MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

November - December 2009 Volume 16 Number 5

A publication of Michigan Audubon MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History November - December 2009 Volume 16 Number 5

Michigan Birds and Natural History is a publication of Michigan Audubon and is published five times a year. Its mission is to provide a forum for the publication of research on the natural history of Michigan with an emphasis on birds. It is also the home of the Michigan Bird Survey, Michigan Butterfly Survey, Michigan Christmas Bird Counts, North American Migration Count, and the proceedings of the Michigan Bird Records Committee. Subscriptions are $25.00 per year in the United States and $30.00 elsewhere. They cover the current calendar year. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending a check along with your name and address to:

Michigan Audubon/MBNH 6011 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Suite 403 Lansing, Michigan 48917

MBNH Committee Managing Editor ...... Jon Wuepper Layout Editor ...... Don Tinson II Survey Editor ...... Adam M. Byrne Photo Editor ...... Allen T. Chartier Copy Editor ...... Bill Rapai Peer Review ...... Mike Bishop Seasonal Survey Compilers ...... Jon Wuepper, Jack Reinoehl, Louis Dombroski, Allen T. Chartier NAMC Compiler ...... Jeff Buecking, Mike Petrucha Christmas Bird Count Compilers ...... Glenn Palmgren, John Trapp Banding Summaries ...... Mike Bishop Michigan Bird Records Committee ...... Caleb G. Putnam

Cover: The winter irruption of Common Redpolls in 2007-2008 was widespread and well reported by the Michigan Bird Survey. Banding stations also noted significant numbers of this species as well. This individual was banded at one of the stations operated by the Kalamazoo Nature Center on 7 March 2008. Photo by Allen T. Chartier.

Printing: RiverRun Press, Kalamazoo, Michigan November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2008 Caleb G. Putnam 146 Timmer Dr. NE Sparta, MI 49345

This is the 19th report of the Michigan Bird Records Committee, covering the Committee’s actions in 2008. The members of the Committee in 2008 were Rick Brigham (Allegan Co.), Adam M. Byrne (Clinton Co.), Lathe Claflin (Jackson Co.), Joe Kaplan (Houghton Co.), Brad Murphy (Oakland Co.), Caleb G. Putnam (Kent Co.), and Scott Terry (Oakland Co.), with alternate members Jim Dawe (Oscoda Co.) and Louis Dombroski (Bay Co.). Putnam was Chairman and Byrne was Secretary. Per bylaw E.5 the votes of past committee members Jeff Buecking, Philip C. Chu, and Jack Reinoehl were solicited and used during 2008. During 2008, the committee made 255 decisions on 198 records, with 124 (48.6%) of the decisions being to accept; 109 (55.1%) of the records resulted in the acceptance of at least one individual. The discrepancy between the number of decisions and the number of records was because 21 records involved multiple individual birds, each individual requiring a separate decision. Second, 10 records were re-reviewed as a different species group following initial rejection; for example, a Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) that was initially rejected was then re-reviewed as an Aechmophorus grebe. During 2008 the committee received two requests for reconsideration: a Glossy Ibis (rejected unanimously), and a Red Phalarope (approved by majority vote). In 2006 the MBRC noticed a discrepancy in past and current voting standards. Namely, approximately 30-40 records in the MBRC database had originally been accepted based on 5-2, 5-1-1, or 5-0-2 tallies (Putnam 2007, 2008). Since these tallies would now connote resubmission rather than acceptance, the committee decided to bring all of the old records up to the current standard by re-evaluating them. This process was continued in 2008, with one additional record receiving reconsideration.

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Two species, Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) and Violet- green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) were added to the Michigan state checklist during 2008. This brings the total state list to 434 species. One species, Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), was upgraded from accidental to casual status, while Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) was downgraded from casual to accidental. A final species, Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) was upgraded from casual to regular, but will remain on the review list through at least 2011, per bylaw D.1. Several nomenclatural and taxonomic changes were made during 2008 to bring the state checklist into concordance with the 49th supplement to the American Ornithologists’ Union Checklist of North American Birds (Banks et al. 2008). Namely, Bonaparte’s Gull (Larus philadelphia) and Black- headed Gull (L. ridibundus) were moved to the genus Chroicocephalus, Little Gull (L. minutus) was moved to the genus Hydrocoloeus, and Laughing Gull (L. atricilla) and Franklin’s Gull (L. pipixcan) were moved to the genus Leucophaeus. The Laridae was also reordered (see the state checklist at the MBRC website [URL below] or Banks et al. [2008] for details). Finally, the common name Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus) was changed to Green Violetear. A current version of the checklist and review list may be downloaded at the committee’s website: http://www.michiganaudubon.org/research/ records_committee.html

Bylaws amendments At the spring meeting the committee voted to change Bylaw C.3. to: The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology shall be the prime repository of specimens, recordings, photographs, and written documentation of Michigan birds. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a second repository for storing duplicate materials. This change eliminated the requirement of the secretary to store duplicate materials at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Also at the spring meeting, the committee voted to change Bylaw E.2. to: Resubmissions will be discussed at a meeting before being circulated for the second vote.

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a. No person, whether a member of the committee or not, will be present when his or her record is discussed for resubmission. b. For a record that is to be resubmitted, members who are physically present for the resubmission discussion will be given voting priority over members who are absent. (i) If more than seven members are present, then for those present the standard voting hierarchy will be followed. (ii) If fewer than seven are present, so that votes from one or more absentees are needed, then – regarding the absentees – votes from regular members will be used on a first-come basis, and regular members will be given priority over alternates (assuming votes were cast by the deadline stipulated in E.4). This change allots voting preference on resubmitted records to those committee members that were present at the MBRC meeting in which the resubmission discussion occurred. At the fall meeting, the committee voted to change Bylaw E.5. to: Members will abstain from voting on records for which they have submitted documentation; members will not abstain on any other votes. When it is not possible to get seven votes for a record, votes will be solicited from past committee members, starting with the most recently replaced member and going back in succession until there are enough eligible and willing voters; in cases where more than one committee member rotated off the committee at the same time, those committee members will be contacted simultaneously and the first to respond positively will be used. Past committee members will be given seven days to respond to the solicitation before the next past committee member is contacted. This change clarified the process of contacting and selecting ex-MBRC members for voting assistance on records for which outside votes were required due to an excessive number of abstentions.

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Policy Changes At the spring 2008 meeting the committee approved a policy redefining meeting attendance as such: A committee meeting is defined as members of Michigan Bird Records Committee who are physically present at a meeting. Members who are not physically present are excluded from the meeting. This policy was necessary to properly enforce bylaw E.2, which specifies vote tallying procedures for meeting attendees and absentees. It encourages members to attend meetings in person, and disallows participation via phone conferencing. Records Accepted One individual, a white morph adult, was observed Black-bellied Whistling-Duck at the Muskegon Wastewater (Dendrocygna autumnalis) Management System, Muskegon Vote: 7-0 Co., on 25-28 October 2007. This Descriptions: David J. Peters, Donald individual was accompanied by two Poppe pale morph juvenile geese which Photographs: David J. Peters were thought by the observers to One individual was be either pure Ross’s Geese or observed at Shiawassee National Ross’s Goose X Snow Goose (C. Wildlife Refuge, Saginaw Co., on caerulescens) hybrids, both of which 29 September-1 October 2008. were rejected as Ross’s Geese (see below under “Records Not Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) Accepted”). Vote: 6-1, in the second round Photographs: Chris Barrigar Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) One individual, a white Vote: 7-0 morph adult, was observed at the Description: Karl Overman Royalton Twp., Berrien Co., on 14 Photographs: Karl Overman March 2007. One individual, a white morph adult, was observed at Belle Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) Isle, Wayne Co., on 26 November Vote: 6-1, for one individual 2007. Descriptions: Sean Fitzgerald, Caleb Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) G. Putnam Photographs: Caleb G. Putnam, Vote: 7-0 Dave Slager Photographs: Allen Chartier, Scott Jennex

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One individual, a white Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus morph adult, was observed at buccinator) Willow Metropark, Wayne Co., on Vote: 6-1 30 November-4 December 2007. Descriptions: Kelly J. Leinaar Photographs: Kelly J. Leinaar Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) One adult was observed Vote: 7-0, in the second round on Tee Lake, near Germfask, Photographs: Ed Kaminski Schoolcraft Co., on 28 May-19 One individual, a white October 1990. This individual morph adult, was observed at wore a yellow neck band with the Boardman Lake, Grand Traverse combination “36-FA”, which proved Co., on 13-31 March 2008. to be an adult female from the LaCreek restoration effort in Martin, Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) South Dakota. The individual had Vote: 6-1 been banded there on 18 July Description: Karl Overman 1988 and last seen in December Photographs: Scott Jennex, Karl of 1989. At issue was whether this Overman individual was from a self-sustaining One individual, a white population (versus a reintroduced morph adult, was observed near one), given that its identification was Caseville, Huron Co., on 5 April confirmed by its band. The LaCreek 2008. population had been introduced in the early 1960s and was self- Brant (Branta bernicla) sustaining as of the late 1980s, Vote: 7-0, for seven individuals eliminating this concern for most of Description: Robert J. Holdreith the committee. This same individual Photographs: Robert J. Holdreith was seen at the same location on 20 Seven individuals, including April-12 October 1991. 3 adults and 4 juveniles, were observed at Port Huron, St. Clair Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) Co., on 12 October 2007. Vote: 7-0 Descriptions: Adam M. Byrne, Brad Brant (Branta bernicla) Murphy Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Bruce Bowman Description: Chip Francke One drake was observed One juvenile was observed at Pointe Mouillee State Game at Grand Haven, Ottawa Co., on 1 Area, Monroe Co., on 9 June 2007. November 2008.

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Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) Vote: 6-1 Vote: 5-2, in the second round Photographs: Jeff Schultz Description: Greg Norwood One drake was observed One individual in adult at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne Co., alternate plumage was observed at on 16 April 2006. Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., on 28 September 2007. King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) Vote: 7-0 Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) Photograph: Nathan Crawford Vote: 5-2, in the second round One first year male was Description: Cory Gregory observed at Belle Isle, Wayne Co., One individual in adult on 21-22 November 2008. alternate plumage was observed at Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., on 9 Common Eider (Somateria October 2007. The committee had mollissima) some concern regarding several Vote: 7-0 near verbatim paragraphs from Description: Scott Hickman the writeup and another written by Photographs: Skye Haas, Scott Gregory. However, these concerns Hickman were allayed by the fact that it One individual, a hen, was seemed reasonable for him to have observed at Grand Marais, Alger seen two very similar individuals Co., on 29 June-1 July 2007. as the official waterbird counter at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) Vote: 7-0 Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) Description: Skye Haas Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Ryne Rutherford Descriptions: Joe Agius, Sean One individual in first Bachman, Adam M. Byrne, Allen T. alternate plumage was observed Chartier, Philip C. Chu, Lathe Claflin, at Keweenaw Bay, Baraga, Baraga James Dawe, Margaret S. Jewett Co., on 4 June 2007. Photographs: Joe Agius, Bruce Bowman, Adam M. Byrne, Allen T. Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) Chartier, Darlene Freidman Vote: 6-1 One individual in juvenile Description: Cory Gregory plumage was observed at Portage One individual in adult Lake, Washtenaw Co., on 25 alternate plumage was observed at December 2007-2 January 2008. Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., on 25 September 2007.

162 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) One individual was Vote: 7-0 observed at Lake Erie Metropark, Photographs: Skye Haas Wayne Co., on 22 December One individual in basic 2001. Initially rejected as Northern aspect, either in its 1st or 2nd summer, Gannet (Byrne 2004), this record was observed at Marquette, was here given reconsideration as Marquette Co., on 26 May-2 June Sulid sp., consistent with current 2008. MBRC practice.

Aechmophorus grebe (Aechmophorus Neotropic Cormorant occidentalis/clarkii) (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Vote: 6-1 Vote: 7-0 Description: James C. Dawe Descriptions: Philip C. Chu, Caleb G. One individual was Putnam observed at Oscoda, Iosco Co., on Photographs: Rick Brigham, Adam 21 October 2007. M. Byrne, Caleb G. Putnam One individual, a first state Aechmophorus grebe (Aechmophorus record, was observed at Grand occidentalis/clarkii) Haven, Ottawa Co., on 5-20 May Vote: 7-0 2008. Description: Joseph Youngman Photographs: Joseph Youngman Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata( One individual was magnificens) observed at Keweenaw Bay, about Vote: 6-1 4 miles north of L’Anse, Baraga Co., Description: Matthew Hysell on 10 December 2007. One adult male was observed at St. Joseph, Berrien Co., Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) on 26 September 2008. Vote: 7-0 Description: Calvin Brennan Frigatebird species (Fregata sp.) Photographs: Darlene Friedman, Vote: 5-2, in the second round Joshua Haas Description: Angela Sabatos One juvenile was observed One individual, either at Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne a female or subadult male, was Co., on 24 November-1 December observed at Au Train Lake, Alger 2007. Co., on 6 September 2007. This report was initially rejected as Sulid species (Morus/Sula sp.) Magnificent Frigatebird (see below Vote: 6-1 under “Records Not Accepted”), Description: Mike Mencotti but was here given reconsideration

Caleb G. Putnam 163 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History under a broader grouping. One individual was Although there was some concern observed at Pointe Mouillee over whether a very high Great State Game Area, Monroe Co., Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) could on 29 June-28 July 1991. This be ruled out (the legs appearing bird was part of a group of four to be a long, forked tail) and individuals initially accepted as regarding the bird’s exact size Glossy Ibises (Chu 1992). However, and the extent of its “white bib,” only three of the four individuals the majority of the committee was remained as Glossy Ibises following satisfied with the documentation. reconsideration of the record in 2007 (Putnam 2008). The fourth Frigatebird species (Fregata sp.) individual, rejected as Glossy Ibis, Vote: 6-1 is here reconsidered as a Plegadis Descriptions: Larry Burke, Steve ibis. Burke One individual, an Plegadis ibis (Plegadis falcinellus/ apparent adult male, was observed chihi) at Lake Leelanau, Leelanau Co., on Vote: 6-1, in the second round 20 September 2008. Description: Steven Gasser One individual was Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) observed at Nayanquing Point Vote: 7-0 State Wildlife Area, Bay Co., on 28 Photographs: Patrick Foote May 2008. This report was initially One adult was observed rejected as Glossy Ibis (see below at Douglas, Allegan Co., on 6 May under “Records Not Accepted”), 2008, with three White-faced but was here reconsidered as a Ibises (see below under “Records broader species grouping, per Accepted”). current MBRC practice. White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) Plegadis ibis (Plegadis falcinellus/ Vote: 7-0 chihi) Photographs: Patrick Foote Vote: 7-0, for one individual Three adults were observed Description: Sena Mulder at Douglas, Allegan Co., on 6 May Photographs: Sena Mulder 2008, with a single Glossy Ibis (see Two individuals were above under “Records Accepted”). reported in Saugatuck Twp., Plegadis ibis (Plegadis falcinellus/ Allegan Co., on 15 November chihi) 2008. The first individual, Vote: 7-0 documented by photographs, was Description: Philip C. Chu clearly an ibis. However, the second

164 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 individual was not described, Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides leading to its rejection (see below forficatus) under “Records Not Accepted”). Vote: 7-0 Description: Nancy Warren Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Photographs: Nancy Warren Vote: 7-0 One individual was Description: Matt Hysell observed about 3 miles southwest Photographs: Tim Baerwald, Matt of Matchwood, Ontonagon Co., on Hysell, Andre Moncrieff 18 August 2008. One individual was observed at Berrien Springs, Berrien Mississippi Kite (Ictinia Co., on 4-6 September 2007. mississipiensis) Vote: 7-0 Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Photographs: Jeff Schultz Vote: 6-1 One individual was Photographs: Jeff Pavlik observed at Milan, Washtenaw Co., One individual was on 21 May 1999. observed near Bell, Presque Isle Co., on 14 September 2007. Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) Vote: 7-0, in the second round Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Description: Monica Essenmacher Vote: 7-0 One individual was Description: Lathe Claflin observed at Port Crescent State Photograph: Paul Cypher Park, Huron Co., on 3 April 2008. One individual was observed at Lake Erie Metropark, Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) Wayne Co., on 14 October 2008. Vote: 7-0, for one individual Descriptions: Chris Barrigar, Rick Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Brigham, Adam M. Byrne, Philip C. Vote: 7-0 Chu, Jonathan T. Wuepper Description: Joe Kaplan, Mary Audio recordings: Andre Moncrieff, Hindelang & Mark Silver Caleb G. Putnam Photographs: George Desort Two individuals were One individual was reported in Royalton Twp., Berrien observed near Chassell, Houghton Co., on 13-24 May 2007. This Co., on 17 October-17 November record consisted of several heard- 2008. only observations, some of which were thought to include a second individual heard calling from a distance nearly simultaneously

Caleb G. Putnam 165 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History to the first individual. The first King Rail (Rallus elegans) individual was unanimously Vote: 7-0, for one of two individuals accepted, but the second individual Description: Steven Gasser was rejected (see below under Photographs: Doug Jackson “Records Not Accepted”). Two were reported at Bay- Arenac Rd., Bay & Arenac Cos., on King Rail (Rallus elegans) 27 June 2008. The photographs Vote: 7-0, in the second round clearly showed one King Rail, Description: Michael A. Sanders but the second individual was not Two individuals were supported by either written or reported at Harsen’s Island, photographic evidence (see below St. Clair Co., on 8 May 2007. under “Records Not Accepted”). The first individual, which was photographed, was accepted in Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus 2007 (Putnam 2008). However, mexicanus) the second individual was heard- Vote: 7-0, for six individuals only, and there was some question Descriptions: Adam M. Byrne, Philip as to whether one individual could C. Chu, Jerome S. Jourdan, Matt have produced the appearance of Yawney two calling birds. Some members Photographs: Adam M. Byrne, had the additional concern that the Jerome S. Jourdan, Brad Murphy, fleeting description of the second Caleb G. Putnam individual’s voice was insufficient Six individuals, two adults to rule out Virginia Rail’s (Rallus and their four offspring, were limicola) very similar “kik-kik- observed at Pointe Mouillee State krr” call. After discussion, all felt Game Area, Monroe Co., on 13 that since the observer correctly June-30 August 2008. By the end identified the first individual by of this period only the adult male voice, it was very unlikely he and three of the young were to be misidentified the second individual found, the fate of the adult female which was vocalizing at the same and 4th juvenile unknown. time. Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) King Rail (Rallus elegans) Vote: 6-1 Vote: 7-0 Description: Bruce Bowman Description: Adam M. Byrne Photographs: Bruce Bowman One was observed at One juvenile was observed Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, at Pointe Mouillee State Game Monroe Co., on 17 June 2007. Area, Monroe Co., on 31 August 2008.

166 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) One juvenile was observed Vote: 7-0 at Chassell, Houghton Co., on 18 Description: Adam M. Byrne July 2008. Photographs: Adam M. Byrne, Brad Murphy, Caleb G. Putnam Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus One juvenile was observed glaucescens) at Pointe Mouillee State Game Vote: 7-0 Area, Monroe Co., on 6-15 Descriptions: Matt Hysell, Caleb G. September 2008. This record was Putnam deemed to involve a separate Photographs: Tim Baerwald, Adam individual from that in the previous M. Byrne, Matt Hysell, Caleb G. record as photos clearly showed Putnam different plumage traits. Video: Caleb G. Putnam One individual, either an Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) adult or a fourth calendar year Vote: 7-0 individual, wearing alternate Description: Allen T. Chartier plumage, was observed at St. Photographs: Robert Epstein, Joseph, Berrien Co., on 2 May Darlene Friedman, Lyle Hamilton 2008. One individual, age and sex undetermined, was observed at Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, pomarinus) Monroe Co., on 19-23 August 2008. Vote: 7-0 Description: Brian Allen Red Phalarope (Phalaropus One individual, a light fulicarius) morph adult, was observed at Vote: 7-0 Manistee, Manistee Co., on 3 Description: Scott Hickman September 2007. Photographs: Byron Butler, Lyle Hamilton, Scott Hickman White-winged Dove (Zenaida One individual, a juvenile asiatica) beginning its transition into Vote: 6-1 formative plumage, was observed Description: Alan Ryff at Munising, Alger Co., on 13 One individual was October 2007. observed at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, Monroe Co., on 13 Heermann’s Gull (Larus heermanni) August 2007. Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Joseph Youngman

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White-winged Dove (Zenaida Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) asiatica) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 7-0 Descriptions: Scott Hickman, Kirk Photographs: Barb and Jeff Zufelt Brockway Photographs: Robert Epstein, Scott One individual was Hickman, Chris Neri, Kirk Zufelt observed at Milakokia Lake, One individual was Mackinac Co., on 7 September observed at Laughing Whitefish 2008. Point, Alger Co., on 5-6 July 2008.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) asiatica) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Sheryl Nelson Description: Mike Champagne One individual was One individual was observed at Grand Rapids, Kent observed at Seven Ponds Nature Co., on 18-28 October 2008. Center, Lapeer Co., on 29 October 2008. Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 7-0 Description: Allen T. Chartier Photographs: Paul Revard Photographs: Allen T. Chartier One individual was One individual, an adult observed at Tawas Point State Park, female, was observed (including Iosco Co., on 16 September 2007. capture) at DeWitt, Clinton Co., on 17 October-22 November 2007. Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus Vote: 7-0 rufus) Description: Marvin E. Budd, Vote: 7-0 Jonathan T. Wuepper Description: Allen T. Chartier Audio Recordings: Marvin E. Budd Photographs: Allen T. Chartier One individual was One individual, a first year observed in Berrien Twp., Berrien female, was observed (including Co., on 8 May-5 July 2008. This capture) near Bangor, Van Buren was the 4th consecutive summer in Co., on “mid-October”-5 December which a Chuck-will’s-widow was 2007. observed at this location.

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Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus Description: Carol Burchett rufus) Photograph: Carol Burchett Vote: 7-0 One was observed “near Description: Allen T. Chartier Millington,” Tuscola Co., on 29-30 Photographs: Allen T. Chartier September 2007. First rejected as One individual, a first year Rufous Hummingbird (see below male, was observed (including under “Records Not Accepted”), capture) at Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo this record was here given Co., on 28 October-22 December reconsideration under a broader 2007. species grouping.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus American Three-toed Woodpecker rufus) (Picoides dorsalis) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 7-0 Description: Allen T. Chartier Description: Ruth A. Rudesill Photographs: Tim Baerwald, Allen T. One was observed “near Chartier Bear Lake,” Baraga Co., on 14 July One individual, a first year 2004. female, was observed (including capture) in Benton Twp., Berrien Co., American Three-toed Woodpecker on 5-11 November 2007. (Picoides dorsalis) Vote: 7-0 Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus Description: Joe Kaplan rufus) One was observed at Vote: 7-0 Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Co., on Description: Allen T. Chartier, Philip 16 November 2007. C. Chu, Nancy Gillis, Caleb G. Putnam American Three-toed Woodpecker Photographs: Allen T. Chartier, (Picoides dorsalis) Robert Epstein, Nancy Gillis, Caleb Vote: 7-0 G. Putnam Description: Alexander Egan One individual, an adult One was observed at Isle male, was observed at Holland, Royale National Park, Keweenaw Ottawa Co., on 7 November-4 Co., on 24 January 2008. December 2008. American Three-toed Woodpecker Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird (Picoides dorsalis) (Selasphorus rufus/sasin) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 6-1 Description: Rick Baetsen

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One was observed at November 1972. This record was Northwestern Rd., Marquette Co., initially accepted with a 5-2 vote on 5 October 2008. (Chu 1992), and was re-reviewed using the current standard of Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) acceptance, as described in the Vote: 7-0 introduction. Initial concerns over Description: Zach Gayk the perceived second-hand nature One individual was of the writeup were allayed by the observed at Bete Grise wetlands, fact that the observer, Mrs. Hewins, Keweenaw Co., on 28 May 2007. signed the report.

Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus Vote: 7-0 forficatus) Descriptions: Philip C. Chu, Matt Vote: 7-0 Hysell, Caleb G. Putnam, Jonathan Photographs: Kelli Heindel Levinson T. Wuepper One individual was Photographs: Tim Baerwald, Byron observed from Whitefish Point to Butler, Darlene Friedman, Matt Paradise, Chippewa Co., on 2-3 Hysell, Kip Miller, Caleb G. Putnam June 2008. One individual was observed at St. Joseph, Berrien Co., Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius on 20-24 November 2007. ludovicianus) Vote: 7-0 Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) Description: Chris Neri Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Chris Neri Descriptions: Joseph Youngman One individual was Photographs: Max Henschell observed at Whitefish Point, One individual was Chippewa Co., on 24 September observed at Sturgeon River Sloughs 2007. Wildlife Area, Baraga/Houghton Cos., on 29 September 2008. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus Vote: 7-0 rubinus) Description: Caleb G. Putnam Vote: 7-0, in the second round Photographs: Rick Brigham, Description: Mrs. James A. Hewins Adam M. Byrne, Skye Haas, Max (typed by James A. Hewins) Henschell, Caleb G. Putnam One individual, a male One individual was (probably an adult), was observed observed north of Stonington, Delta at Fraser, Macomb Co., on 12 Co., on 25 April-3 May 2008.

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Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii) Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes Vote: 7-0 bewickii) Description: Caleb G. Putnam Vote: 6-1 Photographs: Adam M. Byrne, Allen Description: Keith Westphal T. Chartier, Robert Epstein, Brad One individual was Murphy, Caleb G. Putnam observed at Benzonia, Benzie Co., Audio Recording: Allen T. Chartier on 10 May 2008. One individual was observed at Beaudette Park, Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe Oakland Co., on 26 April-2 May oenanthe) 2008. Vote: 7-0 Descriptions: Scott Hickman, Caleb Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta G. Putnam thalassina) Photographs: Skye Haas, Scott Vote: 7-0 Hickman, Caleb G. Putnam, Barbara Descriptions: Skye Haas, Caleb G. Tompkins Putnam One individual was Photographs: Rick Brigham, Adam observed at Grand Marais, Alger M. Byrne, Max Henschell, David Co., on 6 June 2008. Pavlik, Caleb G. Putnam One female, a first state Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes record, was observed at Marquette, montanus) Marquette Co., on 27-29 April Vote: 7-0 2008. Descriptions: Jonathan T. Wuepper, John Wuepper Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) Photographs: Jonathan T. Wuepper Vote: 7-0 One individual was Photographs: Chris Neri, Kirk Zufelt observed at St. Joseph, Berrien Co., One individual was on 30 October 2007. observed at Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., on 21 October Western Tanager (Piranga 2007. ludovicianus) Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 7-0 Description: Skye Haas Description: Tom Auer One adult male was Photographs: Tom Auer observed at Whitefish Point, One individual was Chippewa Co., on 13 May 2008. observed at Sturgeon River Sloughs Wildlife Area, Baraga/Houghton Cos., on 22 May 2008.

Caleb G. Putnam 171 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Western Tanager (Piranga One individual was ludovicianus) observed at Agate Harbor, Vote: 7-0, for one of two individuals Keweenaw Co., on 23 August 2007. in the second round Description: Lillian Heldreth Lark Sparrow (Chondestes Two individuals, a male grammacus) and a presumed female, were Vote: 7-0 reported at Marquette, Marquette Description: Skye Haas Co., on 9 May 2008. The male One individual was was accepted, but the female was observed at Marquette, Marquette rejected (see below under “Records Co., on 24 August 2007. Not Accepted”). Lark Sparrow (Chondestes Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) grammacus) Vote: 7-0 Vote: 7-0 Description: Scott Hickman Descriptions: Dave Slager Photographs: Scott Hickman, Max Photographs: Caleb G. Putnam, Henschell Dave Slager One individual was One individual was observed at AuTrain, Alger Co., on observed at Muskegon, Muskegon 27-28 September 2007. Co., on 2-3 September 2007.

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) Lark Sparrow (Chondestes Vote: 7-0 grammacus) Descriptions: Rick Brigham, Matt Vote: 7-0 Hysell, Michael Overway, John L. Photographs: Skye Haas, Mark and Trapp, Alison Világ, Jonathan T. Joanie Hubinger Wuepper One individual was Photographs: Rick Brigham, Matt observed at Shelter Bay, Alger Co., Hysell, Kip Miller, Michael Overway, on 3 May 2008. John L. Trapp One individual was Lark Sparrow (Chondestes observed in Buchanan Twp., Berrien grammacus) Co., on 31 January-8 February Vote: 7-0 2008. Description: Scott Hickman Photographs: Jude Holloway, Lark Sparrow (Chondestes Amanda Ingraham grammacus) One individual was Vote: 7-0 observed at Munising, Alger Co., on Description: Laurence C. Binford 3 May 2008.

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Lark Sparrow (Chondestes One individual was grammacus) observed at Whitefish Point, Vote: 7-0, for one individual, 0-7, Chippewa Co., on 25 May 2008. for two individuals Descriptions: Adam M. Byrne, Philip Lark Sparrow (Chondestes C. Chu, Edward Tiede grammacus) Photograph: Karl Overman Vote: 6-1, in the second round Audio Recording: Allen T. Chartier Description: Frank Apsey One individual was One individual was observed at Petersburg State observed at Oscoda, Iosco Co., on Game Area, Monroe Co., on 25 May 2008. 6-22 May 2008. A second individual, reported by one of the Lark Sparrow (Chondestes observers but not by the others, grammacus) was not accepted (see below under Vote: 7-0 “Records Not Accepted”). Photograph: Dick Verch One individual was Lark Sparrow (Chondestes observed near Wakefield, Gogebic grammacus) Co., on 16 June 2008. Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Robert Seasor Lark Bunting (Calamospiza One individual was melanocorys) observed at Topaz, Ontonogan Co., Vote: 5-2 on 7 May 2008. Photographs: Tom Auer, Art Weaver One male was observed Lark Sparrow (Chondestes at Oskar, Houghton Co., on 17-19 grammacus) May 2008. Vote: 7-0 Description: Anita & Brad Blasius Lark Bunting (Calamospiza (via David J. Peters), Craig Lipski melanocorys) Photograph: Craig Lipski Vote: 5-2, in the second round One individual was Description: Greg Mulligan observed at Tawas Point State Park, One male was observed at Iosco Co., on 18-22 May 2008. Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., on 17 May 2008. Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) Vote: 7-0 Photographs: David Bell, Max Henschell

Caleb G. Putnam 173 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammodramus One individual was nelsoni) observed east of Alpena, Alpena Vote: 7-0 Co., on 15 May 2007. Description: Skye Haas One individual was Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) observed at Marquette, Marquette Vote: 7-0 Co., on 11 October 2007. Description: William Grigg One individual was Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammodramus observed east of Alpena, Alpena nelsoni) Co., on 19 May 2007. Vote: 7-0 Descriptions: Adam M. Byrne, Brad Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer Murphy montanus) One individual was Vote: 7-0, for one individual, 6-1, observed at Pointe Mouillee State for two additional individuals Game Area, Monroe Co., on 26 Description: Laurence C. Binford, May 2008. Joe Kaplan Photographs: Zach Gayk Nelson’s/Saltmarsh Sparrow Three individuals were (Ammodramus nelsoni/caudacutus) observed at Copper Harbor, Vote: 7-0 Keweenaw Co., on 5-11 May 2007. Description: Jonathan Vande Kopple Photographs: Jonathan Vande Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer Kopple montanus) One individual was Vote: 7-0 observed at Muskegon State Game Photographs: Robert Seasor Area, Muskegon Co., on 26 May One individual was 2007. First rejected as Nelson’s observed at Topaz, Ontonogan Co., Sparrow (see below under “Records on 31 May 2007. Not Accepted”), this record was here given reconsideration under Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer a broader species grouping, montanus) concordant with MBRC practice. Vote: 7-0 Photographs: Calvin Brennan, Chris Golden-crowned Sparrow Neri (Zonotrichia atricapilla) One individual was Vote: 7-0 observed at Whitefish Point, Description: William Grigg Chippewa Co., on 7-8 May 2008.

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Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer “muffled ‘caw’” rather than a clear montanus) whistle. While some members felt Vote: 7-0 convinced that the description was a Description: Philip C. Chu good match for Fulvous Whistling- Photographs: Max Henschell, Chris Duck, most were troubled that the Neri bird was roosting in a tree. This One individual was behavior is not common in Fulvous observed at Whitefish Point, Whistling-Duck, a concern also cited Chippewa Co., on 25-29 May by Chu (1991). Furthermore, and 2008. also in concordance with the earlier decision, the vocalization was Records Not Accepted deemed inconsistent with the species claimed. A final problem was the Black-bellied/Fulvous Whistling- description of shape as similar to Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis/ that of Green Heron. bicolor) Vote: 2-5 “Greenland” Greater White- one description fronted Goose (Anser albifrons One individual was flavirostris) reported at Round Lake, Lenawee Vote: 0-7, for two individuals Co., on 16 June 1988. This record one description was initially rejected as a Fulvous Two individuals, both Whistling-Duck (Chu 1991), and was adults, were reported at Willow here given reconsideration under Metropark, Wayne Co., on 25 a broader grouping, consistent November 2007. The observer with current MBRC practice. The noted “dark barring on the lower observer described a 20 inch tall breast and belly” and an “orange- duck standing in a tree top, goose- colored bill versus the pink bills of like in appearance (shape was the other subspecies.” Members also mentioned as similar to the were unanimous in the opinion that shape of Green Heron (Butorides the former field mark is typical of virescens)), with a tawny head and all adult Greater White-fronted neck roughly 1/3 the height of the Geese, and thus not helpful in bird, blue-gray bill and legs, dark determining the subspecies (without wings and back, white on its rump more detail on extent and pattern with a “narrow rim of black on its of barring). Members also argued tail,” and tawny underparts similar that bill color, though suggestive of in color to the head and neck. Its flavirostris, should not be considered vocalization was described as a diagnostic (Kaufman 1994), as

Caleb G. Putnam 175 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History some individuals are intermediate vertical and very slightly convex” between subspecies, and occasional curvature to the facial feathering/ individuals of other subspecies show bill base juncture. Some argued orange bills as well. that the bird appeared petite with all of the necessary features Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) for this species, while others were Vote: 3-4, for one individual in concerned about the slight albeit the first round, 4-3, for a second clear curvature to the bill base/ individual in the second round facial feathering interface, visible one description in the photos and noted by the photographs observer, which was interpreted as Two individuals, both pale leaving open the possibility of a morph juveniles, were reported Snow Goose X Ross’s Goose hybrid at Tawas City, Iosco Co., on 26 or backcross. October 2007. Dissenting members felt the birds were possibly hybrid Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) Snow Geese X Ross’s Geese due Vote: 3-4 to uncomfortably large body photographs size (judged to be too large in One individual, a pale comparison to nearby Canada morph adult, was reported at Ann Geese (Branta canadensis)), the Arbor, Washtenaw Co., on 28 heavy, non-triangular bills, the February 2008. The bird was not slightly convex facial feathering/bill described in writing, but multiple base interface, and the presence of photos were provided by two a small “grin patch” on the tomia of observers. The committee was the two birds. split on this record, with several members of the opinion that the Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) bird’s traits were not out of range Vote: 3-4 of Ross’s Goose. Most, however, one description felt that the following features were photographs incorrect for Ross’s Goose, and One individual, a pale suggestive of a hybrid Snow Goose morph adult, was reported at X Ross’s Goose or backcross: the Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., on 28- bill was proportionately too long 29 January 2008. The bird was and bulky, the “grin patch” was described as approximately the size too broad, and the bill base/facial of a Mallard or slightly larger, with feathering interface was not straight a short, stubby bill with a grayish enough, instead being curved base, no “grin line,” and an “almost convexly forward slightly. Finally,

176 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 one of the two observers also One individual, an adult, voiced the concern that this bird was reported in Galien Twp., was potentially a hybrid in written Berrien Co., on 30 April-4 May correspondence. 2008. The committee at large agreed with the idenfication of the Brant (Branta bernicla) bird, but all questioned its origin as Vote: 0-7 a natural vagrant. Specifically, the one description bird was seen to have a band on its One individual was right leg that “perhaps had some reported in Au Sable Twp., Iosco red that was washed/faded over Co., on 17 April 2008. The bird time.” The presence of bands on was described as being the size Nearctic Barnacle Geese does not of a Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) necessarily preclude the possibility and all-black, except for a white of natural vagrancy, as illustrated belly and “white stripes on side by a 2004 hunter-shot bird from of neck.” Members unanimously Ontario that had been banded in felt the description was inconsistent Scotland. However, the presence with the species claimed. Several of a red band, many members members mentioned that the report argued, would more likely represent never clearly identified the bird as that of a captive band. Finally, a waterfowl. Further, Brants are at least two members expressed not uniformly black; they have gray some reservation about the bird’s mantles and flanks which contrast identification, stating that a hybrid paler than the black neck and Barnacle Goose X Canada Goose head, and they have strikingly white may not be fully ruled out without uppertail coverts. They are also more detail. slightly longer and considerably heavier than Mallards. Finally, the Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) description did not identify where Vote: 0-7 the white neck stripes were located, one description and how extensive they were. One individual, a drake, Several members voiced the concern was reported at Oscoda, Iosco that a domesticed duck could fit the Co., on 18 April 2008. The bird description. was described as the size of an American Wigeon (Anas americana), Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) with a grayish bill, a “chocolet [sic] Vote: 0-7 colored head and breast that are two descriptions contrasty,” a “tan head crown,” a photographs “black stern with white ahead of it,” and a light gray body. Members

Caleb G. Putnam 177 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History were unanimous in the opinion that white crescent on each side of the the description was inconsistent with face extending above the eyes,” a drake Eurasian Wigeon, which “very little white” in the flanks, and would never exhibit a chocolate- a completely dark back. Members colored head. Instead, this bird unanimously agreed that a hybrid should show an orange-red head Common Goldeneye X Barrow’s with a creamy or buff-colored Goldeneye could not be ruled out forecrown and a pinkish breast. without a more detailed description of shoulder spur, mantle, scapular Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala pattern, and other field marks. islandica) Further, several members also felt Vote: 0-7 that the description given was one description potentially inconsistent with Barrow’s One individual, a male, Goldeneye. Specifically, all drake was reported at Omena, Leelanau Barrow’s Goldeneyes should exhibit Co., on 23 November 2007. The a pale yellow eye, yet the observer bird was said to have white on reports eyes which were “sometimes the face “extending up past the as dark as the head.” The observer eye and ending in an almost sharp also appears to suggest that the point.” The observer did not flanks and mantle were entirely describe the pattern of the forward black, another problematic claim for portion of the flanks nor any other any drake. field marks. Members shared the unanimous opinion that more field Pacific Loon Gavia( pacifica) marks were necessary to rule out Vote: 0-7 the possibility of a hybrid Common one description Goldeneye (B. clangula) X Barrow’s One individual was Goldeneye, which can share the reported at Glen Haven, Leelanau facial crescent of Barrow’s but show Co., on 12 May 2008. The an intermediate “shoulder spur,” observer described a loon about head shape, and scapular pattern. 25% smaller than nearby Common Loons (Gavia immer) with a more Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala slender bill, “very light gray from islandica) the top of the head running down Vote: 0-7 the back of its neck,” “a very one description dark black throat that contrasted One individual, a male, was greatly with its head,” and a white reported at Oscoda, Iosco Co., on belly. Members were troubled by 18 February 2008. The observer the inability to age this individual described a bird with a “classic long from the information presented.

178 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Although the dark throat would second-year), they argued, would suggest an adult, the description have obvious white patches on the of the back as dark would be a scapulars. better fit for a first summer Arctic (G. arctica) or Pacific Loon. At least Arctic/Pacific Loon Gavia( arctica/ two members felt that a dark throat pacifica) and dark back were characteristics Vote: 0-7 of an alternate adult Red-throated photographs Loon (G. stellata). Others did not video footage invoke this possibility but pointed One individual was out that the lack of description of captured at Ottawa National the flank pattern left one unable Forest, Gogebic Co., on 1 October to rule out Arctic Loon. This record 2008. All members felt the photos was subsequently reconsidered as and video footage appeared to Arctic/Pacific Loon (see below under show a Red-throated Loon. “Records Not Accepted”). Western Grebe (Aechmophorus Arctic/Pacific Loon Gavia( arctica/ occidentalis) pacifica) Vote: 0-7, for two individuals Vote: 3-4 one description one description Two individuals were One individual was reported at Port Huron, St. Clair reported at Glen Haven, Leelanau Co., on 14 October 1975. A Co., on 12 May 2008. This record second-hand author described the was initially rejected as Pacific circumstances of the sighting and Loon (see above under “Records included the following description Not Accepted”), and here given of the birds: large size, slender reconsideration under a broader neck and head, and “difference grouping, per current MBRC in bill shape.” Members were practice. Several members felt troubled by the second hand the description was acceptable for nature of the report; indeed, many this grouping, but the majority still members voiced the opinion that had concerns that an adult Red- such documentation ought never throated Loon not only failed to be be accepted. Further, all agreed eliminated, but that it was indeed that the cursory description was a better fit for the description: a insufficient to rule out many other small loon with a dark throat and waterbird species. gray back. Any Arctic/Pacific Loon with a dark throat (i.e. an after-

Caleb G. Putnam 179 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus Co., on 6 September 2007. The occidentalis) observer described an all-black Vote: 2-5, for four individuals bird with a white bib soaring high one description above the lake with Turkey Vultures Four individuals, believed to (Cathartes aura). It had a “deeply be in their first year, were reported forked long tail which opened and at St. Joseph, Berrien Co., on 30 closed,” long narrow wings and bill, July 2008. The observer described and no noticeable markings on the four very large, evenly-brown head. Members mostly agreed birds flying in formation (V-shaped that the report likely referred at times) directly away from the to a frigatebird, but most also observer, such that the birds’ bills argued that other frigates could could not be seen. Most members not be ruled out on the description felt that Double-crested Cormorant provided, including Great and (Phalacrocorax auritus) (especially Lesser Frigatebirds (F. minor and F. brown juveniles) could not be ruled ariel, respectively). This report was out without more information on subsequently accepted as Fregata bill and head morphology. The species. (See above under “Records report mentioned that the birds Accepted.”) had slower wingbeats than those of Double-crested Cormorants, but Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) by the observer’s admission there Vote: 0-7 was no direct comparison available. one description Most members also felt that the One individual was other key features mentioned (all reported at Shiawassee National brown upperparts including rump/ Wildlife Refuge, Saginaw Co., uppertail and nape, broad wings on 22 July 2007. The observer with slightly darker primaries, flight described a bird approximately behavior including bursts of gliding 1/3 smaller than a Great Blue with brief altitude gains) were not Heron, with a “deeper blue on the inconsistent with Double-crested back and flank area,” and a more Cormorants. sharply contrasting white throat and neck than that of the Great Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata( Blue Heron. At least two members magnificens) commented that Tricolored Heron Vote: 1-6 doesn’t have blue in the flanks, one description instead being white here. Others One individual, either were troubled by the inability to a female or subadult male, was rule out a Snowy Egret (E. thula) reported at Au Train Lake, Alger X Tricolored Heron, a combination

180 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 known to have been present in the “looked completely black” with a Saginaw Bay area (Byrne 2001). “salt and pepper” head pattern. A more detailed description of soft The observer did not, however, parts coloration, belly color, and the describe the bird’s body shape or exact pattern of the face may have bill, but claimed only that it was a clarified the matter. “perfect fit for an ibis.” Members unanimously agreed that not enough Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) detail was provided to eliminate Vote: 0-7 Glossy Ibis or several other species. one description Without a description of leg length, One individual was bill shape, and body shape, for reported at Nayanquing Point State example, it is not clear that the Wildlife Area, Bay Co., on 28 May bird was a wading bird. Further, 2008. The observer described a no Plegadis ibis is actually black; 2 ft. or taller bird, “darker blue/ rather, they are brown with varying brown/purple” in color, with a “long degrees of reddish and greenish curved beak,” no white on the face, iridescence in the body and wings. and “tannish” legs. It also was said The committee ruled, as it has in to utter a “duck quack-like sound.” the past, that it is not comfortable Members felt that the description accepting records on assertion was inconsistent with the species (“perfect for an ibis”). This record claimed, as all Glossy Ibises at this was reconsidered as a Plegadis ibis time of year have at least some following this decision (see below “indistinct pale lines” on the loral under “Records Not Accepted”). area (Pyle 2008). At least two members also felt the description Plegadis ibis (Plegadis sp) of leg color was inappropriate for Vote: 2-5 the species claimed. This record one description was subsequently reconsidered Eleven individuals were as Plegadis ibis (see above under reported at Pointe Mouillee State “Records Accepted”). Game Area, Monroe Co., on 20 May-22 July 2007. Ten of these White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) birds were accepted in 2008, with Vote: 0-7 the eleventh individual not accepted one description because it lacked documentation One individual was (Putnam 2008). Here, new reported at Harsen’s Island, St. documentation of this individual Clair Co., on 16 October 2007. was discovered, in which a single The observer described a bird observer claimed to have seen a slightly smaller than a crow which flock of 12Plegadis ibises in flight,

Caleb G. Putnam 181 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History early on the morning of 10 June One individual was (11 Plegadis ibises were already reported at Fish Point State Wildlife accepted for this date: 10 Glossy Area, Tuscola Co., “on about 15 Ibises and 1 White-faced Ibis). The October 2007.” The observer observer does not describe the described using body and bill size 12th Plegadis ibis, however, stating and shape to identify the bird, but only that they counted a flock of never described what those sizes ibises of that number. Members and shapes were. The bird was were divided, some feeling that the mentioned to have had no white in claim was sufficient to establish the its plumage. Members unanimously 12th bird, but most were concerned agreed that there was too little that because the purported new description for acceptance. individual wasn’t described it was unclear whether it was a Plegadis Plegadis ibis (Plegadis sp.) ibis. Vote: 2-5, for one individual one description Plegadis ibis (Plegadis sp) Two individuals were Vote: 0-7 reported in Saugatuck Twp., one description Allegan Co., on 15 November One individual was 2008. The first individual, reported at Harsen’s Island, St. documented by photographs, Clair Co., on 16 October 2007. was accepted (see above under Initially rejected as a White-faced “Records Accepted”). However, Ibis (see above under “Records the second individual was not Not Accepted”), this record was described, with all language in given reconsideration as a broader the report in the singular and no species grouping. However, as reference to the purported second in the prior decision, members individual provided. remained uncomfortable with the lack of description of bill shape Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) and length, the description of the Vote: 3-4 bird as “a little smaller than a crow” one description (it should be as large or larger), One was reported at and the over-reliance on assertion Melvin, Sanilac Co., on 9 May rather than providing a detailed 2008. The observer reported a description. bird with an all-black underside except for “light grayish” primaries, Plegadis ibis (Plegadis sp.) “flappier” flight style than that Vote: 0-7 of Turkey Vulture, broader wings one description

182 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 than those of Turkey Vulture, and the observer was doing during a smaller and more compact body the sighting, but the birds were than that of Turkey Vulture. Several seen near “a secondary road in members were satisfied with this a cut grain field,” suggesting the description, but most argued that possibility that the observer was the report lacked sufficient detail driving), and no optics were used. for confirmation. In particular, there This led most members to question was no description of the tail, it was whether the light bill tip may have unclear exactly what part of the been due to lighting or discoloration underprimary area was grayish, from carrion or mud, or possibly and there lacked a definitive even to age transition in a juvenile description of head color (just that Turkey Vulture transitioning into red was not seen). adulthood.

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Vote: 0-7, for two individuals Vote: 3-4 one description one description Two were reported 3 One was reported at Lake miles north of Adrian, Lenawee Erie Metropark, Wayne Co., on Co., on 15 August 2008. The 16 October 2008. The observer observer reported 1 to 2 ft. tall reported a bird 2/3 to 3/4 the birds standing on the ground. size of a Turkey Vulture with blocky, Their “feathers were black with no rectangular and broad wings, no noticeable pattern,” and their heads dihedral angle while soaring, a and chins/throats were “black uniform black appearance (seen without feathers.” The tails were at a height of 500 feet), a head described as very short, and the that was “not large,” and a very bill as having a light tip, though it short tail. The observer also was not specified whether one or mentioned being 99.9% certain both individuals possessed this trait. of the identification, and that Members nearly unanimously felt although they did not observe that juvenile Turkey Vultures were any white in the underwing, they not ruled out. First, none of the were not sure it was absent. The features mentioned are incorrect committee was split, with almost for this age class of Turkey Vulture half of the members satisfied with except for the pale bill tip, which the identification. Dissenters cited may have only been present on the observer’s uncertainty of the one individual. Further, the sighting identification (i.e. why wasn’t the was possibly made from a moving observer 100% sure?), the lack vehicle (nothing is said of what of description of head size and

Caleb G. Putnam 183 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History feathering, and the lack of any young Ferruginous Hawk (but not observed flapping behavior as an adult), yet such a bird would not giving pause. have “leggings.”

Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) Vote: 2-5 Vote: 0-7 one description one description One individual, apparently One was reported at a light morph, was reported at Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., on Port Crescent State Park, Huron 13 October 2007. The observer Co., on 17 April 2008. The described a large falcon with observer reported a “big, eagle- “creamy, paler brown” color like” bird, light-colored with “three and with “the white of the cheek points of light” when seen at a [reaching] to behind the eye.” distance, big head, long wings, Members unanimously felt that the white “underbody,” white tail with description was insufficient to rule undefined dark terminal band, out Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus), “commas,” and “leggings” that in particular juvenile Peregrines of “fused into the semblance of a the race tundrius, which match the belly band.” The bird also had description quite closely. “no patagium.” Some members felt the description, which although Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) suggestive, was insufficient to rule Vote: 2-5, for one individual out “Krider’s” Red-tailed Hawk. two descriptions The only field mark potentially Two individuals were wrong for a Krider’s Red-tailed reported in Royalton Twp., Berrien Hawk was the “leggings,” but the Co., on 13-24 May 2007. The observer never specified whether first was accepted (see above the leggings were dark or pale, under “Records Accepted”). The only that the bird had them. Other report consisted of five heard-only members felt the description was observations, only two of which inconsistent with the species claimed were believed to include a second or at least incomplete. Specifically, individual. The evidence for the there was no elaboration of what second individual was that the was meant by the “three points of observers claimed to hear two birds light,” and the critical details of calling at a distance of 50 yards upper primary and primary coverts or more apart within seconds of pattern were not provided. Lastly, one another. While some members one observer pointed out that a were swayed by this, others felt terminal tail band could match a that the judgment of the number of

184 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 calling individuals was subject to was given every 0.90 seconds. significant subjective error stemming Members expressed concern that from the ventriloqual properties the description alone was insufficient of rail vocalizations (e.g., a bird to rule out Virginia Rail, as this which turns its head away from the species does occasionally give short observer often sounds much farther snippets of repeated single notes. than when facing the observer), The observer did not specify how and the possibility that the bird long the bouts of call lasted. One was simply moving around quickly member expressed being uneasy between vocalizations. about how the call frequency was actually measured, and if estimated King Rail (Rallus elegans) how much error in that number is Vote: 0-7 possible. one description One was reported at “a King Rail (Rallus elegans) back road in the Houghton Lake Vote: 0-7, for one of two individuals area,” presumably in Roscommon one description Co., on 9 June 2006. The observer Two were reported at described a heard-only observation Bay-Arenac Rd., Bay & Arenac in which a bird was heard calling Cos., on 27 June 2008. One of the in response to a taped broadcast, two individuals was accepted (see and that it sounded “just like the above under “Records Accepted”), tape [of King Rail]”. Members but the second individual was were unanimously troubled by the not sufficiently documented. The lack of description of what was observer described having thought heard, rather than the assertion there were two birds calling that it sounded like the recording of simultaneously, but provided no King Rail. Several vocalizations of description of the second individual. the Virginia Rail can be extremely Members unanimously agreed similar to those of the King Rail. that at least a basic description of the bird was necessary to rule out King Rail (Rallus elegans) other rail species, as well as some Vote: 0-7 description of the circumstances one description leading to the conclusion that there One was reported at were actually two birds present. Pointe Mouillee State Game Rails often have ventriloqual Area, Monroe Co., on 16 May properties to their voices, allowing 2008. The observer described a one bird to sound like two by simply heard-only observation in which turning its head. a repeated “kik kik kik kik kik”

Caleb G. Putnam 185 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

King Rail (Rallus elegans) American Oystercatcher Vote: 0-7, in the second round (Haematopus palliatus) one description Vote: 0-7, for 17 individuals, 1-6 One was reported at for 12 individuals, and 2-5 for 2 Chelsea State Game Area, individuals Washtenaw Co., on 15 June two descriptions 2008. The bird was described “Approximately 17” as having the “classic rail shape,” individuals were reported at New a long thin bill, large body size, Buffalo, Berrien Co., on 6 July a black-banded belly, a reddish 2008. The birds were described as throat, a brownish back, and as having orange bills and black heads being “significantly larger” than (which extended down to the breast an American Woodcock (Scolopax “like a hood”), medium brown minor) which was “visible at about upperparts, a “full white wing stripe the same distance.” Although most extending from the tertials to the members felt the details were primaries,” clean white underparts, suggestive of King Rail, most felt and as being “about the same size that the description of size was the as the Marbled Godwits (Limosa key determinant of this record’s fedoa), maybe a touch smaller.” fate. After some discussion, it was One individual was described as brought up that the wording used to having an orange orbital ring and describe the bird’s size in relation an orangish iris. Not observed or to an American Woodcock did not described were tail/rump pattern specify whether the two birds were or leg color. Most members felt near one another; it was possible that the plumage details provided, that the woodcock and the rail though incomplete, did suggest were in separate directions from the species claimed, and at least one another. At least one member two members accepted at least reported having been deceived one individual. However, most in the field by large-appearing felt that the claim of these birds, Virginia Rails and Soras (Porzana a would-be first state record, carolina), and most members felt anywhere on the Great Lakes is that it was necessary to know that so extraordinary that it requires there had indeed been a direct very strong documentation. This size comparison. Finally, several species is strictly marine, and members argued that a reddish inland sightings in many Atlantic throat was a better match for coastal states are notable if not Virginia Rail than for King Rail. unheard of. Knowledge of this fact was not acknowledged by the

186 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 observers, one of whom indicated that this did not eliminate American they spent more time identifying the Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), accompanying Marbled Godwits American Oystercatcher, or than focusing on the oystercatchers. potentially even other species. This troubled several members who felt that adequate attention Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) to these birds may not have been Vote: 0-7, for two individuals paid. Further, although the birds one description were seen at length, the fact that Two individuals, believed to there was no mention of tail or rump be adults, were reported at Pointe pattern, leg color, or bill shape was Mouillee State Game Area, Monroe troubling to many members. If such Co., on 5 August 2007. The birds details as orbital ring color and were described as smaller than wing stripe (seen in flight) were Baird’s Sandpipers and lacking its noted, why were these obvious field attenuated appearance. They had marks not recorded? Finally, at least longer bills than Semipalmated three members were troubled by Sandpipers (C. semipalmatus), the description of size as similar to including a slight droop at the or slightly smaller than Marbled tip on one individual. They were Godwits. This species is nearly overall grayer than the brownish twice the bulk (though similar in Semipalmated Sandpipers nearby, length) of Marbled Godwit, and with whitish faces and pale breasts, should have appeared clearly no rufous in the upperparts, and larger. Though not a unanimous black legs. Members were troubled decision, these concerns left most by apparent inconsistencies in members unable to accept the this report and the opinion that record. Semipalmated Sandpiper could not be ruled out. Namely, the Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus birds were described as adults, mexicanus) yet there is no mention of retained Vote: 0-7 alternate flank chevrons, which most one description or all adult Western Sandpipers One individual was should still possess on that date. reported at “a flooded field off Upperpart coloration, the only Baycreek Rd.,” Monroe Co., on other plumage feature to go on, is 25 May 1989. Members were not enough by itself for this difficult unanimously concerned over the identification. This left only the lack of description of the bird, other subjective judgment of bill shape than to say that it was “large black and length (many female eastern and white shorebird.” Most felt Semipalmated Sandpipers have

Caleb G. Putnam 187 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History longer bills than many Western appearance, and a long bill with Sandpipers) and overall gestalt, a “Dunlin droop.” The committee field marks which although was almost evenly split on the suggestive are not conclusive record, some arguing that even enough to rule out Semipalmated a bright juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper. Sandpiper could not show the “eye- popping” rufous scapulars. The Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) majority, however, argued that this Vote: 0-7 description was too nebulous to fully one description rule out this possibility. Furthermore, One individual, a juvenile, the identification of this species, was reported in Kinderhook they argued, is reliant on many Twp., Branch Co., on 12 August subjective characters (i.e. barrel- 2007. The bird was described chested shape, Dunlin-like bill, etc.) as having rufous scapulars and a such that it is difficult to concretely long, tapered bill with a drooped rule out other species in a written tip. Members unanimously agreed description. Finally, bill length that this description failed to was not considered a diagnostic rule out several other species of field mark as eastern female shorebirds, including Dunlin (C. Semipalmated Sandpipers can have alpina), Semipalmated Sandpiper, bills in excess of those of Western Least Sandpiper (C. minutilla), and Sandpipers. Pectoral Sandpiper (C. melanotos), among others. Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) Vote: 1-6, for 2 to 5 individuals, Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) 2-5, for 1 individual Vote: 3-4 one description one description Five individuals, all One individual, apparently believed to be juveniles, were juvenile, was reported at the reported at Baraga Sewage Ponds, Midland Cogeneration Venture Baraga Co., on 16 August 2008. Ponds, Midland Co., on 2 August The birds were accompanied by 2008. The bird was described 4-5 Semipalmated Sandpipers and as diminutive in relation to Stilt several other shorebird species. Sandpiper (C. himantopus), with They were described as “reddish an “electric rufous scapular ‘bar’ brown above” and “grayish below,” on an otherwise gray/white bird,” with a reddish-buff color on the a light face with darker crown, no side of the breast (as opposed streaking on clean white underparts, to a medium brown on adjacent black legs and bill, a barrel-chested Semipalmateds), and a long bill

188 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 with a droop towards the end possibility. For the remainder of (“at least one” individual). Other the field marks, they argued, little birds were described as having other than subjective judgments of bills intermediate in length with shape and gestalt were diagnostic the long-billed Western and the in separating out Semipalmated Semipalmateds, and the final two Sandpipers. birds had bills “which looked very much like the Semipalmateds.” Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) Additional descriptive details Vote: 1-6 were provided including that four one description of the five birds had incomplete photographs breast bands (one being nearly One individual was complete), at least some rufous on reported at Muskegon Wastewater upper scapular fringes (two with Management Complex, Muskegon it very bright, two less so, and one Co., on 15 May 2008. The bird more muted), and a “whiter, more was described as follows: breast open aspect to the face,” including light brownish from fine streaking, reddish buff auriculars. Responses white underparts, primaries of members varied considerably, extending beyond tail tip, bill and included some “accept” black, straighter and heavier votes. The majority, however, than that of Least Sandpiper, voiced concerns over an inability legs black, upperparts brown to properly age these birds and with black-centered scapulars, their perception that the report no reddishness in face or any was inconsistent and incomplete. other feathers, and larger than The description of upperparts as Least Sandpiper but smaller reddish-brown above and gray than Dunlin by weight. Members below is incorrect for the species mostly felt that the description was claimed. A juvenile Western suggestive, but that the two photos Sandpiper should show a contrast provided appeared to contradict between rufous upper scapulars the description. Specifically, the (two rows) and grayish lower back end of the bird, visible in scapulars (two rows), not between one photo, appeared bulky and the upperparts and underparts lacked the tapered look typical of at large. Further, the description Baird’s Sandpiper. Others argued of the auriculars as reddish buff that the primaries appeared not seemed more appropriate for an to extend beyond the tail tip, or adult Western Sandpiper than that they appeared broad and a juvenile, yet the remainder of blunt-tipped, rather than thin and the description precludes this pointed. Finally, the apparent lack

Caleb G. Putnam 189 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History of a hind toe, combined with the Dowitchers, already one of the previous shortcomings, led many more difficult problems in birding, is to the opinion that a late-molting further confounded by the presence Sanderling could not be ruled out. of griseus X hendersoni intergrades in northern Ontario (Pittaway “Atlantic” Short-billed Dowitcher 2009), the identification of which is (Limnodromus griseus griseus) unclear if not impossible. Vote: 0-7 one description Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus One individual, believed ridibundus) to be an adult, was reported at Vote: 0-7 Lake Erie Metropark, Wayne Co., one description on 13 August 2007. The bird One individual, age was described as smaller-bodied unclear, was reported at Oscoda, and smaller-billed than nearby Iosco Co., on 26 April 2008. The hendersoni Short-billed Dowitchers, bird was described as having with blackish “upper plumage,” black on the underwings extending unstreaked dark crown, blackish from the primaries “to nearly mantle with some pale edgings, halfway down the wing,” and “a blackish scapulars with whitish lighter bill than the (Bonaparte’s edges, black tertials with whitish Gulls).” Members were unanimously barring, gray upperwing coverts troubled by the lack of additional paler than the remainder of the description, and the consequent upperparts, and “underparts not inability to rule out Bonaparte’s markedly different than the seven Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia), Henderson’s.” Although some Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus) or members found the upperpart even several other species of gulls coloration suggestive, others argued with the description given. Several that all adult dowitchers in August members offered the desire for have reduced or absent pale more information on body size fringes due to feather wear, and in comparison to the Bonaparte’s could be adequately described Gulls it was with, what was meant this way. The description of the by “lighter” bill (color or size), and underparts, most argued, was for clarification of the age of this incorrect for L. g. griseus, which are individual. Finally, many members more heavily spotted on the breast felt that the description of the and more solidly white on the underwing was incorrect for the belly compared to L. g. hendersoni. species claimed, as the black on a Finally, the issue of subspecific Black-headed Gull’s underwing is identification in Short-billed limited to the primaries.

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Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus bill, dark eyes, yellow legs, and ridibundus) a dovelike expression in the head Vote: 0-7 and eyes. Members were nearly one description unanimous in the opinion that this One individual, believed to description was incomplete and had be an adult in basic plumage, was at least one inconsistency with the reported at Muskegon, Muskegon species claimed. First, if the bird Co., on 25 October 2008. The was close to the size of Little Gull, it bird was described as a little would be too small for a Mew Gull, larger than a Bonaparte’s Gull which is just smaller than a Ring- but smaller than a Ring-billed billed Gull but not nearly as small Gull (Larus delawarensis), with a as Little Gull. Furthermore, there similar back and primary pattern was no mention of the shade of the to that of adjacent adult basic mantle in relation to nearby gulls of Bonaparte’s Gulls, with “some black other species – it should have been on the wingtips” that the observer darker than that of Ring-billed surmised to be on the underside of Gull. That said, one member felt the wing. Many members noted the documentation was sufficient to that adult basic Bonaparte’s Gulls, establish its identification as a Mew not only Black-headed Gulls, have Gull. “some black on the wingtips,” and that more detail was necessary to California Gull (Larus californicus) eliminate the former. Body size Vote: 0-7 was considered to be suggestive, one description but without more detail on how One individual, wearing 1st close it was to the accompanying alternate plumage, was reported Bonaparte’s Gulls this was at Crosswinds Marsh, Wayne Co., considered only a secondary on 29 January 2008. The bird feature. was described as being notably slender and long-winged in Mew Gull (Larus canus) relation to nearby Herring Gulls Vote: 1-6 (L. argentatus), with a two-toned one description bill (pink base, black tip), very One individual, age pale pink or flesh legs, relatively unclear, was reported at Oscoda, dark and mottled pattern on the Iosco Co., on 5 May 2008. The underparts and upperparts, whitish- bird was described as smaller than edged scapulars, dark greater a Ring-billed Gull, about the size coverts with “a lot of white” on the of Little Gull or a bit larger, with a innermost 4-5 feathers, tertials dark small, short unmarked yellow-green and “lightly tipped with white,”

Caleb G. Putnam 191 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History dark head with white forehead and surrounded by red “rings,” both chin/throat, and a dark “eyemask.” red and black on the mandible, Many members felt that the report and a gray stripe along the back was suggestive of the species and edge of the underwings (one of plumage claimed. However, most three individuals only). Members also agreed that this identification were unanimously troubled by this is very difficult due to the extensive report. First, the age was claimed variation with this age class of each to be adult yet there is nothing in species. Most of the non-gestalt the description to substantiate the field marks mentioned are not out claim. Many 2nd cycle or 3rd cycle of the range of variation of some 1st individuals of the species would fit alternate Herring Gulls. Particularly this description. This aside, there is once they’ve entered their second no description of body size (larger calendar year, many Herring Gulls or smaller than Ring-billed Gull?), attain a sharply-bicolored bill and primary pattern, or the extent become whiter on the face, and can of black in the primaries. Many also show a dark auricular. Gestalt members argued that Herring Gull was considered by most members (especially 3rd cycle individuals) to be a secondary feature, never could match the description, as diagnostic. Finally, many members this age class usually has both red wished for a more complete and black on the bill, and a small description that included the percentage of all Herrings (or upperwing pattern (most critically perhaps Herring hybrids) shows a the contrast of the inner primaries noticeably darker mantle, flesh- to the remainder of the wing), and colored legs, and darker-than- the tail and rump/uppertail covert normal irises. Another member pattern, all of which are vital for argued that Lesser Black-backed any purported young California Gull (L. fuscus) could not be Gull. eliminated, since it was not specified how much darker the mantle was California Gull (Larus californicus) than those of Ring-billed Gulls. Vote: 0-7, for three individuals one description California Gull (Larus californicus) Three individuals, believed Vote: 0-7 to be wearing adult plumage, were one description reported at Oscoda, Iosco Co., on One individual, purported 12-15 April 2008. The birds were to be wearing adult basic plumage, described as having mantles darker was reported at Oscoda, Iosco Co., than those of Ring-billed Gulls, on 24 April-10 May 2008. The greenish-yellow legs, black eyes bird was described as larger than a

192 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Ring-billed Gull, with gray legs and feet, yellow eyes, bill longer, thicker, feet, dark eyes, and a gray bill with and paler than that of Herring Gull, a dark tip. Members were troubled with “lots of white on back (trailing by the inability to corroborate part) of wings.” Members were the claimed age of this bird by troubled by the inability to age the plumage features presented. this bird prior to trying to ascertain Accurate ageing is a prerequisite its identity. Assuming it was an to the proper application of field adult, most argued, a black back marks in large white-headed gulls. is incorrect for the species claimed; That aside, some members argued it actually has a dark gray back that gray legs are inappropriate clearly paler than the blackish for any age of California Gull; primaries. No other age class of they are pink in first cycle birds, Slaty-backed Gull has a black and greenish-yellow to yellow in back either. The strong trailing subsequent age classes. Assuming edge to the wing was taken as a the observer aged the bird potentially supportive mark, but correctly as an adult (after third not diagnostic by itself, and nothing year), at least one member felt that else in the report was specific to the a streaked head would represent species. Finally, several important an exceedingly late prealternate field marks were not included in molt for the species claimed. the report including especially the Finally, a more detailed description dorsal pattern of the primaries, which included primary pattern, the shade of the mantle in relation mantle shade, and bill shape might to other gulls, primary projection, have allowed reviewers to better and other field marks. Without this eliminate other large white-headed information, neither Great Black- gull species. backed Gull (L. marinus) nor several gull hybrid combinations could be Slaty-backed Gull (Larus ruled out. schistisagus) Vote: 0-7 Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) one description Vote: 3-4, for five individuals One individual, age unclear, one description was reported at Oscoda, Iosco Co., Five individuals were on 27 May 2008. The observer reported at Port Huron, St. Clair described a gull nearly the size of Co., on 3 February 2008. The a Herring Gull but “thicker looking,” observer described seeing five terns with a black back, smudged flying 10 feet above the observers, appearance to the head and neck with black legs, red-orange bills, (“washed out gray”), pink legs and black wing tips, and slightly forked

Caleb G. Putnam 193 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History tails. The call was described as All but one of the observers sounding different from that of subsequently withdrew their initial “a gull” as well. Members were claim of Pomarine Jaeger. The split on this record, with about half dissenter provided additional feeling there was no other species correspondence that referenced that could fit this description, while a “dark nape and light upper-tail others were troubled by the lack of coverts,” in addition to mention detail and apparent inconsistencies of several gestalt characteristics in the written description. At least perceived as suggestive of one observer was curious whether Pomarine. The possibility of the black on the wingtip was on the different individual jaegers each underwing, upperwing, or both. It day was considered, but all agreed was also not specified how large that the photos appeared to show the birds were in relation to nearby the same bird (a contention shared Herring and Ring-billed Gulls, nor by multiple observers who saw the what color their crowns were, details bird on the first day of its visit). All which should have been visible also agreed that the identification given the observer’s ability to assess was clinched as Parasitic Jaeger (S. leg and foot coloration. Additional parasiticus) by the clearly pointed details which were lacking included central rectrix tips. an assessment of any black on the bill, the shade of the mantle, and Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius the extent of black on the wingtip. pomarinus) Vote: 0-7 Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius one description pomarinus) photograph Vote: 0-7 One individual, believed one correspondence to be a light morph juvenile, was photographs reported at Port Huron, St. Clair One individual, believed Co., on 15 November 2008. This to be a juvenile, was reported bird was described as a dark, at Silver Beach, Berrien Co., on bulky bird at least 19 inches in 8-10 October 2007. This bird, length, grayish-brown overall and though initially thought by several “very dark on top,” with a pale observers to be a Pomarine Jaeger, belly lightly barred in dull brown, was photographed during the dark but “creamy” head showing second day of its stay, at which as paler than the neck, and a tail time two sharply-pointed central “boldly barred with dark brown rectrix tips were clearly visible. and white.” The observer also

194 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 noted that “no retrices were visible barred underwing coverts (second on the tail.” Members felt that the calendar year jaegers also have age of the bird was not clearly barred underwing coverts per established, because jaegers of Olsen and Larsson 1997). Finally, any age class can lack central the judgment of the breadth of rectrix projection beyond the tail, the wings and body, although a and because the underwing pattern supporting characteristic, is never of this bird was not mentioned. diagnostic in jaeger identification. That aside, the elimination of Important field marks that were Parasitic and Long-tailed Jaegers not mentioned in this report include (S. longicaudus) appeared to have the shape and length of the central been made primarily by subjective two rectrices, wingspan and bulk judgments of bulk, wing width, and comparisons with nearby gulls (esp. flight style. Though suggestive, most Ring-billed Gull), and any supposed members consider such subjective contrasts between the color of field marks to be inconclusive at the forward part of the inner best. upperwing and the secondaries/ hand wing. Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus) Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius Vote: 0-7 longicaudus) one description Vote: 0-7 One juvenile was reported one description at Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., One was reported at on 6 September 2006. The bird Whitefish Point, Chippewa Co., on was described as “very light” 13 October 2007. The observer in overall color, with a “narrow describes taking the identification look,” narrow wings, barred of a distant “dot chasing gulls” on underwing coverts, and a whitish the authority of other birders, and head. Members unanimously felt offers no description of the bird. that more detail was necessary to Members unanimously felt that rule out all other species. It was without a description of the bird, never clearly established that this few other species could be ruled bird was not an immature gull, out. for example. Further, even if the bird were secured as a jaeger, Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius neither Parasitic nor Pomarine longicaudus) Jaegers could be ruled out without Vote: 0-7 additional characteristics. Both of one description these species have light morphs with

Caleb G. Putnam 195 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

One individual, believed arm wing were not noted, and no to be a juvenile, was reported in additional diagnostic field marks Hampton Twp., Bay Co., on 14 were documented. November 2007. The bird was described as dark above and light Eurasian Collared-Dove below, light-headed with no dark (Streptopelia decaocto) cap, in the Ring-billed or Herring Vote: 0-7, in the second round Gull size range with “slender one description appearance,” possessing strong One individual was white crescents on the underwing reported at Twp. 47N 28W, near the primary/secondary Marquette Co., on 30 May 2007. junction, exhibiting “little fingers” The bird was described as a (central rectrices) extending beyond having “black webbing on the the tail more than just “stubs,” with base of the outer tail feathers,” little or no white on the upperwing. dark gray undertail coverts, and Members unanimously argued that dark primaries contrasting with the this description fails to rule out a body, among other field marks. Parasitic Jaeger, or perhaps even Members were nearly unanimous a Pomarine Jaeger. Most of the in the opinion that further detail field marks claimed as inconsistent of the extent of black in the outer with Parasitic Jaeger are in fact not web of the outer rectrices (R6) was so. Specifically, some juvenile and necessary to eliminate a hybrid subadult (an age class not ruled out Eurasian Collared-Dove X African by the description) Parasitic Jaegers Collared-Dove (S. roseogrisea). show no cap, white only on the Specifically, the black on pure underprimaries, and relatively long Eurasian Collared-Doves extends central rectrix extension (second distally well beyond the black on calendar year birds). Body size is the inner web of the same feather, unhelpful here as Pomarine Jaeger while hybrids lack the full extent of is actually closest to Ring-billed Gull black in this regard (Romagosa and in wingspan and bulk, while Long- McEneaney 1999). tailed and Parasitic average smaller but with some overlap in both Barn Owl (Tyto alba) measurements (Olsen and Larsson Vote: 0-7 1997, 2003). In the final analysis, one description potentially clinching characters such photographs as central rectrix shape and contrast One was found dead in of the upper secondaries and hand Baroda Twp., Berrien Co., on 31 wing to the forward portion of the August 2007. The identification

196 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 of this individual was unanimously Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird agreed to be of the species (Selasphorus rufus/sasin) claimed. However, its known captive Vote: 0-7 origin was grounds for rejection. one description The bird was found with a radio One was reported at transmitter attached to its back and Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., on 30 bands on its legs, which were traced May-1 June 2007. This record was to a DuPage Co., Illinois, captive first rejected as Rufous Hummingbird release dating to earlier that in 2007 (Putnam 2008). The summer. bird was described as a “reddish brown hummingbird” with a white Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus throat, black legs, and white rufus) rump. Although a reddish-brown Vote: 0-7 hummingbird is suggestive of a male one description Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird, most photograph members were uncomfortable with One was reported “near the description of a white rump, Millington,” Tuscola Co., on 29-30 a trait not shared by any North September 2007. The observer American hummingbird species. reported a hummingbird with “a Many were also troubled by the very rufous tail,” “slightly lighter mention of a white throat, another rufous lower back with a greenish field mark that is inconsistent with upper back,” rufous flanks, white this plumage. The throat should breast, white gorget with black be red unless the bird isn’t a male, spots, and a small amount of rufous in which case being all reddish- near the eye, especially above it. brown would connote an aberrant While all members agreed that this plumage. bird was clearly a Selasphorus, all also felt that Allen’s Hummingbird Selasphorus species (Selasphorus sp.) and could not be ruled out without Vote: 0-7 a detailed description of the shape one description of the tip of the second rectrix and/ One was reported at or in-hand measurements of rectrix Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., on 30 width and other diagnostic features. May-1 June 2007. This record was This record was recirculated as first rejected as Rufous Hummingbird Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird, in 2007 (Putnam 2008), then and accepted (see above under as Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird “Records Accepted”). (see above under “Records Not Accepted”). It was here given final reconsideration as the broadest

Caleb G. Putnam 197 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History possible grouping, per current does not specify which feathers), a MBRC practice. Members, as they white throat, solid black upperwing argued before, continued to express coverts, and a dark beak. The call concern over the white rump, as it is note was described as short and incorrect for any Selasphorus. The low-pitched, and consisting of a previous concerns detailed in the single note. The committee was split prior decision also still applied. on this record, with several members in support of the identification American Three-toed Woodpecker claimed. Dissenters were troubled (Picoides dorsalis) by two common concerns. First, Vote: 3-4 the species claimed is actually one description noticeably smaller than Black- One was reported at the backed Woodpecker, not the same Stoll Trail, Isle Royale National Park, size. Second, the description of the Keweenaw Co., on 17 May 2008. wing coverts as fully black did not The bird was described as having specify which wing coverts were a “yellow patch on its head” and actually assessed. If the bird’s wrists black and white stripes on its back. were tucked underneath the flank Given the limited description, most feathers, as woodpeckers often do members felt that a xanthochroistic while foraging, the lateral coverts Hairy Woodpecker (P. villosus) or within each tract may not have Downy Woodpecker (P. pubescens) been visible. It is these feathers could not be ruled out. Additional in Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers that elaboration on face pattern and are white, not the medial coverts. underpart pattern could have This, in combination with no other ameliorated this concern. field marks being inconsistent with a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, led at American Three-toed Woodpecker least two members to conclude that (Picoides dorsalis) the sapsucker was not fully ruled Vote: 3-4 out. one description One was reported in Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus Trout Lake Twp., Chippewa Co., savana) on 30 August 2008. The bird was Vote: 0-7 described as similar in size to Black- one description backed Woodpecker, with “white One was reported at and black bars on the sides,” a Troy, Oakland Co., on 10 June “white barring pattern on the back,” 2008. The bird was described an obvious white eye stripe, black as showing an “obvious fork tail,” not brownish feathers (the report white breast, blue-gray coloration

198 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 overall, black cap, and some sighting (1 second, in flight only), brown coloration on the wings. The citing the possibility that the bird call, heard twice, was described was possibly a more common as “squark” and “like a distress species carrying nest material. call.” The sighting lasted for Some mentioned that the black cap “approximately 1 second as it flew.” eliminated Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Members were troubled by the from consideration, and since the very fleeting nature of the sighting, record was already rejected as and questioned how accurately the Fork-tailed Flycatcher, that the field marks given could have been grouping must be rejected as assessed in flight for such a short well. Finally, the tail length was duration. Some were concerned mentioned by the observer as by the blue-gray description of being shorter than the observer the back (which should be gray or had studied in field guides. Though blackish), while others mentioned juveniles (and adults with broken that the apparent tail streamers rectrices) of both species show could have been nest material shorter rectrices, many members being carried by a more common were troubled by this admission. species such as Eastern Kingbird One observer felt the description (Tyrannus tyrannus). Finally, the also didn’t rule out escaped exotic description of call note gave pause species such as Pin-tailed Whydah to at least two members, who felt it (Vidua macroura). was inappropriate for the species claimed. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Scissor-tailed/Fork-tailed Vote: 2-5 Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus/ one description savana) One individual was Vote: 0-7 reported in Port Austin Twp., Huron one description Co., on 13 June 2007. The bird One was reported at Troy, was seen at a distance of about Oakland Co., on 10 June 2008. 1/4 mile, and was described as The bird was initially rejected as being the size of an American Robin Fork-tailed Flycatcher (see above (Turdus migratorius) or Eastern under “Records Not Accepted”), Kingbird, gray above and whitish but here given reconsideration as below, with black wings and tail, a broader species grouping, per and a black mask. The cap and current MBRC practice. Members back were medium-dark gray, were again troubled by the extreme and the bill was all-black. Heat brevity and circumstances of the shimmer and distance prevented the

Caleb G. Putnam 199 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History observer from assessing underpart shrike species, and that the lack barring, paleness at the base of the of description of the extent of bill, the shape of the bill tip, and the black mask opened the door other traits. All members agreed to Northern Mockingbird (Mimus that the field marks mentioned polyglottos) as well. clearly indicated a shrike, but all also agreed that Northern Shrike Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius could not be ruled out by plumage ludovicianus) with the details presented. Still, Vote: 0-7 some were content to accept using one description either date of occurrence or date One individual was plus fence-perching behavior as reported at Merrill, Saginaw clinching aids. The remainder of the Co., on 19 November 2007. The committee, although in agreement observer described a bird with that a shrike during mid-June was gray upperparts, “stubby bill,” far more likely a Loggerhead than wide black mask extending across a Northern, also felt uncomfortable the forehead and through the eye, relying solely on this criterion to black wings with white patch at establish the identification. the base of the primaries, grayish- white underparts, and black tail. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius All members felt that Northern ludovicianus) Shrike was not sufficiently ruled Vote: 0-7 out. Receiving particular attention one description were the lack of description of the One individual was presence/absence of underpart reported at Montgomery, Branch barring and the presence/absence Co., on 25 September 2007. The of black at the bill base, both of observer described a bird just which should have been visible at smaller than an American Robin, the reported distance of 30 yards. with a gray back, gray back of Also troublesome, some argued, was head, “very black” eye mask, that the observer never alluded to and downcurved beak. Members having considered Northern Shrike unanimously felt that Northern as an alternative explanation, only Shrike (Lanius excubitor) could Northern Mockingbird, despite the not be ruled out, even though the date. date and location would appear to connote an unlikely setting Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius for this species. Some members ludovicianus) felt that the description of the Vote: 2-5 bill was inconsistent with either one description

200 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

One individual was Black-capped Vireo (Vireo reported in Au Sable Twp., Iosco atricapilla) Co., on 10 June 2008. The bird Vote: 0-7, for two individuals was described as about robin- one description sized, with black wings with white photograph patches visible in flight, slim, white Two individuals, a male body, black “feet,” a black mask and a female, were reported at completely encompassing the eyes, North Point Conservation Area, black over the top of the mandible, Van Buren Co., on 23 May 2008. and a “very bright white breast.” The observer described two Although two members were “warbler-vireo sized” birds with satisfied with the documentation, medium to dark green backs which most were troubled by apparent contrasted lighter than the head of inconsistencies in the report. First, each bird, “unstreaked off-white it was unclear how the observer underparts,” white spectacles, and was able to judge whether the light yellow wing bars. The head black mask fully encompassed of the purported male was “an the eye and bridged across the even black” with a lighter throat, top of the maxilla with binoculars and that of the female “a charcoal at a distance of “50-100 feet,” gray.” Members unanimously felt and yet be unable to establish the report was incomplete, and upperpart coloration, culmen hook several argued that Blue-headed shape and length, rump/uppertail Vireo (V. solitarius) could not be pattern, and vent pattern. Further, eliminated from contention, or was the underparts were described indeed suggested as the actual as “very bright white,” something identity of the bird. First, there deemed by many members to be was no mention of white lores or incorrect for the species claimed, red irises, two conspicuous and which is typically very grayish here. important characters for the species Finally, many members refused to claimed. Secondly, the photo rule out Northern Shrike just by appeared to contradict the claim date. Although a June shrike in by showing a grayish crown (rather the Lower Peninsula is most likely a than black). Though the report was Loggerhead, some members argued suggestive, all members felt it fell that date alone should not be used short of eliminating all other species, to eliminate this species, especially especially Blue-headed Vireo. in light of recent mid-summer records of Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiaca) in the Lower Peninsula.

Caleb G. Putnam 201 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Cassin’s Vireo (Vireo cassinii) they did argue for conservatism in Vote: 3-4 accepting such extralimital claims one description considering the large amount of sketch variation in the “Solitary Vireo” One individual was complex and resultant unidentifiable reported at Woldumar Nature individuals. At least one member Center, Eaton Co., on 10 May 2008. even quoted Heindel (1996), who The observer described a 5-6 stated that “out-of-range birds inch passerine with distinct, bright should be identified with caution. I white spectacles, wholly grayish have held specimens for which racial upperparts with a slight greenish identification was uncertain. Some tinge on the back up to the nape, birds will simply not be identifiable “no distinct contrast or demarcation to subspecies in the field.” To this between the back and nape end, they argued, extralimital (head),” two distinct wing bars, dull individuals not matching up to the yellowish sides, grayish auriculars classic definition of Cassin’s Vireo and sides of neck “(blending) into ought not be accepted. the white of the throat,” and a very dark loral area that stood out as Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) darker than the remainder of the Vote: 2-5 face. Nearly the entire committee one description felt this report was suggestive of One individual was the species claimed. Some felt that reported at Whitefish Point, these marks adequately ruled out Chippewa Co., on 4 October 2007. both Plumbeous (V. plumbeus) and The observer described a buffy- Blue-headed Vireos, and all other rumped swallow with light-colored species. Others, however, pointed forehead and “a very small amount out one discrepancy between the of dark feathering on the upper description and the literature. chest” and “throat.” Most members Classic Cassin’s Vireos have heads were troubled by the lack of clarity that are “gray mixed with green as to what color the auriculars were, or all green” (Heindel 1996). The arguably the most vital trait for observer specifically mentions that separating all sex and age classes this bird’s head was grayish, with of Cave Swallow from Cliff Swallow the green tints of the back ending (P. pyrrhonota). The observer’s at the nape. While no member description doesn’t mention this claimed that this necessarily feature, and the sketch appears to negated the possibility that this bird show the auriculars as buffy, but could have been a Cassin’s Vireo, doesn’t clearly articulate whether

202 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 this was specifically intended or as several non-passerine species whether the sketch was meant just were consistent with the description to show the overall color pattern offered. of the bird. Some observers were satisfied with the sketch, but most Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes felt that it was not clear what color bewickii) the auriculars of the bird actually Vote: 0-7 were. Many members also felt one description that the dark markings in the throat One individual was were more suggestive of juvenile reported in Au Sable Twp., Iosco Cliff Swallow, and perhaps wrong Co., on 3-24 June 2008. The for Cave Swallow. observer described a bird the size of a House Sparrow (P. domesticus) Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) with a brown coloration similar to Vote: 1-6 that of House Sparrow, a bill “long one description and curved like Brown Creeper One individual was (Certhia americana),” light colored reported at the mouth of the Au stripe over and extending behind Sable River, Iosco Co., on 8 May eyes, and a long tail with “a little 2008. The observer mentioned bit of white on edge on tip.” The a “light sandy color” with a “very bird’s song was described as “high light sprinkle of dark spots [on like [the] middle part of Song the] wings and body,” streaks on Sparrow’s song, sometimes with throat, bill long and decurved, two additional notes following.” buff belly and tail, slight streaks Members felt that Carolina Wren behind eyes, and feet/legs gray. (Thryothorus ludovicianus), and The bird was heard to emit “lots of perhaps even Marsh or Sedge ‘te’ sounds”. Most members were Wrens (Cistothorus palustris and C. troubled by apparent inconsistencies platensis, respectively) could not be in the description. Namely, the fully eliminated from contention. description of the tail as buffy was Specifically, the observer mentioned inappropriate for this species, which, separating the bird from Carolina they argued, has a brown or gray Wren because the Bewick’s tail with buffy spots. Secondly, the Wren was “narrower in body streaked throat is incorrect for the length.” Members were confused species claimed, as it instead has by this statement and whether it an unstreaked white throat. Finally, referred to body width or length. several members felt that nothing Nothing else in the description was in the description clearly placed inconsistent, members argued, with the bird in the songbird category, Carolina Wren, except perhaps the

Caleb G. Putnam 203 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History coloration. However, the observer throats lacking the blue tones of the did not specify what plumage of upperparts. Further, males do not House Sparrow the bird had a have off-white underparts. similar coloration to, leaving open the possibility of a richer, rustier Northern Parula (Parula americana) brown characteristic of Carolina Vote: 0-7 Wren. one description One individual was Mountain Bluebird (Sialia reported at Tawas City, Iosco Co., currucoides) on 15 December 2007. The bird Vote: 0-7 was described as “much smaller one description than chickadees and nuthatches,” One individual, a female, with a bright yellow breast that was reported at Tipton, Lenawee transitioned to a reddish-brown Co., on 16 August 2008. The bird edge at the top, a white belly, no was described as about 7 inches eye ring or eye stripe, blue-gray in length, with the back and head head and sides, prominent bars on a light to medium blue (about the wings, and a dark back, perhaps shade of a Blue Jay [Cyanocitta greenish. Members unanimously cristata]), “the same blue color (as felt that although many of the field the color on the back and head) at marks were suggestive, that the lack the throat,” unstreaked, off-white or of eye arcs and the uniformly blue- cream underparts, dark beak, no gray head and sides were incorrect distinctive eye ring, unmarked wings, for the species claimed. Several and no streaking or spotting on the members mentioned the possibility belly or underwings. The observer that this description might better fit mentioned being unsure what the Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi) bird was at the time of the sighting, than Northern. but becoming convinced of its identity at the suggestion of other “Yellow” Palm Warbler (Dendroica birders on a listserv. Members palmarum hypochrysea) nearly unanimously agreed that Vote: 2-5, in the second round the description was inconsistent with one description any plumage of Mountain Bluebird. photographs Females of this species have blue One second calendar upperparts paler than that of year male was mist-netted and Blue Jay, obvious white eye rings, banded at Metro Beach Metropark, white-edged wing covers (rather Macomb Co., on 13 May 2007. than plain wings), and whitish This record was first reviewed (and

204 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 accepted) in 2007 (Putnam 2008), Western Tanager (Piranga but reconsidered here by majority ludovicianus) vote of the committee following Vote: 0-7, for one of two individuals a request for reconsideration. one description The request was submitted Two individuals, a male due to the discovery that the and a presumed female, were observer mentioned in the original reported at Marquette, Marquette documentation that they couldn’t Co., on 9 May 2008. The male be sure whether the bird may have was accepted (see above under been an intergrade “Western” “Records Accepted”), but the second Palm Warbler (D. p. palmarum) individual was not. The second bird X “Yellow” Palm Warbler. All was described as “a duller bird” members agreed that this individual than the black-and-yellow male. had more yellow on the underparts, Members unanimously shared the more reddish-colored flank streaks, opinion that more description was and a more extensive reddish cap necessary to rule out other species. than a typical “Western” Palm Warbler. However, most also felt Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) that the yellow underparts were not Vote: 1-6 as solidly yellow as typical adult photographs “Yellow” Palm Warblers, the vent One individual was and belly having noticeable dull reported in Rose Twp., Oakland brownish patches admixed with Co., on 7-12 April 2007. While the yellow. The reddish streaks one member felt satisfied with the on the flanks were also mentioned photographic documentation, the as thinner and less extensive than remainder of the committee felt that those of typical “Yellow” Palm a hybrid Spotted Towhee X Eastern Warblers by at least two members. Towhee (P. erythrophthalmus) could The primary question was whether not be ruled out. The amount of these traits could have been white on the upperparts was thought solely age-related (i.e. due to to be perhaps too little for most immaturity in a pure “Yellow” Palm Spotted Towhees, though clearly Warbler) or whether they may have more than typical Eastern Towhees. indicated intergradation of the two More importantly, however, the subspecies. The literature is not amount of the white at the base clear on how to distinguish these two of the primaries was thought to be possibilities, leading most members either too great, or not adequately to reject. visible to be judged in the photos provided. This is a key trait for

Caleb G. Putnam 205 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History separating pure Spotted Towhees, all members agreed that this which lack or nearly lack any individual was clearly either a white here, from Spotted Towhee X Spotted Towhee or a Spotted Eastern Towhee hybrids which have Towhee X Eastern Towhee, most considerable white here. felt that the obvious white patch at the base of the primaries was Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) too large for a pure Spotted Vote: 3-4 Towhee. Sibley (2000) explains one description that some apparently pure photograph Spotted Towhees can show limited One individual was white here, however specimen reported at Copper Harbor, review by two members and field Keweenaw Co., on 2-15 November experience of others suggested 2007. The only description that this individual’s white was provided mentioned that the bird out of the range of variation for had “white patches on its wings a pure Spotted Towhee. Several and back”. The photograph members also were given pause clearly establishes the bird as a by the relatively small and limited towhee, and all members freely spotting in the mantle and scapulars acknowledged the need to establish compared to typical Spotted the pattern of the bases of the Towhees. outer primaries in eliminating a hybrid Spotted Towhee X Eastern Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) Towhee. However, the committee Vote: 0-7 was split on whether such a photographs judgment was possible from the One individual was photo provided. At least four reported at Oscoda, Iosco Co., members felt it was not possible, on 12 May 2008. The bird was while the minority felt the photo described as having a “dark adequately established fully dark chocolate colored head with bright primary bases. red eyes,” rufous flanks, white belly, silver bill, and “back and Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) wings with many white spotted [sic] Vote: 0-7 and streakes [sic].” Members felt one description that a hybrid Spotted Towhee X photographs Eastern Towhee could not be ruled One individual was out without a detailed description reported at Chelsea, Washtenaw of the pattern of the bases of the Co., on 3 November 2007. While primaries. At least one member

206 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 also argued that the bill of the not be ruled out. One member also species claimed should be black, not commented that an alternate male silver. Bobolink (Dolichonyx orizyvorus) would fit the description if its white Lark Sparrow (Chondestes scapulars were confused with a grammacus) wingbar. Vote: 0-7, for one of two individuals one description Lark Bunting (Calamospiza Two individuals were melanocorys) reported at Petersburg State Game Vote: 2-5, in the second round Area, Monroe Co., on 6-22 May one description 2008, by one of several observers. photographs The first individual was accepted One individual, a male, was (see above under “Records reported at Bridgman, Berrien Co., Accepted”). However, the second on 4 June 2008. Members agreed individual, claimed as “very likely a that the photos, which were very yearling,” was never described. underexposed and out-of-focus, did establish a black bird with a Lark Bunting (Calamospiza white patch of unknown shape and melanocorys) extent on the side of the bird’s Vote: 3-4 body. The description mentioned one description that the bird had a darker black One individual, a male, head than body, as well as the was reported at Little Traverse Bay, peculiar observation that “one side Houghton Co., on 22 May 2007. of him appeared to have patches The bird was described as “black of his feathers removed, as if he overall with a broad long diagonal had been pecked at.” Several wingbar,” with a heavy, conical members were uncomfortable with bill, and body size being that of the former field mark, as male a blackbird “but chunkier.” The Lark Buntings, they argued, should committee was split on this record, have equally black mantles and many feeling that although the heads. The latter field mark was description was brief it could only also taken as potentially the result fit a male Lark Bunting, with others of asymmetrical white patches on arguing that without a description the left and right sides of the bird’s of the color of the wingbar, body, which may be indicative of a aberrant plumages of Brown- leucistic individual of a commoner headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), species such as Brown-headed Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius Cowbird. phoeniceus), or other species could

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Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammodramus One individual was nelsoni) reported at Bay City Recreation Vote: 2-5, in the second round Area, Bay Co., on 21 October one description 2007. A second hand photographs correspondence was provided in One individual was which the author stated that another reported at Muskegon State birder had relayed an observation Game Area, Muskegon Co., on 26 in which a bird was heard to “sing” May 2007. All members agreed briefly, and that the observer felt that this individual was clearly it sounded like a Nelson’s Sparrow. either a Nelson’s or a Saltmarsh The committee unanimously Sparrow. There was, however, agreed that secondhand reports some disagreement about whether are inadequate for acceptance, Saltmarsh could be fully ruled out, and that there was little actual a concern validated in part by a description of the bird or its song. possible specimen of this species This record was subsequently from Michigan (Sibley 2005). reconsidered as Nelson’s/Saltmarsh Most members felt that vital field Sparrow (see below under “Records marks such as the extent and width Not Accepted”). of breast and flank streaking (Sibley 1996) and bill length and Nelson’s/Saltmarsh Sparrow proportions could not be properly (Ammodramus nelsoni/caudacutus) assessed due to the fact that they Vote: 0-7 were obscured in the photographs one description and not fully enumerated in the One individual was written description. However, at reported at Bay City Recreation least two members felt that the Area, Bay Co., on 21 October buffy throat only slightly paler than 2007. This record was initially the malar, and the relatively crisp rejected as Nelson’s Sparrow streaking and buffy background (see above under “Records Not color on the hind flanks (the only Accepted”). As in that case, the part of the flanks visible in the complete lack of a description photos) were a better fit for and the second-hand nature of the Nelson’s. report continued to be raised as concerns against acceptance. Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni) McCown’s Longspur (Calcarius Vote: 0-7 mccownii) one description Vote: 0-7 one description

208 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

One individual, sex unclear, under “Records Not Accepted”), and was reported at Oscoda, Iosco was here given reconsideration as Co., on 12 May 2008. The bird a broader grouping, per current was described as the size and MBRC practice. Members remained shape of a House Sparrow, with a troubled by the tail description plain head, body, and face, with a (white on “the end” of the tail), “small blotch of dark on breast,” which was construed as incorrect a short tail with a hint of white “on for both species. Most also felt the end,” a sparrow-like bill, and that the overall description (see overall appearance grayish-white. McCown’s Longspur account above) The committee felt that nothing in never clearly placed this bird in the the description clearly identified longspur category, and that species the bird as a longspur, and that the such as House Sparrow and perhaps report was in some ways inconsistent even American Tree Sparrow with the species claimed, or at (Spizella arborea) could not be ruled least incomplete in its description. out without more detail. One member argued that House Sparrow was not eliminated by Smith’s Longspur (Calcarius pictus) the description provided. Others Vote: 3-4 argued that the tail of all McCown’s one description Longspurs are tipped in black, One individual was not white, though the sides of a reported at Point Iroquois, McCown’s Longspur’s tail would be Chippewa Co., on 4 September white. Finally, the description of 2007. The bird was described the face as plain puzzled at least as brownish and streaked above, one member who noted that the with buffy breast with indistinct face of a male McCown’s Longspur brown streaks, dull white belly, is contrastily patterned with gray, lesser coverts bright white, greater white, and black. coverts reddish-brown and tipped in white, very narrow eye ring, McCown’s/Chestnut-collared brownish tail with obvious white Longspur (Calcarius mccownii/ edges similar to those of Dark-eyed ornatus) Junco (Junco hyemalis) in flight, and Vote: 0-7 a short call described as a rattle one description similar to that of Lapland Longspur One individual, sex (Calcarius lapponicus). While unclear, was reported at Oscoda, many members felt the description Iosco Co., on 12 May 2008. This was adequate for the species record was initially rejected as claimed, others were troubled by McCown’s Longspur (see above apparent inconsistencies in this

Caleb G. Putnam 209 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History report. Specifically, the prominent as much smaller than Northern white lesser coverts, a field mark Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). favoring Smith’s Longspur, make Pyrrhuloxia are similar in length it likely that the bird was a male. to, though slightly less bulky than, This is the sex class with the most a cardinal. At least one member uniform buffy underparts (bill to also noted that the distinctive bill vent), yet the bird was described as shape and color of Pyrrhuloxia are having a dull white belly and buffy not described, a seemingly strange breast; a contrast more typical of omission. These two inconsistencies Lapland Longspur. Furthermore, the left most members unable to accept description of the greater coverts this record. as reddish-brown was troubling to at least two members, as this is also Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) more typical of Lapland Longspur Vote: 1-6, in the second round (Smith’s having relatively uniform one description brown greater coverts lacking One individual was rufous contrasts to the body at reported at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw large). These inconsistencies led Co., on 24 May 2008. The bird several members to the conclusion was described as blue overall with that a juvenile Lapland Longspur distinct brown/tan on the wings, was not fully ruled out. heavy bill, and size “somewhat larger than a House Sparrow.” The Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) song was described as “a melodic Vote: 0-7, for two individuals musical phrase, like a song sparrow one description in timbre but lower in pitch, with a Two individuals were strongly rhythmic feel: a-one-and-a- reported at Traverse City, Grand two-and-a-three-and-a, repeated Traverse Co., on 3 August 2007. at sedate intervals.” Members The birds were described as “much felt that a second calendar year smaller in body than our local … male Indigo Bunting (P. cyanea) was cardinals,” with a yellow beak not ruled out by this description. surrounded by red feathering, a They often retain patches of crest “with some rusty coloring,” formative plumage (which is not some rusty red coloring on the blue) in the wing coverts through breast and tail feathers, and a the prealternate molt (Pyle 1997), “squared off” tail. Although many and are often mistaken as Blue members felt the description of Grosbeaks. The size comparison to plumage was consistent with the House Sparrow would have helped species claimed, most were troubled separate the grosbeak from the by the description of body size bunting, but it was never made

210 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5 explicitly clear that there was a Common Grackles, they argued, it direct size comparison. Finally, the could have been a male Common song description, though suggestive Grackle and fit the description. to at least member, was deemed inconclusive by most. Common Chaffinch Fringilla( coelebs) Boat-tailed/Great-tailed Grackle Vote: 1-6 (Quiscalus major/mexicanus) one description Vote: 2-5 photographs one description One female was reported photographs at Whitefish Point, Chippewa One male, initially rejected Co., on 24 May 2008. The as Great-tailed Grackle (Putnam entire committee agreed with 2008), was reported at Oscoda, the identification, but most were Iosco. Co., on 26 May-3 June 2007. troubled by the high likelihood The bird was described as 18 inches that this individual resulted from a in length and all “black shinny [sic]” captive origin. There is evidence with a hint of being more so on the of a recent release of Eurasian head and hind neck. Further, it had fringillids, including this species, yellow eyes, a flat head, a black in the Chicago, Illinois, area in or bill longer than the head, and a tail around early 2004 (Chu 2005, half longer than those of “the other Craves 2008). This record, the grackles” standing nearby. Two committee argued, was best members were satisfied that the considered a by-product of that or bird couldn’t be a Common Grackle a similar release pending evidence (Quiscalus quiscula) based on size. of the natural occurrence of However, most were concerned by Common Chaffinch in Michigan. the fact that the observer didn’t specify which sex the accompanying Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer Common Grackles were, and by the montanus) potential for error in the observer’s Vote: 3-4 for one individual, 1-6 for method of estimating the bird’s two individuals length. Specifically, the bird was video footage said to stand in perfect side profile Two individuals were between two dandelions which reported at Cassopolis, Cass the observer then measured at Co., on various dates between 18 inches apart. If the bird was September and November 2006. actually shorter than 18 inches in These birds were videotaped length and standing next to female at the exact location of a single

Caleb G. Putnam 211 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History longstanding Eurasian Tree between House Sparrow and Sparrow, Michigan’s first state Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Some felt record (Putnam 2007), and were the two intermediate individuals suspected by the homeowner to were certainly hybrids, and possibly represent additional further review of the footage led individuals. The committee to preparation of a manuscript reviewed the footage with the detailing these birds’ identities intent of determining whether to (Putnam, in prep.). Since one pure add any additional individuals Eurasian Tree Sparrow had already to the record. The committee been accepted for this site, and argued that the video actually never were two pure birds clearly shows one pure Eurasian Tree identifiable in the footage, the Sparrow and two odd individuals committee voted not to include any which appeared intermediate additional individuals in this record.

Acknowledgements I thank Adam M. Byrne for editorial assistance with the manuscript.

References Cited Banks, R.C., R.T. Chesser, C. Cicero, J.L. Dunn, A.W. Kratter, I.J. Lovette, P.C. Rasmussen, J.V. Remsen, Jr., J.D. Rising, D.F. Stotz, and K. Winker. 2008. Forty-ninth Supplement to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. Auk 125(3):758-768. Byrne, A. 2001. Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2000. Michigan Birds and Natural History 8:225-241. Byrne, A. 2004. Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2002. Michigan Birds and Natural History 11(2):62-85. Chu, P.C. 1991. Actions of the MBRC for 1988 and 1989. Jack-Pine Warbler 68(5):19-24. Chu, P.C. 1992. Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 1990 and 1991. Jack-Pine Warbler 69(5):17-23. Chu, P.C. 2005. Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2004. Michigan Birds and Natural History 12:184-206. Craves, J.A. 2008. Current status of European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) in the western Great Lakes region. North American Birds 62(3): 498-501.

212 Actions of the Michigan Birds Record Committee for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Heindel, M.T. 1996. Field identification of the Solitary Vireo complex. Birding 28:458-471. Kaufman, K. 1994. Point/Counterpoint. Greenland White-fronted Geese Over Reported? Birding 26(6):380-382. Olsen, K. M., and & H. Larsson. 1997. Skuas & Jaegers. Yale University Press, New Haven. Olsen, K. M., and H. Larsson. 2003. Gulls of North America, Europe, and Asia. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Pittaway, R. 2009. Checklist of Recognizable Forms of Ontario Birds. http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/recognize.php, accessed 12 March 2009. Putnam, C.G. 2007. Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2006. Michigan Birds and Natural History 14(5):189-220. Putnam, C.G. 2008. Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2007. Michigan Birds and Natural History 15(5):201-248. Putnam, C.G. in preparation. Documentation of Eurasian Tree (Passer montanus) x House (P. domesticus) Sparrows in Cass County, Michigan. Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part I. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA. Pyle, P. 1998. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part II. Slate Creek Press, Point Reyes Station, CA. Romagosa, C.M., and T. McEneaney. 1999. Eurasian Collared-Dove in North American and the Caribbean. North American Birds 53(4):348- 353. Sibley, D. 1996. Field identification of the sharp-tailed sparrow complex. Birding 28:197-208. Sibley, D. 2000 The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY.

Sibley, D.A. 2005. A possible specimen record of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus) from Michigan, with comments on the reliability of specimen data. North American Birds 53:524-525.

Caleb G. Putnam 213 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History Michigan Banding Summary for 2008

Mike Bishop Alma College, Biology Dept. Alma, MI 48801

The following tables present the annual capture data of contributing stations from around the state during the 2008 calendar year. The data from each station is arranged by season as many stations may only operate at certain times of the year. Additionally, by separating the data by season one can make more meaningful comparisons between stations regarding total captures per net hour, unusual captures and recoveries, etc. The information at the top of the list provides the reader with the name(s) of the bander(s) and locations, dates of operation, the number of net hours (equivalent to one 12m net open for one hour) and/or trap hours, and the total number of captures and recaptures. This year was marked by a total of five banders reporting from 11 stations located in the lower half of the LP that were open 160 days of the year. The total number of new captures was 19002 individuals of 115 species. The total number of net hours was 35,953.75 and total trap hours was 534. Were it not for the winter finch invasion during the winter of ‘07/’08 American Goldfinch would have topped the list with 1,821 individuals banded. However, because of the Herculean efforts of Rich and Brenda Keith at their Pittsfield station the 3,459 Common Redpoll that were banded moved that species into first place. Ruby-throated Hummingbird was the third place finisher at 1,491; also up significantly due to the efforts of both Allen Chartier and Brenda Keith. In fourth and fifth places, respectively, were Gray Catbird (1,177) and Dark-eyed Junco (1,045). The annual banding summary is solicited from any and all banders around the state. If you are banding and would like to contribute your data please contact Mike Bishop at [email protected].

214 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station WINTER SPRING Season Winter Winter Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring SUBTOTALS SUBTOTALS Location Home Various MBMP ELJNC Home KNC‐Pitsfield ACBO PHSGA County Inkster Gratiot Macomb Oakland St. Clair Kalamazoo Montcalm St. Clair Head Bander ATC MB ATC ATC DM RK MB ATC, DM, MB Date Opened 1‐Nov Jan 5‐Apr 6‐May 22‐Mar 1‐Jan 7‐Apr 16‐May Date Closed 31‐Mar Mar 5‐Jun 15‐May 10‐May 9‐May 15‐May 18‐May No. Days Open 11 11 16 6 14 47 11 3 97 Net Hours 72.6 72.6 1315.25 400 6 1230 403.27 147.5 3502.02 Trap Hours 83 6.75 89.75 84 6 229 9.5 328.5 New Birds Banded 282 6 288 657 81 116 3283 57 76 4270 No. of Recaptures 85 85 256 8 3834 28 7 4133 No. of Species Banded 17 1 18 62 29 17 43 27 28 82 Species Northern Harrier Sharp‐shinned Hawk 33 Cooper's Hawk Northern Goshawk Broad‐winged Hawk Red‐shouldered Hawk Red‐tailed Hawk Rough‐legged Hawk American Kestrel 66 Merlin Wilson's Snipe American Woodcock Mourning Dove 15 15 3 30 33 Black‐billed Cuckoo Yellow‐billed Cuckoo Great Horned Owl Long‐eared Owl Barred Owl Northern Saw‐whet Owl Boreal Owl Whip‐poor‐will Ruby‐throated Hummingbird 13 1 5 19 Rufous Hummingbirdg Belted Kingfisher Red‐bellied Woodpecker 55 Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker 10 10 7 1 1 10 19 Hairy Woodpecker 11213 Northern Flicker 1 1 Pileated Woodpecker Olive‐sided Flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher 2 2 Acadian Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher 3 3 Willow Flycatcher 3 3 "Traill's" Flycatcher 7 7 Least Flycatcher 2 2 Eastern Phoebe 3 14 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 1 Northern Shrike White‐eyed Vireo

Location Legend/Abbreviations Head Bander Legend ACBO = Alma College Bird Observatory ATC = Allen T. Chartier CNC = Chippewa Nature Center BN = Brian Nelson ELJNC = E.L.Johnson Nature Center DM = Dan Miller KNC‐River = Kalamazoo Nature Center, River Trail station MB = Mike Bishop KNC‐Marsh = Kalamazoo Nature Center, Marsh Trail station RK = Rich Keith KNC‐Pitsfield = Kalamazoo Nature Center, Pitsfield Station MBMP = Metro Beach Metropark PHSGA = Port Huron State Game Area

Mike Bishop 215 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station WINTER SPRING Season Winter Winter Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring SUBTOTALS SUBTOTALS Location Home Various MBMP ELJNC Home KNC‐Pitsfield ACBO PHSGA County Inkster Gratiot Macomb Oakland St. Clair Kalamazoo Montcalm St. Clair Head Bander ATC MB ATC ATC DM RK MB ATC, DM, MB Date Opened 1‐Nov Jan 5‐Apr 6‐May 22‐Mar 1‐Jan 7‐Apr 16‐May Date Closed 31‐Mar Mar 5‐Jun 15‐May 10‐May 9‐May 15‐May 18‐May No. Days Open 11 11 16 6 14 47 11 3 97 Net Hours 72.6 72.6 1315.25 400 6 1230 403.27 147.5 3502.02 Trap Hours 83 6.75 89.75 84 6 229 9.5 328.5 New Birds Banded 282 6 288 657 81 116 3283 57 76 4270 No. of Recaptures 85 85 256 8 3834 28 7 4133 No. of Species Banded 17 1 18 62 29 17 43 27 28 82 Species Yellow‐throated Vireo Blue‐headed Vireo Warbling Vireo 4 4 Philadelphia Vireo Red‐eyed Vireo Blue Jay 3 3 10 6 40 22 2 80 Purple Martin Tree Swallow 10 1 11 Northern Rough‐winged Swallow 5 5 Barn Swallow 3 3 Black‐capped Chickadee 11 11 9 5 2 18 2 4 40 Tufted Titmouse 116 19 Red‐breasted Nuthatch 11 2 2 White‐breasted Nuthatch 441315 Brown Creeper 1 17 1 8 Carolina Wren 4 4 House Wren 8 3 2 13 Winter Wren Marsh Wren Golden‐crowned Kinglet 4 1 8 13 Ruby‐crowned Kinglet 52 1 8 Blue‐gray Gnatcatcher 2 Eastern Bluebird 33 VeeryVeery 8 2 4 14 Gray‐cheeked Thrush 11 Swainson's Thrush 8 4 4 16 Hermit Thrush 9 1 10 Wood Thrush 3 25 American Robin 41 5 1 8 55 Gray Catbird 16 3 3 5 8 35 Brown Thrasher 1 12 Northern Mockingbird European Starling 426 Cedar Waxwing Blue‐winged Warbler 1 45 Golden‐winged Warbler "Brewster's" Warbler "Lawrence's" Warbler Tennessee Warbler Orange‐crowned Warbler 1 12 Nashville Warbler 63 16 16 Northern Parula Yellow Warbler 57 8 65 Chestnut‐sided Warbler 3 14 Magnolia Warbler 15 1 1 1 18 Cape May Warbler Black‐throated Blue Warbler 3 3 Yellow‐rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 7 4 11 Black‐throated Green Warbler 3 14 Blackburnian Warbler 3 3 Pine Warbler 11 Prairie Warbler (Western) Palm Warbler 3 3 (Yellow) Palm Warbler

216 Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station WINTER SPRING Season Winter Winter Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring SUBTOTALS SUBTOTALS Location Home Various MBMP ELJNC Home KNC‐Pitsfield ACBO PHSGA County Inkster Gratiot Macomb Oakland St. Clair Kalamazoo Montcalm St. Clair Head Bander ATC MB ATC ATC DM RK MB ATC, DM, MB Date Opened 1‐Nov Jan 5‐Apr 6‐May 22‐Mar 1‐Jan 7‐Apr 16‐May Date Closed 31‐Mar Mar 5‐Jun 15‐May 10‐May 9‐May 15‐May 18‐May No. Days Open 11 11 16 6 14 47 11 3 97 Net Hours 72.6 72.6 1315.25 400 6 1230 403.27 147.5 3502.02 Trap Hours 83 6.75 89.75 84 6 229 9.5 328.5 New Birds Banded 282 6 288 657 81 116 3283 57 76 4270 No. of Recaptures 85 85 256 8 3834 28 7 4133 No. of Species Banded 17 1 18 62 29 17 43 27 28 82 Species Bay‐breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Cerulean Warbler 11 Black‐and‐white Warbler 4 4 American Redstart 4 1 1 5 11 Worm‐eating Warbler 1 1 Prothonotary Warbler Ovenbird 91 13 14 Northern Waterthrush 5 2 3 10 Connecticut Warbler Mourning Warbler 4 26 Common Yellowthroat 27 1 4 32 Hooded Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 9 9 Canada Warbler 1 1 Yellow‐breasted Chat Scarlet Tanager Northern Cardinal 8 8 10 11 58 2 1 82 Rose‐breasted Grosbeak 1 1 18 8 28 Indigo Bunting 1 2137 Eastern Towhee 22 American Tree Sparrow 10 10 2 13 432 447 ChippingChipping SparrowSparrow 35 35 Clay‐colored Sparrow Field Sparrow 41 5 Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow LeConte's Sparrow Fox Sparrow 1 1 13 15 Song Sparrow 1 1 18 1 5 46 1 71 Lincoln's Sparrow 12 1 1 1 1 16 Swamp Sparrow 42 2 44 White‐throated Sparrow 4 4 37 1 77 2 1 118 White‐crowned Sparrow 224 Dark‐eyed Junco 34 34 14 322 1 337 Dickcissel Red‐winged Blackbird 93 2 5 34 2 136 Rusty Blackbird Common Grackle 1 1 24 7 15 3 49 Brown‐headed Cowbird 8 4 37 1 1 51 Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole 8 1 1 2 2 14 Purple Finch 15 15 House Finch 15 15 1 4 3 145 153 Common Redpoll 1 1 1 1728 1729 Pine Siskin American Goldfinch 162 162 35 3 11 178 1 228 Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow

Mike Bishop 217 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station SUMMER Season Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer SUBTOTALS Location Various Home KNC‐Pitsfield ACBO CNC County Various St. Clair Kalamazoo Montcalm Midland Head Bander ATC DM RK MB MB Date Opened 1‐Jun 24‐Jun 31‐May 1‐Jun 10‐May Date Closed 30‐Sep 1‐Jul 8‐Aug 7‐Aug 31‐Jul No. Days Open 5 27 20 52 Net Hours 1269 3537 1181.7 458.33 6446.03 Trap Hours 115 115 New Birds Banded 1102 42 674 235 175 2228 No. of Recaptures 95 375 77 28 575 No. of Species Banded 1 3 46 38 30 93 Species Northern Harrier Sharp‐shinned Hawk 0 Cooper's Hawk Northern Goshawk Broad‐winged Hawk Red‐shouldered Hawk Red‐tailed Hawk Rough‐legged Hawk American Kestrel Merlin Wilson's Snipe American Woodcock 22 Mourning Dove 0 Black‐billed Cuckoo Yellow‐billed Cuckoo Great Horned Owl Long‐eared Owl Barred Owl Northern Saw‐whet Owl Boreal Owl Whip‐poor‐will Ruby‐throated Hummingbird 1102 85 1187 RufousRufous HummingbirdHummingbird Belted Kingfisher Red‐bellied Woodpecker 11 Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker 33 8 6 47 Hairy Woodpecker 65112 Northern Flicker 35 8 Pileated Woodpecker Olive‐sided Flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee 4419 Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher 11 Acadian Flycatcher 11 Alder Flycatcher 0 Willow Flycatcher 0 "Traill's" Flycatcher 13 13 Least Flycatcher 11 Eastern Phoebe 11 Great Crested Flycatcher 22 Northern Shrike White‐eyed Vireo 33

218 Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station SUMMER Season Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer SUBTOTALS Location Various Home KNC‐Pitsfield ACBO CNC County Various St. Clair Kalamazoo Montcalm Midland Head Bander ATC DM RK MB MB Date Opened 1‐Jun 24‐Jun 31‐May 1‐Jun 10‐May Date Closed 30‐Sep 1‐Jul 8‐Aug 7‐Aug 31‐Jul No. Days Open 5 27 20 52 Net Hours 1269 3537 1181.7 458.33 6446.03 Trap Hours 115 115 New Birds Banded 1102 42 674 235 175 2228 No. of Recaptures 95 375 77 28 575 No. of Species Banded 1 3 46 38 30 93 Species Yellow‐throated Vireo 22 Blue‐headed Vireo Warbling Vireo 33 Philadelphia Vireo Red‐eyed Vireo 4 6 10 Blue Jay 1214 Purple Martin 27 27 Tree Swallow 66 Northern Rough‐winged Swallow 0 Barn Swallow 0 Black‐capped Chickadee 22 22 16 60 Tufted Titmouse 59418 Red‐breasted Nuthatch 0 White‐breasted Nuthatch 31 4 Brown Creeper 0 Carolina Wren 33 House Wren 9 19 4 10 42 Winter Wren Marsh Wren Golden‐crowned Kinglet 0 Ruby‐crowned Kinglet 0 Blue‐gray Gnatcatcher EasternEastern BlBluebirduebird 3 3 Veery 11 2 13 Gray‐cheeked Thrush 0 Swainson's Thrush 112 Hermit Thrush 0 Wood Thrush 13 19 2 34 American Robin 15 39 12 66 Gray Catbird 230 26 45 301 Brown Thrasher 91212 Northern Mockingbird European Starling 0 Cedar Waxwing 66 Blue‐winged Warbler 59519 Golden‐winged Warbler "Brewster's" Warbler "Lawrence's" Warbler Tennessee Warbler 11 Orange‐crowned Warbler 22 Nashville Warbler 11 2 Northern Parula Yellow Warbler 32 2 6 40 Chestnut‐sided Warbler 0 Magnolia Warbler 11 Cape May Warbler Black‐throated Blue Warbler 0 Yellow‐rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 0 Black‐throated Green Warbler 0 Blackburnian Warbler 0 Pine Warbler 0 Prairie Warbler (Western) Palm Warbler 22 (Yellow) Palm Warbler

Mike Bishop 219 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station SUMMER Season Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer SUBTOTALS Location Various Home KNC‐Pitsfield ACBO CNC County Various St. Clair Kalamazoo Montcalm Midland Head Bander ATC DM RK MB MB Date Opened 1‐Jun 24‐Jun 31‐May 1‐Jun 10‐May Date Closed 30‐Sep 1‐Jul 8‐Aug 7‐Aug 31‐Jul No. Days Open 5 27 20 52 Net Hours 1269 3537 1181.7 458.33 6446.03 Trap Hours 115 115 New Birds Banded 1102 42 674 235 175 2228 No. of Recaptures 95 375 77 28 575 No. of Species Banded 1 3 46 38 30 93 Species Bay‐breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Cerulean Warbler 0 Black‐and‐white Warbler 0 American Redstart 72211 Worm‐eating Warbler 0 Prothonotary Warbler 11 Ovenbird 58215 Northern Waterthrush 0 Connecticut Warbler Mourning Warbler 13 4 Common Yellowthroat 15 2 6 23 Hooded Warbler Wilson's Warbler 0 Canada Warbler 1113 Yellow‐breasted Chat Scarlet Tanager 33 Northern Cardinal 15 5 10 30 Rose‐breasted Grosbeak 20 7 13 40 Indigo Bunting 12 2 14 Eastern Towhee 22 American Tree Sparrow 0 ChippingChipping SparrowSparrow 7 2 9 Clay‐colored Sparrow Field Sparrow 9 1 10 Vesper Sparrow Lark Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow LeConte's Sparrow Fox Sparrow 0 Song Sparrow 27 4 10 41 Lincoln's Sparrow 0 Swamp Sparrow 0 White‐throated Sparrow 0 White‐crowned Sparrow 0 Dark‐eyed Junco 0 Dickcissel Red‐winged Blackbird 22 Rusty Blackbird Common Grackle 52 7 Brown‐headed Cowbird 3227 Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole 68317 Purple Finch 0 House Finch 0 Common Redpoll 0 Pine Siskin American Goldfinch 96318 Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow

220 Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station FALL GRAND Season Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall SUBTOTALS TOTALS Location MBMP Home KNC‐Pitsfield KNC‐Marsh KNC‐River ACBO County Macomb St. Clair Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Montcalm Head Bander ATC DM RK BN BN MB Date Opened 9‐Aug 19‐Aug 10‐Aug 26‐Aug 25‐Aug 25‐Aug Date Closed 1‐Nov 16‐Nov 2‐Nov 11‐Nov 31‐Oct 4‐Oct No. Days Open 22 28 76 57 35 10 160 Net Hours 1891 223 11242 8445 3639 493.1 25933.1 35953.75 Trap Hours 0.75 0.75 534 New Birds Banded 1841 321 4193 4471 1230 160 12216 19002 No. of Recaptures 341 20 1382 1558 176 29 3506 8299 No. of Species Banded 78 39 86 91 67 34 107 115 Species Northern Harrier Sharp‐shinned Hawk 1 331814 Cooper's Hawk 11 22 Northern Goshawk Broad‐winged Hawk Red‐shouldered Hawk Red‐tailed Hawk Rough‐legged Hawk American Kestrel 6 Merlin Wilson's Snipe American Woodcock 1 13 Mourning Dove 4 13 17 98 Black‐billed Cuckoo Yellow‐billed Cuckoo 2 22 Great Horned Owl Long‐eared Owl Barred Owl Northern Saw‐whet Owl Boreal Owl Whip‐poor‐will Ruby‐throated Hummingbird 74 192 266 1491 RufousRufous HummingbirdHummingbird Belted Kingfisher Red‐bellied Woodpecker 1142311223 Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker 1 3 44 Downy Woodpecker 12 4 14 27 15 2 74 169 Hairy Woodpecker 1 4 6 6 2 19 38 Northern Flicker 6 6 3 5 1 21 31 Pileated Woodpecker 1 1 22 Olive‐sided Flycatcher 1 11 Eastern Wood Pewee 1 20 33 9 2 65 74 Yellow‐bellied Flycatcher 5 1 12 7 5 30 35 Acadian Flycatcher 1 6 11 18 19 Alder Flycatcher 1 17 Willow Flycatcher 3 39 "Traill's" Flycatcher 6 8 9 13 36 63 Least Flycatcher 10 9 12 1 32 37 Eastern Phoebe 4 16 40 8 68 77 Great Crested Flycatcher 3 37 Northern Shrike White‐eyed Vireo 3

Mike Bishop 221 MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station FALL GRAND Season Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall SUBTOTALS TOTALS Location MBMP Home KNC‐Pitsfield KNC‐Marsh KNC‐River ACBO County Macomb St. Clair Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Montcalm Head Bander ATC DM RK BN BN MB Date Opened 9‐Aug 19‐Aug 10‐Aug 26‐Aug 25‐Aug 25‐Aug Date Closed 1‐Nov 16‐Nov 2‐Nov 11‐Nov 31‐Oct 4‐Oct No. Days Open 22 28 76 57 35 10 160 Net Hours 1891 223 11242 8445 3639 493.1 25933.1 35953.75 Trap Hours 0.75 0.75 534 New Birds Banded 1841 321 4193 4471 1230 160 12216 19002 No. of Recaptures 341 20 1382 1558 176 29 3506 8299 No. of Species Banded 78 39 86 91 67 34 107 115 Species Yellow‐throated Vireo 14 6 20 22 Blue‐headed Vireo 2 10 10 4 26 26 Warbling Vireo 1 2 2 5 16 Philadelphia Vireo 1 2 1 6 1 11 11 Red‐eyed Vireo 1 1 18 42 26 4 92 102 Blue Jay 3 5 47 21 5 81 248 Purple Martin 27 Tree Swallow 28 Northern Rough‐winged Swallow 10 Barn Swallow 1 17 Black‐capped Chickadee 10 16 38 63 26 23 176 327 Tufted Titmouse 4 3 38 25 12 3 85 121 Red‐breasted Nuthatch 1 3 49 White‐breasted Nuthatch 4 8 13 4 1 30 48 Brown Creeper 21 10 16 6 1 54 71 Carolina Wren 2 1 4 4 11 22 House Wren 23 4 27 37 2 2 95 163 Winter Wren 22 2 7 5 1 37 37 Marsh Wren 7 77 Golden‐crowned Kinglet 46 55 48 30 1 180 206 Ruby‐crowned Kinglet 41 1 211 90 21 364 380 Blue‐gray Gnatcatcher 1 11 EasternEastern BlBluebirduebird 2 20 22 31 Veery 1275242162 Gray‐cheeked Thrush 2 3 24 23 9 61 63 Swainson's Thrush 28 14 142 87 99 5 375 409 Hermit Thrush 89 96 35 22 5 247 267 Wood Thrush 3 1 45 6 7 4 66 110 American Robin 25 2 164 68 74 333 509 Gray Catbird 23 23 423 287 48 8 812 1183 Brown Thrasher 1 14 4 19 35 Northern Mockingbird European Starling 1 1 13 Cedar Waxwing 6 7 88 1 102 108 Blue‐winged Warbler 6 13 18 37 66 Golden‐winged Warbler 1 11 "Brewster's" Warbler "Lawrence's" Warbler Tennessee Warbler 12 248 101 135 1 497 498 Orange‐crowned Warbler 5 18 10 33 39 Nashville Warbler 27 2 173 50 61 1 314 348 Northern Parula 1 11 Yellow Warbler 45 11 56 226 Chestnut‐sided Warbler 8 40 21 23 92 100 Magnolia Warbler 42 4 219 61 65 20 411 448 Cape May Warbler 9 15 2 26 26 Black‐throated Blue Warbler 50 21 6 3 2 82 88 Yellow‐rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 3 639 179 168 989 1011 Black‐throated Green Warbler 44 9 8 61 69 Blackburnian Warbler 1 13 4 5 23 29 Pine Warbler 1 13 Prairie Warbler (Western) Palm Warbler 3 4 10 17 25 (Yellow) Palm Warbler

222 Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 November - December 2009, Volume 16 Number 5

Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Banding Station FALL GRAND Season Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall SUBTOTALS TOTALS Location MBMP Home KNC‐Pitsfield KNC‐Marsh KNC‐River ACBO County Macomb St. Clair Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Montcalm Head Bander ATC DM RK BN BN MB Date Opened 9‐Aug 19‐Aug 10‐Aug 26‐Aug 25‐Aug 25‐Aug Date Closed 1‐Nov 16‐Nov 2‐Nov 11‐Nov 31‐Oct 4‐Oct No. Days Open 22 28 76 57 35 10 160 Net Hours 1891 223 11242 8445 3639 493.1 25933.1 35953.75 Trap Hours 0.75 0.75 534 New Birds Banded 1841 321 4193 4471 1230 160 12216 19002 No. of Recaptures 341 20 1382 1558 176 29 3506 8299 No. of Species Banded 78 39 86 91 67 34 107 115 Species Bay‐breasted Warbler 1 20 3 7 31 31 Blackpoll Warbler 2 17 2 2 1 24 24 Cerulean Warbler 2 Black‐and‐white Warbler 4 30 5 4 8 51 59 American Redstart 30 96 25 15 17 183 216 Worm‐eating Warbler 2 Prothonotary Warbler 1 12 Ovenbird 13 1 89 33 14 9 159 202 Northern Waterthrush 13 9 1 10 1 34 54 Connecticut Warbler 2 12 55 Mourning Warbler 8 2 14 7 1 32 48 Common Yellowthroat 97 3 63 112 31 1 307 394 Hooded Warbler Wilson's Warbler 30 2 22 7 5 66 84 Canada Warbler 6 7 3 3 19 24 Yellow‐breasted Chat 14 55 Scarlet Tanager 1 3 12 16 19 Northern Cardinal 15 10 69 83 18 195 397 Rose‐breasted Grosbeak 1 1 48 103 49 2 204 300 Indigo Bunting 6 28 3 37 65 Eastern Towhee 1 19 8 28 34 American Tree Sparrow 5 7 70 82 986 ChippingChipping SparrowSparrow 1 1 307 309 388 Clay‐colored Sparrow Field Sparrow 1 22 73 2 98 118 Vesper Sparrow 5 55 Lark Sparrow Savannah Sparrow 17 17 17 Grasshopper Sparrow LeConte's Sparrow Fox Sparrow 7 20 44 1 72 102 Song Sparrow 220 1 57 304 16 2 600 784 Lincoln's Sparrow 11 1 12 44 1 69 101 Swamp Sparrow 143 5 25 6 179 267 White‐throated Sparrow 285 99 187 264 35 19 889 1129 White‐crowned Sparrow 5 3 10 41 59 67 Dark‐eyed Junco 4 25 64 340 3 1 437 1145 Dickcissel Red‐winged Blackbird 13 13 287 Rusty Blackbird 1 11 Common Grackle 19 7 15 41 147 Brown‐headed Cowbird 1 3 4 113 Orchard Oriole Baltimore Oriole 8 2 20 1 31 76 Purple Finch 1 1 27 29 59 House Finch 2 2 8 16 1 29 350 Common Redpoll 3459 Pine Siskin American Goldfinch 233 64 120 758 10 1185 1821 Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow 5 55

Mike Bishop 223

Submission Deadlines for MBNH Issue January 1...... No. 1 (Jan-Mar) March 1 ...... No. 2 (Apr-May) May 1...... No. 3 (Jun-Aug) August 1...... No. 4 (Sep-Oct) October 1...... No. 5 (Nov-Dec) Send all submissions to: Jon Wuepper [email protected]

Become a MBS Participant The mission of the Michigan Bird Survey (MBS) is to provide a forum for the publication of bird observations in Michigan. The survey consists of the follow- ing four seasons: Winter: December —­ February Spring: March — May compiler — Jon Wuepper compiler — Jack Reinoehl [email protected] [email protected] Summer: June — July Fall: August — November compiler — Louis Dombroski compiler — Allen T. Chartier [email protected] [email protected] To participate in the survey you can be placed on the mailing list by sending your name and address to: Kalamazoo Nature Center/MAS Seasonal Bird Survey 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009 The forms are also available from the MAS website at: http://michiganaudubon.org/research/surveys_forms_data/ seasonal_surveys/index.html

Butterfly Records Wanted Please participate in the Michigan Butterfly Survey by sending your observations to: Jack Reinoehl 107 State St. #3 Hillsdale MI 49242 E-mail: [email protected] MICHIGAN BIRDS and Natural History November - December 2009 Volume 16 Number 5

Articles: Actions of the Michigan Bird Records Committee for 2008 Caleb G. Putnam ...... 157

Surveys: Michigan Banding Summary for 2008 Mike Bishop ...... 214