The Nesting Season June 1-July 31, 1986

CONTINENTAL ANALYSIS

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION

We regretthat at presstime, we had not receivedthe NortheasternMaritime RegionalRepOrt.

QUEBEC REGION

Richard Yank and Yves Aubry

hisince.summer June saw was especiallycool and changeablewet throughout weather, theprov- with periodsof extreme cold and heavy precipitation that may have had somenegative effect on nestingbirds, particularly passerines.

LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- The descriptionof a breeding-plumagedPacific Loon at Sainte-LuceJune 8 (AV) did not eliminateArctic Loon,and no detailswere provided on two seen at nearby Pointe-au-P•reJuly 27 {YG). Although neverrecorded in the East,th6 ArcticLoon could conceivably strayinto the St. LawrenceEstuary from Europe; according to current literature, the only character that may prove nsefu] in separatingthese species in the field in summeris the paler nape and hindneck of the Pacific Loon. Pied-billed Grebes nestedat Bergeronnesfor the 2nd bonsecutiveyear {BD, AB, JI},.anda pair with two youngat Cap-d'EspoirJuly 7 (PP}pro- SingleSnowy Egretswere presentat M•tabetchouanJune videda rare nestingrecord for the Gasl• Peninsula.The pop- 12 (NT) and L'Isle-VerteJuly 8-21 (GGe et al.), and a Little ulationof N. Gannetson BonaventureI. hasincreased by sev- Blue Heron reachedthe MadeleineIs., June27 (SD,SA, CBe}. eral thousandfrom the 1984 censusof 21,000pairs, with ex- A Green-backedHeron observedalong the Matone R., June27 cellentbreeding success reported again this year {GCh}. A Great (GGe, DR} was at the e. limit of its range. A visiting birder Cormorantwas notableat Rivi•re-du-LoupJuly 4 {GGe}. found Quebec's 5th Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Cap

1180 American Birds, Winter 1986 Tourmente June4 (MJ) The b•rd was last seen June 23, when wile May 28 (FS,GGr, VL), there•s only one unpubhshed xnland two Fulvous Whistling-Ducks were d•scoveredat the same nestingrecord away from the St. Lawrence--from L. Waya- location (MLv), representinga 6th record for the Regionand gamac,Champlain Co., in 1980 (fide MGo). The speciesis not the first since 1973. A • Mallard was seen at Inukjuak June 6 known to nest along Hudson Bay either, but a pair seen at (GB), where a dead male had been found the previous day, Inukjuak June24+ (GB) was possiblynesting in the area. Cas- furnishingour mostnortherly sighting from HudsonBay. The pian Terns were reported much more frequently than usual province's2nd Garganey was a male at CacounaJune 18 (DR, with one eachat KatevaleJune 3 (PBo),Desbiens June 16 (MAB, GGe)--could this have been the same individual as the one RSm), L'Isle-Verte July 8 (GGe, JPO), and Gatineau July 11 found nearby in 19837 A concentration of 54 Gadwalls was (RSc,RStJ), three at Saint-G•d•onJuly 12 (MM, BC, PMi et al ), unprecedentedat CacounaJuly 12 (JLr,YG). Noteworthy was two at Pointe-au-P•re July 18 (YG), and four on I. aux Fermiers a • Buffleheadthat nestedon L. Chicobi(fide DDe), near Amos; July 23 (GD).Saint-G•d•on's White-winged Tern againmated other breedingsites found since 1982 are well n. of this area. with a Black Tern this year and fledged one young hybrid The RuddyDuck is a waterfowlspecies that hasremained rare (RBo, m.ob.). m the Region.This summer, singleswere noted at Baie-du- Singleextralimital Black-billed Cuckooswere at Tadoussac Febvre until July 15 (DJu,DJa) and Saint-G•d•on July 3 & 12 June 21 (YD) and GodboutJuly 18 (CV, DB1),while a Whip- (NT, PS et al.). poor-will at L. Rouyn June I (JLp) was at the n. limit of its range.An E. Wood-Peweenest containing three youngat Port- Daniel July 9 (PP) may.have representeda first nesting record VULTURES THRO UGH SHOREBIRDS -- Although con- for the Gasp• Peninsula. Singleswere also seen at Baie-des- firmation of breedinghas yet to be obtained,Turkey Vultures RochersJune 24 (IM) and Baie-ComeauJuly 12 (MDi, GCy) are now consideredregular in s. Quebecas indicatedby counts Three Willow Flycatchersthat remained at Cap Tourmente of 15 around Grenville June 14 (PBa et al.) and 12 at Saint- June 23+ (YA) may have presageda further breeding range Cl•ophasJune 25 {LB,CDu, DDu). An individual alsowandered extension.The 7 Great CrestedFlycatcher sightings from the to BergeronnesJune 30 (YD, AB). Well n. of its breedingrange Rimouski area, where this bird was first discovered in 1976, was an Osprey at Inukjuak June 28 (GB). A pair of banded indicated that the speciesis now well establishedas a local PeregrineFalcons successfully fledged two youngin the Que- breeder.Extralimital individualswere alsoat MiguashaJune bec City region,while a pair (ofunknown origin)was observed 22 (RC) and SainteoAnne-de-PortneufJuly 24 (HP, AGa). A W feeding a recently-fledgedbird at another suitable site in s. Kingbirdshowed up at Saint-Thomas-de-JolietteJune 16 (SBr) Quebec. In addition, an unbanded juvenile appeared at a while a Barn Swallow was unusuallyfar n. at Inukjuak June Montreal hacking site, raisingthe possibilityof local nesting 30 (GB).A family of White-breastedNuthatches at Laniel July (fide DBi). A Yellow Rail was heard June13+ at Cacouna(YG, 10 (YA, AGi) extended the n. limit of this species'breeding mob.), an area where the specieshad not been found for many range. years,and one at Pointe-aux-OutardesJuly 16 (fide RO) pro- wded only the 3rd recordfor the N. Shore.At least five birds also called at Saint-FulgenceJuly 1-29 (JI et al.). A Sandhill THRUSHES THROUGH FINCHES--A N. Wheatear Crane was present at Villemontel (DBo) in early June, where the specieshad summered during the past 2 years, and an paused at Forestville May 31 (AP). Again well reported th•s •mmature wanderedto Longue-Pointeon the N. ShoreJuly 23 seasonwere E. Bluebirds:worthy of mention were pairs that (RStG, SL). bredat Villemontel(YA), Saint-F•licien(BN, DA, MAB), Alma A LesserGolden-Plover at Pointe-au-P•re July 2 (YG) may (DG, MGa, MC), Mont-Joli (DR), Pabos(RG), and Moisie (RLg, have been a lingering non-breeder.A pair of Piping Plovers MT)--the latter representingthe easternmostrecord from the w•th three youngwere photographednear CheveryJuly 7 (CDr, N. Shore. A Gray Catbird seen near Havre-Saint-PierreJuly KB, WH); this furnishedonly the 2nd recentbreeding record 13 (VL) provided one of very few recordsfrom the N. Shore from the N. Shorefor this endangeredspecies. Slightly s. of The N. Mockingbirdappears to be doingwell at the n. edgeof thmr breedingrange were Solitary Sandpipersexhibiting de- its range:it was reportedmore oftenthan the Gray Catbirdin fensebehavior in the Labrieville area in late Juneand at God- the Saguenay,one reachedBonaventure I., June 21 (fide AD) bout July 20 (CV, DB1,SB, SM). Lone Willets appearedat L'As- and, along the N. Shore, it was seen at Labrieville June 24, somptionMay 25 (PMa)and La Pocati•re June3 & 5 (CA). Four GodboutJuly 20 (CV, DB1),and SheldrakeJuly 11 (VL).A Brown Upland Sandpiperswere local rarities at Cap-d'EspoirJuly 7 Thrasherat Labrieville June14 (CV) was alsonoteworthy. A (PP),as were 10 Whimbrels at La Bale July 20 (GS).A Baird's groupof 10 BohemianWaxwings at Micoua July 6 was quite Sandpiperat Pointe-au-P•reJune 5 (YG, JLr,CG) added a rare surprising(CV, DB1,SB, SM) and a bird transportingnesting "spring"record for this species,and an ad. Long-billedDow- material at Noranda June10 (CBr)provided our bestevidence •tcher was identified by call at CacounaJuly 21 (JPO, MLf). to datethat the speciesbreeds in the Region.An imm. N. Shrike At leastthree Corn.Snipes were sightedat Inukjuak May 31- at Sainte-Anne-de-PortneufJuly 23 (HP, AGa) was early for a June 3 (GB),n. of their known breedingrange along Hudson young of the year but could have been a non-breeding2nd- Bay The behavior of two • Wilson's Phalaropesindicated summer bird. A LoggerheadShrike was observedon I. aux nestingon I. aux Oies off MontmagnyJuly 8 (fide RO), and a CoudresJuly 2 (FB). Red Phalaropewas unusual inland at Saint-G•d•on June 27 The confirmedbreeding of SolitaryVireos near Huntingdon (NT, MS, RBd). (PBa)was a first for the Montreal area, and Warbling Vireos were nesting at Sainte-Marie July 23 (YA), extending thmr breedingrange into T6miscamingueCounty. Exceptional was GULLS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- Two ad. Laughing a • Blue-wingedWarbler at Cap Tourmente June 12 (JPO).A Gulls were observednear Chevery July 9 (PBr, GCh). For the pair of ScarletTanagers at Sacrb-CoeurJune 27 (AB) confirmed 5th consecutivesummer, a pair of Little Gulls attempted,un- that this speciesnow breedse. of the SaguenayRiver. Singing successfully,to nestat LaSalle(PBa). The speciesis obviously males at Huntingdon May 24-31 (PBa), Pigeon-Hill June 16 hawng better luck somewhere else, as three immatures re- (MDa), SherbrookeJune 20 (VL et al.), and Mansonville June mamedat Aylmer June2-Aug. 20 (fideDDa), onewas on I. du 26 (YB)suggested that Clay-coloredSparrows may be increasing Mome June7 (GM et al.), and two arrived with the adult pair in s. Quebec. A GrasshopperSparrow at Notre-Dame-de-la- at LaSalle. The breedingpopulation of Com. Black-headed Dorb June 15 & 21 (MAB, HL et al.) was Unprecedentedfor L Gulls in the MadeleineIs. appearedto be stable,with 6 pairs Saint-Jean,and a pair with two young at Melbourne July 6 nestingat Havre aux Basquesthis year (fide PF), comparedto (DJa)provided a rare nestingrecord. Single Le Conte'sSparrows the 5 originallyfound there in 1981.Of interestwas a pair of were e. of their c. Quebecbreeding range on I. d'OrlbansJuly apparentlyterritorial Great Black-backedGulls at Brompton- 3 (RBr, m.ob.) and at Saint-Paul-du-NordJuly 18 (fide RO)

Volume 40, Number 5 1181 Two Sharp-tailedSparrows were on I. aux Fermiers July 23 (PBa),S. Barrette,M.-A. B61anger,C. Bergeron(CBe), D. Bird [DBi), (GD),where presentin 1983, and new colonieswere discovered K. Blanchard,D. Blouin(DB1), P. Boily(PBo), A. Bouchard,D. Bou- on I. aux Oiesand at Pointe-aux-OutardesJuly 8 & 16 respec- chard(DBo), G. Bouchard,R. Bouchard(RBd), R. Boucher(RBr), tively (•de RO); the specieswas previouslyunknown along L. Bousquet,F. Brabant,S. Brisson(SBr], C. Brossard(CBr), P. the N. Shore. A Fox Sparrow was again found well s. of its Brousseau(PBr], R. Caissy,G. ChapdeLaine(GCh), B. Clibbon,C. breedingrange at Stratford,Wolfe Co.,July 7 (YB)--two were Cormier, M. C6t•, G. Cyr (GCy), D. Dallaire (DDa), M. Darveau sightedin neighbouringBeauce County in 1985 (seeAB 39: (MDa), D. Desiardins(DDe), S. Desrochers,A. Desrosiers,M. Dixon 890). Vagrantsincluded a W. Meadowlark that sangat Sainte- (MDi), B. Drolet,C. Drolet(CDr), C. Ducharme(CDu], D. Ducharme Rita June21-27 (JLr,JR) and an Orchard Oriole found dead at (DDu),Y. Duchesne,G. Duquette,P. Fradette,A. Gagnon(AGa), Thetford-Mines(SJ). House Finches nested at Joliette(DP) and M. Gagnon(MGa), C. Gauthier,Y. Gauthier, G. Gendron(GGe), A. Giard (AGi), R. Giroux, M. Gosselin(MGo), D. Gravel, G. Groulx QuebecCity (RLp,BA), 2 new localities.Flocks of Corn. Red- (GGr), B. Guy, J. Guy, W. Hansen, J.Ibarzabal, S. Jalbert,D. lauvin pollswere seenJuly 17 & 19 at Havre-Saint-Pierre(VL), where (DJa),M. lobe,D. Jutras(Dlu), M. Lafieur (MLf), J.Lapointe (JLp], they are not knownto breed.Large numbers of EveningGros- J. Lariv6e (JLr),M. Lavall•e (MLv), H. Lebean, R. L•ger (RLg),S. beakswere presentalong route 299 on the Gasp6Pen. (JG,BG, Lemay, R. Lepage(RLp), V. L6tourneau,S. Marchand,I. Marcil, RM, AD): a high count of 5000-t-was made July 5, countsof P. Mayer (PMa),M. Michetti, R. Mimeault,P. Mitchell (PMi), G. up to 1700 birdsJuly 6 & 7 included an estimated350 roadkills, Montgomery,B. Nadeau,J.-P. Ouellet, R. Ouellet,H. Pag6,A. Pel- and on July 12 a tally of 1000 birds included at least275 road- letier, D. Perreault, P. Poulin, 1. Rochelean, D. Ruest, G. Savard, kills. M. Savard,R. Schryer(RSc), F. Shaffer,P. Smith,R. Smith(RSm), R. St-Gelais,R. St-Jacques,M. Talbot,N. Tremblay,C. Vachon,A. Vi6.--RICHARD YANK, 566 Chester Road, Beaconsfield, Qu6. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS--S. Armstrong, B. HõW 3K1, and YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wildlife Service, P.O. Asselin,D. Aub6, Y. Aubry, C. Auchu, Y. Bachand,P. Bannon Box 10100, Sainte-Foy, Qua. GIV 4H5.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION

Robert O. Paxton, William J. Boyle, Jr., and David A. Cutler

ummerfered little1986 withwas nesting. not earth-shaking.Only one spectacularWeatherrarityinter- was confirmed, Rufous-necked Stint. The heart of our report is the hard, quiet, but satisfyingwork of atlasersand researchers,amateur and professional.They gave special attentionto Osprey,Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon,terns, Piping Plover, Upland Sandpiper,owls, and Cliff Swallow. Atlasing continued in Pennsylvania and Delaware. We also drew heavily on early June Summer Bird Counts.The southernLancaster County, Pennsylva- nia, SummerBird Countproduced an informativeten-year summary by Schutsky, and there were useful data from countsin Cumberland County, New Jersey,and on Long Island at Captree and in central Suffolk County. Another careful surveyof the breedingbirds of the Pequannock Watershed in Passaic,Sussex, and Morris counties, New City Jersey,was conductedby Bacinski, Benzinger,and Mir- anda.The SeatuckResearch Program, operated by Cornell University and supportedin part by check-offfunds, mon- itoredcolonial waterbirds on LongIsland more closelythan ever. Non-breedingbirds seemedto move through with no perceptiblepause between spring and fall migration. An unusualnumber of migrants,particularly shorebirds and near Dover, Del.; N.J.D.F.G.W.= New JerseyDiv. of Fish, Game, warblers, were still around in mid-June, and Bobolinks-- and Wildlife; N.Y.D.E.C.= New York Dept. of Environmental presumablysouthbound---were already heard overhead at Conservation; S.B.C. = Summer Bird Count. PLace names in italics Cape May on June 30 (JDo). are counties. GREBES THROUGH PELICANS -- Two families of Pied- billed Grebesraised in a Vernon marsh,in the Pequannock ABBREVIATIONS--Bombay Hook = BombayHook Nat'l Watershed(JR), added another site to the slenderlist of known WildlifeRef., near Smyrna, Del.; Brig = BrigantineUnit, EdwinB. New Jerseybreeding areas published in summer1982 and 1983 ForsytheNat'l Wildlife Ref.,Ariantic Co., N.J.; D.D.F.W. = Delaware (AB 36:959, 37:971). Division of Fish and Wildlife; H.M. = HackensackMarshes, be- Pelagicbirding has slacked off in thisRegion, but a trip from tween E. Rutherfordand Kearny,Bergen and Hudsoncounties, Montauk,L.I., to Cox'sLedge July 19 producedthe expected N.J.;J.B.W.R. = JamaicaBay Wildlife Refuge,New York City; L.I. 25 Cory's and 21 Greater shearwaters,and one regular-but- = Long IsLand,N.Y.; Little Creek = Little Creek Wildlife Area, scarceManx Shearwater(BK et al.). Wilson'sStorm-Petrels fed

1182 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 abnormallyclose anshore thas season, possably because of warm Susquehannaravers' there were numerous reports farther water currents.They were commonin the mouth of Delaware downstream(GH, WW et al.), and once again--as in 8 of the Bay, with a maximum of 144 July 9 at Deadman'sShoal, and past10 years--they tantalizedobservers in Lancaster,Pa., who penetratedas far upstreamas 31 mi n.w. of Cape May (RDB, still have no proof of breeding(RMS). C Phillips).Ten were in the mouth of Long Island Soundbe- Although no new extralimital nestswere found, Black Vul- tween GreatGull Islandand the Connecticutshore June 8 (TL tures continuedto pressN and E. Singleexplorers scouted as et al ). One was even reported off Pelham Bay Park, in the far asCape May, N.J.,June 9 (BM,DWi, D. Turner)and Montauk Bronx, N.Y.C., June 12 (B. de Candido). Pt., L.I., July 15 (JR),a first local record.Several summered An Am. White Pelicanwas found by park naturalistson the againalong the DelawareBay shorein Cumberland,N.J. (CSu, Delaware R. at the mouth of Lackawaxen Creek, Pike, Pa., JDo),beyond known nestingrange. June 26 (fide VS), and what must have been the same bird Ospreysfledged 186 young(170 last summer)on LongIsland pausedbriefly at the PeaceValley Nature Center, Bucks,Pa., (M. Scheibel,N.Y.D.E.C.), and 157 young(151 last summer)in June29 (fide BLM). Althoughthere have been nearly annual New Jersey(W. Kell, N.J.D.F.G.W.),but only 41 in Delaware, recordsover the pastdecade, this seemsto be the first Regional the lowestthere since1979, perhaps because of rainstormsat madsummeroccurrence. The Brown Pelicansreported in the crucial moments(JT, D.D.G.W.). The Osprey recoveryis now sprangmade a goodshowing for the 4th straight summer,al- extendinginland. Pennsylvania'sfirst non-hackednest in about though not quite in the numbersof 1984. The seasoh'smaxi- 70 years raised three young at ConowingoPond, Lancaster, mum seemsto have been 54 in HerefordInlet, Cape May, N.J., and encouragingnumbers prospected inland. One young Os- June 22 (C & PSu). They did not reach n. of the central New prey in Delaware had to be disentangledfrom a plastic six- Jersey coast. pack holder. The spring'sMississippi Kites at CapeMay carried over only HERONS, IRISES- The Long Island heron population, slightly,with two Junei & 2 and one June3 (RDB,BM, BMo). censusedat 3775pairs of nine speciesin 1985, remainedmostly Only 3 Bald Eagle nestswere active in this Region(2 in Del- stable(DM, Seatuck).This was an off summerfor the biennial aware [JMA]and one in New Jersey[W. Kell, N.J.D.F.G.W.]) New Jerseyheronry survey. American Bitterns, now declared comparedwith 5 last year (4 in Delaware). An encouraging a threatened speciesin New Jersey,went almost unreported number lingered elsewhere in the area, however, including anthe Region.Least Bitterns, by contrast,could be downright several adults: one at Forest L., near Narrowsburg, Pike, Pa abundant if soughtintrepidly enough:Joan Hansen found 35 (fide WR), and three at Rio Res.,Sullivan, N.Y., throughJuly by canoe in the H.M. at Kearny, N.J., June 24. Five at Cedar (J. Artale). Bald Eaglehacking programs continue in s. New Creek, near Slaughter'sBeach, Kent, Del. (RLW),was a good Jerseyand in Pennsylvania. count, and they probablybred at J.B.W.R.(DR). Northern Harriers had their least productive seasonin 4 Since Great Blue Herons have not bred on the coast for some years of study on Long Island, where only 3 nests out of 10 tame,it was not surprisingthat new heronrieswere reported succeededin the 10 mi of the JonesBeach strip (ME). Few of only upland. A large colonyof over 40 nestswas near Jeffer- the 40 pairs in s. New Jerseyeven attempted to nest (PD). A sonvalle,Sullivan, N.Y. (G. Hahn).Pennsylvania atlasers have Sharp-shinnedHawk, the rarestnester of the three Accipiters turned up, in addition to the known colony at Wyalusing, in this Region,bred in n.w. New Jersey(C. & R. Decker).Three Bradford, another of 20-25 pairs there, another near Tunk- N. Goshawk nests were found, one in Westchester,N.Y., and hannock, Wyoming, 2 coloniesof 33 and 45 nestsin Wayne, 2 in n.w. New Jersey(R. Radis,C. & R. Decker). and 2 in Pike(VS, WR). The shootingof 15 youngin onecolony, Thirty-four individual Red-shouldered Hawks in the Pe- beheved to be the work of neighbors,is under investigation. quannockWatershed (PBa) made an encouragingcount, but Ariasingwork has determinedthat there are 3 Great Egret although2 pairswere foundin BearSwamp, Cumberland, N.J nestingsites in Pennsylvania(RMS). An ad. Little Blue Heron (CSu), the southernswamp forest population seemsto be in at RookeryI., WashingtonBoro, Lancaster, Pa., may havebeen difficulty,perhaps from GreatHorned Owl predation(RK). At- breedingin that colony,but no Pennsylvanianesting has yet lasing has turned up 2 additional sites in Delaware (RLW). been confirmed(RMS). Six at GreenLane Res:, Montgomery, Reid feelsthat burgeoningRed-tailed Hawks, now 3 times as July 27 made a local record count (GAF, GLF), and another commonas Broad-wingedHawks in n.e. Pennsylvania,are was near Allentown the same day (BLM). Yellow-crowned supplantingother Buteosthere. Naght-Heronsare not doingbadly alongthe lower Susquehanna Seventeenpairs of PeregrineFalcons were present in this R, where Schutskyfound 12-15 adults near the mouth of Region(3 in New York, 14 in New Jersey,and 3 in Delaware), ConodoquinetCreek and five young along the Conestogain 12 of which attemptedto breed.Ten nestsproduced 19 young, Lancaster(RMS). Three or 4 pairs at J.B.W.R.(DR) seemto be 15 in New Jerseyand four in New York. All 3 nestsin New an addition to the 8 scattered colonies known last year on York were on greatbridges, and 3 of the New Jerseynests were Long Island,which contained31 adults then (Seatuck,1985 on great bridgesnear Philadelphia. Hacking was terminated LongIsland Colonial Waterbird and PipingPlover Survey). in this Regionsome time ago,but two youngfrom New Jersey An imm. White Ibis flying into the heronry at RookeryI., coastalsites were hacked in the Adirondacksand near Albany Lancaster,Pa., July 31 (RMS,B & FH, E. Blom, m.ob.)provided Mountain siteshave had to be abandonedin this Regionbe- the season'sonly report. causeof Great Horned Owl predation,so that interior hacking WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- We have a belated report of effortsare now locatedin deeplyforested hill sitesin the Adi- a N Pintail brood last summer in the H.M., near the Grover rondacks,the Green Mts., and the White Mts. (M. Gilroy, The Cleveland ServiceArea of the New JerseyTurnpike (WW), Peregrine Fund). whach would seem to establisha first state breeding record. Northern Shovelerbred at J.B.W.R.(DR). Among the usual RAILS, CRANES, SHOREBIRDS--Black Rails were handfulof summeringdiving ducks, single King Eiders at Island found in a couple of additional sites:Goshen Landing Road, Beach,N.J., June 9 (RK) and after July 27 at Cape Henlopen, Cumberland,on New Jersey'sDelaware Bay shore,and, much Del (BFi, WWF), were noteworthy. more remarkably, at Marshlands Conservancy,Rye, West- All three merganserswere confirmedbreeding this season. chester,June 6-21, for the first certain New York recordaway HoodedMerganser broods were at ShoholahPreserve and near from Long Island (TWB, m.ob.). This seasoh'sSandhill Crane Damascus,Pike, Pa. (Pa. game commission,BW). Two broods was a bugling adult at Woodstown,Salem, N.J., June 10-July of Red-breastedMergansers, a speciesthat probablybreeds 4 (J. Haag et al.). A Purple Gallinule arrived in a Morrisville, somewhereon this coasteach year but is rarely detected,were Bucks,Pa., nurseryaround July 7 and was seenby many birders found in Delaware(WWF). CommonMergansers seemed to be later in the month (B & FH). pushangsouth of their strongholdson the upperDelaware and Shorebirdmigration was underway early, and 18 species

Volume 40, Number 5 1183 could be found by July 17-19 on the L•ne Islands,in Long Atlamngwork •n Delaware has nearly doubled the known Island'sGreat SouthBay (TL et at.]. SouthCape May Meadows, populahon of Com. Terns m Delaware to 757 adults (JT, N.J.,held 23 speciesof shorebirdsduring the week of July30 D.D.F.W.),while farther north the approximately6000 adults (JDo]. Massive shorebird concentrationsof tens of thousands in New Jerseyand 37,000on LongIsland remained stable Del- built up in Delaware,where low water in both Raymondand aware also had 393 ad. Forster'sTerns, accordingto the first Shearnesspools made Bombay Hook especially attractive. High really thoroughcensus by boat (JT, D.D.F.W.; BFi). water kept J.B.W.R.from beingproductive, however, until after LeastTern populationsseemed to be holdingtheir own,reded this season's end. by more fencingand postingthan ever before. Even where Threatened Piping Ploversabout held their own on Long human intrusion was under control, however, there was mg- Island,with about 100 pairs,and in New Jersey,with 80-98 nificantpredation by gulls,rats, foxes--and even Am. Kestrels pairs,but the mostcareful searchever in Delaware turned up (DJ,N.J.D.F.G.W.]. Ever volatile, Least Terns may be beginrang only eightadults (DJ, N.J.D.F.G.W.; DM, Seatuck•JT, D.D.F.W.]. to explore habitatsaway from the outer beach to which they A sign of Am. Oystercatchers'continuing prosperity was a have been too wedded in this Region.The little colonyfound count of 2504-at the Line Islands,L.I, July 19 (TL]. They con- last year in the H.M. near the Vince LombardiService Center tmued to prospectinterior shores:four were at Rye, West- alongthe New JerseyTurnpike did not succeed,however, on chester, N.Y., July 21, where the first county record was its 2nd try. The long-establishedcolony continued on fill at establishedonly earlier this year. In Delaware, they nested Glade'ssand plant, Cumberland, N.J. (CSu). In additionto those for the first time up into Delaware Bay, at Slaughter'sBeach. mentionedin last spring'scolumn, a singleBlack Tern sum- Avocetsreached unprecedented totals in their post-breeding mered once again in a CommonTernery on e. LongIsland (E concentration in Delaware: 175 were at Little Creek alone Salzman;cf. AB 39:893),and severallingered elsewhere in the July 29 {RH]. Region:singles at J.B.W.R.and Jacob Riis Park, New York C•ty, Amongan exceptionalnumber of mid-Junebirds that may June22 (B. Cook,M. Hake et at.J,and at Green Lane Res.,July have been either coming or going, a Solitary Sandpiper at 14 (GAF], only a 2nd summer recordthere. Dover,Del., June16 (S. Speck]was particularlyunusual. Air- ports are still the best strongholdsof the declining Upland Sandpiper.Chevalier banded 14 chicksat JFK Airport, New S.A. York, and a careful censusat the perimeter of the Greater Black Skimmers,their openbeach nestingsites per- Wilmington Airport turned up two peaks,the earlier one of hapssaturated in this Region,are beginningto explore 29 birds July 15 believed to be adult breedingbirds (L. Falk]. other habitats. As Com. Terns did a generation ago, Godwits mounted to nine Hudsonians and five Marbleds at skimmershave begun to breedon tidal wrackin Barnegat the Line Islands,July 26 (AJL,Linnaean Soc. of N.Y.]. Bay, N.J., and the samephenomenon was observedthin July was stint time again. A Rufous-neckedStint in fading year near Moriches Inlet, L.I. (DJ, N.J.D.F.G.W.; DM, alternate(breeding] plumage was discoveredJuly 21 at Little Seatuck).Up to eight exploredas far up Long Island Creek and seenthrough at leastJuly 29 by many (C. Pederson, Sound as Rye, N.Y., in June (TWB). Others fed in the tRH, ph. APE],for the 2nd Delawareand 3rd Regionalrecord. H.M., and a few hung around the Least Tern colony at On July 26 what may have been a different Rufous-necked the Vince Lombardi Service Area of the New Jersey Stintwas found at ShearnessPool, Bombay Hdok (tT. Stock et Turnpike,although there was no signof breedingthere al.]. White-rumpedSandpipers lingered unnaturally late, with (DJ,N.J.D.F.G.W.). singleson June 13 or 14 at J.B.W.R.(TL], central Suffolk,L.I. (JRu],and the Longportsod banks, Atlantic, N.J. (BM]. This seasoh'sonly Curlew Sandpiperwas a bird in fadingalternate plumageat the LineIslands, L.I., July 17 & 19 (TL, S.R. Drennan, CUCKOOS TO FLYCATCHERS-- Both cuckoospecies, F. Baumgartenet al.]. ACom. Snipe at Mauch Chunk L., s. heavily dependenton the tent caterpillarcycle, remained low, Carbon,Pa., June 4 provideda firstlocal summer record (BLM]. althoughS.B.C. figures showed a slight gain over last year We shouldbe keepinga closewatch on Wilson'sPhalarope, Encouragingcounts of BarredOwls came from both endsof a speciesthat hasbred as far e. as Ottawa and Massachusetts. New Jersey.The Suttonsestimated 37 pairs presentin the s. This seasonsingles were at Harmony, Warren, N.J., June 2/J. one-half, including 9 pairs in Bear Swamp, Cumberland,the Ebner], and at Brig after June28 (fide RK, P. Plageet al.]. One best concentrationin the state. The PequannockWatershed was at SpruceRun Res.,Hunterdon, N.J., July 22 (E. Patten). surveyturned up callingbirds in 27 locations(PBa). A survey of Barred Owl populationsin the n. one-half of New Jersey, SKUAS, GULLS, TERNS -- Two Pomarine Jaegersat Cox's usingtape playbacksalong selected 5-mile routesin wooded Ledge July 19 were to be expected,but two S. Polar Skuas country,found at leastone Barred Owl on 12 of 19 routes,and there were a goodfind (BK).Along with the usual handful of often several (M. Valent, N.J.D.F.G.W.).Not one Short-cared summeringBonaparte's Gulls on the coast(BM, RC], one inland Owl was found this seasonin the Region,despite much field at Green Lane Res.,Montgomery, Pa. (GAF], furnisheda first work in former nestingareas (PD, ME, SC).One of the N. Saw- summer record there. The first Delaware breeding record of whet Owls found last springturned up with a jurerole at Great Black-backedGull was at Slaughter'sBeach, Kent (fide BuckabearPond, Passaic, N.J. (JB),an exciting find. Others •n DAC),although this species' march down the coasthas reached 3 locationsin Wayne and Lackawanna,Pa. (VS, Dr. Skinner), North Carolina. heightenedour impressionthat this speciesbreeds annually Two pairsof Gull-billedTerns were on the s. shoreof Long both in the uplandsand in the Pine Barrensof this Regmn, Islandagain, without positivebreeding evidence this time (DM, but breedingmales call onlybriefly before dawn and are hkely Seatuck].At least 30 moved in late summer into the Pine Bar- to remain undetected (PBa). rens at Whitesbog,Burlington, N.J. (L. Little], as has become Many observerswere gloomyabout Corn. Nighthawks (SRL, regular in the last few summers. Caspian Terns must have EJR),Reimann observingthat Pennsylvania towns that once bred for a 3rd time in New Jersey,as adults were observed were "loaded" now have none. The samegoes for Whip-poor- with a young juvenile at Brig from early July (RK et al.]. A will, which remains common in some coastal and Pine Barren prospectingindividual was at Rye, Westchester,N.Y., June11, locations(e.g., 29 on June14 at ConnetquotS.P., L.I. [Captree and two at Great Kills, StatenI., July 5 (fide TWB]. Two Sand- &B.C.]),but remainslocally commononly in a few upland wich Terns visited Montauk, L.I., July 15, unrelated to any areas(e.g., Wild CreekRes., Carbon, Pa. [B & NM], Rockaway storm(JR). As hasbecome regular, a few RoseateTerns hung Valley, and Skyline Drive, Bergen,N.J.). Only two callingbirds around the New Jerseyshore, far from their nearestknown were recorded in the Pequannock Watershed survey (PBa), breedingareas on Long Island (ph. S. LaFrance, PD, DWi, P. and Reid has heard "only one bird all year" in n.e. Pennsyl- Githens). vania.

1184 American B•rds,W•nter 1986 Pfieated Woodpeckers,curiously rare in this Reglon'slow- one carryingfood, were in the Wharton State Forest, Burhng- land swampforests, are increasingthere. For the 2nd season ton, N.J.,June 10 (E. Manners).Upland, a healthy 25 were in they were in Bear Swamp, Cumberland,N.J. (CSu, JDo,A. & the PequannockWatershed (PBa). M Nicholson),and atlasersturned up 2 new sitesin s.Delaware BrownThrashers, viewed with alarm in many parts of this (RLW, APE). Region,have showna small increasesince 1980 on the.s. Lan- AcadianFlycatchers continued to inch northward,with new caster,Pa., S.B.C. (RMS). Erratic Cedar Waxwings bred abun- localitiesin lower Carbonand Lehigh,Pa. (BLM, GLF), another dantly throughoutthe Region,both in the uplands and in the nestingat Mianus R. Gorge,Westchester, N.Y., and three on coastalplain (e.g.,247 in the PequannockWatershed [PBa], the CaptreeS.B.C. on LongIsland. Alder Flycatchersonce again and "many everywhere"in s. New Jersey[C & PSu]). seemedquite numerous,with an amazing12 in and around Black River W.M.A., Morris, N.J.,June 5 (DHa, fide WW), and VIREOS, WARBLERS -- White-eyed Vireos advanced into sevenin the PequannockWatershed (PBa). After many poor the uplandsw. of their coastalstrongholds, as in what may be years, Least Flycatcherswere in "great numbers" on the Po- a first county recordin Sullivan, Pa. (AG). Solitary Vireos did conoplateau (BLM) and definitely increasedin n. New Jersey well; theywere found in 53 locationsin the Pequann0ckWa- (RK, PBa--e.g., 30 in the PequanncockWatershed). An E. tershed,and one bred below Mianus River Gorge, Westchester, Phoebewas observedin Dutchess,N.Y., repeatedlypicking N.Y. (BW).A remarkabletwo PhiladelphiaVireos reported June something--presumablyflies--from the back and face of a 11 at Rowlands,along Lackawaxen Cr., Pike (VS), may only White-tailed Deer (J. Key). have been late migrants. Scissor-tailedFlycatcher is anotherspecies to watch. Breed- Golden-wingedWarblers went unreported in New York e ing e. of the Mississippi,in South Carolina, since 1983 (AB of the Hudson,but they seemedto be holding their own in the 36'966, 37:979),they have reachedthis Regioneach late spring PequannockWatershed of New Jersey:42 locations, as com- or early summersince 1980. This season'sbird was an adult paredwith 72for Blue-winged Warbler (PBa). An overwintering June10 nearMantua, Gloucester, N.J. (JKM), following another Orange-crownedWarbler in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in s New Jerseyin May. A novice birder describedminutely was believedto have remainedinto June(JYr). Northern Parula a long-tailedblack and white bird that pausedon a telephone showedsome improvement in s. Lancaster,Pa., where 36 found line outside his window in Brooklyn July 17 (•'J.Flack). His on the S.B.C.was 2.5 times the 10-year average(RMS), and in painstakingdescription seems to rule out someescaped exotic Bear Swamp,Cumberland, N.J., where two or three singing like Pin-tailed Whydah, and fits Fork-tailed Flycatcher. His maleswere found "after a longabsence" (CSu). It remainsfairly notes are under study by the New York State Avian Rarities commonup the Delaware River to Warren, N.J. (WJB),but Committee. farthernorth it "hasn'tdone well" (PBa)and "is not recovering" (BW).A BlackburnianWarbler was very late at Cape May Pt., June 9 [KB). SWALLOWS TO WAXWINGS -- The Cliff Swallow ex- plosionon bridgesand damsthat beganin 1981 continues(L. Niles, N.J.D.F.G.W.),to the point where the decline in barn- Coniferplantations are playinga role in Warbler nestingmay be reversing.A new colony of 3 pairs at Black ranges, after having helped spread Golden-crowned RiverW.M.A., Morris, N.J. (DHa), used a building,and the tiny Kinglets and Red-breastedNuthatches in this Region. colonyon stablesat the Sussex,N.J., Municipal Complexnear MagnoliaWarblers had a "greaty•ar" in n.w. New Jer- Blalrstownhas skyrocketedto 24 pairs (WJB). sey;they were foundin 16 locationsin the Pequannock Red-breasted Nuthatches fell from boom to bust, but even Watershed,mostly in Norway Spruce (JR, DM, PBa). so, four young were fledgedat a new Pennsylvanialocation: Yellow-rumped Warblers are spreadinginto n.w. New Nazareth, Northampton{D. DeReamus).Brown Creepers,some Jersey.A new high of 8 locationswas recorded in the carryingfood, were foundat severallocations in Cumberland, Pequannock Watershed, where a Red Pine plantation N J, and s. Delaware (C & PSu, JDo,APE). This speciesspread heldNew Jersey's2nd confirmednesting (JR, DM, PBa). its breedingrange S into the coastalplain of this Regiona generationago, but it remainsscarce s. of coastalLong Island. HouseWrens presenteda bizarre picture: abundant in the Havingreturned to Westchester,N.Y., as a breedingspecies south of the Region,perhaps because of increasedbluebird last summerafter over 40 years,Pine Warblerscontinued to boxes(RMS, WWF, C & PSu),they seemedlow in the north expand there (BW). Six were alsofound in the Pequannock (BW).Winter Wrenswere nearly absentfrom n.w. New Jersey Watershed(JB, PBa), for the 2nd summer.But they were lower and n.e. Pennsylvania(PBa, BW, WR). Apart from a singlere- on the s.Lancaster S.B.C. (RMS). An ad. 9 Bay-breastedWarbler port from coastalDelaware (M. Little,fide APE),the only Sedge banded on Great Gull Island, L.I., July 14 (TL) was far from Wrenswere onesinging male, possibly more, in a wet hayfield anyknown breeding range. The Bl•ckpoll Warbler at RyeJune at Millbrook School, Dutchess, N.Y., for several weeks after 15 was late even for this species.Worm-eating Warblers seemed July 24 (S.Highley). Atlasers found Marsh Wrens down in n.e. to be doingwell in the lowlands.They reachedtwice the 10- Pennsylvania(WR), and the coastalpopulations have been de- year averagein s. Lancaster,Pa. (RMS), and have been con- chmngslowly for years(RK). firmedby atlasersin all 3 Delawarecounties (APE). Thirty Golden-crownedKinglets in the PequannockWa- Schutskyattributes continued Kentucky Warbler successin tershedsurvey (PBa) were a measureof how Well this species, s. Lancaster,Pa., to canopyoPeriings created by gypsymoths, unknownas a neste.r in this Region20 yearsago, has adapted but they have not yet reachedas far north asthe Pequannock to artificial coniferplantations. The E. Bluebirdpopulation is Watershed(PBa). Two on the central SuffolkS.B.C. were be- "exploding" in Dutchess, N.Y., and no wonder. The yond the known n.e. breedinglimit (JR).Hooded Warblers can R T W.B.C.'slong-running "bluebird trail" h•is over 200 boxes be quite common upland (e.g., 109 in the PequannockWa- that fledged over 600 young this summer (F. Germond). At tershed[PBa]), but theyhave been found breeding only twice another successful"trail" in s. New Jersey,banded first-year a few miles away on LongIsland. Therefore the discoveryof males from last summer lathered new broods(J. Gerle, fide yetanother individual in ConnetquotS.P., L.I. (Captree S.B.C.), JKM). One passerinemigrant that winters in tropical forests is worth following up. that showsno signsof diminutionis Veery.The Pequannock Watershedsurvey found Veeriesin 391 locations(PBa), and SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES- VesperSparrows they were still present at their s. outpost established4 or 5 were still "widespreadin goodnumbers" in s. Lancaster,Pa yearsago at SouthValley Woods,near Moorestown,Burlington, (RMS), and in partsof central Delaware (GKH).Locally good N J (BM). The Pine Barrenspopulation of Hermit Thrushes counts of GrasshopperSparrow were 14 at Middle Creek discoveredby Proctora few years ago is still flourishing;six, W.M.A., Lebanon,Pa. (PSW),and 5 pairsat AssunpinkW.M.A.,

Volume 40, Number 5 1185 Mercer,N.J. (RK), and atlaserswere findingthem more common OBSERVER.S (Subre•ional compilers in boldface)-J. M. than expected in n.e. Pennsylvania(WR). Atlasers there also Abbott,Peter Bac{n.ski (PBa) (coastal N]: 511 Prospect Place, Lynd- turned up singi•ng8 Henslow'sSparrows in 4 locations:near hurst,NJ 07071),R. D. Barber,M. V. Barnhill,John Benzinger, Towanda, Bradford,three at 2 sitesin Susquehanna,and at Irving Black (n.h.NJ: Eagle Rock Village, Bldg. 26. Apt. 8B, Budd leastthree near Tunkhannock, Wyoming, Pa. (DB,WR, RMS). Lake, N] 07828),R. J• Blicharz (n.c. N]: 827 PennsylvaniaAve., Six were at the Galesvilleairport, Ulster,N.Y. (fide TWB), but Trenton,N] 08638),Daniel Brauning. Kate Brethwaite, Joe Burgtel we are not aware of any other breeding populations in this (]Bu), T. W. Burke (s.e.NY: 235 HighlandAve., Rye, NY 10580), Region.An oreganusDark-eyed Junco was at Cape May June SamChevalier, Dan Cristol, Richard Crossley, Steve Dempsey, Pe- 2s (RC). ter Deryen (Rockland,NY: 70 Third Ave., Nyack, NY 10960),Joe DiCostanzo,Richard Ditch, Jim Dowdell(]Do), PeterDunne. A. P. An ad. 8 Yellow-headedBlackbird was at BombayHook July Ednie (NewCastle and Kent,DE: 21 N. Wells Ave., Glenolden,PA 21 (refugepersonnel, fide APE).After a winter build-upto 44 19036),Marilyn England,Bill Fintel (13Fi),G. A. Franchots,W. W. birds, a few Boat-tailed Grackles remained to breed again at Frech (Sussex,DE: 301 County Rd., Lewes,DE 19958),G. L. Freed, ].B.W.R. (DR), with a maximum count of nine there July 13 A1Guarente, Jerry Haag, Barb & FrankHaas, Greg Han{sek (n.w. includingfemales feeding young. This speciesis still expanding N]: RD 3, Box 263, Phillipsburg.N] 08865), David Harrison (DHa), up DelawareBay, too, where their furthestoutpost is now Mad DorothyHartmann, G. K. Hess,Armas Hill, RobertHilton, Dave Horse W.M.A., s.e. Salem, N.J. (JKM). Jenkins,Rich Kane, Don Kunkle,Bob Kurtz, A. J.Laura, S. R. Law- Following a moderate invasion last winter, Pine Siskins fence,Tony Leukering,Dave MacLean, Robert Maurer, J. K. Meritt probablyBred again in the Region.Lingerers visited feeders (s.w. N]: 809 SaratogaTerrace, Turnersville, N] 08012), Dennis in WesIchester,N.Y. (P. & T. Haight),Villanova, Pa. (KB),and Miranda, Arthur Morris, B. L. Morris (e. PA: 825 N. Muhlenberg Pine Hills, Gloucester,N.J. (M. O'Brien). At Braddock'sMill St, Allentown, PA 18104),Brian Moscatello(BMo), Bill & Naomi Lake, an immature trapped July 8 at a feeder and found to Murphy, EleanorPink, Rick Radis,Jack Reddall, William Reid lack skull ossification(H. Spendelow)must have fledged (n.e. PA: 73 W. RossSt., Wilkes-Barre,PA 18702),E. ]. Reimann, nearby. Don Riepe,John Ruscica (]Ru), R. M. Schutsky,Andrew Solomon, BarbaraSpencer, R. Stayall,Vonni Strasser,Clay & Pat Sutton(C & PSu),J. F. Swiertinski,Janice Thomas, J.P. Tramontano (Orange and Su/llvon, NY: Orange Co. Community College,Middletown, CORRIGENDUM--TheSage Thrasher report from Bombay NY 10940),Wade Wander, R. T. Waterman Bird Club (Dutchess, Hook (AB40:90) sho•ild be datedOct. 29, 1985,not Oct. 31. NY), W. ]. Wayne, Berna Weissmann,R. L. West, Paul Wierick, David Wiedner (DWi), JohnYrizarry (]Yr), Jerry & Ruth Young.-- ROBERTO. PAXTON,460 RiversideDr., Apt. 72, New York, NY 10027, WILLIAM J. BOYLE, JR., 13A KensingtonRd., Chatham, EXOTICS -- A RingedTurtle-Dove has been at Clark'sGreen, NJ 07928,and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Dr., Wyncote, Lackawanna,Pa., sinceMay (ph.,fide WR). PA 19095.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Henry T. Armistead

merxtreme of drought1986. Lakes,andhigh reservoirs, heat characterized and impoundmentsthesum- dried up or were at best very low, followtinga drought which began in March. Deviation from normal based on local climatologicaldata from the Region'ssix reporting Stations:temperature, June +2.37øF., July +3.03ø; precipitation, June-2.29 inches,July -0.05 inches.In spite of beastly conditions,reporting was excellent for pelicans, cormorants,heron-like birds, shorebirds,gulls, terns, and skimmers, with especiallygood coveragefor colonial waterbirds.Breeding Willow Flycatchers,Cliff Swallows,Ce- dar Waxwings, and House Finches continued to expand, andBald Eagles had another excellent year. The Virginia Piedmonthad goodcoverage, for a change,with many interesting surprisesresulting. Coverage of coastal areas, normally goodanyway, was better than average.

ABBREVIATIONS--the Bay = Chesapeake Bay; Chinc. = ChincoteagueNat'l WildlifeRef., Va.; D.C. = Washington,D.C.; Fish. I. = Fisherman Island Nat'l Wildlife Ref., Va.; Hart = Hart & MJ•llerIs., Baltimore Co., Md.; Huntley = HuntleyMeadows County butwidely dispersed Regional breeder with confirmedbreeding Park, Fairfax Co., Va. Place names in italics are counties. at Lilypans, Frederick,Md. (DHW), St. Martin, Worcester,Md. (RFR),Brandon Shores, Anne Arundel, Md. (RFR),and Huntley LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- A late Red-throated Loon (JMA). Wilson'sStorm-Petrels again strayed up to the Maryland and a Cam. Loonwere at OceanCity June6 (DC). Other single part of the Baywith four seenoff St. Jerome'sCreek, SI. Mary's, Commonswere at Chinc.,june 14 (RFR),Pt. Lookout,St. June29. as closeas 2 •ni from shore.An OceanCity pelagic Mary's,Md., July27 (JLS,RFR) and Bellevue,Talbot, Md., July trip June7 turned up 25 Leach'sStorm-Petrels 45-70 mi off 5-6 (CP, GLA). Pied-billedGrebe continuedas an uncommon the Virginia coast,an excellent count, in addition to 100+ Wil-

1186 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 Great Egret 510 (18), Snowy Egret 342 (8), Tricolored Heron 359 (7), Black-crownedNight-Heron 96 (18), Yellow-crowned Night-Heron27 (9), GlossyIbis 242 (7). However, these are preliminarytotals and numbersfor mostherons smaller than Great Egretare probablyconsiderably higher, sinceSmith I. colonieswere incompletelysurveyed. Largest Great Blue Heron colonieswere of 600 pairs at Nanjemoy Creek, Char/es,596 at Canoe Neck Creek, St. Mary's, and 450+ at Poplar Is., Talbot.

WATERFOWL THROUGH RAILS- Mute Swans continue to do well at their s. range extremes,with 91 at Barren I., June 1 (HTA) and 36 at Chinc. in early June (jfide DFH), when as many as97 Gadwallswere alsopresent. Two Green- winged Teal were at Elliott I., Md., July 5 (AJ,GLA. HTA) and two were at Hunting Creek July 26 (JMA). The fancy duck for the summer was an imm. 8 Com. Eider near Ship ShoalI., Va., June16 (BTt,jfide BW). There were morethan the usualnumber of summer strays,including Canvasbacksat 4 sites, Greater Scaupat 3, N. Pintails at 2, a • HoodedMerganser at Hart June I (RFR et al.), a Buffleheadat Dyke Marsh, Va., the same day (OF, •de JMA), and as many as 15 Ruddy Ducks at Hart June 8 (HK). On the Virginia Piedmont a pair of Blue-wingedTeal lingered until mid-Juneat the Big I. settlingponds, Amherst (jfideJD). Ruddy Duckswere at sewageponds in Maryland at Purple Gallinule at ChincoteagueN.W.R., Va., June 14, 1986. Easton and Hurlock (RFR), and Snow Geese were seen at 3 Photo/RobertF. Ringler. locations. In the central Bay, Osprey production improved over the breeding record for the Virginia Piedmont (JD). Summering previous 2 summerswith less starvation of nestlings(PRS). Am. Cootswere detectedby Ringler at Hart and near Berlin. They continue to attempt to breed on the Potomac R. just s. The rare rallid was a Purple Gallinule at Chinc. for the first of D.C. (EMW, JMA). Blinds in the Chinc. area were heavily one-half of June (RFR, EMW, WK et al.). usedfor nesting(DFH) and 17 young were banded in blinds n. of ChincoteagueI., July 3 (JSW,JHB). One at L. Anna in the SHOREBIRDS -- Nine trips were made to Hart, providing Virginia Piedmont June 17 was unusual (MRB). Bald Eagles some of the best shorebirdingin Maryland history (RFR, EB, continueto do well, 1986being the "Eighth year in succession HK et aT.)at this impoundedfill area near the head of the Bay. for increasein breeding pairs, active nests,number of young June I was an exceptional day, yielding 80 Semipalmated hatched,fledged and banded" (JMA). In the Bay regionthere Plovers,a Black-neckedStilt, eight Am. Avocets,a Hudsonian were 133 active nests,102 of which hatchedyoung, and of 190 Godwit, 25 Ruddy Turnstones,12 Red Knots,300 Semipalmated young birds 149 were banded. Centersof abundancewere, for Sandpipers,40 Dunlin, a Ruff, 30 Short-billedDowitchers, and Maryland (no. of nests/young):Dorchester 13/28, Kent9/16, a Wilson'sPhalarope, not bad for an area that is about 85 mi Char/es 8/15, and Talbot 6/10, and for Virginia: Richmond from the coast.The avocets,all males, remained through July 8/8, Westmoreland7/11, and King George6/8. One nest in 5. Late White-rumped Sandpiperspeaked here at 60 June 8, Kent, Md., contained four young, the first 4-egg or 4-young with 30 still on hand June 15. A Ruff was also seen July 27, nestknown for the Bay areasince 1935 (JMA). Long-abandoned and two Wilson'sPhalaropes were presentJune 8. Early south- ancestral nest sites, vacant 10 years or more, continue to be boundmigrants were alreadyon hand June29 when 15 Lesser reactivated. "The center of abundance remains s. Dorchester, Yellowlegsand 27 LeastSandpipers were seen.Single Whim- Md., where 13 active nests in 1986 produced 28 young, an brels were seen June 15 and July 5. On the Virginia E. Shore averageof 2.1 per active nest (there were no abandonments)" barrier islandsurvey, 1054 Am. Oystercatcherswere found at (JMA).The hugeroost near Hopewell,Va., held up to 79 eagles 14 localities,95 PipingPlovers were on 7 islands,and 63 Wil- July 2 and 72 July 8 (MAR, jfideFRS), most if not all of these son'sPlovers, a new high, were on 6 islands (BW et aT.).Un- beingpassage birds rather than part of the area breedingpop- fortunately, although these numbers are encouraging,many ulation. The Virginia E. Shorebarrier island survey found N. of these birds are perilously concentratedon a few of the Harriers on Hog, Cobb, Wreck, and Fish islands towards the northerly islands,especially Metomkin, which accountedfor s. end of their breedingrange (BW et al.). At Lynchburgin the 364 of the oystercatchers,47 of the Piping Plovers,and 40 of Virginia Piedmont, three Sharp-shinned Hawks were found the Wilson's Plovers. on the June7 "Christmascount in June" (jfideMM). A Broad- The severedrought limited wader countsat Chinc., but six winged Hawk carrying a Blue Jay in JamesCity, Va., July 20 two-day censuseswere conducted there (CPW, EMW, WK). was possiblya very early migrant (BW).American Kestrelsare Selectedhigh countsinclude: June 5-6, Ruddy Turnstone280, scarce coastalplain breeders in this Region, but were more Willet 104, SemipalmatedSandpiper 705, Sanderling958, most widely reportedthan usual this summer(RFR, HTA, RJT,MA, of these springmigrants; June 13-14, Red Knot 171, Marbled M & DM). Godwit one;July 10-11, Short-billedDowitcher 676, Hudsonian No blockbusterBlack Rail countswere forthcomingfrom Godwit eight, Ruff one; July 17-18, SemipalmatedPlover 46 Elliott I., but plenty of people heard them there, three were (lowest-evercount for end of July), Piping Plover 43 (18 pairs seenJuly 5 (HTA, GLA, AJ)and one even turned up on a Breed- on the refuge),Wilson's Phalarope 10 (bestJuly count ever); ing Bird Surveyalong with four Virginia and four Clapperrails July 24-25, Black-bellied Plover 153 (biggestcount of non- at nearby Lakesville June 14 (HTA). King Rails caused a stir breedingaged birds in 12 years),Whimbre1103, Spotted Sand- at Huntley, and two adultswith two youngwere there July 13 piper 34, Red Knot 305, Sanderling972, Long-billedDowitcher (JMA). At Martinsville two adult and one youngVirginia Rail 24, Stilt Sandpiper 40, Wilson's Phalarope six. Peep and yel- in mid-Junein a 30+ acre cattail marsh along the Smith R. lowlegsnumbers were low, and fall Sanderlingsarrived about providedthe first confirmedbreeding record for the Virginia 2 weeks late. Early fall migrants (or most were presumably Piedmont,while acrossthe river at the DuPont Nylon plant's such)on July 3-4 were 27 Whimbrels, 16 Greater Yellowlegs, settling pondsan adult and an imm. Com. Moorhen were a a Red Knot, a White-rumped Sandpiper, 15 Least Sandpipers, probablebreeding record (date?),there being only one other 265 Short-billedDowitchers, and three Wilson'sPhalaropes.

1188 American Birds, Winter 1986 records,with adults on at least eight neststhere June15 (FRS). RepresentativeBay totals,perhaps no longersurprising, were 250 at Hart July 20 (RFR), 125 at Cove Pt., Calvert, July 27 (RFR, EB, JLS),145 at Hunting Creek, Va., July 20 (DFA), and 135 at Barren I., Dorchester,Md., June 1 (HTA). In Virginia Beach, Stumpy L. once again came through with one to two Anhingas present throughout the period (GMW, GTH, MRB et al.). For the 12th consecutiveyear a survey of breedingbirds on the Virginia E. Shoreislands from Assawomanto Fish.I. was conducted (BW, RB, BA, JV, BTt). Major mixed heronries continue on Metomkin, Hog, Wreck, and Fish islands.Numbers of most herons are down from the totals of the late 1970s. Total numbers of adults seen included 150 Little Blue Herons, 142 Cattle Egrets,411 Great Egrets,611 SnowyEgrets, 436 Tricol- ored Herons, 850 Black-crowned Night-Herons, 63 Yellow- crownedNight-Herons, 556 GlossyIbises (lowest since 1981), and two White Ibises (on Fish. I.; present 7 of 12 years since 1975). Counts of herons at Chinc. were disappointing in the faceof a droughteven worse than that of 1985,which left most impoundmentsbone dry (CPW). Unusual for the Virginia Piedmontwas a Cattle Egretin s.e.Mecklenberg June 14 (JML). At leasteight Least Bitterns were at Huntley in Junein a beaver Leach's Storm-Petrelnear "PoorMan's Canyon"off the Virginia pond, and a nest with 4 eggswas found (JMA); this fresh-water coast,June 7, 1986. Visible here is the faint dark line down the marshprovides many D.C. area birderswith goodviews of this centerof the white rump-patch.ruling out both Wilson'sand and other secretivemarsh species.An imm. White Ibis was Band-rumpedstorm-petrels. Photo/Michael O'Brien. seenat Liberty Res.,Carroll, July 20 w. of Rt. 32 (JN,f•de EMW). The resultsof the 2nd year of a 5-year study of Maryland colonial waterbirds by the Univ. of Maryland showed these totals for 1986 (JEG,DFB, JEM):Great Blue Heron 2923 paiis (27 colonies), Little Blue Heron 96 (8), Cattle Egret 570 (5),

BrownPelicans at Ocean City, Md., June28, 1986.Photo/Robert F. Ringler. son'sStorm-Petrels, 40 Greater,seven Cory's, one Audubon's, and three Sooty shearwaters(WK, DC, DFA et al.). Off Rudee Inlet, Va., another Leach'swas reportedJune 18 (BT). An Am. White Pelican materialized again at the s. end of Metomkin I., June19 (JSW).Small numbersof Brown Pelicansinfiltrated into Maryland, such as one June 7 (MO, DC et al.), five June 24 (RM), 15 June 28 (RFR), two July 12 (JS),and 20 July 30 (PO),these all in the greaterOcean City area.But the big show was againin Virginia with 200_*July 1 & 25 on Fish. I., as well asat an unnamedisland developingbetween Chinc. and Wal- lopsI., July 24 (JSW),with an estimated300 at the latter site June 6 (IA). Other impressive counts were of 167 at Chinc., July 3-4 (CPW) and 485 at Fish. I., June15 (BW, BA, JV, RB). Combinedwith the tremendousincrease at the OregonInlet, N.C., colonythis year, thesetotals renew hopethat thesegreat birds may one year breed in the Region. An imm. Great Cormorantat Hart June15-July 27 provided a first summer record for Maryland (EB, RFR et al., ph.). For Immature Great Cormorant at the Hart-Miller Impoundment, the 4th time since 1978 Double-crested Cormorants bred on Baltimore Co., Md., July 20, 1986. First summer record for the JamesR. nearHopewell, Va. (TRW,JWD), the only Regional Maryland. Photo/RobertF. Ringler.

Volume 40, Number 5 1187 gull numbersin its 12 years (BW et al.), with (no. of adults): 8306 Herring (previoushigh 3932), 22,286 Laughing (previous high 19,624 in 1985), and 561 Great Black-backedgulls (previous high 186 in 1985). The biggestcolonies of Herring and Great Black-backedwere on Metomkin (5712 & 350 respectively), and the most Laughingswere on Wreck 1. again this year (21,886). Of course this all bodesill for terns, and Gull- billed, Common, and Forster's terns were in low numbers there, aswere BlackSkimmers. Virginia E. Shoreisland survey totals(adults seen) were Gull-billed Tern 475 (6 islands),Com. Tern 2220 (7 islands), Least Tern 1413 (7 islands; best since 1981), Royal Tern 5910 (2 islands),Sandwich Tern 80 (Fish. I. only), Caspian Tern eight (four pairs on Ship Shoal I., best ever), Forster's Tern 0 (many nest back in the marshes and are missedby this island survey),and Black Skimmer 3780 (7 islands).Ship Shoal I. had the most Gull-billed Terns (213), Com. Terns (1044),and skimmers(1425). Metomkin I. the most Least Terns (806), but details from the great Least Ternery at Black-necked Stilt at Deal Island W.M.A., Md., June 15, 1986. Grand View, Hampton, Va.. were lacking. Photo/RobertF. Ringler.

A pair of Black-neckedStilts at Deal Island W.M.A., Md., in early Juneshowed aggressive behavior and distractiondisplays, but there still is no confirmedbreeding for the state {RFR, DC, MO, PO}. At Craney [. disposalarea, Portsmouth,Va., 30 Am. Avocets and a Marbled Godwit were seen July 9, and four Wilson's Phalaropeswere there July 29 (M & DIV0, five on July 18 {MRB}.An Upland Sandpiperat Sandy Point S.P., Md., was presumablya very early migrantJuly 1 (MO}, but two at Luck- etts, Loudoun, Va., June 14 were breeders {VK). Rare on the Bay, a Whimbrel at ChesapeakeBeach, Md., July 27 was a first for Calvert {RFR, JLS}and a late report was of 625 e. of Ma- chipongo, Va., Apr. 19 {BTt}. On Cobb I., June 16, Williams saw 130 late Red Knots. A Stilt Sandpiper at Hart July 5 was early {RFRet al.}. JAEGEBS THBOUGH SKIMMEBS- A jaeger {sp.}was seen off Ocean City June 7 {WK, DC et al.}. It was an excellent Downyyoung Least Tern in the colonyat BethelBeach, Mathews summer for rarer larids at Hart. with two first-summer Frank- Co., Va., July 5, 1986. Photo/J.B.Bazuin. lin's Gulls June8 plus singlesJune I and July 13, a first-summer Little Gull June 8, 15, & 20, three LesserBlack-backed Gulls June 1, and a Sandwich Tern June 8 {HK, EB, RFR et al.}, the latter a first recordfor the upper Bay.As mentionedin spring, Herring and Great Black-backedgulls postedhuge northward range extensionsup the Bay here at Hart, Herrings with 506 nestswith eggs,the Great Black-backedswith one,as did Com. Terns with 53 nestswith eggs.There were also43 LeastTerns nestswith eggs,most of these all on June 15. Yet hardly any of thesenests were successful,for reasonswhich are not quite clear {EB,RFR, HK et al.}. Besttern countshere were of 200 CaspiansJune 15, 700 Forster's July 27, and 200 LeastsJune 1; smallnumbers of BlackTerns and Bonaparte'sGulls were there through the summer. The Univ. of Maryland survey yielded excellent larid coverage (Maryland Waterbird Study, Pro•ect FW-8-P, Progress Report No. 2, 1 August 1985-30 July 1986, 64 p., by JEG,DFB, JEM)with specialstudies of BlackSkimmers and LeastTerns. These investigatorsfound these numbersof breedingpairs in Two Bridled Terns about 20 miles e.s.e. of Ocean City, Md., the state: Great Black-backedGull 48, Herring Gull 4766, June7, 1986.Photo/Michael O'Brien. LaughingGull 594 (steadydecline since1977 when there were 2080), Forster's Tern 1775, Com. Tern 2161, Least Tern 552, Weske et al. had an excellent bandingyear, tagging6011 Gull-billed Tern 33 {at Big Bay Marsh in coastal Worcester), Royal Terns, 4245 on Fish. I., 1639 on Metomkin I., and 127 and Black Skimmer 328. These representedincreases for the (plus a Sandwich Tern) on the new island s. of Chine., most latter two species,little change from 1985 for the others. On of these July 1-2, one of the best-ever production years for the Bay, especiallyrich areas were Barren Island, with 155 Royalsin Virginia. He alsofound a CaspianTern chick on the pairsof Least,816 of Common,and 323 of Forster'sterns, plus new island Aug. 16, which probablyperished along with the 38 of Black Skimmers;and Smith Island,with its traditionally Royal chicks in the hurricane a few days later. Rare on the monstrousgulls colonies, 3811 Herring and 42 Great Black- upper Bay, two Gull-billed Terns and a Black Tern were at backedgull pairs.Tiny SpringI., Dorchester.boasted 392 For- Barren I., Md., June I (HTA). The new island s. of Chine. also ster's and 147 Common tern pairs. Larid colonies in coastal contained 388 Com. Tern and 586 Black Skimmer nestsJune Worcester tended to be more numerous but smaller. 6 (IA et al.). Three CaspianTerns at Liberty Res.,July 12 fur- The Virginia E. Shore barrier island survey had the highest nished only the 2nd record for Carroll, Md. (RFR). The only

Volume 40, Number 5 1189 Maryland report for Sandwich Tern, other than the Hart one, June3 and a Mourning June4 (BMR), and a very late Blackpoll was of a single at Ocean City July 30 (PO). At Hog I., Surry, was at L. Elkhorn, Columbia, Md., June10 (JH,fide JKS).Com- Va., 163 LeastTerns July 26 were unusual for that far up the pletely unexpectedwas a singingCerulean Warbler at Brook- JamesR. (BW, TB, TA). On the Maryland E. Shorethis species neal, Campbell,Va., June28 along the Roanoke(Staunton) R again nestedon the roofsof 2 schoolsin Cambridgeand one (fide JD). Very late was a Canada Warbler at GreenbeltN P, in Easton(MO), with 12 pairs at CambridgeHigh Schooland Prince Georges,Md., June 20 (LMD). Excellent counts on the 29 at SandyHill Elementary School(JEG). On the Ocean City Lynchburg"Christmas count in June"were of 272 IndigoBun- pelagictrip June7, two Bridled Terns were seen20 mi offshore tings,100 GrasshopperSparrows, and 84 HouseFinches June in Maryland waters (DC; MO, WK, ph.). 7 on the Virginia Piedmont,tallied by 31 observersin 16 parhes This summer's records were the most complete ever for The near-spectralpresence of Dickcisselsas Regional breeders breedinggulls and terns in the Region. evanescedagain this summer with three singingbirds along Oland Rd., Frederick, Md., June 16-20 in fields mowed soon DOVES THROUGH WAXWINGS--The Lynchburg afterwards (DHW). "Christmas count in June" tallied 339 Mourning Doves June The find of the summer was the rediscovery,the first Re- 7 (MM et al.). After a poor spring,Yellow-billed Cuckooscon- gionalbreeders since 1968, of breedingBachman's Sparrows tmued down in the summer (AJF,RFR, JEJ,PN). ACom. Barn- in s. VirginiaPiedmont areas in Brunswickby Bryan,who found Owl survey at Nokesville, Va., June 29 found 8 nests (6 in two or three singingbirds at each of 2 sitesJune 7-28 in large boxes),average clutch size of five, 21 of the youngbeing banded clearcut areaswith youngpines, broom sedge,and somede- (KHB,MC, CR). Four offshoreblinds at Chinc. had nestsJune ciduoussaplings. Apparently there is a greatdeal of suchhab- 13 (DFH, AM). CommonNighthawks continued an apparent itat in this area. At one of the sites,4 mi e. of Brunswick,single declineon the Virginia barrier islands,and were found only immatures were seen Aug. 6 (C & MH) & 19 (MS) and three on Ship Shoal and Myrtle islands (BW et al.). A late Olive- singingbirds and an immature were there Aug. 10 (JD, TD) sided Flycatcher was at Arlington, Va., June4 (DFA). Willow Severalvery active observerscommented on the increaseof Flycatcherscontinue to turn up in surprisingareas, including GrasshopperSparrows (RFR, SD, DB, RRR). Lynch had a record singlesat Deal I., June15 (RFR)and at WashingtonCreek, St. 21 on his s. Virginia Piedmont BreedingBird SurveyJune 14, Mary's, June 13 (EMW) in s. Maryland, while otherswere at and Wilson had 13 in St. Mary's July 17. The only Henslow's Dyke Marsh, Va., through the period (JMA), three were at Sparrowsreported were one or two singersat Elliott I., Md Lynchburg,Va., June 7 (MM et al.), and severalwere singing (v.o.),where a brief walk in the marshproduced a surprisingly (and one was carryingfood) on the s. Virginia Piedmontnear high countof 33 Sharp-tailedSparrows July 5 (HTA, GLA, AJ) Martinsville, Henry, in mid-June(JD). Extremely rare in spring SwampSparrows at the extremes. edgeof their breedingrange or summerhere, a Western Kingbird was seenw. of Rt. 194 included birds at Fishing Creek Marsh, Calvert, Md., July 27 and 0.2 mi s. of the Pennsylvanialine in Carroll, Md., June 12 (RFR),at DykeMarsh, Va., nearD.C. on the PotomacR. (where during a BreedingBird Survey (DB). they had nestedin the mid-1970s)May 22 and June16 (JMA), On the Virginia coast,Horned Larks were at Chinc., June6 and in the marshesof the upper Nanticoke R., Wicomico,near when Wilson saw 12 including iuveniles, and only on Hog I. Vienna, Md., the classicsetting where the race nigrescenswas by the barrier island survey, an all-time low for that venture discovered (SD). Anomalous mid-summer White-throated (fide BW). PurpleMartins had poorproduction, the worstsince Sparrowsingles were discoveredat Hart June20 and Baltimore Hurricane Agnes, owing to heat and the drought (MKK). A July 4 (RFR), and another was seen July 4 at Ft. Meade, Anne roost at Gum Springs,s. of Ft. Hunt, Fairfax, Va., developed Arundel, Md. (DB),but even more startling was a Dark-eyed in early July, with 12 on July 10, 1000 July 16, and 4000 July (Slate-colored)Junco s. of Newburg, Charles,Md., June3 (SD) 27 (JMA). Two pairs of Tree Swallowsfeeding young at Mar- Bobolinksoften turn up at nonsensicaltimes in coastalplain tinsville, Va., in mid-June extended the known Piedmont areaswhere they never breed. This year somewere heard at breedingrange some 50 mi south(JD). Swallows at the Easton, dawn at N. Beach, Calvert, Md., July 27 (RFR, JLS),and 10 Md., sewage lagoonsJune 28 were consideredearly post- were at Tuckahoe Creek s. of Ridgely, Caroline,Md., July 22 breedingmigrants, including four N. Rough-wingeds,eight (MO, CSR).House Finches still seemto be spreading(v.o.) and Banks,and three Trees (RFR). Cliff Swallows continue to ex- in 1986 the first confirmedbreeding in Westmoreland,Va, on pand their breedingrange slightly S and E with 33 nestsunder the lower PotomacR. was obtained (JEJ). a JamesR. bridgenear Hopewell, Va., June15 (FRS),30+ pairs at Kerr Res. and 16 at Pea Hill Creek Bridgein s. Virginia in CORRIGENDA -- AB 40:265,the CattleEgret reported in D C, June(JML), and other breedingrecords in Fauquier,Va., June Jan.4, was a Great Egret;AB 40:266, Flourdew 100 Plantation 26 (RAA), Montgomery,Md., at L. Needwood(JB), s. of Char- should be Flowerdew Hundred Plantation. lottesville(best in 12 years;JD, TD), undera bridgeof the Mid- die PatuxentR., Howardand Montgomery,Md. (BAx,fide JKS), OBSERVERS -- D.F. Abbott,J.M. Abbott,Margaret Abbott, Ir- and suspectedbreeding in Harford, Md. (DK). After 14 years vin Ailes,R.L. Ake, Bill Akers,Burton Alexander (BAx), R.A An- of BreedingBird Surveys, Lynch found Fish Crows increasingly derson,G.L. Armistead,Tom Armour, K.H. Bass,J.B. Bazuin, Ruth Beck,Henry Bielstein,John Bjerke, Thom Blair, Eirik Blom,M R commonon the Virginia Piedmont in the Kerr Res. and Elm Boatwright,L.D. Bonham, D.F. Brinker, Allen Bryan,J.H. Buckalew, Hill W.M.A. areas. ACom. Raven was seen at L. Anna, Louisa, M.A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak,Mark Causey,David Czaplak,John Va., June 17 (MRB). Dalmas,Thelma Dalmas, L.M. Davidson,J.W. Dillard, Sam Droege, The only SedgeWren report was of two at Elliott I., July 15 StephenEccles, Richard Edwards, Ethel Engle,Owen Fang,A J (RE, fide EMW). Eastern Bluebirds had good production at Fletcher, J.E. Gates, Charlie Hacker, Charles & Melva Hansrote, Newport News City Park, Va., where the Mitchells banded G.T. Harris, M.W. Hewitt, Jim Hill, Robert Hilton, D.F. Holland, 106 young,but in St. Mary's, Md., many boxeswere taken J.E.Johnson, Alice Jones,Hank Kaestner,Teta Kain, DennisKirk- overby S. FlyingSquirrels (RRR). Late thrush migrants banded wood,Valerie Kitchens, M.K. Klimkiewicz,Wayne Klockner, J M at Baltimoreincluded a Swainson'sJune 4 and a Gray-cheeked Lynch, Annette Macek, Robert Mains, J.E.McKearnan, Mike & June 3 (BMR). Cedar Waxwings were again widespreadin s. Dorothy Mitchell, Myriam Moore, Jerry Newton, Paul Nistmo, Maryland and Virginia, such•as 6 pairs near Martinsville in MarianrtaNuttie, Michael O'Brien, Paul O'Brien, Carl Perry, Don mid-June(JD) and birds around WilliamsburgJune 28-July 9 Peterson,Bill Portlock,K.E. Rambo,R.F. Ringlet, Wilbur Ritten- (BT), but with little confirmed nestingreported. house,C.S. Robbins,Chuck Rosenburg,B.M. Ross,R.R. Runldes, JackSchulz, F.R. Scott,J.K. Solem, P.R. Spitzer,J.L. Stasz, Mike VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES -- SingingSolitary Vireos Stinson,Brian Taber, R.J. Tripician, Barry Truitt (BTt),Jerry Via, in 2 atlas blocks near Martinsville in mid-June extended their D. H. Wallace,J.S. Weske, C.P. Wilds, Bill Williams,G.M. Wilham- known Virginia Piedmont breeding range to the south (JD). son, E.M. Wilson, T.R. Wolfe.--HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 523 E. Late warblersincluded theseBaltimore bandings, a Blackpoll Durham St., Philadelphia,PA 19119.

1190 AmericanB•rds, Winter 1986 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. I ..... summer,hedrought and in 1986the wasSoutheast fastbecoming continuedone through of the driestthe on record. Temperatures were near normal in June, but the latter half of July became excessivelyhot. Many ponds becamedry by late summer, whereas the larger reservoirs generallyhad well-exposedshorelines. The comments were mixed from contributors when queriedabout the effectsof the droughton breedingsuccess and population levels of local birds. Generally speaking,it was felt that most landbirds fared well, but there was con- ] FallLine, • siderableconcern for survivalof birdsduring the upcoming • • •I•LEOGEvlLLE • winter. This concernwas basedon the fact that mast production of trees was poor becauseof the drought, and especially that seed productionby herbaceousplants was {or will be} alsoquite low; thus, granivoresand frugivoresmay have difficulty finding enoughfood for survival. --- t•o•sv:tte Waterbirds had only mixed nesting success,as those breederslater in the seasongenerally met with failure as ponds and marshesdried up. Colonial waterbirds on the coastalso had mixed success,depending on whether local served off Jekyll [.. Ga., June 14 {•ide PB). The only White- stormsdestroyed nests. Again this summer,however, there tailed Tropicbirdreport for the seasonwas of one off Oregon was no systematicsurvey of bird coloniesalong the coast, Inlet June18 (•ide BT, HA). Probablythe mostnotable report and I can only speculateabout which speciesare declining of the summer was the Region'sfirst record of Red-footed and which are doing well. Booby.An immature found July 27 in weakened conditionat This season,contributors nominated their candidates for EdistoI., S.C.,died severaldays later and is now a specimen speciesin trouble or specieson the move. There was litfie at CharlestonMuseum (TMu, •ideWP). Althoughthe species unanimity on the latter group,but a few specieswere men- breedsin the s. CaribbeanSea as closeas PuertoRico, it ap- tioned as declining by numerous observers.The Yellow- parentlywanders little from its breedinggrounds, and this billed Cuckooshowed a considerabledrop in numbersthis seems to be the first record for the Atlantic coast outside of summer, although hopefully this was just a seasonalvari- Florida.The trend of increasingnumbers of breedingBrown ationin numbersas a resultof fluctuationin tent caterpillar Pelicansin North Carolinamay have hit a snagthis summer, numbers.Common Nighthawks alsodrew widespreadno- as productionof youngin severalcolonies was low. An Am. tice, or lack of notice. They have never been common as White Pelican was seenJune 19 in Pamlico Sound, N.C., mid- breeders in the Region, but some observersare having way betweenCedar I. and Ocracoke(TW, JS).Post and Belser trouble finding any in a given year now. The biggestcon- found a 2nd nestingcolony in South Carolina for Double- cern is for Neotropical-migrating,forest-interior nesting crestedCormorants. In additionto the colonyin L. Marion first birds, particularly the Wood Thrush. These species {in- noted last year, they counted45 nestsat L. Moulttie in 1986. cluding warblers such as the Hooded and Kentucky} are This latter colonyincluded 32 nestsof Great Blue Heronsand losing habitat both here and in the tropics, and it is no 68 Anhinganests. The breedingpopulation of cormorantson JordanL., N.C., had 3 active nestsin early June (KK); it is surprise that such forest-interior species are becoming unknownif any producedyoung. Anhingas, apparently ex- slightly more difficult to find each summer. tralimital and all in the CoastalPlain, were at HamburgS.P., On the other hand, the seasonwas not completelydevoid Ga., June 7 (NI), MerchantsMillpond S.P., N.C., June10 (FW, of notable sightings.The Regiondid have one first record PH), and the RoanokeR. s.w. of Windsor,N.C., June26 0NL, ever, and a few specieswere found nesting for the first DS, DC). time in the Region. WADERS, WATERFOWL- In addition to the rookery LOONS THROUGH ANHINGA -- June24 was an unusual mentionedabove, another colony at L. Moulttie had 250+ Cat- date for a Cam. Loon near Hardeeville, S.C. (SW). M. Lynch tle Egrets,50 Little Blue Herons,and 25+ Anhingas(WP, CB). and Baker noted Pied-billed Grebes at 11 natural limesink A survey of about 4 heronries in n.w. Jenkinsand s. Burke pondsin BakerCo., Ga., duringthe summer;some successful counties,Ga., had 4000+ Cattle Egretnests, 150+ nestsof Wood breedingwas seen, but the droughtcaused some of the ponds Storks,and smallnumbers of at leastfive otherspecies {ML et to godry laterin the season,obviously disrupting other nesting al.). A heronry in s.w. Baker Co., Ga., was notable in that 3+ attempts.A moderate number of pelagictrips was taken off nestsof Snowy Egretswere present{ML, WB, Mt0. A nest of the 3 states,mostly in July.The usualtotals of Cory's,Audu- Snowy Egretswas also noted inland in South Carolina at L. bon's,and Greater shearwaters and Black-capped Petrels were Marion June20 {WP,CB); the speciesseldom nests away from detected (•ide RA, PD, BO); again this summer, no Sooty the coast.Even rarer, and apparentlya first for an inland site Shearwaterswere encountered.(Disappointingly few pelagic in the Carolinas,was the successfulnesting of 2 pairs(based trips are being taken between mid-May and mid-June,an ex- on clutchesof juveniles) of Tricolored Herons at L. Marion, citingtime for suchbirding.) A year agomany Leach'sStorm- S.C. {WP,CB}. Perhaps the best-everinflux of ReddishEgrets, Petrelswere seenon trips out of OregonInlet, N.C. This sum- all immatures as would be expected,occurred this summer mer, thesepetrels could not be found,for one reasonor another, alongthe coast.Two were at HuntingtonBeach S.P., S.C., July althougha handfulof Band-rumpedStorm-Petrels (single-digit 11 {JEC),with one July 24 {Bt0; three were at Kiawah I., S.C., counts)continued to be seenon tripsoff Oregonand Hatteras July 10-24 (BC);and one was at Lea I., N.C., July 6-11 {JH et inlets, N.C. (PA. PD. BO). Four Band-rumpedswere alsoob- al.). It is interestingto note that prior to the publicationof the

Volume 40, Number 5 1191 NatrenalGeographic Society's F•etd Guide to theBirds of North plus severalother •ndividualsJune 28-29 Th•s was apparently Americam 1983,most reports of ReddishEgrets m the Region an increasem numbers over h•s survey of 3 years ago,which were of adult birds. This guide was the first to picture the covereda slightly different area. A single Piping on July 9 at •mmatureplumage, and observers are now identifyingthis age Lea I., N.C. (KKo et al.) seemstoo early for a migrant, and class;these birds had obviously been overlookedor misfden- anotherJune 14 at JekyllI., Ga. (PR),was unusual in that month t•fied prior to this book'spublication. The enormousnesting An outstandingnesting-season count of 250+ Black-necked colony of White Ibises at Drum I. in Charleston, S.C., was a Stilts was made at a dredgespoil area near Brunswick,Ga, completedisaster. This year essentiallyno youngwere fledged, July4 (HG). Most unusualwas a nestingof SpottedSandpipers a casualty of both the drought and over-predation by Fish in North Carolina,where there were just a handfulof previous Crows (WP). Unfortunately,no reportson the fate of other such records,and probablynone in over 15 years.Crutchfield coastalWhite Ibis colonieswere received. In c. North Carolina, noted adults all summer near Fayetteville and several half- respectablepost-breeding counts of White Ibiseswere of up to grown young July 25. 12 immatures at JordanL. in mid-July (BW, MW) and 10 at PortsmouthI., N.C., again producednotable (yet expected) nearby Falls L. at the same time (RD). raritiesJuly 27--a Long-billedCurlew, 50+ MarbledGodw•ts, Summering Ring-neckedDucks have occurred at several and a breeding-plumagedCurlew Sandpiper(JF, ML, AB, RD, Regionalsites in recent years.Apparently new localesfor lin- DC). Surprisinglyearly were a Pectoral Sandpiperat Ports- gererswere Fayetteville,N.C. (onead. male--PJC)and Monroe mouth June30 (JF)and two at Macon, Ga., June29 (TI), plus Co., Ga. (three birds--TJ). It is not unusualfor Black Scoters two Stilt SandpipersJuly 4 at AndrewsI., Ga. (HG).Although to linger alongthe coastin summer;however, nesting would Ruffs have been appearingyearly in North Carolina, one m seem to be absurd.Nonetheless, a pair of Black Scotersap- near breedingplumage July 10 at EagleI. (JN)might have been parently did nest,as Crutchfield saw a female with three half- the closestto full plumageever seenin the state.One wonders grown iuvenilesJuly 4-20, plus an ad. male July 20, in n.e. what an Am. Woodcockwas doingat Portsmouthvillage, N C, Pamlico Co., N.C. A HoodedMerganser near Dublin, Ga., June June 30 (JF);it was definitely not in nestinghabitat. The best 2 (TKP)was s. of the breedingrange, but the specieshas nested phalaroperecords were of three early Wilson'sat AndrewsI, sparinglyin all 3 statesin the Region. Ga., July 4 (HG) and a late and mostsurprising inland bird on the water at L. JordanJune 4 (KK).Though the latter bird was HAWKS THROUGH COOTS -- Althoughthere havebeen not positivelyidentified, it almostcertainly wasa Red-necked more recentsightings than normal of Am. Swallow-tailedKites along the SavannahR. between Augusta and Savannah,Ga. GULLS THROUGH CAPRIMULGIDS -- Again this sum- (RC et at.), there has apparentlybeen a sharpdecline in num- mer, hard data on gull and tern colonieswere sparse.Several bers in Francis Marion N.F., S.C. (fide PN). Likely the first colonies on barrier islands at Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore, nestingfor MississippiKite at Sumter,S.C., occurred this sum- N.C., did not fare well becauseof stormtides (fide KT). Over mer, when a pair built a nesthigh abovea homein a residential the pastfew yearsin that state(at least),the nestingpopulations area (ED)! There were no new nesting sites reported for Bald of Common,Gull-billed, and Leastterns, plus Black Skimmers, Eaglesin the Region,although North Carolina's2 known active have declined;whereas Royal and Sandwichterns have no- pairs in 1985 bred again this year. The eagle roost at Jordan ticeably increased.A Great Black-backedGull at JekyllI., July L, N.C., had 34+ birds July 23 (SH, fide BW), and there were 13 (LT) was notable for the seasonin Georgia.In the Greens- apparently40+ eaglespresent at the lake during that month. boro,N.C., areawere up to eightRing-billed Gulls all summer, Post-breedingnumbers of eaglesin the Regionseem to be rising, and a CaspianTern and three Forster'sTerns July 10 (HH) A althoughnesting totals (when comparedwith thosein neigh- few SootyTerns were againnoted at CapeHatteras during the boringFlorida, Virginia, and Maryland) are mysteriouslylow. summer, but no nest could be found this year, unlike 1985 S•ngle N. Harriers were seen at Pungo N.W.R., N.C., June 7 (fide KT). On the other hand, Georgiabirders observeda re- (ML, HL) and RoanokeI., N.C., July 14 (GW). The birds may markable 30+ Sootiesoff Jekyll I., June 14, plus 16 Bridled have just been visitors, but both sites contain extensive Terns (fide PB). Five Black Terns were somewhatearly July marshesand conceivablycould supportnesting pairs. An ad. 13 in n.e. Laurens Co., Ga. (TKP). Fussell had a surprising Sharp-shinnedHawk carryingfood near Pinehurst June 8 (JHC) number of singingWhip-poor-wills near the North Carohna was the first indication of nestingfor the North Carolina Sand- coast,where generallyunknown in summer a decadeago He halls.Also strongly suggestive of breedingwas the presenceof heard six in CravenCo., May 12, four in w. CarteretCo., June two ad. Cooper'sHawks in n. Fulton Co., Ga., for much of the 1, and two in e. BrunswickCo., June8. summer,followed by up to four fledgedjuveniles after mid- July(TM). Few Broad-wingedHawks breed in the CoastalPlain; thus, notablefor this province were summer reportsfrom w. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS-- The only Gray Carteret Co., N.C. (TW, JS),Sumter, S.C. (ED), Columbia, S.C. Kingbirdsightings were all from Georgiaand were of likely (JEC,LG), and near Newton, Ga. (ML, WB). It is difficult to say breeders--the"usual pair" at SeaI. (fide TM), oneat St. Simons •f the beleagerednesting population of Am. Kestrelsis increas- I. lighthouseJune 13 (PR),and a pair feedingthree youngon ing,but the CarolinaRaptor Center near Charlotte, N.C., alone JekyllI. in late June(LT). Georgiaalso had the only Scissor- reportedat least 7 nestingsin the s. Piedmontof that state tailedFlycatcher--one seen and photographed just s. of Darien (fide DB). It seemsapparent that the birds are avoidingagri- June9 (LT). An excellentcount of Horned Larksnear the edge cultural lands for nestingterritories (presumablybecause of of the rangewas of 6 to 8 pairs near Sumter May 18 (ED, JB) pesticideproblems); nesting habitats included a shoppingmall It was only a matter of time until the Region'sfirst breeding and the dam of a largereservoir. recordof Tree Swallow would be noted. Insteadof beingm Single Black Rails were calling on territory at new North upper North Carolina,where one might expect,the first nest Carolina sites(and counties?)near Hobuckenin Pamlico Co. was at L. Juliette, Monroe Co., Ga., in the c. part of the state, •n late May (JF) and TopsailI., Onslow Co., June1 (GG). This June 6 (TJ, TH). Unfortunately, the hollow tree with the nest statemay well containthe mostwidespread Black Rail nesting was later blown down.Notable in that samemonth, and pre- populationsin the country. Two pairs of Purple Gallinules at sumablymigrants, were Tree Swallowsnear Wilmington,N C, SeaPond in BakerCo., Ga., this summer(ML et at.) were likely June 15 (JN) and AugustaJune 7 (SCG).Cliff Swallowswere at a new site, also.An Am. Coot again summeredat Peachtree finally found breedingat Falls L., N.C.; in fact, nestswere ob- C•ty L., Ga. (PB). servedat 3 sitesat the lake (HL, ML, KL). A few Fish Crows were seenand heard during the seasonat Greensboro(HH), SHOREBIRDS--Exciting news was Fussell's survey of not really surprisingbecause the specieshas been reported on nestingPiping Plovers in partsof CapeLookout Nat'l Seashore, several occasionsat nearby High Point. The White-breasted N C. (PortsmouthI. to Cape Lookout).He found 25 territories, Nuthatch generally doesnot breed in most coastalcounties,

1192 American Birds,Winter 1986 thus, quite unusualwere three at GreenfieldL in Wilming- TANAGERS THROUGH CARDUELINES -- Rare for the ton this summer (KKo) and one in w. Carteret Co., N.C., Sandhalls•n summer was a • Scarlet Tanager near Hoffman, July 11 (HHa). N.C., June19 {PM). Dickcisselsseen in the springat 3 Piedmont A nestingcolony of CedarWaxwings was againpresent near locationsremained into June. One pair nested at Raleigh,with Winston-Salem, N.C., where 12 nestswere counted, though at leastone juvenile fledged{RD, HL); but near KingsMountain, only3 weredefiniteely active (RS). There were a few scattered N.C., no nestingevidence other than a territorial male could June-Julyreports from other Piedmontlocales, as usual,but be found {PH). At Townville, S.C., at least eight birds were waxwingsapparently nested in the CoastalPlain at Merchants seenin early June{CW), althoughno fledglingswere reported Mfilpond S.P.,N.C. At this park, a few were seenall summer, RobinCarter found Bachman'sSparrows this seasonin 3 Pied- and two juveniles were noted July 19 (FW et al.). mont countiesin South Carolina--Chester, Saluda, and Union, and he had a remarkable30 GrasshopperSparrows in a single SoA. field near CrossKeys in Union County this summer. A good There were mixed reviewson the LoggerheadShrike find was severalsinging Grasshopper Sparrows July 6 near the s•tuation.The speciesis clearly endangeredin mostof edgeof the rangein s. Wayne Co., N.C. {EDe).The first tem- North Carolina as a breeder, though a few observersin torial Henslow's Sparrow in South Carolina since the 1950s that state seem to be optimistic.In South Carolina and was one singingJune 1-July 4, with three presentJune 22, •n Georgia,the declinehas been less severe and some bird- the GrasshopperSparrow field mentionedabove {RC). Hens- erscontend that numbersare holdingtheir own in recent low's were again found at several North Carolina clear-cuts summers. The shrike decline in the East is certainly a in the CoastalPlain, where reportedin previousyears, with geographic,"clinal" one. The decreasecontinues to move 20+ birds in at least 2 sites in Pitt and Edgecombecounties southward,and I suspectthat somesort of diseasemay {AB,JW, SS).The only new localesin that statereported were be partly responsible.Can such a clinal decreasein in s.w.Onslow County, near NC 50 {JF).A late lingerer,possibly shrikesbe explainedby pesticideuse, habitat loss,de- injured, was a White-throatedSparrow at RaleighJune 26 (DC) cline in thorny shrubs and trees, or competitionfrom Althoughit is not unusualto find an imm. Yellow-headed other bird species? Blackbird along the coastin late summer or fall, an ad. male at Folly Beach,S.C., July 24-28 (VH, WP) was quite unexpected Northern Orioles nest very sparingly and erratically in n Completelysurprising was the return of a SolitaryVireo to Georgia;thus, a reportthat openedeyes was of 7-8 pairsnesting m•st netsat Oriental,N.C., July16 (DF), almostone year after in a city park in Macon {TI, TKP). Sincethere has been prac- •t had been bandedthere as a juvenile! This tidewater town tically no one reporting from this city for many years, one •s far e. of the usualbreeding range. Yet mostunusual was a wondersif this nestingis a new phenomenonor hasbeen going Warbling Vireo singing,apparently on territory, at a cypress on for a few years. A • N. Oriole was notable in e. Greenville pondin e. Halifax Co., N.C., June7 (ML, HL). This is the first Co., S.C.,June 8 (CW). The first positivenesting of HouseFinch territorial bird reportedin the Regionin decades. for Dublin, Ga., was noted in mid-July (TKP). A most tardy Red Crossbillvisited a Chapel Hill, N.C., feeder June 11-12 WARBLERS--There were few new breedingrange ex- {CH, DA). A pair of Am. Goldfinchesin w. Craven Co., N.C, tensrunsuncovered for warblers, obviously a result of insuf- July 12 {BHo)was somewhate. of the usual breedingrange. ficient birding effort (e.g.,no atlas projects,as yet). However, Fussell combed much of the lower Coastal Plain of North Car- ohna, finding the Black-and-whiteWarbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Ovenbird occurringsouth to Pender and Bruns- wick counties. In fact, he heard 20 territorial Worm-eatings smg•ngin Green Swamp in Brunswick Co., June 7. Several OBSERVERS -- RobertAke, Dennis Alwon, Henry Armistead, Black-and-whiteswere noted persistentlyduring the season WilsonBaker, Jimmy Beatty, Carroll Belser, Patrick Brisse, Dick m Cumberland Co., N.C. (PJC),where normally absent.And Brown,Allen Bryan,Derb Carter, J.H. Carter III, RobinCarter, J.E M Lynch et al. tallied 36 Ovenbirdson a BreedingBird Survey Cely,David Cobb,Bob Cowgill, P.J. Crutchfield, Ricky Davis,Ev- route in Hertford and Gates counties, N.C., also in the Coastal elyn Dabbs,Eric Dean (EDe),Paul DuMont, Dorothy Foy, John Plato. Three territorial CeruleanWarblers along the Roanoke Fussell,Hugh Garrett,Lex Glover,Gilbert Grant,S.C. Guy, Henry R near Quitsna,Bertie Co., N.C., Apr. 26 (ML) were near the Haberyan(HHa}, Carol Hamilton, John Hardwick, Paul Hart, Vivian Hembree,Herb Hendrickson,Tom Hicks, Bill Hilton Jr., Bob lower limit of this disjunct population;whereas one singing Holmes(BHo}, Milton Hopkins,Sam Hudson,Nancy Iha, Ty Ivey, Apr 27, if on territory, was at the upper limit near Weldon Terry Johnson,Kitty Kosh(KKo}, Kathy Kuyper,Wilson Laney, (RY) Another Ceruleanon territory all May and Juneat Tryon, Harry LeGrand,Karen Lynch, Merrill Lynch,Phil Manor,Terry N C (ST), was slightly to the eastof the main breedingrange Moore, Tom Murphy (TMu}; JeremyNance, Perry Nugent, Bob (in the mountains).Two BlackburnianWarblers were early Odear, T.K. Patterson,Will Post,Paul Raney, JackSchultz, Susan m•grantsat the ChattahoocheeR., n. of Atlanta, July 27 (PR). Sferra,Ramona Snavely, Dennis Stewart, Lydia Thompson, Simon The very early migration of the LouisianaWaterthrush was Thompson,Barry Truitt, Kent Turner, Bill Wagner, Margaret broughtout by the sightingof 15 birdsJuly 31 alonga 14-mi Wagner,Steve Wagner, Tony Whlte, Floyd Williams,Gary Wd- stretch of the Flint R., Baker Co., Ga. (ML, WB), where the liamson,Charlie Wooten, John Wright, Randy Yelverton.--HARRY speciesdoes not breed. E. LeGRAND, JR., 331 Yadkin Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609.

FLORIDA REGION

Richard T. Paul derstormsare the rule here duringthe summerrainy season (about 60% of our annual rainfall occurs during June to September),and some are bound to be frog-chokers.Pos- summerfterasomewhat conditionsdrier-than-usual were ordinary, springwith near-normalinFlorida, sibly drier than the rest of the Regionwas the Tallahassee temperaturesand rainfall throughoutthe state.To be sure, Division, where Henry Stevensonnoted some effectsfrom there were some locally heavy rains. But afternoon thun- the prolonged drought affecting the southeasternUnited

Volume 40, Number 5 1193 ,CENTRALSOUTHERN years.Breeding was newly documentedat Broken I., Charlotte REGION Harbor (RP, RWR}; Placida, GasparillaSound (RP};and the n. BananaRiver (RP, BPL}.Also, a remarkable 41 fledglingswere •,•'-• t •_.J DIVISIONi,•.• OCEAN countedJune 4 at the Haulover colonyat Merritt IslandN.W.R. (RP}.Single Reddish Egretswere found n. of normal range at •-- •Tallahassee-• [• ..---• • Live" Oak ' •• St- JohnRiver St. Marks N.W.R., June 7 (RG}, and St. GeorgeI., July 15-16 •er • •[j. ß • •amesw.e• • (DB}, where they are still scarcebut increasing. / • - T/ST.•*e•S/NAT'L • NORTHERNß , • St.George Is. / UOg/wlLDL•F•e oc•, • •DaytonaBeach Noteworthy concentrationsof feedingwading birdsoccurred at the Ft. Pierce mudfiatsJuly 13 and Duda Farms July 27. At AlligatorCedar I Orlando• •erritt ts Ft. Pierce,JMB found 500 Great Egrets,230 Snowies,54 spoon- Point Key• Co;• ' bills, and 95 Wood Storks. At Duda Farms were 210 Little Blues, . / . .., , - •Melbourne 840 Great Egrets,530 Snowies,240 Black-crownedNight-Her- St. Petersburg• ...... ons, and 745 Wood Storks {PWS}.An unusual aggregationof 80 Green-backedHerons was at PeacockPond, Wellington, Sarasota•t beDring' •L. Okeechobee July 31 (PWS}. Five thousandpairs of White Ibisesnested at SeahorseKey • •anmm•s.•e Fort ,_.•[HATCHEE (CedarKeys N.W.R.}, 10 times the 1985 total and the first large •or•screw •wamp-• Lauderdale• NAT'L nesting effort there since 1978 (LH}. At Alafia Bank, White Ibises increased to 3900 pairs, 60% more than last year but well below numbersof 1982-1984 {RP}.Development of important feedingareas s.e. of Tampa alongthe newly completed , , DryTortugas Key • •.•.• Flamingo 1-75 may be one reason.One White x ScarletIbis hybrid was I FlORIdAI •. West•UpperKeys seen,June 19-20 at PaynesPrairie in a Cattle Egret-White Ibis I ...... B • Pine Key' • roost, the first in that locality since 1982 {BM}. Of 3 reports of I I LOWERKEYS • FloridaBay GlossyIbis in the Tally Div., one was of a scarce inland bird at the Tallahasseesewage plant sprayfieldJuly 23-24 (HS, JS}. RoseateSpoonbills occasionally straggle inland; this year three were found at Lake Parker June 25 (BC}, one at C.S.M., June States. But there too, summer rains were near normal once 22 (PF, SB), a flock of 30 at Lower Myakka Lake July 5 (BL}, they began. and anotherflock at Duda Farmsthat peakedat 115 July Fortunately, 1986 marks the beginningof the five-year 27 (PWS). Florida Breeding Bird Atlas project. This project should S.A. greatly improve our knowledgeof breedingbird distribu- There was good news and bad news about Wood tion here, and, I hope, also this column. Some of the early Storks.Aerial and supplementaryground surveysof all finds are noted below. known active sites(including 3 new ones}in April and ABBREVIATIONS--C.S.M. = Clear Springsand adjacent Juneproduced a preliminary estimateof 5850 breeding phosphatemines; D.T. = Dry Tortugas;F.S.M. = FloridaState Mu- pairsin Florida, Georgia,and South Carolina (about5100 seum; G.F.C. = Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; in Florida}.This is comparableto revisedpopulation es- S.F.H.S.P. = San Felasco Hammock State Preserve; Tally Div. timates for the last 3 years, and suggeststhat the pop- = TallahasseeDivision; T.T. = Tall Timbers ResearchStation. Place ulation may have reached a stable level. If so, credit names in itolics are counties. goes to the more northerly colonies, which have increasedin recent years and which this year produced SHEARWATERS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS--The approximately1.8 youngper pair--twice the production only shearwaterreported this seasonwas a Cory'snear Rebecca of 1985. Bad news continues in S. Florida, however, Lightoff Key West,in July(DL, AM). A White-tailedTropicbird where just 2 colonieswere active: Cuthbert, with 375 was seen 25 mi e. of Boynton Beach by Alan Bucknet {fide pairs, and Corkscrew,with 250. At the latter site, only HL}. Summering Am. White Pelicans were reported from 2 12 pairs were successful,producing 20 young. These inland sites this year, with numbers peaking at 60 at C.S.M., dismal results are a reminder that something is pro- June22 {PF,SB} and õ0 at Lower Myakka L., July õ {BL}.Also foundly wrong with South Florida wetlands systems inland were 11 Brown Pelicans over Winter Haven's Street (JCO, JR, EC). Nature Center June I {BC}.Brown Pelicansnested at Passage Key for the 2nd time in memory, with 40 pairs countedJune 7 {LH}. At least 30 Brown Pelicans died at Port Canaveral in With the spoonbillsat Duda Farms on July 27 was a Greater early June;the suspectedcause was methyl-ethyl-ketone{BPL}. Flamingo, origins unknown (PWS). Along the s.w. coast,Brown Pelicansnested in greater abundance than usual {580 pairs} but numbers dropped off fast in WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- Fulvous Whistling-Ducks at mid-May. Local fishermen reported bait and inshore fishing Duda Farms peaked at 1675 June8, well above last year's high were down, a possibleexplanation for pelican nestingfailures but only one-third of the 1984 maximum (PWS). Two Black- {TB}.Double-crested Cormorants are now almostregular inland bellled Whistling-Ducks at Duda Farms June 15 appeared to in the Tally Div.; one was found near TallahasseeJune 4, three be, and may have been, wild birds (PWS).The high count of more in ModisonJune 21, and four to five on L. Munson, Leon, Mottled Ducksat Duda was on June15, when 1110 were tallied in July {HS,TM}. MagnificentFrigatebirds may nest annually (PWS).East of TallahasseeJuly 8 was a rather large-for-summer at the MarquesasKeys, but I do not receive annual reports. flock of 38 CanadaGeese (HS, TM). None was immature. Forty- Therefore 10 small young seen in July {TW} were welcome five Wood Ducks were seenat PeacockPond, Wellington, July news.Straying inland and caughtat it was one frigatebirdseen 31, a high count (PWS). Two pairs of Blue-winged Teal were over Street Nature Center July 26 {BC}. observedthroughout the period at Duda Farms (PWS, JS,BJ). Sykesalso reported a singleRing-necked Duck with very worn HERONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS -- SingleGreat White plumage at Duda July 19. A large downy Ruddy Duck at Lake Heronswere n. of their normal rangeat 3 localities:St. Marks Munsonin the Tally Div. was seenJuly 4 but not subsequently N.W.R. (entire period; RG, JC},Duda Farms near Belle Glade (HS, TM). July 13 & 27 {PWS},and W. Delray sewageponds July 17 {PWS}. The Ospreypopulation of Monroe is now under review by ReddishEgrets continued their strongrecovery of recent the G.F.C. for listing asThreatened or Special Concern,owing

1194 American Birds, Winter 1986 to apparents•gmficant dechne since the early 1970s A thor- 22 and July 5 (PF, SB) Also summeringwere 30 Red Knots oughsurvey is needed.Twenty-three Ospreysfeeding off St. that remainedat CaseyKey throughoutthe period (S & AS) Teresa,Franklin, July 30 were consideredan unusualconcen- But wasa MarbledGodwit at St. Marks N.W.R. on July13 (RG) tration (TM). summering,or an early fall migrant?Lesser Yellowlegs peaked Once again Am. Swallow-tailed Kites were seen in s. Jack- at 5310 at Duda Farms July 19 (PWS).A Solitary Sandpiper sonville(one, June 9; PP,MD), Gainesville(numerous sightings, flew over ArchboldBiological Station July 18 (GW, JF). Two primarily near Devil's Millhopper where nesting was sus- UplandSandpipers were presentJuly 28 at CapeCoral (RWR) pected;BM), and Polk (2 reports,including one of 11 birds High countsof 1800+ SemipalmatedSandpipers and six White- roostingin one tree in the Green Swamp July 6--BC, LG et rumpedSandpipers were at C.S.M.,July 27 (PF). At least 100 al ) But mind-bogglingwas the report (by G.F.C. Nongame PectoralSandpipers were recordedat the Tallahasseesewage BiologistBrian Millsap) of 684+ Swallow-tailedscounted in lagoonJuly 23 after heavy rains (JS),while anotheron the an hour late on July 26, n. of Moore Haven! This may be a samedate was 4 daysearlier than the previousearly fall date stagingarea for fall migrants(see also AB 32:1151and 34:388). for Alachua (SN). G F.C. studiesat the site will continue. June surveysof Lake A $ Ruff was seenwell at Duda Farms July 19, and a female Klssimmeeproduced a tally of 32 Snail Kites (BC, LG, GC). 8 days later (PWS).Six dowitchers(sp.), uncommon anytime Another 14 were foundJuly 31 at PeacockPond, where Sykes in Alachua, were unusually early at KanapahaPrairie July 23 thought they might have nested. (SN). Florida breedingrecords of Am. Woodcocksare rare, so BaldEagles enjoyed another successful year. The G.F.C.an- the report of a pair flushedbut not relocatedin ColumbiaJuly nual aerial surveytallied 329 active nests(plus a number of I was tantalizing(PDS). Two Wilson'sPhalaropes were reported unknowns,so we are not really down 60 from last year), of this season,one in full basic plumageat Duda Farms July 19 which 75% were successful.Average reproductive success was (PWS),and another at C.S.M., July 27 (PF). I 3 young per active nest, excellent for this species(SN). In the Tally Div., Bald Eaglesare consideredrare but possibly LARIDS -- LaughingGulls in the Tally Div. commuted,as increasinglocally. An adult was seenn. of BristolJuly 5 (JM), last year, from the coastto Tallahasseelandfills and sewage whfie at St. Teresa an immature was present July 30 and an ponds.About 3300 pairs of Laughing Gulls were nesting at adult the followingday (TM). PassageKey June 7 (LH), and approximately 4000 more on A pair of N. Harriers was seen several times in June and spoilislands in the BananaRiver June4 (RP,BPL). The largest early July in marshesaround Mill Cove, near the St. JohnsR. colony(Island "3D" in HillsboroughBay) was not censusedin mouth (BR).The speciesformerly bred sporadicallyin n. Flor- detail this year, but nestinggulls there againnumbered in the ida, might it again?Another harrier was seen in s.w. Madison tens of thousands(SP, RP). An ad. Great Black-backedGull at June 21 (TM, DW), possiblythe 5th summer record for the Ward's Bank near JacksonvilleJuly 8 provided an unusual Tally Div. A Cooper'sHawk was found July 11 "in suitable summer record (RR). nestinghabitat" in Citronelle, Citrus (SN). From the behavior There were 2 reportsof nestingGull-billed Terns: 4 nests of two ad. Cooper'sHawks seenJune 6 just n. of Myakka City, on BananaRiver spoilislands June 4 (RP,BPL) and 6 (with 21 BAM consideredit likely that they were a residentpair. Th•s adultspresent) at Duda FarmsJune 15 [PWS).The soleFlorida would be a new site, if confirmed. colony of CaspianTerns again formed on Island 3D, with 45 Two ad. Broad-wingedHawks with fledged young were pairs this year (RP). Royal Terns nested at 4 sites in the state foundJuly 21 in S.F.H.$.P.near Gainesville(RN). Four nesting 1035 pairs on 2 islandsin the Banana River [Merritt Island areasare now known in the Gainesvillearea (fide BM & SN). N.W.R.), 600 at PassageKey (RP),450 at Island 3D (RP),and 2 Another Broad-wingedwas seenJuly 5 along1-75, 10 min. of pairsJuly 14 on a rooftopin Vero Beach(BT). Success appeared Wildwood,carrying prey (JH).A rare black-phaseShort-tailed excellent at all sites except on the roof, where neither egg Hawk was seenJuly 6 in the Green Swamp (BC, LG, GC, E & hatched.With the roof-nestingRoyals were 20 pairsof Least LS),the lone reportof this species.Thirteen Am. Kestrels(the Terns (BT); other roof-nestingLeasts were spottedin Talla- resident race paulus)were found in Sumter during July (DG, hassee(2 colonies,numbers unstated; HS), and Ft. Pierce(100+ BP) There were no other reports of this disappearinglittle birds;B & HD). Other noteworthyrecords of breed.ing Least falcon. Ternscame from Ft. Lauderdale,where about50 youngfledged from "the first beachfrontcolony in memory" (WG), 12 pairs RAILS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- Up to eight Black from St. Marks N.W.R. [RG), and 565 pairs in 5 coloniesfrom Rails were heard calling alonga 3-mi stretch of levee in n.w. St. Augustineto the St. JohnsRiver mouth (PP).A moribund BrowardJune 6 (BN)through mid-month (BH, GH, HL). Rising Sooty Tern was found on Big Pine Key July 12 (JO). Black waters inundatedthe site by the 3rd week in June,and rails Terns were seenat Duda Farms as early asJune 8 (PWS),prob- were not heard thereafter.W. Georgewrote that they were ably alreadysouthbound; a high countthere was 101,on July "obviou'slycalling on territory but no positive evidence of 27 (PWS). nesting (nests,young birds) was detected." At Duda Farms, For the 2rid year Black Skimmers nested inland at Duda 1200'Com. Moorhenswere counted June 8--a high for that Farms,where up to 77 birds were presentthrough the period site (PWS,BJ). A broodof four moorhenchicks was seenat the Sykesfound at least8 nestsin 3 differentnesting attempts, all Key West golfcourse pond June 12, for an uncommonKeys of which failed.About 180 pairsnested at PassageKey (RP, nestingrecord (JO). Sev•n Purple Gallinuleswere reported LH), 130 at Island3D, 100 on the Howard FranklandCauseway, from Key West and Big Pine Key in June,a surprisinglyhigh 95 in Clearwater Harbor (RP), and 100+ at CaxambasPass number for the Lower Keys (JO).A Limpkin was found July near Marco (TB). None was attracted to a managed(scarified) 12 at Ft. Jefferson,D.T., for the 3rd summer recordthere (TR). site prepared for them in San Carlos Bay, but an unstated Snowy Ploverscontinued to nest at CaseyKey, where Sted- number nested not far away--with Least Terns, Wilson's mans reportedone of 3 nestssuccessful in June. Two birds Ploversand Black-neckedStilts--in a Ft. Myers housingde- were alsoseen at Midnight PassJune 7 (EM, BZ). This species velopment (RWR). is on the G.F.C. Threatened list but has received scant attention exceptfrom a few local observers.A programto identify the DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- A pair of White- importantnatural beaches and recommend•guidelines for pro- wingedDoves with at leastone fledgedyoung in Martin "west tection where feasibleis urgently needed! of the Fla. Turnpike" in mid-Junemarked a new breeding Black-neckedStilt numberspeaked at 226+ at C.S.M.,July locality for this spreadingspecies (GB). Collared Doves (Strep- 27 (PF), and 1475 at Duda FarmsJuly 19, where hundredsof topella decaocto)have expanded their range in rural Dade, nestswith eggshad been present in June(PWS, BJ). Summering and are beginningto be seenin E.N.P. (OB).Two large Monk Am Avocetswere numerousat C.S.M., with 46 countedJune Parakeetnests were found on Plantation Key in July. One, •n

Volume 40, Number 5 1195 a NorfolkIsland pine, was attended by up to 14 birdsincluding partmerit,EM reportedthe fledglngof broodsof N. Mocking- luveniles, while the other was daringly plasteredto the side birdsin her Sarasotaback yard in April, May, June,and July, of a house and supportedby electrical and telephone lines raisingthe possibilityof a four-broodedpair! (KS). A Mangrove Cuckoo was seen carrying food on Sum- As with Gray Kingbirds,Black-whiskered Vireos were con- merlandKey June18 (JO).Two morewere seenJune 6 just s. sideredunusually scarce at Ft. DeSoto,possibly for the same of the Clearwater/St.Petersburg airport, a week afteran earlier reasons(LA). A bird identified as a "Brewster's"Warbler was sightingat the samelocation (Paul Trunk). A pair of Yellow- seenat CorkscrewJuly 20 (JB).Northern Parulasare among billed Cuckoosseen copulating near TallahasseeJuly 27 stim- ourearly fall migrantwarblers, and one at HypoluxoI., June ulated HS to commentthe speciesis a late migrant,arriving 26was so classified (PS). But a pairfeeding two young at Crow- in the Tally Div. as late as early July, and breedslate into the ley NatureCenter, Sarasota, May 17 waslocal, as perhaps was summer. a N. Parula singingJune 18 at Nokomis(S & AS).Single Yellow Familiesof BurrowingOwls in St. Lucieand Sumterin June and Black-and-whitewarblers near Tallahaseeon July 7 & 8, andJuly, respectively, established new countybreeding records respectively,provided Florida's earliest fall migrantrecords (GB,DG, BP).Common Nighthawks were thoughtto be down known to HS for thosespecies. A Worm-eatingWarbler was in numbersin the Tally Div. (HS, CharlesWatt), but on the observedforaging on the chimney of the Street Nature Center other side of the ledger was a count of 113 in a 360ø scan at in Polk July 27 (BC). Considereda probablebreeder was the the WestDelray sewageponds June 14 (PWS).Antillean Night- Swainsoh'sWarbler found singing June 10, 13, & 18 at S.F.HS.P hawkswere seenregularly at BigPine Key duringthe period, (RN),providing the only arearecord for the species.The Lou- with a high of six recordedJuly I (JO).Twenty-five Chimney isianaWaterthrush is anotherearly migrant;of three reported Swiftsin downtownSarasota July 23 wasa highnumber (EM); this year, the earliestwas alongthe Aucilla River near U.S 98 do they breed any farther southalong the s.w. Gulf Coast? on July 8 (HS, TM). As last year, Yellow-breastedChats were A Ruby-throatedHummingbird nest next to the Corkscrew foundsinging at PaynesPrairie State Preserve in June(Craig Sanctuaryboardwalk apparently furnished the first confirmed Parenteau).At leastthree chatswere locatedJune 23 in second- Colliernesting (Greg & PaulaSeamon, TB). The earliestBelted growth pine flatwoodsin Bradford,n.e. of Gainesville.,where Kingfisherreported was at HutchinsonI., July5 (JB).Two Red- there had been just one previousrecord since1974 (Linda headed Woodpeckernests found near Parkland, in extreme Caine). n w. Broward,June 6 andin July,were far southfor this species and the first in the countyin 3 years(WG). A pair of Red- GROSBEAKSTHROUGH ORIOLES-- Sumteris notquite cockadedWoodpeckers was found excavating a cavityApr. 27 at the s. limit of breedingrange for Blue Grosbeaks,but three in large pineland in St. Lucie newly accessibleto observers, broodsfound there in Julywere neverthelesswelcome confir- ironically,because of development(H & WD, JMB). mationof breeding(DG, BP). Three singingField Sparrowsin s.e.Madison June 21 were not confirmedbreeding (HS). A • KINGBIRDS THROUGH THRUSHES- A drastic decline Bobolinkat St. Marks N.W.R., June 10 was very late (RG). Shiny in Gray Kingbird numberswas noted at Ft. DeSoto,where LA Cowbirdswere againfound in the Keys,with three malesin saw just one pair all season.She suggested2 possiblecauses: IslamoradaJuly 5 (P. William Smith, Sue Dolder). Brown- habitat damagefrom freezesin previousyears, and cowbird headedCowbirds were reportedfrom the far cornersof Florida, parasitism.Fifty-six PurpleMartins at Duda June15 were the with confirmednestings at PaynesPrairie and S.F.H.S.P.(the earliestmigrants reported (PWS). Thousands of martinsat Wait host/victims were Summer Tanagersand Red-eyedVireos, DisneyWorld in late July were a notableaggregation (WF). respectively;CP, JCB). The PaynesPrairie fledglingwas killed Barn Swallows,uncommon breeders anywhere in Florida and on its maiden flight by a dog, * to F.S.M.! Two pairs, but no newly found nestingin Pinellasin May (seespring report), young,were seenthroughout the periodon Pine Island(RWR), were found nestingat 2 new localities:under a bridgealong sevenwere at C.S.M.;July 13 (PF,Mae Hartshaw),and three-- 1-75(2 nests,no date)in Hamilton(PDS), and just n.e.of Venice, two malesand a female--were at a feederon PlantationKey Sarasota(a nest with five large young, June 24, in a culvert June28 (JCO).The rapid southwardspread of this species,and under 1-75). The latter was well south of previousFlorida arrival of the precedingspecies, should remind us all to watch nestingrecords (L & BA; photosto T.T.). for possiblepopulation declines in smallpasserines. A pair of The first BrowardScrub Jay in 8 yearswas foundJune 6. It Orchard Orioleswas confirmedbreeding in Junein Orlando will probably alsobe the last, as it inhabits a relict 20 acresof (ST), a slight range extension.Another individual was consid- scrubin PompanoBeach surrounded by housingdevelopments ered a very early migrant at the Gulf Stream Golf Coursem (Ted Hendrickson).At least 12 Brown-headedNuthatches Palm BeachJuly 29 (PWS). founds.w. of Ft. PierceApr. 27 and May 18 providedthe 2nd and 3rd St. Lucierecords, and the firstin the breedingseason. CORRIGENDA -- In AB 39:905,a • Brown-headedCowbird at They were in the samepineland as the Red-cockadedWood- Archbold BiologicalStation was the first summer area record peckersnoted previously (H & WD, JMB).An E. Bluebirdnest knownto FL (FredLohrer}, not "Florida".Also, Amazon parrots foundJune 5 in an abandonedRed-cockaded Woodpecker nest reportedfrom Tampa June 3, 1984(AB 38:1013) as "Blue-fronted" was the first onein PalmBeach in 30 years(MR). A very late and "Violet-crowned"Parrots are correctlythe Mealy Parrot Swainsoh'sThrush was found dazedin Lake Worth June2 (A Amazonafarinosa and Lilac-crowned Parrot A. finschi. & PW), revived,and released.Wood Thrushesappear to be increasingnear Gainesville,where RN reportedabout 5 times PAiRTING SHOTS--Two reportswere rejectedfor lack of supportingevidence: three HudsonianGodwits at FlamingoJuly as many as last year in S.F.H.S.P.American Robinsin Jack- 26, andYellow Sparrow (Passer luteus} at BigPine Key fromJune sonvillestaged a smallincrease of their own,with threesinging 4 throughthe endof the period.We RegionalEditors necessarily males found where one pair was known in 1984 and 1985 acceptmost recordson faith, but cannot do so when accidentalor (KatherineUmstot). improbablespecies are reported. Unfortunately, some good infor- MIMIDS THROUGH WARBLERS-- Gray Catbirdsbreed mationwill be lostwhen unsupported rarities are rejected. Please sporadicallyin n. Florida.At leastthree were foundJune 26 submitthe evidence supporting your outstanding finds to the Re- gionalEditor, and to the FloridaOrnithological Society Records on the w. sideof LakeJackson, where they havenested pre- Committee. viously (HS). A pair was alsofound in s.w. MadisonJune 21 (TM, DW), and a nestin Lake City June11. Sing]e,apparently CONTBIBUTORSAND OBSERVERS(Area editors in bold- early migrant, catbirdswere found July 18 at a birdbath on face)-- Lyn & BrooksAtherton, Oron Bass,Steve Bassett, Ted CaseyKey (S & AS) and July 27 in the Green Swamp(PT). Below,Jan BoRe, Greg Braun, Jane M. Brooks,Dana Bryan, Judy Nesting Brown Thrashers in Key West, not content with a C. Bryan,Ed Carlson,James Cavanagh, Gina Clark,Buck Cooper, springbrood, produceda 2nd in July (JO). In the same de- Mary Davidson,Bill & Helen Dowling,Paul Fellers,John Fitzpa-

1196 AmencanBirds, Winter 1986 trick,Dot Freeman, Wdson Freeman, Chuck Geanangel, W•lly W Repenmng,Mark Robson,Jim Rodgers, Rex Rowan,Bob Richter, George,Red Gidden, Linda Grable, Debbie Grimes,Larry Hartis, Tom Rutledge,Eddie & Lois Schwartz, Pete D. Southall, Stanley John Hintermister, Brian Hope, Gloria Hunter, Bill James,Herb & Annette Stedman, Henry Stevenson, Jim Stevenson, Karen Kale, Cecil Kilmer, Howard Langridge, Bill P. Leenhouts,Bill Sunderland,Joan Sykes, Paul W. Sykes,Pete Timmer, Brian To- Lewis, DebbieLiggett, Fred Lohrer, Edith Miller, Brian A. Millsap, land, Sonja Toiler, Ann & Phil Weinrich, Dee Wilder, Glen Wool- JohnMorrill, Tom Morrill, Alan Mueller, Barbara Muschlitz, Steve fenden, Beverly Zimmer.--RICHARD T. PAUL, National Audu- Nesbitt, Bruce Neville, Reed Noss,John C. Ogden, JoeOndrejko, bon Society, Tampa Bay Sanctuaries, 410 Ware Blvd., Suite 500, CraigParenteau, Steve Patton, Becky Payne, Peggy Powell, Robert Tampa, FL 33619.

ONTARIO REGION

Ron D. Weir ßWawa CaP•4•re•i....

heof Ontario.summer Fromperiod thewas Ottawawet and valley cool westthroughout to Northmost Bay •' PP G•gama I•A¾ especially,frost and wet conditionslasting well into June •o took a heavy toll on insect-eatingbirds. Large numbers of '•LakeSuperior I SaultSaint [• •l•e .... • Cochrane• first broodsof swallows were killed in the nests,although Marie some adults did raise a secondbatch. The impact on the -- •--• theWoods .Marathon adults is uncertain, but some were thought to have per- •shed. In this first year following completionof the five-year Ontario BreedingBird Atlas, field work was less intense. However, observers were active in the extreme southwest working on the Natural Areas Surveyssponsored by World L. • • -• Cornwall• Wfidlife Fund Canada and many interesting discoveries were made.Extremely high water levelsalong the shoreline of the Great Lakesadversely affected the number of migrant • Marsh ø••olH fe Is. waders that stoppedenroute from Canada'sarctic. In spite I - ••Prince Edward of the varioushandicaps, Snowy Egretsnested for the first hme in Canada, and outstanding rarities included Black L.St.• • .London •NiagaraFalls g ONTARIO Vulture, Gray Kingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Black- • / • ,Fort Erie throated Gray Warbler. • • Long Point '• RondeauPP ABBREVIATIONS -- Pelee = Point Pelee National Park & vi- Point Pelee He L. ERIE cinity. Placenames in italics denotecounties.

LOONS THROUGH HERONS-- The only Red-throated ever. The nest containedthree downy youngJuly 6 (ph. RC, Loon reportedwas the individual rescuedfrom a runway at GBr).Wandering Snowies turned up in the Tiny marshJune the Pearsonairport, Toronto, in mid-June,after which it was 26 and July I (DH, RLB)and on Amherst I, June30 (fide BMD). releasedat the e. Headland (GMB).The 32 youngCom. Loons The only report of Little Blue Heron was from the St. Clmr rinsedon Quetico Lake were good numbers,and 96 adults N.W.A., July 16 (PAW).Cattle Egretnumbers were higher than gatheredon 2 other lakesin QueticoP.P., July 16 & 20 (SFP). in the past severalsummers. Two lingeredon Wolfe I., May The 10 at Morpeth,Kent, June 24 were in first-summerplumage 15-June 19 (N. Eves,DMa) and two summeredin e. Hamilton (AW, MSG).The lone HornedGrebe in breedingplumage at Bay (KAM). The others were five at Long Pt., July 6 (HGC), Dyer'sBay, Bruce,July 6 was the only one noted (JWJ).Two three in the Cranberry marshJune 15 (HGC et al.), and one m Red-neckedGrebes summered in L. Ontario off Mississauga Ottawa June 6 (ET). Hamilton Bay's Black-crownedNight- (fideBDP) and 11 were togetherat BurlingtonJune 8 (KAM). Herons increased their nest number to 180 from the 95 in Singlesappeared at OttawaJune 27 (SGet al.) and in the Thun- 1985 (LS). der Bayharbour July 12 (NGE).The numberof nestsof Double- crested Cormorants on 31 colonies in the Canadian Great Lakes SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Out-of-seasonTundra Swans increasedby 16%, from about 3310 in 1985 to 3850 this sum- in the s. were two immatures in the Tiny marsh all through mer. However,this was a slowerrate of increasethan in recent June (fide WEZ), three adults at Port Perry lagoonJune 18- years (DVW). The 25 nestsin Hamilton Bay (LS) marked a July26 (MJBet al.), an adult in AlgonquinP.P., June 17-23 for s•gnificantincrease over the 2 last year, which represented the park's 5th ever (AK et al.), and one at Omemeeponds July first-time breeders there. 31 (RJP).Thunder Bay'sspring Greater White-frontedGoose Three nestsof LeastBitterns were locatedin the Tiny marsh stayedto July 19 (NGE).Extremely rare for summerin the s near Elmvale during the period (DH) and three birds were was the ad. Snow Goose(blue) at Morpeth June13 (AW et al ) killed,presumably by cars,on the roadin Presqu'ileP.P. (RDM). Late Brant were 35 in Ottawa June 5 (BMD), two at Virginia- Away from their usual hauntswere singleGreat Egretsin e. town beach June 3-14 (PWR), and two on Amherst I., June 20- Hamilton Bay June7 (KAM), Cranberrymarsh at Whitby June 21 (DVW, K.F.N.). The last of the migrant Canada Geeseto 8 (MJBet al.), Lyal I., Bruce,June 11, perhapsthe sameone as passover Algonquin P.P. were seen June 18 (RGT). at Oliphant in early July (MP), and in Ottawa July 20 (FWM). The groupof 360Mallards at PeleeJune 8 wasthe only post- The two at Craigleith, Grey, were last seenJuly 13 (RLB).The breedingconcentration reported (AW). A • Cinnamon Teal, pmr of SnowyEgrets noted in the springreport in e. Hamilton whosemolt had begun,accompanied • Blue-wingedson Am- Bay nested,thereby providing Canada'sfirst breedingrecord herstI., July20 (RDW).The flockof 11 Gadwallin Algonquin

Volume 40, Number 5 1197 P.P., July 27 (DSt) provided only the 2nd perk record (RGT). the Townsend sewagelagoon in the period were a goodcount Two broodsof Redheadlocated during summer in Presqu'ile (MEG). One peir of Sandhill Craneswas found againin central P.P. (RDM) will hopefully augment the slowly-expending BruceJuly 3 (MP) and two were near Ottawa June23-July 17 breedingpopulation at the e. end of L. Ontario. Up to 11 Greater (ph. MGo). Scaup summered in peirs at Amherst I., but without any sign of nesting (K.F.N.). The one seen in Ottawa July 13 was con- SHOREBIRDS- One Piping Plover in e. Hamilton Bay sidered rare (BMD). Three Lesserssummered at Amherst I. June1-2 was the area'sfirst since1975 (JK,LM, RS et al.), but (K.F.N.) as did eight at Thunder Bay (NGE, IM). A lone female the speciesnested successfully at a site on Lake-of-the-Woods was in Cranberrymarsh July 12-30 (M]B). The ad. 8 Harlequin (TM). Stragglersin the poorspring flight of Whimbrels included Duck in Presqu'ile P.P., June 25 was out of seasonand had 16 in OshawaJune I (GAS, DB, MC) and singlesat Darlington begun its molt (RDM, JMR). Late White-winged Scoterswere Park June3 (MJB)and Toronto'se. Headland June15 (EJ).Late 250 off Amherst I., June I (JHE) and a lone bird at Hamilton migrant waders were a Ruddy Turnstone on Amherst I., June Beach June 8 (KAM). Single • Buffleheadswere unusual at 20 (K.F.N.), a Red Knot at Sudbury June 15 (JGL)--although MacGregor,Essex, June 25 (AW) and Casselmanlagoons, Rus- 22 had been in Ottawa June1 (BMD),five Sanderlingsand five sell,July 3-17 (BMD, JRHet al.). The • Red-breastedMerganser SemipelmatedSandpipers at LongPt., June 19 (AW, MF), and in AlgonquinP.P., June 1 (JS)was considereda rarity for sum- two Short-hilled Dowitchersin Hamilton Bay June 7 (KAM et mer. Some 14 of the 27 ad. Ruddy Ducks reported summered al.). The White-rumped Sandpiperflight in June was heavy in the Casselmanlagoons (BMD) and five summered in the with 141+ reports.They were headed by 43 at the Ridgetown Long Pt. area (MEG). Two were in Cranberry marsh June 7- and Blenheim ponds (AW), 16 at Pelee (AW), 13 at Sudbury 11 (fideMJB), four were in the Blenheimponds July 8-18 (AW, (JCN) and seven at Thunder Bay (NGE)--all June 13! Two MSG), and a peir in the Alfred lagoon,Prescott, July 5 had five northboundRed-necked Phalaropes were in the Almonte la- chicks (CH). goonJune 1-2 (VBL et al.), but it is uncertain which way the VULTURES THROUGH CRANES- The Black Vulture lonemale was headed that appearedin the Casselmanlagoon, at LongPt., July 2-3 (AW, AWM et al.) was Ontario's 8th since Bussell,June 26 (BMD). 1961 and 5th since 1980 as this species'status in the province Southboundshorebirds encountered extremely high water appearsto be changing.Turkey Vulture numbers were up in levels along the Great Lakes, and only a few sewageponds North Bay during the summer(RT), and the one at Matachewan were with exposedmuddy areas.Nevertheless, the chronology June15 was a first there (LT). NestingOspreys were reportedly of their first arrivals was documentednicely. Four migrant doing well at Quetico, where at least 5 nestsfledged young Spotted Sandpiperswere early at Pelee June 24 [AW, MSG). (SFP),in Peterboroughalso with 5 nests(DCS), and in Muskoka Movement of Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpipers,and and Parry Soundwhere 4 new nestsplaced on abandonedhy- Short-billedDowitchers was widespreadby June26, 28, & 30, dro polesand postsproduced young (TDIV0. Other successful respectively.A Stilt Sandpiperarrived at Ridgetownponds July nestsreported included 11 of Bald Eagle,6 of Cooper'sHawk, 4 (AW, MSG), another at Cranberry marsh July 6 (MJBet al.), and 8 of Merlin. The pair of Red-tailedHawks that raisedyoung and 10 were in the Wawanosh wetland, Lambton, by month's in Presqu'ileP.P. establisheda first perk nesting(C.W.S., RDM, end (DFR). An ad. Black-belliedPlover appearedat Long Pt., JMR). Single Peregrine Falcons were at Barrow Bay, Bruce, July 6 alongwith Greater Yellowlegs(AJ). The Greater Yellow- July 5 (TP) and in Quetico P.P., July 18 (DTF). Another legs at Kingston the same day was an earliest-ever arrival summered around the high-rise buildings in downtown [K.F.N.). At Presqu'ile P.P., 1he returning Ruddy Turnstones Ottawa (BMD). July 13 were only 28 daysafter the area'slast springmigrant Basedupon several visits this summerto WalpoleI., the area (RDM). More than usual numbers for the month were the • remains one of bast sites in Ontario for concentrations of N. Red-neckedPhalarope at Port Perry July 19 (M|B) and four in Bobwhites (YRT, SAC, CS). The specieswas reported from 4 Ottawa July 26 (BMD). Whimbrels numbered nine and 14 in other sites,2 of which were in the LongPt. area (MEG, DAS). Ottawa July 20 & 26 (BMD), and single W. Sandpiperswere One pair at Melbourne June 15 was with 12 young (DM) and near KingstonJuly 20-22 (JHE, RDW) and Port Perry July 23 a singlewas heard at Blenheim July 25 (KJB).Several families (MPW), after which two were found in the Wawanoshwetland of King Railswere seenon WalpoleI. (CS,PAW) throughsum- July 30 (DFR). The only Long-billedDowitcher reportswere mer, although their numberswere unusually low on nearby of singleadults in the Cranberry marsh July 23-26 (JMS,MJB) Squirrel I. (YRT, SAC). Individual Kingswere seenin the Long and at Ottawa July 28-29 for a first July record there (BMD et Pt. area to mid-June(L.P.B.O.) and one was heard in the Cran- al.). The first migrant Baird's Sandpiper and Buff-breasted berry marsh in late June (JL). The 20 broodsof Am. Coot in Sandpiperwere reported at Thunder Bay July 25 (NGE). One day later a heavy grounding of waders occurred at Ottawa consistingof two HudsonianGodwits in alternate plumage,a first ever in July (CH, TH), 22 Red Knots,1100 Semipelmated Sandpipers,a Baird's, and as noted above, Whimbrels (BMD).

GULLS, TERNS -- An ad. LaughingGull at Long Pt., June 2 furnished the only sighting of the period (DOL). The ad. Franklin'sat Ottawa June5 was thoughtto have lingeredfrom May (MG). Summering Little Gulls included two iramatures in Ottawa, which moltedinto their 2nd-winter plumage(ph. BMD et al.), nine iramatures in Cranberry marsh (MJB), and three adults with two flying juveniles at BassettI., L. St. Clair, July14-21 (fideDFR, MPW). A loneadult appeared at Presqu'ile P.P., July 31 (RJP,BMD). One ad. Corn. Black-headedGull was in L. Ontario just off the Cranberry marsh July I (DVR) where 200+ Bonaperte'sspent the summer(MJB). The first migrant ad. Bonaperte'swere detected at Long Pt., July 16 (AW, AJ) and Pelee July 25 (AW, MSG). The tenaciousRing-hilleds at- temptednesting again at the Nepeandump only to be ploughed under again (BMD). The Vaughan dump at Maple hostedan TwoSandhill Cranesat Ottawa,Ont., July 17, 1986.Photo/B.M. ad. Iceland Gull June 12 and an imm. GlaucousGull July 3 Di Labio. (GMB). The pair of LesserBlack-backed Gulls at Oliphant in

1198 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 Two Little Gulls in first-summerplumage (one year old) at Ot- tawa, Ont., July 16, 1086. Photo/B.M. Di Labio. early July (MP) showedno signsof nesting,but observersea- gerly await Ontario's first nest of this Europeanspecies. Great Black-backedGull nesting was confirmed at Presqu'ile P.P. One pair laid 2 eggsand another was seen with three young (C.W.S.,RDM, JMR).An ad. Herring x Great Black-backedhy- brid was found at Port Stanley July 4 (AW). Hamilton's 2nd new nestingspecies of this summer was the Caspian Tern, with 45 nestscounted July 6 (RC, GBr). Some 35 nestsof Corn. Male Ruby-throatedHummingbird at Forest, Ont., July 1986. Terns were floodedout at Presqu'ileP.P., June22 (RDM), and Photo/A.H. Rider. high water levelsdiscouraged their nestingat Kettle Pt. (AHR). Spring migration of Arctic Terns at Ottawa continued to June Woodpeckersnear Apsley spilled when its tree blew over (J. 16, with 12 of the 14 sightingsJune 1-3 (BMD et al.). Two at Scott),but another in Quetico P.P., June28 held young(SFP). LongPt., June13 were the first ever there (MT). In the Walpole Three birds were in PetroglyphsP.P., July 25, but their ages I. marshes,210 nestsof Forster'sTerns were tallied in early were not reported (JM). June (DVW); the only sightingsof this speciesaway from the The last of the northbound and the first of the southbound extreme s.w. were of two adults and one immature in Cran- migrant Yellow-bellied Flycatcherswere reported from Pelee berry marsh June 8-July 17 (MJB, TS). June15 and LongPt., July 15, respectively(AW). Acadian Fly- catchers were located at 2 new sites in London June 27 and CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS- Black-billed Cuck- WallacetownJuly 24 (AW). Reportsfrom establishedareas in- ooswere plentifulin e. Ontariofrom Frontenac and Leeds {areas clude 3 sitesin the LongPt. area (DAS, MEG), Rondeau P.P. of heavy infestationby Gypsy Moths), to Presqu'ile P.P., in (PAW),2 sitesin Kent0NL, AW), and on WalpoleI. (CS).Nesting Lambton and the extreme southwest. However, Yellow-billeds E. Phoebeswere fewer in Middlesex(DIV0, and no GreatCrested were reportedto be very scarcenearly everywhere.An influx Flycatcherswere found in the Thunder Bay area where com- of both specieswas detectedin the LongPt. area dm•ng mid- mon last summer (NGE). A juv. Gray Kingbird at Pelee July July{MEG). Young E. Screech-Owls,always tough to find,were 26 was nicely described(AW) and was Ontario's 3rd ever. Pre- discoveredin nestsat Wiarton and Shallow Lake during the vioussightings occurred in 1970 and 1982. The swallow roost period {JWJ, DF). Late spring migrants were the 35 Com. discoveredlast autumn at Kingstonhas been censusedregu- Nighthawksat SudburyJune 8 {JCN),but it is unclearwhether larly, and numbers increasedto 225,000 by July 31 (K.F.N.). the 100+ feedingtogether at MatachewanJuly 26 were in early Farther n., in areas from Ottawa to Kirkland Lake and Mata- autumn movement {LT}. The usual reportsof Chuck-will's- chewan, cold weather in Juneresulted in heavy casualtiesto widows, involving four birds, came from the Long Pt. area nestingTree Swallows. Reduced numbers of swallows in the {TM, BF) and RondeauP.P. {PAW). Nesting successof Whip- Pembrokeroost during July were thoughtto be a consequence poor-willsin Lambtonwas poor {SAC). The ad. • RufousHum- (WC). Cliff Swallows were in greatly increased numbers at mingbird at the e. gateof Algonquin P.P.lingered July 30-Aug. Ingersoll, Kingston, Prince Edward, and 150+ were flying S 4 and defended its newly-found feeder against seven Ruby- near Sudbury July 31 (JCN). throateds{FH, MR, RGT}. It was the 3rd in the past 2 years,a much higherrate of occurrencethan is normal.The first Belted RAVENS THROUGH VIREOS- The Corn. Raven at St. Kingfishersto nestwithin Pt. PeleeN.P., which were reported Williams, near LongPt., July 19-20 was s. of range (L.P.B.O.). this spring,failed to raise youngbecause their sand pile was Tufted Titmouse nesting was confirmed on Walpole I. (CS), disturbed {AW}. and at Niagara-on-the-LakeJune 26 when four youngfledged, A pair of Red-belliedWoodpeckers raised young just w. of but one of the parentsdied 7 days later (MD). New breeding Whitby (ph. EP), at the e. edge of the range;one adult n. of locationswere discoveredin Elgin for Red-breastedNuthatch, KingstonJune 21 {LSW)showed no signof a nearbynest. Within Winter Wren, and Golden-crownedKinglet at 2, 4, and 2 new the heart of the species'Ontario range,it was widespreadand sites respectively (AW). Carolina Wrens continued their re- numerous in dry woodsalong the Thames R. from Bothwell, covery,and the 11 sightingswere more than during any sum- Kent, into Elgin (AW) and uncommonin the clay plain of Hal- mer of the 1980s.How many of these entered Ontario from dimand (MEG). Three new sites containing4 territories for breedingareas farther s. is unknown.Single juveniles were at Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere found in e. Elgin (AW). The Pelee June21 and July 24 (AW, GTH), and a juvenile accom- lone • Three-toedWoodpecker in AlgonquinP.P., July 12 was panied an adult at Thamesville July 29 (AW). Three were rare for the season(JZ). A nest with 3 eggsof Black-backed bandedJuly 29-30 at LongPt., where at least two otherswere

Volume 40, Number 5 1199 seen June 17-July 17 (MF, GH, L P B O ) S•ngleswere at In- Migrant Tennesseeswere at Presqu'lle P P and Pelee from gersollJuly 19 and RondeauP.P., July 20 (DBu,PT). The House July 6 (RDM, AW), and the lone Yellow-rumped Warbler at Wren singingon territory at North Bay this summer was the PeleeJuly 27 was a record-earlyarrival (AW et at.). Early mi- area's first in several years (BR). Three nests of Blue-gray grant Bay-breastedsand a N. Waterthrush were at Long Pt, Gnatcatcherswere found at Port GlasgowJune I 0NR) and July 15 (AW), where one Worm-eating was banded June I for another was found in Pickering June 4 (MW, KQ). Ottawa's a first occurrencein June (JC). Wainfieet's a Yellow-breasted first-evernest (found this spring)failed, owing to the cold, wet Chat returned for the month of June (MEF). weather of early June.Two dead, but nearly fledgedyoung and 2 eggswere in the nest June 16 (BMD). Five adults at DICKCISSEL THROUGH FINCHES--A • Dickcissel Marmora, Hastings,June 28 (AGC, DCS, TB) were surprising. Nest box programsfor E. Bluebirdscontinued to pay off. sangon territoryat Inverary,near Kingston, June 17-19, until Some43 pairsnested in the Lucknowarea of Huron and Bruce its lush clover field was cut (DJM et at.), for the firstin summer (JBM),and a new project at Matachewan attracted 15 pairs, there since 1972. Clay-coloredSparrows were at Burnley m with eggsand youngby lateJuly (LT). The • MountainBluebird new plantingsat several locations(BCD) and at 2 new s•tes paired with an Easternat Port Stanleywas still presentJuly near Kingston(RDW). Ten and 4 pairsof GrasshopperSparrows 31 (AW). A record-latespring migrant Gray-cheekedThrush were on territory in June at Kilworth and Fanshawe respec- was at Pelee June8 (AW) and the first southwardmigrant re- tively (DAM) and another was n. at SudburyJune 15 (JGL) portedwas at PickeringJuly 22 (JMS).Early Swainson'sThrush One pair of Henslow'swas found at a new site on Walpole I movementis normal, asbanding studies have shown,and birds (CS)and the speciessummered near Shelburne(TS). SevenLe were notedover widespreadareas of the s.beginning with one Conte'sSparrows were tallied June13-July i at Thunder Bay, at LongPt., July 15 (AW et at.). Ontario'sBreeding Bird Atlas where the speciesappears to be a common breeder (NGE) work hasshown the importanceof reforestedareas for a num- SingleWhite-throated Sparrows were at PeleeJune 8-22, where ber of breeding species,including Hermit Thrush, s. of their the speciesis not known to nest(AW), and on territory at Jaffa, 'normal' range.This species•was widespread in the reforested Elgin, June10 (AW). The ad. White-crownedSparrow banded areasnear Burnley, Northumberland,this summer(BCO), and at Lively June 29 lingered until July 5 (JGL).Several reports 2 territories were discoverednear Eden, Elgin, July 3, first of summeringDark-eyed Juncoswere remarkably far south breeding sites for the county (AW). The only reports of N. Their breedingnear Long Pt. wasconfirmed by an adultfeeding Mockingbird away from the s. were of singlesat Matachewan youngat St. Williams (AJ),and an adult was found at another June 1 (LT) and Thunder Bay June 13 (NGE, BA). The Water site nearby (JDM).The junco at Presqu'ileP.P., June 8-11 (TD, Pipit near Bright's Grove July 27 was remarkably early (SAC). JD)led observersto suspectbreeding, and singleswere at Osh- Successfulnests of LoggerheadShrike numbered5, 3 of which awa June 11 (DVR), Bothwell June 24 (AW, MSG), and Erie were at Kingston(PG, K.F.N.), one of the last strongholdsof BeachJune 30 (KJB}. the speciesin the province. The 4th was near Richmond (CH, Migrating Bobolinkswere detected passingS over the York TH) and the 5th at Kirkfield, Victoria (AGC).Other birds were regionin early July (GMB). Noteworthy W. Meadowlarkswere at Cobden,Renfrew (CM), Red Bay, Bruce (NIP), and 2 more singlesat Oshawato June14 (HGC, DVR), Pelee'sOnion Fields Kingstonsites (K.F.N.). Two Solitary Vireos were singingon June8 (AW), and VaughanJuly 15 (GMB). The only Brewer's territory at Burnley June 29-July 4 (BCO) as was another at Blackbirdreported out of placewas the singleat BrightonJune Eden June 20 for Etgin's first in summer (AW). 21 (HS). Successfulnests of Orchard Orioles were noted near Port Stanley (ADS, MSS) and Fingal (RJK),both June29, and WARBLERS -- Someinteresting finds of breedingwarblers Toronto'sHigh Park (GC). The first-year male at Ottawa June resulted from the Natural Areas Surveys in the extreme 14-17 was the area's 5th ever (ph. RB et at.). Five of the six at southwest. At least 40 pairs of Blue-winged Warblers were Pelee July 6 were flying off the tip of the point, and the 40 breedingon the Moravian Indian Reserve,Kent (AW). Rare for there July 27 were mostlyjuveniles (AW et at.). Some26 House Elgin in summer were a territorial Nashville Warbler at Port Fincheswere alsoflying off Pelee'stip July 6 (AW). Observers Burwell July 15, a Black-throatedBlue at RichmondJuly 18, reporteda continued spreadof this speciesthrough s. Ontarm Black-throatedGreens at 4 county sites,and Blackburniansat Numbers rosein Ottawa (BMD) and breedingwas confirmed 2 new sites(AW). Two 3 Black-and-whiteWarblers at Bothwell, at Meaford, Owen Sound, and Kincardine (TM). A few Red Kent, June4 & 24 (MSG) were rare for summer.Louisiana Wa- Crossbillswere at Red Bay June28 (TP) and in Algonquin P P, terthrushes were found breeding at 7 new Elgin sites (AW) July 7-31 (RGT), and one was in Thunder Bay July 27 (NGE) and were commonalong watercourseravines in the Long Pt. However, 10-50 per day were noted in Bon EchoP.P, July 27- area (MEG). Six pairs were confirmed breeding in Middlesex 30 (AGC).White-wingeds were scarcer.The singleand two m (WRJ).A 3 KentuckyWarbler summeredat Vanessa,near Long AlgonquinP.P., June 30 and Aug. 2 (MR, AGC) plus the four Pt., for the 2nd consecutiveyear (JDM). At least 27 pairs of in Bon EchoP.P, July 30 (AGC), were the only reports.A few Hoodedswere on territory near Long Pt. (MEG). They were Pine S/skinsbred at Sudbury during June (JCN) and by the also found at 5 new Elgin sites (AW) and on the Moravian end of July, they becamecommon in AlgonquinP.P. (RGT) Indian Reserve,Kent, July 10 (AW, MSG). One male was n. of The • EveningGrosbeak in Pelee June30 providedthe park's BurlingtonJuly 9-13 (MWJ). first summer record (JLa) and the pair at Kleinburg July 22 Elsewhere, the 3 Blue-winged Warbler in Algonquin P.P., (GMB) furnishedthe only other report from the south. June 5 provided a first park record (JS,DJM) and one "Brew- ster's" summered near North Bay (RT). Nesting Tennessees were fewer at Atikokan, coincident with the drop in spruce SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), CONTRIBUTORS budworminfestation (SFP), and maleswere singingon territory (italic), and CITED OBSERVERS -- R. F. Andrle, B. Atkinson, near St. Williams June 25 (L.P.B.O.)and at Burnley June 30- M. J.Bain, D. Barry,G. M. Bennett,T. Bigg,R. L. Bowles,R. Broml- July 1 (BCO). The outstandingwarbler sightingwas of the • let, G. Bryant(GBr), D. Bucknell(DBu), K. J.Burk, CanadianWild- life Service,M. Carney,A. G. Carpentier,W. Clark,G. Coady(GC), Black-throatedGray Warbler at Whitby June 16-17 (MJBet S. A. Gonnop,G. & R. Crawford,H. G. Curtie,R. Curry (RC),J at.). This was Ontario's 5th since 1979. One pair of Prairie Curson,M.P. Davis, J. Dean, T. Dean, B. M. Di Labio, M. Duyn, Warblers nestedsuccessfully at Nephton, Peterborough,a new J. H. Ellis, N. G. Escott,B. Farnan,D. Fidler, M. E. Foley,D T location (G & RCr). Five males summeredin the Long Pt. area Forshaw,F. Foster,M. Furher, M. S. Garner, M. E. Gartshore,M (MEG) and singleswere at Pelee June 18 (GTH et aL) and at Gawn, S. Gawn, M. Godin {MGo), P. Good, G. Hall, C. Hanrahan, CFBIpperwash in June(MPW). The pair of CeruleanWarblers T. Hanrahan, J. R. Harris, D. Hawke, F. Hicks, G. T. Hince, B. feedingyoung in Pelee June 22 provided the first confirmed Hoover,A. Jaramillo,W. R. Jarmain,E. Jefferson,M. W. Jennings, breedingthere (AW) and a male appearedat Burnley in early J. w. Johnson,J. Keenleyside,Kingston Field Naturalists,R J July (BCO). Kingswood,A. Knox,S. R. Kozak,V. B. Ladouceur,J. Larson (JLa},

1200 American Birds, Winter 1986 J. Lamey (JL), W. Lamond, J. G. Lemon, Long Point Bird Obser- A. H. Rider, D. V. Ruch, M. Runtz, D. F. Rupert, T. Sabo, D.C. vatory,D. O. Ludkin,I. Macdonald,D. MacDougall(DMa), L. Marsh, Sadlet, H. Saunders, R. Scovell, L. Simser, J. Skevington, A.D. D. A. Martin, T. D. Marwood, J. D. McCracken, E. R. McDonald, Smout, M. S. Sinout, J. M. Speirs, C. Spitz, D. Strickland (DSt), K. McKeever,J. McLaughlin (JM), K. A. McLaughlin, R. D. McRae, D. A. Sutherland, R. Tafel, L. Taman, P. Taylor, E. Thomas, M. A. W. McTavish, C. Michener, J. B. Miles, D. J. Mountjoy, F. W. Tickher, R. G. Tozer, Y. R. Tymstra, G. E. Wallace, R. D. Weir, Munro, D. Murray, T. Murray, J. C. Nicholson, B.C. Olson, B. D. D. V. Weseloh, M.P. Whelan, M. Wilson, P. A. Woodliffe, A. Worm- Parker, M. Parker, E. Pegg,S. F. Peruniak, T. Pirk, B. ]. Pittaway, ington,L. S. Wright, J.Zmiejko, W. E. Zufelt.--RON D. WEIR, 294 K. Quinn, B. Ralph, W. Rayner, J. M. Richards, P. W. Richter, Elmwood Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 2Y8, Canada.

NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN REGION

DouglasP. Kibbe

breedingastsummer bird marked atlassing theefforts. completion Judging fromof the theRegion's dearth of reportsreceived this season,most observerstook advan- tageof the respiteby vacationingout of state, hopefully in New Hampshire or Pennsylvania where atlas proiects are still ongoing.Significant field work was carried out, however, particularly on Little Gallooand the Lake Champlain islands. Vivian Pitzrick again documented over 500 nests of 50 speciesfor Cornell's nest record card program,thereby set- ting a standard to which we should all aspire. Although landbird nesting activity otherwise drew little hard scru- tiny, general observationsindicated that many speciesgot an early start, presumablybecause of the mild spring.The Island. There was an unconfirmedreport of about 20 near Greece(G.O.S.), but nestingin w. New York is still undocu- summer was, in contrast to last, extremely wet with sig- mented. With the exceptionof an imm. Little Blue Heron at nificant rainfall, usually several times a week. Whether Buffalo there was no influx of southern herons. Their absence this precipitationaffected productivity remainsa mystery was more remarkablegiven the droughtin the Southeast,since given the low level of observeractivity and the difficulty water (food?)shortages are oftengiven as the factorresponsible in tracking broodsurvival. Inclement weather immediately for extralimital wanderingin long-leggedwaders. post-fiedging,when parental protectionis waning or absent, Mute Swansbred again at PerchRiver W.M.A. (LC).Tracking may constitute a maior mortality factor for young birds. If this species'expansion would make a fascinatingpopulation so, the hatching-year class may appear in diminished dynamicsstudy for someonewith yearsto devote to such en- numbers this fall at coastal banding localities and local deavors.Long well-establishedalong the upper mid-Atlantic breedingpopulations may be down next year {if mortality coast,its range expansioninto our Regionhas proceededat a is not density-dependent}. snail's pace. A wayward Brant spent late June on Cayuga L. (C.B.C).Broods of Am. Wigeonnear Buffalo(B.O.S.) and Carlton LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- While non-breedingCom. (G.O.S.) were considerednotable, at least in the absenceof Loonsmay appearanywhere in the Regionduring the summer, more exotic sightings. a concentrationof six on Hemlock Lake in mid-Junewas worthy of passingnotice. In Vermont, 12 nestingpairs produced HA WKS THROUGH TERNS- Almost no reportswere 17 chicks {V.I.N.S.}.Pied-billed Grebesremained very searce, receivedof the nestingsuccess of Osprey,Bald Eagle,or Per- some of Vermont'smost active observersmissing them com- egrineFalcon in the Region.Hopefully, no newsis geodnews. pletely.The growthof the Region'sDouble-crested Cormorant The Osprey nest at Perch River W.M.A. blew over but Bald populationhas been little shortof phenomenal.On Little Gal- Eaglesfledged two youngin JeffersonCounty (LC). Gallinaceous 1oo,1468 nests were tallied {H.P.A.S.},an increaseof 100% birds, as usual, drew little attention. The Northern Bobwhite over 1984. Figuresfor Four BrothersIslands indicate a similar in Wayne County (CC) was considereda probableescape, and or greaterrate of growth.Cormorants apparently started nesting one heard near Caneadea(EB) was alsosuspect. Only one Gray there in 1984 when 22 nestswere found.Last year the popu- Partridgewas seen,near Moira, N.Y. (TM, BH). Wild Turkeys lation stood al 80 nesting pairs {contra AB 39:909}, and this were still expandingwhile Ring-neckedPheasants continue summer swelled to 110 nesting pairs, while dozens more at low numbers.Rails were virtually unreportedand elicited looked on. no comments.Summer records of Yellow Railsare still sought Onceagain Least Bittern reports outnumbered those of Am. by this writer, one of the last remaining optimiststhinking Bitterns.While the assumptionis that fewer observersbother that this speciesmay breed in the Region. to report the American, both specieshave experiencedpop- Even the shorebirdmigration, normally a mainstayof bird- ulationdeclines, and all sightingsshould be submittedif future ers' late-summerreflection, was below par (in the opinion of trendsare to be tracked.Up to a half dozenGreat Egretsfre- some"the worst ever"). High waters floodedmany traditional quentedIroquois N.W.R. but no evidenceof breedingwas dis- concentrationpoints but createda mosaicof muddy fieldsover cerned. The specieshas been an incipient colonizer,if not which birds dispersed.Despite conditional that shouldhave actual breeder,in the Regionfor severaldecades and eareful induced occasionalfallouts, only averagenumbers were re- monitoring of Great Blue Heron colonieswill doubtlesseven- corded.Loeal nesting activity hasbeen, at best,only sporadi- tually reveal nesting AlthoughCattle Egretsno longerbreed cally monitored,even among conspicuous species like the Up- on Four BrothersIslands, they presumablystill neston Young land Sandpiper,which has rigid habitat requirementsand a

Volume 40, Number 5 1201 strongtendency to return to traditional breedinggrounds This WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES--Except for the summer'sbest Upland countswere of 17 at Monroe County Yellow-throatedWarbler that continuedat AlleganyS.P. (TM), tarport (ST) and 14 at Hamlin (WS). Another traditional colony the warbler world yielded no real notables. Much the same on Pt. Breezedeclined from a dozenpairs in pastyears to one could be said for the sparrow and finch picture. No coneswere pair (R.B.A.).It is unfortunate that more coloniesare not mon- present to induce "winter" finches south to breed, and few itored annually, sincethe specieshas been a candidatefor the observers were afield to track the tribulations of more tradi- Blue List and variousstate lists. No evidenceof possiblebreed- tional nesters.Despite this, accountsof Henslow Sparrow col- •ngby Wilson'sPhalaropes was reported.Whether the absence onies were up. A singing male at South Londonderyin m•d- of sightingsreflects a decline in actual occurrence or in ob- June (WN) lent hope that the speciesstill breedsin Vermont server activity remains problematic. The only rarity reported On the down side was the disappearanceof the Clay-colored before the close of the seasonwas a Whimbrel at King Ferry Sparrow from its traditional (breeding?)area near Fredoma July 19 (PM). (TM). It took an observerfamiliar with the speciesin w. New Although summer is traditionally the slack seasonfor gull York to discoveran apparent migrant near Rochester.It has enthusiasts,this was the slowestin memory. An imm. Glaucous been this editor's long-standingcontention that Clay-colored Gull at Rochesterin mid-Junewas the closestobservers could Sparrowsmay be rare but regular summer visitors/breeders come to a rarity. The propensityof terns to abruptly abandon in abandonedfields and orchardsalong the shoresof the Great or establishbreeding coloniesis well known. This knowledge Lakes. Orchard Orioles continue to breed in the Lake Cham- scarcelyprepared observers for suddenappearance of a colony plain valley and may in time becomewidespread in that area of 112 Caspian Terns on Little Calleo I., N.Y. This rapid col- which, ostensiblyat least, appearsto offer abundant suitable onization was all the more remarkablein that it represented habitat. House Finches, already pests at seed feeders, were the first nestingby this speciesin the Region.News from Ver- frequenting a hummingbird feeder in Henderson(LC); what's mont wasless heartening. Although about100 pairsof Common next? Terns attempted to nest on 3 islands in L. Champlain, only three young fledged (V.I.N.S.). SoAo CUCKOOS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Although Old World The final report is, regrettably,of a flock of approxi- Europeancuckoo• exemplify highly-evolved nest parasitism, mately 20 pairs of European Goldfinchesreleased some- North Americansare seldomfortunate enough to find evidence where in Delaware County, N.Y., in mid-July (fide D.O.A.S.) by a less-than-enlightenedindividual from of arian cuckoldry since only the Yellow-billed and Black- b•lled exhibit such behavior, and then only rarely. A Field New York City. Apparentlyan effortto establisha viable Sparrownest parasitized by a Black-billedCuckoo in Allegany nesting colony similar to the one once established on Long Island, this illegal endeavor deservesas much ac- County was unsuccessful(VP), but its doubtful parasitism played a part in the failure. The Corn.Raven at Hamlin Beach coladeas bygone efforts to introducethe EuropeanStar- S P., June 4 (MR) was, presumably, a late migrant. It would ling and HouseSparrow. not be astonishing,however, given the resourcefulnessof corvids,to find this speciesbreeding anywhere in the Region in the future, if the current population increase continues. CONTRIBUTORS and CITED OBSERVERS--Alleghany Tufted Titmice, also resourcefulexpanders, attended a hum- County Bird Club, R. Andrle, E. Brooks,Buffalo Ornithological mingbirdfeeder in Henderson(LC), near the edgeof their cur- Society,C. Cass,Cayuga Bird Club, L. Chamberlain,Delaware- rent range.Three coloniesof SedgeWrens were reported,two OtsegoAudubon Society, Genesee Ornithological Society, B. Hagar, near Rochester(R.B.A.) and the 3rd near Fredonia (TM). Al- High PeaksAudubon Society,H. Kingery, S. Laughlin, T. Mack, thoughmany observersbemoan this species'apparent scarcity, M. Metcalf, P. Milburn, T. Mosher, J. Nicholson, W. Norse, Onon- few spendthe necessarytime searchingunmown hayfieldsin dagaAudubon Society, M. Peterson,V. Pitzrick,Rochester Birding Junerequired to discoverthis interestingrecluse. No new Log- Association,F. Scheider,R. Spahn, T. Sterrett, W. Symmonds, gerheadShrike nest siteswere reporteddespite increased in- Vermont Institute of Natural Science.--DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, terest in the statusof this speciesin the Northeast. BrooksideFarm, Box 34, Maryland, NY 12116.

APPALACHIAN REGION

George A. Hall speciesare more common than had been thought. This is especiallytrue for some of the grasslandsparrows. ABBREVIATIONS -- B.E.S.P.= BaldEagle State Park, Centre maintwas mountainsaseason ofthe contrasts. drought In continued,the south with and eastKnoxville ofthe Co., Pa.; Ch.N.F. = Chattahoochee Nat'l. Forest, Ga.; G.R.W A gettingonly 1.8 inches of rain in Juneand 1.9 in July, but = Grand River Wildlife Area, Trumbull Co., O.; G.S.M.N.P.= Great northward and westward rainfall was more normal with SmokyMountains Nat'l. Park; P.I.S.P.= PresqueIsle StatePark, P•ttsburghreporting 10.90 inchesfor the period,an excess Erie Co., Pa.;P.N.R. = Powdermill Nature Reserve,Westmoreland of 3.6 inches,and Youngstown,Ohio, reporting18.97 inches Co., Pa. Place names in italics are counties. for the two months.June temperatureswere about normal LOONS THROUGHIBISES -- As usual a few Corn. Loons but July was unusually warm. remained in the Regionin early June,but the birds at Telhco The droughtand high temperaturesprobably caused nest L., Tenn., June28 (FB), and in Amherst, Va., July 22 (BP)were failures,but if so this was not widely reported.Food crops more unusual.The springreport commentedon the increased may not have been up to normal even where the rainfall number of reports of Double-crested Cormorants.There were was adequate. 7 reportsfor this summerseason, ranging from n. Pennsylvama The BreedingBird Atlas projects continue to produce to w. Tennessee.Most of thesewere of late stragglersin the rangeexpansions, but alsothis work is showingthat some first week of June,but sightingsJune 14 in Lycoming,Pa. (SS),

1202 AmericanBirds, W•nter 1986 and July 24 in Wood,W. Va. IJE),were quite late. There is as yet no evidenceof nestingin the Region. MICH. LeastBitterns nested in the G.R.W.A. ICB),and their presence in early July at P.I.S.P.suggested breeding there IJM, SSt).A late season count of the heronries in Mercer, Pa., showed 588 J Youngstown adult and subad. Great Blue Herons and 537 fledglingsIEB). * o.,o / PittsburghState College There were 2 nest sites in Washington,O., one with 2 nests • Wheeling•J ß and one with 10-t- nests ILR). There was about the normal IND. i numberof reportsof GreatEgrets in the latterpart of the season, but only 2 reportsof Little BlueHerons, in Murray,Ga., July 20 (HD)and Clinton, Tenn., July 23 to end (LF). No reportsof SnowyEgrets were received. A CattleEgret at Waterford,Pa., June27 providedthe firstsummer record there (BM et al.). A new colonyof 50-t-nests of Black-crownedNight-Herons was locatednear Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (JH), while adultswith young were foundin Bridgewater,Va. (R.B.C.)and at AustinSprings, Tenn. iRK). Adult and imm. Yellow-crownedNight-Herons were seennear Waynesboro,Va. IJHi), and at 2 new locations near Elizabethtown, Tenn., where the known nesting site suc- cessfullyproduced young IGE). A White Ibis was seenat the EagleBrand Fish Hatchery, Tenn., from July 7 to t,heend of the period (LF).

WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- A stragglingTundra Swan wasseen in Centre,Pa., in earlyJune (TS) and another remained there all season(MW). Mute Swanswere reportedfrom Con- Soraswere alsopresent all seasonat theselatter 2 places,as neaut Marsh, Pa.,June 5 (ML, RFL) and from Colyer L., Centre. well as at Black Moshannon S.P.,Pa. (JP).Common Moorhens Pa. IJP).Canada Geese continue to spreadand to nestin places nested at L. Somerset,Pa., for the first local record (TM), and where they were previouslyunknown: Elizabethton,Tenn. at G.R.W.A. (CB).They were alsoseen in Blount,Tenn., until Ifirst nestingin memory--GE),and 85 adultsand goslingsat June 14, leaving after cows destroyedthe vegetationat the L. Chatuge,Ga. (AG).There were few reportsof nestingducks. pond (PHa), and at ToftreesPond, Centre, Pa., through Blue-wingedTeal nestedin Bath,Va. (R.B.C.),and Hooded July (HH). Mergansersnested in Fulton,Pa. (KG),and were seenJune 4 As usual there were a few shorebirdsin the Regionin early at CaledoniaS.P., Pa. IJW).Other summersightings of unusual June,and the S migrationstarted as early as July 10. By late waterfowl were of an imm. 8 Corn.Goldeneye at P.I.S.P.,July Julymost areas had a smatteringof the commonerspecies but 17 IJM) and 23 Red-breastedMergansers at Kinzua Dam, Pa., there were rather few rarities reported. The more unusual July 15 (TG). specieswere: Black-belliedPlover at Roanoke,Va., July 27 No Black Vultures were seen this seasonat Dalton, Ga. (HD), (MD);Willet at P.I.S.P.,June 23 (DS)(which way washe going?) but the N movementcontinued with a sightingin Mifflin, Pa., and July 16 (JM, LS);Whimbrel, four at P.I.S.P.,July 16 (JM, June 22 iTS). Ospreyswere more commonlyreported than LS);Red Knot at P.I.S.P.,July 16 (somewhatearly) (JM); Sand- usual. There were 7 nests on Watts Bar L., Tenn., and one on erlingat B.E.S.P.,July 23 (GZ);White-rumped Sandpiper at ChickamaugaL., Tenn. IEBe).In additionto the Bald Eagle KingstonSteam Plant, Tenn., June2 (RC),Murray, Ga., June5 nestingsreported in the spring,the pair at Mosquito L., O., (HD),and B.E.S.P., June 6-7 (GB,DB); Short-billed Dowitcher raisedtwo youngICB). Other summersightings were at Kinzua at B.E.S.P.,June 6 (DB);Corn. Snipe at Jennerstown,Pa., mid- Res.,Pa. (fideWH), CrookedCreek Res., Pa. (fidePH), French Juneinesting?) (RM); Wilson's Phalarope at RoanokeJuly 10- Creek, Pa. (RFL, ML), L. Moomau, all summer (YL), Norris L., 12 (MD et al.); and Red-neckedPhalarope in Murray, Ga.,June Tenn.(JH), and Murray, Ga. (MC). Northern Harriers continued 3 {HD). to be reportedfrom the stripmine areasof s.w.Pennsylvania, A new nestingsite for UplandSandpiper was locatednear which supplya suitablenesting habitat where noneexisted Edinburg,Va. IR.B.C.),and the speciesnested at Champion, before.Other reports came from Crawford,Pa. (RFL),and Bel- O. (fideCB), and Somerset,Pa. (RM). Other summersightings montand Muskingum,O. (MG). Cooper'sand Sharp-shinned came from Centre,Pa., June i (JPeta/.), RoanokeAirport, all hawks were generallyin low numbers,and for the 3rd year July (BK),and 3 locationsin Garrett,Md. (RR). in a row the N. Goshawk did not nest at Laurel Hill near P.N.R. A subad.Laughing Gull was at B.E.S.P.,June 8, for the 7th (RCL).Several observers commented on the scarcityof Red- local record (DB). A Bonaparte'sGull at PymatuningL., Pa., shoulderedHawks. Most unusual was a Golden Eagle seen in June14 was unusual(RFL). A few Ring-billedGulls had re- Centre, Pa., June 11 (DB). mainedat PymatuningL. throughJune, but by the endof July A PeregrineFalcon was reportedfrom Bath, Va., July 28 about300 were present(RFL). One was seenat Norris L., Tenn., (LT). A nest-boxproject for Am. Kestrelsat Warren, Pa., July20 (CN) and a HerringGull remainedat WataugaL., Tenn., had 22 out of 27 boxesoccupied, and 17 boxesfledged 68 until June7 (GE). CaspianTerns were at B.E.S.P.,June 2 (DB) young (WH). & 6 iTS, GB).A late Corn.Tern was at PymatuningL, Pa.,June 14 (RFL)and a Forster'sTern was at WataugaL., July 27 (GE). GROUSE THROUGH TERNS--At the Ch.N.F., Ruffed Black Terns were at Pymatuning June 14 & 15 (RFL, ML). Grouse,Wild Turkeys, and N. Bobwhitesall were in good numbers(HD). Bobwhitesare gradually recoveringin the n., DOVES TO SWALLOWS--A Ringed Turtle-Dove was and turkeys seem common everywhere. No Ring-necked seennear Salisbury,Pa., June8 IRH). Yellow-billed Cuckoos Pheasants have been released in Tennessee for 15 years, so were as usual in goodnumbers at someplaces and in low where did the bird seen in Claiborne (GM) come from? numberselsewhere. Most encouragingwas the report from 6 At least one of the Black Rails reported from Centre, Pa., locationsof Corn. Barn-Owls, although only 2 nest siteswere wasthought to havebeen present there throughout the period found at Elizabethton, Tenn., where 5-6 had been present in (JP).A Virginia Rail with a chick was seenin Belmont,0., recentyears (GE). The seldom-reportedLong-eared Owl was June4 IMG) and the specieswas presentat L. Somerset,Pa. foundnesting in Gfimer,W. Va. (B.B.C.F.).Northern Saw-whet (RFL,RM), and FairbrookMarsh, Centre, Pa. (JP),all season. Owls were still presentin Centre,Pa., throughthe summer

Volume40, Number5 1203 but became d•fficult to find once calhng ceased.Reports also catrunsin Sulhvan,Pa. (SS) EasternBluebirds had a goodnest- came from Atlassets in Somerset and Fayette, Pa. (fide ing season.At Warren, Pa., they occupied37% of the boxes RCL, RM). available and fledgedabout 4 young per box (WH), while m Whip-poor-willscontinued to declineat mostplaces but the Augusta,Va., 35 boxes fledgedabout 135 young (RS),and at Chuck-will's-widowcontinued to expandnorthward. Reports P.N.R., 14 broodswere banded (RM, RCL). Veerieswere seen of the latter came from Armstrong, Pa., where four singing feeding young at Mosquito L., O., June 27 (CB), and young maleswere present(R & MH), Augusta,Va., in July (YL), Mont- birdswere bandedat P.N.R.,July 5 (RCL,RM). BothSwainson's gomery,Va., in June(TJ), and in late Junethey were numerous Thrushes'andHermit Thrusheswere on Mr. Rogers,Va., June at Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE). All reporterscommented on an 19 (BP)and the first migrant SwainsoWswas bandedat P.N R, unusual number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. This may July 22 (RCL,RM). have been owingin part to the increaseduse of humminghird The N. Mockingbirdseldom summers as far n. asPittsburgh, feedersin the Region,but evengranting that it is probablethat but one was seennear the GreaterPitt Airport July 7 (KP) A numbers were above normal. Water Pipit wasstill at P.I.S.P.,June 7 (JM)'In additionto the A new site for Red-headedWoodpeckers in Rockingham, LoggerheadShrike nestingsreported in'the springaccount, Va., broughtthe total of sitesto 6 in that area (R.B.C.).Two there were reportsof two adults and two young in Albemarle, nestingswere locatedin Washington,O. (LR),and othersight- Va. (SR), a young bird Was seen in Sevier, Tenn., and birds ragswere from Oakland, Md., June7 (RR),Whitfield, Ga. (HD), were sightedin 4 other w. Tennesseecounties (fide CN), and and Blount, Tenn. (PHa). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers,which away from the Ridge and Valley Province one was seen m have almostdisappeared as breedingbirds in the s. Appala- Gilmer, W. Va. (B.B.C.F.).Yellow-throated and Warbling vireos chians,were reportedfrom ReddishKnob, Va., July20 (R.B.C.) remain scarceat most places,but the Solitary Vireo is doing and from Allegheny Mt., Highland, Va., June 12 (LT). Hairy well and is nestingat lower elevationseach year. WoodpeckersWere thought to be decliningat Pittsburgh(PH) but no otherreporter commented on them. Four Red-cockaded Woodpeckerswere observedJuly 4 at an activehole in Laurel, WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES- The trend for s Ky. (EN). speciesto move N and upslope,while n. and high-elevatmn The only reportof Olive-sidedFlycatcher came from Cran- speciesmove S and downslope, continues. A Worm-eating berry Glades,W. Va., June 17 (GBr). An early Yellow-bellied Warbler was present in McKean, Pa., throughout the perrod Flycatcher was banded at P.N.R., July 24 (RCL, RM). Alder (WH), a Prairie Warbler was seen in Forest,Pa., June 16-23 Flycatcherswere reported from as far s. as the Blue Ridge (TG), and Yellow-breastedChats nested near Warren,Pa. (WH} Parkway in North Carolina, with 3 nestsfound (R & JY), and A SwainsoWsWarbler was seen at Bad Branch, Ky., June 7 2-3 pairs were on Roan Mr., Tenn. (GE).In the n. they nested (BP-B).Nashville Warblers nested in Indiana, Pa. (MH, ZJ), at G.R.W.A.(CB) and were doingwell in much of Pennsylvania and they were found on Elliott Knob, Va., well s. of previous (PH, DBr). Willow Flycatcherswere as far s. as the Hiwasee limits but above 4000 ft in elevation (SR). Newly-fledged Rwer Area in Meigs, Tenn. (CN), and Campbell, Tenn. (JH), MourningWarblers were alsofound on Elliott Knob (SR) as both first county breeding seasonrecords, and one was in we]] ason Mt. Rogers,Va. (BP).Black-throated Blue Warblers Cade'sCove, G.S.M.N.P. (KGr). LeastFlycatchers were out of were found in Morgon,Tenn., and the first confirmedbreeding the normal range in Morgan and Muskingum, O. (MG), and in the CumberlandMountains was established(CN). Canada Black Mr., Ky. (EN). Warblerswere alsofound there (CN) as well as on Black Mt, None of the Purple Martins "hacked" at Ligonier,Pa., last Ky. (EN}.Yel]ow-rumped Warblers were numerousin Bradford year'returned to nest there, but effortsto restorethis colony and Tioga, Pa. (DBr). continue(RCL, RM). At Clarksville,Pa., martinshad their best Golden-wingedWarblers still outnumberBlue-wingeds m year sincethe 1972 hurricane with 12 pairsnesting (RB). Tree s.w. Pennsylvania(RCL, RM) bu.tboth are scarcein the Pitts- Swallowsnested at Austin Springs,Tenn. (GE), and the Op- burgh area (PH). A successfulnesting of two "Brewster's" eration Bluebird boxes in Warren, Pa., had a 35% increase in Warblers observedin Allegheny, Pa., may be the first docu- Tree Swallow nestingsuccess (WH), but at least 2 nestingat- mentedmating of two of thesehybrids (JG, JP). temptsnear Waynesboro,Va., were unsuccessful(RS). A new The Blue Grosbeakis alsomoving N with reportsfrom Hun- colonyof BankSwallows with 30 nestswas foundin Botetourt, tingdon,Pa., June I (DB),Beaver, Pa., June 29 (M & MM), Noble, Va. (BK), and the speciesnested at Boaz, W. Va. (LR), and at O., June19 (MG), and Buncombe,N.C. (R & JY}.Three Dick- Savage,Pa., where 20-40 pairs were found (TM, RM, RCL). cisse]swere at Chambersburg,Pa., until June 13 when the Cliff Swallowsapparently are doing well and increasingin fie]dswere mowed (KG), at ]east nine males with one nest most places.At ShenandoahL., Va., a supposedconservation were found in Muskingum,O. (MG), and one was presentnear organizationknocked down 18 Cliff Swallow nestsfrom the Christiansburg,Va., until about June 18 when the field was sidesof their clubhouse(R.B.C.). mowed (TW). Field Sparrowswere thoughtto be below normalnumbers at manyplaces, but Ariassingwork hasshown that Grasshopper CORVIDS THROUGH VIREOS- In e. Kentucky, Com. Sparrowand VesperSparrow are perhapsmore commonthan Ravensnested at Bad Branch,Letcher (HA), and on BlackMt. had been thought.Savannah Sparrows have alsobeen found (EN). Red-breastedNuthatches were quite common in n. to be morecommon in w. Pennsylvaniathan hadbeen thought Pennsylvania(DBr) but reportsfrom Allegheny,Pa., June 22 (PH), and at Lyndhurst,Va., an adult was seen carryingfood (JG)and Edinboro,Pa., July I & 2 (DS)were out of range.Nests July 17 (RS),somewhat s. of the normal range.The Henslow's of Red-breastedNuthatch and Brown Creeper were found at Sparrowpresented a varied picture, being extremely common the Devil's Courthouseon the Blue RidgeParkway, N.C., June in e. Ohio (MG) and parts of w. Pennsylvania, but rare else- 15 (R & JY). Creepersalso nested at MosquitoL., O. (CB). where. The first breedingrecord for Bradford,Pa., was estab- Carolina Wrens continue to make a comeback, and they lished (fide DBr). nested(in a tangle of debrisfrom the 1985 tornado)at Niles, Purple Fincheswere recordedat 8 localitiesin w. Pennsyl- O, for the firsttime since1977 (CB). The only reportof Bewick's vaniain June(PH). Besides the regularlocations on Shenandoah Wren camefrom Highland, Va., where it had occurredin 1985 Mt. near Harrisonburg,Va., Red Crossbillswere found on the (YL, LT). A SedgeWren was heard near Accident, Md., July same mountain in Highland (LT) and on the Skyline Drive 15 (MO), and Marsh Wrens nestedat G.R.W.A. (CB) and were near Waynesboro,Va. (WC). A single Red Crossbillwas ob- seenin Belmont,O., throughJuly 2 (MG). served on several occasionson Mt. Davis, Pa. (RCL). Red Golden-crowned Kinglets continue to move to lower ele- Crossbillswere observedbuilding a nest at High]ands,N C, vations.They were found near Shelocta,Pa. (MH), and 2 lo- July 24 (H & MP). Pine Siskinsremained on Roan Mt., Tenn,

1204 American B•rds,Wanter 1986 untfi June 6 (RK) and neshngswere observedon Mt M•tchell, Highhouse,Robert Hilton (RH1),Joyce Hlner (JH1),Joe Howell, Ted N C., in early June (DM) and at Mountain Lake, Va., in mid- Johnson,Z.T. Jones(ZJ), Clyde Kessler, Barry Kinzie, Rick Knight, June (Cz). YuLee Larner, Mary Leberman, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F Leberman, Mary & Morris Manolovich, Tony Marich, Jerry McWilliams, Barbara Mitchell, Robert Mulvihill, Charles Nichol- CONTRIBUTORS--Richard Almy, Hugh Arche, Carole son, E.T. Noonan (EN), Michael O'Brien, B. Palmer-Ball, Joseph Babyak,Edward Beddow (ERe), Ralph Bell (RBe),Karen Berchin, Panza, Helen Parker, Max Parker, Kenneth Parkes,Brian Patterson, Frank Bills, Dorothy Bordner, Daniel Brauning (DBr), George JohnPeplinski (JP), Robert Ringler, Rockingham Bird Club (R.B.C), Brmding(GBr), Brooks Bird Club Foray(B.B.C.F.), Edward Brucker, LorraineRollerson, Stephen Rottenborn, Terrence Schiefer,Merit Nancy Brundage,Gail Butler,William Carter,Richard Clark, Mike Skaggs,Donald Snyder, Ruth Snyder,Stanley Stahl, Anne Stamm, Cost, Harriett DiGioia, Mike Donahue, Glen Eller, JeanetteEsker, Linda Steadman,Sam Stull (SSt),Leonard Teuber, JeffreyWalck, KathleenFinnegan, Linda Fowler, Kenneth Gablet, StephenGrado, Tom Wieboldt,Merrill Wood,William Wylie, JerryYoung, Ruth Arthur Green,Katie Greenberg(KGr), Ted Grisez,Joseph Groin, Young, Charles Ziegenfus,Gene Zielinski.--GEORGE A. HALL, Mary Gustarson,Paul Hartigan (PHa), Harry Henderson, John Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 6045, West Virginia Uni- Heninger, Paul Hess, Margaret Higbee, Roger Higbee, William versity, Morgantown, WV 26506-6045.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION

Daryl D. Tessen

period--ahissummer weekthere inwas mid-July.only one Otherwise extremely briefhot, humidbursts of heat were followed by longer periods of cooler, more normal temperatures.Precipitation was the main news. Most areas of Wisconsin and Minnesota had more than ample amounts of rainfall. Only extreme northeastern W•sconsinand the western Upper Peninsulawere dry. Oc- ST• I casionallythe rainfall was very heavy, often accompanied by severeweather. Most notable was the record high level of both Lakes Superior and Michigan. Beach--shorebird habitat--was almost nonexistent due to the current levels. Predictions are for this record water level to continue for some time. B•rdspresented a mixed picture. Most observers,if asked, sa•d it was a quiet summer with few eventful sightings. However, a gleaningof Wisconsin'sand Minnesota'shigh- A Tundra Swan was in Houghton,Mich., June 14 (LB) with hghts indicated exactly the opposite.There was an un- one to two Snow Geesethere July 3 & 16 (LB). Out-of-range precedentednumber of rarities in Minnesota, with a some- ducks in Wisconsinincluded single CanvasbacksJune 7 m what reduced number for Wisconsin.The problem was Dodge (BC) and June 27 in Chippewa (JP);Redheads during that many birds proveduncooperative, remaining for only Junein Jeffersonand Milwaukee;Ring-necked Ducks in Win- one day. Despite this frustrating situation a remarkable nebago(TZ) and Jefferson(KH), with a summeringindividual number of new state and seasonal records occurred. at Manitowoc (CS et al.); and LesserScaups in 6 counties.Un- usual were a Greater Scaupin early June at Sheboygan(D & ABBREVIATIONS-- Plac• names in italicsare counties. MR) and a • Black ScoterJuly 5 in Forest(BR). A • Bu•ehead with sevenyoung at AgassizN.W.R. representedonly the 4th LOONS THROUGH RAILS--A Western Grebe was at Minnesotanesting record. Honcon N.W.R. the last half of July (WM et al.). Also in Wis- An Ospreysummered at RushL. (TZ), s. of its normal Wis- consinwas one at Rush L., July 19 (TZ). The only Am. White consinrange. Merlins nestedat Duluth and alongMinnesota's Pelicansighting away from its rangewas of one in the Eagle N. Shore, both unusual as their normal territory is near the R•ver,Wis., areaJuly 8 (fideRS). Minnesota had its first nesting Canadian border. Spruce Grousewere hard to locate in Wis- Snowy Egrets in several summers with a nest containing 4 consinagain this summer.King Rails were foundin 3 Wisconsin eggsat Agassiz N.W.R., unusually far north. A Snowy was counties, about average. foundJune 17 at WhitefishBay area, Mich. (BRo).A Tricolored Heron summeredat AgassizN.W.R. Due to the extremelyhigh SHOREBIRDS • Very late were Lesser Golden-Plovers water level, plus severalsevere storms during June,the heron June 14 at Torch L., Mich. (LB), and June 17 on Long Island, rookeryat Green Bay was decimated.The Snowy Egretsdis- Wis. (EE), and a SemipalmatedPlover June 18 at Manitowoc appearedwhile severalpairs of Cattle Egretsestablished nests (CS).Wisconsin's only PipingPlover si•ting was of two June on a larger adjacentisland. Additional Wisconsin Cattle Egret 17 on Long Island, with no breedingindicated (EE). The two mghtingsincluded lone birds at HoriconN.W.R. andRush Lake. outstandingrecords within the groupcame from Minnesota Yellow-crownedNight-Herons were found in Minnesotawith A Snowy Plovar was seenJune 30 in Clay (KE et al.), repre- 2-3 pairsnesting in the Twin Citiesarea (SSt,SC). In Wisconsin sentingthe 5th state record.Eclipsing this was the discovery birdswere found in Sauk and Columbia(MM et al.) intermit- by Janssenof two nonbreeding-plumagedad. Mountain Plovars tently duringJune-July while four were seenJune 21 near the in Fairbault July 2. They were observed by many others confluenceof the Kickapooand Wisconsinrivers, Crawford throughJuly 5. If acceptedby the recordscommittee, this will (EM et al.). Five Plegadisibis were seen June 2 at Heron L., constitute the first Minnesota record. Jackson,Minn. (JSc). Therewas the usualextension of springmigrants (12 species)

Volume 40, Number 5 1205 well into June, followed closelyby the appearanceof fall migrantsin late June (25th-28th). Late springmigrants included Whimbrals (max. three) seen intermittently through June 26 at Manitowoc (CS), Ruddy Turnstone until June 19 and Red Knot until June29 in Oshkosh(TZ), SemipalmatedSandpiper until June 29 at Manitowoc (CS), and a Dunlin June 20 at Mad- ison (JS),all in Wisconsin.Early-arriving fall migrantsin Wis- consin included Greater Yellowlegs June 28 and LesserYel- lowlegs June 25 in Chippewa (JP), a Solitary SandpiperJune 29 at Madison (DC), and Least and Stilt sandpipersJune 28 in Chippewa (JP). Unusual sightingsfrom the group included singleAm. Avo- cetsJuly 19 in Columbia (m.ob.)and July 29 at Manitowoc (CS, ph.); a Willet June 26 at Manitowoc (CS); a Marbled Godwit June21 in Bay, Mich. (JSo,PD, BD); a very early Buff-breasted SandpiperJuly 25 at Superior'sWisconsin Pt. (RJ);and a Red- necked PhalaropeJuly 12 in Jackson,Wis. (TR).

LARIDS--Outstanding finds highlightedthis group in- Adult SandwichTern (with Ring-billedGulls] at Duluth, Minn., cludingtwo first and one 2nd staterecords. Most unusualwas June 11, 1986. First Minnesota record, and a remarkable oc- an ed. ParasiticJaeger seen by SontagJune 24 at Manitowoc. currenceanywhere inland. Photo/StanSunde. It was watchedflying around the impoundmentharassing the gulls and terns. The sightingrepresents one of very few for almsted June 12 & 14 (JR,MP). One was seen at Duluth June Wisconsinduring the summer.Single Laughing Gulls appeared 9 (PB)and then was found at SuperiorJune 19 (JSt).Eclipsing in MinnesotaJune 15 in Fillmore (MP) and in WisconsinJuly all this, except perhapsthe Royal Tern, was Backstrom'sand 5 when one was photographedby Sontag at Manitowoc. Kienholz's find. When they tried to relocate the Least Tern Franklin'sGulls lingered into Juneat 3 Wisconsinlocales, with June11, insteadthey found an ed. Sandwich Tern. Numerous 30 in Columbiauntil June2 (m.ob.),one at SheboyganJune 5 photographswere taken and a few Duluth birders were lucky (D & MR), and nine at Manitowoc until June26 (CS).Minnesota enough to dash out in time to watch it. Unfortunately it had had its first nestingrecord for Little Gulls when a pair at- also disappearedby the next day. Quite obviouslythis was tempted to nest at Heron L., lackson. Unfortunately the nest Minnesota's first record. and eggswere floodedout in early Junewith the adults sub- sequentlyleaving. The usual summer concentrationoccurred CUCKOOS THROUGH SHRIKES--Minnesota found at Manitowoc with a maximum of 12 (m.ob.).Minnesota's first both cuckoo speciesup in numbers, owing to an increase in Common Black-headedGull, the adult that appearedin late their foodsupply. For Wisconsin,numbers continued sub-par. There were no confirmedCam. Barn-Owl reportsthis summer, a sadcommentary for this species.Most unusualwas a Snowy Owl that remained at Ashland, Wis., until June 22 (DV). A Burrowing Owl was found alive in a laundry room (!) in St. Joseph,Mich., June 7 (fide CN). It was taken to the Sarrett Nature Center where it was determined to be uninjured, and was then released.This was the 5th state record. Great Gray Owls had a good nesting seasonwith 6-7 nests found in 3 Minnesotacounties. Long-eared and Short-earedowl sightings continuedscarce in Wisconsin.However, Minnesota had good numbersof Short-eareds,especially in the n.w. sector.Again this summera BorealOwl was heardn. of Isabella,Minn. (SW/ MS). Northern Saw-whet Owls were found unusually far s. in Wisconsin,including Milwaukee, Dane, and Saul Apparently nesting is occurring in the latter 2 counties. For the 3rd consecutive summer at least two Chuck-will's- widows residedin Adams,Wis. The Vogtswere understand- ably excitedby a • Rufous Hummingbird that frequentedtheir

CommonBlack-headed Gull at Heron Lake,Jackson Co., Minn., June 1986. Photo/Warren Nelson.

May at Heron L., remained into early July. However, when the Franklin's Gulls with which it associatedhad completed nesting and dispersed,it also left. A GlaucousGull was at Manitowoc June 20-30 (CS). For the 2nd consecutivesummer a Royal Tern appearedat Manitowoc, Wis. It was found by SontagJuly 6 and carefully studied during that day. Unfortunately the bird disappeared and could not be relocatedby other birders on succeeding days.This representsonly the 2nd state record, if acceptedby the recordscommittee. Least Terns appearedin both Wiscon- sin and Minnesota,with one of the three birds providingcov- Male RufousHummingbird near Cedarburg,Ozaukee Co., Wis., erage for the 2 states.Two birds were seen in Minnesota's June 1986. Photo/Vince& Linda Vogt.

1206 American Birds, Winter 1986 expectedwas a SageThrasher June16 at CarlosAvery W.A., Minn. (PSh).This was only the 3rd staterecord. The Logger- head Shrike picturedimproved dramatically in Minnesota.A D.N.R.-sponsoredsurvey, while final data are not complete, alreadyindicates many more nests than everbefore with many additionalsightings. In Wisconsin,sightings and nestingcon- tinued very limited. There were 5 nests,2 in St. Croix with youngfledged from both nests, 2 in EauClaire with onefiedging six youngbut the other unsuccessful(cat), and one in Polk with two youngfledged. Additional sightings came from Rock (threebirds), Shawano (one), and Dunn (one).Michigan had one nest in Allegan (JL). VIREOS, WARBLERS- There were only 3 White-eyed Vireo reportsthis summer.Two were in Wisconsin(Sauk and Iowa),one in Minnesota(Martin) (PSet al.). Bell'sVireos were found in the usual number of s. Wisconsin counties. Most unexpected were single Philadelphia Vireos at 2 different Houghton,Mich., sitesJuly 7 & 16 (LB). The Golden-wingedWarbler is expandingits rangeinto n.w. (Lake of the Woods)and n.e. (Grand Marais area) Minnesota. Yellow-throatedWarblers were againfound this summeralong the SugarR., Rock, Wis. Two, possiblyfour, males were located on territory (MM et al.). The Prairie Warblerwas back at its Ozaukoe,Wis., site (m.ob.).One was in Newaygo,Mich., June 7 (DP).Palm Warblers apparently summered in Ashlandand .. j Oneida,Wis. Late was a Bay-breastedWarbler June9 in Forest, Wis. (SS),and very late was a BlackpollWarbler June 25 in Cheboygan,Mich. (JR).North of its normal rangewas a Ceru- lean Warbler June7 in Forest,Wis. (EE).Three pairsof Worm- eatingWarblers were againin Sauk,Wis. HoodedWarblers were found in 2 Wisconsin counties. Wisconsin had three Yel- low-breastedChats and Minnesota had one. Especially in Minnesota,warblers started migrating early. For example,a Tennesseewas foundJuly 14 in Dakota(JD), a NashvilleJuly 20 in Wright (RJa),and a Chestnut-sidedJuly 17 in Houston(E & MF). TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES--An unexpected summersighting was of the • WesternTanager in Milwaukee June2 (DGet of.).Again this summer there were few Dickcissel reportsin Wisconsin(about 10 counties).The singing• Baird's Male Mountain Bluebird at nest box in Airkin Co., Minn., July SparrowJune 24-28 at Crosby(KR et ol.) wasthe firstin Min- 15, 1986. Photo/WarrenNelson. nesotasince 1080 and the first ever away from the w. prairies. A Henslow'sSparrow at RiceLake N.W.R.,June 21-•- was the hummingbirdfeeder every 10-15 minutesJune 13-14. Located first for n.e. Minnesota(TS et ol.). A White-crownedSparrow justw. of Cedarburg,Wis., they had an excellentopportunity June 6 in Morquette,Mich., was late (BI, NI). Most unusual to study and photographit as it chasedthe Ruby-throateds was a Pine Grosbeakat Michigan'sPt. IsabelleJuly 0 (LB). away.This representedonly aboutthe 4th staterecord. Dem- onstratingits northern range extensionwas a Red-bellied Woodpeckerin Wisconsin'sDouglas July 26 (RJ).After the record invasionof Three-toed Woodpeckerslast winter in Min- nesotaand Wisconsin,observations quickly diminished after mid-March. However, one was found June11 in Cook,Minn., for one of the few summer records(BE). Black-backed Wood- peckersightings were up in n. Wisconsin,with severalsuc- cessfulnestings. Southof its normalrange (late migrant?) was an Olive-sided Flycatcherin Outagamie,Wis., June 13 (MM). A late-migrating WesternKingbird was seenJune I in Monroe,Wis. (EE).Most unusualwas oneJuly 15 in Grant,Wis. (CR).East of their normal rangewere 2 pairs of Black-billedMagpies in Minnesota, one that built a nestbut did not breed in Airkin (WN) and the other at Tower-Soudan (SW/MS). Boreal Chickadeeswere more numerousin n.e. Wisconsinthan in pastyears. A Carolina Wren was found July22+ in Rochester,Minn. The E. Bluebird picturecontinued to improve.Both Wisconsin and Minnesota noted more sightingsand many successfulbroods. Minnesota had its first nestingrecord (half record?)for the Mountain Bluebird.A male pairedwith a • Easternat Aitkin; 5 eggswere laid but only two hatched and fledged.Unfortunately, no one got a gooddescription of the hybrids.Two N. Mockingbirds Baird'sSparrow near Crosby,Crow Wing Co., Minn., June25, were at Thunder Bay Island, Mich., June 4-5 (WL). Most un- 1986.Photo/Steve Blanich.

Volume40, Number5 1207 Wisconsin'slong-awaited House Finch invasion that occurred Cowart.Brenda Davis. Phil Davis.Joanne Dempsey. Kim Eckert this springcontinued into the summer. Nesting (first staterec- (Minnesota),Bob Ekblad, Eric Epstein,Eugene & Marilynn Ford, ord) was attemptedat Milwaukee, Racine,and Madison.It was DennisGustafson. Daren Hale, BarbaraIlnicky. Nick Ilnicky, Rob- successfulin both Milwaukee and Racine,with birds coming ert Janssen(RJa), Robbye Johnson. D. Kienholz.Warren Lamb,Janea to variousfeeders all summer,accompanied by youngin July. Little. Ed Merz, Mike Mossman, William Mueller. Chuck Nelson. A few Red Crossbills were found in n. Minnesota and Wiscon- Warren Nelson, Mr. Plunkett, JarfinePolk. David Powell (Michi- sin. White-winged Crossbillswere found only in Minnesota's gan), Bill Reardon, Jack Reinoehl, Tim Risch, Kim Risen, Chuck Cook and Michigan's Keweenaw. Roethe,Bob Rogers (BRo), Terry Savaloja,J. Schadweiler(JSc). P. Shively (PSh),Joe Soehnel (JSO), Charles Sontag, Robert Spahn, Jane Stephan (JSt),Steve Stucker (SSt),P. Sullivan. Jon Sutton. Scott Swengel, Daryl Tessen (Wisconsin),Dick Verch, Vince & CONTRIBUTORS -- P. Backstrom,L. Binford,Jerry Bonkaski, Linda Vogt,Steve Wilson/Mary Shedd,Tom ZiebelI.--DARYI. D. David & Margaret BrasseLSteve Carlson,David Cedarstrom,Bill TESSEN.2 Pioneer Park Place, Elgin, IL 60123.

MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION

Bruce G. Peterjohn $ i oN•

histhroughoutsprifig's mostabove-normal of the summer.temperatures However, prevailed rainfall totalsvaried considerablyacross the Region.Locally severe stormsproduced flooding in portions of Iowa and Ohio, CityI OHIO while other areas received below-normal precipitation. Some birds were adversely affected by the local storms although most experienced a fairly successfulbreeding season. With breeding bird atlassesbeing undertaken in all states, KANS/' • ••J .••__•ubvi•e/ observes'activity levelswere relativelyhigh. Althoughonly O. Lak• 'nd-rson a small portion of this data has been received, it has considerably furthered our knowledge of breeding bird distribution within the Region.In addition, noteworthy rarities appeared in several states and contributed to a rather eventful summer season.

ABBREVIATIONS -- Spfld. = Springfield, Ill.; C.V.R.A. = CuyahogaValley NationalRecreation Area, O. Italicizedplace names are counties.

LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS--Nonbreeding Corn.Loons appeared at 8 locationsin the n. statesthis summer. Pied-billedGrebes maintained stable populations in Iowa, n. Illinois,and Ohio.A summeringadult at Burlington,Ky. (LM), plusone in Jackson,Ill., July12 (DRo)provided rare recordss. of their regularbreeding range. Fewer nonbreeding Am. White Pelicans summered this year, with flocks of 10 and 25 in w. Iowa, and one at Carlyle L., Ill., May 31-June 1 (fide CM). No reportswere receivedon the statusof the Double-crestedCor- morant coloniesalong the MississippiR. in Iowa and Illinois. However,a newly-discoveredcolony at L. Renwick,Ill., supported 4 nests(JMi). As many as 20 nonbreedingcormorants appearedat 11 sitesin all statesexcept Missouri.Anhingas appearedalong the lower MississippiR. with at least two near Caruthersville, Mo., June 15-July 11 (CPa, JW, ST) and one in Double-crestedCormorants [adults and youngat nests)at Lake Alexander, Ill., July 5 (tDRo). Although they are still considered Renwick,Will Co., Ill., Aug. 10, 1986.First nestingrecord for to be casualvisitors to thesestates, Anhingas have recently n.e. Illinois. Photo/JoeMilosevich. nested in w. Tennesseeand could conceivablyexpand into adjacentportions of this Region.A MagnificentFrigatebird wasacceptably documented after flying across the Mississippi HERONS THROUGH SPOONBILL- The goodnumbers R. at Alexander,IlL, July 19 (tDRo).Its appearancewas not of Am. Bitterns this springdid not translateinto increased correlatedwith any obviousweather patterns. breedingpopulations. Summering bitterns were reportedfrom

1208 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 only 6 sitesin Missouri,Iowa, and Ohio, including2 successful sippiR. in s.e.Missouri and the adjacentstates, where nesting nests at Ted Shanks W.M.A., Mo. (JW). In contrast, Least Bit- populationswere apparentlystable. However, their numbers terns apparentlyremained stable in the n. states.Great Blue may be declining farther n., since only 8 pairs nested at L. Heronscontinued to thrive with new coloniesbeing discovered Renwick, Ill. (JMi), and Cattle Egretswere unusually scarce in most states. The only sizable postbreedingconcentration alongw. Lake Erie. Few postbreedingegrets wandered outside was reported from Ottawa, 0., July 15 where an estimated of their breeding range this summer. Green-backedHerons 1400 Great Blues congregatedwith 400 Great Egrets (KA). experiencedlocal declinesin portionsof Kentucky and Ohio. Trends in Great Egret populationswere not discernible from Black-crowned Night-Herons remained fairly stable in all the scantdata, although2 nestsin Ballard, Ky. (BP,JMg), pro- states.The largestcolony was composedof 417 nestsat L. Cal- vided that state's first confirmed breeding record since 1949. umet, Ill. (JL),and a new colonywas discoveredin Clark, Ky. SnowyEgrets were reportedin their usualsmall numbers along (TE, BP et al.). Normal numbers of Yellow-crowned Night- the MississippiR. and w. Lake Erie. The largestflock totalled Heronsconsisted of reports from 19 locationswith scattered 16 in Alexander, Ill., July 13 (TP), while postbreedersappeared nests n. to Chicago (WM), plus maxima of 12 at Burlington, at 7 sites n. to w. Iowa and n. Illinois. Little Blue Herons re- Ia., July 12 (JF) and 21 in Jackson,Ill., July 24 (DRo). An imm. mained numerous in s.e. Missouri and adjacent areas despite White Ibis was discoveredin Alexander, Ill., July 5 (tDRo) where the abandonmentof the largeheronry near Sikeston,Mo. These the speciesis a casualvisitor. Following fairly goodnumbers herons apparently establishedseveral smaller colonieselse- thisspring, White-faced Ibises nested in Iowa for the firsttime where in s.e. Missouri, while the large heronry near Caruth- with seven adults and 3 nests at JemmersonSlough June 5+ ersville, Mo., remained intact. Their breedingpopulations are (SD et al.). The mostunexpected wader of the summerwas an apparentlystable in Illinoisand alongw. Lake Erie. Postbreed- imm. RoseateSpoonbill at Schell-OsageW.M.A., Aug. 1 (tJW, ing Little Blueswere scatteredacross all statesbut were most ph.), providingthe first record for Missouri. numerousin Iowa where there were 7 reportswith a maximum of 20 in Fremont July 21 (M & BPr). SummeringTricolored Herons were intermittently noted at their traditional sites at L. Calumet, Ill., and the w. Lake Erie marshes.Cattle Egretswere also numerous along the Missis-

RoseateSpoon bill (•ig•t) with egret at Schell-Osage Wildlife Area, Mo., Aug. 1, 1986. Photo/JimWi/son.

WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES--As expected, most speciesof waterfowl were representedby nonbreeding Adult White-facedIbis at JemmersonSlough, Iowa, July 13, 1986. individuals somewherein the Region,complemented by a few Photo/Erik Munson. isolatednesting atteblpts. An imm. Tundra Swan at Cleveland June 29 (RHn) provided a rare summer record for Ohio. The 200 Green-winged Teal at Maumee Bay S.P., O., July 14 (KA) undoubtedlyrepresented migrants returning to the w. Lake Erie marshes. A brood of Am. Black Ducks at Atterbury W.M.A., May 10+ (m.ob.)was unusual for c. Indiana, while a brood of N. Pintails at Killdeer Plains W.M.A., June 15 (JM) providedthe first nestingrecord for c. Ohio. Pairs of Blue- winged Teal summereds. to Louisvilleand s. Illinois although nestingwas not confirmedat theselocations. A molting a Cin- namon Teal in WoodburyJuly 17 (tBH) provided the first summer record for Iowa. A brood of N. Shovelersin Holt May 10 (LG) establishedMissouri's first confirmednesting. Redheads nested at Big Island W.M.A. (J), providing one of few Ohio breedingrecords away from the L. Erie marshes.A pair of Ring-neckedDucks exhibited nestingbehavior in Portage,O., but breeding was not confirmed (LR); there are no definite nestingrecords for Ohio. Other noteworthy nonbreedingwa- terfowl included a Greater Scaup at Chicago June 2-7 (JL), Cam. Goldeneyesin Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois during the first one-half of June, and a summering Rufflehead at Michigan City, Ind. (KB).Breeding and summeringHooded Mergansers White-facedIbis nestat JemmersonSlough, Iowa, July 13, 1986. continued to be discovered at new locations in the n. states Photo/Erik Munson. and a brood was also reported from SloughsW.M.A., Ky. (BP).

Volume 40, Number 5 1209 Small numbers of Ruddy Ducks nested at traditional sites in in Ilhnois and Kentucky July 18-20 The few sizableshorebird n Illinois and Iowa. They also nested at Arcola, Ill., for the concentrationsincluded 1400Lesser Yellowlegs in Ottawa, 0, 2ndconsecutive year (RCh), and at BigIsland W.M.A. for the July21 (KA) and 1194 in Polk,Ia., July26 (SD),plus 130 Solitary first c. Ohio breedingrecord (J). Sandpipersat Chicago July 27 (JL). Willets returned in fair Kentucky's efforts to introduce breeding Ospreysproved numbers,beginning with an early migrantat SmithlandDam, successfulwith nesting pairs at Barkley L., Kentucky L., and Ky., June22 (BP).The largestflocks totalled 21 near Ames, Ia, L•vingstonthis summer (BP,ER). Nonbreederswere reported July6 (SD)and nine to 10 alongboth GreatLakes. Summering from 8 additional locationsin the other states.Mississippi Kites SpottedSandpipers are rare in Kentucky,where they were were routinely reportedfrom their normal range along the reported from Hickman and Louisville. Upland Sandpipers MississippiR., althoughthey were apparentlyabsent along the continuedto be reportedfrom new sites,undoubtedly as a St Francis R. in extreme s.e. Missouri. Extralimital reports of resultof increasedfield work rather than expandingpopula- one at Crab Orchard N.W.R., Ill., June 1 (tJR)and as many as tions.The largestJuly flocks totalled 19-27. MigrantWhimbrels four at 3 sitesin the St. Louis-Alton,Mo., area (RK, tPS) may appearedalong L. Michigan June5-7 and scatteredalong L be indicativeof a slightrange expansion. In addition,an adult Erie July 13+. and an immature were observedrepeatedly at PoagueW.M.A. Godwits were very scarce with a few late Hudsonians in in w.-c. Missouri June 25+ (KK, TF). Bald Eaglescontinued Iowa during early June plus one to three Marbleds at 2 Iowa their slow recovery. Two new pairs along w. Lake Erie raised sitesJuly 6. SummeringRuddy Turnstoneswere unexpected the Ohio population to 8 pairs, 6 of which successfullyraised at Chicago(JL) and Wolf L., Ind. (KB).A late Red Knot at Pick- young.Elsewhere, both pairs in Missourialso nested success- eringtonJune 8 (Fry) was noteworthyfor c. Ohio, while another fully (fide JW), three young fledgedfrom 2 nestsat Crab Or- at Rend L., July 28 was equally unusual for s. Illinois (DRo) chard N.W,R., Ill. (JR),and 3 active nestswere reported from SemipalmatedSandpipers massed along w. LakeErie with 1200 n.e. Iowa (DR). Summering N. Harriers were less numerous in Ottawa,O., July28 (KA),while PectoralSandpipers peaked than last year, with 10 reports scatteredacross the n. states; at 1286 in Polk, Ia., July 27 (SD). Stilt Sandpiperswere sur- nestingwas not confirmedat any area. Sharp-shinnedHawks prisinglyscarce in all states.An early Buff-breastedSandpiper have provento be regularbreeders in Missouri,where 13 nests returnedto Polk City, Ia., July 26-29 (SD,RM). The only Ruff were discovered,mostly in the e. Ozark Mrs. (KK). This same wasreported from Chicago July 26 (JL).The largestShort-billed researchproject also uncovered25 Cooper'sHawk nests. Dowitcherflock totalled 900 alongw. Lake Erie. Long-billed SummeringCooper's Hawks were widely reportedfrom Ohio, Dowitcher reportswere limited to scatteredsingles in Ohio while small numbers were noted in the other states. Most Bu- ACom. Snipe in Osceo/a,Ia., June18 (DH)provided the only teos were reported in normal numbers for recent years. Two summer record this year. A Wilson's Phalarope at Wolf L, pairs of Swainson'sHawks successfullynested in Kane, Ill. Ind., june 18 (KB et al.) was probablya migrant,but in which (JMi), and one summeredin nearby McHenry (CMi). In Iowa, direction? Typical numbers of fall migrants were scattered pairs summeredin Osceola(DB et al.) and GeorgeWyth S.P. acrossthe n. statesJuly 3+ with a maximum of 17 in Iowa A (FM), while singleswere found at 3 locations.Five youngPer- Red-neckedPhalarope at Spfid.,June 4 provideda rare spring egrineFalcons were released at theUniversity Of Illinois, Chi- record for c. Illinois (H). cago, campus during July. They were later observed in the Chicagoarea and may alsohave been responsible for the sight- GULLS, TERNS- ings of immatures at Indianapolis during July (fide CK) and S.A. Louisville July 14+ (BP et al.). GrayPartridges continued their expansionS and E in Iowa. An unmated• LaughingGull returned to the Oregon, Ilhnois Ring-neckedPheasant populations increased by 36% O., gull colonyfor its 3rd consecutivesummer. Although over last year (JE1).Numbers of N. Bobwhites also improved this bird had built nestsand laid eggsin previousyears, in the s. one-half of the Regionas evidencedby a 21% increase it never had a definite mate, nor were its eggsknown to in s. Indiana. Sightingsin Sioux (JV), Plymouth (SD),and Spirit have hatched. However, an adult gull believed to be a L (DH) were unusual for n.w. Iowa. Nestingrails elicited few Laughingx Ring-billedhybrid alsoappeared at the col- comments.Summering King Railswere scatteredacross 9 sites ony this year (•KA et al.), raisingsuspicions about the in the n. states, normal numbers for recent years. Good num- previousnesting efforts of the • LaughingGull and caus- bers of Com. Moorhens appearedin the n. stateswith a max- ing potential identificationproblems for gull watchers imum of 27 adults and 33 young at Big Wall L., Ia., June 29 in the Great Lakes area. (SD).They are very rare summerresidents in Kentuckywhere a pair probablynested at SloughsW.M.A. (BP).Breeding Sand- hill Craneswere discoveredin n. Illinois,where they are casual Other Laughing Gull reportsconsisted of one at Michigan residents,with two young at Chain O'LakesS.P. (RHe) and a City, Ind., June 11 (KB, CF) and two at Kentucky Dam, Ky, nest in McHenry (WS). A nonbreedingcrane was unexpected June4 (BP). NonbreedingFranklin's Gulls were scarcewith in Lawrence,Ind., June 17 (JC). only a few reportsfrom Iowa and Illinois. A Bonaparte'sGull at Saylorville Res.,June 25 (SD) provided one of few summer recordsfor Iowa. The largeRing-billed Gull and Herring Gull SHOREBIRDS -- Shorebirdspresented the expectedpat- coloniesat Oregon,O., and L. Calumet, Ill., continuedto thrive tern of late spring migrants,the ever-increasingnumber of Two pairs of Herring Gulls also attemptedto nest along L summeringbirds, and normalnumbers of fall migrants.Early Michigan in n.w. Indiana but were unsuccessfulthis year returningLesser Golden-Plovers were notedin Illinoisand Iowa Summering Caspian Terns were noted in normal numbers July 5-9. Nesting Piping Plovershad fair successin w. 'Iowa, but did not form the expected late-summer concentrations with 4 successfulpairs out of 8 attemptsat the IPL ponds(BW) along L. Erie. The status of breeding Com. Terns remained and six adultsw•ith one youngnear SiouxCity (BH).The only precariouswith only a small colonyat Waukegan,Ill. (JL),and Julymigrant was encounteredin Illinois. A total of 408 Killdeer at least3 nestsat Oregon,O., where they had not nestedsince near Polk City July 27 constituteda largeflock for Iowa (SD). 1982 (ET). The successof either colony was not determined The 2nd record of Mountain Plover for Iowa was provided by It was a goodyear for breeding Forster'sTerns in Iowa with a well-documentedbird at Colo July 9-10 (•HZ, •m.ob.). A coloniesreported from Ventura Marsh, Dan GreenSlOUgh, Big summering pair of Am. Avocets near Sioux City, Ia., acted Wall L., and JemmersonSlough (TL, JD, SD). A survey along very defensivelybut no nest was ever found (•BH); there are the MississippiR. revealed 14 LeastTern coloniesin Missouri, no.breedingrecords for the state.Fall migrant avocetswere w. Kentucky,and s. Illinois (JS);the largestcolony contained fairly scarcewith a maximum of sevenalong L. Erie plussingles 120 nests.Nesting was initiated by mid-Juneand most colonies

1210 AmericanB•rds, Wmter 1986 successfullyfledged young In w Iowa, 14 Least Tern nests F•shCrow •n Marshall,Ky, July4 (CP)was unexpectedaway produced tone young at the IPL ponds (BW) and they also from the M•ss•ss•pp•R. The only summerxngRed-breasted nestednear Sioux City (BH). Extralimital Leastsappeared at Nuthatcheswere notedat L. Rockwell,O. (LR).Small numbers LoresvilleJune 15 (BP),Spfid., June 19 (H),and Cleveland July of Brown Creepershave traditionally nested in the wooded 17 (tTLe et al.). Nesting Black Terns were reported f•om 2 swampsnear the lower MississippiR. in s. Illinois, where one s•tes in Iowa and 3 in n.e. Illinois, normal numbers for recent was noted at Crab Orchard N.W.R. this summer. Hence, the years.They returned to n.w. Indianaafter several years' ab- appearanceof four or more and a possiblefamily groupin Axe sence, with 7 unsuccessfulnests at HorseshoeL. (DP1) and 2 Lake Swamp, Ballard, June 29 (BP et al.) was not totally un- nestsat Roxana Pond (KB). No large flockshad been reported expected for w. Kentucky, although there are no confirmed by late summer. nestingrecords for the state.Creepers continued to be reported regularlyfrom n. areaswith a maximumof nine at Brecksville, CUCKOOSTHROUGH CREEPERS- Cuckoos received O. (RH). Sightingsin Louisaand DesMOines, Ia. (P), and Spfld m•xedcomments without any apparentRegionwide pattern. (H), this summer were outsideof their normal rangesin these A Black-billedin Pulaski,Ky., June8 (BP)furnished the only states. report s. of its normal range.Two Greater Roadrunnerswere reportedfrom their normal s.w. Missourirange in Taney (BG). WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Carolina Wrens have BreedingCo m. Barn-Owls remained scarcewith single nests recovered in s. areas but remain rather scarce in the north or pairsin Missouri,Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois. In addition, Bewick'sWrens are still commonlyencountered in s.MiSsouri there had been few recent summer records from Indiana, but have Virtually disappearedelsewhere. A pair nested •n where pairsnested in Lawrenceand Orange(JC}, or from Iowa, Pike, providing Ohio's first breeding record since 1980 (DM, w•th a nest in Wayne and a pair in Story (DR et al.). Burrowing fideJ). Other reportswere limited to singlesin Hamilton,Ind, Owls appearedin w. Iowa, where they are casualvisitors, with during early July (BB),Somerset, Ky. (JE),and near Fayette, one or two in Fremont through July 12 (BW, m.ob.) and one Mo., June 9-11 (CR). A Winter Wren at West Okoboji L., Ia, near SacCity July 29 (LK). Followinglarge numbers last winter, June9-14 (NB) was probably a nonbreeder.Sedge Wrens were Long-earedOwls nestedin Iowa near LedgesS.P. and in Clarke scatteredacross the n. statesbut were widespread only in I1- (BE,SD}, and alsoin Lawrence,Ill. (DJ}.Short-eared Owls re- linoiswith sightingsfrom 10 sitess. to J•ckson(DRo). Eastern mamed in Lyon, Ia., through May 20 (SD), and Pike, II]., Bluebirdsexperienced good nesting success in moststates th•s throughoutJune (LSt) where nestingwas suspectedbut not summer. Veeries have become locally common in portions of proven.Chuck-will's-widows were reportedonly from estab- the n. states,as evidenced by 30 in Boone,Ia, (SD, EM), and hshedsites. Whip-poor-will numbers were apparentlystable; 19 at Pinhook Bog, Ind. (DP1).Reports from West Okoboji L, 188 males in Sand RidgeS.F., I]I., comparedfavorably with Ia. (NB),and Sand Ridge S.F., Ill. (RB),were indicativeof ad- 170 counted 3 years ago (RB). ditional range expansion in those states. The status of N Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were reported in normal Mockingbird remained unchanged,with few sightingsfrom n numbers.An ad. • Rufous Hummingbird was studied at a St. areas.Cedar WaxwingSwere widely noted s. to Louisvilleand Olaf feederJuly 10-11, providinga first confirmedrecord for to Springfield,Mo. Improvednumbers of LoggerheadShrikes Iowa (tLS). A small population of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Iowa comprised12 nestsplus 5 additional sightings.Only remains in extreme n.e. Ohio, where 3 nestingpairs were dis- scatteredindividuals and nestingpairs were detectedin Ohio, covered in Ashtabula and one in Geauga. In Illinois, a pair Indiana, and n. Illinois. However, 35 pairsin portionsof Wayne, producedtwo young in Vermilion (MC) for that state's 2nd Clay, and Jasperwere indicativeof the sizablepopulations nestingrecord in as many years.In addition, one was reported remaining in s.e. Illinois (BL). June29 from n.w. Indiana at CowlesBog (LKo, fide KB), where White-eyedVireos continued to expandalong the n. edge they are not known to nest, and small numbers were found of the Region. Bell's Vireos were scarce in Iowa but normal •n their expectedn.e. Iowa range.Pileated Woodpeckers are numbers appearedin the other states.A nest at Buck Creek expandingand nested in the Indiana Dunes area for the first S.P.(DO) was at a newlocation in Ohio.Solitary Vireos nested t•me in Lucas,for the first breedingrecord for n.w. Ohio (TK). They Late migrant flycatcher reportsincluded an Olive-sided at were alsoreported from severalnew sitesin n.e. Ohio. B•gWall L., Ia., throughJune 21 (SD)and Yellow-belliedsalong The only territorialGolden-winged Warbler was foundat both Great Lakes on June 13. Summering Alder Flycatchers the C.V.R.A. into early June (RH). Single TennesseeWarblers appearto be fairly widespreadin n.e. Ohio, where they were at Spfid., July 10 (H) and near Charleston, Ill., July 21 (BHu) reportedfrom 11 sitesthis year.In addition,a summeringmale are best treated as early fall migrants. Northern Parulas may •n Champaign was well outside of this range in w.-c. Ohio be experiencinglocal increases,as indicatedby summering (DO) SummeringAlders were alsoreported from 3 n.w. Indiana birds at new locationsin s. Iowa, n.e. Indiana, and n. Kentucky s•tes,where they were observedcarrying food,although a nest Chestnut-sidedWarblers continued their expansionin the n hasnot yet beenlocated. Fair numbersof Willow FlYcatchers states.They are presently most numerous in n.e. Ohio and •n Kentucky consistedof reportsfrom 7 locations.The slowly- n.w. Indiana, with scattered males elsewhere s. to Orange, expandingLeast Flycatcher was scatteredacross the n. states Ind. (JC),Killdeer PlainsW.M.A., O. (JM),and Spfid.(H). There w•th males s. to Champaign,Ill. (RCh), and c. Ohio. Outside had beenfew previdussummer records from Iowa, where three of their normal range, at least six W. Kingbirdswere noted at maleswere recordedin Booneahd Webster(SD, RM, EM). Both St Louis,where one nest was successful(RK), while one pair YelloW-throated and Prairie warblers continued their N ex- nestedat the traditional Alton, Ill., Site(RP). Another W. King- pansionthroug•h the Region.A • Prairie returnedto Shimek b•rd was well describedin DuPage,June 4 (lDJh) and one was S.F.,Ia., June 7-12 (•TC)et al.),although there was no indication reported from L. Calumet, Ill., June 14-15 (JL). Extralimital the bird was mated. Prairie Warblers have also increased m Sc•ssor-tailedFlycatchers included a maleat. Reform W.M.A., n.e. Indiana, and in extreme n.e. Ohio where males were re- Mo, June7 '(JW),another male near Hale,Mo. (DF), and one cordedat 2 Ashtabulasites. Black-and-white Warblers are rare •n Sac,Ia., June20 (iMM, fideJD). summer residents in Iowa, where reports from Shimek S.F, Most breedingswallows experienced good nesting success, May 31 (RC) and LedgesS.P., June 1 (SD) suggestedpotential although Purple Martins were thought to have declined in breeders.Other extralimital rei3ortswere of either nonbreeders several states. Tree Swallows continued to spread through or early fall migrants. Kentucky, nesting in Pulaski for the first time (JE). Numbers An impressive111 Am. Redstartswere countedat Kankakee of Chff Swallows were still increasing,with new coloniesdis- W.M.A., Ind., June7 (DP1).Summering Worm-eating Warblers coveredin most states.Unlike previousyears, no concentra- at C.V.R.A. (fide JMa] and Dunes S.P., Ind., June4 (LC) V•ere trans of migrating swallows were reported in late summer. A n. of their normal breeding range. The status of SwainsoWs

Volume 40, Number 5 1211 Warbler in s Missouri was indicatedby the presenceof e•ght rapidlyin the w statesA colonyof eightor morewas discov- males along the Current and Eleven Point rivers (fide JW). ered near Freeman, Mo. (JJ),well removedfrom their previous One was also reported from Mingo N.W.R., Mo., during July nestingrange in the n.w. counties.They are spreadingthrough (PS).Elsewhere, singles were notedat the traditionalbreeding Iowa, where breeding was first noted only 3 years ago. This site near Pomona, Ill. (m.ob.), and in McCreary, Ky. (BP). A year, nestingbirds were found at Guthrie,Lakin Slough(SD), total of 32 Ovenbirds in Pope (DRo) was noteworthy for s. Il- near Sioux City (BH), and Forney L. (FM, RM), while 3 addi- linois, where they are inexplicably scarcesummer residents. tionalreports included a maximumof 26in Greeneand Guthrie Only n.e. Ohio regularly supportsbreeding N. Waterthrush; June 10 (SD). small numberswere found at 3 sitesin Ashtabuladuring June. Goodnumbers of nestingPurple Fincheswere found in n e The N expandingKentucky Warbler appearedat scattered Ohio s. to Stark and Wayne (LR). The only other report was areas in n. Illinois and Ashtabula, O., during June. Migrant fromn.w. Indianain earlyjune. HouseFinches are expanding Mourning Warblerswere detectedalong both Great Lakesuntil exponentiallyin Illinois and have becomelocally commonin mid-Junewith a maximum of three at Euclid, O., June10 (DC). the e. one-half of the state. Iowa had its first nesting records The continuedpresence of a small breedingpopulation in n.e. this year with 2 broodsin Davenport(P) and one at Corydon Ohio was indicatedby territorial malesin Geauga,Ashtabula, (DP, fide JD). In Missouri, nestingwas confirmedat Kennett and C.V.R.A. A total of 17 HoodedWarblers in Pope(DRo) was (HS), and suspectedat Columbia (JRa)and Charleston(JH) It a goodnumber for s. Illinois.They are scarcesummer residents is only a matter of time beforethey spreadacross these states in Iowa, where 2 reportsincluded one in Hoist S.F. (RM). Late as well. Iowa also had its first nesting Red Crossbillswhen a migrantWilson's and Canadawarblers were detectedalong pair and four young were discoveredat Des Moines July 9-10 both Great Lakes through June 7-13. A CanadaWarbler prob- (E & EA, DT). A • Red Crossbillin Crawford,Ii1., June 3-11 ably nestedin DunesS.P., Ind. (KB),where breedinghas been was probably a nonbreeder (DS). Following last winter's in- suspectedin the pastbut a nest has never been found. vasion,Pine Siskinsremained into summerin all statesexcept Missouri. Definite nesting attemptswere establishedonly at TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES--The number of Cleveland(RH), Columbus, O. (fide J),and Morton Arboretum, Summer Tanagersin n. Illinois in Will increasedto four males Ill. (EW), although apparently none was successful.Lingering this summer (JMi). Rose-breastedGrosbeaks have expanded EveningGrosbeaks were reportedonly from Farmington,Mo, throughoutOhio and may becomeresident in adjacentportions where a female remained at a feeder until July 15 and a flock of Kentucky,where a male lingeredthrough June 8 in Grayson of 10 was reported earlier in the summer (BR). (KC). Blue Grosbeakscontinued their expansionthrough the Region. A nest in Lee (SD) was unusual for s.e. Iowa, while there were 5 c. and n. Illinois reports n. to Tazewell, June 6 CORRIGENDA -- The Black-backedWoodpecker at Ottumwa, (JMi). Scattered birds were found in Ohio n. to Erie (RH). In Ia., last winter (AB 40:287)was observedonly on Dec. 28. The Iceland Gulls at Alton, Ill.-Mo., Feb. 16 (AB 40:287)should be at- Indiana, they were describedas common in Sullivan (AB) and tributed to W. Rowe and R. Goetz. returned to Newton in the north (KB). A closely-studied6 PaintedBunting at Meramac S.P.,June 22 (tWL) was well outside of its normal range in e. Missouri. Dickcisselsmust be close to the upper end of their population cycle. They were CONTRIBUTORS (Subregionaleditors' namesin boldface, contributorsare requestedto send reportsto them.) -- K Al- widely reported in all states,and several large concentrations exander, E. & E. Armstrong, N. Bernstein, D. Bierman (DB), R were reported, such as 100 in a Champaign,Ii1., field (RCh) Bjorklund,D. Bohlen(H), B. Brink, K. Brock,A. Brunet,M. Camp- and 62 males in Tazewell, Ill., June 7-9 (JMi). bell, L. Carter,J. Casttale,R. Cecil, R. Chapel(RCh), K. Clay, D Bachman'sSparrows were detected only at a regularlocation Corbin, James Dinsmore (Iowa), S. Dinsmore, T. Edwards, B in Calloway,Ky., where 2 pairs summered(CP). In n.w. Iowa, Ehresman,J. Ellis (JE1),J. Elmore, C. Fields,D. Figg,T. Finder, J five 6 Clay-colored Sparrowswere recorded near Latchwood Fry (Fry), J. Fuller (iF), L. Galloway, B. Gentle, R. Hannikman through mid-July (JD et al.), and singleswere noted at West (RHn), R. Harlan, D. Hart, J.Haw, R. Heidorn (RHe),B. Hunt (BHu), Okoboji L., June 13 and in Lyon June 14 (JF). Nesting was not B. Huser, J. Jefferson,D. Johnson(DJh), D. Jones,Charles Keller confirmedat any of these sites,and there are no recent nesting (Indiana),T. Kemp, Vernon Kleen (Illinois),L. Konz (LKo),R Ko- recordsfrom the state, although they regularly breed in ad- rotev, K. Kritz, L. Kropf,T. LaGrange(TL), ]. Landing,B. Lane, W lacent portionsof South Dakota. Lark Sparrowswere reported Leitner,T. LePage(TLe), J. MacGregor (]Mg), M. Mahn, C. Marbut, mostlyfrom traditional siteswithin their local breedingrange W. Marcisz, J. Maugens (JMa), ]. McCormac (]M), L. McNeely, C e of the MississippiR. SummeringSavannah Sparrows at Bed- Miller (CMi), J.Miloserich (JMi), D. Minney,F. Moore,E. Munson, ford, Ky. (JY), and Oldham, Ky. (BP),were near the s. edgeof R. Myers,D. Overacker,R. Palmer,B. Palmer-Ball (BP), C. Patterson their presentbreeding range.. Grasshopper Sparrows received (CPa),Bruce Peterjohn (J) (Ohio),P. Petersen(P), C. Peterson(CP), mixed reports although overall populationsappeared to be D. Plank (DP1),D. Pohl,M. & B. Proescholdt(M & BPr),T. Pucehk, stable. A Henslow's Sparrow in Pope June 5 (DRo) was un- J. Ratherr (IRa), E. Ray, B. Reeves,D. Reeves,D. Robinson(DRo), precedentedfor s. Illinoisduring summer. Two Iowa reports J. Robinson,L. Rosche,C. Royall, H. Schanda,W. Schennum,D Schuur,]. Smith, P. Snetsinger,Anne Stature(Kentucky), L. Stone, consistedof as many as three near Leon and near Mount Ayr L. Stritch(LSt), S. Tatom, D. Thompson,E. Tramer,J. Van Dyk, E (fide JD), while the expectednumbers appeared in the other Waiters,B. Wilson,Jim Wilson (Missouri),J. Young, H. Zaletel In n states.A late Lincoln's Sparrowtarried at Euclid, O., June addition, many personswho could not be individually acknowl- 12 (DC).A • White-throatedSparrow in AshtabulaJune 6 (J) edgedsubmitted notes to the varioussubregional reports.--BRUCE was in suitable nesting habitat, although there are no recent G. PETERJOHN,105-K E. TiconderogaDr., Westerville, OH 43081. nestingrecords for Ohio. Another White-throatedSparrow at ChicagoJuly 9-24 (JL) was undoubtedlya nonbreeder.Dark- eyed Juncoswere not detectedin Ashtabula,0., where they formerly nested.However, a pair raisedyoung in Cuyahoga, O, for the 2nd consecutiveyear (TLe). Numbers of Bobolinkswere apparently normal including breedingbirds s. to Fayette,Mo., June26 (CR)and Fayette,Ky. (m.ob.). Both W. Meadowlarks and Yellow-headed Blackbirds were largelyreported from expectedsites withi n their limited rangese. of the MississippiR. Nine Brewer's Blackbirdsap- peared at Illinois Beach S.P., June 8 (JL);they are casual in summerin n. Illinois. Great-tailedGrackles are expandingquite

1212 American B•rds,W•nter 1986 CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION

Jerome A. Jackson KANS.•

tthough wasa hot,in Arkansasdry summer Joe Neal inmost reported ofthe amid-South, wet June fol-allowed by dry, record-breaking heat. Records were also broken at Mobile (DC). Water was rationed in some areas and agricultural problemsowing to the drought made national news, although the greatestdrought problemswere eastof our Region.In spite of extreme weather, the season seemsto have generally been a goodone for birds--althoughthe heat may have kept a few birdersindoors! Her- ons, egrets,and shorebirdswere reported in large congre- gationsat ponds lowered by the drought throughout the Region. Hurricane Bonnie struck the Louisiana coast in late June, and seemsto have pushed a few seabirdsinland as far as Arkansas. Highlights of the seasonincluded good documentation of widespread summering of American White Pelicans, continued growth of seabirdcolonies on Gaillard Island in •ph•n Mobile Bay, an upswingin WoodStork and Ospreyreports, •sland and a number of Bewick's Wren records. My candidates for best birds of the season were the first summer records of Lesser Black-backed Gull in Louisiana, the first documentation of Royal Tern in Arkansas,and nestingHerring Gulls in Alabama--although the latter record may bode in giving credit where credit is due--and there are some future trouble for other nesting seabirdsin the Region. entries on the positive side, such as the great successat Setbacksincluded a lack of reportsof Black-shouldered Gaillard Island in Mobile Bay this year (the Corps stayed Kitesfrom Mississippiand easternLouisiana, loss of a court away!)--but the environmentalledger sheet for the Corps battle to limit gasdrilling near Red-cockadedWoodpecker colonieson D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge,Louisiana, of Engineersalong the coastin the mid-Southkeeps coming and the burying of nests,eggs, and young of several species up with a negativebalance. Helpful hint of the season:for birders who write dates by dredge spoil in Mississippi. as 6/7/86. Such notationslead to errors.Was the bird seen The latter problem occurredat SingingRiver Island, near June 7 or July 6? To assureaccuracy, please write-out or Pascagoula,Mississippi, a spoil island that shows great abbreviate the month! promisefor colonialwaterbirds. This season'snesting efforts by 40-50 Black-neckedStilts, 100+ Gull-billed Terns, ABBREVIATIONS -- A.M.F. = Anderson's Minnow Farm, 20 Black Skimmers, and others were cut short in late June LonokeCo., Arkansas;P.R.M. = PascagoulaRiver Marsh, s. Jackson by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dredges that pumped Co., Mississippi;S.R.I. = Singing River Island, near Pascagoula, spoil onto the nestingarea (JT). This disasterfollowed on JacksonCo., Mississippi.Place names in italics are parishes(in the heels of similar breeding-seasonactivities by the Corps Louisiana) or counties. in the mid-South in recent years, and ironically followed LOONS THROUGH ANHINGAS-- A Pacific Loon was a letter I receivedthis April from a Corpsbiologist in which identified at Ft. Pickens,Escambia, Fla., June6 (SDu), and TI I was told that the Corpsis not "gettingthe credit it deserves notesthat BG and BBr reportedone at Dauphin I., Apr. 17- for the environmental work it does." The letter further presumablythe one seenthere by othersApr. 20. WC found expressed"hope that" I "may be able to correct at least a Pied-billed Grebe with a brood on 3 occasionsJune 1-July some of the negative (and incorrect) publicity" that the 24 in marsh e. of Tatumville, Tenn. At A.M.F., H & MP found Corps has gotten. I have reviewed the record of the past eight Pied-billed Grebes,including one incubatingand two few years and feel that the recordspublished in American nest-buildingJune 18. A Masked Boobyat Ft. Walton Beach Birds speak for themselves:in numerous instances,Corps June6 providedthe 2nd Junerecord for n.w. Florida (BIB). operationshave resulted in the destructionor disruption About 70 Am. White Pelicansat EastBay, Santa Rosa,Fla., of nestingseabird colonies. This year hasbeen no different. June29 (RDu) were consideredvery late migrants.However, Yes, the Corps of Engineersbuilt the islands in the first this speciesis summeringin increasingnumbers in the mid- place and for that they deservecredit-- although they had South.Up to 300 summeredat GaillardI. in Mobile Bay (CDC, to put the spoil someplace,and the islands are just by- SH, DD, m.ob.),and up to 22 were loungingon S.R.I.,June 18 and July 2 (JT, CD, MH, DK). In Louisiana36 were near Ca- products of other activities. Such spoil islands can be a meron June 21 (DD, SC), 400 were near FourchonRd., La- wonderful haven for seabirds,but all too often they have fourche, June 27 (MS, JK), and 15 were at Morganza July 28 been a cruel trap in the northern Gulf: the birds are at- (DG). American White Pelicansmay alsohave summeredin tracted to them, begin nesting,then are wiped out by Corps Arkansas,where 60 were at L. Millwood June27 (H & MP) and bulldozers or dredges.Whatever goodthe Corpsbiologists sevenwere at L. DardanelleJuly 7 (WS). do doesnot need to be undoneby Corpsdredges. Continued The Brown Pelican colony on Gaillard I. mushroomedto dredgingis necessaryto maintain channels, and the ad- about 200 neststhis year and producedas many as 400 young dition of fresh spoil doesmaintain the early successional (CDC, TS, PD, MD). Up to 1500 adult and 1000 imm. Brown stageneeded by so many seabirds.Why can't the Corpsget Pelicans were seen at Gaillard I. and around Mobile Bay its act together and simply ban pumping of spoil onto or throughthe summer;they alsocontinued to be seenin coastal adjacent to spoil islandsfrom April through July?I believe Mississippiwith increasingfrequency, most in Jackson(JJ, CD,

Volume 40, Number 5 1213 DK, JT) A lone ad Double-crestedCormorant was alongFour- VULTURES THROUGH RAILS -- A Black Vulture at Co- chon Rd., Lafourche, La., June 27 (MS, JK). Anhingas nested codneL., La., was•ncubahng an egg•n a duckbhnd•n a cypress- again this year at the coolingponds at Big Point, Jackson(JT, tupelo swampJune I (HG). In coastalMississippi about 25 Black JM), and at least 3 nestswere found in n. Harrison (JT, MH, Vultures and 15 Turkey Vultures congregatedat the catfish DK, DH, JR). farm near Kiln June 13 (JT, DK). Ospreysfared well in coastal Mississippithis summer: one nest was found at the Big Point HERONS THROUGH DUCKS -- The season'sonly Am. coolingponds June 3 (JT, JM), and numerousnests were under B•ttern report was of one at RadnorL., Davidson,Tenn., June study on Horn and East Ship islands(TS); 2 nestsand 10 adults 28 (AT). MH, CD, DK, and JT found four LeastBitterns along were at Round I., June 18 (JT, DK, CD); and 7 active nestsand the W. PascagoulaR., July 2. A Great White Heron was dis- about40 adultsand immatureswere foundalong the Escatawpa covered at St. JosephPeninsula, Gulf, July 2 (HL, TF), and R., Jackson,July 2 (JT, MH, CD, DK). An Osprey was n.e of probablythe samebird was found s.e. of WewanitchkaJuly Henderson, La., June I (MS, PM), and in n.e. Arkansas the 10 (HL, HS, DSc); there are now only 10 recordsof this race speciesnested successfullyat Big Lake Wildlife Ref. for only from n.w. Florida. Great Blue Herons had a banner year on the 2nd record in 30 years (EP, JN). Although two Ospreys RoundI., Jackson,Miss., where there were at least 70 nests were at Beaver L., Benton, Ark., July 19, no nest was found and many large nestlingsJune 18 (JT, CD, DK); this islandhas (AB,fide EN). At Percy PriestL., Rutherford,Tenn., the hacking supporteda similar number of Great Blue Heron nestsfor sev- projectworked! One of the birds rebuilding a nestin late July eral years(JJ), and we hope it will continueto do so.However, was locallyhacked (RDP, MIR). Elsewherein Tennessee,nests much of the island was transferredas "surplus"from federal were built at Old Hickory L. (fide SS),and at the Duck R. Unit, ownershipto the city of Pascagoulathis year. Apparently nei- TennesseeN.W.R. (EB), but neither producedyoung. ther the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nor the National Park The first American Swallow-tailed Kite record acceptedby Service were willing to assumeresponsibility for it--a real the ArkansasAudubon Society in 30+ years was of one along p•ty, particularly sinceGulf IslandsNat'l Seashoreislands are Hwy 167 S in Ouachita R. bottomlandof CalhounApr. 7, but w•thin view of Round I. Although the "Gallinule Pond" near not reported last season(CAM). In Louisiana, one was seen Ingall's Shipyard, Jackson,Miss., is slowly being filled in, it near GrosseTete June I (MS, PM); another was n. of Butte/La seemsto be holding its magic attraction for birds to the end: Roseexit on 1-10,St. Martin, July 5 (MWe, RS);and four adults 73 Great Egretswere there June3 (JT,JM). MDa had an unusual and two juvenileswere seen near the Pearl R. exit of 1-10,St congregationof 43 Great Egretsat Lower L. below SardisDam, Tammany, July 12 (BC, PN, LHe). At least five Am. Swallow- Panola, Miss., July 16. Lone Great Egrets were at 2 Benton, tailed Kiteg were viewed from the PascagoulaR. bridge near Ark., fish farms July 24 & 26 (MM). In Tennessee, up to 14 Wade, June 3 (JT, JM), and lone birds were seenin Hancock, Snowy Egretswere in Lake July 14 (WC), and one was in Sum- Miss., near Logtown July 7 (JT, DK, MH), and near Kiln July ner July 26 (JPC,DTC). A heronry in n. Harrison, Miss., in- 16 (JT, DK, JS).Black-shouldered Kites have retreated--or at cluded at least 10 Little Blue Heron and 1500 Cattle Egretnests least haven't been seen in Hancock, Miss., this year; the sea- (JT, MH, DK). Groupsof 53 Little Blue Herons June28, and 33 son'sonly report was of an immature 2 mi s. of Cameron,La, July 16 n. of Savage,Tunica, Miss., suggesteda local heronry June21 (SC,DD). Ten MississippiKites were at Hatchie N.W R, (MDa).At S.R.I.,two adult and 10 imm. Black-crownedNight- Tenn., June3 (LW), an adult was feedingan immature in Han- Herons were flushed from vegetationJuly 2 (MH, JT, DK, CD); cock,Miss., July 16 (JS,DK, JT), and many were seenin Shelby, five were at A.M.F., June 18 (H & MP). In Arkansas,JN, RB, & Tenn., through the summer (LC). Bald Eaglesnested success- BSfound three Yellow-crownedNight-Herons along Hamstring fully near Gulfport and Vicksburg,Miss. (JJ,HM), and at White Creek w. of FayettevilleJuly 9, and an adult and one immature River N.W.R., Ark. (BP,fide JSt).In Tennessee,eagle nests in- were near Durham, Ark., July 17 (DJ).At CocodrieL., Rapides, cluded 3 in Stewart, 2 in Humphreys, and one each in Coffee La, a Yellow-crownedNight-Heron nest with three youngwas and lackson;these produced five or more young(fide SS) found May 31 (HG). The appearanceof an imm. Cooper'sHawk at Fayettewile, White Ibis records included one at Lonoke, Ark., June 15 Ark., July 30 eraseddoubts that the speciesstill occurredas a (RC, MW, m.ob.) and about 230 adults and five immatures summer bird there (DJ, JN). Cooper's Hawks were unusually near the E. PascagoulaR., July 2 (JT, MH, DK, CD). Wood Storks visible in Tennesseethis season--9 reportscame from Law- must have had a better-than-recent-yearsseason, since there rence, Stewart,and Williamson (fide SS). were more records--although still many fewer than a decade The D'Iberville B.B.S.route was goodfor four Red-shouldered ago. In Louisiana these included eight s.w. of Niblett June 1, Hawks June I (JT, DK). An ad. Broad-wingedHawk was at 30 n. of HackberryJune 2 (MS, PM), and 35 over the Atchafalaya Grand Isle, La., June27 (MS, JK),and JSfound two immatures Basin e. of Whiskey Bay exit on 1-10June 16 (SC, DD). In Ar- in Hancock, Miss., July 16. A lone Swainsoh'sHawk was at kansasthere were two at L. Millwood, Howard,July 12 (CM). the Centerton Fish Hatchery, Benton, Ark., July 4 (MM) A A pair of Green-wingedTeal was near Niblett, La., June 1 very late Peregrine Falcon was near West L., Calcasieu,La, (MS, PM), and an ad. male was in Cameron June 21 (SC). An June I (MS, PM). Am. Black Duck was at the Duck R. Unit of Tennessee N.W.R., The Black Francolin still persistsin Cameron, Louisiana, July 6 (JCR).Nesting of Mottled Ducks in coastalMississippi where one was found near Gum Cove June 2 (fide MS, PM) was evidencedby eight non-flying youngJune 4 at a catfish The only King Rail report of the seasonwas of one heard at farm near Kiln (JT, JM), and by adults with broodsof six and GoosePond, Grundy, Tenn., June 6 (JLI). A Purple Gallinule e•ght seenJune 18 at S.R.I. (JT, CD, DK). At Cedar Pt., Mobile, was the star at the Bear Creek W.M.A., Stewart, Tenn., June 4 Ala., a female and four nearly-grown young were seen July (MHI, CKC). Although rare and local in Arkansasin summer, 23, suggestingthe possibilityofa 2nd or at least a replacement Purple Gallinulesand Com. Moorhens(one to four of each) brood (TI, JI). Blue-winged Teal nestedagain at P.R.M., where were at Faulkner L., Pulaski, in May and June (RC, FM) A an adult and six young were seen June 29 (CD). In Arkansas, Corn. Moorhen at Monsanto Ponds, Maury, Tenn., June 27, two Blue-winged Teal made an out-of-seasonappearance at gave a broken-wing display in responseto a nearby raccoon, Fayetteville July 12 (DJ). Out-of-seasonducks that could not suggestinga nearby nest or young (KGA). At L. Bentonwile, be written off ascripples included a volant 9 Gadwall at Bonnet Ark., two Am. Coots were seen June 2 and July 4 (NW, CK, Carre Spillway June28 (MWe), and a Surf Scorerpicked up as MM). Two were at P.R.M., June3, and three were at Lakeshore, •t was walking through the Gulf IslandsNat'l Seashorepark Hancock,June 4, but there was no signof nesting(JT, JM) •n OceanSprings July 2; it appeareduninjured and was released on Horn I. (TS). To round out the duck scene,an unbanded (but likely escapee)Ruddy Shelduckwas at the Gallatin Steam SHOREBIRDS -- The seasonprovided ample rewards for Plant, Sumner, Tenn., July 4 & 11--the 2nd Nashville area plover lovers: 15 Black-belliedsin basic plumage, about 20 record (JPC,DTC). adult and imm. Wilson's, and about 12 Semipalmated,were

1214 American Birds, Winter 1986 all at P.R.M., July 19 (JT, CD). At Blakely I., Mobile, Ala., TI PassJuly 4 (in alternate plumage;RS, MWe) and July 19 (in found two Black-belliedPlovers July 22: one in basicplumage, "mostlyalternate plumage"; DD). Most of about20 Stilt Sand- one in alternate. A large Wilson'sPlover chick was alsoseen pipersat P.R.M., July 19 were still in alternateplumage (JT, at S.R.I.,June 18 (JT).In Louisiana,Semipalmated Plovers may CD). A Short-billed Dowitcher was at A.M.F., July 2 (H & MP), have summered:eight were e. of the mouth of CalcasieuPass and in n.w. Florida, six were near Wewanitchka July 10 (HL, June 21-22, and two were there July 19-20 (DD, SC); two were DSc,HS), and about20 were nearPace July 12 (BM).The Florida at Fourchon Beach,Lafourche, June 27 (MS, JK).In Alabama, recordswere the first for dates between June 13 and July 15 one was at Blakely I., July 22 (TI). In Tennessee,two Piping since 1929! Their arrival on the Mississippiand Louisianacoasts Ploverswere at Island 13, Lake, July 26 (MI), and one was in coincided with that of other shorebirds:two in alternate plu- the s.w. cornerof Lake July 28 (WC). About 20 Killdeers(un- mage July 16 at Waveland (JT, DK, JS), about 100, most in common in summer in n.w. Florida] congregatedat crawfish alternateplumage, July 19 at P.R.M. (JT, CD); and up to five pondsin Gulf July 10 (HL, HS, DSc). in alternateplumage July 19-20 in Cameron(DD). In Florida, Up to six Black-neckedStilts were at the Ensleysewage la- a Long-billedDowitcher was at the PerdidoBay CountryClub goonsin Memphis this summer and at least 2 broodswere sewagelagoon, July 30 (OF); in Louisiana, two were at Mor- hatched;this was the 5th year the birds have been seenthere, ganza July 28 (DG). and the 3rd nestingseason (JRW). To the west, at A.M.F., H & MP found two June 18. Stilts nested again at P.R.M. (JJ,BJ), JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMER- A PomarineJaeger and in Louisiana,six were at MorganzaJuly 28 (DG). Crawfish collected6 mi w. of Holly Beach,Cameron, La., July 5 was pondss.e. of Wewanitchka,Fla., attractedsix Black-necked a possible leftover from Hurricane Bonnie (RS, MWe, Stilts July 10, but there was no sign of local nesting(HL, *L.S.U.M.Z.).Laughing Gulls were abundanton the Mississippi DSc, HS). coast,with about 500 adults congregatedat S.R.I., June18 (JT, About 40 Am. Avocets were at S.R.I., June 18, but none was DK, CD); many nestedat Gafflard I. in June (CDC, m.ob.). An there July 2 after freshspoil had beenpumped onto the island ad. LaughingGull seemedto have followedHurricane Bonnie (JT, CD, DK). CM foundthree in breedingplumage at L. Mill- to L. Millwood, Ark., July 12, to becomethe 12th state record wood, Ark., July 15, and H & MP found one at L. Hamilton (CM, H & MP). CoastalCameron was summer home for several Fish Hatchery,Garland, Ark., July8. GreaterYellowlegs may Ring-billedGulls: about 20 (all 2nd-summerplumage except have summered in Cameron,La., where eight were seenJune one adult) were seen June 21-22, and 13 on July 19-20 21-22 and one July 20 (DD, SC). At the Grenada, Miss., airport, DD). One of the season%big surpriseswas a pair of Herring eightLesser Yellowlegs came in with the rainsfrom Hurricane Gulls that had a nest with 2 eggsJune 4 on Gaillard I. (CDC, Bonnie June 28 (G & SK). At least 20 Lesser.Yellowlegs were TS, MD, PD). A very faded 2nd-summerHerring Gull was also at P.R.M., July 19 (JT, CD). A Solitary Sandpiperat crawfish at S.R.I., June 18. In Cameron,the sevenHerring Gulls found ponds s.e. of Wewanitchka July 10 (HL, HS, DSc) was very June 21-22 included an ad. plumagedbird (DD, SC);on July early for n.w. Florida. The "beforethe Corps"birds at S.R.I. 19-20, lingerersincluded three in first-summerplumage, and included 15+ adult and imm. Willets June 18 (JT, DK, CD). one each in 2nd- and 3rd-summer dress (DD, SC). A Lesser Inland appearancesof six Willets at the Grenada,Miss., airport Black-backed Gull in 2nd-summer plumage e. of Calcasieu June 28, and of four at L. Hamilton State Fish Hatchery, Ark., PassJune 21-22 and July 20 provided the first true summer July 5 (H & MP) followedHurricane Bonnie. recordof this speciesfor Louisiana(DD, SC). SpottedSandpipers appeared in Tennesseeat DeKalh June Althoughthere were numeroussmall Gull-billed Tern chicks 11 (JWW) and at StewartJune 15 & 24 (JCR),and in Arkansas at S.R.I.on June18, none couldbe found "postCorps" July 2 at A.M.F. and the JoeHogan State Fish Hatchery, Lonoke, July (JT,DK, CD, MH). Loafersat S.R.I.,June 18 includedabout five 6 (H & MP). Early southboundSpotted Sandpipers showed up CaspianTerns (JT, CD, DK). A summer Caspian Tern was at at Wavelandand BaySt. LouisJuly 16 (Jr, DK, JS)and at P.R.M., New Spodra,Ark., June7 (T & LH), and a very early immature July19 (JT,CD). A Whimbrelgraced the beache. of the mouth was at Lower L. below SardisDam, Panola, Miss., July 16 (MDa). of CalcasieuPass July 19-20 (SC).Up to six Long-billedCurlews A thriller in Arkansaswas a very rare inland and first docu- were there June 21-22, and one was there July 19-20 (DD, SC). mented stateappearance of an ad. Royal Tern at A.M.F., June Also in Louisiana a Hudsonian Godwit in basic plumage was near Morse June I (MS, PM), and four Marbled Godwits were on the beach in CameronJune 22 (SC,DD). Ruddy Turnstones seemto be regular but rare summerbirds alongthe n. Gulf. This year five were alongHarrison, Miss., beaches June 4 (JM, JT), 12 were on the beach e. of CalcasieuPass June 21-22 (DD, SC), and one was there July 20 (DD). Although uncommon inland, two were at Island 13 in the MississippiR., Lake, Tenn., Aug. 2 (WC). The beache. of the mouth of CalcasieuPass was refugefor up to 60 Red Knots(most in basicplumage, two or three in partial alternate)and 80 Sanderlings(many stained with oil) June 21-22, and for sevenRed Knotsand about 20 Sanderlings(some with oiled plumage)July 19-20 (DD, SC). Jackson,Miss., was host to six SemipalmatedSandpipers June 18 at S.R.I. (JT, DK, CD), and one July 19 at P.R.M. (JT, CD). In Lafourche,La., eight in alternate plumage were on Fourchon BeachJune 27 (MS, JK).Late or summeringW. Sandpipersin- cluded one in Cameron June 21 (DD, SC), 40 at Fourchon Beach June 27 (MS, JK), and four at Bay St. Louis July 16 (JT, JS,DK); by July 19 there were about50 at P.R.M.,suggesting returning migrants(JT, CD). LeastSandpipers showed a similar pattern: three at Waveland July 16 (JT, DK, JS),and 200+ at P.R.M., July'19 (JT, CD), althoughin Cameron,La., one in alternate plumagewas presentJune 22 (DD,SC), and a near-record-early bird was s.e. of Wewanitchka, Fla., July 10 (HL, DSc, HS). A Adult Royal Tern at Anderson'sMinnow Farm, Lonoke Co., lone Pectoral Sandpiper was at P.R.M., July 19 (JT, CD). A Ark., June 15, 1986. First Arkansasrecord, and one of very few possiblesummering Dunlin was e. of the mouth of Calcasieu inland in North America. Photo/Max Parker.

Volume 40, Number 5 1215 14-15 (H & MP, RC, E & HH, MW, WM, MS), a few days later FLYCATCHERS THROUGH CREEPER -- Eastern Wood- the b•rd was found dead, apparently shot (*Umv. of Arkansas Pewees at Logtown fledgedtwo young between June 28 & 30 Museum,fide JN).About 300 well-grownbut dependentyoung (JT, DK, CD, GM). An Alder Flycatcher was heard June 6 at Royal Terns and 150 similarly-agedSandwich Terns, presum- Devil'sDen S.P.,rather late for Washington,Ark. (JN).A Wfilow ably from nestson Gaillard I., were congregatingbetween Ft. Flycatcher was seen and heard at the same L. Bentonville lo- Morgan and Dauphin I., July 23 (TI, JI). A lone juv. Common cation June 2 and July 4, suggestinglocal breeding (MM) In Tern was seenat Waveland June 30 (MH, JT). The sevenCom. Tennessee,Willow Flycatchers were heard at Del Rio P•ke, Terns in summer plumage with bright soft-part colors at Williamson, June 2 (SS);Monsanto Ponds, Maury, June 7 (WJ), A M.F., July 2 were exceptionalfor Arkansas (H & MP), but CrossCreeks N.W.R., June11-23 (JR/;and at the Duck R. Umt, perhaps reflected hurricane displacement of some of the TennesseeN.W.R., July 6 (JR).The woodsof coastalCameron h•gher-than-usualnumbers seen on the s.w. Louisianacoast harboredup to 16 Least FlycatchersJuly 19-20 (SC,DD) An th•s summer: about 200 June 21-22 and up to 250 July 19-20 E. Kingbird nest 2 ft abovea pond in deadbrush at Port B•en- (DD, SC). Two ad. Forster'sTerns were at Bob Kidd L., Ark., ville, Hancock, Miss., was unusually low but was successful June 8 (MM), and a juvenile was at Waveland July 16 (JT, in fiedging one young (JT, DK, JS).A first Scissor-tailedFly- DK, JS). catcher for Jonesboro,Ark., was presentJuly 13-14 (LK/. The Least Tern colony at Gulfport sufferedsome setbacks In Tennesseeup to four Horned Larks were at Liberty Grove, owing to constructionassociated with placement of storm Lawrence, in June and July (DJS),and two were at Woods Res, sewersalong the beach,but obviousefforts were madeby those Frank/in, July 3 (HY, JP).Again this year Purple Martins nested involved to minimize disturbance to the birds. Indeed, the at least 120 ft high in a microwave tower in Hancock, M•ss constructionequipment and ban on parking in the area un- (JT). For the 2nd summer Tree Swallows were at Bob Kidd L, doubtedlyhad somepositive effectsin keeping sun-worship- Ark., but no nest was found this summer (MM). Elsewherem pets out of the colony (JJ,BJ). Elsewhere on the Mississippi Arkansas,2 pairs had nestsat AshbaughL., Greene,May 27 coast, Least Terns had a moderate season. None nested at (EH, WB), and three were seenat the Okay Levee,L. Millwood, P R.M., but colonieson the roof of the SingingRiver Mall in July 12 (CM, H & MP). In Louisiana, two were carrying food to Gautier and on the nearby K-Mart and other buildings did a cavity in a dead tree at the MississippiR. levee at Transyl- well (JJ,BJ). New roof-top nestingwas noted in Biloxi (JT, JJ), vania Park in E. Carroll June 11 (BCr), and two were at Bonnet and several adults with non-flying young were seen on the Carte spillway July 26 (MWe). Tennesseerecords included 2 Wavelandbeach June 30, the firstindication of Hancocknesting nests June 7 at Monsanto (WJ), 3 nests June 7 at Laurel Hfil, (JT, MH). About 200 were at S.R.I., June 18, but there was no Lawrence (DJS),and 2 nestsJune 19 at Cross Creeks N.W R s•gnof nesting(JT, CD, DK). About 30 birds tried to nest near (JR). No nest records of this rapidly-expanding specieshave the west end of Horn I. in company with about 10 Gull-billed yet been reportedfrom Mississippi,but the challengeis there Terns and 30 Black Skimmers (JJ).Nowhere was there evidence and the birds may be too--the many ponds and lakes w•th of the LeastTern malady of a few years agothat sometried to standing dead trees in n.w. Mississippiare an open invitatmn attribute to the heat--which was just as bad this year. Least Nesting of Cliff Swallowson the Mississippicoast was docu- Ternswere seenon severaldates at Island 13 in the Mississippi mented June 11 under a U.S. 90 bridge over the Pearl R (JS, R, Lake, Tenn., with a maximum of about 40 July 14 (WC). JT). In Yalobusha and Grenada, Miss., Cliff Swallows showed An unusual middle Tennessee record was of a Least Tern at moderate increases(L & BC). Fifty to 100 pairs were nesting CrossCreek N.W.R., June 12 (JCR).In Arkansas,two were at the old-fashionedway--on cliffsrather than under bridges-- the L. Hamilton Hatchery July 11 (H & MP). In Louisiana,five along the War Eagle R. n. of Huntsville, Ark., June 14 (DW, were seen at a MississippiR. borrowpit at Transylvania, E. fide JN). An adult and fledglingFish Crow were at S.R.I., July Carroll, June 11 (BCr); and about 300 gatheredon the beach 2 (CD, MH). BB found two Brown-headedNuthatches June 10 e of the mouth of Calcasieu Pass, where there were also 7 near Fern, Franklin, n. of their usual range in Arkansas. nestswith eggsJuly 19-20 (DD). About 150 Black Terns were Someof the surprisesof the seasonwere summerrecords at S.R.I., June 18 (JT, DK, CD), and 350 were near Fourchon of Brown Creepersfor bottomlandareas of severalw. Tennessee Beach, Lafourche,La., June 27 (MS, JK). Black Skimmers did counties:w. of Jackson,Madison, June 12; n. of Rossvfile,Fay- well at Gulfport,although they avoidedthe LeastTern colony ette, June 17; Reelfoot L., Lake, June 20; s. of Como, Henry, where there were constructionactivities. The nestingarea at June23; and Shelby ForestS.P., Shelby, July 5 (RF). the VA Hospital included 200-250 pairs (JJ,JT). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS--The Com. Ground-Dovetypically showsup in the fall in Mississippi,but WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS -- This has been a Be- there were recordsof singlebirds at Kiln June 4 (JM, JT/, n. wick's Wren year. Not necessarilya comebackfor them, but JacksonJune 11 (JT,JD), and near NecaiseCrossing July 7 (MH, rather, a year in which observersreally seemedto be looking JT, DK). In Reserve, La., three Com. Ground-Doves flushed for them. That's good.The first step to understandingwhat •s from farm land June I (RS)•near Brusly, St. James,two were happening to this apparently-decliningspecies is to find out seenJune 25 (MS). A Yellow-billed Cuckoowas with a fledged where and in what numbers they still exist. During June,ob- lurenile July 2 along the EscatawpaR. in Jackson,Miss. (MH, servers in Arkansas found the speciesin Washington at the JT, DK, CD). Although GreaterRoadrunners seemed to rapidly Fayetteville V.A. Hospital and Bob Kidd L. (MM), and at Mt occupynew areasof Arkansasin the 1970s,there have been Sequoyah(JN); in Benton,singing individuals were at 2 places fewer recordsin recentyears; two were in Washingtonfarm- in Rogersand at stop 36 on the Avoca B.B.S. route (EN) In land July 24 (NW, CK). On June8, D & CS saw two Com. Barn- Tennessee,no evidenceof breedingwas noted,but oneto three Owls near Eudora, Chicot, and a road-kill near Portland, Ash- birds were in Stewart,Sumner, Dickson,Humphreys, Wilson, ley, Ark. Williamson,Rutherford, Maury, and Lawrence--the bestTen- Leiper's Fork, Williamson, may have been this seasoh's nesseeshowing in the 1980s(fide SS).House Wrens continued hummingbirdcapital for Tennessee:504- Ruby-throateds were their invasion of Tennessee, with summer records from there in Juneand July (BHS).Hummingbirds also seemed par- Clarksville, Nashville, Lebanon, Murfreesboro, Gallatin, Ce- tmularly abundantin east-centralMississippi--as measured lina, and Cookeville(fide SS).MM locateda singingSedge Wren by numberswe saw and numbersof phone callsfrom feeder at Centerton, Ark., July 26. A pair of Marsh Wrens and one proprieters (JJ,BJ). A battle to protect the 5 Red-cockaded fledgedyoung were found w. of the PascagoulaR. in coastal Woodpeckercolonies at D'Arbonne N.W.R., La., from habitat marsh July 2 (MH, DK, JT, CD). A Blue-grayGnatcatcher was destructionby gas well drillers was lost this year, with the unusual for coastalCameron, La., July 19 (SC). U S. Fish and Wildlife Servicetaking the positionin court that JW watched early youngassist adult E. Bluebirdsfeed thmr lossof thesecolonies would not affect the species(JJ). 2nd broodJune 30 (fide JT).An Am. Robin nest at Lyman July

1216 Amencan B•rds,W•nter 1986 11 was rare for coastalMlSSlSs•ppl (JT, JW) Also rare were 3 New Loms•ana locahhes for Great-tmled Grackles •ncluded s Louisiana records:2 pa•rs attending young June 6 at Baton the LSU-E campusand nearby rice fieldss. of Eumce,Acadm, Rouge (VR), a lone bird at ReserveJune 8 (RS), and a pair that and the e. edgeof Eunice, St. Landry, where 10-25 were seen fledgedyoung in May at Houma (RD, MO, BD). Two Gray Cat- throughJune (HG). In Terrebonne,La., two Boat-tailedGrackles birdsin Harrison,Miss., July 16 provideda rare breeding-season were s.e.of ChacahoulaJune 25 (MS). A pair of BronzedCow- record (JS,DK, JT). A Gray Catbird was at Grand Isle June 27, birds was at Pearlingtonjune 17 for a 2nd Mississippirecord where a pair was seenlast summer (MS, JK). (JS)and photographedthere June 19 (JT, DK, HW, GM, MB) A group of six LoggerheadShrikes lined up on a chain-link At Reserve,St. John,La., five to sevenwere seen through the fence at Logtown June 26 appeared to be practicing finding summer (MWe, RS). Northern Oriolesare uncommonbreeders and impaling prey (JT, DK, CD). Shrikes seemed to fare well in the Arkansas Ozarks, but MM found them in Benton at L •n Lawrence, Tenn., where 35 territories and 4 nests were found Siloam SpringsJune 4 and on the Ozark N.F., June 29, and •n in Juneand July (DJS).A lone Bell'sVireo was at the dogpound Adair at L. FrancesJune 7. The species'numbers seem to be in Monroe, La., June 13, where a pair nested last year (DTK). declining in Mississippi(JJ) and in middle Tennessee(SS), At L. Siloam Springs,Ark., MM found three Warbling Vireos where the only reportwas of an ad. male in Coffee(SS). June 4. House Finches continued their invasion of the mid-South, A Blue-wingedWarbler was seen at L. Wedington,Wash- taking youngto feedersin Memphis(WM, fide BC),where they xngton,Ark., June 7 (MM). An apparently late migrant Ten- have been seen since 1980 and where young were first seen nesseeWarbler was singing at Fayetteville,Ark., June13 (JN). in 1982. Elsewhere in Tennessee,nesting was documentedfor At Eureka Springs,Ark., two singingmales and • Yellow War- Montgomeryand Rutherford,and birds were seen in Clay, bler were found June 4 (JF). Yellow Warblers appeared in Pickett,and Putnam (fide SS).The first HouseFinch breeding coastal Mississippiabout on schedule: 14, most immatures, record for Mississippiwas in Starkville this summer (JJ,BJ, were in JacksonJuly 19 (JT, CD). The 2nd Nashville, Tenn., MH), but a male spent the summer in Oxford and was joined area summer record of a Chestnut-sided Warbler was of an at a feederby a female August5-7 (MDa, SD). In Mobile, Ala, ad male July 7 (JCM).A very early imm. Black-throatedGreen at leasttwo malesand two femaleswere seenat feedersthrough Warbler was collected near Cameron, La., July 19 (DD, SC, the summer, although there was no positive evidence of *L S U.M.Z.). Prairie Warblers hod young out of the nest in breeding (AD, DSm, VF, MF). A • Am. Goldfinch at Grand Isle, Hancock, Miss., June 30 (JT, MH). A very late Bay-breasted La., June27 was extremely unusual (MS, JK). Warbler put in an appearanceat Mt. Magazine, Logan, Ark., June19 (KM). An imm. Black-and-WhiteWarbler was at Log- CONTRIBUTORS--Kenneth G. Anderson, Mickey Baker, town July 16 (JT); and first there was one female July 4 (RS, B. W. Beall, Mike Bierly (MiB), Allan Bland, Bill Bremser(BIB), MWe), then up to 16 on July 19-20 that plied the woodsof Edward Britton, Ben Brown (BBr),Jennifer Buchanan, Robin Buff, coastalCameron, La. (DD,SC). A singingAm. Redstartwas at William Byrd, StevenCardiff, Jeanne Cobb, Ben B. Coffey(w. Ten- Jay, Santa Rosa, Fla., May 26-June 7 (RDu), A Worm-eating nessee),Lula C. Coffey, C. Dwight Cooley,C. Kinian Cosner,Ro- Warbler was found near the limit of its breedingrange in n.W. berta Crabtree,Bruce Crider (BCr), William G. Criswell, Dot T Arkansas near L. Wedington June 7 (MM); in Mississippione Crawford,J. Paul Crawford,B. Davis,Marvin Davis (MDa), Rose- was at Logtown June 26 (DK, CD). B & LC heard an Ovenbird maryDavis, Sandra Davis, Mike Dawson,Ann Delchamps,Charley n w of Corinth, A/corn, Miss., June 4. Delmas, Donna Dittmann, Pete Douglas,Jan Dubuisson,Robert Duncan (RDu), Scott Duncan (SDu), Danny Dunn (DAD), Owen Fang,Jane Fitzgerald, Mary Floyd, Robert P. Ford, Tom Foti, Ve- TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES- B & LC found a wetia Friend,Ben Garmon,Harland Guillory, Dale Gustin,Tom Scarlet Tanager June 4 near Walnut, Tippah, and two others &LibbusHaggerty,Edith&HenryHalberg,SamHamilton,EarlHane- June5 at localities near DeKalb, Miss.RP heard one near Sam- brink,Lucille Hendrick (LHe), Malcolm F. Hodges,Jr., Diane Hunt, burg, Tenn., June 2. An ad. • Rose-breastedGrosbeak was in JamesImhof, Thomas A. Imh0f (Alabama),Jerry L. Ingles,Maxey W•lhamson, Tenn., June 9-10 (JC). An important record left Irwin, Bette J.S.Jackson, Jerome A. lackson (Mississippi),Doug out of the spring report was of a • Black-headed Grosbeakat James,William N. Jernigan,D.T. Kee,Chris Kellner, Dalton King, Nashville May 4, the 5th record there, but the first since Curtis L. Kingsbery(n.w. Florida),Lesley Kirkley, JoeKleiman, 1975 (AT). Gene& ShannonKnight, Horace Loftin, Florence Mallard, Peter Painted Buntingsseem to be uncommon, but making more Marra, JaneC. Maynard, JoeMcGee, Karen McGee, Ruth McMillan, regular appearances,in coastalMississippi. Records this sum- William R. Miller, Charles MillS, Bill Milmore, Catherine Mitchell mer included singing males at Port Bienville and Lakeshore (CAM), Mike Mlodinow, Hal Moore, Gerry Morgan, Joe C. Neal June4 and at Lyman June8 (JT,JM, GM). In Washington,Ark., (Arkansas),Ellen Neaville, Paul Newfield, Robert J. Newman five were seen near Lincoln L., June 8 (MM). Dickcisselshad (Louisiana),Margaret Odom, Helen & Max Parker, Rob Peeples, BonniePell, R. DonaldPerry, James Peters, R.D. Purringt0n,Van a good year in midd/e Tennessee,where populations were Reinsen,John C. Robinson,Bob Sanger, Donald Scott (DSc), William found in Stewart,Montgomery, Sumner, Humphreys, Overton, M. Shepherd,Damien.J. Sirebeck, Don & CassieSimons, Ted S•- W•lhamson,Maury, Bedford,Rutherford, Coffee, Lawrence, and mons,Donnie Smith (DSm),Jim Spence, Barbara H. Stedman,Ste- Franklin (fide SS). Counts of Bachman'sSparrows on the Ne- phen]. Stedman(middle Tennessee), Ronald Stein, Jane Stern (jSt), cruseand D'Iberville B.B.S.routes in coastalMississippi were Henry Stevenson,Mark Swan,Ann Tarbell,Judith Toups (coastal 13 and 28 (JT),and an adult and four fledgedyoung were near Mississippi),Joseph W. Wahl,Linda Watters, Melvin Weber (MWe), Kdn July 16 (JT, DK, JS).In n. Mississippi,GK found two to Harriet Wessel,Mel White, Noma Wilkinson,J. Dea Williams, Jeff four singingmales at 3 sites near Oxford. In Arkansas,they R. Wilson, Diana Woodall, Harry Yeatman.--JEROME A. JACK- were found near Edinburg and Kingsland,Cleveland, July 4 SON, Department of BiologicalSciences, Mississippi State Uni- (WS,TF). At Fall River, Giles,Tenn., DJSfound up to 10 Bach- versity, Mississippi State, MS 39762. man'sSparrows in Juneand July. The Rufous-crowned Sparrow persistsin Arkansas,where one was seen July 19 (WS, MW). A raceJuly 26 find at the BonnetCarre Spillwaywas a subad. • Lark Sparrow (MWe). In middle Tennessee,Lark Sparrows were found in Juneat 3 sitesin Rutherfordand 2 sitesin Wilson (RM). A lone GrasshopperSparrow near Siloam SpringsJune 4 provideda new summerlocale for this rare Arkansasspecies (MM). Populationsof SeasideSparrows in coastal Mississippi were found in marshgrasses along the W. PascagoulaR. north of U S. 90 (MH, JT, CD, DK), at Bang'sL., Pascagoula(JT, DK, CD), and on Marsh Point at Ocean Springs(JJ, BJ).

Volume 40, Number 5 1217 PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION

Bernard Gollop

urords,summers but 1986are wasnot different,known for includingtheir scintillating a record Sas-rec- katchewan list of 282 speciesfor June and July. Junetemperatures were 1ø-2 øC abovenormal while July was 2øC below normal. June precipitation was below normal, more than 50% through central Saskatchewanand central Alberta. There were tornadoes in southern Sas- katchewanand southern Alberta June 19, and heavy thun- derstormsin southern Manitoba June 26. Precipitation in July was well above normal with hail and thundershowers •n one or more parts of the Regionevery week.

• LOONS THROUGHIBISES -- A Pacific:typeloon showing greensheen on the throat was studiedat ChurchillJuile 17 (MGi, SS).According to the National GeographicField Guide to theBirds of NorthAmerica (1983) as well asRobbin• et al., A Guide to Field Identification:Birds of North America (1983), this would be an extralimital Arctic Loon--following recent in a cultivated field at Weyburn, Sask.,June 20 were far from taxonomicchanges that designatethe birdsbreeding in Canada normal Junerange and habitat,as was a Broad-wingedHawk asPacific Loons. However, Palmer's Handbookof North Amer- at Big Muddy L., Minton, Sask.,June 24 (NP, RGo). Swainson's Ican Birds (1962)states that somePacific Loons (then a sub- Hawks were much more common in s. Saskatchewan than •n species)also show green sheen. This couldsuggest that purple/ the past3 years.In 226 successfulnests, most of the 473 young greensheen is asunreliable a field mark for loonsas for scaup. were banded--about averageproduction (WH, SH, JH).A flock Very few Clark's Grebes were reported, and all were with of 40 Swainson's,presumably nonbreeders, was found •n a Westerns.Two incubatingClark's and two otherswere found field near Moose Jaw June 19 (SW) and another of 60+ in late June 25 on Pelican L., Ninette, Man., and one was on Wascana July near Bromhead,Sask. (CB). Red-tailed Hawks had more Marsh, Regina,July 22 (KD, TR, BL, PB). Taxonomically,the nests(34) and better production(55 young)than in the past10 first Churchill speciesfar from usual summer rangeswere a ye•irs around Raymore (WH). SuccessfulFerruginous Hawks Red-neckedGrebe June 8 (GY) and two Am. White Pelicans were alsoaverage in s.w. Saskatchewan--189 young in 62 nests June29 (JL,JC). Pelican and Double-crestedCormorant pro- (sH, (WH).There were 3 nestingattempts in s.w.Manitoba-- duction was the best in •ears at RedberryL., Krydor, Sask., one successful,one abandoned, and one with fate unknown w•th >275 and 124 young, respectively (SH). Three speciesof (CC, BRa). A late Rough-leggedHawk was found at the n end egretsshowed up at the n. end of LastMountain L.--two Greats of LastMountain L., JuneI (WH, SL).Ten youngwere banded almostdaily throughJune, a SnowyJuly 24, and a Cattle Egret in 6 GoldenEagle nests in Saskatchewan(SH). Seven Am. Kes- June 2 (WH, SL). trel nestson a farm at White Bear, Sask.,produced 31 young (SJ).Two PeregrineFalcons remained at Oak Hammock untfi S.A. at least June 15 (GH, PH). This might well be referred to as the Year Of The Ibis in Saskatchewan.Previous reports included up to four RAILS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- A concentration of White-faced in 1976, 1977, 1978 & 1984, and a single >15 Yellow Railsin DouglasMarsh near BrandonJune 23 was Glossyin 1979.This summer a GlossyIbis in full breed- notable (JL). Large numbersof migrant shorebirdsremmned ing plumagewas studied near Crane L., Piapot,June 2 laterthan US[lal into June in Manitobaand Saskatchewan and on Chaplin L., 120 km e., July 14. An unidentified ibis was seenon Crane L., June3. Then 2 pairs of vocif- S. Ao erousibises in breedingplumage were photographedon a slough near Chaplin L., June 5; three were typical In 1984 Wayne Harris found two Snowy Ploverson White-faced,but one might have been a Glossy.These Old Wives Lake, s.w. of Moose Jaw, for the 2nd Sas- birds were not found July 14. On July 15 a breeding- katchewan record. The area was not checked in 1985, plumagedGlossy and an unidentified ibis were seenon but on July 7, 1986, Phil Browne found a singlebird in Chapin L., and on Aug. 25, three ibises were seen on the same locality. On the 18th a nest with 5 eggswas ChaplinL. and nine on CraneL. duringan aerialsurvey. found by Bob Kreba and Bob Luterbach, establishing Canada'sfirst nestingrecord. An eggwas collectedfor All except the June 2 & 5 birds were on newly-created the Provincial Museum. The birds were still in atten- Ducks Unlimited projects(MGo, BG, MGi). danceJuly 25, but therewere only 3 eggs.The pair even- tually deserted--probablyas a result of too much ha- GEESE THROUGH FALCONS--A flock of 12 Snow rassmentby local and distantlisters. If the birdsreturn next year, will they suffer the same fate? GeeseJuly 27 at WhitewaterL., Man., was particularlyunusmil (Brandon Nat. Hist. Soc.).In the Raymore-n. Last Mountain L. area, breedingCanada Geese increased by 50% (WH). Eighteen Piping Plovers,designated an endangeredspecies by the • Cinnamon Teal constituteda large concentrationfor Sas- Committee on the Statusof EndangeredWildlife in Canada katchewan; they were along the Ducks Unlimited dyke at (COSEWIC),decreased significantly on at least2 majorbreeding CraneL., June3 (MGo).A • HarlequinDuck at CandleL., June areas--Chaplin and Big Quill lakes. New small populations 17 was the farthest n. this rarity has been reported in Sas- were found on 5 other lakes (WH, SL). Periodic surveyingof katchewan (DW). At LoonL., Sask.,14 of 25 Ospreynests pro- Big Quill L. again producedsome interesting shorebird num- ducedyoung, compared to 11 last year (SH,FS). Two Ospreys bers:8600 Greater Yellowlegs July 10; 13,600 Lesser Yellowlegs,

1218 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 1120 Marbled Godwits,7200 Sanderlings,2200 LeastSandpi- were reported In the Raymore-n Last Mountain L area, 21 pers,3700 Baird's,6200 Pectorals,21,600 Stilt Sandpipersand of 25 nestswere successfuland produced99 young(WH). Based 3200 dowitchers (both species)July 24. There were also 37 on sightingsand nests,they did well alsoin Manitoba,but not northboundRuddy TurnstonesJune 8 and 1000 southbound aroundCalgary (RKo, DC, JS).Two singingNashville Warblers Whlte-rumpedSandpipers July 10 (WH, SL). High countsfor near Water Valley, Alta., were out of their publishedbreeding other speciesincluded 200 HudsonJanGodwits July 16 and rangeson June3 & 11 (JP).Two warblersn.e. of their breeding 850 Red-neckedPhalaropes June 9 on the Ducks Unlimited rangeswere found at Churchill: a 8 MagnoliaJune 12, and a prolectat ChaplinL. (MGo).At Churchill, Ruddy Turnstones • Bay-breastedJune 30 (BC, JL, JC). Single singingBlack- peakedJune 9-12 with 10,000_+birds, a W. Sandpiper(provin- throated Blue Warblers near Meacham, Sask., June 20-22 and cial rarity; no description)was reported June 11, and 2000_+ WaterValley, Alta., June 22 were far w. oftheir usual summer Red Phalaropesoccurred June 14 (BC,MGi). haunts (BJ,WW). A 8 Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler was found beyond its normal breeding range--the Cypress GULLS THROUGH SAPSUCKERS -- One Lesser Black- Hills--June 8 at Nicolle Flats, n.e. of MooseJaw (CA, BL). Six backed Gull June 29 (with description;JL, JC) and three Ross' reportsof one to two singingConnecticut Warblers w. of Cal- Gulls June25 were seenat Churchill (fide BC). Common Tern gary again suggesteda s. extensionof their breedingrange productionat RedberryL., Sask.,was the bestin 5 yearswith (DC).The Yellow-breastedChat, a Manitobararity, at Birdshill 134young banded (SH). Another rarity at Churchillwas Black P.P. was still presentJune 7 (RP).A 8 Scarlet Tanager May 23 Guillemotfrom June 16 throughJuly 13, with a maximumof near Bow Island was an extreme rarity for Alberta (IP, SG). 14 on June 30 (BC, m.ob.).Many Saskatchewanobservers re- An ad. • Black-headedGrosbeak, e. of its recognizedbreeding portedthat Black-billedCuckoos were up over last year;they range,was seen near LumsdenJune 27 (CA, BL). A Rufous- were also up in the Medicine Hat area (fide BG, RGa). Two sided Towhee was far north June 23 when it was found at Yellow-billed CuckoosJune 23 at E. Braintree,Man., were rar- Turtle L., Livelong,Sask. (MC, SS).A Brewer's Sparrow, nor- ities for the Region(RKI). After a bust year, Great HornedOwls mally found in extreme s.w. Saskatchewan,was singingand madetheir greatestcomeback in 3 decadesin Saskatchewan; remainingon territory e. of Montreal L., Sask.,June 30, July basedon 84 nests,the averagewas 2.5 youngfledged per pair 1, 4, & 9 (DW).Saskatchewan's first summeringField Sparrow (SH) Some observersin all 3 provincesreported Burrowing (thereare 2 winter records)was a bird singings. of Saskatoon and Short-eared owls, the latter as far n. as Churchill, down from early July to at least the 26th (HF, JW, m.ob.). Baird's from 1985. A Vaux's Swift was described from Waterton Lakes Sparrowscontinue to adapt to man-made habitats;"many" N P June4 & 7 (RS,LG). SingleRufous Hummingbirds turned were singingin an irrigatedhayfield at Maple Creek, Sask, up at La P6rouseBay near Churchill July 17 and in a Moose June6 (MO).Relatively high Saskatchewan densities of Grass- Jawyard July28 (BC,SW). A far w. Red-headedWoodpecker hopperSparrows were found n.e. of Piapot--seven heard in 3 was found in CalgaryJuly 19 (JR1).Red-naped Sapsucker, re- km June3--and s.e.of Goodwater--a colony of about six June cently separatedfrom the Yellow-bellied, becomesa new 22 (MGo, BG, CB, RKr). A high concentrationof Sharp-tailed breedingspecies in the CypressHills of Alberta andSaskatch- Sparrowswas found at the s. tip of Porter L., near Saskatoon, ewan. June11--six birds singing(CE). Manitoba's3rd sightingof an PHOEBES THROUGH WAXWINGS--Three recently- Eastern Meadowlark was June 21-23 at E. Braintree (PT) fledgedSay's Phoebes were foundas far e. asSnowflake, Man. Western Meadowlarks have become rare in the St. Paul- (CC) A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher near Ravenscrag June 16 be- Vegreville-Vermilion, Alta., area in the past few years despite cameSaskatchewan's 7th record(CE). An albinoHorned Lark no obviouschange in land use (BRi). Pine Siskinsand Am was found in a flock of 100_+June 24 near Coronach,Sask. Goldfinches were particularly common in extreme s.e. Sas- (RGo).Tree Swallow productionin the Saskatoonarea was katchewan while "hundreds" of siskins appeared at Sundre poor with an averageof 3.1 youngbanded in 129 box-nests june 23 (RD, DS, HP, FH). (100successful; MH). A family groupof aboutsix RockWrens OBSERVERS-- (Provincialcompilers in boldface;local com- at Gardiner Dam, Cutbank, Sask.,July 27 furnished a partic- pilers in italics)--C. Adam, C. Bjorklund,P. Browne,M. Carlson, ularly northerlybreeding record (SS). Two E. Bluebirdnestings B.Chartier, D. Collister,J.Coons, C. Cuthbert,K. DeSmet,R. Dixon, were reportedas far w. as MooseJaw and another 2 as far n. C. Escott,H. Freeden,R. Gardner (RGa),S. Gerber, M. Gilliland as Saskatoon(SW, MH). Also in the Saskatoonarea, 51 of 64 (MGi),R. Godwin(RGo), B. Gollop, M. Gollop(MGo), L. Guillemette, box-nestingsof Mountain Bluebirdswere successful,yielding P. Hamel, J. Harris, W. Harris, F. Haug, G. Holland, M. Houston, 227 banded young (MH). At Sundre "more robins than ever S. Houston,B. Johns,S. Jordheim,R. Klauke(RK1), R. Koes(RKo), before" were reported (FH). R. Kreba (RKr),S. Lamont,J. Langham,B. Luterbach,M. O'Shea, I. PainteLR. Parsons,H. Paton,J. Podlubny, N. Postey,B. Ratcliffe (BRa),J. Riddell (JR1),T. Riffel, B. Rippin (BRi),J. Rising(JRg), F SoAo Scott,S. Shadick, D. Silcox,J. Steeves, R. Storms,P. Taylor, S. Wait, Wayne Harris reported a record three species of J.Wedgwood, D. Weidl,W. Wilson,G. Yaki.--J. BERNARDGOL- thrashers in Saskatchewan this summer. In addition to LOP, Canadian Wildlife Service, 115 Perimeter Rd., Saskatoon, Sask. S7N 0X4. the common Brown, he found a SageThrasher June 25 at Big Muddy L., •200 km e. of its usual rangein the CypressHills. Then on July 27, while driving near Ray- more, he saw a Curve-billed Thrasher, apparently in lmm. plumage,eating grasshoppers on the road.He heard it sing twice while he searchedunsuccessfully for it. It could not be found the next day. This is apparently the first reportedsighting of this speciesfor Canada.A de- scriptionhas been submitted.

Two Cedar Waxwings July 14 at Churchill were far from "home" (JRg). SHRIKES THROUGH HOUSE SPARROW-- Loggerhead Shrikes, designateda threatened speciesby COSEWIC, were noticeably up in Saskatchewan,and more neststhan usual

Volume 40, Number 5 1219 NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

David O. Lambeth

particularlybundantprecipitation welcome thatin Montanafell across andthe theRegion western was Dakotas,where grasslandsand wetlandswere in goodcon- dition for the first time in severalyears. In the easternDa- kotas, rainfall was excessive in some locales. Harris reported that many lakes in easternSouth Dakota were at their highestlevels in 50 years--floodingnesting sites on islandsand forcing gulls, terns, and pelicans to choose shorelinesand peninsulaswhere predationwas probably heavy. The season was notable for several first state records and the discoveryof a major nestingsite for waders at Lake Preston in South Dakota.

WATERFOWL THROUGH HA WKS -- Despitethe steady ABBREVIATIONS -- Place names in italics are counties. lossof wetlands, countsof the more common speciesof wa- tedowl are not made and reported to the RegionalEditor. A pair of Snow Geesesummered at Arrowwood N.W.R., N.D., where nestingoccurred in 1979 {PV).A GreaterWhite-fronted LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- CommonLoons, known to Goosesummered at Upper Souris N.W.R., N.D., and a Snow breedonly in the Turtle Mts., N.D., summeredat severallocales Goosewas alsoseen in June{DLi}. On LongLake N.W.R., 165 in the 3 states.The EaredGrebe colony at MiImewaukanFlats ducknests were foundon a 65-acretract developed by Ducks in Benson,N.D., was much reducedfrom last year, apparently Unlimited,which hasrecently expanded its effortsinto North because the extensive area of dead, flooded-out cattails dis- Dakota{AH}. Five Canvasbacknests were on artificial nesting appearedas the level of water in Devils Lake stabilizedat a islandsestablished in stockreservoirs in Ph/llips, Mont. {DP}. higher level {DL}. Three broodsof Red-neckedGrebes were WoodDucks have extended their rangealong the Milk River raisedat Waubay N.W.R., S.D., at the s. limit of their range in Montana to 10 mi n.w. of Malta {DP}.A broodof Com. Mer- {LL}.Clark's Grebe was seen in North Dakotaat Minnewaukan ganserson CanyonL., Pennington,established the 2nd con- Flats {GL},Long Lake N.W.R. (RR},and GascoyneRes. {D & firmed nestingfor SouthDakota (RP}. A county-atlasingproject CG}, leaving little doubt that this newly-recognizedspecies in Ward, N.D., turned up 45 and 17 broodsof Canvasbackand will be seenregularly. Redhead,respectively {GB, RM}. Nests for Am. White Pelican totalled 2200 in South Dakota, Turkey Vultures in Yankton, S.D., and Stutsman and Ben- and the reportsdid not includesome of the largersites there. ville, N.D., were away from their normal breedingrange. An The count of Double-crested Cormorant nests at Medicine Lake Osprey was found July 24 in Custer S.P. (NW); there is no N.W.R., Mont., was inexplicablydown to 73 from last year's breedingrecord for SouthDakota. A detailedreport of Missis- 254 {SM}.Three LeastBitterns were seenin late Juneat Sand sippi Kites in Brule and Aurora July 5, by an observer {JC} Lake N.W.R. {RH}. familiarwith the species,will be reviewedby the SouthDakota SevenGreat Blue Heron nestson an islandat N. Drywood recordscommittee. Irrespective of their decision,might this Lake,Codington, S.D., were on the ground{DS}. At Lake Andes species which has more than reclaimedits former range-- N.W.R., S.D., 15 Great Egret nestscontained young July 7 {JJ}. find suitablebreeding habitat in the Dakotas,where extensive Forty-fiveSnowy Egret nests in South Dakota were about shelterbeltsand tree claimsare now present? equallydistributed among Lake Preston, Rush Lake, and Lake The atlasingproject in Ward, N.D., locatedthe following Andes{MS, BH, JJ}.At least20 adult Snowieswere highly ag- hawk nests:9 of Cooper's,which is consideredto be doing itated as wildlife personnelapproached an egret colony on very well in the SourisLoop, 25 of Swainson's,43 of Red- Minnewaukan Flats, leaving little doubt that this speciesis tailed,and 15 of Ferruginous{GB, RM}. A GoldenEagle June now nestingin North Dakota(RS). 15 in Ward was e. of its range {RM). Disturbing,however, was In additionto the SnowyEgret nests at the newly-discovered the report that only 4 of 98 known eyries in the MacKenzie Lake Prestonsite in Kingsbury,4 Little Blue Heron nestscon- RangerDistrict were occupiedby Coldens{fide B. Stotts}.Mer- tainingyoung were photographedthere July 20 {MS}.Fourteen lins were observedin Custer,S.D., July 3 {MP},and a pair nested ad. Little Blueswere presentJuly 26 {MS}.The observationof in a crow'snest in the North Unit of T. R. RooseveltPark {SS}. a Tricolored Heron there June19 {BH}led to the discoveryof A PeregrineFalcon was at the Fargolagoons July 31 {MB}. 2 nestsin late July {MS, GBl}--the first recordsfor nestingin South Dakota. Fifteen pairs of Cattle Egretsalso nested at L. PABTRIDGES THROUGH OWLS -- A Blue-wingedTeal Preston. nest at ArrowwoodMay 28 contained9 Gray Partridgeeggs, The 175 pairs of Cattle Egretsreported for South Dakota at least 3 of which hatched{GM}. The use of taped calls in a included25 at a new areaon White L., Aurora,where nesting surveyof about4 mi of river-bottommarshes at Upper Souris was not confirmed{SVS}. At MinnewaukanFlats, 50 pairs of resultedin responsesfrom 25 Virginia Railsand 12 Sofas{DLi}. Cattle Egretsnested {RS}, and a Tricolored Heron was seenin A Sandhill Crane summeredat BowdoinN.W.R., Mont. {CC}. the area July 4 {D & CG}. The Yellow-crownedNight-Heron The declarationof the plainspopulation of PipingPlover as at Fargoin May continuedto be seenthrough June 13 {MB}, "threatened" has spurredseveral censuses. In South Dakota, and a belated report was receivedof one photographedin 179 adults and 30 nestswere found on the MissouriR., mostly Kingsbury,S.D., in June1985 (J.Wilson). A total of 170 White- below Gayins Point (MJ}.A total of 19 pairs was locatedin facedIbises was reportedfor South Dakota, and 2 and 4 nests Montana on Medicine Lake, Nelson Res., and C. M. Russell were foundat new breedingsites, Grass Lake and GooseLake, N.W.R., while 28 pairs nestedin Pierce,N.D. {AB}.The ten- both in Codington(BH). dency of this speciesto pioneer was again shown by a pair

1220 American Birds, Winter 1986 nestingat the Grand Forks lagoons,more than 100 ml irom Adult Three-toedWoodpeckers were tendingyoung Aug 9 in known colonies(GL). SpearfishCanyon, Lawrence, S.D. (BH, LH). An adult and two youngBlack-necked Stilts were at Bow- Late migrant Olive-sided Flycatcherswere in McPherson, dmn N.W.R.,Mont., July29 (JS,JC). More than 600 Am. Avocets S.D., June13 (DP),and Ward, N.D., June10 (GB).Also late was hatchedon 200 artificialnesting islands in the PhillipsResource a Yellow-belliedFlycatcher banded in Brown,S.D., June 9 (DT) Area, Mont. (DP). Thirty broods of Upland Sandpiper were Ten pairsofW. Wood-Peweeswere in Marmath, N.D., July 13 found during atlasingin Ward, N.D. (GB),and this specieswas (D & CG), while one was singingnear Foxholm, N.D., June8 consideredunusually abundantin the Malta area, especially Twenty Purple Martins at Williston July 18 were at the w in greasewoodhabitat adjacent to riparian areas(DP). Counts limit of their rangein this Region(D & CG). of Long-billedCurlew in South Dakota totaled 14 in Shannon A Red-breastedNuthatch June 25 in Hettinger, N.D., may June23 (RP)and 18 in PenningtonJune 15 (MM). Three were have been an early fall migrant (D & CG). Also unusual with alsofound in Stanley,S.D. (DT), and two were at SalyerN.W.R., regard to date was a Brown Creeper at Grand Forks July 26 N D, June6 (JW),the latter providingthe firstrecord in several Twenty of 120 bluebird boxes were occupiedby E. Bluebirds years away from the s.w. corner of the state. on a bluebirdtrail in its 2nd year near DevilsLake, N.D. (RS) Early, presumablysouthbound shorebirds included a Greater Easternsalso nested for the first time in yearsin Grand Forks, Yellowlegsin Ward, N.D., June 10 (GB);a Lesserthere June N.D. (A. Schroeder). 17, and a LeastSandpiper June 27 and Baird'sSandpiper June A SwainsoffsThrush was bandedJune 8 in Brown,S.D. (DT), 26, both at Fargo(MB). Reports of W. Sandpiperin North Dakota and Wood Thrush nested at Newton Hills S.P. (MS). A N were of singlesJuly 11 in Ward (GB)and July29 on Gascoyne Mockingbirdwas found June 18 in Jackson,S.D. (DT). Some Res (D & CG), both in adult breedingplumage. of the bestpopulations of Sprague'sPipit and Baird'sSparrow California Gulls, only recently known to nest in South Da- are locatedin the meadowsjust e. and s.e. of Dunseith, N.D kota, moved from S. Waubay L. to new locationsbecause of (DK).Loggerhead Shrikes were up substantiallyin Ward, N.D, high water. Eleven nestswere found in Day (DS). In North where 4 nestsand 10 broodswere found (GB),and they were Dakota,5 nestswere foundat a historically-usedsite on Stump in every "good"shelterbelt in the Hettinger area (D & CG). Lake (RS),and the specieswas presentwith Ring-billedsat a newly-discoverednesting site on an island on Long Lake in Rolette(BV). Caspian Terns, which seemto wander erratically through this Region,were seen July 11 on GooseL. in Cod- VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES -- Singingindividuals out- ragton,S.D. (BH),July 22 in Ward (GB),and July23 in Foster, of-range in North Dakota on the dates observed included a N D (JF).A surveyof LeastTerns in SouthDakota found 390 SolitaryVireo June14 in Grand Forks(GL), Tennessee Warblers adultsand 63 young,most on the MissouriR., below Gavin's June26 in Hope(DK) and Ward (GB),a Yellow-rumpedWarbler Point (MJ). However, perhapssurprisingly, 43 adults and 14 June 15 in Rolette (DK), and a Blackpoll in Renville June 19 nestswere on the lower CheyenneRiver (MJ),while someof (GB}.A •-plumagedN. Parula was foragingin shrubberyin an additional20 terns were on the Cheyennes.w. of Wasta Rolla, N.D., July 11 (DK). A singing• Cerulean Warbler was (MM). Two Yellow-billed Cuckooswere found near Hettinger, heard June 5 at Newton Hills S.P. (MS); this speciesis not ND, and another at Bowman-Haley Dam, in late June known to breed in South Dakota. (D & CG). A Scarlet Tanager at Upper Souris N.W.R., June 29 was Common Barn-Owl again nested at Arrowwood N.W.R., somewhatw. of normal range (J. Heffiefinger}.A pair of N N D, where three downy youngwere foundin a WoodDuck Cardinalsfeeding young in Bismarckin mid-Julyprovided ev- box July 22 (CV, GM). A Barred Owl was calling Aug. 10 in idenceof nestingconsiderably w. of previousoccurrences in SpearfishCanyon, Lawrence, S.D. (BH).Fifteen nestsof Short- North Dakota (J & HP). A Black-headed Grosbeakin Roberts, eared Owl were found at Medicine Lake N.W.R., comparedto S.D., June 1 was far e. of normal range (GS). one last year (SM). However, it is disquieting that in 4 years The rangeof Dickcissel,which was oncestatewide in North of atlasingof Ward, N.D., Berkeyand Martin have yet to record Dakota, increasinglyappears to be limited to the s.e. corner a nesting-seasonobservation for either Short-earedor Long- Three Green-tailedTowhees were seenJune 12 on the W. Unit eared owls--these two specieswere once consideredto be of C. M. RussellN.W.R. (LM}. An individual of the w. race of fairly common and uncommon, respectively, in that area of Rufous-sidedTowhee was defendingits territory againsta the state (seeStewart, BreedingBirds of North Dakota). For member of the e. race in Newton Hills S.P.,June 5 (MS). Four both Dakotas, there were only 4 observationsreported for nests of Brewer's Sparrow were found by S.D.O.U. members Short-earedOwl, and the only report for Long-earedwas an in Fall River, S.D., May 25. inferred nestingat the N. Unit of T. RooseveltPark (SS).For Is the range of Lark Bunting in North Dakota undergoinga comparativepurposes, it canbe notedthat Berkeyand Martin normal fluctuation or a permanent contraction?Prior to the have confirmedbreeding for GreatHorned and Burrowingowls 1970s,it was found at least sporadicallyto the easternmost in 50 and 6 of the 57 townshipsof Ward, respectively. tier of counties.This year, Lark Buntingswere not found in There are no recordsfor nestingof Northern Saw-whet Owl prime habitat in mid-statein Kidder (DK), and the specieswas in North Dakota.A fledglingowlet found on the Red River in reportedas almost absent from Ward for the 2nd year in a row R•chlandin early Junewas capableof flight and was only a (GB).It was similarly scarcearound Bismarck(RR}. Buntings short distanceaway from Minnesota (RN). were abundantonly in the s.w. corner,but numbersdwindled n. of Dickinson (D & CG). The reasonfor this changeis not POORWILLS THROUGH SHRIKES--Common Poor- apparent.Lark Bunting and Dickcisselpopulations were de- wills were calling in early July from 3 different locationsin scribedas being in goodshape in South Dakota (fide BH}. the N. Unit of T. RooseveltPark (SS).A Whip-poor-will was ALe Conte'sSparrow carrying food to callingfledglings in callingJune 7-15 at SalyerN.W.R., N.D. (BV);this specieshas Day Aug. 6 provided a rare nestingrecord for South Dakota not bred in the state for many years.A Ruby-throatedHum- (DS).A Bobolinknest in Ward June17 had 5 cowbird eggsonly mingbirdnest found July 29 in Robertsproduced at least one (GB}.In Ward, Orchard Oriole has been confirmedbreeding young (BH, DS);the recordwas a lo'ng-overduefirst for South in 37 and N. Oriole in 56 of the 57 townships,a testament to Dakota.The elevationof Red-napedSapsucker to speciesstatus how the planting of trees has allowed some speciesto move raisesinevitable questions about its distributionin this Region. out onto the former plains.Contrary to a citation in the last The breedingsapsucker in the easternDakotas is the Yellow- Blue List, the Orchard Oriole is certainly not in trouble in the belhed, while Red-napedSapsuckers nest in the Black Hills Northern Great Plains. A House Finch at Lewistown lune 1 (fide NW}. Both a Red-napedand a Yellow-belliedwere found was unusual there {LM}. Cassin's Finches were observed in July5 on UpperHanson Creek in latilong30 of Montana(LM). July in Penningtonand Custer,S.D. (RP, MP).

Volume 40, Number 5 1221 CONTRIBUTORS (Area editors boldfaced}.MONTANA- beck, Skip Snow, Betsy Vorse. Paul Van Ningen, John Whitten. Charles Carlson, John Carlson, Larry Malone, Stephen Martin, SOUTH DAKOTA Gil Blankespoor(GBI}, John Cadbury, Bruce Dwain Prellwitz, JimStutzman. NORTH DAKOTA Andrea Buchl, Harris, Lee Harris, Randy Hill, John Jove,Monica Johnwalbach, Gordon Berkey, Mary Bergan,John Foster, Dave & Carolyn Grif- LanaLundle. Michael Melius, D. Prisbe.Marjorie Parker,Richard fiths,Alice Hanley,Donald Kubischta, Dave Linehah {DLi}, David Peterson,Dennis Skadsen, Mark Skadsen,Gary Stava,Dan Tall- Lambeth, Greg Lambeth, GeorgeMuehl, Ran Martin, Ran Neller- man, Nat Whitney.--DAVID O. LAMBETH, 1909 20th Avenue S, moe,John & Helen Peterson.Robert Randall, Richard Schnader- Grand Forks. ND 58201.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

Frances Williams

WYO. A warm,the usualearly scorching spring, heat abundant until laterains, Julyand resulted a delay in ofa •-•-•Ewford___ _• 'Valentine-- •-•' successfulnesting seasonfor the common garden and NPlatte NWR 1• IOWA roadside birds. By season'send, there were noisy hordes ;••resce•t LakeNEBR. of juvenile Purple Martins, kingbirds, American Robins, • o Lincoln.•aha mockingbirds, and House Finches. One could even be NorthPlatte ø_•-•- guardedlyoptimistic about the reportsof Peregrines,Snowy __ --'( - Shawnee Plovers, and Least Terns, but Black-capped Vireos still COLO. Hays.C .h•yenne raised more cowbirds than vireos. There were numerous Bottoms ßMarals de Cyg• reports of speciesthat are normally elsewhere during the cim.m._aronKANS.ß • MO. summer months--were they late spring or early fall mi- ...... _ grants? •_ ____.S.a• Plains. Tulsa'• / ;OKLA.•tillwa'ter • ARK. m Amarillo ' •,. * ABBBEVIATIONS--B.B.N.P. =Big Bend National Park, NEWMEX . ; --,•%,?kl•h•ma'.•a,e.er Texas; B.B.S.= BreedingBird Survey; F.F. = Fontenelle Forest, .Muleshoe• '•s Y gB•oken Bow SarpyCo., Nebraska; G.M.N.P. = GuadalupeMountains National • ßRefuge -• Res. Park, Texas; L.M.R.A. = Lake Meredith Recreation Area, Potter •-' -: - WinOna'Falls •.age .... •Rr .... Co., Texas; W.A.S. = Wachiska Audubon Society, LancasterCo., •LU..OC• Dallas Nebraska. Place names in italics are counties. • ...... - • W;•o ' ' • .... MId•n•an •n Io• • LakeLivingston LOONS THROUGH IBISES--An out-of-season Cam. Loonfished on L. Tawakoni,Van Zondt,Tex., July2 (RK}.Pied- billed Grebes nested at E1 Paso, Amarillo, and Midland, and were presentduring July at Kerrville and Waco, Tex. One W. Grebe summered at L. Balmorhea, Reeves, Tex., and one was seen at Quivira N.W.R., Kans., June 14. A Brown Pelican at Amarillo June 21 providedthe first record there since 1956 {KS, RR}. A Double-crested Cormorant was found at E1 Paso WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS--A Black-bellied June 26 {BZ, JD}. Olivaceous Cormorants seem to be well es- Whistling-Duck visited L. Somerville July I (fide KA}. Two tablished as summer residents in n.c. Texas. and were also Ross'Geese that gummetedin El Pasocould fly but were ob- reported at Kerrville and at L. Somerville, Burieson,Tex. viouslysick. Mottled Ducksproduced at leastfive youngat L. A LeastBittern was discoveredat Tulsa June21 {PS,JL} and Tawakoni. Canvasbackswith almost-grownducklings were at least four malescould be heard at OklahomaCity in June observedin the Davis Mrs., Tex., May 13 {JA,KZ}. There were {JN}.Ten Great Egretsin Washington,Okla., June3 constituted unusualsummer sightings of HoodedMergansers in Antelope, an unusuallyhigh number {ED}.Three pairsof SnowyEgrets Neb. (MB},Tulsa {BJ},Hagerman N.W.R., Tex. {KH),and Amar- nestedin a heronryof about300 CattleEgrets at Temple,Tex. illo (KS}. Also noteworthy were Cam. Mergansers at Amarillo (ML). A single Snowy Egret arrived at DeSotoN.W.R., Wash- July 22-30 {KS}and Washington,Okla., June 24 {DV). ington,Neb., July 26 (MB).A Little Blue Heron at Ingram,Tex., Ospreysat OklahomaCity July20 {JN}and Sequoya N.W.R., July 6 was early (JIV0.Tricolored Heronsvisited Quivira July Okla.,July 31 {DM,SHa} were early.At leasttwo Am. Swallow- 7-14 (TTC et ol.}, Kerrville June10 {E & KM}, and Rains,Tex., tailed Kites summeredin Newton, Tex. {m.ob.}.In Panca City, July2 {RK}.A ReddishEgret at El PasoJuly 21 provideda first Okla., MississippiKites frequently chased Chimney Swifts but recordthere {JD}.At Wichita, Kans.,a heronry inhabitedby were never successfulwhile under observation{MD}. A Bald 7000 individuals contained 1300 nests. It was estimated that Eagle summeredat SequoyahN.W.R. A pair of N. Harriers 50% were Little Blue Heronsand 45% were Cattle Egrets,the successfullyfledged four youngin Comanche,Okla., providing remainder being Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Yellow- a first breedingrecord for the s.w. part of the state {TM, CB}. crowned Night-Herons{DK}. Green-backedHerons nestedat Five nestlingN. Harrierstaken from a nestin a Mayes,Okla., Midland for the 2nd time and one was observed rather far w. hayfield by the haycutter died of calcium deficiency--a result in Oldham, Tex., June12 {KS}.Yellow-crowned Night-Herons of being fed hamburgermeat too long beforebeing taken to a nested in a back yard tree in Wichita and in a cemetery at rehabilitator. At least 3 Cooper's Hawk nests in Kerr., Tex., Tulsa.A pair summeredat Midlandbut no evidenceof nesting fledgedyoung {JAG). More Broad-wingedHawks were reported could be found.A singleadult appearedat E1Paso July 3 and than usual, but apparently no one found a nest. Swainson's one was seenat L. SomervilleJuly 1. An imm. White Ibis re- Hawk nests become scarcer each summer, but 2 were found mainedat OklahomaCity May 30-June17 andJuly 15-18 {JN}. in Comanche.Crested Caracaraswere reported in Texas in

1222 American Birds, Winter 1986 Budeson, Van Zandt, McLennan, and Parker, but no nestswere (PAl.The latter were assumedto be early migrants,as south- located. An Am. Kestrel visited Kerr, where it is rare in sum- boundbirds normally appear in earlyJuly. Long-billed Curlews mer, July3 (E & KM). Ten PeregrineFalcon young were raised summeredin El Paso,and were seenat Tulsa July 5 and Okla- in B.B.N.P. and the lower canyonsof the Rio Grande (BMcK). homaCity June27. A Marbled Godwitwas located in Bandall, In G.M.N.P., the Peregrinenestling reported in springfledged Tex., July 12 (KS)and one was at OklahomaCity Aug. 2 (JN). successfullyand was observedthrough July. Both Least and Western sandpipersremained at El Paso throughthe summer,and a Baird'sSandpiper lingered until TURKEY THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- Fort Worth Na- June10. An injured Dunlin was discoveredat Kerrville June ture Center'sintroduced population of Wild Turkeysincreased 12. A Long-billedDowitcher in breedingplumage was seen by at least one dozenpoults. A Wild Turkey in desertscrub and heard at E1Paso on the startlingdate of June23 (BZ, JD). habitat near Sanderson, Tex., June 16 was surprising (GT). At F.F., an Am. Woodcock was discovered July 19 (RB). Montezuma Quail had a goodyear in both the Davis Mrs. and Hundreds of Wilson'sPhalaropes were presentin E1Paso in Glass Mts. of w. Texas. In s.e. Nebraska, N. Bobwhites have late June. recoveredfrom the severewinter of 1984 (JMR), and in Wash- ington,Okla., the number of bobwhiteson the B.B.S.almost GULLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS- Laughing Gulls doubledover last year (ED). A ScaledQuail called in Archer, were foundon SamRayburn Res., Tex., June20 & 27, following Tex., June8 (CBH,KO). BlackRails respondedto taped calls weather disturbancesmoving in from the coast(BO). A Frank- at Quivira July 7 (TTC). A Purple Gallinule remained in Bal.l, lin's Gull arrived at Hagerman July 8. Both Bonaparte'sand Tex., June 1-25, but there was no evidence of nesting(ML). Ring-billedgulls lingered into Juneat E1Paso. At BuffaloLake An ad. Cam. Moorhen with four chicks was found in Bell June N.W.R., Tex., a Herring Gull was found July 31 (KS). Caspian 20, and the speciesnested again in Hutchinson,Tex. (KS,PA). Terns visited Tulsa July 22, Wichita July 9, Oklahoma City At Bryan, Tex., Cam. MoorhensJune 11 and July 19 (KA et July 23, and E1 PasoJuly 4. A Royal Tern was found at Sam al.) representedfirst records for thosemonths. In Bandall,Tex., RayburnRes., June 27 (BO).At Quivira, 28 pairsof LeastTerns nine red-faced Am. Coot chicks were found May 16 (KS). fledgedonly three young.Minor floodingfrom periodicstorms At least 10 Snowy Ploverssummered in El Paso,and one caused them to nest and renest on dike roads, which made chick was seen. About 75 pairs of Snowy Plovers at Quivira the nestssusceptible to predationby coyotes.About 70 pairs fledgedfewer than 40 young,but at Little Salt Plains,Woods, of Least Terns summered at Great Salt Plains N.W.R., Okla., Okla., about 50 SnowyPlovers fledged (RLB). A PipingPlover but breeding successwas not reported. In Meade, Kans., 23 fed at Quivira June14 (SS)and othershad returned to Okla- tern nestswere washed away in early July and none renested. homa and n. Texasby mid-July.Four Mountain Ploverswere About 50 juv. Least Terns fledgedat Little Salt Plains, and 25 in a short-grassPrairie in Hartley, Tex., June 12 (KS).At Mid- fledgedfrom 33 nestsat Optima Res. in the Oklahoma Pan- land, Am. Avocetsand Black-neckedStilts were at the height handle(RLB). On the ArkansasR. at Tulsa,44 LeastTern chicks of breedingseason when heavy rains floodedall the nests.A hatched from 26 scrapes(FP). few stilts renested,but the avocetsleft the area. Flooding at Inca Doveswere found againin Crosby,Tex., and Ft. Worth. Quivira was apparentlythe causefor very low productivityof A Black-billed Cuckoo was observed in Pawnee, Kans., June avocetsand Black-necked Stilts there. A single Am. Avocet 12 (SS).A Groove-billedAni at LostMaples Natural Area, Ban- wasobserved in Douglas,Neb., June 22 (jr). TwoBlack-necked dera, Tex., June 5 was unexpected (fide JM). In B.B.N.P.,July Stiltsprotecting young in Tarrant,Tex., July21 provideda first 11, a Cam. Barn-Owl shuffled around on a desert roadside, nestingrecord there (BN). The N. Jacananoted at Kerr, Tex., perhapslooking at somethingin the borrowditch (GFW}.Barn- in the springreport remained until June10 (E & KM). owls nestedin a garageat a ranch in JeffDavis, Tex. (JMi). At Kerr W.M.A., Kerr, Tex., W. Screech-Owls called at 2 localities, and an E. Screech-Owl also called at one of the sites (JAG). A N. Pygmy-Owl was found in B.B.N.P.,July 29 (EH). A Long- eared Owl family with three owlets was observedin Lancaster, Neb., June I (BH). Common Poorwills were heard in Hutch- inson,Tex., June15 and Potter,Tex., July 9 (FC et al.). A Chim- ney Swift visited Alpine, Tex., June 16 (JS). By July 30, six speciesof hummingbirdsswarmed around feeders in the Davis Mrs.: Black-chinned, Rufous, Lucifer, Magnificent, Calliope, and Broad-tailed(PE). Calliope Hummingbirds arrived in Lub- bock July 19, B.B.N.P.,July 21, and Midland July 28. Magnif- icent Hummingbirdssummered in both the Davis Mts. and GuadalupeMrs. Hairy Woodpeckershave almostdisappeared from the n. Texas area (AV), and Red-cockadedWoodpeckers in s.e. Texas seem to have a very dark future (JCK, AM).

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SHRIKES- Unusual summer recordswere provided by Olive-sided Flycatchersat Lost Maples June 12 and in Kendall, Tex., June 19 (E & KM). Two Empidonax,thought to be Dusky Flycatchers,were gathering nestmaterial in B.B.N.P.,May 24 (RH). Ash-throated Flycatch- ers nestedagain in Meade, Kans. (RLB) and were sightedin Clay, Tex., e. of their usualrange (CBH, KO). A Brown-crested Northern lacana in Kerr Co., Tex., May-June 1986. Photo/Ernest Flycatcherin Bandera,Tex., June8 was noteworthy(E & KM). & Kay Mueller. A Thick-billed Kingbird visited B.B.N.P., June 4 and July 4 (m.ob.).Although E. Kingbirdsspent June in Denton and M/d- Southbound shorebirds are usually feeding on s. plains land, Tex., they were not known to be nesting.Bank Swallows mudfiatsby mid-July,but this summer many specieshad re- appearedsporadically all summerat E1Paso. In a culvert under turned by late June.Several Willets were present all summer Hwy 187, Bandera, Tex., there were 25 Cave Swallow nests in El Paso. Upland Sandpiperswere found in June in areas June 12. Of 700 Barn Swallow nestlingsbanded in n. Texas, where they are not known to nest:Milam, Tex., June13 (ML), only onebrood was found in a barn! All otherswere in roadway Archer, Tex., June 8 (CBH, KO), and Armstrong, Tex., June 28 culverts (AV). Fledgling Blue Jayswere being fed by adults

Volume40, Number 5 1223 June 16 •n Kerr, where the species•s an erratic breeder (JM) TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- A • Hepatic Tan- Black-b•lledMagpies nested again m Meade,Kans. (RLB). Adult ager was photographed•n Lost Maples June 14, prowd•nga Carolina Chickadeesfed four fledglingsat L.M.R.A., June 22 first park and area record(MH, SH}.A singing• ScarletTanager (KS).A Bushtit provided a first county record in Dallam, Tex., at L.M.R.A., June 22 provided a first summer rec6rd for the June 14 (KS). A White-breastedNuthatch in Randall, Tex., Texas Panhandle (KS}.First summer recordswere provided JuneI providedthe only summersighting on record(KS) and by Black-headedGrosbeaks June 24 in Hudspeth(BZ, JD}and one seen in Bryan, Tex., July 8 furnished only the 3rd record June27 in Crosby,Tex. (ML}.Indigo Buntings increased greatly for that month (KA). A pair of RockWrens fed a fully-fledged as breedersin E1Paso, with one or 2 pairs inhabiting almost •mm. Brown-headedCowbird in Palo Duro Canyon S.P., Tex., every mountain canyon. At L.M.R.A., Indigo Buntingssum- July 24 (KS).Two CarolinaWrens were sightedJuly 22 in F.F., mered for a 6th time, so nestingcan perhapsbe assumed A where they have been very scarcein recent years (RB). In Painted Buntingwas presentthroughout June in Riley, Kans Kerrville, a pair of CarolinaWrens built 2 successivenests in (TTC}. Dickcisselswere scarceor absent on B.B.S.routes m hangingbaskets on a patio, and fledgedfive you.ng from each the Texas Panhandle, but' summered for the first time in E1 nest (E & KM). The fact that Bewick'sWrens nest in E1Paso Paso.After heavy June rains spurred lush growth of grasses was confirmed (BZ, JD). and forbs at Midland, Cassin'sSparrows nested a 2nd time, Blue-grayGnatcatchers nested in Waco,Tex., for the first apparentlywith more successthan in May. A singingF•eld t•me in a number of years (FG). A Blue-grayGnatcatcher was Sparrowat L.M.R.A., June22 was farther w. in the Panhandle seenat E1Paso, where there were no previoussummer records, than usual. GrasshopperSparrows were in goodnumbers as June11. A bluebird route in Lancaster,Neb., has 234 nest boxes. far west as Deaf Smith in the Texas Panhandle. There were 438 eggslaid and 263 youngfledged this summer Red-wingedBlackbirds nested in G.M.N.P. for the first t•me (W.A.S.).A Wood Thrush fed a juv. Brown-headedCowbird (OVO}.Yellow-headed Blackbirds nested at MuleshoeN.W R, m Grayson,Tex., July 21 (KH). At Amarillo, a fledged,spot- Tex., providinga first Refugeand area record(KHi}. Bronzed breastedAm. Robin was seenas early asMay 18 and an adult Cowbirds increased at E1 Paso and reached G.M.N.P. for the worked on an almost-completednest as late asJune 22. A juv. first time. In Kerr, Bronzed Cowbirds have parasitizedCardi- N Mockingbird was found in F.F., June 25 (BP). Numbers of nals, Orchard Orioles,and Carolina Wrens (JM}.In the Okla- Brown Thrashers doubled on 2 B.B.S.routes in Oklahoma, and homaCity area,Newell hasnot foundeven one pair of Orchard a pair was at BuffaloL., June18. Phainopeplapopulations in- Oriolesnesting in 2 years,and believescowbirds are to blame creasednoticeably in G.M.N.P. and the Davis Mrs. In Coman- Both Hooded and ScoWs orioles are now rare summer residents che,Okla., 42 pairsof LoggerheadShrikes nested and 82 young in LostMaples, where they were formerly casualvisitors only were banded(JDT, SO). In Washingtonand Nowata, Okla., 49 (JM}. A Hooded Oriole was reported in G.M.N.P., June 8 shrike nestswere located (MD et al.). This specieswas seen (B & CH). m larger numbersthan usual on several B.B.S.routes in the HouseFinches are now well establishedin Waco,Tex. (WH) TexasPanhandle. An adult with three fledglingswas found in Red Crossbillswere sightedin the G.M.N.P. high countryJuly Burt, Neb., June 23 (BP, TB). 4 & 11 (BW,OVO). Pine Siskinscame to a Bellevue,Neb., feeder June11 (B & LP). American Goldfinchesare not known to nest VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS -- The songsof Bell's in Texas, so recordsin Hemphi//June 7 (KS) and Rains June V•reosare more conspicuousthan WarblingVireo songsin n.c. 16 (RK)were noteworthy.At leasttwo EveningGrosbeaks re- Oklahoma(ED). More than 70% of all monitoredBlack-capped sided in the high country of G.M.N.P., June 15-July 27 V•reo nestsin Texas were parasitizedby Brown-headedCow- (OVO, m.ob.). birds. Where no cowbird control measureswere taken only about 13 vireo young per 50 adults were fledged(JAG). In Kerr and Bandera,69 singing• Black-cappedswere located(JM). A CORRIGENDUM- AB 40:298. The Glaucous Gull at Amarillo new site for this specieswas found w. of Clifton, Bosque,Tex. provideda 5th record,not a first. (fide LMB). Out-of-range Red-eyed Vireos were observedin G M.N.P., July 4 (BJo).A N. Parula at Lubbock July 25 was unexpected(ML et al.). A bird identified as an imm. Yellow- CONTRIBUTORS & INITIALED OBSERVERS(area com- rumped Warbler was found in Amarillo July 6, a surprising pilers in boldface}- PeggyAcord, Keith Arnold, JohnArwn, date(PA). A Black-throatedBlue Warbler sangthroughout June Anne Bellamy,Russ Benedict, C. Bitlet, RogerL. Boyd,Tanya m Tyler, Tex. (AM). Prairie Warblershad a successfulseason Bray, Mark Brogie,Lillian M. Brown, Ted T. Cable,Fern Cron, m Hardin, Tex., where the cowbirdpopulation was low (AM). Ella Delap,Jeff Donaldson, Melinda Droege, Charles Easley, Pansy A pair of Black-and-whiteWarblers fed a cowbirdfledgling in Espy,Fred Gehlbach,Joseph A. Grzybowski,Karl Hailer, Betsy Osage,Okla., May 31. There were summer recordsof Black- Hancock,Steve Hanselmann, Bill & CarolynHardesty, Steve Hard•n and-whiteWarblers at severalTexas localitieswhere breeding (SHa),E. Haskell, Carl B. Hayhie, Mitch Heindel, R. Heitmann, WaydellHenager, Kelly Himmel (KHi), BobJennings, Barry Jones has not been established:Kerr July 3, Ft. Worth July 1, and (BJo),John C. Kendall,Dan Kilby, Richard Kinney, Mark Lockwood, BrazosJuly 29. In Hardin, a fledglingAm. Redstartwas being Jo Loyd, Art MacKinnon, Judy Mason, Janet M. McGee, Bonnie fed by adults July 24 (JCK).An Am. Redstartwas found June McKinney,Don McMahon,Jeri McMahon (JeM),Jody Miller (JM•), 28 in Osage,where it is rare in summer (BS).Prothonotary T. Montaperto,Ernest & Kay Mueller, BobNeill, JohnNewell, Ken Warblers fed fledglingsin F.F., June 25 (B & LP). For many Offill, O. V. Olsen,Sam Orr, BrentOftego, Babs & LorenPadelford, years, Newell has placed nest boxesfor Prothonotariesalong Fred Planalto,Randy Pinkston,Rena Ross,John M. Row, John the N. CanadianR. near Oklahoma City. This year, 2 of the 6 Schmidt,Pat Seibert, Scott Seltman, Kenneth Seyffert, Bill Snell, boxes were used for two broods each and 2 were used for one JerryToll, Guy Tudor,Jack D. Tyler, Allen Valentine,Don Verser, brood each. Waspstook over the other 2 boxes.In Hardin, GeorgeF. Wallace, Brent Wauer, Barry Zimmer, Kevin Zimmer -- recordJune rains followinghurricane Bonnieflooded out low- FRANCES C. WILLIAMS, 2001 Broken Hills E., Rt. 4, Midland, nesting warblers: Prothonotary, Kentucky, and Swainson's TX 79701. (JCK).Kentucky Warblers fed youngin Van Zandt, Tex., July 6 (RK).Early N. Waterthrushesarrived at LubbockJuly 26 and Midland July 30. Late migrantswere a LouisianaWaterthrush in the Wichita Mrs. N.W.R., Okla., June 3 and a Mourning Warbler in Canadian, Okla., June 2 (JAG).A MacGillivray's Warbler in E1Paso June 11 was very late (BZ, JD).There were sightingsof Yellow-breasted Chats in Potter, Randall, and M•dland, Tex., where nestinghas not yet been confirmed.

1224 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 SOUTH TEXAS REGION

Greg W. Lasley and Chuck Sexton E •, ^.st•,r.• / LA. "• ß Bastrop Beaumontß uneheavywas rainfall wetter totalsthan onnormal the UpperRegionwide, Texas Coastwith andsome at t4.• ....ETTO Houston e•Co tv• many inland locations.Hurricane Bonnie, which formed e e Seguin BAYSHORE•')•.• , south of New Orleans June 24, came ashore June 26 at Sea Uvalde u Rim State Park with 95mph winds and heavy rains; avian . •Freepor• casualtieswere minimum. Julywas nearly dry in all areas, %•EaglePass B•ville . • •• •maer...... •eruge• ß ß ••ransos Refuge but temperatureswere moderateso that nestingbirds were •. •,. • • Rockport not adverselyaffected. At LagunaAtascosa National Wild- life Refuge, Labuda noted "3¾2inches of rain in May, 3 :' •1• • e•-•j•CorpusChristi inches in June,but only % inch in July. This represented ample precipitation to assurean adequate crop of leaves, fruits, insects,and aquatic organismsfor nestingbirds." •s•o •_ . •LogunaAte ..... Refuge Foodand coverwere generallyavailable when neededRe- SantaAna ReFuge•Brownsvill• gionwide, but interior areas such as Kingsville, Falfurrias, and Alice still experienceddrying conditionsin July that / reduced most fresh-water ponds to dust. Chuck Kaigler died June2, 1986. He was a faithful and accurateobserver in the Rockportarea and his reportsand his friendshipwill be missed.We dedicatethis column to his memory.

ABBREVIATIONS--Bentsen = Bentsen Rio Grande State Park; L.R.G.V. = Lower Rio Grande Valley; Santa Ana= Santa GB),and many observersreported them from the KingRanch Ana Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; U.T.C. = Upper Texas Coast.Place names areain high numbers.At least56 Black-belliedsutilized Santa in italics are counties. Aria in June(JI), and by Julythe countwas up to 138 aspre- viously-secretiveducklings began to emerge. Five pairs of GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- In contrast to the Black-belliedsfledged at least 50 young at San Antonio's Mitchell L. (MH, WS), and at least3 pairs nestedsuccessfully successfulnesting season in 1985,Least Grebes nested in lower at Austin. numbers in the L.R.G.V. this season. None was detected at There were unusuallylarge numbers of late lingering,sum- SantaAna from June11 to July18, when one finally appeared mering•and wandering ducks this season, especially at Mitchell (JI). Other observersreported just one or 2 sightingsduring Lake.Several of thesenested and producedyoung for the first extendedvisits to the L.R.G.V.(BB, MH et al.). The Am. White recordsin many years.A Mottled Duck hatched9 eggsat Fal- Pelicancolony in the LagunaMadre near CorpusChristi (the furrias,for a notableinland record(AO). One Mallard spent only coastalcolony of the speciesin the United States)had a the seasonat Mitchell L., and was joinedby two more July24. productiveseason. Over 160young were visibleJune 22, with A N. Pintail alsospent the summerthere. Two CinnamonTeal 55 or 60 adultsstill broodingsmall chicksor incubatingeggs at Mitchell L., first observedin May, were seen copulating (EP,f•de KM). The TexasBrown Pelican population continues JuneI (MH). The pair was seensporadically through June and to boom.McCracken reported: "Fasten your seatbelt for a birth early July.On July24 the pair wasseen with onedowny young announcement,over 500 youngare possiblefrom 300 nestsat (WS) for the first Bexar nestingrecord since 1916 (when the PelicanIsland."' (Corpus Christi) (EP, f•de KM). The speciesis specieshad bred at the samelocation). Two pairs of N. Shov- now reportedto be plentifulin the PortAransas area (m.ob.). elerswere presentat Mitchell L., June15+, and four juv. birds In additionto BrownPelicans, Pelican I. supported(in pairs): (too small to fly) were seen with the adults July 31 (MH)-- 52 Great Blue Herons, 69 Great Egrets,96 Snowy Egrets,23 establishing,again, the first Bexar nestingrecord since 1916. Little Blue Herons, 509 Tricolored Herons (low), 27 Reddish One wonderswhat the nestingseasons of 1916 and 1986 may Egrets(low), 26 Black-crownedNight-Herons, 15 White Ibises, havehad in common.Three Am. Wigeonsremained at Mitchell 120 White-facedIbises, and nine RoseateSpoonbills (very low). L. until June6, and a 8 Redheadspent the entire seasonthere. McCrackenand Paynecarefully report information from this A pair of Redheadswas at SaritaJune 24 (PP,HS). The Greater importantrookery each year; the editorslack informationfrom Scaupat Mitchell L. mentionedin the springreport remained the numerousother waterbirdbreeding areas along the coast. until June 29, and a pair of LesserSeaups remained there An imm. ReddishEgret was at SanAntonio July 29 (WS).An throughthe period(MH). Our list of unusualsummering ducks ad.Plegadis sp. with oneimmature showed up at SanAntonio's was completed with two Cam. Goldeneyesat Austin July Mitchell L., June6 (C & MH, WS). The adult appearedto be a 26 (EK). full alternateplumaged Glossy Ibis, a speciesthat is still of uncertainstatus in Texas.There is still controversyover the identificationof all previousrecords of thisspecies in the state. RAPTORS -- Hook-billedKites were reportedsporadically A "June" sightingof a RoseateSpoonbill near Pearsall(DS), from appropriateL.R.G.V. locationsall season.Two Black- anotherJune 8 at sarita, and two near FalfurriasJuly 3 (AO) shoulderedKites near AustinJuly 26 (EK)were unusual.Seven were odd locationsfor this mainly coastalspecies. The first MississippiKites at RichmondJuly 26 (SW) may have been Wood Storks of the summer were two June 16 in Jim local breeders.Cooper's Hawks were again seen more com- Wells (KA). monly than normal this summer in far s. Texas. They were Two FulvousWhistling-Ducks were seenat SantaAria June observednumerous times July 3-19 at Falfurrias, Sarita, Ri- 4 (JI). Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks continued to nest in in- viera, and Encino(AO, PP et al.). One Corn.Black-Hawk was creasingnumbers over most of the Region.In Falfurrias,O'Neil reportedoccasionally at SantaArm throughthe period, for a noted "wet or dry, they do well either way." Many large rare summerrecord (fide JI). Harris' Hawks nestedin lower clutcheswere seennear e. NeucesBay duringthe period(SB, numbersin the Falfurriasarea, where O'Neil reportedbrush

Volume 40, Number 5 1225 clearing still goingon at a fast pace. San Antonio observers alsonoted decreases in observationsof Harris' Hawks during the summer, with no reportsduring July (SH et al.). A Gray Hawk nestwas foundat SantaAna May 13 (JI)with two visible young.By mid-Junethe ad. birds were still feedingthe young. Severalobservers saw and photographedjuv. Gray Hawks at Santa Ana and elsewhereduring July, which would indicate several successful nests for this rare Texas breeder. Broad- winged Hawks are not yet known to nest in the Austin area, but observationsof ad. birds June 9 & 14 (BR, CA et al.) in Austin, and another "soaringand calling" over BastropS.P., June 28 (JT) certainly bring up the possibility.SwainsoWs Hawks were seensurprisingly often in the Kingsvillearea all ' period (SB,N & PP), and at leastone pair nestedat Falfurrias (AO). Swainson'sHawks were also present all seasonin the Houston area (WC), and a pair nestedin Karnes(WS). A Zone- tailed Hawk was sporadicallyseen at Santa Ana (fide JI) all season,and another was at Rancho Santa Margarita in Starr July 24 (N & PP, SB, AO, TP). This speciesis not expectedin the Region during the summer. Red-tailed Hawks had a good nesting seasonin most areas.

S.A. The statusof AplomadoFalcons in s. Texas is changing, due to a hackingprogram sponsored by the Peregrine Fund. Duringthe summerof 1985apparently four young Aplomadoswere releasedsomewhere s. of Saritaon King Ranch property. At least two of the four were immediately killed by Great Horned Owls (fide BO). The status of the other two birds is not known to these editors, but one Aplomado was seen July 7, 1986 iusts. of Sarita 0VIH). This year, four young Aplomados were brought to LagunaAtascosa N.W.R. in lateJune, and after a carefully-monitoredhacking schedule all four gainedinde- pendenceby July 29 (fide SL).The birds were seenregularly thereafterby refugestaff. We will be watching closely to see if this re-introduction is successful.

An imm. PeregrineFalcon at San Antonio July 28 was very early {ph. GL, WS, MH). Jaeger(of controversialspecific identification) at San LuisPass, Brazoria Co., Tex., July •986. Photos/TedEubanks. CHACHALACA THROUGH SKIMMER- The first Plain GL)by manythrough the endof the period.To our knowledge Chachalacayoung were noted July 5 at SantaAna (JI),a little thiswas the firstrecord of a breedlng-plumagedRuff in Texas. later than normal. Wilson's Plovers seemed harder to find this On May 31 a raggedjaeger (sp.)arrived at San Luis Passon seasonthan in the last 3 or 4 years on the c. coast(PP). Nu- the U.T.C. (TE et al.). The bird was barely able to fly, and merous pairs of Black-necked Stilts started nests at Mitchell observerswatched it carefullyin orderto salvagethe specimen L but were floodedout by high water after heavy Junerains when the bird died. During the comingweeks, however, not (C & MH, WS). A 2nd nestingattempt by many of the pairs only did the bird live, but it regainedstrength, size, and bulk, was successful, however. Black-necked Stilts at an Austin and went through a body molt. During the courseof its stay sewer pond had the oppositeproblems of their San Antonio the bird wasidentified as a Long-tailed,a Parasitic,and a Po- brethren;7 pairsbuilt nestsaround the edgesof a pond,but marineby variousobservers. By the time the bird left August unfortunatelythey chosea pondbeing drained by city workers 16, its identificationwas still beinghotly contested(half voting (JS,EBE). Only three youngbirds fledged, representing the 3rd Parasitic.half Pomafine).Details and photographsare currently nesting record for this inland location. beingstudied by "experts"and we will keep you posted.A With a mixture of late-lingeringand early-arrivingshore- iuv. LaughingGull at Mitchell L, July 17 (MH) was joined by birds,it often seemsdifficult to decidewhich onesare going another July 28. With additional water being pumped into northand which onesare comingsouth. Two MarbledGodwits Santa Ana lakes, some unusual summer tern records were in GalvestonJune 28 (RP)and 30bmeding-plumaged Red Knots establishedfor the area. SeventeenGull-billed, two Forster's, at San Luis PassJune 14 (DM) were someexamples. A Dunlin and many Leastterns were seenJune 30 (JI).A juv. Common was on GalvestonI., July 6 (MA), a new early recordfor the Tern provided a rare summer recordJuly 6 on w. Galveston U.T.C. Amongthe late lingererswas a highly probableCurlew I. (MA). LeastTerns begannesting at a fenced-offbeach area Sandpiperin full breedingplumage at LagunaAtascosa N.W.R., near Rockportin mid-May (C & HK), but left the nest sitesin June7 (tGT). The observer(who knowsthe specieswell) was Junefor unknown reasons.In contrast,Least Terns enjoyed without a scope,but could observe the curved bill and the goodnesting success at severalBaffin Bay areas(N & PP, SBet overallbrick-red coloration. There were only 2 previousdoc- al.). Two pairsof SootyTerns nested on ShamrockI. (EP,fide umented recordsfor Texas. Western Sandpipers,Stilt Sand- KM), one of the traditional locationsfor this rare Texasbreeder. pipers,and Greater Yellowlegswere noted on their way S on Heindel noted Black Terns in unusually large numbers at theearly date of July9 at SantaAna (JI). A mostlybreeding- McAllen sewer pondsin July, with 110 July 14, 150 July 19, plumaged8 Ruff (red color phase)showed up at Mitchell L., and 225+ July21. WestGalveston I. hosted27 BlackTerns by July 24 (tMH, WS). It was later seenand photographed(MH, July6 (MA).Black Skimmers set up housekeepingat theaban-

1226 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 donedLeast Tern areain Rockportin mid-Juneand built over S,A. 100 nests,most of which did well (HK). Some adults were still The invadingCave Swallowscontinued their march incubating eggsJuly 31. toward the Gulf. Cave Swallows successfullynested in culverts at all of the new sites reported in the past 2 years,and continued to expandeastward. This year they added3 more countiesto their nestingrange: Wilson, DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS--White-winged Nueces,and Kenedy(WS, N & PP et al.). The birdsnow Dovesapparently recoveredfrom their poor nestingseason occupysites in 4 countiesthat borderon the Gulf, but last year to have goodsuccess this season.Mourning Doves so far have not nestede. of U.S. Hwy 77 (PP). Palmer's did well Regionwide.Common Ground-Doves had an excellent 'studieshave shownthe speciesto clearlyoutnumber all nestingseason in the Falfurriasarea (AO). A possibleBlue other swallowsin many areasformerly dominatedby Ground-Dovewas seenbriefly but well by a singleobserver Cliffs and Barns. Cliff and Barn swallows are showing a July20 at RanchoSanta Margarita in Starr(tMH). Sofar, this markeddecrease in the areaof Kingsvilleand Falfurrias specieshas not beendocumented in the United States.Intro- in the faceof this expansionby Cave Swallows(AO). In duced Monk Parakeets are increasingtheir populationsin additionto expandingE, the speciesis now findingnew Houstonand Austin (MK, GL et al.). Five to nine Green Par- nichesat moretraditional nesting locations. A colonyof akeetswere seenin McAllen throughJuly (MH et al.). During Cave Swallows built 22 nests in the eaves of a roadside Junethe U.S. Fish & WildlifeService announced that 26 persons picnicshelter at Concanin Uvaldeand were feeding had been indicted for smuggling250 parrotsover the Texas- youngthere June 14 & 15 (GT).'Four nests were found Mexico border. The undercoveroperation identified various May I nearBrackettville, also at a roadsidepicnic shelter illegalMexican wholesalesuppliers, wholesale dealers, and (WS,CB). Since 1983 the CoveSwallow has nearly dou- transporters.Thus, confusion over the originof "our" parrots bled the size of its nestingrange in Texas. continues. Yellow-billedCuckoo reports varied. In Falfurriasthey were late in arrivingan d "definitelydown in numbers"(AO), and A GreenJay was seenJune 21 in n. Live Oak (SH),40 mi n they were describedas scarce or absentat many U.T.C. loca- of the normaln. extremeof the species'range. A pair of Mex- tions(WC et al.). In contrast,observers in Kingsvilleand in c. icanCrows July 8 e. of Brownsville(MH) furnisheda rare sum- coastareas found Yellow-billeds more plentiful than in recent mer record.The FishCrow population at Beaumontremained years(PP et al.), and Austin-areaobservers noted the species •table(WG). A pair of Clay-coloredRobins had 2 failednesting in increasednumbers all season.Groove-billed Anis apparently attemptsin May andJune at Bentsen(GD), but wasapparently had a banner year with large hatchesreported at Falfurrias successfulin late Julyor August;a dependentyoung bird was (AO) and mostL.R.G.V. areas. Common Barn-Owls again en- seenthere with an adult Aug.26 (JP).Four pairsof Am. Robins joyedgood success nesting in deerblinds at many locations. fledged14 young in lateM•y at Falfurrias(AO), the southern- A FerruginousPygmy-Owl was heardcalling at BentsenJuly most location in the state for nestingby the species.An Am 12 (MH); the speciesis rarely seenor heard away from the Robinwas seen in KingsvilleJune 15 (PP).Wood Thrush num- FalconDam spot.Elf Owlswere reportedregularly at Bentsen bersare decliningon the U.T.C.;there was only oneJune report throughthe period.An adult and four juv. BurrowingOwls Curetonnoted, "five or six yearsago they couldbe foundat were seennear EncinoJune I {fide AO). It was alsoreported many woodedareas outside Houston, and even in someresi- that the speciesnested at the samearea last year, apparently dential areas.This year they were virtually gone." representinga first Brooksrecord. Lesser Nighthawks were more common than normal around Kingsville (N & PP, SB), VIREOS THROUGH ORIOLES -- Austin's highly publi- and severalpairs were at SanAntonio all period(MH et al.). cizedpopulation of Black-cappedVireos had an unusualsea- Grabercontinued to expressconcern for the declineof Com. son.For yearsthe birdshad beenparasitized by cowbirds, Nighthawksin Beaumont,where he recordedonly 2 pairsall which sharplyreduced their nestingsuccess. Last year a cow- season;they were alsodescribed as less numerous in Brazoria bird trappingprogram was begun and the vireosproduced a (MA). In contrast,Kingsville, Austin, San Antonio,and else- goodcrop of young. This year, the cowbird trapping continued wherereported increases or at leaststable populations of Com. at the 250-acrestudy area, but a new wrenchwas thrown into Nighthawks. the works.Out of 40 nestslocated, 26 were preyedon by Scrub Therewere few reportsof Buff-belliedHummingbirds in the Jays,and anotherwas cleaned out by a mammal.Still other L R G.V.proper, but the specieswa• describedas numerous nestswere parasitized by cowbirds.The net resultwas 8 suc- duringthe seasonat Falfurrias(AO). Someobservers thought cessfulnests with a total of 14 young.The studiesof this pop- that Black-chinned Hummingbirds were less numerous as ulation will continue (JO).Elsewhere, there were numerous breedersin the Austin-San Marcos area (BW et al.). Green observationsof Black-cappedsbut no reportsof nestingsuccess, Kingfishersseem to be recoveringfrom a periodof lowered goodor bad.Studies were alsobegun this year at the Travis abundancein the n. part of their rangeafter the 1983-1984 AudubonSanctuary (near Austin) to determine the rate and winter. Red-headedWoodpecker numbers are still somewhat effectof cowbirdparasitism on the Golden-cheekedWafbler low in the Beaumont area, where Graber feels the speciesmay A cowbirdtrapping program was begunand clear evidenceof be losingground to the very'numerous Red-bellied Wood- parasitismwas quickly gatheredwhen an ad. pair of Golden- peckers.A N. (Yellow-shafted)Flicker June 15 at Beaumont cheekedswas seenfeeding a youngcowbird through the wire (WG]provided the area'sfirst summer record in severalyears mesh of the trap June 17 (DL). for this local e. Texas nester. SoA, For the first time in recent yearsthe White-collared Seedeatersstayed in Texasthrough the breedingperiod FLYCATCHERS THROUGH ROBINS -- Early LeastFly- and probablynested. One or two singingmales were catcherswere notedJuly 25 at SantaAna (JI)and July26 & 27 notedat San Ygnaciointo May, which was considered in Jim'Wells(KA), VermilionFlycatchers again had a good late,then 2 pairswith one singing male were seen june year at Falfurrias(AO), and our threeMyiarchus flycatchers 12-13 (GT). Tudor reportedthe birds"seemed as happy reportedly had a good nesting seasonin appropriate areas. as little clams" as they foragedin the riverside vegeta- WesternKingbirds again nested at Houston,choosing over 25 tion.A singingmale was again reported July 2 (E & MB), electricpower substationsas nestingsites. Several of these and a probablejuv. bird was carefullystudied and de- siteshad multiplepairs of kingbirdsin residence(BH et al.). scribedJuly 4 (BB, ABB). The speciesdid well in moretraditional areas as well.

Volume40, Number5 1227 Hooded and Kentucky warblers were down m numbers m portedas far n. asKmgswlle and San Ygnac•o A Scott'sOriole variousU.T.C. locations(WC). Summer Tanagerswere thought at Lakeway near Austin May 3-June 14 (fide EK) was out of to be in decreasednumbers around Austin (BF), but were not range. mentionedby other observers.Blue Grosbeaksnested abun- dantly in interior brushlands where observersdeclared them "in the largestnumbers ever seenhere" at Falfurrias,Welder CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS--Richard Refuge,and the Kingsvillearea (AO, N & PP,SB). Painted Bun- Albert, Charles Alexander, Eddie & Nina Arnold, Keith Arnold, tings again had a good nestingseason Regionwide. Mike Austin, Sharon Barrels, Bob Behrstock, Charles Bender, A. Bernard Benson,Gene Blacklock, Ron Braun, Ellen & Mark Botteri'sand Cassin'ssparrows fared weI1.Cassin's had been Brogie,Wesley Cureton, Gladys Donohue, E. B. Ellis,Ted Eubanks, declining for severalyears in the Falfurrias area, but increases BrushFreeman, William GraberIII, SteveHawkins, Cathy & M•tch were noted this year (AO). Two Botteri's were noted at the Heindel, Rhandy Helton, Bob Honig, JoeIdeker, Chuck & Hdde BrownsvilleDump July 3 (BB,ABB), an unusual location.An Kaigler,Mark Kulstad,Ed Kutac,Steve Labuda, Greg Lasley, Dawd out-of-season• Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Austin July 4 Lyter, Kay McCracken,Derek Muschalek,Bob Odear, Jim O'Don- (EK). Unfortunately, Bronzed Cowbirds were said to number nell, Andy O'Neil, JohnPace, Nancy & Paul Palmer,Emilie Payne, m the millions around KingsvilIe and Falfurrias. Hooded Ori- Tom Pincelli, Randy Pinkston,Barbara Ribble, Peter Riesz,Daniel oles were seen in increased numbers at Sarita and Kingsville Schmidt, Willie Sekula, Herschel Sessions,Chuck Sexton, Jack (AO, N & PP, SB),and imm. birdswere seenat ZapataJune 13 Sunder,Jim Tucker, Guy Tudor, BridgerWebb, SteveWilliams -- (GT) and at Alice July 13 (RA). Audubon's Orioles were also GREG W. LASLEY, 5103 Turnabout Lane, Austin, TX 78731, and regularly seen in the L.R.G.V., with several individuals re- CHUCK SEXTON, 101 E. 54th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION

W. G. Johnston and C. McEwen

areas--thehisseasoh's observationsYukon North were Slope,from thea wide Mackenzierange of Mountains, Coppermine, and Fort MacPherson in the Northwest Territories, and the usual coveragefrom southern and central Yukon and northern British Columbia. In general,numbers of mostalpine and subarcticnesting birds (shorebirds,sparrows, pipits, and longspurs)near Oldsquaw Lodge in the Mackenzie Mountains were down from previousyears. Breeding numbers of wetland birds(shorebirds and waterfowl) were also down in the southern Yukon. Weather for the Whitehorse area (which is not represen- tative of the entire Region) could be summed up as wet and cool.June temperatures were slightlybelow the normal 12øC,July's monthly mean was at the average14.3øC, while August's was below average at 11.1øC. Weather in the Canol Road area of the Mackenzie Mountains was also wet and cool throughout the season.

ABBREVIATIONS -- F.S.J.= Fort St. John,B.C.; F.N. = Fort Nelson,B.C.; M.M, = Mackenzie Mts., N.W.T.; Whse. = Whitehorse, Yukon.

LOONS THROUGH RAPTORS -- A large concentration of Com. Loons,comprising five singlesand 3 nestingpairs (nests w•th O, one, and 2 eggs),was seen at ScobyL., s.e. Yukon, June 18 (HG). Ten Pacific Loonsand two Com. Loonswere seen at Dragon L., on n. Canol Rd. of the Yukon, Aug. 16 (GJ, CM). During wetland surveysin June and July on the DezadeashR. m s.w. Yukon, breeding Horned Grebe numbers were down by 50% from the previous 2 years (JM, DP, GJ). One pair of P•ed-billedGrebes with four youngat BoundaryL., KS.J, July 11 (CS) representedone of few breedingrecords for the area. Two Double-crestedCormorants seen June 13 in high flight Two Trumpeter Swansremained at F.S.J.until June 11 (CS) over F.S.J.were well w. of their normal s.c.Alberta range(CS). On a helicoptersurvey across the Mackenzie R. Delta Aug. 21, Also unusual were Am. Bittern (suspectedof breeding)s. of none of 70 pairs of Tundra Swans seen had young (DP, GJ) Dawson Cr., July 5 (GD, CS, LD), and 2 separatesightings of Reports from Coppermine, N.W.T., indicated that Canada Great Blue Herons near Whse.--one at KookatsoonL., June 15 Geese,N. Pintails, and Oldsquawswere common breedersm (BS,fide DM) and one at Mclean L., July 2 (RS,fide DM). the area June 12-15 (TA). Oldsquawswere noted courtingm Breedingnumbers of Am. Wigeon, LesserScaup, Barrow's high alpine lakes of the M.M. near Oldsquaw LodgeJune 28 Goldeneye, and Bufflehead were down from the last 2 years (SM). One GreaterWhite-fronted Goose was notedon the Peel m s.c. Yukon, possiblyowing to the late spring (JM, DP, GJ). R., Ft. MacPherson, June 19 (PJ).

1228 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 A Cooper'sHawk seenJune 15 (CS)provided the first record Yukon, Aug 17 (GJ) Alder Flycatchersand W Wood-Pewees for the PeaceR. area of n. British Columbia. A Rough-legged were common on the Breeding Bird Survey conducted in the Hawk remained from late May to June 19 at F.N., well s. of its s. Yukon in early June (m.ob.).A Hammond's Flycatcher was breeding range (JB).Two active nestsof the endangeredtun- seen feeding young in the F.N. lowlands July 9 (JB).Dusky dnus race of PeregrineFalcon were noted July 16-24 at Cop- Flycatcherswere reportedto be commonat ScobyL., s.e.Yukon permine (TA). Basedon a territory-wide survey this summer, (HG). A suspectedHammond's responded to a recording of the race anatum of PeregrineFalcon is increasingin popula- Dusky Flycatcher in the Whse. area, adding to confusionover tion (DM). identificationof Hammond's/Duskyflycatchers. An E. Phoebe was seen near Haines Jct.,Yukon, June 3 (ML, fide DM). A N GROUSE THROUGH GULLS- Grouse and ptarmigan Rough-wingedSwallow was sighted at Miles Canyon, Whse, numbers,other than the coastalmountain populations,were July 26 (PP). Cliff Swallows (5000-10,000) were 2 weeks late up and increasingfrom previousyears in the Yukon (DM) and arriving and 2 weeks late in leaving their traditional breeding the M.M. (SM). Rock Ptarmiganwere noted at StoneMountain area at Johnson'sCrossing, s.c. Yukon (ED, fide GJ).Flocks of P P., F.S.J.area, July 2 (JB,GD, CS, LD). A family of Sharp- 60-70 Bank Swallows were southbound on the n. Canol Rd, tailed Grousewas seen on the DempsterHwy near Ft. Mac- Yukon, Aug. 16 (GJ).Three Red-breastedNuthatches were at Pherson, N.W.T. (PJ). Sandhill Cranes were found in small ScobyL., June 18-21 (HG). numbers in the F.S.J.and F.N. areas (JB,CS, GD, LD) and near THRUSHES THROUGH FINCHES- The 3rd record of Ft MacPherson(PJ), but with no evidence of breeding. The numbersof breedingLesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sand- Bluethroat in Canadawas providedby a male singingin an pipers, Red-neckedPhalaropes, and Corn. Snipe were down alder thicket in the Blow R. Valley, British Mts., n. Yukon, from the previous2 yearson the DezadeashR., s.c.Yukon (JM, July 18 (DR, WN). Northern Wheatears were noted at Bonnet DP, GJ).Over 300 LesserYellowlegs were noted at the F.S.J. L., n. Yukon, July 6 (DR, WN). A Philadelphia Vireo was seen sewagelagoons July 5 (CS). A Wandering Tattler with downy at F.N., June 30 (JB,CS, GD, LD). Warbling Vireos were heard young was seen July 20 at Km 460, DempsterHwy, N.W.T. singingadjacent to the Alaska Hwy near Rancheria in the s.w (PJ).Numbers of breedingtattlers in the I•I.M. near Oldsquaw Yukon, near Whse.,and at ScobyL., June7-21 (HG).Tennessee Lodgewere down from previous years (SM). Two Hudsonian Warblers were common at Scoby L., June 16-22 (HG). Two Godwitswere seenat KS.J, June24 (CS),and one was at Cop- MagnoliaWarblers were at Rancheria,Yukon, June16-17 (HG) permineJuly 23 (TA). Also notedat Copperminewere Ruddy Unusual at Copperminewere a Yellow-rumped Warbler June Turnstone, Red Knot, Sanderling,and Red Phalarope,June 4- 6 and a Yellow Warbler July 23 (TA). SingingCape May and 16 (TA). Baird's,Pectoral, and Solitary sandpiperswere ob- Bay-breastedwarblers were seen in n. British Columbia at served more frequently than in previous years in the M.M. KleddoCr., Mi 335 Alaska Hwy, July 2 (CS,JB, GD, LD). A late (SM). Long-tailedJaegers were reported July 20 from Km 460 migrant Connecticut Warbler met its demise against a high DempsterHwy (PJ),where commonlyseen, but none was ob- school window in KS.J, June 24 (CS). A W. Tanager was noted servedin the Ogilvie Mts., Km 105 DempsterHwy, where usu- often near Teslin, Yukon, where accidental (DM). ally common(CM, JS). One PomarineJaeger was at Coppermine An agitatedpair of Am. Tree Sparrowsin StoneMountain June 15 (TA). Interestingwas the note of Long-tailedJaegers P.P.,July 2 (CS,GD), may have represented a southern breeding and Mew Gulls feedingon mushroomsnear OldsquawLodge areain BritishColumbia. Le Conte'sSparrows were notedfrom (SM). A Sabine'sGull was seenwith two Bonaparte'sand 71 2 areasof n.e. BritishColumbia: one singingat BoundaryL, Franklin's gulls at KS.J, June 4 (CS). July 7, and two at Swan L., s. of DawsonCreek (CS, LD). A Sharp-tailedSparrow was alsoat BoundaryL. on July 7 (CS, OWLS THROUGH NUTHATCHES- One Short-eared LD, GD). Dark-eyed Juncosbred in abundance in the Whse Owl wasseen June 6 at F.S.J.(GA), one was at Km 576 Dempster area, with 30-40 adults and fledgedyoung (youngbeing fed Hwy, N.W.T. (PJ),and at least three were residentin the M.M. birdseedby adults)daily at a feederthere, June to August(GJ) (SM). A BorealOwl with 4 eggsand prey remainsof pika was A Western Meadowlark singinglustily and daily at F.N, noted June I at Km 250 Dempster Hwy (DM). There was an June 22-July 10, provided a first record for n.e. British "invasion" of Calliope Hummingbirds into the Peace R. area: Columbia (JB). one at Mi 63 Alaska Hwy, June 6 (CS, GA), two at Dawson CONTRIBUTORS- Tim Acey, Gerry Ansell,Jack Bowling, Creek (CS,GD, LD), and two at Moberly L., July 6 (SS).A Yel- Linda van Damme,Gary Davidson,Ellen Davignon,Helmut Grun- low-belliedSapsucker was found June 19 at ScobyL., s.e.Yukon berg,Paul Jones, John Lammers, Millard Lindauer,Joyce Majiskl, (HG), and Hairy Woodpeckers(an adult and a fledgling)were SamMiller, Dave Mossop,Wendy Nixon, PeggyPetersen, David seen June 17 s. of Whse. (JL). Petkovich,Don Russell, Regan Shaffer, Chris Siddle, Sonja Siddle, Yellow-bellied Flycatcherswere seenat Parker L., near F.N., B. Sinclair.--W. GAVIN JOHNSTONand C. McEWEN,Northern July I (GD, JB,LD), and one was at Dragon L., n. Canol Rd., Biomes Ltd., Box 4849, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 4N8.

NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN-INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

Thomas H. Rogers ABBREVIATIONS -- Malheur = Malheur Nat'l Wildlife Ref, Burns, Ore. Place names in italics are counties. LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- ACom. Loon in nonbreed- •nune precipitationweather wasnearly unseasonably everywhere hot inand the very Region. deficientJuly, ing plumage near Burns,Ore., June2 made a rare record (GI) by contrast,turned cold and wet, in fact colder than June! The only reportsof the species'nesting came from Lincoln and For the mostpart the summer seasonappeared to be good Flathead, Mont. Four ad. Red-necked Grebes and a nest with for nesters,with foodand water generallyadequate. Some eggswere found at Davis Res. near Cascade,Ida., for the most exceptionsare mentioned later. southerlynesting record for s.e.Idaho (JM). A pair nestedagain

Volume 40, Number 5 1229 their big high of 1985 but still had 493 pairs, producing 1123 young. Their numbers appearedstable in s.e. Idaho. White- BRITISH • | J faced Ibises continued to increase. At Malheur a record 2095 pairsreared 4925 young.In s.e. Idaho, Dan Taylor countedup COLUMBIA_..•...•'• • :1 to 800 at American Falls Res. and Bear River N.W.R., Mont- • •'PliI#CEGEORGE pelier estimatedover 3000 nestingpairs (GD). This may reflect the floodingat Great Salt L. WATERFOWL, RAPTORS- Trumpeter Swans at Mal- heur had a good year but the count of fledged young was not . J J • • •00 MILEHORSE yet available. At Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney, Wash., five birds summered and one young was fledged. A Snow Goose was :: • • KAMLOOPS/ ß : • •'• • • • REVELSTOKE sighteds.e. of BurnsJuly 9 (CDL). CanadaGeese had their best yearsince 1983 at Malheur with 1611young reared. The species did well again at KootenaiN.W.R., BonnersFerry, Ida., with 135 fiedging,and nestingsuccess was goodin Pend Oreille and Stevens,Wash. The specieswas also on the increasein the • &EATTL• •SPOKANEo Je • KALISPELL Salmon,Ida., area. Nestingsuccess for Cinnamon/Blue-winged Teal at Kootenai N.W.R. was low. Production was low for most ' t•L•ENOeRG' • ..... " • • WALLAe •LEWISTON HELENA duck speciesin the Fortine, Mont., vicinity. The same was :' I %-•e•. WALLA___•% true for Pend Orei/le and Stevens, Wash., where low water levels were blamed. Fortine and other Lincoln, Mont., areas had broodsof Com. Goldeneye as did Pend Oreille, Wash. At :-- :• I / '•.•I Klamath Falls, Ore., 22 Com. Goldeneyes and 12 Buffleheads June12-13 were largenumbers for non-breeders(PL). A brood of four downy Buffleheadchicks at McCall furnished s.w. Ida- ho's first breeding record (JD, AL, JM). A • Hooded Merganser at BigL., n. of Columbus,Mont., July18 was noteworthy(EHa). , I A Red-breastedMerganser on OsoyoosL. in the s. Okanagan Valley, B.C., was a summer rarity (PL). The Juneraptor count at Malheur found41 Turkey Vultures, at Silver L., near Island Park, Ida. (CHT), as did another pair up from last year's 26. One was sightedJune 8 just n. of Kam- at Bull L. near Stryker, Mont., where they are rare (WW). loops,B.C., where the speciesis very rare (RRH). One in the Ninepipe N.W.R., Charlo, Mont., had 120 W. Grebes June 6. Salmon,Ida., vicinity July 13 was unusual,and 2 Ospreynests An estimated 290 pairs of W. Grebesand 460 pairs of Clark's there appearedto be successful(HBR). The Bald Eaglepair at Grebesnested at Malheur, but both specieshad a pooryear as KootenaiN.W.R. fledgedone young(LDN) as did a pair on the high winds destroyed most of their nests. In Grant, Wash., Pend Oreille R. in n.e. Washington(SZ). The pair that nested PotholesRes. had one Clark's (ZB, EC), and MosesL. provided at Libby Dam. Lincoln, Mont., brought off two young (DH). A two to three (JG, EH, GG, PM et al.). Several appeared on Bald Eagle was sighted near Cusick, Wash., July 14 (EJL)and American Falls Res., Ida., in July (DMT). an adult at L. Chatcolet. St. Maries, Ida., June 22 was unusual American White Pelican young approachingflight stageat (PL). Northern Harriers showed a substantial increase at Mal- the period's end totaled 125 on Malheur and 120 on nearby heur, correlated with an increasein the small rodent popu- private land. Seven appeared on Potholes Res., June 20 (PL) lation. A Red-shoulderedHawk was reportedalong the Snake and five at the Walla Walla R. mouth s. of Pasco,Wash., July R. near Swan Valley, Ida., July 23 by an observerfamiliar with 19 (DHr, CW, REW). Ninepipe N.W.R. had 26 Am. White Pel- the species (DSS). An active Swainson's Hawk nest in the icans June 6 (PLW). In Idaho no nesting was known, but the Frenchtown valley w. of Missoula, Mont., provided the lati- birds continued abundant; more than 1800 were counted on 1ong'sfirst breeding record (PLW). Two Ferruginous Hawks, American Falls Res.in June,where they were robbingDouble- possiblypaired, were sightedJune 7 near Boulder, Mont.; the crested Cormorants. The colony of the latter there yielded speciesis rare in the Boulder-Helena area (G & NN). Buteos, dawn flight counts of 1300-2000 per hour. Double-crested especiallyFerruginous and Red-tailed hawks, had very high Cormorants established a new record at Malheur with 982 production, associated with the outbreak of voles, at Idaho pairs and an estimated 1681 young produced. Nat'l EngineeringLab, Arco (TDR). Golden Eaglenest surveys Great Blue Herons also broke a record at Malheur, with 682 in PendOreille and Stevens,Wash., indicated very poorsuccess. pairs producing 1817 young. Great Egrets there were up 30% Of 7 nests,only 2 were active, each with one young (SZ). from last year with 631 pairs producing 1417 young. At least one pair nested again at the American Falls Res. colony and GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Six ad. and three several pairs were reported at Mud L., w. of Hamer, Ida. Snowy imm. White-tailed Ptarmigan were found at Burrough's Mt., Egretnumbers at Malheur dropped53% from last year'srecord Mount Rainier N.P., July 9 (A & SS}.Malheur reporteda Sage high, with 113 pairs producing 193 offspring. The species' Grouse hen with three chicks at Double-O Station and two numbersappeared stable in s.e.Idaho. A well-describedLittle females near Frenchglen (CDL). Wild Turkey young totalled Blue Heron at American Falls Res. near Springfield July 13 47 in the Wenas Cr. area n.w. of Yakima, Wash. (TB). The birds wasapparently Idaho's first (DMT). Cattle Egretshave increased were introducedthere 3 yearsago by the departmentof game. in s.e.Idaho; up to 59 were countedon the SpringfieldBottoms At least five Yellow Rails were heard in the Ft. Klamath, Ore., (DMT, CHT). A new colony of this specieshas appeared on area (PL, JC, SSu). Nesting successof Greater Sandhill Cranes the Snake R. near Bruneau, Ida.; up to 10 adults and a nest improved at Malheur where predator control was initiated. with three youngwere presentfor apparently the first nesting Sandhillswere "numerous"and increasingin the Lemhi Valley record for w. Idaho (JM). These birds increasedto 6 pairs at and around Salmon, Ida. (HBR). One was observedat Mara Malheur and broughtoff 14 young.A molting ad. Green-backed Meadows, a known nestingsite, near Enderby, B.C., June 17, Heron was sighted July 23 at the same location on the Snake and two were sightedin late July near RollingsL., e. of Lumby, R. near Pocatellowhere one was seen last year; breeding was B.C. (RRH). suspected(CHT). One of this speciesat Ninepipe July 3 fur- The Narrows at Malheur had a Snowy Plover June 5 (AA, nished Montana's 2nd record w. of the Continental Divide MA) and one was found near Mud L., Hamer, Ida., June 8 (DF). (PLW). Black-crownedNight-Herons at Malheur droppedfrom A few returning SemipalmatedPlovers were moving through

1230 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 the Regionm late July Black-neckedStilts nested for the first A pair of Great Grays raised three young near Sunriver, the time at Columbia N.W.R, Othello, Wash. (JRR). One at the farthest n. they are known to nest in the Oregon Cascades Idaho Nat'l EngineeringLab was the first ever there and for (TC). Fort Klamathhad a Great Gray June12 (PL).Four nestling the latilong (TDR). Two Am. Avocets near Missoula, Mont., Long-earedOwls, their nest accidentallydestroyed by logging June I were suspectedof breeding;this would be a latilong near St. Maries, Ida., were hand reared and released(lTa). Owl first. The sameplace had 13 of the birds June12 (DHo). Three numbers in the Snake R. Birds of Prey Natural Area, Aria and adult and two imm. Solitary Sandpipersat 2 different locations Owyhee,Ida., were down precipitously,especially for Long- m the mountains s. of Lavington, B.C., July 17 provided a eared, with only 5 pairs comparedto 63 in 1980 (JM). Short- southernbreeding record for the species(RRH). Upland Sand- eared Owls were abundant in the Malheur area and on the piperswere discoveredat 3 localitiesin Valley, Ida.; a flightless Idaho Nat'l EngineeringLab, presumably in responseto an chick providedthe first positivedocumentation of breedingin increasein small mammal populations.Cathedral Park, s. of s w Idaho and the only recent one for the state (JM). Up to Keremeos,B.C., hosteda Boreal Owl luly 6 (DC, RC), and sev- eight Uplandswere observedat the traditional nestingsite in eral sightingsof the specieswere obtained in the Salmo Mt the SpokaneValley. Two breedingpairs were believedpresent, area of n. Pend Oreille, Wash. (BB,JG, EMi, JP).A N. Saw-whet but no nestsor youngwere found.The WashingtonDepartment Owl was heard June 17 in ColoradoGulch s.w. of Helena (G of Game conducteda study of the speciesthere during the & NN) and one was calling at Horsethief Meadows e. of Mt summer (KW). Four were again observedin the LoganValley Hood in n. Oregon (DAA). Nestlings of this species, made e of Seneca,Ore. (PL). Four Marbled Godwits at the Walla homelessby logging near St. Maries, were hand reared and Walla R. mouth July 19 provided the species'only sighting released (CS). (DHr, CW, REW). A breeding-plumagedRed Knot on Springfield BottomsJuly 31, and two there a few dayslater, provided Ida- NIGHTHAWKS THBOUGH FLYCATCHEBS -- Com- ho's 5th and 6th records(TF, CHT, DMT, DF). A Baird's Sand- mon Nighthawk numbers at Fortine, Mont., were higher than piper at Wenas Res., n.w. of Yakima, was noteworthy (EH) as for several years but still were far below those of 40-60 years was a Short-billed Dowitcher there (DG). An ad. Long-billed ago (WW). After an increase in 1985, these birds again de- Dowitcher at Columbia N.W.R. was remarkable for June 20 creased at Malheur for reasons unknown. ACom. Poorwill (PL) At least two Stilt Sandpipersstill in breedingplumage calling at midnight June 21 added that speciesto the bird list appearedat Springfield BottomsJuly 26 (CHT, CWe). One at for KootenaiN.P., B.C. (LH, RRH). One was heard at Calamity FolsomL., Whitman, Wash., July 9 was the county'sfirst (BO). Butte, 30 mi n.n.e. of Burns, in June (MA), for the only other record.Up to 50 Black Swiftswere sightedin July in the Kam- GULLS AND TEBNS -- A new colony of Franklin's Gulls loops-Clearwaterarea, B.C. (CH, RRH). A pair of Black Swifts, was establishedon Knox Pond at Malheur and about 480 pairs presumedto be breeding,was againsighted near CabinetGorge, nestedon privateland in n. Malheur L., producing665 young. Bonner,Ida., luly 23 (DF). White-throatedSwifts attemptedto Klamath Falls had two one-year-old Bonaparte'sGulls June nest under the freeway bridge over Latah Cr. at Spokanebut 12-13 (PL).An aggregationof 30 postbreedingMew Gull wan- apparently were deterred by repair work (S.A.S.).Richland's derers appearedin Wells Gray Provincial Park, B.C., July 24 • Black-chinnedHummingbird stayed around until early July [RRH).California Gulls produced776 young and Ring-billed Then a femaleappeared luly 18 (REW).A femalewas identified Gulls, 1046 in the Malheur area. A one-year-oldHerring Gull near Lookout Mr., e. of Mt. Hood, July 6 (DAA). An albino of appeared at the Walla Walla mouth lune 18-19 (PL). The the species,except for dark wingsand tail, visiteda Nile, Wash, Western Gull at American Falls Res. had achieved full ad. feeder (1 & JW). A female along Morgan Cr. n.w. of Ellis, Ida, plumage (EHa, SSc, CHT). was noteworthy(HBR). A • Costa'sHummingbird was back at CaspianTerns continued to do well at Malheur, with 560 Bend for the 3rd year (PL).A Broad-tailedHummingbird, He- young produced,a 14% increaseover 1985. Common Terns lena latilong'sfirst and Montana's 11th, visited a feeder in Col- were againpresent on Pocatelloarea reservoirs.More common orado Gulch (G & NN). than Forster's,they apparentlywere nesting(CHT). No Forster's About 20 Lewis' Woodpeckerswere sightedalong the S. Fork Tern colonieswere found on Malheur, but a colonyof 10 pairs of the BoiseR. below AndersonRanch Dam, Elmore,Ida. (DMT) was discovered25 mi s. of Frenchglen in the Catlow Valley. Two localitiesin the Libby, Mont., area had sightingsof single Forster's nested for the first time at Columbia N.W.R. (JRR). birds (DH), and Calamity Butte had up to six in luly (MA). A Single Forster'sand Caspianterns visited Hatfield L., Bend, Red-breastedSapsucker and a nestingWilliamsoWs Sapsucker Ore, in luly (TC). Black Terns appearedto be doing well in were spottedin the Clear L. area,Mt. Rainier N.P., lune 1 (BR, s e Idaho. Ten were at SpringfieldBottoms July 26 and many Y.A.S.). A WilliamsoWsSapsucker was noted on UlyssesMt, were flying over the colonyat Oxford luly 12 (CHT). Eighteen 20 mi n.w. of Salmon (HBR). Three sightingsof the speciesin pairssummered at KootenaiN.W.R.; 15 nestswere foundthere. The Dalles,Ore., area were Anderson'sfirst there. At Calamity Butte, Williamson's seemed to be giving way to Red-naped Sapsuckersas nesters;only 2 nestsof the former were found, CUCKOOS, OWLS--A Yellow-billed Cuckoo stayed comparedto 5 of the latter species(MA). Eight pairsof Three- around Rupert, Ida., until late July (WHS). Two were heard in toed Woodpeckerswere sighted between Crescent Lake and Blackfoot,Ida., in early June (JT), and two were heard along Bend, Ore. (RG). One in the Snowy Mts. s. of Lewistown was the Snake R. between Tilden Bridge and American Falls Res., at the e. limit of its range in Montana (LKM). The Dalles area July 26 (CHT, CWe). Two well-describedBlack-billed Cuck- had a pair of Black-backedWoodpeckers (DAA) and the species oos were observednear Red L., n.w. of Kamloops,in early was reportednear LostL., Mt. Rainier N.P. (A & SS).A nesting July (EM). pair at Stanley L. near Stanley, Ida., added the speciesto the The reintroductionof BurrowingOwls into s. interior British list for SawtoothN.R.A.' (LHa). Columbia is thus far a success.Two pairs returned to the Oso- Willow Flycatchershit a record 71 on the breedingbird sur- yoos releasesite and had fledgedone young each by July 6, vey in the s. Blitzen Valley at Malheur, but the speciescon- andanother was noted at a 1985release site at CacheCr., Aug. tinued its downward slide at Panhandle L. in Idaho. A Least 6 (SC). A Burrowing Owl at the Helena airport in mid-June Flycatcher was singing at White Mud L., 6 mi e. of Colville, was the firstseen in the HelenaValley since1981 (GH).Three Wash.,lune 23 (PL).Canada's first confirmedbreeding record adult and two imm. Barred Owls were sightedin July in the for the Gray Flycatcher was of a nest with one young and 3 Little Naches area n.w. of Yakima (SS).An adult and three unsuccessfuleggs at Oliver, B.C., luly 27 (SC). fledgedimm. Great Gray Owls were observedat Karoloops July 9 (EM). Two adults and two nestlingswere found in the SWALLOWS THROUGH MIMIDS -- Seven Purple Mar- Nlcola L., Merritt, B.C., vicinity (RB), and another adult and a tins were observedlune 13 at the Region'sonly known breeding deadfledgling were foundin that area(BD), both in early July. locality at Chiloquin, Ore. (PL). Some 1500 Bank Swallows

Volume 40, Number 5 1231 gathered in late July along the Bhtzen R at Malheur for a (WKH) Balrd'sSparrows were back at Big Lake, Mont, after record concentrationthere (CDL}. The increasingpopulation their absenceduring last year's drought (EHa). A • White- of Com. Ravens in the Fortine area was taking a toll of the crowned Sparrow sang at 4000 ft elevation at Lac le Jeune,s eggsand youngof smallerspecies (WW). SeveralBoreal Chick- of Kamloops,July 5 (RRH). At least 215 • Bobolinkswere re- adeesalong Smith Cr., n. Boundary, Ida., July 26 indicated cordedat Malheur in early June;2 new nestingareas were breedingthere (DF). A WinterWren sang at GolwayGulch, 10 foundthere. The birds were describedas plentiful in the Almo, ml n.e. of Salmon, July 19 (HBR}. The speciesis rare in that Ida., area (WHS), and at least six occupied the Toppemsh area.A new locationfor Blue-grayGnatcatchers was discovered N.W.R., Wash.,colony June 22. The colonynear Cusick,Wash, near Malin, Ore. (fide PL}. was active; the specieswas regular at Weydemeyer'sForhne Two W. Bluebirds at Mara Meadows, Enderby, B.C., June 17 ranch,and wasseen occasionally near Polson, Mont. (LK).Un- were supposedlynear the species'n. limit (PLe}.A pair of W. usual was one near Hayden,Ida., June22 (PL).A singing• Bluebirds apparently nested at a box at the Canadian border ScoWsOriole at the Idaho Nat'l EngineeringLab was a first n of Eureka, Mont., for an adult and two immatures were for that site and for the latilong(LP, MW). CommonGrackles there June22 (DH}. Three pairsof W. Bluebirdsused nest boxes were still nestingin s.e. Idaho: a female was seen carrying in the valley around Fortine for Wedemeyer's first record of fecesfrom a coniferin SodaSprings June 3, and two birds were nestingthere since 1935. The Mountain Bluebirdpopulation sightedin AshtonJune 14 (CHT, CWe).A Great-tailedGrackle there is also building as the result of nest boxes. The latter appeared21 mi s.w. of Malheur headquartersJune I (MJ)and specieswas alsoreported as abundant at nestboxes at Eureka, three were sightedon the refuge June 1-7 (TC). Reporters' Mont. A bluebird trail n. of Coeur d' Alene, Ida., continued to consensusof opinion seemedto be that Brown-headedCowbird showincreased success, with 88 fledged,about equally divided numberswere increasingor at least steady. between Western and Mountain bluebirds (BW}. Two trails in Adult and imm. Purple Fincheswere reportedat a Libby n Idaho, one on a mountain ridge on the Montana border n.e. feeder (DH) and apparentlyvalid sightingswere made of a of Prichard and the other at Pinehurst, fledged128, about 75% male and two females of this speciesat Coeur d' Alene, Ida Mountain Bluebirds (CHa}. Two Sage Thrashers sang at Ca- (PH).A • White-wingedCrossbill was sightedat LostL., n w lamity Butte, elevation 6695 ft, June 28-July 3, leaving when of Mt. Hood in Oregon (DAA). A very few LesserGoldfinches it snowed (MA}! A Gray Catbird at Fields, Ore., June 10 was were seenat Lyle, Wash. (EH, PM). noteworthy (HN}. The singingN. Mockingbirdat Malheur attracted no mate but remained at least until June 19 (CDL}. A nestwith three imm. N. Mockingbirdswas found near Melba, ADDENDA -- Two SnowyPlovers were sighted at Dry L., s of Ida., June17 (AL, VM, LP}, and a family of two adults and two Nampa,Ida., May 19 (DMT, SCT).A N. Mockingbirdwas seenat fledgedyoung was sighteds. of Grandview,Ida. (JD},for ap- Coeurd' Alene May 23 (RI,KM). A HoaryRedpoll was studied at parently the 2nd and 3rd state breedingrecords--a previous length and photographedalong State Line Road,Umatilla, Ore, record exists for Oneida (LP). A N. Mockingbird that stayed in late January-earlyFebruary (OS, JGi, TC, MS et al.). near Kalispell, Mont., in May and June was joined by a 2nd bird. The two acted as if nesting(JR]. Malheur had a Brown ThrasherJune 6 (TC] and the N. Fork of the Big LostR. n.e. of OBSERVERS CITED--David A. Anderson, Anne Archie, Ketchurn, Ida., had two to three July 3-4 (RS]. Merle Archie, Tom Bass,Rick Bonar,Bob Brokkaw,Zee Butler, Dick Cannings,Rob Cannings, Steve Cannings, Jim Carlson, Tom Crabtree,Emily Cragg,Bob Davis, Gerry Deutcher, John Doremus, PIPITS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Two Sprague'sPipits Dave Finkelnburg,Tom Fitch, JohnGatchett, George Gerdts, Jeff appearedat Big Lake, n.e. of Columbus,Mont., after an absence Gilligan(JGi), Rebecca Goggins, Denny Granstrand, Clarence Hag- of a year (EHa}."Many" LoggerheadShrikes were noted in s.e. erman (CHa), Lucinda Haggas(LHa), Larry Halverson,Edward Idaho, where they apparentlyhad goodbreeding success (JS, Harper(EHa), Chris Harris, John Hartman, William K. Hayes,Della DMT, CHT}. A singingGray Vireo was reported along Kinney Hermsmeyer,David Herr (DHr), Denver Holt (DHo), George Holton, Cr., s. of Pocatello,Ida., June 18 (EHa). Later that day a bird R.R. Howie, Peg Hughes,Eugene Hunn, Richard Ila, Gary Ivey, respondedto a Gray Vireo songtape with an identical song Marv Jess,Lynn Kelly, E.J.Larrison, A1 Larson,Peter Legg (PLe), (JT, JTr}.This would be the state'sfirst record.Four Red-eyed Paul Lehman,C.D. Littlefield,Larry K. Malone,Jeff Marks, Vicki Vireos Were observedalong the Imnaha R., s. of Imnaha, Ore., Marks,Phil Mattocks, Eric McAlary, Ken Mcintyre, Ed Miller (EM1), June 21 (M & AA}. A e TennesseeWarbler was closely ex- LarryD. Napier,Harry Nehls,Gene & Norma Nixon,Bill O'Connell, amined near the N. Fork of the Big LostR., July 3 (RS}.An ad. Deanna& JeffPalmer, Leon Powers, James R. Rees,Tim D. Reyn- • Chestnut-sidedWarbler showed up at Malheur June 15-18 olds,Hadley B. Roberts,Jean Robocker, Bill Ryan,Martha Sawyer, (CDL, PL}. Two N. Waterthrusheswere again seen along the OwenSchmidt, Charles Schultz, Susan Scott (SSc), W.H. Shilhng- Little DeschutesR. near Gilchrist, Ore., June 13-14 (JC, PL}. ton,John Shipley, Spokane Audubon Society, Andy & SusanStep- Malheur hosteda singing• Black-throatedBlue Warbler June niewski,Donald S. Starks,Steve Summers (SSu), Robert Suther- 23-24 (CDL}. A pair of Black-throated Gray Warblers near land,Joe Taggert (JTa), Daniel M. Taylor,S.C. Taylor, Joel Tinsley, FrenchglenJuly 8 stronglyindicated nestingthere; the area C.H. Trost,Judy Trotter (JTr),Bill Walker,Cheryl Webb (CWe), Winton Weydemeyer,Mark Wheeler, Joe& July Will, Kim Wil- hasvery few summer recordsfor the species(CDL). A • Black- liams,Charles Woodley, Robert E. Woodley,Philip L. Wright, throatedGreen Warbler at Malheur June15 providedthe 2nd Yakima AudubonSociety, Steve Zender.--THOMAS H. ROGERS, record there (CDL]. Kamiak Butte e. of Colfax was favored E. 10820 Maxwell, Spokane, WA 99206. by a • Hooded Warbler, e. Washington'sfirst, June 15-21 (D & JP, PL}.

TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- A d W. Tanagerin Richland July 25 was apparently an early migrant (REW}. Two d Blue Grosbeakswere singingat the trout farm alongthe Port- neuf R. n.w. of PocatelloJuly 27 and a female came to a tape, indicating breedingthere (CHT}. In June a singingmale was near Buhl, Ida., a known nestingspot for these birds (DF, JS}. A Dickcisselnear Radersburg,Mont., June16 was a latilong first, and only the Region's2nd (JH). A pair of Green-tailed Towhees was feeding three well-grown immatures at Wen- atchee Guard Station in s.e. Washington'sBlue Mts., July 9

1232 AmericanBtrds, Winter 1986 MOUNTAIN WEST REGION

Hugh E. Kingery

heoming--Virginia'ssummer brought Warbler twonew andbreeding Orchard species Oriole,to Wy-and one new one to Utah--Evening Grosbeak.(None seemed surprising, other than not having been found before.) It brought Wyoming one new species--a Vermilion Fly- S.DAK catcher in Grand Teton National Park, and second state records of a Tricolored Heron in Nevada and a Broad-billed Hummingbird in Utah. The western portion of the Region had unusually hot weather (especiallyin June),while the easternportion had lower temperatures. The new A.O.U. checklist invented four new speciesof interest to Mountain West birdwatchers: Clark's Grebe, Easternand Western Screech-Owls,and Red-napedSap- sucker. Rangesof the grebe and owls are largely unknown in the Region,so that our observerscontinually add information on their distribution. This report contributes a few bits of data on their nestingranges. saw a juv. Least Bittern at Latham Res. near Greeley, Colo., ABBREVIATIONS- 1stLat = first recordin a latilong(that July 20 (]C). Another pair may have nestedat Berthoud(AM). piece of geographybounded by one degreeof latitude and longi- Coloradohas only one recent nestingrecord, near Boulder tude);# = no written documentationreceived by deadline;B.B.S. 1979-1982.The only largeheronry of Great Bluesreported, at = U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceBreeding Bird Survey;I.P.B.C. = In- Chatfield, increasedfrom 148 to 171 nests this year (HEK). dian PeaksBreeding Count, compiled by DB & DH: L/L/B/L = the Smallones at Sheridan,Casper, and Evanston,Wyo., and Gyp- Longmont.Lyons, Berthoud, Loveland area of Colorado. sumand Kremmling, Colo., had 5-10 nests.A GreatEgret stood at the edgeof a Hutton Lake N.W.R., Wyo., marshon July 19 LOONS TO CORMORANTS -- A pair of Com. Loonswith (tMR). Five Great Egrets at Longmont,Colo., June 26 could dependentyoung at Riddle Lake, elev. 7900' in Yellowstone have come from the small colony at Boulder to feed (F.A.C.). N.P., mayhave set a high-altitudenesting record for the species Another was at Julesburg,Colo., July 19 (DM). Fish Springs ' {.fideJZ}. Five locationsreported 1096 Eared Grebe nests.the N.W.R. produced430 youngSnowy Egrets (CND), Ruby L. had most520 at Kirch W.M.A., Nev. The onlylocation that reported 15 nests,and 240 pairs nested at Monte Vista N.W.R., Colo. on its nestingW. Grebes,Delta, Colo., had 98 young and 128 (RS).About 25 pairs of Cattle Egretsnested at RiversideRes., adultson July 27 (MJ}.At Grand L., Co]o, 300 summered,but an increase(RR). A Tricolored Heron flew out of a carex marsh showed no signsof nesting.Clark's Grebesnested at Pueblo at Kirch W.M.A. on June 10, for Nevada's 2nd record (tCS). and Delta,Colo. {DS, MJ}. Observers found them at Yellowstone, FishSprings produced 250 young Black-crowned Night-Herons Sheridan,Sundance, Saratoga, and Hutton L., Wyo., and Eagle, (CND), and Denver'sCity Park producedabout 150. Casper Colo., and 4 n.e. Colorado sites. Riverside Res., near Masters, confirmedits first nesting;3 pairsproduced young (JH). Ruby Colo., Coloradds only breedingsite of Am. White Pelicans, L. had only 10 night-heronnests, but had 260 pairs of White- held 800-900 young on the annual July bandingtrips, despite faced Ibisesnesting (SB). Ibises produced 300 young at Fish the deteriorationof the island on which the birds nest (RR, Springs(CND), and had 75 nestsat Monte Vista and 40 nests JD}.Last year 300 pelican nestsat Yellowstoneshowed good at AlamosaRef., Colo. (RS). One pair attempted,unsuccessfully, success;this year only 41 nestsproduced a paltry 16 chicks-- to nestat Riverside,their 2nd try there in 25 years(RR). Ibises with only half expectedto survive. An extremely high spring nestedat Latham Res. near Greeley, Colo., in the early 1970s; runoff flooded the Molly 1. nest site; on one island with 17 the one to 30 iramaturesduring July hinted at nestingin 1986 nests,the water level left only 8-10 inchesof rock pokingup (JC).Kirch reported81 ibisesJuly 7, and Bear R. had 155 {KD}.At Sundance,Wyo., 30 juvenile pelicans,including one July 10. very young one, suggesteda new breeding site {JA, FL}. The Monte Vista produced31,812 ducklings,up 20%; the total 560pelicans at BearRiver Reœ,July 10 foundcongenial feeding was45% Mallards,21% Cinnamon/Blue-wingedTeal, and 15% at that closedrefuge {JN). A numberof locationsreported sum- Gadwalls (RS). Alamosa'sproduction dropped 15% to 5099 meringAm. White Pelicans(e.g., 287 at L/L/B/L, 175 at Ruby ducklings--32%Gadwalls, 25% Cinnamon/Blue-wingedTeal, Lake N.W.R.}, and on June 15, 124 flew over the top of the 18% Mallards, 11% N. Pintails (RS). Fish Springsproduced Teton Range near Jackson,Wyo. (FL}. A Brown Pelican spent 2730 young,including 700 Redheads,380 N. Shovelers,350 2 weeks {July 9-20} at Kirch W.M.A., Nev., the first in n.e. Mallards,310 N. Pintails,and 290 Canvasbacks(CND). Kirch Nevada.An immature that exhibitedthe beggingbehavior of had 1262 ducklings,a record,mainly Redheads,Canvasbacks, many coastalpelicans, it followed boatsand hovered above and Ruddy Ducks.Ruby L. produced4650 young,a decrease fishermen,but remained shy of vehicles and people (tCS}. from the 10-year averageof 8603 (3 different biologiststook Double-crestedCormorants built 125 nestsat Casperand 130 the counts;Brown advisesusing the numberswith caution). at Sheridan,similar to lastyear. and 178at Chatfieldpark near Top producerswere Redheads,740 young(average 1482), 720 Denver, up from 146 last year. At Yellowstonethe 25 nests Ruddies,and 460 Cinnamon/Blue-wingeds.Trumpeter Swans fledged40 young;high water aidedtheir successby reducing produced16 cygnetsat Yellowstone(JZ), eight at Jackson,Wyo. the California Gull nestingpopulation by 75% (KD}. (BR),and two at Ruby L. (SB).A count June 13 produced46 Trumpetersin the Jacksonarea (DLo).One SnowGoose has HERONS THROUGH WATERFOWL--Regional ob- remained at Pueblo, Colo., since October 1985 (DS). July 22 serverssaw 22 Am. Bitterns,including 2 pairs that produced produceda count of 45 Barrow's Goldeneyesat Yellowstone three young each at Berthoud,Colo. {.fideAM}. Two parties N.P. (SD).Buffieheads appeared for rare summerobservations

Volume 40, Number 5 1233 at Sheridan (one male and four females June 22--HD) and two at K•rchJune 23-July 7 (CS),three at F•shSpnngs June 20 Antero Res.near Fairplay, Colo. (onefemale July 13--D.F.O.). (CND), two at Ogden, Utah, June 21 (CK). LesserYellowlegs displayeda similar pattern:one to 15 at CasperJune 15+ (JH), RAPTORS -- On Bureauof LandManagement lands around 18 at Ogden June 12 (CK), four at Cody June 22, singlesat Casper,Wyo., raptor nestsapparently have a high turnover. Boulder June 30 and Green R., July I (B.A.S., FL). Then scat- Of nest sites active in 1978, 60% were active in 1979 and 46% tered Lessersbegan to show up all overl after July 5. Single •n 1986. Productivity was low in 1986, as it had been in 1978; SolitarySandpipers spotted themselves 2 weeksapart: June 11 on the PowderR., productionequalled Qnly 30% of 1984'spro- at Denver, June 24 at Green R., July 13 at Sheridan.Willets duction.This drop probably reoulted from severe spring storms, nested for the first time since 1975 at Kirch (CS), and for the poorprecipitation, and low rabbitpopulations (fide JH). Jackson first time ever at Green R. (FL--lst'Lat), at Sundance, and alsosaw a drop in raptors,linked to a huge declinein voles, possiblyat Casper(the adults actedlike avocetswhen people ground squirrels,and gophers(BR). Nesting Ospreysenjoy got close--JH).One Willet was at Briggsdale,Colo., June 12 successat Grand L., Colo.;8 pairs nested,including one that (RR).Cody reported 20 nestsof Long-billedCurlews. The firlt abandonedthe traditional island site for a telephonepole (DJ). Marbled Godwits did not show up until July: a total of 167 Wyomingreported 6 nestsaway from Yellowstone(where 4 countedon 9 days,July 1-19, at Yellowstone,four at Loveland nestsat Canyon producedeight young)and Grand Teton: 2 at and 17 at CasperJuly 5, and 65 July 6 at Sheridan. P•nedale,2 at Sheridan, and one each at Sundanceand Casper. A Ruddy Turnstone stoppedat SundanceMay 29 ('•JA--lst M•ssissippiKites have spreadfrom Lamar 100 mi up the Ar- Lat). Seven White-rumped Sandpipersat Grand Jct., June 3 kansasR. to nest at Pueblo,Colo., with possibly20-30 pairs provided Colorado'sfirst W. Slope record (CD). Forty Short- breeding(DS). Stray MississippiKites visited Las Vegas June 6 billed Dowitchersprobed the mud and shallowsat Julesburg (a first-summerbird--'•VM) and DenverJuly 13 ('•DSc). July 19; the observerssuggest that in e. Coloradoin the early Yellowstonereported 6 Bald Eaglenests that produced11 stagesof shorebirdmigration, Short-billed may be morelikely young;in n.e. Wyomingthey nestedsuccessfully at Sheridan than Long-billed(DM, DN). Two Long-billedsstayed at Delta and Sundance.In Colorado,9 pairs of Bald Eaglesattempted June 11-17 (MJ). July flocks of Long-billeds,500+ mi w. of to nest;4 succeededin fiedgingyoung (C.D.W.). Along an 8- Julesburg,included 40 at Fish Springs,48 at BearR., and 56 ml stretch of foothills near Boulder, at 6000-6800' elevation, at Kirch, and reports of one or two came from Westcliffe and Cooper'sHawks had 6 activenests; they preferredDouglas fir, Delta, Colo., and Cheyenne and Jackson.High countsof Wfi- some mixed with aspen (HW). No Sharp-shinnedscompeted son'sPhalaropes included 700 at Rock Springs,Wyo., July 1, w•th the Cooper's;however, Sharp-shinneds did nestin Doug- with youngpresent (FL--lst Lat), 400 at Saratoga,Wyo., July las fir at Radium, Colo., and produced three young (DJ).Two 21 (EH), 240 at Fish SpringsJune I (CND), and 120 at Far- pairs of Swainson'sHawks nestedwithin the city limits of mington, Utah, July 19 (CK). Late Red-neckedPhalaropes Boulder (SJ),but a pair that had three young in Cheyenne passedthrough Loveland (35 June 1--AM), Grand Jct. (three causeda brouhaha.First, teenagersharassed them, and then June 3--CD), and Delta (17 June 4, three June 11--MJ). Two the hawks attackedsome smaller children. The uproar forced early onesappeared at FarmingtonJuly 19 (CK). the Game & Fish Dept. to remove the nest (MH). In Boulder GULLS TO ROADRUNNERS- Three imm. Bonaparte's Co., Colo., 5 of 7 historic Golden Eagle nest siteswere active Gulls summered at Kirch, spending much of their time on and fledgedseven young (SJ).At Sheridan4 nestshad two mudfiats (CS). One Bonaparte'shad reached Rock Springs, youngeach (HD). A Merlin at RadiumJune 29 stoopedon Vi- Wyo., July 19 (FL). In contrastto their nestingcrash of 75% at olet-greenSwallows (DJ). Salt Lake City's PeregrineFalcons Yellowstone,California Gulls at RiversideRes., Colo., enjoyed nestedon a ledgeof the Hotel Utah; fans watchingfrom the the best nestingseason in 25 years of study; they produced streetsaw three chicksfledge, as did Utah TV watchers.Grand hundreds of young (RR). Five Com. Terns had journeyed to Co., Colo., had probably 6 nestsof Prairie Falcons(DJ); across Las Vegasby June 27 (J & MC). A Least Tern spent several the Divide, BoulderCounty had 4 active sites,one of which hours over Las Vegassewage ponds and mud fiatson July 6, failed (SJ). harassedby Cliff and N. Rough-wingedswallows, it several times dove into the water and caught a fish once. This was MOORHENS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- A Com. the first Nevada observationsince 1938 (•VM, KW). The Black- Moorhen was at Kirch W.M.A., July 7 (CS).At Ruby L., 20-30 billed Cuckoo at Greeley June 13, along with two observed Sandhill Cranessummered, with three on territory Aug. 11, last summer, confirmed a 1st Lat (JC).Yellow-billed Cuckoos but they producedno young {SB).A fine count of 50+ Black- fed youngin a nestat Prewitt Res.near Sterling,Colo., for a be]lied Plovers and 20+ Lesser Golden-Plovers stopped at 1stLat breedingrecord (JD).A Greater Roadrunnerlived up Sundance, Wyo., May 13-June I (tJA). Late Black-bellieds to its name at St. George, Utah, July 11, as it ran down the stoppedat Boulder June I and LovelandJune 2 (SJ,AM). An freeway(JG). oddly-timedone appearedat LasVegas July 5-6 (VM, J & MC). Mountain Plovers nested at Meeteetse, Wyo. (DBe--lst Lat) OWLS TO POOR WILLS -- ACom. Barn-Owl at Kremml- and 100 gatherednearby at CodyJuly 31 {EG).They had poor ing, Colo., set a 1st Lat record (RSp). Three pairs nested at nestingsuccess w. of Cheyenne--10 young survivedfrom 2 White Rocksnatural area e. of Boulder(SJ), pairs nested at Ft nestingattempts by 10-15 pairs {AK). The count of eight on Collins and Grand Jct. (RR, A.S.W.C.), and one to two were the Briggsdale,Colo., B.B.S.matched the 18-year average{RR}. seenat Kirch June 9 and July 21 (CS). Observersfrom D.F O Good numbers of Black-necked Stilts populated Kirch and followedthe progressof a Flammulated Owl nest25' up in an FxshSprings refuges (283 and 530 at their respectivepeaks). aspenw. of Golden;the owls started feeding youngJune 23, Wyomingacquired its 2nd breedinglocation when one young and fiedgingcame July 17 (AH). Sixty B.A.S.volunteers on an was at Green R. with 10 adults July I (MA). At Casper the owl survey in Boulder and Gilpin Counties found 8 Flam- originalnesting site hosted6 nestingpairs and 12 young(JH). mulated territories,including 2 nests(SJ). Both Easternand Shits alsobred at Cheraw and Greeley,Colo. {DS,JC}. Out-of- Westernscreech-owls breed in Colorado,but apparentlyhave seasonstilts appeared June i at Cody{DBe}, June 10-11 at Delta, a convolutedrange delineation. Easterns nested at BonnyRes, Colo. (MJ), and July 19-21 at Hutton Lake N.W.R., Wyo. [MR, on the Kansasline e. of Denver, and in Wheat Ridgenear Den- EH). Delta had its first nestingrecord of Am. Avocets:6 nests, ver; observersidentified Easternsin Longmontand Boulder, which producedseven young {MJ--lst Lat). Casperhad pos- n. of Denver. Observers identified Westerns w. of the moun- sibly 36 nestingpairs, although with lower successthis year tains at Grand Jct.,in the mountains at Rocky Mountain N.P, (JH). Kirch had 33 on June 23, its peak, a drop from last year, on the plains in s. Colorado at Fountain and Kim, and in s e but they had bettersuccessthis year (CS}. Colorado in Baca Co., on the Cimarron R. and Cottonwood GreaterYellowlegs set their usual mystifyingdates: one to Canyon.

1234 American B•rds,W•nter 1986 The B.A.S.survey turned up 5 N. Pygmy-Owl and 4 N. Saw- hatchescontinued scarce; 9 locationsin Wyomingand Colo- whet Owl territories.At ColoradoN.M., near Grand Jct.,a pair rado reported them. of pygmy-owlspreened each other June5 (BRi).Other pygmy- owls were reportedin the foothills w. of Denver and Golden THRUSHES TO WARBLERS -- Eastern Bluebirds used 5 and at Penrose(AH, DN, RW). Two Spotted Owls answered a tapein Mesa Verde N.P., where they have been locatedbefore, nestboxes at Sundancefor 1stLat breeding.A pa•r nestedon July 28 0MJ).The park's dry pinyon/juniper "pygmy forest" the Arikaree R. in Yuma Co., Colo. {DBr}. A pair of Veeries differsdrastically from the towering foreststhat SpottedOwls apparentlynested in the Wheat Ridgegreenbelt near Denver, inhabit in the n.w. United States. A Boreal Owl allowed ob- probably Co]orado'sfirst plains nestingreport; this pair wore serversto approachto 10 ft at Saratoga,Wyo., June20 the rich rust color of the easternrace, apparentlynot known /st Lat); thi• first observationin s. Wyoming may have a link from Colorado{DM, DN). A pair of Brown Thrashers nested to the n.c. Coloradopopulation. The Corn.Poorwill nestfound where the mountainsbegin, on the edgeof the hogbackw. of June25 at Wilson(2 eggshatched) established a/st Lat breeding Denver {AS}.Brown Thrashers also strayed W: three at Jackson, one at Las Vegas June 1-2, and one feeding on a small lawn record for n.w. Wyoming (•de BR), and the fledglingfound July 15 at Rock Springs provided the /st Lat for s.w. and amongshrubs at a deserthighway rest stopat Tonopah, Nev., June 16 {VM}. Bendire'sThrashers apparently breed in Wyoming (FL). Colorado'sSan Luis Valley; 2 parties found them for the 5th year near Saguache,where Bendire'spreferred the pinyon/ juniper hilltopswhile SageThrashers inhabited nearbysage- brushfiat•' •JC, PG, •JR).Yellowstone had its first nestingCedar HUMMINGBIRDS TO NUTHATCHES--Utah had its Waxwings {JZ--lst Lat}. A Phainopeplawas reportedfor the 2nd Broad-billed Hummingbird, a male that ventured all the week prior to June28 at lgnacio,Colo. (H & RM#). Countsof way to a Jensenfeeder in n.e. Utah near Colorado; it stayed Warbling Vireosshowed them up 20% at Cedar City, basedon July 24-Aug. 5 0DC et al., ph.}. For the 5th year, Bailey, Colo., B.B.S.totals (SH) and up to 2.24/hr on the I.P.B.C. (avg. 1.16). attracteda MagnificentHummingbird--presumably the same Nearby,'Zion had the usual3 territorieson 2 breedingbird bi.rdfor 5 years.Calliope Hummingbirdsarrived at 5 Colorado censuses,and D.F.O. reported38 on 11 trips, comparedwith Front Rangelocations in July.Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in- 37 on 5 trips last year. A Red-eyed Vireo at Las VegasJune 6 creasedin the Indian Peaks,w. of Boulder.The annualbreeding was the first since 1980 (VM). bird count there {I.P.B.C.}June 14 tallied 205, an averageof 2.43/hour cf. a 4-year averageof 1.76/hr; a breeding count there found 5 territories, up from 3 the last 2 years {DH, DB}. They seemedmuch scarcer--halfthe usual--acrossthe Divide in Grand County {DJ}.Why do RufousHummingbirds, moving S from the n.w., arrive in the s. part of the Regionfirst? This year, the first reports came from Cedar City, Utah, June 22, Durango,Colo., June25, and Alma, Colo., June28. A study of the S. Platte river bottom at Milliken, Colo., found 10 adult and 4 youngRed-headed Woodpeckers; perhaps they thrive in wilder areaswhere they do not face competitionfrom starlings{JC}. West of their usual rangeby 15-30 mi, they also nestedat Boulder{two adults feeding young July 10--TJ} and were seen 3 times July 17-28 in Florence, Colo. {RW, NP}. An Acorn Woodpeckerin early July at Cedar City provideda 4th Utah record,the mostnortherly by 70 mi {LF#}. Both Yellow- bellled and Red-napedsapsuckers nest around Sundance,although in different places {JA, FL}. Observersfound Black- backedWoodpeckers at the 2 cornersof n. Wyoming: two June 14 at Grand Teton N.P., and in 3 placesnear Sundance.Three localities reported.more N. Flickers: 40 at Zion cf. four last summer; 56 on the I.P.B.C., .66/hr. cf..37 last year, and 84 on 18 D.F.O. trips cf. 35 last year. Swainsoh'sThrush on a nestat Story,Wyo., July 2, 1986.First Least Flycatchers singing June 13 at Chatfield park near breedingrecord for the Lotilong.Photo/Helen Downing. Denver suggestedpossible breeding in Colorado (HEK); Wyo- ming has the only Regionalbreeding records,including a pair Orange-crowned Warblers continued to prove themselves at Sundancethis summer (JA).Dusky and Western flycatchers widespread but sparse summer residents of the Colorado showed increasesat Indian Peaks (.52/hr for both on I.P.B.C., mountains.Observations of five to 10 daily at Radium (DJ)and cf..27/hr and .35/hr average). In Grand Teton N.P., at the one singingJune 23 at Granby {•WCR) converted the species edge of the 1985 Beaver Creek forest fire burn of 1985, Wyo- to a likely breederin Grand County.Singing birds pointed to ming's first Vermilion Flycatcher, a male, fed actively July 5 the same status at L. Isabel, Redstone, and Marble. The Vir- {•SM, RH}. An E. Kingbirdat Escalante,Utah, 200 mi s. of the giniRs Warblers feeding recent fledglingsat Rock Springs Utah breeding range, provided a 2nd Latilong record {SH}. confirmedbreeding in Wyoming for the first time (FL). A N. Horned Larks showed a slight drop on the Briggsda]e,Colo., Parula sangfrom the top of an elm tree in Pine Bluffs,Wyo., B.B.S.{215 rs. a 237 average),but the Nunn, Colo., B.B.S.was June19 0JC).A Chestnut-sidedwas at DenverJune 11 (D.F.O.). down only slightlywith 181.Purple Martins have only a hand- A MagnoliaWarbler visitedSundance Apr. 28-30 (JA--lst Lat). ful of nestsites in the Region.The Strawberryarea e. of Provo SummerBlack-throated Blues stopped at LasVegas June 6 (VM) had a peak countof 30 this summer 0VIW};Monte Cristo,near and SundanceJuly 20 (JA--lst Lat). A 8 BlackburnianWarbler Ogden, had six June28 {JN},and McClure Passnear Redstone, stoppedJune 9 in a Cheyenneyard (D & EH). A Grace'sWarbler Colo., had 2 pairs nesting{JC}. A flock of 500 Bank Swallows was at Rye, Colo., June 13, but it no longer seemsto breed appearedseveral times on a fence at SodaL. near Casper;ob- there (MHu, DS).A Black-and-whiteWarbler sang in the Wheat serversdo not know where they camefrom, and saw only 12- Ridgegreenbelt June 6 (DN). The foothillsin the Evergreen/ 24 last year {JH). Blue Jaysnested at Florence for a /st Lot Buffalo, Colo., area attracted Am. RedstartsJune I & 7 (PE, breeding record {RW}. Mountain Chickadeesdropped on the HEK). A loudly singingactive 8 Hooded Warbler attracted at- I.P.B.C.,from an averageof 1.35 to .79/hr. Red-breastedNut- tention at Ft. Collins June4-5 0DL).

Volume 40, Number 5 1235 423 vs. an averageof 500 (RR). The fledglingSong Sparrows July 19 at Rock Springsyielded another 1stLat (FL). Northeastern Nevada has scattered colonies of breeding Bobolinks;they were reportedthis summerfrom Lamoille(JE). Elko/Wells (EH), and White Pine County(PHo). Three colonies in c. Utah (at Midway, Lehi, and Springville)had 33 birds;the only fledglingwas a cowbird fed by a 8 Bobolink(MW). Ruby L. reported a count of 565 W. Meadowlarks July 29--and only one by Aug. 4 (SB). Great-tailed Grackles continue their col- onizations;2 pairs at Tooele, Utah (DJe),and one male at Flor- ence, Colo. (RW), very active and vocal, did not reveal any nest sites.Isolated observations came from JuabCo., Utah, July 31 (PHo) and LaSalle, Colo. July 13 (JC--lst Lat). They summered at Kirch, more than in 1985 (CS).Several Corn.Grackles spentlate July in Elko, Nev. (JE).Yellowstone reported its first nest (JZ--lst Lat). They have increased100% in Grand Co., Colo., in the last 2 years, spreadingfrom Kremmling (which now has 100+) to Hot Sulphur Springsand Granby (DJ).Wy- oming confirmed its first nestingOrchard Orioles with a pair feedingyoung at Hawk SpringsRes., July 24 (FL).Another pair probably nested at Cheyenne (D & RP). HouseFinches continued to provehow to succeed.At Ogden, of 288 banded, 35 were adults and 253 young(MK). At Salida, Male Hooded Warbler at LaPorte, Larimer Co., Colo., June 5, Colo., the male tended one nest while his female sat on a 2nd 1986. Photo/DaveLeatherman. one (RE).Over 50 cruisedHot SulphurSprings; none wasthere last year (DJ).Red Crossbillshave returned, in small numbers; July brought 20-30 to the Sheridan area, and they were reported from 5 Front Range mountain towns. Yellowstone GROSBEAKS TO FINCHES -- A Blue Grosbeak at Beaver, counted 369 in 43 reports.The five at GrasslandsRanger Sta., Utah, provideda 1stLat record(SH). Lazuli Buntings,feeding Cheyenne,June 15, had rangedfar from their usualcone-bear- young at the Milliken study area, confirmedbreeding in that ing forests(D & EH). It seemsincredible, but the 5 pairs of latilong (JC).Indigo Buntingsseem to have a different distri- Evening Grosbeaks that nested in Cedar City provided the bution today than that understood20 years ago. Confirmed firstUtah breedingrecords--although the speciesoccurs year- nestersonly in s.w. Utah and in 11 of Colorado's28 latilongs, round throughoutthe state (SH). Indigosoccur regularly throughoutUtah, Wyoming, and Col- orado,and probablynest through much of all 3 states.In Utah, Green R. boat trips confirmednesting in Lat. 13 last year, and this year added a 1stLat recordin Utah's Lat. 12. A Yampa R. trip added it to ColoradoLat. 1 (CD). A pair feeding young at the Milliken study area confirmeda 1stLat nestingin e. Col- CORRIGENDUM--National expertsreviewed the descrip- orado (JC). Dickcisselsbred at Rocky Ford (DS), Arikaree R., tions of the Iceland Gull observedat Denver last winter (AB Yuma Co. (DBr), and Julesburg,Colo. (DM). Three observers 40:308).They suggestednot acceptingthe recordbecause the ob- found Cassin'sSparrows in n.e. Colorado,at Ft. Morgan and serverdid not seeand describethe colorof the orbitalring (JR). Pawnee Grasslands,the first in several years (DM, JCR, RR). Lark Buntingsdropped on the 2 n.e. ColoradoB.B.S. routes,

CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and INITIALED OBSERV- ERS -- Jean Adams, Marie Adams, Audubon Societyof W. Col- orado,Mary Back, D. Belitsky(DBe), Boulder Audubon Society, W. W. Brocknet (17 observers),D. Bridges(DB0. Diane Brown, Sara Brown, Colorado Division of Wildlife. Colorado Field Or- nithologists,J. & M. Cressman,Charles N. Darling, Jim Dennis (25),Denver Audubon Society, Denver Field Ornithologists,Coen Dexter, K. Diem, Steve Dinmore, Helen Downing (39), Ruby Ebright, Margaret Ewing, Janet Eyre, L. Foerster,Foothills Au- dubonClub, Elva Fox {5),P. Gent,Jerome Gifford (4),E. Greenquist, Dave Hallock, May Hanesworth{22), Ed Harper, R. Hawke, A. Hay, Phil Hayes{19), Steve Hedges, James Herold {8),Bob Honig, PeterHovingh {PHo), D. & E. Hudson,M. Hull {MHu),Mark Janos, David Jasper{3), David Jensen{DJe), Dave Johnson{DJo), Steve Jones,T. Jones,Ursula Kepler{25), Merlin Killpack,A. King,Paula K]eintjes, Craig Kneedy, David Leatherman, Peggy Locke, D. Lockman{DLo}, Forrest Luke {3),S. MacDonald,H. & R. Mansfield, Dave Martin {5), Ann Means, John Merchant, Vince Mowbray {6),D. Nelson,John Nelson, Paul Opler {5),D. & R. Persons,Norma Peterson,Bill Pickslay{3), Bert Raynes {8), J. Reddal], Mike Resch, BobRighter {BRi),J. C. Rigli, Gary Rosenberg,W. C. Rowe, Ron Ryder,Roberta Salazar, D. Schottler{DSc), A. Sell,Dave Silverman {12),R. Sprowart{RSp), Craig Stevenson,Bert Tignor {12),K. Wal- lace, Rosie Watts, Merrill Webb, Bob Weber, H. Weinberg Joe Male Lazuli Buntingat Sheridan,Wyo., May 1986.Photo/Gene Zarki {12).--HUGH E. KINGERY, 1169Milwaukee Street,Denver, Kilpatrick. CO B0206.

1236 Amen'canBirds, Winter 1986 SOUTHWEST REGION

Arizona, Sonora NEV.• O•O,e-UTAH ! COLO. Janet Witzeman and David Stejskal • LillefieldJKaibab eag e J ß e•erraAmarillo

'HooverDam TGrand i ß SoniaFe conductedthroughout the summer and added a con- 'J•Do• • m Canyon iOollup / ß urveysonthe San Pedro andGila rivers were again • e Kinsman ß ,•s•o I Amuquerque siderable amount of new data to our knowledge of these •To•ock Flagstaff'•e Halbrook • Sant• areas. •p• • •,esCOt•*ARIZ •t. JohnsNEW MEX. RosaXe Severalobservers commented on the excellent cone crop in the southeast mountains, the mountains around Prescott, and the White Mountains; this seemed to have a favorable effect on Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins. •Yuma r•acno . •Safford I•SilverCity• •-$o•Ajoe .ese•mt k e•- ] e e•%LosCruces Carlsbad• Despitethe fact that the southeastcanyons received more attention than usual (due to the large numbersof observers there in July), there were noticeably fewer vagrantsfrom Mexico. We wonder what the conditions were in Mexico that influenced the lack of northward wanderings this OF • -- : Orandes summer. • ...... t • • s •"

ABBREVIATIONS -- G.R.A. = Granite Reef Aqueduct;LC.R. = Lower Colorado River; S.P.R. = San Pedro River.

GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- A Clark's Grebe, Kirtland Cr., June13 (CT), and one n. of Skull Valley in open uncommonaway from the L.C.R., was observedat Picacho chaparral June 13 (CT). Additional recordsin new locations Res., June 26 (DJ).Four Brown Pelicansfrom s. Arizona were includeda pair all summeron the lower Gila R. near Buckeye, taken to the Desert Museum in Tucson, including an early a pair all summer near Ft. Thomas,upper Gila R., and one n. individual from Oracle June7 (•de P. Siminski);one was seen of Dudleyville, lower S.P.R..June 27 (CH). As usual. numbers at NogalesJuly 14 (DSj, J. Sunder) and one was reportednear were reported from s.e. Arizona, plus one at Sasabeand one Bouse,G.R.A.. in July (JH). An OlivaceonsCormorant was ob- w. of Gila Bend. Extralimital recordsof MississippiKite were served with a Double-crested Cormorant at Guevavi Ranch, of an adult near the confluence of the Salt and Gila rivers, s.w. Nogales,July 27 (AM, DD, JBa,B. Bates);both specieswere Phoenix, June29 (RB); an adult farther w. on the Gila R. near also at PatagoniaL. in July (JBoet al.). BuckeyeJune 30 (CBg),for the 3rd record for this location in Two Great Blue Heron colonieswere found on the upper the past year; and an adult flying over Cibola N.W.R., June 6 S.P.R., one with 8-10 nests s. of St. David, the other with 2-3 (SM, JBa),providing the 2nd recordfor the L.C.R. nestsn. of Hereford (TC, DK). A Cattle Egret, uncommon in A nestingpair of Sharp-shinnedHawks was discoveredin summer, was seen n.w. of BouseJune 15 (JH). An ad. White S. Fork, Cave Cr. Canyon,Chiricahua Mts., July 14 [RM, DW); Ibis at PicachoRes., June 22 throughthe period(tJ & AP, m.ob.) a juvenile was seenat the nest site July 20 (PL). The species representedonly the 5th recordfor the state. is extremelyrare asa breederin s.e.Arizona. Four Cam. Black- The two Fnlvous Whistling-Ducksat the Gilbert sewage Hawk nestsfound along the lower S.P.R. [CBg),plus one nest ponds,s.e. of Phoenix,were still presentJune 7 (CK, J.Burns). foundthere the previoussummer, represented the firstknown Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks continued to have a successful nestsalong the lower S.P.R.since 1977. Four to 5 pairs along breedingseason in their usual hauntsas well as in somenew Bonita Cr. producedfour young (CH), which alsorepresented areasin the n.w. part of their range.Six individuals,including an increaseover the previoussummer. two young,were seen at 2 areasin s.w. Phoenix (m.ob.),one Harris'Hawk is a rarebreeder on the S.P.R.;one family group was observedfarther west on the Gila R. near Buckeye (ph. was found s. of Mammoth during the summer (CH), one adult CB•)•and the pair at SunLakes, s. of Phoenix,raised another and a dead immature were seenat HerefordJune 2 [DD, AM), brood (•de DSj). Up to 10 adults were reportedin July at Pa- and a pair near a nest with at least one downy young was tagoniaagain for the 2nd year (MO, GG, DSu et al.). Farther found n. of Hereford June 26 (TC). Two adults and one im- s.e. were two at DouglasJune 2 (B. Zans) and six at McNeal mature at CochiseJuly 17 provided the northermost record June21 (AM). Wood Duckswere presentall summer at Watson for the Sulphur SpringsValley [GM). Up to 3 pairs from the L., Prescott(CT). "Mexican" type Mallards were common and reintroducedstock on the L.C.R.bred on the Arizona side(CH). nestingon the upperS.P.R.; many intermediatesbetween this Nine nestingterritories of Gray Hawkscounted along the upper form and "true" Mallards were seen as well (TC, DK). Indi- S.P.R.contained 23 adults,two 2nd-yearbirds, and at least 15 vidual "Mexican" Mallards were also recorded farther n. fledglings[TC, DK). Five pairsof Gray Hawkswere foundalong on the Gila R. at Solomon June 26 and Eden July 15 (CH). A the lower S.P.R. (CH). Two pairs of Zone-tailed Hawks were high of 180 "Mexican" Mallards was counted at McNeal found breeding on Bonita Cr., only one of which was thought June 21 (AM). to be successful [CH). An imm. Ferruginous Hawk seen in The usual smattering of non-breeding ducks was found China Valley July 17 [H & AG) representedone of only a few summeringat severals. Arizona ponds. summer recordsfor n. Arizona and only the 2nd near Prescott in recent years. RAPTORS, TURKEYS- Ospreysare rarely recorded in Individual Wild Turkeys in 2 areasof the S.P.R.,e. of Sierra w. Arizona in summer, so of interest were individuals at Burro Vista June 13 & 16, may have been wanderingbirds from a Cr. below the FrancisCr. confluenceJune 6 (CT), at Alamo L., flock introducedin the Huachuca Mrs. a few years ago [TC). July 24 (D. Laush,J. Wegrzyn), and at the Imperial Dam area all summer (CH). Three more Black-shoulderedKites were SHOREBIRDS--Although three to four Snowy Plovers reporteds.w. and w. of Prescott,at the n.w. edgeof their range summered at Willcox for the first time in several years, there in the state:one near Date Creek June5 (M. Morgan), one near wasno evidenceof breeding(m.ob.). Four pairs of Black-necked

Volume 40, Number 5 1237 An imm. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl was seen and heard in Sycamore Canyon June 7 (TC, DK). For the 2nd year Ferru- ginousPygmy-Owl was recordedon the S.P.R.at Dudleyville: two were heard and one was seen from June 2 to July 3 (CBg, tCH). Another individual was reported at the PatagoniaRest Stopin late July;there was only one individual in n.w. Tucson during the summer (fide JBa).Spotted Owls are being monitored throughout the West. Probably 2 or 3 pairs of Spotted Owls nested in Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mrs.; individual adults (three) and fledglings(two) were seen in 3 areas in this canyon during the summer (TC, DK). One was heard n.e. of BogSprings, Santa Rita Mrs., July 27 (PN) and one was heard from Rustler Park, Chiricahuas, Aug. 1 (DSu, PN). At least three individuals were heard in the Pinal Mts., June 29 and July30 (RH, BJet al.). A Long-earedOwl detectedin a ponderosa pine forest near Canyon Cr., e. of Payson, June 6 was at a higher elevation than usual (RB). Common Nighthawks were observed along the S.P.R. all summer: one at Dudleyville June 6 (CH), five (with Lesser RedPhalarope at CunninghamWash, Ariz., June1986. Photo/ Nighthawks) seen and heard n. of Fairbanks June 25, then l•on Christoffersen. seenirregularly the rest of the summer throughoutthe upper S.P.R. (TC, DK), and four near Hereford July 23 (PL et al.). Stilts were recorded June 10 at Cibola N.W.R. (SM, JBa),where Although the speciesis more common at higher elevations the specieshas been nestingonly since1983. Nine individuals farther north, it is also an uncommon local resident in grass- were recorded at Willcox June 28 (DD, AM); the speciesis lands of the southeast, from the Mule Mts. east of the S.P.R. uncommon in s.e. Arizona in summer. Twelve Am. Avocets, west to the AtascosaMts. Up to four Buff-collaredNightjars including one with three young, observedat McNeal June 3 were againpresent in Florida Wash, Madera Canyon,all sum- representedthe first breedingrecord for that location(AM). A mer (m.ob.). high count of 220+ Am. Avocetsat Willcox July 17 was probably the largestnumber yet recordedin the southeast(GM). HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Only A N. Jacanawas reported as having been seen on Mittry L., one each of the four rare hummingbirdswas reportedduring L.C.R., June 3 & 30 (M. Johnson),but details have not yet been received. the period, in contrast to the previoussummer when there were multiples of each. A • White-eared Hummingbird was Two LesserYellowlegs at Willcox June25 and one at Picacho observedin Sheelite Canyon, Huachuca Mts., June26 (RS).A Res.,June 26 (DJ)were amongthe earliest recordsfor the state BeryllineHummingbird was presentat RamseyCanyon feeders (June 24 is the earliest date on file). Fifteen late Willets were June 22-26 (D. Collazo). A Plain-capped Starthroat was at seenJune 9 in an odd habitat--in the deserts.e. of Sierra Vista feedersin Whitetail Canyon, Chiricahuas,again from early (TC, DK). An early Whimbrel was seen at PicachoRes., June June to July 18 (RTa, m.ob.). A • Lucifer Hummingbird fre- 22-29 (JSa, BS, m.ob.); another individual was observed at quented a Portal feeder the last week in July (S & WS). Willcox July 31 (A. Keith). An early ad. Pectoral Sandpiper A Violet-crowned Hummingbird was found nestingagain at was seen at the Gila Bend sewageponds July 27 (CBa).An ad. Short-billed Dowitcher was observed at Picacho Res. on the Log Canyon, S. Fork trail, Chiricahuas,June 23 (RM). Individ- uals were also recorded at Madera Canyon, where it has be- early date of June 22 (DSj, RN, D. & J. Burns).Another early come more regular in recent years, as well as at Sonoita Cr. adult was found at Willcox July 10 (tPL, DW) & 26 (JD). and Ramsey Canyon. Magnificent Hummingbirds were seen CommonSnipe was found nestingat Tsaile L., Navajo Indian June 9 at Rose Cr. cabins, Sierra Ancha Mts., where they were Reservation,in early June (B. Jacobs);a pair, giving a broken- reported by the owners to have been present for 3 years (S. wing act w. of Eagar in late May, was probablynesting there Peabody);there was only one previous record for this range. as well (GR, JW). A Red Phalarope at Cunningham Wash, The speciesis recordedonly infrequently in the White Mts., G.R.A.,June 8-9 (ph. Ron Christofferson)provided a first June record for Arizona. where one was seenat S. Fork, w. of Eagar,May 31 (JW, GR); and at leastone has been seen at feedersin Greer every summer GULLS THROUGH NIGHTJARS -- A 2hal-yearCalifornia in recent years (fide JW). Three males at feeders on Signal Gull at Willcox June 10 (JBo}furnished one of only a few sum- Peak, Pinal Mts., June 3 were more than had been recorded mer records for the state. there previously (RH). A large tern, identified as an Elegant Tern, was observedat An ad. • Elegant Trogon was found away from its nor- PatagoniaL., July 25 (tBS};the statusof this speciesin the state mal habitat along the S.P.R., n. of Hereford, July 10 and is under consideration by the Arizona Bird Committee, and Aug, I (DK). asyet there have been no confirmedrecords. Seven Corn. Terns BeltedKingfishers (at least two} observedat WatsonL. and in various plumagesobserved at Willow L., Prescott,June 20 Granite Cr. throughout the period furnished the first summer (•RTh} made a large number for this uncommon migrant. An- recordsfor Prescott (CT, H & AG, RTh}. An individual seen at other individual was seenat Parker, L.C.R., June7 (SM}. There S. Fork, w. of Eagar,June 4 |TC} added anothersummer record was only one previous June record for the state. Least Terns for the White Mts. A • Green Kingfisherwas seenat the Sohoira were discovered in 2 areas of the state: one at Cibola N.W.R., Cr. crossing,Patagonia, July 27 June 5-6 (SM, JBa}and two at Picacho Res., June 21-23, with At least nine Lewis' Woodpeckerscounted in the Spring- one remaining until June29 (•PT, fJ & AP, m.ob.}.There had erville area in late May was a larger number than usual for been only 7 previous state records. the White Mts. (GR, JW}. Both "Red-shafted" and "Gilded" For the first time, no Yellow-billed Cuckoos were detected formsof N. Flicker were found along the upper S.P.R.,as well in the Yuma area, where there has been habitat loss due to asintergrades showing many shadesof orangein tail and wing floodingand clearing.A few individualswere found alongthe linings ITC, DK}. lower Gila R., but they did not attempt breeding(CH}. Numbers seemedstable at Buckeye (CH} and s.w. Phoenix (DSj, RB}.At FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRASHERS- N. Beard- higher elevations,they were nowhere commonexcept at Pima, less-Tyrannuletswere found again for a 2nd summer at the upper Gila R., n.w. of Safford(CH}. new area on Bonita Cr., above the Gila R. confluence (CH).

1238 American Birds, Winter 1986 The specieswas found to be morenumerous than last summer VIREOS, WARBLERS -- A Bell's Vireo found singingnear on the lowerS.P.R. (CI-I], but surprisinglywas heard or observed Laguna Dam in late May was the only individual recorded onlyinfrequently along the upper S.P.R. (TC, DK). Willow Fly- along the L.C.R. and lower Gila R., where the habitat is still catchers,first found breeding along the S.P.R. and Gila R. a recoveringfrom the 1983 floods(CH). In s.w. Phoenix.where year ago,were presentthere againthis summer;a breeding the habitatis alsoregenerating, three individualswere counted pair wasfound at Ft. Thomas,Gila R., againand several new June 11 (DSj) and one June 29 (RB). There is still a healthy individualswere spendingthe summernearby; singing birds populationthroughout the upper and lower S.P.R.(TC, CH). at Dudleyville and San Manuel on the S.P.R.probably at- At least three Hutton's Vireos on Bonita Cr., above the Gila temptedbreeding (CH). A pair of Buff-breastedFlycatchers, R., June 6, and at least one individual on the S.P.R. at San presentfrom early May into mid-Julyat RustlerPark (TGu), Manuel July2, providedthe firstsummer records of the species providedanother in a growingnumber of recordsfrom the in lowland riparian habitat (•CH, TM, CBg).A Red-eyedVireo Chiricahuas in recent years, as the speciescontinues to re- at PortalJune 22-24 (DSi)provided the 3rd summerrecord for inhabit its pre-1920s range. that area. A pair of VermilionFlycatchers raised two broodsat Watson A • Golden-winged Warbler at BisbeeJune 20 (•DD) was L. duringthe period; this represented one of onlya fewbreeding the 7th for Arizona and the 3rd in summer. Three Orange- recordsfor Prescott,where the speciesis at its upperelevational crownedWarblers were seenat different spotsnear the summit limits (CT). A Sulphur-belliedFlycatcher was found at the ofMt. Lemmon July 23 (J.Buckman); the speciesis uncommon PatagoniaRoadside Rest June 6 (TC);there are very few records in the Santa Catalina Mts. in summer. Several Yellow Warblers for SonoitaCr. TropicalKingbirds were foundagain along the seenand heard singingalong the Gila R. s.w. of BuckeyeJune lower S.P.R.from Mammoth to Hayden, and the Gila R. w. of 9-30 may have beenbreeding; the specieshad been extirpated Hayden (CH). as a breeder along this stretch for more than 50 years (CH). Several Bridled Titmice, observed in the cottonwood stand A Black-and-white Warbler was observed at Canelo Hills near Ft. Thomas June 25, July 14, and Aug. 4, provided the June 13 (TS). American Redstartis another regular summer first summer recordsfor the upper Gila R. (CH). However, sur- visitor: a singingad. male was seenat PatagoniaJune 25-July prisingwas the absenceof the specieson the upper S.P.R., 3 (JBoet al.), and a female was reported at PatagoniaJuly 28 comparedto its fairly commonto uncommonstatus on the (MO et al.). A ProthonotaryWarbler, a sparsemigrant or va- lower S.P.R.(TC, DK). A • Red-breastedNuthatch and three grant, was observedat Elgin June11 (TS). fledglingsfound in Miller Canyon,Huachuca Mrs., July 25 in- The pattern of late-summerrecords for LouisianaWater- dicatednesting at a lower elevationthan usual(TC, DK). thrush continuedto grow:one was observedin SheeliteCanyon A pair of Black-cappedGnatcatchers feeding three young in July26 into August(R. Stallcupet ol.); and anotherindividual, a nest was found in a sycamoretree about V2mi from the found in the PatagoniaSanctuary in late July and early August borderin SycamoreCanyon July 27 (GG,ph. tMO et al.);four (R. Baxter, W. Weber),was in the samearea where it haswin- youngwere seenin the nestJuly 30 (V. Zerbiet al.). The young teredthe past4 years,and will likely doso again. This summer's had fledgedby Aug. 2 (m.ob.). recordsof Hooded Warbler were of a male at BisbeeJune 21 into August (•DD) and one in Cave Cr. Canyon, Portal, June 30 (DSi).

BUNTINGS THROUGH FINCHES-- Two • Rose- breasted Grosbeakswere reported--one June 30 at Patagonia (TC) and oneJune 21 in the ChiricahuaMrs. (RM). Two/• Varied Buntingswere found at 2 locationson the Mexican border s.e. of Vamori, Tohono O'odham (Papago)Indian ReservationJuly 7 & 29 (S. Levy);there were no previousrecords from the area between the Baboquivari and Ajo mountains (fide GM). Indi- vidual Varied Buntingswere seen in 2 areasnear Portal June 25 (RM); the speciesis rare in the Chiricahuas.Fairly large numbers of singingmales and femaleswere recordedin the Fairbanks area of the upper S.P.R. all summer (TC, DK). An imm./• Dickcisselbanded e. of Tucson July 3 was recaptured there July 31 (P. Walters);it provided the first July record in the state of this uncommon migrant. An early migrant Chipping Sparrow was seen in n. Tucson July 5 (GM). Several singing/• Black-chinnedSparrows were recordedalong the road between Portal and Paradise,as well as in Whitetail Canyon from mid-Julyon (RM, PL et al.); this is an uncommon and recent local breeder in the Chiricahuas. Female Black-cappedGnatcatcher at a nest in an Arizona Sy- At least two SongSparrows in Lower Aravaipa Canyon July camore (appropriately)in SycamoreCanyon, Ariz., July 27, 11 were in an area where they had not been reportedbefore 1986. Photo/Michael O'Brien. (GM). An ad. White-crowned Sparrow was found on Mt. Wrightson,Santa Rita Mts., July 2 (GW, BC) where it has not At leastfour singing• Townsend'sSolitaires were recorded been recorded in summer before. nearSnowshed and Chiricahuapeaks July 5-6 (GW,BC). There Sightingsof male and femaleBronzed Cowbirds, and three was only one previoussummer record for the Chiricahuas. eggsof this speciesfound in the nestof a HoodedOriole along An Am. Robin seen at the Nogalesdrive-in pond June 6 (TC) Burro Cr., n.w. of Prescott,June 9, representedthe first con- added to the summer lowland records for the state. firreed breedingfor this area, which is n.w. of the previous A Gray Catbird at DudleyvilleJune 16-17 was in the same known limits of the species'range (CT). area where one was recordedin July of the previous summer Although Red Crossbillshad been recordedin somemoun- (tCH). The individual at the S.W. ResearchStation at Portal tain rangesin a few summerspreviously, never beforehave (sinceMay 29) remainedat leastto June7 (A. Greene).Three they been presentin all 3 mountain rangesaround Prescottin Curve-billed Thrashers were seen at Willcox July 17, where the samesummer as they were this year (CT). Unprecedented they had not been recordedbefore; the speciesis local in the were the singingmales all period, not only around Prescott, Sulphur SpringsValley (GM). but also in the White Mts., the Santa Catalinas, the Huachucas

Volume 40, Number 5 1239 (Sawmill Canyon), and the Chlncahuas (TC, DK et al ) Some ganserin the period June 24-30 (JT) Similarly notable were Pine Siskinstend to linger into June in their wintering areas; four N. Pintails, an Am. Wigeon, four Green-wingedTeal, and one at Portal was still present June 10 (RM). However, one s. 12 Redheadsat La JoyaRefuge July 2 and/or July 5 (WH), as of Charleston on the S.P.R., July 23 was surprisingly late or were two Redheadsat Luna L., Catton, July 27 (SW). early (DK). An individual was seen flying over Bog Springs CampgroundJuly 27 (DSu); the speciesis a sparsebreeder in RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS- Late were single Os- the Santa Rita Mrs. preys at Cochiti L., June 10 (PS) and BosqueRefuge June 7 An Am. Goldfinchat PrescottJuly 7 (H & AG) providedthe (DD). Two Black-shoulderedKites were present near Rodeo first mid-summer record for that area, and one of only a few in the period (D. Sihley et al.), suggestingthat breedingmight summerrecords for the state.Evening Grosbeaks were present have been attempted. A nestlingand two fledglingMississippi in the Huachuca Mrs. again, as they have been in somerecent Kites near Isleta July 29 & 31 (P. Ellistonet al.) representedthe summers;and in the Chiricahuas,adults were observedfeeding first solid evidence of breeding by the speciesin the area in fledglingss. of Rustler Park June 18 (TGu). several years. Out-of-rangewas an adult at Mangas Springs CONTBIBUTOBS (Area compilersin boldface)-- M.J.Aus- July I (RF). Single N. Harriers near Rodeo June 4 (RS) and tin, CharlesBabbitt (CBa),Chris Bagnoli(CBg), John Bates(JBa, Three Rivers,Otero, June 21 (JM)may have beenlate migrants Tucson),Jerry Bock (JBo),Robert Bradley, Bev Collier, Troy Cot- Quite unusual was an imm. N. Goshawknear Hollomon A.F B, man (upperS.P.R.), Doug Danforth, Carol deWaard,Jon Dunn, July 28 (JM), as was an adult in P.O.Can.,July 29 (RS). Harold& AgnesGaither, Tom Gatz(TGa), Greg Gough, Tom Gum- Broods of Montezuma Quail were at Mangas Springs June bart (TGu), Rick Heifernon,Jeff Herbst, Chuck Hunter (lower 27 (RF) and P.O.Can.,July 30 (RS).The highcount for Mountain S P.R.,Gila R.), BettyJackson (Globe), Dan Jones,Charles Kangas, Ploverswas 100-plus near Los Lunas July 20 (WHet al.). East Dave Krueper,Paul Lehman,Thomas McMahan, ScottMills, Gale of the usual rangewas a Black-neckedStilt near HobbsJuly 4 Mortson,Arnold Moorhouse (Huachuca Mts., McNeal), Robert (JS),while southwesterlywere two Am. Avocetsw. of Lords- Morse, Paul Noble, Robert Norton, Michael O'Brien, Jeff & Amy burg July 4 (JH). Early were a Marbled Godwit at Bluewater Price,Larry Rosch,Gary Rosenberg, John Saba, David Sibley(DSi), L., June22 (iT) and 10 LeastSandpipers at Hollomon L., June RobertSmith, Sally Spofford(Portal), Walter Spofford,Tom Strong, 18 (JM). The only Junereport of Wilson'sPhalaropes was of DavidSuddjian (DSu), Bill Sutton,Peter Taylor, Rick Taylor (RTa), seven at Zuni on the 25th (iT). An ad. Franklifts Gull was at Robert Tolles, Robert Thomen (RTh), Carl Tomoff (Prescott), Cochiti L., June 11 (PS).Rare in New Mexico, an ad. Caspian GeorgeWallace, David Wolf, Barry Zimmer.--JANET WITZE- Tern was at Clayton L., June 5 (WC, A. Krehbiel). The nesting MAN, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018; DAVID STEJ- Least Tern population in the Roswell area did not fare well, SKAL (DSj), 2291/2W. Turney Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013. the eight or so adults producing only two known young (S Marlart). Single vagrants were at BosqueRedondo, DeBaca, June4 (BO) and Hollomon L., July 2 (EWet al.).

DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- JuvenileWhite- winged Dovesfirst appearedin T. or C. on June13 (DM), while a bird at AlbuquerqueJune 10 (PS)was n. of the usual range Peripheral records of Inca Doves included singles at Percha Dam June 26 (BO) and TularosaJune 20 (NH). On June 10, a New Mexico Yellow-billed Cuckoo was in the n.e. heightsof Albuquerque (WH). Greater Roadrunnersin peripheral areaswere singles near Grenville, Union, June 15 (KS), Zuni June 26 (JT), and nearHobbs July 4 (JS).Up to five BurrowingOwls were at Zum John P. Hubbard June23-30, plus a Long-earedthere on June26 and two others in the Zuni Mrs., June 28 (JT). Infrequently reported in the MagdalenaMrs., a Whip-poor-willwas in N. Fork CanyonJune ABBREVIATIONS- BosqueRefuge = Bosquedel Apache 14-15 (iS). Four to six Black Swifts at ReeseMesa (AN et al ) Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; La JoyaRefuge = La JoyaState Game Refuge, SocorroCo.; P.O.Can. = Post Office Canyon, Peloncillo Mts., Hi- providedone of the few recordsfor SanJuan C•ounty. Three dalgoCo.; T. or C. = Truth or Consequences.Place namesin italics probable Black Swifts were on Lake Peak, Santa Fe, July 29 are counties. (JH).Also notable were up to eight Chimney Swifts in Albu- querque through June 15 (S. Hoffman). GREBES THROUGH DUCKS -- Both Western and Clark's Very rare in the state, the Blue-throatedHummingbird was grebesagain bred at ElephantButte L., where the downy young againreported at L. Roberts,Grant--along with the Magnificent of both were seen June 8 (TM). Two adults of each species Hummingbird (D. Seymour). One to two Magnificents were were also at BosqueRefuge July 26-27 (PS et al.). Many nests alsopresent in the Cloudcroft area through July 20 (ND et al ) of Double-crestedCormorants were presentin upper Elephant Up to 10 Lucifer Hummingbirdssummered in P.O.Can. (RSet ButteL., June8, alongwith about50 of OlivaceousCormorants al.), where the speciesis now regular and probablybreeding (TM). Eighty-plusnests of presumedDouble-cresteds were in (this must be the largest U.S. population outside the Chlsos JemezRes., July 17 (R. Brown, JH),while unusual was an adult Mrs. of Texas).Out-of-season was a • Anna's Hummingbird at of this speciesat MangasSprings, Grant, July 13 (RF). Presumed Silver City in the period (A. & D. Arteaga,fide M. O'Byrne) A Snowy Egretswere also nestingat JemezRes. on July 17, with rufous-bodied,green-backed • hummingbirdin P.O.Can.,July about 20 nestsobserved (JH). A Great Egret at Zuni June 24- 24 (BZ et al., ph.) was thoughtto be an Allen's Hummingbird, 30 (JT) was out-of-seasonthere. Three ad. Little Blue Herons a speciesstill unverified in New Mexico. One to two Belted were in the Belen-La JoyaRefuge area July 2-5 (WH), while Kingfisherswere at Zuni June21-30 (iT), while one at Bosque one at Ft. Sumner June4 (BO) was a local first. Apparent early Refuge July 27 (PIet al.) may have been an early migrant migrant White-faced Ibiseswere two at La JoyaRefuge (WH) Lewis' Woodpecker was nesting at Clayton L., June 14 and and Holloman L., Otero (EW et al.), July 2. later (WC), while Acorn Woodpeckerswere found at 2 new The Wood Duck was again present in summer at Percha sitesin LosAlamos County (BL).A "Yellow-bellied" Sapsucker Dam, Sierra, with a pair there June 5 (DM); also notable was (presumablyRed-naped) in AlamogordoJuly 28 (RJ)was prob- a male at Zuni June 25 & 30 (JT). A • Mexican-type Mallard ably an early migrant. A Three-toedWoodpecker was in the near Grants June23 (JT) was well n.w. of the usual range.Out- Zuni Mrs., June 22 (JT) and another on Sandia Crest July 18 of-seasonat Zuni were up to eight N. Pintails, four Am. Wig- (HS). Very early was an imm. Yellow-shafted (Northern) eons,two Canvasbacks,three Ring-neckeds,and a Corn. Met- Flicker at Clayton L., June 28 (WC).

1240 American Birds, Winter 1986 FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS- Up to three was probablyan early one Well e of the usual s New Mexico probablebreeding Olive-sided Flycatchers were in the Zuni rangewas a Bendire'sThrasher at HollomonL., July 9 (J.Don- Mrs, June22 & 29 (JT), while possiblybreeding were singles aldson, BZ). A new locality for the Crissal Thrasher was Las at Heron L., Rio Arriba, July 16 (PS) and in the Sandia Mrs., Bolsas,Santa Fe, where several birds were presentin early July 13 (I-IS).Four territorial Willow Flycatcherswere at Zuni Juneand earlier (L. Sager).Late were up to six CedarWaxwings June 30 (JT), while none was observednear La JoyaRefuge at Percha Dam June 5 (DM) and Zuni June 26-27 (JT). Zum where several were present last summer (WH). One to two was a new and unexpectedlocality for Phainopepla,where a Hammond'sand up to eight Dusky flycatcherswere singing female Was seen June 26 and a male and two immatures June in the Zuni Mts., June24 & 29 (JT).Several Duskies were also 30 (JT). Northerly reports in the Rio Grande Valley were of in the SandiaMrs., June 8 and July13 (HS).Singing Gray Fly- one to three at La JoyaRefuge July 25 (WH) and BosqueRefuge catcherswere againreported in the PinosAltos Mts., with two June 4 & 7 (DD, R. Teuber). Other notable records included in Cherry Creek Canyon July 19 (RF et al.). In the E1Pueblo three at Three Rivers June 21, one near AlamogordoJuly 20 area,San Miguel, one Eastern and at leastthree Black phoebes (JM), and another in upper P.O.Can., June 5 (RS). The only were presentJune 16 (JH);up to six of the latter specieswere Gray Vireosreported were up to sevenat Zuni June27-30 (JT) at Zuni June21-30 (JT). EasterlyCassin's Kingbirds were near and one near La Cienaga, Santa Fe, June 22 (JRT). Easterly Grenville(KS) and in Trujillo Canyon,San Miguel (JH), in mid- were three Solitary Vireos in Trujillo Canyon June 16 (JH), June.A W. Kingbird in Ancho Canyon,Los Alamos, June 1 while four on Rowe Mesa June 7 '(WE, WH) were in a new was high and did not linger (BL). summer locality. Three Warbling Vireos were at Zuni June The Tree Swallow againbred at ClaytonL., with youngbeing 30, and a nest was found in broadleaf cottonwood woodland fed thereJune 28-July 5 (WC).Apparent early migrantsat Bitter (JT). A bird on the samedate in similar habitat in the Mimbres Lake N.W.R.were two Violet-greenSwallows June 28 (Sherry Valley (JH)may have been breeding.A vagrantRed-eyed Vireo Blxler). Likely breeding birds of the specieswere several was singingat San Simon Cienega July 7 (JH). through the summer near Cochiti L. (F & RS), six on Rowe Four Orange-crownedand 20 MacGillivray's warblerswere Mesa, San Miguel, June7 (WE, WH), and at leastthree in Tru- in the Zuni Mrs., June 29 (JT). Five Virginia's Warblers on llllo CanyonJune 16 (JH). The only Bank Swallowsreported Rowe Mesa June 7 (WE, WH) were in a new summer locality, were probable early migrants, these being two at Zuni June one at SantaFe July 10 (JH)was an early migrant. Presumably 27 (JT) and La Joya Refuge July 2 & 5 (WH). Cliff Swallows breeding were the small numbers of Audubon'• (Yellow- were reportednesting on 2 buildingsin Silver City (RF). Barn rumped) Warblers in the Zuni Mrs., June 22-29 (JT) and Ma- Swallow nestswere recordedat Lordsburgand near San Simon gadalenaMrs., June26 (JS),but two on Rowe Mesa June 7 (WE, Clenega (JH), and summer birds were near Rodeo (RS) and WH) may have been late migrants.The Black-throatedGray Gage (BH). Warbler appearsto be local in summer in the s.e. highlands, so notable were five near Three Rivers June 21 (JM), two in CORVIDS THROUGH THRUSHES -- A Steller's Jay on 16 SpringsCanyon July 15, and one at High RollsJune 6 (GS) Rowe Mesa June 7 (WE, WH) was at a new summer locale for A vagrant Kentucky Warbler was singingat Bandelier N.M, the species.Fledgling Pinyon Jayswere in Santa Fe June 12 June 6 (G. Emerson,P. Hansley).The only Olive Warbler re- and July 19 (JH). Up to five Clark's Nutcrackerswere in the portedwas one at Trout Creek in the PinosAltos Mrs., July 12 Zum Mrs., June22-24 (JT).The Black-billedMagpie was con- (RF). A pair of Hepatic Tanagerswas tendingfledglings in Los firmed as breeding in Los Alamos, with nestlingsthere June Alamos June 29 (BL et al.). On July 16, a Summer Tanager was 8-11 (BL et al.); southerly was a bird at E1Pueblo June 7 (WE, at Alameda (J. Phillips), where the speciesis infrequently re- WH). Two family groupsof Am. Crows were between Belen ported. andLos Lunas July 5 (WH),and a juvenilewas near E1 Pueblo June16 (JH).Northerly were two Chihuahuan Ravensat Los LunasJuly 2 (WH).Verdins were numerous at La JoyaRefuge CARDINAL THROUGH SPARROWS- A 6 Northern in July, including a family group (WH). Very high were two Cardinal near LasCruces June 28 was pale in coloration(EW), Bushtitsat treeline on Wheeler Peak July 8 (GH, WH), while which suggeststhat the bird was of captive origin. Single a also notable were two in n.e. Albuquerque July 4 & 22 (WH).. Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were near TularosaJuly 6 (J. Hutto) Up to six Red-breastedNuthatches were in the Zuni Mrs.,June and in AlamogordoJune 5 (GS). Easterly were three Black- 24-29 (JT).A pair of Brown Creeperswas feedingnestlings on headedGrosbeaks in Trujillo CanyonJune 16 (JH).Up to nine SandiaCrest July 6 (BD). Lazuli Buntingswere at Zuni June25-30 (JT), while two were Low was a Canyon Wren in the lower Mimbres Valley June near E1Pueblo June 7 (WE,WH). Alsoat Zuni were up to three 30 (JH).Unusual was a singingHouse Wren in n.e. Albuquerque IndigoBuntings June 24-30 (JT),while six were in the Mimbres June 9 (WH), while two were in the E1 Pueblo area June 16 Valley June30 (JH) and one in Karr Canyon in the Sacramento (JH) An Am. Dipper was at Bluff Spring in the Sacramento Mts., June8 (JM). A new summerlocality for DickcisS•lswas Mrs, June 14 (JM). Two Golden-crownedand up to 40 Ruby- Maxwell N.W.R., where up to five were singingJuly 16 (P crowned kinglets were in the Zuni Mrs., June 24-29 (JT). The Desjardins)& 24 (WH); whether these were early migrantsor former specieswas locally commonin the SandiaMrs. (HS), breedersis unknown. Peripheral recordsfor Green-tailed To- with fledglingsobserved there July6 (BD,WH). Northerly were whees included one to two birds on Sierra Grande July 27 two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers near Tres Piedras June 22 (WE, (MM), Magdalena Mrs., June 26 (JS),near Three Rivers June WH), while easterlywas one in Trujillo CanyonJune 16 (JH). 21, and Karr Canyon June 8 (JM). Most unusual was one re- A Mountain Bluebirdwas in the MagdalenaMrs., June26 (JS), ported near Las CrucesJune 2 (EW), presumablya very late while early was an imm. Townsend'sSolitaire in Los Alamos migrant. The high count for Rufous-sidedTowhees at Bosque July 19 (PIet al.). A Hermit Thrush on Rowe Mesa June 7 (WE, Refugewas of nine on July 27 (PIet al.). Two to three Brown WH) wasin a new summerlocality for the species.Lower ele- Towhees were near Grenville June 15 (KS), Trujillo Canyon vatlonal reportsof Am. Robinsincluded eight birds at Bosque June16 (jH),and Zuni June 25-30 (JT). Abert's Towhees per- RefugeJuly 27 (PIet al.), a }uvenileat PerchaDam June 5 (DM), sistedat San Simon Cienega,with two there July 7 (JH). and one to two birds at Trujillo Canyon June 16 (JH), Tularosa Early were two Cassin'sSparrows near RodeoJune 4 (RS), July !7 (NH), Alamogordothrough the period(K. Jenness,RJ), otherwise,the earliest reportsin the s.w. were in early July and HobbsJuly 4 (JS). (JH).On June16, only five were presenton a transecte. of Las Vegas(32 is the averagenumber); clearing of roadsideditches MIMIDS THROUGH TANAGERS- A Gray Catbird near by the highwaycrews may accountfor the decline(JH). Finally, E1 PuebloJune 7 (WE, WH) may have been a late migrant, two birds were presentJune 22 near La Cienega(JRT), where while a SageThrasher near the Magdalena Mrs., July 10 (JS) not always present in early summer. The earliest migrant

Volume 40, Number 5 1241 ChippingSparrows in Albuquerquewere on July 11 (WH),and Cassln'sFinches summered near Chama (LS)and •n the La 20 were near Alamogordoby July 20 (JM). Up to 15 Brewer's Cueva area, with fledglingsat the latter locality July 25-27 Sparrowswere at Zuni June25-30 (JT).Only one definiteBlack- (MS). Unusual for the seasonwas a singingmale in the Zum chinnedSparrow was located in Trujillo CanyonJune 16 (JH). Mts., June23 (JT),plus a pair in the SandiaMts., June 13 (HS) Vesper Sparrow reports included many singing at Maxwell and a female there July 13 (G. Parker).Except for a pair at N W.R., July 24 (WH), five at Sierra Gra,ndeJuly 27 (MM), three Santa Fe June 5 (PI), Red Crossbillswere not reportedin the at LosAla•mos in the period'(BL),tw0 • on RoweMesa June7 stateuntil the last one-third of June--including six at Camp (WE,WH),' four e. of LasVegas June 16 (JH),and up to 70 in May June 28 (PIet al.), up to 30 in the Zuni Mts., June 22-29 the Zuni M[s. and'vicinity June21-30 (JT).Three Lark Spar- (JT),and numerousbi'rds in the SandiaMts. soonafter June rows were near E1 Rite, Rio Arriba, June 22 (S. Huntington), 22 (HS).Other recordsincluded several in the ApacheCreek- while a single Black-throatedand up to sevenSage sparrows Luna area July 21-31 (SW),plus one at SantaFe June 21 (JH) were at Zuni June26-28 (•T). No Lark Buntingswere reported Pine Siskinswere unreportedat lower elevationsin the period, in New Mexico in the period,even in the n.e. where the species exceptfor small numbers at Santa Fe June 6-8 (JH) & 17 (PI) is mostregular in summer.A SavannahSparrow nest that had and at Zuni June 28 (JT). Summer recordsof Am. Goldfinches been constructedat Zuni in late M•y was abandonedas of includedsmall numbers in the Chamaarea through the period June 26 (JT). GrasshopperSparrow numbers were up in the (LS),one at Los Ojos, Rio Arriba, July 16 (PS),a pair at Zum Clayton area, w•th young noted July 5 (WC). A new summer June 25 (JT), and three birds at Percha Dam June 5 (DM) In localityfor the specieswas Maxwell N.W.R., where eightsing- addition,2 family groupswere seenalong the Pine R. just n •ngbirds were present J,uly 24 (WH).In the JemezMts., three of the s.w.Colorado border (AN). EveningGrosbeaks summered SongSparrows w.ere at La CuevaJuly 5 and threeLincoln's in the Chama area (LS)and in the Sangrede Cristo(JRT et al ), were at CampMay June28 (PIet al.). Jemez(MS et al.), Sandia (ILS),and Sacramento(ND) mountains, ICTERINES THROUGH HOUSE SPARROW--The with young noted at La Cueva June 4 (MS). Late birds were present until June 3 at Santa Fe (S. Bowles) and Cedar Crest maximumcount of i]. Meadowlarksat Zuniwas 14 June 21- (PS),with a stragglerat the former locality June 23 (L. Herr- 30 (JT)'Southwesterly records of W. Meadowlarkswere of sin- mann).Returning birds were in SantaFe as early as July 20 gles at MangasSprings July 3-15 (RF) and nearRodeo June 4 (RS).Yellow-headed Blackbirds again summered in the Las (JH) and SandiaPa•rk on July 18 (ILS).House Sparrows were nesting in an occupied Cliff Swallow colony near E1 Pueblo Vegas(JH) and Zuni (JT)areas, while the firstpresumed mi- June 16 (JH). grantswere on July 2 at La JoyaRefuge (WH) and Hollomen L (EWet al.). Very late were six Brewer'•Blackbirds near RodeoJune 4 (RS),wh•le 24 at T•ilarosaJuly 9 (NH)may have been early migrant.s. The speciessummered near Cochiti L. (F & RS),which is low forbreeding. The highcount for Great- OBSERVERS- Bonnie D'Angelo, Naomi Dobbins,William tailed Gracklesin the Zuni area was of 30 on June23 (JT).Up Eley, Bruce Hayward, Geoff Hill, William Howe, JohnHubbard, to 10birds were present at EvansL., Grant, in theperio d (RF). Pat Insley, Robert Jenness,Butt Lewis, Mart Mayfield, John YoungCom. Grackleswere notedin SantaF e asearly asJune McNelly,Doris Miller, Tim Mitchusson,Alan Nelson,Bruce Ostyn, 4-6 (JH), while 50+ birds at BosqueRefuge July 27 (PIet al.) LorraineSchulte, Robert Scholes, Hart Schwarz,Kenneth Seyffert, may have been migrants.Southern Rio GrandeValley reports JohnShipman, Gerri Smith, Paul Steel,Marjory Swain,James R of the Bronzed Cowbird were of one to two in T. or C. in Travis,John Trochet, SartorWilliams III, EleanorWootten, Barry Juneand July, CaballoL., June 5 (DM), and near Las Cruces Zimmer.--JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2016 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, NM June 6 (EW). 87501.

ALASKA REGION

D. D. Gibson waters]was of a white-vented bird seenbriefly but well amid Short-tailedShearwaters between Kodiak and SewardJune 19 (tDJF, tJLD, $BH, $CG). terior,ummerfor1986 example, was aitfine was onethe inwarmest this Region.Jurte •sinceIn the 1975.In- Habitat conditionsfor breedingwaterfowl in 1986 were an Temperatures at Fairbanks equalled or exceeded 70øF on impravementover 1985,except on the North Slope,where ice twentydays of the month,and 85 ø on 16th,87 ø on 2•8th, and snow persistedinto mid-June;there was virtually no and 85 ø• on 30th all set new records. The first one-half of floodingthis spring, and snow cover disappeared early (Conant July brought an 11-day heat wave, during which record and Hedges1986, "Alaska-YukonWaterfowl Breeding Popu- highswere set at Fairbankseach day July'l-6--85 ø, 87ø, lation Survey,May 14 to June13, 1986,"U.S.F.W.S., Juneau) 88ø, 89ø, 91ø, anc•90øF, respectively. Concomitant with The writers expectedboth Tundra and Trumpeterswans to this heat, forest fires in the Interior claimed at least several farebetter than they did in 1985,but preliminaryimpressions hundred thousand a.cres in dozens and dozens of fires. on the coastalzone of the Yukon Delta were of variable pro- Eventsturned aroundin the secondone-half of July, when ductionof Brant,Canada (B.c. minima), Emperor, and Greater heavy rainshalted firesand broughtrivers [o floodsta, ge. White-frontedgeese. Thirty years' surveydata from that area denotean annualrate of declinein goosenumbers of 4%. Thmr assessmentsof ducks included the following:Green-winged Teal numberson the surveysup 44% from 1985 and up 37% from the 10-year mean of these surveys;Mallard +41% but SHEAR WA TERS THROUGH DUCKS- Alaska's 4th re- -09%, respectively; N. Pintail +42% but -20%; N. Shoveler port of a bird in the Manx Shearwatersuperspecies (which +51% and +12%; Am. Wigeon +21% but -13%; Canvasback comprises'according to the 6th A.O.U. Check-]ist--Manx, +06%but -17%; scaup-03% and-21%; Oldsquaw+26% but Black-vented, Townsend's, Fluttering, and Hutton's shear- -10%; and Bufflehead +05% but -29%.

1242 AmericanB•rds, Winter 1986 A Tundra Swan seen at St. Matthew I., c. Bering Sea, June 11 was identified as a "Bewick's" (KDS). A 8 Cinnamon Teal observed at Narrow Cape, Kodiak I., June 22-24 (tRAM et al.) simultaneouslyfurnished a first recordfor the Kodiak Archi- pelago,the westernmostAlaska recordof the species,and one of few midsummerrecords ever in this Region.The bird was seen with a 8 Blue-winged Teal. OYSTERCATCHERS THROUGH TERNS-- A species not known for its wanderings, Black Oystercatcher was recordedat 3 extralimital localitiesthis summer:Anchorage (one, June 9, DWS, MEI); St. Paul I., Pribilofs (one, June 13, DED); and St. GeorgeI., Pribilofs(one, July 31, DED). Three Gray- tailed Tattlers at Adak June 4 (RAR, CFZ, FGD, TRE et al.) provided a new speciesfor that island, and one at the Nome River mouth June 15 (TRR et al., tKK) was of interestbecause there have been few Seward Peninsula records. The latest, tardy, northbound Gray-tailed Tattler was reported June 20 (DWF, fide GVB) and the earliestgouthbound bird July 26 (IJ, fide GVB), both at St. Paul. A Terek Sandpiperat Adak June4 (RAR, CFZ, TRE et al.) was also new to the c. Aleutians, and one at St. Paul June 16 (AE et al., tJLD) numbered among few records in the Pribilofs. An ad. Surfbird with a chick in the Selawik Hills June 28 (TJD) added to few positive breeding records in W Alaska. Thirty-nine ad. Surfbirdsat CampbellCreek, Anchorage,July 10 establisheda new midsummer high count for upper Cook Inlet (TGT); the speciesclearly preferslower Cook Inlet, however, where 1000 were seen at Homer July 4 (GCW). South- boundSemipalmated Sandpipers arrived on time at Anchorage June 24 and peaked at a remarkable (for the Alaska Pacific coast) 1000+ near Earthquake Park July 9 (RLS). Western Sandpipernumbers, spread over a period of weeks, were not an extraordinary 2nd Alaska record if confirmed as a Cam. so impressive, although that speciesis more numerous at An- Swift. Reaching its e. range limits on the China coast of the chorage than Semipalmated (TGT). At Kodiak, Westerns YellowSea, this species is, to judgefrom the literatureon Japan peakedat 2100 birds July 20 (RAM) and 1100 July 31 (RAM, and the e. Soviet Union, unknown north and east of there-- DWS). Maximum count of Semipalmatedsat Kodiak, where except at St. Paul, where a specimenwas collectedJune 28, "always found in much larger numbers of Westerns" (RAM), 1950 (Kenyonand Phillips 1965, Auk 82:624-635). was of 10 birdsJuly 31 (RAM, DWS). T•vo southboundad. Long- billed Dowitchersat AnchorageJune 26 were the earliestthere TYRANTFLYCATCHERS -- Severalspecies in the genus by 2 weeks (TGT); one at St. Paul June 25-26 (BJM)was going Empidonaxwere newsworthyin summer 1986.Although there which way? A lone • Ruff at KotzebueJune 16-17 (TJD et al., have been several unconfirmedreports of the speciesin recent ph.) and a lone female at Deering,Seward Peninsula,July 9 years,a singing• Yellow-belliedFlycatcher pregent near Chl- (tJW) were of interest, since our only nesting record is from tina June 21-29+ (RLS et al.; TGT tape) provided only the 2nd n.w. Alaska. certain Alaska record of this visitant from n.w. Canada. Near A summer-plumagedad. Franklin's Gull observedwith two Hyder--at 130øW the easternmostcommunity in Alaska--a Sabine'sand 30 Bonaparte's gulls at UgashikBay, Alaska Pen- just-arrived, singing • Willow Flycatcher observed June 13 insula, July 18 (tMEI) was Alaska's 7th since 1971 and the 2nd (*DDG) provideda 1st for Alaska;the specimenis an example this y•ar (seeSpring). One CaspianTern at HainesJune 9 (BJM) arE. t. brewsteri.A 2nd individual, alsosinging a clearly-enun- and two adults at Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay, June 20 (KK, LHK) ciated 'fitz-bew', was reported at Juneau July 4 (MWS): Both were the summer's only reports of the species.One to three of these records are from the SE mainland, where closely-re- Cam. Terns (S.h. longipennis)were seenat St. Paul from June lat.edAlder Flycatcher,first heard at HyderJune 10 (DDG)and 9 throughJuly (GVB et al.), but there was apparentlyno sug- at Juneau June 12 (RJG), is an uncommon to fairly common gestionof breeding. About 12 Aleutian Terns among Arctics localbreeder. And, hardlyknown in Alaska,Least Flycatcher at GlacierBay in Juneand July (DJM,CFL), on the other hand, occurredon a broad front this season,when sevensinging males constituted an easterrimost nesting colony, which has been wer• found across9 degreesof latitude and 18 dbgreesof lon- known, apparently, for 2 years (BBP,fide DJM, CFL; and see gitude. Following a June4-5 record near Fairbanks (seespring AB 37:1018). report), up to two singingmales were presentnear Hyder June 10-19 (*DDG, SRJ);one was found near SkagwayJune 15 (PDM); CUCKOOS THROUGH SWIFTS -- Common Cuckoos ar- up to two werepresent near Kenney Lake, s.e. at Glennallen, rived in the w. Aleutians, at Attu I., at the end of May (GBR June 21 (RLS} to at least July 5 (GFW); and one was present at et al.}, and a few were present there at least through late June Ester,just w. of Fairbanks, among territorial Hammond's Fly- (GFW}. A singing bird at Attu in early June (TGT tape} was catchers, June 22 (BAC) to June 26 (*DDG). remarkable--the first Alaska record of a vocalizationby one A Western Kingbird at EagleBeach, Juneau, June 15 (m.ob., of these visitants. A single bird observedJune 13-17 at Adak fide RJG)was Alaska's 5th. The only E. Kingbird report this (JSM, FGD, TRE, MGZ et al.} provided the 2rid record there; summer was from Hyder, where one was seen June 10 (DDG). one observedat St. Matthew June16 (KDS}was a first for that island. Although these birds are evidently unable to flourish SWALLOWS THROUGH WAGTAILS--A • Purple on these treelessislands in midsummer (and, indeed, it seems Martin observedat DeadhorseJune 12 (DM.T ph., DRH) pro- unlikelythat anysurvive the season they arrive}, they continue vided the first record in N Alaska in a decade;the speciesis a to reach us on an irregular basis,now 11 years of the last 17. casual visitant anywhere in the state. Crows in a colony at A fork-tailed, dark-rumped Apus swift seenwell in fiight at Hyderwere determinedin Juneto be AmericanCrows (**DDG, St. Paul June26 (GVB ph.} & 29 (RH, fide GVB} would furnish SRJ),a speciespreviously unknown in this Region.These birds

Volume 40, Number 5 1243 probably arrived in this Alaska cul-de-sacfrom the nearby Red Crossbillswere fairly common to common this summer Kispiox/Nass/Bell-Irving river valley system of British Co- acrossSoutheast Alaska, from Glacier Bay to Hyder. White- lumbia, where long known to occur. Over 100 km inland via winged Crossbillswere scarceor absent in much of Central Portland Canal, Hyder would seem to be segregatedfrom the Alaska this summer (m.ob.), but their numbers returned to range of Northwestern Crow, which does not penetrate any normal, from all-but-absent,in early summer in Southcoastal distance from the SE Alaska seacoast.A 8 wagtail variously Alaska, in upper Cook Inlet (TGT, MAM). There were only 3 identified as a White, a Black-backed,or a hybrid of the two, sightingsthis seasonat Kodiak (RAM). In SoutheastAlaska, which spent the summer at St. Paul (m.ob.), was not, appar- White-winged was common at Juneau after mid-June (RJG), ently, the same male involved in the first Pribilof breeding seen in single-speciesflocks or in mixed flocksin which it recordof 'White'wagtail. A pair of birdsof uncertainidentity outnumbered its congener.White-winged Crossbillswere not and their three beggingfledglings were seen there in early seenpaired or singingin SoutheastAlaska, aswere Reds.Pine August (RH, IJ, tGVB). A clean-cut 8 White Wagtail observed Siskins were ubiquitous and common in Southcoastaland at HerendeenBay June 23 (tRCKet al.) was a firstfor the Alaska SoutheastAlaska, Kodiak to Hyder. Peninsula. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS (Sub-regionalEditors in boldface}- R. E. Ambrose, G. V. Byrd, B. A. Cooper,F. G. Deines, T. J. Doyle, D. E. Dragoo, J. L. Dunn, T. R. Edgerton, A. VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES -- Near Hyder, a singing Eisner, D. W. Finch, D. J. Fisher, R. J. Cordon, C. Cottlund, B. 8 Solitary Vireo observedJune 11 (*DDG) and another heard Hallett, R. Hajny, D. R. Herter, {RHu} R. Hunter, M. E. Isleib, June 12-15 {DDG) provided the first record of the speciesin S. R. Johnson,I. Jones,K. Kaufman, L. H. Kaufman,R. C. Kuntz, Alaska. The specimenis an example of western cassinii, not C. F. Leck,J. S. Mach, R. A. Macintosh,D. J.Marldey, P. D. Martin, of trans-Canadian V. s. solitarins. Singing• Magnolia Warblers B. I. McCafiery,M. A. Miller, B. B. Paige,T. R. Rehm, G. B. Ro- were found at Hyder June 15 (DDG} and at Juneau July 3-7 senband,R. A. Row]err,K. D. Schafer,R. L. Scher,M. W. Schwan, {RJG,MWS}, and the remainsof a MagnoliaWarbler were found D. W. Sonneborn,T. G. Tobish,D. M. Troy,G. F. Wagner,J. Walters, in an upperYukon River PeregrineFalcon aerie in July {*REA, G. C. West, C. F. Zei]lemaker, M. G. Zeillemaker. Written details RHu},this lastproviding the firstC Alaskarecord of the species. (•),specimens (*}, and photographs {.ph.} are on file at the University A 8 Am. Redstart at JuneauJune 3 {RJG}was the earliest this of AlaskaMuseum.--D. D. GIBSON,University of Alaska Mu- year. seum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Philip W. Mattocks, Jr.

therewas Juneanother has been drysummer. slightly wetter,Forfive and of theJuly lastmuch six dryer, years •A LB E:•RTA than the long-term averages.This year both monthswere dry. Rain during June at the Portland, Seattle, and Van- couver weather stations totalled about half the long-term averages.July rainfall was up to 87% of normal, but it was concentrated in the first ten days and overall the month felt much dryer. Much of the populationchanges and local range exten- sionsnoted in the following column would fit an hypothesis •)f a drier Pacific Northwest, at least during the nesting season.Read about Rock Wrens, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Lazuli Buntings,Brewer's Sparrows, gallinaceous birds in general, and others,with this in mind.

ABBREVIATIONS -- S.J.C.R.= South jetty of the Columbia Bay R., Ore.; V.I. = Vancouver Island, B.C. LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS- A large aggrega- tion of Pacific Loons apparently summered at the S.J.C.R. Counts were of 200 June 29 {JJ,DR} and 65 July 5 {PL}.An ad. PacificLoon in breedingplumage was found July 5 on Lightning L., Manning P.P., B.C., a most unusual location (MSh et al.}. About 35 summering Corn. Loons were noted June 30 along coastal Whatcorn Co., Wash. {PL}, and 20 were counted at nearby CrescentBeach, Surrey, B.C., July 21 {Frank Walker}. Groupsof one to four Common and Red-throatedloons were scatteredcoastally throughout the seasonas usual. SingleRed- necked Grebes,rare in summer, were found June 26 at La Push, Clallam Co., Wash. {FS},and July I on Penn Cove; Whid- Only 2 pelagic trips were reported this season:July 2 to bey L, Wash. {PL}.The usual aggregationof W. Grebes sum- LaPerouseBanks, off s.w.V.I. (MSh et al.), and July26 to Grays mered in Birch Bay and Bellingham Bay, WhatcornCo., Wash. Canyon off Westport, Wash. (TW et al.). The 522 N. Fulmars (PL, TW}. seen July 26 was a high count for any season,and was the

1244 American Birds,Winter 1986 h•ghestso far for 16 Julytrips off WestportL•kew•se, the 168 breeder •n the mountrunsof the Region, were noted at the Pink-footedShearwaters off Westportprowded the h•ghest- D•amondLake sewageponds, e. DouglasCo., Ore. (DF•) and ever July total. The 20,415 SootyShearwaters found July 26 on Silver L., s.w. of Hope, B.C. (DK, TC, DD). Several broods alsomade a relativelyhigh count for thisearly in the migration. of Ruddy Duckswere foundJuly 10 at the Kent ponds,Wash Counts of five Black-lootedAlbatrosses July 2 and 95 July 26, (EH), and July 31 on Nisqually L., PierceCo., Wash. (GW). and of two Flesh-looted Shearwaters July 26, were normal numbersfor thesespecies. There were 150 Fork-tailedStorm- Petrels at the La Perouse Banks, and 117 Fork-tailed and 54 Leach'sstorm-petrels over Grays Canyon;these were high OSPREY THROUGH QUAIL- Numerous Osprey nests counts.Both Fork-tailed and Leach's were noted during July were reportedfrom throughoutthe Region,and goodnesting at known breedingsites on TriangleI., off the n.w. tip of V.I. successwas indicated.The WashingtonDept. of Game counted (MF), and TatooshI., at the n.w. tip of Washington(BP). 59 occupiedBald Eagle territories with 67 youngeagles in the An Am. White Pelican was an unusual visitor to the Victoria SanJuan Is. this summer(fide ML). Thesewere the highest- areaJune 6-18 (StanBaker, Molly Lyons,m.o.b.). Numbers of ever countsfor the area of both occupiedterritories and young Brown Pelicans seen at the S.J.C.R.remained at 10-20 birds birdsper pair. An ad. • N. Harrier fed a recently-fledgedyoung fromlate May throughmid-June (HN, JJ,DB). By July2-4 there bird in the fieldsnear the Kent sewageponds, Wash., July 12- were 50-70 present(HN, PL). Eighthad reachedTatoosh I. by 14 (ThaisBock, PM) for the only actualreport of breedingthin July 18 (BP, Tim Wootten). season.However, pairs of N. Harriers were seenrepeatedly at Double-crested Cormorants nested in normal numbers on OceanShores and BowermanBasin (G & WH) and near Sequim, Mandarte I., B.C. (ML, FS), and ProtectionI., Wash. (about 100 Wash. (D & SSm),and two immatureswere notedat FalseBay, nests--SSp),with apparentlynormal success.However, Dom San Juan I., July 30 (ML). ble-crestedswere absent from the previously-occupiedBird A pair of Sharp-shinnedHawks nested near Melrose,w. of Rocks and Williamson Rocks, in the San Juan Is., Wash, and Roseburg,Ore. (DI). The site was in the dry foothills of the only 4 nests were present this year on Colville I. (ML, FS). CoastRange. This wasone of surprisinglyfew breedingrecords There were about 639 PelagicCormorant nestson Protection reportedover the years.A Cooper'sHawk nestin Saanich,V I I and 98 at Port Angeles,Wash., with normal fiedgingsuccess (BW), was the only one reported. An ad. Cooper'sand two (SSp) About 200 PelagicCormorant nests, the same number immatureswere seenin Victoria July 25 (J& RSa).An ad. Red- aslast year, were notedon SmithI., Wash.,but a much-reduced shoulderedHawk was north to Fern RidgeRes., Eugene, Ore, total of only 92 nestswas countedon Colville I., Williamson by the early date of July 21 (SH).Single Merlins were reported Rocks,and Hall I. (ML, FS). Most troubling,with the large oil July 17-29 from N. Saanich (AM) and w. of the Goldstream spdl last Decemberat nearbyPort Angelesin mind, was that estuary(Barbara Begg), V.I., and Dungeness,Wash. (D & SSm) by the end of the seasonno Pelagicchicks had been seen at A pair of Merlins was noted July 25 at Beaver Pt., Saltspring any of the latter 4 colonies(ML). I., B.C. (ML). This is a rare nestingspecies just to the north of theselocations. The PeregrineFalcon eyrie in the s. Oregon Cascadesfledged two young (DFi). There were Peregrinere- portsfrom 12 otherlocations, some for throughoutthe season EGRETS THROUGH DUCKS -- A Great Egret arrived at An adult and five young White-tailed Ptarmigan were seen Fern Ridge Res., near Eugene, Ore., on July 9, about 6 weeks July 25 near the summit of Granite Mt. for one of very few early (TM). Another was found July 13 on the SerpentineFen, recordsfrom King Co., Wash. (TP). A single ptarmigan was Surrey, for only the 9th documentedsighting for the Vancou- sightedJune 22 near Butte Camp on the s. slopeof Mt. St ver, B.C., area (iTC, Bill Hunter). An imm. Black-crowned Helens,which is at the very s. edgeof their range in the Cas- N•ght-Heron,of unknown geographicorigin, was seenat Pistol cades(DA). This bird must have either survivedthe blastand R, coastalCurry Co., June14 (SH et al.). An adult and an imm. mudflowsof the 1980 eruption, or recolonizedthe area from Black-crownedwere back to a regular wintering area at Smith a nearby mountaintop.Numerous broodsof the introduced L, Portland, by July 2 (Mike Houck). populationof Wild Turkey on San JuanI., Wash.,were noted A pair of CanadaGeese (probably moffittii from the descrip- this season(ML). Thesebirds have becomequite tame and can tmn) seenJune 24 with one nestlingon San JuanI. established often be seen in fields and farmyards. Northern Bobwhites the first nestingrecord for that county (ML). The nestwas just were readily locatedat their establishedlocation in Thurston abovethe high tide line on rocky marine shore.Single broods and Pierce counties,Wash. (GW, PM). Single adults were seen of N Pintail at the Kent, Wash., sewageponds July 10 (EH et July19 near Philomath,Benton Co., Ore. (LorneFitts, fide ME), al ), of Green-winged Teal at Gold L., Lane Co., Ore., July 4 where the specieshas been reportedin the past (AB 37:1020), (SH), and of Blue-wingedTeal at Ocean ShoresJuly 17 (G & and s.w. of HoodRiver, Ore. (DA). A recent analysisof intro- WH) providedscarce nesting records for thoseareas. A brood ducedspecies in Oregonby JEconcludes that neither of these of Gadwallson Nisqually L., Ft. Lewis, Pierce Co., Wash. (JBe), locationsrepresent self-sustaining populations (Oregon Birds marked the spreadof this speciesto another new nestinglo- 12:174,1986). During June 7-22 three 6 Mountain Quail were cahty. closelyobserved at an overgrowngravel pit on the edgeof a A pair of Ring-neckedDucks, one of severalspecies of diving clearcut 2 min. of McCleary, in Mason Co., Wash. (PM, BMo, duck for which nestingrecords are scarcein the Region, was JSk).This site is reasonablyclose to otherlocations where small noted June 5 & 19 on Killibrew L., Orcas I., Wash. (SA, FS), numbers have been found over the last 15 years. A single and a brood was found on Chambers L., Pierce Co., Wash. Mountain Quail was seen June 15 at Mile 11, Butler Main, (JBe) Single • Ring-neckedDucks were seen June 8 at Iona I., Sooke,V.I. (AM, Harold Hosford). B C (BK), July 6 on Twenty Minute L., Manning P.P. (WW), and July 20 at the Nehalem sewageponds, Ore. (JG),but no ewdence of nestingwas obtained. A • Canvasback,with no young, was seen July 30 at the Auburn ponds,near Seattle SHOREBIRDS -- The only reportsof LesserGolden-Plovers (BS) Greater and Lesser scaup were reported from 6 lakes, were of singleson the Iona I., B.C., pondsJune 20-21 (RP, BK), sewageponds, or protectedbays throughoutthe Region,but at Tillamook Bay, Ore., June 18 (HN), and at Bandon, Ore., no nestingwas noted. July 14+ (SH et al.). A Mongolian Plover graced the Bandon, A • Tufted Duck June7-8 at Iona I., B.C., furnishedthe 3rd Ore., shorelineJuly 11-29 for the 3rd recordfor the state(Larry Junerecord for the Vancouverarea (J'WW, BK). A • BlackScoter Thornburgh,m.ob., •-AlanBarron). At least one pair of Snowy m W Vancouver, B.C., June 4 & 28 (J-BK,JH, PL) and another Ploversbrought off a chick at their embattlednorthern outpost June 30 at Blaine, Wash. (PL), were rare summer sightings. on Catala spit, Ocean Shores,Wash. (G & WH). One of the Broodsof Barrow'sGoldeneye, a regularbut seldom-reported Snowies nesting at this location had been born and color-

Volume 40, Number 5 1245 at TillamookJuly 12-20 (JG,OS). The first small flocksof mi- grantsarrived July 19 at Delta and July 27 at Blackie Spit (both BK). The firstSemipalmated Sandpiper of the seasonat the famed Iona I. sewageponds appeared June 29 (DSo,MF et al.). One to four were presentuntil July5, then 69 were countedJuly 6 (IMP),200 Semipalmatedswere there July 18 (BK), and 120 were still presentJuly 31 (MF et al.). Elsewherethe high count was of eight at Witty's Lagoon,Metchosin, V.I., July 19 (KT). Three adultswere seenin Washington,at Dungenessand San JuanI., JulyI & 17 (PL,ML). The first of three adultsfound in Oregonwas June29 at Tillamook (JJ,DBa et al.) and the only iramaturesreported for the Regionwere four alongthe Oregon coastJuly 23-29 (HN, JJ,OS, JE).Counts of over 1000 W. Sand- piperswere obtainedJuly 3-17 at Iona I. (RP, DK et al.), July 4 at LeadbetterPt. (BHT, PL), and July 12 at Tillamook (JG, OS).One of the Westernsat Tillamookhad been color-banded last winter in Peru. Fewer than usual Least Sandpiperswere reportedthis season.The high countswere of only 200 at Til- lamook July 12 (JG,OS) and BandonJuly 16 (HN).

S.A. Among the swarm of peep at Iona I., B.C., was a well- marked ad. Rufous-neckedStint July 3-4 (BMa, RP, tRC, DK, DJ,MP, H & JM) for the first well-documentedrecord Mongolian Plover at Bandon, Ore., July 12, 1986. Drawing/ since 1978. The excellent descriptionand sketchby RC Alan D. Barron. indicatedthat the bird was separablefrom a Little Stint by 1) a completely orange throat, with some white aroundthe baseof the bill only, 2) duskyspots or streaks bandedin California (Gary Page),which is a goodsign for the present only below, not within, the orangethroat and future recovery of this breedingpopulation. upper breast, and 3) the wing covertsbeing gray, not The first few Greater Yellowlegsappeared on scheduleJune buff-brown. 18-25 at Victoria (RSa),Tillamook (HN), and Eugene(SH). First arrivals at other locationswere spreadthrough early July,and the 12 at Tillamook June 29 was the high count (JJ,DB). The Two early Ruffs were noted July 19 on Reifel I., Delta, B.C. earliest report and the high count for LesserYellowlegs was (John Ireland). As usual the only large flocks of Short-billed the 20 seenJune 27 on the RobertsBank jetty, Delta, B.C. (BK, Dowitcherswere on the largebays along the Washingtoncoast, PL). Two Solitary Sandpipersspent the seasonagain at the with 3000 at Willapa Bay July 4 (BHT, PL) and "several thou- Gold Lake bog,e. Lane Co., Ore. (SH et al.). They becamevery sand" on Grays Harbor July 17 (G & WH). Elsewhere there agitated upon approach,but no nest or fledglingswere ob- were 200 at Tillamook July 16 (HN, JE) and 50-t- on Witty's served.Elsewhere the first fall migrants appearedat the Dia- Lagoon,Metchosin, V.I., July 16-19 (RSa, BW, Jeff Gaskin). mond Lake sewageponds, Douglas Co., Ore., July 22 (DFi) and Small flocksof Long-billed Dowitchers were widely scattered near Enumclaw, Pierce Co., Wash.,July 26 (DBe).The first few during July, with high countsof 25-37 at Cowichan Bay, V.I., Willets returned to Tokeland, on Willapa Bay, Wash., by July Iona I., B.C., and the S.R.C.R.,Ore. Up to eight juv. Wilson's 3 (PL) and to Yaquina Bay and Bandon,Ore., July 16 (JE,HN). Phalaropeswere seen July 15-t-at the Diamond Lake sewage A Wandering Tattler found June 6 on Iceberg Pt., Lopez I., ponds,and breedingat the s. end of DiamondL. was suspected Wash.,was late (SA). The first returning migrantswere noted (DFi, DI, MH, MSa). July 15 on Triangle I., off the n.w. tip of V.I. (MF), and July 20- 24, slightly later than usual, at Victoria, San Juan I., Tatoosh GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- The first June records for I., and Bandon (RSa, ML, BP, Tom Crabtree). Movement of Franklin's Gull in the Vancouver, B.C., area were of one adult SpottedSandpipers into areasin which they did not breed was at Iona I., June7 (tBK,JH), and two adultsat Pt. Roberts,Wash., first reportedJuly 18-20 at Olympia, Seatfie,and San JuanIs., June20 (fBK, Leona Haggart).A juv. Franklin's at Iona I., July Wash. (JBu, DBe, ML). 31 was the first of the regular fall migrants(MF, RP et al.). An High countsfor Whimbrelswere of 120 at OceanShores July ad. Little Gull in breedingplumage was seen July 23 off Clover 3 (PL) and at LeadbetterPt., Wash.,July 4 (PL, BHT), 23 along Pt., Victoria (fVG, KT). It or another Little Gull was observed BoundaryBay in Delta, B.C., July 19 (RobCatchpole), and 30 Aug. 3 at WestPt., Seattle(Rob Thorne). Surely the increasing at Tillamook July 30 (Dave Hoffman).Three Long-billedCur- numbersof Little Gulls found here late in springand early in lews at Yaquina Bay June8 and July 4 apparentlysummered the fall are nestingat undiscoveredsites in the Canadiannorth. (Verda Teale); the eight at LeadbetterPt., July 4 could have Groupsof one to 10 Bonaparte'sGulls were widely scattered been recent arrivals or summering individuals (PL, BHT). A in the Regionduring June,with a higher concentrationin the Marbled Godwit was found June 23 along Boundary Bay in Vancouver, B.C., area. Numbers increasedsteadily through Delta, B.C., where it is a rare migrant (H & JM). Five others July, and flocks of several hundred were widely reportedby were found June 11-July 4 at Dungenessand Willapa Bay, late July. Heermann'sGulls moved N into the Regionduring Wash.,and Tillamook, Ore. Three Ruddy Turnstonesat Ocean July as usual. Ring-billed Gulls arrived from the east during Shores,Wash., June 27 were early (G & WH). The first flocks June,with W movement noted through the Columbia Gorge notedwere at Bandon,Ore., July 14 (DI), and 50 at Dungeness, (HN). An estimated8000 CaliforniaGulls had arrived at Ocean Wash., July 21 (D & SSm). Arrival of Black Turnstones and Shores,Wash., by July 27 (BMo, TW). Not all of these traveled Surfbirdsthroughout the Regionwas notedon scheduleJuly down the several river valleys. A flock of 28 flew from east to 14-22. SingleRed KnotsJune 21-23 in Delta (RP,BK et al.) and westacross 4900' Naches Pass July 30 (DBe).Widespread nesting June27 at nearby BlackieSpit (PL)were rare summer visitors failure by Glaucous-wingedGulls was observedin the San to the Vancouver,B.C., area.Three Red Knotsin basicplumage Juan Is., Wash. (ML, FS). Hundreds of adults were present on were also at LeadbetterPt., July 4 (PL), and one to two were Bird Rock, Williamson's Rock, and Colville I., but no chicks.

1246 American Birds, Winter 1986 The first Corn Tern of the season was an adult at Iona I, K•ngCo, Wash (DBe),and LowerMar•lyn L, e. LaneCo, Ore June 27 (PL, BK). F•fteen adult and 45+ one-year-oldCom. (K•t Larson,fide SH). PdeatedWoodpeckers were w•dely re- Terns were at Dungeness,Wash., July 1-2 (PL) and 40+ were portedin the usual small numbers. there July 14 (DBe),for higherthan usualnumbers this early No Olive-sided Flycatcherswere heard this seasonin the in the season.A one-year-oldForster's Tern was seen with Toketee R.D., e. DouglasCo., Ore., by an observerliving and Commonsat DungenessJuly 2 (tPL) for the 5th w. Washington working in the area (DFi). Elsewhere,however, the species record.At least 3 pairsof Arctic Terns nestedagain on the 40- was reportedto be in its usualnumbers. Willow Flycatchers acre gravellot by the Everett,Wash., harbor (BS,EH). This lot continue to do well in the Region.Normal numbers were re- •s containedwithin the U.S. Navy's home port expansionplans corded on several of the U.S.F.&W.S. Breeding Bird Surveys for Everett. in Washington,and more than usualwere foundnear Tacoma A thoroughcensus of the San JuanIs., Wash., found 645 ad. (CC).The first recordof the LeastFlycatcher for ManningP P P•geonGuillemots this July (ML, FS). Sucia I. hosted139 of was providedby one found June22 at Alison Pass,1350 m these, Stuart I. 90, Maria I. 86, SpeidenI. 70, and Davis Bay, (DK,D & EJ).A DuskyFlycatcher was seenand heardJuly 19- LopezI., 65. Hopefullythis censuswill be repeatedin the fu- 20 in the Royal Creek basin, n.e. of Mr. Deception,Jefferson ture The first fledglingwas notedAug. 15. Marbled Murrelets Co.,Wash. (•CC). This siteis on the dry n.e.side of the Olympic were observed30 mi inland on Mary's Peak, on the e. side of Mrs. The last of the springmovement of W. Kingbirdswas one the CoastRange, Ore. (Kim Nelson, Will Wright, Brad Fiero). noted June 6-7 at Sea I., near Vancouver, B.C. (JohnKnezek- On each visit Apr. 28-June 26 they saw and heard several of evich, m.ob.).An E. Kingbirdobserved June 1-12 in Saanich, these birds on the e. slopeof the peak (fide ME). No nestsor V.I. (KT et al.) and two at the Montlake fill, Seattle,June 7-8 fledglingswere found,and a paperis in preparation.The first (EliseCole, DBe, DW) were unusualfor thoselocalities. fledglingthis seasonwas seen off SuciaI., SanJuan Co., Wash., The small colony of Horned Larks discoveredin 1984 (AB July 22 (ML, FS). 38:1055)on a natural prairie on Ft. Lewis, Pierce Co., Wash, The count of 156 Cassin'sAuklets at sea off Westport July was absentthis season,based on 5 visits to the area (GW). Five 26 was a rebound to normal numbers following 3 seasonsof male and six female Purple Martins were seenon the dolphins low counts(7 Julytrips 1983-1985,59 total Cassin'sAuklets-- at the head of Cowichan Bay, Duncan, V.I., June 14-24 (RSa), TW) The count of 1727 RhinocerosAuklets seenJuly 26 (TW up from 2 pairs last year. Twenty or more pairs, up from 15, et a! ) was the highest count out of Westport for any season nested on Ft. Lewis, Wash., in martin houses and wood duck and was more than triple the averagetrip total for July.Another boxes(GW). Fifteen fledglings were bandedat boxesin Olympia h•gh alcid count was the massedflock of 1600 Tufted Puffins (fide Kelly McAllister). Isolated pairs nested successfullyat seenat once from Triangle I., V.I., in mid-July (MF). At least outpostson San JuanI. (ML, FS) and BainbridgeI. (Ian Paulsen) s•xHorned Puffinswere observedJuly 6-23 at TriangleI. (MF). The Washington Dept. of Game has begun a monitoring pro- One was seen entering a burrow July 14 and another was de- gram for Purple Martins, hopefully to include all known nest fending a ledge July 16, but no actual indication of breeding sites in the state. was noted. The Triangle I. Horned Puffin site was occupied every seasonduring the 1970s, and is the southernmostsite WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Single Rock Wrens, on the West Coast where actual breeding evidence has been typically east-sidebirds of relatively dry areas, were found obtmned (Canadian Field-Nat. 93:84, 1979). .singingJune 1 near NachesPass, King Co., Wash., June 12 on Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic Mrs., and June 22 atop Sno- OWLS THROUGH MABTINS -- Recentlythere have been qualmie Mr., King Co., Wash. (all DBe). Two were singingon w•despreadreports of Boreal Owls in e. Washington,at sites SaddleMr., ClatsopCo., Ore., June 25 (HN), and three were at above5000' in EnglemannSpruce. In addition,an imm. Boreal 8000'on Mr. Thielsen, e. DouglasCo., Ore. (DFi). At the e. edge Owl was photographedJuly 2 near the PorcupineCreek camp- of their range in British Columbia, six Bewick'sWrens were ground,about 7 mi up the RobinsonCreek trail, n.w. of Ma- observedin Manning P.P., June 22 (DK). Two Ruby-crowned zama, in the N. Cascadesof Washington (Tom Parsons).An- Kingletswere seenand heard singingJuly 19-20 abouta mile other BorealOwl was callingJuly 10 in CathedralLakes Park, apart along upper Royal Creek in the n.e. Olympic Mrs. of lust n.e. of Manning P.P. in the Cascadesof s. BritishColumbia Washington(CC). This dry, rain-shadowsite is considerably (fide DK). An adult and two imm. N. Saw-whet Owls were west (or south, dependingon the subspecies)of the known seenJuly 12 on the lower slopesof Granite Mr., King Co., Wash. breeding range. (TP), and a road-killed immature found July 13 on Ft. Lewis, Three active nests of Mountain Bluebirds near Naches Pass P•erce Co., Wash. (GW) provided further evidence of local June 1, and three additional males in the area, establisheda neshng. first breeding record for King Co., Wash. (DBe). At least 105 Common Nighthawks were more numerous than in recent pairsof W. Bluebirds,up from 51 last year, nestedon Ft. Lew•s, years at several regular locations in Pierce, Thurston, and Wash., this season,and over 400 fledglingswere banded (GW) Whatcom counties, Wash. (GW, BHT, TW). Up to 10 Black The Corvallis, Ore., bluebird trail experiencedits 2nd highest Swifts were again seen this seasonat Salt Creek Falls, Lane productionof youngin 10 years,with 180 fledglings(EE). Nu- Co, Ore., but still no evidence of nesting was noted (m.ob., merous Hermit Thrushes were heard, and one seen, this season fide SH). in the Coast Range near Melrose, w. Douglas Co., Ore. (DI) A 8 Costa's Hummingbird was seenJune I on a ceanothus- This is n. and w. of the range for the speciesas described•n coveredhillside just e. of Medford, Ore. (tHN). There are more Gabrielsonand Jewerr,Birds of Oregon.The record of a Veery than a dozen records of this hummingbird in Oregon now. heard at Pitt Meadows, just e. of Vancouver, B.C., on July 8, Most have been in late springand summer, and at feeders.A 1982 (AB 36:1010) was not consideredacceptable by the Van- CalhopeHummingbird, rare w. of the Cascades,was seenalong couver Bird Records Committee, and should be deleted. In the Swift Res., e. of Cougar, in Skamania Co., Wash., on the most summers since 1980 there has been a small northward annual solsticecensus on Mt. St. Helens (fide DA). None was movementof N. Mockingbirds.This seasonindividuals were found at Thorn Prairie, e. DouglasCo., Ore., June I (DFi, DI), north to Oysterville, Pacific Co., Wash., June 15 (DW), Alaksen where they have nested in some summers. N.W.A., Delta, B.C., June 16-18 (Rob Butler et al.), Ucluelet, A pair of Red-napedSapsuckers was feedingyoung July 20 on the w. coastof V.I., June 17 (Eric Tull, BrookGlibbon), and near Colonial Creek campground,on Thunder Arm, along the Triangle I., off the n.w. tip of V.I., July 19-23 (A1Burger et al, upper Skagit R., Whatcorn Co., Wash. (TW). This is about 20 ph. MF). m• w. of the Cascadecrest, and well within typical Red- A singingRed-eyed Vireo returned June 5+ to Fern Ridge breastedSapsucker habitat. Active nestsof Three-toed Wood- Res.,Eugene, Ore., near the s. edgeof its breeding range w. of peckerswere recordedat Manning P.P. (DK, WW), NachesPass, the Cascades(SH). Pleasedelete the recordof a Red-eyedVireo

Volume 40, Number 5 1247 found last summer w of Elsie, Clatsop Co, Ore (AB 39 955), pugetenmsWhite-crowned Sparrow was observedJuly 19 along at the request of the observer. the upperSkag•t R., B.C. (DK, TC, DD). Th•s •s a seldom-reported A Chestnut-sided Warbler sighted June 22 at Burnaby L. location, but is not far from the regularly observedpopulation providedthe 3rd recordfor the Vancouver,B.C., area (tAllen at the s. end of Ross L., Wash. & Helen Poynter).The only previousspring record was June Brewer's Blackbirds were much more abundant than usual 19, 1979. An imm. 3 Am. Redstartwas singingat Brookings, in the Toketee R.D., DouglasCo., Ore. (DFi) and in Pierce and Curry Co., Ore., June 14 (SH, JG, JJ,Eric Pozzo). Two 3 Am. Thurston counties, Wash. (GW). The • "Baltimore" N. Oriole Redstarts were seen at McDiarmid Meadows, Manning P.P., was last seen at Fern Ridge Res., Eugene, Ore., June 13 (SG). possiblya potential breedingsite, June21 and July 6 (DK, SC, Twenty N. Orioles, many more than usual, were present m BMa, WW). At leastone N. Waterthrushwas at the Salt Creek Fort Steilacoom Park, near Tacoma, Wash. (CC). A first-year site, e. Lane Co., Ore. (seeAB 37:1022)throughout the season male was noted in a blackberry thicket on Mt. Dallas,San Juan (m.ob.,fide SH), and a male was seenJune 28 at nearby Gold I., July 30, for the first confirmed San Juan County record (ML, Lake bogfor the first sightingthere (SG).Six N. Waterthrushes ph.). Elsewherethe specieswas well reported, from the e. s•de were noted June 21 in Manning P.P., on the w. edge of the of southern V.I., the e. side of the Puget Sound trough, and m species'breeding range in s. British Columbia (DK, SC, BMa). the Willamette Valley. An imm. • HoodedOriole was present for a few days around June 6 at a feeder in Florence, Ore (Margaret Markley et al.), for the 2nd Lane County record S.do Red Crossbillswere abundant in all reporting areas of the Hermit Warblers were found regularly and were al- Region, coastal,lowland, and mountain. A few White-winged most commonalong the e. side of the Olympic Mts. this Crossbills remained with the Reds near Mt. Rainier (CC) A year. Nine were seenJune 2 at the Mr. Walker viewpoint, pair of White-wingedswas seenJune 25 near White Pass,Wash just s. of Quilcene, JeffersonCo. (JSk). One male was (G & WH), and four were observedJune 29-July 4 at Gold L, found on Fuzzy Top, in Capitol Forest,s.w. of Olympia e. Lane Co. (TM, SG). Pine Siskins also continued very abun- (JBu).An extensive survey for the Univ. of Washington dant in Washington (BHT, GW, CC). Among few lowland Burke Museum found Hermit Warblers at over a dozen breeding recordsof Evening Grosbeaksare the pair and four sitesbetween Shelton and Quilcene (Chris Wood). Most fledglingsat a feeder in Olympia July 16q- (Ilse Allen) and an interestingly, a collected seriesof these birds indicated immature noted in Corvallis June 29 (E & ME). that all showed evidence of hybridization with Town- send's Warblers.

INITIALED OBSERVERS,with subregionaleditors in bold- BUNTINGS THROUGH FINCHES -- Many more Lazuli face -- David Anderson,Scott Atkinson, David Bailey (DBa),Jock Buntings than usual were found in Pierce Co. (BHT, GW), Beall (JBe),Dave Beaudette(DBe), Joe Buchanan (JBu), Richard Thurston Co. (JSk),and Lewis Co. (CC), Wash., and in Douglas Cannings,Sydney Cannings,Chris Chappell,Terry Cox, Dave Co., Ore. (DFi). Among the numerous Lazulis near Roseburg, Dunbar, Elsie & Merlin Eltzroth, Joe Evanich, David Fix (DF•), Ore., was a • Indigo Bunting, found in late July for a first Doug- Mike Force,Dave Fraser (DFr), JeffGilligan, Vic Goodwill,Steve Gordon,Bill Harrington-Tweit,Steve Heinl, Glen & WandaHoge, las County record (DI, MH, Meredith Jones).The Indigo was JanetHudson, Eugene Hunn, Matt Hunter, Dave Irons,Dale & Ev- apparently paired with a • Lazuli and was observedfeeding a elyn Jensen,Jim Johnson,Brian Kautesk,Doug Kragb, Paul Leh- fledglingbunting and a young Brown-headedCowbird. man, Mark Lewis, Bruce MacDonald (BMa), Hue & Jo Ann Following last summer's discovery of breeding Brewer's MacKenzie,Alan MacLeod,Tom Mickel, BobMorse (BMo), Harry Sparrows in e. Lane Co., Ore., the observationof 15+ imm. Nehls, Bob Paine, Ted Peterson,Roy Phillips, Michael Price, Joy Brewer's July 25-Aug. 3 at the nearby Diamond Lake sewage & Ron Satterfield(J & RSa),Martha Sawyer (MSa),Owen Schmidt, pond was not so surprising (tDI, DFi, MSa, MH). An equal Fred Sharpe,Michael Shepard(MSh), JeffSkriletz (JSk),Dory & number of Chipping Sparrowsand about six Vesper Sparrows Stan Smith (D & SSm),Daphne Solecki (DSo), Steve Speich, Bob were alsoin the flock. Good breedingsuccess for VesperSpar- Sundstrom,Keith Taylor, Terry Wahl, GeorgeWalter, Wayne We- rows was noted on San Juan I. (ML, FS) and Ft. Lewis (GW), ber, Dale Wesley,Bruce Whittington.--PHILIP W. MATTOCKS, Wash., but the specieswas unreported from southern V.I. A JR., Rt. 2, Box 200, Vasbon, WA 98070.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION

Richard A. Erickson, Stephen F. Bailey, ABBREVIATIONS -- C.B.R.C. = California Bird Records and Alan D. Barron Committee; C.V. = Central Valley; O.S.P. = Open SpacePreserve, S.F. = San Francisco;W.A. = Wildlife Area; ph. = photo on file with the RegionalEditors. Italicized names refer to counties All aralloncess. WesternIslands Gullsseabirds and hadCommonmixed Murresreproductive did rathersuc- sightings from Palomarin and S.E.Farallon I. (hereafterF.I.) should be creditedto Pt. ReyesBird Observatory(hereafter P.R.B.O.). Ref- well, while Brandt's Cormorants and Cassin's Auklets had erencesto the Gull refer to Golden Gate Audubon Society'spub- a fair season.Pelagic Cormorants and Pigeon Guillemots, lication,whose observations column is currently written by Helen the inshore feedersmost sensitive to the warm water/re- A. Green. duced upwelling syndrome (e.g., E1 Nifio), suffered a bad season.Conversely, the latter two speciesreproduced well LOONS THROUGH PELICANS--Northbound loons in Monterey County (AB). A levee break at BigLake, Shasta were noted as late asJune 13 (four Red-throatedsand 23 Pac•fics County, flooded many acres and attracted county record at PigeonPt., San Mateo) and June 18 (sevenPacifics at Santa numbersof sevenspecies of waterbirdsJuly 13 (BY, BVdM). Cruz--all DLSu). Horned Grebes lingered at outer Pt. Reyes At Pt. Reyes the springvagrant seasonwas generally un- to June 2 {JM,DAH) and BodegaBay to July 19 (DAH, KFC), •mpressive,but coveragemay have been down. In contrast, and Red-necked Grebes lingered with them to June 5 (two-- Humboldt County experienced its best June on record. RS} and June 15 (SFB}at Pt. Reyes, and to June 16 at Bodega

1248 American Birds, Winter 1986 Harbor (RAE, KFC, NTC). Over 300 W. Grebes nested very successfullyat L. San Antonio, Monterey (DR, RLR). From one to 5 pairsof Clark'$ Grebeswere known or suspectedbreeding at each of 5 localities in Plumas, Mono, Stanislaus, and Mon- • -Yrek•- ' [_',+-LAVA VBEDS terey,all syrupatticwith W. Grebes.Seven Clark's Grebes were 2ix• ' MI. 'Altu•a• reported summering on the coastfrom Marin to Monterey. •' •. Shasta . . Black-footedAlbatross was well-reported, with 20-200 on 9 boat trips from Marin to Monterey. Two Laysan Albatrosses .• Eureka •ss•N ' • • were offshoreMonterey June 7 (JSL,TAC). Northern Fulmars • - •a• ' ' L• •O•L remained numerous throughout the period, with up to 30 per trip around Cordell Bank, Marin, and up to eight offshore Monterey. A major and unseasonalinflux concentrated150 at Cordell Bank July 13 (SFBeta/.). Following this spring'ssightings of Pterodromapetrels 15- 20 mi s.w. of Cordell Bank, Marin, birding boat trips repeated thesefindings in the samearea. Due to identificationdifficulties often including poor viewing conditions,many individuals could only be called "large dark Pterodroma,probably Solan: ..•: '.o•o•estO der's or Murphy's". However, three of seven birds on June 1 were well photographed(two at closerange on the water!) and described(ph. JMD; fRAE, fADB, fMJL, m.ob.). We still have much to learn about thesespecies, and the C.B.R.C.has yet to vote, but apparentlyone of these three was Murphy's Petrel "'asco • • Coaminga and the other two (plus perhapsanother--DGY) were Solan- der's Petrels. Of the eight seen June 7, two were identified as Pal•Alto • AN Murphy's and two as Solander's(fJM, fMJL, RS et al.). All five San Josee on June13 and both birdson July4 were too distantto identify to species(KFC, JM, m.ob.). On June 7 one petrel was light- bellied, probablyof the "Cookilaria" group (fJM, DLS).

Apparent Sa/ander'sPetrel (Pterodroma solandri) beyond Cor- dell Bank, Cal., June 1, 1986. Note pa/enessencircling baseof bill, and relatively large bill in comparisonto Murphy's Petrel. Photo/].Michael Danzenbaker.

ApparentMurphy's Petrel [Pterodroma ultima) beyondCordell Bank, Ca/., June 1, 1986. Note whitish throat and relatively small bill in comparisonto Sa/ander's Petrel.Photo/]. Michael Danzenbaker.

Shearwaterswere very scarce(KFC, DLS, DLSu). No Pink- footedShearwater totals exceeded 10. No largeflocks of Sooty Shearwatersappeared, and mostboats found fewer than 1000. At least one Buller's Shearwaterwas exceptionally early in the Cordell Bank area, Marin, assingle sightings occurred June 13 (KFC), July4 (JM),and July 13 (SFB,JM). Cordell Bank also attractedstorm-petrels, highlighted by a remarkable concentration rafted on plankton-rich waters July 13. It included a very unseasonalWilson's Storm-Petrel(tiM, fSFB,RS) and up to 20 Fork-taileds,20 Leach's,and 1200 Ashy Storm-Petrels (SFB, JM). JM suggeststhat the regular summer occurrence of Fork-tailedsat CordellBank may indicate undetected breeding on F.I. or some small coastal island in central California. The southernmostknown coloniesof this speciesare near Trinidad, Flight view of sameapparent Sa/ander' s Petrel beyondCordell Humboldt. Bank. Note the relatively bold whitish patch on the underside Brown Pelicans vacated Santa Clara in June but returned of the primaries,and the narrow bar formed by dark tips to the in record numbersin July, with up to 300+ at Palo Alto July pa/e greater underprimary-coverts.Photo/]. Michael Danzen- 17 (JY, AL). baker.

Volume 40, Number 5 1249 HERONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- A • Least B•ttern SHOREBIRDS--Shoreb•rd observersare encouragedto at Arcata Marsh July 7-17 (JackMays, tGSL, tLPL et al.) was report age/sex/plumage data as an essentmlpart of under- a first for Humboldtas well asproviding the first coastalrecord standingthe migration,timing, and nestingsuccess, as well as n of Marin. An imm. Little Blue Heron was at Las Gallinas vagrancypatterns, of thesebirds. For thispurpose shorebirders sewageponds, Marin, July 18-24 (JMet al.). Singlead. Little should utilize the recently-publishedShorebirds, an Identifi- Blues were near Richvale, Butte, July 10-11 (J. Hainline), at cation Guideby Hayman, Marchant, and Prater, with its many CharlestonSlough, Santa Clara, June14 (T. Simons),and So- excellent color plates. nomaDunes Campground, Sonoma, June I (S.L.Yee, fDGY bt An army of 200 Black-belliedPlovers at the Modestosewage al ). Forty-threeCattle Egrets near RichvaleJuly 2 (J.Hainline) pondsJuly 27 (HMR) certainly symbolizedfall migration•n was considereda "Buttehigh count",and one at RodeoLagoon, action. As dominica Lesser Golden-Plovers sometimes reach Marin, July30 was unseasonal(CLF). White-faced Ibises were Argentinaby late Augustand startnesting slightly earlier and widely reportedin goodnumbers. Eighty pairs nested at Colusa closerto California than the mostly coastalmigrant fulva, we N W.R., with 132 birds there in late June (GM). Twenty-one mightfind our Julyand earlyAugust records to be of domimca ibisesat Lower Klamath N.W.R., July 31 (RE) included juve- Note however that fulva has been known to show up on •ts niles, which suggestsbreeding on the refugefor the 2nd year w. Pacificmigration routes, and even in Hawaii, by the end of in a row followinga 25-yearabsence. Fifteen in SurpriseValley, July.As with all shorebirds,the actualdirection of movement Modoc,June 16 (BED)were away from areasof recent concen- can be confusingat times, and random wandering is also a trations. factor. This season'sonly birds were identified as "probably" Two Tundra Swansat L. Almanor, Plumas,June 5 (BED)and fulva: one in partial-alternate plumage at Abbott's Lagoon, one there June24 (DAA) might have been cripples.All goose Marin, July 31 (•DAH), and one in alternate plumage at the speciesexcept Ross' were well reportedas summering in small SalinasR. mouthJuly 8-12 (•DLSu,DEG et al.). A downyyoung numbersand all appearedhealthy. July Butte Mallard popu- Snowy Plover at the Modestosewage ponds June 3-5 (HMR, lationswere thoughtto be aboutone-third of 1985'shigh num- ECa)established the firstStanislaus nesting record. bers while Cinnamon Teal numbers there were at a 12-year Black Oystercatcher colonization of e. San FranciscoBay high (JHS).Last year's first Mari n N. Shovelernesting was re- continued as evidenced by several reports (SFB, RAE, JM et peatedat LasGallinas sewage ponds, as five young were found al.). A pair of Black-neckedStilts nested again at Humboldt July4 (DAH).Gadwalls did very well at PaloAlto FloodControl Bay, fiedgingtwo young at Arcata Marsh in July (GSL,RLeV Basin,Santa Clara, where 410 birds July 10 were estimatedto et al.). American Avocetsdid well at CharlestonSlough, Santa be 70-80% immatures (DLSu). Several coastal summering Clara, where 545 including youngwere seenJune 15 (DLSu) Canvasbackswere usual, as was the fact that the high count A group of 16 Greater Yellowlegsat Fremont June 20 (RAE) reportedof nineat theModesto sewage ponds, Stanislaus, June was thought to be a record summer concentration.The first 1-July 31 (HMR) was inland.A surveyof Ring-neckedDucks juveniles reported were at Petaluma, Sonoma,July 21, w•th at 35 lakes in e. Tehama, w. Lassen,and n. Plumasin Juneby the first juv. Lesserat Pt. ReyesJuly 31 (both DAH). The only Beth Waterbury revealedabout 65 birds includingjuveniles. Solitary Sandpiper reported was at Woodland Sugar Ponds, This is a real increase over 1982-1984 surveys by DAA. For Yolo, July 27 (KS). An excellent summer gathering of 150+ the 3rd consecutiveyear, Ring-neckedswere found nesting Willets was at the MossLanding salt pondsJune 16 (DEG) The near L. Earl, Del Norte (PFS).A 3 Ring-neckedat Pescadero first juv. Willet reportedaway from nestingareas was at Moss Marsh June24 throughJuly (PJMet al.) provideda first San LandingJuly 13 (SNGH).A Junehigh count of Whimbrelswas Mateo summer record. Two 3 LesserScaups at the Chester of 44 at the MossLanding salt pondsJune 16 (DEG),while one sewageponds, Plumas, June 24 (DR) were•within a possible at the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin June 20-July 4 (PMB) breedingarea as they have bred in adjacentLassen. Extralimital provided the first Santa Clara summer record. Were 300+ nestingwas confirmedagain in Santa Clara (at leastthe 4th Marbled Godwitsat the MossLanding salt pondsJune 16 (DEG) time in recent years)when a female and ducklingswere seen summering,or just arrived from the north? Note the number July20 (PMB).Last season's King Eider at the SalinasR. mouth, of Willets, Whimbrels, and Ruddy Turnstonesalso at this date Monterey,was last seenJune 15 (DR).Oldsquaw was reported and location. A late northbound Marbled Godwit was on F I, in the Regionfor the 7th consecutivesummer, with one at May 31-June 2, unusual dates. Twenty-eight Ruddy Turn- TamalesBay, Marin, June21-July 8 (JM et al.). A • Cam. Gol- stoneswere at the Moss Landing salt ponds June 16 (DEG) deneyewas at Bay Farm I., Alameda,July 16 (DAH, DDK) and Eight Surfbirdsat Ano Nuevo Pt., June24 (PJM)beat the pre- one was at the SalinasR. mouth June 28-July 8 for one of the vious San Mateo early date (July 9) by 15 days, while a Red few summer Monterey records(PJM, DR, DLSu). The above- Knot there the same day (PJM) provided a first June county mentionedRing-necked Duck surveyalso counted Buttleheads record. •n the same area and found the populationto be stablecom- It was the bestJuly on recordfor SemipalmatedSandpipers, pared to 1981-1984 surveys.A Red-breastedMerganser was with a minimum of 23 found. Adults were at L. Earl, Del Notre, at Mona L., July 6 (SFBet al.). A melanistic3 Ruddy Duck at July 14 (ADB), Eureka July 25 (RAE, ADB), and the Modesto Charleston Slough June 19-27 (DLSu) was a very interesting sewageponds (Stanislaus' first) July 27 (•ECa, tHMR). Two find and rarely recordedfor this species. veniles were at Eureka July 30-31 (ADB, RAE), one was at Arcata,Humboldt, July 31 (SDF),two were at the Ukiah sewage HAWKS THROUGH RAILS -- Ospreysdid well at L. Al- ponds[Mendocino's 2nd record)July 31 (RAE),and onewas at manor, as last year, with 77% of 30 nests being successful Abbott'sLagoon, Marin, July 31 (fDAH). CoastalDel Norte was (DAA). The tufa-nestingOspreys at Mona L. were back this checked daily in late July by ADB who found juveniles July year June8 (PDGet al.). A BaldEagle nest that producedyoung 22-29, with a peak of 14 on July 28. JuvenileW. Sandpipers at Union Valley Res.,El Dorado,was well s. of recentSierran were not noted until July 26 and only six were found by July sites(DAA). A pair of Sharp-shinnedHawks possiblynested 28 (lessthan half the number of juv. Semipalmateds;all De/ at Stocktonin June(fide DGY), the female havingbeen released Norte--ADB et al.). This would seemto confirm the suggestion recently from a local rehabilitation center. This would be a made in AB 36:213 that the migration of juv. Semipalmateds very rare C.V. floor record.An ad. Red-shoulderedHawk was is earlierthan that of Westernsin California. near Grenada,Siskiyou, July 22 (RE), but this speciesis still A LeastSandpiper at Abbott'sLagoon, Marin, July27 (SNGH) not known to breed in the county after repeated sightings. wasthe firstjuvenile of thisspecies reported. Single ad. Balrd's TweRty-sevenpairs of Swainsoh'sHawks were locatedin Butte Sandpiperswere reportedat Pt. ReyesJuly 20 (RS)and Abbott's Valley, Siskiyou,with goodreproductive success noted (fide LagoonJuly 21 (fSNGH, SWW), while two were at the Smith DAA). An ad. Peregrine Falcon .near Richvale July 17 (JHS) R. estuary,Del Norte,July 24 (JKi,ADB, RAE). Another at Sali- provided a first Butte summer record. nassewage ponds July 21 (CT) was unagedbut by dateprobably

1250 American Birds, Winter 1986 also was an adult Juvenileswere first reported July 28 at Del adults were seen Aug 9 Not only was this the northernmost Norte (ADB).A PectoralSandpiper at ArcataMarsh, Humboldt, nestingfor w. North America, but it representedthe first in- June 1-3 (FJBet al.) furnished the latest springrecord for the terior sightingfor the Region. state.Interestingly, the first fall Pectoralswere all noted July Single Pigeon Guillemots near Cordell Bank June 7 (KFC) 20 as follows: six at L. Talawa, Del Norte (ADB), one at Pt. and July 13 (SFB)were unusual that far offshore.A pair of Reyes (RS), one at Modesto sewageponds, Stanislaus (ECa), Xantus' Murrelets was near F.I., June 2 (SFB),and this species and one at MossLanding (•-DAH,•-DDK). The early date indi- was recordedon all 5 trips to beyond Cordell Bank June I to catesthat all were adults, but only the latter was reportedas July 13, with a high of nine on June 13 (KFC, JM et al.). Do a such. An alternate-plumagedDunlin was at Arcata June 5- few Xantus' Murrelets nest on F.I. or elsewherein our Region? July 31 (RAE et al.). A Stilt Sandpiper was at Arcata Marsh A small portion of Cordell Bank had 2000 Cassin'sAuklets July 6-7 (FJBet al.), where the speciesis surprisinglyregular. gorgingin the plankton-rich waters July 13 (SFB et al.). The Last season'stwo partial-albino dowitchers at Charleston total number presentmust have been a substantialpart of the Sloughwere seenagain, with one remainingto July 10 (DLSu enormousF.I. breedingpopulation. An anomaly was the Cas- et al.). Of the severalother Junedowitchers reported, all were sin's Auklet on L. Talawa, Del Norte, July 22; it could fly well, Short-billedsand mostwere coastalas expected.The first juv. and the weather was clear and windless (ADB, JKi). About 23 Short-billed reported was at Abbott's LagoonJuly 31 (DAH). active Rhinoceros Auklet burrows were discovered on Ano Wilson'sPhalaropes were suspectedof nesting,away from their Nuevo I., San Mateo (GJS),for the southernmostconfirmed strongholdin the Great Basinand mountains,w. of Nelson, nesting in North America. Up to 11 Rhinoceros Auklets at Butte (four juveniles July 9--JHS) and at Petaluma (broody outer Pt. Reyes were suspectedof nesting on the mainland male presentJuly 13--BDP). Twenty-five ad. Red Phalaropes (DAH, DDK, RS). The 2 pairs of Tufted Puffins carrying food on a "beyond the Cordell Bank" trip Sonoma/Marin July 13 to the tip of Pt. Reyes in late June (RS) provided even more (RS,SFB, DLS) helped to fill the late-June-through-Julygap in convincingevidence. Single Horned Puffins were seen4 times records. s.w. of Cordell Bank June i (ph. JMD, •-MJLet al.), offshore MontereyJune 22 & 23 (fide DLS), and offshoreSanta Cruz June JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Probablythe sevenPo- 28 (fide DLS). . marine and two Parasiticjaegers reported June 1-7 were spring migrants,and the three Pomarinesand five ParasiticsJuly 14- SoAo 22 were fall migrants,but the subad.Pomafine at Santa Cruz The Point Reyes Bird Observatory has maintained a June 26 (DLSu) likely summered in California waters. Before long-term avian biomonitoringprogram at its Palomarin th•s year there were very few far-offshorebirding trips during Field Station in coastalMarin County since 1966. The spring and fewer spring recordsof Long-tailedJaeger in Cali- local avian production in coastal scrub and mixed ev- fornia. Four beyond Cordell Bank, Marin, June 7 included at ergreen forest at Palomarin has been estimatedfrom 11 leasttwo adults(RS, m.ob.). A singleimm. Long-tailedJaeger yearsof standardizedmist-netting data. These data sup- was there July 13 (JM), as was the year's first S. Polar Skua on ply evidence that a major reproductive failure of land- July 4 (DLS).Three S. Polar Skuaswere offshoreMonterey July birds occurredin 1986. The total number of youngbirds 20 (PJM, AB). bandedper 100 net hoursbetween May 10 and July 28 An ad. Laughing Gull flying acrossStockton sewage ponds of 1986 was only 36.8% of the average for the previous July 2 (•-DGY)provided the first C.V. record.Three ad. Frank- 10 years, and the 1986 ratio of young to adults was only hn's Gulls were about average. They were at Mad R. Estuary, 41.8% of the previous10-year mean. These reductions Humboldt, June 1 (FIB), Pt. Saint George, De/ Notre, June 9 represent statistically significant deviations from the (ADB), and Honey Lake W.M.A., June 13 (ph. •-TDM, AM). previous years' patterns. Moreover, this high level of Summering Bonaparte'sGulls Were widely reportedalong the reproductive failure occurred in virtually all of the 48 coast,with high countsof 49 at the SalinasR. mouth June 29 locallybreedin•g species and was independent offoraging (DR) and 66 at the Salinassewage ponds July 19 (DLSu).The guild, habitat preference,and nest location. Of special C V had up to five at the Modestosewage ponds (HMR, ERC). interest is the fact that no significantreductions in the A Mew Gull at New Brighton State Beach, Santa Cruz, June number of youngbirds or in the young/adult ratio oc- 26 carried very worn first-year plumage(DLSu). At Lower Kla- curredduring the first three 10-daysampling periods of math N.W.R., the large sump containingmany nestingislands 1986, indicating that the onset of reproductivefailures was drained in April, forcing the thousandsof ad. California began after the nestingseason was well under way and Gulls to abandonthis site by June1 (RE,MR). There was only after early nesterssuccessfully fledged young. The data scattered nesting elsewhere in the Klamath Basin this year. point to an onsetof reproductivefailure around the first Western Gulls continue to pioneer new nestingsites inside the week of May. Such a large-scalereproductive failure of S F Bay system;a nest was found June 7 as far inland as the an entire landbird community has not been previously BenlciaMarina, Solano i•-RL et al.). Migratingad. Sabine'sGulls reportedanywhere and no obviousweather factorsap- beyond Cordell Bank included 15 June 1 and three June 7 pear to explain the phenomenon. Preliminary investi- (KFC et al.). Three first-summerSabine's Gulls near F.I., June gation, however, indicates that severely reduced pro- 2 were also flying N (SFB). ductivity in 1986 may have characterizedmany avian About 260 CaspianTern nestsat Alameda Naval Air Station, speciesthroughout much of c. and n. California w. of Alameda, producedwell over 220 chicksand fledglingsby July the Sierra. Furthermore, the early and drastic curtail- 28 (LDC). An Elegant Tern at Martinez, Contra Costa,July 3 ment of breedingmay well have led to the early initiation (RJR)furnished the most inland record for the Region. Boat of fall migrationthat was detectedby P.R.B.O.research- trips beyond Cordell Bank, Marin, regularly detected Arctic ers both on the Farallon Is. and in the high country of Terns: two June 1, seven June 7, five June 13, and one July 4 the Sierra. Situations such as this in 1986 serve to illus- (KFC,RAE, DLS, JM). Least Terns produced the mostfledglings trate the immense importance of long-term landbird since 1981 (all LDC). At Alameda Naval Air Station, 37-47 biomonitoring projects.--Dave DeSante pairs (55 nestingattempts) fledged 68-83 young. Oakland In- ternational Airport hosted29-34 pairs (35 nests)and yielded 10-11 fledglings.The only other pair known in the Region CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A Yellow- fledgedtwo at W. Pittsburg,Contra Costa.Startling news was billed Cuckooat Mono L. County Park June 21 (tDLSu)was a of a pair of Black Skimmers nestingin a CaspianTern colony significantmigrant (2nd for the Mono Basin),as there are less at Tulare L. DrainageDistrict ponds,Kings (MOC et al.). Found than a handful of Regionalrecords e. of the Cascade/Sierra July 19, the pair had three chicks by July 27, but only the crest.

Volume 40, Number 5 1251 S.A. pectedfor at least10 years,primarily in this immediate vidnity. A few commentson California'sincipient Barred Owl A • Broad-tailed was at June L., Mono, June 24-27 (BHG, •de populationare in order, especiallyin light of what ap- DR) and a female above Eagleville July 5 (•KLH) was a first for pearedin the springreport. The followingknown males Modoc;a male was alsosaid to be presentby locals.One a few are all still accountedfor: Howland Hill, Del Norte(June miles to the south in LassenJuly 9,1975 was the only previous 19 and July 16--ADB et al.); Salyer,Trinity (this season, record for the n.e. corner of the state. Six southbound Rufous no date);Willow Creek, Humboldt (May); near Orleans, Hummingbirds(five ad. males,one female/immature) had al- Humboldt(rediscovered in mid-July;pair presentin June ready gathered at Kennedy Meadows, Tuolumne, June 20 1983).The latter thre.e birdswere all reportedby Spotted (KVV), and one or two ad. • Allen's Hummingbirds at Shasta Owl biologistJohn Brack (fide GSL) along with the fact June14-26 (BY. CY) were far e. of their breedingrange. that the Orleans bird was seen to drive off the male of The seasoh'smost heartbreaking rarity (owing to its brief a pair of Spotted Owls while under observation.This visit) was the stunningRed-headed Woodpecker at Pt. Saint negative aspectof the Barred Owl's expansionin the George, Del Norte, June 9 (ph. |Ki, •ADB, •GSL, •LPL, tWER). Pacific Northwest has caused considerable concern California's only previous acceptablerecord was at the Salton among those involved in Spotted Owl management. Sea in July/August 1971. Consequently,the discoveryof Siskiyou'sfirst Barred Owl, another vocal male, on upper Somes Cr., near SomesBar, in May {TH, j•de J. Brack. GSL; details not FLYCATCttEllS TttllOUGtt VIllEOS--The dismal yet seen}is not necessarilygood news. spring for Willow Flycatchers along the coast continued with only three birds reported(Marin and Monterey June2-6). In- At Yosemite'sMcGurk Meadow, two Great Gray Owls were land reportsare less easily evaluated. A singingLeast Fly- fledgedfrom only the 7th known natural nest in California catcher near Crescent City (Del Norte's first) June 3-8 (ADB, (JW).A singlebird was fledgedat Crane Flat (JW et al.). There •LPL et al.) surprisinglydid not remain to summer.Did any of is currently considerableinterest in the statusof Short-eared California'sprevious spring migrants sing? Owls in California;nevertheless we receivedno reportsof any Two Say'sPhoebes in San Carlos,San Mateo, June14 (DLSu) kind. hinted at possiblelocal nesting,but unfortunately there was A Corn. Nighthawk over Livermore June11 (PAW, j•de ALE) no follow-up. This speciesis not known to breed anywhere was at leastAlameda's 4th record,surprising since this species closerthan the dry foothills of the Coast Rangesto the east is almost unknown in California as a migrant. Another Ala- and south.Unseasonal coastal W. Kingbirdswere at Pt. Reyes meda record from Berkeley Apr. 20, 1924 (Grinnell & Miller. June15 (DAH), near Ft. Dick, Del Norte, June21 (ADB),and at 1944. Distribution of the birds of California. Paci•c CoastAvi- Russian Ridge O.S.P., San Mateo, June 29 (PLN). The latter fauna No. 27.) should be disregarded,as the specieshas not bird wassaid to be in goodhabitat where nestingis a possibility. been reliably recordedin the state earlier than late May. An Vagrant E. Kingbirdswere one to two at Pt. ReyesJune 1•l-15 impressiveaddition to the Pt. Reyeslist was the Whip-poor- (RS, SFB, DAH et al.), one at Muir Beach,Marin, July 22 (D. will seenJune 6 (tGH, tRS).The only previousRegional record Williams, j•de HAG) and, more impressively,one at Sacramento wasof a callingbird in Tularein June1983 (AB 38:243), possibly June23 (DOM,j•de TDM). A pair waspresent at their traditional extendingthe fringesof the limited s. California range. site (sinceat least1976) near Edgewood.Siskiyou, at leastearly A pair of White-throated Swifts returned to nest at Tule June to July 12 (RE, MR et al.). Lake N.W.R., June 17-July 19, with three juveniles seen on An apparentfamily groupof five or more PygmyNuthatches the latter date (RE, BED, MR). After successfullyraising two in RedwoodRegional Park, ContraCosta, June 27 (RAE) sug- broodsfor each of the last 2 years, a • Black-chinnedHum- gestedthe nestingpair found there in April was successful. mingbird in Stocktonoutdid herself this year. Just before Contrary to the springreport, this specieswas strictly a casual fiedgingth• 2nd broodof the year,she began incubating her visitor in the East Bay Area until very recently, and nesting 3rdclutch of eggsin the 3rdof 3 separatenests (CS, j•de DGY). has been suspectedfor only about the last 5 years as records A • Calliope Hhmmingbird on the HoopaIndian Reservation have accumulatedin this immediate vicinity. Three Winter July 2 {GSL)was slightly w. of the known breedingrange, and Wrens in the Pine Cr. drainage,Modoc, July 12-13 (JTr)were providedonly the 2nd Humboldtrecord outside of springmi- in the Warner Mts. where this speciesis not known to breed. gration.Broad-tailed Hummingbird was addedto the Region's The landbird of the seasonfor most observers(since so many list of confirmednesting species when two femaleswere found saw it) was California's2nd SedgeWren, a persistentlysinging on nestsin Lund• Canyon, Mono, June 7-8 (•HAG et al.). The male, at Little Shasta,Siskiyou, June 8-July 4 (ph. •RE, m.ob.). specieswas first recordedin 1972 and nestinghas been sus- The previousrecord was from Marin Nov. 4-8, 1980.

Red-headedWoodpecker at PointSt. George,Cal., June9, 1986. Male SedgeWren at Little Shasta,Cal., June23, 1986. Second Secondacceptable California record. Photo/Jeff Kingery. staterecord. Photo/Ray Ekstrom.

1252 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 the only Bay-breasted Warbler [a male) June 3. Singing 8 BlackpollWarblers were at Fairhaven,Humboldt, June 11-12 (RLeV, GSL, JCSet al.) and Pt. Reyes June 14-15 (DAH, ]M, SFB et al.). Eight Black-and-white Warblers were found alongthe coast from Humboldt to F.I./San FranciscoJune 1-25, but all seven coastalAm. Redstartswere at Pt. Reyesor F.I., June1-15. Three additional redstartswere found inland: SeiadValley, Siskiyou• June 17-18 [AS, MR), Bridgeport,Mona, June 19 [•KVV), and JuneL. loop, Mona, June 20 (DLSu). Two more Ovenbirds visited F.I., June 2-3 (three in spring report), one was at sea 12 mi w.s.w. of BodegaHead in June (GF, •de RLeV), but more impressivewere singingmales inland at SeiadValley June17- 21 [AS, tMR, •RE) and the Hoopa Indian ReservationJune 26 (•GSL).In contrast,N. Waterthrushwent unrecordedthis spring for the 6th time in the last 10 years. Male KentuckyWarblers were well describedfrom F.I., June 10 (•PP) and Fairhaven June 11 (•GSL);this specieshas been recordedin 10 of the last 15 springs,primarily at F.I. Hooded Warblerwas recorded for the 9th consecutivespring: a singing Ma/e SedgeWren at Little Shasta,Cal. Photo/RayEkstrom. male at Gazos Cr., San Mateo, June I (PJM) and a female at New BrightonState Beach June 17 (•DLSu).A 9 CanadaWarbler at Mammoth Scenic Loop, Mona, June 21 (tDLSu) furnished only the 7th Regionalspring record. Singlesinging Blue-gray Gnatcatchers at McGurk Meadow, Mariposa,June 16 and KennedyMeadows, Tuolumne, June 20 GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES--Twelve Rose- (both KVV) were abovetheir usual haunts, at 7200 and 6900 breastedGrosbeaks along the entire coast(inland asfar as,Ala- feet above sea level respectively. Varied Thrushes made an meda/Contra Costa and Salinas, Monterey) June 1-23 was impressiveshowing s. of their breedingrange with singlemales about average for June. Another was at F.I., July 25, and San at Pt. ReyesMay 20-June 6 (HG et al.), Old La Honda Rd., San Joaquin'sfirst was at Lodi L., July 14-17 (•DGY). Blue Grosbeaks Mateo, June 7+ (JGr), Kenwood, Sonoma, June 19 (LSt, •de made a strongshowing on the coastwith a female at Pt. Reyes KFC) and La Honda, San Mateo, June 27 (tCB). Water Pipits June 26 (BDP), a male near Ft. Dick, Del Norte, June 18 (JKi, were found near Swanton Peak July 21 (including fledglings) ADB), and a female near there July 20 (ADB). The latter bird and near Burro PassJuly 24 (both Tuolumne--tHAG), but more representedthe firstcoastal July record. Another Blue Grosbeak surprisingwere three at low-elevationBig L., Shasta,July 18 at JamesonCanyon, Napa, JuneI (MFR) was alsow. of normal (BY, BVdM). haunts.Two singingLazuli Buntingsat Crane Flat, Tuolumne, Two singing 8 plumbeusSolitary Vireos were w. of Mona June 20 (DLSu) were at a high elevation. An ad. 8 Lazuli X In- Craters, Mona, July 4 (SFBet al.). We still know little of the digo Bunting was found e. of San GregorioBeach, San Mateo, statusof this local breederin the Region.Red-eyed Vireos were June 28, paired with a Lazuli Bunting (•SFB).Thirteen seem- found at Pt. Reyes June 1 (DAH, JM et al.), InvernessJune 4 ingly-pureIndigo Buntings were seenalong the coastfrom Del (RS), and Fairhaven, Humboldt, June 11-12 (GSL et al). Norte to Santo Cruz, June 1-July 18. Two Dickcissolswere found: Arcata June I (JBo,•de GSL) and F.I., June 14. The only extralimital Brewer's Sparrow was WOOD WABBLEBS -- In addition to those in the spring at Pt. Reyes June 2 (MLR, •de HAG). Vesper Sparrowswere report,four TennesseeWarblers were found,at F.I., Humboldt, again proven breeding in Del Norte when an adult was seen and Marin, June 1-13. Five N. Parulas were seen along the feeding a young bird at L. Talawa July 20 (ADB). A • Lark coastfrom Mendocinoto San Mateo June 1-28, with one inland Bunting at Pt. Reyes June 6 (GH, •de HAG) was one of the at Mona L., June 6 (PJM). rarer birds found there this spring. Noteworthy Grasshopper Five Chestnut-sidedWarblers were found along the coast Sparrow sightingsincluded one to three at Little ShastaJune from Humboldt to San Mateo June1-14, alongwith two inland: 8-July 7 (only 4 previous Siskiyourecords--RE, •KLH, MR el Shasta'sfirst at Summit City June 7 (BVdM, BY, CY) and one al.) and one at F.I., June 9. A Swamp Sparrow was unseasona] near Bridgeport,Mona, June 19 (•KVV). Nine Magnolia War- at F.I., June 1, as was a Golden-crowned Sparrow near Yreka bierswere all coastal(Humboldt to F.I./San FranciscoJune 1- July 3 (RE). A nuttalli White-crowned Sparrow in Walnut 12), as was the single Cape May Warbler at F.I., June 11. A Creek,Contra Costa,at leastApr. 23-Aug. 15 (RAH) wasslightly juv. "Audubon's Warbler" on outer Pt. Reyes June 14 [•JM) e. of normal, but this race is not so sedentary as one might wandered from home early, as the speciesis not known to think (seerecent comments in Roberson,1985, Monterey Birds, breed within miles of there. A curious partial-alhino 9 Black- Monterey Audubon Society). throatedGray Warbler returned for its 2nd seasonto Trinidad, A Bobolink near Bolinas June 9 (DDeS) was the only one Humboldt, where it was describedJuly 5 (•GSL).Late migrant seen.One reportof San Francisco'sresident pair of Great-tailed Townsend's Warblers were a female in Menlo Park June 7 Grackleswas received: Ft. Mason July 2 (•de HAG). (DLSu) and a male at Mona L., June 8 (PJM). The F.I. hosted LesserGoldfinches were said by seasonedmountain-man the season'sonly Palm Warbler (a western bird) June 11, and JW to have had a great breeding year in the central Sierra,

Table 1. Early fall migrant/post-breedinglandbirds in the Central Valley Western Flycatcher July 14 Lodi Lake San Joaquin DGY Solitary Vireo July 26 Bobelaine Sanctuary Sutter DJo Warbling Vireo July 23 Turlock Lake Stanislaus HMR Orange-crownedWarbler June4 Reichmuth Park Sacramento TDM Yellow Warbler July 29 Tuolumne R. Reg. Pk. Stanislaus HMR Wilson's Warbler July 26 Bobelaine Sanctuary Sutter DJo Western Tanager July I Lodi Lake San Joaquin DGY

Volume 40, Number 5 1253 with hundredspresent, especially at AckersonMeadow, Tud- Hudgins,George Hugenberg, Dave Johnson(DJo), Durrell D. Kapan, umne. Siskiyou's3rd Lawrence'sGoldfinch record (of a male Jeff Kingery (JKi), Jeri M. Langham, Amy Lauterbach, Harry and two femaleson the Klamath R. near the Oak Knoll Ranger LeGrand, Robin Leong, Gary S. Lester, Lauren P. Lester, Ronald Station June 18--tMR) was the most significantof several re- R. LeValley (RLeV),Mike J. Lippsmeyer,John S. Luther, Annette ports.The speciesis still unrecordedin adjacent Oregon.Two Manolis, Timothy D. Manolis, John Mariani, Jack Mays, Greg Evening Grosbeaksin Fortuna June 2 (C. Monet, •fideRLeV), Mensik, PeterJ. Metropulos, Joseph Morlan, Don Munson(DOM}, two at Crescent City June 23 (ADB), and one at Westhaven, Dan P. Murphy, Paul L. Noble, PointReyes Bird Observatory,Ben- Humboldt, July 4 0tAE, GSL, LPL) were the only lowland re- jamin D. Parmeter, BarbaraA. Peck, Peter Pyle, Harold M. Reeve, Sharon L. Reeve, Robert J. Richmond, Michael F. Rippey, Mike ports. Robbins, Don Roherson, William E. Rodstrom, Mary Louise Ro- segay,Ruth Rudesill (RRu),Ronnie L. Ryno, Ken Salzman,Debra CONTRIBUTORS(Sub-regional editors in boldface}-- Robin L. Shearwater,Tibby Simons,Arnold Small, JimH. Snowden,Paul E. Abbey,Dan A. Airo]a,Stephen F. Bailey,Alan Baldridge.Alan F. Springer,Rich Stallcup,John C. Sterling,Gary J.Strechan, David D. Barron,George Bing, Clark Blake,John Breck, Fred J. Broerman, L. Suddjian (DLSu),Chris Tenney, RobertF. Tintie, Katy Travaille, SusanBrown, Phyllis M. Browning, June Buntin, Eric R. Caine JohnTrochet 0Tr), Kent Van Vuren, Bill Von der Mehden (BVdM), {ECa},Kurt F. Campbell,Theodore A. Chandik, Mark O. Chi- TheresaVon der Mehden, BethWaterbury, Sophie W. Webb, Peter chester,Howard L. Cogswell,Laura D. Collins,Tom Condit, Nancy A. Willmann, Jon Winter, Dennis Wolff, David G. Yee, Sue L. Yee, T. Conzett, J. Michael Danzenbaker, David DeSante, Bruce E. JamesYurchenko, Bob Yutzy, CarolYutzy.---STEPHEN F. BAILEY Deuel, Arthur L. Edwards,Ray Ekstrom,Bruce G. Elliott, Richard (loons through pelicans,jaegers through alcids), Dept. of Orni- A. Erickson,Lynn D. Farrer, Carter L. Faust,Sam D. Fitton, Gary thologyand Mammalogy,California Academyof Sciences,Golden Friedrichsen, DouglasE. George, Bruce H. Gerow, Edward D. Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118; ALAN D. BARRON (herons Greaves, Helen A. Green, Paul D. Green, Marguerite B. Gross. through shorebirds),2460 Maciel Lane, CrescentCity, CA 95531; Tony Hacking, Kern L. Hainebach,Jim Hainline, Stan W. Harris, and RICHARD A. ERICKSON (cuckoos through finches), 4407 Paul Hawks, David A. Holway, Steven N. G. Howell, Ralph A. Holt St., Union City, CA 94587.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Guy McCaskie

weatherhesummer conditionsseasonwas and again average uneventful,temperatures withfor stable this time of the year. Small range extensionswere established by the discoveryof breedingbirds just outsidethe species' known range,but there were many more reportsof "possible breeding" that would extend a species'range, and Morro these should be followed up in future breeding seasons. so.•.• x• .. ¾•'•e• o '• ABBREVIATIONS -- L.S.U.M.Z. = LouisianaState University Museum of Zoology,Baton Rouge, La.; N.E.S.S.= north end of the SaltonSea, Riverside Co.; S.C.R.E.= SantaClare River Estuary, Conception•aanta Ventura Co.;S.E.S.S. = south end of the SaltonSea, Imperial Co.; S.F.K.R.P. = the South Fork of the Kern River Preserve at the e. end of IsabellaL., Kern County.As virtually all raritiesfound in • • ' s. California are seen by numerousobservers, only the observer initially identifying the bird is included. Documentationis on file • •o" - •.• with the CaliforniaBird RecordsCommittee (% Don Roberson,282 Grove Acre, Pacific Grove, CA 93950} for all rarities listed in this report, and recordssubmitted without documentationare not published. •EAN GREBES THROUGH STORKS--Five pairs of Eared Grebes nesting at the S.C.R.E. (JSR) were the only breeding birds reported;this speciesis a local and irregular breeder Diego Bay July 13 (GMcC), the Pacific PalisadesJuly 3 (DMcL), along the coastof s. California. On July 12.20 Clark's Grebes, Playa del Rey July 13 (CF), La Conchita, Ventura Co., July 1 includingeight white downy young,were seenon the Piute (LRB), and over Santa Cruz I., July 12 (LLN); inland, single Pondsnear Lancasterfor the first documentednesting record immatures were at N.E.S.S.,June 28 (GMcC) and July 12 {MAP), away from ColoradoR. valley, N.E.S.S.,and SanDiego in recent and at S.E.S.S.,July 19 (GMcC). years {KLG). A N. Fulmar found recently dead at Atascadero There are very few nesting records for Am. Bitterns in s. BeachJuly 26 (GPS}indicated a few remainedoffshore through California in recent years, hence the presence of at least 5 the summer. pairsin the PradoBasin near Corona,Riverside Co., throughout Brown Pelican numbersbuilt up to over 200 on the Salton the period, and the finding of a juvenile there July 31 (LRH), Seaby early July {GMcC)but the specieswas unreportedelse- were of interest. Two pairs of Great Blue Herons nesting at where in]and. An ad. OlivaceousCormorant at N.E.S.S.,July LeggL. in E1Monte {MCL), 6 pairs along the Santa Ana R. in 19 {GMcC)and Aug. 3 {MAP) was undoubtedlythe samebird Anaheim (DRW), and 20 pairs nestingalong the Kern R., e. of seen here in spring,and probably the individual seen off and Bakersfield{MOC) were away from known breedingsites. The on at this location in ]ate summer since 1982. Single imm. number of nesting pairs of Great Egretsat Morro Bay rose to MagnificentFrigatebirds were seenalong the coastover s. San 13 this summer (GPS);fair numbers were again present all

1254 American Birds, Winter 1986 summer in coastalOrange and San Diegocounties (DRW, EC), at this location Aug 7-13, 1982 and July 26-Aug 2 1983 A albngwith sevento 20 in the PradoBasin during Juneand July countof 77 SnowyPlovers at Harper Dry Lake, San Bernardino (LRH), but with no evidenceof nesting.Up to four ad. Little Co., May 28 (SWC) indicated goodnumbers nested there this Blue Herons were present around Imperial Beach throughout year, and a pair was seen with young near LancasterJuly 17 the period,and one was seenwith two recently-fledgedyoung (BB). An Am. Oystercatcherphotographed on Santa Barbara July 26 (CGE), indicating at least one pair successfullynested. I., May 30 (BWA) was one of a very few ever to be found in An ad. Yellow-crownedNight-Heron at San Elijo Lagoon,San California, but the 2nd from this locality. Diego Co., June 21 (DK) and in nearby La JollaJune 27-July 19 SingleSolitary Sandpipers at China Ranch near TecopaJuly (JO'B)was believed to be the samebird initially found in Oc- 23 (JML) and near Frazier Park July 24 (JML) were the earliest tober 1981. Small numbers of White-faced Ibises at various reportedthis fall. A pair of SpottedSandpipers accompanied locations along the coast, along with up to 17 in the Prado by downy young alongthe SantaAna R. in Anaheim June 18 Basin(LRH), were all thought to be non-breedingwanderers, (LRH), and a nest with eggsat San Elijo LagoonJuly 14 (S & but 20 pairsat GuajomeL. near Oceansidein April were clearly JG),gave us concreteevidence of breedingalong the coasts nest-building(EC). An ad. WoodStork in the PradoBasin July of LosAngeles. A callingLong-billed Curlew nearBishop, Inyo 6+ (LRH) was the only one found away from the s. end of the Co., June22 (MH) was in suitablebreeding habitat, and in the Salton Sea. samearea where s. California'sonly nestinghas occurred.A Red Knot at S.E.S.S.,July 19 (JO'B)was clearly a fall migrant WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- A Fulvous Whistling-Duck Three W. Sandpipersnear Santa Maria June 11 (PEL) were at N.E.S.S.,June 28 (JO'B)was one of very few to be found exceptionallylate springmigrants, and one at N.E.S.S.,June away from S.E.S.S.in recent years. Totally unexpectedwas 27 (BB)was the first of the adult fall migrants.Two LeastSand- an ad. Tundra Swanat the SantaMaria R. mouthJuly 13 (TME); pipersnear SantaMaria June11 (PEL)were alsoexceptionally there is only one previoussummer recordfor s. California. A late spring migrants. A Baird's Sandpiper near Santa Maria flock of 18 Brant attempting to summer at N.E.S.S. had all July 25-26 (JML) was the earliest juvenile reported this fall succumbed by mid-July (GMcC) but one was still alive at A Stilt Sandpiperat S.C.R.E.,July 13-18 (BED)was alongthe S E S.S., July 26 (ML); small numbers attempt to summer on coastwhere consideredvery rare. A Short-billed Dowitcher the Salton Sea most years but invariably die as a result of the at N.E.S.S.,June 28 (GMcC) was the first to be noted this fall heat and/or unsuitablefoods. Two Wood Ducksin the Moj ave Single Com. Snipe near Cayucos,San Luis Obispo Co., July 6 NarrowsRegional Park near Victorville, San BernardinoCo., (TME) & 27 (GPS)were exceptionally early, especially so for July 8 (RMcK) were in suitablebreeding habitat, but far from the coast. Five 9 Wilson's Phalaropes at N.E.S.S., June 15 the nearestknown nestinglocality. Two Canvasbacks,rare to (GMcC) were fall migrants. casual in summer, were present at Pt. Mugu throughout the season(JSR), and two more were at N.E.S.S.through June 21 (GMcC). A Ring-neckedDuck in GoletaJuly 7 (CB), two on GULLS THROUGH SKIMMER -- An ad. Laughing Gull nearby L. CachumaJuly 8 (PEL),and another on Otay L., San at S.C.R.E.,June 15 (SR) and another on Upper Newport Bay Diego Co., Aug. 9 (DK) were all of interest since the speciesis July 22-25 (LRH) were both alongthe coastwhere considered consideredcasual through the summer.A GreaterScaup, most very rare. Three Franklin's Gulls at N.E.S.S.,June 12 (DLD) unusualin summer,remained at BolsaChica all summer(LRH). were the only ones found this summer. A Heermann's Gull An Oldsquawspent the entire summer on Morro Bay (TME). was seensitting on a neston Shell BeachRocks off Shell Beach, A Surf Scoterat S.E.S.S.,June 28 (JO'B)was evidently attempt- San Luis Obispo Co., May 28 (GPS) but deserted; 2 pairs at- lng to summer on this inland body of water. A 9 Com. Mer- tempted to nest at this same location in 1980, and the only gansetaccompanied by 11 youngon Nacimiento L., San Luis other nestingattempts in Californiawere in San FranciscoBay OblspoCo., May 31 (RR) gaveus the first record for breeding in 1979-1981(W. Birds14:39-46, 1983). Four Heermann'sGulls in s California. on L. Henshaw,San Diego Co., July 6 (RHi), an adult at Salton A pair of Swainson'sHawks in the Fremont Valley, Kern City July 26 (GMcC), and an immature at N.E.S.S., Aug. 9 Co, May 26 (MOC) and anotherpair seen nest-building(nest (GMcC) were inland where consideredcasual. An imm. Mew abandoned)in the BitterwaterValley, San Luis Obispo/Kern Gull in OceanoJuly 8 (TME) was unexpected,since few indeed Co, Apr. 12-16 (GPS)were the only ones found away from have ever summeredin s. California.A Herring Gull, another the Owens Valley. A pair of Zone-tailed Hawks successfully rarity in summer, was at S.C.R.E.,June 28-July 8 (JSR),and a fledgedone young from a nest on Hot SpringsMt., San Diego 2nd was at N.E.S.S.,Aug. 9 (REW). An imm. GlaucousGull Co, in July (RHi); a pair that attemptedto nest on SantaRosa found at N.E.S.S.,May 31 (REW) was still present at the end Mt., RiversideCo., during the summersof 1978-1981 provided of the period, to give us the 2nd summer record from this the only previousrecord for breedingin California. Sightings locality. of PeregrineFalcons along the coasthave increasedin recent Thirteen ad. Gull-billed Terns were seen along with seven years,no doubt as a result of the "hacking" of captively-bred young on a small islet along the w. shore of the Salton Sea, youngby the PeregrineRecovery Team, and it is now difficult just s. of SaltonCity, June21 (RMcK), and about 75 were seen to differentiatetrue wild birdsfrom the locally "hacked"birds; on nests at S.E.S.S.,June 28 (GMcC), giving us an idea as to however, one at S.E.S.S.,July 7 (RMcK) was most likely from the sizeof the breedingpopulation in California.The discovery the breeding population in the Gulf of California. of 20 Caspian Tern nests at Bolsa Chica this summer (LRH) provided the first breeding record for this speciesin Orange SHOREBIRDS--A Lesser Golden-Plover (fulva) at County,and the first in s. Californiaaway from San DiegoBay S C R.E.,July 15-19 (TW) was in full breedingplumage, hence An ad. Royal/ElegantTern at N.E.S.S.,June 12 (SWC, DLD) judgedto be an early fall migrant rather than a bird summering was most unusual, since there is no previousrecord of a Royal locally. In s. California,shorebirds are presentthroughout the Tern from the interior of California,and only 2 previousrecords summer, only the smaller speciessuch as the "peeps" and for an Elegant Tern inland. The observersfelt the bird was a Dunlin being rare; late spring migrants are still encountered Royal Tern, but the fact that the bird had a virtually complete in the first week of June,and the first of the fall migrants,after black cap would suggestit was an ElegantTern, since Royal the 9 Wilson's Phalaropes,are back by the last few days of Terns lose the black cap during April-May, and should be in June. The late spring migrants and early fall migrants are al- "winter plumage"in June.[This is true of Royalson the Pacific waysin full breedingplumage, while non-breedingshorebirds Coast, but the bird could have reached Salton Sea from farther remaining through June are invariably in winter plumage or east--K.K.]Three pairsof Forster'sTerns found nesting at Up- partialbreeding plumage at best,making them easilyseparable per Newport Bay in June(KF) were the first to be found breed- from the migrants.An ad. Mongolian Plover at S.C.R.E.,July ing away from the Salton Sea and s. San Diego Bay. A Least 12-17 (JSR,ph.) was believedto be the sameindividual present Tern at N.E.S.S., July 6 (GMcC) was inland where very rare

Volume 40, Number 5 1255 Black Skimmerscontinue to increaseand expandtheir range springvagrant period A pair of Brown-crestedFlycatchers seen in s. California with 130 nestson s. San DiegoBay (EC), 2 nests buildinga nestat China Ranchnear TecopaJune 2 (JT)estab- on Upper Newport Bay (LRH), 60 nests,all unfortunatelyde- lished the first breedingrecord for this area, and a pair at stroyedby predators,at BolsaChica (LRH), alongwith 300+ S.F.K.R.P.,July 2-13 (SL),although not provento be nesting, nests at S.E.S.S.(GMcC); two seen periodically at the now was well to the n.w. of the species'known breedingrange A mostly-drainedTulare L. in extreme n. Kern County during vagrant Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was in San DiegoJune 14- July (MOC) were clearly the pair nestingjust to the n. of the 17 (M & JF,ph.) and another was seen in GoletaJuly 10 (HR) Kern/Kings County line at that locality. An imm. Steller'sJay in SantaBarbara July 30-31 (ED)was unexpected,since the speciesdoes not breed alongthe coast s. of n. San Luis ObispoCounty. A juv. Verdin at Mesquite DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A White-winged Springsat the n. end of Death Valley July 23 (JML)was at the Doveat OasisMay 31 (SWC)was unusuallyfar north. Common extreme n. limit of the species'breeding range in California Ground-Doves were found to be abundant breeders in the Six Red-breastedNuthatches on Hot SpringsMr., July19 (REW) Prado Basin near Corona. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo near Barstow and two on nearby CuyamacaPeak July 3 (D & MH) were May 28 (DLD) and another at OasisJune 12 (BS)were spring thoughtto be nesting,although breeding is so far unrecorded migrants,this speciesbeing exceptionally late to arrive in Cal- in thesemountains; two in the Mojave Narrows RegionalPark ifornia; 9 pairs in the S.F.K.R.P.(SL) and 3 pairs in the Prado near Victorville July 8 (RMcK) may have been nestingin the Basin (LRH) were the only breeding birds found this year. A ornamentalpines planted in this area of the desert.Up to six pair of FlammulatedOwls againnested at BuckhornCamp- Golden-crownedKinglets were present on Hot SpringsMt groundin the SanGabriel Mrs. (KLG),and two to three calling during Juneand July (CGE) and were believed to be nesting, birds were aroundBlack Mr. Group Camp in the San Jacinto breedingis unknown s. of the San JacintoMrs. in s. California Mts. during May and June (RMcK). Several Long-earedOwls One or two singingHermit Thrushes at 5800 ft on Big Pine were present in the Prado Basin and one nest was found in Mr., Santa Barbara Co., June 20 (JEL) were suspectedto be June (MW), indicating this area may still supporta healthy breeding,and would establishthe first nestingrecord for this breeding population. Since few Short-eared Owls have been location if proved. A Brown Thrasher hit by a car on San foundnesting in s. Californiain recentyears, a recently-fledged Clemente I., July 14 (DB-S)was the first ever to be found in s youngaccompanied by an adult at Harper Dry Lake, San Ber- Californiaat this time of year. Three Bendire'sThrashers near nardino Co., May 28 (DLD) was of interest; in addition, up to Lucerne Valley, San Bernardino Co., July 8 (RMcK) were sevenaround the S.F.K.R.P.all summer (RS)and two or three thought to be nestinglocally. A singingSolitary Vireo at 6600 in the Fremont Valley, Kern Co., May 26 (JLD)were thought ft nearWeldon throughoutthe summer (MOC) wasof the gray to be nesting.The finding of juv. N. Saw-whet Owls on Hot raceplumbeus; since this formhas been expanding its breeding SpringsMr., June 21 (CGE) added another mountain location range in California, nesting here at the s. end of the Sierra to the list of breedinglocalities for this speciesin s. California. Nevada Mts. shouldbe considereda possibility. A calling Whip-poor-will at AngelesOaks in the San Bernar- dino Mrs., June 15 (KLH) and three or four calling birds at Heart Bar Campgroundin the same mountain range July 5 WOOD WARBLERS -- A • Tennessee Warbler in Claire- (MAP) were at localitieswhere nestinghas been suspectedin mont July 5 (DW) was only the 2nd ever to be found in s previousyears, but a callingWhip-poor-will nearWeldon May Californiain July. A pair of Virglnia'sWarblers nesting near 31 (MOC) was the first ever to be found in Kern County. Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mrs. in June (TW) were the Up to six Chimney Swifts over downtown Los Angeles all first to be foundbreeding in this mountain range,significantly summer (KLG) and one over Carpinteria July 6 (LRB)were the to the w. of the nearestknown nestinglocality on the e. side only onesreported this year. Three Anna's Hummingbirds in of the San Bernardino Mrs.; two young hatched on June 15, Caruthers Canyon of the New York Mrs., e. San Bernardino but the final outcome is unknown. It is of interest that Nashville Co.,May 21-22 (SWC)were felt to be post-breedingwanderers Warblers have been found nestingwithin one mile of the Vlr- from the coast,but the possibilityof nestingin this areashould ginia'sWarbler nestsite, indicatingthis is an areaof marginal be considered.Allen's Hummingbirds now apparently nest syruparty.A Lucy'sWarbler at OasisJune 7 (PJM)was unusu- throughoutmuch of the Los AngelesBasin, with most along ally far north. A • N. Parula at OasisJune 7 (BS)was a late the coast (KLG); the migratory race sasin is known to nest springvagrant but another in Santa BarbaraJuly 19-Aug 22 along the coasts. to Ventura County, and the non-migratory (HR) was probablysummering locally. The sightingof a pair race sedentariusnests on the Channel Is. and locally on the of Yellow-rumped (Audubon's)Warblers feeding recently- coaston the PalosVerdes Peninsula; hence, without specimens fledgedyoung on Hot SpringsMr., July 12 (GMcC) furnished m hand to study, it would be mere speculationas to which the first evidenceof nestingin San Diego County. A Black- raceis expandingits range.A Lewis'Woodpecker near Weldon and-white Warbler in RedlandsJune 26 (RMcK}and another July 26 (RS)was unexpected,since this is far from any nesting in La JollaJuly 14 (JM)were both summerstragglers. A • Am localities.A Hairy Woodpeckerat 1400 ft in Trabuco Canyon Redstartat OasisJune 12 (PM) was a late springvagrant. A N in the Santa Ana Mrs., July 4 (DRW) was at a somewhat low Waterthrushnear BishopAug. 7 (H & JM) was exceptionally elevationconsidering the time of year. early for a fall migrant;observers should be aware that 2 or 3 fall records of Louisiana Waterthrushes in Arizona fall between July 31 and Aug. 3, and that the only 2 recordsfor California FLYCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS -- Since the s. form are for Aug.7 andAug. 17, indicating it canoccur exceptionally of Willow Flycatcher(extimus) is now very rare and local in early in the Southwestin fall, and may be the more likely s California,and in dangerof beingextirpated in the Region, waterthrush in early August. Four singing MacGillivray's it is of significancethat 40_+pairs were presentin the S.F.K.R.P. Warblersin Montanade Oro S.P.,June 16 (CM) suggestednest- (RHe), five or six territorial males were alongthe SantaYnez ing at this locality,and if sowould establishthis asthe south- R near Buellton,Santa BarbaraCo. (PEL),and 4 pairs were ernmostoutpost for breedingalong the coast. found in the Prado Basinnear Corona (LRH). A Dusky Fly- catcheron Hot SpringsMr., July 19 (REW)was at the s. limit of the species'breeding range. A pair of Vermilion Flycatchers TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- At least one pair at a nestin Jacumba(elev. 3000 ft), SanDiego Co., June I (JO'B) of Hepatic Tanagerswas again alongthe upper end of Arastre was at an unusually high elevationas well as establishingone Creek in the San BernardinoMrs., May 24+ (JSR)and was of a very few nestingrecords in s. California away from Mo- thought to have nested.Nesting Summer Tanagerswere found rongoValley in recent years. A Dusky-cappedFlycatcher at w. to the Whitewater Canyon, Riverside Co. (SJM),near Va- Deep SpringsJune 7 (PJM)was the first to be found during the lyermo,Los Angeles Co. (H & PB),and Victorville (RMcK);single

1256 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 birds in RusticCanyon, Los Angeles Co., June23 (BW),at Mal- breeds.An Evening Grosbeakon Mt. PinosJuly 24 (JML) was ibu in late June(JKA), and in SantaBarbara all summer(SP) unexpected,there being only one previousrecord in July. were w. of the species'known breedingrange, and considered summerstragglers. A 8 ScarletTanager near LopezL., San Luis ObispoCo., June 14 [CM) was one of a very few ever found in ADDENDA -- A recently-dead(probably shot about Jan. 1) Red- spring.A pair of W. Tanagersat Cerro Alto Campgroundnear throatedLoon at N.E.S.S.,Jan. 16 (SWC,*L.S.U.M.Z.) was the first Morro BayJune 26-July 11 (JMcD)appeared to be on territory, everto be foundon the SaltonSea. Two LarkBuntings, now very and, if nesting,would establishthe first breeding record for rare and irregularin spring were near BorregoSprings, San Diego this area. A 8 Pyrrhuloxia,an accidentalstraggler to California, Co., Apr. 11 {JK,ph.}. was well seen at CottonwoodSprings in JoshuaTree N.M., June1 (GH).A 8 Rose-breastedGrosbeak at OasisJune 7 (PJM) was a late spring vagrant, but a male and female at the CONTRIBUTORS (Countycoordinators in boldface)-- Jon- S.F.K.R.P.during late July (SL)and singlemales in the Laguna athanK. Aldeffer,Brian W. Arnold,Larry R. Ballard,Robert Barnes, Mts., June 21-22 (AR) and in La Jolla July 29 (RP) were all ChrisBenesh, Dana Bleitz-Sanburg (DB-S), Bruce Broadbooks, Hank summer stragglers.No Indigo Buntings were found in the & PriscillaBrodkin (H & PB),Steven W. Cardiff, Mark O. Chichester S.F.K.R.P., where small numbers had been found in recent (Kern Co.), ElizabethCopper (San Diego Co.), Brian E. Daniels, summers,but up to three territorial maleswere presentin the DonnaL. Dittman,Eileen Duarte. Jon L. Dunn,Tom M. Edell(San Prado Basin near Corona June 4+ (LRH) and nestingshould Luis ObispoCo.), Claude G. Edwards,Mack & JanetFader (M & be looked for in this area in the future. A • Dickcissel at Oasis JF),Chris Floyd, Kevin Forster,Sylvia & JamesGallagher (S & JG), June 9 (BS)was in the samearea where Dickcisselshave been Kimball L. Garrett (LosAngeles Co.), Kem L. Hainebach,Pam found at about this time in the past 2 years. SingingGrass- Hanlein, Don & Marjorie Hastings(D & MH), Loren R. Hays, Gjon hopper Sparrowsat 4 locationsaround Weldon during June Hazzard,Rick Hewett (RHe),Roger Higson [RHi), Ron Hirst (RHs), and July (RB) were the first to be found in Kern County in Mark Holmgrem,James Kieran, Dave King JeriM. Langham,Steve many years. Two pairs of Dark-eyed Juncosfound nestingin Laymort,Paul E. Lehman,Joan E. Lentz,Mike Lippsmeyer,Michael La Jollain June(JO'B) were the first ever to have been found C. Long,Hue & JoAnnMacKenzie (H & JM),Curtis Marantz, John nestingalong the coasts. of Los AngelesCounty. McDonald(JMcD), Robert McKernan (RMcK) (Riverside Co.), Dave A • Bobolink at OasisJune 9 (BS)was late for s. California. McLeod (DMcL), Peter J. Metropulos,Joanne Moore, Stephen J. Myers,Larry L. Norris,John O'Brien (JO'B), Rusty Padrero, Michael Twenty pairs of Great-tailedGrackles nesting in the Prado A. Patten,Sally Pierce, Hugh Ranson, Ardith Reed,Jim S. Royer Basin near Corona this summer {LRH) establishedthe 2nd (Ventura Co.), Ron Ruppert,Barry Sauppe,Rick Saval,Gregory P. breedingrecord w. of the CoastRange; a male in La JollaAug. Smith, Jan Tarble, Richard E. Webster, Miles Wheeler, David 7 (PH) and anotherin GoletaJuly 6-16 (RHs)were both along White, BernardWillets, Douglas R. Willick (OrangeCo.), Tom the immediatecoast where still consideredvery rare. ACom. Wurster (Santa Barbara Co.). An additional 50+ observerswho Grackle,a casualstraggler to California,was at Deep Springs could not be individuallyacknowledged submitted reports this June 10-12 (BS).Up to three BronzedCowbirds were present season.--GUY McCASKIE, San DiegoNatural History Museum, all summerin Brawley{GMcC), where the speciesundoubtedly BalboaPark, P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, CA 92112.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION

Robert L. Pyle

stationsune-Julyin rainfall the mainexceeded Hawaiian averageIslands, at26stimulating of 33 reporting good vegetation growth in the drier lowland areas. Summer amounts are normally small, however, so that calendar year deficitsremained widespreadon the northern islands of Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai. ABBREVIATIONS -- F.F.S.= FrenchFrigate Shoals; H. = Ha- waftI.; K. = KauaiI.; O. = OahuI.; E.S.F.P.= EndangeredSpecies Facilityat Pohakulea,Hawaii I.; K.P.N.W.R.= KilaueaPoint Nat'] Wildlife Ref.,Kauai; H.R.B.P.F. = Hawaii Rare Bird Photograph File. ALBATROSSES THROUGH GEESE -- The three Laysan Albatrosschicks from the nestsat K.P.N.W.R.all fledgedsuc- cessfullyin mid-July{DM). Hopefully,this will mark the beginningof a sustainedsuccessful breeding colony under Refuge protection.Nesting attempts in the Kilauea area over the past 10 yearshave been frustrated by dogdepredations against the youthful adults probablytrying to nest for the first time at The Animal DamageControl Sectionof U.S. Dept. of Agricul- about6-7 yearsof age. ture is developinga plan for future years in which adult al- The four Laysanchicks moved from PacificMissile Range batrossescaptured on Oahu would be flown to the new colony at BarkingSands, K., to Sea Life Park, O., in April, and a 5th at K.P.N.W.R.for release(TO). broughtin May, all fledgedsuccessfully in mid-July{IK). This A (Hawaiian) Dark-rumpedPetrel (Endangered)observed year,for the firsttime, about 15 ad.Laysans were captured at flying near the 7000fi level on Mauna Kea aboveE.S.F.P., June locationsaround Oahu where they were notwanted and were 19 might have been the samebird observedat the sameplace broughtto SeaLife Park.Two died,and the otherswere pi- Apr. 20 (FD). Thesepetrels nest on Maui and Lanai, and might nionedfor permanentexhibit in the Park'sseabird sanctuary. possiblybe nesting in very small numbers somewhere on

Volume 40, Number 5 1257 Hawaii I Flocks of 91 and 100-t- Great Fr•gateb•rdsseen in umented report of a Caprimulgid in Hawan came from Tern late afternoonflying over e. Honolulu,O., July 6 (PF) & 7 (SS) I., F.F.S.,where one was observeddaily from July 21 and was were an unusualsight for this suburbanresidential area. They still there in mid-August. It was photographed at distances were taking a short cut acrossthe mountains headingtoward down to 1-2 m. The observers(RV et al.) believed it to be a their rooston Moku Manu islet. A Cattle Egretwith an injured LesserNighthawk after consideringall other North American wing has been residentat JohnstonAtoll, 1100 km s.w. of Ho- species.Identity confirmationawaits comparison of the photos nolulu, for the past year (fide RS1.Eleven Hawaiian Geese with e. Asian species,particularly Caprimulgisindicus. (Nene--Endangered)were seenflying over Saddle Road near Puuhuluhulu, H., June 21, and nine again in the same area June 26 (FD). FRANCOLINS THROUGH TERNS -- Interestingreports LEIOTHRIXTHROU GH HA WAIIAN HONEYCREEP- of introducedgamebirds this seasonincluded two Erckel's ERS -- One Red-billed Leiothrix heard singingon Kawafloa Francolinssighted at KolekolePass, O., July 20 (KF), a Japanese Ridge in n. Oahu July 16 and three in the PauoaFlats area of Quail heard callingin a cane field on KawailoaRidge, O., July s.e. Oahu July 19 (TP) confirmedthat this introducedspecies 16 (TP), and a Kalij Pheasant and a (Green) Ring-necked was still extant in widely separatedparts of the Koolau Mt Pheasant seen well in Kipuka Puaulu in Hawaii Volcanoes range.One 'Elepaio,lots of 'Amakihi,and a few 'Apapanewere National Park, H., in mid-July (PB). A Black-belliedPlover, recorded on Pauoa Ridge, O., July 19 (TP). An 'Akiapola'au uncommon migrant in the central Pacific, was collected at (Endangered)was heard singingJune 16 near Puu Laau Cabin, JohnstonAtoll in early July (RS, *in Los AngelesCounty Mu- H. (FD), where the speciesis only occasionallyreported No seum). A Red-neckedPhalarope, rarest of the phalaropesin surveysof the super-rareEndangered Hawaiian forest b•rds Hawaii, was seenregularly at Laysan I. from July 11 until the were undertakenon Kauaiand Maui duringlate springand observerdeparted Aug. 4 (EB, ph. to H.R.B.P.F.). summer this year (CKe)because of cutbacksin U.S.F. & W S A Least/Little Tern was seen well at Waiawa Unit, Pearl programs. Harbor N.W.R., O., June 5, and probablythe sameindividual was seenlater the sameday at nearby Waipio, O. (SB).Two otherswere reported'atPearl & Hermes Reef June4 (TO, fide KM). These were odd early-summer dates for this species ESTRILDID "FINCHES" -- Common Waxbills have now complexin Hawaii, where post-breedingstrays seldom arrive been recorded on the far w. and n.w. coasts of Oahu. CK• had in the main Hawaiian Islandsany earlier than mid-July.One three in her yard between Waialua and Haleiwa on Oahu's n seen at LaysanI. for a week beginningJuly 10 (EB, ph. to shorefor the first time June20. As part of an intensivesurvey H R.B.P.F.)occurred at a more expecteddate. A pair of Blue- ofthe currentranges of Estriididspecies on Oahu,KF reported gray Noddies successfullyfledged one young on North I., at least 34 Com. Waxbills at Campbell Industrial Park, and JohnstonAtoll, in July (RS,fide SF). This was the first known from one to 10 at Waianae,Dillingham Airstrip, and Hale•wa nestingof Blue-graysat Johnston,where the specieswas first duringJuly to Aug. 1. Two Warbling Silverbillswere reported recorded in 1985. Five hundred White Terns were banded at in Maili July 15 (KF), only the 4th report of the specieson JohnstonAtoll in July, from a total population estimatedat Oahu and much farther n.w. than the others. The observer •s 4000-5000 (RS). familiarwith thesebirds from having raised them in captw•ty CAPRIMULGIDS THROUGH CROWS- The first doc- Two ad.Chestnut Mannikins and four probable juveniles were on KawailoaTrail, n. Oahu•July 16 (TP).This specieswas also foundin goodnumbers at Makakilo and CampbellIndustrial SoA. Park,s.w. Oahu, duringJuly (KF). At Mililani High Schoolm Both goodnews and sad news came from this year's central Oahu, seven to nine Red Avadavats were in a flock of nestingefforts by the captiveflock of HawaiianCrows 100+ Nutmeg Mannikins June2 (KF). Two JavaSparrows were ('Alala--Endangered)at E.S.F.P.Good news was that seenat Haleiwa on Oahu's n. shoreAug, I (KF). for the first time in the history of the captive flock, all These records representnew or rarely-reported locahhes birdsin the flockbegan nesting activity this year.Four for these species,which (exceptfor Nutmeg Mannikin) are pairs each built a nest and the 9th bird, an unmated currently in a stageof dynamicrange expansion. female, also built a nest. Sad news was that no young were produced. CONTRIBUTORS -- Ed Bean, Steve Berendzen, Phil Bruner, Threeof the nests,including that of the unmatedfe- Fern Duvall, KarenFalkenmayer, Stewart Fefer, Peg Fraser, Ingnd male, were built on the groun•d,and were destroyedby Kang, Cameron Kepler (CKe), Carla Kishinami (CKi), Ken McDermond, Dan Moriarity, Tim Ohashi, Thane Pratt, Ralph rain before eggswere laid. Ground nestingby 'Alala had Schreiber,Sigrid Southworth, Tom Teller, Rick Vetter.--ROBERT not been previouslyknown, either in captivity or in the L. PYLE, 741 N. Ka]aheo Ave., Kai]ua, HI 96734. wild. In the other 2 nests,clutches of one and 2 eggs were laid in May and June, but these did not develop beyond2 days(FD). Increasein breedingactivity this year couldbe related to the suspensionduring the breedingperiod of heavy ordnancefiring by the U.S. Army on its training grounds adjoiningthe captive rearing facility. In past years,vi- brations and shock from heavy firing by the Army are known to have disturbedthe •'Alala'sbreeding attempts, and arestrongly suspected to havebeen a causeof cracks discoveredin someof the eggs(FD). A joint Army-Hawaii Stateproject to move the captiverearing facility to new and better quarterson Maui I. was not completedbefore this year's breeding seasonas planned. If procedural questionsare resolved,the move can be made before next year'sbreeding season. For the sakeof the species, whose remaining numbers in the wild may be no more than the captive flock of nine, we certainly hope so.

1258 AmericanB•rds, Wmter 1986 WEST INDIES REGION

Robert L. Norton

THEISLANDSNORTHERN AND EASTERNVIRGIN PUERTO RICAN BANK .-•OOfitbiB tile '--' - .. .' ainfallthe 60 yearinthe average, Virgin and Islands July in rainfallJune waswas 23% 37% below this average,as measuredat Cruz Bay, St. John,U.S. Virgin Islands.The dry summer followed a late, wet springthat provided a fair summer food crop. , 0,,::, ,' A.E*AOA The future and/or isolation of the Guanica Forest in western Puerto Rico may be threatened by a Club Med resort (San Juan Star, Sept. 15, 1986) located on 160 acres lust south of the state forest. Tropical Forestry Service of- ficials are taking the position that the forestwould be ir- reparablydamaged. This unique area is habitat for several endemic and threatened species,including the rediscovered PuertoRican Nightjar. Human encroachmentis con- tlnuing to reduce tropical habitats piecemeal throughout ST.THO•S ST.JOHN ,' CN- Clstl Nitl the West Indies as more and more visitorsreturn to initiate or stimulate development. The National Historic Trust, British Virgin Islandsgov- ,•'[. ,4'1 ernment,supported the firstterritory-wide seabird survey in June. Seabirds in the British Virgin Islands have long suffered from poaching which has apparently been regu- the pastto declarenesting activity--see WilsonBull. 91:148- lated to somedegree, but not rigorouslyenforced. Nesting 149, 1979.This undocumentedreport of birdsof prey building successwas nonexistentfor somespecies and limited for a nest near the sea in May is insufficient and misleading. A others.The Trust is attempting habitat restorationand sur- small trial nest of P. h. carolinensisclosely examined (RLN, veillance for seabirdsin the territory which, if successful, FS, ER, JY) at KrauseLagoon (AB 38:969,1984) undoubtedly will improve the status of specieson the eastern Puerto representedan abortive attempt by an imm. male unable to Rico Bank. Ruud van Halewyn reminds us that poaching attracta cooperativefemale. Northern Bobwhitesare appar- is an ever-presentproblem in the Caribbeanin his report ently resident at Marsh Harbour (PWS et al.) where they were "eggerstook all early eggsof CayenneTerns, plus most heard calling regularly June 20-23, expandingtheir range to Abacoinstead of New Providence,Eleuthera and Andros(Bond of Roseate, Common and Sooty Terns and sold them by 1979).Ten SnowyPlovers were noted at Anegada,B.V.I., June the many hundredsin San Nicolas(Aruba)" in the summer 22 (RLN),where nestingpairs have been found recently.Three of 1985. Greater Yellowlegsand 20 Willets were alsonoted there on Reportsare generallyfew during summer,but observers the same date (RLN, NC). Table i offersnumbers of migrant Vlslting•inthe northern Bahamasand researchersin Aruba, shorebirds and date of occurrence from 2 locations on and Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands submitted some inter- adjacentto the P.R. Bank. estlngnotes and observationof breeders,late and early LaughingGulls nestingat Anegada(20 pairs) appearedto migrants in the Region. have a low meanclutch size (2.05)compared to previousyears (ca. 2.35) which may be attributed to a reducedfood resource ABBREVIATIONS--B.V.I. = British Virgin Islands; P.R. this season. A remarkable summer record of a Common Black- = Puerto Rico; St. C. = St. Croix; St. J. = St. John;V.I. = Virgin Islands. Table 1. Numbersand date of occurrenceof migrant shorebirds observedat Cabo Rojo N.W.R., Puerto Rico, and St. GREBE THROUGH TERNS- An ad. Least Grebe with Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands five chickswas noted July 19 at CaboRojo N.W.R., P.R. (PM et al ), for oneof the few reportsof breedingon the P.R.Bank. Cabo Rojo St. Croix A ReddishEgret observed June 28 at Rincon,p.R., on the west Species (PM et al.) (FS) coast,probably represented a vagrantfrom the Dominica•fRe- public. Four imm. Greater Flamingoswere present in s.w. Black-belliedPlover -- 26/24-7 PuertoRico July 12-31 at CaboRojo N.W.R. and PitahayaSali- SemipalmatedPlover 37/30-7 21/24-7 nas (IC, PM, JC et al.). Local fishermen(fide PM) report that GreaterYellowlegs -- 13/30-6 flamingosappear occassionally along the w. coastof P.R.;these LesserYellowlegs 879/30-7 6/24-7 are likely to be vagrantsfrom coloniesin the DominicanRe- Willet 9/25-6 16/26-6' public. An island count of 95 White-cheekedPintails June30 SpottedSandpiper 1/22-7 1/24-7 at St C. (FS)also provided evidence of widely-dispersednesting Whimbrel 3/30-7 8/30-6 achvity on offshorecays and around mainland mangrove Ruddy Turnstone -- 51/30-6 ponds.Resident Turkey Vultureswere noted at MarshHarbour, Red Knot 3/9-7 2/26-6 Abaco, Bahamas, June 20 (PWS, SAD, KMP). A Broad-winged Sanderling 1/30-7 -- Hawk seenat Maricao StateForest, P.R., July 16 was apparently SemipalmatedSandpiper 419/30-7 155/26-6 the first recordedfrom that location (TD, FV). A Red-tailed WesternSandpiper 39/25-6 61/29-6 Hawk was seentaking a SootyTeln abovea large, isolated Least Sandpiper 523/30-7 35/24-7 colonyat CarrotRock, Peter Island, B.V.I., June14 (RLN, NC). PectoralSandpiper 2/30-7 1/26-7 Red-tailed Hawk predation of SootyTerns has been noted at Stilt Sandpiper 133/30-7 40/30-6 CulebraN.W.R., P.R. (fde JT). Summerreports of Ospreyin Short-billedDowitcher 7/25-6 1/8-6 P R, and from Aruba (RvH) June 19, are of imm. birds that * nestingconfirmed lack the urge to migrate. These have led someobservers in

Volume 40, Number 5 1259 headed Gull seen at Cabo Rolo N W R, July 22-31 (PM, WB, A Eur Starling remained at St C, July 9-14 (FS), for one of JC,S & MF, m.ob.)post-dates a June9 record{Bond 1979) from the few V.I. occurrences. Another remarkable summer record the LesserAntilles. Further details are expected elsewhere. was that of a well-described Northern Parula at Cabo Rojo The small colony of Gull-billed Terns {6 pairs) at Anegada, N.W.R. (CS, WB) June 1-25, during which period CS recorded B V.I., suffereda major setback.Only one clutch of unbroken it singing.This is apparentlythe only Junerecord of the species eggswas found June 22, while the others had been attacked in the West Indies.Smith reportedseeing a few Olive-capped by antsas the chickspipped the shell. Sladennoted two breed- Warblersat AbacoJune 21; the speciesis endemicto that island, lng-p]umagedGull-bil]eds at St. C. on July 14. SandwichTern Grand Bahama, arid limited areas of Cuba. Another endemic pairs numbered 475 at AnegadaJune 22 (RLN, NC) in 2 groups warbler, Elfin WoodsWarbler, was noted July 26 (PM, WB) at rather than one large groupas has been censusedin the past Maricao State Forest,P.R. A few Red-wingedBlackbirds were {RLN). Among the Sandwich Terns were 10 individuals with noted at CrossingRock, Abaco, June 22 (PWS et al.); some either pure yellow (three) or motfled black-yellow bills, in- breedingpairs can be expectedin the n. Bahamas.A quarterly dlcatingcontinued presence of CayenneTern {S.s.eurygnatha) censusof Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, an endangered en- lntrogressionon the P.R. Bank (Norton 1984, Schaffneret demic of P.R., revealed a large roost at Parguera where 80 1986).Roseate Terns nestedin very small numbersin the B.V.I., birds were counted July 2 (PM, SS, TD et al.). A total of 131 principally at Sea] Dog rocks where 15 nests were counted birds was counted from Parguerato Boqueron,P.R. (D.N R, {RLN, NC) on June 14. There were large numbersof Roseares E.S.O.). The principal culprit of Yellow-shoulderedBlackbird feedingin nearby waters, which suggeststhat the colonyhad decline is the nest parasite Shiny Cowbird, which has made been egged.An ad. Common Tern was seen at St. C. {FS) on an explosiveexpansion of its rangerecently. The cowbirdwas July 5. There are a number of mid- to late-summerrecords of lacking on St. C. until very recently, when a male was noted Corn.Terns from St. C., which may suggestthat breedingbirds near mid-island last winter (RLN, FS). Apparently the same are being eggedon the P.R. Bank and await migration with bird hasbeen returning to roostin the samelocale, as reported other non-breedingterns on that islandprior to their September by FS on July 31. Initial observationsof the specieson St C departure.Halewyn noted that Black Noddiesseem to be in- met with courageousand immediatedispatch of all individuals creasingat Aruba, Neth. Antilles, with at leastnine birdspres- in the 1940s. Similar action should be contemplated as the ent in the summer of 1985. speciesexpands its rangeinto areas where certain species are vulnerable to nest parasitism, such as Tawny-shouldered Blackbird and other endemics of Cuba and the Bahamas. An-

PARROTS THROUGH SPARROW-- Cuban Parrots were other potentially harmful species,the House Sparrow, is apparently extant at Marsh Harbour, Abaco(PWS et al.), where reported to be commonand easily seen in s. Abaco, Bahamas, it was observedJune 20. but numberswere not available{PWS et al.). A singleAnti]lean Nighthawk was seenJune 27 at St. C. (FS),raising the suspicion that the specieshas returned as a breeder after a long hiatus EXOTICS-- Smith suggeststhat Florida is the source of the {fide GS). If confirmed, St. C. is the southernmost isolated Region'snewest introduction, Eurasian Collared-Dove, found at breeding station in the Caribbean.A summer record of two Abaco.More detailsare expectedelsewhere. nighthawks at St. Martin's, Neth. Antilles, airport (June 14, Voous1983) may refer to gundlachii.The extensivelowlands COBBIGENDUM -- RoyalTerns are scarce,non-breeding vis- of St. Martin should not be overlooked as possiblebreeding itorsto Aruba, Neth. Antilles, contraryto AB 38(6):1065. sites. Antillean Nighthawks were also noted June 20-23 at Marsh Harbour,Abaco, where they nestin May and June.A swift (sp.)was notedJuly 5 at St. C. {RW,PM, fide FS),providing CONTBIBUTOBS- (Subregionaleditors in boldface)--Wyhe one of the very few reports of any swift from the V.I. West Barrow, Indalecio Camacho,Nicholas Clark, JamieCollazo, Jose Indian Woodpeckerswere observedat Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Colon,Hector Colon, Tristan Davis,Dept. of Natural Resources, June 20-23 {PWS et al.), and heard or seen at several other SusanA. Dodler,Endangered Species Office, Martha & SeanFur- locationson the island. I agreewith Bond (26th Suppl., Check- niss, Ruud van Halewyn, Felix Lopez, Evelyn Mascio, Paul List, 1986)that the name WestIndian asapplied to this species, McKenzie,Debbie Mignogno, R.E. Noble,Pat Pratt,Ken M. Pry- which hasa restrictedrange in the Bahamas,Cuba, and Grand therch,Richard Rickeft, Earl Roebuck,George Seaman, Susan Sfi- ander,Fred Sladen,P. William Smith,Cindy Stacier, John Taylor, Cayman, is misleadingand inappropriate.Abaco's other res- FransiscoViiella, Ro Wauer, John Yntema.--ROBERT L. NOR- ldent woodpecker,Hairy Woodpecker,was noted June21 (PWS TON, Box 243, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00830. et al.).

SoAo Sladen reports that a • Purple Martin was seen and confirmed (RW, RR, PP) paired and nesting at Fred- ricksted,St. C., on June9 & 30 with an asyet unconfirmed • subisor dominicensis.The pair successfullyraised two young at the FredrickstedPier, where a • Purple Martin was seen last year (FS et al.) from March to July. Carib- bean Martins (P. (s.) dominicensis) winter in South America, presumably in the historical range of P. subis and Southern Martin (P. elegans) in Bolivia. Southern Martin looksvery much like subisand hasbeen recorded from Key West, Florida (A.O.U., 1983) in August, suggestingthat someindividuals may return extralimitally with migrant subis or dominicensis. More descriptive material would be desirableregarding any all-dark martins during summer in the West Indies. This is the southern most breedingrecord of the speciesin North America.

1260 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986 Immature TricoloredHeron (Egrettatricolor). Illustration/Michelle LaGory.

Volume40, Number5 1261 American Kestrei (Falco sparverius).Illustration/James Lish.

1262 AmericanBirds, Winter 1986