16 (fide CH). Two or 3 Inca Doves were at NogalesDec. 16 (RW), 2 at PhoenixDec. 23 (SBc), at a Boulder City, Nev., residence Dec. 17-Mar. 31 one at Tucson Jan. 11 (GMo), an astonishing150 on (L. Brose, fide PL). Five were reported from the the ColoradoR. n. of LagunaDam Dec. 17(fide JRH), Sedona,Coconino Co., Ariz., vicinityDec. 20 (fide 124 Tree Swallows at Phoenix Dec. 23 (m. obs.), 2 Will Osborn). Two that appearedat Bayard, Grant Bank Swallowsat Phoenix Dec. 23 (Dwain & Gloria Co., N. Mex., lastOct. 25stayed throughout the period Warner) and 7 on the Colorado R. n. of Laguna Dam (RF). Two werecounted at BigBend Nat'l Park, Tex., Dec. 17 (SBc, DT), and one Cliff Swallow at Phoenix Dec. 31 (fide FW). A nest with youngwas found as Dec. 23 (BB). earlyas Feb. 26in theTucson Mrs. foothills(Seymour Levy). Two Groove-billedAnis were in Phoenixfrom CORVIDS--Steller's Jayswere scattered through- at least Dec. 21 to the end of the period (RW, JW out the lowlandsRegion-wide, but were particularly et aL ). noticeable in cities like E1 Paso, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, where there were feeders and other induce- OWLS, NIGHTJARS, SWIFTS--A Barn Owl ments. They were common at Bosque Ref., Jan.-Feb already 6-7 weeks old was banded at Tucson Feb. (GZ), and as manyas 16 were seenat ElephantButte 19 (HF, Steve Dubrot). Two Screech Owls were at Marsh Jan. 9 (CH, BE). Scrub Jays were presentin Farmington Mar. 5 and later (JN), and at least 2 others even more unprecedented numbers, at least in s were reported (AN). A Saw-whet Owl was found in Arizona; one was even seen at the California side of Juan Tabo Canyon n.e. of Albuquerque in mid- Laguna Dam in Imperial Co., Jan, 7 (GM½). Black- December (Tom Staylie), and one was at Bitter Lake billed Magpies were building nests at Teec Nos Pas, Ref., Dec. 31 (DB). A Whip-poor-will was seen on Apache Co., Ariz., Mar. 25 (Vernon Mayes); it is four occasions,Jan. 20-Mar. 17, at Blue Pt. (Ann a new breeding bird for Arizona. From 30 to 60 Corn Simpson, JS, RJ). Five White-throated Swifts were Crowswere found in the MohaveValley, MohaveCo , seen in Farmington Dec. 22 (AN) and 4 at Jackson Ariz., n.e. of Needles, Calif., at least Jan. 12-Mar L , SanJuan Co., N. Mex., the sameday (HLe). Fif- 5 (SBt). teen were counted at Carlsbad Caverns Nat'l Park, A few large flocks of Pition Jays were scatteredin N Mex., Dec. 17 (fide SW). One was at E1 Paso s.e. Arizona,but they had largelydisappeared by late Dec. 30 (fide GW). Four were at Portal, CochiseCo., February; none were seen farther west than the Ariz., Dec. 31 (RW, JW), and 5 were seenthere Jan. 4 Nogalesarea, nor farther north than the DragoonMts (SSp). Their numberswere fewer than usualin at leastparts

648 AmericanBirds, June 1973 ofn New Mexico (PS) As many as 150 were counted WAXWINGS--A considerable invasion of Bohe- in the Davis Mts., Dec. 29 (fide FW). Clark's Nut- mian Waxwings occurred in s. Nevada and n. New crackers, common during the fall in s. Arizona moun- Mexico; none were seen in Arizona. Numerous tains, had quite disappeared again by the first of the recordswere reportedfor the Las Vegas area, the lar- year, although 17 were still at a Portal feeder Mar. gestnumber seen being 65 on Mar. 18 (VM). In New 31 (SSp), and an occasional single bird was seen in Mexico,most of the reportscame from Albuquerque, placeslike Patagonia,Santa Cruz Co., Ariz., and Tuc- wherea maximumof 150were foundMar. 5 (Rita son until late February. One was seen even along the Nicklas); the earliest report was of 40 on Feb. 18 Colorado R. above Laguna Dam, Ariz., Dec. 17 (fide (DDe). Other reports included small flocks at Los JRH). Unprecedented numbers were found at Pres- Alamos (PS), where the first seen were 20 on Dec cott, Ariz., through the winter (RJ). In New Mexico, 8 (L. Hawkins), smallflocks up to 40 seento mid- they were abundant at Los Alamos, where at least February at Farmington(AN), 76 at Santa Fe Dec one juvenile was seen Mar. 25 (BL), and they were 28 (fide Roland Wauer), and about 15 at Taos, Taos found south to the Roswell, Chaves Co., area Dec. Co., Mar. 15(Dixie Gillett). They werealso at Cedar 17 (3- fide LK) and to Bayard Dec. 17 (I-RF). At Crest, SandiaMts., BernalilloCo., where up to 50 least 3 were in E1 Paso most of the period (fide GW), were seen Jan. 24 (BM). and 7 were reported from the Davis Mts., Dec. 29 (fide FW)o SHRIKES,VIREOS, WARBLERS--A N. Shrike was seen at Bitter Lake Ref., Mar. 16 (DB), and TITMICE THROUGH THRASHERS--Up to 5 another was found in the upper Rio Grande Valley or 6 Mountain Chickadees at Blue Pt. during the winter near E1 Paso Jan. 13 & 17 (Louise & Wendell Yerby, were an unprecedentednumber (RJ, JS). More than GW et al.). An immature was at Corn Creek, Desert usual were seen in Albuquerque (PT), one or 2 were Wildlife Range, Nev., Dec. 30, and an adult was there present at Bayard, N. Mex. (RF), and 3 were at Feb. 18 (both VM). Two Solitary Vireos were seen Elephant Butte Marsh Jan. 9 (CH, BE). Unusual at Bonito Well, Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Monument, records of Plain Titmice came from Redington Pass, Ariz., Feb. 18(BM), and one was at Buckhorn Marsh, e of Tucson, where 2 were seen Dec. 20 (Ross & near Buckhorn, Grant Co., N. Mex., Jan. 14 (RF) Bette Chapin) and 3 on Jan. 15 (Bernard Weideman). A Yellow Warbler was found at Boulder City, Nev , A Corn. Bushtit nest was found at an unusual date, Feb. 9 (PL). An Ovenbird was found in Phoenix Dec Feb 24, and in an unusualsite, a palo verde tree, 23-24 (JW et al.), and a N. Waterthrush was there near Blue Pt.; young in the nest were being fed Mar. Dec. 23 (RN). 30 (RJ, JS). A Brown Creeper was seen between Lagunaand Imperial Dams, Imperial Co., Calif., Jan. ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--A Northern Oriole 7 (GMc). A Gray Catbird, very rare in s. Arizona, (Bullock's) was seen at Tule Springs, Nev., Feb. 27 was observedat Tanque Verde RanchJan. 8-9 (CC). & Mar. 5 (CL). About 15 Corn. Grackles were iden- SageThrashers were morewidespread than usual. tified at Kirtland, N. Mex., Mar. 9 (CS), as were 2 at San Antonio, Socorro Co., N. Mex., Jan. 25 (RT) THRUSHES--From mid-December to early Ad Western Tanager was photographedat Portal Dec January, large flocks of Am. Robins descendedon E1 16 (SSp) and one was at Phoenix Dec. 27 (SD, HLo) Paso, Tucson, and Phoenix, where they fed mainly A Hepatic Tanager was found at Youngtown, near on pyracanthaberries in company with numbers of Phoenix, Feb. 2-Mar. 31 (fide JW). A d on Feb. 18 Cedar Waxwings; they thinnedout in early March and and a • on Feb. 25 were seen at La Morita, Sonora, by Mar. 31 nearly all had left (m. obs.). Only a few Mexico, s.e. of Naco (WR). were in Albuquerque (DDe), they were common in Roswell (Jodi CotTie), and abundant at Silver City, FINCHES, SPARROWS--Several Pyrrhuloxlas N Mex. (RF). Following last fall's unprecedented wintered in a thicket e. of the Dragoon Mrs. (WBA), invasion of Varied Thrushes in Arizona and Ne- and 6 were seen at Bonito Well, Organ Pipe Cactus vada, more records were obtained: 7 in the Las Vegas, Monument, Feb. 18 (BM). Four Dickcissels were Nev., area, including3 at one feederin BoulderCity found in the upper Rio Grande Valley, at El Paso, (fide CL), one at TucsonDec. 8-Mar. 5 (TP, SSt Dec. 30 (fide GW). A good many more Evening Gros- et al.), 2 at PhoenixDec. 11-17(David Stejskalet al.), beaks were about than usual; mostly in small numbers, one at NogalesDec. 15-16(sev. obs.), one in lower seldommore than 50. They were especially widespread SabmoCanyon, Santa Catalina Mts., Ariz., Feb. 10to and numerous in n. New Mexico, including Farming- at least Mar. 31 (Wm. Calder et al.), and one in ton (AN, JN), Embudo, Rio Arriba Co. (Ellen MaderaCanyon, Santa Rita Mts., Ariz., Mar. 27 (Dan Espinoza), Las Vegas (WH), and especially Espanola, Popper).A possiblefirst recordfor New Mexicowas Rio Arriba Co. (fide BL) and Albuquerque (m. obs ) one seen on the Silver City C B C Dec. 23 (no de- and the Sandia Mts. (fide RT). Fourteen were at tailsavailable--Chancie Snyder). Unusually large num- Socorro, Socorro Co., N. Mex., Mar. 17 (Marvin Wll- bers of Mountain Bluebirds invaded s. Arizona and kening). About 18 were in Phoenixin December (Gene s New Mexico in December-February, sometimes Bauer et al.), Small numberswere in the Las Vegas, feedingin the citieswith robins on pyracanthaberries; Nev., areathroughout the winter (CL). Purple Finches there were flocks in E1 Paso also. Townsend's Solitaires staged a minor invasion in s. Arizona, where small were seen almost everywhere in s. Arizona, s. New numbers were found in the Tucson and Phoenix areas, Mexico, and at El Paso in considerablenumbers. as well as at Globe (maximum of 14, Feb. 22-BJ). Five

Volume27, Number3 649 were at Bard, Imperial Co., Calif., Jan. 7 (G Mc). Cas- INITIALED CONTRIBUTORS--Wait & Becky sin's Finches were likewise found in s. Arizona, mostly Anderson (WBA), Win. Bedat, Delbert Boggs, Robt, at Portal (SSp), but also 3 at Globe Jan. 24 (B J) and Bradley, Bonnie Burch, Scott Burge (SBc), Steve Burr one at Phoenix Jan. 7 (HLo). In n. New Mexico they (SBt), Betty Cames, Chas. Corchran, Douglas Dan- were plentiful, nearly 3200 being countedat Espafiola forth (DDa), Dot DeLollis (DDe), Salome Demaree, Dec. 30 (BL et aL), and reportedas numerousat Farm- Alan Engberg, Dick Erickson, Barbara Escher, Harold ington (AN) and Albuquerque (PT). Five were at Fetter, Ralph Fisher, Bill Harrison, Janine & Robt. a feeder in the Davis Mts. area Dec. 29 (fide FW). Hernbrode (JRH), Chas. Hundertmark, Betty Two Pine Grosbeaks were seen in the Sandia Mts., Jackson, Roy Johnson, Lawrence Kline, Chas. Dec. 30 (AE, Virginia Fedder), and one was at San Lawson, H. Lesperance (HLe), Burton Lewis, Polly Cristobal, Taos Co., N. Mex., Mar. I I (WH). About Long, Helen Longstreth (HLo), Guy McCaskie 75 Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were seen just n. of (GMc), Barbara McKnight, Chas. McMoran, Gale Farmington Dec. 29; the flock included at least one Monson (GMo), Vincent Mowbray, Alan Nelson, Black Rosy Finch (AN). At SunsetCrater Nat'l Monu- Judy Nordstrom, Robt. Norton, Ted Parker, Mrs. ment, Coconino Co., Ariz., 24 were presen! Dec. 30 WinbourneRanney, StephenRussell, Carol Shryock, (Don Magee), and 3 were seen there Feb. l0 (RW Jim Simpson, Patricia Snider, Steve Speich (SSt), Sally et at.). Red Crossbill numbers in the s.e. Arizona Spofford(SSpL RossTeuber, Dick Todd, Pat Turner, mountains dropped off in January. About 80 were in Steve West, Geth White, Frances Williams, Janet Tucson throughJanuary (GMo et at.), with a few still Witzeman, Robt. Witzeman, Gary Zahm.--GALE present into March (WB). "Many" were reported at MONSON, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Box 5607, Phoenix through the winter (SD, RW et at.), and a Tucson, Ariz. 85703. flock was also at Nogales (BH). They were even pres- ent in s.e. New Mexico lowlands, with 23 reported in the Lakes Avalon-McMillan area Dec. 23 (fide SW). Rufous-sided Towbees came into the cities to eat at ALASKA REGION feeders,especially Phoenix and Tucson,and they were / Daniel D. Gibson and G. Vernon Byrd more numerous than usual in Albuquerque (PT). A GrasshopperSparrow was collectedat Bosque The winter season 1972-1973 was mild throughout Ref., Mar. 14 (GZ). Rufous-wingedSparrows became most of the Region. Temperatures were several well-scattered in s.c. Arizona, where many sightings degrees colder than normal in the Aleutian Islands, were made on the outskirts of Tucson and the birds where total snowfall was much greater than normal, often sang.Cassins's Sparrows were singingnear the but elsewhere, from the northern interior to southeast- Sabino Canyon Visitor Center n.e. of Tucson Mar. ern Alaska, relatively mild temperatures were the order 15(WBA), and at leastone was singingin n.w. Tucson of the season. Cold weather (-50øF) in interior Alaska Mar. 17-27(Wilma & Wm. Meteer). Certainly one of lasted for only three weeks in January. Several hardy the most spectacularaspects of the seasonwas the speciesspent the season in areas in which they had large numberof Harris' Sparrows.They were found not been found overwintering previously. almosteverywhere! Some of the largernumbers were: Aleutian Islands observations are by the regional 7 at one place in FarmingtonON), at least4 at Kinland editors (Eds.) unless cited otherwise. Dec. l-Mar. 31 (CS), 4 at Havasu N.W.R., Mohave Co., Ariz., Dec. 12-Mar. 13 (SBt et al.), at least l0 OCEAN at Pipe Spring Nat'l Monument, Mohave Co., Ariz. (Richard Wilt), 7 (6 banded)at Scottsdale, Ariz. (BC), 9 at Corn Creek on the Desert Wildlife Range Jan. 31 (CL), 8 at Tule Springs Nev., Feb. 27 (CL), and 4 at BoulderCity Feb. 7-Mar. 31 (PL). Only in the Pecos Valley and in El Paso were they unreported. White-crownedSparrows continued to be very scarce in n.e. New Mexico (WH). Fox Sparrows were seen in yardsin theTucson and Phoenix vicinities, including 4 (3 banded)at ScottsdaleJan. 2-Feb. 13 (BC). The first Nevada record for McCown's Longspur was obtained when 3-4 were located at Tule Springs Feb. 21 (CL; detailsto be publishedelsewhere). A Lapland Longspurwas found at Tule SpringsDec. l0 (VM). Two to 3 Chestnut-collaredLongspurs at Tule Springs Jan. 28 provided the second Nevada record (CL--photo). GULF OF ALASKA

CORRIGENDUM: The • Lawrence's Goldfinch (Am Birds 27:101) reported as the first documented record for Nevada was actually the second (see FACIFIC OCEAN Johnson, N. and R. Banks, 1959, Condor 61:303).

650 AmericanBirds, June 1973 GREBES, ALBATROSSES, PETRELS--Three to seven Corn Merganserswere seen there Feb 27- W Grebes were reported at Auke Bay, Juneauarea, Mar 29 (mob ) duringDecember and January(ED). There are few winter records of Laysan Albatrosses in Alaska SHOREBIRDS--A Killdeer observed at Bartlett waters, so two seen on Petrel Bank, n. of Cove, Glacier Bay Monument, Jan. 4 (BP), is the first SemisopochnoiI., w. Aleutians,during the first week there in winter since 1968. Two Dunlins, rare in winter of December(PR) are of interest.A Fork-tailedPetrel in the Aleutians, were observed with a flock of 40+ observedoff Lone I., Prince William Sound, Mar. 30 Sanderlingsat Clam Lagoon, Adak, Feb. 7 (Eds & (PI), is one of few winter recordsfor that area. JT), and a single Dunlin was seen there Mar. 7 (JT) A W. Sandpiper was seen at Adak Dec. 16, and two SWANS, GEESE•Two ad. and two imm. were observedthe following day (GVB et al.). These WhooperSwans, a familygroup, were seen regularly birds are rare in the c. Aleutians during migration, at Adak I., Mar. 13-31(m.ob.). Two swans,probably winter records are unparalleled anywhere in the Trumpeters,were present at Skilak,L., KenaiPenin- Region. Besides the Sanderlings seen irregularly sula,all winter (JD ,fide MM), andthree were recorded through the winter at Adak, where they occur annually, at CordovaDec. 23 (PI). The Adak BlackBrant (see a flock of 17 was seen at Montague I., Prince William fall migration)remained through the wholewinter Sound, Mar. 18 (PI), the first winter record for that (mob.).On Mar. 26 fourBean Geese were flushed area. A single bird at Gustavus Jan. 20 (BP) was the fromtall grasson the shoreof Clam Lagoon,Adak only record of the speciesthere this winter. (DE).They were observed closely, and their calls were heardclearly. There is no previousAlaska record at GULLS, ALCIDS--GulIs were rare over the pack this season;all other recordsare of springmigrants. ice in the Bering Sea during January and February but were common at the ice edge, at about 60øN. Max- SURFACE-FEEDING DUCKS--For the fourth imum countsof gull speciesseen during a cruise on consecutive winter a Black Duck was observed at the USCG icebreakerStaten Island during these two Glacier Bay Nat'l Monument. This seasonthe bird months were: 25 Glaucous on Feb. 25; seven was seen on the Salmon R., Gustavus, Jan. 20 (BP). Glaucous-wingedon Feb. 25; 25 Slaty-backedon Feb It was suggestedthat it might be the same male seen 25; and 20 Ivory on Mar. 13 (GD). Thick-billed Murres there the last three winters, always with Mallards. A and Black Guillemots were the commonest birds in pair of Gadwallswas seenperiodically at Adak Feb. the pack ice during the same cruise. The murres were 6-11 and Mar. 13-31 (GVB et al.), and at Unalaska seen in large flocks at the ice edge, and the guillemots I , e Aleutians, 25-30 Gadwalls were seen all winter were seen in most leads (one or two birds) within (RT). Four were seenat Cordova Dec. 23 (PI), and the pack, wherethey were the mostnumerous species six were seen at Gustavus Mar. 16, other smaller A flock of 40 Black Guillemots Mar. 4 was maximum groupsthereafter (BP). Up to 10 Eur. Wigeon win- count (GD). On Jan. 4 a total of 1033 Marbled Mur- tered at Adak (Eds. et al.), and one • Am. Wigeon relets was counted in lower Glacier Bay (BP et al ) was seen there Mar. 23-30 (GVB). One Am. Wigeon Kittlitz's Murrelets were locally common the open was observed occasionally at Unalaska during the waters of w. Prince William Sound during the period winter (RT); this speciesis rare west of the Alaska (PI); four off RussellI., Glacier Bay Monument, Mar Peninsula. 29 (BP), were the first ones seenin that area this year A Parakeet Auklet near Storey I., Prince William DIVING DUCKS--Two pairs of Canvasbacks Sound, Mar. 31 (PI), is the earliest local record; and winteredon SweeperCove, Adak (Eds.), Peculiarly, a CrestedAuklet near Seal I., Mar. 24 (PI), was the this is the only locationin Alaska at which this com- third Prince William Sound area record, all of them pletelynearctic species has been found regularly in this winter. Approximately6000 Crested Auklets were winter. Adak's latitude (51øN) is consistentwith that observedin AkutanPass, e. Aleutians,Feb. 14(GD) of the northernmostwintering populations of Canvas- backs elsewhere, in continental N. America, but its WOODPECKERS, STARLINGS, ICTE- location is, of course, many thousandsof miles west RIDS--One Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker at of s British Columbia, the nearest continentalwinter- Barry Arm, Port Wells, Mar. 23 (PI) is the first record lngarea. One Canvasbackwas seen at Auke Bay Dec. of the speciesin the North Gulf Coast-PrinceWilliam 6-9 (ED), but it did not stay the winter. One Tufted Soundarea. The speciesis rare anywherein the state Duck was seen at Adak Dec. 17 (GVB et al.), and A flock of 18 Starlingsat Wrangell Dec. 26 (CE) was two, a • and a ?, were seenthere Feb. 9 (Eds.); the the only recordduring the period. Rusty Blackbirds female was seenagain Feb. 15. Steller's Eider is rare were widely recorded this winter. Four were present west of the eastern Aleutians, so a lone • observed at Ft. Wainwright, Fairbanks, into mid-December at Adak Mar. 26 (DE)is of interest.A female-plumaged (NB), and anotherindividual was seennear College Hooded Merganserat CulrossPassage Mar. 22 (PI) throughDec. 17 (DDG, BK, et al.). These are the was the only record in the Prince William Sound- first winter records for the Fairbanks area. Nine Rusty CopperRiver Delta area during the period. A similarly Blackbirds were observedat Anchorage Dec. 23 (DD plumagedbird was noted at AukeBay during the winter et al.); 14 were seenat Cordovathe sameday (PI), (ED). Onefemale-plumaged Smew was seen regularly and one was seen at Gustavus Jan. 4 (BP), the first at Adak Mar. 15-31(GVB, GD, DE, & JT), and up local winter record there.

Volume 27, Number 3 651 FRINGILLIDS--A flock of 50 Evening Grosbeaks NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION fed irregularlyat a Ketchikanfeeder through the winter, / John B. Crowe!l, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls and one bird that injured itself and subsequentlydied is the first specimenrecord for Alaska (HH, fide RW; The first two weeks of December broughtunusually * to U.A.). The speciesis a casual winter visitanl cold weather to the Region, with the most severe tem- in s.e. Alaska. Common Redpollsoccurred in numbers peratures occurring in the southern portion. The (up to 25) at Adak this winter (Eds. et al.), the first central Willamette Valley experienced the coldest tem- time since the winter of 1967-1968. Hoary Redpolls peratures since 1919. After this initial onslaught, how- were outnumberedby Commons in the Fairbanks area ever, temperatures moderated to normal or slightly this winter, a situation that is normally the reverse. above for the rest of the season. December brought Pine Siskins were several times more numerous this more precipitation than normal, January was aboul winter than in the precedingtwo wintersin the Cordova average in this respect, but February and March had area (PI), and they were reported in numbers from considerablyless rain and snow fall than is customary. Glacier Bay (BP), Juneau (ED), and Kake (CE). A few were seen at irregular intervals in the Fairbanks area (HS), where the speciesis not regular. White- winged Crossbills were common to abundant through- RTA out the forested areas of the Region during this period. They were very common all winter from Ambler, on the upper Kobuk R. (OW), and Fairbanks (m.ob.) to the Kenai Peninsula (Pl, MM), Prince William Sound- Copper River Delta area (PI), Glacier Bay Monument (BP), and Juneau (ED). Isleib estimated that "hundreds of thousandsif not millions" were present on the Kenai Peninsuladuring the winter. Red Cross- bills were recorded only once during the period at Glacier Bay (BP), but 5 per cent of the crossbillson the Kenai Peninsuladuring the period were Reds (Pl). A Lapland Longspurcollected at Adak Feb. 8 (Eds.; * to U.A.) is an unprecedentedAleutian winter record. There are only two previous mid-winter sight- ings in the state, both from the Kenai Peninsula. McKay's Buntings occurred at Cold Bay again this winter (EB & CR), but in smaller numbers than last winter. Two birds banded at lzembek Nat'l Wildlife Range last winter were recaptured there this winter (CR).

CORRIGENDUM---The Hawkins I. Clark's Nut- LOONS, PELICANS, CORMORANTS, cracker(AB. 27: 104, 1973)must be deleted. HERONS---Seven records of Yellow-billed Loons in the Vancouver-Victoria-Bellinghamtriangle Dec. 17- ADDEN DUM--Following up on recentdiscussion Mar. 29 werereported. A goodcount of an estimated of the occurrenceof palearcticcuckoos in the Region 700 Arctic Loons was madeat Active Passin the Gulf (AB, 26: 796, 892, 1972),the two 1972specimens, both Is. Mar. 9 (BM & MS, fide WW). There were 150 of which were forwarded to the U.S. Nat'l Museum, Red-throatedLoons at DeceptionPass in the SanJuan have been determined to be Common Cuckoos (Cuculus Is. Jan.27 (WW et al.); a singlebird of this species canorus)rather than Oriental Cuckoos(C. saturatus). on Fern RidgeRes. w. of Eugene,Oreg., Feb. l0 As such they constitutethe first N. American records (JG& DM) washighly unusual so far from saltwater. of the speciesand add to alreadydifficult field identifi- A White Pelicanwas found at Yaquina Bay, Oreg., cation problems in the Bering Sea area. Feb.25 (RB,fide FZ); onMar. 20, the same or another individualwas seennear tidewateron the AIsea R. OBSERVERS and other abbreviations--Edgar (J&MC,fide FZ). Concentrationsof 450 Double- crestedCormorants at Bellingham,Wash., Mar. l0 Bailey, Nell Brown, Jim Davis, David DeLap, George Divoky, Evelyn Dunn, David Eisenhauer, Clifford (NL, fide TW) and of 600 Brandt'sCormorants at Estabrook, Mrs. H. Hanson, Pete Isleib, Brina Kessel, Active Pass Mar. 9 (BM & MS, fide WW) are of Mary Miller, Bruce Paige,Calvin Reeve, Patrick Rice, interest.Two Corn. Egretswere notedat Waldport, Heinrich Springer, Robert Tamburelli, John Trapp, Oreg.,Dec. 22(RB,fide FZ) whereone was still pres- Ole Wik, Robert Wood; m.ob., many observers; *, ent Jan. 13 (WH fide FZ); anotherturned up for the Sauvie I. C B C Dec. 30. A Cattle Egret appeared specimen;U.A., University of Alaska Museum. --DANIEL D. GIBSON, University Museum, University at Oceanside,Oreg., Dec. 16for theTillamook C B C of Alaska, Fairbanks 99701, and G. VERNON BYRD, (FZ et al.); possiblythe samebird wasseen further U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 5251, Adak, s. at North Bend,Oreg., between Christmas and New Alaska 98791. Year's Day (HR, fide HN). Five Am. Bitternswere

652 AmericanBirds, June 1973 found on the Ladner, B C , C B C, •ndlv•dual b•rds Wood Ducks recorded on the Ladner C B C was a or pairs were also noted dunng the w•nter seasonat very high count, a • was at Grays Harbor, Wash , Ocean Shores, Wash. (G&WHo) in December, at Dec. 17 (EH); another evidently overwintered at Sauwe I. (JG & HN) and at Finley N.W.R.s. of Saanich, B.C. (AD; SJ; RS, all .fide VG). Redheads Corvallis, Oreg., (FZ) in January, and at Brownsville, appearedon a numberof C B Cs and were additionally Oreg (HT, fide FZ) and at Pitt Meadows e. of Van- seen after Jan. I at Duncan, Vancouver, Tillamook, couver in March where two appearedto be constructing and Fern Ridge Res. where 22 individuals were present a nest as early as Mar. 21 (WR et al.,fide WW). Feb. 10-Mar. 15 (JG & DM). A • Tufted Duck was photographed Jan. 17 at the Burrard Inlet seawall m WATERFOWL--Approximately 960 Whistling Stanley Park, Vancouver (TC, fide WW); another Swans wintered in the Willamette Valley, excluding sightingwas made at Clover Pt., Victoria Mar. 20 (WC, those which occurred near the Columbia R. (U.S.F. fide VG). Three Com. Goldeneye at the inland location & W S.,fide FZ). The Ladner, Duncan and Bellingham of Brownsville, Oreg., Feb. 12 & 22 (HT, fide FZ) C B Cs all encountered this species; there were 70 were out of the ordinary. Over 2900 Barrow's Gold- Whistling Swans at the Skagit Flats in w. Washington eneyes were recorded on the Vancouver C B C; the Feb 25 (TW). A Trumpeter Swan carrying a neck 40 birds of this speciesat Cowichan Bay n. of Victoria band, which appeared with six other swans at Ocean Dec. 30 was said to be a remarkable concentration Shores, Wash., Dec. 8-27 (JM) is reported by the for that locality (RS & VG). Oldsquaw were well rep- U S F. & W.S. to have been captured for banding resented from Vancouver s. to Victoria during the sea- during molt on Alaska's Kenai peninsulalast summer. son; a few were seen throughout the period in bays Trumpeter Swanswere recordedfrom Duncan, B.C., on the c. Oregon coast, where the speciesis normally where three were present in December (JCo), from uncommon to rare. An unusual concentration of 80 localities near Vancouver and from Clear L. near Bel- Black Scoters was at Iona I., s. of Vancouver Jan hnghamwhere a maximum of 69 were counted on Feb. 27 (GP,fide WW). There were 50 Hooded Mergansers 25 (TW). The 15,000 Dusky Canada Geese wintering at Elk L. near Victoria Feb. 6 (MS, WW et al.). in w Oregon and Washingtonthis past winter are said to be the lowest total in fourteen years (U.S.F. & VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES---The fourth W S , fide FZ). Four Brant were pickedout of a flock week of Februarybrought four sightingsof early- of 250 Black Brant at March Pt., Skagit Co., Wash., arrivingTurkey Vultures to w. Oregon,from Medford Feb 24 (EH). Vagrantindividual White-fronted Geese all the way to Sauvie I. where one was seen Feb 21 were at Duncan Dec. 2 (JCo), at the Nooksack Delta A White-tailed Kite wasfound on three occasionsDec Dec 31 (ABet al.,fide TW), two were in the vicinity 3-20 at Talent, Oreg., (OS). Single Goshawkswere of Victoria Jan. 22 Mar. 31 (VG et al.), and two others recordedon a number of C B Cs, and several times were at Finley N.W.R. all winter (FZ). Thousands duringthe rest of theseason in thevicinity of Victoria, of Snow Geese wintered in the vicinity of Ladner, onewas at Tillamookon Mar. 20 (JG). The compara- B C (WW); up to a score were seen at intervals in tive infrequencyof sightingsfor bothSharp-shinned the c Willamette Valley after the first of the year (FZ and Cooper's Hawks is cause for concern over the et al ). A Black Duck was carefully observed at Belle- well-beingof thesetwo species;Red-tailed Hawks, vue, Wash., for the Seattle C B C Dec. 31; the bird onthe other hand, were very well reported, particularly was carefully studied the next day (EH), and was still from C B Cs in the Georgia Straits-PugetSound- present Jan. 12 (PM). The count of 158 Gadwall made WillametteValley trough.For the fourthconsecutive on the Vancouver, B.C., C B C was characterized winterwe are in receiptof careful descriptions of sight- as "unprecedented" (WW). A late arriving flight of ingsidentified as Harlan'sHawks; this year on Dec •mm Pintails suffered heavy mortality at Sauvie I. 30an adult and an immature were found at Burlington, w•th the bitter cold snap which occurredin the middle Wash.(LB & EH); an adult was seenDec. 21, Feb of December (MN, fide HN). Two •:•: (Eura.sian) 24, Mar. 10& 28on the Lummi Flats n.w. of Belling- Green-winged Teal were found at Sea I. on the Van- ham (NL,fide TW). A bird identifiedas an imm. Red- couver C B C Dec. 17; two •:•:were seen there again shoulderedHawk was seen on Jan 2 at Sauvie I. and Feb 23 (M M,fide WW); singleg•: were seen at Duncan wassubsequently convincingly described by theobser- Feb 23 and at Swartz Bay n. of Victoria Mar. 22 vers (JG & HN); the recordis of particularinterest (VG). Individuals thought to be hybrid crecca X sinceGabrielson & Jewettin Birdsof Oregon,in doubt carolinensisteal were seen at the latter place Feb. aboutthe few recordsassigned to thisspecies in the 18 (SJ,fide VG), and twice on the Samish Co., Wash., 1880'sand 90's, relegated it to Oregon'shypothetical flatsin February(NL,fide TW: EH). Two Blue-winged list.A FerruginousHawk was in the vicinity of Eugene Teal were recorded on the Sauvie I. C B C, Dec. much of the winter, turningup first Dec. 31-Jan 30 and a pair of this species was discovered at Fern 3 (LM et al., fide FZ) and then beingseen several Ridge Res. w. of Eugene Mar. I (JG & DM). A pair timesfrom Feb. 15to theend of theperiod (JS, fide of Cinnamon Teal were at Seattle Dec. 8-Jan. 11 (PM RL). An imm.Golden Eagle tarried at BaskettSlough et al ); three early arriving•:•: were foundat Tillamook N.W.R.n. of Dallas, Oreg. Dec. 26-Feb. 1 (JMi Feb 24 (JBC, RF & HN). European Wigeon were & FZ); anotherwas seen at Pitt Meadows,e. of Van- well reportedfor the seasonin the approximatecentral couver,Jan. 13and againon Feb. l0 (GP & WW), one-thirdof the Region. An all-white Am. Wigeonwith two werethere on Mar. 10(GAP,fide WW). A Golden bill andfeet of normalcolor was in companywith others Eaglealso spent most of Januaryin the Saanicharea at the Samish Flats Mar. 3 (NL, fide TW). The 56 n. of Victoria (VG; RS et al.). Bald Eagleswere

Volume 27, Number 3 653 reported from points n of Dallas, Oreg , with good Greater Yellowlegs recorded on the Victoria C B C numbersin the Gulf Is., particularlyin the latter part is a surprisingly high total for anywhere within this of the winter. Many of the Region'sC B Cs encourag- Region in the wintertime. The fact that up to 40 Rock lngly reported good numbers of Marsh Hawks. A few Sandpiperswintered in the Victoria areais alsoimpres- Ospreyshad drifted into the s. portion of the Region sive (VG et al.); 15 were seen at Vancouver Jan. 21 m the latter half of March; one was even seen on a (GP,fide WW). Least Sandpipersnormally winter very nest at Saanichas early as Mar. 29 (RS, fide VG). sparsely in the southern portion of the Region, but Gyrfalconswere seenrepeatedly in the area between observations of that species this winter were fewer Vancouver and Bellinghamall winter by many obser- than usual, again possibly reflecting effects of the early vers; a gray-phase bird was noted at Ocean Shores, December cold snap. Dunlin, on the other hand, Wash., on threeoccasions in Decemberand againthree seemed to be present in normal or even greater- timesin early February(JM; Gigo; EH; DP). An imm. than-normal wintering numbers. Long-billed Dowitch- ? PrairieFalcon was found dead s. of FinleyN.W.R. ers were reported on a number of C B Cs and at a on Jan. 19 (DR, fide FZ); the bird was made into number of other localities in December; more seem a specimenfor the Oregon State U. collection. A most to have been found after the end of that month, how- encouraging number of Peregrine sightings was ever. Lone W. Sandpipers were noted at March Pt, reported from nearly a score of different localities near Bellingham, Mar. 10 (NL, fide TW); and at Vic- widelydispersed through the s. portionof the Region; toria Mar. 22 (AD,fide VG), both more unusualdates maximumnumber on any oneday at onelocality was than Jan. 2 when 60 were counted at Sauvie I. (JG two individualsand in one instance,possibly three & IgN). A Red Phalarope was seen at the Westport, birds.Merlins were lesswell reported,except that up Wash., jetty Dec. 16 (EH & NL, fide TW); another to l0 individuals were estimated to have wintered on was found the same day for the Tillamook C B C the SamishCo., Wash.,flats (NL, fide TW) and seven mid-WillametteValley sightingswere made Jan. 17- GULLS, ALCIDS--Giaucous Gulls were noted on Feb. 17 (fide FZ). AmericanKestrels were said by the Vancouver and Ladner C B Cs; later in the sea- several observers to be in less-than-normal numbers son single birds were seen in the Vancouver- n of the Columbia R. Bellingham-Victoria triangle, at Tillamook, and 20 miles at sea from Newport, Oreg. Three Bonaparte's CRANE, RAILS, SIgOREB I RDS--A few Sandhill Gulls seen at Saanich Jan. 19 (VG et al.) were the Cranes wintered at Sauvie I. near Portland, quite an last reports received for the season.A Little Gull was abnormaloccurrence. At least one and probably more seen in a flock of gulls off Pt. Grey, Vancouver, on Virginia Rails spentthe winter in the SaanichPen. the C B C there, Dec. 17; the bird was said to be n. of Victoria;this specieswas alsorecorded on the noticeably smaller than the Bonaparte's Gulls which Vancouver and Ladner C B Cs. A dying Sora was accompaniedit, and the dark wing-liningswere clearly found at Vancouver Dec. 17 (RK, fide WW); seen (WC fide WW). The only report of Black-legged singlebirds were found at Westport,Wash., and on Kittiwake for the seasonwas one found at Yaqmna Westham I., s. of Vancouver, duringthe C B C period. Bay, Oreg., Jan. 28 (Wig,fide FZ). PigeonGuillemots Almost all reportersagreed that Killdeer had become were seen in number up to 65 in the San Juan and relativelyscarce after mid-December following aw•eek Gulf Islands by several observers at different times of very cold weatherand snow; indicationsare that during the season;20 were at Newport, Oreg., Mar the population may have moved southward, par- 24 (LG). The 274 Marbled Murrelets on the Vancouver ticularly to the coast, as Killdeer were thought to be C B C and the 95 on the Bellingham C B C were above normal numbers along the s.w. Oregon coast both high totals. Counts of 450 Ancient Murrelcts Dec duringthe remainderof the period (FZ). Perhapsa 26 (AD, et al., fide VG) and of 300 on Jan. 19 (VG comparisonof Killdeertotals on C B Cs in California & RS) at Saanich are remarkable. A few Rhinoceros with countsfor earlier years will tell somethingabout Auklets were seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and whatbecame of this Region'snormal wintering comple- in the SanJuans, the maximumcount in oneday being ment of Killdeers which never did return in any num- fifteen at the latter locality Mar. 30 (KK). bers for the remainder of the 1972-73 winter period. An Am. Golden Plover in company with 15 Black- PIGEONS, OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS--Van- bellied Plovers at Westham I. Jan. 25 (RK, fide WW) couver, Victoria and Seattle all recorded unusually was an astoundingfind, and is the only mid-winter highnumbers of Band-tailedPigeons on their C B Cs, record for the Region known to us. The remarkable migrantpigeons had worked their way northwardagain total of over 200 Black-bellied Plovers at Tillamook as far as Vancouver by the last week in February for the C B C Dec. 16 had probablybeen forced south- Mourning Doves were not reported from anywhere ward by the bitter weather conditionsof the ten preced-. in the Region after December. Snowy Owls appeared lng days. Com. Snipe numbers,too, were reduced only in the area from Ladner s. to SamishBay; except below normal after mid-December, undoubtedly for for a total of 6 on the Ladner C B C, the maximum the same cause as affected Killdeer; snipe were also one-daynumber was three at Ladner in mid-February sai(l to be presentin more than usualnumbers along (EH). BurrowingOwls were surprisinglywell reported, the s.w. Oregon coastin Januaryand February (FZ). one spentthe winter at Iona I. (RP,fide WW), another Seven Whimbrels at Yaquina Bay Jan. 28 (Wlg, fide was found at Tillamook Dec. 16 (DH, fide FZ), still FZ), one there Mar. 4 (M&EE,fide FZ) and six there another appearedat Finley N.W.R. Mar. 17 (FZ), Mar. 26 (SF, fide FZ) all were noteworthy.The 38 and one wintered at Agate L. near Medford until mid-

• American Birds, June 1973 654 Februarywhen •ts burrowwas flooded(OS) Short- at Medfordfor the C B C Up to threeHermit Thrushes eared Owls were very well representedon many of evidentlywintered in the inclintyof Victoria(VG et the Region's C B Cs; there were 25 on the Lummi al.). WesternBluebirds were seenrepeatedly in the Flats near BellinghamJan 21 (TW), and 43 at White c. and s. Willamette Valley in small numbers after City, Oreg.,near Medford Dec. 30 (OS et al.). Four the first week of January;29 on the Salem C B C early Vaux's Swifts were noted at Eugene Mar. 24 wasan encouraging total. At thes. edgeof the Region, (ND, fide FZ). Besidesthe Vancouver, Seattle, Medford'sC B C recorded203 W. Bluebirds!A pair Tacoma, Portland and Medford C B Cs on which a of thisspecies at VictoriaMar. 9 (fideVG) is also totalof 16Anna's Hummingbirds appeared, individuals of interest. Townsend's Solitaires were recorded on also turned up at one time or another during the re- four of the Region's C B Cs. port period at Duncan where one spent the entire PIPITS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS--A White winter (JCo), near Bellingham, near Vicotira, and at Wagtail adult in winter plumageof the ocularis race Finley N.W.R. wasdiscovered Mar. 2 at the mouthof the Coquitlam R., about 15 milese. of Vancouver(GA & RJ); it WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWAL- was subsequentlyseen until Mar. 21 by many LOWS-Common Flickers were seen at seven dif- observers.Good written descriptions were made, one ferent locations from Vancouver s. to Corvallis at of whichwas submittedto the regionaleditors in full varioustimes during the winter. A Lewis'Woodpecker (WW), but no photographs could be obtained. The at Pt Robertson Dec. 31 (BM & RK, fide WW) and record is said to be the first for British Columbia. The fouron the SauvieI. C B C werethe onlyones men- only BohemianWaxwing recordedaway from the tionedby reporters.A BlackPhoebe was again found Vancouver-Bellinghamarea where five flocksof up on the Gold Beach,Oreg., C B C. A Say'sPhoebe to 80 wereseen in Decemberand January was found wasspotted 7 milesn. of Kelso,Wash., Mar. 20 (RSt at Salem,Oreg., Jan. 8 (RL). CedarWaxwings were et al ) Skylarksare decliningat Victoria;the maximum little reported,while N. Shrikesseem to have been numberseen together at the Univ. of Victoriacampus quitewell represented inthe Region this winter,judging was only eight (JT, fide VG); 17 were found at the from C B C reportsin particular.Fifteen Hutton's s endof San Juan I. Mar. 17(RSt et al.). TreeSwallows Vireos on the Eugene C B C was a remarkabletotal precededViolet-green Swallows into the Regionin Reports of single Townsend's Warblers came from early February by about a week, with the first of the Vancouver,Jan. 27-31; from Saanich, Jan. 3-Feb. 27, former reachingVancouver by the 21stof the month. OceanShores, Wash., Feb. 17;the HumtulipsR. on Barn Swallowsfinally left Reifel Refugenear Van- the OlympicPeninsula Mar. 6; Salem,Jan. 4 & 17, couverafter Dec. 2 on which date eightindividuals and from Corvallis three times in December and in were seen(GA, DA & RP,fide WW). A Cliff Swallow January.Yellow-breasted Chats were reportedfrom appearedthere as earlyas Mar. 25 (GP, fide WW), Dexter,Oreg., Feb. 15(JS, fide FZ) andfrom Finley the sameday that a flockof 200was at Fern Ridge N.W.R. wherean individualwas singingon several Reservoirw. of Eugene,Oreg. (JG & DM). morningsin the secondweek of February(RG, fide JAYS THROUGH THRUSHES--Five Gray Jays FZ); we know of no previous winter record for the wereat DuncanFeb. 24 wherethe species rarely occurs Region. Single Yellow-headed Blackbirds were noted (JCo) A Blue Jay was at Duncan duringthe latter at DuncanJan. 26 (JCo),at ReifelRefuge s. of Van- part of January(JCo), whiletwo wereseen and photo- couverMar. 21 (Ct, fide WW) andat the SkagitFlats graphed repeatedly at Saanich from Oct. 13, 1972 Mar. 26 (RFu). Two Rusty Blackbirdswere at Lummi throughto the end of the currentreport period (VG Flatsnear Bellingham Dec. 10-19(JD, DHe; TW et et al ) Black-billedMagpies appeared at varioustimes al.); anotherindividual of this specieswas seen at dunngthe winterat Medford, Portland,Sauvie I., Van- Saanich three times in the latter three weeks of December(VG; RS). Up to six Brown-headedCow- couver and at Deming, Wash. Clark's Nutcrackers birdswintered at Saanich(VG et al.) anotherwas werefound at Bellinghamand at Seattlefor theC B Cs; three were seennear llwaco, Wash., in late January a Vancouverin Februaryand March (WR fide WW) (RV, fide TW). Single Mountain Chickadees were FINCHES, SPARROWS--A d Rose-breastedGros- notedat BellinghamDec. I 1 (TW), at VancouverDec. beakappeared regularly at a feederin L. OswegoDec 17 (WR et al., fide WW) and at Pitt Meadows e. of 25-30;a goodphotograph was obtained (I&CC); the Vancouver Jan. 13 (WW & GP). A White-breasted recordis the first for Oregonand the first winter record Nuthatchwas discovered at Vancouver'sStanley Park for the Region of which we are aware. A Black-headed Dec 3 (MS & BM, fide WW); one was alsoseen at Grosbeakwas seen in PortlandDec. 9 (CB,fideHN) BelhnghamDec. 31 (CL, fide TW). Two Pygmy EveningGrosbeaks seem to havebeen locally plentiful Nuthatchesturned up for the CottageGrove, Oreg., at scatteredlocalities in the centralportion of the Re- C B C. A Wrentit was recorded on the Portland gionthis winter. Purple Finches were unusually numer- C B C Twenty Long-billedMarsh Wrens were counted ous at Victoria (VG). Three Cassin's Finches were at WesthamI. near Vancouveron March 4 (MS & capturedand banded at MedfordMar. 9 (OS). Gray- WW) A Mockingbirdwas at Duncan, B.C., from Dec. crownedRosy Fincheswere frequentlyseen in the 9 throughthe end of the month (JCo); another was vicinityof Vancouvermost of the winter(fide WW) seenat SaanichDec. 12 (WC, fide VG); still another Small numbersof Corn. Redpollsappeared at Van- was at BaskettSlough N.W.R.w. of Salem, Oreg. couver,Bellingham, and in the SanJuan Is., mostly duringmid-March (RL et al.) and two were recorded in late Decemberand early January. Pine Siskins were

Volume 27, Number 3 655 absent or scarce for the most part, although a flock MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION of 200 was seen at Warrenton, Oreg., Jan. 13 (RF /Dave DeSante, David A. Gaines and & HN) and "many" were said to be on Lopez I. in the San Juans Mar. 16 (RSt et al.). Lesser Goldfinches Van Remsen were seen a few times during the winter on the w. side of the Willamette Valley from Albany southward "Very cold and very wet" effectively summarizes after !ate January. Red Crossbillswere virtually absent this Region's weather during the past winter season. from the Region this winter, judging by the dearth of December started out cold and a prolonged freezing reports for this species.The first Vancouver I. record spell December 8-14, perhaps the longest continuous for Lark Sparrowwas suppliedby one found at Saanich cold spell that this Region has experienced in fifty Feb. 7, 9 & Mar. 31 (WC, VG et al.); up to ten were years, devastatedtrees, shrubsand crops both in the observedat Medford during the extremely cold second Central Valley (below, C.V.) and along the coast. week of December (OS). Dark-eyed Juncoswere well Extensive stands of mature introduced eucalyptus trees reported from Vancouver s. to Medford throughout in the East Bay were killed, bringing speculationsof the entire report period. Several reports of Tree Spar- a massivefire dangerfor the coming summer and fall. rows, in number up to six at a locality, were received "Chains Required" signsin the Bay Area made front from Vancouver, Bellingham, and Victoria. A Chip- pagephotographs. Temperatures increased somewhat ping Sparrow was noted at Albany, Oreg., Jan. 22 in late December but generallyremained below average (CG, fide FZ). Harris' Sparrows were present in during the remainder of the period. A very wet unprecedented winter numbers, particularly in the November foreshadowed one of the wettest winters Vancouver-Ladner-Bellingham area, although there on record. By late March most areas had received were ten sightingsfrom places as much to the south- nearly double their normal rainfall. Despite the cold. ward as Eugene. White-throated Sparrows were seen wet winter, or, perhaps,because of it, numbersof repeatedly on the s.e. side of Vancouver I. and in our normalwintering landbirds were generallythought the Willamette Valley throughoutthe winter. Lincoln's to be better than average. However, most of the birds Sparrows in n.umber up to seven in a day were recorded concentratedin lowland and heavily plantedresidential in six localitiesfrom Eugene n. to Vancouver at vari- areas, leaving the higher and more remote areas of ous dates scattered through the entire report period. •he Regioncomparatively birdless. An imm. SwampSparrow was photographedat L. Sam- mamish State Park, King Co., Wash., Apr. 8 (EH, o DR& E,, DP, PM et al.) after having been first discoveredFeb. 25 (EH). Lapland Longspurswere recorded Dec. 12 & Jan 6. in number up to 20 on the Lummi Flats (fide TW); they were last seenat Ocean Shoreswhere they had been seen repeatedlyduring the fall, in early Jan. Eureka •AsTAt --EAGLE (JM). Over 100 Snow Buntings were seen from late Decemberuntil mid-Februaryat the latter place (JM); a few were seen at various times in December and Januarybetween Bellingham and Vancouver(fide TW & WW). OBSERVERS•Genevieve Arnold, Dick Asher, Range Bayer, Alex Benedict, Laurence Binford, Christie Brindle, Wayne Campbell, John & Martha

Casteel,Thomas Collins, John Comer (JCo), John B. Son Crowell, Jr., Irving & Clary Curran, A. Davidson, Rafaele Narca Dewoskin, Jim Duemmel, Merlin & Elsie EItzroth, Roy Fisk, Sean Furhess, Robert Furrer (RFu), Jeff Gilligan, Larry Goodhew, Vic Goodwill, Charles Grant, Rolland Gray, Dennis Heinemann (DHe), Dan Heyerly, Wayne Hoffman, Glen & Wanda Hoge {G&WHo), Eugene Hunn, Rick Jerema, Stuart Johnston, Kenn Kaufman, Richard Knapton, Cheryl Lavers, Norm Lavers, Robert Lucas, Bruce INVASION OF MONTANE AN D NORTHERN MacDonald, Phil Mattocks, Larry McQueen, James SPECIES•The fall influx left an outstanding variety Micuda (JMi), David Mills, Norman Minnick, Michael of montane and northern species wintering in our Morrell, James Morris, Harry Nehls, Dennis Paulson, Region.Band-tailed Pigeons invaded the Sacramento Roy Phillips, G. A. Poynter, William Rae, Hilda Valley in unprecedentednumbers: at least5000 along Reiher, Dick Reynolds, Ran Satterfield, Michael a 12-mile stretch of the Sacramento R. north of Sac- Shepard, Jerry Smith, Richard Stallcup (RSt), Otis ramentoFeb. 21 (RS, GM), flocks of 1000or more Swisher,J. Tatum, Howard Taylor, Colin Trefry, Rex in the oak grasslandseast of Sacramento(BK, RS, Van Wormer, Terrence Wahl, Wayne Weber, Fred DAG, MA et al.) and similar numbersin the Chico Zeillemaker--JOHN B. CROWELL, JR., 1185 Halli- area, where hundreds foraged in orchards and even nan Circle, Lake Oswego, Oregon, and HARRY B. plowed fields (TM, DAG). Numbers decreasedin NEHLS, 2736 S. E. 20th Avenue, Portland, Oregon. March (RS), but many remainedat the end of the

656 AmericanBirds, June 1973 period, Band-tadedsare normallyrare in the C V By nent with reports being received from all locations In contrast, the Angwin, Napa Co., C B C In the inner the Region including355 counted on 19 C B Cs. The coast range recorded only 16 Band-tailed Pigeons as center of abundance of this invasion seemed to lie in compared to an average 500 on the previous three the Sacramento Valley, where the species was counts (fide DR); the paucity of acorns may have common, and in the Bay Area. Peak numbers occurred forced these birds into the lowlands. Lewis's Wood- between late December and mid-February after which peckerswere exceptionallycommon and widespread time a gradual exodus was under way. However, some in the hills around the C.V., but their numbers were werestill presentat the endof the period.The !argest down near Angwin and Pope Valley, Napa Co. (DR, singleflocks included 60 at Berkeley Feb. 3 (WK), 250 JG) About 75 Lewis' were countedalong a one-mile in Piedmont, Alameda Co., Dec. 27 (ST) and 300+ stretch of Highway 132 east of Modesto, Stanislaus near Scott's Valley, Santa Cruz Co., Feb. 14 (RS) Co , Mar. 25 (MM). Eight in the Palo Alto area Purple Finches were also very widespreadand in excel- throughoutthe period(fide DDeS) werethe only sight- lent numbers throughout the Region. The major influx lngsfrom the San Francisco Bay region. A 5 William- occurred in early or mid-January and lasted through son's Sapsuckerremained in Lafayette Feb. 21-Mar. February during which time they often outnumbered 8, a color slide is on file (RE, LF,WP et al.). A Hairy House Finches at Bay Area and C.V. feeders. Single Woodpeckerin Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, flocks of 100 at Capitola, Santa Cruz Co., (WB) and Feb 13, with almostentirely black wings, may have 300 near Lafayette (LF) were certainly up to invasion beenthe northwesternharrisi subspecies (JM). standards. Numbers dropped steadily during March The fall downhill movement of Steller's Jays left Cassin's Finches, a very rare species in our Region a number of small bands wintering on the floor of the west of the Sierra, were also involved in this winter's C V near Chico (TM) and east of Sacramento(fide invasion. Records from the C.V. included 12 at Fresno BKi) The Black-billedMagpie near Arcata remained (RH, KH), four at Davis Jan. 10 (DAG) and one at untilJan. 30 (DE). Clark's Nutcrackerswere observed SacramentoFeb. 27-Mar. 3 (fide BK). Along the coast, at two C.V. localities: Woodland, Yolo Co. (fide singleswere identified at Santa Cruz Dec. 8 (fide VA), DAG) and Fresno(KH). Two near Felton, SantaCruz Berkeley Dec. 12-17 (VR), Pope Valley, Napa Co , Co , Dec. 22 (BE), onein SanFrancisco Jan. 11(JVM) Jan. 14 (LW & AG) and Tilden Park, Contra Costa and one near China Camp, Monterey Co., Feb. 22 Co., Mar. 31 (ST). (MeA) were probably remnants of the fall coastal A number of Pine Grosbeaks were found in Lassen invasion. Another montane species, the Mountain Co. northof theirresident California range and possibly Chickadee, appeared at four C.V. locations and represent individuals of some unknown northern race another was near Requa, Humboldt Co., Jan. 13 If so, these could be considered the first occurrences (RLeV). Red-breasted Nuthatches could be found in of non-Californiabreeding Pine Grosbeaksin the state C V parks and yards, but were not as common as Recordsinclude singles at JanesvilleDec. 19 (AW) some years; by contrast, however, none had been and Fredonyer Pass, Jan. 29 (TM, J. Conry) and ten reportedin the C.V. duringthe pasttwo winters.Com- in LassenPark Mar. 27 (VR, P. Myers). Both Pine paredto 1969-70,the last "invasion" year, nuthatch Siskin and Am. Goldfinch numbers were better than numbers were low, i.e., "ten times fewer in coastal the past two winters, especiallyin the C.V., but neither HumboldtCo." (DA) andnone at all in the Livermore specieswas up to invasion standards. Similarly, Red andNapa Valley Regions.Varied Thrushpopulations Crossbills were widely distributed but in relatively boomed. "Largest populationsin six winters at Pt. small numbers. Reyes" (MLR) and "largestinvasion in eightwinters in Chico" (LT) were typical comments from coastal LOONS THROUGH HERONS--A Yellow-billed and •nland localities. On five coastal C B Cs, the Loon was on Humboldt Bay Feb. 18-Mar. 7 (RLeV, cumulativenumber of Varied Thrushesexceeded by DE, TS et al.) and one was photographedat Berkeley nearly twice that on the four previous counts com- Jan. 26 (C. Maynard, fide VR). One Arctic and two bined and the usual ratio of one Varied Thrush to Red-throatedLoons were on L. ShastaDec. 23 (TM), every 25 Am. Robins was up to one to every four both speciesare very rare inland. Another inland rarity, Am Robins this season. Townsend's Solitaires the Red-necked Grebes, was photographed on an appearedat Davis Jan. 5 (PB, DAG), Angwin, Napa American R. hatchery pond, Sacramento Co., Mar Co, Feb. 28 (WT) and near Monticello Dam, Yolo 28-31 (RGi). The W. Grebe may be in trouble. Eleven Co , Mar. 18 (PB). Golden-crowned Kinglets were coastal C B Cs which recorded 3179 birds this winter numerous at times in the C.V., but decreased in num- had produced 3747 birds last winter and 12,506 in 1970- bers during January and February. "Good numbers" 71. The reverse trend has occurred inland: eleven wintered in the Mammoth area, Mono Co., where none counts found 340 birds this winter, 126 in 1971-72 and were observedlast winter (JMF). Cedar Waxwings 36 in 1970-71.Northern Fulmars were very scarcethis were somewhatscarcer than usual.A groupof 27 Bohe- winter, with the maximum count 30 off Humboldt Co , mian Waxwings were observed northeast of Weed, Dec. 5 (DE, TS). Several consecutivedays of high Shasta Co., Dec. 23 (RS) and six were in the same winds in March will usuallybring Fork-tailed Petrels area Jan. 1 (SB); two were in Springville, Tulare Co., to Monterey Harbor, as happenedthis year, when two Jan 2 (MEM, RB). were found Mar. 13 (AW). White Pelicans wintered Followinglast fall's excellentflight, goodnumbers in normal numbers,with 900 until late Januaryin s of winterfinches were found throughout the Region. San FranciscoBay (BE, D.F.G.) and at least 500 in As expected,Evening Grosbeaks were the mostpromi- the San JoaquinR. area of Merced Co. (CM, VR)

Volume 27, Number 3 657 A bird which was almost certainly a hybrid L•ttle Blue Table 1 Heron X Snowy Egret winteredat Palo Alto (TC, RS Comparisonof 1971 and 1972 Northern California et al.); sincesingle ad. Little Blue Herons have been Christmas Bird Count Data on Raptors observed in the Bay Area intermittently in the past few years, the possibilityof local productionis sug- gested. Seven Cattle Egrets were found at five coastal locationsand singleswere seen at two spots in the Speciesand Location Number Per Cent C.V. A Black-crowned Night Heron nest with half- Observed Change grown nestlingswas fouridat L. Merritt, Alameda Co., Per Ten Jan. 5 (BE). Party Hours 1971 1972 WATERFOWL--The abnormal abundance of standingwater produced by the heavy rains scattered the waterfowl in the C.V., resulting in hunter takes Sharp-shinned Hawk that were lower than last winter at every refuge. Whist- Outer Coast .78 .44 -44% ling Swans,geese and dabblingducks were muchmore Inner Coast .44 .33 -25% common than usual near the coast. Diving ducks, how- C. V. and Foothills .50 .45 -10% ever, were scarce everywhere; the heavy rains mud- died many of the reservoirs and estuaries, and this Cooper's Hawk may have been the cause. A fantastic migratory con- Outer Coast .56 .31 -45% centration of 33,000 Black Brant was on Humboldt Inner Coast .30 .34 +13% Bay in late March (D. Henry, .fide RLeV). An ad. C. V. and Foothills .47 .53 +13% Emperor Goose Dec. 30 at Humboldt Bay (RS) was a remnantof last fall's "invasion" (four records).Thir- Red-tailed Hawk teen ad. Blue phaseSnow Geese were reportedfrom Outer Coast 6.9 4.9 -29% roland areas, which is more than normal. Seven white Inner Coast 3.8 5.2 +37% phase Snow Geese were six coastal locations Dec. C. V. and Foothills 9.4 7.9 -16% 30-Jan.15, and single Ross' Geese, very unusual away fromthe C.V., wereat Ano NuevoJan. 6-22(MeA, Red-shouldered Hawk VR, photos)and Livermore Jan. 13-Mar. 31 (GB, AE). Outer Coast .38 .29 -23% As usual, several Green-wingedTeal (Eurasian sub- Inner Coast .86 .87 +01% species)were at Arcata, Humboldt Co., Jan. 6-Feb. 25 (DE, TS, RS et al.); singleswere also discovered Rough-leggedHawk Mar. 26 at Honey L. (RS) and Bieber(KK et al.), Outer Coast .32 .14 -56% both Lassen Co. These are the first inland records Inner Coast .11 .42 +281% for n. California. Six coastal and seven inland Eur. C. V. and Foothills .23 .47 +104% Wigeonwere reported.An attemptby the Region's contributors to quantify sex ratios in Redheads and Ferruginous Hawk Ring-neckedDucks yieldeda nearly 50:50ration for Entire Region .15 .14 -07% the Redhead,but for the Ring-neckedDuck, the ratio wasbiased toward males near the coast(591:342) but Golden Eagle towardfemales in the C.V. (218:317).Six Oldsquaws Entire Region .34 .28 -18% were reported from Humboldt Co. to San Francisco Bay. A ? King Eider appearedin Monterey Harbor Bald Eagle Mar. 21 (MeA, RS, et al.), possibly the same bird Entire Region 27 total25 total -07% that has been found there every winter since 1969-70. Hooded Mergansers were much more common and Am. K½strel widespreadthan usual. Red-breasted Mergansers, very Outer Coast 6.7 4.8 -28% rare inland, were found at four interior locations: Inner Coast 4.0 4.8 +20% singlesat Tule L. Feb. 18 (RS, DDeS), L. Almanor, C. V. and Foothills 12.7 11.1 -13% Plumas Co., Mar. 27 (RS), and L. Mendocino near Ukiah Mar. 31 (PM) and two at Folsom L. Jan. 1-14 Merlin (RS,DAG et al.); all birds were males. Outer Coast 6 total 15 total Inner Coast 3 total 7 total RAPTORS--Increased raptor reportingresulted in C. V. and Foothills 3 total 4 total totals doubling or tripling last winter's numbers for every species. To determine whether or not this re- Peregrine Falcon presented true increases, C B C data from the last two Outer Coast 9 total 6 total yearswas analyzed;the results(Table 1) showthat Inner Coast 0 total 0 total mostraptors were actuallydown. A Goshawkwas C.V. I total 3 total shotby a ranchernear Angwin(fide WT) for one of our few records away from the Sierras. Six well- low Slough,Yolo Co., Jan. 14 (DAG); Nord, Butte described"Harlan's" Hawks were reported:Gray Co., Feb. 18 (TM); Chico, Butte Co., Jan. 20-late LodgeRefuge, Butte Co., Jan.6 (TM, RS, DW); Wil- Feb. (TM, RS et al.); Honey L. Dec. 19 (RG et al ),

658 AmericanB•rds, June 1973 and Lower Klamath Refuge Feb 17 (J&SL, RS) A JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS--As usual, a very early Swa•nson's Hawk was near Merced Ref. few wintering PomanneJaegers and no Paras•tlCSwere Feb 25 (LB, RLeV, VR et al.). Wintering Ospreys reported. At least two Glaucous Gulls were found at were reported from five coastal localities; one on the Arcata until Mar. 21 (DA, DE, RLeV, RS et al.) Lew•ston C B C, Trinity Co., Dec. 23 (DA) was far Singleswere at Pacific Grove Dec. 28 (AW, TS), Dil- north and far inland. Prairie Falcons appeared at six lon Beach Jan. 20 (MLR, JM), and Pescadero Creek, coastallocalities, including birds at Arcata Jan. 1 (DA) San Mateo Co., Mar. 17 (TC, BY). As usual, all were and Pt. Arena, Mendocino Co., Feb. 15-16 (RLeV, either first or second year immatures. Herring Gulls photos); this speciesis particularly rare on the north were exceptionallycommon in the C.V., often outnum- coast bering the normally more common Ring-billedsand Californias; there was a major influx into the Sac- CRANES AND RAILS--Sandhill Cranes were in ramento area Jan. 10-14, when 1000+ were seen (RS goodnumbers with a peakcount of 5000Feb. 28 at et al.). An imm. Franklin's Gull was at Arcata Feb San Luis N.W.R. (CM). A combinationof extremely 10-Mar. 29 (DS, DE et al.) for the Region'sthird winter h•ght•des and flooding from heavy rains produced some record. Black-legged Kittiwakes were very scarce amazingcounts of ClapperRails Jan. 17-19:150at along the coast, with only one to three birds found DumbartonBridge (BMcL, AP) and 73 at Palo Alto at any given spot; even off-shore the highest counts Baylands(P. Kelley). Decreasesin this specieswere were only 35 off Humboldt Mar. 31 (RLeV, TS) and reportedat Alameda(JM) and Emeryville (MLR). The 30 off San Francisco Feb. 17 (VDaC). An ad. well- Black Rail found last fall at the Dumbarton Bridge described from Woodland, Yolo Co., Dec. 2 (B&RL) wasseen Dec. 17-19(RLeV, TS et al.). CommonGal- was the first record for the C.V. hnuleswere reported from more than the usualnumber Two Corn. Murres were found at Berkeley early of coastal localities (nine). Dec.-Jan. 12 (J&SL, LB et al.) and one was recorded on the Hayward C B C Dec. 17 (fide JL); This species is unusualfar inside S.F. Bay. At least one Thick-billed SHOREBIRDS--A Black Oystercatcher was on Murre was seen at Monterey late Dec.-Jan. 26 (R Treasure I., S.F. Bay, Dec. 19 (RS); this speciesis Webster, RS, J&SL). Marbled Murrelets, as usual extremely rare away from rocky outer coast. Snowy almost always paired, were noted at four coastal Plover showed large decreases on this year's C B C localities. totals from last year on eight of nine coastal counts. Killdeer stagedmassive influxes into coastalareas such DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS--Five as Humboldt, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Cos. during Spotted Doves remained in Fresno throughout the the freezes of early December; they clusteredon city winter, the first record for the Region (RH); the species lawns and huddled around sewer drains for warmth. had been previously unreported north of Bakersfield Wintering Am. Golden Plover were much more wide- Roadrunners were observed on the Monterey C B C spread than usual;besides the usual birds in the Loleta Dec. 28, at Mercy Hot Springs, Fresno Co., Feb Bottoms, Humboldt Co., two were at Dillon Beach 4 (DDeS) and along Mines Road, Alameda Co., Jan 20 (MLR, JM), three at Pt. Reyes Jan. 23-27 throughoutthe period. Saw-whet Owls were recorded (MLR, BF, JM et al.), one near Pescadero,San Mateo from eleven coastal and inner coast localities between Co, Dec. 30 (PM), and one at the Pajaro R. Feb. Humboldt and Santa Cruz Cos.; three reached the floor 8 (J&RW). The birdsat Loleta Bottomsincreased from of the C.V. Pygmy Owls were frequentlyencountered tone Dec. 31 to 39 on Mar. 5 (RLeV). The abundance in coastal forests and in the transition zone of the of standingwater alongthe coastresulted in an increase Sierras. A pair observed copulating near the arid east- •n Corn. Snipenumbers; exemplifying this increasewas ern edgeof the inner coastrange, Yolo Co., was east a concentration of 190 birds at one small pond east of the species' known breeding range (PB). Roosts of BodegaBay Jan. 28 (LB). SingleWandering Tattlers, of Long-earedOwls were foundat Honey Lake (TM) very rare insideS.F. Bay, whereat BerkeleyDec. and at two C.V. locations. An additional Long-eared 9-17 (LB, VR) and at Dumbarton Bridge Jan. 20 was at Bollhas Lagoon Jan. 13 (LB). An unusually (GB) Ten winteringLesser Yellowlegs were tallied large influx of Short-eared Owls seemed to peak in on the Hayward C B C Dec. 17 (fide JL), one on C.V. and Great Basin localities in December and the Oakland C B C Dec. 17 (fide AP), and two at January with high counts of 52 on the Lower Klamath JoyceIs., SolanoCo., Feb. 9 (JM, GZ). An amazing Refuge Dec. 10 (TM) and 60 near Davis until the end number of Red Knots wintered near Oakland: 578 were of January (DAG); many were killed on highwaysin counted on the Oakland C B C, including 470 in one the C.V. (TM). Only two were observed in the C.V flock at Albany (LB, VR). Red Knots are seldomthat last winter. Above average numbers of Short-eareds common,even in migration.As manyas six Rock Sand- also wintered in the Bay Area. Despite the cold p•perswintered at the usuallocation on BodegaHead weather, Poor-wills were reportedfrom the w. Sonoma Dec 20-Mar. 11 (WP, LB, J&SL et al.) and one was C B C Dec. 30, TomalesBay State Park Jan. 6 (JM, at Pacific Grove Dec. 28-Mar. 10 (W. Reese, GMcC GZ), near Oroville Feb. 19 (GN) and near Jenner, et al ) Red Phalaropesoccurred at nearly every coastal SonomaCo., Feb. 21 (RLeV). locahty from mid-December to early January. Mon- Five Vaux's Swifts were at Waddell Creek, Santa terey recorded an amazing 1199 on the C B C Dec. Cruz Co., Dec.'9 (BY, TC), only the fifth winterrecord 28, the last bird was one in Monterey Co. Jan. 27 for the Region. Many observersreported dramatic (RS) increasesin feeder hummingbirdpopulations during

Volume 27, Number 3 659 the December freeze About 30 Anna's Humming- MIMIDS THROUGH VIREOS--A Mockingbird birds,for instance,utilized a feederin Berkeleyduring was on the Mt Shasta C B C Dec 23enorth of its December, at which time they were absent from the present known range. A dead Gray Catbird, smashed nearby hills; many, however, turned up stunned or as if it had arrived on the grill of a car and of unknown dead in suburbanyards (VR). Anna's wintered at origin,astonished its discoverersnear Los BanosMar feeders in several Sierra foothill communities and one 25 0&SL). A BrownThrasher returned for the second remainedin Weaverville,Shasta Co., while the tempe- consecutive winter to a backyard in Fairfax, where raturedipped to -5øF. (SB). This specieshas increased it remainedthrough the end of the period; there are m our region in winter owing to ornamentalplantings no other winter recordsfor the region(Morton Wfison, and feeders which provide food during the quiescent photograph on file). Another rare mimid, the Sage period of our native plants. An imm. • Rufous Hum- Thrasher, appearednear Woodland, Yolo Co., Mar mingbird, an imm. 5 Allen's Hummingbird and an 18 (R&BL). Wintering flocks of Mountain Bluebirds unidentified Selasphorushummingbird wintered at a seemed to concentrate in the San Joaquin Valley, feeder in Berkeley (VR). Rufous Hummingbirds where groupsof 85 and 60 were observedin Madera appeared in Pacific Grove Jan. 21 (RS, GM, ST, Co. (RH), one of 60 in San JoaquinCo. (DMS) and DDeS); the first C.V. sightingcame Feb. 1 (fide BKi). 125 in the Panoche Valley (DDeS); scattered groups This is one to two weeks earlier than the past two of up to six were present in the SacramentoValley years. Allen's Hummingbirdsarrived in late January (DAG, BKi) and none at all were seenin coastalareas as is usual, but were not abundant until March. It was another vintage winter for N. Shrikes with at At least 25 "pure" Yellow-shafted and numerous least 20 sightingsin the Tule-Honey Lake-Alturas re- "hybrid" Corn. Flickers were reported this winter, gion, six in the C.V., two at Grizzley I. Refuge(AP, a new high. A Pileated Woodpecker was seen in oak GZ, JM, AM, WP) and one at Doran Park, Bodega woodland, an atypical habitat, near L. Mendocino, Bay Dec. 26 (AM, WP). Loggerhead Shrike, a Blue Mendocino Co., Mar. 31. A Black-backed Three-toed List species,was unusually scarce in the Klamath basin Woodpecker at Peregoy Meadows Dec. 23 indicates Feb. 19(LGO) andtwo at Cape Mendocino,Humboldt the speciesis residentthere at all seasons(JL). Co., were the only onesreported from the coastalre- gion north of Mendocino Co., where they normally FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRIENS--A occur in small numbers. A Solitary Vireo was found Tropical Kingbird appearednear Santa Rosa Dec. 23 deadin Arcata Dec. 16(fide DE) andone was observed (LW, AG). A WesternFlycatcher returned for the third on the Hayward C B C Dec. 17; there are only four consecutive winter to the U.C. Botanical Gardens, previou.s winter records for the Region. Berkeley, but vanished when its favorite tree was felled Most of ouruncommon wintering warblers were pres- Dec. 17 (AP). Another Ernpidonax, thought to be a ent in reduced numbers this winter, presumably a Hammond's or a Least (definitely not Traill's, Gray result of the very cold weather. Orange-crownedWar- or Western)remained along the SanJoaquin R., Fresno blers were generallyscarce, and only one eachof the Co., Nov. 25-Dec. 3 (RH, Alan Craig). The prolonged Black-throated Gray and Hermit Warblers were December freeze probably accountsfor relatively low reported. On the other hand, several very rare winter- populations of Tree and Violet-green Swallows this ing specieswere presentin recordnumbers including winter. Numbersof Trees nearly equaledViolet-greens 4 Black-and-whites (1 from Humboldt Co ), 4 on C B Cs and in observerreports, reversingthe trend Nashvilles (all in Humboldt Co.), 7 Palms (3 from of the past two winters. A Violet-greenSwallow in HumboldtCo.) and 1 Wilson's.Why so manyof these Arcata, Humboldt Co., Dec. 8-12, was extremelyfar birds winter in Humboldt Co. remains a mystery A north(TS, RLeV, DE et al.). About20 BankSwallows c• Yellow Warbler in San Francisco Mar. 6 (E arrived at the mouth of the Pajaro R., Santa Cruz Peterson)probably successfully wintered. Two Town- Co., Mar. 22 (J&RW) and four were at Coyote Hills send's Warblers were found in the C.V. where they Park, Mar. 29 (RS, GM). Rough-wingedSwallows are apparently very rare but regular winter residents appearedat .*wo San JoaquinValley locationsFeb. Only I0 Com. Yellowthroatsreported from C.V loca- 24 and were first observed in a coastal area Mar. 7. tions indicates the continued scarcity of this species Similarly the Barn Swallow appearedinland Feb. 18 there. but did not reach the coast until Mar. 4. Three extremely early groups of Cliff Swallows were ob- served at widely separated points in the C.V. Feb. 3 & 4; two were also observed at Fremont Feb. 5, indicatingan unprecedentedearly arrival throughout our Region. Good numbers occurred in the C.V. by WOOD WARBLERS--A coordinated effort was late February, but in coastal areas only after mid- made by the Region'sobservers this winter to accu- March as is usual. A Chestnut-backed Chickadee was ratelydetermine the relative abundance of Myrtle and in Mix Canyon, Solano Co., Dec. 17 (DAG) and five Aububon's races of Yellow-rumped Warblers The were there Jan. 1 (R&BL); one in Stockton Mar. 22 generalindication was that total numberswere low wasthe first reportfrom the C.V. (fide DMS). A House but slightly better than last year's very poor w•nter Wren spent one of the "coldest, wettest winters on Differencesfrom lastyear were owingto slightlyfewer record" in Sacramento,north of its normalwinter range Myrtles but somewhatmore Audubon'sbeing noted (AnneManolis, TM et. al.). FiveWinter Wrens were this winter. Data from C B Cs supplygood evidence found in C.V. locations where they are very scarce. that the percentageof Myrtles decreasesas one moves

660 American Birds, June 1973 tnland from the coast (Table 2) However, the most Jan 3-20 at a feeder tn Soquel, Santa Cruz Co (JM0 interesting result of the wtnter observattons was that There were only 5 prevtous winter records for thts an apparent difference in habitat preferences exists species.The equally rare in winter Black-headedGros- betweenMyrtle and Audubon'stypes. "Myrtle" War- beak was also reported 3 times: Dec. 19-20 at a feeder blers basically prefer riparian growth, dense lowland in Auburn (MA), Dec. 28 in Monterey (C B C) and oak woodland or residential areas and city parks grown Jan. 31 at the same feeder in Soquel where the Rose- to dense stands of mature deciduous trees. breasted had occurred earlier (JMi, RG). A Green- "Audubon's" Warblers, on the other hand, prefer tailed Towhee was at Pt. Lobos Feb. 22 (FNe) for more open oak woodland, chapparal, grassland and only the fourth coastal winter record in the Region open or newly developed residential areas with scat- A Grasshopper Sparrow, very rare in our Region tered small trees and shrubs. These results are most in winter, was hit by a car near El Nido, Merced Co , interesting in view of the recent A.O.U. decision to Jan. 3 (spec.to M.V.Z.) (WK). The Sharp-tailedSpar- constderthe two forms as conspecific. row wintered for the third consecutiveyear near the Dumbarton Bridge, Alameda Co. Vesper Sparrows were present in good numbers around the edges of Table 2 the C.V. and 15 individualswere reportedfrom coastal locations, a record high. Three Tree Sparrows were Analysis of C B C data at Honey L., Dec. 20-21 (RLeV, DR, SB); coastal on Audubon's and Myrtle-type records incluctectone at Inverness, Marin Co., Nov Yellow-rumped Warblers 17-25 (G. Brady) and one at a feeder in Arcata Mar 9-11 (DE et al.). Sixty-three Slate-colored Juncos reported on C B Cs and at least 55 others reported Total Per cent during the winter along with 25 White-throated Spar- Yellow-rumped Myrtle-type rows on C B Cs and 30 others during the winter are Warblers Warblers bestleft to speakfor themselves.An amazing15 Harris' Sparrowswere reported this winter: 2 from the coast, Outer Coast 2089 4.2 1 nearWeaver(,ille, Trinity Co. (SBo), 9 from the C.V Inner Coast 440 11.6 and 3 near Honey L. Five Swamp Sparrows included Inner Coast Range 625 3.8 one in the Loleta Bottoms Dec. 31-Jan. 7 (FWi, RS Central Valley 2229 0.7 Sierra 11 0.0 et al.) and another in Requa, Del Norte Co., Jan 13 (DE, RLeV et al.). Four "eastern" Fox Sparrows in the Region filled out a very good winter for our more uncommon winter sparrows. Up to 50 Lapland ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--Most observers Longspurswintered at Honey L.; 2 or 3 Chestnut- reported exceptional numbers of meadowlarks and collaredswere with them Mar. 3-4 (B&CY, TC). Two blackbirdsthroughout the winter; perhapsthe very cold or 3 more Laplands were at Bay Farm I., Alameda weather forced a withdrawal from more northerly win- Co., Dec. 17-Jan. 7 (S&KB, JL et al.). Apparently tenng areas. Three or four Yellow-headed Blackbirds 4 different Snow Buntings were near Arcata Dec. 8- •n the Arcata bottoms and a Tricolored Blackbird in Jan. 5 (TS, DE, RS et al.) while a singleat Bay Farm the Loleta bottoms, all Humboldt Co., were I. Dec. 2-Jan. 11 (JM, J&SL et al.) represents the noteworthysince both speciesare very rare alongthe southernmostrecord for the Region. north coast of our Region, but 50 Tricoloreds, 3 mi. S of Albion, MendocinoCo., in late Januarywere CONTRIBUTORS--E. Albertson, Dave exceptional(RD). A probablespring movement of both Anderson, Vi Anderson, Merle Archie (MeA), of these species occurred in the C.V. near Merced Maurine Armour, Steve and Karan Bailey, Robert Feb 25 when 500 • Yellow-headeds and 100-500 Barnes, Laurence Binford, George Bing, D thousand(!)• Tricoloredswere seen (VR, LB). None Blackman,Sharon Boucher (SBo), William Boyle,Jr., werefound in this samearea Feb. 4 (VR). A Rusty Peter Brown, Aubrey Burns, Joyce Burr, Ted Blackbird,the seventhRegional record, wasfound near Chandik, Bob Claypole, Val DaCosta, Mrs. Edward PrameCreek, Humboldt Co., Dec. 3 (DE, TS, RWi). Day, Richard Dellayen, Art Edwards, Bruce Elliott, (Two were on S. Farallon last fall but only one was Russ Epley, Dick Erickson, Lynn Farrar, John Fink- reported (AB 27:118). Good numbersof orioles and beiner, Gary Friedrichsen, Bud Fry, Bruce Gerow, tanagers were reported this winter despite the cold Ron Gerstenberg(RGe), Rober Gill (RGi), Golden weather. Records included 4 Hooded Orioles in the Gate Audubon Society, Larry Goodhew, L. W. & C V , one Bullock'stype of the Northern Oriole in A. Gralapp, Russ Greenberg (RG), Jack Guggolz, the C V. and 3 more near the coast, one Baltimore Keith Hansen, Robert Hansen, Deyea Harper, John type tn Monterey in late Dec. (fide W. Reese) and Hollis (JHol), Vi Homem, Joel Hornstein, Elgin an amazing 9 W. Tanagers, 6 near the coast and 3 Hurlbert, Ron Jurek, Ken Kaufman, Betty Kimball •n tnterior areas. (BKi), BarbKlasson, Wait Koenig,Ron LeValley, Bob & Ruth Loveless,John and SusanneLuther, Charles FINCHES---Three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were Mack, Madrone Audubon Society (Ma.A.S.), Marin reportedduring the winter: Dec. 3 &28 in Mill Valley, Audubon Society, Bill Manoils, GeorgianneManoils, Mann Co.--possibly two birds (MAAS), Dec. 30-Jan. Ann Manolis, Tim Manoils, Marie Mans, Jane V 1 on the RussianR., Somoma, Co., OH et al.) and Martin, Brian J. McCafiery, Guy McCaskie, Baron

Volume 27, Number 3 661 McClean,Norman Messinger, Peter Metropulos, Jean ture still present Feb. 24. Cattle Egrets were present Minnick(JMi), MabelE. Mires,Joe Morlan (JM), alongthe coastaround Imperial Beach, San Diego Co. MuseumVertebrate Zoology, Dave Myers, Fran Nel- throughoutthe winter with as many as 15 there in Feb- son(FNe), Gary Nielsen, Fran Nubel, Ohlone Audu- ruary and March. The Reddish Egret first noted on bonSociety, Edward O'Neill, Andy Oppman,Alan San Diego Bay Sept. 19 was still present at the end Pistorius, William Pursell, R. Richardson, Don of the period. A few LouisianaHerons remained along Roberson,Mary LouiseRosegay, Santa Cruz Audu- the coast as usual with up to three around Pt. Mugu, bonSociety, Don Schmoldt,Tom Schulenberg,Doris Ventura Co. Dec. 30-Feb. 4, up to five at Seal Beach, M. Shanks,Rich Stallcup,Nick Story, Otis Swisher, Orange Co. Oct. 25- Jan. 27, one at Bolsa Chica ScottTerrill, LynnThomas, Wayne Tillay, Art Want, Jan. 4-7, and one or two aroundSan Diego Bay through Johnand Ricky Warriner, Roger Willmarth (RWi), Bob February. The adult found at the south end of the & CarolYutzy, Gary Zamzow.--DAYEDESANTE, Salton Sea (below s. end S.S.) Nov. 22 was last seen Dept.of BiologicalSciences, Stanford University, Stan- Dec. 14 (DVT). ford,Calif. 94305, DAVID GAINES, Rt. 1, Box2563, Davis,Calif. 95616and VAN REMSEN,Dept. of SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS--Away from the Zoology,University of California,Berkeley, Calif. Owens Valley, where up to 25 WhistlingSwans were 94720. regularlyseen duringJanuary and February, the only sightingswere of singlebirds at CaliforniaValley, San Luis Obispo Co. Dec. 9-Jan. 25 and in PasadenaDec. SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION 27-Mar. 30. A most unexpected bird was a Trumpeter / Guy McCaskie Swanat California Valley Jan. 13-22(BBer, BS). Excel- lent photographswere obtainedof it with a Whistling Southern California experienced one of the wettest Swan;in recent yearsafew individualshave beenfound winters on record with rain continuous from December in coastal central and northern California, but this is through March. the first modern-day record for S. California. Up to r * •4 . "" four blue-phaseSnow Geese were present with the white-phase Snows at the s. end S.S. throughout the winter as expected. A flock of 12 Fulvous Tree Ducks seen near Brawley, Imperial Co. during January and February probably spentthe entire winter in that area, unusualfor that species.A coupleof interestinghybrids were a d Mallard X Am. Wigeon at the Salton Sea Jan. 28 and single d Blue-winged X Cinnamon Teal aroundSan Diego Feb. 11& 18. FurasianGreen-winged Teal was noted on L. Sherwood, Ventura Co. Jan. 11-27(JD. JBu et al.) at the exact spot where a single bird has been found each winter since 1970-71, another was present at Solana Beach, San Diego Co. Mar. 18-24 (SS et al.); this form is a casual stragglerto S. California, but appears more common farther north. A few Blue-winged Teal can usually be found in S. California during December and January, but when the Cinnamon Teal are moving through in February and March their numbers increase; this year over 30 individuals were reported Feb. 10-Mar. 31. The only Most interesting was the fact that many species Fur. Wigeon found were singledd at Newport, Orange invadingthis Regionlast fall were relmively scarce Co. Dec. 30-Jan. 8, near Oceanside, San Diego Co. this winter. Pition Jays and Clark's Nutcrackers were Jan. 14-Feb. 10 and at the s. end S.S. Dec. 10-Feb. rare away from areas of normal occurrence, Red- 1. As usual a few Wood Ducks appeared throughout breastedNuthatches became quite scarcein the low- the Region. lands in January, and Evening Grosbeaks were virtu- A d Tufted Duck present on L. Sherwood Jan. 25-3 I ally unrecordedafter January. One can only wonder (JAJ et al.) is the first for S. California; however, there where all thosebirds that passedthrough last fall went. are four previous records in the State. Single On the other hand Lewis' Woodpeckersand Varied Oldsquaws at Bolsa Chica Jan. I-Feb. 18, and on San Thrushes remained common throughoutthe periodß Diego Bay Dec. 15 were the only ones reported from the coast this winter. The Harlequin Duck present GREBES' Horned Grebes were found inland with at Marina del Rey since summer was still there Mar. one on the Salton Sea Jan. 27 and three on L. Mathews, 7. A White-winged Scoter at the n. end S.S. Mar. Riverside Co., Feb. 24; the speciesis rare away from 24 (EAC & SC) was at an inland locality where it the coast. is casual. Similarly, two Surf Scoters on the Salton Sea Dec. 9 (EAC & SC) were unusual. Common Sco- HERONS--The three Little Blue Herons found ters were exceptionallyscarce among the wintering around Bolsa Chica, Orange Co. during the fall scoters along the coast, with only six individuals remainedin the area throughJanuary with one imma- reported. On the other hand Hooded Mergansers

662 AmericanBirds, June 1973 appeared more numerous, reaching as far south as Ventura Co, Mar 24-31 (ERA et al ) and another Lakeside, San Diego Co (2 on Feb 4) and the s near Otay, San Diego Co Jan 27 - Mar 4 (JD, GSS, end S.S. (1 on Jan. 20). GMcC) which is probably normal; however, an adult HAWKS--An ad. Goshawk hit a window in the photographedat the s. end of S.S. Dec. 9 (EAC, SC) was not only one of the very few interior records, San Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara Co. Dec. 6 and was but appears to be the first for an adult in California retained in captivity (RWe), another was seen near The only report of a Glaucous-wingedGull away from Tecopa, Inyo Co. Feb. 26 (JT); this hawk is very rare the coastwas one at the s. end S.S. during December in S California. A Red-shoulderedHawk near Big Two or three Western Gulls were noted in the San Pine, Inyo Co. Feb. 12 was east of its' normal range. Fernando Valley in early January, which is unusual Some 30 FerruginousHawks reported from various points throughout the Region during December- as thisgull rarely wandersfrom the immediatevicinity February were most encouraging. Away from the of the ocean. Mew Gulls occur regularlyalong the coast south to San Diego; however, some 600 around Owens Valley, where Rough-legged Hawks are expected winter visitors, singlebirds were found south Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz I. during mid- February was a large concentrationfor S. California to near Escondido, San Diego Co. Feb. 25, at L. An ad. Little Gull was carefully studiedat the s. end Henshaw, San Diego Co. Dec. 29-Feb. 25, and at S.S. Dec. 3 (RTN); this representsthe third record s end S.S. Dec. 28-Jan.28. As usualafew Bald Eagles of this speciesin California, the previoustwo being were found around some of the larger inland bodies in Novemberand December.Black-legged Kittiwakes of water with one adult at L. Arrowhead Dec. 13, were almost nonexistent in this Region with two at up to 10 immatures at L. Mathews Jan. 6-Feb. 24, San Miguel I. in late March and three around King one adult on San Jacinto Res. Feb. 24, up to 16 (5 ad 11 imm.) around L. Henshaw Dec. 13-Jan. 28. Harbor, Los AngelesCo., During February being the only individualsreported. A Black Tern at Marina del Merlins appearto be on the decline,for only five were Rey Feb. 17 (GSS et al.) was most unusualsince there reportedthis winter. The only Ospreyswere one over are but three previous winter records in California San Diego Bay Jan. 20 and another around the s. end S S Dec. 1-22.

SHOREBIRDS--An Am. Oystercatcherwas seen ALCIDS--Fifteen Com. Murres off San Diego Dec. 2 and 40 individuals found on six of the coastal at PelicanBay on Santa Cruz I. Oct. 6 (KenHenwood, fide DG) but a bird believed to be a Black X Am. CBCs suggestedthat numbershad reached S. Califor- Oystercatcherwas carefully studied at the west end nia waters; however, only four additionalreports were of that islandFeb. 19 (LJ); as manyas threeoyster- received of single birds seen during February. catcherswith muchwhite, believed to be Am. Oyster- catchers,have been noted regularly in thatarea during DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS-- the past4 or 5 years(I•yndal I•aughrin, fide LJ). The PipingPlover noted in Goleta, SantaBarbara Co., dur- Band-tailed Pigeons descended into the coastal foot- ing the pasttwo winterswas again present Dec. 16-Jan. hills during the winter with hundreds around Pasadena 6 (I•J, GSS, KG). Am. GoldenPlovers were present in February and March and lesser numbers elsewhere at four localitieswith up to threeat Marinadel Rey west of the mountains. It is apparent a few White- Jan l-Mar. 7, two on Newport Bay Dec. 5, one in winged Doves spent the winter on the deserts of e San Diegoall winter,and two near ImperialBeach San Diego Co., for one or two were regularly noted Jan 20-Feb. 10;all but the ImperialBeach birds were around Yaqui Wells and Agua Caliente Springs throughtto be of therace fulva. A PectoralSandpiper throughoutthe period;the speciesis previouslyknown foundnear Calipatria, Imperial Co. Mar. 17(GMcC, only as a summer visitor to that area. Ground Doves have apparently established themselves in Pauma SS) was probablyan early springmigrant; however, Valley, San Diego Co., for up to 12 were regularly there are fewer than ten valid springrecords for this presentthroughout the period. A Long-earedOwl seen speciesin California.As usuala few Stilt Sandpipers at the s. end S.S. Jan. 6 appearsto be a new species spentthe winter at the s. end S.S. with up to five for that area. Two Saw-whet Owls located on Santa noted regularly January-March. Red Phalaropeswere presentalong the entire coast Cruz I. Feb. 16-20represent one of the very few Chan- in late December and early January with as many as nel Is. records. Up to three Poor-wills were present 75 around Imperial Beach Dec. 31 & Jan. 20, however, on the Palos Verdes Pen. throughout the winter and all appeared to be gone by February. As usual a flock it appearslikely that the speciesoccurs regularly there at this time of the year. A flock of 10-20 Vaux's Swifts of about 75 N. Phalaropesspend the winter at the south end of San Diego Bay; this appearsto be the were regularly seen with White-throated Swifts near only locality in North America where this speciesreg- Oceanside,San Diego Co., all winter (AF et al.), a species not known to winter regularly in California, ularly winters. Four Wilson's Phalaropeswere also however, a large flock was in the same area during present with the N. Phalaropesthrough most of the the winter of 1969-70. Most unusual was a Broad-tailed winter; a very rare species in California at this time of the year. Hummingbird in San Pedro, Los Angeles Co., Nov 4-Jan.20 (SW), for it representsthe first winter record GULLS, TERNS--Three imm. Glaucous Gulls for California as well as the secondsighting for the were found along the coast with one at San Miguel coast;the bird was captured,and the diagnostictall I Mar. 24 (I•J), one at the Santa Clara River mouth, feathers were retained.

Volume 27, Number 3 663 WOODPECKERS--One or two yellow-shafted Nuthatches included a few on the Palos Verdes Pen Common Flickers were noted around Furnace Creek all w•nter, and three around Boneta, San Diego Co, Ranch in Death Valley throughoutthe winter, one was Dec. 16-Feb. 3. A few Brown Creepers were present presentin San Pedro all winter and anotherwas seen in the coastallowlands; however, one in Niland, Imper- •n Los Angeles Jan. 13. A bird exhibiting the charac- ial Co., Dec. 23-Mar. 17 was most unusual. teristics of a gilded Common Flicker was near West- morland, Imperial Co. Jan. 20 Mar. 24 (EAC, SC); WRENS, THRASHERS, THRUSHES--The only however, there is much variation in the plumage reports of Winter Wrens were one in Santa Amta characters of Common Flickers occurring in Canyon, Los Angeles, Co., Jan. 26-Mar. 31 and California. Lewis' Woodpeckersremained conspicu- another near Victorville Feb. 26. A Brown Thrasher ousand widespreadafter last fall's influx, beingpresent was well observed in Twenty-nine Palms, San Bern- southto SanDiego Countyall winter. A Yellow-bellied adino Co., Jan. 14 (CD); a rare visitor to Califorma Sapsuckerbelieved to be $. v. varius was carefully A SageThrasher on SanMiguel l., Mar. 25 wassome- studiedat Furnace Creek Ranch Jan. 24 (JD); there whatunexpected. Varied Thrushesremained common are only three previous reports of this form in in the mountainsand coastallowlands, being reported California.A Williamson'sSapsucker in ElysianPark in largenumbers by all observers,and evenreached of Los AngelesMar. 1 and another near Lakeside, the offshore islands, with 300 estimated to be present San Diego Co. Nov. 25-Feb. I were in lowland on Santa Cruz I. in mid-February. One found dead localities. in Niland Dec. 28 (TT) is the first recorded in the Imperial Valley. FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--An E. Phoebe was presentat L. Sherwood,Ventura Co. Dec. 3-Jan. KINGLETS, WAXWINGS, SHRIKES--Away 5 (RS, GSS et al.); a rare stragglerto California. from the Owens Valley where several Golden-crowned The only Empidonaxflycatcher known to winter in Kingletsspent the winter, one was found at L. Mathews the Region was a Dusky Flycatcher in Arcadia, Los Feb. 24, three were on Pt. Loma, San Diego Co. Dec Angeles Co. Dec. 10 - Mar. 16. The Coue'sFlycatcher -Jan. and one was seen on Catalina I. Mar. 20. After first notedat the Brock Ranch near Holtville, Imperial the small influx in December the only Bohemian Wax- Co. Oct. 28 was rediscoveredJan. 7 and seenregularly wings were 4-6 at Yaqui Wells, San Diego Co. Dec to Feb. 17 (GMcC, KG, VR et al.). Single Vermilion 3-5, one at FurnaceCreek Ranch Dec. 31 (M&NP), Flycatcherswere noted in s.e. Californiaat Calipatria and five near Tecopa Mar. 7. A N. Shrike at Furnace Dec. 28-Jan. 28 and Vallecito Mar. 25; an area where Creek Ranch Jan. 2 was quite far south, but another the speciesis now quite rare. One near Tecopa, lnyo in EatonCanyon near Pasadena Jan. 7 - Feb. 18(Dave Co. Mar. 7 andanother at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co. Feb. Foster, fide MSM) was exceptional. 4 were at the northernlimits of its rangein California. Records of wintering swallows included a Bank Swal- VIREOS, WARBLERS--A Solitary Vireo near low at the Salton Sea Dec. 10 and a Barn Swallow Westmorland Dec. 10 and two in Riverside Dec 22 near Imperial Beach Dec. 15-16. Rough-winged were the only individualsreported. A Black-and-white Swallowsreturn to the Salton Sea area exceptionally Warbler, very rare in winter, was at the south end early, for they were regularafter Dec. 28 with 20 of the Salton Sea Jan. 27-Feb. 24 (JT, DAG). Yellow counted Jan. 6. Warblers now appear to be regular during the w•nter along the south shore of the Salton Sea and 2-3 were CORVIDS--Up to five ScrubJays presentaround noted there throughoutthis period. A Palm Warbler, Niland, ImperialCo. Jan. 13-M•r. 17 were outside a rare bird in California, was at Legg Lake in Los theirnormal range. Sightings of Black-billedMagpies AngelesDec. 15-Feb. 10 (EN,GSS), and anotherwas south of their normal range included one at Furnace noted near Imperial BeachJan. 13 (TT). Most interest- Creek Ranch Jan. 7, one in ShoshoneJan. 31, and ing was the number of N. Waterthrushesfound this anothernear Tecopa Feb. 25. A flock of up to 40 winter•; one was in Fish Canyon near Duarte, Los Corn. Crows remained at the Salton Sea throughout Angeles Co., Jan. 25-Mar. 30 (MSM), one was seen the winter after havingarrived in November. The only lowland records of Clark's Nutcrackers were of one near ImperialBeach Feb. 3 (JB, SS) and at leasttwo were at the s. end S.S. all winter (GMcC); normally around San Pedro all winter, two in Rancho Park of no more than one or two are reported in Cahforn•a Los Angeles Feb 2, three or four on Santa Cruz I. each winter. A Wilson's Warbler at the s. end S S Feb. 17, and two at Morongo Valley through Mar. Dec. 16-26 may only have been a late migrant As 31; remarkablyfew consideringthe numberspresent usual, up to six Am. Redstarts were known to winter last fall. A Pition Jay in San Pedro during December at the s. end S.S., two more were at the Brock Ranch and another at L. Henshaw, San Diego Co. Feb. 25 near Holtville Jan. 7, and another was near Imperial were away from areas of normal occurrence. Beach Dec. 9-16. CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES, CREEP- ERS--Mountain Chickadees were present in the ORIOLES, TANAGERS--As usual a few orioles coastal lowlands including San Diego Co. through- remained through the winter. Single Hooded Orioles out mostof the winter in largerthan normalnumbers. were present in Encino during February and in San Surprisingwas the rapid decline in Red-breastedNut- Diego duringDecember. Northern Orioles, alwaysthe hatch numbersduring December with practically all most numerousoriole in winter, were present along gone by' January. Lowland sightings of Pygmy the entire coast with at least four in the Santa Barbara

664 AmericanB•rds, June 1973 area, s•x •n the Los Angeles area, and s•x •n the San headedJuncos were foundamong flocks of Dark-eyed D•ego area, one was •nland near Westmorland Feb Juncos•n Irvine Park, Orange Co Feb. 10, Escond•do, 19 A • in Encino Feb. 6, one in Solana Beach near San Diego Co. Feb. 8-9, Morongo Valley Dec. 24, San Diego Jan. 2, and two others in San Diego Dec. and Brock Ranch Jan. 7-Mar. 24; the speciesis rare 16-30 and Nov. 16-Mar. 31 were clearly of the but regular in S. California. Most unusual was a Tree easternrace galbula. Western Tanagers may have been Sparrow at the s. end S.S. Dec. 26-29 (EAC, SC), scarcer than usual this winter for three at U.C.L.A. and anothernear WestmorlandJan. 28 (GMcC); th•s Jan 16-25, one in Encino all winter, three around San area is far southof the species'normal range. Harris' D•ego all winter, and one in lmperial Beach Feb. 25 Sparrows were exceptionally common this winter, for were the only ones reported. some 20 reports, involving over 40 individuals,were received; birds were most numerous east of the moun- FINCHES The Pyrrhuloxia that previouslywin- tainsbeing found in the OwensValley, DeathValley, tered near Westmorland, Imperial Co. returned for the at Oasis in San BernadinoCo., and around the s. end third time, beingpresent Jan. 28-Mar. 23 (GSS et al.), S. S; however, at least seven were around the Los and another was in nearby Calipatria Dec. 17-Feb. AngelesBasin, and anotherfour near San Diego. On 19 (DES, GMcC et al.); the speciesmay be expanding the otherhand White-throated Sparrows were present •ts range into California. Along with the single Rose- in about average numbers with seven reported from breasted Grosbeaks found on the Oceanside and San alongthe coastand one at the s. end S.S. A Swamp D•ego CBCs, one in San Luis Obispo Dec. 3 (FT), Sparrow at the mouth of the Santa Clara R. Jan 15 one •n San Pedro Dec. 10 (SW), and another in (HK), one near Imperial Beach Dec. 16-Jan. 20 PasadenaDec. 24-27 (GSS) gave us an unprecedented (GMcC), andanother at the s. endS.S. Dec. 29 (SC) 5 records. A Painted Bunting at a feeder in Cambria were the only three reported; the speciesis rare but Jan 5 (GSS, HBa) may have been the sameindividual regularin California.Up to 25 LaplandLongspurs were that frequented a feeder in nearby Los Osos during around the s. end S.S. Dec. 10-Jan.27, where they November, and could well be an escape. appearto be regular,and onewas at the unusuallocality Evening Grosbeaks became scarceafter November; of ThousandOaks, Ventura Co. Dec. 20-Jan.3 (LJ) however, a few were still reported in coastal localities dunngJanuary to as far southas San Diego (one, Jan. 5), and 12were still presentin Claremont Mar. 8. Purple F•nches and Pine Siskins remained common in the CONTRIBUTORS--Ernest R. Abeles, Allen B coastal lowlands through the winter. Large flocks of Altman, Hal Baxter (HBa), Bob Behrstock (BBeh), Gray-crowned Rosy Finches remained around West- BarbaraBerton (BBer), ChasH. Bernstein,Leo Best, guard Pass in the White Mts. all winter but no more John Borneman (JBo), Bruce Broadbooks (BBr), "blacks" were identified. A few Red Crossbills were Richard Bradley, Hank Brodkin (HBr), John Buttler present in the coastal lowlands for four were around (JBu), Eugene A. Cardiff, Steven Cardiff, Edna L Hollywood Dec. 31-Feb. 2, two were in Encino Charoness,Carol Dunham, Jon Dunn, Dick Erickson, Jan 5, about six were on the Palos Verdes Pen. all John M. Finkbeiner, Alice Fries, David Gaines, Kim- w•nter, and one was in Garden Grove Mar. 26; in ball Garrett, Larry Goodhew, Daniel A. Guthrie, add•Uon three were seen at Morongo Valley Feb. 24, Andrew Hazi, Tom Heindel, Morine Heraty, Ginger and two were at the Brock Ranch hear Holtville Jan. Johnson, Jerry A. Johnson, La Von Johnson, Lee 27 Jones, Paul Jorgensen,Harry Krueger, Dell Lacy, Peter J. Metropulos, Michael San Miguel, Ed Navo- SPARROWS, LONGSPURS--The only Lark josky, Robert T. Norton, Michael Perrone,Mike & Bunting found this winter was an individual near Nancy Prather (M&NP), Van Reinsen, Donald E Niland, Imperial Co. Jan. 13-Feb. 19. The two Sharp- Schmoldt,Brad Schram, Chuck Sexton, L. A. Shelton, tailed Sparrowsfound at Newport Bay in November Richard Stallcup, G. Shumway Surfel, Steve were still present Feb. 17, and had been joined by Summers, Fern Tainter, Jan Tarble, Tom Taylor, Don a third individual Jan. 19 (GSS et al.). Records of V. Tiller, Richard Webster (RWe), Shirley Wells, San- Black-throated Sparrows west of their normal range ford R. Wilbur, Russ & Marion Wilson •ncludedone near Duane Oct. 30-Apr. 2 and two near (R&MW)•GUY McCASKIE, San Diego Natural His- Lost Hills, Los AngelesCo. Dec. 13-20.Single Gray- tory Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego, California.

Western New York - Pennsylvania con- tributors will note a new address for Editor Richard Rosche. It is 305 Elm Street, Crawford, Nebr. 69339.

Volume 27, Number 3 665