A JOURNAL OF ILLINOIS BIRDS Volume 17, Number 3 2008 ILLINOIS ORNITHOLOGICAL SocIETY
President's Message
Dear Members: Publisher This is my last message to you as President. My six years is up. Illinois Ornithological Society It is time for new leadership and fresh ideas. Michael Hogg, President Over the 1 7 years since IOS was founded, birding has flourished Sheryl De Vore, Chief Editor in Illinois. It would not surprise me if 10,000 people are active birders in our state today given the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Jenny Vogt, Vice-President estimate of 41 million active birders nationwide in 200 . Ye t our Alex Meloy, Treasurer l membership has not kept pace. It has fluctuated in a band between Geoffrey Williamson, 400 and 500 for some years now and is currently 472. Compare this Membership Secretary to IBET's 1,500 members or the newcomer Illinois Birders Forum's Board of Directors 465 members. The intervening years have seen the growth of the internet Joan Bruchman technologies that have given IBET and the IL Birders Forum their Scott Cohrs virtually cost-free platforms. The information sharing made possible Brian Herriott by these networks has significantly enhanced our birding experience. Michael Hogg They do, however, make us re-evaluate our model. If you can find out Marj Lundy what is being seen and where through IBET and go on free field trips Travis A. Mahan with your local bird club, why do you need to be a member of IOS? Jenny Vogt Jeffery Walk The answer of course is the Meadowlark, our field trips' rare bird focus and to support our scientific and educational mission. Associate Editors Unfortunately the membership revenues are not sufficient to support Steven D. Bailey a strong scientific and educational part to our mission. The identifi Paul R. Clyne cation skills focus at events like the Gull Frolic are good, but we need Jeffery Walk to develop youth-focused programs to build the next generation of birders. If we are to continue building our scientific and educational StaffPhotographers programs, we must attract more resources whether that be member Travis A. Mahan ship revenues, sponsorships or more volunteers. Mary Kay Rubey We have successfully adapted some of our programming to Eric Walters address the challenges of the internet age, but need to do more. For StaffIllustrators example, our field trips have attracted strong interest since we started Peter Olson to focus on difficult-to-find species, and our educational events, the Gull Frolic, the Spring Birding Weekend and the habitat-dependent Michael L. P. Retter Shorebird Spectacular have become excellent membership draws. Barbara Williams Also in planning is an Illinois Yo ung Birders Club. Pre-Press Production We have adopted the internet to enhance our offerings and reduce Kathy Ade our costs. Overtime our web site has become a better communica [email protected] tions tool and we have additional improvements in the planning stage Printing such as a Members Only section with premium content. CityWide Printing There is a lot to be proud of. Thanks must go to our energetic Des Plaines, Tllinois board and the many others who support our activities. To day we have more members active in running our programs than ever before and Editorial Advisory Board we continue to innovate to make our offerings more attractive. I am Steven D. Bailey confident that this will continue and that our leadership is up to the Paul R. Clyne task of maintaining and improving the excellence of our programs. Ve rnon M. Kleen Robert Montgomery Good birding and Good Luck. Douglas Stotz Hogg, F. Michael Robert Szafoni President Jeffery Walk [email protected] Letter from the Editor MEADOWLARK J I B As I write this, my dear friend Michael Hogg A OURNAL OF LLINOIS lRDS is leaving as president - after serving six years, the Vo lume 17, Number 1 - 2008 maximum number of consecutive years allowed, ISSN 1065-2043 according to IOS by-laws. Michael and I have been with this organization Visit Our Website at: http://www.illinoisbirds.org since it was just an idea-we have worked together for more than 17 years, he, serving as treasurer, board member, and president, and I, trying to get the Articles Meadowlark out four ties a year. Carlyle Lake Gulls: a season of rarities 82 Tt hasn't been easy. He and I can attest to that. with notes on how and when to locate them Some folks were impatient, others demanding, others - Dan Kassebaum accusatory. At times, I was impatient, too, wanting to get things done more quickly than what was hap A potential firstNorth American record pening. 86 of 'Kamchatka' Mew Gull away from Over the years, I've learned patience is a virtue, true friendship is a blessing, and an organization Pacific Ocean like IOS is worth every minute spent on keeping it - Bill Rudden alive.. Here's what we have accomplished in 17 years Three rare sea ducks in central Illinois 89 - completed and mailed nearly 68 different issues of - Matthew Winks Meadowlark and Wings Over The Prairie, created a Web site, improved the Web site, helped organize and Ruddy Turnstone: first Illinois CBC record took ownership of the Gull Frolic, hosted 16 annual 91 - Carolyn Marsh or spring weekend meetings, hosted shorebird spec taculars that truly were spectacular, fine-tuned our field trips to offer something new and different from other field trips offered by the many fine local bird Departments ing clubs, given thousands of dollars to researchers The 2007/2008 Illinois Christmas Bird Count 92 working on projects to help avian species thrive in -Paul Sweet Illinois (last year, with help from individuals and the DuPage Birding Club, we gave FIVE $500 scholar Field Notes: The winter season ships.) And now we are looking toward the future 2007/2008 103 with more ideas, that will take, time, patience, and - Kelly J. McKay yes, perhaps even a little misunderstandings until everything gets smoothed over. I've also learned how much work goes on behind the scenes - mailing, licking envelopes, sorting envelopes with zip codes (a tortuous job), proofing About Our Cover: ads, creating ads, getting the annual meeting lined up (all those calls to get a good price, get raffle prizes Eric Wright, a budding young artist, created the drawing of lined up.) the Slaty-backed Gull forour cover. Here's my message to you all - if you are an active A freshman at Waterloo High School, Eric graduated from member of IOS, thank you so very much: Please Immaculate Conception School in Colombia, Illinois, and was a continue your support. If you have lots of ideas (or student of Dan Kassebaum, who wrote the article about gulls at complaints), but have never greeted folks at the Gull Carlyle Lake in this issue. Frolic, placed a stamp on an envelope, written a short story for Meadowlark, called forquotes on a project, we've got a brand new president, Jenny Vogt, eager for your help. Through TOS and other birding clubs, Copyright1�12009 by the Illinois Ornithological Society. No part of this Jenny has become a good friend and has shown me journal may be reproduced without the written permission of JOS and what a hard-working, intelligent, creative woman she the chief editor, except brief passages of a paragraph or less in which is. We are lucky to have Michael, Jenny, and so many attribution is made to the journal and author. others willing to roll up their sleeves for the good of JOS. Won't you join us? See you in the field.
Volume Number 17, 3 81 Carlyle Lake Gulls:
a season of rarities with notes on how and when to locate them
By Dan Kassebaum
The fall of 2007 through late winter 2008 produced phia), Mew Gull (Lan1.1· canus hrachyrhynchus), Ring an exciting season of rare gulls at Carlyle Lake. Although billed Gull (lants delawarensis), Herring Gull (Larus Carlyle Lake occupies parts of three counties, Bond, argentatus smithsonianus), Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri), Clinton, and Fayette, the dam and the deep water are in lceland Gull (Lan1.1· glaucoides kumlieni), Lesser Black Clinton County, as are most of the gulls. A lake record high backcd Gull (Larus fitscus graellsii), Slaty-backed Gull of 13species was observed for the fall/winter season includ (Larus schistisagus), Glaucous-winged Gull (Lams glau ing: Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), Franklin's cescens), and Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini). With the addition Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan), Little Gull (Hydrucoloeus of Glaucous-winged Gull and Slaty-backed Gull the season minutus), Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadel- of 2007 /2008, the lake list now stands at 17 species.
Identification tips Carlyle Lake was completed by A shift occurred in the early 1990s and data the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in with little published data forthe lake When attempting to identify gulls 1967, but gull data for the lake prior coming from the initial observers at Carlyle Lake, it is helpful to break to 19 82 are minimal to absent. Sadly, who were so active in the 1980s. them into groups. The larger species the first 25 years of the lake went Instead, most of the more recent data behave differently than the smaller nearly undocumented. Beginning can be attributed to Dan Kassebaum species, and locating the larger gulls with the fall and winter of 1982-83, of Belleville, Keith McMullen of
versus the smaller gulls requires a dif Carlyle Lake has become a regular 0' FalIon, and Mark Seiffert ofCarly le. ferent strategy. The larger gulls reach destination for birders looking for Throughout the 1990s and currently, their greatest diversity during the rare gulls in Illinois. Pioneers from the reputation for Carlyle Lake as a coldest weather and prefer to roost the 1980s as indicated by the pub major migrant trap has grown, and in mixed flocks on the ice. These lished data in Nature Notes - Journal as a result has renewed in part an flocks can reach numbers in the thou of the Webster Groves Nature Study interest fro m some of the old guard. sands. The larger gulls include: Mew Society and Illinois Birds and Birding On any given fall/winter weekend at Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California include Dave Jones, Bill Rudden, and Carlyle, you're likely to cross paths Gull (Larus cal(fornicus), Herring Skip Russell of St. Louis; Leroy will Bill Rudden or Leroy Harrison, Gull, Thayer's Gull, Iceland Gull, Harrison of Olney; and Denny and if you are a keen observer, you 'II Lesser Black-backed Gull, Slaty Jones of Lawrenceville. Gull data pay as much attention to the birders backed Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, at Carlyle were consistently diverse as to the birds. Remember these are Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperhoreus), throughout the 1980s and include the guys (Rudden and Harrison) who and Great Black-backed Gull (Larus most of the first published species established nearly all of the new para marin us). The smaller species are records for the lake: Great Black digms for gulls in the St. Louis area more likely to occur as migrants, backed Gull (November 1982 - Dave and southern Jllinois. Take a peek especially in fall, and avoid the cold Jones), Glaucous Gull (December 82 through Rudden's vintage scope, then est weather. September, October, - Rudden), Black-legged Kittiwake bust out your Peterson - 4th edition and November are the best months (December 83 - Rudden), Lesser ( 1980) and see if you arc up to the for these species, which are gener Black-backed Gull (December 83 task. ally identified on the wing, through - Russell), Thayer's Gull (March 84 Gull diversity through a given fall a scope, and often at great distanc -- Harrison and .Tones), Little Gull and winter season, which I define es. The smaller species include: (April 84 - Russell), Laughing Gull as the southern movement or birds Laughing Gull, Franklin's Gull, Little (Nov 85 - Rudden), Mew Gull (Feb 86 from northern breeding grounds into Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Sabine's Gull, - Rudden), Sabine's Gull (September 1 llinois and the return trip in late and Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa 86 - Harrison), and California Gull winter, has been recorded at Carlyle lridactvlu ). (October 89 - Rudden). Meadowlark 82 Lake since the fall of 1982 through The ducks, unless flushed by a pass or in the spillway where they fe ed. the present, 2008. (See Tables 1, 2 ing boat, will remain with the school Another factor which makes Carlyle and 3.) This migratory pattern is basi of fish on which they are feeding for Lake an ideal place to look for gulls cally true for all Illinois gull species hours at a time. This will also be true is that the main basin of the lake can aside from Laughing Gull, which for the gulls. A raft of several hundred be seen in its entirety from nearly any nests along the coast to our east ducks will often attract a like number vantage point. Aside from the dam, and south and tends to wander into of gulls. Scoping patiently through the three best places to scope the lake Illinois throughout the late spring and the gulls can be quite rewarding. By are from Saddledam No. 2, Point 18 hottest parts of the summer. Placing this method I discovered a Califor within South Shore State Park, and data for Laughing Gull into the cor nia Gull on 9 January 2000, anoth from the pavilion at the south end of rect season, as defined by this report, er California Gull on 3 December Eldon Hazlet State Park. For these can be a bit arbitrary, but since its 2005, and a Slaty-backed Gull on 16 reasons, gulls which may be consid occurrence has been nearly annual December 2007. This method also ered rare forother parts of the state at Carlyle since 1985, a data point works as a filter, because Ring-billed can be found regularly, if not annu ally, at Carlyle. This is especially true for al I but two of the seasons can be Gulls, which may represent up to 95 established. I've selected this method percent of the gulls present at the for Sabine's Gull, which is almost a to determine per annum gull species lake throughout the winter, are less sure bet in September. at Carlyle because it relies on a single likely to feed in this manner, and thus Gull numbers at Carlyle Lake peak season of winter weather as the limit concentrates the Herring Gulls. In three times a year: late fall, do minated ing factor, instead of a combination winter, it is with Herring Gulls that by Ring-billed Gulls and Bonaparte's of two separate winters at the begin the rarer species are likely occurring, Gulls; late-winter, do minated by Ring ning and end of a calendar year. and any concentration or increase in billed Gulls and Herring Gulls; and The severity of the winter weather Herring Gulls will promote the likeli mid-spring, do minated by Ring-billed an d especially the occurrence of ice hood of finding a rarity. Gulls and Bonaparte's Gulls. Ring greatly influence the diversity of the The distribution of gulls through billed Gull at seasonal peaks can larger species of gulls. An ice shelf out the state is dependent on large exceed daily totals of 30,000 to 50,000 of some permanence will attract large bodies of water. In terms of basics, birds. During peak periods, Bonaparte's numbers of gulls, and with the larger gulls need food and a place to loaf Gulls can exceed 5,000 to 8,000 birds numbers comes greater diversity. In and roost. Any large body of water in the fall (late October through early seasons with warmer weather, ice is that can supply large amounts of food December), and 1,500 to 3,000 in the at a minimum. The lack of ice poses with sufficient loafingand roost areas spring (late March through mid-April). two problems: Gulls are less con will attract large numbers of gulls. In Smaller numbers of Herring Gull are centrated at their roosts and harder terms of gull finding, access and present at the lake fall through spring, to observe. The gulls have a much proximity are essential. Carlyle Lake but only reach significant concentra larger area over the lake in which to excels in this manner, as few areas tions of several hundred birds during forage,resul ting in fewer birds within around the lake cannot be accessed, periods of ice. Franklin's Gull may pro an identifiable range. In seasons with and the most vital areas, the beach and duce daily counts of several hundred colder weather, ice is the norm. If the dam, provide excellent access. Of birds briefly in October, but the other the lake completely freezes, nearly the 17 species of gull recorded at the species of gull recorded at the lake all the gulls will abandon and move lake, each has been observed either occur in very low numbers and can be either down river to the power plant on the beach, from atop the dam, considered rare. at Baldwin or west to the locks and dams along the Mississippi River. The best combination for large num The gulls of 2007 /2008 bers of gulls and greater diversity is Of the nine regularly occurring to have the lake mostly frozen while (above the mean) gull species at retaining some pockets of open water Carlyle Lake, only Glaucous Gull in which the gulls can feed. was missed for the 2007-08 season; Open water will likely hold large however, its occurrence was expected numbers of wintering waterfowl, given that the lake was mostly fro especially di vers such as Common zen much of the winter. Five unex Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and pected species made gull watching Common Merganser (Mergus mer very enjoyable this season: Glaucous ganser). The large gulls are very op winged Gull (Sep 8 - Apr 12); Little Glaucous-winged Gull at West portunistic and swarm over the divers Gull (Nov 22-27); Slaty-backed Gull Access Beach, Car(yle Lake, Clinton in an attempt to rob them of their (Dec 16-18); Iceland Gull (Dec 23 - Coun(v September Photo fish as they pop to the surface. When 8 2007. Jan 21); and Mew Gull (Feb 23-24). hy Travis A. lvfuhan. looking for large gulls, 1 seek out The weekend of the Glaucous rafts of goldeneye and mergansers. wingcd Gull (8-9 September) was
Volume Number 17, 3 83 Table 1. Gull rank and diversity at Carlyle Lake - I 982-2008 Annual Ring-billed Gull (abundant - fallthrough spring, a few persist through summer) Bonaparte's Gull (common - spring and fall, rare - winter) Herring Gull (fairly common - fall into spring, common some winters) Franklin's Gull (fairly common - fall, rare - spring)
Rare but regular - observed most years in small numbers Arctic Tern at West Access Beach, Laughing Gull (rare - spring through fall, mostly su1ru11er) Lesser Black-backed Gull (rare but increasing - fall through spring) Car�vle Lake, Clinton County. 9 Sabine's Gull (rare - fall, nearly annual) Septembe1'. Photo by Mike Thelen. Thayer's Gull (rare - late fall through winter) truly special. I was to meet Mark Glaucous Gull (rare - winter, strongly associated with ice) Seiffert and Travis Mahan at the lake. We expected that jaegers and Sabine's Rare and irregular - absent most years Gulls would likely be associated with Black-legged Kittiwake (rare - fall and winter) a cold front passage that was pre Little Gull (rare - fall, very rare - spring) dicted that day. At dawn, Mark spot Great Black-backed Gull (rare - winter, strongly associated with ice) ted the adult Glaucous-winged Gull Iceland Gull (rare - winter, strongly associated with ice) on the West Access Beach, and we California Gull (rare - fall and winter) quickly set to work getting documen Mew Gull (rare - winter) tary photographs. Travis was soon to arrive, and we alerted others with Very rare rather early, but excusable, phone Glaucous-winged Gull (very rare - winter, one record) calls. Before we scoped the lake, Slaty-backed Gull (very rare - winter, one record) we headed north to Fayette County to check out the four Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) that had been Table 2. reported along Hurricane Creek on Total gull species by rank per fall/winter at Carlyle Lake - 1982-2008 28 August. The land owner Francis 13 species - 2007-08 Baldwin, along with Sandy Britt and 11 species - 1986-87, 1996-97, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2004-05 Charley Marbut, were very gracious in 10 species - 1985-86, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995, 96, 2006-07 making arrangements for so many to 9 species - 1983-84, 1991-92, 2001 -02, 2003-03, 2005-06 visit and view the birds. Once back at the lake we met at Eldon Hazlet State 8 species - 1988-89, 1989-90, 1992-93, 1997-98, 2003-04 Park to scope from the pavilion. The 7 species - 1987-88 pavilion provides an excellent field 6 species - 1982-83, 1984-85, 1990-91, 1998-99 of view and is elevated, which helps Mean 9; Median 9; Mode 8, 9, 10, 11. minimize refraction. As planned, we located two Sabine's Gulls and two Parasitic Jaegers (Stercorarius para Table 3. siticus). The excitement continued Seasonal rank by species per fall/winter at Carlyle Lake - 1982-2008 into Sunday when Mike Thelen found 26 seasons - Franklin's Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, an adult Arctic Tern (Sterna para Herring Gull disaea) at the West Access Beach. By the time others arrived, the tern 21 seasons - Laughing Gull had dispersed onto the lake. Luckily 20 seasons - Lesser Black-backed Gull Mike got excellent photos for a first 17 seasons -Thayer's Gull, Sabine's Gull lake record. 16 seasons - Glaucous Gull Little Gull has been recorded at the 9 seasons - Black-legged Kittiwake lake several times, but it is always a thrill to see another. Bill Rudden was 8 seasons -Little Gull, Great Black-backed Gull birding Thanksgiving morning and 5 seasons - California Gull found an adult at the Carlyle Sewage 4 seasons - Mew Gull Ponds. My getting to the lake that morning was interrupted by a huge 3 seasons - Iceland Gull flock of blackbirds at the Monterey l season - Slaty-backcd Glaucous-winged Gull Gull, Mine, which included a single Great-
84 Meadowlark Little Gull at Iceland Gull (second Carlyle Sewage cycle) at Carlyle Lake, Pond, Clinton Clinton County. 20 January Photo County. 23 2008. by Dan Kassebaum. November 2007. Photo by Joseph Prosise.
tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexica
nus). With dinner plans pending, I Mew Gull at had to get home only to listen to Bill's West Access lvfarina, phone message. With Carlyle Lake Car�yle Ledee, Clinton so close, I was able to eat as planned, County. 23 February make a quick trip back to the lake, 2008. Photo by and then home for leftovers by dark. Dan Kassebaum. I did manage to get a few photos and observed a second adult Little Gull of the weekend indoors, I cautiously within the larger flockof Bonaparte's made my way back to Carlyle for Gulls at the sewage pond. A single another day of scouting. Arriving just adult stuck around for a few more before ten, I set up on Saddledam No. days and was seen by many through 2 to scope from my truck. A large 27 November. raft of Common Goldeneyes were feeding within a hundred yards of the shore, and with the no boat traffic, I had the lake to myself. Rafting near the goldeneye was a dark-backed gull which seemed too big for a Lesser Black-backed Gull and too small and pale for a Great Black-backed Gull. The Carlyle winter ended with another gull rarity on 23 February, a I watched and waited for almost an hour before the bird flew. Right away sub-adult Mew Gull. Luckily the bird I could see the pink feet, but the wing was on the West Access Marina docks
tip pattern in flight was difficult to and very approachable. I took more Slaty-backed Gull (center) at discern. I tentatively hot-lined the than 100 photos before I picked up Carlyle Lake, Clinton County. bird as an adult Slaty-backed Gull, the phone. Bill Rudden arrived, and or possibly a Western Gull (Larus we took each other to task discussing 18 December 2007. Photo by Dan Kassebaum. occidentalis). By the time other bird the size of the bird and its sub-spe ers had arrived, I was confident with cific identification. With so much My big thrill forthe winter was the the identification, but my photos that gull activity throughout the winter, I adult Slaty-backed Gull. Although this day were distant and inconclusive. began traveling with a mobile library species seems to be more numerous By the CBC on 18 December, several of Grant (1986), Olsen and Larsson around the Great Lakes and Maritime others had seen the bird, and we were (2004), and Howell and Dunn (2007). able to get more photos, including Rifling through the texts as you 're Provinces than in years past, I never expected to find one at Carlyle Lake. Josh Uffman's diagnostic flight shots. observing a rare gull is a great les The weather for the weekend of 16 Much confusionfollo wed the remain son. The intent and focusproduces a December was terrible. We attempted der of the week as there were several level of retained knowledge that far to run the Rend Lake CBC on 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls present, surpasses other approaches and can December, but cancelled by daybreak and reports of the Slaty-backed Gull only be helpful, if not vital, to further due to a snowstorm. Since I had were muddled by misidentifications. discoveries. Bill, always pushing the been at Rend all night and geared up Iceland Gulls are not so rare in envelope, introduced the possibility of 'Kamchatka' Gull (Larus canus for a day of birding, I adjusted my Illinois, but downstate and away plans and headed north to scout for from the locks and dams along the kamtschatschensis). Within a few the Carlyle Lake CBC, which was Mississippi River, there are few hours several other birders arrived scheduled for 18 December. Locally records. Prior to this winter, there with cameras in tow. The quality of the roads weren't so bad and getting were only two previous records for photos is such that this bird is very home was slow, but not a problem. Carlyle Lake: 13 February 1997 and likely a 'Kamchatka' Gull. An article On 16 December, 1 was due at Lake 5 January 2001. We observed an adult in this issue describes the bird in Shelbyville for another CBC, but that Iceland Gull on 23 December 2007, more detail, but see Stotz (2008). too was cancelled due to the storm. and first cycle birds on 2 January and Aside from the relatively easy Not wanting to waste the remainder 20-21 January 2008. identifications of adult gulls are the
Vo lume Number 17, 3 85 trickier first-cycle and second-cycle birds. Two birds, in particular, were A potential first of great interest this season. Although the photos may prove inconclusive, North American record of I'm not so ready to assume that all unusual immatures are Herring Gulls 'Kamchatka' Mew Gull by default. With the advent of north east Asian gulls, which are now being away from Pacific Ocean seen with some regularity around the Great Lakes, the prospects of Black tai led Gull (Larus crassirostris), By Bill Rudden 'Kamchatka' Gull, Vega Gull (Larus arge11tat11s vegae), Slaty-backed Gull, and Glaucous-winged Gull are all At around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, already acquired more than l 00 pho worthy of consideration when scop 23 February 2008, Dan Kassebaum tographs prior to my arrival. ing a large winter roost. If this season called Travis A. Mahan to report an The marina maintained a high is any indication, when Asian gulls adult Mew Gull (Larus canus) that he level of gull activity. Hundreds of are present, take advantage of the list had found around 8 a.m. while scan Ring-billed Gulls (larus delawaren serves and map out where others are ning through the large numbers of sis), along with the Mew Gull, were being seen. It is likely that the move gulls amassed at the sailboat marina feeding on the countless fish that ment of birds is considerable given at the south end of Carlyle Lake were trapped in the ice. Fortunately, the right weather pattern and may (Clinton County). I also happened to the Mew Gull defended a small terri involve multiple species possibly dis be birding around Cadyle Lake and tory that was among the closest line persing from a common source. ls it ran into Dan at the marina. He told of docks to our position. This allowed also safe to assume that if adults are me about the gull, which of course close observation and accessibility present, younger birds are likely pres had just flown from the ent as well? How many first-cycle ice out onto the main and second-cycle birds are going lake. Dan relocated the unidentified or, worse yet, misidenti gull when it returned fied? A new era may be upon us. The to the marina. My first comment after observing digital camera has brought birding ... to a new threshold and few species the gull through my bin- ..r.� - .. are easier to photograph than gulls. oculars was, "It's huge!" � I can hardly wait fornext winter and We both returned to our another season of rarities. vehicles forwarmth and to steady our spotting Literature Cited scopes to obtain more photographs. Dan had Grant, P. J. 1986. Gulls: A Guide FIGURE 4 to Identification, 2nd ed. Academic Press, San Diego. 352 pp.
Howell, S. N. G. and J. L. Dunn. 2007. Gulls oftheAmericas.Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 528 pp. Olsen, K. M. and H. Larsson. 2004. Gulls of North Am erica, Europe, and Asia. Princeton University Press, Princeton. 544 pp.
Stotz, D. F. Fourteenth report of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee. Meadowlark 17:50-5 l. - Dan Kassebaum 308 E. B Street Belleville, IL 62220 [email protected]
Meadowlark 86 for photographs while it fe d vora primary coverts, greenish legs, and Gull (Larus canus canus and Larus ciously, chiseling fish from the ice. limited dark tertial markings. The canus heinei); and the east Asian The gull remained in the same area gull did, however, have a clean, all race 'Kamchatka' Gull (Larus canus of the marina throughout much of the white tail. kamtschatschensis). Features such as day despite being flushed by mainte After some maintenance work the dark back coloration, dark eye, nance workers numerous times. on the docks temporarily flushed the blue-green leg coloration, and long, The Mew Gull had some distinc flock of gulls from the marina, we thin bill with a limited gonydeal tive fe atures that set it apart from started to discuss the possibilities angle suggested a small California the nearby Ring-billed Gulls. It was of this gull's identity. Dan had a few Gull (Larus californicus ). "This isn't equal in size to the Ring-billed Gulls references in his truck, which includ a small California?"was a question and seemed larger, darker-backed, ed Howell and Dunn's Gulls of the I presented to Dan, who quickly put and longer-billed than that expected Americas and Olsen and Larsson's that scare to rest by pointing out the forthe North American race of Mew Gulls of North America, Europe, and presence of white tongue tips on the Gull (Larus canus brachyrhynchus). Asia. Given the features observed in inner primaries (P5-7). The bill was Upon further observation, the bird this bird, other races of Mew Gull also too thin and lacked the red and was determined to be an immature were examined and discussed: the black gony spots. due to the brownish coloration on its European and Asian races Common
FIGURE 1
Potential 'Kamchatka' Mew Gull at Carlyle Lake, Clinton County. Photos taken 23 February 2008 clockwise as follows, by Dan Kassebaum (see gull at left,
Figure I for comparison with Ring-billed Gull at right), Travis Mahan (see g ll at right, A. u Figure 2), and Tom Bormann (Figure 3), and on 24 February 2008 in flight by Frank Holmes (Figure 4).
Vo lume Number 17, 3 87 As the day progressed, other bold underlined text are offered as marized his thoughts as follows (via birders began to arrive: Trav is from attributes noted in the subject gull ID-Frontiers): "Thus we have a gull Decatur and Joe Eades, Dave Rogles, that are not present, or are rare, in the that has a plumage and apparent and To m Bormann fromthe St. Louis North American race of Mew Gull, biometrics that is typical in almost area. Disguised as listers, these guys and thus strongly support the identi all known respects (and possible come to study the prey and learn fication as 'Kamchatka' Gull. fairly typical for the eye color at the tactics used in the successful Photos and field descriptions this age) for 'Kamchatka' Gull." hunt. The show-and-tell birding were quickly posted online to not Norman D. van Swelrn also found continued through the afternoon. only alert the Illinois birding com the 'Kamchatka' Gull identifica Five more birders joined the ardent munity to the presence of this bird tion appealing: "A bird this big can group of larophiles: Charley Marbut; (a great bird, no matter what subspe only belong to the most easterly and Charlene and Jim Malone; and Mark cies), but also to entice discussion on largest of the canus forms: kamts and Mike Seiffert. While Tom and this gull's identity. Information was chatschensis !"A response to descrip Travis secured great photographs, we circulated via several internet sourc tions of the Carlyle gull's vocaliza jokingly called the gull a miniature es, which included Tllinois Birders tions was posted on ID-Frontiers by Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisa Exchanging Thoughts (TBET), the Louis Bevier: "the calls described gus). The discussion closed with the Illinois Birders' Forum, Surfbirds, sound pretty far outside what is typi loss of daylight. All the field marks and Frontiers of Identification (lD cal of Mew Gull." fit 'Kamchatka' Gull, but one feather, Frontiers). The identification of this Collectively, the Larus canus sub PS, also fit third-cycle Mew Gull. gull as a likely 'Kamchatka' Gull was species maintain a broad distribution The field marks were clearly on supported. No doubt the photographs throughout the northern hemisphere: the outer limits for the expected North fromTo m Bormann, Frank Holmes, Mew Gull breeds in northwestern American race of Mew Gull, and all and Travis Mahan made identifica North America and is the only form were consistent with 'Kamchatka' tion a possibility (See Figures 1-4). of Lants canus in North America; Gull. Therefore, 'Kamchatka' Gull Alvaro Jaramillo set the tone (via Common Gull (Larus rnnus can11s) identification was researched and ID-Frontiers): "I was just doing a breeds in western Asia and Europe; suggested. The Carlyle gull's struc gull class this weekend and we had Russian Gull (Larus canus heinei) ture was the base identifying feature the pleasure of looking at 200+ Mew breeds in central Asia and Russia; that, when considered together with Gulls and no bird looked like yours, and 'Kamchatka' Gull (Larus rnnus the plumage characteristics, seemed I mean that is a huge Mew Gull kamtschatschensis) breeds in eastern to eliminate Mew Gull. The follow with a big bill and very thick legs." Asia and Siberia. The 'Kamchatka' ing list of features describes the After presenting a comprehensive Gull's range in eastern Siberia basi Carlyle gull as compared with Ring critique of the Carlyle gull's structure cally mirrors the range of Mew Gull billed Gull. Features highI ighted in and dimensions, Martin Reid sum- in Alaska and western Canada. This
Body: Open wing: •Nearly a full adult in basic plumage • Wingtips black with black markings present on outer •Equal in size to nearby Ring-billed Gulls four primary coverts •Fu ll-headed with sloped profile •Large mirrors present on P9 and PIO •Medium dark-gray back with wide white •Thin gray tongue on inner web of tertial and scapular crescents PS • Deep gray tongues with white tips (pearls) on PS, • Black primaries with white ap ical spots P6, and P7 on PS, P6 (small), and P7 tiny • Small black markings (broken bar) on webs of P4 • All-white tail • Dark markings on primary coverts and alula • Dusky-brown streaking on head, gathering on nape and forming crescent markings • Wide white trailing edge on inner secondaries, on chest narrowing on outer secondaries •Da rk-gray back with slight brown (iridescent) •Un derwings of remiges smoky gray cast to uppetwing coverts • Greenish-based parallel-edged bill, equal Voice (not recorded): in length to the bills of nearby Ring-billed •A preliminary comparison of vocalizations heard in Gulls the field with commercial recordings of the various • Bill with diffused sub-terminal dark band subspecies seemed to fit best with the North American with yellow tip race; however, there were very few 'Kamchatka' • Small brown eye with black pupil recordings from which to compare, which may not have contained calls from similar feeding situations. •Blu e-green leg coloration
88 Meadowlark region of eastern Asia also holds near St. Louis, fifty miles west of Grant, P. J. 1986. Gulls: A Guide other known Asiatic strays, including Carlyle Lake (Goetz, R. et al. 1986). to Identification, 2nd ed. Academic Slaty-backed Gull, Black-tailed Gull Soon after this sighting, Slaty-backed Press, San Diego. 352 pp. (Larus crassirostris) and Vega Gull Gulls started to be found along the Howell, S. N. G. and J. L. Dunn. (Larus vegae), which are yielding in coast of California. Perhaps lightning 2007. Gulls of the Americas. Houghton creased sightings in North America. can strike the same spot twice. MifflinComp any, Boston. 528 pp. In fact, the winter of 2007-2008 pro Editor's Note: The Illinois Ornith Olsen, M. and H. Larsson. 2003. vided an unprecedented number of K. ological Records Committee accept Gulls of North America, Europe, and Slaty-backed Gull reports. They were ed this bird as a Mew Gull (Stotz Asia. Princeton University Press, reported from both coasts as well as 2008), writing that "we could not at Princeton. 544 pp. from several inland locations around present be certain that this individual Stotz, D.F. 2008. Fourteenth report the Great Lakes. belonged to kamchatschensis, but of the Illinois Ornithological Records Despite the extreme rarity of a that the evidence was generally sup Committee. Meadowlark 17:48-54. 'Kamchatka' Gull being found in portive of that identification." southern Illinois, this wouldn't be the - Bill Rudden Literature Cited first time a sighting of this magnitude 4345 Steins Street Goetz, R. E., N. Rudden, and occurred. During the winter of 1983- W. Saint Louis, Missouri 63116-2143 B. Snetsinger. 1986. Slaty-backed 1984, the first Slaty-backed Gull for P. [email protected] North America away from Alaska was Gull winters on Mississippi River. found along the Mississippi River American Birds 40: 207-216.
Three rare sea ducks in central Illinois By Ma tthew Wi nks
Long-tailed Duck. The winter season of 2007-2008 ducks, loons, and grebes, but nothing December unusual. First we had miserable cold 12 2007. provided a unique opportunity for Bloomington, McLean Coun(v. rain, and then came an annoying bar birders in central Illinois to view rare Photo by Matt Fraka sea ducks as they passed through rage of ice pellets. the middle of the state. Aside from Despite the nasty conditions, I to search for a closer vantage point. Clinton Lake and the Illinois River, decided to check Evergreen Lake on On the north side of the lake, I found sea ducks, especially the less com my way home. While scanning the a spot where you could hike in and mon species are difficult to find in lake from the boat launch I noticed a get much closer to the duck while this area. Tronically, I took a trip to lone duck on the far side of the main being concealed by vegetation. After the Indiana lakefront on 10 Novem basin (Woodford County). It was a quick look from this distance, it ber 2007 to see some of the more stocky and dark overall with a pale was obvious the cluck was too bulky difficult-to-find sea ducks. Excluding cheek and a stout bill. while the head and bill too relatively a couple of Red-throated Loons and Black Scoter crossed my mind, small for a Ruddy Duck. The pale a Great Black-backed Gull, the trip but figured it was probably just a cheek was rather muddy and had was unproductive. It was two favorite T Ruddy Duck play ing tricks on me. a faint vertical line across it. I was local spots in central Illinois that The bird was too faraway and visibil looking at a fe male or immature ultimately provided me with three ity was too poor for me to call a bird Black Scoter. Matt met me a few great lifebirds. minutes later and we had the pleasure with which I had no experience. So I The first goodie was a Black Scot called my good friend, Matt Fraker, of watching this bird preening and cr (Melunitta n g on 25 November who always seems to answer the diving for 30 minutes. The Black i ra) 2007 at Evergreen Lake. That day, phone and help me identi fy anything Scoter stayed at Evergreen for three the John Wesley Powell Audubon more clays until another cold front different I find. He happened to be en Society had just returned from a route to his nearby farm and decided passed through. fi eld trip to Clinton Lake, where wc to see the bird himself. I packed up My next encounter with an unusu had a good diversity and number of my scope and fi eld guide an d went al sea duck in McLean County was
Vo lume Number 17, 3 89 on 11 December 2007 at White Oak birders to enjoy. It even got included Purple Sandpiper) just for the sheer Lake which is a somewhat small on the Bloomington Christmas Bird fun of it. resid�ntial lake at White Oak Park Count on 20 December 2007. I told him it's not a Black Scoter, in Bloomington. I often walk the The last sea duck sighting that but either a Surf or White-winged, mile-long path around this lake over season came at the end of winter neither of which I had seen before. my lunch break. During waterfowl when ducks were migrating through "I'll be there in about 20 minutes!" migration, I set up the scope and scan and resting at Evergreen Lake replied Matt. the waterfowl. The lake draws some (McLean County). On 3 March While, waiting, I went to look good ducks and viewing conditions 2008, scanned the south end of for a better spot to get the scope on are excellent here. While scanning l the lake to see hundreds of ducks, the duck. Hiking down the Mallard the ducks, I saw a bird that caused mostly Mallards, but also Common Access Trail, I found an opening in my jaw to drop. It was a gaudy and Hooded Mergansers, Northern the trees with good light. After a bet Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hy ema Pintails, American Wigeons, Ameri ter look at the duck, I thought it was lis). Matt Fraker was unavailable so can Black Ducks, and a Canvasback. a White-winged Scoter I called a local Audubon Society (Melanitta Among these I found a very different but the white markings on the field trip leader, Les Allen. He was .fi1sca), looking duck. It was rather bulky, face weren't clear enough to rule out excited to hear about the duck and heavy-billed, and flat, dark brown a Surf Finally the asked if thought it was male or (M. perspicillata). l with two pale markings spots on the bird opened its wings, exposing the female. Neither being familiar with face. This duck reminded me of the large white patches and revealing its the different plumages nor having a scoter I had seen a few months ear identity. It was McLean County's first field guide handy, I had to describe lier but it was rather non-descript. I record of White-winged Scoter. the duck to Les over the phone. After cat ed Matt Fraker and informed him talking it over we agreed it was an therel was another scoter at Evergreen - Matthew Wi nks adult winter male. Les Allen and Lake. "Are you serious?" he asked, 378 WC!ay Dale Birkenholz came out to see since I had reported false rarities to El Paso, IL 61738 the bird early that afternoon, and him before (i.e. Western Tanager, [email protected] the dapper duck remained for many
Winter 2007/2008 Common Redpoll ... an excellent at Chicago Botanic Garden, Cook County. winter season for 13 Fe bruary 2008. Common Redpolls Photo by Emil in Illinois Ma rtinec.
Common Redpolls atfeede1� Chicago Botanic Garden, Cook County. 27 Ja nuary 2008. Photo by Cindv Common Redpoll at Lubecke. No rther�v Is land, Chicago, Cook County. Th is was the Common Redpol! with House beginning of'an excellent Finch at a backyard bird winter season.for Common fe ede1: December 2007, Redpolls in Illinois. DeKalb County. Photo 17 Novemher 2007. hy Karen Lund. Photo hy Steve Huggins.
Meadowlark 90 Ruddy Tu rnstone: first Illinois CBC record
By Carolyn Ma rsh, Calumet City-Sand Ridge Compiler
The bi-state Calumet City-Sand - out the Midwest, but sightings 22 December 2007 Basic plumage Ridge Christmas Bird Count held 29 and numbers have been declining Hammond Bird Sanctuary, Indiana December 2007 produced an extra in past years in both Illinois and Susan Bagby, Kenneth J. Brock, ordinary result, a Ruddy Turnstone Indiana. This is also a record late John Cassady and Randy Pals (Arenaria inte1pres). The shorebird fall-winter migration date for Illinois was observed at the Whiting Refinery and Indiana. This species is typically 22 December 2007 - Alternate plumage Beach in Whiting, Indiana on the documented on the west and east shore of Lake Michigan. It was seen coasts during the annual Christmas Waukegan Harbor Beach, Waukegan, Illinois at the break of day by Carolyn Marsh Bird Count period. David Wiechers and John Kendall. It is likely based on the follow The bird was first discovered on ing data that at least two Ruddy 25 December 2007 -with Dunlin 25 November 2007 at the Hammond Turnstones were on the lakefront dur Whihala County Park, Bird Sanctuary beach and it surpris ing the Christmas Bird Count period Hall11l1ond, Indiana ingly stayed in the area until Count and beyond. Robert D. Hughes Day, 29 December and beyond when November - - - it was last seen on 23 January 2008. 25 2007 26 December 2007 Count We ek Alternate plumage Basic adult plumage with Dunlin It was also with a Dunlin on 26 Hammond Bird Sanctuary, December during Count Week. Whihala County Park, Hammond, Indiana Hammond, Indiana The Ruddy Turnstone spent most John Cassady, Carolyn A. Marsh Michael Topp days on the Whiting Refinery Beach and JeffMcCo y among gulls and mallards. It was Whiting Refinery Beach, seen eating dead fish and leftovers 02 December 2007 - with Dunlin Whiting, Indiana with Dunlin from gulls and probing seaweeds and Rainbow Beach, Chicago, Illinois Carolyn A. Marsh. turning over rocks and shells with its Robert D. Hughes The Ruddy Turnstone and Dunlin strong and slightly upturned upper became separated and each was also 06 December 2007 - mandible. Alternate plumage seen alone by John Kendall and The turnstone probably survived Whiting Refinery Beach, Patty Topp. snowstorms, with the lowest tem Whiting, Tndiana - - 29 December 2007 Count Day perature of -1° F below zero on 19 Carolyn A. Marsh Basic adult plumage January 2008, because of the refin Whiting Refinery Beach, ery warm water discharge pipe at 10 December 2007 - Alternate plumage Whiting, Indiana the beach. The beach is isolated and with American Pipit and Killdeer John Kendall and Carolyn A. Marsh recessed in an artificially created Whiting Refinery Beach, Indiana basin that shelters it from inclement 30 December 2007 through Carolyn A. Marsh weather. 23 January 2008 - Basic adult plumage The Ruddy Tu rnstone breeds in and December - 15 19 2007 Whiting Refinery Beach, high-arctic Canada and Greenland. Alternate plumage Whiting, Indiana It is a regular fall migrant through- Waukegan Harbor Beach, Illinois Bob Erickson, Al Stokie Many observers - C roly Ma rs h, Th e Turnstone above seen and David Wiechers a n Riuh(v wus Oli r Street during the Calumet Cit)! - Sand Ridge December - Basic plumage 1804 ve 21 2007 Wh iting, Christmas Bird C unt Decem Hammond Bird Sanctuary, Indiana JN 46394 o on 29 ber 2()07. Photo hy John Kendall. Carolyn A. Marsh
Volume 17, Number 3 91 The Illinois 2007/2 008 Christmas Bird Count By Pa ul Sweet
What a difference a year can make! The Th is Dunlin was seen during the 2006/2007 Christmas Bird Count season Calumet Ci�v-Sand Ridge Christmas was very warm and dry. But during the Bird Count We ek on 26 December 2007. 2007/2008 CBC season, cold temperatures Six sp ecies of shorebirds were dominated, and snow cover was recorded observed during the on half the counts in Illinois. At least one 200712008 downstate count was postponed (twice) due Illinois Christmas Bird Count. to winter storms. However, some good birds Photo by Michael Topp . were still found by our intrepid counters. Not surprisingly, gulls were headliners, although several spe Loons were reported on 4 counts. The 132 Pied-billed Grebes cies of shorebirds were good finds as well. at Crab Orchard represented a new state high. The 121 In all, 64 counts were conducted in lllinois in 2007/2008, Horned Grebes at Baldwin Lake were also noteworthy. Eared including four Iowa counts that cross the Mississippi. This Grebes included one at Rend Lake and 2 at Crab Orchard. A includes two new counts we welcomed to the state: Coles count-week Red-necked Grebe was at Springfield. Cumberland and Shelbyville Reservoir. A total of 175 spe Pe licans through Cranes cies were counted, with an additional 4 count-week birds, including Dunlin. Seven counts reached the 100 species American White Pelicans were on 6 counts. Double mark, with Carlyle leading the way with a state record 114. crested Cormorant numbers were very low overall, with There were 1,109 field observers who put in 3,385 party 115 on 14 counts. Meredosia Island, Kankakee Valley, hours, covering 19,950 miles. Jn addition, 275 feeder watch and Crane Lake (2) reported Great Egrets. Black-crowned ers contributed 495 hours of observation. Fermilab had the Night-Herons were reported at 3 locations, with the 21 at most field observers with 95, and as usual Waukegan had the Calumet-Sand Ridge being notable. most fe eder observers with 78. Black and Turkey Vultures were in typical numbers in Several new species were recorded during the season. Southern lllinois. Bald Eagles were noted on 48 counts, The headliner has to be the Slaty-backed Gull that was seen with 228 at Green Island, 422 at Andalusia, and 429 at and photographed at Carlyle Lake. The Glaucous-winged Muscatine. The Andalusia count was the highest in the state Gull on the same count had been present for some time. A for a count not centered in Iowa. 14 Sharp-shinned Hawks Ruddy Tur nstone was photographed at Calumet-Sand Ridge at Lisle Arboretum were notable, and 37 Cooper's Hawks (see photo and story in this issue) . at Fermilab represented a new state record. A Northern Goshawk was documented at Joliet. 2 others were reported Ducks through Grebes without documentation. A fourth Northern Goshawk report Overall, goose numbers were down from the last two was unconvincing. Union County's 47 Red-shouldered years' high counts, especially Greater White-fronted and Hawk represented a new state high. Pere Marquette reported Snow Geese. 79 Ross' Geese were counted on 9 counts, all a Harlan 's Hawk and a Krider 's Hawk. Mertins were reported in Southern Illinois. Trumpeter Swans were on 7 counts, for on 7 counts, as were Peregrine Falcons. a total of 56. The 27 counted at Union County represented a The only Virginia Rail was a count-week bird at new state high, as did the 99 Tundra Swans at Chautauqua Waukegan. Only 15 Sandhill Cranes were reported, on 5 NWR. Unusual ducks included a Harlequin Duck on the counts. Chicago Urban count, 2 Surf Scoters at Waukegan, lone Black Scoters at Bird Haven and Calumet, and lone Long Shorebirds through Jaegers tailed Ducks at Carlyle and Bloomington. The 2,859 Red Despite the cold and stormy weather, 6 species of shore breasted Mergansers at Chicago Lakefront represented a new bi rds were reported this CBC season. A Ruddy Turnstone state high. at Calumet-Sand Ridge was new for the state. Lt was Only 417 Ring-necked Pheasants were counted, on 26 accompanied by a count-week Dunlin. 6 Least Sandpipers counts. In contrast, there were 2,095 Wild Turkeys on 41 were at Pere Marquette, and one was at Carlyle. 4 American counts, including 240 in Champaign County alone. The Woodcocks were reported on 2 counts. Greater Prairie-Chickens at Newton were down to 45 four 12 species of gull were reported on lllinois CBCs this years after a record high of 106. Only 19 counts recorded year. A Little Gull was reported count week at Springfield. Northern Bobwhite, and only 1 count reported 1 Gray Rend Lake's 9500 Bonaparte's Gulls were a new state high. Partridge at Princeton-Camanche. 12 Thayer's Gulls were reported on 5 counts, an Iceland Gull Waukegan had Red-throated Loon, and lone Common was at Chicago Lakefront, and another was reported count a Meadowla rk 92 week at Starved Rock. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were Sparrows through We aver Finches reported on 5 counts, with at Carlyle particularly notable. 5 Two Spotted Towhees were reported, one at Bloomington The Glaucous-winged Gull at Carlyle had been present for and one at Mermet Lake. Four Chipping Sparrows were some time , but the adult Slaty-backed Gull showed up two reported on 3 counts. Lone Ve sper Sparrows were at days before the count, and apparently left immediately after Bloomington and Hennepin. Five Lincoln's Sparrows were the count. Solo Glaucous Gulls were reported at Springfield reported on 4 counts, while Carlyle had the only Harris's and Calumet-Sand Ridge, and Calumet's 8 Great Black Sparrow. 6 counts reported 'Oregon' Dark-eyed Juncos. backed Gulls represented a new state high. Wa ukegan and Lapland Longspurs appeared to be fairly ty pical, while 6 Meredosia also reported solo Great Black-backed Gulls. Snow Buntings reached Southern Il1inois, on th ree counts. Finally, a 1st year Black-legged Kittiwake was photographed A Chestnut-collared Longspur at Crane Lake is still under at Kishwaukee. A well-photographed Pomarine Jaeger was review. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Quincy, while still present at Collinsville on count day. an Indigo Bunting was at Un ion County. Four We stern Doves through Wo odpeckers Meadowlarks were reported on 3 counts. Eurasian Collared-Doves were reported from25 counts, This year, winter finches were finally noticeable again with Newton's 84 a new state high count. 125 Monk after being counted in low numbers in recent CBCs. 600 Parakeets were reported from 4 counts. 4 Barn Owls were Purple Finches were counted on 44 counts, with an impres reported - 3 from Carlyle and 1 from Union County. A sive 145 at We stern Mercer County. 42 Red Crossbills Snowy Owl was photographed at Rockford - it had been in were reported on 5 counts, while Kishwaukee had the only the area for some time. A total of 45 Long-eared Owls on White-winged Crossbill. Common Redpolls were reported 16 counts was the highest state total since 1995. Short-eared on 20 counts, with a total of 346. None of the Hoary Owls appeared to be in typical numbers, with the exception Redpolls reported later in the winter were counted dur of a state-record 74 at Arklands. A total of 19 Northern ing the Christmas Count season. One Evening Grosbeak Saw-whet Owls was recorded on 12 counts, including a state was at McHenry County. Finally, 16 count circles reported record 5 at Thorn Creek - Park Forest. Eurasian Tree Sparrow. A Rufous Hummingbird was at a feeder in Crab Orchard Acknowledgements - the 4th CBC record for the state. Union County recorded an impressive 125 Pileated Woodpeckers. As always, I would like to thank all of the count com pilers. Wi thout their hard work the CBC would be nothing Flycatchers through Warblers but a pile of useless numbers. Given the weather this year, 15 Eastern Phoebes were counted on 7 counts, with one however, it only seems appropriate to reserve the biggest at Kankakee Valley the farthest north. Northern Shrikes put acknowledgement to all of the intrepid counters who were on an impressive invasion, with 72 on 21 counts. Fermilab willing and eager to challenge the elements to gather all of had a state record 15, while one in Un ion County (but in those numbers. Missouri) was exceptionally far south. Blue Jays appeared Data from this year's CBC, and indeed all CBC's ever to be in typical numbers, but 26,207 American Crows is the undertaken, can be found online at the National Audubon lowest count in over 20 years. The 2,767 Horned Larks at Society's website, atwww.audubon.org/bird/cbc/. Information Carlyle represented a new state high. A lone Tree Swallow on this year's counts can also be found at this site. was at Crab Orchard. 653 Red-breasted Nuthatches state wide were the most documented since the same number - Pa ul W Sweet was recorded in 1993. Lone House Wrens were at Cypress 2114 Elisha Ave. Creek, Jackson County, and Mennet Lake, while Marsh Zion, IL 60099 Wrens were at Arklands (2) and Un ion County.
A Townsend's Solitaire was at Fermilab. This species About the Tables was first documented on an Illinois CBC in 1958, while The following nine pages include the tables corres the second record occurred in 1983. This year's individual ponding to the 2007/2008 CBC season in Illinois. is the fourth since I 995. Hermit Thrush numbers were low this year - only 118 on 25 counts. The odd thing, though, is Page 94 includes a list of count names, the coding that they were in typical numbers in Northern Tllinois, while and the compiler along with weather, observations, many compilers in Southern lllinois reported that they were party hours, and other statistics.Pages 95, 96, 97, and difficult to find. 98 include the count tallies from the northern section Four Gray Catbirds were seen on 3 counts, including of the state, Pages 99 and I 00 include the count 2 on the Chicago Urban count. 432 American Pipits were tallies from the central section, and pages l 0 l and 102 include the count tallies from the southern part seen, on I 1 counts, with 202 at Cypress Creek a new state high. The 18 at Champaign County were the only ones not of the state. in Southern Illinois. Lone Orange-crowned Warblers were at The following abbreviations have been used: Clinton Lake and Springfield. 248 Ye llow-rumped Warblers he = high count for that circle; were counted on 28 counts, while lone Pine Wa rblers were le = unusually low count; seen on 4 counts. f>crc Marquette recorded near-record HC = state record high count and 4 Common Ye ilowthroats. Th is species has beena reported = new species forthe state nearly annually over the last 28 years. nc.:
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The winter of 2007-2008 showed extreme temperature thirds of Illinois. After a week of calm weather, most of the fluctuations and near-record precipitation. An impressive state suffered extreme wind-chills (but only light snowfall) total of 23 substantial winter storms swept across all or a on 29 January. The last clay of the month produced 4-8 portion of Illinois during the season, variably bringing rain, inches of snow in the northern third, 8-12 inches of snow ice, sleet, snow, and/or hail. over the central third, and half an inch of rain across the southern third. The season began in earnest on I December with a wintery mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow over the northern February temperatures averaged below normal, but third of the state, and with rain and freezing rain over the continued to fluctuate greatly. Winds at 30-40 mph battered southern two thirds. A couple days later, 1-3 inches of snow Tllinois on 10 February, resulting in wind chills of -30 to fell across the northern half of Illinois while the southern -40 degrees F. Two closely spaced storms moved across half received yet more rain. A heavier storm hit the state on 6 the state on 3-4 and 5-6 February. The first dropped 3-6 December and dropped 3-6 inches of snow across the north, inches of snow in the north, light snow and freezing rain a mix of light snow and rain in the central region, and rain in the central, and moderate to heavy rain (l-3 inches) across the south. A very slow-moving winter storm crawled in the southern portions of the state. The second storm across Illinois over four days (8-11 December), producing began with light to heavy rain statewide, but plummeting moderate amounts of rain and freezing rain statewide. temperatures led to 8-16 inches of snow in the north, 2-6 Then, on 15 December, another storm dropped 2-8 inches inches of snow across the central belt, and light to moderate of snow across the northern third of the state, and rain and rain in the south. After a week of calm weather, there freezing rain elsewhere. On 20 December there was light to was a steady procession of storms. On 12 Februaiy, 1-4 moderate rain all across Illinois. The steady progression of inches of snow fe ll across the northern two-thirds of the storms continued on 22-23 December with a very powerful state, while the south received light amounts of freezing storm driven by 20-30 mph winds. This resulted in severe rain. Moderate to heavy rain and, in the north, light snow wind chills and freezing rain and light snow over the north moved across Illinois on 17 February. Two days later, the and rain and freezing rain through the central and southern north received another 1-2 inches of snow, and severe wind regions. Another strong, storm pounded the state on 27- chills occurred statewide. On 21 February, light snow fell 28 December, dropping light to moderate rain over the across the northern half of Illinois, along with light freezing entire state, changing over to heavy snow (5-10 inches) in rain through the southern half. Yet another storm on 25-26 the northern region. December went out like a lion with February, left 3-6 inches of snow in the northern half and winds gusting from 30-50 mph statewide on 31 December, lighter amounts of snow and freezing rain in the southern dropping yet 4-8 more inches of snow across the northern half of the state. The final storm of this notably stormy tier and l-2 inches of snow across the central portion. winter occurred on 28 Februaiy, and produced another 1-3 Temperatures in January fluctuated wildly and frequently. inches of snow across the northern half of fllinois. A fairly unusual storm ravaged Illinois on 7-8 January, with The 2007-2008 season showed high avian diversity, with several severe thunderstorms producing moderate amounts 185 species reported. This number includes a good variety of rainfall statewide, in addition to widespread occurrences of lingering fallmigrants and species of scarce to accidental of hail and tornadoes. Light to moderate rain occurred on occurrence in winter in Illinois. Early spring migrants were 10 January. Following a week of calm weather, another little reported. storm on 17 January left 1-2 inches of snow through the Most species groups declined in numbers compared to north and a mix of snow and heavy ice across the central the preceding winter. Notable exceptions were shorebirds portion of the state, coupled with high winds and extreme ancl finches. A few groups showed a mix of declines and wind chills. On 21 January, another potent storm with severe increases (e.g., diurnal raptors, mimids, sparrows, and wind-chills hit, Jropping 3-6 inches of snow across the blackbirds). Upland gamebircls occurred in fairly typical north and 1-3 inches of snow throughout the southern two nurn bcrs. Vo lume Number 17, 3 103 Waterfowl to Herons Killdeer at Carlyle Lake on 15 December. Records of unusual winter-season species were confined to December, The vast majority of waterfowl species were less abundant including Least and Pectoral Sandpipers and two single this winter. Populations among geese were lower overall, Red Phalaropes in northern and southern Illinois; Dunlin particularly for Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese. in the central and southern regions of the state; and singles Snow Geese were slightly more numerous overall, but there of both Ruddy Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper along was a noticeable reduction in numbers at traditional southern Lake Michigan. and central concentration sites. Mute and Tundra Swan populations were also somewhat down, while Trumpeter Also impressive was a total of14 species of gulls reported Swans occurred in numbers similar to last winter. this winter, although populations for most species were flat to low. The most notable gull concentration was 7,500 Dabbling ducks declined in abundance. None of the Bonaparte's Gulls at Rend Lake. Now a very rare species dabbling duck species occurred in noteworthy concentrations. in Tllinois, a Little Gull was found in Springfield. Ring·· Similarly, diving ducks were less numerous, with no billed and Herring Gulls both seem to be continuing a trend major concentrations reported other than Common 15,000 of decreasing numbers. Similarly, all of the scarcer gulls Mergansers in La Salle County in January. Two Harlequin of regular occurrence (Thayer's, Iceland, Lesser Black Ducks at Chicago were the most unusual waterfowl species backed, Glaucous, and Great Black-backed) were reported reported. in lower numbers than normal. Since most Kittiwake Upland gamebirds showed little change in numbers over records in Illinois are of immatures on the larger lakes, an last year. Ring-necked Pheasant was slightly more common, adult Black-legged Kittiwake in Winnebago County was but continues to show low numbers statewide. A Gray noteworthy. Carlyle Lake hosted the most extraordinary Partridge in Rock Island County provided one of the few gulls of the season, including Mew, Slaty-backed, and recent records of this species, now virtually extirpated in Glaucous-winged Gulls, the latter present nearly all winter. Illinois. Two additional records from Carlyle Lake remain under Three species of loons lingered into December, and IORC review (Western and Slaty-backed Gulls). several grebe species included a noteworthy concentration Pigeons to Kinglets of 175 Horned Grebes in late January. Numbers of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Records of pigeons and doves were fairly routine although Cormorants were low this season, and Great Blue Heron the rapidly expanding Eurasian Collared-Doves showed populations were reduced over last year. A concentration some impressive concentrations. There was no evidence of of 20 Black-crowned Night-Herons in Madison County expansion in the Monk Parakeet population. was notable. Owl populations were about normal for most species this season, but with some increase for Long-eared Owl Vu ltures to Jaegers and good distribution for Northern Saw-whet Ow l. Five Black and Turkey Vulture appeared in fairly typical Snowy Owls were reported. Woodpecker numbers showed numbers this season. Noteworthy counts among other decreases overall, and in particular Red-headed Woodpecker diurnal raptors included more than 1,000 Bald Eagles continues to experience declines, although a tally of 23 along the upper Mississippi River, 1 7 Cooper's Hawks Pileated Woodpeckers was above-average. at Rockford, and 123 Red-tailed Hawks in north-central Two Rufous Hummingbirds were captured and banded Illinois. Notable sightings included a Northern Goshawk in by a licensed hummingbird bander within a half mile of southern Illinois, single Golden Eagles at five sites in the each other in December and January in southern Illinois, the northern half of the state, with wintering records for Merlin latter said to have been present since October. continuing to increase, including a strong winter showing Eastern Phoebes were found in typical scarcity, and were of Merlins statewide. Most noteworthy were two species restricted almost entirely to the southern region. Loggerhead of falcons at mid-winter in southern Illinois, including a Shrikes were reported in fairly normal numbers, but Gyrfalcon and three single Prairie Falcons in central and were more widespread through the central and southern southern Illinois. Another Gyrfalcon reported from Madison sections of the state. Northern Shrikes staged a massive County is pending IORC review. and widespread incursion across the northern half of the A rare winter Virginia Rail was noteworthy. American state, as well as in many central Illinois locations; one was Coot numbers were the lowest in a decade, and Sandhill documented in southern Illinois in Lawrence County and Crane numbers were also weak. Whooping Cranes from the another was found on the Missouri side of the Union Co Wisconsin re-introduction proj ect were located in Monroe CBC in far southern Illinois. Look fora future Meadowlark and Kane Counties; this population is currently treated as article on the record number of this species found in the unestablished and records are appended to the main species state this season . accounts . American Crow numbers were low, save for the large, An impressive total of 9 species of shorebirds was traditional Danville roost. Horned Larks showed major recorded in Illinois during the 2007-2008 season. The concentrations at Carly le Lake and McDonough County only notable shorebird concentration this winter was 120 but somewhat reduced numbers over most of the state. A Meadowlark 104 Northern Rough-winged Swallow lingering in Richland season at five sites; Ve sper Sparrow at two central lllinois County provided Illinois's first December record this for locations; a Lincoln's Sparrow in northwestern Illinois; species. and Harris's Sparrows at three locations. Numbers for Numbers formost of the chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, most species were fairly typical, with healthy numbers creepers, wrens, and kinglets were somewhat reduced over among the hardiest species (American Tree Sparrow, Dark last winter, and particularly so for Carolina Chickadee, eyed Junco, and Lapland Longspur) and the largest influx Brown Creeper, and Carolina Wren. By contrast, Red of Snow Buntings in over two decades. An impressive breastcd Nuthatches showed wide distribution and good concentration of over 700 individuals of five species of numbers. sparrows was noted at the Union County Conservation Area on 29 December. Thrushes to Sparrows Blackbirds to We aver Finches Thrush populations were unimpressive this season, with no noteworthy concentrations, although the always rare No unexpected species of blackbirds were reported this Va ried Thrush and Townsend's Solitare were located. season. Populations were mostly average to low, although a A total of nine Gray Catbirds is among the highest ever tally of 20 Western Meadowlarks at Carlyle Lake in late recorded during the winter season and included three birds February is among the highest of Illinois winter counts and in nearby Chicago parks, while numbers for other mimids a record high for southern Illinois. Rusty Blackbirds and were weak. European Starling counts were also below those Common Grackles showed some increase over last winter, of most recent years. while numbers for Red-winged Blackbirds and Eastern Meadowlarks were lower. All major concentrations of American Pipits remained in strong numbers in southern blackbirds were confined to southern Illinois. Illinois well into December and even into early January. The wintering population of Cedar Waxwings was weak at Winter finches showed a noticeable influx this winter, best, with few reports after December. with good numbers of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins and the largest invasion of Common Redpolls in fourteen Four species of warbler were reported this winter, years. One Hoary Redpoll was documented at Chicago. including a photographed Northern Waterthrush lingering Numbers of American Goldfinches were down overall, into early Dec. Yellow-rumped Warblers were in small although a tally at Rockford was the highest for winter in numbers and went unreported over most of the state after over a decade. December. House Sparrow populations appear to be declining Eighteen species of sparrows were reported this season. throughout Illinois, while Eurasian Tree Sparrows showed Scarcer wintering species included a Spotted To whee in measurable increases in northwestern Illinois. far southern Illinois; Chipping Sparrows throughout the Acknowledgments Thad Edmonds, Anthony Friend, Carolyn Fields, Matthew The foundation of this summary is the detailed information E. Fraker, Matthew Fletcher, Pete Fenner, Robert Fisher, regarding wintering avian populations submitted to the E. Sue Friscia, Steven M. Freed, Bryan Guarante, Sulli Gibson, compiler by fieldobservers throughout the state. Maximum Teresa Good, Urs W. Geiser, Cary D. Hillegonds, Cathie counts are provided, where available. Additional data Hutcheson, C. Leroy Harrison, Dean Huisingh, Frank R. reflecting the progress of the season are noted, when Holmes, Given Harper, Jed B. Hertz, L. Barrie Hunt, Larry available, for species and areas of special interest. L. Hood, Michael Hogg, Robert D. Hughes, Steve B. Hager, T gratefully acknowledge and thank all the contributors Trevor Hinckley, Jerry Ingles, Bill James, David B. Johnson, who made this report possible. These observers are credited Dennis J. Jacobsen, Rhetta L. Jack, Charlene Knudten, Dan M. for each record, and cited observers are arranged here Kassebaum, Martin Kehoe, Tim L. Kuesel, Vernon M. Kleen, by initials/citation forms: Amar Ay yash, Cindy Alberico, Brent Langley, Bud Lewsader (BLr), Craig J. Litteken, David David Antieau, Edward A. Anderson, Jill S. Anderson, Les Lambeth, Eric Lundquist, Gregory S. Lambeth, J. Longhenry, Allen, Aaron Boone, Arlene E. Brei, Dale E. Birkenholz, Karen Lund, Nolan Lameka, Vicki Lang, Cathleen Monson, Frank K. Bennett, H. David Bohlen, Joan Bruchman, Linda Cynthia K. McKee, Don Mollison, D. James Mountjoy, Boardsen, Lawrence G. Balch, Maurice Brucker, Margaret Jason Monson, John D. McKee, Joe E. Merkelbach, Keith L. Baker, Michael J. Baum, Richard G. Bjorklund, Steven A. McMullen, Kelly J. McKay, Luis Munoz, Michael A. D. Bailey, Sigurd N. Bj orklund, Vanna Bley, William A. Madsen, Rick Martin, Robert W. Motz, Tim Murphy, Travis Bertrand, Joan Bade (JBd), Judy Bates (JBt), Richard Biss, A. Mahan, Thomas U. May, Walter J. Marcisz, Don Miller Roger Bates (RBt), Ron Bradley (RBr), Sam Burckhardt, (DMr), Jeanie Morse (JMs), David Mott (DMt), Greg Neise, Elizabeth J. Chato, John Cecil, Jeff D. Chapman, Karin Randy Nyboer, Patty Oliveri , Sam Oliveri , Dick Paulson, M. Cassel, Marilyn F. Campbell, Matthew Cvetas, Paul R. Helen Parker, Peter J. Page, Bill Rudden, Bronson Radcliff Clyne, Robert Cecil, Carl Daubach, Danny Diaz, Donald R. (BRf), Carol Rogers, Jeny Rosenband, Karen Rotschafer, Dann, Jon Duerr, Michelle Devlin, Myrna F. Deaton, Pen Michael Retter, Phil Reyburn, Rhonda Monroe Rothrock , Daubach, Doughty, Roger Digges, Sheryl De Vo re, Paul K. L. Alan F. Stokie, Anne Straight, Andrew P. Sigler, Beau Stephen J. Dinsmore, Tim Dever, Mary Jane J. Easterday, Schaefer (USr), Beth Simpkins, Carl Strang, Darrell J. Vo lume 17, Number 3 105 Shambaugh, Douglas F. Stotz, Frank Simpkins, Frank Sterrett Craig A. Taylor, Craig B. Thayer, Ernie Topping, Michael S. (FSt), Illinois Ornithological Society (IOS; field trips), Janice Thelen, Barbara C. Williams, Dave Wcichers, Dan G. Wenny, Sweet, Jeff A. Smith, James Smith, James Salsbury, Daniel T. Williams, Eric W. Walters, Christine Williamson, 0. D. Jeffrey R. Sanders, Jeff Sundberg (JSg), Jim S. Solum, Joe Geoffrey A. Williamson, Jeffrey W. Walk, Laraine Wright, Suchecki, Mark Seiffe rt, Paul W. Sweet, Robert E. Shelby, Matthew J. Winks, Michael P. Ward, Tom Williams, Tim Randy L. Shonkwiler, Wesley S. Serafin, Alice Topping, Zgonina, and Walter Zuurdeeg. As a printing aid the following abbreviations have been used throughout this report: MC maximum counts from LShel Lake Shelbyville various sections of the state (Shelby & Moultrie Cos) documented observation * Merrnet L Mennct Lake (Massac Co) m.ob. many observers Midewin Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie reported as fall departure < (Will Co) reported as spring arrival > Miss. R Mississippi River (various Cos) ad. adult Montrose H Montrose Harbor, Lincoln Park, et al. and others Chicago (Cook Co) imm. immature Port Louisa NWR = Port Louisa NWR, Keithsburg no. northern Division (Mercer Co) unk. unknown age/sex QC Quad Cities (Rock Island area) 1 st12nd;3rd yr fi rst-/sec ond-Ith ird-year (Rock Island Co) plumage ph photo Rend L Rend Lake (Franklin & Jefferson Cos) pr pair Rollins Sav Rollins Savanna FP (Lake Co) CA Conservation Area Rockfd Rockford and vicinity Co(s) County (Counties) (Winnebago Co) CP County Park Spfld Springfield(S angamon Co) FP Forest Preserve UCCA Union County CA (Union Co) IOS Illinois Ornithological Urbana Urbana (Champaign Co) Society fieldtrip Wauk Waukegan and vicinity (Lake Co) L Lake Winthrop H Winthrop Harbor (Lake Co) L&D Lock and Dam NWR National Wildlife Refuge Pk Park Information on counts greater than one individual, R River sexes, and/or ages of observed birds is included when SF State Forest available; no number indicates single birds. This SNA State Natural Arca information is followed by the location of the observation, SP State Park date(s) of observation, and the observer(s). Notew01ihy SF&WA State Fish & Wildlife Area dates of occurrence, remarkably high counts, and/or Twp Township locations for the state as a whole, or for particular regions WA WildlifeArea of the state, are underlined and boldfaced. Headings for species of extremely unusual occurrence in Tllinois during the winter arc CAPITALIZED. Headings for species Ark. Arklands Reclamation Area (Perry req uiring review by the IORC are CAPITALIZED AND Co) UNDERLINED. Records pending IORC review are Bald.L Baldwin Lake (Randolph Co) enclosed in square brackets [ ]; see forthcoming IORC Carl.L Carlyle Lake (Clinton & Fayette Cos) reports in this journal for further details. The current CBG Chicago Botanic Garden (Cook Co) IORC review list is available on-line at www.illinoisbirds. Chi Chicago and vicinity (Cook Co); org/iorc.html. see also JP, LCal Maximum counts arc provided, where available, from Clinton L Clinton Lake (DeWitt Co) each of the three regions of Illinois (north, central, East Fork L East Fork Lake (Richland Co) and south) as mapped out in David Bohkn's 1978 H. HL Horseshoe Lake (Madison Co) Annotated check-list oj' the hirds of'f11inois. Representative HLCA Horseshoe Lake CA (Alexander Co) high counts Crom subsections within these regions arc IBSP Illinois Beach State Park (Lake Co) included for many species. Additional data refl ecting the progress of the season are noted, when available, for JP Jackson Park, Chicago (Cook Co) species and areas of special interest. The species accounts Kankakee Kankakee (Kankakee Co) below Co llow the taxonomy and nomenclalurc of the 7th La Salle L La Sal le Lake (La Salle Co) ( 1998) edition of the American Ornithologists' Union's LC al � Lake Calumet and vicinity Check-list ol No rth American througli its 48tl1 Bircls , (southern Cook Co) (2007) Supplement. The 2003 Delorme lllinois ;1 //as & Lincoln l'k = Lincoln Park, Chicago (Cook Co) has been used as a standard for spelling place Claze/ccr of Ch:rn Clrnutm1qua NWR (M Meadowlark 106 Winter 2007-2008 Field Notes Tr umpeter Swans in Edga r Countv. 23 Fe bru({ly 2008. Photo hy Eric Wa lters. Greater White-fronted Goose Trumpeter Swan MC: 3555, Chau, 4 Jan (RGJ3, SNJ3); 2000, Wayne & Richland Cos, MC: 40, Edgar Co, 23 Feb (EWW); 27, Union Co, 29 Dec (VMK, et 6 Feb (CLH); 1250, St. Clair Co, 27 Feb> (TJD); 1232, UCCA, 7 al.); 11 (8 ad., 3 imm.), Miss, R (Whiteside & Carroll Cos), 18 Dec Jan (LW); 500, Embarras R (Coles Co), 23 Feb (LBH, RBr, DMt); (*KJM. LB, *EAA); 9, L&D #14 (Rock Island Co), 24 Feb (SMF); 6, 177,Spfld, 3 Jan (HOB, et al.); 40, Clinton L, Jan (GSL, BG); 0, I I Trenton (Clinton Co), 5 Jan (KAM); 5 (2 ad., 3 imm.), Randolph Co Rock CLtl SP (Winnebago Co), 12 Jan (DTW, LGB); 6, Mercer Co, 21 CA (Randolph Co), 14-20 Jan (*CD, PD, JBd, 111.ob.); 5, L Charleston Dec (KJM, TM). Reduced numbers overall. (Coles Co), 15-20 Feb (RBr, LBH, m.ob.). Others: Downs (McLean Snow Goose Co), 6 Dec (MEF); irnm., Hillery (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MJE, BLr). MC: 100,000, Carl.L, 21 & 26 Jan, 2 Feb (KAM, MS, DMK, m.ob.); 65,000, Ark., 27 Dec (JDC, JAS); 65,000, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, Tundra Swan CJL, MS); 21,1 60, HLCA, 28 Dec (K.JM, CAT); 15,000, Bald.L, 26 MC: 68, Chau, 4 Jan (RGB, SNB); 40, Wabash Co, 9 Feb (RES, CLJ-1); Jan (TJD); 13,830, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 10,000, Meredosia NWR 6, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 8-16 Dec (SMF); 6 (ad.), L&D #13 (Morgan Co), 9 Feb> (EWW). Others (central & norlh): 5544, ChaLt, (Whiteside Co), 25 Dec (EWW). Others: Edgar Co, 7 Dec (EWW); 18 Jan (RGB, SNB); 4000, Sangamon Co, 8 Feb (KAM); 15, Modena i111111., West Branch FP (Du Page Co), 9 Dec (MAM, UWG); Wauk., (Stark Co), 12 Dec (EWW). 26 Dec (EWW). Ross's Goose Wo od Duck MC: 6, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 6, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, MS, CJL); MC: 9, Spfld, 3 Jan (HOB, ct al.); 4 (3 male, I female), New Athens 4. Modena (Stark Co), 12 Dec (EWW); 4, Bald.L, 16 Feb (MST); 2, (St. Clair Co), 24 Feb> (TJD); 3, McLean Co, 6 Jan (MJW); 3, Amax Edgar Co, 23 Feb> (EWW). Others: 3, Carl.L, 18 Feb (DMK); 2, (Wabash Co), 19 Feb (CLH). Others (norlh): female, Cordova (Rock Mcrmct L, 31 Dec (KJM); 2,Arnax(Wabash Co), 7 Jan (CLH); Clinton Island Co), 20 Dec (KJM); male, Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); L, 24 Dec (GSL); Homer L (Champaign Co), 18 Jan (EJC); East Fork male, Montrose 31 Dec (LM). Ones and twos at a few additional I-I, L, 4 Feb (CLH). Low numbers. southern sites. Cackling Goose Gadwall MC: 1400, Evergreen L (McLean Co), 13 Dec (MJW); 200, Woodford MC: 1580, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 250, Mer111et L, 31 Dec (KJM); Co, Dec (MEF); 135, Bald.L, 7 Jan (KAM); 120, Carl.L, 22 Dec JO 141, Spfld,3 Jan (HOB, et al.); 130, 1-JL, 18 Feb (KAM); 45, Clinton (DMK, MS); 120, St. Clair Co, 27 Feb> (TJ D); 00, Spfld, 3 Jan I L, I Jan (GSL, BG); 23, Chau, 11 Jan (RGB, SNB); 12, Wauk., I (HOB, el al.); 50, Johnson Sauk Tra il SP (Henry Co), 3 Dec (KAM). Jan (GAW); 6, La Salle L, 7 Jan (CKM, JDM). Less abundant mid Others: 85, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 40, Ark., 27 Dec widespread. (DMK); 33, Monroe Co, 6 Feb (DJJ); 31, Fulton Co, 15 Dec (LLH); American Wigeon 20, LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 17, HLCA, 28 Dec (K.JM, CAT); 0, I Cook Co, 3 Dec (KAM); 8, QC, 16 Dec ("KJM, SBI-1); 8, Mermcl L, MC: 268, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 105, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM); 4, 31 Dec (KJM); 7, Jackson Co, Jan (KJM, DM); 6, Urbana, 15 Dec Wauk., I Jan (GAW). Others: 16, Clinton L, l Jan (GSL, BG); 12, I Menne! L, 31 Dec (KJM); 11, Ark., 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 6, Carl.L, 1 (SOB, GSL); 5, Clinton L, Jan (GSL. BG); 4, Rock R (Lee Co), 26 I Dec (DMK); male, LCal, 24 Dec (WJM); Windfall L (Vermilion Co), Dec (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); 4, Coffeen L SP (Montgomery Co), 10 Feb> (EWW); 3, Grayslake (Lake Co), 2 Dec (SOB, SLD). 12 Dec (SOB), Chau, 18 Jan (RGB, SNB); HL, 28 Jan (FRH). American Black Duck Canada Goose MC: 3161, Chau, 4 Jan (RGB, SNB); 2033, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, SBH, MC: 147, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 63, La Salle L, 7 .Jan (CKM, JDM); 52, HLCA, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 42, UCCA, 29 Dec m.ob.); 1736, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.); 1693, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, rn.ob.); 1572, JP, 25 Dec (PRC); 1500, (KJM); 19, Chau, 11 Jan (RGB, SNB); 17, LCal, 24 Dec (WJM); 15, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 800, Carl.L, Feb (DMK). Others: 1000, Harrison (Winnebago Co), Jan (DTW, 13CW). I (1 Cook Co, 3 Dec (KAM); 900, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 800, Logan Mallard Co, 12 Dec (KAM); 800, Monroe Co, 6 Feb (D.JJ); 600, Bushnell MC: 13,0 10, Chau, 7 Dec (RGB, SNB); 10,000, Carl.L, 8 Dec (DMK); (McDonough Co), 12 Jan (LLH). Low numbers rcporled. 5300, Rend 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 1600, Lri Salle Co, 26 Jan L, Mute Swan (GAW); 740, LCal, 19 Jan (WJM); 528, Porl Louisa NWR, 21 Dec Others: MC: 90, LCal, 3 Feb (WJM); 55, Channahon (Will Co), 6 Jan (UWCJ); (K.JM. TM). 4405, UCCA. 29 Dec (KJM); 3500, Lenzburg (St. Clair Co), 13 Dec (T.I 2000, Wayne & Richland Cos, 6 Feb 25, Peoria & rullun Cos, 9 Jan (LLH); 4, lfL, 10 & 18 Feb (FRJ-1, D); (CLH); 792, Mem1el L, 31 Dec (K.JM); (1 78, QC, 16 Dec (TM, BL, ICAM). Others: 19, Wauconda (U1kc Co), 6 Dec (EWW); 12, JP, 12-13 Dec (PRC, PKO, f( MC) & Jan (Pl�C); 11, Chi ( rlclrnonl m.ob.); 510, Whilcsick & Lee Cos, 26 Dec TCi, 111.ob,); I HJ, (CK, 4110, Montgomery Co, 12 Dec (KAM). Winlcring populrilion continues .Ian (DA); 9, Danville (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MPW, al.); 5 3, L, lo d clecl inc, especially in soulh. Hybrid: Malla1·cl/A111cl'ican rllack Duck, Chrirlcslon (Cob Co), 12 (Rl31', Ll31-1 ). Dec Danvi lle (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (SOB). Vo Rume 17,Numb er 3 Hl7 uin a Harleq Duck nd two Common Goldeneye. No rth Avenue Beach, . a u Chicago, Cook County. 3 J na ry 2008. Photo hy Greg Ne ise. Blue-winged Te al female, Carl.L, 9 Dec (*DMK); female, Winthrop 18 Dec H., (EWW). Northern Shoveler MC: 165, HL, 29 Dec (FRH); 120, Carl.L, 18 & 29 Dec, l Jan (KAM, DMK, MS); 75, HLCA, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 11, Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJM). Others (central & north): 8, L. Vermilion (Verm ilion Co), 14 Dec (MJE); 2, Chau, 4 Jan (RGB, SNB); male, Evanston (Cook HARLEQUIN DUCK Co), 26 Dec< (EWW). Reduced numbers outside so. IL. Fem., Chi (Burnham 6 Dec (DFS); acl. male, C i, 8 Dec - 5 Jan H), h Northern Pintail (MAM, GAW, 111.ob.). MC: 1000, Way e & R chland Cos, 6 Feb (CUI); 600, Carl.L, 24 n i Surf Scoter Feb (DMK); 400, Monroe Co, Feb (DJJ); 400, Swan L (Calhoun G L Spftd(Sangamon Co), 2-22 Dec (HDB); 3, S el Co), 8 Co), 9 Feb (EWW); 31, Lincoln (Logan Co), 22 Dec (EWW); 20, L h (Moultrie Dec (TAM); 14, Montrose H, 28 Feb (DA). ( Whalon L FP (Will Co), 16 Dec (UWG). Others central & north): 12, L Ve lion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MPW, MJE); 7, Chau, 18 Jan White-winged Scoter rmi (RGB, SNB); 2, La Salle L, 7 (C M, Rock R (Le Co), 26 MC: 18, East Fork L, 29 Feb (CL!-!); 15, Montrose H, 28 Feb (DA); Jan K JDM); e Dec (KJM, JDS). Rather low numbers, as last winter. 9, L Charlesto (Coles Co), 23 Feb (LBl-1, m.ob.); 3, L Arlington, n Arlington Heights (Cook Co), 1-3 Dec (DBJ, KAM, m.ob.); 3, Green-winged Teal . Wilmette (Gillson Pk) (Cook Co), 8 Dec (JRS, et al.); 3, North Point MC: 430, Chau, 13 Dec (RGB, SNB); 352, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, Marina (Lake Co), 23 Feb (DTW, BCW); 2, Higl1land Park (Lake Co), MS, CJL); 69, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 40, Carl.L, 8 Dec (DMK); 5 (3 Dec (ORD); . Others: 1st yr, LCal, 17 & 23 Feb (*WJM, RLS, male, 2 W n h p H., 5 Dec (EWW); 3, Whalan L FP (Will Co), IO unk.), i t ro BS, FS); male, Carl.L, 22-26 Feb (*DMK); L Sptld (Sangamon Co), 27 Dec (UWG); 2, Windfall L (Vermilion Co), 12 Dec (SOB). Less 28 Feb (HOB). Larger nu ber overall after impressive numbers ancl widespread, but more plentifu in the south. m s l distribution e ier in the fall season th o ghout the state. arl r u Canvasback Black Scoter MC: 900, HL, 18 Feb (KAM); 400, Carl.L, 24 Feb (DMK); 85, Rend Spfld (Sangamon Co), 2-9 Dec (HDB); 2 ( m le), Carl.L, 26 Dec 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 38, Chau, 8 Feb (RGB, SNB); 34, Spfld, L fe a L, (DMK, JDC); East Fork 1 5 Dec (CLH). 3 Jan (HOB, et al.); 33, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 20 Dec (KJM); 4, L, Whalon L FP (Will Co), 16 Dec \UWG). Long-tailed Duck MC: 3 (2 ale, I unk.), IBSP, 31 Dec (EWW); 3, Montrose H, 31 Dec Redhead m (LM). Others: female, Edgar Co, 7 Dec-23 Feb (*EWW); female, MC: 60, HL, 18 Feb (KAM); 50, Winthrop H, 26 Jan (RDH); 25, Rend West Branch FP (Du Page Co), 9 & 15 Dec (UWG, MAM); female, L L, 30 Dec (KAM, MS, CJL); 25, Chi, 6 Jan (GAW); 11 (10 male, I & D 14 Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 0 Dec & 0 Feb (SMF); ad. male, fe male), JP, 17 Feb (PRC); 8, East Fork L, 22 Feb (CLH). Continued I I Bloomington (McLean Co), 11-19 Dec (MJW); male, Carl.L, 15-3 1 low numbers. Dec (KAM, *DMK, MS); fe m le, East Fork 6-7 Jan (CLI-l). Lower a L, Ring-necked Duck numbers this winter, but with wide distribution. MC: 3125, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJ M); 1800, Ark., 27 Dec (JDC, JAS); Buftlehead 1500, HLCA, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 200, Whalon L FP (Will Co), 16 MC: 72 (33 male, 39 unk.), Winthrop H., 5 Dec (EWW); 60, Carl . L, Dec (UWG); 68, Mason Co, 8 Feb (RGB, SNB). Others (central & I Dec (DMK); 39, JP, 12 Dec (PRC); 23, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 22, Chau, nor h): 8, Port Louisa NWR, 2 1 Dec (KJM); 7, L&D #14 (Rock Island t 7 Dec (RGB, SNB); 14, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM); 5 male, 4 tcmalc), Co), 16 Dec (KJM, SBH); 2, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 2, (I Wauk., I Jan Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (KJM, SBH). Up to five birds at (GAW). Less common and widesp ead statewide. r scattered sites elsewhere. Greater Scaup Common Coldeneye MC: 410, IBSP, 1 Jan (GAW); 300, JP, 13 fan (KMC); 60, Carl.L, 9 MC: 787, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 16 Dec (KJM, SBH); 600, Carl. Dec (DMK); 6, Rend L, 30 Dec (DMK); 4, Rock Cut SP (Winnebago L, 26 & 29 Dec (DMK, MS); 560, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 500, Rend L, Co), 12 Jan (DTW, 13CW). Others (away from L Michigan): 2, East 2 Jan (KAM, CJL); 194, Chau, 11 Jan (RGB, SNB). Others: l 06, Rock Fork Dec (CLH); HL, 15 Dec< (FRH); m l , Miss. R (Rock L, 13 a e R (Lee Co), 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, rn.ob.); 102, Miss. R (Whiteside Co), Island Co), 20 Dec (*KJM); Jaspe Co, 21 Dec (C ) 4, Sptld, 3 fan r L H ; 18 (KJM, LB); 91, LCal, 3 Feb (W.JM ); 80, HL, 18 Feb (KAM). (HDB, ct al. ); male, Bald.L, 16 Feb (T.I D). Far less numerous this Dec Low numbers this wi11lcr. winter, especially on L Michigan. Hooded Merganser Lesser Scaup MC: 200, Ca . L, 1-2 Dec (OM K); 167, Spnd, 3 Ja11 (1 1 DB, ct al.); 152, MC: 500, LCal, 19 Feb (W.I M); 400, arl.L, Dec 97, rl C I (DMK); Chau, 8 Feb (RGT3, SNB); Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, MS, C.JL); 28, UCCA, 29 Dec (K.IM); 17, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 16 Dec (KJM, 60, L Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MPW, SDrl, S D); 20, Evanston SBH, 111.ob.); 14, Chau, 8 Feb (RGn, SNrl).Others: 45, 1-1 L, 18 Feb L (Cook Co), Dec (EWW); 20 (7 al , 13 unk.), Wi11throp 1-1 ., 21l (KAM); 40, Rend 311 (DMK); W n 1· (KAM). 16 m e Dec L, Dec 10, i th op H., 9 Feb (EWW); Co), 3 r'cb (CKM, .I DM). Wintering population gr�atly 6, Seneca (La Salle h�1s cleclincd. Meadowlark 108 Common Merganser Common Loon MC: 15.0 00, La Salle L, 7 Jan (CKM, JDM); l400, Carl.L, 27 Jan & MC: 12, Carl.L, 1-2 Dec (DM K). Others: 2, 8 Dec (KAM); H L, 1-2 Feb (DMK, MS, BR); 954, Chau, 22 Feb (RGB, SNB); 750, HL, (Cook Co), 11 Dec (MC); L Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec Evanston M 25 Feb (FRH); 574, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 155, Miss. R (Rock lsland ( JE); Rend L, 30 Dec (DMK); L Sptld (Sangamon Co), I Jan (HDB). Co), 22 Dec (KJ M, SBH). More numerous, especially in central and Pied-billed Grebe south. MC: 72, East Fork L, 3 Feb (CLH); 39, Sptld, 3 Jan (HOB, ct al.); 25, Red-breasted Merganser Kinkaid (Jackson Co), Jan (KJM, OM); 16, Bald.L, 3 Feb (DMK); L 1 MC: 2628, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 300, Carl.L, 2 Dec (DMK). Others: 3, LCal, 19 & 23 Feb (WJM); 2, Clm1, 4 Jan (RGB, SNB). Others: 16, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 12, L Vermilion (Vermilion 10, Rend L, 2 Jan (KAM, CJL); 4, HLCA, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 3, I-IL, Co), 14 Dec (SDB, SLD); 7 (male), East Fork L, 18 Feb (CLH); 6, 8 Dec (KAM); 3, Ve rmilion (Vermilio Co), 14 Dec (MJE, SDB, L n 16 Feb (TJD); 3, La Salle L, Jan (CKM, JDM); 2 (male), SLD); Carl.L, Dec (DMK); West Branch FP (Du Page Co), 9 Dec Bald.L, 7 2, I Beall Woods SP (Wabash Co), 19 Feb (CLH); HL, 10 Dec< (FRH); (UWG); Wauk., 1 Jan (GAW); La Salle L, 7 Jan (CKM, JDM). female, L&D #13 (Whiteside Co), 18 Dec (*KJM, LB); DeWitt Co, Horned Grebe l Jan (EJC). _ MC: 175, Bald.L, 27 Jan (KAM); 12, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, Ruddy Duck MS); 9, East Fork L, 27 Dec (CLH); 7 & 6, V milion (Vermilion L er MC: 305, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 200, Rend L, 30 Dec (DMK); 150, Co), 7 & 14 Dec (EWW & MPW, SDB, SLD). Others (outside south): Carl.L, 18 Feb (DMK); 86, Chau, 7 Dec (RGB, SNB). Others: 110, Chi, 2 Dec-14 Jan (GAW). Increased numbers in south. HL, 18 Feb (KAM); 100, Mennet L, 31 Dec (KJM); 88, Spfld, 3 Jan Red-necked Grebe (HOB, al.); 81, L Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MJE, SD , et B Spfld (Sangamon Co), 29 Dec - 2 Jan (HOB); imm., Bald.L, 26-27 SLD); 20, East Fork L, 8 Dec (EWW); 5 (female), L&D #14 (Rock L Jan & 16 Feb (TJD, KAM, MS, *MST). Island Co), 16 Dec (KJM, SBH); 2, Chi, 2 & 5 Dec (GAW); 2, West Branch FP (Du Page Co), 15 Dec (UWG); 15 Jan (male), JP (PRC); Eared Grebe Winthrop H., 26 Feb (KAM, W M). More plentiful than Jan-9 J in East Fork L, 26-27 Feb (CLH). recent winters in central and south. WESTERN GREBE Gray Partridge Chi, 4-7 Dec (SB, GAW, GN ph, et al.). Rock Island Co, 20 Dec (KJM). American White Pelican Ring-necked Pheasant MC: 187, Miss. R (Madison Co), 9 Feb (LW); 95, Bald.L, 27 Feb> MC: 30, Earlville (LaSalle Co), 12 Feb (MAM); 16 (female), Afton (TJD); 80, Carl.L, 23 Feb (DMK). Others (outside south): Miss. R FP (DeKalb Co), 3 Feb (EWW); 13, Kankakee (Kankakee Co), 23 Feb (Carroll Co), 18 Dec (*EAA); 2, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (EWW); 7, Green R WA (Lee Co), 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); 5, Rend (*KJM, SBH); Spfld (Sangamon Co), 5-7 Feb (HOB); L&D #13 L, 30 Dec (KAM, MS, CJL). Others: 5, Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KJM, (Whiteside Co), 24 Feb (UWG); Chau, all winter (RGB, SNB). Lower LB); 2, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (CM, JM); Carl.L, 18 Dec (DMK); numbers this winter. Mercer Co, 21 Dec (WAB); LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD). Double-crested Cormorant Greater Prairie-Chicken MC: 80, Carl.L, (DM ) 27, La Salle L, 7 Jan (CKM, JDM); 1 Dec K ; 45, Prairie Ridge SNA (Jasper Co), 21 Dec (JWW, et al.). 20, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 16 Dec (KJM, SBH, 111.ob.); 5, Rend I Wild Turkey L, 2 Jan (KAM, CJL); 6, LCal, I Jan (WJM); 5, Chau, 7 Dec (RGB, SNB). MC: 336, La Salle Co, 7 Jan (CKM, JDM ); 106, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (DGW, EAA, RN, m.ob.); 75, Bald.L, 16 Feb (TJD); Great Blue Heron 71, Edwards Co, 24 Jan (RES); 15, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM). MC: 70, Carl.L, 18 Dec (DMK); 52, Sptld,3 Jan (HDB, el al.); 28, QC, Others: 79, Oregon (Ogle Co), 23 Dec (EWW, DTW); 60, Carl.L, 9 16 Dec (KJM, SBH, m.ob.); 25, L Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec & 23 Dec (DMK, MS); 60, Rend L, 30 Dec (DMK); 56, Clinton L, (SOB, SLD) 24, HL, Jan (FRH); 14, Chau, 7 Dec (ROB, SNB); 9, I ; I Jan (GSL, BG); 45, Randolph Co, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 38, Rockfd, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); 4, Champaign Co, 15 29 Dec (DTW, BCW); 31, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, SBH); 30, Boone Co, 25 Dec (EJC). Less numerous and less widespread this season. Feb (AEB); 27, Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); 22, Middlefork Black-crowned Night-Heron SF&WA (Verm ilion Co), 14 Dec (MPW); 13, Newton (Jasper Co), 8 MC: 20, Dec (EWW); 5, Jo Daviess Co, 24 Dec (EWW); 4, Batchtown WA Granite City (Madison Co), 14-29 Feb (FRH, m.ob.). Others: (Calhoun Co), 9 Feb (EWW). imm., Evanston (Cook Co), 26 Dec (EWW). Black Vulture Northern Bobwhite MC: MC: 36, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, WA B); 19, Edwards Co, 25 180, Massac Co, 13 Jan (FKB). Others: 4, Rosiclaire (Hardin Co), 9 Dec (EWW); 3, Pulaski Co, 28 Dec (JDC, JAS); 2, Alexander Dec (RES); 14, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan(CM, JM, m.ob.); 12, Madison Co, Dec (KAM); 12, Carl.L, 19 Jan (DM K). Others: 9, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 2, Carbondale (Jackson Co), 14 Jan (LW). R Co, 28 Dec (JDC); 8, Whiteside Co, 20 Dec (EAA); 6, Peabody WA Turkey Vulture (St. Clair Co), 0 Feb (EWW); 2, Green R WA (Lee Co), 26 Dec (KJM, MC: 127, Massac Co, 10 Jan (FKB); 71, Sam Parr SP (Ja per Co), I s 29 JDS, m.ob.). (CLH); 5 Ale an er Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 48, Carl.L, 26 Dec Dec I, x d (DMK). Others (outside SOLLthcrn ll nois): 25, Vermilion Co, 14 Dec Red-throated Loon I i 3, Carl.L, 1 Dec (* MK); Spfld(Sangamon Co), 9-13 Dec (HOB); 3, (SOB, SLD el al); 21, SpDd, 3 .Ian (HOB, et al.); 12, Effingham Co, all D L North Point Marina Co), 23 rcb> (DTW, BCW). winter (TZ); Barrington & Hoffm an Estates (Cook Co), 27 Jan (JB, ct (Lake al.); Woodford Co, 17 Feb> (MEF). PAC IFIC LOON Bald Eagle Dec< (fRH). !:.!.1. 'I MC: 1032 (5 18 ad., 442 irnm., 72 unk.), Miss. R & Rock (Whiteside lslallCI Cos), 12 & 13 ec (ICJM); (483 408 irnm.), Miss. R D 891 ad., Vo lume Number 17, 3 109 - Red-shouldered Ha wk at lock (KAM); Kennekuk CP (Verm ilion Co), 14 Dec Depue (Bureau Co), 6 Dec Dam Wh iteside County. (MJE); I & 13, (DJS, TW); Whiteside Co, 18 Dec (KJM, 25 December 2007. LB); Urbana, 23 Dec (EJC); Libertyville Photo by Eric Wa lters. (Lake Co), 26 Dec (JSS); Green R WA (Lee Co), 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, 111.ob.); imm., LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); Wateliall Glen FP (Du Page Co), 29 Dec (Whiteside & Carroll Cos), 18 Dec (KJM, (UWG); Chau, 4 Jan-29 Feb (RGB, SNBJ; m.ob.); 517 (275 ad., 22 imm., 21 Shabbona SP (DeKalb Co), 3 Feb (DJS). LB, l L uni<.), Miss. R (Mercer Co), 14 Jan (KJM); Red-tailed Hawk 78, Utica (La Salle Co), 5 Jan (DTW, MC: 123, Ogle & Winnebago Cos, 29 Dec BCW); 35 (!3 ad., 22 imm.), Chau, 7 Dec (DTW, BCW); 45, McLean & Woodford & 22 Feb (RGB, SNB); 14 (8 ad., 6 im111.), Cos, 24 Feb (MEF); 33, Whiteside & Lee Carl.L, 21 Jan (KAM, DMK); (4 ad., 6 JO Cos, 26 Dec (AT, ET, 111.ob.); 23, Perry & imm.), Ohio R (Massac Co), 3 I Dec (KJ M). Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 19, Others (away from counties bordering the Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJ M, TM, m.ob.); 18, Miss. R): 6 (2 ad., 4 imm.), Rend L, 30 Dec LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); (KAM, MS, CJL); 4 (2 ad., 2 imm.), East 14, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS). Fork L, all winter (CLH); 4 (2 ad., 2 imm.), Others: "Harlan's Hawk", HL, 5 & 27 Jan L Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 7 & 14 Dec (FRH); imm. "Western", La Salle Co, 28 (EWW & MPW 111.ob.); 4 (ad.), Goose L Jan-29 Feb (CKM, JDM). Greater numbers Prairie SNA (Grundy Co), 21 Dec (EWW); reported in north. 2 (pr), LCal, all winter (WJM); 2 (1 ad., imm.), Amax (Wabash Co), 1 9 Feb (CLH); 2 (I ad., imm.), Kishwaukee R (Boone Co), 15 Feb Rough-legged Hawk l (AEB); ad., McKinley Woods (Will Co), 1 Dec (JAJ); ad., Zion (Lake MC: 13, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (KJM, LB, m.ob.); 13, Co), 9 Feb (WJM, CA, SF, WSS). Good numbers along Miss. R, but Goose Lake Prairie SP (Grundy Co), 14 Feb (REF); 7 (6 dark morph), fewerreports from central and south. Jo Daviess Co, 24 Dec (EWW); 7, McLean & Woodford Cos, 30 Dec (MEF); 6, IBSP, I Jan (GAW); 6, South Barrington (Cook Co), 29 Jan Northern Harrier (J B, et al.); 4, Rollins Sav, 23 Feb (BSr); MC: 36, Prairie Ridge SNA (Jasper Co), 21 4, Wauk, Jan (RB); 4, McDonough & Dec (JWW, et al.); 30, Ark., 27 Dec (JDC, 1 Hancock Cos, 4 Jan (LLH); 2 light, l JAS); 8, Carl.L, 1 Dec (DMK); 8, Rock (I dark morph), Ferrin (Clinton Co), 18 Dec Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 7, (DMK). Others (south): Crawford Co, 8 McLean & Woodford Cos, 30 Dec (MEF); Dec (CLI-1); Equality (Gallatin Co), 9 Dec 5, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 4, Champaign (EWW); Richland Co, 18 Dec (CL!-!); Co, I 5 Dec (SOB, GSL); 4 (3 ad. male, I Ark., 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); Carl.L, 3 Feb unk.), Goose L Prairie SNA (Grundy Co), (KAM). 21 Dec (EWW). Golden Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Imm., Kickapoo SP (Vermilion Co), 13 Dec MC: 2, Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KJM, LB); 2, (SDB); ad., L&D #13 (Whiteside Co), 18 Carl.L, 18 Dec & 13 Jan (KAM, DMK); 2, Dec (*KJM, LB); ad., Forest Glen Preserve Rock Island Co, 20 Dec (KJM); 2, Jackson (Vermilion Co), 26 Dec (MFC, MJE, VB); Co, Jan (KJM, DM). Widespread as I QC, 15 Jan (RWM); ad., Lake Villa (Lake singles. Co), 30 Jan (RB) . Cooper's Hawk American Kestrel MC: 11, Rockfd, 15 Dec (DTW, BCW); 5, MC: 15, Monroe Co, 20 Feb (DJJ); 4, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 26 Dec (AT, ET, I McLean & Woodford Cos, 13 Jan (MEF); 111.ob.); 4, Ark., 27 Dec (DMK); 4, LCal, 29 13, Carl. L, 4 Feb (KAM); 12, Mercer Co, Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); 4, Rend L, 21 Dec (CM, JM, 111.ob.); 12, Whiteside & 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 4, Clinton L, Jan l Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); 12, (GSL, BG); 3, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (CM, JM, m.ob.); 9, 3, Bushnell (McDonough Co), all winter LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS). (LLH). Some increases; up to 4 birds at other sites in north, ones and twos elsewhere. Merlin 2, Kankakee, 12 Dec-3 Feb & 6-13 Northern Goshawk MC: Dec resp (JBI-1, BRf); 2, Rockfd, 29 Dec Lawrence Co, 4 Dec (RES, CLH); ad., (DTW, BCW). Others: Piatt Co, 3 Dec Naperville (DuPage Co), 25 Jan (JAS); (KAM); Champaign Co, 16 Dec (EJC); imm., Woodford Co, 24 Feb (MEF). fema le, ll3SP, 18 Dcc- 18 Feb (*EWW); JP, Red-shouldered Hawk UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); Mcrmet MC: 22, 11, L, 31 Dec (KJM); 3, Randolph Co, 27 Dec Rough-legged Hawk in Stark. (K.IM, RMR). Others (ccnlral & north): County. 21 Decemher 2007. Sauk Trail SP (Henr y Co), 3 Dec .Johnson Photo hy Eric· Wa lters . Meadowlark 110 Prairie Fa lcon near the entrance of River Bend Fo res t Preserve, Champaign County. 30 December 2008. Photos by Greg Lambeth. Peregrine Falcon MC: 2, LCal, 6 Jan (WJM); 2, Peoria Co, 24 Feb (PF). Others: Middlefork SF&WA, 14 Dec (EJC, HP); Chi, 8 Jan (WJM); Urbana, 8 Jan (EJC, m.ob.); HL, 27 Jan (FRH); ad., La Salle Co, 3 Feb (CKM, JDM); QC, 11 Feb (SMF); Normal (McLean Co), 23 Feb (GH). 25 Dec (imm. male), (*PRC); LCal, 27 Dec (*WJM); Wauk, 29 Dec PRAIRIE FA LCON (RDH); Evergreen L (McLean Co), 30 Dec (MEF); Ondeck's Prairie Riverbend FP (Champaign Co), 30 Dec (GSL, DL); Prairie Ridge SNA (McLean Co), 6 Jan (MJW); Chau, 18 Jan (RGB, SNB); Boone Co, 20 (Jasper & Marion Cos), 25 Jan (RES, CLI-I); ad., Wringe Road (Clinton Jan & 26 Feb (AEB, 111.ob.); L Decatur (Macon Co), 8 Feb (TAM); East Co), 30 Jan & 2 Feb (*MS, *DMK, BR). Fork L, 25 Feb (CLH). Notably widespread this winter. Virginia Rail GYRFALCON IBSP, 1-5 (EWW); Winthrop (Lake Co), 9 Feb (CAT, TLK). .Jan 1-1 Gray morph, Sangchris L SP (Sangamon Co), 9 Feb (HOB); gray American Coot morph, Carl.L, 3 Feb (*DMK); [imm. gray morph, Madison Co, 12 MC: 360, Kinkaid L (Jackson Co), Jan (KJM, OM); 300, Mermet L, & 16 Feb]. l 31 Dec (KJM); 165, HL, 18 Feb (KAM); 46, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 31, LCal, 23 Feb (WJM); 30, L Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MPW, MJE, et al.); 11, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 9, Chau, 7 Dec (RGB, SNB). Others (central & north): 6, Winthrop 20 Dec (EWW); 4, 1-1., Whalon FP (Will Co), 27 Dec (UWG); 2, Springfield (Sangamon L Co), 7 Feb (KAM); Rivcrbend FP (Champaign Co), 26 Jan (EJC). Sandhill Crane 65, Winnebago Co, 14 Dec (DTW, MK); 25, Malloon (Coles Co), MC: 12 Dec (LBH). Others: 6, Edwards Co, 13 Feb (RES); 2, Carl.L, 12 Jan (DMK, TA M, IOS). Killdeer 120, Carl.L, 15 Dec (DMK); 58, Massac Co, 10 Jan (FKB); 31, MC: Newton L (Jasper Co), 8 Dec (EWW); 22, Mermct L, 31 Dec (KJM); 5, Coffeen L SP (Montgomery Co), 0 Feb> (EWW); 3, L&D #13 I (Whiteside Co), 18 Dec (KJM, LB). Others (post-December): 9, Monroe Co., 17 Jan (DJJ); 5, Edwards Co., 22 Jan (BS); Rockfd, l Jan (DTW, BCW); Woody (Greene Co), 9 Feb> (EWW). Increased numbers and distribution. RUDDY TURNSTONE Wauk., 1 l-19 Dec< (EWW, OW)._ LEAST SANDPIPER 3, Newton L (Jasper Co), 8 Dec< (EWW); Carl.L, 18 Dec (KAM). Merlin in Zion, Lake County. 5 Ja nuary 2008. Photo by Eric Wa lters. 111 Vo lume 17, Number 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPER IWl<:STERN GULL Co), Dec< (EWW). 1st yr, Carl.L, 3-14 Feb.] Newton L (Jasper 8 PURPLE SANDPIPER Herring Gull 3050, LCal, 3 Jan (WJM); 2370, La Salle Co, 26 Jan (GAW); Wauk., 11-13 Dcc< ('EWW, DD, NL ph). MC: 1085, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); 987, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, SBH, 111.ob.); 400, DUN LIN Carl.L, 20 Jan (DM K); 50, Rend L, 2 Jan (KAM, CJL); 12, Chau, 22 3, Massac Co, I 0 Jan (FKB); Hamilton (Hancock Co), 17 Dec (RC, Feb (RGB, SNB). JC, *S.JD). Thayer's Gull Wilson's Snipe 12, Winthrop H., 2 .Ian (MR); 7 (4 ad., 2 st 3rd yr), QC, 24 9, Menne! L (Massac Co), 27 Jan (I'KB);6, Gaskin (Clay Co), MC: I yr, 1 MC: L Feb (SMF); 3 (I ad., 2 Isl yr), Carl.L, 20 Jan (DMK). Others: 3 (ad.), 8 Dec (EWW); 3, Carl.L, 15 Dec (DMK); 3, Rockfd, I Jan (DTW, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); ad., L Spfld(Sangamon Co), 2 .1<111 (1-1 DB) 2 ( l BCW). Others: Bushnell (McDonough Co), 14 Dec (LLH); Urbana, ; 1 2nd yr), LCal, 3 Jan (WJM); Isl yr, L&D 11 16 (Rock lsland 15 Dec (SOB, GSL); Co, 12 Feb (RES). lst yr, Edwards Co), 22 Dec (BKJM, SBH); ad., Starved Rock SP (La Salle Co), 26 Jan (GAW); I st yr, Sptld (Sangamon Co), late 17 American Woodcock L Jan-Feb (HOB); Feb>, yr, JP (PRC). 2, New Athens (St. Clair Co), 8 Feb (TJD); New Columbia (Massac ls! Co), 8 Feb (FKB). Iceland Gull 2 (ad. "Kumlcins"), Winthrop H., 20 Dec (EWW); 2 (I ad., RED .PHALAROPE MC: l st yr), Carl.L, 23 Dec & 2 an (DMK, KAM, MS). Others: 2nd yr, Lake Forest (Lake Co), 6 Dec (JR); Carl.L, 25 Dec (MS). I l J Chi, 15 & 25 Dec (EWW, GAW); ad., L Spfld (Sangamon Co), 2 Jan BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (HOB); ad., L&D #15 (Rock Island Co), 5 Feb (SMF); 2, Starved Rock ad., Rockfd, 29 Dec (DTW, BCW, *JL). SP (LaSalle Co), 11 Feb (MAM). Bonaparte's Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull 7500, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 1 10, HL, 15 Dec (FRH); 5 (1 ad.,, 2 ls! yr, 1 2nd yr, 1 3rd yr), Carl.L, 18 & 23 Dec, 20 Jan MC: MC: 95, St. Clair Co, 27 .lan (TJD); 87, L Vermilion (Verm ilion Co), 14 Dec (DMK, MS); 3 (ad,), Winthrop 18 Dec (EWW); 2 (ad.), QC, 8 & 1-1., (MPW, SOB, SLD); 60, Carl.L, 1 & 9 Dec (DMK); 50, Jasper Co, 29 Jan (SMF); 2 (3rd yr), Carl.L, 21 Jan (KAM); 2 (I lst yr, I 2nd yr), Dec (CL!!); 50, Bald.L, 27 .Jan (KAM); 35, 1 Jan (GSL, JS Clinton L, QC, 24 Feb (SMF). Others (south & centra l): ad., Madison Co, 21 Jan BG). Virtually confinedto the south. & 16 Feb (FRH, MST); ad., LShel, 24 Feb (EWW). LITTLE GULL SLATY-BACKED GULL L Spfld (Sangamon Co), 13 Dec-1 Jan (HOB). ad., Carl.L, 16-18 Dec ("DMK, MS, KAM, m.ob.); [2nd yr, Carl.L, MEW GULL 20 .Ian]. 3rd yr, Carl.L, 23-24 Feb ("DMK). GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Ring-billed Gull ad., Carl.L, 1 Dec-25 Feb (''DMK, KAM, MS, m.ob.). 30.000, Rend L, 2 Jan (KAM, CJL); 20.000, Carl.L, 24 Feb MC: Glaucous Gull (DMK); 4500, Spfld, 3 Jan (HDB, et al.); 3602, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, 3 ad., 2 Is! yr), L&D 11 15 (Rock Island Co), 27 Dec (SMf.). SBH, 111.ob.); 970, Marseilles Salle Co), 26 Jan (GAW); 800, Chau, MC: (1 (La Others: 2 (ad.), LCal, 3 fan (WJM ) st yr), Sptld (injured wing), 3 18 Jan (RGB, SNB); 500, LShel, an (DM K, MFD). Others: 2200, ; (I an DB); 2 (I I st yr, yr), LCal, Jan (W M); 2 (1 ad., l st S J (J-1 S I Dec (KAM); 2000, ald. , (DMK); 1500, St. Clair Co, J I 2nd J HL, 8 l3 L 3 Feb yr), Winthrop H., 9 Feb (KAM); 2nd yr, L&D (Rock Island Co), 27 Jan (TJD); 987, Vermilion (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (MJE, SDB, #1 S L 16 Dec (SMF); HL, 22 Dec (FRH). SLD); 667, Miss. R (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); 558, Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); l 75, West Salem (Edwards Co), 8 Dec (EWW). Great Black-backed Gull 3 (2 2nd y , 3rd yr), QC, 25 Feb (SMF); Isl yr, Chi, 8 Dec (GAW); r I ad., Chi, 15 Jan (WJM), [POMARINE JAEGER Madison Co, 8-9 & 15 Dec.] Rock Pigeon 2000, Summit (Cook Co), I 6 Dec MC: (WJM, WSS, COil, AA); 738, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (AT, ET, m.ob.); 220, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, SBH, m.ob.); 80, Mercer Co, Dec (CM, JM, m.ob.); 60, Carl.L, I Dec 21 (DMK). [urasian Collared-Dove 84, Jrispcr Co, 21 Dec (JWW, al,); MC: el Purple Su1u/p1jJt'r with mussel at Waukegan Beuch, /,uke Co11nty. 11 Der.:emher 2007. Photo /iy Eric Hidters. lll 2 JDC, JAS); 5, HLCA, 8 Dec (KJM, CAT); 4, Whites de & 2 i Carroll Cos, (K M , LB); 4, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, 18 Dec .J rn.ob.); 4, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM); 3, Mercer Co, Dec (! Long-eared Owl at South Fa rms, Urbana, Champaign County. 19 Ja nuary 2008. Photo hy Greg Lambeth. Snowy Owl in Wi nnebago County. 23 December 2007. Photo by Eric Wa lters. 27, LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 25, Annawan (Henry Co), 12 Dec Snowy Owl (EWW); 22, Monroe Co, 20 Dec (DJJ); 11, Grand Ridge (La Salle Ganeer Twp (Kan kakee Co), 1 Dec (fide .IBH); Chi (Lincoln Pk), 7 Co), 3 Feb (EWW); 10, Carl.L, 18 Dec (KAM); 10, Ware (Union Co), Dec (CW); Roscoe (Winnebago Co), 8-26 Dec (DTW, DMr); Mont se 29 Dec (KJM); 6, Naples (Scott Co), 9 Feb (EWW). Others: 9, New ro 13-16 Dec (RDH, AA, NL); Genoa (Dekalb Co), 31 Dec (KL); Athens (St. Clair Co), 12 Jan (TJD); Jackson Co, I Jan (KJM, OM); 1-1, 8, Livingston Co, l9 Jan (EJC) 7, Percy (Randolph Co), 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 5, LCal, Dec (*WJM); . 4 4, Donnellson (Montgomery Co), 9 Feb (EWW); 3, Argo Fay (Carroll Barred Owl Co), 18 Dec (KJM, LB); 2, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, M S) 13, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, WA B); 10, no. Vermilion Co., . MC: 14 Dec (SDB 3, Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); 3, Whiteside & Mourning Dove ); Lee Cos, 26 Dec (SBI-l, m.ob.); 3, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 3, Carl.L, 11 734, McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec 519, Whiteside MC: (LLH); Jan (DMK, TAM). Others (central & north): 2, Waterfall Glen FP (Du & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (AT, ET, m.ob.); 392, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan Page Co), 2 Feb MAM ); Fulton Co, 2 Jan (LLH); LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, (KJM, JDC, JAS, m ob ); 318, Mercer Co, 2 l Dec (WAB, m.ob.); 210, ( . . MFD); Patte son (Greene Co), 9 F b (*EWW); Goodenow Grove FP O'Fallon (St. Clair Co), 2 Dec (KAM); 200, Carl.L, 6 & 2 Jan (DMK, r e (Will Co), 16 Feb (WJMJ. MS, TAM); 190, LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 190, Co, 20 Monroe Feb (DJ.I); 99, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW) numbers reported Long-eared Owl . Lower outside the northwest quarter of the slate. 2-8, Chi, 26 Dec-7 Feb (GAW, m ob. ph); 2-7, Kankakee, 18 Dec- MC: . 28 Jan (JBH, ct al.); 7, Du Page R park ay (Will Co), 7 Feb (MAM); Monk Parakeet w 6, Lake orest (Lake Co), 15-29 Feb (EWW); 5, Chauncey (Lawrence 102, Burnham (Cook Co), 27 Jan (WJM); 24, Hyde Park, Chicago, 11 F Co), 5 & 29 Jan (*RES, CLH); 5, Moultrie Co, 27 Jan (TAMph) 4, F b (PRC); 6, Chi, 6 Jan (GAW). ; e Carl.L, 13 Jan (DMK, MS). Others: 5, Whalon L FP (Will Co), 2 Feb Barn Owl (UWG); 4, Goose SNA (Grundy Co), 30 Jan-29 Feb (EWW); L Prairie 2, Carl.L, 18 Dec & 1 Jan (KAM, MS) ad. male, Fayclle Co, 12 Jan Pleas nt Va lley CA (McHenry Co), Dec-19 Jan (EWW); 3, Rock 2 ; 3, a 3 (T M S F . Island Co, 22 Dec (K.IM, SBl-I); 2, Cordova Rock Island Co , Dec A , !O ); Ware (Union Co), 29 Dec (D S) ( ) 20 (KJM); 3, Bartel Grnsslands (Cook Co), 30 Dec (AA); 2, Springbrook Eastern Screech Owl Prairie Fr (DuPage Co), 3 Feb (JAS, ct al.); 2, Whiteside Co 22 Feb no. Vermilion Co., Dec (SDrl); lJCCA, (KJM, , MC: 8, I� 7, 29 Dec ph); 2, Woodfo1d Co, 24 Feb (MEF); Grant Woocls Fr (Lake (Off Co), Vo lume 17, Number 3 113 Short-eared Owl in Edgar County. 7 December 2007. Photo by Eric Wa lters. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD Cambria (Williamson Co) (2 females banded at different locations), 16 Dec & 4 Jan (CH). Belted Kingfisher MC: 4, QC, 16 Dec (KR, CR, m.ob.); 4, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 3, Vermilion Co., 14 Dec (SDB, SLD); 3, Evanston (Cook Co), 3 Dec (SDB); Urbana, 15 Dec (SDB, GSL); Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KIM, 26 Dec (EWW); 3, Jackson Co, l Jan (KJM, OM). Ones and lwos at LB); Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); Ark., 27 Dec (DMK); Evanston a few additional southern sites; singles elsewhere. Reduced numbers (Cook Co), 17 Jan-4 Feb & 2, 22 Feb (MC, et al.); Clinton L (DeWitt overall. Co), 15 Feb (MEF). Red-headed Woodpecker Short-eared Owl MC: 41, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 27, Jackson Co, 1 Jan (KIM, DM); MC: 26, Ark., 27 Dec (JDC, JAS); 7, Prairie Ridge SNA (Jasper & 13, Woodford Co, 15 Jan (MEF); 12, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, Marion Cos), 15 Feb (CLH); 4, Springbrook Prairie FP (DuPage Co), JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 6, Cordova (Rock Island Co), 20 Dec (KJM); 6, 27 Jan (JS); 4, Peabody SF&WA (St. Clair Co), 30 Jan (TUM); 2-3, Middlefork SF&WA (Vermilion Co), 12 Dec (SOB); 5, Mercer Co, Rollins Sav, 2 Dec-26 Jan (BSr & JSg); 3, Edgar Co, 7 Dec (*EWW); 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.). Others: 7, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 4 3, Clinton Co, 12 Jan (TAM, DMK, TAM, 'IOS); 3, Springbrook (imm.), Fulton Co, 26 Dec (LLH); 3, Rend L, 2 Jan (KAM, CJL); 3, Prairie FP (Du Page Co), 3 Feb (UWG); 2, Winnebago Co, 13-15 Dec McDonough Co, 16 Jan (LLH). Ones and twos at a few additional (DTW, BCW); 2, Goose L Prairie SNA (Grundy Co), 21 Dec (EWW). scattered sites. Wintering population continues to decline. Up to 4 birds reported fromother southern sites, and scattered singles Red-bellied Wo odpecker elsewhere. MC: 61, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 46, Mercer Northern Saw-whet Owl Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.); 38, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec MC: 3, Cook Co, 13 Jan (GN ph, et al.); 2, Chauncey (Lawrence Co), (KJM, LB, m.ob.); 31, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 24, Alexander Co, 28 Feb (*RES, CLH). Others: Grant Woods FP (Lake Co), 3 Dec 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 20, Allerton Pk (Piatt Co), 24 Dec (GSL); 16, (SDB); Urbana, 6 Dec (GSL); Middlefork SF&WA (Vermilion Co), Merwin Nature Preserve (McLean Co), 15 Dec (MEF); 14, LShel, 5 12-14 Dec (SDB, MPW ph); Urbana, 15 Dec. (SOB, GSLph); Morton Jan (DMK, MFD); 12, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW); 12, Lake Co, 1 Arboretum, Lisle (Du Page Co), 16-17 Dec (EWW); Cordova (Rock Jan (GAW). Island Co), 20 Dec (KJM); Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KIM, TM); Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); Montrose H, 22-26 Dec (DA, GAW, m.ob.); Clinton 24 Dec (GSL ph); Green R WA (Lee Co), 26 Dec L, (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); Northbrook (Cook Co) (calling), 27 Dec (MH); Rend 30 Dec (KAM); Carl.L, 7 & 21 Jan (KAM); Kane Co, 25 Feb L, (MAM). Widespread this winter. No rthern Saw-whet Owl on the Champaign Christmas Bird Count, Champaign County. 15 Decemher 2007. Photo hy Greg Lamheth. Northern Saw-whet Owl in Mo ultrie County. 27 Ja nuary 2008. Photo hy Travis A. Mahan. Meadowlark 114 Ye llow-bellied Sapsucker including central Illinois and a few southern Illinois locations. Many MC: 0, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 7, Splld, 3 Jan (HDB, ct al.); 4, more records northeastern inois. I for 111 Jackson Co, 1 Jan (KJM, DM); 2, Chi, 5 Dec (EWW); 2, Morton 1 Blue Jay Arboretum, Lisle (Du Page Co), 17 Dec (EWW); 2, Carroll Co, 18 Dec MC: 152, Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 145, (KJM, LB); 2, Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJM, TM). Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); 138, Mercer Co, Downy Wo odpecker 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m,ob.); 136, McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LUI); 118, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 54, Carl.L, 18 Dec (KAM); MC: 71, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM , TM, m.ob.); 50, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 41, Union Co, 29 Dec (KJM); 40, Du 47, lShel, 5 Jan (DMK, M FD); 21, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW). Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW); 26, Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, American Crow RMR); 22, Merwin Nature Preserve (McLean Co), 15 Dec (MEF). MC: 76,000, Danville (Vermilion Co), 15 Dec (MJE, VB); 3253, Hairy Wo odpecker Spfld, 3 Jan (HOB, cl al.); 875, HL, 18 Feb (KAM); 565, Whiteside & MC: 22, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.); 17, Rock Island Co, Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, rn.ob.);248, JP, 16 Jan (PRC); 120, Carl. 22 Dec (KJM, SBH, m.ob.); 12, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec L, 9 Dec (DMK); 78, Bushnell (McDonough Co), 11 Feb (LLH); 62, (KJM, LB, m.ob.); 9, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 7, Perry & Mercer Co, 21 Dec (WAB, m.ob.). Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 6, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW). Northern Flicker MC: 50, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 31, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 23, M ercer Co, 21 Dec (KJ M, TM, rn.ob.); 19, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (KJM, LB, m.ob.); 13, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, et al.); 12, Carl.L, 9 Dec (DMK); 6, Greene Valley FP (Du Page Co), 27 Dec (UWG); 6, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD). Pileated Wo odpecker l MC: 23, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 17, Vermilion Co, 14 Dec (SDB, ct al.); 13, Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 0, Mermet L, 31 Dec I (KJM); 8, Andalusia Slough (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); {I Others: Champaign Co (3), 15 Dec (EJC). I Eastern Phoebe MC: 2, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM). Others: Jasper Co, 21 Dec (fide JWW); Lyerla L (Union Co), 27 Dec (CKM, JDM); Randolph Co CA (Randolph Co), 19 Jan (TJD); Kankakee, 31 Jan (JBH); Bloomington (M cLean Co), 17 Feb> (LA). Loggerhead Shrike MC: 1, Prairie Ridge SNA (Jasper Co), 21 Dec (J WW, el al.); 1, Ark., No rthern Shrike at Clinton Lake. 24 December 2007. 27 Dec (KJ M, RMR, JDC, JAS); 3, Carl.L, 12 Jan (DM K, TA M, Photo by Greg Lambeth. MS). Others: Wynoose (Wayne Co), 8 Dec (EWW); Coles Co, 15 Dec (DMt); Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (*KJM); Franklin Co, 28 Dec Horned Lark (CKM, JDM); Edwards Co, 30 Dec (RES); Clinton Co, 12 Jan (TAM, MC: 2000, Carl.L, 1 Feb (DMK); 1058, McDonough Co, 15 Dec !OS); Crab Orchard NWR (Willimnson Co), 29 Jan (LW); Woody (LLH); 575, Monroe Co, 18 Dec (DJJ); 325, Hinckley (DeKalb Co), 3 (Greene Co), 9 Feb (EWW); St. Clair Co, 16 Feb (MST). Somewhat Feb (EWW); 288, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, 111.ob.); more widespread this season, 135, Woodyard (Edgar Co), 7 Dec (EWW); 115, Alexander Co, 28 Northern Shrike Dec (KJM , CAT). MC: �. Fermi-Batavia CBC (Kane/DuPage Co), 15 Dec (.JDC et al); NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW 1, Rockfd, 15 Dec (DTW, BCW); 3, LCal, 29 Dec & 5 Jan (WJM, East Fork L, 7 Dec< (CU-I), present since 24 Nov. f<'irst winter CDH). Others: 2, Whiteside Co, 20 Dec (EAA); 2, Grant Woods FP season record for Illinois. (Lake Co), 3 Dec (SOB); 2 (ad & imm), Vo lo Bog SNA (Lake Co), 8 Dec (SOB, SLD); 2, Greene Valley FP (Du Page Co), 27 Dec (UWG); Carolina Chickadee 2, La Salle Co, I Jan (CKM , .IDM ); 2, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (*TM, MC: 73, Vermilion Co, 14 Dec (SOB, el al.); 71, Massac Co, 31 Dec WZ, 111.ob.); 2, Lee Co, 5 Jan (DTW, BCW); 2, Ogle Co, 5 Jan (DPS); (KJM); 68, UCCA, 29 Dec (JDC, JAS); 46, Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 DeKalb Co, 15 Dec (OBJ); 2, Henry Co, 2 Feb (MB); 2, Wauk., 9 Dec (KJM, RMR). Others: 24, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 23, 2, Feb (WJM, CA, SF, WSS); irnm., Spring Bluff rP (Lake Co), 5 Dec- Carl.l, 18 Dec (KAM). 2 Jan (EWW); Chauncey Lawrence Co), 6-7 Dec (*RES, CLH); ( Black-capped Chickadee irnm.,Altona (Knox Co), 12 Dec (EWW); 13 Dec 2 Mar (ad. male, - MC: 232, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.); 187, QC, 16 Dec singing on two elates), JP, (KMC, PRC et al.); Miclcllcfork SF&WA (KJM, SBl-1 , rn.ob.); 124, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, Dec (KJM, LB, (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (JOS); Merwin Nature Preserve (McLean Co), 18 111.ob.); 74, Du Page Co, Dec (CiAW); 46, Lake Co, I Jan (GAW); Dec-23 Feb (M.I W); Bureau Co, 16 Dec (DJS, TW); Mercer Co, 21 15 I (1 36, LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, MfD); 30, Merwin Nature Pre erve (McLean Dec (' IOM, TM); Clinton L (DeWill Co), 23-24 Dec (EJC, DSL ph); s Co), 17 Dec (MEF). Miclewit1, Dec (!'St); Banner Marsh (Peoria Co), 9 fan (LLH); Ball 29 Tw p (Sangamon Twp), 12 .Ian (HOB); Woodford Co, 23 .fan (M EF); Tufted Titmouse Kane Co, 27 Jan (DTW, 13CW); Livingston Co, 7 f'eb (LA, DEB); 61, UCCA, Dec (l(.f M); 58, Massac Co, 31 Dec (K I M); 53, MC: 29 . Boone Co, Feb (ALB); McDonough Co, 24 eb (LLI I). Major Vermilion Co, 14 D c (SDB, cl al ) 44, l'e1·ry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec 22-29 F e . ; (possibly 1-ccot'LI) i a ion 1hrnughou1 nm'lhcrn half of Illinois, (K.I M, RMR); 34, M rcer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); Rock Island Co, nv s the e 26, Jan (KJM, JDC, JJ\S,m. ob. ); 17, LS he .Inn (DM I(, M FD). 5 I, S Vo lume Number 17, 3 11.5 Hermit Th rush at Millennium Park, Chicago, Cook County. 19 December 2007. Photo by Cra ig Thaya Red-breasted Nuthatch MC: 33, IBSP, 1 Jan (GAW); 17, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, et al.); 16, Spfld, 3 Jan (I-IDB, et al.); 11, Hamilton, Gallatin, & Hardin Cos, 9 Dec (EWW); 7, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (KJM, LB); 6, Mundelein (Lake Co), 1 Dec (SOB); 5, Marlon Arboretum, Lisle (Du Page Co), 26 Dec (UWG); 4, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, WAB). Others (central & south): 7, no. Vermilion Co, 14 Dec (SOB, et al.); 3, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 3, Carl.L, 31 Dec (DMK); 2, Woodford Co, all winter (MEF); 2, St. Clair Co, 1 Dec (KAM); 2, L Murphysboro SP (Jackson Co), 1 Jan (KJM, OM); 2, Galesburg (Knox Co), 2 Jan-22 Feb (PR); Beall Co), 6 Jan (UWG). Others (central & north): Grundy Co, 2 Dec (JAJ); Woods SP (Wabash Co), 27 Dec, 7 & 9 Jan (CLI-I); Washington Co Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM). Low numbers. CA (Washington Co), 21 Jan (DMK, KAM, MS). Widely distributed Ruby-crowned Kinglet in good numbers. MC: 8, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 6, HLCA, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 3, White-breasted Nuthatch Menne! L, 31 Dec (KJM). Others (central & north): Mercer Co, 21 MC: 87, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, 111.ob.); 82, Rock Island Co, 5 Dec (*KJM, TM); Clinton L (2), 1 Jan (GSL, BG); Kendall Co, 27 Jan Jan (TM, WZ, m.ob.); 52, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (KJM, LB, (DFS); Marengo Ridge FP (McHenry Co) (2), 26 Feb (KL); Funk's m.ob,); 36, Union Co, 29 Dec (KJM); 36, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); Grove (McLean Co), 29 Feb> (RM). 17, Merwin Nature Preserve (McLean Co), 17 Dec (MEF); 16, Du Eastern Bluebird Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW). MC: 69, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 64, Carroll Co, 18 Dec Brown Creeper (KJM, LB); 63, Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 45, MC: 16, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 13, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 11, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 41, Mercer Co, 21 Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 6, Whiteside & Lee Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.); 8, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, el al.); 7, Cos, 26 Dec (SBH, 111.ob.); 4, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 3, Porl Green R WA (Lee Co), 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, 111.ob.); 7, Fulton Co, 16 Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 2, Downers Grove (Du Page Co), Jan (LLH);); 6, Zion (Lake Co), 5 Dec (EWW). Others (north): 4, Losl 26 Jan (UWG). Reduced numbers and distribution. Nation (Ogle Co), 23 Dec (EWW); 3, Rockfd, 27 Jan (DTW, BCW); Carolina Wren Grundy Co, 1 Dec (JAJ). MC: 44, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 34, Champaign Co, 15 (TOWNSEND'S SOLITARE Dec (EJC, et al.); 28, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 23, Perry & Randolph Warrenville (DuPage Co), 15 Dec ) Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 14, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob.); Hermit Thrush 10, Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBI-I); 7, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 3, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (AT, ET, m.ob.). Others MC: 8, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 6, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); (central & north): 2, Lowden SP (Ogle Co), 23-24 Dec (EWW, AB); 5, Middlefork SF&WA (Vermi lion Co), 14 Dec (SOB, SLD); 3, 2, Galesburg (Knox Co), 2 Jan-13 Feb (PR); Ottawa (La Salle Co), Lakewood FP (Lake Co), 3 Dec (SOB); 3, Ark., 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); all winter (CKM, JDM); McKinley Woods (Will Co), 13 Jan (JAJ); 2, Urbana, 6 Dec (GSL); 2, Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KJM, LB); 2, Kiehm Waterfall Glen FP (Du Page Co), 2 Feb (MAM). Considerably less Arboretum (Winnebago Co), 19 Jan (DTW, BCW). Others (central & abundant and less widely distributed. north): Johnson Sauk Trail SP (Henry Co), 3 Dec (KAM); 5 Dec, Hyde Park, Chi (PRC); Urbana, 15 Dec (SDB); Bureau Co, 16 Dec (DJS, House Wren TW); Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBI-I); White Pines SP (Ogle Co), Carl.L, 8 Dec (*DMK). 25 Dec (EWW); Waterfall Glen FP (Du Page Co), 29 Dec (UWG). Winter Wren American Robin MC: 8, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 7, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 5, I-ILCA, MC: 205, TBSP, 1 Jan (EWW); 169, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec 28 Dec (KJM, CAT); 3, Vermilion Co, 14 Dec (MPW); 2, Andalusia (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); 142, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (WAB, KJM, TM); 100, Slough (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (KJM, SBH). Others (central & north): Vo lo Bog SNA (Lake Co), 8 Dec (SOB, SLD); 87, Rollins Sav, 6 Mundelein (Lake Co)(singing male), 1 Dec (SOB, SLD); Coles Co, 6 Jan (JSS); 45, Grant Woods FP (Lake Co), 3 Dec (SDB); 40, Olney Dec (DMt); Rockfd, 15 Dec (DTW, BCW); Thomson Causeway (Carroll (Richland Co), 14 Jan (CLI-I);36, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, et al.); Co), 18 Dec (KJM, LB); Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJM); White Pines 17, Jackson Co, Jan (KJM, DM). No major concentrations reported; I SP (Ogle Co), 25 Dec (EWW); 5 Jan, JP (fide KMC). low numbers in south. Marsh Wren VA RlED THRUSH 2, Ark., 27 Dec (DMK). Male, Lake Forcsl (Lake Co), 28 Feb (fide RB). Golden-crowned Kinglet GRAV CATBIRD MC: 15, Mermet L, 31 Dec (KJM); 15, L Murphysboro SP (Jackson Lincoln Pk (South Pond), 7 Dcc-3 Jan (GN ph); Chi 13-19 Dec (,1), Co), Jan (TOM, DM); 12, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 2, JP, 5 Dec (PJP, I (DBJ, DFS, CBT ph); Cordova (Rock Island Co), 20 Dec ("KJM); KMC); Rock Island Co, Dec (K.IM, SBI-l); Romeoville (Will UCCA, 29 Dec ("'KJM); Charleston (Coles Co), (BJ, LBH); 2, 22 2, 21 Jan Meadowlark 116 Gray Catbird at Millennium Park, Chicago, Cook Coun�v. 19 December 2007. Photo by Craig Thayer. Gray Catbird at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Cook County. 3 Ja nuary 2008. Photo by Greg He ise. Mahomet (Champaign Co), 1 Feb (RD); Shabbona L SP (DeKalb Co), Oak Brook (DuPage Co), 15 Jan (CS); 12, Bald.L, 3 Feb (DMK); 5, 3 Feb (*DJS). Unusually large number of records this season. Starved Rock SP (La Salle Co), 16 Feb (CKM, JDM). Northern Mockingbird ORANGE-CROWNED WA RBLER MC: 6, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 3, Carl.L, 26 Dec (DMK); 2, St. Clinton L, Jan (GSL, BG); Spfld, 3-16 Jan (RLJ, HDB ph). I imm, Clair Co, 23 Dec (KAM); 2, Ark., 27 Dec (DMK); 2, Rock Island Co, Ye llow-rumped Warbler 5 & 15 Jan (TM, WZ, SMF, m.ob.); 2, McDonough Co, 12 Jan (LLH). MC: 12, Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KJM, LB); 12, Carl.L, 18 Dec (DMK); Others (central & north): La Salle Co, 1 & 10 Jan (CKM, JDM); 11, Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 6, Champaign Co, Putnam Co, 20 Jan & 18 Feb (DJS); Knox Co, 16 Feb (PR, DJM). 15 Dec (EJC, SDB, GSL); 6, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 4, Modest numbers. Mundelein (Lake Co), l Dec (SDB, SLD); 4, Waterfall Glen FP (Du Brown Thrasher Page Co), 29 Dec (UWG); 4, Vermilion Co, 14 Dec (MJE, et al.); 2, MC: 7, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 3, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM). Others: Lakewood FP (Lake Co), 3 Dec (SDB); 2, White Pines SP (Ogle Co), Grundy Co, Dec (JAJ); Carl.L, 8 & 22 Dec (DMK, EWW); Beall I 25 Dec (EWW). Others (post-December): 3, Richland Co, 12 Jan Woods SP (Wabash Co), 22 & 27 Dec (CLH); Olney (Richland Co), (CLH); HL, 27 Jan (FRH); St. Clair Co, 31 Jan (KAM); River Forest 1 & 19 Jan, 3 Feb (CLH); LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); Red Hill SP (Cook Co), 24 Feb> (JSA). (Lawrence Co), 5 Jan (CLH); Washington Co CA (Washington Co), PINE WA RBLER 20 Jan (MS); Evergreen L (McLean Co), 2 Feb (MEF); Monroe Co, L Murphysboro SP (Jackson Co), 1 Jan (*KJM, DM). 24 Feb> (CD, PD). NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH European Starling Lincoln Pk (South Pond), 3-4 Dec MC: 10.950, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, (GNph). CAT); 8000, Carl.L, 9 & 22 Dec (DMK, MS); 3000, Summit (Cook Co), 16 Dec SPOTTED TOWHEE (WJM, WSS, CDH, AA); 23 16, Whiteside Massac Co, 31 Dec (*KJM). & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (AT, ET, m.ob.); 2048, Eastern Towh ee Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJ M, TM, m.ob.); 691, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW); 575, MC: 17, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 500, I.Shel, 10, Middlefork SF&WA & Kennekuk 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 48 l, Lake Co, 1 Jan CP (Vermilion Co), 12 Dec (SDB); 6, (GAW). Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 6, Pulaski Co, 28 Dec (JDC, JAS); American Pipit 5, Forest Glen (Vermilion Co), 9 Dec No rthern Wa terthrush at Lincoln Pa rk Zoo. J MC: 120, Union Co, 29 Dec (VMK, et al.); (EJC). Others (central & north): Boone 80, Carl.L, 15 Dec (DMK); 20, Jasper Co, 4 December 2007. Photo by Greg He ise. Co, 5 Dec (AEB). Up to 4 birds noted at 5 Dec (CLH). Others: 18, Lenzburg (St. other southern sites. Clair Co), 15 Dec< (TJD); 18, Amax (Wabash Co), 4 Jan (CUI); 14, American Tree Sparrow Urbana, 15 Dec (SDB, GSL); 13, Lawrence Co, 8 Dec (CLH); 11, East Fork L, 15 Dec (CLH); 2, West Salem (Edwards Co), 8 Dec< (EWW); MC: 628, McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LLH); 552, Du Page Edgar Co, 7 Dec< (EWW); Chi, 15 Dec< (EWW); Wank, 22 Dec Co, 15 Dec (GAW); 457, Rock Island Co, 20 Dec (KJM, EAA); 300, (AFS, et al.). Largest numbers confined to the south. Carl.L, 18 Dec (DMK); 260, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, m.ob. ); 130, Merwin Nature Preserve (McLean Co), 17 Dec (MEF); 125, Ark., Cedar Wa xwing 27 Dec (DMK). Others: 394, Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (KJM, MC: 301, Lake Foresl (Lake Co), 14 Jan (JSS); 220, Carl.L, 9 Dec JDS, m.ob.); 379, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (KJM, LB, m.ob.); (DMK); 217, Palos (Cook Co), 16 Dec (WJM, WSS, CDH, AA); 185, 187, LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); 85, LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, Clinton L, Jan (GSL, BG); 158, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (UWG); 93, l MFD); 81, Nachusa Grasslands (Lee Co), 23 Dec (EWW); 67, Monroe Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, 111.ob.); 25, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, Co, 20 Feb (DJJ). Good numbers largely confined to December. TM). Others (post-December): 14, Olney (Richland Co), l Jan (CLH); Vo lume 17, Number 3 117 Ch ipp ing Sp arrow in Urbana, Champaign County. I 6 Decemher 2007. Photo by Greg Lamheth. CHJ PPING SPARROW Urbana, 4 Dec (EJC); Urbana, 16 Dec (GSL ph); Carl.L, 8 Dec (*DMK); North Chicago (Lake Co), I Jan (RB); Kankakee, 1 2 Feb (BRr ph). Sa vannah Sp arrow in Lee County. Field Sparrow 24 Decemher 20117. 37, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 25, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 7, MC: Photo hy Eric Wa lters. Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (*CM, JM, *KJM); 6, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, et al.); 4, Mercer Co, 2 I Dec (JM, *CM). One to len birds at few additional southern sites. a (EJC, 111.ob.); 24, Loud Thunder FP (Rock Island Co), 5 Jan (K.IM, Ve sper Sparrow JDC, JAS); 22, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (UWG); 22, McDonough & Cooper Twp (Sangamon Co), 8 Dec (HOB); Towanda (McLean Co), Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LLl-l). 15 Dec (MR, et al.). Harris's Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Carl.L, 8-22 Dec (*OM K, KAM, TAM, 111.ob.); Henderson Co, 15 Dec 55, Carl.L, 3 Feb (KAM); 15, Lenzburg (St. Clair Co), 9 Feb (DJM, MJM); Moille (Bureau Co), 12 Feb (MAM). MC: imm., La (TJD); 6, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, MS, CJL); 5, Rockfd, 15 Dec (DTW, White-crowned Sparrow BCW); 2, Champaign Co, l 5 Dec (EJC). (north & central): Others 78, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (SOB, GSL, cl al.); 44, Massac Co, Donnellson (Montgomery Co), 21 Dec (EWW); Kingdom (Lee Co), MC: 31 Dec (KJM); 30, Carl.L, 1 3 Jan (DMK, MS); 25, Ark., 27 Dec 23 Dec (*EWW); Chi, 25 Dec (GAW); Maywood (Cook Co), 27 Jan (DMK); 14, McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LLH); 14, Mercer (JSA). Widely distributed this winter. Co, 21 Dec (CM, JM, rn.ob.); II, LCal, 4 Dec (WJM); 9, Grundy Co, Le Conte's Sparrow 23 Dec (DJS, TW). 2, Ark., 27 Dec (OM K); Lenzburg (St. Clair Co), 2 Jan (T.ID). I Dark-eyed Junco Fox Sparrow 586, McDonough & Fulton Cos, I 5 Dec (LLH); 533, Champaign MC: 18, Urbana, 15 Dec (EJC, et al.); 15, Mundelein (Lake Co), Dec Co, 15 Dec (EJC, m.ob.); 501, QC, 16 Dec (KR, CR, m,ob.); 382, MC: I (SDB, SLD); 8, Jasper Co, 21 Dec LH); 8, Alexander Co, 28 Dec Whiteside & Carroll Cos, 18 Dec (KJM, m.ob.); 300, Carl.L, 18 ( LB, (KJM, CAT); 6, Du Page Co Dec (GAW); 5, Potomac (Vem1ilion Dec (DMK); 167, Perry & Randolph Cos, 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 130, , l5 Co), 14 Dec (SOB, SLD); 2, nawn La Salle o). Dec-29 Feb LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 104, Massac Co, 31 Dec (K I M); 95, Du 16 . (CKM, JDM); 2, Clays (Edgar Co). (EWW); Carroll Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW). 2, Woodford Co, Ian Prairie 7 D�-c 2 'Oregon Junco': I . Co, Dec (KJM, LB); 2, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 2, LShel, (*MEF, JMs). IX 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 2, Kiehm Arboretum (Winnebago Co), 19 Jan-29 Lapland Longspur Feb (DTW, BCW). Additional maxima to 6 in the south, plus a few 1500, Carl.L, I Feb (DMK); 707, Clinton L (DeWill Co), .Ian singles in north. MC: I (EJC); 500, LaSalle Co, 16 Jan (REF, ct al.); 183, Pulaski Co, 28 Dec Song Sparrow (JDC, .IAS); 150, Kane Co, 26 Jan (KAM, MS); 130, McHemy Co, 188, UCCA, 29 Dec (K.IM); 97, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (E.IC, el 19 Jan (EWW); 124, McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LLH); 62, MC: al.); 73, Massac Co, 31 Dec (KJM); 34, Ark., 27 Dec (DMK); 33, Rock Rock Island Co, 22 Dec (KJM, SBH); 58, Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KJM, Island Co, 5 Jan (TM, WZ, 111.ob.); 23, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, LB, m.ob.); 50, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD). Reduced numbers over m.ob.); Du Page Co, 15 Dec (UWG). most of stale. (i , Lincoln's Sparrow Snow Bunting 1000, Ogle & Stephenson Cos, 20 Jan (DTW, BCW); 486, Rock Island Co, 20 Dec CK.IM)--thc only report. MC: McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LLI-1 ); 32 1, Putnam Co, Dec Swamp Sparrow 16 (CKM, JDM); 300, Baileyville (Ogle Co), 8 Dec 300, DeKalb 11 , UCCA, 29 Dec (KJ M); 60, Carl L, 18 Dec (DMK); 32, (AS); MC: 3 0 . & Kane Cos, 18 Feb (DJS); 235, McHenry Co, 19 Jan (CWW); 166, Mermct 31 Dec (K.IM); 24, Poto111ac (Ver111ilion Co), 14 Dec (SOB, L, Whiteside & Carroll Cos, I 8 Dec (KJM, LB, m.ob.); 115, Kankakee SLD); Merwin Preserve (McLeai1 Co), 17 Dec (M EF); 8, 11, Nature Co, 9 Feb (BR f); I 00, Knox Co, 7 Dec (PR); 00, L•1ke Co, 29 Dec Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJ M, TM); 5, Rock Island Co, 20 Dec I (ROH); 51, Rock Island Co, 20 Dec (KJM); 50, Winlhrop 5 (EAA, KJM); 4, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW); 4, Whalon L (Will 1-1., P' P Dec (!<:WW); 35, Dunlap (Peoria Co), 8 Dec (TE); 30, Champaign Co), 27 Dec (UWG). central& north): 5, LShcl, 5 .Ian (DMK, Others ( (Champaign Co), 4 Feb (RD); 26, La Salle Co, 4 .Ian (CKM, .IDM); MFD); Ot!awn (La Salle Co), 6 .lan-29 Feb (CKM, JDM). 25, Roscoe (Winnebago Co), I Jun (DTW, HCW); 18, Greene Va lley FP (Du Page Co), 16 Dec (UWG); 17, Carlock (McLean Co), 1 De White-throated Sparrow ll c (K.IM); A l exander Dec (KJM, (south): 2, Wisclown (rlond Co), Dec (PWS, JS); 2, MC: 339, LJCCA, 29 Dec HQ, Co, 28 (MCF). Others: I 8 Ca l.L, Dec (VL, RMR, TH, .I EM); Chauncey (Lawrence Co), Dcc CAT); 194, Massac Co, 31 l)cc (KJM); 114, Champaign Co, 15 Dec r lX 6 Largest nurnbers in over 20 years. (CLI I). Meadowlark Common Redpoll at Brown-headed Cowbird Mo rton Arboretum, MC: 6000, Carl.L, 1 fan (DMK, DuPage County. Winter MS); 700, Grand Ridge (La Salle Co), 3 Feb (EWW); 520, Rend L, season 200712 008. 30 Dec (KAM, CJL, MS); 350, Photo by Pa ul Dacko. Wauponsee (Grundy Co), 21 Dec (EWW); 350, Spfld, 3 Jan (I-IDB, el al.); 87, LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); 60, Fulton Co, 9 Jan (LLH); 40, Hampton (Rock Island Northern Cardinal Co), 14 Feb (KJM). MC: 769, Rockfd, 15 Dec (DTW, BCW); 264, Mcl'cer Co, Purple Finch 21 Dec (KJ M, TM, m.ob.); 246, MC: 145, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, McDonough & Fulton Cos, 15 TM); 34, UCCA, 29 Dec (KJM); 28, Dec (LL!-!); 226, Rock Island Co, Carroll Co, 18 Dec (KJM, LB); 20, 5 Jan (KJ M, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); Du Page Co, 15 Dec (UWG); 20, 120, Alexander Co, 28 Dec (KJM, White Pines SP (Ogle Co), 24 Dec CAT); 101, Du Page Co, 15 Dec (GAW); 80, (EWW); 19, Sand Ridge State Forest (Macon Carl.L, 8 & 15 Dec (DMK); 80, Ark., 27 Dec Co), all winter (RGB, SNB); 16, Monroe Co, (DMK); 80, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD). 2 Jan (CD, PD). Others: 19, Green R WA (Lee Co), 26 Dec (KJM, JDS, m.ob.); JO, Red-winged Blackbird Potomac (Vermilion Co), 14 Dec (SOB, SLD); MC: 311.5 00, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJ L); 7, Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC, et al.); 7 (l 22,563, Ark., 27 Dec (KJM, RMR); 16.000, male, 6 female), Ta ble Grove (Fulton Co), 10 Carl.L, 18 Feb (DMK); 1000, Spfld, 3 Jan Feb (KAM); 5, Richland Co, 19 Jan (CLH); 5 (HOB, et al.); 793, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, SBH); 95, (I male, 4 fe male), Boone Co, 20 Jan (AEB). IBSP, l Jan (EWW); 50, Fulton Co, 9 Jan (LLH). Widespread in good numbers, with 2-4 birds at Others (central & north): 2, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, additional scattered sites. MFD); Champaign Co, 15 Dec (EJC). Notably few reports outside south. House Finch MC: 120, Carl.L, 9 Dec (DMK); 116, Carroll Eastern Meadowlark Co, 25 Dec (EWW); 81, Rock Island Co, 5 MC: 57, Wayne, Clay, & Jasper Cos, 8 Dec Jan (TM, WZ, m.ob.); 80, LShcl, 5 Jan (DMK, (EWW); 44, Pulaski Co, 27 Dec (JDC, JAS); MFD); 55, Lost Nation (Ogle Co), 23 Dec 40, Carl.L, 9 Dec (DMK); 31, Menne! L, 31 (EWW); 45, Rantoul (Champaign Co), 12 Dec Dec (KJM); 6, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (*KJM, Hoary Redpoll at Chicago Botanic (SOB); 40, Union Co, 29 Dec (KJM); 30, CM, JM, m.ob.); 6, L Bloomington (McLean Keithsburg (Mercer Co), 21 Dec (KJM, TM); 8, Garden, Cook County. Ja nuary Co), 3 Feb (MJW). Others (central & north): 20 Du Page Co, 15 Dec (UWG). Poorly reported Photo by Greg Neise. 4, Whiteside Co, 18 Dec (LB, *KJM); 3, La 2008. from eastern half of state. Salle L, 7 Jan (CKM, JDIVJ); 2, DeKalb Co, 27 Dec (DJS); 2, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); Mercer Co, 21 Dec (TM, Red Crossbill *KJM). MC: 11, Sand Ridge SF (Mason Co), 26 Dec (AF); 7, Boone Co, 4-6 Dec (AEB); 7, IBSP, 21 Jan (EWW); 3, Worden (Madison Co), 25 Jan Western Meadowlark (JI). Others: Mundelein (Lake Co) (female @ fe eder), 2 Dec (EL); MC: 20, Carl.L, 24 Feb (DMK)-rccord high count so. IL; 10, for Washington Co CA (Washington Co), 20-2 1 Jan (DMK, MS, KAM, Santa Fe Bottoms (Clinton Co), 18 Feb (DMK). Others: Mermet L, m.ob.). 31 Dec (*KJM). White-winged Crossbill Rusty Blackbird 30, Genoa (DeKalb Co), 7 Dec (KL). MC: 840, Mermct L, 31 Dec (KJM); 400, Carl.L, 13 Jan (DMK, MS); 200, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL); 75, Crawford Co, 18 Feb (CL!-!); Common Redpoll 9, Andalusia Slough (Rock Island Co), 22 Dec (KJM, SBH). Others MC: 150, Binnie FP (Kane Co), 25 Jan (JD); 100, CBG, 26 Jan & 2 (central & north): 2, Port Louisa NWR, 21 Dec (KJM); Ottawa (La Feb (UWG & SOB, SLD); 25, Chi, 26 Jan (KAM, MS, OBJ, APS); Salle Co), 7 & 18 Dec (CKM, JDM); Champaign Co, 15 Dec (SDB, 21, Ottawa (La Salle Co), 4 Jan (CKM, JDM). Others: 16, River GSL); Jo Daviess Co, 24 Dec (EWW). Forest (Cook Co), 27 Jan (JSA); 12, Grant Woods FP (Lake Co), 3 Dec (SOB); 12, Chi, 26 Jan (MD); 12, Half Day FP (Lake Co), 12 Feb (JB, Brewer's Blackbird m.ob.); 9, Naperville Twp (DuPage Co), 25 Jan (JAS); 7, Naperville MC: 300, Carl.L, 1 Dec (DMK). Others: 2 (I ad. male, 1 imm. male), (Will Co), 9 Dec (JS); 6, Kane Co, 26 Jan (KAM, MS); 3, Forreston Shirland (Winnebago Co), 14-16 Dec (*DTW, RBt, JBt); 2, Menn et L, (Ogle Co), 9 Dec (AS); 3, JP, 26 Dec (PRC); 2, Knox Co, 30 Dec & 12 31 Dec (*KJM); male, Hamilton Co, 9 Dec (EWW). Feb (PR, DJM); female, Carl.L, 18 Dec (TH); Mundelein (Lake Co), 5 Common Grackle Feb (SDB); New Athens (St. Clair Co), 27 Feb (TUM). One to several MC: 407,450, Rend L, 30 Dec (KAM, CJL); 18,000, Carl.L, 2 Dec birds at many other additional siles in the northeastern corner of state. (DMK); 15.0 00, New Athens (Sl. Clair Co), 19 Jan (TJD); 13.725, Largest numbers since 1993-1994. More photos on page 90. Menne! L, 31 Dec (KJ M); 306, QC, 16 Dec (KJM, SBH). Others HOARY REDPOLL (central & norlh): 4, Fullon Co, 9 Jan (LLH); 2, Champaign Co, 15 Dec CBG, 19-28 Jan (SG, *DP, GN ph, m.ob. ph).. (EJC). Weak numbers outside south. Number Vo lume 17, 3 119 Pine Siskin Eurasian Tree Sparrow MC: 125, Mundelein (Lake Co), I Dec (SOB, SLD); 89, Ottawa (La MC: 300, Henderson Co, 15 Dec (DJM, MJB); 257, McDonough Salle Co), 2 Dec (CKM, JDM); 66, Clinton L, 1 Jan (GSL, BG); 28, & Fulton Cos, 15 Dec (LLH); 239, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (KJM, TM, Monroe Co, 2 Dec (CD, PD); 7, Carl.L, 9 Dec & 29 Feb (MS). Others: rn.ob.); 235, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, rn.ob.). Others: 61-63, Gurnee (Lake Co), 29 Dec-12 Feb (JSS); 32, Loud Thunder FP 13, Spfld, 3 Jan (HOB, et al.); 12, Cordova (Rock Island Co), 20 Dec (Rock Island Co), 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS); 27, Rockfd, 12 Jan (DTW, (*KJM); 12, Gillespie (Macoupin Co), 10 Feb (EWW); 2, Johnson LGB); 24, Johnson Sauk Trail SP (Henry Co), 12 Dec (EWW); 20, Sauk Trail SP (Henry Co), 12 Dec (EWW); Ottawa (La Salle Co), all Naperville (Will Co), 9 Dec (JS); 15, Lakewood FP (Lake Co), 3 Dec winter (CKM, JDM); Rockfd, 16 Dec-29 Feb (DTW, SO, PO); I-IL, 6 (SOB); 15, Palatine (Cook Co), 16 Dec (CF); 12, Evergreen L (McLean & 27 Jan, 18 Feb (FRH, KAM); Kenneth Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary Co), 23 Feb (MJW); 8, Zion (Lake Co), 5 Jan (EWW); 6, Champaign (McLean Co), 19 Jan (MJW). Increases in norlh and central regions. Co, 15 Dec (EJC, ct al.); Mennet L, 31 Dec (KJM); Galesburg (Knox Co), 2 Jan (PR). Up to 4 birds at other scattered sites in north. Exotic I Released Species American Goldfinch Whooping Crane MC: 627, Rockfd, 15 Dec (DTW, BCW); 102, New Athens (St. Clair 6 (irnm.), Kidd L WA (Monroe Co), 7-1 1 Dec (*CD, PD, m.ob.); 2, Co), 16 Feb (TUM); 90, LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); 89, Sauer Prairie Kame FP (Kane Co), 1-2 Dec (JD). These are birds from Monroe Co, 13 Jan (CD, PD); 69, QC, 16 Dec (TM, BL, m.ob.); 45, the Wisconsin re-introduction proj ect. LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 43, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (CM, JM, m.ob.). European Goldfinch Evening Grosbeak Rollins Sav, 13 J n (MF). a 4, Binnie FP (Kane Co), 26 Jan (JD). - Ke/Iv .! Mc Kay House Sparrow BioEco Research and Mo nitoring Center MC: 793, Rock Island Co, 5 Jan (KJM, JDC, JAS, m.ob.); 451, PO. Box 452 Whiteside & Lee Cos, 26 Dec (SBH, rn.ob.);400, Carl.L, 13 Jan & l Hamp/on, IL 61256-0452 Feb (DMK, MS); 334, LCal, 29 Dec (WJM, MLB, CDH, WSS); 309, KellyJ McKay@ao l .net Chi, 18 Jan (GAW); 200, LShel, 5 Jan (DMK, MFD); 197, Mercer Co, 21 Dec (CM, JM, rn.ob.); 160, St. Clair Co, 10 Dec (KAM). ABOUT OUR ADS AND AD RATES The Illinois Ornithological Society accepts pertinent ads for publishing in Meadowlark. The rates and rules are as follows:.... Required materials: Camera-ready copy and check Rates PER ISSUE: $15 one-eighth page or equivalent of payable to IOS should be sent to: Sheryl De Vo re, one business size card; $30 one quarter page or equivalent of 967 Braeburn Road, Mundelein, IL 60060. two business size cards; $60 half page. 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Kelly McKay topics include unusual bird sightings and Send to: -Y- Article 61256-0452 420 First Ave., PO Box 452, Hampton, TL nesting accounts, technical papers on bird research, and E-mail: [email protected] other articles such as bird finding guides and field iden tification tips. Joy of birding articles will be considered. Spring Field Notes -Y- Manuscripts should be computer-generated, double Due by 7 June (I Mar through 3 l May) spaced and printed on only one side of numbered Travis A. Mahan Send to: pages. Please send two copies of your manuscript and 2476 Marquette Ct., Decatur, IL 6252 l make sure you keep another for yourself. E-mail: calidris_l [email protected] "r We require a computer disc in Word or Word Perfect or an electronic file. Breeding Season Field Notes -,,.. We prefer digital or electronic files (200-300 dpi.) Due by August (1 June through 31 July) 7 Clear black and white or color print photographs are Steven D. Bailey Send to: also acceptable. Illinois Natural History Survey -,,.. Include name, address, and day and night time 1816 South Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820 phone numbers. Other pertinent informationabout E-mail: [email protected] your qualifications and background is also helpful. Fall Season Field Notes -Y- We reserve the right to review and edit articles according to style, grammar, accuracy, and readability. Due by 7 December (1 Aug through 30 Nov) Douglas Stotz Send articles, photographs, illustrations inquiries to: Send to: & Conservation Ecologist/Ornithologist Sheryl De Vo re, Chief Editor Environmental and Conservation Programs 967 Braeburn, Mundelein, IL 60060 Field Museum of Natural History e-mail address: [email protected] 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 Email address: [email protected] Illinois Ornithological Society's Annual Spring Birding Weekend 17th_19th April - Loggerhead Shrike, Greater Prairie-Chicken, • Yellow Rail, Smith's Lon �spur, /.Jird i11 s, /11111 ti11s, l1i11,·, and more , Jis s t1/ll/ /1ik.i11g, p/119 Ct1111/ lill:) in Marion and 11111/ ll'0/'11 11rnrc 0/1011/·pcop/c Clinton counties. 11i11r'cs o( in t·eri's/" fl/'011111/ t/1c s/'11/c 1111tl ONWs 11ro:;r11111s 11rotcct 11 11cl J!l <'seriic tl1t1t Field trips include Carlyle Lake and Prairie Ridge Natural Area Ilic s:".'.-lr!!!�-�Ll We'll look form grant wate1 fowl, shorebirds, and grassland birds 11t1/11rnl i rl'so11rCt's of //linoi including Smith's Longspur, Ye llow Rail, Greater Prairie-Chicken Loggerhead Shrike After day of bi!'cling, relax v·.' ith friends ancl a historic Centralia House fo1 the IJa11que1 ,, t the Satu!lJay E''.'enin For details and to register: lT�sI www.illinoisbirds.org r"vlill lw111 11reramt U/ld /e(/l!lf