The Winter Season December 1, 1973 -March 31, 1974

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION (EFA). Two more winter Greater Shearwaters in addition to thoseof recentyears were a singlebird seenfrom /Davis W. Finch the "Princessof Acadia" in the Bay of Fundy Dec. 18 Mild conditions throughout New England and the (RDE) and another seen Feb. 18 in the same area as the Marltimes during late fall and early winter allowedmany just mentioned20,000 fulmars(VL). An interestingif in- speciesto remain far beyondtheir usualdeparture or kill- conclusivereport was that of a Great Cormorant so off dates, the phenomenonbeing perhapsmost apparent white-headedas to suggestthe Old World racesinensis, in Nova Scotia and coastal southernNew England. Wea- studied at Gloucester, Mass.. Feb. 16 (RAC, RJO et al.). ther later in the season returned to normal but nonethe- Single early winter Double-crestedCormorants were lessthere were a numberof casesof provenoverwinter- recorded on CBCs at Brier I., N.S., Dec. 20, N. Cha- ing by marginallyhardy species.Rough-legged Hawks. tham, Mass., Dec. 29, and New Bedford, Mass.. Dec. 30. AIcids, Snowy Owls. Bohemian Waxwings and N. Certainly the most surprisingbird on this year's CBCs Shrikes occurred in low or moderate numbers. and win- was a female Magnificent Frigatebird discoveredoff Sec- ter finch distribution was complex and interesting. ond Beach in Middletown, R.I.. Dec. 21 (LOG) and scrutinizedthe following day by other experiencedob- servers(TSG, RM). This was a fifth state record. and the latest ever in the Northeast, the only comparable record being a Nova Scotia specimentaken Dec. 5, 1932.

HERONS--Indicative of the mild early winter were CBC totals of 149Great Blue Herons on Cape Cod Dec. 29 and 73 Black-crownedNight Herons at Nantucket Dec. 30: of the latter, 23 survivedthe month of February (EFA). Five Cattle Egrets were found in the Region during December. singlesin Nova Scotia at Annapolis Royal Dec. I (JBT)and Port Hebert Dec. 12(RSW). and in Massachusetts,two emaciatedand dyingbirds picked up on NantucketDec. 18 & 20 (EFA), and anotherpre- sent at Middleboro Dec. 7-22 (DWB et al.). More than any nativeheron these wandering birds seem to end up in "distress of weather": one found dead at Mr. Desert l., Me. during November had apparentlychoked on a tamarack cone (WCT). In Nova Scotia, an Am. Bittern attemptingto winter on the Grand Pt6 near Wolfville was picked up in extremis Feb. 12. and revivedin captivity (RWT).

Christmas Bird Counts--A total of 109 CBCs, 72 of WATERFOWL--After the fall flight noted in the them publishedin ,4roericanBirds producedan aggre- previousreport, as many as eight WhistlingSwans were gate list of 2 I0 species(just barely a record), three addi- presentin the Region. Wintering birds were an adult at tional races and one additional form, with eight other Monmouth,Kennebec Co., Me. from early Januaryto at speciesrecorded during count week. least Feb. 28 (Mrs. John Dudley et al., fide WCI), an adult and an immature in the Gloucester-Magnolia- LOONS. TUBENOSES, CORMORANTS, FRI- Manchesterarea of Cape Ann, Mass. from Dec. 6 to at GATEBIRD-An Arctic Loon was carefully studied least Mar. 4 {v.o.), and an adult at Old Lyme, Conn. Jan. with the two commonerspecies off MoonstoneBeach in 26--Mar. 2 (WB). Single late or early migrants or wan- Matunuck, R.I., Dec. 29 (DLK et al.); "the ideal com- derers appearedat Plum 1., Mass., Dec. 23 (WWH), at parisonsmade this bird indisputable"(DW). Ferry route Acoaxet. Mass. Feb. 27--Mar. I0 (DLE, RE et al.), at counts of N. Fulmars included 49 in Cabot Strait Dec. 28 Port Clyde, Knox Co., Me.. Mar. 13 (David Lowell,fide (DWF, RRH). 300 there Jan. 28 (AW) and 120 from the PB), and at S. Kingstown, R.l., Mar. 19 (RAC). At "Prince of Fundy" Mar. 6 (DBMcN), but these were Rockport, Mass., the fresh remainsof a FulvousTree eclipsedby an estimateof 20,000 seenfrom a research Duck were salvagedfrom a cat on the surprisingdate of vessel about 180 mi. due east of Provincetown. Cape Feb. 27. and the head preserved(Richard Hale, fide Cod, Feb. 18 (VL). A weak fulmar picked up on Nan- RPE). The total of nine Blue-wingedTeal on Regional tucket Dec. 28 (SP) was maintainedin captivity,on a diet CBCs was above average,and another index of the sea- of eels dipped in cod liver oil. until at least Apr. 13 son's mildness; seven of these were found on four counts

610 American Birds, June 1974 in coastalMassachusetts, and singlebirds occurred far- banded tail, and harrier-like flight (DWB, CC, LBP) ther north at Thomaston-Rockland,Me. and Glace Bay, The seasoh'sfour Golden Eagles were single birds at N S. A Eur. Wigeonwas shot at E. Petpeswick,N.S., Riverport, LunenburgCo., N.S., Feb. 16 (ELM), m Jan. 9 (fide IAMcL; specimento National Museumof Massachusettsat Quabbin Reservoir Dec. 22-Jan. 30 Canada), and in New Englandat least sevenwere pre- (THG et al.) and at SalisburyFeb. 8-9 (RHS, RRV et sentduring the winter:in Massachusetts,one at E. Or- al.), and in Rhode Island at Matunuck Jan. 26 (DLK, leans from Dec. 29 through March, with a secondbird EAS et al.). The seasoWssix Gyrfalconswere a dark bird thereduring the latter month(WRP et al.), oneat Coha- at St. Anthony, Nfld., Jan. 1 (DWF, RRH), in New sset from Dec. I to at least Mar. 8 (ML et al.), one at Brunswickone at Frederictonduring CBC week, a dark Nantucket Mar. 15-20(EFA), and in Rhode Island one bird at RiverviewJan. 17 (Dr. M. Majka), a "quite light" at Warwick Dec. 8 (DW), and one,two or possiblythree bird at Saint John Mar. 20 (DSC), in Nova Scotia a "sil- in the Cross Mills-Matunuck-Perryville area Dec. very gray" bird at Broad Cove Feb. 9 (SJF, BH), and in 29--Mar. 23 (DLK et al.) and finally one at Groton, Massachusettsa gray bird presentfrom Nov. I I to at Conn. Mar. 6 (WSG). A Canvasbackwas seenon the least Feb. 1 at Monomoy or nearby parts of the Cape CBC at Sackville,N.B., Dec. 21 (ADS) and four others (WWH et rnult. al.). SevenPeregrine Falcons, other than at Lunenburg,N.S., Feb.24 (IAMcL); the speciesis rare those of the CBCs, were two in Rhode Island, three in at any seasonin the Maritimes.The only sizeablecon- Massachusetts,one in Nova Scotia and one at St. John's centrationof Barrow'sGoldeneyes reported was that of East, Nfld., Mar. 16-19, the speciesbeing especially un- 108 on the CBC at Dalhousie,N.B., wherecomparable common there in winter (RCM et al., fide HJC). Of numbers have been found in recent winters. In Nova about 24 Merlins reportedoutside the CBC period, ten Scotia,five at PugwashFeb. 17-20were noteworthy, the were in Massachusetts and the same number in Nova speciesbeing decidedlyuncommon in the province Scotia, about half of the latter in Cape Breton. (photographed;IAMcL, ST), andsix inland at Errolin n. New HampshireMar. 18 were also of interest,repre- RAILS, GALLINULES--A King Rail was found as sentinga ratherhigh countfor the stateand probablyre- far north as Ocean Park, Me., where it was studied in flectingnorthward movement by the birds, sincenone Goose Fare Creek Dec. 24-26 (DRD, GW et al.) and had beenpresent at thistraditional locality in midwinter another was present Feb. 23--Mar. 9 at Plymouth, (EWP, RWS et al.). Farther south,a minimum of 32 Mass., where the birds have been found before in recent were reported this seasonfrom 11 areas in coastal winters (CAG, WRP et al.). In Nova Scotia, where the Massachusetts.The Regional total of 66 Harlequin speciesis ratherrare, a ClapperRail wascaptured when Ducks includedsmall concentrationsof 15 aroundCape foundharassed by crowsat DartmouthNov. 20 (to Nova St Mary's, Nfld., Feb. 15(JEM), 15at Lockeport,N.S., Scotia Museum; Ray Melanson,fide PRD), and another Dec. 10 (RSW) and the usualflock at Magnolia, Mass. was present at Crescent Beach, LunenburgCo. Dec. 29- whichgradually increased to 12 by Mar. 30 (Ed Morrier 30 (Evelyn Dobsonet rnult. al.). An imm. Purple Galho et al.,fide RPE). The seasoh'stotal of 26 in Nova Scotia nule capturedon a lawn in New Bedford,Mass., Dec 29 was higherthan usual,while a lone bird off Nashaquitsa ultimatelybecame a living part of a park rain forestdis- cliffs at Martha'sVineyard Feb. 16 wasthe only signof play (JF), and two or more Corn. Gallinulesapparently flockswhich until recentyears occurred regularly off the winteredat W. Harwich, Mass. (BN), as did anotherpre- lsland'ssouth shore(ARK, GGD et al.). Of about 42 sent at Nantucket from November to at least Apr. 13 King Eidersreported in the Region,23 werefound at 13 (EFA). localities in coastal Massachusetts,and in the samestate, SHOREBIRDS--Two very late SemipalmatedPlo- three considerablegatherings of commonersea ducks vers occurredin Nova Scotia, singlebirds at Brier I, were 5000 Com.Goldeneyesin Newburyportharbor Dec. 20 (RRA et al.) and at LouisbourgDec. 29 (SL), Mar. 24 (RAF, WRP), 12,000-15,000Oldsquaws off and three late or wintering Piping Ploverswere found in Surfside, Nantucket Feb. 18 (EFA), and 2625 Red- Massachusetts,two at Wareham Dec. 15 (WRP) and one breastedMergansers in BuzzardsBay off the w. end of at Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard Jan. 20 (MBH) A the Cape Cod Canal Dec. 15 (WRP). coastalstorm in the third week of Decemberapparently broughtmany Killdeersnorth, for unusualnumbers were VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES--Table I, showing recorded on coastal CBCs: one in Newfoundland, 72 in hawks and eaglesrecorded on this seasoWsCBCs, al- Nova Scotia, 14 in New Brunswick, 20 in Maine, with lowscomparisons with resultsof the previousfive years. such concentrationsas 17 at Brier l., Dec. 20 and 23 at An ad. Turkey Vulture well northeastwardof the spe- Cape Sable Dec. 30 (SS). An Am. Golden Plover at cies' normal limits at any seasonwas presentaround Scarborough,Me., Mar. 18 waspresumably a very early New Waterford, Cape Breton from Nov. 9 to Jan. l, spring migrant (RWS et al.). Three very late Spotted when it wasshot at a skinnedbeaver carcass (specimen to Sandpiperswere single birds at Quidi Vidi L. in St Acadia Univ. Museum; v.o., fide HEH). CBC figures John's, Nfld., Dec. 1-16 (HJC), at Framboise Cove, this year showeda continuedincrease of Goshawks,and Cape BretonJan. 1 (IMacG) and at BiddefordPool, Me also indicated a rather poor year for Rough-legged Dec. 22-23 (DA, KCE, CR et al.). Such unseasonable Hawks, at least in New England, where totals sincethe birds warrant careful inspection,since the similar Corn 69th CBC have been 33-28-59-39-35-12. An adult light Sandpiper might conceivablyoccur here as a vagrant phaseSwainsoWs Hawk wasseen on severaloccasions at from Europe. Just beyondthe w. edge of the Region, a Bridgewater,Mass. Jan. 24--Feb. 18, the detailed des- Long-billedDowitcher was caught by a cat in PostMills, criptionnoting a dark red upperbreast, unmarked white Vt., Dec. 26, survivingin captivity to Dec. 28 (LH, VH, underparts,plain back and upper wing surfaces,buffy specimento Dartmouth College Museum);there are few wing-liningsand dusky undersideof flight feathers, inland recordsfor n. New England,and the date was con-

Volume 28, Number 3 611 Table 1 Numbersof Hawks and EaglesReported on 109 ChristmasBird Counts Made in the NortheasternMaritime Region, 1973-74.*

Goshawk - 8 1 9 9 7 13 1 - 5 17 23 32 36 48 Sharp-shinnedHawk - 11 - 8 3 4 13 2 - 23 26 74 34 55 41 Cooper's Hawk .... 1 - 4 - - 5 6 18 8 5 5 Acclpiter sp. - ...... 1 0 3 3 1 - Red-tailed Hawk - 19 - 3 3 5 95 12 19 94 135 223 178 160 156 Red-shouldered Hawk ...... 2 1 2 4 10 14 8 10 5 Rough-leggedHawk - 31 - 63 2 2 8 - - 51 82 104 192 75 106 Golden Eagle ...... 0 1 1 I 0 - Bald Eagle 6 45 - 8 12 - 2 - - 51 82 73 79 89 73 Marsh Hawk - 7 - 5 - 1 62 4 2 47 59 113 74 65 81 Osprey .... 1 .... 0 2 0 0 2 1 Gyrfalcon 1 ...... 0 0 1 3 1 1 Peregrine Falcon .... 2 - 1 - - 2 2 2 1 2 3 Falcon sp. - ...... 0 0 0 1 1 - Merhn - 2 .... 3 1 - 10 8 17 7 15 6 American Kestrel - 9 - 1 15 15 206 58 40 168 202 234 284 248 344 Hawk sp. - 3 ...... 3 0 3 2 8 3 Number of CBCs: 4 33 2 25 19 7 15 2 2 84 104 107 117 122 109 *As the similar tables of the last five years, excludes birds seen count period but not on count day.

siderably later than any previouslyrecorded for Ver- numbered II0 (of., 88, 282, 74, 72, 106 in the last five mont Six SemipalmatedSandpipers on the Cape Sable winters) and in New England 26 (cfi, 2, 24, 20, 9, 38) In I CBC Dec. 16 were unusuallylate, as were sevenat Massachusetts,peak countsat traditional localitieswere Nauseton the CapeCod CBC Dec. 29 (MLG), and still I 1 at Newburyport (6 immatures mid-February, WCR, later individuals were found at Chatham Jan. 6 and Barn- and five adultsMar. 2, RRV), 13 at Winthrop Dec 16 stableJan. 10 (VL). Other stragglerson the Cape were a (RRV et al.), 17 in the Wollaston-Squantumarea Jan 26 W SandpiperDec. 29 and a MarbledGodwit present at (DTB) (thoughthese flocks assembling at oppositesides Chatham Dec. 28--Jan. 24 (RAF, CAG et al.). of BostonHarbor may coI•tain someof the samebirds), and in Rhode Island, 12 at Watchemoket Cove in E. Pro- SKUAS, GULLS, TERNS--From land, a Skua was videnceMar. 12 (CW), the Newburyport and Rhode ls- seen off Andrews Pt., Cape Ann, Mass., Dec. 28 land birds not figuringon CBCs. In most,areas where ob- (CWL), and at sea,during a Feb. 11-22cruise, "at least serversconscientiously report these birds by age class, sevenand probably eleven Skuas were found, most about I00 mi. s.e. of Nantucket but at least one about 180 mi. adultsseem decidedly more numerousthan yearlings,but evidence is far from complete•The season'ssix Little e of Nantucket" (VL). In addition, one was seenon the Scohan Shelf about 200 mi. s.e. of Halifax Jan. 30 Gulls were one at Nauset Dec. 29 (MLG), an adult and two immatures at Newburyport Jan.--Mar., one at (RGBB). Watchemoket Cove Mar. 9 (RB) and an immature at The now much-observed Lesser Black-backed Gull at Old Lyme, Conn. Mar. 17-24 (WB). On the interna- D•gby, N.S. spent a fifth consecutivewinter there, the tional CBC at Eastport-CampobelloDec. 22, Bill Town- yearhng Mew Gull noted in the previousreport re- send recorded a new North American high of 10,052 mamed at St. John's, Nlfd. until at least Dec. 26, and the Black-leggedKittiwakes, and thoughtthe actual number Newburyportadult firstobserved in Jan. 1971was redis- closerto 15,000. In Rhode Island, a late CaspianTern coveredJan. 29 (MLG), remaininguntil at leastMar. 24 was found at MoonstoneWildfowl Refuge Dec. 1 (DLK, (RAF). Black-headedGulls on CBCs in Atlantic Canada FP).

612 Amencan Birds, June 1974 Glaucous and Iceland Gulls on CBCs in At- lantic Canada numbered 152 and 1807 (1:12), while figures for New England were 14 and 28 (1:2). Conclusionsbased on this informal early winter census are no doubt hazardous. but it seemssafe to say that while invariably outnum- hered by Icelands,Glaucous Gulls more closely approach a uniform distribution throughoutthe Region, wintering Icelandsbeing heavilyconcen- trated around open water in the Gulf of St. Law- rence, Newfoundland and e. Nova Scotia, and probably fairly widely distributed at sea. The higher CBC totals of these specieswere 54 Glau- cousGulls and 485 IcolandGulls at ShippeganI., N.B., and 454 Iceland Gulls at Glace Bay, N.S. In Massachusetts,Richard Forster and Wayne Petersen noted that Iceland Gulls occurring during stormy conditionsat Plum I. are predom- inantly adults (cf, a 7:1 ratio of adults to irama- White-winged Dove, Lincolnville Beach, Maine. Dec. tures among 46 birds there Feb. 19), while under 20, 1973. Photo/Oliver Post. normal conditionsyoung birds constitutethe distinct majority (cf, 18 there Mar. 24, no adults), were recordedon 19 CBCs, the northeasternmostbeing facts suggestinga more pelagicdistribution of the 25 at St. John's.The Regionaltotal of about 41 Snowy older birds. Owls wasneither very high nor very low (cf., 15, 58, 108, 35 in the past four years).A slightincrease of reportsin Massachusettsduring March may conceivablyhave re- ALClDS--Birders in New England saw very few alcids this season:no Corn. Murres anywhereand more flectednorthward movement by the birds.A SnowyOwl at Martha's Vineyard Dec. 31, said to have dived and surprising,almost zero Dovekies.Only a singleDovekie was seenon the aforementioned Feb. 11-22 cruise, and in struck a jeep, survivedas a wing-amputeein the Felix Newfoundland Howard Clase noted that the few birds Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (MBH). Six Hawk Owls occurred,in New Brunswickone on the JemsegCBC and reachingthe St. John'sarea in Januarywere a monthor more later than usual. There were, however,500 at Brier another near SussexJan. 6 (PAP), in Nova Scotia two (together with 12 or more Short-eareds)at the Belleisle I., N.S., Dec. 20 (ELM elaL) and 1246in Cabot Strait Marsh near BridgetownJan. 7 (Calder Fraser,JBT, fide Dec. 28 (DWF, RRH). Razorbillsseemed concentrated RDL), and in New Hampshire two at PittsburgNov. 14 in the w. Bay of Fundy,with CBC totalsof 45, 83 and 107 (one recognizablyphotographed, Carl T. Carlson, Doug- at Pt. Lepreau,Eastport-Campobello and Grand Man an, las Menzies.fide ARK). Hawk Owls in the Regionin the respectively,but observerson the NantucketCBC Dec. last five years have numbered3, 2, I, 0, 5. 30 witnesseda flight of these birds northeastwardpast WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWAL- the island'ss.e. end, and counted152 of what was prob- LOWS-Eight Red-bellied Woodpeckerswintering at ably a considerablygreater number, that total tying the feedersin e. Massachusettsand Connecticutrepresented previousnational high (SP, RRV et ag). The one real al- a slight increase(cf., Regionaltotals of 8, 3, 0, 3, 2 in the cid extravaganzaof the seasonwas the CBC at Brier I., Dec. 20, when RossAnderson and Eric Mills recordedall last five winters),and Red-headedWoodpeckers, following a sizeable fall flight, were also fairly numerous,a speciesexcept Razorbill, and the very high totals of 20,000+ Thick-billed Murres and 500 Black Guillemots, total of 16 beingreported in Nova Scotia(2), Maine (3), Massachusetts(10) and Rhode Island (1) (cf, I, 5, 4 in both new CBC highs by wide margins.The murre total the last three winters). A late E. Kingbird was found at was in large part basedon birdspassing the islandat the Falmouth, Mass., Dec. 8 (VL), and an even later one at rate of 100 per minute over a three-hourperiod, and as Markland, Yarmouth Co., N.S., Dec. 29 (DBK, MWH). Bob Lambertonhas pointedout, the gale of the preced- Somewhat more routine were late W. Kingbirds at S. ing two dayshad probably swept the birds into the Bayof Wellfleet, Mass., Dec. 5 (Wallace Bailey) and at Cape Fundy. Sable I., N.S., Dec. 16 (Jim Force, Viola Sperka et al.). A Great Crested Flycatcher was knowledgeably DOVES, OWLS--Of particularinterest was a White- scrutinizedat Mattapoisett, Mass., Dec. 15 (KSA, TLL- wingedDove frequenting a feederin LincolnvilleBeach, E et al.) and an E. Phoebesurvived near a feeder at Liver- Me. Dec. 18-28 (photographed,Oliver Post). Unfor- pool, N.S. from Jan. l0 to at least Mar. 22, the first tunatelyfor birderswho might have seen it, it waswritten known case of overwinteringin the province (Ralph off as an escape,but quite likely it was not, the birds Johnsonet al.). A Barn Swallow, presumablyone of beingknown to wanderwidely, and two havingappeared those brought north by Tropical Storm Gilda in late in Connecticut and Long Island about this time. The October, remained around Charlottetown, P.E.I. from A.O.U. Check-listincludes a singleprevious Maine re- Nov. 7 to sometimeafter Jan. I (AAMacL et al.), and cord. Mourning Doves,whose winter rangecontinues to one at Plum I., Mass., Jan. 31 may also have survived expandnortheastward, were particularlyabundant and from late fall, thoughthe oddsagainst it seemconsider- widespreadthis seasonin Atlantic Canada, where 117 able (HLJ et al.).

Volume 28, Number 3 613 CORV1DS, PARIDS, NUTHATCHES, WRENS, same province a Yellow-headedBlackbird remained at THRUSHES--A Com. Raven closely observedwith Louisbourgfrom Nov. 20 to late December(George crows at AndrewsPt. in Rockport, Mass., Dec. 6 was Jackson, Frank Robertson),and another was present seen to be banded (RAF, MLG). Ravens, slowly in- Dec. 3-9 at Portsmouth,R.I. (v.o.,fide RLF). In Massa- creasingin n. New England,have been occurring farther chusetts,W. Tanagersfrequented feeders at Chatham south in winter, and it seemsprobable that this was an Dec. 20--Jan. 27 (Virginia Saunderset al.) and at Rock- authenticallywild individual.Also in Massachusetts,the port Dec. 23--Jan. 12 (HLJ et al.). seasoh'shighest count of FishCrows around the W. Rox- WINTER FINCHES--In Newfoundland Evening bury dumpwas 185on Feb. 15 (Fred Atwood).A single Grosbeaks were more abundant in St. John's than in the BorealChickadee present Nov. 10--Mar. 9 at Plum I. last two or three winters, an estimated 500-1000 being and another at Green Hill, R.I., Feb. 16 (DW) were the presentin the city (HJC), and in Cape Breton"unprece- only onesreported south of the species'breeding range. dented numbers"were present (SMacL). Elsewhere, At least 31 Tufted Titmice were found in New Hamp- however,the birds were apparentlymuch less numerous shireduring the winter(HWP) andanother was reported than in recentyears, though widespread, being recorded as far to the northeastas Bangor,Me. in late December on 41 out of 45 CBCs in New England.Purple Finches (EJD). Red-breastedNuthatches were widespreadand werevirtually absent from the n. part of the Regionuntil fairly abundantin the Maritimes, and were recordedon aboutmid-February, when a modestbut welldefined in- about 80 percentof the CBCs in New England, more flux occurred in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and e plentifullyinland than alongthe s. coast.The northeast- Maine. Pine Grosbeaks were extremely scarceevery- ernmostCarolina Wren wasa bird reportedduring CBC wherethroughout the winter. A typical late-winterred- week at Mr. Desert I., and at W. Harwich, Mass. three poll flight beginningabout mid-February brought good Long-billedMarsh Wrens Mar. 19 (of 22 there during numbers of these birds to New England, though ap- December)had probablyoverwintered (BN). The sea- parentlynot to the Maritimes. The usualbuild-up of son'sfive Varied Thrusheswere singlebirds as follows:at numbersoccurred and the peakseems to havebeen a lit- S Tamworth, N.H. from November to at least Mar. 9 tle later than usual, about Mar. 21-27. There may have (IAB, VVH et al.), at Hollis, N.H. from midwinter or been more Hoary Redpollsin proportionto the Com- earlier to at least Feb. 26 (JeanTrottier, fide HWP), at mons than in recent flights, with reports of six indivi- E Eliot, Me. from the last week of November to Mar. 31 duals in Maine, ten in New Hampshire, 13 or so in (photographed,Ray Emery et al.), at Norton, Mass. Massachusetts and two or three in Rhode Island. Pine Jan 24 (Mrs. Arnold Anderson,fide RPE), and at Bill- Siskinsand both crossbillswere widely but quite thinly enca,Mass., Feb. 4-7 (Elizabeth.Durgin et al., fide distributedthroughout the Region,Red Crossbillsbeing RPE). Regional Varied Thrusheshave numbered4-6-3- really abundantonly at coastallocalities in s.e.New Eng- 5-2 m the last five winters. land. WAXWINGS, SHRIKES--Bohemian Waxwings, OTHER FR1NGILLIDS--After the pronounced varying numbersof which have been presentin the northeastwardmovement of Cardinalsnoted in the pre- Region in all but three winters since 1958, were viousreport, many of thesebirds were present as winter- representedby about32 birdsat six northerlylocalities: ers in areaswhere until recentlythey were scarceor ab- in New Brunswick, four at Saint John in late January sent. Numbers were markedly up throughout New (Ray Tanton) and two at Sackville Feb. 6-7 (Curtis Hampshire,Bernard Etzel reported16 at 12 localitiesin Wood), in Maine, 15+ at Bethelduring February (CKG) the Farmingtonarea of Maine, David Christiereported and one at E. Sullivanfrom Februaryto Mar. 2 (Shaller, six in the Saint John area during January, and Charlie fide WCT), and in New Hampshire,two at Goffstown Allen carefully gathered data showingthat at least 46 Feb 3 (HWP) andeight at BethlehemFeb. 28--Mar. 3 birds occurredin coastals.w. Nova Scotia from Digby to (MLF). NorthernShrikes on RegionalCBCs totaled 35, Liverpool,most of them apparentlysurviving well. Single a mediocreseason (cf., 36, 34, 76, 43, 88 in the past five Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were presentat feedersat St winters).Six LoggerheadShrikes were reported in coast- John's,Nfld., Jan. 10-20 (Don Barton), at Rockingham, al Massachusettsand Rhode Island, and another, much Halifax Co., N.S., Dec. 22 (Coffill, fide PRD) and at farther north,was carefully observed on the CBC at Dan- Sullivan Harbor, Me. during January (Hills, fide WCT) forth, Me. An imm. male Black-headed Grosbeak was observed in WARBLERS--The mild conditionsof early winter N. Scituate,Mass., Mar. 1-26 (BeverlyLitchfield et al, resultedin an unusualvariety of late warblers.Briefly fide RPE), and a very unseasonableIndigo Buntingwas enumerated,excluding the hardierspecies, and in M assa- found at Fredericton,N.B. during CBC weekthere. Fif- chusettsexcept as noted,these were: Black-and-whites at teen Dickcisselswere recorded on RegionalCBCs (cf, 9, SandwichDec. 4, Needham Dec. 17 and Marshfield Dec. 54, 10, 7, 3 in the past five years).A Green-tailedTow- hee at Scituate Nov. 25--Dec. 20 was a ninth Massachu- 29, Nashvillesat Little Compton, R.I., Dec. 25 and Woods Hole Dec. 29, N. Parula at Mahomet Dec. 20, setts record (Stanley Swaebeet al.). Magnolia at Halifax, N.S., Dec. 23, Prairie at Orleans ERRATA---The previous report was marked by a Dec 29, Ovenbird at Sandwich Feb. 10-17, N. Water- numberof typographicalerrors, someof themnot self- thrushesat Concord Dec. 15-16, TopsfieldJan. 6, and correcting. The bottom line of column 2, page 111, Perryville, R.I., Jan. 12, Wilson'sWarblers at Fall River belongsat the bottom of column 2, page 114. Page 114, Dec 5-6 and Port Hebert, N.S., Dec. 12. col. 1, for "u. w. New England" reads "s. W. New ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--A late Bobolink at England." Page 115, col. 1, for "Howard Chase" read Grand Desert, Halifax Co., Dec. 15-29 was a secondwin- "Howard Clase." Page 115, col. 2, for "N. Skaus" ter record for Nova Scotia (EHC, SJF, BH et al.). In the read "Skuas." Page 117, col. 1, concerningGray King-

614 American Birds, June 1974 bird, read "second" for "first" (report for Atlantic Fernandez, Richard L. Ferren, Davis W. Finch, Eugene Canada), and seeaddendum below. The captionsunder D. Finch, RichardA. Forster, Marion L. Fuller, Sylvia Manx Shearwater photographs (pp. ll5 and 135) er- J. Fullerton, Thomas H. Gagnon, T. Scott Gamwell, roneously imply a first A.O.U.-area nesting, and the Murray L. Gardler, Lee O. Gardner, William S. Yellow-headed Blackbird photograph(p. 119) should Gaunya, MLGi, Muriei L. Gillis, Carl A. GoodrichIII, not accompanythis report. Celia K. Gorman, Michel Gossefin, Barbara M. Grace, Charles R. Graham, Marian B. Hancock, Winthrop W. CORRIGENDUM--In the same report, the record Harrington,Vera H. Hebert, CharlesF. Hills, Marion of W. Tanager banded at Somesville, Me. should be W. Hilton, Barbara Hinds, Peter R. Hope, Hedley E. deleted, photographsshowing it to have been a young Hopkins, R. Richard Howie, Lennox Hoyt, Vicki Hoyt, Scarlet Tanager. H. Lawrence Jodrey, Gordon J. Johnson, Allan R. Keith, Dorothy B. Kirk, Douglas L. Kraus, Robert D. ADDENDUM--The previousGray Kingbird record Lamberton, Edward B. Lang, Vernon Laux, Christ- for e. Canada is that of a bird very carefully studied at opher W. Leahy, Myron Litchfield, Trevor L. Lloyd- Rothesay, N.B., Sept. 26, 1965 by David Christie Evans, Simon Lunn, lan MacGregor, Robert Maclach- (A.F.N. 20:11). lin, A. Angus MacLean, Sara MacLean, Lloyd B. Mac- pherson, Diann MacRae, John E. Maunder, Ian A. SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface italic), con- McLaren, DouglasB. McNair, R. Carman Mews, Anne tributors (boldface), observers and other Mills, Eric L. Mills, Blair Nikula, Robert J. O'Hara, abbreviations--Dennis J. Abbott III, Charles R.K. Helen W. Parker, Peter A. Pearce, Simon Perkins, Fr- Allen, Douglass Allen, Kathleen S. Anderson, R. Ross ances Perry, Wayne R. Petersen,Elisabeth W. Phinney, Anderson, Edith F. Andrews, Isabel A. Behr, Richard Louise B. Pratt, Chandler Robbins Jr., Leif J. Robin- Bowen, Robert A. Bradley, Dorothy W. Briggs, David son,Wiliiam C. Russell,EIoise A. Saunders,Robert W. T. Brown, Richard G.B. Brown, Porge Buck, William Smart, Allan D. Smith, Sidney Smith, Francis Spald- Burt, David S. Christie, Howard J. Ciase, Robert A. ing, RobertH. Stymeist,Joseph L. Suchecki,J. B. Ter- Conway, Eric H. Cooke, Charlotte Corwin, PeterA. nan, Stuart Tingley, William C. Townsend,Robie W. Cross, Louise D. Daley, SeverynS. Dana, Edward J. Tufts, Richard R. Veit, Dallas Wait, Genevieve Webb, Danforth, George G. Daniels, Mabeile Davenport, David R. Whittier, Ralph S. Widrig, CharlesWood, Alan RobertC. Dewire,Phyllis R. Dobson,Doris R. Downing, Wormington; v.o., various observers--DAVIS W. Kimball C. Elkins, David L. Emerson, Robert Emer- FINCH, 240 W. 98 St., Apt. 11-C. New York, N.Y. son, William S. Emerson, Ruth P. Emery, Josephine 10025.

HUDSON-ST. LAWRENCE REGION half-hardy birds, both land (Merlin, sapsucker, / P.A. Buckley and Richard P. Kane bluebird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet) and water/marsh {snipe, several speciesof rail, Blue-wingedTeal, vari- The mild, unfrozen and relatively snow-free winter ous grebes, ducks and gulls inland). Generally "south- typifiedby 1971-72and '72-'73 was not manifestto an ern" birds such as Carolina Wrens, Red-bellied Wood- extremedegree in '73-'74, althoughgenerally speaking peckers, Mourning Doves, and Cardinals either ex- it was mild, openand there was lesssnow than in the tended their winter ranges northward, or wintered in historicpast. For New York City, the winterwas 4.5ø F greater numbers than usual. Probably more western warmer than the mean of 33.7, and only 18.9 inchesof vagrants appeared, usually at feeders, than in recent snow fell, vs. a mean of 29.6. The deceptivelymild weatherwas interruptedwith a vengeanceseveral times during the winter, especially in : • TroisPist?l• mid-January when ice-glaze atop snow caused prob- • • •Rivleredu•up• lems for birds and birders alike, and in mid-March, when, as Carleton characterized it in the Adirondacks, "somebody [having] declared spring officially here, a 10-in. snowfall Mar. 21 was followed by a drop to 5ø on the 25th, -3 ø on the 29th, with -5ø at Lewis" a few miles away. Weather-induced reversed migration of many diurnal species was commonly reported, and several observers,commenting on the numbersof birdssurging to feeding stations for almost the first time in the entire winter, wondered if early migrants,especially insecti- vores like phoebeand Tree Swallow, might not be hard hit. They bear watching during the breeding season. Pronounced warm spells and accompanying southern air flows producednumerous early reportsof Turkey Vultures north in New England and New York. Avian notabilia this winter included a great many record late dates for passetinesin December,followed by more than usualwintering attempts by normally

Volume 28, Number 3 615 years, although "Oregon" juncos were very scarce, A Green Heron on the Montauk CBC Dec. 15 was that probably owing to sparsesnow and the resultinglow count'sfirst, but it is now recordedalmost every winter number of feeder birds this winter. Winter finches were on Long Island. The first returning Little Blue Heron wildly erratic,the only commondemoninator being the was at Tobay Pond Mar. 3 l (RKe), two weeks after the February incursion of redpolls, with more reports of first Great Egretson bothLong Island and Connecticut Hoanes than ever before. Raptors were also variable: Probably nine Snowy Egrets wintered in the Jones Rough-leggedswere generally down and it was not a Beach area, as did two on the Hackensack, N J Snowy Owl year, but Qu6bec was blessedwith a Great meadows(DS). The first returningGlossy Ibis were at Gray Owl invasion. Europeangulls were more numer- J.B.W.R. Mar. 23 (ED et al.); eachspring brings a new ous coastally than in many years, and a widespread record early arrival, and each fall a new record late Lapland-only longspurinvasion occurredin January - departure. February. An astoundingbelated report is that of a Wood Stork Waterfowl were generally well up, and most gratify- that appeared Oct. 11-12, 1973 on Staten I., N Y mg were the coastal Brant counts:for the entire East (Gloria Deppe,fide R. Clermont).The full description Coast, an estimated88,000 (up 109% from last year's received left no doubt about the identification. This is nadir) included a heartening 60% yearlings. Snow the first New York area occurrence since 1962, and Geese showed an increase almost as dramatic. Both mightbe associatedwith the Anhingathat appearedat eiders were seen in some of their best numbersever, ChincoteagueN.W.R., Va. Oct. 7-8, 1973(see AB, 28 happily continuinga recent trend. Declining species 33). still include Peregrine,with almost none reported this winter. Cooper's Hawk continues its plummet, as WATERFOWL -- Record numbers of Whistling Goshawk continues its concomitant (related ?) in- Swans left over from last fall's invasion occurred in the crease. Alarmingly low numbers of coastal Horned region this winter. Probably 15-20wintered on Long Grebesmight indicatetrouble, or couldbe only a warm Island, at least one on coastalConnecticut (NSP), and weather manifestationwith large numbersremaining on possiblythree on OneidaL., N.Y. (PDeB et al.). This the (mid- ?) Great Lakes. seemsto be a trend of recent years. About 3000 Canada Extreme rarities this season included belated autumn Gees•enormally winter on the wheat and rye fields in the reports of a Wood Stork and a Cinnamon Teal, and Bridgehampton,L.I. area, and they are regularlyjoined more seasonal types as Barnacle Goose, Lesser by migrantsin season.This year, the migrantsbrought Black-backed Gulls, an Ivory Gull, Hawk Owls, with them an exceedinglywary and very difficult-to-see White-winged Doves and an Ash-throatedFlycatcher. BarnacleGoose, found Mar. 17 (JA) and seenonly until the 21st(THD, PAB, ROPetparv. al.). This may be the LOONS THROUGH WADING BIRDS -- Unusual first Long Island record sincethe '30s. Associatedwith inland was a Red-throated Loon on the Hudson R. at the Canada flock were 30 blue phaseSnow Geese, one Cornwall Bay, Orange Co., Dec. 22 (JT). Coastally, of the highestarea countsfor that race (all blue phase numbersof both specieswere downthis winter. Several birdsare hyperborea,the old "Lesser" Snow Goose) inland Horned Grebes, including one at Sylvan L., One wonders if that race has undergonedistributional N Y, Dec. 29 (R.T.W.B.C.), were probably not yet changes associatedwith the replacement of the white frozen out, although the usual coastal influx in mid- phase by blues, or whether it was always a regular winter did not occur this year. The only Eared Grebe migrant along the East Coast, merely overlooked was old reliable at JamaicaBay, Dec. l- 16(m.mb.), and among the virtually identical "Greater" Snow Geese the only W. Grebe, a far greater rarity in our Region, We suspect the latter. was found on the New Haven CBC Dec. 15 (m.ob). As usual, about 4-5 drake Eur. Wigeon wintered on Many more Red-neckedGrebes were found than in Long Island, but no others were reported. A c• recentyears, includingseveral from Long Island Sound Eurasian Green-wingedTeal at Lawrence, L.I., was and even two on L. ChamplainDec. 15(GC). One spent the only onereported (HM). Up to a dozenBlue-winged the entire winter in Fire I. Inlet, L.I., disappearing,of Teal, far more than usual, were found at widely scat- course, the day of the Captree CBC, but returning tered localities, some apparentlysurviving. Another nnmediatelythereafter, and assumingnuptial plumage astonishingbelated report is that of an ad. c• Cinnamon in late March. One and perhaps two Double-crested Teal seen at Tunkhannock, Pa. Aug. 22 by W. & T Cormorants wintered at Shinnecock Inlet, L.I. (GSR, Reid; a full descriptionwas forwarded. This seemingly HM et al.); one at C6te Ste. Catherine, P.Q. Dec. 15 out-of-seasonoccurrence should be viewed in the light (fide MM) was unexpected. However, this species of another(same ?) male reportedAug. 15 in n.w. New seemsto be not so rare in winter on L.I. as in years past. York (AB, 28:50). As many teal move in August when Great Cormorant occurred in good numbers on w. L.I. males are not in their highestplumage, this species Sound, perhaps off-shoots from the vast (400+) flock might be routinely overlookedin the East. More Wood that is now known to winter on Fort Gardiner,just off Duck than usual wintered, including 30+ in Great the tip of Gardiner's I., L.I. A helicopterflight over the Swamp N.W.R., N.J. (DJ) and one even survived the New York Bay area unexpectedlyrevealed some50+, entire winter in far-north Essex, N.Y. (JMCP). mostly in breeding plumage, on Hoffman and Swin- The only Tufted Duck was the male in the East R, burne Is. Mar. 6 (PAB). under the Triborough Bridge, N.Y.C., first seen this How some Great Blue Herons survive cold winters is year Jan. 6 (JAM) and remaining at least to Feb 17 shown by one that ate acorns on the shore of Schroon (THD et al.). North America's southernmostBarrow's L in the Adirondacksthe first week in December(JB). Goldeneye returned for the fifth consecutivewinter to

616 American Birds, June 1974 Shark River, N.J. Jan. 13 and remained through March tion. The half-dozen non-lingeringPeregrines were (mob). In upstate New York, where generally consi- scattered from the coast to Montreal. dered quite rare, a male was displayingon Little Sodus No King Rails were reported, but the few Soras (very Bay, Mar. 9 (FGS). On Jan. 4-5 two singleflocks along rare in winter) and the almost abundant Virginias -- the n. shore of the St. Lawrence R. comprised80 and even as far north as Luskville, P.Q. Mar. 23 (fide MM) 120, respectively (MM et al.). Harlequin Ducks were -- resultedfrom the mild winter and open water. Simi- rather rare coastally this winter: only one was reported larly Corn. Gallinules wintered at Lawrence, L.I., at all season on Long Island, and there was only one least to late December at J.B.W.R. and a minimum of 20 report, of two, from the New Jerseycoast, at Deal Dec. overwintered in the Hackensack Meadows, ten of them 7 (BM, RC). Far more unusual was a female Dec. 2 at on the site of the proposed sports complex (DS). Nine Mile Pt., on the Oswego Co., N.Y. shore of L. Returning Am. Oystercatcherssef record arriv/tl Ontario (PDeB, FGS, MSR). Common Eiders were dates Mar. 10 at both Captree and Shinnecock Inlet, widespread coastally, occurring in such unlikely loca- L.I. (BC; D&MLP). However, these dates nearly paral- tions as J.B.W.R. from Jan. 23 - Mar. 2 (m.ob) and lel those of the Tuckerton, N.J. birds when, during the Great Kills, S.I., Feb. 24 (HM). These are almost the '40s & '50s, they formed the species' northernmost only N.Y.C. region reports for Corn. Eider away from breedingpopulation. Up to three SemipalmatedPlov- the ocean front, aside from single females seen at ers wintered at Jones Beach, one of the very few -- Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx in November 1952 and possiblythe first -- Long Island overwinterings(AW, 1953 At Montauk Pt., up to severalhundred, including SS). Arriving Killdeer in the Adirondacks peaked at a flocks ofad. males, appearedin late Januaryand Feb- local record maximum of 50 at Essex Mar. 24 (JMCP) ruary (m.ob.) King Eiders were thinly but widely distri- An unprecedentedmid-winter Am. Golden Plover was buted,from Oswego,N.Y. wherefour wintered(PDeB carefully describedfrom JonesBeach Feb. 3 (AW, SS), et al ) to L.I. Sound(e.g., a femaleJan. 3 at Branford, and more Ruddy Turnstones at least attempted coastal Conn. (NSP)). Common Mergansers continue to be winteringsthis year, continuinga recenttrend; a flock exceedinglyrare, except during migrationon n. New of 40+ did overwinter on Staten I. (m.ob.). Two return- Jerseyreservoirs where March countsof 250+ per lake ing PectoralSandpipers at Mecox Bay Mar. 2 were also are normal and where occasionally-- as at Wanaque a local record early arrival (JA). Maximum Purple Res -- counts of 400-500 are noted (RK). Sandpiper counts from Great Kills, S.I., were in the area of 200+, possiblyeven as high as 400 (JAM, PT) Oneat C•te Ste. Catherine,P.Q., onthe CBC Dec. 15 RAPTORS, SHOREBIRDS -- Goshawks were wasexceedir•gly unusual. An almostrecord late Baird's widespreadover virtually the entire region, coastally Sandpiper was at Sagaponack, L.I. Nov. 23 (PAB, andinland, from the beginningto the endof the period; ROP) with an equally late White-rumped.Definitely a adults as well as immatures were seen and most ob- recordlate date wasDec. 30 for three Long-billedDow- serverscommented on the species'unusual abundance. itchers at Tobay Pond on the S. Nassau CBC, subse- Several wintered in suchapparently unlikely locations quently seenthere up to at least Jan. 12; the previous as J B.W.R. and Jones Beach, and were even seen in late date was of one at J.B.W.R. Dec. 26, 1959(PAB, severalN.Y.C. parks. Cooper'sHawks were virtually RGF). Specificidentification was made by voice. Win- unreported, and Sharp-shinnedsalmost so. Except for tering Dunlin countsfor the Fire I. Inlet area peakedat upstateinland, where they are regular,this was a far-off 5000 Mar. 2 (DWF, AJL), and the leucino at J.B.W R year for Rough-leggeds,many CBCs missingor almost last fall was still there Jan. 2 (JDC). missingthe species.Red-shouldereds continue very scarce, but most heartening was the pair nesting in N Y.C. in the N.Y. Botanical Gardens: probably the GULLS, SKIMMERS, ALCIDS -- Both white- first N.Y.C. breeding in several years. Leucistic (non- wingedgulls were presentin more-or-lessnormal num- pink-eyed, white or partially white) Red-tailedswere bers throughoutthe region,but not of the sameorder of reported from two locations:one wintered for the sec- magnitudeas the mixed flock of 400+ Glaucous/Iceland ond year in the Lebanon Valley of N.Y., and was nest- Gulls seen at Godbout, P.Q. Jan. 4-5 (MM et al.). buildingin late March (RJG), and anotherwintered for LesserBlack-backed Gulls present no suchproblems, the third year in the Litchfield, Conn. area (MH). Pos- especiallywhen adult. And adultthey were,all of them sibly they have a common recent ancestors.The only It's not certainjust how many were active in the N.Y.C Golden Eagles reported for certain were two that win- area this winter, but the reportsfell as follows: at Mon- tered at Quabbin Res., Mass. (B.N.W.M.). Several tauk Pt., one Dec. 16(fide DP); two, side-by-side,Dec large wintering Bald Eagle aggregationswere found, 22 (DP et mult. al.), one Dec. 30 at Hither Hills S P includingone of 19 in Sullivan Co., N.Y. (m.ob.), re- some 10 mi. west (R. Boardman). In the Bronx: almost miniscent of the counts from Croton Pt. on the Hudson adult at JeromeRes., Dec. 23 (PAB, WS); a different R in the early '50s. Late Ospreys included singleson adultthe sameday at Hillview Res. (PAB); yet a third Dec 14 at Laurel Res., Conn. (DH) and on the Green- adultat JeromeRes., Dec. 25 (PAB, FGB). Word went wlch, Conn. CBC Dec. 16 (DG, PS). The only Gyrfal- out on the Rare Bird Alert [212-832-6523]and many conscame from Quebec:one (prob.), Nun's I. in Feb- persons saw, many did not see, one or more Lessers at ruary (fide MM) and one, C6te Ste. Catherine, Mar. 9 JeromeRes. until at leastJan. 19. On Dec. 29, one was (JS, MM et al.), both dark; and one, light grey, at seen at nearby Pelham Bay Park at 1l a.m. while one RlmouskiDec. l (P.Q.S.P.B.). Merlins were widely was seenback at Jerome Res. at l p.m., but by different reported, includingone as far north as Ste. Hyacinthe, observers. It is known that the gulls washing/drinkingat P Q Jan. 7 (P.Q.S.P.B.), now a normal winter situa- Jerome and Hillview Res. feed on the Pelham Bay

Volume28, Number3 617 dump. The not-quite-adultthat startedit all was seen unusual. Inadvertently omitted from last fall's column only once, andthe final fillip is providedby one seenat were an immature at Mecox Bay Aug. 26 (DE), and a J B W.R., also on Jan. 19 (JA). Those birds are known juvenile Black-headedGull at Oak Beach, L.I., Aug 15 to feed on the local PennsylvaniaAve. dumps along (PAB, JSG, DK). Rarest of all was the almost-adult JamaicaBay. Probabletotal: a minimumof six, perhaps Ivory Gull at Rimouski, P.Q. Dec. 29 (MG). as many asten. And this includesno reportsfrom either Black Skimmers are not normal winter fare in this Staten I. or the Hackensack Meadows dumps, the region, but in the spaceof two days we find four re- species' preferred location in the N.Y.C. region, at ports, possiblyinvolving the samebird: Dec. 29, Allen- least prior to this year. hurst, N.J. (RKetal.), sameday, J.B.W.R. (JA, EDet al.); Dec. 30, Jones Inlet (PL, JM et al.), same day, Democrat Pt., Fire I. (D&MLP). .S.A.. It was not an especiallygood year for alcidsalong the Despite,as PAB has pointedout on several coast;in particular,Dovekies were absent.A scattenng occasions in this journal, the apparent non- of Razorbills, including one on Quabbin Res. in w existenceof any publicationsoutlining the mor- Massachusetts Nov. 4 (D. Snoeyenbos), was phologicallimits of Thayer'sGull evenin adult augmentedby singleBlack Guillemotsreported from plumage-- let alonejuvenile and immature Montauk Dec. 8 (PAB) & Jan. 12 (Ed, GSR et al ) stages-- basedon specimensraised in captivity and of known parentage(a sine qua non for OWLS -- Snowy Owls were in very low numbers certitudein this notoriouslydifficult groupabout throughoutthe entire region: most CBCs missedthem which even specialistsstill argue), some ob- and even Long Island had only one reliable record, at servers have been blithely identifying all age Jones Beach through January to early March (mob) classesof thayeri, includingeven specimens, ElevenHawk Owls included only two outsideP.Q., one and publishingtheir results.Last fall, with ap- that spent the winter at Vernon, N.Y. was seenby propriate caveats,this column publisheda re- many. Typicallyquite approachable,one at St. Eduard port of a juvenile Thayer's Gull from the Syra- de Maskinonge,P.Q. "became so tame it eventually cuse area (AB, 28: 30), little realizing the flood- took micefrom the handand frustrated a photographer gates were being thereby opened. We now find by roostingon [his] camera on [its] tripod" (MM) • Barred Owls, decreasingover muchof the region,seem the following reports from that area this past winter, all of non-adults:two, Dec. 23, (FGS, to be still holdingtheir own at Great SwampN.W R , MSR), and one, Jan. 6 OswegoR. (FGS, PDeB) N.J. whereup to five pairswere on territory (DJ). Up to ten Great Grey Owlswere in the accessibleportions of plus one, Feb. 3, Minetto, N.Y. (FGS, PDeB). There is no doubt that this bird looks different P.Q. thiswinter(fide MM; P.Q.S.P.B.) includingthree from white-wingeds and Herrings as we know on Ile BouchardFeb. 9 - Mar. 3. Unconfirmed,unde- tailed reportswere received from Decemberfor Col- them; it might be, indeedprobably is, Thayer's Gull. Unfortunately there is no standardagainst rain, Conwayand Northfield, Mass. (B.N.W.M.) The low numbersof wintering Short-earedOwls from the which the identification might be measured. New York areamight be explainedby recordhigh num- A very high Ring-billed Gull count was 2500+ in bers from P.Q. Five Boreal Owls were all Canadian, Central Park, N.Y.C., Feb. 16 (HM); a winter flock of onewas at Ile BouchardFeb. 9 with threeGreat Grays t 150+ Laughing Gulls at Caven Pt., N.J. (GT) was unique to the N.Y.C. region.Up to 5000Bonaparte's Gulls frequentedthe Jonesand Fire I. Inlet areasthis winter, DOVES, WOODPECKERS -- Two White-winged and up to 17 lingered on L. Champlainuntil mid- Dovesin the regionin the spaceof as many weeks had December (JMCP); 40 migrants "dropped out of the many observersfrantically trying to track them down sky" onto SpruceRun Res. in N.J. Mar. 24 (RK). There The first, was at Milford Pt., Conn. at least from Nov was a good sprinklingof Little Gulls coastally from 23 (RE, DH) - 25 (NSP), althoughpossibly from the 18th StatenI. to Fire I. Inlet, with probablemaxima of 3-5 at (KG). Regretably, word was not sent out until two both places, singleselsewhere (m. ob). Black-headed weeks later. However, word of one at Riis Park, L I , Gulls wereequally well-spread, the maximumbeing six Dec. 8 (GR, BH, ES, ED et al.) went out immediately at Caren Pt., N.J. Dec. 16 (GT). A puzzlingly dark- and the bird was never seenagain. This was the second primatied sub-adult, with the beginningsof a brown statebird, the previoushaving been collectedin 1929, hood, was found at Jerome Res. for the second Bronx also in late November; it was the most eastern race, record Dec. 23 (PAB, WS). It was seen many times asiatica, which has wanderednortheast several times after that, until at least Mar. 2 (PAB, FGB). Several Rather more Red-headedWoodpeckers wintered, or alert observerssuspected the possibilityof a Mediter- attemptedto, in the s. parts of the region,than in many raneanGull (Larus melanocephalus),owing to the dark years. Perhapsthis now rare but formerly uncommon primaries, but it proved to be only a Black-headed. bird will regainthat statusagain. Likewise, manymore Those unfamiliar with the former species,as-yet unre- sapsuckerswintered this year than in the past,although corded from North America, might refer to several thistoo seemsa recurringevent. One at Westportin the recent articleswith excellentphotos, including one in Adirondacks Mar. 20 might have wintered locally color,in BritishBirds. Mediterranean Gull is a possibil- (JMCP). A puzzlingabnormal Hairy Woodpecker(9) ity that shouldbe lookedfor on this sideof the ocean. with a barred back, a solidblack crown andfour toes Goodly numbersofkittiwakes were reportedcoastally, was at Stockbridge,Mass. from Jan. 8 on (B.N.W M ) but one at Massena, N.Y. Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 (JvR) was Perhapsmore likely somesort of hybrid,the birdought

618 American Birds, June 1974 to havebeen collected and made availableto specialists (PJD), PrairieDec. 15at GilgoBeach, L.I. (RWS et al ), for the anatomicalexamination that often shedsimpor- Ovenbird Nov. 25 at Port Washington, L.I. (J tant hght on evolutionary relationships. Lamoureux), Yellow-breastedChat throughJan. 11in a small 'vest-pocket park' atop a downtown Brooklyn FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES -- At garage,livingon seedand suet (J. Porter Reilly), and a least one W. Kingbird remained at Montauk Pt. until Wilson's Nov. 10 at Montauk (JL, AE). Dec 3 (m.ob.). It has becomean annualguessing game to seehow late they (often two or three) will stay and HOUSE SPARROWS, ICTERIDS, TANAGERS -- yet still be able to safely depart before the Montauk An almost fully black House Sparrow wintered in CBC The N.Y.C. area's second Ash-throated Williamstown, Mass. (B.N.W.M.). N. (Baltimore) Flycatcherin three years appearedat Ridge, L.I. Dec. 1 Orioles were numerousat widely scatteredfeeders this (JR), was seen only by a few local observers as word winter, includinga flock of nine throughJanuary in E was not spread, and was finally collected Dec. 5 for the Meadow, L.I. (H. Hopping, R. Wolk et al.). The only first N.Y.S. specimen (WEL). Warm weather in late "Bullock' s" reportedwas a youngmale in Shelburne, February - early March brought early E. Phoebes,in- Mass. Jan. 1-20 (B.N.W.M.). An extraseasonal cludlngone Mar. 4, in Brooklyn. (JDC). A recordearly Bobolinkon the CBC at Troy Meadows,N.J. (WW, amval date for Rough-wingedSwallows was one with HR, TK) recalls one on the Lower Hudson CBC Dec 30 Tree Swallows at Bridgehampton,L.I. Mar. 24 (HM 27, 1970 (see AB, 25: 101). A freshly dead c• Scarlet et al ). Two hundred Com. Crows wintered at the Tanager was found near Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx Chlcoutini,P.Q., dump(P. Q. S.P.B.) andpro bably the Dec. 3 (Cass Gallagher; spec to A.M.N.H.). largestregional Fish Crow roostcomprising a minimum of 100, perhapsseveral times that, was found on the WINTER FINCHES -- Evening Grosbeaks were grounds of the Northport Veteran's Hospital, L.I. widely distributed, thinly to the south, especially (PAB). At least four extralimital Gray Jays occurred coastally,but in moderatenumbers in the Adirondacks this winter, includingone throughthe periodin Little- and Canada. B. Peterson feels they come to feeders ton, N.H. (fide HWP), one Dec. 22 at Pelham, Mass. only when natural foods are unavailable, and thus in (JSz),one each at Savonand Mill R., Mass., alsoin late warmer and more open winters might seemless abun- November (B.N.W.M.). Is Gray Jay extending its dant than they actually are; we suspectthis assessment range southward?Tufted Titmice are certainly still ex- is quite accurate. Purple Finches continue to be so tending their range northward: several wintered at scarce(except in n. New Jersey) that many observers Westport, N.Y. feeders (JMCP) as did one in Vergen- no longer remember them as winter finches. There nes, Vt. (BPG). One hopesthat Carolina Wren is stag- seems a good inverse relationship between House and lng a comeback; increased hardinessat least is sug- PurpleFinch numbers,and Housecontinues to expand gestedby overwinteringsat Port Henry, N.Y. (GC et dramatically:most CBCs are still getting record high at ), Bristol, N.H. (VSW, DWF et al.), Hudson, P.Q. •numberseach new year. Migration pattern seemto be (MM et at.) and by ten on the Boonton, N.J. CBC developingelsewhere as they have in the N.Y.C. reg- Goodrichnotes that "with the steadyattrition of farms ion; for example,Yunick banded100+ in Schenectady in the Berkshiresyear by year, Horned Larks are be- throughthe fall, but most were goneby late December coming rarer and rarer." This is certainly quite the Elsew•here,Springfield recorded some 320 on their o9positeto the coastalsituation, but is it generallytrue CBC, andone even reachedChariestown, N.H. Feb 24 over most inland portions of the region?A late Wood (fide HWP). No more than a half-dozen Pine Grosbeaks Thrush was in Westhampton, Mass. Dec. 15 (RLaF) were reported in the entire region, except for the and a Varied Thrush spentalmost the entire period at a Qutbec City area where they were "common" Colrain, Mass., feeder (MO'B, B.N.W.M.). Reported (P.Q.S.P.B.). Both crossbills, Pine Siskins and Am virtually annuallynow, usually several are seenduring Goldfincheswere thinly andwidely scattered,with no most winters. significantaggregations except from the JonesBeach, L.I. area where 600-800 Red Crossbills and over 1000 GNATCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS -- siskins (in one flo.ck) were seen in the first half of Late Blue-gray Gnatcatchersfrom e. Long Island in- January (HM, AJL, THD et al.); early March in the cluded one dead at Montauk Nov. 11 (MB et al.) and same area saw up to 200 Whiteowingeds(PAB et al ) one alive at EasthamptonDec. 2 (JA). Very few Bohe- The winterfinch feature this year was unqualifiedly mian Waxwings were seen this winter, all from the the Corn. Redpoll invasionthat beganin late Januaryin extreme n. part of the region.Northern Shrikeswere in the Adirondacks(JMCP), and in fits and starts perco- averageor low numbersthroughout the entire region, lated south to the coast where it arrived en masse about exceptfor a few inlandlocations reporting better than Feb. 9 at Fire I. (DBF), and at most other points in the average numbers. Four Loggerheadswere reported, region more or less the sametime. Record high inland averageor even low; asusual, mostwere coastal.A late counts of several hundred came from many areas Sohtary Vireo was in Queens Co., Dec. 15 (Arthur Yunick banded 478 in March in Schenectady. The Wagner). Late warblers included N. Parula Nov. 10 at largest concentration, between 2000-3000 was at the Montauk (MB et al.), Orange-crowned Dec. 29 at extreme w. end of Fire I., where the birds fed quietly in Eatontown, N.J. (PWS et al.), Nashville Dec. 26 at black pinesplanted at Robert MosesS. P.; Ford banded Mastic, L.I. (WF, CN), Black-throated Green Nov. 17 over700 through the end of February.Virtually all were at PoisPark (L.L.A.S.) and Dec. 1 at W. Orange, N.J. gone by Mar. 10. Perversely, while there were several (E Koenig), Cape May Dec. 17 at W. Hartford, Conn. pale, suspiciousbirds in this flock, no one was able to

Volume 28, Number 3 619 nail down a Hoary Redpoll.It's likely to be a long time FINCHES, SPARROWS -- A winter, northward ir- before we get another chance like this, as inland, ruption of Cardinals into the Adirondacks (JMCP), Hoaries were figuratively everywhere. The maximum New Hampshire (HWP), Vermont (BPG, BBP) and was 35 seen with hundredsof Commons in January 100 even Qu6bec(MM; P.Q.S.P.B.) was unexpectedand of mi. north9fLac St. Jean,P.Q., and "many" were seen major proportions.Macintosh notes that "many new in s. Quebec in March (MG, P.Q.S.P.B.). In the membersjoined the P.Q.S.P.B. as a result of reporting Montreal area, ten or elevenwere with smallgroups of these brilliant birds." Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at Commons. In the Adirondacks, carefully described feedersincluded a female in Phillipsburg,P.Q.. around Hoaries, some photographed at point-blank range, the end of the year (fide MM); two males in Housatonic were seen as follows: female at Moriah Feb. 27 (T. and Clayton, Mass., respectively, in late November Norman Mason); female at Essex Mar. 1-6; two other (B.N.W.M.) and another male in early Decemher in females at the same Essex feeder Mar. 15-26 (JMCP, Great Barrington, Mass. (B.N.W.M.). The only EP); one at Elizabethtown Mar. 21; three at Elizabeth- Black-headed Grosbeaks were a male Dec. 8 at Scars- town Mar. 22-30 (GC) one at Willsboro Mar. 22 (GC, dale. N.Y. (J. Moyle) and a femalethrough the periodin JMCP), four at OImsteadville Mar. 20 (MK); one at Falls, Penna. (WR et al.), both at feeders. Only one Schroon Lake Mar. 21 (.lB); four at Moriah, Mar. 24 Dickcissel was seen, Jan. 6, Dutchess Hill, N.Y. (Alice (MV); one at Moriah, Mar. 24 (TNM) and three at Jones)but two Lark Sparrows--very rare in winter -- Elizabethtown,Mar. 26 - Apr. 14 (GC). In nearbyVer- were: one singing,Dec. 15, at Babylon, L.I. (Captree mont, Norse had a male at his S. Londonderry feeder CBC) andone at S. Amherst,Mass. Jan. 20 to the endof Apr. 15-16. In Schenectady, Yunick banded one Mar. February (B.N.W.M.). The only "Oregon" Junco was 3, and a secondMar. 9 that remained until the 29th, with a male at a Greenfield, Mass. feeder from November to a possiblehybrid. Another was carefully describedat a late February (RD, B.N.W.M.). Connecticut garnered feeder in Franklin Lakes, N.J. Feb. 16-18 (KA et al.). this winter's Harris' Sparrows, both immatures: This is the fifth N.Y.C. region record, two previous Bridgewater, Dec. 9 - Apr. I (AJ, EBL, NSP) and N. birds seen during the record 1960 flight never having Madison, Jan. 10 - Mar. 1, when one fatally flew into a been publishedbefore: an adult male at Riis Park Mar. window (spec. to Yale Univ.; NSP et al.). Many 13 (WJN) and an adult female at a Riverdale feeder Mar. White-crowned Sparrows wintered or attempted to 10-11(PAB). Several reportsfrom Circleville, Orange winter in the s. part of the region,often in smallflocks Co., N.Y. while possiblycorrect, lacked descriptions up to five; one was seenfor two weeks,date unstated, and so must be regarded as tentative: a female at a as far north as Ferrisberg,N.Y. (Lionel Fisher). Far feeder all February (JT), female at another feeder Feb. north winter Song Sparrows were at Gale Meadows 24 - Mar. 9 (L. van Etten, M. Earl), and a male, at the W.R., Vt. Dec. 27 (WJN) and one through the winter at same feeder Mar. 31 (anon.) Montreal (MG). Many observers reported a marked incursionof Lapland Longspursthis winter, culminat- ing in highcounts of 70+, HackensackMeadows, Dec. Identification of Hoary Redpolls in reason- 29 (Ted Proctor) and 200+ at J.B.W.R. Feb. 10 (m. ably good plumageif seen well is not difficult, oh.). despite some published misgivings. There is hybridizationat some placesin the two forms' EXOTICS -- Despitethe Stateof New York's recent holarctic range, and indeed there are museum pronouncement that Monk Parakeets have been specimensnot safely assignableto either form. successfullyeliminated, reports still come in. This But a large, pale ("frosty" is often used by ob- winter we receivedfour reportsencompassing about a servers), blunt-billed, pure white-rumpedred- dozenbirds, the maximumbeing about six in Riverdale, poll with a streaklesscrissum is likely a Hoary. N.Y.C. (PAB, SSt et al.) at a feeder. It was at this J.M.C. Peterson also called attention to the feeder that the same observers recorded up to twelve curious"pantaloon" effect of fluffy thigh feath- Ring-neckedParakeets, Psittacula krameri -- our next ering on severalseen in the Adirondacks,as well pest? In addition to those twelve, PAB saw about a as to their handy habit of not coveting their dozen long-tailed parrots in early December in the rumps with their folded wing tips -- possibly Bronx Botanical Gardens, literally only across the very useful field marks. streetfrom FordhamHospital where we were told some 40 Ring-neckedswere roostingeach night.*And lest readers be lulled into sense of "that's merely a local problem," ponderthe two Ring-neckedParakeets that spent the winter in Union, N.J. (fide RK), the male Blossom-headed(P. cyanociphala) in late March at a feederin Vergennes,Vt. (BPG) andthe knowledgethat bothspecies of Psittaculeare toughbirds that regularly occur high in cold Asian mountains.Last but not least weretwo widely separatedreports of Chukars:three in Dutchess County (FG) and one all February in Far Hills, N.J. (RK et al.). This isanother potentially established exotic that bears watching. We request observers to send in full details of all such Hoa:Redport. escapes/introductionsso that in casethese birds do "pantaloons" and white rump. Photo/J.M.C. Peter- take, we will at leastbe able to documentthe spreadof son. each blight in its turn.

620 American Birds, June 1974 ADDENDUM -- With sometrepidation we note re- Lanyon, A.J. Lauro, Jay Lehman, Patti Lehman, Jose ce•pt of two, separate,rather detailed reports in A. Machado, Hugh McGuinness, Mabel Mcintosh November and in January, by multiple observers,of [Montreal area: 136 Millhaven Ave., Pointe Claire, possibleq2 Steller's Eiders at MontaukPt., oneof Long P.Q. H9R 3V8, Canada], Bert Murray, Charles Island's most heavily birded areas. Despite the tenta- Nichols, W.J. Norse, M. O'Brine, Helen W. Parker tive nature ascribed to the identifications by all [New Hampshire:R.F.D. #1, Pattee Hill, Goffstown, observers,we mention the reports in case they were N.H. 03045], R.O. Paxton, Bruce B. Peterson, correct, to alert other Atlantic Coast observers to Elizabeth Peterson, John M.C. Peterson[Adirondacks scrutinize eider flocks and to familiarize themselves P.O. Box 300, Essex, N.Y. 12936], Don and Mary Lou with the field marks of the rather obscure female and Powers, Noble S. Proctor [southern Conn.: Southern lmm g' Steller's Eiders. Attention is called to a photo- Conn. State College, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, graphof a female from the Shetlands(it mighteven be Conn. 06515], Dennis Puleston,Harold Rae, Gilbert S annual in the northem British Isles), publishedfollow- Raynor, William Reid [Pennsylvania: 65 Academy St, lng page 340 in British Birds, 65:8 (1972). The occa- Wilkes-Barre, Penna. 18702], George Rose, John Rus- sional occurrenceof this specieson the w. Atlantic cica, Marge S. Rusk, F.G. Scheider, Sy Schiff, Walter coastis possible,the A.O.U. Check-list(5th Ed., 1957: Sedwitz, J. Seitz (JSz), Robert W. Smart, Don Smith, 89) recordingspecimens from Baffin I., Greenland,the P.W. Smith, P. Spofford, John Steeves, Si Stepinoff St Lawrence R., and even the coast of Maine. (SSt), Esther Swayer, P. Tozzi, J. Tramontano, Guy Tudor, J. van Reit, W. Weiss, Al Wollin, V.S. Wright and R.P. Yunick [Schenectady area: 1527 Myron St, OBSERVERS -- (sub-regionalcompilers in bold- Schenectady, N.Y. 12309]; CBC -- Christmas Bird face) -- Kenneth Apps, Bird News of WesternMass. [w. Count, J.B.W.R. -- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Mass: 1159 Dwight St., Holyoke, Mass. 01040], Jim L.L.A.S. -- LymanLangdon Audubon Society,• m Ash, Maurice Barnhill, Jean Beck, F.G. Buckley, (any) ob.(servers), P.Q.S.P.B. --Province of Quebec Robert Conn, BarbaraConolly, GeoffreyCarleton, Ed Society for the Protection of Birds, R.T.W.B.C. -- Daly, T.H. Davis[New York State portionsof N.Y.C. Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, W.R. -- Wildlife Refuge region:94-46 85th Road, Woodhaven,New York City -P.A. BUCKLEY, North Atlantic RegionalOffice, Na- 11421]; Paul DeBenedictis[Syracuse area: Dept. of tional Park Service, 150 Causeway St., Boston, Mass. Biology, SyracuseUniv., Syracuse,N.Y. 13210]:P.J. 02114 and RICHARD P. KANE, New Jersey Audubon Desjardins,Joe DiConstanzo,Ruth Dwelley, Andrew Society, SchermannWildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 693, Edme, RichardEnglish, Dave Ewert, DavisW. Finch, Bernardsville, N.J. 07924 R G Fisher, William Floyd, Darrel B. Ford, Devin Gamty, Florence Germond, Robert J. Goodrich, Submissionof records: Please note the following for Michel Gosselin [Quebec City area: 6151 Henri future use: 1) Unless expressly noted otherwise, all BourassaE. 107,Montreal Nord, P.Q., Canada],Jon S. reports for the SPRING and FALL seasonsare to go to Greenlaw, Kevin Gunther, Beatrice P. Guyette Richard Kane, Schermann Wildlife Sanctuary, New [Vermont: 14 Comfort Hill, Vergennes, Vermont JerseyAudubon Society, P.O. Box 693, Bernardsville, 05491], Mike Harwood, Bob Hines, Don Hudson, Dave N.J. 07924; all reports for the SUMMER and WINTER Janes, Aldro Jenks, Richard Kane [New Jersey: see seasonsare to go to P.A. Buckley, North Atlantic Reg- below], Margaret Kays, Richard Kelley (RK), Dan ional Office, National Park Service, 150 Causeway St, Klem, Tim Koebel, R. LaFontaine, E.B. Lang, W.E. Boston, Mas 02114 -- note this address change.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION leaves Bombay Hook N.W.R. this spring. For many years he has been one of the Region'smost active field / F. R. Scott and David A. Cutler observers,and his losswill be keenly felt.

Another mild winter with temperatureswell above LOONS TO CORMORANTS -- A count of 515 normal during all four months!Following a very warm Red-throatedLoons at Back Bay N.W.R., Va., Dec 30 fall, December was relatively mild for the fourth suc- was quite good(PWS et al.), thoughelsewhere numbers cessiveyear with predictableeffects on speciestotals of of loonsseemed normal or below. In the s. part of the the Christmas Bird Counts. There is little doubt that RegionHorned Grebeswere as uncommonas anytime many birds have adapted to the apparent weather in recentmemory. The late winter concentrationsin the changesof the last few years, but one wonders what Chincoteague,Va. area failedto materializethis year, effectsa really cold (and early) winter would have now, anda singlecount of 750at CraneyI., Portsmouth,Va, particularly if precededby a mild fall. Feb. 19(BE & RAR) wasthe only concentrationof any Excess precipitation, particularly in December, re- sizereported. The WesternGrebe previously reported storedwater levels lowered by the dry autumn. Snow- at CraneyI. disappearedin early December,but appar- fall, however, was well below normal, and the only ently the samebird reappearedMar. 16 and remainedat general regional snowstormsoccurred Dec. 16-17 and leastthrough the endof the month(WWF, GSG et al ) Feb 8. The season was characterized by excellent Another apparentWestern Grebe was reportedat Hol- numbers of overwintering or very late "southern" gate Ref., N.J., Dec. 30 (GRM), and a White Pelican birds and a few extralimital reports. appearedat Blackwater N.W.R., Md. in late January Delaware omithology loses an important asset -- (BB & GWly, fide WJ). Gannetswere in moderately which California gains -- when Norman E. Holgersen goodnumbers along the Virginia and Maryland coasts,

Volume 28, Number 3 621 peak counts included 497 at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 30 OceanCity, Md., Rowlett found 200on Jan. 20 in afield (PWS et al.), 183 off Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 29 (HTA with cattle ("Cattle Swans"?). Brant were in good et al.), and 160each day off Ocean City, Md., Feb. 2-3 numbers, especiallyin s.e. Virginia, where over 5300 (RAR et al.). In mid ChesapeakeBay, one was seenat were recorded near Cape Charles Dec. 29 (HTA et al.) Hooper I., Md., Mar. 31 (HTA). The PotomacR. flock and 1700at Little Creek, Virginia Beach Dec. 27 (PWS of Great Cormorantsappeared again this winter, and 13 et aL). Up to three White-fronted Geesewere presentat were countedin the St. GeorgeI., Md. areaJan. 1 (fide Bombay Hook Ref., Del., Dec. 4- Feb. 20 (MVB, NEH EFW). RAR et al.), and the Barnacle Goose previously re- 1 ,t•' ported here remained to at least Dec. 26 (PWS). According to Holgersen, two Fulvous Tree Ducks were shot by a hunter at Collins Beach, near Taylors Bridge, Del., Nov. 23. Blue-winged Teal were noted in /I Hr(•Jro Philo d•lph_i• severalplaces during the winter, includingat least one f L,.___•.,T...... •----•,.-.•.-'--'•'q• BeachI'•ven Inle• pair that wintered at Brigantine I. and nearby refuge (JFA et al.). Outstanding,however, was a flock of 49 at Hampton, Va., Dec. 22 (MAB). European Wigeon appeared in several new localities. Among the records were three at McMillan Res., D.C., Dec. 15 (CNM et al.), one near Hatboro, Pa., Feb. 12 (AMIa), one at Lititz, Pa., Mar. 7 (RMkt & EW), one near Hopewell, Va., Mar. 10-15 (DWS & FRS), and two at Brigantine / . / • Ref., Mar. 10(JFA). An unusualdiving duck concentra- . : • tion was found Feb. 15 on a pond near Culpeper on Virginia's upper Piedmont; the flock consistedof five Redheads, 100 Canvasbacks, and 250 Ring-necked Ducks (JBB). A singleRedhead was noted at Plowville, HERONS, IBIS • Winte•g heronswere in good near Morgantown, Pa., Jan. 12 (EEF & YES), and n•be•, but there were few record co•ts. A n•r Gamber found 24 Redheads and 1000 Ring-necked of Green Herons were found alongthe coast,and inland Ducks at Codurus S.P., Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 6, re•s includedone at HopeweB, Va., Dec. 15 (DWS sizable numbersfor this locality. A Barrow's Golden- et al.) and another at •een's L•e, York Co., Va., eye returned to Shark R. Inlet, N.J. for at least the Feb. 24 (B•. In•nd ne• Hopewe• a Great E•et was fourth year and was seen here Jan. 26 (JDD). Three •en •c. 15 (ER & HWfd), and a n•ber of Yellow- Oldsquaw at Trenton, N.J., Jan. 1 (RIB) and six at crowed Night Heronswere re•ed M late De•mber Indiantown Gap., Pa., Mar. 16 (MK) were unusual in s.e. Vi•nia. Two Glossy Ibis were last • at inland reports. A few Harlequin Ducks were found Chincote•ue N.W.R., Va., Dec. I (LKM), and the along the New Jerseyand Delaware coasts,and up to only midwinter records a hand were one •n at Elliott three were seenduring the period both at Ocean City, I., Md., Dec. 26 (HTA et al.), one at Brigantine Md. (CRV et al.) and along the Chesapeake Bay N.W.R., N.J., Jan. 7 (BC•, and two at •me Hook, Bridge-Tunnel, Va. (RLAke, RAR et MO. For the first Del., Jan. 31 (RN). The fi•t sp•g Catfie Egret was time in a number of years eiders were not reported noted at Blackwater Ref., Md., M•. 19 (HTA), and one along the bridge-tunnel, but occasional flocks were was fo•d far inland at Blue Bell, Pa., Mar. • (DAC & seen farther north. Three Com. Eiders were found at FC). • Mar. 31 A•stead found an a•zing early Cape May, N.J., Dec. 23 (DAC), and the peak count at con•nt•tion of egrets and ibis in s. Dorchester Co., Barnegat, N.J. was 20 King Eiders Feb. 24 (JFA). At Md. un •esa•e Bay. Among there were 26 Great Ocean City, Md. varying numbersof the two species Egrets, 129 Snowy Egrets, and 23 Glossy •is. The fi•t were reported, with peaks of 15Commons Jan. 5 and 25 s•ng recordof the GlossyIbis wasone at WaBopsI., Kings Jan. 26 (MVB, JL & DP). Other recordsincluded Va., Mar. 1 (NW & JG•), and by the end of the month a Com. Eider at Cape Henry, Va., Dec. 4 (RAR) and a they had appe•ed in many 1o•fities n• the coast in King Eider at Hampton, Va., Dec. 22 (MAB), very t• s. pa• of the Region. A st•ling inlandrecord was a unusualfor the w. shoreof ChesapeakeBay. Anderson co•t of 20 at Ke• Dam, Mecklen•rg Co., Va., M•. and Delzell recordedgood concentrations of scotersin •, about 135 m•es inland from the coast (RC, KF & lower ChesapeakeBay, Va., where they estimated5000 each of White-winged and Surf Scoters Feb. 23 WATERFOWL • Nine Mute Swans at Chin- between Thimble Shoalsand Mobjack Bay. The peak •te•ue Ref., Va., •c. 28 were an indicationof the count of Red-breastedMergansers at Craney I., Va. sbw but steady •uthward spreadof •is speciesinto was 1500 on Feb. 19 (BE & RAR). Vi•in• (RLAke, RHP et al.). There were ag•n a numberof inlandrepo•s of wintering•isfiing Swans. The big concentrationof Ruddy Ducks previ- Some of these included 175 during the period at ously reported along the Delaware R. at Pauls- Tinicum I., near Philadelphia, •. (JCM), 2000 at boro, N.J. fell victim to three major oil spillsand Millersville, Pa., Feb. 16 (TRH), and up to 7 n•r a ship explosion. Best estimates are that Hopewell, Va. from late De•mber to mid-Febru• 6000-7000 birds were lost to oil contamination of (DL et al.). Field feeding in this sped• continuedto the river (JTM et al.). increa•, in some cases many miles from water. Ne•

622 American Birds, June 1974 HAWKS, RAILS -- Following the excellent fall A Long-billed Curlew was carefully observed near Goshawk flight, a numberof thesebirds were found in Cape CharlesDec. 29 in closecomparison with oyster- the n. part of the Region south to Maryland. Only one catchers, Willets, a Whimbrel and Marbled Godw•ts report was received from Virginia, however, a single (RLP, JWT et al.). Hughes found a Spotted Sandp•per bird seen at L. Accotink, Fairfax Co., Dec. 22 (DFK & at Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 7, and the Willet count at GWdt). Single Broad-winged Hawks at Clifton, Va., Cape Charles Dec. 29 was a record 118 (HTA et al ) Feb. 22 (JWE) and Lansdale, Pa., Mar. 16 (AC) were The 181 Greater Yellowlegs at Cape Charles the same both early. Rough-leggedHawks were numerousin the day were also a record (HTA et al.), and two Lesser upper Delmarva Pen., where Holgersen had a peak of Yellowlegs were found inland near Hopewell, Va, 21 on Jan. 7 at Bombay Hook Ref. Inland records of Dec. 9 & 15with one remainingat leastto Feb. 3 (FRS) interestincluded one nearDulles airport, LoudounCo., A flock of 40 Red Knots wintered at Longport, N J Va , Jan. 19-20(JWE, MBPet al.) andanother at Shir- (JDD), and on Mar. 9 exceptional counts of Purple ley, Va., Mar. 3 (DWS & FRS). Three GoldenEagles Sandpiperswere obtained, 150at Ocean City and 300 at w•ntered in the Blackwater Ref., Md. area (HTA), and Indian R. Inlet (PP). A PectoralSandpiper at Black- other reportsincluded single birds at Jefferson,N.J., water Ref., Md., Dec. 1 was quite late (RAR et al.), and Feb. 13(JTM) andLebanon, N.J., Mar. 2 (SH). Of most the speciesmade its first appearanceon a Virginia CBC •nterest,however, was an ad. Golden Eagle found at by being reported on four. One was seen at Ch•n- Back Bay Ref., Va., Dec. 30 whichwas seenoff andon coteagueDec. 28 (WSC), four at Cape Charles Dec 29 •nto March (HTA, DLH, RJT et al.). Armistead's peak (DLH), two at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 30 (HTA & WCR), Bald Eagle count in s. DorchesterCo., Md. was nine and three at Mathews, Va., Dec. 30 (DKR & ER). Four adults and ten immatures Mar. 31, the adults probably Least Sandpiperswintered inland at Alexandria, Va all being nestingbirds. Away from nestingareas, one (JMA), and a Dunlin was found near here at Goose I , adult and one immature wintered at Middle Creek Wild- D.C., Dec. 15 (PAD & PGD). Record counts of Dunhns hfe Area near Kleinfeltersville, Pa. (AMk, DSt et al.), along the coast included over 15,000 in the Ch•n- and one adult and two immatures were seen at Kerr coteague area Dec. 28 (PAD et al.) and over 19,000 •n Dam, Va., Jan. 23 (MPM, PEMet al.). Ospreysarrived the Cape Charlesarea Dec. 29 (HTA et al.), and the570 •n c ChesapeakeBay, Md., Mar. 15-17(HTA, JR), and SemipalmatedSandpipers at ChincoteagueDec. 28 the first Ocean City, Md. record was on Mar. 9 (PP). seem to be a record winter count for Virginia (RLP et Away from the coast singlePeregrine Falcons were al.). A Stilt Sandpiperat Bombay Hook Ref., Dec. 1-19 seen Feb. 5 at Fort Belvoir, Va. (JMA) and Feb. 23 at was very late (NEH, PP, RLP), and a Bar-tailedGodwit Reading, Pa. (JES). was carefully observedat ChincoteagueDec. 28 (RLP) King andVirginia Rails andSora again wintered near Details of this last observation have been submitted for Princeton,N.J. in an area fed by warm springs(RJB), publicationto The Raven. Sandefiingswere in excellent and two Virginia Rails were found inland near Brooke, numbers alongthe coast, the best counts being 594 at Va , Dec. 28 (ETM). Sofa hit an all-timewinter peak in Ocean City Dec. 27 (fide DB),2405 in the Chincoteague the s. part of the Region, with sevenCBCs reporting area Dec. 28 (JMA, HTA et al.), and 1122 in the Cape them. Maximum counts were 12 in the Crisfield, Md. Charles area Dec. 29 (MAB et al.). The peak count of area Dec. 28 (fide CRV) and 15in the Cape Charles, Va. winteringAm. Avocets at Craney I., Va. was 110 on area Dec. 29 (PWS et al.). A Black Rail was reportedin Dec. 2 (WWF), andthe maximumat ChincoteagueRef s DorchesterCo., Md., Dec. 26 (fide DB) and two near was 18 on Dec. 28 (DFA, RLAke et al.), one or two Cape Charles Dec. 29 (RPT et al.). remaininguntil Mar. 2 (LKM). Other winter reports includedone at BrigantineRef., Dec. 29 - Jan. 1 (SRL, SHOREBIRDS -- Record counts of shorebirds were DSa), and at Bombay Hook Ref., four were seenDec 6 recordedon a numberofCBCs, especiallyon the lower (NEH), one Dec. 11(NEH), and 16on Mar. 10(RMyr) Delmarva Pen. At Cape Charles, Va. the 869 Am. Oystercatcherson Dec. 29 were a recordcount for the JAEGERS, SKUAS -- Exceptional numbers of jae- state for any time of year (HTA et al.), and there were gerswere seenfrom the shoreat Virginia Beach(includ- several winter reports north of Virginia. Two were ing Back Bay Ref.), Va., Dec. 30 during strong NE found at Indian R. Inlet, Del., Jan. 5 (NEH), two were winds. The day's totals were eight Pomafine, five seen at Ocean City Jan. 26 (MVB, JL & DP), one was Parasitic, and 12 unidentified jaegers (DLH, WCR, observedat BrigantineI., N.J., Feb. 2 (SRL), and two PWS, RJT). Elsewhere, one Pomafine was observed appearedat Cape May, N.J., Feb. 13 (KS). Fifteen off Atlantic City, N.J., Dec. 8 (JFA & JDD), two off P•p•ngPlovers at Cape CharlesDec. 29 were an excep- Cape Charles Feb .3 (CSR & HWga). Undoubtedly the tional winter count (HTA et al.), and on Mar. 18 most interestingpelagic observationsof the winter Vaughn counted 35 at Wallops I., Va. Other record were five to eight Skuaseach day Feb. 2-3, 25-42 m• plover countswere 985 Black-belliedsat Chincoteague, s.e. of OceanCity in both Marylandand Virginia waters Va, Dec. 28 (PAD, PGD et al.), 1605 of the same (RAR et al.). Many excellent photographswere taken speciesat Cape Charles Dec. 29 (HTA et al.), and 298 of thesebirds. There was only oneprevious sight record RuddyTurnstones at CapeCharles the sameday (HTA of this speciesfrom Maryland and no more than five for et al.). Two Black-belliedswere also found far inland Virginia. near Hopewell, Va., Dec. 15 (FRS). An Am. Golden Ploverat Ocean City Dec. 27 was the first winter record GULLS TO ALCIDS -- A number of Glaucous Gulls for Maryland (CRV), and one noted at BombayHook were reported south to coastal Maryland, and several Ref., Mar. 16was consideredan early transient(NEH). Iceland Gulls were found, including one in the Cape

Volume 28, Number 3 623 Henry, Va. area Jan. 6 & Feb. 2 (RLAke et al.). An were reported,mostly singlebirds. Two were caughtby leeland Gull inland at Dyke marsh, Fairfax Co., Va., hand and bandednear Rockville, Md., Jan. 12 (PP & Feb 10 was most unusual (JMA). A Lesser Black- RLP), and five were found in roostsnear Paulsboro, backed Gull was found at Ocean City Dec. 27 - Feb. 3 N.J., Jan. 18 (JCM). Two Chimney Swifts at (DFA, JMA, WSC), and another(or the sameone?) was Chesapeake,Va., Mar. 31 were early (RLAke). Four noted alongthe ChesapeakeBay Bridge-Tunnel, Va., PileatedWoodpeckers wintered at the Princeton,N J Feb 19 (BE & RAR) and Mar. 2 (RLAke, WWF, GSG Woodfield Station Reservation,a good local count et al ). The Black-headedGull was recorded in five (RJB), and a "Red-shafted" Flicker was well seen at locahtiesin Virginia and Maryland, clearly indicating Barnegat Bay, N.J., Dec. 30 (GRM, RL & Wm). the added attention observers are giving this bird. LaughingGulls remainedvery late and in high num- KINGBIRDS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Near bers Inland, one was found at Dyke marsh, Dec. 15 Boonesboro,Va. an Eastern Kingbird was observed (JMA), and 50 were still present on this date at Mar. 9 (JLC & WRM) and 16 (TMD). A dead Western Hopewell, Va. (DWS et.al.). On the coast, 1500 were Kingbird was picked up at Kiptopeke, Va., Dec 9 estimated still in migration at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 1 (RLAke) and another seen near ChincoteagueDec. 28 (FRS), 123were still here Dec. 30 (PWS et al.), and 21 (HSG). Two Great Crested Flycatcherswere present •n were found at Cape Henlopen, Del., Dec. 16 (WAB). Chesapeake, Va., Jan. 11-19 and were photographed L•ttle Gulls were found in several localities, but un- (GAG, RLAke & DLH), and an unidentified doubtedlythe most interestingaspect of this bird was Ernpidonax was carefully observed near Back Bay, the buildup of a flock at Port Mahon, Del., where sev- Va., Dec. 30 (KF, PEM & TRW). Although thought to eral birds in late March increasedto 15 on Apr. 1 (DH). be a Yellow-bellied Flycather, the bird's whistled call At Craney I., Va. up tofive different birds were found made the observersfeel it could conceivably have been from Mar. 16to the end of the period(RLAke, WWF, a Western Flycatcher. Carter, Murphy, and others GSG, DLH), andthree were found at OceanCity Mar. 9 found an EasternWood Peweeat Lynchburg,Va., Dec (PP) Fifteen Black-leggedKittiwakes were seen off 15, and Liehr saw a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher at Bombay Atlantic City, N.J., Dec. 8 (JFA & JDD) and 500 each Hook Ref., Dec. 17, a first winter recordfor Delaware day off Ocean City Feb. 2-3 (RAR et al.). Singlebirds (Atlantic Naturalist 29: 27). Mirabella found 500 were also noted at severalspots along the immediate Horned Larks at Hatfield, Pa., Dec. 15 - Jan. 1, and coast. there were other reports in this area of abnormalnum- The Forster's Tern total at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 30 bers. Tree Swallows were in excellent numbers in De- was 1231 (PWS et al.), an excellent count but by no cemberin Delaware, with 250 at Cape Herdopen,Del, means a record. Corn. Terns were found in four Dec. 16 (JGrm & SJO), and a late Barn Swallow was localities in Maryland and Virginia, including eight at seenat BrigantineRef., Dec. 29 (DSa). A Corn. Raven Chmcoteague Dec. 28 (JMA, CR et al.), and Royal was presentat Tyler Arboretum, near Media, Pa., Jan Terns wintered fairly commonlyin s.c. Virginia, with a 20-29 (PJD, SR et al.). Red-breastedNuthatches were peak of 103 at Little Creek, Virginia Beach Dec. 27 generallyscarce in the n. part of the Region,but locally (PWS et al.). There were two unprecedentedwinter at Princeton, N.J. they were rather common w•th records of CaspianTerns, one at ChincoteagueRef., "dozens" at feeders(RJB). Ake found a Bewick'sWren Dec 28 (DFA) and another at Little Creek, Va., Dec. 27 near Cape Charles Dec. 29, and the only unusual (RLAnd). There were a few Black Skimmersin the s. thrushesreported were a Swainson's Thrushnear Back part of the Region, and one was found at Brigantine Bay Dec. 30 (DEP & RHP) and a Veeryat Little Creek, Ref, Jan. 1 (SRL). There were only two reports of Virginia Beach Dec. 27 (DEP), the latter a first winter alc•ds, a Razorbill at Manasquan Inlet, N.J., Jan. 13 report for Virginia. Grimacy and many othersobserved (BS) and one Razorbill and seven unidentifiedlarge and photographeda c3 Mountain Bluebird at Middle alc•dsoff Ocean City Feb. 3 (RAR et al.). Creek Wildlife Management Area near Kleinfelters- ville, Pa., Mar. 1-5, apparently a new state record DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An early Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were recorded on three %r- Mourning Dove nest in Arlington, Va. had two eggs giniaCBCs, and two at SycamoreLanding, Md., Mar Mar 3 (RJW), and two RingedTurtle Doves were pres- 28 were undoubtedlyearly migrants(PP). The only N ent at Sellersville,Pa., Jan. 4 - Mar. 20 (WT). Reimann Shrike reportedwas one at Reading,Pa., Dec. 1 (JES) had three pairs of Great Horned Owls on nests near Taylors Bridge, Del. throughout February, and there VIREOS, WARBLERS -- SolitaryVireos continued were two reports of Snowy Owls, one near Annapolis, their winter appearancesin s.c. Virginia with one each Md , Jan. 4-5 (RLP et al.) and anotherat Hershey, Pa., at Little Creek Dec. 27 (DLH & GMW), Cape Charles Jan 12 - Mar. 23 (JES, EWet al.). Two Long-cared Dec. 29 (PGD), and Back Bay Dec. 30 (FCB & EM) Owls were reportedin Virgin/a, one at McLean Dec. 15 Reports of late and wintering warblers were many (JWH & ML) and one near Cape Charles Dec. 29 Black-and-white Warblers were noted at Salisbury, (WCR). There were goodnumbers of Short-caredOwls Md., Dec. 23 (CRV) and Cape Charles Dec. 29 (PGD), locally in several parts of the Region. Peak counts in- and an incredibleGolden-winged Warbler was reported cluded nine at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Dec. 15 at Danville, Va., Dec. 23 (EWF). NashvilleWarblers (PP & PS), 11 alongHughes Rd., Montgomery Co., Md. were found near OceanCity Dec. 27 and Crisfield,Md , about Jan. 16 (PP), 12 near Dulles airport, Va., Jan. 20 Dec. 28, the first and secondwinter recordsfor Mary- (JWE, MBP et al.), and seven on Fisherman I., Va., land •de DB), and P.G. DuMont observeda c3Black- Mar 2 (RLAke et al.). Relatively few Saw-whet Owls throated Blue Warbler near Cape Charles Dec. 29. At

624 American B•rds, June 1974 Newport News, the Black-throatedGray Warbler was found a peak of 10 "Ipswich" Sparrowsat Brigantine seentwice, an apparentfemale Jan. 20-31(DLM & SM) I., N.J., Jan. 12, and 13 were recorded at Ocean City and a male Mar. 9 (DLM). A BlackburnianWarbler was Dec. 27 (fide DB). An early GrasshopperSparrow was found at Ocean City Dec. 27 (fide DB) and another at notedat White Hill Lake, near Harrisburg, Pa., Mar 24 ChincoteagueDec. 28 (RHP), both first state winter (CJ). Lark Sparrowswere recorded in two localities At records.Pine Warblers were fairly widespreadin the s. Grovers Mill, N.J. one was found Dec. 16-18 (MT & partof the Region,and there were four reportsof win- PT), and another wintered at Redart, Mathews Co, tenng birds in the Delaware Valley area (JDD et al.). Va., Dec. 15 throughFebruary and was photographed Russell reported a Northern Waterthrush near Cape well (MGP). At CapeCharles, Va. a record213 Sharp- Charles Dec. 29, and Armistead found three Com. Yel- tailed and 165 SeasideSparrows were countedDec 29 lowthroats at Blackwater Ref., Md., Mar. 31, one of (BW et al), and at Newport News a banded Oregon which was singing.If these last were migrants,they Junco was present Jan. 20 - Feb. 4 (DLM & SM) were the earliest for the state. Other unusual winter Trappedon Feb. 4, it wasfound to havebeen banded at records included a Wilson's Warbler at Hockessin, the same spot Jan. 18, 1971. A Clay-coloredSparrow at Del, Dec. 18 (HM) and two Am. Redstartsat Bombay Ocean City Dec. 27 providedthe first winter record for Hook Ref., Dec. 15 (NEH). Maryland (fide DB), and Grahm had a Harris' Sparrow at Audubon, Pa., Feb. 4-25, probably the same bird previouslyreported in November. The Lapland Long- BLACKBIRDS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- A spur flocks previously reported at Craney I., Va In- blackbird roost at Graceham, Md., widely reported at creased in numbers with peak counts of 36 on Jan 1 10,000,000birds in the public press, actually peaked in (RLAke) and40 on Dec. 28 (GSG). These numbersare March closer to 1,000,000 (fide DB). Two Yellow- unprecedentedin Virginia. headed Blackbirds were recorded, a female at Little Creek, Va., Dec. 27 (RHP) and a female at Hamilton Square, Pa., Mar. 13-22 (CF), and the peak N. Oriole CONTRIBUTORS -- D.F. Abbott, J.M. Abbott, count at Newport News, Va., was 19 on Dec. 22 (fide R.L. Ake, J.F. Akers, R.L. Anderson, H.T. Armls- WPS). With records of the Brewer's Blackbird seem- tead, M.V. Barnhill, J.B. Bazuin, Jr., P.E. Beach, R J ingly increasingalmost yearly, they were found in at Blicharz, Mike Boatwright, Bill Brighoff, W A least six localitiesthis winter, with a high countof 24 at Brokow, Mrs. F.C. Burford, M.A. Byrd, Danny Bys- Smyrna, Del., Feb. 17 (MVB, JL & DP). There were trak, J.L. Carter, Ray Chandler, W.S. Clark, Alan two reports of Blue Grosbeaks,one at Delmont, N.J., Crawford, Francine Cutler, J.D. Danzenbaker, P J Jan 15(CBW) and anothernear Hopewell, Va., Mar. 3 De'Aoun, David Delzell, T.M. Drumheller, P A (DWS & FRS), and Dickcissels were seen in at least DuMont, P.G. DuMont, Befit Edsburg, J.W. Elke, eight localities. A • Painted Bunting was present in Keith Fielder, Mr. & Mrs. E.W. Fisher, E.E. Fleisch- Newport News, Va., Jan. 4-20 and on Jan. 5 was trap- mann, W.W. Fogleman,Cynthia Fox, R.S. Freer, Mr ped, banded, and photographed(JF, DLM, SM). & Mrs. Jack Frost, C.G. Gainbet, Mrs. H.S. Gilbert, EveningGrosbeaks and PurpleFinches were consid- E.W. Grahm, G.S. Grant, JesseGrantham, Barry Gn- erably lesscommon than they were last winter, though macy, Gisela A. Grimm, Jackie Grody, T.R. Hake, they were still numerouslocally in c. Virginia. Pine David Hallenbeck, J.W. Hanes, Virginia Hank, Steve Srskms seemed more common than last year, with Harty, B.C. Hiatt, N.E. Holgersen,D.L. Hughes,Cliff "hundreds" reported at many feedersin the n. part of Jones, William Julian, D.F. Keeney, Mike Kotz, Mark the Region. In s.e. Virginia Hughesnoted 500 in one Larson, S.R. Lawrence, Jay Lehman, Dee Lepayre, flock at PortsmouthJan. 26. CommonRedpolls staged a Robert Lewis, K.C. Liehr, Andy Mack, G.R. Mahler, heavy flight into the Delaware Valley area, generally L.K. Malone, Russell Markert, C.N. Mason, Helen from late Januaryon, and a few strayedsouth as far as McClure, E.T. McKnight, J.T. McNeill, P.E. Mc- s e Virginia. Early arrivals included one in Philadel- Quarry, R. Meyer, J.C. Miller, August Mirabella, Mrs phia Dec. 11 (HTA) and one at Back Bay, Va., Dec. 30 D.L. Mitchell, Sydney Mitchell, Emily Moore, Mrs (DEP & RHP), and peak countswere 150at Longwood M.P. Moore, William Mueller, W.R. Murphy, R. Nu- Gardens, Pa., Jan. 26 - Mar. 2 (PEB) and 100 at Hat- gent, S.J. Orr, Mrs. M.B. Peacock, D.E. Peake, R H field, Pa., Jan. 23 (AMla). Also of interestwere two at Peake, David Phalen, Mrs. M.G. Pulley, Peter Pyle, Craney I., Va., Feb. 12 (GAG & VH). A convincing R.L. Pyle, Jan Reese, E.J. Reimann, Chris Risley, C S Hoary Redpoll was observed at Hatfield Jan. 17-19 Robbins, Steve Ross, D.K. Roszell, Elizabeth Roszell, (AMla), andthe only Pine Grosbeakreports came from R.A. Rowlett, W.C. Russell, Dorothy Sacks, Bob Virginia, 15 near Elon, AmherstCo., Jan. 1 (MB,fide Schiebman,K. Seager,J.E. Silagy, W.P. Smith, D W RSF) anda maleat Great FallsMar. 2 (JWH,fide JEW). Sonneborn,Doris Steffy, Philip Stoddard,P.W. Sykes, Smallgroups of Red and White-wingedCrossbills wan- Jr., Martha Taylor, Paul Taylor, R.P. Teele, J.W. Ter- derederratically through the Region,though except for borgh, R.J. Trlpician, Mrs. William Trnmbauer, C R four birds at Cape Charles Dec. 29 (RLAke), the Vaughn, R.J. Watson, George Weickhardt, Henrietta White-wingeddid not come southof n. Virginia. Weidenfeld, Hal Wierenga, V.E. Willet, Guy Willey, The HouseFinch again hit recordpopulation peaks in Jr., Bill Williams, Noah Williams, G.M. Williamson, the s. part of the Region.Sample counts included 160 in E.J. Willoughby, Eric Witmet, T.R. Wolfe, C B oneflock at W. OceanCity, Md., Dec. 9 (RAR & CRV), Worth. -- F.R. SCOTT, 115 Kennondale Lane, Rich- 130at CapeCharles, Va., Dec. 29 (WPSet al.), and 108 mond, Va. 23226 and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock at Lynchburg,Va., Dec. 15(MPM et al.). Danzenbaker Creek Drive, Wyncote, Pa., 19095.

Volume 28, Number 3 625 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION N.W.R. (JCe, CS). Numerous other sightings were / Robert P. Teulings noted in the eastern and coastal sections as farn. as Pea I. A Shelduck was seen Jan. 1 at Bodie I. (JF, HL). Recent sightingsof this speciesin the Bodie-PeaI. area As in most of the East, the December- March period have been duly reported in these columns, but readers was abnormally mild. The month of January was the shouldbe cautiousabout assumingthese birds to be warmest in the Region since 1950. Not surprisingly, true and accidentalstrays. It is suspectedthey may be reportsof summerand fall birdslingering well into the escapedbirds from captive stock. possiblyfrom farm- winter were unusuallynumerous. A spectacularinva- land flocks known to be kept in the mainland area of Dare County. Up to six Redheads were uncommon inland visitors at Townville, S.C. in late January and early February (HL, GH), while elsewhere two were seen on the Dan R. in Caswell Co., N.C., Mar. 1 (PW) and up to eight were found at Salem L. near Winston- Salem Mar. 31 (RS), CommonGoldeneyes were seenin small numbers at scattered locations during the period, and there were many reportsof Oldsquawincluding the sightingof a lonedrake asfar inlandas GreensboroJan. 4 (MFi). A Corn. Eider wintered at Fort Macon, N.C. (JF) and one was presentin early January at Sullivan's I. near Charleston (JHa, PN, DF).

RAPTORS, CRANES, RAILS -- An unexpected winter-period occurrence for the Mississippi Kite was noted by Perry Nugent Feb. 24 near Charleston. A light-phaseRough-legged Hawk was seen Dec. 9 near Eden, N.C. (EB, CB), and a dark-phase individual was sion of Fulvous Tree Ducks was a major event of the observed at Urnstead State Park near Raleigh Mar. 9 season,highlighting an otherwiselacklustre influx of (DW). December sightingsof single ad. Bald Eagles waterfowl. Sightingsof Rough-leggedHawks, Saw- were recorded at Roanoke Rapids L. (ML) and L. Mat- whet Owls, Tree Sparrows,and White-crownedSpar- tamuskeet (MT) in North Carolina and two adults win- rows, as reported here and in the Christmas Bird tered in the Savannah River Atomic Reservation near Counts(CBCs), suggestthe presenceof more than the Augusta (TMu). Another adult was present in early usual numbers of these rare-to-uncommon visitors in March at L. Keow.ee in OconeeCo., S.C. (CRD). Five the Regionthis winter. Pine Siskins led the invasion of nesting pairs of Bald Eagles were reported by Ted northern finches which was also strongfor Red Cross- Beckett in the Charleston area at the end of the period, bills but only light to moderatefor EveningGrosbeaks and another pair was suspectedto be nesting at the and Purple Finches. Savannah N.W.R. (TS, fide PY). The only reported PeregrineFalcon winter sightingin the Region was of LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- As many one at Cumberland I. Dec. 8 (JH). Two long-legged as four CornLoons were reportedto haveoverwintered birdsanswering the descriptionof SandhillCranes were at L. Hartwell in the vicinityof Clemson(HL). Season- seenJan. 25 at Eagle Springs,N .C., the first reported long sojournsby loonson lakesand reservoirsin the occurrenceof the speciesin the Moore County locality piedmontare rare, with the winteringbirds strongly (RMcL, fide RT). preferringcoastal waters. A detaileddescription was submittedby Richard Rowlett of an apparentArctic PLOVERS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- Five Loon seen Feb. 17 on Pamlico Sound at Ocracoke, N.C. Am. Golden Hovers were at Pea Island N.W.R. Jan. 12 This is the first reportedsighting of the speciesin North (HH). Over 100 Piping Plovers and a equal number of Carolina. Two Red-necked Grebes were seen at Col- SemipalmatedPlovers were at Bird Shoal offMorehead umbus,Ga., Dec. 7 (third localrecord, LAW), and two City Dec. 20 (JF). A count of 236 Red Knots at Oc- Eared Grebes were at Pea I., N.C., Feb. 24 (RRi). racoke I. Feb. 24 was also seasonallynoteworthy (GG). Brown Pelicansranged from scarceto commonalong Highlightingthe shorebirdrecords was a flock of 200 + the coastthrough the seasonwith the largestnumbers Marbled Godwits seen at Ocracoke Inlet Feb. 17 by seenat CumberlandI. wherea winteringflock of ca. 50 Richard Rowlett and Berit Edsburg. Earlier in the birds was seenalmost daily (JH). An imm. Great Cor- period, 200 Red Phalaropeswere seenDec. 6 in waters morant was at Pea. I. N.W.R. Dec. 1 (GG). 5 miles off Charleston by Peter Laurie.

WATERFOWL -- Observers noted small rafts of SKUA, GULLS, SKIMMERS -- A N. Skua was Brant at Hatteras Inlet on the North Carolina Outer observed for 20 min. under good viewing conditions Banks in late February (GG, RR, BE), the peak count 1000yards off the beach at Pea I. N.W.R. Feb. 18 by being 35. Several fall recordsof FulvousTree Ducks Rowlett and Edsburg,providing a firm third record for signalleda majorwinter invasion which brought flocks North Carolina. The sameobservers also reported find- of 80 - 100 into Thomas Co., Ga. (RLC), 125 into the ing an Iceland Gull in first-winter plumageat Oregon Beaufort, S.C. area (CC, CRH), and 60 to Santee Inlet Feb. 16, as well as an imm. Glaucous Gull at

626 American Birds, June 1974 Coinjock,N.C. on the samedate. The latter sightings, WARBLERS -- A Black-throated Blue Warbler and however, were reported without details of the identifi- a Connecticut Warbler noted on the Bodie-Pea Island cations. The Iceland Gull therefore can only be condi- CBC, Dec. 31, were the first winter records for North tionally listedas a secondrecord for the state, pending Carolina (fide PS). Lingering stragglers found else- further documentation. Two ad. Little Gulls were later where during January and February were a N. Parula seen at Pea I. Feb. 24 (RRi), and a remarkable 85 and a Prairie Warbler at AugustaJan. 13 (TR, GK, EG), Black-legged Kittiwakes were counted at Coquina a Tennessee Warbler at Columbus Feb. 23 (JM), and a Beach, Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore, Feb. 16 (RR, Cape May Warbler in RaleighFeb. 27 (AT,fide RT) A BE). Great Black-backedGulls were abundantalong Blackpoll, thought to be an overwintering bird, was the North Carolina coast and again wandered sparingly collected at a feeder in Thomasville Mar. 12 (RLC, CW, down along the South Carolina coast with one found *T.T.R.S.). One of the most interestingwarbler records Jan. 6 at South I. near Charleston (TB). One was re- of the season was the occurrence of two Yellow- corded as far s. as Jekyll I., Ga. in early March (RM, rumped Warblers of the Audubon's race at Charleston, RY). With the mild weather, Black Skimmers appar- observed together on three occasionsbetween Feb 24 ently overwintered in significant numbers along the and Mar. 30 in the vicinity of the U.S. Agricultural upperN.C. coast,as indicatedby countsof 90 at Pea I. Experiment Station (CN, PN). Early spring amvals Dec. 31 (JF, WM), and up to 30 at Cape Hatteras Feb. noted before the end of the period were a N. Parula 18-23 (RR, BE, GG). Mar. 6 at Charleston (PN), a Yellow-throated Warbler Mar. 10 at SouthernPines (JC), and a Blackpoll Mar 29 ANI, OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS, MARTINS -- in Okefenokee Swamp (CFN, MAN). Georgia's first record for Smooth-billedAni was estab- hshedMar. 3 at Jekyll I. where an individualwas well TANAGER, BUNTINGS, DICKCISSELS -- A 9 studiedby Terry Moore et al. The bird remainedin the W. Tanager was present during the first week of area for more than a week, providing the opportunity January at a feeder in New Bern, N.C. (JC1). Wintenng for careful corroboration of the record by other Painted Buntings were noted at five locations in the observers (JB, RM). Long-eared Owls were present Regionthis season,and a c• Indigo Buntingappeared at and heard callingat Raven Rock State Park near Lilling- a feeder at Hilton Head I., S.C. as early as Mar. 1 (LL) ton, N.C. in late December and early January (DM), Dickcissels were uncommon late winter visitors in sev- and one was heard Mar. 8 near N. Wilkesboro (WPS). eral localitieswith individualsseen at SouthernPines, Saw-whet Owls were uncommon winter visitors in the N.C. (EW, fide JC) and Pendleton, S.C. (SG, HL) Morehead City areawhere one was found dead Dec. 18 duringlate February, as well as one Mar. 28 near Char- and another seenJan. 6 (JF). An out-of-seasonRuby- leston (CN, PN). throated Hummingbird was seen at Waycross, Ga., Jan. 8 (EC). Elsewhere, unusuallyearly springarrivals WINTER FINCHES -- This season's invasion of of hummingbirdswere notedin severallocalitiesinclud- Purple Finches and Evening Grosbeaksseemed to be ing one Mar. 12 at Durham (FH) and one Mar. 19 at only moderate. Pine Siskins, however, were generally Thomasville (RLC). Purple Martins arrived by Feb. 11 abundant over much of the Region with only the In the southernpart of the Region at Waycross (EC) southernmostlocalities and a few coastal areas report- while farther north one was seen at Morehead City as ing low numbers. Christmascount reports showedthe early as Feb. 17 (JF). highest influx of House Finches yet recorded in the Carolinas with a total of 300 found in 11 of the 29 count areas. The center of the wintering population appearsto RAVENS THROUGH VIREOS -- The nesting of be in the North Carolina piedmont, primarily Com. Ravens was continned at Pilot Mountain n.w. of Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Raleigh. Three Corn. Winston-Salem with the finding of a nest containing Redpollswere foundFeb. 9 at BodieI. lighthouseon the youngon Mar. 22 (RS, JW et al.). This recordprovides N.C. Outer Banks (KK) and two were seen there again documentedevidence of local breedingin the piedmont Mar. 26 (BW). Red Crossbillsarrived in the Region by more than 50 miles e. of established colonies in the Blue Dec. 1 and spreadover mostof the piedmont,ranging as Ridge Mountains.Red-breasted Nuthatches were con- far s. as Atlanta. A singleWhite-winged Crossbill was spicuousby their absenceor near-absencethis season. well seennear Durham, N.C., Feb. 28 (RC), apparently Althoughpresent in smallnumbers in the northernpart the first record for the Region since the winter of of the Region,they were very scarceor unreported 1963-64. elsewhere. A Bewick's Wren was seen at L. Surf near Vass. N.C., Dec. 2 (JC). A Swainson's Thrush at Char- OTHER FRINGILLIDS -- A Savannah Sparrow leston Jan. 20 (PN) and a Gray-cheekedThrush near (Ipswich race) was seen at Edisto Beach near Chares- McClellanville Feb. 24 (PL) were both very unusual ton Dec. 1 (PN). Four Le Conte's Sparrows were an sightingsfor the winter period. A month-earlyVeery unusualfind on the Charleston CBC Dec. 30 (fide JHa), was noted Mar. 16 at Bull's I. in Cape RomainN.W.R. and another was recorded at ColumbusJan. 19, the first (PN), and an early Red-eyedVireo was notedat Char- there since 1967(MF,fide LAW). Henslow's Sparrows lestonMar. 23 (PN). Solitary Vireos and White-eyed were found in small numbers at several places in the Vireos remained in small numbers as winter lingerers Region, includinga wintering colony of five at the Tar alongthe coast(m.ob.) and an individualof the latter River Reservoir near Rocky Mount. N.C. (LF). Tree specieswas foundJan. 20 at Pendleton,S.C. in the w. Sparrows were noted as rare winter visitors on CBCs at peidmont (HL). ChapelHill, Winston-Salemand Elkin, N.C., Perry and

Volume 28, Number 3 627 Chris Nugent reported the surprisingoccurrence of two Teulingswho assistedwith preparationof the manus- Clay-coloredSparrows at their feederin Charlestonbe- cript. tween Dec. 9 and Jan. 10. The birds were seen singly OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS -- Ted but plumage differences were noted in the individuals Beckett, Charles Blake, Joe Brent, Carol Burroughs, which indicatedthat two were actually present.Almost Ed Burroughs, Jay Carter, Robin Carter, John Cely as unusualwas a Lincoln's Sparrow which turned up at (JCe), CorneliaChapin, Jo Clark (JCI), Robert L. Craw- the samefeeder Jan. 13and remainedthrough the end of ford, Eugene Cypert, C.R. Dillon, Befit Edsburg, ß the period (PN). White-crowned Sparrowsthis season Louis Fink, Mildred Fish (MFi), Dennis Forsythe, were unusuallycommon and widespread;a total of 111 Mike Fuller, John Fussell, Sidney Gauthreaux, Elaine were recorded in CBCs in 11 areas of the Carolinas. Gilbert, Gilbert Grant, Henry Haberyan, Robert J. LaplandLongspurs were againrare visitorsin the Reg- Hader, Jack Hagan, Fred Hagenberger, Julian Harri- ion this winter, all in North Carolina, where small num- son (JHa), Gene Hayes, C. Royce Hough, Jr., Joe bers were noted at Cape Hatteras (GG, RR), in the Hudick, Ken Knapp, Gerald Knighton, Louise Lacoss, Roanoke Rapids area (ML) and at L. Surf near Vass Peter Laurie, Harry LeGrand, Merrill Lynch, Robert where five were present as late as Mar. 16 (CM). The Manns, Chris Marsh, Roger McLean (RMcL), Wesley only reported sightings of Snow Buntings were of a Messinger, JamesMiller, Darryl Moffett, Terry Moore, single bird seen Dec. 1 at L Gaston in Warren Co., Tom Murphy (TMu), Carleton F. Neville, Mary Ann N.C. (ML) and four seen near Marøhead City Dec. 27 Neville, Chris Nugent, Perry Nugent, James O. Pull- (JF). man, Tom Rial, Robert Ridgely (RRi), Richard Row- lett, Bob Ruiz, Terence Seyden, Ross Silcock, George CORRIGENDUM --The Southern Pines date for an Smaith, Wendell P. Smith, Ramona Snavely, Charles early Blackburnian Warbler reported in the Fall Sum- Strickland, Paul Sykes, Robert Teulings, Ann Thomp- mary (Am. Birds 28:39) shouldhave been Aug. 18 in- son, Michael Tove, Timothy Vogel, Charles Watt, L.A. stead of Aug. 8. Wells, David Whitehurst, Gail Whitehurst, Jay Wilde, Bill Williams, Plumer Wiseman, Ethel Wooton, Pat ACKNOWLEDGMENT -- Putting each seasonal Young, Ruth Young, Other abbreviations: summary together on time is a demanding job. My T.T.R.S.,Tall Timbers Research Station, *, specimen. thanks go to all contributors who submitted their re- -- ROBERT P. TEULINGS, Route 2, Box 154, Chapel ports on scheduleand to James Pullman and Elizabeth Hill, N.C. 27514.

FLORIDA REGION temperaturewas 66.6ø and the lowest for the month / Henry M. Stevenson only 42ø. The full durationof thiswarm period was from Winter' s tale was but a "variation on a theme" from December30 throughFebruary 3, followingwhich the otherrecent years. The tendency for a mildmid-winter rest of February was abruptly colder, climaxed by a was exaggeratedthis year, and that for a cold late severe freeze on the 26th-28th (17ø at Tallahassee). The winter was somewhat reduced. Northward, January damagethus done to springflowers and early cropscan smashedrecords for mildnessas average excesses from well be imagined,but there was probably little effecton normaltemperatures for the month ranged from 14.0 ø F birds. On the other hand, the effect of the prolonged at Tallahasseeto 6. I øat Key West. Thusat Tallahassee, warmspell was doubtless pronounced. Coupled with a virtuallythe coldest part of the FloridaRegion, where_ warm November and a near-normal December, it prob- frequentfreezes usually occur in January,the average ably permittedmany migratory birds to winterfarther north than usual -- north of Florida in many cases. •CENTRALSOUTHERN • J Anotherprobable effect was the early nesting of several ,-r,,LL,,.,,SSEE I species,in somecases interrupted by the February • 'L_I_ mV•S•ON t,...• OCEANJ cold. Several specieswintering downstate appeared T-qlløhassee•'c,-•'Live'Oak "' !•G•$t'John Ri,,,•' J veryearly in northFlorida, even though February had L' I been rather cold. HAt'• NORTHERN MIGRATION -- Althoughonly 14birds were found '*- I ..... _•J% ' \ I nllijmor C.?S&rJ Orlo._dog•er,i. 1•. I at the WCTV tower in March; this low number may be related to the reduction of predator control (RLC). Manymigrants were grounded in Wakullaand Franklin Countiesin late March by a coldfront, closelyfollowed by a cold,light rain with NE winds.A listof 132species : • [aim on Mar. 26 (JMS) included95 White-eyed Vireos, 73 G•IFOF MI•XtCO FGrt•;•..• ...... •¾•ach I Hooded Warblers, and smaller numbers of several Cor•ewSwamp• L•J•daleJ n•'l / other migrants. / COMPARATIVE ABUNDANCE -- Continuing field counts in the Tallahassee Division, with monthly summaries,provided evidence again this year of re- ducedpopulations of many species.Although the list againincludes some likely victimsof pesticides,the

628 American Birds, June 1974 tnclusionof many waterfowl and severalsparrows may mid-December, but there was no indication as to how indicatethe more northerlywintering of many birdsthis the Manx Shearwater was ruled out. A late eastward year. When the number of individuals counted per migration of 75 White Pelicans occurred off E Pt monthwas dividedby the numberof hoursafield, keep- (Franklin Co.) Dec. 6 (JMS). A Great Cormorantfinally mg separate sets of data for Leon County and the wasreported in the part of Floridawhere most expected coastal counties,the following specieswere signific- --Jacksonville Beach Mar. 31 (Joyce Williams). Single antly low in all 8 months (Dec.- Mar. X 2): Mallard, Anhingasmade unusualappearances at Key West Jan Gadwall, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked 11 & Mar. 9 (FFH), and a Magnificent Frigateb•rd Duck, Mourning Dove, E. Phoebe, Brown Thrasher, found at the base of St. Marks Light Dec. 27 (Win H Loggerhead Shrike, Palm Warbler, Rufous-sided Cross) provided the Tallahassee Div. with its first Towhee and Field Sparrow. Seven other specieswere mid-winter record (*T.T.). low in 4 or more months of record, but high in none: Corn. Loon (coast), White Pelican(coast), Red-bellied WADERS -- Early nestingrecords in c. Florida m- Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned volved the Green Heron (nest & 4 eggs, n.e. Hills- Kinglet. At leasttwo activefield observers(JB E, HMS) borough Co., Mar. 24, JBE & HBH) and Yellow- havenot recordeda Hairy Woodpeckerin their parts of crownedNight Heron (5 nestswithin 150 yards m s e the state since last summer! A large number of species PascoCo., Mar. 31, JBE & CG). The Cattle Egret •s were actually high in one or two months, but low in at now rare in winter in the TallahasseeDiv., and nine on least twice as many months: Canada Goose, Black Mar. 20 nearTallahassee(HMS) demonstratedthe start Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Am. Wigeon, Wood Duck, of its springmigration. Single Least Bitternson Cow- Canvasback, Corn. Goldeneye (coast), Ruddy Duck, pensKey Feb. 1& Mar. 2 (Richard& NancyPaul) may Turkey and Black Vultures, Red-shoulderedHawk, be thefirst known to winteron the LowerKeys. Wood Bald Eagle (coast), Marsh Hawk, Bobwhite, Am. Coot, Storksseemed assured of a successfulbreeding season Black Skimmer (coast), Ground Dove, Corn. Flicker, at E.N.P. and Corkscrew Swamp (JCO); three at L Red-headed and Downy Woodpeckers, Tree Swallow, Lafayette Jan. 12 provided the first mid-winter record Corn. and Fish Crows, Carolina Chickadee, Hermit for Leon County. The Glossy Ibis is rare in the same Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned King- county, but one was at L. JacksonMar. 30 (RLC) let, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Brown-headed Cowbird (increasing in summer), Ves- WATERFOWL -- A wary Mute Swan at Biscayne per Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated and Bay Dec. 8 (Douglas Danford) may have arrived from Song Sparrows. In contrast to the above 53 diminished farther north, and two WhistlingSwans were seenby species,only 9 proved significantlyhigh. Two of these many near Titusville Dec. 21-23. Possiblyfor the first were coastal birds high in all 4 months of record, time on the c. Gulf Coast, a Brant was at Mullet Key Laughing Gull and Clapper Rail. The remainderwere Dec. 15 - February (m. ob.) A White-fronted Goose htgh in at least twice as many as their number of low remained on Paynes Prairie from October 1972 untd months: Great Egret, Corn. Gallinule (coast), Killdeer, Dec. 16, 1973 (JHH, SAN); five were seen near Tal- Wallet (coast), Dunlin, Herring Gull, Bonaparte'sGull lahasseeJan. 20-23 (Betty King, Axtells). A Bahama (coast), House Wren, Swamp Sparrow. Italicized Duck remainedat FlamingoJan. 12 - Mar. 31 (mob ) speciesin the abovelists were alsorated low by at least FulvousTree Ducks wintered north to St. Marks L•ght one other contributor. and Ormond Beach; unusual numbers for the 1ocaltttes were 25 in Florida Bay Jan. 28 (JCO), ten at Key West CHRISTMAS COUNTS -- As in my other recent Dec. to Mar. 6 (FTH), and 20 near Auburndale Jan 25 reports, I have tried to omit all records that will be (GJH). A Eur. Wigeonwintered at Wakulla Springsfor publishedin the ChristmasBird Counts,but somemay the fourth consecutive winter (m. ob), and one was seen have slipped throughinadvertently as I have not seen these counts. at Tampa Dec. 29 (Glen E. Woolfenden). At least 700 Wood Ducks were estimatednear St. Marks Light Dec LOONS, GREBES --An oil spillof unknownsource 19 (CSG). Frank Dunston reported a puzzling die-offof apparentlyaccounted for about225 dead or dyingCorn. thousands of Lesser Scaups during the "red-tide" m Loons on beachesbetween St. Augustineand Flagler Tampa Bay, when no other birds were affected Old- Beach Jan. 12-20. Most birds captured and "treated" squaw records came from Alligator Pt., Jan. 19 (2, failed to survive (SAN). On the opposite coast this HMS) and 21 (Axtells), near St. Marks Light Mar 11& specieswas rare in the Tampa area (JBE). The Red- 21 (latest for Div., CSG), and at RockledgeJan. 15-20 throated Loon, rare in the TallahasseeDiv., was found (m. ob.) All 3 speciesof scoterswere againat Alhgator at St. George I., Dec. 17 (HMS) and Jan. 26 (WWB) and P. (Axtells et al.). Southerly records of these dryers on Alligator Pt., Jan. 21 & Mar. 2 (Axtells). Single involved two Black Scoters at Dunedin Beach Dec 26 Eared Grebes were reported near Titusville Feb. 1 (CWB & DG) and seven Surf Scoters at Lake Worth (HHA), St. PetersburgDec. 24 (David L. Johnson),and January to Mar. 7 (HPL et al.). A Masked Duck was Merritt Is., Dec. 10 (JJ). An early brood of 3A grown studiedat the LoxahatcheeN.W.R., Jan. 15& 16(John Ired-billed Grebes was seen near Vero Beach "in early Doebel,Jas. Pilgreen, Earl Stark,Win. Matthews) February" (HWK). DIURNAL RAPTORS -- Although much reduced in SHEARWATERS, PELECANIFORMS -- An partsofn.w. Florida, vulturesare still plentiful in the c Audubon'sShearwater 15 mi. off Cape CanaveralJan. Peninsula, as exemplified by some 4000 Turkey Vul- 6 (JJ) seems to be the only Florida record later than tures goingto roost at L. OkeechobeeFeb. 28 (PWS)

Volume 28, Number 3 629 Five Swallow-tailedKites near St. MarksLight Mar. 11 in view of the little known distributionof the races, (CSG)were rather early, and one at Key WestMar. 18 there is little certaintythat C. s. skua was the race (TW et al.) wasin a veryunusuallocality. A Mississippi involved.Several observers reported Glaucous Gulls Kite apparently wintered near the center of Tallahas- from Mayport to Port Canaveral,including one speci- see, where seen Jan. 18 (Edw. Zachert) and Feb. 21 men (JMS; to T.T.), and it is suggestedhere that the (Mr & Mrs. Frank Stoutamire). Absent since speciesbe consideredregular on the coast of n e August,six-eight Everglade Kites returned to the w. Florida now. Still rare, an Iceland Gull was identified at Indian River Co. breedingsite by early March(HWK, Port Canaveral Feb. 2 (HHA). Other rare gulls included PWS). A Cooper's Hawk near Homestead Jan. 18 singleLesser Black-backeds at Key West Dec. 13 (FTH) (JCO, Maryanne Biggar) was near its southernlimit. An and Jan. 3 (JT) andat Hollywood Feb. 21 - March (Peter enigmatic late flight of 75 Swainson'sHawks passed Polshek, WTB et al.; photo donated), a Black-headed over Key West from the west Dec. 3 (FTH); somewere Gull at Cocoa Dec. 9 (RDB), and a Little Gull at Rock- low enoughfor positive identification. An. imm. Gol- ledgeFeb. 11(ADC). Bonaparte'sGulls were unusually den Eagle seen and well describedDec. 3 (Jas. Butler, common on the Franklin Co. coast, and three at L Thos. Burke) may be the first of record for the E.N.P. Talquin Feb. 22 (HMS) were the first of record for that Ospreys are increasingon the Lower Keys, partly due month in Leon Co. A Gull-billed Tern at St. Augustine to their frequent nestingon utility poles -- a practice Feb. 24 (JHH) was unusualwhether early or wintering decidedly unpopularwith power companyofficials; one Three RoseateTerns were carefully identified at Veto was carrying nest material to such a site as early as Jan. Beach Mar. 29 (HWK), feeding with large numbers of 1 -- early but not unusual(FTH). A NW flight of about Forster's Terns. An estimate of at least 400 Corn. Terns 100 Am. Kestrels near Jacksonville Mar. 30 (VMM et at Mullet Key Mar. 30 (JBE et al.) indicateda large and al ) was noteworthy. early migration of a species generally rare in winter Also early was a Least Tern at Mayport Mar. 21 (JMS) CRANES, RAILS, COOTS -- Florida's rapidly increasing exotic avifauna now includesthe Caribbean PIGEONS THROUGH ANIS -- Formerly rare In Coot (Fulica caribaea), which was found at Oakland winter on the Keys, the White-crowned Pigeonproba- Park, Broward Co., Jan. 28 (WG) andis still present(m. bly numbered 100or more in the Lower Keys this year ob ) and two more on Key BiscayneMar. 22-23 (Wm. (FTH). Edscorn found the breeding population of Robertson, Jas. King). The former bird, at least was White-wingedDoves high near Homesteadin March A photo'dby Wm. Bolte and others.(See this elsewhere clutch of Ground Dove eggshatched in January in Jack- this Issue).The immediatesource of thesebirds is not sonville, and an immature was seen Feb. 16 (Samuel presentlyknown. A SandhillCrane, rare in Leon Co., Grimes, VMM). A winteringMangrove Cuckoo was at was presentat L. Lafayette duringmuch of February Sarasota Jan. 5 (DHM), and an early Yellow-billed (Wm. Blakey). When near a Great Egret and a Great Cuckoo at St. Petersburg Mar. 28 (LH). A Groove- Blue Heron (Feb. 21, HMS) it appearedsmall, suggest- billed Ani, rare in Florida, was also late at St. Marks lng the race tabida. SingleYellow Rails were seenon Dec. 1 (JMS, *F.S.U.). the Loxahatchee N.W.R., Jan. 6 (Lee Hemdon, HPL) OWLS, NIGHTJARS -- Three Short-eared Owls andMar. 16 (Jas.Lane, PWS). A PurpleGallinule near were late near St. Marks Light Mar. 26 (JMS) St Marks Light Mar. 11 (CSG) was very early or had Chuck-will' s-widows wintered as far north as Lakeland wmtered. (JBE) and appeared as early as Mar. 3 near St. Marks SHOREBIRDS -- A high count of 77 Am. Oyster- Light (CSG) and Mar. 5 at Gainesville (JEH). Rare catchers was made at Dunedin Jan. 13 (PJF). Seven winter singingwas reported for it at Lakeland Feb 2 Am Golden Plovers were at Dunedin Beach Mar. 17 (JBE) and for the Whip-poor-will near SarasotaJan 10 (VMM) andthree near St. Marks Light Mar. 26 (JMS). (E.K. Truchot). Rarely wintering in Leon Co., single Black-bellied HUMMINGBIRDS, FLYCATCHERS -- A c• Plovers were at L. Lafayette Dec. 8 and L. JacksonJan. Black-chinnedHummingbird at JacksonvilleJan. 12-13 18(HMS); five at L. Lafayette Mar. 16(HMS & RLC), (m. ob.) seemsto be the third of recordfor the Florida however, must have included early migrants. Usually Region. A RufousHummingbird was at RockledgeJan consideredrare in winter, a Whimbrel was frequently 17 (HGC), and one at TallahasseeMar. 22 - Apr 1 seen at St. Marks Light (m. ob.), and a count of 15 (!) (MBM) wasa first for thatdivision. A Ruby-throatwas was made near St. PetersburgJan. 6 (JBE et al.). Two early at TallahasseeFeb. 23 (JMS), as was a Gray UplandSandpipers were near St. Marks Light Mar. 29 Kingbird at Mullet Key Mar. 28 (LH et MO. An unusual (CSG) and one at Marathon Mar. 30 (J.W. Cadbury). A winter locality for the Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was northerly winter record of the Solitary Sandpipercame Lakeland Jan. 6 (GJH). Two rarities at PaynesPrame from JacksonvilleJan. 11 (JPC). A PectoralSandpiper were a W. KingbirdFeb. 23 - Mar. 15(JHH, SAN) and a at L Lafayette Feb. 21 (HMS) may be the earliestfor a Vermilion Flycatcher that remained until Mar. 3 (m migrant in the TallahasseeDiv. A remarkably high ob.). count of winteringStilt Sandpiperswas 76 near Lake- land Jan. 12 (JBE et al.). A winter recordof the Black- SWALLOWS -- An impressiveestimate of 250,000 necked Stilt was made near Flamingo Dec. 24 (Jane Tree Swallows was made on the Merritt I. N.W.R, Behr). Feb. 2 (HHA). A Rough-wingedSwallow was early in s SKUAS, GULLS, AND TERNS -- A Skua seen off Jefferson Co. Mar. 13 (HMS), and there was a Key West Dec. 31 (JT) was the third sightrecord for genuinely early movement of Barn Swallows: one at Florida. The fact that all have been near the Keys, and Mayport Mar. 21 (JMS) and a few there the next day

630 American Birds, June 1974 (NOW), one at St. Marks Light Mar. 21 (R.J. Hader & GROSBEAKS, BUNTINGS, ETC. -- Wintenng HMS), and one at Mullet Key Mar. 22 (LH). Also early Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found at Homestead was a Purple Martin at Sarasota Jan. 14 (Chas. O. (period, two, Jonnie Fisk et al.) and Wabasso (Jan 29 - Parker). Mar. 31, m. ob.). Blue Grosbeaks, rarely wintering in Florida and previously found in ones and twos, num- JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Additional records bered up to five in one yard near Cocoa Feb. 5-20 of a Blue Jay in the Key West cemetery were made on (Axtells); one was at Jacksonville Dec. 2 (JPC). Two Mar. 6 (FTH) & 30 (TW). Carolina Chickadeeswere Indigo Buntingswere early on St. George I., Mar 26 feedinglarge young in s.e. PascoCo. as early as Mar. 31 (JMS), as was a Painted Bunting at Spring Creek (JBE). Two Mockingbird eggshatched at Ponte Vedra (Wakulla Co.) Mar. 29 (HMS). Strangely, the only Beach between Feb. 16-24-- a remarkably early date Dickcisselreported was at GainesvilleMar. 12(RDW) (Chas. Platt). There is no information as to survival of the nestlingsduring the severe freeze that followed. A NORTHERN FINCHES -- Purple Finches have be- Golden-crownedKinglet was unusuallyfar south near come almost regular in winter northward, and two oc- lhnecrest (s.e. Hillsborough Co.) Feb. 1 (HMS). If curred as far southas Cocoa Dec, 28 - Jan. 3 (RDB, there was unanimity of opinion about any species' HGC, JJ). More irregular, the Pine Siskin had one of its abundanceit concernedthe Cedar Waxwing; estimates largestinvasions in history.Few were recordedearly in of singleflocks exemplifythis -- 1000at Key West Feb. the period,but oneTallahassee feeder had hundreds by 1 (FTH), 6)0 at Mryo Dec. 9 (JHH et al.), 500 at Jan. 31 (MBM), with many remainingat the end of the Sarasota Feb. 27 (MD). Another early Jacksonville period.Farther south 10-20 appeared at Gainesvilleby nesting featured young Loggerhead Shrikes fledging Mar. 15(JEH), oneat CocoaDec. 29 - Jan.3 (RDB, JJ), Mar. 16 (Mary Davidson). and one bird reached the s. end of the mainland near Flamingo Mar. 4 (Bruce Hawkins). WARBLERS -- A rare winter record was that of a Prothonotary Warbler at St. Petersburg Jan. 5 (DG & SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, SNOW BUNTINGS LH). Almost as rare, the Nashville Warbler winteredin -- SingleLark Sparrowswere near Delray BeachFeb three locationsnear Lakeland(m. ob). Very early rec- 6 (PWS) and WabassoDec. 29 (Mabel Michael), and a ords involved a Tennessee Warbler at Merritt I., Mar. Dark-eyed Juncowintered as far southas L. Wales (to 18 (RDB), and two Cape Mays near Gainesville Mar. 28 Mar. 14, L.H. Walkinshaw). Jacksonville had three (JHH & Nicholas Cocks). Two N. Parulaswintered as Clay-colored Sparrows Feb. 4-12 (VMM et al.) and far north as JacksonvilleDec. 5 - Feb. 1 (PCP & JPC), Gainesville three White-crowned Sparrows Dec and one in song near E. Pt., ca. Feb. 20 (Mr. & Mrs. 17-end of period (JEH, DWJ). A Fox Sparrow at Frank Heyward) may have wintered there. An increase Alachua Mar. 10was oneday late for the Northern Pen in the winteringYellow Warblersin the mangroveson (RDW). The Axtells had three Lincoln's Sparrows at Merritt I. was indicated by a total of four on Feb. 6 E.N.P., Dec. 1-4. Rare northern visitors included a (RDB), and three migrants appeared at nearby Rock- Lapland Longspurat St. Marks Dec. 1-4 (HMS, JMS) ledge on the early date of Mar. 21 (ADC). Two rare and singleSnow Buntings at Ft. GeorgeI. (Duval Co ) wintering warblers at Jacksonville were a Black- November- Feb. 12and Venice Dec. 23 - Feb. 25, when throated Green Dec. 5 - Jan. 14 (PCP) and a Black- going into breeding plumage (W.K. Jones, Stanley throated Gray Jan. 2 (NOW). Both waterthrushes set Stedman, Lynne Bobb, O.W. Letson, DHM), the latter early arrival dates -- the Northern for the Northern is probably the only Snow Buntingrecord anywhereon Pen. at PaynesPrairie Mar. 5 (JHH) and the Louisiana the Gulf Coast. for the SouthernPen. at Miami Feb. 27 (tie; RND). Wfison'sWarblers wintered at Winter Haven (HNA) EXOTICS -- Edscorn points out that the Hill Mynah and St. Petersburg(L. & R. Hopkins, CWB et al.), and (Gracula religiosa) is now establishedat pointsnear the one was near Vero Beach Dec. 29 (HWK). An Am. east coast from Homestead to near Delray Beach Redstartwas seennear Bartow Dec. 23 & 24 (PJF, CG). Three Canary-winged Parakeets and five Monk Parakeetsappeared at St. Petersburgin early January (DG); all previous records have been on the east coast BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS -- Single Budgerigars, however, were displaced from one St Yellow-headed Blackbirds appeared at four localities Petersburgsite whentheir nestholes were usurpedby near the center of the Peninsula:near RockledgeDec. - Starlingsand HouseSparrows (JBE). Anotherflock of Jan. 17 (ADC, RDB et al.), Daytona Beach Feb. 7 - 75 Canary-winged Parakeetswas in Sebastianfor about Mar. 4 (Isaac Merrill & Geo. Murray), GainesvilleDec. 2 weeks in February and one was collected Mar 10 16 - Jan. 20 (DWJ et al.), and near Winter Haven (HWK, *F.M.E.L.; no dates given). This location is (period, m. ob.). An Orchard Oriole tied its earliest about 140mi. north of their Coral Gablesstronghold amval date for the Southern Pen. at Sarasota Mar. 22 (MD). Rare in the rest of the Florida Region,Brewer's CORRIGENDUM -- The correct date for the Blackbird maintained its local abundance on Paynes Golden-crowned Kinglets at Gainesville (Am. Btrds, Prairie as 400 spentthe period there (SAN). Although 28:43) was Oct. 27 (fide JBE). the W. Tanager is a regularwinter residentin the state, the only two this seasonwere seenin late March -- 26th INITIALED OBSERVERS (area editors in bold- at Oakland Park, Broward Co. (WG, PWS, et al.) and face) -- H.H. Axtell, W.W. Baker, C. Wesley B•ggs, the 31st at Miami (RND). Robt. D. Barber, Allan D. Cruickshank, Helen G

Volume 28, Number 3 631 Cruickshank, Julie P. Cocke, Robt. L. Crawford, Mar- winter's flurry of reports is no more than observations ion DeRonde, Mrs. R.N. Dickie, JohnB. Edscorn,Paul of specieswhich are new or rare in a specificarea, but J. Fellows, Chas. Geanangel, C.S. Gidden, Dave regular in a Provincial context. Christmas Bird Counts Goodwin, Wally George, FrancesT. Hames, Geo. J. in particularturn up suchbirds, but againthis may be no Horel, Jas. E. Horner, H. B. Herbert, John H. more than a reflection of the growing interest in these Hintermister, Larry Hopkins, David W. Johnston, counts,stimulating both more thorough coverage and a Johnnie Johnson, Herbert W. Kale, H.P. Langridge, larger pool of observers(with the allied danger of in- D.H. Mace, Maxine B. Miller, Virginia M. Markgraf, creasederror!). The remarkablelist of speciesobserved StephenA. Nesbitt, John C. Ogden, PeggyC. Powell, on the December15 Long Point CBC is a goodexample Henry M. Stevenson,Jas. M. Stevenson,Paul W. Sykes, of the productof intensivecoverage in a favouredarea Joseph Taylor, Noel O. Warner, Robt. D. Wallace, in early winter. in excessof 50 speciesof the 114ob- Thurlow Weed. Other abbreviations and symbols: served fall into this group of migrantsthat stayed be- Div., Division; E.N.P., Everglades Natl. Park; hind. Some of the totals of individuals on this count are F.M.E.L., Florida Medical Entomological Lab; also worth examiningas they reflect quite substantial F.S.U., Florida State Univ.; m. ob., many observers; populations of some species along the favoured N.W.R., Natl. Wildlife Refuge;T.T., Tall Timbers Re- localities of the lower Great Lakes. searchStation; *, collectedspecimen. -- HENRY M. Just at the time for submissionof reportsthe Canada STEVENSON, Dept. of BinlogicalScience, Florida State Post Office stagedone of its periodic strikes, with the Univ., Tallahassee,Florida 32306. result that somematerial has yet to be received. As far as possiblethe highlightsof these will be included in the springreport -- always assumingthe strike is over in ONTARIO -- WESTERN NEW YORK time for this report to be published! REGION LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- There were / C!ive E. Goodwin and Richard C. Rosche rather more loon and grebe reports than usual: noteworthy were single Corn. Loons at Barfie Dec. 9 It was a quiet winter. Some outstandingrarities, a (CHet al.), Ottawa Dec. 13 (GMB), Bronte Dec. 16 few interestingmovements, but in the context of recent through Jan. 26 (MJ, AW) and Wolfe I., Jan. 27 (SE); winters it was quiet. December was a month of bad and a Red-throated Loon at Oakville Jan. 26 (CEG, weather, with unusually high snowfall, but in late JEG). The Ottawa CBC yielded a Red-necked Grebe Januaryand early March the weatherwas delightful and and two Horned Grebes on Dec. 16(BD et al.), the third andfirst count recordsrespectively; and there were 24 Horned Grebesat Atherley, Dec. I (CH). Early grebes v•AN. / W-misE•l•"-'•--•CopeHenr,etfa/•3rm were Horned at Ottawa Mar. I (BD) and London Mar. 9 (WRJ), and Pied-billedat Hamilton Mar. 4 (WC), Lon- don Mar. 9 (WRJ), Laurel Res., Waterloo Mar. 16 ONTARIO (CAC), and 3 at Peterborough Mar. I 1 (DM). Isolated Great Blue Herons winter alongthe lower Great Lakes, QUE but this year there were birds as far north and east as 4;:.:_...... _ ,\ Manitoulin I. in January and Febmary (fide JN), indi- / K..... 0 . vidualsat Wasi Falls on Dec. 6 (LS) and Ottawa to Jan. •,. Kirklandß % 5 (KH), and 10 at Kingston through December (K.F.N.). There was also an abundanceof early sightings in March.

SWANS, GEESE, DUCK -- Mute Swans continue to build up in numbersalong L. Ontario: up to 11 were rOro•Hope •n I N.Y. presentalong the waterfront west of Toronto (T.O.C.). Early Whistling Swans were five at Hamilton Mar. 3 / Howe Rochester I • '•- (M J), four at BreslauMar. 7 (CAC) and five at Hagar Mar. 16 (WK). Canada Geese were moving both very late --birds at Wolfe I., Dec. 16 (K.F.N.) --and at the beginningof March. A bird at Ayr Mar. 17-- Apr. 4 was sp•n• scc•d on its w•, with •r. 2-] p•cul•y one of the very small races,little largerthan neighbour- ing Mallards (CAC, PB, WHS). Among the rarer geese, bi•s which •ickl• discov•r• tbeir c•cnd•s w•re there were 60 Brant at CoilingwoodMar. 31 (SM, CH) wron• wben th• rest of tbe p•Hod ret•med to w•t•r and sevenWhite-fronted Geese,a large numberfor this with •m• of the •ason's •ld•st w•atber. rare speciesat Long Pt. Mar. 23 (CW, SW et al.); also D•spit• tbe •rl• b•d wc•tber •n o•n I•t• fall noteworthy were 12 Snow Geese at Woffe I. Dec. 16 •icldcd • stHn• o• "•rs•n",,bi•s that (EF). Mallard and Black Duck wintered as for north as •to lat• •ccmber or •d• J•n•, •s•all• to Manitoulin and Sudbury, the first in winter there (fide cumb or m least va•sh • t• w•ter wore on. Some JN) while there were good numberson migration: 1000 strolled throughto spring,o•en suppled by fevers. Mallard at Willow BeachMar. 26-31(ERM) is represen- This is now a familiar phenolnon, •d it is di•cult to tative. Winteringwaterfowl were in low numberson the assess whether it is expanding, or whether each whole although there were some high counts up to

632 American Birds, June 1974 freeze-up, and there were the usual dabblingducks tion;but recentyears have not been normal and reports winteringin smallnumbers. More noteworthythis year havebeen few over the pastfew winters.The Goshawk were the multitude of early sightingsin this group. numberswere againhigh: a record 17 reportsover the There were Gadwall at London Mar. 6 (WRJ) and winter at Kingston(RDW); an all-timeCBC high of Kingston Mar. 7 (GW); Pintail at Kelly L., Sudbury eight at Ottawa (RAF); six at Hamilton and four in Mar. 31 (CB1) and Kingston Feb. 16 (RDW); the latter SimcoeCo., both in the periodJan. 6 - Feb. 24 (RC was possiblya winteringbird, but the goodcount of 130 CJM); and two on the LondonCBC (JA et al.). Red- Hamilton Mar. 3 (RC, MJ et al.) was clearly of mig- tailed Hawk numberswere low, particularlyin the rants. Other early recordswere two Blue-wingedTeal favouredToronto region(GB); there were two at Man- at Long Pt. Mar. 10 (RC, JO, BJ), two N. Shoveler at itoulinJan. 6 (CB, JL) andone in StrattonTwp., Mar Hamilton Mar. 4 (WS, DS) and there were a numberof 15 (RPi). It was not really a Rough-leggedHawk year Wood Ducks, includingfour at Hamilton the sameday but somegood concentrations occurred, with numbers (DS), and two at Ottawa Mar. 16 (RAF, RP), which also at Malton (GB, CEG), a highof 42 on AmherstI., Feb had a bird on its Dec. 16CBC (JW). A noteworthyfall 10 (K.F.N.), and a record high of 28 on the Dec 16 count was 600 Ring-necked Ducks Oct. 13 at Man- Ottawa CBC. The only GoldenEagle reports were birds ltoulin I. (CB, JL), and there were huge numbers of at GravenhurstDec. 24 (RP, RPi) andKillarney Feb i 1 Canvasbacksat Long Pt. before freeze-up -- an esti- (KM), but Bald Eagleswere in relatively good num- mated 75,000 on Dec. 12 (RPi, AW). Barrow's Golden- bers,with threein the ThousandIs. area(JWd), two or eye were againpresent throughout the periodat Ottawa threeat Killarney(LD), threeAlgonquin P.P. records and Oakville (m.ob.), and Harlequin Ducks followed (fide RPi) and singlebirds at OttawaDec. 15- 16(DL et the samepattern, with birds in now traditionalareas at al), BronteJan. 9 (PE), King Twp., Feb. 9 (HB), and Toronto and Clarkson(T.O.C.) as well as singlebirds at DelawareMar. 9 (WPU).The Kingstonarea continued Hamilton to Feb. 15 (m.ob., RHW) and Niagara Falls to hosta largeMarsh Hawk population:the CBC had a Jan. 5 -6 (HHA et al.). Further to the nestingnote on record25 on Dec. 16, andthe AmherstI. high was 9 on Buffleheadin the fall summary,in spite of the ranges Feb. 24 (K.F.N.) buildingto 22 on Mar. 9 (RN, FP) specifiedin the textsthere is an absenceof goodmater- once migrationhad commenced.Gyrfalcons returned lal evidenceto supportthe species'known occurrence to their morenormal numbers -- virtuallynone -- with m the Province as a breeder; it is to this that the refer- birdsonly at NashvilleDec. 22-23(GB, LM) and War- ence applied, but it appears the details never were ren Mar. 16 & 22 (LR). There were the usualhalf dozen forthcomingso the condition still exists (fide GKP). Merlinsreported across the Province,and an Am. Kes- Oldsquawhad a record high of 1660at PrinceEdward trel on ManitoulinI. Jan.27 (CB)was a northerlywmter Point (below, P.E. Point) Feb. 24 (fide RDW) but the report. flocks off Toronto Is. were absent for the third succes- stve year, and it appears that lake filling may have GROUSE, GALLINULES -- A SpruceGrouse on wipedthe populationout (CEG). An Oldsquawwas off Oct. 21 at the west end of Manitoulin I. was the first Lake Superior P.P., Jan. 12 (JBM, CAM) and other recentreport there (JN). Sharp-tailedGrouse display more northerly sightingswere two Com. Goldeneyeat on the ManitoulinI. lek was on the early date of Mar 5 Terrace Bay Feb. 3, a Corn. Merganserat Marathon the (fide KM); anda sightingof sevenbirds of this species sameday (JBM, CAM) and six AlgonquinP.P. Feb. 14 at P.E. Point, Jan. 1 (BW, PM, RDW) some250 milesto (RT). King Eiders did not appear in significantnum- the south and east of this station, must have been the bers,but therewere sightingson the NiagaraR. (m.ob.) resultof releasesby the Ministry of Natural Resources and on the Hamilton CBC. Scoter reports included a some distance away. The habitat seemsexcellent for Black Scoterat Millhavenin January,and there were 12 the establishment of a population. A Bobwhite on recordsof White-wingedScoters in the Kingstonarea AmherstI. Dec. 8 (FP) wasprobably also an escapee Jan. 1 - 6 (K.F.N.). Other White-wingedswere six at The firstOttawa record of a PurpleGallinule was a btrd Kempenfelt Bay Dec. 23 (TW), a bird on the Ottawa walkingaround a departmentstore parking lot Dec 29 CBC (JW, SO), and London's earliest ever on Mar. 23 whichdied Dec. 31 (GM)- the bird, not the parking lot. (WRJ). The London (Mar. 9) and Hamilton (Mar. 7 Ruddy Ducks were the earliest ever also (WRJ, WS). SHOREBIRDS -- Killdeers were seenat Kingston On Dec. 9-10 a Smew was identified at Normandale fish to Feb. 4 (BG), Hamilton on Jan. 2 (DCo) and -- pre- hatcheryponds, associating with Hooded Mergansers sumablya very early arrival -- Feb. 23 (WC); and the (JO et al.). This is the secondOntario record,the first Long Point CBC had an Am. Golden Plover Dec. 15, as beinga 1960sighting which supportsits statuson the well asa PurpleSandpiper. Common Snipe stayed Into CanadianList (see Godfrey, W. Earl, 1966,Birds of the period in the usual small numbers,with eight at Canada, p. 84, National Museum of Canada Bulletin Collins Bay Dec. 16 (K.F.N.) and two at Port Hope 203, Ottawa). The bird was quiteextensively described Dec. 30 (ERM) the most noteworthy. Two snipe at and photographedalthough the only photographseen to Hamilton Mar. 9 (DS) were eady, as were five Am dateis not adequatein itselfto supportthe observation. Woodcockthere Mar. 5 (RC), and one at Komoka Mar Other wintering Hooded Merganserswere seenat To- 3 (WRJ). ronto Jan. 6 (FB) and three at Kempenfelt Bay Dec. 23 (CJM). GULLS, TERNS -- The Ottawa CBC Dec. 16 had EAGLES, HAWKS -- There were scatteredreports record numbers of white gulls: there were 6 Iceland of Accipitersover the winter, a normalenough condi- Gulls, and the 24 GlaucousGulls were three times the

Volume 28, Number 3 633 prewous record. The latter specieswas also in good Simcoe Co., and the same held for Horned Larks w•th numbers at Hamilton with ! ! Jan. 3 (AW) and there oneas far northas Marathon (fide JBM) andmany small were two at London Dec. 19 and one Dec. 22-25 flocks and isolated birds across the south. Some ofth•s (mob.). London had unprecedentednumbers of gulls might have been abnormally early migration •n a •n December with 150-200on the Thames R., and the speciesthat is always amongthe first to appear, for flocksincluded a GreatBlack-backed Gull Dec. 20 (HI, example,six at CobdenFeb. I (RPi et al.). SI) with anotherat Komoka Dec. 13 (WRJ); far more outstanding,however, was the Ivory Gull there Dec. CROWS THROUGH WRENS -- There was no 19-27 (WGD, JWL, m.ob.), one of very few Ontario repetitionof the Gray Jay invasionof last winter, and recordsaway from the Great Lakes. Thayer's Gulls are some localities on the breeding groundsreported re- reported in winter from the Niagara R. and this year ducednumbers from PimisiBay and North Bay (Lde from Ottawa; the uncertainties associated with field KL, HP) to Fort Frances(IP); however,probably the •dentificationof this speciesare at presentunder review breedingat Mer Bleue bog, Ottawa, with a nest Mar 2 by the OntarioRecords Committee. Three Bonaparte's was an outcomeof the invasion.The specieshas not Gulls Kingston Mar. 23 (K.F.N.) were the earliest-ever bred before in the Ottawa area and further details will there. The Long Pt. CBC count of 18 Little Gulls was be published(RAF, SO). There wasalso bird or birdsm the highest-everOntario winter total of this species the Londonarea, Dec. 14 at Delaware(VPS) and Jan known to this compiler. A Black-leggedKittiwake was 12in Byron bog(RGC). CommonCrows now winter m at N•agara Falls to at least Dec. 30 (RFA, et al.). Winter good numbersalong the lower Great Lakes, but the terns were a Com. Tern at Fanshawe L., London Dec. northerlysightings at ThunderBay Mar. 3 (JR, CEGa) 15 (DGW, MW) and a CaspianTern at Niagara Dec. 1 and HorenpayneMar. 4 (GP) were early migrants A (HH, DB et MO. Blue Tit, of all things,spent the periodat Gravenhurst DOVES, OWLS -- Mourning Doves continue to (VB) visitinga feederthere, andproduced some elabo- push their winter range northwards:there were 100at rate hypotheses to support its inclusion on various Angus Dec. 15 (TL et al.) and ! 15 southwestof Bartie day's lists. Fairly certainly it did not crossthe Atlantic Dec 23 (TW). The mildweather stimulated nesting for under its own steam, and it will not become an addition th•sspecies, and a bird wasincubating in Mississauga to the Provincial list. The usual scattered Boreal Chick- Mar 23, whenwinter had returned and the temperature adee sightingsoccurred in the northand east, but there was 12ø (BR) [Brrr! -- Ed.]. Snowy Owls appearedin was no indicationof a flight. Noteworthy Tufted T•t- only smallnumbers, in keepingwith the "off" year, but mousereports were from ListowelDec. 9-16 (BJy) and there was again a good movement of some rarer owl RockportNov. 16- Feb. 20 (RFS), thefirst record there species. Hawk Owls were in the north and east with for 12years. Northerly sightings were a BrownCreeper four betweenHomepayne and White R., Dec. 9 (GJ, Jan. 6 at Englehart and a Blue Jay Jan. 10 at Cochrane JJ), a birdat Macintoshfrom Januaryon (PWR, JNk), (AW). Carolina Wrens can do well in the extreme south another at Murillo (TP), and one Great Cloche I. to givenopen winters, and this year there were two eastto Mar 30 (CB); andOttawa had five to early March(fide Port Hope (ERM) and one north to Cambridge(RH) RAF), Great Gray Owls followeda similarpattern but both throughout. wererather more widespread: three at Homepaynelate MIMIDS, THRUSHES -- There were two Simcoe Novemberthrough late January(JBM et al.), two at MoosoneeJan. 9-10 (AW), one at SavanneMar. 7 & 15 Co. reportsof Mockingbirds(fide CJM) and a bird at (TP), five at Ottawa Jan. 7 - Feb. 24 (m.ob.), two at Breslauthroughout (RPk, CAC, WHS); to the eastone Gannon'sNarrows Feb. 17 (RE), two at BelmontL., at Kingstonwas seento Feb. 2 (FC) and there were Feb 26 - Mar. 6 (TWe) and one at KingstonFeb. 12 - three at Ottawa (fide RAF). Sudburyhad a Mock•ng- bird to Feb. I (OZ) and both a Brown Thrasher and an Mar 27 (EC). Six BorealOwl reportswere principally Am. Robinin Januaryand February (EG). Even further m January, all of single birds: Homepayne Dec. 16 north there were two robins on the Marathon CBC, (JBM, CAM), deadin a trapin the Sudburyarea Jan. 15 (fide KM), AlgonquinP.P., Jan. 25 (HC et al.), Orillia Dec. 16,and one at SibleyJan. 27 healthyin a tempera- Jan 3 (WZ) and PickeringJan. 20-23(FB et al.). There ture of-28ø (R&LM). An earlybird wasat Homepayne Mar. 11 (HS). Among the more tender Turdids seen were also scatteredSaw-whet Owl reportsincluding some dead, as this little owl does not seem too success- were a Hermit Thrushon Wolfe I., Dec. 16(RBS et al ) ful m winter in this latitude. and six E. Bluebirdson the London CBC (KWG) KINGFISHERS THROUGH LARKS -- An PIPITS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Ottawa, as easterlyBelted Kingfisher was at MariotickJan. 12 (BD usual,had most Bohemian Waxwings, but the high of 55 et al ). PilearealWoodpeckers, now much more wide- Mar. 15 (BD) reflected rather low numbers,and else- spreadin theProvince than formerly and hence usually where only Port Hope with two Jan. 1-2 (ERM) and not mentionedin these compilations,were reported Barrie with eight Feb. 28 - Mar. 13 (FB, RR) were ms,tingfeeders occasionally in the Peterborougharea noteworthy. The 38 Cedar Waxwingson the Dec 16 (fide DCS). There were a remarkable six Red-bellied Marathon CBC were far north. It was a good but not Woodpeckerson the LondonCBC (GFB et al.), and exceptionalN. Shrikeyear, with birdsapparently most other birdswere at CayugaDec. 6 - Mar. 17 (AW, widespreadin Decemberand February, a fairlytypical m oh.) and Oakville Dec. 30 (AW, SO, BD). Red- pattern, althoughOttawa had 15 on Jan. 12 (SO) and headedWoodpeckers wintered in unusualnumbers, Homepayne an early arrival Mar. 2 (DW, JBM) A w•th at least 8 reportseast to Kingstonand north to LoggerheadShrike, alwaysrare in winter, was at Lon-

634 American Btrds, June 1974 don Dec. 15 (WRJ, DC). Starlingsare early migrants: peak of five Feb. 23, two at Kitchener-Waterloo, four at there were 12 at Hornepayne Mar. 9 (JBM, DW) but a London and ten at Hamilton. b•rd that arrived in Algonquin P.P., Feb. 1. during a SPARROWS -- Apart from a record-early Chipping mfid spell died the next day following an overnight Sparrow Mar. 10 at London (DGW, MW) and single temperature of-20 ø (DBu). There were the usual odd Harris' Sparrows at Hornepayne Dec. 15 - Jan. 9 and warblers, includinga Pine Warbler at Chippewa Jan. 1 Long Pt. Dec. 10-15(m.ob.), all sparrowreports are of (FMR), a Yellow-rumpedWarbler at WoodbridgeDec. the increasinglyfrequent winteringbirds. Without re- 2 - Jan. 14 (AD), a Com. Yellowthroat at London Dec. peatingCBC sightingsthey include a Vesper Sparrow 15 (WGD) and, from fall, a Yellow-breasted Chat at in Vaughan Twp. Dec. 16 (HK, AD, GB) and Bame Onllia Oct. 30 (LI, RZ). Dec. 15 (CH); a Chipping Sparrow at Port Hope Dec HOUSE SPARROWS THROUGH TANAGERS -- 10-30(ERM); four Field Sparrowsat Bramalea Dec 9 A House Sparrow at Marathon Dec. 16 was the first (JAM); a White-crowned Sparrow at Ottawa Jan 26 seenthere in at least 4 years (JBM). Meadowlarkspro- (RAF) and Cadeton Place Feb. 1 (GF); a White- wded many early dates, with W. Meadowlarks at Ailsa throatedSparrow to Feb. 21 in AlgonquinP.P. (RT) and Craig Mar. 12(JC) andtwo at HagersvilleMar. 10(WS), at Pimisi Bay throughout (LdeKL); a Fox Sparrow at and there was a bird on the Marathon CBC. Two Red- Halton Hills Jan. 2%31 (JM); and a Lincoln's Sparrow w•nged Blackbirds at Hornepayne Mar. 10 (m.ob.) at PeterboroughJan. 1 (DCS et al.). The largest Lap- were early and a Brown-headed Cowbird wintered land Longspurcount was 12in VaughanTwp., Dec 23 - there. Even further north a Com. Grackle at Cochrane Jan. 1 (LM, GB), and three largeflocks of Snow Bunt- Jan. 6 lookedclose to expiry (AW). A W. TanagerPort ings were reported: 2000 at Malton Jan. 6 (JAM), 1600 Hope Dec. 1-16was well describedand photographed in Essa Twp., Mar. 17 (SM, CJM), and 1000on Wolfe (ERM). I., Mar. 23 (K.F.N.). FINCHES -- Cardinal populations seemed strong CORRIGENDUM --The report of Sprague'sPip•t and there were a good numberof reportsfrom areasin (Am. Birds 28:47)was not consideredacceptable by the the north and east where recent colonization has occur- Ontario Records Committee and should be deleted red. Well in the main area of its range,the 65 at a feeder m Norval over the periodwas still a remarkablenumber SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface itahc), (FNC). Several at Ottawa included four pairs (fide CONTRIBUTORS (boldface)and OBSERVERS -- J RAF) andthere were pairsat Huntsville(RPi) andParry Anderton, R.F. Andrle, H.H. Axtell, P. Bald, H. Bar- Sound, the first pair there in winter (CAC et al.). The nett, Mrs. V. Bastin, G.F. Bates,C. Bell,G. Bennett,C first recent Sudburyarea sightingswere Killarney Oct. Blomme (CBL), F. Bodsworth, G.M. Brigham, D. 26 (JL, WRL), Lively Oct. 26-28 (WO) and Manitoulin Broughton, D. Brunton (DBu), E. Cameron, C A I to Feb. 2 (KDi), and the Thunder Bay sightingin Campbell, H. Coneybeare, F. Cooke, D. Copeland PmpoongeTwp., Jan. 8 - Mar. 7 was only the seventh (DCo), F. N. Cramp, J. Crawford, W. Crins, Mrs. R G there in 30 years (HQ,fide KD). A Dickcisselat Rich- Cummings,D. Currie,R. Curry,A. Dawe,W.G. Day,K. mond Hill Dec. 12 to early January (LT, EK) was Denis, B. Dilabio, K. Dinsmore (KDi), L. Drolet, P. routine compared to the Black-headedGrosbeak at An- Eagles, R. Edwards, S. Essford, G. Findlay, E caster Dec. 4-24 (ELG) which was photographedby Fletcher, R.A. Foxall, C.E. Garton (CEGa) C E Don Gunn and forms the first record for Ontario. On the Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, B. Gray, K.W. Green, E whole it was a poor year for winter finches: a light Greenwood, E.L. Griffin, C. Harris, R. Hilborn, K movementof Evening Grosbeaks,scattered reports of Himmer, Mrs. H. Houkins, H. Inch, S. Inch, L. Irwin, Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins and W.R. Jarmain, G. Jastrebski, J. Jastrebski, M. Jen- Am. Goldfinchesnumerous in someareas, especially in nings,B. Jones,B. Joynt(BJy), E. Kennedy,H. Kerr, the late winter, but generallyscarce. There was a small KingstonField Naturalists, W. Koski, D. Lafontmne, but noteworthy movement of White-winged Crossbills, L.deK. Lawrence, J.W. Leach, J. Lemon, T. Letson, whmh took to visiting feedersfor the first time in the W.R. Lowe, E,R. MacDonaM, C.J. MacFayden, P experience of most observers. Purple Finches were Mackenzie, L. Marsh, K. Maybury, D. McCrae, G wrtually absent and the commonestfinches were Com. McGee, C.A. Miles, J. B. Miles, R. & L. Mitton, S Redpolls,which were scarceat first but in quite good Moir, m.ob. multiple observers, J.A. Murray, J flocks after the beginningof February. With them were Nicholson, J. Nickerson (JNk), R. Norman, S Hoary Redpolls,which stageda movementcomparable O'Donnell, W. Oldenburg,J. Olmsted, I. Parks, G.K. to the flightsof 1968-9and 1971-2.Most were recorded Peck, T. Perrons, H. Petty, F. Phelan, G. Peever, R m the north and east, and indeed at Moosonce Jan. 9 Pickering (RPk), R. Pittaway (RPi), R. Poulin, H there were 90 Hoaries and only one Common (AW), Quackenbush,B. Ranford, F.M. Rew,P.W. Richter, R while at Hornepayne 19 banded from Feb. 9 rep- Rickwood, L. Roy, J. Ryder, D.C. Sadlet, H resentedalmost 5 per cent of the redpollsbanded in this Schachow,W.H.Schaefer, L. Stamps, R.B. Stewart, period (JMB). There was much informal talk of per- D. Smith,Mr. Mrs. R.F. Smith,V.P. Smith,W. Smith, centageselsewhere, but only at Ottawa, with some 2-3 L. Thomson, Toronto OrnithologicalClub, R. Tozer, per cent of the flocks Hoaries (fide RAF), did the final B. Wade, D.G. Wake, M. Wake, T. Watson,R.D, Wetr, reports offer such information. Most sightingswere T. Welbourn(TWe), R. H. Westmore,D. Wilshere, C after Feb. 9, only 5 records (apart from the Moosonce Wood, S. Wood, G. Woods, J. Woods(JWd), J. Wool- report) offering earlier dates: in all, at Thunder Bay ley, A. Wormington,O. Zarubick, R. Ziefeld, W there were two birds, five in the Sudbury area, five in Zufelt, -- CLIVE E. GOODWIN, Apt. 610, 45 LaRose Algonquin P.P., one at Barfie, 12 at Kingston with a Ave., Weston, Ont. M9P 1A8.

Volume 28, Number 3 635 WESTERN NEW YORK AND NORTHWEST- Goldeneyes and Buffieheads seemed low. Some 1000 ERN PENNSYLVANIA. -- A generally mild winter Oldsquawswere on L. Ontario near RochesterDec 27 seasonwas the rule for the secondconsecutive year. (WL); this species staged a somewhat remarkable The last half of January and late February and early Marchflight apparentin manyparts of the Region,but March were much warmer than usual. Total snowfall especiallyin southerntier counties;in a normal year tendedto be from averageto below averagewith some mid-April is the time of maximum abundancein those of the worst stormsof the seasoncoming during the last areas. A Corn. Eider again appearedon L. Ontario in half of March. It was one of those years when March the Rochesterarea, this time Jan. 1-6 at Charlotte, entered as a lamb, but left as a lion! MonroeCo. (PW et al.). A few King Eiderswere pres- Birdwise,the seasonwas characterized by numerous ent duringDecember and Januarywhen up to six were lingering half-hardy speciesand individuals, many of on the lower Niagara R. (B.O.S.); in the Rochester which, owing to the generalmildness, survived through regiona malewas presentJan. 6 - Mrr. 16(AK et al ) the end of the period. It was generallya poor year for Last fall's scoter flight was reflected in some 250 northernspecies, although almost all were represented White-wingedScoters being present Dec. 27 on L. On- by at least a few individuals. The mild weather of late tario near Rochester(WL). Hooded Merganserswin- February and early March brought with it one of the tered in above normal numbers; three Feb. 9 at Sclo best waterfowl migrationsin recent years. Most March (VP) werethe first winter reportsfor AlleganyCounty passefinearrivals tendedto be early, owing also to the same very mild conditions. HAWKS -- The most common Accipiter was the The notes below exclude all Christmas Bird Count Goshawk. Reports came from scattered localities, data, sincemost CBC resultswere not available at the mostlyin the easternand centralparts of the Region In t•me of writing this report. the Rochester area, where most observations origi- nated, 14individuals were thoughtto be presentduring GREBES, HERONS -- The rare but regular Eared December, eight in January, and seven in February, of Grebe was studiedcarefully Mar. 9 on SenecaL. (M J). three banded during January at Webster, Monroe Co , The extreme mildnessof early March apparently was one was an ad. male and two were imm. males (JC) At responsiblefor Mar. 22 observationsof a Green Heron, Braddock Bay, Monroe Co., the major hawk flight loc- somethree weeks earlier than the averagearrival date, ality in the Region,24 Goshawkspassed over Mar 23 at lrondequoit Bay, Monroe Co. (RA), and a Least (G.O.S.). Wintering Cooper's Hawks were more Bittern, some five weeks early, at Dunkirk (WS). numerousthan the Sharp-shinned,but both were much WATERFOWL -- Late fall concentrations of Whist- less common than formerly. Red-tailed Hawks ling Swans included 214 on Dec. 16 and 154 on Dec. 13 tered in normal to above normal numbersthroughout on Chautauqua L. (RS). Obvious spring migrants were A few Red-shoulderedHawks winteredand 29 passed seven on Feb. 8 at Scio, Allegany Co. (VP) but the first over Braddock Bay Mar. 23 (G.O.S.), but these num- big movement did not occur until Feb. 24. Swans were bers were low for this once fairly common hawk much more common and widespread than usual Rough-legged Hawks were scarce, with 10 over Brad- throughout the Region through March, with the max- dock Bay Feb. 28 (JuC) beingthe maximum. Only two lmum count being 600 on Mar. 7 at Edinboro, Erie Co., Bald Eagles, an adult and an immature, were reported Pa (DS). Wintering Am. Kestrels were common, especiallyon Wintering Canada Geese, especiallyin the Finger the Lake Plains;populations were thoughtto be 30 per Lakes region, were probably more numerousthan in cent higher than a year ago in the Romulus, SenecaCo any previous year; some 6000 frequented Seneca L. area (MJ). alone(WB). The first obviousmigrants were noted Feb. 21 & 22. All reports combined suggestedthat there may RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- Two Virginia Rails were have been a conservative 150,000 to 200,000 Canada at Irondequoit, Monroe Co., Jan. 18 (fide G.O.S.), and Geesepresent at the end of March in the usualconcent- one frequented the same area as late in the seasonas rattan areas on the plains south of L. Ontario. A Feb. 16-24(NM et al.) Springmigrant Am. Woodcock White-fronted Goose,for which there are very few fall and Corn. Snipe arrived in numbers much earlier •n reports, was observedDec. 2 at Iroquois N.W.R. (fide March than usual. A Purple Sandpiper,always rare, JoM). The first Snow Geese arrived Feb. 22 at Mon- was at Dunkirk Jan. 13 (ABet al.). Very late were two tezuma N.W.R. and by the end of March the flock had Dunlin at Braddock Bay Dec. 9 (WL) and one Jan 3 built up to about 1400,some 1200of these being the blue (MC et al.); but one at Myer's Pt. on CayugaL., Jan 21 morph (WB). and Mar. 9-10 suggestedpossible overwintering (DK et P•ntailswere more commonand widespreadduring al.), an unprecedentedevent in the Region. Also late March than in many recent years. Blue-winged Teal wasa singleSanderling and a Red PhalaropeDec. 9 at and N. Shovelers moved into the Region in large num- Braddock Bay (WL). bers much earlier than in the average year. The only Eur Wigeon was one Mar. 8 at Waterford, Erie Co., GULLS, ALCIDS -- Up to five GlaucousGulls and Pa (JS & JeS). one Iceland Gull frequented Irondequoit Bay Outlet Springmigrant Ring-neckedDucks were more abun- (AK); a few others were scattered elsewhere on the dant than during the averageyear. Personsor agencies Great Lakes and Niagara R. The mild seasonaccounted responsible for blue-backed Canvasbacks will be in- for numbersof Bonaparte'sGulls remainingon the terestedin one reportedfrom Mar. 6 PresqueI., Pa. lower Niagara R. many weeks beyondtheir usualm•d- (DS) Wintering and migrant populations of Com. Januarydeparture date. Includedwith the Bonaparte's

636 American B•rds, June 1974 was a very late Little Gull Feb. 24 at Lewiston, Niagara (CK). Cedar Waxwing numbers were low all over but Co (AM & WM). Received too late to be included in an abundant food supply at Durand Eastman Park in the Fall Migration report, but nevertheless significant, Rochester caused some 500 to remain there Jan 1-31 was the unprecedented high number of 29 Little Gulls (JoC et al.). The winter seasoncontinued to be a rela- on the Niagara R., Nov. 4 (PB et al.) The highest tively poor one for N. Shrikes. number ever noted in the Rochester area was 10 on Dec. 1 at the Irondequoit Bay Outlet (AK); five counted WOOD WARBLERS -- A normal winter season Jan 14 on L. Erie at Dunkirk was also noteworthy (RS usually provides nothing to report under this family et al.). An imm. Ivory Gull first noted Dec. 29-30 on the But sometwo months laterthan their averagedeparture Canadian side of the Niagara R. (WV et al.) apparently dates was a single Black-and-white Warbler at Elmira movedupriver for it touchedU.S. soil Dec. 31 at Buck- horn Island S.P. (WiB). This was the secondNiagara R. Dec. 16 (fide WH) and an Ovenbirdat PresqueI., Pa, Dec. 15 (ChK). Although Com. Yellowthroats some- Ivory Gull known, the first having been found by the times attempt to winter, one Dec. 9 at PresqueI., Pa sameobserver in 1934!A singleBlack-legged Kittiwake (JS) was the first reported in several years. Up to 20 was on L. Ontario at Charlotte Jan. 24 (FS et al.). A Yellow-rumped Warblers, D.c.coronata, wintered on Dovekie, one of only a very few Regional reports, was barberry fruits near Junius, Seneca Co. (WB) A studiedcarefully Dec. 23 at the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Yellow-rumped Warbler, D.c. auduboni, was studied (AK). by many observers and photographed Jan. 19-24 at OWLS -- Of five Barn Owls reported, three were Pittsford, Monroe Co. (G.O.S.); hopefully, further de- known to have died from various causes. Screech Owls tails will be provided in the next report on this record, were thought to be present in normal numbers. Great about the fifth N.Y. State record. Horned Owls were holding their own in general, but were more commonthan usualin someareas resulting BLACKBIRDS -- Most of the usual half-hardy from a high rabbit population(fide MJ). About 10 blackbirds wintered in above-normal numbers. The Snowy Owls comprisedthis year's poor southward Brown-headed Cowbird was the most numerous. Two flight. Five reportsof eightLong-eared Owls wasvery N. Orioles, 1.g.galbula, were reported during De- low comparedwith many previous years. There were about five known Short-eared Owl concentrations on cemberin the southernpart of the Region,one of which was found in a very weakened condition. the L. Ontario Plains, with the maxima of 23 at Romulus in mid-January(MJ) and 19 at Avon, LivingstonCo., Feb. 10 (JoC et al.). Saw-whet Owls were very scarce, FRINGILLIDS -- It was a generally poor winter for there being only three reports. "northern" finches, although all, save the Pine Gros- be.ak,moved southward. Numerically, the Evening WOODPECKERS, SWALLOWS -- Many Grosbeak was the most abundant, but rather than being Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers attempted wintering, but widespreadas in someyears, most tended to be concen- none were reported after the end of January. Downy trated around feeders in the southernpart of the Reg- Woodpeckerpopulations were unusuallyhigh in some ion. Purple Finches were very scarce. During parts of the Finger Lakes Region -- is the cause the November there were a number of scattered reports of dying elms? It was very difficult to explain why two small numbers of Com. Redpolls from December Barn Swallows were at Ithaca on the absurd date of Jan. through early March, but during the last ten days of 28 (DK et al.). March there was a major and widespreadflight, there CROWS, TITMICE, NUTHATCHES -- Common being many reports of flocks numberingover 100 individuals. Were these birds missed on their southward Crows were very scarcein many sectionsbut perhaps many of those that were present moved into the Scio movement earlier in the season-- or did they move area, where a maximum of 583 occurred Jan. 12 - Feb. southwardelsewhere? There were reliable reportsof at leastfour Hoary Redpollson the L. Ontario PlainsFeb 28 (VP). Tufted Titmice appearedto be increasing, perhaps a result of two consecutive mild winters com- 24 - Mar. 31. Pine Siskins were very scarce. Unlike November, when the Red Crossbill was far more bined with ample sunflower seedsat feeding stations. numerous than the White-winged, the situation was Red-breasted Nuthatches were very scarce. reversed during the remainder of the season. Small WRENS, MIMIDS, THRUSHES -- Last fall's in- flocksof White-wingedCrossbills occurred throughout cursion of Carolina Wrens continued to be evident the Regionthroughout the period. Red Crossbillswere throughthe winter in the southernpart of the Region extremely scarce. from the Erie, Pa. area eastward to the Elmira and Most previouslyreported House Finch populations Ithaca area; many were known to have survived the remained stable; up to 20 were at Ithaca during the winter, feedingstations being responsiblefor the suc- period (DK), an area from which the approximatesize cessof some. Mockingbird populationsremained rela- of the populationhas never beenpreviously reported tively stable. A February total of 28 Gray Catbirds at Another House Finch was at a feeder Mar. 20 at Wat- Websterwas unusual(JM). More E. Bluebirdsattemp- kins Glen (JB) where they have been previouslyunre- ted wintering than usual. ported. More Rufous-sided Towhees wintered than during the average year. Single Dark-eyed Juncoes, KINGLETS, WAXWINGS, SHRIKES -- Unusu- J.h. oreganus, were in the Rochesterarea Dec. 21 and ally large numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets win- Mar. 18-24 (fide G.O.S.). Several flocks of up to 75 tered in mature evergreen plantationsin the Alfred area Lapland Longspurswere noted on the L. Ontario Plains

Volume 28, Number 3 637 during mid-February; elsewhere they were scarce. usual. Consequently practically all of the Christmas Snow Buntingswere fairly common, especiallyduring Bird Count (hereafter, CBC) groupsreported record February and March. high countsin specieslisted. Perhapsthe most remarkable of these was the count of 78 species in Garrett CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and OBSERVERS -- County, Md., all at elevationswell above 2000 feet on Robert Ambrose, Paul Benham, (WB) Walter Benning, Dec. 16. Allen Benton,(WiB) William Birch, RichardBollinger, The southboundwaterfowl migration was still going Elizabeth Brooks, Jack Brubaker, Buffalo Ornithologi- on in mid-December,and the northboundflight started cal Society, Doris Burton, Lou Burton, Michael Carl- in late February. Spring migration of landbirds also son, (JuC) Julie Claffey, (JoC) John Connor, (JC) Jerry startedin late February,and by the endof the periodthe Czech, Genessee Ornithological Society, Frank northward movement was well ahead of schedule. Guthrie, Wilifred Howard, Morgan Jones,Allen Kem- nitzer, Douglas Kibbe, (CK) ClarenceKlingensmith, GREBES, CORMORANTS, AND HERONS -- In (ChK) Charles Krantz, Walter Listman, Alice McKale, early March the Horned Grebe staged an unusually Willard McKale, (JM) Joseph McNett, Nell Moon, heavy flight, and the two seenat Dalton, Ga., Dec. 15 (JoM) John Morse, Vivian Pitzrick, Fritz Scheider, represented the second Whitfield Co. record (AH). A Donald Snyder, Willard Stanley, (JS) JamesStull, (JeS) W. Grebe was present near Tullahoma, Tenn., on the Jean Stull, Robert Sundell, Thomas Tetlow, William extreme s.w. border of the Region for most of the Vaughan, JaysonWalker, Paul Weld. -- RICHARD C. winter (JBO). Three Double-crested Cormorants at ROSCHE, P.O. Box 482, Crawford, Neb. 69339. Cheshire, O. Mar. 17-21 (PC&WC, fide* JS) was unusualfor the locality,and indeedwas the only reportof the species. APPALACHIAN REGION A most unusual number of Great Blue Herons win- / George A. Hall tered in the Region with reports coming from as far north as Meadville, Pa. (RFL) and Warren, Pa. (WH). Winter? Did we have a winter this year? It hardly A Great Egret at Raccoon Creek S.P., Pa. Mar. 20 seemedso. The Regionexperienced one of the mildest (JMa, fide DF), and two at Seneca L., O. Mar. 24 winters in recent years, and while no seasoncan have (PC&WC) were unusually early. The only report of a really dull birding this one seemeddull in many ways. Cattle Egret came from L. Chickamauga,Tenn., Mar. 30 (AH). The Steubenville,O., CBC reported a Green Heron Dec. 15 (RRi). Black-crowned Night Herons wintered in numbersat Waynesboro,Va. (RS), and one seenon the PittsburghCBC Dec. 29 was the first winter record for that area (RBg & MS,fide DF).

WATERFOWL -- The mostinteresting event in the delayed southboundflight occurredin Garrett County, Md., Dec. 16. On both the day before and the day after there were essentiallyno waterfowl on Deep Creek L., but on the 16th the CBC listed a total of 2866 ducks and geeseincluding such counts as 757 Redheads.571 Can- vasbacks,and 50 Oldsquaws(FP, DB). Symptomaticof the mild seasonwas the count of only 59 Com. Gol- deneyes on the Pittsburgh CBC, the second lowest count in 15 years. The northboundflight whichstarted in late February and continuedthrough March was quite goodat most places, but as expected the exceptions to this came from the south,e.g. Kingsport,Tenn., wherethe flight While there were approximately 12 speciesof "no•h- was poor (TF). A count of 250 Canvasbacks at L. Ar- em inv•ers", seve•l "western invaders" and a few thur, Pa. Mar. 10(DF) and 1000at Bald Eagle S.P., Pa. interestingstragglers from other qua•ers, not one re- Mar. 9 (CHa &MCl,fide PS) here heartening. po•ed any great concenturions of any of these, and Three Whistling Swanswintered at Lock Haven, Pa. most people sa• only a few of them. (PS), and one was present at W. Newton, Pa. from Jan. At the Hitsburgh weather stationthe four monthsof I until it was shot by personsunknown Feb. 15(DF). A the se•n showeda 302 day-degreeexcess in tempe•- fall straggler was seen at Cove L., Tenn., Dec. 12 ture and a0.34-inch •infall deficit. At Morgantownthe (JBO). The springflight was good, and started around only app•ciable snowfall c•e in two sto•s in eady Feb. 20, almosttwo weeksearly, and only afew strag- December. To the south there w• es•ntially no snow- glers were left in the Region at the end of the period. f•l. Most of the large •dies of water never completely Except for reports from Blacksburg,Va. (JMu) and froze over, and waterfowl remained throughout the Elkins, W.Va. (EO) there were no reportsthis spring from off the rather narrow flight path. The Canada The mild fall and the unseasonalDecember tempera- Goose flight was somewhat lower than usual this tures inducedmany s•cies to remainnorth longerthan spring,but an individualof one of the smallraces, often

638 American Birds, June 1974 called "Cackling Goose" was seennear Greensburg, A Killdeer nest in McKean Co., Pa. Mar. 15 was Pa , Feb. 12 (CW). White-phaseSnow Geesewere re- remarkablyearly (SE). Common Snipe wintered in portedfrom BuncombeCo. N.C., Dec. 15(RRu); Knox goodnumbers but one on the Garrett Co., Md., CBC, Co, Tenn., Jan. 14 (PP, fide JBO); Kanawha Co., Dec. 16 was at an elevationhigher than might be ex- W Va., Feb. 21 (NG); State College, Pa., Mar. 2 and pectedat this season.The bandingof Am. Woodcock Mar. 28 (MW), and P•matuning L., Mar. 20 (RFL). near Morgantown began Feb. 6, the earliest date since Blue-phasebirds were seenin SomersetCo., Pa., Mar. the projectstarted (DS). A few Least Sandpiperswin- 10 (GSa & RSa, fide DF), and P•matuning,Mar. 20 teredat Chattanooga(KD), andearly Solitaryand Pec- (RFL). toral Sandpiperswere reported from Elizabethton, Three Eur. Wigeonin Butler Co., Pa. Mar. 9 regis- Tenn., Mar. 20 (GE). tered perhapsonly the seconds.w. Pennsylvaniare- There were good numbersof both Ring-billedand cord (DP, fide DF). Oldsquawswere reported in un- HerringGulls wintering on the largerbodies of water usual numbersthroughout the seasonand throughout but the interestinggull reportswere of the wintenng the Regionas far southas Watauga L., Tenn. (GE) and Bonaparte'sGulls at L. Arthur (DF); Lewisburg, Waynesboro,Va. (RS), with a highcount of 350 at Bald W.Va. (CH); SenecaL., O. (MCh); and Garrett Co , Eagle S.P., Pa. Mar. 9 (CHa & MCl,fide PS). White- Md. (FP). There was a good flight northward of wingedScoters were reportedfrom Canfield,O., Feb. 6 Bonaparte's Gulls in late March. (WB); Bald Eagle S.P., Pa., Mar. 9 (CHa & MC1); CrawfordCo. Pa., Mar. 16(RFL); L. Arthur, Pa., Mar. PARAKEETS AND OWLS -- A lone Monk 16 (MG,fide DF); Warren, Pa., Mar. 29 (HJ,fide WH); Parakeetwas observed at Franklin, N.C. Mar. 21 (HG, andBoone L., Tenn., Mar. 23 (MDffide GE), while the fide RRu). much rarer Black Scoter was seenat in Crawford, Co., Past accountshave complained about the absenceof Pa Mar. 16 (RFL). The bird of the season was a reportson owls, and possiblyas a resulta largenumber Harlequin Duck at Hinton, W.Va. Jan. 22 - Feb. 15 of reportscame in. BarnOwls were reported from Lock (JLS), the first sightrecord for the state.Interestingly Haven (3 locations-- PS); s.w. Pennsylvania,(3 loca- enoughthe only other record for the Regionwas one tions-- DF); MountainLake Park, Md. (FP); Lewis- which wintered near Blacksburg,Va. in 1973, the two burg,W.Va. (CH); New Market, Va. (MWh); Kings- localitiesbeing perhapsonly 40 airline miles apart. port, Tenn. (TF); and Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE) Thirty-fourScreech Owls (record count) were reported RAPTORS -- The hawk picture was brighterthis on the AlleghenyCo., Pa., CBC (DF). Horned and year than it hasbeen for manyyears. Sharp-shinned, Barred Owls were in good numberswith a nest of the Cooper's, Red-tailed, and Red-shoulderedHawks were formernear Lock Haven,Jan. 26 (CHa,fide PS). The all reportedto be in good numbersat most places. only reportof a SnowyOwl camefrom Lowell, O. Dec Rough-leggedHawks were down slightly at Lock 15(MSi &JSi,fide JS).Long-eared Owls were reported Haven(PS) but wereseen as far southas Waynesboro, from Nickelsville,Tenn. (ES, fide TF), Ligonier,Pa Va (RS) and New Market, Va. (MWh). A early and Pittsburgh,Pa. (DF). Short-earedOwls were seen Broad-wingedHawk was seenat Lewisburg,W.Va. at State College,Pa. from Dec. 12 to early March Mar. 19 (CH). (MW), and at the Knoxvilleairport in early Mamh, the Goshawkswere unusuallycommon, being reported first local recordin 44 years(MWi,fide JBO). A Saw- fromSheffield, Pa., on threeoccasions in January(NS, whetOwl wasreported from Avis, Pa., Dec. 14(PS) fide WH); AlleghenyCo., Pa., CBC (DF); Raccoon CreekS.P., CBC, Dec. 29 (NK,fide DF); GarrettCo., GOATSUCKERS, WOODPECKERS AND Md , CBC (FP); andSomerset Co. Pa.,Mar. 8-9(GSa & FLYCATCHERS -- A remarkably early Whip-poor- RSa,fide DF). Ospreysat SenecaL., O., Dec. 3 (JS) will was heardon the Blue RidgeParkway in s.Virglma and Blacksburg,Va., Jan. 4 (CS,fide JMu) were un- Mar. 30 (RK). Red-belliedWoodpeckers continue to do usual.A Peregrinewas seenat New Market, Va. Dec. well northward.In the Pittsburgh,Pa. area there were 19 (MWh) and BlacksburgJan. 21 (HJa, fide JMu), 30 reports from 12 locationsthrough the period (DF) whaleMerlins were reportedfrom L. Arthur, Mar. 10 andone was reportedfrom Lock Haven Mar. 10 (CHa (DF) andPymatuning L., Mar. 30 (RFL). A BaldEagle & MC1). Red-headed Woodpeckers were in low num- was seenat Marienville, Pa. (DG,fide WH) and one on bers or absent at most places. SouthHolston L. Tenn.,Dec. 29 was the only Tennes- A countof 22 E. Phoebeson the CBC at Great Smoky seerecord (WY,fide GE). A GoldenEagle was present, Mountains N.P. was remarkable (JBO). This species at leastduring the late winter, in themountains just east arrivedat aboutnormal dates but a rather early report of Morgantown,being seen twice from the Regional camefrom SomersetCo., Pa., Mar. 8 (GSA & RSa,fide Editor's backyard (GAH). DF). Both vulturespecies were in goodnumbers. A Black Vulture was seenat Colyet L., Pa. (well north of the SWALLOWS, CORVIDS AND TITMICE -- An usualrange) Dec. 2 (EB,fide MW); 38 were countedon early Purple Martin record came from Knoxville Feb the Lewisburg, W.Va., CBC (CH), and 272 on the 24 (JBO), but the general arrival at most places was Blacksburg,Va., CBC (JMu). normalat aboutmid-March. It is too early yet to ap- praisehow the martin populationhas recoveredfrom RAILS, SHOREBIRDS,AND GULLS -- A King the 1972disaster. Some early datesfor other swallows Radat Lock HavenDec. 29was apparently the second were Tree Swallow Mar. 11, Meadville, Pa. (RFL), w•nter record for Pennsylvania(PS). Barn SwallowMar. 11 at Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE) ten

Volume 28, Number 3 639 days early; and Rough-wingedSwallow Mar. 17 at Dal- PIPITS, SHRIKES AND VIREOS -- Water Pipits ton, Ga. (AH) and New Market, Va. (MWh). were reportedfrom Watauga L., Tenn., Dec. 9 (8 -- A Fish Crow wasseen at Lock HavenMar. 23 (PS). GE) andat Avis, Pa., Dec. 29 (first localCBC record-- A few Black-cappedChickadees were found as far PS). Springreports came from Williamsport,Pa. Mar south as Charleston (NG), but numbers south of the 29, JerseyShore, Pa., Mar. 31 (PS), and Fayetteville, normalrange were muchfewer than in someyears. At Pa., Mar. 30 (CG). Pittsburgh(in the normal range) 1218were listed on the There were two reportsof Northern Shrikes:at War- CBC (new high -- DF). ren, Dec. 25 (DO,fide WH), and Bald Eagle S.P., Pa, Feb. 27 (MW). NUTHATCHES AND WRENS -- The White- SolitaryVireos had arrived at RoanMt., Tenn.,Mar breasted Nuthatch remains uncommon throughout 23 (GE), and at Oteen, N.C. Mar. 25 (DC). muchof the Region.On RoanMr., Tenn. Red-breasted Nuthatcheswere consideredcommon (FB), but else- WARBLERS AND ICTERIDS -- Yellow-rumped where they were nearly absent. Brown-headed Warblers were unusuallyscarce as winteringbirds, Nuthatch populationsat Dalton, Ga. remain about con- with only a scatteredfew records northward, and stant (AH). greatlyreduced numbers where they normallywinter, As reported previouslythe Carolina Wren popula- withonly oneonthe Elizabethton, Tenn., CBC (GE) A tions are high, and in the northern part of the Region Palm Warbler was present at Clarksville, Pa. Dec 17 - they have seldombeen higher. The mild open winter 22 (RB). An Orange-crowned Warbler came to a feeder meantthat there was probablyvery little mortality. At in Dalton,Ga. from late February through March (AH) Pittsburgh (which is north of what has been the bound- PineWarblers were morethan usuallycommon with a ary of the permanentrange) atotal of 437 were counted winteringbird in BerkeleyCo., W. Va. (CM), February on the CBC (previous high 279 -- DF). They were in recordsat Blacksburg,Va. (first local winter record -- goodnumbers at Lock Haven (PS) and one was seenas JMu) and Dalton, Ga. (AH). Other early arrivals were far north as Warren Feb. 27 (RRd,fide WH). House Mar. I at Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE), and Mar. 8 at Wrens were reported on the CBC at both Pittsburgh, Charleston(NG). The only other warblerreported was Pa (first ever -- DF), and Dalton, Ga. (AH). Winter the Louisiana Waterthrush which had arrival dates of Wrens were moderatelycommon, and another sign of Mar. 23 at Elizabethton(GE) andMar. 28 at Charleston the mild winter was reportedof severalWinter Wrens in (NG). full songon Roan Mr., Tenn. Mar. 9 (FB). There were three reportsof winteringN. Orioles Powdermill Nature Reserve, Pa. -- present from MIMII•SAND THRUSHES -- TheMockingbird is Thanksgivingto at least Mar. 9 (RCL); Kingsport, another southerner who is doing well northward with Tenn., from Jan. 29 to the end of period (TF) and reports from Meadville, Pa. (RFL); Butler, Pa. (FPr), Waynesboro,Va. Feb. 9, 16, and Mar. 21 (RS). Rusty Indiana, Pa. (CW), Ligonier, Pa. (RCL), and Mountain Blackbirdswintered in larger numbersthan usual, Lake Park, Md. (FP). Reports of wintering Gray Cat- another probable reflection of the mild season birds came from Pittsburgh:three on the CBC and one Brewer's Blackbirdswere reported in Elizabethton, on Feb. 24 (DF); State College, Pa. where two wintered Tenn.on threeoccasions through the winterwith a high successfully(MW), but oddlythere was only one report countof eight Mar. 10 (GE) and at Asheville,N C of the Brown Thrasher (usually the commoner of the (RRu). The arrival of the migrantgrackles, redwings, two), from the Garrett Co., Md., CBC, Dec. 16 (FP). and meadowlarkswas at just about the normaltime A Wintering robins were rather scarce at most places, blackbird roost at Asheville had over 2 million birds on with only three on the Clarksville, Pa., CBC (RB), but Dec. 15. in early March there was a very heavy flight northward with a countof 600seen along 70 milesof the Blue Ridge FRINGILLIDS -- Observers throughout the Region Parkway near Asheville, N.C. Mar. 7 (DC). A Hermit commented that Cardinals were unusually abundant Thrush Feb. 1 at Mcelhattan, Pa. was mildly unusual this winter. Of particular interest were two reports of (PS), but otherwise this species was scarce or unre- Black-headed Grosbeaks: Knoxville (first county reported. E. Bluebirds were in very good numbers. On cord), first seen Jan. 11 (JBO) and S. Charleston, Mar 11, 78 Bluebirds were counted in 41 miles of the W. Va., a male seen Dec. 17 and a female in February Blue Ridge Parkway in s. Virginia (RK). A rather early and March (GK). The only other West Virginia records nestingdate camefrom Clarksville, Pa. with eggsfound were made at the same place in 1971and 1972. A Dick- Mar 17 (RB). cissel was present at Waynesboro, Va. from Dec 6 until the end of the period (RS) and another was seen at a feeder at Sistersville, W. Va. in February (GM, fide KINGLETS AND WAXWINGS -- The Golden- NL). crowned Kinglet is usuallythe more commonof the two Although eight species of "northern finches" were in winter in this Region,but this year the Ruby-crowned reported, it was a disappointing year. The Evening outnumbered the Golden-crowned at most places, and Grosbeak flight was spotty in distribution and low in was unusually common. Oddly enoughnone were to be numbers.Through November and December they were found near Charleston(NG). Last winter large flocks of in moderate numbers but by Jan. 1 they had disap- Cedar Waxwings had been present throughoutthe Reg- peared from many places to reappear again in late ion, but this yevr the numbers were few, and many March. A few birds were found as far south as Knox- places reported them totally absent. ville (JBO) and Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE) with a lone

640 American Birds, June 1974 bird in e. Kentucky (PA). The center of abundance and January (CG); Warren, Pa., Feb. 13 (WH), and seemedto be in w. Virginia with CBC counts of 249 at Morgantown, a flock on the CBCjust over the statehne Roanoke, and 217 at Augusta County (DB). There were in PennsylvaniaJan. 5 (DS). only two reports of Pine Grosbeaks: State College, Pa. (no date given-- WCO), and Friendsville,Md., Dec. 17 CORRIGENDA -- The following corrections are to (RRo). Purple Finches were absent from many places be made in the Fall Season account, Am. Birds, 28 52 where they normally winter but they beganto appearin (1974). The photo credit for the Wood Stork picture numbers in e. Tennessee in March, and further north shouldbe to Carolyn Ruddle. 28:55 --The late date for arrived after the end of the period. The House Finch the Kentucky Warbler should be given from Breathitt continues to spread and increase in the Region. An Co.; House Finchesand not Purple Finches summered amazing 123were listed on the WashingtonCo., Md., at Staunton, Va. CBC, 63 in Augusta, Co. Va. and 61 at Roanoke (DB). They are now regular at Lock Haven (PS), State Col- CONTRIBUTORS -- Curtis Adkisson, Pierre lege (WC), and Indiana, Pa. (CW). New locations for Aliaire, RichardAlmy, William Bartolo, Fred Behrend, sightingswere Garrett, Co., Md., Dec. 16 (FP), Union- Ralph Bell (RB), Mrs. Earl Bordner, Ron Byrom town, Pa., Dec. 31 (AT, fide DF); Maryville, Tenn. (RBy), Danny Bystrak, DennisCarter, Mary Chapman (JBO), and Buckhannon, W. Va. in December (MT,fide (MCh), William Clarke, Morton Claster(MC1), Pauline NL) This last record is the first record west of the Collett, William Collett, Martha Dillenbeck, Kenneth mountains south of Pennsylvania. Dubke, Stephen Eaton, Glen Eller, Thomas Finucane, Common Redpolls appeared in small numbers at David Freeland, Carl Garner, Marguerite Geibel, Warren and Sheffield, Pa. (WH), Indiana, Pa. (CW), Norris Gluck, Duane Gross (DG), Davisson Grove, Allegheny Co., Pa. (DF), State College, Pa. (MW), Harold Gwinner, Anne Hamilton, Charles Handley Chambersburg, Pa. (CG) and Newcomerstown, O. (CH), Cecil Hazlett (CHa), William Highhouse, Harry (ESh). American Goldfinches were in good numbers in Jacobson(HJa), Mrs. JenningsJones, Harris Johnson w Pennsylvaniaand Ohio but tap6redoff farthersouth. (H J), Randall Kendrick, Nick Kedin, George Koch, Pine Siskins were in low numbers at scattered points Nevada Laitsch, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F throughout the Region as far south as Oteen, N.C. (DC) Leberman, John Matviya (JMa), Clark Miller, John and Knoxville (JBO). They too began to increase in Murray (JMu), Gladys Murrey, Ephe Olliver, David numbers in March. White-winged Crossbills were re- Ostrander, J.B. Owen, Paul Pardue, Douglas Pifer, ported, but no large numbers, from Jersey Shore, Pa., Francis Pope (FP), Frank Preston (FPr), Ron Rieder Jan 12 & Feb. 7 (PS); Warren, Pa., Jan. 17 & Mar. 31 (RRd), Robert Rine (RRi), Scott Robinson, Richard (WH); State College, Pa., Jan. 29-30 (JJ, fide MW); Rowlett (RRo), Robert Ruiz (RRu), Glenn Sager, Blacksburg, Va., Jan. 16 (CA, fide JMu), and eight (GSc), Ruth Sager (RSa), David Samuel, Norman reports from the Pittsburgh area (DF). Red Crossbill Samuelson,E. Scott (ES), Paul Schwalbe,Ellis Shlmp reportsmostly camefrom the south:Dalton, Ga. (AH), (ESh), Jules Simon (JSi), Mary Simon, Mike Slater, J Chattanooga (KD), Knoxville (JBO), Elizabethton LawrenceSmith, Ruth Snyder(RS), JerieStewart (JS), (GE), and Blacksburg(JMu). Flocks of up to 50 birds Mrs. C. Stone, Maxine Thacker, Adelaide Titlow, were seen. The only northern records came from Mede Whitney (MWh), Cora Williams, Morris Wil- Clarksville, Pa. (RB), State College (MW), and three liams(MWi), Thomas Wolfe, Merrill Wood (MW), Wil- from Pittsburgh (DF). liam Yambert. -- GEORGE A. HALL, Departmentof The mild winter induceda few SavannahSparrows to Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, remain in the Region at least until early February. Tree W.Va. 16506. Sparrowswere in low numbersat most places.A Chip- ping Sparrow at Elizabethton Mar. 2 was quite early WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION (GE) White-throated Sparrows continued to be abun- / Robert B. Janssen dant in w. Pennsylvania and n. West Virginia, although the PittsburghCBC showed a slight decline over 1972. The winter of 1973-74 can be characterized by the In the E. Panhandle of West Virginia (CM) and at word unexceptional.This would apply to both birds and Lewisburg, W.Va. (CH) on the other hand White- weather. The region was not blessed with any invasion throateds were scarcer than White-crowneds. At of northern owls or finches, although all the expected Lewisburg a few of the western race of the White- species showed up in small number. crowned, gambeli were seen (CH). A few White- If anything could be said that was characteristic of crowneds wintered at Lock Haven (PS) and one was the season, it could be called a redpoll and siskin seen at Warren Dec. 31 (WH). Fox Sparrows seemed winter. Both speciesofredpoll and the Pine Siskin were scarce in the south during March and few northern found in good numbers throughout the region, espe- observers reported them. A Lincoln's Sparrow in Al- cially after January. leghenyCounty Pa. Jan. 11 was remarkable(RBy,fide Weather was fairly normal, if you can call a winter in DF) the Upper Midwest "normal". Generally speakingthe Lapland Longspurswere reported from Fayetteville, following was the weather pattern in the region Pa , Jan. 6 (CG), Jersey Shore, Pa., Jan. 26 (PS), and Decemberwas mild until Christmas,then temperatures Youngstown, O. (WB). Snow Buntings were found at dropped to record lows by year's end. For example three localitiesin Butler Co., Pa. with a high count of record lows were recorded in Minneapolis on De- 150 Jan. 10 (SR & TW); at Jersey Shore, 100 on Jan. 20 cember 30 and 31. January and the New Year began (PS), Fayetteville, Pa., flock of up to 200 in December with record lows over the whole region, a -30øF in

Volume 28, Numbee 3 641 (BA). CanadaGeese reached a peak of 24,000on Silver L., Rochester,Minn. duringDecember. At least 12,000 of theseremained throughout the winter(JAB). At least six Snow Geese also wintered in the same area. The Brant that appeared on the same lake in October was DAK •EBOUS , • stillpresent on Dec. 8, but, wasnot reportedafter that date(RBJ). A White-frontedGoose (very rare in Min- nesotain winter)was also on SilverL., Feb. 24 (RBJ). Most migrantducks began to appearin early March in Minnesotaand Wisconsin.A Blue-wingedTeal su- cessfullywintered in WinnebagoCo. Wisc. (DT) and the unusual number of 50 N. Shovelers was seen Feb. 16in DaneCo. Wisc.(DT). Barrow'sGoldeneyes were recordedin Minnesotafrom Sartell,Stearns Co., Jan6 (Nil) and three on the St. Paul CBC. In Wisconsin one was seen south of Madison from Dec. 27 until late Feb. Minneapolis. The low for the month was a -45 ø at (BH). Thorhult in no•hcm Minnesota on i•ua• 11. In con- The most unusual records of the seasonfor waterfowl trust k was a +54 ø in New UIm, Minnesota on Janua• werethe King Eidersin Wisconsinand Michigan.The 16. The latter halfofJanua• was m•d and d•, Wisconsinbird was seenon the Fox R. in OshkoshDec. weather stations in ccntr• Minnesota recorded zorn 23 - Jan. 7 (CS). The Michiganbird was seenDec. 30 at precipitation for the month. Fcbrua• was MuskegonS. P., MuskegonCo. (GW). The onlyscoter mild •d b• late in the month and into cady March recordswere that of a Black Scorerat Whitehall, Mus- unsc•onably wa•. Ecco• hi•s were recorded kegonCo., Jan31 (GW), anda White-wingedScoter at Madison (67ø) •d Milwankcc (6• ø) on March 2. This L. Geneva, Walworth Co. Wisc., Dec. 30. wa•th td88crcd carly misration. For the second stmisht year, record cady misration dates wcrc re- HAWKS I An exceptional sightingof two Turkey corded over the entire resion on watchowl •d other Vultures occurred Dec. 27 at Buffalo, Buffalo Co. typical eady spdn8 mistants. Wisc. (RL). Goshawks were well representedin both By mid-March conditions 8rcw steadily worse Minnesota and Wisconsin. Reports of individual birds winter returned to most of the resion. A record low were received from all areas of both states. Good num- temperature of -7 ø was recorded in Minneapolis on bers of Cooper's Hawks were reported from W.C. March 24. Needless to say misration came to a Michigan(JP). Michiganreported an increasein hawks, "scrccchins" halt. Ice was still in all lakes by month's which has been much reduced in numbers throughout end. the Region,was recordedin ten countiesin Wisconsin.; Snowfall was noel or below nodal for the season. a like number of reports came from Michigan but only Janua• was almost "snowless" in southern Min- three from Minnesota. On Dec. 7, 17 Rough-legged nesota, but Duluth had 22 incheson the 8round Hawks were seen in Aitkin Co. Minn. (TS) and 21 were the month. A major snow sto• crossedMinnesota and counted near Sax, St. Louis Co., Minn. Dec. 19 (JCG). Wisconsin from Fcb•a• 4-6. It was wet, cold, and None were seen in the same area on Jan. 20. snowy acrossthe whole •ion durin8 the last half Wisconsin recorded three Golden Eagles while March. Michiganrecorded only two. but they were reportedon The winter of'73-74 can best bc summedup by usin• 18CBCs in Wisconsinwith numbers rangingfrom a few the words of Guy McCaskit, editor of the to 36. They were reported from 13 localities in Min- Paci•c Coast Resion, who spent 10 days in Minnesota nesota with up to 13 at Reads Landing, Wabasha Co. before Chdslmas -- "whal a birdless area when you arc (OR). Up to 15 Marsh Hawks were in Dodge Co. Wisc., used to 1• species per day in Calffo•ia?' My only during the winter. A secondwinter recordfor the Os- comment was that you have to bca "touSh" birder in prey in Wisconsin was recorded Dec. 30 in Ozaukee this area. Co. (DT). There were two Gyrfalcon recordsfor Wis- consin: Dec. 22 Waukesha Co. (JF), and Mar. 20, Green LOONS THROUGH HERONS I A Horned Grebe, Lake Co. and one Minnesota record Dec. 29 from an unusual wintering bird in Minnesota, spent the Marine, WashingtonCo. (DH). The Merlin, extremely winter on Black Dog L., Dakota Co. (RBJ). Pied-billed rare in winter in this region, was recorded twice in Grebes were at the same area. plus one in January in Wisconsin, from Wautoma and Waushara Cos., and Ozauke'e Co., Wisconsin. Great Blue Herons were at once each in Minnesota (Cook Co.) and Michigan (Ot- LaCrosse Mar. 7, two to three weeks ahead of normal tawa Co.). The first spring migrant Merlin was seen (FL). An Am. Bittern was seen and captured on the Mar. 31 in Dane Co., Wisc. (RA). An Am. Kestrel was Hastings Minn. CBC, a first Minnesotawinter record far north of its normal winter range in Duluth on Dec. 24 (JAB). and Jan. 5 (JCG).

WATERFOWL -- A total of 43 Whistling Swans GROUSE THROUGH RAILS i Bobwhite were were counted on the Lacrosse, Wisc. CBC (FL) and 12 reported on six WisconsinCBSs but none in Minnesota at Muskegon, Mich., Dec. 29 (GW). The first spring or Michigan. Turkeys were drastically reduced on the migrantswere 102 at Ionia, Ionia Co. , Mich. Mar. 31 Necedah N.W.R., Wisc. after two consecutive disastr-

642 American Birds, June 1974 ous nestingseasons. However, the birds are doingwell backed in St. Louis Co. Dec. 27 (JAB), one in Pine Co In Minnesotaat the Whitewater Game Refuge,Winona Feb 28 (FN) anda Northernin Aitkin Co. Dec. 31 (TS) Co with over 20 beingseen in one flock. Five Virginia Rails were recorded on the Detroit CBC. A Sora was JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A Black-billed seenDec. 21 in WaukeshaCo., Wisc. (JB). Over 1600 Magpie appeared in suburban Milwaukee during Am Coots were recorded on the Madison, Wisc. CBC. December and remained until Jan. 6 (MD). There were Individual birds were present on open water areas in a few scattered reports of this species across n. Min- Minnesota. nesota, but nothing like the reports of last winter. The only Clark's Nutcracker report came from Tracy, JAEGERS AND GULLS -- A singleimm. Pomafine RedwoodCo., Minn. -- a singlebird in mid-December Jaegerwas observed and carefully identified Dec. 1 & 2 Boreal Chickadees were notable by their absence, with on L. Erie, Monroe Co., Mich. (LM). GlaucousGulls only three reports from n. Wisconsin and one from were recordedfrom Bayfield (3) and Milwaukee (2) Minnesota. Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported on Cos in Wisconsin(DB) andDakota Co. (1) Minn. (VL). 41 Wisconsin CBCs but were extremely scarce in Min- An Iceland Gull was observed Jan. 30 in the Milwaukee nesota and Michigan. harbor (LE). A Great Black-backedGull was also seen Carolina Wren reports were encouraging from m the Milwaukee harbor Mar. 1 (LE). Minnesota re- Michigan: seven birds from four localities, but none corded its first verified Thayer's Gull Dec. 23 at Duluth were seen in Wisconsin and only one in Minnesota (Guy McCaskie) and Wisconsin did the same Mar. 14 in thaton the Alton CBC. Mockingbirds were in evidence Milwaukee harbor (LE). Herring Gulls were almost in the Region: three in Lapeer, Oakland, and Macomb non-existenton L. Superiorin Minnesotawhere they Cos., Michigan. In Wisconsin two birds were reported are normallyrecorded in large numbersduring tl•e -- one in Madison and another in Milwaukee. One bird winter. The only explanationcan be the new practiceof was presentat a St. Paul, Minn., feeder Dec. 18 - Jan 8 daily covering the dumps along the north shore of L. (MG). On the latter date the bird was trapped and Superior which provided food for the birds. transplantedto a distant area when the people became Bonaparte's Gulls were observed on the late date of tired of the bird after it drove everything away from Dec 4 in Mille Lacs Co., Minn. (TS) and210were still their feeder! in Kenosha Co. Wisc. Dec. 22. Brown Thrashers were recorded on eight Wisconsin counts and four were reported wintering in s. Min- OWLS -- On the Niles (Mich.) owl census taken nesota. For the third consecutive winter the duringthe regularCBC periodthree Barn, 181Screech, Curve-billed Thrasher continued to come to a feeder m 23 Great Horned, three Barred, one Long-eared Owl Buffalo Co., Wisc. (MM). American Robinswere very and two Saw-whet were recorded (SR). This census common along the n. shore of L. Superior in Min- would certainly indicate that owls are more common nesota, feeding on the abundant mountain ash crop that sightrecords indicate. Migrant robins were noted acrosss. Minnesota the first It was not an invasion year for Snowy Owls, but they week of March. Varied Thrush winter reports continue wers recorded from 14 counties in Wisconsin and 11 to increase in Minnesota; at least seven individual birds individuals were reported from Michigan. In the were coming to feeders in St. Louis (2), Winona, Morri- Duluth-Superior harbor area there were eight Snowy son, Washington, Rice, and Lake Cos. The Washington Owls Jan. 19 and seven Feb. 17 (JCG). In the Sax-Zim Co. bird remained the longest -- until Mar. 30 (RBJ) area of St. Louis Co. Minn., four were presentJan. 28 Three reports were received from Wisconsin: Chip- and Feb. 9 (JCG). Hawk Owls were reported only from pewa, Douglas and Waukesha Cos. A Hermit Thrush Minnesota: three at Sax, St. Louis Co. Dec. 27 (JAB), sucessfully wintered in Milwaukee Co. (LO) at least one at Island L., St. Louis Co. Dec. 22, one in Minnesota's first winter record of a SwainsoWs Thrush Crow Wing Co. Dec. 27 (TS) and three in Aitkin Co. was of a singlebird at a St. Paul feeder Nov. 23 - Dec. 20 Feb 9 (TS). Minnesota also producedthe only Great (MO). The bird died on the latter date when the temper- Gray Owl records: one at Sax, St. Louis Co. Dec. 27 ature was -20ø! Spring migrant E. Bluebirdsbegan to (JAB), one in Lakewood Twp., St. Louis Co., one at arrive in Wisconsin Mar. 6 and at about the same time in Greenwood L., Lake Co. and one that made the Min- Minnesota. Mountain Bluebird, a casual migrant in neapolis newspaper in Edina, Hennepin Co. Jan. 27. Minnesota, was recorded Mar. 6, in Rice Co. (OR) and Finally a Boreal Owl was seennear Cotton, St. Louis in Lyon Co., Mar. 30. Co , Minn., Jan. 13 (JCG). Surprisingly, the only other Bohemian Waxwings were scarceduring the period Saw-whet Owl report came from Minnesota, a single with only a few reports comingfrom northern parts of bird Feb. 9 in Wabasha Co. (RL). Wisconsin and Minnesota. Northern Shrikes were scarce in Minnesota and Michigan, but were reported WOODPECKERS -- A Common Flicker (Red- as numerous in Wisconsin. (DT). shafted race) spent the winter in Redwood Co., Minn. (RBJ). Red-headed Woodpeckers were very common WARBLERS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A Black- in Wisconsin with 42 reports of up to 15 - 25 birds on and-white Warbler was reported on the record late date several CBCs and in Michigan they were reported as of Dec. 8 in Madison, Wisc. (BF). Yellow-rumped more numerousthan usual. Only a few were recordedin Warblers were reported in large numbersin Michigan, Minnesota. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere recorded and there were seven reports on CBCs in Wisconsin on six Wisconsin CBCs. The only three-toed wood- Two birds attempted to winter in Minnesota, one at peckers reported came from Minnesota, a Black- Grand Marais, Cook Co. from Nov. 17 to Dec. 18 (JV)

Volume 28, Number 3 643 and one in St. Paul until Dec. 15(MO). ACom. Yellow- Both Red and White-winged Crossbills were well throat was in Madison Dec. 15 (BH). distributedacross the Region. In many instancesthe A Yellow-headed Blackbird came to a feeder in White-wingedoutnumbered the Red, especiallyin Wis- Brown Co., Wisc. Dec. 15 (CH). The ubiquitousCom. consin (DT). Grackle now is winteringin the Region in numbers;350 Harris' Sparrow winter records continue to increase were reportedon the Madison CBC. A N. Oriole was in in Minnesota; seven birds were reported from around SheboyganCo. Wisc. all December and one was seen the state with two at Hibbing, St. Louis Co. in the far Feb. 22 in Macomb Co., Mich. (MS). Brown-headed north (HAM). There were two reportsof the speciesm Cowbirds once were regular wintering birds in Min- Wisconsin, one in Ozaukee Co. and another at La- nesota,but in recentyears they have been very scarce. Crosse (FL). There were four December sightingsof It seemsthat they havemoved to Wisconsinwith 247on White-crownedSparrows in Wisconsinwith up to 11 at the Horicon CBC (HM) and 276 on the MadisonCBC one feeder in Kenosha Co. (LE). There were 50 White- (BH). crowned Sparrows at Baroda, Mich., Dec. 14 (TV) FRINGILLIDS -- Evening Grosbeakswere scarce White-throated Sparrowswere reportedon 16 CBCs In throughoutthe period with the exceptionofn. Wiscon- Wisconsin, with the maximum number of 16 at Madi- sin during the CBC period. Numbers dwindled drasti- son. At least 15wintered successfullyin Milwaukee Co cally after that. Pine Grosbeakswere very scarceac- Once again the White-throat wintered in downtown ross the entire Region with as few reports from Min- Minneapolis with up to six being seen with the local nesotaas this writer can rememberin recent years. As House Sparrows (CH). mentioned above it was definitely a redpoll and Pine Lapland Longspurswere scarcein Minnesota, but, Siskin year. Birds were reported in excellent numbers were reported in 11 countiesin Wisconsinin January throughout the Region. Numbers of both speciesin- and February. SnowBuntings were well representedin creasedduring Januaryand February. Hoary Redpolls Wisconsinwith flocks of 300-500 birds seen during were reported by many observers, especially in Wis- CBCs. Only scatteredsmall flocks were reportedfrom consin. Hoarieswere still beingreported in numbersby Minnesota. late March. S.A. EUROPEAN SISKIN -- Not one, but, two CORRIGENDA: --Am. Birds 27:872,Laughing Gull unique reportsof this species(Carduelis spin us) shouldread July 4, not June4. In Am. Birds 28:57 the were received from Wisconsin. The first bird Long-tailed Jaegerfrom Fond du Lac Co. should be was reported Dec. 22 on the Kenosha CBC. Wisconsin, not Minnesota. The same corrections Here are the details from observers Bob should be made under E. Bluebird; Am. Birds 28 58 Fiehweg and Paul DeBenedictis: Buffalo Co. should read Wisconsin not Minnesota "While observing a flock of about 50 Pine Siskins along county Highway G near UW- Parkside,an unusualbird appeared.At first sight CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in bold face) -- it was much brighter yellow than the other birds, Brian Allen (BA), W. Alward, Phillip Ashman, Ron almost goldfinchlike. My panner, Paul DeBe- Auler (RA), Roger Bajorek, Elmer Basten, F M nedictis, and I studied the bird closely for 15 to Baumgartner, J.E. Baumgartner, JamesA. Banmhofer 20 minutes with 7x35 binoculars at distances as (JAB), Bradley Berven, Richard Beverly, John close at 15 feet while the flock fed in a patch of Bielefeldt (JB), David Blais, Donald Bolduc, David weeds alongsidethe road. Most distinctive were Bratley, H. Buck, B & D Campbell, Steve Carlson, H & the bright yellow wing bars and tail patches, T Carpenter, M & T Casner, Betty Challis, H.F. Cham- which resembled the pattern ofa ? redstart, but, berlain, Katherine Chase, C.A. Cipponcri, Harry were bright yellow. The breastwas only finely Clark, Ed Cleary, D. Comke, H. Cox, Paul DeBenedlc- streaked, and looked very smoothcompared to tus, Arnold DeKam, Mary Donald (MD), Robert Dries- adjacentbirds. The chin and throat were a light len, Mardene Eide, K. Eckert, Alpha& Fred Eckhardt, tawny color as was the breast. The head was D.B. Emroeft, Louise Erickson (LE), Ruth Erickson, brownish, similar to other siskins, but, the back JamesEvrard, Craig Faanes, J.E. Faggan,Laurence & was darker and quite contrasty to the wing bars Carol Falk. L.A. Fell, Ray Feldmann, David Fiedler, as it sat. The bird was easily distinguishablefrom Bob Fiehweg,Herbert Fisher,John Flora, Don Follen, the rest of the flock. We could readily pick out Sr., Bill Foster (BF), J.A. Fowler, Bruce Frisbie, Jim the bird in flight and did so several times as the Fuller (JF), Pepper Fuller, Ethel Getgood, Alta Goff, flock flew to variousparts of the weed patch. In Maurey & Isabel Goldberg (MG), Janet C. Green behavior and body shape, the bird was typically (JCG), Jeff Greenhouse, Delbert Greenman, Doris siskin. No unusual vocalizations were de- Gregerson,Karol Gresser,Phyllis Gunter, Ray Halhsy, tected." A copy of their field notes was sent to John Hamel, Helen Hatlelid, Kathy Heidel, Lisa Her- the American Museum of Natural History, New bert, J.A. Hewins, N. Hiemenz (NH), Bill Hillsenhoff York and whoseBird Dept. agreedthat the bird (BH), Barbara Hirt, Bruce Hitman, Harry & Kathryn was apparently a EuropeanSiskin. The second Hobson, Don Hodges, D. Hollums, Robert Holtz, report was of a bird at the feeder of Mr. & Mrs. Dean Honetshclager, Alex Hook, Charles Horn, Jr Metton Maier in Buffalo County Feb. 3 - Mar. 5. (CH), Helen Horton, R. Hotaling, Clam Hussong(CH), No details were suppliedwith this observation, John Idzikowski, M. Ivanovs, Richard H. Jackson, fantastic if true! JosephineJames, Robert B. Janssen(RBJ) (Minnesota), JoanJohnson, Oscar Johnson, John Joldersma, Marie

644 American Birds, June 1974 Jones (MJ) Michigan, Preston Jones, Ethel & Robert and snowstorms of late March caused the death of Joslin, E.W. Joul, John Kaspar, Alice Kelley (AK) (s.c. many early migrants. Michigan), Charles Kemper, J.P. Kleiman, Bernie In order to better document observations, observers Klugon, E. Knapp, Rockne Knuth, Harold Koopman, have been requested to complete documentationforms Eleanor Kuhn, W.A. Lamb, Mary Leiffers, Violet for extraordinary sight recordsat the time of the obser- Lender (VL), Fred Lesher (FL), Rollyn Lint (RL), R. vation; suchdocumentations have been denotedby an Liskow, Merton Maier (MM), AI Maley, Bill Martinus, asterisk (*) in front of the observer's initials. These L.L. Master (LM), Harol Mathiak (HM), Hazel Mess- written descriptionsdetermine the validity of sight re- ner, Harriet Micensky (HAM), M & N. Miller, Mary cords not only for these reports, but for all researchers Muehlhausen,Jeff Muhr, L. Najar, Earl Neeb, Gerald in the future. Collectedspecimens have been denoted Niemi, T.H. Notebaert, Fran Nubel (FN), Manley by two asterisks (**). Olson (MO), Lorrie Otto (LO), G. Palmer, Donald J. Peterson, Jean Peterson, Ben Pinkowski, R. Piotter, LOONS, GREBES -- SingleCom. Loons lingeredas James Ponshair(JP) (w.c. Michigan), Scott & Nancy late as Dec. 15 at Springfield, Ill. (BO,H) and Dec. 8 in Rhea (SR), Gary Ritchison, Albert Roy Jr., Richard Seneca Co., Ohio (fde JK); spring migrants had re- Ruhme, Lester Rupp, Orwin Rustad (OR), Thomas turned by Mar. 9 at L. Chautauqua,Ill. (H) and Mar. 19 Sanford, Terry Savaloja (TS), John Schladweiler, at Kendallville in n.e. Indiana. Migrant Horned Grebes Marie Schneiderman(MS), M. Schuller, Clark Schultz had returned to Wabash Co., Ill. Feb. 22 (PR et al.); (CS), Jon Seymour, Richard Sharp, C.K. Sherek, T. however, the majority or arrivals were first encoun- Smith, Thelma Sonnenberg,Evelyn Stanley, Campbell tered Regionwide Mar. 10-20. An Eared Grebe was Steketee, BessieStoner, Laura Strauss,Daryl Tessen seen at L. Springfield, Ill. Dec. 5 & 14 (*H) and Louis- (DT) (Wisconsin),Linda Thomas, Perry Tipler, Ronald ville, Ky. Jan. 17(MSlfide S); returningmigrants were & Shirley Urbanek, Gerald Updike, Alan Vanderyatch, first identifiedin mid-March:two in breedingplumage Jean Vesall (JV), Anne Weston, George Wickstrom Mar. 14, St. Louis Co., Mo. (JEC); singlesat Bristol, (GW), R.F. Wittersheim, Mary Wolcott, Bernice & Ind. (NR) and Chicago(JRo) Mar. 19& 20 respectively. Deanna Wofford, Truman Wofford, Jr., Truman Wol- At leasteight Pied-billed Grebes wintered at L. Spring- ford, Sr., Mark Wright, Frances Wykes, G.E. Yeast- field, Ill. (H); otherssurvived the winter throughoutn. ing, Barry & Kevin Zimmer. -- ROBERT B. JANSSEN, Ohio (M,LV); the first influx of migrantswas noted in 14321 Prince Place, Minn..tonka, Minnesota 55343. Lawrence Co., Ill. Feb. 16 (PRet al.), Sangamon Co., Ill. Mar. 2 (H), and the Cleveland area Mar. 16 (M).

MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION PELICANS, CORMORANTS, HERONS -- A few / Vernon M. Kleen White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants re- This winter was interesting! Western strays caused mained at the Squaw Creek N.W.R., Mo. (hereafter the most excitement; however, excellent Christmas S.C.R.) into early December;returning pelicans were Bird Counts(hereafter CBC), feedersfull of finchesand found Mar. 30 (L). A Great Blue Heron at Dundee, Ill. springmigrants arriving early were highly gratifying. Jan. 8 was a victim of the bad weather; it died the next day (** fide RMo). The first winter record of a Great Egret was establishedfor the Magee Marsh, Ohio, Jan. 4; then, by Mar. 13,one pair had already returnedto the local nestingcolony (LV). Observersin Louisville considered the Jan. 6 record of a Black-crownedNight Heron quite noteworthy (LaS,JP). In SangamonCo., Ill. an Am. Bittern was caught in a trap and broughtto L "• •. •,• -"'"'""• '-"-'-" '-•%"'•""ø•/,.<•' '. the Illinois State Museum for identification Dec. 17 (fde H).

! "'I' Or•..,.a SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Northern Illinois birders were confronted with a swan identification prob- F lem this winter. No field guide was useful to properly identify the immature swan. Initially, it was identified as a Whistling;later, the local expertsdecided it was a The weather ot•en made birding dJt•cult, esl•cially Mute becauseof the bird's postureand bill characteris- tics; three weeks later its bill beganturning black; still later, the bill approachedthe dark colorationof an adult Whistling. Two swans were present near Davenport, Ia. from mid-January to Feb. 10; they were called The first ten days of March were almost hot with Mutes (ES); other Mute Swans wintered along the Il- record-breakingteml•ratures reaching the upper ?0s linois R. near Peoria, Ill. (a maximum of eight were and lower 80s (about 21•F above normal); however, reported fide VH). About a dozen Whistling Swans record-breakinglow temperatureswere set Regionwide were found at Beaver Creek Reservoir (Seneca Co.), March 24-27 with most areas in the 0• to 10• range. Ohio, Dec. 16 (fide JK); two wintered in a Cleveland Rainfall was reported only slightly above normal and suburb (M). Warm weather must have triggered an seriousflooding did not occur. The cold temperatures early exodusof these swansfrom the ChesapeakeBay

Volume 28, Number 3 645 as m•grantsreturned nearly a month aheadof schedule; North America. A large group of 150 Canvasback were new arrivals were noted at Magee Marsh, Ohio, Feb. 2 concentratedon L. Pewee, w. Kentucky, Jan. 23 (JHa) (LV); two were reportedas farw. as CouncilBluffs, la. Inland flocks of five and seven Oldsquaws were re- Mar 15 (TP,JG,m.ob.). The s. Illinois flock of winter- ported at L. Rathbun, s. Iowa(fide GB) and Springfield, ingCanada Geese (about 250,000) showed early signs of I11.(H) Dec. 15 & Dec. 7 respectively;in L. Michigan m•gration; the majority of birds had departed the re- and L. Erie their numbers were quite low. For the fugestwo to three weeksearly. Central and n. Illinois second straight year there was no build-up of White- observersreported flocks headingn. one day and s. the winged Scoters in L. Michigan (RR); only small num- next; the earliest report was a flock at Springfield,I11. bers were reportedfrom L. Erie (D); a few were found Jan 29 (H). There were more reports and larger flocks in the Ohio R. near Cincinnatiin mid-February(max of of White-fronted Geese than usual; all were reported 7, Feb. I1, DSt, fide W). Red-breasted Mergansers after Mar. 16 (at severalIllinois, and Iowa and Missouri were widely reported with first arrivals noted near St localities) except for the four birds found at L. Louis Feb. 16 (A); a total of 75 Mar. 17 for s.w. Ohio, Chautauqua, Ill. Mar. 9 (H). At least 15,000 Snow was consideredunusual for that area (NU, fide W) Geese (both forms) remained in Mason Co., Ill. to be counted on the local CBC; spring arrivals were first FALCONIFORMS -- Three Black Vultures were noted in c. Illinois Feb. 18 (H). Two Ross' Geeseling- observed at Hamersville, Ohio, Jan. 31 (MSk); at least ered at S.C.R. until Dec. 16 (E). Both dabbling and 30 were presentat Heron Pond Nature Preserve,John- d•vtngducks were reported in varying concentrations sonCo., Ill. Mar. 6 (K,H). Practicallyall areasreported throughout the Region. Unusually high numbers were low numbers of wintering hawks; only Red-tailed talhed on Kentucky CBCs. Springmigrants moved into Hawks were easy to find; Am. Kestrel was the next the Region from two to three weeks aheadof schedule mostcommon species. The first springlakefront migra- amving from early to mid-February (establishingsev- tion along L. Erie was noted Mar. 3 (D,M); the next eral new early arrival dates, locally) and occurringin flight, a strongone, did not occuruntil Mar. 30 (D,M) peak concentrationsin early March. Around Cleve- Goshawkswere reportedthrough February, but only a land, typical varieties and numberswere observedbut few birds were seenin contrastto the widespreadinva- sea ducks, including Oldsquaws, were scarce (M,D); sion of last year; extreme s. records include Franklm goodnumbers of many specieswere foundaround Cin- Co., Mo. (SD), Pope Co., Ill. (RG), and Oxford, Ohio cinnati in early February (fide W) and Fort Wayne Ind. (fide DO). Only a few records of wintering Cooper's •n late March (Haw); above normal numbersof divers Hawks were reported;two birdswere seenin one day at were reported from St. Joseph, Mo. the Kingsbury,Ind. GameRefuge, Jan. 29 (NR et al ) A survey of Red-tailed Hawks around Heasantville, Ia Divers were conspicuouslyabsent from most revealed the following number of birds per square regular Illinois and Mississippi river stop-overs; miles:a) 1/9sq.mi.; b) 1/7V2sq.mi.; c)1/16.6 sq.mi. (fide however, a half million birds (the largest single GB); anothersurvey at Independence,Mo. indicatedat concentrationof waterfowl in the U.S. during least 20 dark phase individuals within 15 miles of the March -- (fide GA) Illinois Dept. of Conserva- city (KH). A remarkable number (four) of Red- tion) were presenton Pool 19 (Keokuk Pool, on shouldered Hawks were reported from n.e. Indiana the MississippiR., stretching46 river milesfrom during the period (Haw). Rough-leggedHawks were Hamilton to Gladstone,Ill.) for mostof March. "almost absent" Regionwide, several were seen in n Biologists attributed the concentration to the Illinois (LB) duringthe period and ten were countedon abundantinvertebrate food supply triggeredto both Feb. 14 and 23 in c. Illinois (H,K). Either obser- action by the warm weather. The speciescom- vers are getting better at identifyingGolden Eagles, or position included $0,000 Canvasbacks, 8,000 more of these birds have wandered into the Region Redheads, 350,000 scaup, 40,000 Ring-necked (possibly both); practically all were immaturesfound at Ducks and 18,000 other ducks. wildlife refuges;at least two were documentedfrom all states except Ohio which did not report any. Bald Eagleswere alsomore widespread than usual; this may have been responsiblefor the difficulty in finding them An excellent view of a c• Cinamon Teal was obtained on the February 16 survey, which produced a low at S C.R. Mar. 16 (E). A report of a EuropeanWigcon count. An estimated100 (more adultsthan immatures) came in from the Ottawa N.W.R., Ohio, Mar. 13 wintered at S.C.R. (L). The outstandingnote was the (JW,WM,m.ob.); no one reportedthe possibilityof this constructionof two nests in s. Illinois (Crab Orchard bexngan escapee.Nearly 1000 N. Shovelerswere pres- N.W.R. and Union County Refuge)and one at Land- ent tn Mason Co., I11.Mar. 16 (H). A Tufted Duck in between-the-Lakes,Ky. Resultsof the Kentucky nest company with a concentrationof scaup was present have not been obtained, but the two in s. Illinois have Dec. 23 to Dec. 27 at the same Chicago location as last already been abandoned(fishing pressure may have year; all the ducksdisappeared when the harbor iced in. forced abandonmentat the Union County site). Two A d•fferent individual with a "shorter tuft" was iden- adults of different nestingpairs in Ohio have also suf- tffied at another Chicago location Mar. 17 (C). Larry fered: one electrocutedby high tension wires (one of Balch suggeststhat Tufted Ducks reachingL. Michigan the pair that successfullyfledged young in 1973)and the and other continentalareas are Siberian strays which other cripplednear a shootingclub in Ottawa County -- m•grate into the Region from Alaska in company with last year only seven pairs attempted to nest in Ohio large flocks of Greater Scaup originationfrom n.w. Another "rare" hawk was the Marsh Hawk; these b•rds

646 American B•rds, June 1974 were next to impossibleto find in Iowa, Missouri and GULLS -- Glaucous Gulls were found in modest much of Illinois; it has always been a treat for n. I1- numbers around Cleveland Dec. 20 - Feb. 9 (M) but hnmsansto seeadult malesof this species,so the seven were scarceelsewhere; singles were seenat Lock 14 on observednear Wilmette Feb. 24 was quite noteworthy. the Mississippi R., Dec. 9 and Feb. 23 (PP) and L All reportsof PeregrineFalcons must be documented; Chautauqua,Ill. Feb. 16(H); a couplewere notedat L the following documentations were received: In- Calumet (south of Chicago) during the period (m.ob) dianapolis, Dec. 11 (CK); Rock Haven, Ky. Feb. 16 The only Iceland Gull reportedwas seen at Chicago, (S,AB); and three at NorthwesternUniv. (Chicago) Mar. 30 (JRo). Great Black-backedGulls were "often Mar 9 (JC, fide B). Am. Kestrels were reported in numerous" at Cleveland between Dec. 16 and Feb 9 normal abundance in some areas and as scarce in (M); they were absent elsewhere.The wintering flock others; this speciesneeds to be closely watched -- of Bonaparte'sGulls at Cleveland(max. 8000+ Feb 2) especiallybreeding populations. had completely dispersedfour days later (M). In company with thesegulls were at leastfive adult Little Gulls GALLIFORMES, GRUIFORMES --The Bobwhite which were frequently encounteredat two lakefront and Ring-neckedPheasant (especially the latter) have areas Jan. 1 - Feb. 7 (M); another was indentified at reached all-time population lows in much of Ohio Chicago,Jan. 3 (RR). One Black-headedGull was found (LV,JK); Regionwidelosses of thesespecies have oc- at the Cleveland lakefront Jan. 20 & Feb. 2 (M). An curred in farming areas because of increased acres imm. Black-legged Kittiwake was documented at under cultivationforcing reductionof suitablehabitat Springfield,Ill. Dec. 31 (*H). -- roadsideditches are often the only habitat remain- lng Two Sandhill Cranes were reported flying s. at DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Good Mammouth Cave, Ky. Dec. 16 (AP, MP, fide S); less numbersof Mourning Doves were reportedthroughout than two monthslater (Feb. 15) the first springarrivals the winter; however, several were reported dead after appearedat the traditional"Crane Refuge" (Jasper- snowstoms (V,H). The Monk Parakeet continued its Pulaski, Ind.) -- the earliestever reported;from one to gradual westward extension being reported from three birds were reported from Butler Co., Ohio, be- Davenport, Ia. Dec. 16 to about Jan. 15 (CC); photo- tween Feb. 28 & Mar. 26 (m.ob.); three singles were graphsdocumented this new staterecord. A weak Barn separatelyreported in n.w. Ohio aslate asApr. 7 (LV), Owl turned up in Cambria, Ill. (Williamson County) one remained for a few days in late Feb. and early Mar. 26 and died the following day (MH); the species March near Bloomington,Ill. (DBi,m.ob.), severalap- continues to strugglefor existence in the Region. At pearedat Glenwood,Ia. Mar. 2 (CN,WN) andflocks of leasteight Snowy Owls were reportedfrom Iowa during 100+ were reportedin Kane Co., Ill. Mar. 10 andWill the period; only two others were seen elsewhere Co , Ill. Mar. 11-14(LB). An early record of the Vir- Chicago's O'Hare Airfield, Dec. 18 (fide C) and Ft gmiaRail wasdocumented in a GreatHorned Owl nest Wayne, Ind. Dec. 9& 10 (LCs). Short-eared Owls were at the Magee Marsh, Ohio, Mar. 13 (LV. At least 1150 in good supplybeing reported from every state; at least Am Coots were present at Madisonville, Ky. Dec. 23 29 were presentat L. Rathbun, Ia. (no date given,fide (JHa);they wintered in fair numbersat otherlocations. GB); a few remained in s.w. Ohio until the end of the period. Two Saw-whet Owls were reported: S.C R SHOREBIRDS -- A single Semipalmated Plover Dec. 16, (E) and Magee Marsh, Ohio, Mar. 15 (LV) remainedat Waukegan,Ill. just long enoughto be in- Many Missourians consideredthe woodpecker species cludedin thisreport (Dec. 1); it may havebeen the same (except the Red-headed Woodpecker) in excellent one there three weeks earlier (C). American Golden standingthis winter; commentsfrom other areas were Plovers were spotted at both S.C.R. (E) and Mason minimalwhich leavesone to believethat woodpeckers Co., Ill. (H,K) Mar. 16 (very early); the large flocks faired well Regionwide. The singleexception was the arrived later in March and April. Killdeersreturned in masswithdrawal of Red-headedWoodpeckers; report- late February and early March; an incubatingfemale ers from Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana agreed andher foureggs were buried in a heavysnow covering that thesebirds had disappeared;however, Red-headed at Cincinnati Mar. 24 (RA). The big wave of Am. Woodpeckers apparently concentratedin the bottom- Woodcocksarrived RegionwideMar. 3 & 4; an earlier lands along the MississippiR. from M.T.R. (V) south- influx occurred between Feb. 15 & 24. Common Snipe ward (K); they also held on around South Bend, Ind were reportedas abundantearly; one examplewas 28 at (NR). Mark Twain N.W.R., Ill. (hereafter M.T.R.), Mar. 8 (V) IndividualGreater Yellowlegs arrived very early: FLYCATCHERS, LARKS, SWALLOWS -- Three LawrenceCo., Ill. Mar. 10(PR, et al.) and Butler Co., E. Phoebes were reported from Kentucky CBCs; an Ohio, Mar. 14 (EB, fide DO). The first flocks of Pec- early peak of springarrivals was noted during the first toral Sandpipersbegan arriving as early asMar. 15& 16 three days of March (m.ob.) as far n. as Cleveland (M) In Lawrence Co., Ill. (PR, et al.) and S.C.R. (E) respec- It was quiteunusual to find anErnpidonaxflycatcher on tively. Eight Least Sandpiperswere standingon the ice a c. Illinois C BC (Crane Lake-Sangamon,Dec. 15); the at L. Chautauqua,Ill. Dec. 8 (H). Up to three Dunlin bird could barely fly as it searchedfor food over the remainedat Clevelanduntil ChristmasDay (M,RHa). mostly-frozen water; a thrown snowball was used to One and sometimestwo of the rare Purple Sandpipers collect the bird (**JF,H) which was later identifiedby were present(filmed) (RHa) at White City (Cleveland) qualifiedspecialists as a LeastFlycatcher. Some of the and remaineduntil Jan. 15 (fide D). One N. Phalarope missingCleveland area Horned Larks (completely ab- lingeredat the latter locationuntil Dec. 2 (M,D). sent from Dec. 16 to Feb. 2,fide M) may have been in

Volume 28, Number 3 647 Louisvillewhere a hightotal of over 1800was tallied on the CBC, Dec. 23. Springmigration often has its problems, but a Barn Swallow flying north into a snowstorm at SangchrisL., Ill. Mar. 30 (H) shouldforecast disaster. Such was the case with early arriving martins at Springfield,Mo.; they were found dead after the late March cold wave (NF).

CORVIDS, NUTHATCHES, WRENS- One of the rarew. stragglersto Illinoiswas a Black-billedMagpie; it wasfirst observedin mid-Septemberand remained at a BaiTingtonfeeder at leastinto January(*m.ob.). Ob- servers in n. Ohio noticed an eastward shift in the winter population of Corn. Crows; numbers were greatlyreduced in the northwest(LV), a few morethan usualin northcentral (JK), andmany more than normal in the northeast(M); the first springmigrants were Lazuli Bunting, immature male, Elgin, Ill., Dec. 18, noted moving from W to E alongthe Cleveland lake- 1973. Photo/Larry Balch. front Mar. 2 & 3 (M). Fish Crowsb•td already arrived in Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 26 (HSm); three others were at s. Illinois (along the MississippiR. in Alexander and an Iowa feeder Dec. 23 (WDfide PP). Union counties)by Mar. 5 (K,H). Everyonereported the extreme scarcity of Red-breastedNuthatches this FRINGILL1DS -- Except for n. Indiana and Ohio, winter. A first winter record for the Winter Wren was Pine Siskins were fairly common to very common establishedon the LaPorte Co., Ind. CBC (fide DBu). through the end of the period. Early flocks of Red Five Bewick'sWrens were reportedfrom Kentucky Crossbills did not stay, but a second influx of birds CBCs; anotherwas presentat Cedar Falls, la. during appearedin Januaryand Februaryand were reportedin December (FKn, fide MK). Several Carolina Wrens good numbersRegionwide. Within someof these flocks successfullywintered in Iowa this year-- morethan in were a few White-wingedCrossbills; these were mostly other recentyears (fide PP). A Long-billedMarsh Wren foundin Januaryand February and afew visitedfeeding was documentedat the PigeonRiver Refuge,n.e. In- stations; some lingered at favorite localities until late diana, Feb. 15 (*LCs). March or early April. A beautiful photographand descriptionwas receivedfor an imm. c• Lark Buntingat MIMIDS, THRUSHES, WAXWINGS -- Mocking- Park Forest, Ill.; it was first noted at one location Feb. birds continued to survive in increasingnumbers 18 to 23 (JS) and then relocatedabout 2« milesaway farther n. than usual: three in iowa and several in n. from Mar. 17to the endof the period(fide *AD). Many Indiana.Brown Thrashers were regular winterguests at observerssuggested that several sparrow populations severalfeeders including the n. borderof theRegion; an were down; however, SongSparrows were very abun- unusualtotal of 21 was tallied on Kentucky CBCs. A dant, especiallyin the n. (m.ob). A winteringGras- documentaryphotograph supported the observationof shopper Sparrow was documented on the Louisville a VariedThrush at a Barrington,Ill. feederbeginning CBC (*BM). A possible Gray-headedJunco was re- Feb. 1 (AZ, *RMo, m.ob.). WinteingHermit Thrushes portedfrom AdamsCo., Ohio, Nov. 16to late January were considerednoteworthy at Decatur, Ill. (first c. (RC); however, no documentation was received; in Illinoiswinter record)Dec. 23 (H) andCleveland, Jan. Springfield, Ill. another was documentedand an entire 15 - Mar. 5 (RHafide M). Missouri establishedanother seriesof photographsof the capturedbird was taken; new state record when a c• Mountain Bluebird was the bird was first foundFeb. 9 and was seenby many verifiedat S.C.R., Mar. 23 & 24 (L,E). Cedar Wax- observers through Feb. 26 (*H,*K); the bird was wingswere generallyscarce (or non-existent)all sea- bandedand released.High numbersof Dark-eyedJun- son;however, at Charleston,Ill. they were considered cos, including the Oregon race, were reported this as "numerous" (LH). winter;unfortunately, many succumbed to badweather SHRIKES, WARBLERS -- From two to three N. andtrappers reported finding manydead ones under the Shrikeswintered in SenecaCo., Ohio(fide JK); singles snow(fide V). A large movementof Tree Sparrowswas were noted at Rocky River Park (Cleveland),Jan. 19 evident (700 counted)in c. Illinois, Feb. 23 (H,K); a (MSt) andJan. 26 (D et al.), KingsburyGame Ref., Ind. similarmovement was noted at Louisville,Feb. 24 (S). Jan. 29 - Mar. 12 (NR, et al.), Skokie Lagoons Several Field Sparrowsattempted wintering in n.e. Il- (Chicago)all season(JRo, m.ob), andWhiteside Co., Ill linois-- ratherunusual. The winteringnumbers of Har- Dec. 29 (HSh). A LoggerheadShrike was identified at ris' Sparrows were considered much less than usual in Cleveland Mar. 23 (M); in Lawrence Co., Ill. one for w. Missouri (KH,NF). The first Smith's Longspurs nearly every three party hoursafield couldbe found. A were noted Mar. 23 in Christian Co., Ill. (H); others c•Yellowthroat remained at S.C.R. at least until Dec. 16 were reported in Sangamon (H) and Lawrence coun- (E). ties, Ill. by the end of March. Snow Buntingswere in normalsize to largeflocks through most of the n. areas; BLACKBIRDS -- A Brewer'sBlackbird regularly a few reached Louisville(9) Dec. 23 (BM,RQ) and visited a W. Lafayette, Ind. feederfrom Dec. 15-26 Lawrence Co., Ill. Dec. 23 & Jan. 6 (PR et al.) and c. (EH). A c•Yellow-headed Blackbird was reported from Illinois during late Decemberand early January(H).

648 American Birds, June 1974 CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sectional editors' names in Jean Knoblaugh, (FKn) Mr. & Mrs. Fred Knoll, Mor- boldfacetype; contributorsare requestedto sendtheir ten Konig, Robert Krol, Keith and Irene Layton, reports to these editors). Major contributorsare iden- Richard Lipka, (RMd) Randall Madding, Karl Mas- tified with a single initial as follows: (A) - Richard A, lowski, (RMs) Rose Mason, (RMc) Rosilie McKeuon, Anderson(Missouri), (B) - LawrenceBalch (n. Illinois), (RMi) Robert Miller, Burt Monroe, Jr., (RMo) Robert (C) - Charles Clark, (D) - Owen Davies, (E) - David Montgomery, Wanda Neaderhiser, George Neavoll, Easterla, (H) - H. David Bohlen, (K) - Vernon Kleen (s. Mr. & Mrs. Nelson, Cathy Nelson, William O'Brien, Illinois), (L) - Floyd Lawhon, (M) - William Klanan, (S) StevenOlson, David Osborne(s. Ohio), (BPB) Brainard Anne Stamm (Kentucky), (V) - Sally Vasse, (W) - Palmer-Ball, Jim Pasidowski, Sebastian Patti, Bob Arthur Wiseman; the record number of other observers Paxson, Lacey Pederson, Peter Petersen, Helen Peter- include: Doug Alecci, George Arthur, Ron Austing, son, Albert and Millie Powell, Mrs. R. Prewitt, Ralph Charles Ayres, (DBi) Dale Birkenholz, Gladys Black, Quafie, Nancy Rea, (JR i) Jon Rickert, (JRo) Jerry Ed Bowman, (LB) Lynn Braband, (LCB) Leonard C. Rosenband,Paul Roush, Robert Russell, Ernie Sadlet, Brecher, (DBu) Dorthy Buck, John Buck, Stuart (LSe) Lilian Serbousek, (HSh) Mr. & Mrs. Harry Burns, AI Byrd, Roy Cable, (JC) John Cara, (LCr) Shaw, Paul Sbewmaker,(MSk) Merit Skaggs,(MSI) Larry Carter, (LCs) Lee Casebere, (JEC) J. Earl Com- Mabel Slack, (HSm) H. Granville Smith, (LaS) Law- fort, Dennis Coskren, Charles Croft, Stan Dahlke, Wal- renee Smith, (LiS) Litha Smith, (BSo) Bruce Sortie, ter Dau, Tom Dougherty, Aura Duke, Ruth Erickson, (MSt) Mike Stasko, (BSt) Bruce Stehting,Mrs. John Nathan Fay, JamesFunk, StevenGlass, Bill Goodge, Steinder,(DSt) David Stier, (DSu) David Summerfield, Maryann Gossman, Richard Graber, Janet Greer, Davidand Patsy Todl, NancyUlmer, LaurelVan Camp (NHg) Norbert Haag, (NHm) Nicholas Halmi, (JHa) (n. Ohio), Katie Van Huffel, Barry Wakeman,Clinton JamesHancock, (RHa) Ray Hannikman, (Haw) James Ward, Patrick Ward, (AWe) Albert Westman, Melba Haw, (Rhe) Roger Hefner, (JHe) Jim Henfiksen, Kelly Wigg, Jim Williams, (AWo) Alan Wormington,Helen Hobbs, Mike Homoya, Edward Hopkins, Virginia Wuestenfeld, Rick York, Ann Zimmer, -- VERNON Humphreys, L. Bartie Hunt, Jim Irvine, Robert and M. KLEEN, Div. Of Wildlife Resonrces, Illinois De- Valerie Jessen,Dennis Jones, Julie Jones, Marie Jones, partment of Conservation,Springfield, Illinois 62706 Teta Kain, Charles Keller (Indiana), (FK0 Fred Kent,

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION responded well with the weather encountered. Strag- / Robert B. Hamilton glers of many speciesoverwintered successfullyand the invasionof boreal specieswas about average. Red- breasted Nuthatches and Evening Grosbeaks were The winter lacked the severe stormsof many past scarce but Red Crossbillsand Tree Sparrows were en- winters. For example, only a trace of snow occurred in countered frequently in the northern section of our Louisiana throughout the period. Mean temperature region. andprecipitation were nearnormal, except for January, GREBES, PELECANIFORMES, HERONS -- Fared Grebes were especially numerous in coastal Louisiana throughoutthe period. The Western Grebe was found twice in Louisiana, representingonly the second and third records for the state. At Cross L. in Shreveport 1-2 were found Jan. 1-16 (HHJ & JRS) and one was seenat Mud L., CameronPar., intermittently Feb. 2 - Mar. 26 (RJN, REN, BMB et al.). Brown Pelicans were reported on three occasionsat Dauphin Island: one immature Dec. 21, two iramatures Jan. 5, and two adults Jan. 8 (LRT). Two imm. Gannets were reported south of Grand Isle, La., Feb. 26 (RBH). The N.T.O.S. reported up to five Double-crestedCormor- ants, an uncommonwintering species,at Old Hickory L., Dec. 1 - Jan. 17. A Magnffieent Frigatebird was found for the first time in Alabama in midwinter at Gulf Shores Dec. 31 (JVP & LNP). Tom Imhof reports the Green Heron and Cattle Egret now regular on the Alabama coast in winter. A Green Heron was seen at Birmingham Dec. 29 (MHP); this is the second Alabama winter record north of the coastalplain. Cattle which was warmer and wetter than usual, with Egrets were found inland at the Grenada, Miss. CBC Louisianaaveraging about 5 ø above normal in tempera- Dec. 27 and the Jackson, Miss. CBC Dec. 29 (fide ture and 6 inchesabove normal in precipitation.Nash- WHT). One was found at Slovak, Ark., Dec. 31 (GRG ville was without a freezefor 20 consecutivedays from & WMS). At leastthree ReddishEgrets lingeredon the January 14 through February 2. Mobile reported its Alabama coast till late Dec. (FPC, LRT, m.ob.). A warmest January in 100 years and Birmingham the Louisiana Heron was found for the first time in winter warmestJanuary in 24 years. The birds reportedcot- in the Baton Rouge area at Old River Jan. 26 (CRA &

Volume 28, Number 3 649 RJN). A Least Bittem was found for the fourth time in and first February record (MLB et al.) anda female was winter in Alabama at Alabama P., Dec. 31 (CLK, seen off of the Louisiana coast Feb. 26 (RBH). The mob ). There are scattered winter records of this Black Scoter was found off of Alabama Pt. Dec. 31 speciesfor Louisiana.This year onewas foundDec. 23 (GDJ, m. ob.). The Red-breastedMerganser was espe- on the Venice CBC (SAG, RJN & MEL). Seventeen cially conspicuousin coastal Louisiana this year with Wood Storks were seen at Tunica I., W. Feliciana Par., 1129 reported Dec. 15 on the Sabine CBC. It was re- Jan 4 (JDN). White Ibises were found further north ported for the first time this winter on the Grenada, than usual in winter in Louisiana when a flock of 130 Miss., CBC Dec. 27 when three were seen,and one was were seen near Morganza Nov. 26 and a flock of 85 on seen Mar. 6 at E1 Dorado, Ark., for the secondArkan- Dec 6 (DWG). A GlossyIbis in breedingplumage was sas March record (KLS, HHS & JN). seen in w. Louisiana at Johnson's Bayou Mar. 31 (RJN et al ). RAPTORS --This was not a goodyear to find wintering raptors in parts of our Louisiana area, but seemedto WATERFOWL -- Becauseof the high water caused be average in other sections.The 119-mileraptor cen- by abundant rainfall, many observers reported that sus run in the same area around Montgomery Ala ducks were scattered more than usual and concentra- yielded approximately the same results as last year in tions were usually not easy to find. Two Whistling total individuals: 54 on Jan. 23 and 72 on Jan. 31, as Swans were reported from Arkansas: one at L. Mill- opposed to totals of 54 on Jan. 16, 1973 and 58 on Jan wood Jan. 5 (CMi) and one on Lonoke CBC ofde ENG). 18, 1973 (JEK). In Louisiana all hawks seemedto be An Immature that had been wintering at Wartrace L., low in abundance(ERS). Eagle numberswere lower Springfield,Tenn. was found shot dead Jan. 8 ofde than usual in Louisiana and at Reelfoot L. probably ENH). Five were on Old Hickory L., Tenn. Dec. 15 - owingto mild weather(RA). The Sharp-shinnedHawk Mar 16 (N.T.O.S.) and two iramatureswere seen at is difficult to find, but was encountered on the Wheeler Refuge, Ala. Jan. 1 ofde TZA). In December, Atchafalaya River Basin, La., CBC Jan. 20, where one there were seen at the mouth of the Pearl R. at the was seen (RBH) and two were seen Dec. 23 on the border between Louisianaand Mississippi(GJB). The Marion, Ala., CBC. One was seen south of Glenmora, 3500 Canada Geese at Holla Bend N.W.R., Ark., com- La., Jan. 26 (ERS). The 89 Red-shouldered Hawks prised the highestcount since 1966 (PDD). One Brant reported on the Reserve• La., CBC Dec. 29 indicate was seen at Rockefeller Wildlife Ref., La. Jan. 15 and that the speciesis doing well in someareas. The Venice, collected Jan. 17 for the first specimen and only the La., CBC Dec. 23 reported three wintering Broad- second record for Louisiana (TJ & AWP). The first winged Hawks while the single individuals seen at Arkansasrecord for a Ross' Goosewas at Fayetteville, Brookhaven, Miss., Mar. 14 and Fernwood, Miss , Ark, from Dec. 12 to at least Feb. 19 (PH). It was Mar. 16 were probably migrants (BC & LCC). The photographedby Douglas James. FulvousTree Ducks Rough-leggedHawk now occurs regularly in Alabama were reported for the first time in winter in Alabama (TAI) and one was seen at Marion Dec. 23 (HHK & where one was at Wheeler Ref. Dec. 1 OffdeLAW) and RDK). This raptor is still consideredrare in Arkansas three were near Scottsboro Feb. 26 (JH). There was but two were found near Culler Dec. 26 - Jan. 13 (GRG only one previous inland Alabama record. Although et al.). There were four records for c. Louisiana Nov locally rare in winter, Blue-winged Teal were observed 14 - Dec. 31 (ERS). A subadultGolden Eagle was found in Nashville at Buena Vista Dec. 19 - Jan. 1 (MLB) and in Arkansas at Sheridan, Grant Co., Jan. 4 (GRG & two c• c• Cinnamon Teal were found on the Sabine CBC DRH), another was seen near Risson (JBH & JEH) Dec 15 (RJN) and at Cross Creek N.W.R., Dover, Apr. 8 which was 11days late and a first Cleveland Co Tenn., Mar. 26- Mar. 31 (DS et al.). Lesser Scaupwere record, and an adult was at Holla Bend N.W.R., Dec common in coastal marshes of Louisiana but were seen 29 (PDD). In Louisiana one was seen several times at at the usual offshore feeding areas. Last year's flood Tallulah (RJN, AWP & TK) and one was seen south of must have damagedtheir food supply.At Mandeville, Carlyss,Calcasieu Par., Mar. 30 (RJN, MN & AWP) five Corn. Goldeneyeswere found (RJN, MN & PB), In Louisiana the four known active Bald Eagle nests while at L. Maumelle, Ark., a flock of 200+ was seen producedfive young, which is about average(RA). Ray Dec 28 (GRG, BLT, & DRH). An unusually large Aycock stated that about 75 Bald Eagles wintered in number of Buffiehead (60) was found at L. Pontchar- Louisiana with about 30-35 of them in the vicinity of tram (MM & LT). There were more records than usual Toledo Bend Res. In Arkansas,there were ten (8 imm , of Oldsquaw with a female reported in Louisiana at 2 ad.) at Holla Bend N.W.R., Dec. 29 (PDD, FC & MG) scattered location in L. Pontchartrain: Dec. 22 (RJS & and 13 (11 imm., 2ad.) Jan. 19(WMSetal.). Two(1 ad , MW), Dec. 7 to the last week in January (NN & Cmo) 1 imm.) were seen in early January at Wheeler N.W R and Jan. 27 and beyond(HP, LT & MM); two wintered (CD) and one was seen at Eufaula Res. during count at Natchitoches, La. (CEV); three were at Wheeler week ofde MF). Am immaturewas seenon Percy Priest N W.R. Ala., during the first week of January (CD); L., Nashville Dec. 28 (BF & SF). There were six De- and a maximum of four were near BirminghamJan. 7 cember and Januaryrecords for individual Ospreys in (ALM, m. ob.). On Dec. 1 a White-winged Scoterwas Louisiana where winter records are scarce: Dec. 3 at observed on Miss. R. at the entrance to Bonnet Carr• Holmwood (ERS), Dec. 13-16at BonnetCarr6 Spillway Spillway (RJS, MW & PC) and on Jan. 6 two were seen (MW & RAS), Dec. 20 on the AtchafalayaCBC (RL & at P•neBluff Harbor, Ark. for the only JanuaryArkan- PB), Dec. 23 on the Venice CBC (RDP & RSK) Jan. 29 sas record (GC). An imm. d' Surf Scoter was found at near Henderson (RSK & DT), and Jan. 29 at Belle R Radnor L. Feb. 6-15 for seventh Nashville area record (RSK & AWP). The first Ospreynest for Louisianawas

650 American Birds, June 1974 found on March 30 near Venice (MM). The Peregrine (TAI) and one was at Dauphin Island Nov. 20 - Dec 15 Falcon was again seen in the region with two or three (REH & SBH). Two sightingsof Chuck-will' s-widows reported on the Venice CBC Dec. 23, two at Gum Cove, in Alabama yielded the sixth and seventh winter re- La, Jan. 12 (RJN, MN & HDP), one at Spanish L., cords: two at Ft. Morgan Feb. 19 (JVP) and one at New Iberia, La., Dec. 8 (MJM) and one at Gulf Shores, Mobile, Dec. 29 (JLD). Seven were seenon the Venice, Ala Dec. 31 (PFC). La. CBC Dec. 23 (RJS, SAG et al.) and one was seen Dec. 29 on the Reserve CBC. The Whip-poor-will re- CRANES, RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- Sandhill ported on the Venice CBC (MM et al.) on Dec. 23 and Cranes have wintered for the last 7-8 years near the one caught southofGrosse T•te, La., Jan. 24 (JMD, Cheneyville, La., and this year about 27 wintered in the JS & HN) certainly wintered, but the one seen at Pal- area (fide ERS). Twenty-three were seen on Dec. 31 at metto, La., Mar 1! (RSK) may have been an early Gulf Shores, Ala. (PFC). On Feb. 19 a Black Rail was migrant. The Com. Nighthawk seen at Nashville Mar heard calling at Gulf Shores(TAI). The only December 28 (DC) was probably an early migrant. There were Semipalmated Plover was recorded in Arkansas this many wintering hummingbird recordsof three different year at Lonoke (DRH). American Golden Plovers ar- species. Unidentified hummingbirds were seen on rived 9 days early in Alabama when seven were seen at Sabine, La. CBC Dec. 15, the Atchafalaya Basin CBC Gulf Shores Feb. 19 (TAI). A peak of 685 was seen at Dec. 20 (PB), Venice, La. CBC (2) Dec. 23 (RL), at Anderson's Minnow Farm, Lonoke Co., Ark. on Mar. Dauphin I. Feb. 16 (CM) & Mar. 1! (LRT). A Ruby- 23 (GRG, DRH & BLT). On Jan. 8 the secondSolitary throated Hummingbird stayed at Little Rock until the Sandpiperrecorded in the Nashville area in winter was first cold spellDec. 22 (BR), anotherwas seenat Mobile seenat Buena Vista (MLB). One was also seen on the Dec. 18 (FEB) and one was seen at Shreveport Jan Sabine La., CBC Dec. 15 and the day after (RJN, DN & 11-12 (HHJ). The fourth occurrence of Rufous JL) On Dec. 26 three Lesser Yellowlegs were seen at Hummingbirdin Alabamawas reportedof a bird at Lonoke Co., Ark. (GRG & DRH). It is difficult to tell if Magnolia SpringsJan. 27 - Feb. 20 (PFC). A Buff-bellied the PectoralSandpiper seen at Eufaula Res. Feb. 17(SP Hummingbird was seen on the Sabine, La. CBC on & WG) was an early migrant or an overwintering bird Dec. 15 (JL & DN) and one wintered at Franklin, St but the one seen at Baton Rouge Jan. 24 (HDP) was Mary's Parish, La. to Mar. 28 when it was collected probably wintering. The Black-necked Stilt is rare in (GD, GDe, GL & MBE). These were the second and s e Louisiana in winter but one was reported at La- third Louisiana records. Two Monk Parakeets were Branche Jan. 10 (MW). The numbers of Herring, Ring- found and captured in a garden in Patterson, St. Mary's billed and Bonaparte's Gulls were low in middle Ten- Parish, La., Dec. 2 (JBK). This was the second state nessee this winter (MLB); the maximum number of record for Louisiana. Bonaparte' s Gulls on the Alabama coastthis winter was FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, NUTHATCHES, 2750 on Feb. 19 (TAI). The winter maximum of Gull- THRUSHES -- Only one Scissor-tailed Flycatcher billed Terns in Alabama was 13 near Fort Morgan on was reportedthis winter; one was seenon the Vemce Feb. 18 (PFC & TAI). On Jan. 13 & 20 a Roseate Tern CBC Dec. 23 (SAG et al.). The first migrant was re- was observed at the ferry crossing in Cameron, La. ported near Many, La. Mar. 22-24 (RBH). The Great (HDP, RJN, GDL). A Black Tern wintered at the same Crested Flycatcher reported at Mobile, Ala., Mar 7 location (RJN). From Nov. 17 to Feb. 24, 1-13 Black was 11 days early if it was a migrant (MAG). On the Skimmers were at the entrance to Bonnet Carr6 Spill- Venice CBC, three Wied's Crested Flycatchers were way (RJS & MW); this speciesis unusual inland. seen and reported by three parties (MM, RDP, RJS et al.). One remained at Venice at least to Jan. 27 (RJN, DOVES THROUGH PARROTS -- The Inca Dove, RDP & DN). The first Arkansasrecord for the Say's rare in Louisiana, spentthe winter at Rockefeller Wild- Phoebe occurred when one was found Dec. 29 in Arkan- life RefugeHeadquarters, Cameron Par. It was present sas County (ENH & HNH). UnidentifiedErnpidonax from Oct. 28 to the end of the period (RJN, BMB & specieswere observedon the Venice, CBC (RJS et al ) AWD). There were two December records of Yellow- and the Reserve CBC; a • Vermilion Flycatcher was billed Cuckoo in Louisiana. One was seen Dec. 1 at the observed at the Pearl River Waterfowl Ref. on the entranceto the Bonnet Carr• Spillway (RJS & PC) and Jackson,Miss., CBC Dec 29; it stayedat leastuntil Jan one was seen Dec. 8-9 at Durango I., Tensas Par. (REN 27 (WHT, JHP, WG & DP). One was also seenwinter- & LLG). Even thoughGroove-billed Anis disappeared ing near RockefellerRef., La. (AWP) and one was seen from all but the s. tip of Louisianaafter the severestorm on the Arkadelphia,Ark., CBC (fide ENH). The Cliff of last winter they reappearedin numbersthis year and Swallow observed at the Duck River Unit, Ten have even been observed at several inland locations. N.W.R. Mar. 6 (JLe) was 25 daysearly. The first Purple On Jan. 5 five were observedat Bonnet Carr• Spillway Martin records received were of some reported at (RJS, etal.), and on Mar. 10, two were observed in Brusly, La., Jan. 27; no observer was listed. Red- Baton Rouge (RSK, JAR & JL). The elusive Long- breasted Nuthatches were very scarce this year with eared Owl was seen at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Feb. 17 (TAI, only one reportedon an ArkansasCBC, at Lonoke (fide JVP, WRM & TLW). Several Short-eared Owls were ENH), and eight reported at Chicot State Park Ar- found in Tennessee: at Smyrna five wintered boretum, EvangelinePar., La. Feb. 9 (BO). They were (N T.O.S.), three at Clarkesville (GM), and one at virtually absentin the Nashville area (MLB) when all Cross Creek N.W.R. (W.A.S.); there were two at Gal- usual sites were checked thoroughly, and were not latinDec. 23 but. one was killed prior to Dec.27 (DC & observed in Alabama for the first time in years (TAI) A PCr). In Alabama one was found at Marion Dec. 23 Wood Thrush was reported both on the Reserve CBC at

Volume 28, Number 3 651 the Rockefeller Refuge, La., Jan. 27 (RO), and at Pierre (MM); a female was at Hollandale, Miss., Jan. 15-23 Part, La., Feb. 23 (JOC et al.). Hermit Thrushes were (EFG). Several wintered in Vicksburg, Miss. (fide reported as being scarcein the Nashville area (MLB). I LPC) and one was seen at Baton Rouge, La. Feb 9 have not seen the documentation that must have ac- (JOC&JD). A $ oriole of the Bullock's form was ob- companied the Gray-cheeked Thrush record on the served at the Bonnet Cart6 Spillway, La., Jan. 5 (RJS et Jackson, Miss. CBC. al.). A male and a $ Bronzed Cowbird were seen occasionally this winter in New Orleans (RR). A Western VIREOS, WARBLERS -- In some regions of s. Tanager was bandedand photographedat Fort Morgan Louisiana the White-eyed Vireo was especially abun- Dec. 9 (JVP, TAI, WRM & TLW). This provided the dant this winter. On Dec. 29 on the Reserve CBC 74 second Alabama winter record. Also a second winter were found. A Bell's Vireo was studiedat close rangeat Alabama record is that of a SummerTanager reported Willow Island, Cameron Par., Jan. 13 (RJN, MN & at BellingrathGardens Dec. 9 (BW&JW). Three Sum- HDP). The Yellow-throated Vireo was found near St. mer Tanagers apparently wintered in Arkansas. There Francisville, W. Feliciana Par., Feb. 10 (RBH). Tom were five reports of probably two birds in Little Rock Imhof reports that many Solitary Vireos wintered in (AJ&RJ) from Jan. 12 to the end of the period, and one Alabama this year. The Black-and-whiteWarbler win- at Pine Bluff from Feb. 22 to the end of the period tered in Nashville, where one was found Dec. 15 (CP), (IGD&JHW). There were three winter records of and one was found on the Reserve CBC Dec. 29. The Black-headed Grosbeak in our area. A female was one found at Fouke, Miller Co., Ark Mar. 8 (BLT) was found Dec. 29 on the Reserve CBC (MW). One was probably an early migrant -- five days early. On Mar. seen near Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa Par., La., •n 23 a Prothonotary Warbler was observed at Choctaw January (fide BM). Another stayed for about three Ref Ala. for the earliest inland Alabama record (PFC, weeks from Jan. 27 on at Little Rock (PRC). An Indigo mob.). The N. Parula at Mobile Mar. 3 was probably Buntingwas seenon the Venice CBC (RJSe t al.) aswas an early migrant (MWG) and the one at Oden, Mont- a PaintedBunting (SAG et al.). Painted Buntingswere gomeryCo., Ark., Mar. 9 wasfive daysearly (WMS). A also seen at Baton Rouge Jan. 26 (JD) and at Fort MagnoliaWarbler was seenat Reserve,La., Dec. 16-19 Jackson, La., Jan. 27 (DN, RJN, DAT & RDP). Dick- (MW). A Black-throatedBlue Warbler was discovered cisselswintered at Natchitoches,La. (CEV) andBaton on the Venice CBC (SAG) as was a Prairie Warbler Rouge (RJN). On Dec. 24 one was seen at Fairhope, (RDP, RSK). An individual apparently stayed in the Ala. (LPA). The one observed at Nashville Jan. 24 Johnson'sBayou woods, Cameron Par., Feb. 3 - Mar. representedone of the few local winter records(LR) 31 (RJN, HDP & REN). Tom Imhof reports that the The small number of Evening Grosbeaksthat appeared Palm Warbler is apparentlybecoming rarer in Alabama this winter were probablythe "echo" of last winter's •n the winter. Records were scarce this winter in extensive invasion. A small number were scattered •n Louisiana with 26 beingfound on the Reserve CBC and Alabama (TAD with only a few Tennessee records one apparently wintering at the e. jetty in Cameron (MLB). Only six were reported on Arkansas CBCs (RBH, REN & AMN). One was seen, however, at the (ENH); two were on the Reserve CBC. There were 4-5 Duck River Unit, Tenn. N.W.R., Jan. 8 (JLe). An at Columbus,Miss. in late Decemberand early January Ovenbird was seen Jan. 27 near Fort Jackson, La. and one at Starkville Dec. 23 (JAJ). Purple Finches (DAT, RDP, RJN & DN), and there were four N. were well representedthroughout the region; the most Waterthrushes seen in Louisiana this winter: Sabine spectacular concentration was 5,000 at a 20-acre un- CBC Dec. 15 (RBH), Venice CBC Dec. 23 (RSK), harvested sorghumgrain field at Coilirene, Lowndes Reserve CBC Dec. 29, and in the Atchafalaya Basin Co., Ala. Feb. 3 (TAD. This was the secondconsecu- Jan 15 (RSK). The Louisiana Waterthrush at Nash- tive good year for Red Crossbills, with Tom Imhof ville, Tenn. Mar. 10, if a migrant,was early by two days reportingthe bestyear yet in Alabamawith many birds (KAG). There were three records for the rarely- scattered in n. Alabama. A good indication of their w•ntering Yellow-breasted Chat this winter: Dec. 18, abundancethere were the 55 seen by three parties on one at Port Allen, W. Baton Rouge Par., (KT), Dec. 22 the BirminghamCBC Dec. 29 and a maximumof 75 on two at the Fort Morgan CBC (PFC), and Dec. 23, two Jan. 3 (JRB). They were also reported from Nashville on the Venice CBC (SAG et al., & RJS et al.). The chat area (KAG & MG) and three areas in Arkansas (RS) seen at Choctaw Refuge, Ala. Mar. 23 may have been There were no reportsfrom Mississippior Louisiana A an early migrant (PFC & MRM). A Hooded Warbler Lark Bunting was collectedon the Venice CBC Dec. 23 could be located at the sameplace in the Atchafalaya for second Louisiana record. The fourth January oc- Basin all winter (RSK). currenceof Lark Sparrowin Arkansaswas noted Jan 19 when one was seen at Holla Bend Ref. (MWh). A BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS, FINCHES -- A Tree Sparrow was reported at HorseshoeL. Crittendon Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen Dec. 23 on the Ven- Co., Ark. Feb. 24 (LCC). Individuals were also ob- ice CBC (SAG). The first Februaryoccurrence of this served on the Grenada CBC and the Jackson CBC speciesin Arkansaswas noted Feb. 9-10 at Little Rock There were several reports from Tennessee: with a (PClet al.). A • OrchardOriole was observedat Baton widespread movement over the state from west to east RougeFeb. 5 (PB); this is a very early date for a mig- (fide MLB). The first Clay-colored Sparrow in Arkan- rant A Scott's Oriole was at a feeder in Eunice, La. sasin March was seenon the ninth in Lonoke County Jan 29 - Feb. 25 (CIM). Northern Orioleswere about as (ENN & HNH). The Harris' Sparrow at Reserve Jan common as usual in Alabama (TAD. A male of the 12 (RJS) representedthe first local record. The report of Baltimore form was present in New Orleans Jan. 14 11 Lapland Longspursat Old Hickory Jan. 16 was the

652 American B•rds, June 1974 third Nashville area record (MLB) et al.); and 15 at the r Stuttgart Airport, Ark., March 23 were three days late (GRG & DRH). CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and OBSERVERS •CR. Allot, Lois P. Archer, Thomas Z. Atkeson, Ray Aycock, J. RusselBailey, MichaelLee Bierly (Tennes- see), Barbara M. Bodman, Gerald Joseph Boos, Jr., Fred E. Bowers, Phillip Bruner, Paul Cambre, F. Car- son, Louis P. Cashman, Jr., P. Fairly Chandler, P. R. Choate, Patt Clark (PCI), Gerry Click, Jr., Gerry Click, St. (GCI), Ben Coffey, Lula C. Coffey, Mrs. John O. Cook, Dot Crawford, Paul Crawford, Paul D. Daly, Mrs. Julian Darden, Cecil Davis, Isabel G. Davis, George DeSoto, Mrs. George DeSoto (GDE), J. L. Dom SJ, Annette W. Duchein, JamesM. Dyer, Norton Elkin, M. B. Eyster, Bill Fintel, Sally Fintel, Mike Fuller, Mary A. Gaillard, M. Wilson Gaillard, Mrs. E. F. Ganier, Mel Garland, S. A. Gauthreaux, William Gibbs, L. L. Glasgow, Katherine A. Goodpasture, Gary R. Graves, Dale W. Gustin, Edith N. Halberg (Arkansas), H. N. Halberg, Richard E. Hayward, Sha- ron B. Hayward, John Herin, J. B. Herring, Jewell E. Saskatchewan into southern Manitoba •d pa• of Herring, David R. Hunter, Philip Hyatt, Thomas A. Noah Dakota, but •d not •ach F•. The ques•on is: Imhof (Alabama), Greg D. Jackson, Jerome A. Jack- we• the unprecedentednum• of Gy•ns and son, Douglas James, Atha Jamison, Ross Jamison, H. Great Gray Owls •lated, either direrely or indi•ctly, H. Jeter, Ted Joanen, Tom Kee, James E. Keeler, to the unpre•dented depths of snow? Robert S. Kennedy, J. B. Kidd, Curtis L. Kingsbery, WATERFOWL -- La Oeek, the only federal •fuge Helen H. Kittinger, Ronnie D. Kittinger, Garrie with an ex•nding flock of Trumpeter Swans, had a net Landry, James Leak, Jerald Ledbetter (JLe), G. D. g•n of 20, to 104 adults and 34 cy•ets ne• Marin, Lester, Mary E. Lewis, Ronald Louque, W. Roger S.D. (Harold Burgess).At the open waterof the Regina Manor, Mary Ruth McCracken, Cornelia Messer, Ann Watedowl Pa•, no less than 425 Cana• Geese win- L. Miller, Gloria Milliken, Charles Mills (CMi), Caro- te•d. An Oldsquaw at Ca•a• Dec. 30 - Jan. 9 was a lyn Morillo, Mrs. Claudia Morton (CLM), Buford fi•t for the a•a (VL, IH, CR), wh•e anothernear Big Myers, Mac Myers (MM), Michael J. Musumeche, Stone City Dec. 15 w• the tenth South Dakota record Nashville TennesseeOrnithological Society, Howard for 1973 (BKH), and 1974got unde•ay with another Naquin, R. J. Newman (Louisiana), John D. Newsom, two near Yankton Jan. 14 & Mar. 8 (•). Jean Niemixer, Allerie M. Noble, Robert E. Noble, ACCIPITERS, EAGLES -- Goshawks we• not as Donnie Norman, Robert Olsen, Brent Ortego, A. W. common• the p•vious w•ter, but we• •po•ed from Palmisano,Sam Pate, Harvey Patton, JamesV. Peavy, 7 Al•, 13 Saskatchewan,10 Noah Dakota (•clud- Lee N. Peavy, Dudley Peeler, Chap Percival, Morton •g 10 s•htings at •leharbor} and 6 South Dakota H. Perry, John H. Phares, H. D. Pratt, Robert D. Pur- localities.Golden Eagle sight•gs included 15at 10 rington, Robert Raether, Mrs. Lloyd Richmond,James •a localties, 26 at 13 Saskatchew•, 13 Dom 3 Mon- A. Rogers, BerniceRoyse, William M. Shepherd,Russ tana, 12 at 6 Noah •kota and 35 from 20 South D•ota Shively, H. H. Shugart, K. Luvois Shugart, James localties. Bald Eagles we• noted in usual humors at Simons, E. Ray Smith, Dave Snyder, Ronald J. Stein, most •na•an po•ts except for a •ma•able tot• of J. R. Stewart, Dan L. Tabberer, D. A. Tallman, Lee eight birds Jan. 27 near Calga• (J. Minty). In South Taylor, Bruce L. Tedford, Ken Thomas, Lib R. Dakota, the o•cid est•ated Bald Eagle w•ter popu- Toenes, W. H. Turcotte, Chas. E. Viers, Wariotto Au- lation w• •, an inc•ase of 2• over the p•vious dubon Society, Melvin Weber, Ted L. Weems, L. A. winter; this included• feedingon deadgeese at Wells, Mel White (MWh), Beverly Winn, John Dec. 11 (Bi• Baer}. The• we• also 17 Bald Eagles Winn.--ROBERT B. HAMILTON, Schoolof Forestry, fee•ng on buffalo gut bagsat •ster State Pa• • late Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. 70803. Decemir (•11ie La•on) and 16 ad•t and s• •ma- turesat Gavin'sPoint •m ne• YanktonDec. 15(WH). NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS FALCONS -- Gy•con s•ht•gs in • and / C. Stuart Houston Saskatchewanmay have •en an aH-time high, with • phasebi•s at Edmonton Dec. 16 (MH, R•), at It was a long, cold winter on the Canadianprairies, Cal• Jan. 3 & 8 (HP, CR), at Milo Jan. 21 (EB) and at whereas at Sioux Falls January and February were Tofield, •ta., Feb. 10 (MH}. In Saskatchewan,there unusually mild. At Edmonton snowfall totalled 78 w• a s•e white phase Gyr at Mo•lach D•. 10 inches,with a record30 inchespersisting on the ground (RDR) and da• phase birds at Simpson Nov. 10 through March 31. At Moose Jaw and Saskatoon all- (WCH), Valeport Dec. 9 (R.J. •ng), Saskatoon Dec. time record snowfalls totalled 79• and 71• inches, 26 (A.L. Nijssen), Reg•a Jan. 12 and Cham•rldn respectively.This heavy snowcover, which persisted Mar. 3 (•R. At •ite Be•, a da• pha• Gyr w• into April, extendedfrom just eastof Calgary,across seen eve• second or third day for mo• than t•ee

Volume 28, Number 3 653 weeks in December and January (S.O. Jordheim). A Prame Falcon used 10th and 13th floor night roosts on GREAT GRAY OWL -- Our largest, most two University of Calgary buildingsduring the winter beautiful and very tame northern owl, has long (R Wayne Nelson, Calga.ry FieM-Naturalist 5:253, been thoughtto be in danger, since the few birds April 1974): one again wintered at the legislative present in any given area are usually killed groundsin Regina(RDR, MB), anothervisited a farm- whenever man extends his activities farther into yard at Spring Valley, Sask., three times (FB), occa- the northern forests. However, the large num- sional birds were noted all winter at Bowman, N.D. bers reported this winter suggestthat there is (JO), while others were reported from 5 additional Al- still hopefor the Great Gray Owl. berta, 5 Saskatchewan,2 Montana, I SouthDakota and 2 North Dakota localities. PeregrineFalcons were seen Near Edson, there were 15 seen Feb. 3, nine at Calgary Dec. 30 and Jan. 5 (BL & CBC), at Indian on Feb. 9 and 13 on Feb. 10, including four Head, Sask., Dec. 6 (MS), at CharlesM. RussellRef., huntingtogether in one field (REG), with up to Feb 18 (RJK) and MedicineLake Ref., Mont., Mar. 5 two noted for much of the winter at Elk Island (DNW), at Crosby, N.D., Jan. 10 (WES) and Custer Park (LLG) and one at Bearberry, Alta., Dec. 27 Co, S.D., Jan. 15 & 29 (Dave Gray, BN). An Am. (A. Minty). A record total of seven were re- Kestrel wintered within Winnipeg at least between corded at Nipawin, Nov. 25 - Jan. 19 (SDR) and Dec 27 & Jan. 28 (Murray Ritchie, DRMH). one appeared at Spirit Lake, Sask., Feb. 6 & Mar. 12 (WA).

SNIPES, PARTRIDGES, DOVES -- Common In Manitoba, there were more Great Gray Smpe remainedall winter in South Dakota at localities sightingsby more observers than ever before, w•th warm springsor open creeks, including Cascade reachinga peak in February when 59 individuals Spnngs, Custer State Park, Rapid City, Sturgis and were reportedfrom 39 localitiesby 24 observers. Burke, Gray Partridge were reported in decreasing On Feb. 12, David Hatch drove 470 miles from numbersat many prairie localities,particularly Vulcan, Winnipeg to Thompson and sighted 14 in just Alta and Birch Hills, Saskatoon,Moose Jaw and White over 100miles centered southof Grand Rapids, Bear, Sask. During the winter at Kindersley, three while on his return two days later, 13 owls were flocks of 8, 6 and 7 decreasedto 2, 3 and 2, at Kenaston spread over a much greater distance from a covey decreasedfron 14 to 7, at Grenfell Sask., a Thompsonto Moosehorn. Through the winter, group of 4 disappeared one by one and at Lostwood, road kills of Great Grays were reported from N D , a flock decreased from 8 to 4. Nine Mourning Seven Sisters, Pinawa and Riverton. The Doves attempted to winter at one feeding station in greatest concentrations were near Lac du Bon- W•nnipeg,but only 4 remainedby Jan. 4 after-43 øF. net, where 18individuals were sightedin a single cold, and only 2 by Jan. 25 after a heavy snowfall, with day and a total of 23 were caughtand banded,an one final survivor from Jan. 31 through March 31 (Reg. all-time record for this continent. Eleven of Lane). thesewere color marked and from this sampleit was estimated that there were 36 individuals in a OWLS -- Screech Owls were reported from seven 15-mile diameter, for most of the winter. areas in greater Winnipeg, chiefly in December and Another good area was a 3-mile stretchof high- March (DRMH). Certain individualGreat Horned Owls way near SouthJunction where up to eightwere continuedthe habit acquiredrelatively recent years, of reported.It is believedthat many of theseowls, spendingthe winter within city residentialareas, as in at the southern edge of suitable coniferous Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Regina. Some habitat, may have been resident birds. Their Snowy Owls also remained with city limits for long numbers were obviously augmentedby southq periods at Edmonton (10 individuals) and Saskatoon. ward movementsfrom more northern forests, There were well over 200 Snowy sightingsfrom the owing to the extremely heavy snowfall,an ap- Calgary area, no doubt including many repetitive re- parent concentrationof suitablehunting sites, cordingsof some individuals.No Snowy Owls were and an evidentlyadequate rodent population.A seenat Nipawin, their numberswere down at Tisdale, few owls were noticeablythin when caught,but Saskatoon,Kindersley, Moose Jaw and Regina, Sask. most were in goodcondition (R.W.Nero). There and at Audubon and Arrowwood Refuges and at Bel- were other Great Gray reports from Stead, St. field and Oakes, N.D. There were 7 Snowy Owl reports George and Pine Falls and one individual was from South Dakota. No less than 28 Hawk Owls were seen near Riverton (Allan Chomica, DRMH). s•ghtedwithin a 100-mile radius of Edmonton during Decemberwith sevenbanded (REG, LLG), and others were reportedfrom Morley, Priddisand Water Valley, WOODPECKERS, CORVIDS -- A Red-bellied Alt and Birch Hills and Spirit Lake, Sask. In Manitoba, Woodpecker was reported all winter at a feeder near Hawk Owls seemed to move out of the boreal forest, Bismarck (Robt. Sands) while another was at Fargo where none were seenin three days of study, into the from October through Dec. 22 (Julie R. Fomess). A aspenparkland region: there were six within 20 miles of Gray Jay winteredat Luresden(Pat Cruickshank)with R•vertonFeb. 6 and five in 40 milesbetween Gypsum- anottier at Indian Head, Sask., Feb. 8 (MS), while s•x ville and Steep Rock Feb. 14 (DRMH, Bob Rolke). A Blue Jays at Lethbridge all winter were apparently a single Pygmy Owl was carefully studied Dec. 23 at first for the area (HCES). Common Ravens did not Calgary (B. Danielson, P. Sherrington). make a major southwardincursion as they did last year

654 American Birds, Jane 1974 but their habit of wintering within towns and cities at WAXWINGS -- BohemianWaxwings were not seen the southern edge of their range, noted for 20 years at at Belfield, Coleharbor, Valley City or Hope, while Prince Albert and Nipawin, is extending to include only a single individual appeared at Arrowwood Edmonton, Birch Hills, and Tisdale, with others Refuge, N.D. Most other points reported below aver- sightedat Naicam, Invermay, Spirit Lake and Wapella, age numbers, expecially Nipawin and White Bear, Sask., and one or two present at Brandon, Man., Dec. Sask, and Bismarck and Bowman, N.D. In Winnipeg, 22 - Mar. 17. Common Crows wintered successfullyat Bohemians appeared in small numbers in early De- Brandon and at Oakes, N.D., with three each wintering cember, decreasingto a singlebird on the Dec. 26 CBC; at Yankton and Burke, and 25 at Hurley, S.D. they then appearedin numbersJan. 5 throughthe end of the month, were less common again until March 10, then became abundant with 850 seen in one suburb March 16. At Rapid City, Bohemianswere absentfrom the CBC for the first time in 10 years, then appearedin flocks of 350 to 600 from Feb. 7 to 9, with a final 200 on Feb. 24. At Spearfish, there were 50 Bohemians Jan. 15 Feb. 7 and at Sturgis,S.D., about 100daily Feb. 4-25. In spite of good berry crops, few Cedar Waxwings remained in Alberta or Saskatchewan this winter, but they were regularly eating canderwormmoths stuck to the tanglefoot encircling many trees in Winnipeg through Jan. 20, with none seen after this date (DRMH). Cedars were quite plentiful throughout the winter in South Dakota with up to 150 at Spearfish Jan. 15 & Feb. 8, while 25 were flycatchingat the edge of a creek at Sturgis Feb. 11-27 (EEM).

STARLINGS, BLACKBIRDS -- Fewer Starlings wintered at many Canadian localities, but more wintered in Manitoba than ever before, with 634 on the WinnipegCBC of Dec. 26. AppreciableStarling mortal- Great Gray Owl, Lac du Bonnet, Man., Feb. 1974. ity occurred in Winnipeg Jan. 1 and FelS. 13, when 23 Photo/Robert R. Taylor. and 38 starlings were found frozen under three metal bridges, while on March 18 another 81 were found dead CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Three under a singlebridge (Nairn Ave. overpass),many ap- Mountain Chickadees in November and December parently having died prior to the arrival of migrating •vere a first for the Lethbridgearea (HCES), with one to Starlings March 12. Eighty Starlings wintered near three from Oct. 21 throughmid-March in Calgary(HP). Crosby, N.D. (WES). Rusty Blackbirds wintered suc- Boreal Chickadees were present at Edmonton in un- cessfullyin Regina, with 38 on the Dec. 26 CBC and a usual numbers with 25 on the CBC, Dec. 16, and one groupof eight or nine visitingtwo feedersalmost daily was at Spirit Lake, Sask., Dec. 26 through February (Eliz. Cruickshank,Shirley Jowsey).A c• Red-winged (WA). White-breastedNuthatches in recent yearshave Blackbird survived the winter at a feedlot near Tofield, becomeregular winter residentsof Alberta with up to Alta. (LLG). two in Calgaryand no lessthan nine recordedduring the Edmonton CBC. Six Brown Creepers in the same Ed- GROSBEAKS -- Evening Grosbeaks were absent monton count were the most since 1960, while one from Raymore and Wolseley, Sask., and Bismarck and wintered for the first time at Lethbridge.A CationWren Valley City, N.D., and decreased at most other wintered in a woodpile halfway up the sideof a canyon localities, including Calgary and Stettler, Alta., Moose in Rapid City (S. Connor, D. McCollogh). Jaw, Saskatoon, Nipawin, Spirit Lake, Regina and Sheho, Sask., at Winnipeg, Man., and Fargo and THRUSHES -- In Manitoba, individual robins win- Leeds, N.D. However, they were increasedat Edmon- tered successfully at Reston and Wawanesa and ton. At Togo, Sask., 12 farmers used two tons of sun- another six in Winnipeg took advantage of an excep- flower seedsat their feedingstations for grosbeaksthat tionally heavy berry crop, thoughthe winteringrobin at arrived mainly after Christmas, numbered 70 at one Moose Jaw obtainedminnows at an open springhole in feeder in February and then increasedto 200 by Mar. 21 the river ice and swallowed them whole, headfirst (W.J.C. May). At Spearfish, S.D., there were 400 (PRK). Robins also wintered at Lostwood (2), Bow- Evening Grosbeaksdaily, with 80 banded (TH). man, Riverdale (20) and Coleharbor, N.D., while individuals wintered at nearly all South Dakota points in- REDPOLLS THROUGH BUNTINGS -- Hoary cluding a record 1500 at Hot Springs, S.D. A Varied Redpolls were reported from more localities than usual, Thrush appearedat a Regina feeder Dec. 14 (Jessie perhapsin part becausemore observershave learnedto Bailey) and another visited a Winnipeg feeder from recognize them. Common Redpolls now take advan- Dec. 13 until the heaviest snowfall of the winter Jan. 25 tage of feedersoffering seeds,as at Indian Head, Sask. (Leonard W. Crocker), with athird seenat Hot Springs, and Rolla and Montpelier, N.D., while 1947 were S.D., Dec. 15 (RCR). bandedin Winnipeg(LTS) and 345at Bismarck(RNR).

Volume 28, Number 3 655 In Manitoba, the southern boreal forests contained Hubbard, Pat W. Kern, P.R. Kern, H. Krause, R J more White-winged Crossbillsthan any year in the last Krieger, D.L. Kubischta, F. W. Lahrman, Bill and ten and they were reported in Winnipeg until Feb. 14 Virginia Lang, M. Lewis, L.M. Lohr, John T. when they suddenly were gone (DRMH). In contrast, Lokemoen, M.L. Mareschal, J.W. Matthews, D.C not a single Red Crossbill was confirmed in southern McGlauchlin, E. Meyers, E.E. Miller, G.R. Miller, R Manitoba. A Dark-eyedJunco visited a feederdaily all Mutton, R.W. Nero, W. Niven, B. Nordstrom, J. Over- winter in Winnipeg(Murray Ritchie). A White-throated foell, R. Palindat, H. Pinel, J. Price, R. D. Rafuse,R.N Sparrow wintered successfullyat a Saskatoonfeeder Randall, W.S. Richards, S.D. R,Dine, B.G. Robinson, (Anna Miller) and a Tree Sparrow did the same at C. Robinson, D.W. Robinson, E. Robinson, R.G. Rol- Redvers, Sask. (D. Hjertaas). Snow Buntings seemed lings,R.C. Rosche,I.D. Rostad,H.C.E. Schuler,F.A more common than usual at Vulcan and Monarch, with Schultz,Esther M. Serf, S.J. Shadick,L.T. Simmons, flocks of 2000 and 9000e. of High River, Alta., Mar. 16 P.D. Skaar, M. Skinner, F.A. Splendor'a,G.L. Steffen & 17 (R. Butat, BL), but were in smaller than usual W.E. Steffen, R.E. Stewart, E. Swenson,Phil Taylor, numbers at other places, particularly Nipawin and L. A. Tripp, A.K. Trout, M.G. Trump, J.G. Turner, White Bear, Sask. R.W. Turner, G. Wagner, R.W. Weier, D.V. Weseloh, D.N. White, R.L. Wright, W. Yanchinski, C. Yorger, CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface)-- W. (CBC -- ChristmasBird Count) Anaka, Eliz. G. Anderson,E. Baldwin, F.G. Bard, P.L. Note: During the Canadian 12-day mail strike in Beck,e, M. Belcher, A.J. Binnie, C.D. Bird, Flossie late April, oneobserver phoned in an entirereport at his Bogdan, D. Braddell, C. Breen, H. Burgess, H. Carl- own expense, many other reports came through safely son, H.W.R. Copland, S. Denton, E.A. Driver, J.R. on the last possibleday -- but Esther Serr's important Foster, A.C. Fox, R.E. Gehlert, D.E. Goeke, J. B. reportfrom SouthDakota just missedand sat in the post Gallop, Loran L. Gaulden, B.L. Green, W. Hall, I. office unavailable the whole time. I wish I'd been able Halladay, B.K. Harris, Jean M. Harris, W.C. Harris, to retire from this job as had been planned: -- C. P C Hart, David R.M. Hatch, T. Hays, Lois C. STUART HOUSTON AND MARY I. HOUSTON, 863 Haynes, J.D. Hayward, M. Hennie, K. Hicks, E.K. University Drive, Saskatoon,Sask. S7N O J8.

eral localities:40 at Lake-o'-the-pinesin e. Texas Jan SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS 27, eightat Lake E.V. Spence,Coke Co., Tex., Jan 1, /Frances Williams five at L. Tawakoni,n.e. Texas, Feb. 3 (BV). A Red- throated Loon was carefully identified in Lancaster Winter was mild and very dry. Spellsof cold weather Co., Neb., Dec. 2 (RGr). Two Red-neckedGrebes were were short. These conditions held many summer resi- reportedin LubbockCo., Tex., Mar. 19.Horned Gre- dentsand fall migrantswell pastnormal departure time. bes wintered as far south as n. Texas, but in e. Texas As the warm weather continued into spring, many Eared Grebes were more common. Western Grebes speciesbegan nesting activities ahead of schedule. visitedTulsa, Stillwater,Okla. and Ft. Worth, one at thelatter locality remaining until Mar. 18.Single White Pelicanswere sightedin Howard Co., Tex. and Lub- WYO. j 5.DAK. •_ MIN___N_. --- bock Co. in January.At HagermanN.W.R., Tex., 90 White Pelicanson Mar. 11 were quite early, as the mmn Sco.sbluff- Jle;ti'•e•• VaNorthPlah'e ß .OmahaIOWA • migrationof the speciesthrough n. Texasdid not take placeuntil Mar. 31. Double-crestedCormorants ling- ; Fortconin,.W.•UonollK..... YeBeotric. ' • .... ered until mid-December in Osage Co., Okla. and I Boulder.ß le ...... D1 eDenver• Manhaffan.l• WichitaCo., Tex. Four in SarpyCo., Neb., Feb. 28 i Ha s • Lawrence may have been wintering.

Cu L•. J•[ KANS..Wichi•Halstead 1! GrandMO.Lake HERONS, SWANS -- As droughtconditions in w Texas becamesevere, most playa lakes becamedry, Claytonel ...... • Tulsa ß •Fo• Gibson I, ' OKLA. ' • Lake resultingin largeconcentrations of GreatBlue Herons I - ß J . Muskogee• at the few remaining wet lakes. Green Herons were ...... I• I • c,• • ARK. sightedduring the CBC at E1Paso and Ft. Worth,and Little Blue Herons were also recorded at Ft. Worth Cattle Egretswintered farther north than usual,and were observed at localities from E1 Paso to Nacog- dochesCo., Tex. At San Angelo, Tex., 26 Black- crownedNight Herons the last week of Februarycon- stitutedthe first sightingin over five years,and three at QuiviraN.W.R., Kans.,Dec. 17provided a firstCBC recordfor the state.This specieswas reportedin Grady Co., Okla.,Mar. 14and Wichita Co., Tex., Mar. 3, 9 & 13. Am. Bitterns were noted duringthe QuiviraN.W R LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS • Common CBC. Eleven Whistling Swanswere recordedat Mid- Loonswere presentas usug on nearlya• the large land,Tex., Jan.8-26, seven at OklahomaCity, Feb 3, resetoil, but with highernumbera than usualat sev- and one in Grady Co., Jan. 16-18(DW,PMc).

656 American Birds, June 1974 15constituted the first winter record at that locality. An unprecedented 15 Oldsquaws were counted in Linn Co., Kans., Dec. 1. There were six other sightingsin the Region, usually of singleindividuals. White-winged Scoters visited Cleveland Co., Okla., Dec. 10 (MAJ, PBe), Wyandotte Co., Kans., CBC, Dallas, Feb. 4 (HN, BT). Hooded Mergansers are rarely recorded on the southernplains at any season,but there were seven reports this winter. Both Red-breasted and Corn. Mer- gansers were wisespread and numerous.

VULTURES THROUGH ACCIPITERS -- Two nests of the Black Vulture were found on very early dates: Feb. 22, Denton Co., Tex. and Mar. 9, Madison Co., Tex. A White-tailed Kite seen in Brazos Co., Tex., Feb. 6 may have been one of two which wintered in nearby BuriesonCo. Five Goshawkswere sightedduring the Omaha CBC, and 12 others were reported elsewhere during the season.A large percentageof the 46 Sharp-shinned Hawks recorded were at feeding stations, to the consternationof people who had suc- EuropeanCommon Croneflying. Note black on wings. ceeded in attracting large concentrationsofpasserines. Buffalo Co. Neb. March 16, 1974. Photo / David J. Cochran. One exasperatedfeeder operator turned a gardenhose on a Sharpy which kept harassingthe other birds. Al- though Cooper's Hawks are often called "resident" on the plains, very few were reported between the CBC period and the beginningof spring migration in mid- March.

BUTEOS THROUGH FALCONS -- At the end of the period, Bill Voelker of Cyril, Okla. had 58 Red- tailed Hawk nests under observation in s.w. Oklahoma. He is concludinga five-year study of the speciesand has evidentlydone a fine public relationsjob with the farmers in the three counties where he has made his study. A White-tailed Hawk spent February in the Rio Grande Valley near El Paso. There was a good southward flight of Rough-leggedHawks. The largestpopu- lation of wood rats in w. Texas in 30 years resultedin a large concentrationof Harris' Hawks in Midland, Mar- tin and Glasscockcounties. Continuinga trend begun last fall, Golden Eaglesare returningto the e. half of the Region and were sightedat Omaha, NacogdochesCo., Tex., and Linn Co., Kans. Bald Eagleswere presentin Anna's Hummingbird in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo ! good numbersat many reservoirs.Two Ospreyswere Landon R. Beaver. located during the Manhattan, Kans. CBC. Only six additional Ospreyswere sighted in the Region during GEESE, DUCKS -- In Howard Co., Tex., 16 the season. A Pair of Camcaras visited a nest tree in Canada Geese Jan. 5-8 were noteworthy. Three Kansas Brazos Co., Tex., Feb. 16. Camcams were also noted localities recorded White-fronted Geese during the in McLennan Co., Tex., Dec. 15 & Jan. 6. The popula- CBC, and there were four reports elsewhere in the tion of Prairie Falconswas normal in the w. part of the Region during February. Although the first north- Region and a few were seenas far east as Sarpy Co., bound Snow Geese arrived in e. Nebraska Feb. I0, Neb., n.e. Oklahoma and Lyon & Coffey Cos., Kans. 50,000were seenflying southduring a snowstormMar. Only three PeregrineFalcons were sightedduring the 20. A Ross' Goose was present at Cheyenne Bottoms period. N.W.R., Kans. several weeks in mid-winter. Cinna- mon Teal were reported east of their usual rangeat four PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH RAILS -- localities in Texas and one in Oklahoma. Wood Ducks There was a good populationof Greater Prairie Chick- were west of their range in Ellis Co., Kans., Mar. 29 ens in Lyon Co., Kans. An EuropeanCrane was photo- (JSch), Palo Duro Canyon, Tex., Jan. 6 (KS), El Paso graphedin Buffalo Co., Neb., Mar. 16 (D&CC). What CBC, and arrived e{•rlyin DouglasCo., Neb., Feb. 23. was presumably the same bird was seen in Kearney Reports of Corn: Goldeneyes came from most con- Co., Mar. 25 (DEG). The maximum number of Sandhill tributors. A Greater Scaup was collected in Osage Co., Cranes at MuleshoeN.W.R., Tex., was 1I0,000 during Dec. 15(TC). A LesserScaup in Ellis Co., Kans., Dec. January. Sandhills started north the first week of

Volume 28, Number 3 657 Decemberand January(MSh). A FerruginousOwl was seenduring the El Paso CBC and found again at the same location Jan. 28 (SJD). A Long-eared Owl was banded in Burieson Co., Tex., Jan. 17 (OG, DD). Short-eared Owls were common throughout the Re- gion. A Whip-poor-will banded at College Station, Tex., Mar. 23 constituted the first March record since 1963. A Poor-will found dead at Tulsa, Mar. 21 represented a first county record (PBu, JT). ACom. Nighthawk was sighted at Lubbock on the early date Mar. 30. A Chimney Swift at Ft. Worth Mar. 15 was also early (EB). HUMMINGBIRDS -- The season will be remem- bered as the "winter of the hummingbirds." Ruby- throatedHummingbirds remained at Norman, Okla. as late as Dec. 17and Black-chinnedHummingbirds were located during the El Paso CBC. The choicestreport of Eur. Common Crane, with Sandhill Cranes. Buffalo the seasonwas furnishedby an Anna's Hummingbird Co., Neb., Mar. 16, 1974. Photo/David J. Cochran. which enjoyed Pat Key's feeder at Ft. Worth Dec. 3 - Jan. 5, and was photographed by Landon R. Beaver. At March, about two weeks early. A flock seen in Tillman least three Anna's Hummingbirdswere present at El Co., Okla., Feb. 9 were a month ahead of the main Paso until mid-Decemher, and one over-wintered. A migration. Common Gallinules wintered in Lubbock Broad-tailed Hummingbird refueled at an El Paso Co. feeder Dec. 1-10(GP) and a RufousHummingbird fing- ered in McLennan Co. until Dec. 22. A hummingbirdof SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- A lone the genusSelasphorus was seen briefly in San Angelo Mountain Plover stoppedbriefly in a field in the Davis Feb. 10. Mts., Tex., in mid-March (PE). There was an early migration of Am. Golden Plovers through the Region the first half of March. A flock at Dallas on the more normal date of Mar. 23 comprised21 birds (HN). There were more winter reports of Am. Woodcocks than usual. Ten Lesser Yellowlegs were sightedduring the Quivira N.W.R. CBC. Dunlins in LubbockCo., Jan. 4 & Mar. 19 provideda first record at that locality. Dun- lins were sighted during the CBC at L. Balmorhea, Reeves Co., Tex. A Wilson's Phalarope lingered in Howard Co. until Dec. 7. GlaucousGulls were reported in Linn Co., Kans., Feb. l0 (m.ob.), Nowata Co., Okla., Feb. 2 (DG, JC), OklahomaCity, Jan. 2 - Feb. 1 (Jsh et al.), Seward Co., Neb., Mar. 2. Herring Gulls wintered in e. Texas on several large lakes. Five California Gulls were sightedat Whitney Lake, Dawes Co., Neb., Mar. 23. Bonaparte's Gills were widespread, with a peak of 700 at L. Livingston, Mar. 24. Black-leggedKittiwakes were sightedat L. Livingston Anna's Hummingbird, Fort Worth, Tex., Jan. 4, 1974. Mar. 24-25 (CDF) and OsageCo., Feb. 16-19(EH, DG). Photo/Landon R. Beaver. Early Forster'sTerns were carefully identifiedat Dal- las, Feb. 18 and Hagerman N.W.R., Mar. 21. KINGFISHERS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- Green Kingfisherswintered on the GuadalupeR. in DOVES THROUGH SWIFTS -- White-winged Kerr and Bandera Cos., Tex. Plleated Woodpeckers Doves wintered in Jeff Davis Co., Tex. Mourning are sightedregularly in the Trinity R. bottomsin Free- Doves wintered in Ellis & Johnson Cos., Kans. in stone Co., Tex. The Red-hellied Woodpecker which above-normal numbers. Inca Doves continued to in- arrived in Midland in October was still present at the crease at Lubbock and Midland, Tex., and wintered in end of the period (TSJ), and another was sightedin Parker Co., Tex. (JMS). A Ground Dove was located Potter Co., Tex., Dec. 31 (KS). Several Acorn Wood- during the El Paso CBC. A Groove-billed Ani was peckerswere seenin BanderaCo., Feb. 22. A Lewis' reportedon ths Dallas CBC and was sightedagain two Woodpecker was located during the StephensCo., days later (LL). Lubbock observersfound that within Okla. CBC and found again Feb. 15. A Hairy Wood- the city is the placeto look for ScreechOwls in winter. peckersighted in McLennanCo., Jan.29 wasthe first at Tw•oGreat HornedOwl nestswith eggswere foundin that localityin severalyears. A Ladder-backed Wood- Caddo Co., Okla., Jan. 27. SnowyOwls were seen in peckerwas sighted in MortonCo., Kans.,Jan. 8. This Hamilton Co., Neb., Mar. 6 (SD), Lancaster Co., Mar. species has been unrecorded on Kansas CBCs. A 2-8 (RGo et al.), Cheyenne Bottoms N.W.R., Kans., Cassin's Kingbird and a Thick-billed Kiugbird were

ß 658 American Birds, June 1974 studiedclosely in Big Bend Nat'l Park Dec. 28 (ACet north of the Texas coast, were observedduring several al.). A Scissor-tailedHycatcher in McLennaCo., Mar. Texas CBCs. Golden-crownedKinglets were common 19was the earliestreported this spring.An E. Phoebein in Johnson Co., Kans. and Bartlesville, Okla., but JohnsonCo., Kans., Mar. 1 was very early, and a nest scarce or absent elsewhere. The only Bohemian Wax- of th•s speciescontaining five eggswas found in Com- wings reported were three at Plattsmouth, Neb., Jan 3 ancheCo., Okla. on the early dateMar. 26. A migrating (GW), and flocks includingas many as 100 individuals groupof E. Phoebeswas sightedMar. 23 in Howard in Dawes Co., Neb., Jan. 20 - Feb. 17. A pair of Co, Tex., where singleindividuals of this speciesare Phainopeplasarrived in the Big Spring,Tex., city park considerednoteworthy. There were severalreports of Mar. 23 andwere still presentat the endof the period.A Black Phoebes in Lubbock Co. in December, and one N. Shrike was carefully identifiedduring the Topeka was sightedduring the Robert Lee, Tex., CBC. Say's CBC. Phoebes were distributed erratically, providing new county recordsin Lincoln Co., Neb., Mar 23 (DEG) VIREOS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A White-eyed and McLennan Co., Dec. 22. One in Ellis Co., Mar. 2 Vireo remainedat Tyler, Tex. until Dec. 29 (CS). A wasearly. A Vermilion Flycatchervisited Tarrant Co., PhiladelphiaVireo arrived at Big Spring on the early where it is a rare vagrant, Mar. 27 (IW). date Mar. 30. Black-and-white Warblers at Denton, Mar. 2, Wichita Co., Feb. 20 (WH) and Nacogdoches Co., Feb. 2 (DW) may have been winteringbirds rather LARKS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- Horned than early migrants.A Nashville Warbler was reported Larks were feedingdowny youngin Tarrant Co., Mar. in LubbockDec. 1 (SK, DS) andone in the SierraVieja, 27 (L&AB) and two nests, one with young, were lo- Presidio Co., Tex., Mar. 30 compriseda new county cated in Ellis Co., Mar. 31 (RH). A concentrationof record. A d' Black-throated Blue Warbler was seen in 6000 Horned Larks fed in cattle feedlots in Box Butte Big Bend Nat'l Park Nov. 18 (WRB). Yellow-rumped Co , Neb., Jan. 13. Tree Swallowslingered in Linn Co., Warblers wintered as far north as Linn & DouglasCos Kans until Dec. 2, and a Barn Swallow was sightedat One of the most noteworthyobservations of the season Perkins, Okla. on the late date Dec. 31 (BG, JB). Barn was the sightingof a Black-throatedGray Warbler in Swallowsarrived early throughoutthe Region,the ear- Irving, Tex., Jan. 29 (AP, WP). Another at E1Paso Dec rest date Mar. 9 in Wichita Co., Tex. (KZ). A Purple 15 was not surprising. Golden-cheeked Warblers had Martin arrived in Tarrant Co., Jan. 21. Pinyon Jays arrived in Bosque Co., Tex., Mar. 18 (L&AB). Six were absent from the Davis Mts. the first winter in six Bay-breastedWarblers in Big Bend Nat'l Park Nov. 24 years, and ScrubJays were scarcein th Texas Panhan- provided a new locality record (WRB). Two Palm dle The Steller'sJay that appearedin Dawes Co., Neb. Warblers in BurlesonCo., Tex., Dec. 16constituted the on Nov. 9 remained through Jan. 8. Verdins were first record in four years. Northern Yellowthroats win- sightedin Wichita Co., Jan. 31, and Archer Co., Mar. tered well north of their usualwinter range. A Western 16 (KZ). Bushtits were sighted at the Wichita Mts. Tanager visited a feeder in Brazos Co., Jan. 19 N W R., Okla., Feb. 24 (CE) and McLennan Co., Jan. Another feeder visitor was a Rusty Blackbird in Dawes 8 Red-breasted Nuthatches were common only in Co., Neb., Jan. 21. Other wandering Rusty Blackbirds Nebraska, but one wintered as far south as Jeff Davis were in Midland Nov. 3 & 17 (TSJ) and Robert Lee Go, Tex. CBC.

CREEPERS THROUGH MIMICS -- Brown Creep- CARDINALS THROUGH CASSIN'S FINCHES ers were common at Dallas, Lubbock and Wichita Mts. -- Cardinals in Halsey, Thomas Co., Neb., Mar 31 N W R. Winter Wrens, considered rare transients in provided a far west record for that state. E1Paso birde rs the Region, were recordedon many CBCs. Carolina have never been able to understand why there are no Wrens wandered to Lubbock, Mar. 19 and Wichita Co., Cardinals in their area, since these colorful finches are Jan 26. A Cactus Wren at Buffalo Lake N.W.R., Tex., common both east and west of E1 Paso. This winter a d' Dec 17 constituted afirst record for Randall Co., Tex. Cardinal remained at the home of an E1 Paso birder (mob.) Long-billed Marsh Wrens wintered at Ok- (EC). Cardinals in Presidio Co., Mar. 24 and Brady, lahoma City. A Cation Wren in Smiley Canyon, Ft. Neb., Mar. 17 (HK) were also noteworthy. Rose- Robinson,Sioux Co., Neb., Jan. 20 provideda second breastedGrosbeaks lingered at feeders in Douglasand state record. A Rock Wren in Osage Col, Dec. 15 was Sarpy Cox. until mid-January. A Black-headed Gros- the first reported in winter at that locality since 1968. A beak was bandedin Lyon Co., Kans. in Januaryand Mockingbird noted Dec. 4 near Chadron, Neb., com- one was sighted in Tarrant Co., Mar. 28. An imm prised the first record for that area. Gray Catbirds, Black-headed Grosbeak (or Rose-breasted?)was seen which rarely winter north of the Texas coast, were in Dallas Dec. 28 (PM). In Lubbock an imm. Indigo sightedin Nacogdoches,Smith and Tarrant Cos. during Bunting frequentedfeeders all winter in company with the period. Two Crissal Thrashers spent March at the Pine Siskins.There were a few small, widely scattered Miller ranch in Jeff Davis Co. and a Sage Thrasher flocks of Evening Grosbeaksin Oklahoma, Kansas and visited a yard in Iowa Park, Tex., Dec. 16 - Jan. 31. Nebraska, but the only Texas sightingreported was at Amarillo. Purple Fincheswere commonto abundantas THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- No far south as n. Texas. At Kerrville, finches which were bluebirdsof any specieswintered in w. Texas this year, studied closely at a feeder in late January were iden- and Townsend's Solitaires were reported at only three tified as Cassin'sFinches. This specieswas presentin localities.Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, which rarely winter Sioux & Dawes Cos., Neb. during March.

Volume 28, Number 3 659 REDPOLLS THROUGH TOWHEES -- Common LONGSPURS, SNOW BUNTINGS -- McCown's Redpolls flocked into Nebraska January to late March, Longspurs were scarce or absent at most locaht•es the largest count 200 in Dawes Co., Jan. 21 and Mar. 16. where they usually appear. Lapland Longspurswere Smaller numberswere presentin e. Kansasduring late scarceexcept in JohnsonCo., Kans. in early January Februaryand early March. Pine Siskinswere common (STP) and the Nebraska sandhills.On Feb. 20, between to abundantthroughout the Region.Rosche banded 147 Crawford and Scottsbluff, Neb., 500 Laplands were at Crawford, Neb., Feb. 23 - Mar. 31. Siskins were counted. Chestnut-collaredLongspurs were common nest-buildingin Ellis Co., Kans., by Mar. 17 (MER). A in the central part of the Region in December, then few very small flocks of Red Crossbillswere seen at disappearedfrom most localities until mid-March, eight widely separatedlocalities from e. Nebraska to E1 when they becameabundant. At Oglala Nat'l Grass- Paso. On Mar. 24 a Red Crossbillnest containingthree lands in Sioux Co., Neb., 200 Snow Buntings were eggswas found near Crawford; the latest edition of the counted Jan. 19. "Check List of Nebraska Birds" does not include Red Crossbillas a nestingspecies. White-winged Crossbills flocked into cemeteriesand residential areas having coniferoustrees at Omaha. They arrived in November CONTRIBUTORS -- Nebraska: Douglas& Sarpy and were last reported Mar. 10. The only other sighting Cos., Melba Wigg; Lancaster Co., Bryce Anderson, of White-winged Crossbills occurred at Bartlesville, northwestern, Richard C. and Dorothy J. Rosehe, Okla., Jan. 1, where a single individual provided a south-central,Ellen Ritehey,Kansas: Ellis Co., Charles second locality record. A Green-tailed Towhee in A. Ely; JohnsonCo., Mary LouiseMyers; Linn Co.,Earl McLennon Co., Dec. 22 - Jan . 8 was east of its usual & Kevin McHugh; Lyon & Osage Cos., Jean H range. Nearly all contributorscommented on the scar- Schulenberg; Morton Co., SebastianT. Patti. Oklahoma c•ty or absence of Rufous-sidedTowhees. Bartlesville,Ella Deiap & Dotty Goard; Cleveland & McClain Cos., GraceE. Ray; OklahomaCity, JohnG SPARROWS, JUNCOS -- Savannah Sparrows ar- Newell; Payne Co., Zelia Moorman ; southwestern,Janet rived in Ellis Co., Mar. 14, an early date. Grasshopper M. McGee; Tulsa, Polly Keating. Texas: Brazos & Sparrows were sightedduring the Ft. Worth CBC, and Burieson Cos., Keith A. ArnoM; Dallas County Audu- the elusive Le Conte's Sparrow was considered bon Society, WarrenPulich; additionalDallas Co rec- noteworthy on the McLennan Co. CBC. But Le ords; Hazel Niebols; e. Texas, CharlesD. Fisher, El Conte's Sparrow was not too difficult to find at Ok- Paso, Geth White; Hagerman N.W.R., Karl W. Huller, lahoma City during December and single individuals Howard Co., L. B. Paul; Kerrville, Kay & ErnestW. were through January, leading to assumptionsof win- Mueller;Lubbock, Sharon Menaul & AlfredD. Bjelland, tering (JSh). Lark Sparrows stayed as far north as McLennan Co., Lillian M. Brown; panhandle,Peggy Osage Co., Okla. at least through December. Acord; Tarrant Co., Midge Randolph;Tom Green Co , TerryMaxwell; Tyler, O.C. Sheffield;Wichita & Archer Cos., Layfette Stankewitz. A Black-throatedSparrow appeared on a patio in Omaha Dec. 4 after a severe storm. It seemed sluggishand had difficulty maintainingits bal- ance. It would extend one wing and drag it in INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Jack Barclay, Mrs order to remainupright. For the next three days Walter R. Bauguess, Landon & Ava Beaver, Pat it fed with juncos on the ground and was ob- Bergey, Ethel Bowman, Paul Buck, Elsie Campbell, served at least 12 times a day. After that it came Tim Chancellow, Dave & Cindy Cochran, Allan Croc- daily but lessfrequently. It remaineduntil Feb. 4 kett, Joe Cullen, Dick Davis, Sarah Jane Dodds, Shir- andwas bandedand photographed, comprising a ley Doole, Chris Enright, Pansy Espy, Orlyn Gadd•s, second state record (B&MM). Daryl E. Giblin, Bryan Glass, Raymond Goldstein, Charles & Marguerite Green, Ruth Green, Elizabeth Hicks, Richard Hill, Wanda Hunter, Phyllis Jackson, Gray-headedJuncos were observedin ShermanCo., Mary Avolyn Johns, Ted S. Jones, Hugh Kingery, Kans., Mar. 1, Kerrville duringJanuary, Dallas Jan. 22 Sheldon Klock, L. Leonard, P. McDonald, Bruce & Mar. 13 (C&MG) and in Lubbock Co. throughoutthe Marian Meier, Polly Miller, Knowla Morrow, George w•nter. The white-wingedrace of Dark-eyed Juncowas Petrigrew, Anne Pulich, M.E. Rolls, John Schukman, noted in Sarpy Co., Feb. 19 and CimarronCo., Okla., Marvin Schwilling,Ken Seyffert, JohnShackford, Car- Jan. 9 (STP). Numbers of Tree Sparrows were some- roll Sinclair,Jesse Maye Smith, DarleneStevens, John what reduced in Lancaster Co., but the speciesvisited Tomer, Bill Tremayne, Betty Vernon, D. Wettengel, n and w. Texas where it is a rare winter vagrant. lnez Wetzel, David Wolf, Gertrude Wood, Kathleen Harris' Sparrowswere in low numbersin the e. half of Zinn. the Regionbut were seenwest to Dawes Co., Lubbock, The editor thanks more than 100 other observers who Amarillo and Midland. Fox Sparrows were abundant were not cited directly but who nonethelesshelped and widespreadin the Region. At Hagerman N.W.R. make this report possible.To those who think their 1500Fox Sparrowswere presentFeb. 14. On that date, statesuffers in coveragein comparisonwith the editor's on a three-mile stretch of road, hundreds of Field, home state, please note that 14 Texans contribute, but White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows were only 15from the other three states.-- FRANCES WIL- also seen. LIAMS, 3307 Neely, Midland, Tex. 79701.

660 AmericanB•rds, June 1974 SOUTH TEXAS REGION KM}. An adult was found dead on the N. Padre I. beach / Fred S. Webster, Jr. Mar. 4 (BAF). An imm. Gannet was seen offS. Padre I., Jan. 23 (BAF). Cormorants were attracted to Falcon L. in large numbers; 5000+ (Double-crested?) were re- The seasonwas mild and dry, with exceptionsnoted. ported at one locality Dec. 30. (OCB). An invasion of cold Arctic air on Dec. 20 resulted in freezingtemperatures deep into Mexico. Upper teens WATERFOWL -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. readingswere common in South Texas, with extensive figures report a good waterfowl seasonstatewide, 18 per cent over the 10-yearaverage. The upper coast, Texas' leading waterfowl area, provided excellent '• ': ..J eBastrop Beaumort!• '• • •o Houstonß •Cove• habitat with abundanceof water and vegetation. The High Plains, secondonly in importanceto the upper coast, also had a good year (TC), and may have held back a substantial number of waterfowl from South Texas. Also, grain fields on the Mexican sideof the Rio GrandeDelta appearto be attractinglarge numbersof waterfowl. At least 50 Black-bellied Tree Ducks wintered in the CorpusChristi area (KM). CinnamonTeal, nevercommon, had a goodyear on the uppercoast and at San Antonio. Am. Wigeonswere very low at Rock- port, but Redheadswere in good shapewith a bay population of 1000+ (DNW). Common Goldeneye numberswere lower than usual. An Oldsquawre- mainedat Austin at leastfrom Dec. 21 to Jan. 19 (RTG et al.). One was locatedat CorpusChristi Dec. 30 (FGB & PAB), died later and becamea museumspecimen. Three apparently• • MaskedDueks were reportedon d•age • vegetmion. Arctic •r dominatedthe weather Manor L., Brazoria Co.. Jan. I (JBS. TS & BW). during the first week of Janu• for the most prolonged cold spell of the season, but freezing temperatures HAW KS. EAGLES -- Reports of White-tailed Kites failed to reach the Rio Grade Delta. Thereafter events testifyto a gradualexpansion of this species.Red-tailed moved unimpededtoward • e•ly spring. Generally, Hawk numbers were declared "way down" in the rainfall was conspicuouslyabsent except on the well- Rockportarea (DNW), but goodnumbers were present watered upper c•st. Elsewhere, surface water ac- farther down the coast;availability of food often deter- cumulatedduring e•ly f•l rains continuedto provide minessuch distribution patterns, but we have no hard habitat for water birds. Fu•her. fall seed crops pro- facts in this instance. It was a "great year" for the vided adequate food. It was gener•ly assumedthat FerruginousHawk on the uppercoast (TBF) where the mild weather accountedfor the p•r showingof no•h- appearanceof even one bird is a major event. This e• finches•d, in many areas, low humors of winter- speciesmade an even better showingsouth of Corpus ing sparrows•d somewo•land species.On the other Christi; for example, it was found "fairly common" on hand, the sameconditions may have encouragedsome N. PadreI., where on a given day three of four mightbe unusualwintering birds, notably warblers. found in a four-mile stretch (BAF). The same observer foundzero populationon S. PadreI. In comparisonto LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loons apparently the foregoing species,the supposedlymore common were below normal in numberson the upper coast but Rough-legged Hawk had a mediocre year. Harris' up from a year ago on N. Padre I. (BAF). A Hawks were normallyconspicuous along the highways Red-throatedLoon was seenin the Rockport area Jan. between Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Delta. A 18 (DNW). Several reports were received of Horned group of Bald Eagles, two adults and two immatures, Grebes, unusualin this Region. Largest numberwas a were seen in w. Harris Co. Jan. 26 (VLE, TBF & flock of 16, viewed at close range, at Canyon L. Feb. 1 DHH). (EWM). Eared Grebeswere reportedin lower numbers than usualfrom the upper half of the Region.However. SHOREBIRDS -- A high count of 16 Am. Oyster- without more extensive coverage and reporting, it is catcherson the Bolivar flats at Galveston, Dec. 2, rep- unwise to declare a shortage,lest supposedshortage resenteda gradualincrease during recent years(TBF). merely representsa shiftingof populationsfrom one Seven Wilson's Plovers were seen at Galveston Jan. 25 localityto another;this possibilityincreases in propor- (TBF & DHH); this specieswas formerly absent in tion to availability of prime habitat, and such would winter. Four MountainPlover, a speciesnow hard to have been the case on the upper coast this season.A find in the Region,were seenin a plowedfield at Port- Western Grebe was found in the Houston area Mar. 2 land, San Patricio Co., Jan. 14 (KM & DNW). Two (TBF & DHH). Purple Sandpiperswere found at the Galvestonjetties Jan. 22 (MJB et al.), the first time that more than one of BOOBIES, GANNETS, CORMORANTS -- Sev- theserare birds have beenobserved simultaneously. A eral apparentlyreliable reportsof the Blue-facedBooby flock of 400+ Marbled Godwits were presentat Rock- came from the Corpus Christi area in January (fide port for several months (DNW).

Volume 28, Number 3 661 GULLS -- One, possibly two, GlaucousGulls were ad. male and an imm. male, made daily visits to a feed at seen in the vicinity of Padre I. Nat'l Seashorefrom Houston. The adult was first seen on Oct. 19. Both were December into February (KM et al.). A second-winter still present in mid-February (MA). An ad. <• Costa's individual was observed there Dec. 12 and Jan. 9-10 Hummingbird visited a feeder at San Marcos, Hays (BAF), and an individual on adjacent Mustang I., Jan. Co., betweenFeb. 6 and Mar. 2, departingat 9:30 a.m. 22 (GWB & BAF). A first-year bird was reported at the on the latter date (RBH er al.). An excellent, detailed southerntip orS. Padre I., Jan. 3 (FGB & PAB). On the report was submittedby the Hendersons,who received upper coast, a second-winter bird was seen on the 142visiting birders into their home. Many photographs Bolivar flats Feb. 17 (RAR), and another along the were taken of this first substantiated Texas record. An beach about 3 miles east of the Chambers-Jefferson Co. ad. <• Anna's Hummingbird was present at Bartlett, line Mar. 17 (VLE). A Great Black-backedGull was Williamson Co., during December (REC, BR, JW et discovered on Bolivar flats Mar. 24 (FC, VLE, TBF, al.), and was photographed.An imm. male, also photo- DHH & EM), and was still presentMar. 31. It was seen graphed, was at Austin from November (no date) to in company with Herring Gulls, photographed,and de- Jan. 19 (EAK, BR, ES et al.). A male was under obser- tails submitted. This is one of several reports in quite vation al San Antonio for "several weeks"before de- recentyears of a speciesnot formerlyknown to occur in parting the morningof Jan. 12 (CRB & RGP), before a Texas. An imm. Black-leggedKittiwake was seen on bird alert could be issued. At Houston, an imm. male Padre I. Nat'l Seashore, Feb. 5 (BAF). In the same made daily visits to the above-mentioned feeder generalarea, on Mar 14-15,an individualintermediate between Jan. 16 and Feb. 10; it last fed at 8:20 a.m. of between immature and adult winter plumage was seen the latter date (MA er al.). All hummingbirdsreported (PD & BAF), and on Mar. 16 an individual in imm. here were attracted to feeders, which fact should stimu- plumage (BAF). late more year-round maintenance.

WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS --A Pileated Woodpecker in woodland 10 miles w. of La Grange, Fayette Co., Mar. 23 (LW) provided a noteworthy locality record. Golden-fronted Woodpeckers were reported much below normal at Corpus Christi (KM). A KiskadeeFlycatcher was observedat Cross,n. McMul- len Co., Dec. 20 (EBK & SW). Eastern Phoebes were scarceat Rockport (DNM) and below normal at Corpus Christi (KM).

NUTHATCHES, WRENS, KINGLETS --Al- though this was a poor winter for nuthatches, a White-breasted Nuthatch was seen at San Antonio, Jan. 19 (S.A.A.S.). A Red-breasted Nuthatch wintered at an Austin locality (BR), and one was seen at Madero, s. Black-legged Kittiwake, immature, Padre I. Nat'l Hidalgo Co., Feb. 9 (JCA). House Wrens were reported below normal in coastal areas. Three Winter Wrens, Seashore, Tex., Mar. 16, 1974. Photo/Bruce A. Fall. downstreamfrom Falcon Dam, Jan. 6 (JCA) was avery DOVES, CUCKOOS, ANIS -- A pair of Blue good scorefor this species.Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ground-Doves (Claravis pretiosa) were found in a unusual in the Rio Grande Delta, were seen at Anzal- roadway at Laguna Atascosa N.W.R. on Dec. 29. They duas, HidalgoCo., Jan. 24 (JCA). Ruby-crownedKing- flew to a plowedfield andwere observedat a distanceof lets apparently were below normal in many areas. about 20 feet. This speciesis commonin s. Tamaulipas, Mexico, but had not previouslybeen reported in Texas. THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS -- American Robins Details are available (RCC, REC & REK). A Yellow- appeared in numbers in December. but thereafter be- billed Cuckoo at Aransas N.W.R., Dec. 24-26, was came less common than usual in most localities. A very late (BA & WA). Groove-billedAnis made agood Clay-coloredRobin was sighted at Chapeno, down- showingin the Corpus Christi area, having recovered stream from Falcon Dam. Jan. 19 (JLR): details were from an earlier setback (KM). One was seen in w. submitted,A Veerywintered at GooseIsland S. P. (fide Harris Co. (TBF). DNW). Reports indicate a shortage of E. Bluebirds along the coast. One Mountain Bluebird was observed OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- A Long-eared Owl, in w. Travis Co., Dec. 19 (PE); sometimesfairly com- casual on the upper coast. was seen at Cove, Jan. 18 mon in the 1950s,this specieshas all but desertedthe e. (AKM); recordsof earlier yearswere all from this local- Edwards Plateau. ity. A good population (20?) of Short-eared Owls was discoveredin grassyfields in n. Travis Co. (BR et al.). WAXWINGS, WARBLERS, ORIOLES --This These were resident throughout December, but appar- was far from a peak year for Cedar Waxwings,although ently had departed by Feb. I. This specieswas found to they were consideredabove normal in numbersat Cor- be common in rank, weedy areas in s. Hidalgo Co. pus Christi (KM). Orange-crownedWarblers were low (JCA'). Six birds were found in w. Harris Co. Jan. 6 in many localities. A 6 Black-throated Blue Warbler (TBF & DHH). Two Black-chinnedHummingbirds, an winteredat High I., first suchrecord for the uppercoast

662 American Birds, June 1974 (MH et al.). A count of 1100Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) The more commonsparrows are frequently overlooked Warblers in the Bolivar Pen. -- High I. area Feb. 16 in reporting, but indicationsare that Chipping, Field, standsin contrastto a sub-parseason elsewhere. It was Harris', Lincoln's, Swamp, and Song Sparrows were a good year for Black-throatedGray Warblers in s. below normal in most localities. Two Fox Sparrows Hidalgo Co., as many as five per day (JCA), but the were seenin Zapata Co., e. of Escobas, Feb. 24 (OCB), usually more common Black-throated Green was rather far south. McCown's (36), Lapland (1), and scarce. An ad. • and a c• Hermit Warbler wintered at Chestnut-collared (1) Longspurs were seen e. of Au- Goose Island S. P. (BG et al.). A • Prairie Warbler was stin, Jan. 12 (BR); more birds were present than were seen on Bolivar Pen. between Jan. 25 and Mar. 31 identified. An estimated 200-300 Lapland. Longspurs (VLE, TBF et al.); 4 miles upcoastfrom this site, were found in a wet rice-stubble field in w. Harris Co , another female was seen Mar. 13 (VLE). A Scotifs Jan. 6 (DHH); this speciesoccurred in this generalarea Oriole was observed at Palmetto S. P., Jan. 27 last year as well. Numbers droppedsharply as January (G C.B.C.), certainlyfar removedfrom typicalhabitat. ran out.

FRINGILLIDS -- Cardinals, and especially Pyr- rhuloxias, were scarcein the Falfurrias area (OCB). It CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Becky was a good winter for Black-headedGrosbeaks on the Anderson,Margaret Anderson,Walt Anderson,John uppercoast; at a locationin Baytown, where two of this C. Arvin, Charles R. Bender, Gene W. Blacklock, Mr specieswere presentlast winter, six wintered this year. and Mrs. O.C. Bone, Michael J. Braun, F.G. Buckley, One wintered at High Island(fide VLE). Two were seen P.A. Buckley, Ted Clark, Dr. Ralph E. Clearman, m Houston in February (MJ & PJ), one wintered at a RichardC. Clearman, Fred Collins, Phil Dering, Robert feederin CorpusChristi (fide KM), andone appeared in V. DiOrio, Pauline Edwards, Victor L. Emanuel, Austin, Jan. 3-6 (VH). This was not a year of Purple Bruce A. Fall, T. Ben Felther, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Finches, although100+ were reported at Cove, Jan. 16 Glaus, Golden Crescent Bird Club, Dan H. Hardy, (AKM). A White-collaredSeedeater was seen near the Robert T. Harms, Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Henderson, Brownsville dump Feb. 25 (AW). Pine Siskins were Virginia Higginbotham, Mike Hoke, Margaret Jones, well below normal. A small flock (12-20) was seen at Paul Jones, Robert E. Kelley, Edgar B. Kincaid, Ed- Bentsen-RioGrande Valley S. P., Dec. 31 (RVD); this ward A. Kutac, Kay McCracken, Elric McHenry, Arhe speciesis scarce in the Rio Grande Delta. American K. McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Miller, Mrs. R G Goldfinches had a very good season, and were espe- Proby, Jr., Barbara Ribble, JohnL. Rowlett, Rose Ann cially abundant on the upper coast in mid-winter. Lark Rowlett, San Antonio Audubon Society, James B. Ste- Buntingswere below normalon the centralcoast. Most vens, Tim Stevens, Edward Strieber, Larry Walther, contributors reported Savannah and Vesper Sparrows John Watson, Suzanne Winckler, Doria N. Winship, below normal. Bender commented on the absence of Alan Wormington,Bill Wyma. --FRED S. WEBSTER, Black-throated Sparrows from the San Antonio area. JR., 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.

Arctic and Pacific) can be seen, with the dry interior NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION coolingmore rapidly in early winter andwarming faster / Wayne Neily in March than the areas with coastal influences. For example,in Januarythe warmestspot in the Regionwas Winter is a very good time for neither birds nor bir- the Chilkat Passin extreme n.w. British Columbia,with ders in the borealforest regions, so it is a goodomen of a mean temperature of -2øF., while the coldest was better reports to come that enoughpeople contributed alongthe Pelly River, in the heart of the Yukon interior, observationsfor the first Northwestern Canada Region with an average of -35 ø. By contrast, in March the report to make it worthwhile. lowest was on the Ogilvie River (-21 ømean), whereas Instead of concentrating on rarities and unusual the highestwas shared by Whitehorse (southernin- population changes,as do most long-establishedre- terior Yukon) and DeaseLake (northern interior B C ), glonalreports, we hope to present,over the first few at + 13ø. An equivalenteffect can be seenon the precipi- years, baselinedata on the distributionand abundance tation, with most of the Yukon interior gettingless than of regular specieshere, which, for most parts of the 30 in. of snow over the four months, but with 102 in region, is not presently available. burying the Chilkat Pass. From this point of view, winter is the best time to No reports have yet been received from the Arctic start, since the small number of resident speciescan at coast, so this is essentiallyan inlandregion; hence the this time be given the attentionthat they deserve,and extremelylow numberof speciesreported (26), and the retire to form a backgroundfor the otherseasonal pic- near-absenceof overwinteringwater birds. No 150+ tures as they unfold. Christmas Bird Counts here! It was a generallydry winter, colderthan normal, but not a record-breaker. Temperatures at all Yukon sta- WATERFOWL -- A • Com. Goldeneye was seen tions except one (Kluane) dippedto -50øF. or lower in on an open sectionof the Kathleen R. (mile 143,Haines January,with -70 øat Mayo beingthe lowest.That any Rd.) as late as Dec. 24 (WN). Althoughthis water, as birds at all can survive and remain active at such temp- well as various other stretchesin the region, remained eraturesis amazing, and cotfid be an interestingand openall winter, the only reportofoverwintering water- worthwhile, if uncomfortable,subject for research. fowl wasof a few goldeneye(sp.) at the outlet of Taglsh Even here the climatic influencesof the oceans(both L. about Feb. 20 (MH).

Volume 28, Number 3 663 HAWKS, FALCONS -- Goshawks were, as usual, CORVIDS -- Two specieswhich deservea spectal the commonestdiurnal birds of prey over the forested placein the heartsof northernersare the Gray Jay (sttll parts of the region.Six reportsranged from Dec. 28 to known as the CanadaJay to most) and the Com. Raven Feb 22, mainly from the Whitehorse and Haines Junc- (otherwiseknown as "Yukon Turkey"). Theseare the tton areas, but one from Sockeye L., in a valley of the only birds commonand conspicuousenough here m Kluane Ranges(WN, DH, JC), and one at Kluane (FS). winter to be seen by most people, and they occurred Eagles, apparently absent during the winter, reap- throughout the report period, in fair numbers at all peared the last weeks of March. The two reports of stations reporting. Gray Jays ranged from Clinton Golden Eagleswere both, surprisingly,from the n. half Creek in the northto DeyadeashL. in the south,with a of the region:one seenMar. 26 at mile 4 of the Dempster maximum of 24 in the Kluane area Dec. 26 (F&KP et Htghway (BF,fide KS), and one near Stewart Crossing al.). Ravens were reported from the Chilkat Passnorth Mar 30 (WN). The first Bald Eagle was spottedin the to mile 160 of the Klondike Highway, with Whttehorse area Mar. 22 (MH). Although various ob- Whitehorse'sresident population of 70+, mainlyat the serversclaim that Gyrfalconsare regularand not very dump, making it the capital of raven country. The uncommonresidents in the Yukon, it apparently isn't Black-billedMagpie was commonin the s.w. partof the that easy to see them well. No definite reports were region, north to Whitehorse and the Slims R. in De- recetved of the species, although there were four cember, but not reported between Jan. 8 (one near "probables", all from various upland areas of Kluane KaskawulshGlacier, WN), and Mar. 19 (one - Haines Nattonal Park (DH, WN, JC). Rd., DM). GROUSE -- All three species of ptarmigan were CHICKADEES, DIPPER -- As in most coniferous seenin the s.w. part of the region, but no other grouse forest areas, the Boreal Chickadee is commoner here were reported, nor ptarmigan from any other areas. Many Willow Ptarmigan descendedto the lowlands thanthe Black-capped,although, as it frequentsfeeders dunng winter, and some were still there as late as Mar. and settled areasless, it isn't reported as often. Black- 26, when one was seen at mile 145 of the Haines Rd. cappedChickadees were seen throughoutthe season (WN). There were also good numbersin the sub-alpine from Whitehorsesouth, but the most northerlyreport zone by that time, as evidenced by the 45 observed wasone at Takhini Hot Springsarea Dec. 30 (WN,DN) Two were observed cleaning out a nest-box near snowroosting in winter flocks on the Chilkat Pass Mar. Whitehorseon Mar. 18 (DM). Boreal Chickadees,al- 20-22 (DM). The only definite Rock Ptarmiganreported thoughnot reportedbetween Dec. 30 andMar. 17,were were four in that area on the same dates, calling as though on territory (DM). Very likely many of the probablypresent all winter as well, andwere abundant, if scattered,in s.w. Yukon in late December(maximum "ptarmigan sp." seenon Januaryaerial surveysin the alptne zone of Kluane N.P. belongedto this species.On 73 on the Kluane N.P. CBC). A few hardy Dippers stayedaround open water in streamsin the s. Yukon, those same surveys, ten White-tailed Ptarmigan were two or more were seenin the upper reachesof the Duke seen at two points in the e. half of the park (WN). R. in the KluaneRanges Jan. 7 (WN), and anothertn PIGEONS, OWLS -- Rock Doveswere apparently Klukshu Creek at varioustimes over the winter (WN et al.). restdentin Whitehorsein smallnumbers, although only one report is available(one Jan. 12,WN). Great Horned FINCHES, BUNTINGS -- Pine Grosbeaks were Owl, the commonest specieshere, was seen as late as widely, if sparsely,distributed throughout the s. half of Dec 28 at HainesJunction (LT), and asearly as Mar. 19 the region for the entire season,ranging from White- (Hatnes Rd.-one-DM). Whether they were absent in horse (HH et al.) west to Beaver Creek (two pairs Mar between or observerssimply didn't get out enough, we 10, ML). Common Redpolls were present in small don't know. Only one Snowy Owl was reported, near flocks up to Dec. 28, when 16 were seen at Haines the Kluane Glacier Jan. 7 (WN,DH); the rest presum- Junction(JC,DH) and again after Mar. 14, all reports ably had the good senseto go farther south. Hawk Owls from the s. part of the region (Chilkat Passto Slims R were also seen as late as Dec. 28 (one, Kluane N.P., and Whitehorse). Surprisingly, Hoary Redpolls were near the Alsek Pass, DH,JC) and as early as March 14 not reported, although they were common across the (one, mile 139, Haines Rd., WN). There is more evi- border in interior Alaska. White-winged Crossbills dence for migrationin this species,however, as num- were common in the Haines Junction area in December bers seenalong the highwaysincreased just prior to this andJanuary, but not otherwisereported; the highof 103 report period, and were increasingagain at the end of it was on the Haines Junction C.C. Among the earliest (WN,DM). returning migrantshere are Snow Buntings,first noted (1) near Haines Junction Mar. 15 (WN), and at White- WOODPECKERS -- Althoughseldom seen in winter, horse Mar. 18 (DM). The Haines Junction flock in- a few Hairy Woodpeckersmust stayaround, as one was creasedto 87, accompaniedby one Lapland Longspur, seentapping on a pole in Haines JunctionJan. 22 (WN). by Mar. 25. The commonwinter woodpeckerhere, however, appears to be the Northern Three-toed. It was seen almost INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Jack Christiansen, dady at feedersin Whitehorse,(HH), and no fewer than Bob Frish, Manfred Hoers, Helen Horback, Don Hut- five appearedfor the Haines JunctionCBC. One of this ton, Maria Ledergerber, Dave Mossop, Dan Nowlan, specteschasing another in wide circles around part of Fred & Kate Postoloski,Karel Sars, Frank Sias, Larry HatnesJunction Mar. 23 (WN) was a refreshingsign of Tremblay. -- WAYNE P. NELLY, Haines Junction, spnng. Y.T., YOB ILO.

664 American Btrds, June 1974 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- PELICANS THROUGH BITTERNS -- A single INTERMOUNTAIN REGION White Pelican, the only one reported, was noted in the Nampa, Ida. area and representeda decrease. In the / Thomas H. Rogers same area 20 Double-crested Cormorants were seen Dec. 27 and 24were at McNary N.W.R. Feb. 2. An Am. Winter weather over the Regionwas generallymild Bittern was seenat SunnysideGame Refugenear Mab- and extremely wet. continuing the pattern set in ton, Wash. on the remarkable date of Mar. 6 (JW). November. However at the end of December temperatures plummeted.often well below zero F. and did not SWANS -- The cold spell of January greatly re- ducedWhistlingSwan numbersin Idaho and e. Oregon BglTISH !• , I and Washington,where some winter. Spring migrants were first noted at Malheur N.W.R. Feb. 10, nearly two weekslater than last year and built up to 4700by Mar. 2, much below last year's peak. The birds were moving through more northerly areas in good numbersduring March. Thirteen Trumpeter Swanswere reportedkilled

leo Mite mOUSE I- by flying into power wires acrossthe Stuart River at Ft. St. Jamesin c. interior British Columbia, accordingto newspaperaccounts. Local conservationistsare urging %'"& \\"\'N-•' .....E % I removalof the wires. One Trumpeter from the resident population at Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney Wash. was shot at Chapman L. just south of the refuge in De- I: • /• / I,,•- .'%% cember. At Red Rock Lakes N.W.R. two Trumpeters I ½ •.• / s,(G•..E.i.•, I •l ]k LEEL•II'•e•WASH.;COEIJRB'ALEN[ with yellow neck bands Feb. 12 proved to be birds banded the previous August in Saskatchewan.

• ß ,E,E,-/ .L -•, GEESE AND DUCKS -- The January freezeup I I ,tMON,.•.,• __ drove many CanadaGeese out but numberswere again high by March. White-fronted Geese appeared at Malheur Feb. 27 and peaked at 100 the first week of o•lEoo•• .... J ,D^H wYo•.o March. At La Grande, Ore. 160 were counted Mar. 16. A total of seven Snow Geese seen in the Walla Walla- risc until mid-January, when Chinook conditions Tri-cities area and at Baker, Ore. in December were me]ted the rather sparse snow from the valleys and very late. February 11 started the northward movement reduced it in the mountains. Heavy rains in the low- of the species at Malheur N.W.R., but elsewhere the landsadded to the melt and broughtfloods at Libby and birds were seen in March. Missoula, Mont. and at Spokaneand Yakima. February The spring movement of ducks through Malheur and March continued mild and wet. N.W.R., mostly Pintail, showeda peak of 35,700 at the A fair numberof late stragglers,afew of which stayed end of the period, compared to 73,200 and 116,800in to winter, was observed. The January cold snap drove March of 1973 and 1972respectively. The general de- many birds out of some areas. All in all, the winter, crease was attributed to the abundant flooded meadow generallywarm with litfie snow cover and muchopen habitat throughout the Harney Basin which attracted water, appearedan easy one for bird ]fie. Abundant the Pintails. moisture, both rain and snow, brought promiseof full About ten Gadwall and 250 Ring-necked Ducks at lakes and pondsduring spring and summer as well as mid-December; winter records are unusual there excellent growth of vegetation. Alas, it also presaged (WW). A Eur. Wigeon pair near Spangle,Spokane Co. further flooding-- what will happenwhen the 197 in- on Feb. 23 was very early for this species, rare in ches of snow, 70 inches above norma], melts at Crater Washington.Fourteen Blue-winged Teal at Vernon and Lake National Park? some at Penticton, B.C. Dec. 26were the first recorded The outstandingbird events were the abundanceof in winter for the North Okanagan(RC). Thirty Wood owls,particularly Snowy but also a numberof species Ducks in the Nampa, Ida. area Dec. 27 were unusual. consideredrare, and the great incursionof Pine Gros- The specieswas not noted elsewhere in the Region. beaks. Floodingof the SpokaneR. with consequentmuddiness caused a marked decrease in diving ducks during LOONS AND GREBES -- A few wintering Com. January in the Spokane area. The highest number of Loons were noted at Wenatchee, the Tri-cities Com. Goldeneye was 1500 at Turnbull N.W.R. in (Pasco-Richland-Kennewick), Wash. and at Summer March. A thousand Com. and 200 Red-breasted Mer- L., Lake Co., Ore. Single Horned Grebes were seen ganserswere at Minidoka N.W.R. in s. Idaho Dec. 5. near Walla Walla and Wenatchee and on Coeur d'Alene L., Ida. the latter on Jan. !. The Eared Grebe was VULTURES AND HAWKS -- A Turkey Vulture at reported only at Wenatchee and Medical L., Wash, Nampa Dec. 27 was a winter rarity. A few spring mi- Twenty W. Grebes, about twice last year's number, grantshad reachedthe Sunriver, Ore. area by the third were at McNary N.W.R., Burbank, Wash. the third week of March and Malheur N.W.R. by Mar. 15. week of March. Goshawksightings were rather plentifulfor that species

Volume 28, Number 3 665 and the birds staged a moderate invasion in the ing approach as close as eight feet Feb. 3-4. One at Okanaganarea of s. BritishColumbia. In general,hawk Summedand, B.C. Mar. 6-19 was apparently the first numbers seemed at least up to normal with the excep- ever for the s. Okanagan(SRC). Another wasfound in a tion of the Baker area, where Red-tailed and Rough- canyon near Cashmere, Wash. (WED) and one was leggednumbers were way down. A GoldenEagle was seen at Moscow in early March (fide JWW). A Boreal incubatingby the endof March in the Pocatelloarea. A Owl collected at Pullman Jan. 10 furnished the first singleGyffalcon and a PeregrineFalcon were notedin confirmed record for Washington(REJ). Single Saw- n w Montana (WW), and one of the latter was seenin whet Owls were sighted at Vernon, Nampa, Walla n Idaho (EL). Walla, McNary N.W.R. and at Ennis L. near Enms, Mont. In the Spokanearea more owls than hawks were GALLINACEOUS BIRDS --Only scattered small noted during the period. remnantgroups of Sharp-tailedGrouse were foundin the Pocatello area (CHT). The specieswas reported DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An un- elsewhereonly at Malheur N.W.R., near Yakima and usualsighting of 50 MourningDoves was made Dec. 30 near Bozeman. A few small coveys of Gambel's Quail at McNary N.W.R. where they are seldom seen in still persistedfrom introductionsin the Salmon, Ida. winter. An Anna's Hummingbirdremained at a feeder area many years ago. They were commononly along near Cashmere, Wash. until about Dec. 10 (WED) A the Lemhi R. In the same area, where the Turkey was Lewis' Woodpecker wintered in the Bitterroot Valley planted three years ago, the populationwas low but near Hamilton, Mont. (OF). One of the red-breasted increasing.These birdswere againobserved on Boze- race of the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswas seenJan. 13 man Passeast of Bozeman, in numberslarger than last at Naramata, B.C. This race is always rare there (CR) year One or two Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckers were seen in February and March in ponderosapme CRANES AND RAILS -- A single Sandhill Crane areasburned last summernear Spokane. The only other on the Baker CBC was remarkable. Earliest spring record was of a pair near Ukiah, Ore. Feb. 16 & Mar appearancewas Feb. 19at MalheurN.W.R. Elsewhere 24. they were migratingin March. Eight were on territory near Downey, Ida. Mar. 23 (CHT). At least two Vir- FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS -- Say's gmla Rails wintered at Pocatelloand one was seenat Phoebe was recorded at Warm Springs,Ore. Feb. 11 Pentlcton, B.C. Jan. 15 (SRC). and later in the month at Malheur N.W.R. and at Wenatchee. Elsewhere they were arriving in March, SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS -- No Long-billed with Mar. 26 an early record for Missoula.The earliest Curlews had been observedin the Pocatello area by the Tree Swallow observation was at Summer L., Lake end of March. The speciesappears to have been wiped Co., Ore. Mar. 10 but Malheur had them two days later, out by agriculturealong the Snake R. in that area, nearly two weeks later than last year. Rough-winged where ten years ago hundreds nested (CHT). A and Barn Swallows had arrived only at Pocatello, Mar Glaucous Gull collected at Flathead L. furnished the 23 & 31 respectively.The only Cliff Swallowsightings first Montana specimenand eitherthe secondor fourth were at the Tri-cities Mar. 19 and Pocatello Mar. 23 state record (fidePDS). An ad. Glaucous-wingedGull appearedat Silver L., SpokaneCo. Feb. 18 and stayed JAYS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- A Blue Jay for a day or two (JA & WH). Seventy-fiveHerring Gulls was seen on three dates in January at Nampa. Twenty- were seen at Coeur d' Alene L. Feb. 24. About 20-25 six Corn. Crows were still at Prince George Dec. 30, Ring-billedGulls put in a very unusualappearance at Clark's Nutcracker put in few appearancesin the low- Salmon, Ida. the last week of March (HBR). Any gulls lands. Mountain Chickadees appeared in residential at all are unusual there. Several dozen of the species areas in Missoula in noteworthy numbers,at times out- were observednear Kalispell, Mont., an unlikely local- numberingthe Black-cappedtwo to one. A Chestnut- lty, Apr. 3 (WW). backed Chickadee appeared in Baker on three dates m February and early March. The only other recordswere OWLS -- SingleBam Owls were seenin the Nampa at Coolin, Ida. and in the vicinity of Yakima. The area in December and at Heppner, Ore. Mar. 24. A White-breasted Nuthatch, rare in s.e. Washington, was highway-killedbird was broughtin from Jerome,Ida. seen at Kamiak Butte north of Pullman (JWW). The Mar 30 (CHT). A Great Homed Owl at Walla Walla in Pygmy Nuthatch was observed at Missoula Mar. 23, late January was very unusual. It was a tremendous where they are seldom seen (RAH). winter for sightingSnowy Owls, which were seenin some numbers in at least 16 localities, a few as far south WRENS THROUGH THRUSHES -- Bewick's as s Idaho and e. Oregon. A Hawk Owl was seennear Wren had an all-time high of 25 on the Tri-cities CBC Salmon Arm, B.C. in early December (BW), one was at and was singingthere from early Decemberon. Fifteen PrinceGeorge Dec. 30 (EB) anda third wasobserved at were sighted in four areas at Yakima and a pair was Moscow, Ida. Jan. 30 (EL). Pygmy Owls put in a good found nestingin a hangingbasket of artificial flowers, appearance,especially in the more westerlypart of the with five eggs Mar. 27. A Mockingbirdwas netted, Region.Single sightings at Nampaand Walla were par- photographedand releasedat SunnysideGame Refuge ticularly noteworthy. The Barred Owl was noted only near Mabton, Yakima Co., Wash. Mar. 5 (JW) and was at Vemon -- one Dec. 26. A Great Gray Owl visited a seen again there Mar. 12-13 (JW & PM). A Sage porchof a housein the foothillsnear Bozeman,allow- Thrasher was seen at Cove S.P., Jefferson Co., Ore

666 Amencan Birds, June 1974 Jan. 26 (JWo & KZ) and two, one singing,were seenon FINCHES -- Evening Grosbeaks appeared in Yakima Firing RangeMar. 24. At Malheur N.W.R. the perhaps average numbers and were seen on the specieswas first observedMar. 29. American Robins Malheur N.W.R. CBC for the secondyearin a row. A c• wintered in big numbers only in the Pocatello area, Cassin'sFinch at the Tri-cities Dec. 1-2 was apparently where thousands, more than usual, were reported. At the first record ever there (TG,EM & REW). Pine Bozeman flocks remained into late December. The Grosbeaksrather flooded the Region, having been reo springmovement was apparentfirst at Spokanewhere ported at seventeenlocalities and generally in numbers numbers increasedin late January and early February. above averageto very high. Hand analyzedhis records Other areasreported growing numbers from late Feb- for Missoula for the last seventeenyears and noted he ruary on. Wintering Varied Thrush numbersappeared had seen the birds on twice as many days this winter as to be up in Idaho, Oregonand Washingtonin the Region in the sixteen previous winters combined and the anda pair was seenrepeatedly nearBozeman at the end number of birds tallied was more than five times as of March (CVD). This is the first record there since the many. The birds showed up even at Richland, Wash 1920s. Mountain Bluebird numbers far outstripped and at Nampa. Numerous sightingsand good numbers those for the Western. "Huge flocks" were reported were reportedfor Gray-crownedRosy Finches, mostly for the area aroundSunriver in c. Oregonin mid-March in the w. part of the Region. Five at Prince George Dec andan encouragingsighting of a flock of 35 wasmade at 30 were far north for the species(EB). Lewiston, Ida. Mar. 24. Fifty of the seldom-notedHoary Redpollswere seen at Prince George Dec. 30 and a few were mixed with KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A single flocks of Corn. Redpoll at Vernon December - March Golden-crowned Kinglet on the Helena Christmas and one or two were seen at Ennis, Mont. with the count was apparently the first winter observationfor Common Dec. 15 (ETH,JS & MS). Up to four were that area. A very late Ruby-crownedKinglet at Boze- seen on two dates at Helena, where there are appar- manDec. 29 was far later than the previousrecord late ently no previous records (LS). Common Redpolls date of Nov. 18 (DRS & PDS). A remarkably early or were noted as unusually common at Fortinc and as possibly wintering Water Pipit was closely examined occurringin good flocks at Bozeman. In the Okanagan near BozemanMar. 9 (SC;PDS). The winter was good they were abundant. A few showedup as far south as but not record one for Bohenian Waxwings, which Bend, Ore. and Pocatello. No great incursion of Pine penetrated as far south as Baker and Pfineville, Ore. Siskinsoccurred in most of the Region but they were Peaks of at least 2000 were reached at Missoula in late present in unusual numbers in the Okanagan Valley December and at Spokane in late January. The usual throughoutthe winter. The CBC total of 440there was a sprinklingof Cedar Waxwings wintered, mostly in the 23-year record high. Red Crossbills made few incur- w part of the Region. However, in the Nampa-Boise sions into the lowlands and then generally in small area 300 were reported Jan. 16, many more than nor- numbers. Surprisingly,White-winged Crossbills ap- mal. Three LoggerheadShrikes were seenin early De- peared in three localities, these widely separated A cember at Malheur N.W.R., whereas the Northern was flock was seenin the Bozemancemetery from Dec 1 to present there all winter. A few of the former species some time in March and one stayed around a yard •n were reported for the Nampa area and one was care- Ephrata, Wash. for several weeks in late winter. (B J) fully identified at Turnbull N.W.R. Mar. 3 (MV). Twelve at Kamiak Butte north of Pullman, Wash. Mar 7 were apparently Whitman County's first record WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- Single {JWW). Yellow-rumped warblers were seen in December at the Tn-cities, a "Myrtle" Dec. 16 and an "Audubon's" SPARROWS -- A Rufous-sided Towhee wintered in Dec. 21. A flock of 300 warblers, some of them an unusual locality, Coeur d' Alene, visiting a feeder "Audubon's", was reported at Toppenish N.W.R., regularlyJan. 7 - Mar. 15. A Gray-headedJuneo, closely Toppenish, Wash. Mar. 25 (GG). A die-off caused observed,frequented a feederJan. 15 and for five days House Sparrow numbers to drop drastically at following at Wenatchee(WED). Tree Sparrowswere Pocatello, making native species more obvious and observedin a few localities Dec. 28 - Mar. 25, mostly in perhapsmore abundantat feeders.A c• Yellow-headed small numbers but the Salmon, Ida. CBC had 62 A Blackbird near Three Forks, Mont. Mar. 31 provided a single Chipping Sparrow appeared in Heppner, Ore recordearly date (CJ,fide HNM). Most of the wintering Mar. 23. This may be comparedwith the Mar. 18 date Red-wingedBlackbirds apparently were in the Yakima for one at Nampa, the only other locality reportingthe area where a flock estimated at 2000 was found near species.Only three Harris' Sparrowswere noted win- Wapato Dec. 15 and a similar number at Toppenish tering in the Okanagan. Two records for the species N W.R. Jan. 30. A N. Oriole at Naramata for about a were obtained at Walla Walla, the first Jan. 26 and the week Dec. 26 - early January was the first ever for secondMar. 24 - Apr.2. One appearedat MissoulaMar w•nter in interior British Columbia (CR). Spring mig- 27. White-crownedSparrows appeared to winter in fmr rants of this species had reached the Ellensburg- numbers in the Wenatchee and Yakima areas and in the Yakima area by the latter half of March. Two each of Nampa area. They were abundant on Yakima Indian Rusty and Brewer's Blackbirds were sightedat Can- Reservation Mar. 18. The Wenatchee CBC had the more,justeast of BanffN.P. Jan.6 (BL & VL). A Rusty highest-ever count, 603. On that count were e•ght Blackbird Feb. 9 west of Bozeman was a rare sighting Golden-crowned Sparrows, considerednormal and one (HC,ETH & RAH) and a Brewer's at Fortine, Mont. in was sightedat Nampa Jan. 3. The only White-throated early February was either very early or wintered(WW). Sparrows were an adult at Salmon Arm, B.C. Dec 30

Volume 28, NumlSer 3 667 and two different birds at Bozeman in late December Henry, Fred Hill, Ivy & JoeHilty, JamesH. Holcomb, andearly January. A dearthof SongSparrows at Baker Crater Lake National Park; Alice & Paul Horschel, was blamed on a possiblelack of influx of northern Dick Humphries,Margaret Hunter; Bert Jahn, Cecil birds Possiblythe highest-evercount of 54 at Christ- Johnson,Julie Johnson,c. Oregon;Richard E. John- mas at Wenatchee had some bearing on the question. son, George Jones,Dan Knierim, Vivian Kohlruss, Lapland Longspurswere found only near Davenport, Ann Krakowa, Paul Krapfell, Carolyn Lagergren,Bill Wash where two were seen Dec. 8 (JA). Snow Bunt- andVirginia Lang, Eari Larrison,Banff National Park lngs were observed at Kootenai N.W.R., Bonnets area; KatherineLaupp, Ron McDow, Jim Mack, Sid Ferry, Ida. in unusualnumbers. Some 400 were there Martin, Helena, Mont. area; (PM) Phil Mattocks,Niel Jan 2 and smaller flocks were present for several F. & Sally Meadowcroft,Walla Walla, Wash. area, weeks. A flock of about 100 near Salmon Arm was an Homer N. Metcalf, JohnMontaigne, Elisabeth Moore, unusualnumber for the Okanagan.Only a few of the Eric Moore, Louis Moos, RobertMorgan, Gerald Mor- birds got any farther south. sello, Harold Mortimer, Deane Munro, Shirley Muse, LowellNapier, ColumbiaN.W.R., Othello, Wash, CORRIGENDA & ADDENDA -- In Am. Birds Joanna& Sara Nashem, Vee Nealey, Wayne Nelson, 28 80 the ParasiticJaeger sighting at CanyonFerry Res. Roger Olson, Olive Phipps, Del Pierce, Kootenal wasby RobertL. Eng, who alsocollected the first state N.W.R., BonnersFerry, Ida.; TysonW. Planz, Red specimenOct. 27, 1973at FreezeoutL. westof Great Rock Lakes N.W.R., Lima, Mont.; Margaret J. & Falls LawrencePolumsky, Asotin Co., Wash.; LeonPowers, Cyril Raynet,Jan Reynolds, Hadley B. Roberts,Hazel CONTRIBUTORS -- (Area editors in boldface) M. Roe, Larry Roumpf, Foster Rucker, JohnRumely, Kevin Aanerud,(JA) JamesActon, LavaunneAdams, (LS) Lorelei Saxby, W.H. Schillington,Mrs. H.E. John Annear, Dave Ashley, EugeneC. Barney, Mc- Shaw,s.w. Idaho; Lonnie Sherer,Don R. Skaar,P.D. Nary N.W.R.; (EB) Ed Beaumont,Earl D. Bowen,Jay Skaar, Bozeman,Mont. area; Jean Skillman,Evelyn Bowerman, Kathryn Breslauer,Joanne Brown, Dave Slawson,Sid Smith,Mrs. S.O. Stanley,n.e. Washing- Buck, Zelia Butler, Jim Camp, Richard Cannings, ton; Marian Stephens,Esther Stewart, Gary Strom, SteveR. Cannings,Helen Carlson,Don Childress,Mr. ShirleySturts, Coeur d' Alene,Ida. area;Ben Sugden, & Mrs. James Clark, Charles Clough, Mark Collie, Sylvia Talich, Charles H. Trost, Pocatello,Ida. area, Audra Cook, Craig Corder, Marion Corder, Sharon Mr. & Mrs. Ted Trueblood & Dan, Mr. & Mrs. B.L Cotterell, Emily R. Cragg, Cliff Davis, Wayne E. Vandermeer,Maurice Vial, Harold Vredenburg,Ann Doane,n.c. Washington;Helen Doomink, Yakima Val- M. Ward, Baker, Ore. area; Harold Watling, John W. ley, Bob Eng, JeffreyW. Fleischer,Maiheur N.W.R.; Weber,s.e. Washingtonand adjacentIdaho; Winton Opal Foust, Larry Frank, Winifred Freeman, Bruce Weydemeyer,Jack Winchell, (JW) JohnWingfield, Jim Gordon, Gretta Gossett, James Grant, s. interior Wolcott, Paul Wolf, RobertE. Woodley,"Tri-cities", BritishColumbia; Tony Greager,Bob Green, Milt Grif- Wash. area; (JWo) Jeff Woodruff, Bob Woods, Dave fin, PaulineHager, Warren Hall, RalphL. Hand,Mis- Worden, Dave Worley, Maurice B. Wright, Turnbull soula, Mont. area; Lucille Hardinget, Bambi Har- N.W.R., CheneyWash.; KatherineZahl. --THOMAS greaves,Mr. & Mrs. B.L. Harvey, JanetHassler, Eve H. ROGERS, E. 10820Maxwell, Spokane,Wa. 99206. T & Ray A. Hays, Mr. & Mrs. JamesHeckathorn, C.J.

MOUNTAIN WEST on hand, both in numbers and in species. The Las Vegas ChristmasBird Count (CBC) had the lowest / Hugh E. Kingery variety in severalyears -- yet the one in the Denver A mild winter failed to induce substantial numbers of (conductedthree days before the first severeblizzard of a series lastingfour weeks) produced 107 species-- speciesto lingerwhen they shouldhave gone south; nor did it drive northern speciesinto the Region. Reporters highestever in Denver and the MountainWest. A few speciesdid displaynotable numbers: Merlin, Rufous- from Denver to Las Vegascommented on fewer birds sided Towhee, Tree Sparrow, and Lapland Longspur A few rarities popped in: coastal species like Red- throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Black Brant, Glaucous Gull, and Ancient Murrelet; and odd wintering birds like Red-headedWoodpecker, Yellow War- bler, and Great-tailed Grackle. The spring migration began early, particularly for ducks and Sandhill Cranes. Bear River N.W.R. noted earlymigrants like Osprey,Swainsoh's Hawk, Burrow- ing Owl, Tree Swallow, Long-billed Marsh Wren, robin, pipit, and Yellow-headedBlackbirds. N•VADA HABITAT CHANGES -- Mowbray notesa hugeW IlTYeBI¾CE i eMGNTE Grebe populationon L. Mead, the big reservoiron the Colorado River; most of the Mountain West wildlife refugesand waterfowl-gatheringplaces are reservoirs These artificial impoundmentsin an arid country must

668 American Birds, June 1974 Typical of the prairie reservoirs in eastern Colorado, this marsh and pond came to the city of Longmont as a memoral nature area for Vietnam MIA Jim Hamm. Photo/Dave Jennings. have a profound effect on water bird populations. SWANS, GEESE -- During its only real cold snapof .Query:have the populations shifted from other winter- the winter, SeedskadeeN.W.R., Wyo., boastedthree lng grounds, perhaps further south. or have the reser- Trumpeter Swans Jan. 5-28, the only record in the last voirsprovided resting and wintering spas not otherwise nine years. The Colorado Division of Wildlife counted available, and thus contributed to an expansionof 63,250 Canada Geese in the lower Arkansas R. valley populations?What limits these birds' populations-- Dec. 13. At Zion several flocks, baffled by low clouds nesting site, migratory rest stops, or wintering on Feb. 19, spentthe early hoursof the nightflying up grounds? and down Zion Canyon. Reno had eight Black Brant Oil shale miningwill possiblystrip largeportions of Mar. I I, a noteworthy record for that coastal species. w. Colorado, s.w. Wyoming, and n.e. Utah. In Moffat and Rio BlancoCounties, Colo., 1000wintering eagles DUCKS -- East of the Continental Divide, the Div. will feel the effects,as they winter at a densitythere of of Wildlife said Colorado had 319,000 ducks and one eagle per 2.4 square miles. Rio Blando's Piceance 141,000geese wintering. Monte VistaN.W.R. wintered Basin, richest in oil shale deposits, is the most active 24,000 Mallards, with springmigration beginning early Golden Eagle nestingarea in the state with I 1 known in March; by the end of March the populationwas about eyries. 23,500, including 9200 Pintails, 2900 Gadwalls, and LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Denver's CBC 7200 Mallards. Alamosa N.W.R., Colo., as last year, turned up Colorado's secondRed-throated Loon, and winteredbut20 Mallards. The North PlatteRefuges had the Las Vegas CBC discovered Nevada's second migratory populationsin late March of 16,000 ducks, Red-necked Grebe on L. Mead. (The first record came including 267,000 Pintails and 2500 Lesser Scaup. froma prehistoriccave near Lovelock.) The Las Vegas Seedskadeewintered only 100 Mallards (average 200) count of 15,000 W. Grebes on the CBC represented and 300 Corn. Goldeneye (average 800). Bear R. had the only a fraction of the birds on L. Mead. Mowbray best spring waterfowl population in several years, with reportsthat a surveyof the whole lake would turn up an March number of 353,000ducks including267,000 Pin- incredible count. White Pelicans and Double-crested tails, 16,000 Mallards, 13,000 Canvasbacks, 12,000 Cormorants arrived at Bear R., Stillwater N.W.R., Redheads,and 10,000Ruddies. Wintering ducks at De- Nev., and Reno in March, several weeks earlier than sert Lake W.M.A., Utah, dropped to 90 Mallards, with usual.Zion Nat'l Park's CBC turnedup a GreenHeron, migrationbeginning in early March and with early de- the first winter report for Utah and a new bird for Zion. partares. Stillwater's waterfowl went south the first Bear R. reports another Cattle Egret, in December. A week of January,with swansdropping from 2900to 130, Least Bittern appearedMar. 17, for the first spring ducks from 800 to 160; 1000 Canada Geese wintered. record at Las Vegas. Spring migrationthere had peaked by Mar. 31; notable

Volume 28, Number 3 669 was a wave of 16,000 Ruddies in mid-March, and a low for unknown reasons. The Sandhill Crane build-up oc- peak for Canvasbacksat 3225. curred very rapidlythis year at Monte Vista, with most leaving early. Peak count on the refuge amounted to Cinnamon Teal arrived in February at Eureka, Nev., 4300, and several thousand covered a few sections of ColoradoSprings, and Reno, which had an unusually land north of the refuge at Center, Colo. Not usually a largeflock of 200on Mar. 15. Westernersalways regard springmigrant in n.e. Colo., severalreports of the crane Wood Ducks as rare birds, but each seasonwe receive camefrom that area. Virginia Railsapparently winterin several reports: this year wintering birds at Pueblo, the Mountain West where they can find open water transitoryones at Salt Lake City, Zion, and Las Vegas. This winter birdsfound springsor flowingwater at Muir Boulder, Colo., observersfound a Greater Scaup Mar. Springs,Morgan Co. Colo., and at Pueblo, and several 16, and Longmont and Denver observersfound Old- stayed at least through CBC time. squawsin early December.White-winged Scoters appearedon the Las Vegasand Denver CBCs, and a Surf SHOREBIRDS -- Shorebirdshad already begun ar- Scoter visited Brighton, Colo. Nov. 13 (late report). riving in the Regionby Mar. 31, with Bear R. counting Alves notes the Hooded Merganser increasesevery 5100 including 1500 Killdeer, 2300 Am. Avocet, 800 year -- Reno had 11 Feb. 28, Bear R. had 75 in De- Lesser Yellowlegs, and 500 Baird's Sandpipers. Kill- cember,Grand Junctionnoted one Mar. 29, and Denver deer and yellowlegsbegan arriving at Stillwater the last had individualsthroughout the winter. week of February, with shorebirdnumbers greater than last year. Scattered Killdeer wintered in unusual RAPTORS --Reno sightedWhite-tailed Kites twice: places, and migrantshad arrived by early March at Jan 8 and Feb. 3. We had 16 Goshawk observations, 34 Cheyenneand Seedskadeeand late March at R.M.N.P Sharp-shinned,and 25 Cooper's; last year the numbers, and Dubois, Wyo. Other early arrivals included one adjustedfor our new 4-stateRegion, were 19, 15,and 18 Black-bellied Plover at Las Vegas Mar. 24-31; Spotted respectively. Yet this year's CBCs counted .032 ac- Sandpipers at Seedskadeein late March; Lesser Yel- clplters per party-hour comparedwith .046 last year. lowlegsat LongmontMar. 17; Least Sandpiperat Bear Contributors report the Rough-leggedHawk common R. Mar. 24 (PA); 12 Short-billed Dowitchers at Reno in some places, less common in others. The CBCs Mar. 14 and two Long-billed Dowitchers at Denver reflect this ambivalence, with 0.8 Rough-leggedsper Mar. 13 (MOS). party-hour both years. Around Reno they were more common. Observers counted 100 Red-taileds and 100 GULLS -- Glaucous Gulls probably drift in with Rough-leggedsin the WashoeValley Jan. 3 and in the other gulls to the Colorado prairie reservoirs each Carson Valley Feb. 2, 69 Rough-leggedand 57 Red- winter. This season found six records in n.e. Colorado talleds. They estimated that these counts could total no and one bird at Pueblo Jan. 18, as well as three at Bear more than 30 per cent of the hawks in the respective R. in December. The ice and carp unheaval at Prewltt valleys. Res. attracted three GlaucousGulls plus 1200 Herring Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources surveyed the and 5100 Ring-billed Gulls the week of Mar. 9. state, and comparingwith 1973, found Bald Eagles more numerous in all sections except the southwest ALCIDS -- It seemsincongruous to hear of alcids in (which had more than any other region, however) and the arid west, but Colorado had two records and Golden more numerous in the north, central, and Nevada now has its third record of an Ancient Murrelet southernparts while scarcerin the east. The Golden Found by the National Park Servicestaff, all the birders Eagle populationincreased slightly, with 15 miles dri- in s. Nevada saw this one Mar. 24-26 in L. Mead, ven per bird, comparedwith 17 miles last year. At observingthe small alcid with black head, gray back Alamosa N.W.R. and at Prewitt Res., Colo., thaws and light bill. heaved up chunks of ice with carp frozen in, which attracted 60 Bald Eagles to Alamosa and 43 to Prewitt DOVES, OWLS -- A handful of Mourning Doves during the weeks of Feb. 19 and Mar. 9 respectively. wintered at Zion, Grand Junction, and Colorado Marsh Hawks increased on CBCs from .075 per Springs. Many beganarriving in mid-March along the party-hourin 1973to. 10per party-hourthis year. How- Colorado piedmont. Three Snowy Owls visited the ever, Reno reports that the Marsh Hawk population Powder R. Basin, Wyo., Feb. 16(fide BH), with singles there declineseach year. By the end of March we had at Denver Jan. 6 and Weld Co., Colo. Mar. 7 six Osprey reports, one Gyrfalcon in c. Wyoming, and (F.C.B.C.). A Great Gray Owl wintered in a hay barn nine Peregrine reports. Merlins seemed unusually on the Nat'l Elk Ref., Wyo. Saw-whet Owls may have common this winter. From five reports last year we moved in. Five reports included two mist-netted at bouncedto 32 this year, includingthe pair at Zion, and Ogden, Utah; both, in poor condition, died shortly singleswintering on feederbirds at Salt Lake City and (MK). Longmont, Colo. Stillwater reports that 10 years ago they were fairly common,that none had appearedin SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- Coloradans en- recent years, but this year it had two observationsin dured April snowswhile hearingof springarrivals like February. Am. Kestrels dropped on the CBCs but Zion White-throated Swifts Mar. 18 at Zion and Mar, 19 at had high numbers, 44 observations vs. 15 last year. Grand Junction; Black-chinnedHummingbirds at Las Vegas Mar. 21 and Zion Mar. 23; Broad-tailed Hum- PHEASANTS, CRANES, RAILS -- Ring-necked mingbirdsat Zion Mar. 27; and a RufousHummingbird Pheasants continued their intrusions into Cheyenne, at Las Vegas Mar. 19.

670 American Birds, June 1974 WOODPECKERS -- Com. Flickers collected abun- Wyoming their numbers were fewer than in •ome dantlyin the lowlandsof Zion -- 121on the CBC -- but years,but they persisted into April at Cody. Cedar seemedscarce at Las Vegas. Mt. West CBCs counted Waxwings were likewise erratic, although Salt Lake them at 0.7 per party-hour compared with 0.5 per had more Cedars than Bohemians.Starlings, breaking party-hourlast year. An imm. Red-headedWoodpecker from their winter flocks of thousandswhich stripped stayedat Hotchkiss,Colo., Dec. 1 - Jan. 10, disappear- the fruit from russian olives west of Pueblo, began lng during severecold (photosto C. F.O.). Unlike flick- nesting as early as Feb. 2. ers, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers seemed quite scarce-- showingCBC party-hourfrequencies of .09 VIREOS, WARBLERS, HOUSE SPARROWS -- and. 15 this year comparedwith. 16 and .24 last year. Zion had a very late SolitaryVireo Dec. 4. Late migrant Six Ladder-backed Woodpeckers wintered at Pueblo, warblers included a Virginia's Dec. 3-4 at Zion and a and both Zion and Colorado Springshad third records, Yellowthroat at Denver Dec. 8-14. A handful of on Dec. 17 and Feb. 12 respectively. Yellow-rumped Warblers wintered at Zion, Pueblo, and Boulder. An extraordinary Yellow Warbler stayed SWALLOWS -- First Mountain West swallows at Harden's feeding station at Zion Jan. 12 - Mar 1, were 75 Trees which drifted into Las Vegas Feb. 23, apparently a first-year male. An incredible N. Water- followed by several Feb. 28 at Reno, 10 days later than thrushfrequented a backyardfeeder at Las VegasFeb 1973. First Colorado swallow was one Violet-green at 11. Las Vegas had the only spring migrants: two Boulder Mar. 17. Orange-crownedMar. 24 and one Wilson's Mar. 25 House Sparrowsat the Dubois, Wyo., feeder dropped CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Both from 55 to four during the winter, a decline perhaps Black-cappedand Mountain Chicadeesseemed scarce assistedby a wintering Cooper's Hawk. throughoutthe Region,although banding records show Mountain Chickadees up at Carbondale, Colo. CBC BLACKBIRDS -- West Meadowlarks returned by figuressuggest a noticeabledecline, from 1.45to .72 per mid-March at Dubois, Eureka, and R.M.N.P., as did party-hour for Black-capped and from 1.8 to 1.3 for Yellow-headed Blackbirds to Grand Junction and Bear Mountain. Plain Titmice seemed quite common at R., and Red-winged Blackbirds to mountain towns Hotchkiss,and they visitedfeeders at Puebloand Salt Nederland and Gould, Colo. Longmont had a record Lake City while desertingfeeders at Grand Junction. 23,843 Redwings on the CBC. Denver, Colorado Red-breasted Nuthatches appeared at only three Springs, Pueblo, Morgan Co., Colo., and Reno all places, and only at Salt Lake City where they are recorded Rusty Blackbirds. Gunnison's Great-taded numerous. Brown Creepers spread out to Wyoming, Grackle apparently wintered, with observationsDec Colorado, and Utah cities. A Cation Wren wintering at 30 and Feb. 8 -- probably the same or progeny of the Evergreen,Colo., spentits nightsinside a house,next birds which gave Colorado its first record in 1970. Las to a cellar furnace. Vegas hosted an Hepatic Tanager Dec. 29-30.

THRASHERS, THRUSHERS -- A Mockingbird FINCHES -- A Black-headed Grosbeak reached overwintered at Loveland, Colo., and a Gray Catbird Puebloby the very early date of Mar. 7. Evening Gros- fed with robinsnear a springafter a Salt Lake City cold beaks spread sporadically across the Region; their snap Jan. 10. Several Brown Thrashers appeared for center of abundance ran from the Denver-Fort Collins visitations;Grand Junction had one Feb. 10-14(photos area west to Salt Lake City, Zion, and Eureka, Nev to C.F.O.) for its second record; Longmont had one They seemedsporadic or present in lesser numbersin Feb. 28 and Beulah, west of Pueblo,noted one Mar. 17. Wyoming and the Reno area, and absentat Las Vegas Curve-billed Thrashers wintered at Pueblo. Am. Ro- Purple Finches came in for reports at Pueblo, bins flocked in winter at Colorado Springs, Boulder, Cheyenne, and Sheridan. The Pueblo bird was banded and Zion; springflocks arrived early, with groupsat Jan. 12, and still present Apr. 3 (VT; *, photos to Cheyenne and Sheridan in February and at Reno, C.F.O.). Cassin's Finches seemed scarce. CBCs re- Gould, Col., and Dubois in March. Varied Thrushes ported House Finch, a typical Mountain West species, appeared at Las Vegas, Ogden, and Longmont. Zion in slightlylower numbersthan last year. Rosy Finches N P. had unusual thrushes: a Hermit Thrush crashed did not commandthe high numbersof 1973,although into the Visitor's Center window Jan. 9 and observers they spread throughout the mountain locations as found another Jan. 30; and four Swainson's Thrushes usual. Some feeders in Denver reported more Blacks gave it its second record Mar. 26-27*. W. Bluebirds mixed in than usual, and Grand Junctionhad a flock of seemed sparse, but on Mar. 20 at Fruita, a pair flew in 80 Blacks with only one Gray-crowned. The piedmont and out of a hole carrying nest material. Mountain cities of Colorado-- Fort Collins, Boulder, Colorado Bluebirds arrived on schedule, with many large flocks Springs -- had large flocks of Pine Siskins, although in e. Colorado, but few at Reno. Townsend's Solitaires Denver had few and numbers were low at Zion and Salt were more evident than usual, with Denver counting a Lake City. Only Salt Lake had Red Crossbills, where record 142 on its CBC. they fed on evergreen cones and arbor vitae seeds, and had with them five White-winged Crossbills dunng WAXWINGS, STARLINGS -- Scattered, modest- January. s•zed flocks of Bohemian Waxwings erratically penetrated the Region as far south as Colorado Springs, TOWHEES, SPARROWS, JUNCOS -- Rufous- Grand Junction, Castledale, Utah, and Zion. In n. sided Towhees achieved unusualnumbers throughout

Volume 28, Number 3 671 the Region. Several CBCs had record counts, and Col- AREA CONTRIBUTORS -- (Editors collectingob- orado and Utah locations reported them in surprising servations from their communities in boldface, with numbers:e.g., 25 in 1 mile Jan. 9 at Zion, 10-15winter- number of contributors listed) Alamosa N.W.R., Colo.: ing at a Salt Lake City cemetery, and 51 Jan. 6 on Robert Darnell; Bear River N.W.R., Utah: David Cheyenne Mt., Colorado Springs. Black-throated Beall; Boulder, Colo.(23): LouiseHering; Carbondale Sparrows appeared Dec. 4 at Zion, Feb. 10 at Pueblo, Colo.: Jerry Weeding; Casper, Wyo.: O.K. Scott; and Mar. 17 at Las Vegas. Sage Sparrows seemedtheir Castledale,Utah: Ann Wisslet; Cheyenne, Wyo. (12): lowest in 7 years at Las Vegas, but noticeableat Zion May Hanesworth;Colorado Springs,Colo. (5): Mahlon Dec. 15"running aroundlike miniatureRoadrunners in Speers and Elinor Wills; Denver, Colo. (10): Lynn the sand sage cover." Juncos were very scarce at W'flleoekson;Desert Lake W.M.A., Utah: Tim Provan; Sheridanand Reno (lowest in 20 years), not commonat Dubois, Wyo.: Mary Back; Durango, Colo.: R.W. Boulder and Salt Lake City, yet abundantat R.M.N.P Stransky; Eureka, Nev.: Janet Eyre; Evergreen, Colo. and Zion. CBCs bear out a scarcity, with 6.0 birds per (19): W.W. Brocknet; F0 rt Ccllins Bird Club; Grand party-hour this year comparedwith 7.7 last year. An Junction,Colo. ( ! 5): Lorna Gustafson;Gunnison, Colo. invasion by Tree Sparrows spreadto Reno, Colorado (4): A.S. Hyde; Hotchkiss, Colo.: Theo Colburn; Springs,Alamosa, Monte Vista, and into the foothills at Lander, Wyo.: Bruce Hamilton; Las Vegas, Nev. (9): Boulder, Evergreen, and McCoy, Colo. Denver had a M.V. Mowbray; Longmont, Colo. (26): Allegra hugecount of 3538on its CBC. Harris' Sparrowsnum- Collister;McCoy, Colo.: Margaret Ewing; Monte Vista bers dropped sharply from the last few years -- CBCs N.W.R., Colo.: C.W. Bryant; North Platte N.W.R.'s had 333 birds last year and only 90 this year. At Reno (Arapaho, Colo., and Hutton L. and Pathfinder, Wyo.): and the E. Slopeof Colorado,White-crowned Sparrow RF. Krey; Pueblo, Colo. (13): Jerry Ligon; Reno, Nev. numbers dropped to very low levels, while Zion's win- (8): Jessie Alves; R.M.N.P., Colo. (5): Warner Reeser; tering birds numbered more than ever. Echoing its Salt Lake City, Utah: Gleb Kashin; Seedskadee generic relative, Reno had no Golden-crownedSpar- N.W.R., Wyo.: M.O. Bennett; Sheridan, Wyo. (8): rows, while Zion discovered one Jan. 27. Two Platt Hall; Zion Nat'l Park, Utah (21): Jerome Gifford Lincoln's Sparrows wintered at Zion. Cheyenne had and Peter Scott. two McCown's Longspursfrom Feb. 5-Mar. 31, and flocks had returned to Pawnee Nat'l Grassland, Colo., with a few evenon territory by Mar. 3 !. LaplandLong- CONTRIBUTING OBSERVERS: Paul Adamus, spurs must have shifted westerly from their usual Robert C. Black III, Mark Colfie, David Galinat, Ron haunts,for highnumbers occurrred regularly at Denver Harden, Paul Julian, R.F. Kemp, Ursula Kepler, Met- (150 with 450 Horned Larks Feb. 3), 43 at Westcliffe fin Killpack, Vernon Kousky, Blaine Marshman, R.A. Dec. 21, and 10-40 during the season at Bear River. Ryder, Fred Ryser, Earl Schroeder, Utah Dept. of Wildfife Resources, Van Truan, R.L. Williams. -- ABBREVIATIONS: * Sight record report on file HUGH E. KINGERY, 689 Milwaukee St., Denver, Colo. with regional editor; CBC, Christmas Bird Count; 80206 (Note new address). C.F.O., Colorado Field Ornithologists;F.C.B.C., Fort Collins Bird Club; R.M.N.P., Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park.

SOUTHWEST REGION The high country of north-centralNew Mexico experi- / Ted Parker enced periods of snow and coM in January and Feb- ruary, but bird populationswere virtually unaffected. Associated with the dry weather, above-normal The drought conditionsof the previoustwo periods temperaturesinduced many fall migrantsto linger well continued through the winter. Some relief came in into December throughout the Region. "The warm March when about one inch of rain fell over most areas. weather and ever improvinghabitat of cottonwoodand ' ,.•i•v.•' r.•,•: • 'cfi• I- t•t6 •l willow trees along the effluent channelsin the Salt-Gila • - ..•-..:-•,....:..-• .• ..]: .:....? :. •-•- .....: .... . riverbed southwest of Phoenix account for several species wintering over for the first time... W. Flycatcher, Tree and Rough-winged Swallow, Townsend's Warbler" (JW). This warmer-than-usual weather resulted in first winter records even in the far north. Despite the weather, wintering Fringillids were de- cidely scarce in s. Arizona, probably becauseof low seed production last summer. Chipping Sparrows were virtually absentthere, but were abundant(along with Dark-eyed and Gray-headed Juncos) much farther If• •'""•.,- '•• • - • • south in the mountains of southern Chihuahua -- lat. 27ø N (RP, TP). It will be interesting to see whether these species are as common in that region every winter. Other finches that were notably scarce in southern Arizona and northwestern Sonora (fideSR)

672 American Birds, June 1974 include Lark Bunting, Brewer's Sparrow, and White- Dec. 15 (RF, M&DZ) and Feb. 17 were the first winter crowned Sparrow; all of these must have moved south records for that area; another wintered at the Gila Hot of normal wintering areas. Springs(RF). Fifty Cattle Egrets seenin alfalfa fields n Berry-feedingthrushes were also scarcein southern of San Luis, Yuma Co., Ariz., Dec. 18 was a highcount Arizona, but normal to above-normal numbers were for the state; others were at Bosque one Dec. 1-4 and reported from the central New Mexican highlands Phoenix (3-7) Dec. 15 to the end of the period (m.ob) where food must have been reasonably plentiful. Between three and 12Great Egrets spent Jan. 14 - Feb As might have been expected, some very early mig- 23 at Painted Rock Dam. An Am. Bittern seen at rants (or wintering birds?) were recorded, especially Farmington Dec. 15 and about a week later was the first swallowsand thosespecies that winter in westernMex- winter record there (AN). One of the most amazing ico (i.e. "Bullock's" Oriole, Lazuli Bunting, and recordsof this seasonwas of an ad. White Ibis present Lucy's Warbler). Several days of strong southerly at BosqueMar. 9 to at least Mar. 31. This bird was seen winds in southern New Mexico were no doubt respon- by several competent observers and was photo- sible for the appearance of an adult White Ibis and a graphed. It appeared after several days of southerly variety of early migrants on March 9-10. winds. Another phenomenondirectly related to the drought was a three- to four-week delay (or aborting?) of the SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Thirty-two Whistling nesting of desert species in s. Arizona -- especially Swans were at Bitter L. from Dec. 28 - Jan. 4, and 17 Curve-billed Thrashers, Verdins, and Cactus Wrens. (3ad., 14 imm.), an incredible count for s. Arizona, Such delays probably result from a scarcity of insects, were seen at Nogales Jan. 7 (BW). Peak counts of for last year, despitethe cool (but wet) winter weather, winteringCanada Geese were 1200at BosqueJan. 6 and the above species nested on time (fide Pat Gould). 1246 at Bitter L. Jan. 16. Two Black Brant were seen at Puerto Pefiasco, Sonora Mar. 24 (GB, JW, RW); how LOONS, GREBES -- An unusual count of Com. this speciescan be so regular in the Gulf of California Loons, which usually appear singly on larger lakes and at the Salton Sea in Calif. and so scarcealong the during migration and winter, was ten at Painted Rock Colorado R. is somewhatof a mystery. At Bosque Dam near Gila Bend, Maricopa Co., Ariz., Feb. 23 (RN 16,000 (65% immatures) Snow Geese were present dur- et al ). Other reportswere of two at Bitter Lake N.W.R. ing December; 389 were taken during the annualgoose (hereafter Bitter L.) n. of Roswell. Chaves Co., N. hunt. The wintering population at Bitter L. was a low Mex , Nov. 16- Dec. 7 (DB,JC), and two on L. Pleasant 3200 on Dec. 7, but to the south 1200 were counted on near Phoenix Jan. 20 (fide JW). An Arctic Loon was L. McMillan n. of Carlsbad Dec. 21. Also notable were reported from Sierra Vista, Cochise Co., Ariz. Dec. 12 at least four that wintered in the Farmington area from (VC, FS); there are few Arizona recordsaway from the January through the end of the period (AN). Surpris- Colorado River. At Bosque del Apache N.W.R. ingly, the only report of Ross' Goosewas an impressive (hereafter Bosque) in Socorro Co., N. Mex., two 150-200which spent most of December at Bosque; 49 Horned Grebeswere identifiedMar. 17 (GZ). The peak were shot. This is the only locality in the Region that winter count of Eared Grebes at Bitter L. was 31 on gets such numbers. Few large concentrationsof ducks Mar 15, and 12 W. Grebes were noted there Dec. 28. were reported. A count of 31,800 Mallards was made at Elsewhere, the four W. Grebes seen at Painted Rock BitterL. Jan. 16 and 20,000 were presentat BosqueJan Dam Feb. 9 (JW, RW) was a good count for Maricopa 18. High counts of other speciescensused at Bosque Co The only large number of Pied-billed Grebes re- include: Gadwall, 800 on Dec. 11; Pintail, 4000 on Dec ported was 150-200present in March at Bosque. 11 and Feb. 11; Green-wingedTeal, 600 during March, CinnamonTeal, 500 on Feb. 21; Am. Widgeon, 500 on PELICANS THROUGH BITTERNS -- Flocks of Dec. 11; and N. Shoveler, 2000 on Dec. 20 and Feb. 21 migrant White Pelicans were seen as follows: 55 at Wood Ducks, uncommonin this Region,were reported Hermosillo, Sonora Feb. 27 (TP, RP), 40 at Bitter L., three times: a pair at PhoenixDec.22 (fide SD), Jan. 6 - Mar 20 (down to one Mar. 26), and six on Bill Evans L. Mar. 12 in Phoenix (RNet al.) and two near Cliff, N south of Cliff, Grant Co., N. Mex., Mar. 20 (D.E. Mex., Feb. 17 (BHay, WB). Buffleheads were more Hunt). A Double-crested Cormorant visited Phoenix commonthan usual in s. Ariz. and 150 were at Bosque Jan 22- Mar. 22 (GB et al.). another was at Bosque duringMarch. Few Hooded Merganserswere reported Mar 28, and 7 were counted on L. Patagonia near (4), but Com. Mergansers were present in large num- Nogales Dec. 9 (PN, MH); the most seen were 13 at bers (250 on Jan.2) throughthe period at Bosque. Five Bitter L. on Dec. I and Mar. 22 (none seen between Red-breastedMergansers were in Maricopa Co., Ariz Dec 8 and Mar. 15). Two imm. OlivaceousCormorants three $ $ at ScottsdaleJan. 1 to the end of the period were photographed (to N.M.O.S.) at Bosque Dec. 18 (m.ob.) andtwo • • in PhoenixMar. 10- 21 (GB, RB) (GZ), this speciesis usually considereda rare straggler to s e. Ariz. and s.w.N. Mex. (from Mexico) but has HAWKS THROUGH FALCONS -- Lowland recently nested in the latter state (Wilson Bull 86: 65). Goshawk reports include one in Phoenix Dec. 15 - Feb Heronries of Great Blue Herons were occupied by 6 (ST, SD at al.), one at Mesa Dec. 28 (RussellPayson) Mar 17n. of Gila, N. Mex. (236 birds) and near the Gila and one on Feb. 1 at Bitter L. (DB). Red-tailed Hawks Cliff Dwellings (six birds) Mar. 30 (RF). As a possible were seen in numbers(incl. immatures) and six Rough- result of mild winter weather the specieswas common leggedHawks on a Bitter L. winter raptor count Feb. 20 at both Bitter L. and Bosque throughoutthe winter. (BS) was a good count; a late one was seen20 mi. n of Green Herons observed along the Gila R. near Cliff Lordsburg, N. Mex., Mar. 31 (M&DZ). Few Ferrugin-

Volume 28, Number 3 673 ous Hawks appearedthis winter; it would be interesting ing, s.w.N. Mex., Dec. 22 (M & DZ), two in the Kofa to find out how many winter in the grasslandsof n.c. Mts., Yuma Co., Ariz., Jan. 1- Feb. 17(S & StL), seven Mexico. Golden Eagles seeninclude: N. Mex. -- nine in the desertnear TucsonJan. 23 (m.ob.), and a single adult, two immatures,and ten (age?); Ariz. -- eight bird at PhoenixDec. - Feb. 20 (ST). (age?); in New Mexico Bald Eagles seen were: four SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A huge adult, four immature,and six (age?).An Ospreynoted concentration of 2000+ White-throated Swifts was ob- along the Verde R. e. of Phoenix Dec. 21 and Jan. 12 served in s.w. Phoenix Jan. 11 (ST), and hundredswere (SD, L&JG) becomesone of the few winter records for over Portal, Cochise Co., Ariz., Mar. 1 (SSp). Costa's the Region. Marsh Hawks were common (50-60) at andAnna' s Hummingbirdswere numerousin the Yuma Bosqueduring the period, but were very scarcein the area from November on (AC). Other reports of Anna's grasslandsof s.e. Arizona. Eleven Peregrine Falcons include:two males, one female at Globe, Ariz., Dec 4 (ages not determined) were reported Region-wide. -- Jan. 10 (SH), and a pair in Tombstone to Dec 17 PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH GAL- (DD). RufousHummingbirds, which normally migrate LINULES -- A Lesser Prairie Chicken at Bitter L. Jan. (in spring)almost exclusively throughthe desertsof 26 - 30 (BS, DB) wasone of the few there in recentyears s.w. Arizona (but occur commonly in the southeast •n though "in its regular habitat about 40 mi. east and a the fall), appearedin Tucson Feb. 27, one male (Mar- few miles north, the carryover seemsto be good and jorie Shepard)and March 2 - 16,one - two males(GMo), booming was well underway as early as Apr. 1" (JC). and one at Portal Mar. 15 (IH). A • or d Rivoh's Scaled and Gambel's Quail were still reported in num- Hummingbird (possibly 2) was photographedin Las bers despite the continuing drought conditions; the Cruces Jan. 18 (Mrs. Eugene Schafer); this is excep- former specieswas seen regularly in three localities n. tional sincethe speciesis quite scarceeven in summer of Silver City, N. Mex. (elev. 6200 ft.), "considerably away from the Animas Mts. of the extremes.w. portion higherthan their usual habitat in Grand County" (fide of New Mexico. Early migrant Rivoli's appeared in M&DZ). Flocks of Montezuma Quail were reported Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts., Ariz., Mar. 6 (JP) from six areasin the high countryofs .w. New Mexico; and at Portal Mar. 13 (IH). A • Blue-throated Hum- th•s may indicate an upward population trend since mingbirdwintered at Portal (IH, SSp), and at least2 d d their numbers fluctuate markedly from year to year. Broad-billed Hummingbirdsvisited Tucson feeders in Wintering Sandhill Cranes at Bitter L. numbered January and February. The second winter record of around 6000 with a pre-departure peak of 11,200 on Coppery-tailedTrogon in Arizona was obtainedwhen a Feb. 1 (DB). Hundreds were at McAllister Lake male and two femaleswere found in GardenCanyon of N W.R. Jan. 20 and Feb. 23 (WS), 667 flew over Albu- the Huachuca Mts., Dec. 28 (DD); the male was still querqueMar. 3 (PB), 50 were at BosqueMar. 10, and in present Feb. 9. Ariz. 200 were counted near Kansas Settlement Dec. 8 An ad. Red-headed Woodpecker present in Ash (Bonnie Swarbrick) and up to 80 wintered (to Mar. 7) at Canyon, Huachuca Mts., from around Feb. 15- Mar 11 Arlington w. of Phoenix where the speciesdoes not (DD, JB, VC, SH, GMo) is the third for Arizona An appear every winter (DT). In n.w. New Mexico, un- unusual number of Williamson's Sapsuckers(mostly usual for winter were up to four Virginia Rails at females and immatures) were seen in the lowlands and FarmingtonDec. 29 (AN) and in nearby Kirtland one mountains of s. Arizona and s.w. New Mexico; most was observed Feb. 17, Mar. 13 & 26 (CS). A possible notable of these records include a pair at Phoenix Dec Sora seen on the Farmington CBC Dec. 15 (fide AN) 1-23 (m.ob.) and a female in Silver City Feb 10 and another at Buckhorn Marsh near Silver City on the (M&DZ). same date (RF) were unusually late. One to four Com. FLYCATCHERS -- Despite mild weather in Feb- Gallinules withstood ice and snow as they wintered at a ruary and March, Cassin's Kingbirds were up to two spring near Kirtland Dec. 17 -- Feb. 17 (CS). weekslate arrivingin s. Arizona. An early W. Kingbird SHOREBIRDS -- Seven Snowy Plovers present was found at Bosque Mar. 10 (WS). An Ash-throated near Gila Bend Jan. 15 (RW et al.) representthe second Flycatcherwas found dead in AlbuquerqueJan. 2 after w•nter record for Maricopa Co. and Arizona away from a snow storm (PB) and also unusual was an ad E the Colorado R.; elsewhere, the first of the season Phoebeon the La Joya Game Range,Socorro Co, N appeared at Bitter L. Mar. 15 (19) and there were 124 Mex., Jan. 21 (C.G. Hawkins). At least three W there by Mar. 22 Thirty Mountain Plovers wintered (to Flycatchers wintered in s.w. Phoenix and an un- Mar. 19) s. of Phoenix (GB, RB), and to the west 40 precedentedeight were seen Mar. 17 (ST); this latter were near Gila Bend Jan. 14 (RW et al.), and 84 were at date is quite early for migrants.A Coue'sFlycatcher Pmnted Rock Dam Feb. 23 (RN et al.); the specieswas was regularly observed e. of Tucson Nov. - Jan. 30, and last reported wintering in Maricopa Co. in 1970. A a • VermilionFlycatcher was at BosqueMar. 10(WS) Long-billed Curlew lingered at Mormon L. near Kirt- SWALLOWS -- For the mostpart migrantswallows land until Dec. 4 (CS). A Herring Gull wintered at Bitter appearedearly throughoutthe Region,and for the first L (to Mar. 15)where six were presentJan. 16. The only time both Tree and Rough-wingedSwallows spent the large numberof Ring-billedGulls reported was 100-300 entirewinter in Phoenix.One Rough-winged and a Barn wintering and 6000 on Feb. 26 at Bitter L. Swallowwere identifiedDec. 18at Imperial Dam on the OWLS -- Barn Owls were found to be common in the Colorado R. (DE, TS) where the speciesare rarely farming areas near Tempe and s.w. Phoenix (ST). A known to winter. Violet-green Swallows were not un- BurrowingOwl founddead on Rt. 70 eight miles n. of commonin s.w. Phoenixby Feb. 17 (ST), and 200-300 LordsburgJan. 5 becomesone of the few actual winter Tree Swallowsappeared at BosqueMar. 9. A very early records for that area (M & DZ). Roostsof Long-eared Cliff Swallow was seen in Tucson Feb. 7 (J P Owls were located as follows: 11 eleven mi. n. of Dem- Schaefer).

674 American Birds, June 1974 JAYS TO WRENS -- A Steller's Jay at Bosque Jan. A c• Varied Thrush in Phoenix Dec. 15 (ST) was only 17 was one of the few seen away from the high moun- the eighth for Arizona. Ruby-crowned Kinglets win- tains. There were no flights of any jays into the low- tered in unprecedented numbers in s.e. Arizona and lands. Red-breasted Nuthatches wintered in small s.w. New Mexico n. through the Pinos Altos Mts numbers in the lowlands of s. Arizona, but White- Waxwingswere scarcethroughout the Region;the only breastedNuthatches were very scarcethere. Bohemiansreported were singlesat Farmington Jan 29 & Mar. 10 (AN). Phainopeplaswere "more abundant than ever noticed before in all areas where mesquite occurs around Phoenix; there is a large crop of mis- WRENS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A lingering tletoe berries as a result of last year's rains" (JW) House Wren was at Pipe Spring Nat'l Mon., Mojave From all indications, Loggerhead Shrikes are doing Co , Ariz., in December (RW1) and another was at well in the Southwest.The only N. Shrike reportedwas Klrtland, N. Mex., Feb. 24 & Mar. 24 (CS). A winter one at Tuba City, Coconino Co., Ariz., Jan. 6 (RW1) Wren, always uncommon in this Region, was in Phoenix November - mid-February and three were in Columbine Falls Canyon, lower Grand Canyon Mar. S.A. 18&21 (Amadeo Rea). An inexplicable invasion of STARLINGS -- It is unfortunate that move- Bewick's Wrens occurred at Pipe Spring Mon. in mentsof undesirablebirds often go unnoticedor December when as many as 50 were countedin one area at least unstudied. Starlings first appeared in (RW1). This specieswas more evident this winter than Arizona (presumably from the east) in the late m the past few at Globe (B J). 1940's, and the first nest was not found until the In New Mexico, a Mockingbird wintered at Silver spring of 1954 near Phoenix (Birds of Arizona, City Dec. 6 - March (M&DZ), and others were at 1964). The specieshas apparentlynot increased Farmington Dec. 29 (AN) and Kirtland Jan. 12 (CS). A as rapidly as may have been expected, for none Brown Thrasher was in Albuquerque Dec. 11 - Mar. 26 were seen in Nogales, Ariz. until 1959, and even (PB) and at Rattlesnake Springss. of Carlsbad Caverns in the late 1960's they were still an uncommon Feb 11 (MW). Two Bendire's Thrashers identified in sight in n. Sonora, s. to Santa Ana (Finding the cholla desert below the Kofa Mts., Yuma Co., Mar. 30 Birds in Western Mexico, 1969). They may be (S&StL) are of interest because their status in this extending their range southward more rapidly portion of the state is uncertain. More Crissal now, for recently the following records sur- Thrashers were reported than usual, and wintering faced: I saw over 250 (a wintering or migrant birds were at Silver City, Deming, and Redrock, N. flock?) on roadsidewires at Empalme, just s. of Mex., near Duncan, Ariz. (all fide M&DZ), and at Guaymas, Son., Nov. 12, 1973, but more im- Globe (BJ). SageThrashers, Am. Robins,and bluebirds portantly, on April 6, 1974, Donald Lamm and were noticeably scarcein s. Arizona, but Am. Robins Steven Speich observedseveral pairs investigat- were commonat Pipe SpringsMon. in n. Arizona and in ing woodpecker holes in short tree forest w. of the highlandsof C. New Mexico where juniper berries Alamos, Son., some 400 miles south of Nogales must have been prevalent. Theserepresent the southernmostrecords for w Mexico known to me. Starlingshave.been moving south over the Mexican plateau for some years, but their increase along the coasts has SoAo been slow. If they become establishedbreeding In Arizona, Rufous-backed Robins (all birds in Sonora, they may continuetheir south- singles)appeared as follows: Nov. 21 - Jan. 3 e. ward expansioninto the agriculturalcountry of of Tucson(Chas. Corchran), Nov. - Apr. at Cave n. Sinaloa. Hopefully, future travelers to west- Cr., Maricopa Co. (Ellis Jones), Dec. 23 along ern Mexico will report their records of this po- SonoitaCr. w. of Patagonia(Jeff Mangum), and tentially harmful species. Dec. 29in Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mts. (RN et al.). Now that this species,an inhabitantof tropical deciduousforests from s. Sonorato Oaxaca, Staffing numbers were up at Pipe Spring Mon. in n has been recorded in the s.w. United States Arizona (RW1) but down at Farmington, N. Mex. th•s more than twenty times- s. Arizona (20), Texas winter, and in n.c. New Mexico Mcknight reports that (2), California (1) - it is apparent that the bird is "the speciesis moving into the mountainsin tremend- now a regular straggler to the Region. All re- ous numbers" and mentioned sightingsof a flock of cordsexcept two fall betweenOctober and May 2000 in pition-juniperwoodland near Sandia Knolls at with mostfrom late November to mid-February. the end of January. Most of these individuals probably followed the north-southriver systemsof Sonora(i.e. Yaqui, WARBLERS -- A Black-and-white Warbler in Mayo) northto the Rio Sonoraand Magdalenain Phoenix, Dec. 15 (RN) was the only reported. Also in n. Sonora, the Santa Cruz R. in s. Ariz, and the Phoenix, a well-described Yellow Warbler Dec. 15 (SD Rio Grande in Texas. These frequent recent oc- et al.) representsthe third Ariz. winter record; another currences(all since 1960)may indicate a north- was seen (no details) at Green Valley s. of Tucson Jan erly expansion of the bird's range in Sonora. 14 (Anne Brison,fide GMo). Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were at Cedar Crest Dec. 13 - 16 (BMck) and Phoenix Mar. 17 (ST). For the first time several

Volume 28, Number 3 675 Townsend's Warblers spent the entire winter in CONTRIBUTORS -- (area compilers in boldface) Phoenix, and one was seenhigh in the ChiricahuaMts. Anne8• StephenAlden, Wm. Baitosser,Pat Basham, Jan. 10 (fide SSp). An Ovenbird in Phoenix Dec. 15 Gene Bauer, Jon Bealer, Bitter Lake N.W.R. -- Jodi (KK) is the secondwinter record for the state, and N. Cottie, Delbert Boggs, Barnet Schranck; Bosque dei Waterthrushes were seen in the same city Dec. 8 & 15 Apache N.W.R. -- Gary Zahm; Robt. Bradley, Vir- (RB,RN) and alongSonoita Creek at PatagoniaFeb. 3 ginia Cechmanek,Allegra Collister, Wes Cook, Doug (Robt. Buttery). SeveralWiison's Warblerswintered in Danforth, Win. Davis, Dot DeLoilis, Saiome Demaree, the Phoenix area, and one was seen on the Tucson JohnDurrie, Dick Erickson,Ralph Fisher, Tom Fogle, Valley CBC Dec. 30. Belatedly, here are the detailsof a Larry & JacqueGoodhew, Steve Hanselmann,Murray Rufous-cappedWarbler (Basileuterusrufifrons) obser- Hansen, Mary Ann & Wayne Hanson, Sallie Harris, vation made in the ChisosMt. Basin of Big Bend Nat'i Bill Harrison, Walton Hawk, Bruce Hayward, Isobei Park, Tex. Sept. 9, 1973by David Wolf of San Antonio. Hicks, Myrtle Hiity, Chas. Hundertmark, Earl & Betty A very detaileddescription was submittedand noteson Jackson, Kenn Kaufman, Hugh Kingery, Susan& Ste- call (a "metallic chip-note") and behavior ("cocked its ven Liston, Barbara Mcknlght0N.M.O.S.), Lisbeth & taft") were included. The bird was found in narrow Scott Mills, Gale Mortson,Tucson; Alan Nelson, New Campground Canyon below Puiliam Ridge and was Mexico OrnithologicalSociety (N.M.O.S.), (RNi) Rita observed for some ten minutes as it foraged with Nicklas, Phil Norton, Robt. Norton, Joan Peabody, Black-crested Titmice in oaks and a Mexican Buckeye Ronald Puiliam, Mark Robbins, StephenRussell, Tom thicket. This is only the second sight record for the Schulenberg, Carol Shryock, Fletcher Siilick, Bea & A.O.U. Check-list area, the first was found at Falcon Dick Smith, (WSp) Walter & Sally Spofford, Steve Dam earlierin the year. The speciesis residentin both Speich, Wm. Stone, Scott Terrill, Ross Teuber, Dick the Sierra Madre Oriental (from Nuevo Leon south) Todd, Bernard Weideman,Geth White, Marjorie Wil- and Occidental (s.e. Sonora and w. Chihuahua south). liams, (RWl) Richard Wilt, Janet Witzeman, Phoenix; Robt. Witzeman, Marian & Dale Zimmerman, Grant BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Fif- Co., N. Mexico. -- TED PARKER, S.U.P.O. Box teen Great-tailed Grackles were observed at Kirtland, 10510, University of Arizona 85720. N. Mex., Jan. 2 (CS), and two were at Albuquerque by Mar. 28 (PB). Quite unusual was an ad. c•Orchard Oriole in s.w. Phoenix Jan. 11 (RW et al.), the third ALASKA REGION Maricopa Co. record and first Arizona winter record. / Daniel D. Gibsonand G. Vernon Byrd An imm. c• Scott's Oriole wintered at Silver City Jan. 7 Mar. 29 (M. O'Byrne, M&DZ). Female-plumaged N. The winter of 1973-1974was a relatively mild one. (Bullock's) Orioles appearedin Phoenix Feb. 17 (ST) Coastal weather was severe locally, e.g. the Bering Sea and AlbuquerqueMar. 3 & 4. (DDe). A 9 Hepatic ice pack moved as far south as the tip of the Alaska Tanagerat Imperial Dam Park Dec. 19 may be the first Peninsulaand Cold Bay froze, but at inland locations winter record for the Colorado River region. there were only brief periods of very cold weather (-50øF and colder). FRINGILLIDS -- A C• Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found dead in Tucson Jan. 4 (fide GMo). The second winter record of Blue Grosbeak in Maricopa Co. was one at Phoenix (TF) Dec. 15. Early was a c• Lazuli Bunting at Bosque Mar. 10 (WS). A Dickcisseiwas in NogalesMar. 18 into April (J. Bache-Wiig). Few Even- ing Grosbeakswandered to the lowlandsthis winter, and similarly Lawrence'sGolfinches were quite scarce. Twenty Brown-cappedRosy Fincheswere in the Pecos Wilderness Area near Santa Fe Feb. 17 (HK) and 75 were still present in the Jemez Mts., SandovalCo., N. Mex., Dec. 30 (R. Swain). At least nine White-throated Sparrows and three Fox Sparrows wintered in the Phoenix area. Seven Harris' Sparrow reports were received, all were of iramatures. Swamp Sparrows seen include I imm. in Phoenix Dec. 15 (KK) and Mar. 27 (SD, JW) and an imm. at Nonoava, ChihuahuaFeb. 27 (TP).

CORRIGENDA -- In Am. Birds 28:88 change Snowy Plover peak at Bitter L. to Aug. 1 (not Aug. 8), Mountain Plovers w. of Clayton Oct. 2 (not Oct. 11); Am. Birds 28:89 - Two Red-headed Woodpeckers at Los Lunas (not Aibuq.), Blue Jay at Bitter L. Nov. 6 (not Nov. 16), and ProthonotaryWarbler at Silver City Oct. 4 (not Oct. 14).

676 American Birds, June 1974 HAWKS, EAGLES, AND FALCONS -- Raptors Islands and in s.e. Alaska. Perhaps the most widely were widely reportedthis winter. Goshawkswere seen newsworthy were redpolls, light extremes ("Hoary- commonlyin the Interior all winter(m. ob.), the species types") of which were very common in the Interior was observedfrequently at Anchorage(SFT, AS) and during the first half of the winter, and dark extremes in the Cohoe-Kasilof area (MAM), and it was recorded ("Common-types") of which were abundant across three times at Kodiak duringthe winter (RM). There south central Alaska. were two recordsof Sharp-shinnedHawks at Kodiak, singlebirds on Feb. 10 & 18 (RM). Of interestwere LOONS, GREBES -- Following the discovery of a repeated observationsof at least four Golden Eagles dead Yellow-billed Loon on an Adak I. beach in m•d- alongthe Kodiak I. road systemthroughout the period November (seefall migration),single birds were seenat (RM & WED). At leasttwo adultsand two immatures Clam Lagoon, Adak, Dec. 27 and Jan. 26 (GVB & JLT) were identified. Usually these birds were seen back This speciesis apparently a rare winter visitor as far from the coastline,where Bald Eagles are ubiquitous. west as the c. Aleutians, not a casual. A dead Arctic An ad. Golden Eagle carefully observed at Dutch Loon was found at Massacre Bay, Attu I., where the Harbor, e. Aleutians• Jan. 5 (RT & RD), is the first speciesmust be regardedas rare, Feb. 19, and another detailed record of this bird in the e. Aleutian Is. in individual was observed in that area Mar. 17 (JLT) years,although rumors of its presencein the mountains Singleflocks of 150-200W. Grebeswere seeninshore at of Unalaska I. have persistedsince the 1940s.A Marsh Ketchikan on three occasionsthis winter (PM), and the Hawk seenwell at Kodiak Feb. 17(RM & NT) is one of specieswas recordedtwice at Juneau, one on Dec 22 few Alaska winter records. A Merlin hunted a Ketch- and two on Jan. 21 (ESD). ikan feeding station until mid-December(PM), and an •ndividual was seen at Anchorageon Jan. 22 (AS). TUBENOSES -- Known to winter in small numbers in c. and w. Aleutian waters Laysan Albatrosses(up to SHOREBiRDS, GULLS -- One Black Tumstone two birds) were recorded in January and February in was recorded at Kodiak Dec. 14 and nine the following Chugul,Amlia, and Seguampasses, c. Aleutians(RN, day (RM, TTW, & WED). There were two Kodiak RT & RD). Ten Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels that came records of Com. Snipe: one at Bell's Flats Jan. 13 and aboard ship on the night of Jan. 19-20 at Nazan Bay, two near Kalsin Bay Feb. 17 (RM). Macintosh wrote, Atka I. (RT & RD), are particularly interesting since "In both areasbirds were alongsmall, ice free streams nothing is known about winter distribution of this with an abundanceof aquaticvegetation. In both cases speciesin the Region. the springfed origin of the streamwas nearby. These small 'warm' water streams, close to their subterranean origins, seem to be isolated oases where Corn. Snipe SWANS, DUCKS -- Whooper Swans were re- m•ght regularly overwinter." A Ring-billed Gull was corded at Atka (JN), Adak (GVB, JLT et al.), and Attu reported at JuneauDec. 6 (ESD); there is still no (JLT), Is., Aleutians, this winter. Maximum count was specimen-or photograph-substantiatedrecord of this sevenadults at Adak in early March. Wintering Ring- b•rd in the Region. Up to 20 Mew Gulls were seen necked Ducks are known in Alaska only from Sitka, irregularlyat Adak throughFebruary (GVB & JLT). where a pair has been observed each of the last several winters(CHJ & AJ). Color photographs(on file) were ALCIDS, OWLS -- Of interestwas a full-plumaged taken there this winter. Up to 30 Canvasbackswere Thick-billed Murre observed at Auke Bay, Juneau, observedat Adak Jan. 5 - Mar. 6 (GVB & JLT e! al ) Dec. 13-25(ESD). SnowyOwls were widely recorded Two ad. c•c• Lesser Scaup were carefully identified at in s.c. and s.w. Alaska duringthe period. There were closerange at Kodiak Jan. 27 & Feb. 20 (RM & WED), several recordsof singlebirds in the Anchoragearea and the species was uncommon to rare at Ketchikan dunng December(SFT et al.), two birdsin the Homer during the period (PM). There is no precedentfor the area in late December(MAM & GT), up to three birds at speciesas far north as Kodiak in winter. Oldsquaws Cold Bay regularlyfrom Dec. 19through the end of the were abundant at Kodiak (RM), more abundant than period (CR), up to two birds at Adak from Dec. 21 usual in Prince William Sound (PI), but less common through Mar. 10 (GVB & JLT, et al.), one bird on thanusual at Kake (CLE) thiswinter. King Eiderswere Shemya at the end of November (WB), and birds were foundwintering at ShemyaI., w. Aleutians,this wmter seenoccasionally during the period at Attu, on which (WB), the first time an observerhas been present at that island the speciesis resident (JLT). Hawk Owls were location.Since the winter rangeof SpectacledEider is common in interior and s.c. Alaska. They were re- not known, a female closely observedat Kodiak Dec corded regularly in the Fairbanks area all winter (m. 14 (RM, TTW, & WED) and a pair photographedat ob ), and 12-15 birds were estimated present in the Shemya I. Feb. 18 (WB) are most exciting records Anchorage area throughout the period (SFT, MLM, Rare anywhere in the Aleutian Is., Surf Scoter was first AS). A Pygmy Owl was closely observed at Kake on recorded in the w. Aleutians this winter, a male at Feb. 21 (CLE). Although the speciesis residentin s.e. Shemya I. during the secondweek of February (WB) Alaska, it is seldom reported. The first calling Boreal SingleHooded Merganserswere recordedat Ketchikan Owls were heard in the Cohoe-Kasilof area at the end of Dec. 11(PM) andat JuneauFeb. 26 (ESD). Four female the first week of March (MAM), in the Fairbanksarea a Smews were observed on Smew Pond, Adak, from few days later (DW). mid-Decemberthrough Feb. 1, and three were present Observers reported from many scattered locations there irregularly through the close of the reporting alongAlaska's Pacific coast as well as in the Aleutian period(GVB & JLT). This is the sixth consecutiveyear

Volume 28, Number 3 677 that Smews have been recordedin the c. Aleutians; four storms Cordova feeders supported several thousand b•rdstogether equals the maximumcount known in birds. Redpoll numbers remained high there during Alaska. March, and movement of transient birds was a turn- about to the west. Redpolls in these flocks duringlate HUMMINGBIRDS, JAYS AND NUTHATCHES January were over 100:1 Common-types: Hoary-types, -- A G Anna'sHummingbird was photographedat a whereasby mid-Mareh the ratio was about 30:1 (PI) Sitka feeder Mar. 2 (CHJ & A J), and the bird was Common-types were numerous all winter in the observedregularly at least throughMar. 15. Other Cohoe-Kasilof area (MAM). In s.w. Alaska, up to six hummingbirdswere reported in the Sitkaarea during Common-typeswere observed irregularly at Adak Februaryand March, but noneof thesewas identified (GVB & JLT), up to sixwere seenat Shemyain January to species(fide CHJ). Anotherunidentified humming- (WB), andup to sixwere presentthroughout the period bird wasreported at a Juneaufeeder Jan. 9 (fide ESD). at Attu (JLT). One Hoary-type was seen at Shemya Two Steller'sJays were recordeddaily duringmid- duringthe first week of January(WB), andone Hoary- Januaryat an Anchoragefeeder (AS). Red-breasted type was observedat Kodiak on Feb. 18 (RM & NT) Nuthatches continued to be common at Kodiak through Flocks of up to 50 Common-type redpolls were re- the winter (RM), and a singlebird overwinteredat an corded in the Juneau area in December and January Eagle R., Anchorage,feeder (EPB). There was no (ESD), and Common-typesarrived at Kake in some further comment on this species except from s.e. numbers on Feb. 16 and remained through the end of Alaska,where the specieswas ubiquitousin the Kake the period (CLE). One Hoary-type was seenat Juneau area at least throughearly February (CLE). Jan.21 (WPD). Redpollswere not reportedfrom Ketch- ikan. KINGLETS, WAXWINGS -- Four Golden- The only recordsof White-wingedCrossbills were of crownedKinglets observed at Arctic Valley, Anchor- small numbers in the Cohoe-Kasilof area until late age, Jan. 29 (SFT), were at the very n. end of the January (MAM), a few flocks in the Copper R. delta species'range. This specieswas observedonly five area throughoutthe winter (JEK, fide PI), and eight t•mesat Ketchikan duringDecember, not once there- birds observed at Seward on Mar. 5 (SFT). after(PM). Therewere, however, at least15 sightings of flocksof 10-25Ruby-crowned Kinglets in the Ketch- tkanarea during the period (PM). Bohemian Waxwings SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, AND BUNTINGS -- were all but absent in the Fairbanks area during the One"Slate-colored" Junco was seen at Kodiak Feb. 2, winter(TTW), andthey were scarce at Talkeetna(JI), and seven "Slate-colored" and one "Oregon" were but they were presentin groupsof 3-80birds in the seen Feb. 18(RM). Tree Sparrows were uncommonbut Anchoragearea throughout the period(Sb-T, MLM). foundregularly at Kodiakthroughout the period,and Maximumcount at Anchoragewas 250+ on Feb. 8 two ad. Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen there (Sb-T). Two BohemianWaxwings were recordedat Jan. 6 (RM). Fox Sparrow was recorded at Ketchikan Juneau Dec. 14 (ESD). three times in December, but none was seen subsequently (PM). One Lapland Longspurwas observedat GROSBEAKS, REDPOLLS, AND CROSSBILLS closerange at Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Feb. 17 (RM & -- Pine Grosbeakswere uncommonin the Fairbanks NT), providing only the fourth winter record for area,occurring in smallscattered flocks (CPD, MHD et Alaska. The first McKay's Buntingof the winter was al ) throughoutthe period.They were alsouncommon seen at the Izembek Nat'l Wildlife Rangebanding sta- in the Anchoragearea throughoutthe winter (AS, tion, Cold Bay, Jan. 16. Subsequently,four additional SFT), and the specieswas recorded in the Cohoe- birds were banded during the period, and four un- Kasilof area (MAM). Pine Grosbeakswere widely re- banded males were seen Mar. 18 (CR). portedin s.e. Alaskathis winter: 30-40birds at Juneau on Feb. 4 (ESD) and 15-20birds at KetchikanJan. 20 & Feb. 9 (PM).

Hoary-typeredpolls were common in the Fairbanks CONTRIBUTORS, OBSERVERS, and other ab- areain flocksof up to severalhundred birds until late breviations-- EdgarP. Bailey, William Baird, Chris- January,when the flocks broke up or dispersed(m. tianP. Dau,Robert DeJong, Matthew H. Dick, William ob ). Most individualswere immature birds, and almost E. Donaldson,Evelyn S. Dunn,William P. Dunn, Chf- no Common-typeredpolls were seenamong them dur- ford L. Estabrook, John Ireland, Pete Isleib, Alice mgthis period.South of the AlaskaRange, Common- Johnstone,Charles H. Johnstone,J. Ed King, Richard type redpollswere widely common,and only a few Macintosh,Mary Lee Mayfield, PatriciaMcConnell, Hoary-typeswere noted. Common-typeswere abun- Mary A. Miller, RobertNelson, John Nevzoroff, Cal dant in the Anchoragearea throughoutthe period Reeve, Alice Shoe, Robert Tamburelli, StephenF (SFT), andthe observer'sonly sightingof Hoary-types Taylor, GordonTerpening, Nelle Terpening,John L was of three birds Mar. 4. In the CopperR. delta-Prince Trapp,Thomas T. Wetmore,Dan Wetzel; m.ob., many William Sound area, Common-type redpolls were pres- observers. -- DANIEL D. GIBSON, University entonly in scatteredflocks until late January, when the Museum,University of Alaska,Fairbanks 99701, and G. area appearedto be invadedfrom the west. During VERNON BYRD, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,P.O. Februarythis movementcontinued, and duringsnow- Box 5251, Adak, Alaska 98791.

678 American Birds, June 1974 NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION I., near Portland, and with up to nine in one place at / John B. Crowell, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls Salem, Newport, Eugene, Coos Bay, Grants Pass and Medford, Oreg. Am. Bitterns were at Seattle in late The winter of 1973-74 in the Northern Pacific Coast February (fide PM), at Finley N.W.R., Dec. 9(fide FZ), Region was relatively mild, with no prolonged cold and on the Ocean Shoresand Tillamook, Oreg., CBCs. spellsor periodsof sustainedsnowfalls in the lowlands. Precipitationwas another matter; lower elevationsex- WATERFOWL -- WhistlingSwans appear to have beenpresent in the s. halfof the Regionin usualwintering numbers;of particularinterest are the 50 or more individualsseen at Florenceon the c. Oregoncoast Dec. 29 (AC et al.). Some 100Trumpeter Swans, two withneck bands, spent the winter in the vicinityof Mt. Vernon, Wash. (TW). On Feb. 4, three birds of this specieswere seennear Duncan,B.C.; one borea blue neckband (VG). A singleTrumpeter Swan spent two months at Ocean Shores, commencing in mid- December(G&WH). Approximately18,000 "Dusky" CanadaGeese (about 3000 more than normal)wintered in w. Washingtonand w. Oregon,according to a U.S.F.&W.S. report(FZ); thisreport is in happycon- trastto lastyear's report which described the wintering totalof 15,000as the lowest in fourteenyears. By hind- sightone canconclude that the bittercold spell in the first half of December1972 probably forced numbers farthersouth than customary.A Brant was identifiedat Bayview S.P., Skagit Co., Wash., Feb. 24 (EH). Thousandsof BlackBrant were found at PadillaBay, SamishI., Wash.,Jan. 11(SJ). An ad. EmperorGoose stayedat Finley N.W.R. Dec. 23 - Jan. 9 (FZ). The usual few individual White-fronted and Snow Geese were in the Willamette Valley in December and January. The 11,000 Snow Geese which wintered on Washington's Skagit Flats were half the usualnumber; periencedan abundanceof rain, and higherelevations comparativelyfew were saidto be youngbirds (TW). received much snow through December, January and Individuals of the Eurasian subspeciesof Green- February; March was somewhat wetter than normal, wingedTeal were seenon s.e. VancouverI., at Whid- too. Ornithologically speaking,the seasonwas another bey I., Wash., and in Portland from the end of De- good one, as the following pagesattest. cember through the rest of the season. An adult d Balkal Teal was shot two miles e. of Finley N.W.R., LOONS, GREBES, SHEARWATERS, HERONS Jan.12 by David Homing,who donated the specimento -- Yellow-billed Loons were seen at seven different the OregonState Universitycollection (fide FZ); the localitiesin Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, but recordis a first for this Region,although there is the not elsewhere,at varioustimes throughoutthe winter usualquestion as to the possibilityof the bird beingan season. An Arctic Loon on the Willamette R. at escape from some park or aviary collection. A d Eugeae, Oreg., Dec. 27 (LM) was an unusualinland Blue-wingedTeal turnedup on thenewly-inauguarated record, as were two Red-throated Loons at Fern Ridge Gray's Harbor, Wash., C BC. A CinnamonTeal at Seat- Res., w. of Eugene Dec. 5 (AC,HN) and one Red- tle Jan. 13and one at SamishI., Feb. 9 (fide PM) both throated at Corvallis, Oreg., Dec. 23 (FR, fide FZ). are very early records. European Wigcon were well Red-necked Grebes were very scarce during the sea- reportedin widely scatteredsingles and pairs in w. son, except that 258 on the Victoria, B.C., CBC was an Washingtonand w. Oregon to the s. end of the Wil- outstandinglyhigh total. Eared Grebes, as usual, were lametteValley and at coastalpoints. Except during found occasionallyon Puget Sound and on the waters January,Wood Ducks were at favored placesin the near Victoria during the winter. Four N. Fulmarswere middle one-third of the Region. Up to a half-dozen seen during the first two weeks of December in the Redheadswere found at Duncanand Saanich,B.C., vicinity of Victoria (V & MG, TW); a singlefulmar and andat Seattleand Ocean Shores throughout the report a lone Sooty Shearwaterwere found deadon the beach period. There were good concentrationsof Ring- at Ocean Shores, Wash., Dec. 15 (EH). A dead Short- neckedDucks at favoredlocalities in the s. portionof tailed Shearwater was found on the samelong stretch of the Regionthrough much of the winter: over 400were at beach the next day (AW). The countsof 886 Brandt's Duncan,B.C., duringDecember, but by mid-Marchall Cormorantsand 724 Pelagic Cormorantson the Vic- had gone(JCo); Finley N.W.R. startedwith 82 birds in toria CBC Dec. 30 were good totals. Decemberand had 96 in March(FZ); peaknumbers for The Region enjoyed an unprecedentednumber of the Victoria area were 200 on Jan. 12 (VG, RS). Can- wintering Great Egrets with single birds noted re- vasbackcontinue at low numbers,with approximately peatedlyin the vicinityof M. Vernon, Wash., at Sauvie 100 individualson both the Tillamookand Eugene

Volume 28, Number 3 679 CBCs beingthe maximumone-day counts. A d Tufted numerousin n. PugetSound and in the Straitsof Geor- Duck was at Ladner, B.C., from Feb. 28 to the end of gia at times this winter, with impressivecounts of 78 the period(WW et al.) Up to 16 Barrow'sGoldeneyes individuals-- 63 of them adults-- on the shortferry w•ntered around Victoria (VG), while almost that ridefrom ActivePass in the Gulf Is. to SwartzBay n. of number appearto have spentthe seasonin the Seattle Victoria Feb. 16 (GAP, fide VG), 20 between area (SJ). The Bellingham,Gray's Harbor, Seattleand Anacortes, Wash., and Sydney, B.C., Feb. 17 (DP,SJ), Tillamook CBCs all recorded from 200 to 800 Fuf- 24 Cowichan Bay area of s.e. Vancouver I., Jan. 10 fiehead,which together indicated there were goodwin- (VG) and20 on the VictoriaCBC. Alongthe SkagitR teringnumbers in this Region.Over 50 Oldsquawswere between Rockpork and Marblemount, Wash., Jan. 19 found for the BellinghamCBC; further south no more there were 30 Bald Eagles, of which half were immature than six /ndividuals at a time were noted at Seattle, birds. Away from these favored areas, there were re- Olympia, Ocean Shores, Tillamook and Florence. ports of one or two individualsfrom Fern RidgeRes , Another good sightingwas added to the very small Tillamook, Sauvie I., Newport and Alsea, Oreg. Marsh numberof Washingtonrecords for King Eider; a pair Hawks showedwell on the Sauvie I., (43), Tillamook consistingof a first year d and •?was photographedat (54) and Eugene(59) CBCs, all of which are hightotals, Bellingham,Dec. 29-30and Jan. 19(TW et al.). A peak but were thoughtto be at averageor lower numbers•n of 500 Corn. Merganserson QuamichanL., Vancouver n. Washington (TW). Ospreys were noted only at Salt- I, Dec. 23 is a highcount, as was the 200 on nearby Elk coosL. near Florence, Oreg., Mar. 20 (AC), and at a L, Jan. 16; by March, the number was down to 20-30 nestsite in N. Saanich,B.C., Mar. 28 (VG). Gyrfalcons b•rdsin a day (VG, RS). The two Red-breastedMeigan- were seen in greater numbersthan ever before, w•th sers at Fern Ridge Res. (AC,HN) and one at Finley repeated observations of single birds in various color N W.R. (WE,fide FZ) all in the first week of December phasescoming from lowland n. Washingtonbetween were noteworthyinland sightings.A •?Smew was dis- Bellingham and Mt. Vernon, and from Saanich and coveredat Reifel RefugeFeb. 28 andwas seenby many CowichanBay n. of Victoria. Other sightingsoccurred observersafter that up to the end of the period (WW, at WhidbeyI., Wash., OceanCity Park, Gray's Harbor Tw et al.); the record is the secondfor the Vanouuver Co., Wash., from Finley N.W.R. and from Eugene, area in the last four years. mostly in December, but up until Mar. 2. A Prairie Falconfrequented the Lummi Flats near Bellingham HAWKS -- A White-tailed Kite was again found at Jan. 1 - Mar. 15 (JD, TW et al.); another was seen at Medford, this time for the CBC, Dec. 29. There were Finley N.W.R. Mar. 12 (FZ). Three Prairie Falcons reports of eight Goshawk sightings(one involving two wererecorded on the MedfordCBC. Up to threePereg- b•rds)in the Regionthis winter from Duncan s. to Coos rines at a time were reported through the winter from Bay, Oreg. Sharp-shinnedHawks showedup encourag- aboutfifteen well-separatedlocalities in the s. port•on •ngly on many of the Regions's CBCs, the maximum of the Region n. of Eugene; the statusof Merlins could being eleven at Victoria; individuals were seen re- be similarly summarized. American Kestrels and Red- peatedlyand often in the vicinity of Victoria andon the tailed Hawks continueto be the most plentiful year- Skagit Flats through the winter. Otherwise, we have round raptors in the Puget Sound-WillametteValley reportsof twelve sightingsfrom ninelocations through trough. the winter. The CBCs did lesswell with Cooper' s Hawk numbers,the maximumcount being eight at Seattle; GAMEBIRDS, CRANES, RAILS --Ring- Coopefts Hawks, too, were seen often through the necked Pheasants, Bob white and California w•nter in the Victoria area and on the Skagit Flats, but Quail have declinedmarkedly in w. Oregonin otherwise there were reports of sightingsfrom only recent years; although the severe winter of three locations outside the CBC period. A Swainsoh's 1968-69 may have been a contributing factor Hawk was noted in the Malahat District ofs. Vancouver along with possibly diminished favorable I on Mar. 19, in the act of worrying aTurkey Vulture; it habitat, it would seem reasonable to suspect •sthe first springrecord for VancouverI. (RF,fide VG). very strongly that a coincident increasein the Last fall' s heavy invasionof Rough-leggedHawks was populationof opossumshas had somethingto do reflectedin the remarkableCBC totalsfor this species, with the decline. 'Possums are an introduced e g., Bellingham 28, Ocean Shores 20, Corvallis 26, speciesto the Northwest and, judging by the Eugene 44, Tillamook 29. Three wintered in the Med- numberof deadindividuals to be seenalong the ford area (OS) and four were still to be found at Til- lowland roads of the Region, must be foraging lamook as late as March 23 (JBC et al.) Golden Eagles everywhere. Ground-nestingspecies such as the were noted at severalwidely separatedlocations in w. pheasant, Bobwhite and California Quail, as Oregon in March; one was at Sauvie I. from mid- well as the towhee and other songbirdswould December to late January, and up to three spent the inevitably suffer severenest depredationsfrom winter on s. Vancouver I. John Comer reports an in- night-marauding'possums! tnguing yet mystifying phenomenoninvolving an all- day movement at Bald Eagles southeastward over A Single Sandhill Crane at Salem Jan. 19 (SW, fide Duncan B.C. Mar. 16; Duncan is on the s.e. side of FZ) was out of season; a group of 36 Sandhillswhich Vancouver I. The movement was occurring at an esti- had lingered at Sauvie I. through year-end ultimately mated 3,000 foot elevation and consistedprimarily of departed in mid-January (HN). Returning migrants •mmature birds of which 30 were counted by the par- were seen over Eugene Mar. 16 (LM) and were stop- t•cipating observers. Bald Eagles were particularly pingover at SauvieI. in numbersup to 400 Mar. 22 (CS

680 American B•rds, June 1974 fide HN). A few Virginia Rails winter regularly in the numbersdwindled rapidly thereafter until early March Region; this year an influx of migrants was noted by broughtthe first returning individualsto Puget Sound early March. Single Heermann's Gulls appeared at Ocean Shores and at Tillamook for the CBSs there, both of which SHOREBIRDS -- Again this year the only winter were on Dec. 16. Two Black-leggedKittiwakes were seasonreports of SemipalmatedPlover were from the seenon both countsalso; a bird was at Friday Harbor, Ttllamook CBC, where eight were present. Killdeer Whidbey I., Dec. 15 and Jan. 3 (TW), while three were were saidto be scarceor uncommonat many points in seen at the Jordan R. on Vancouver I., Dec. 19 (VG), the s. portion of the Region, includingthe Willarnette and at Newport, Oreg. (WHo,fide FZ), Dec. 9. An Valley, particularly in Januaryand February, although extremely detailed account has been received from the EugeneCBC recorded3288 individuals, which was Phillip D. Ellerbee and James R. Miller of a lengthy comparableto the count there of two years ago before observationmade by them on the beach at Leadbetter last year's cold-weather-inducedcrash. Approximately Point, Jan. 27, 1974,of a Red-leggedKittiwake; the b•rd 100 Black-bellied Plover showed up on the Tillamook was observed down to a distance of three feet, and at and Gray's Harbor CBCs; an estimated150 birds win- one point soughtshelter under the observers'cars. The tered in the vicinity of Vancouver (VG). The 220 Surf- observersappreciated at the time the rarity of their find, b•rdson the Tillamook CBC was a hightotal. Common and took commendablepains to check the accuracy of Snipe were well enough representedon some of this their identification and to obtain a detailed description year's CBCsto allay fearsthat their scarcitylast year as of it on the spot. The record is the first for Washington a consequenceof the early December 1972prolonged and the secondfor the Regionof which we have know- freeze might have substantiallyimpacted population ledge. numbers. A Whimbrel at Tillamook for the CBC and Marbled Murrelets were numerousat Friday Harbor, two individuals at Newport, Jan. 19 (WHo, fide FZ) Feb. 17-18(S J). An estimated6400 Ancient flock of 25 were probablythe northernmostwintering sentinels of Mourning Doves at Burlington, Wash., attests to the their species.A Wandering Tattler at Newport on Jan. general mildness of the winter. The San Juan Is m 19 (WHo, fide FZ) and one on Great Chain I., B.C., Decemberand January(TW); oddly all had disappeared Feb. 13 and Mar. 2 (WC et al., fide VG) are very from the Region after Feb. 7. A Cassin's Auklet was unusualrecords of wintering individuals.Three Willets seen at Westport, Oreg., on the Columbia R., 32 m• at Newport Dec. 9 & Dec. 19 (Who, RBfide FZ), and from the ocean Feb. 12 (DR, MS fide FZ). A few one Jan. 19 (WHo,fide FZ) are also extraordinary! A RhinocerosAuklets were to be found in Puget Sound few Greater Yellowlegsevidently spentthe winter in and around the s. end of Vancouver I. during the the Region,the ten or so on s. VancouverI. beingthe winter. northernmostoutpost (VG); by early March migrants DOVES, OWLS, NIGHTHAWK, HUMMING- were drifting into the Region. As many as 32 Rock BIRDS -- Finley N.W.R. commenced the report Sandpiperswintered at Victoria (VG). A Least Sand- periodwith about 100Mourning Doves; their number p•per at Victoria Mar. 14 is said to be the first March had doubledin January,was up to 300 by February, but record there (V&MG). Dunlin always winter in large in March fell off to 75, presumablyas the birds beganto numbers on the Washington coast; 19,000 were found move with the advancingseason. A flock of 25 Mourn- for the Gray's Harbor CBC this year; they are also ing Doves at Burlington, Wash., attests to the general commonlyfound in winter in Oregon's Willamette Val- mildnessof the winter. The recordingof four Barn Owls ley. Long-billed Dowitchers in numbersup to 54 were on the Gray's Harbor CBC is of someinterest as is the found on the Eugene, Sauvie I., and Tillamook CBCs. count of eight Screech Owls on the same count. The Red Phalaropeswere found at Ocean Shores and Til- Sauvie I. Hawk Owl, reported inAm. Birds:28, 96 was lamook for the CBCs there, the 47 at the latter place seenagain, finally and opportunelyfor the CBC there, beinga remarkably high count; Tillamook also listed a another turned up at Oak Bay, Victoria Dec 10 singleN. Phalarope,which is an unprecedentedwinter (RF,fide VG), and then on Jan. 9 the sameobserver had seasonrecord for anywhere in the Region,as far as we the extraordinary good fortune of seeingthe same or know. anotherbird at Saanich(fide VG). The BurrowingOwl seen in November at Eugene was found again Jan 3 GULLS, ALCIDS -- Glaucousgulls were noted at (DD,fide LM); one was found againfor the fifth con- Salem, a most unusuallocation, in early February (TM secutiveyear at Agate L., near Medford (OS). Num- fide RL and Sauvie I., Oreg., at Olympia, Yelm, bers of Snowy Owls, particularly in n. Washington, Anacortes, Bellingham,Wash., and at Victoria, Sooke surpassedanything in memory of presently active ob- and Saanich on Vancouver I. at various times during servers and seemsto have been comparable to the great the winter. A Slaty-backedGull was closely and care- invasions in 1916-17 and 1917-18 mentioned in the hter- fully observed at length under good conditions at ature. There were up to 100 of these great owls on the Victoria's Clover Pt. Mar. 1; careful notes were made SamishFlats in early January,decreasing to 40 or so by and color film taken to substantiate the sighting the end of the month, and to 20 or so by the end of the (V&MG); the record is the first for the Region,to our report period (NL,fide TW); 107 Snowy Owls were knowledge. Two W. Gulls at Eugene Nov. 26 (LM) and recorded on the Ladner CBC, 32 on the Bellingham at Fern Ridge Res., Dec. 5 (AC,HN) were far displaced CBC, 79 on the Samish Isl. CBC, 25 on the Gray's from the coast which is the almost exclusive haunt of harborCBC. Individualswere seenat many localitiess their kind. Although Bonaparte'sGulls were presentin through the Puget sound and Willamette Valley trough good numbersfor CBCs at Bellinghamand Victoria, to Eugene where there were at least four during

Volume 28, Number 3 681 January. Birds were also seen on the coast at Ocean one wintered at Aberdeen, Wash. (GH). Two Bushtits Shores,Tillamook, Newport, Waldport and Florence, were engagedin nest-buildingat Bellevue, Wash., Feb. Oreg., through March. A Great Gray Owl spent the 15 (SJ). winter e. of Sedro Wooley, Wash., until early March (Wash. State Game Dept., TW et al .). Long-eared NUTHATCHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- Two Owls turned up at the w Oregon locationsof Dallas, Pygmy Nuthatches were discovered in Salem in mid- Finley N.W.R., Cottage Grove and Medford. Short- December and remained there through the end of eared Owls seem to have been well represented,at least March (AT, RL et al. ). Two Wrentits were observed at until mid-January,on the e. side of PugetSound and in Finley N.W.R., Dec. 23 (FZ). Numbers of Long-billed the Willamette Valley; 68 were listed for the Sauvie 1. Marsh Wrens wintered in the vicinity of Bellingham, CBC. A Saw-whet Owl was at Siltcoos L. near Flor- Victoria and Seattle. An imm. Mockingbird was found ence., Dec. 27 (AC et al .). at Tacoma, Wash.. for the CBC and was still there in ACom. Nighthawk was seen at Federal Way, Wash., apparently weakened condition Jan. 3 (EH). It seemed on the afternoon of Feb. 15; the observer's attention to a number of observers that Am. Robins wintered in wasfirst drawn to the bird by the familiar call note and it larger numbersthan usual in the Willamette Valley. was discoveredin flight about 100ft. away, perhaps40 Varied Thrusheswere particularly plentiful at Medford ft. in the air over a field area for about a half-minute all winter (OS). Hermit Thrusheswere very scarce, before it disappeared(BB). During the week of March with the Victoria areaaffording the only repeatedsight- 23-30, three nighthawkswere heardbut not seenfrom a ings.Western Bluebirds were saidto be presentin good boat cruising the San Juan and Gulf Is. (DH,fide TW). numbers in the Rogue R. valley (OS) where 290 were Is it possible that individual nighthawksoccasionally seenon the Medford CBC, and in the Salem area (RL) pass the winter in our Region by becomingtorpid as this past winter; severalflocks of up to ten birds were other membersof their family are known to 'hiber- seen aroundCorvallis up to Feb. 10 (FZ); Eugenere- nate'? corded 57 W. Bluebirds for its CBC and two individuals Anna's Hummingbirds seem to have been more were discoveredat Victoria Mar. 31 (M&VG). Three prevalent at Victoria than anywhere else during the Mountain Bluebirdsappeared at Saanich Mar. 26 (RF, winter season; 13 were recorded for the CBC there, all fide VG). SingleTownsend's Solitaires showed up at at Saanich; five feeders there were regulal•y visited several places in the s. Willamette Valley during the throughmost of the winter by one, two or three birds; winter, at Bellinghamfor the CBC, at Padilla Bay, some of the visitors did not appear until February, Wash., Dec. 23 and at Hobart, Wash., Mar. 31 (SJ). while othersstopped coming anywhere from eal•y Feb- Three were seenon Mt. Finley, VancouverI., on Feb. 6 ruary to mid-March (tide M&VG). Other Anna's (LR,fide VG). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher had returned Hummingbirdswere seenat SiltcoosL. near Florence, to Roxy Ann Butte near Medford by Mar. 30 (OS). A Oreg., Mar. 17 (AC), at SeattleFeb. 25 (DCd2dePM); a White Wagtail visited the Region for the second con- pair was at Ferndale, Wash., throughDecember, and a secutive year; the bird was evidently of the ocularis male was noted at Bellingham Jan. 21 (TW). A "great race and was discovered near Autzen Stadium at migration" of Rufous Hummingbirdswas evident at Eugene Feb. 3 by Tom Lurid; it was seen by many CoosBay, after Feb. 1 (HR); "hundreds"were at Silt- others subsequentlyand was successfullyphoto- coos L. Mar. 17 (AC); one was at a Seattle feeder for graphed. The bird was apparently in the processof several days in January (DC,fide PM). changingfrom juvenal to adult plumagewhich was quite advanced when the bird was last seem Mar. 26 FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, CORVIDS, (fide LM). Water Pipits are erratic winter wanderers in PARIDAE-- A Say's Phoebewas foundon SauvieI., Feb. 27 (HN); other singlebirds were seenat Junction City, Oreg., Mar. 9 andat nearbyEugene ten days later (fide LM); one was alsoseen at Medfordin late Feb- ruary, Mar. 3 and Mar. 23 (OS). Violet-greenand Tree Swallowsarrived almostsimultaneously in the Region in mid-March; two Tree Swallows at Finley N.W.R. Feb. 9 (FZ) were thusvery early this spring(FZ). Indi- vidual Rough-wingedSwallows were seenat Florence, Oreg., (RFl,fide LM) and at L. SammamishS.P. in n. Washington(S J) Mar. 21;another was at ReifelRefuge Mar. 23 (TW). Two pairsof early Bam Swallowswere at Medford by Mar. 22 (OS). A Cliff Swallow was watchedat closerange for sometime on the Bellingham waterfront on the surprisinglylate date of Dec. 29 (AB fide TW); ten were early at Finley N.W.R. Mar. 30 (FZ), while several hundred were at the Fern Ridge Res. dam Apr. 7 (JBC, WE, WT). A Black-billedMagpie was seenat N. Bend, Wash., Jan. 6 (ED'A,fide PM). MountainChickadees were in Medford, Eugeneand Seattlein smallnumbers during White Wagtail, Eugene, Ore., Feb. 17, 1974. Photo/ the winter, and at a few other lowlandlocations as well; Larry McQueen.

682 American Birds, June 1974 this Region; nearly 200 were on Sauvie I. for the CBC, Bellingham and Seattle CBCs and the 147 recorded for but they had departed by early January(HN); an esti- the Sauvie I. CBC. A d' WesternTanager, well deo mated 100 were on the Skagit Flats, Feb. 9 (BT,fide scribed,appeared in Eugenefor the Dec. 30 CBC there PM) and 75 were at Finley N.W.R., Jan. 1 (FZ). Else- (LH et al.). Evening Grosbeakswere in evidence much where, Water Pipits were seen at widely scattered of the winter at favored spotsin the Washingtonand points in small groups of less than ten. Between four Oregonlowlands, and by March were beingseen more andfive scoreBohemian Waxwings were at Bellingham widely in considerablenumbers. Numbers of Purple throughDecember, but they disappeareduntil Mar. 18 Finchesat Olympiabuilt up to 50 by Jan. 1, held at that when 20 were seen there again (TW). At Guemes I., pointfor two months,then began to diminish(G&WH), Wash., on Dec. 23 there were 25 BohemianWaxwings a few individuals were also seen at Seattle after Jan 10 (TW), and at SaanichDec. 8, four were seen(RS,fide for the rest of the winter (SJ), at Corvallis all winter VG) with a small flock of Cedar Waxwings.The latter (FZ), and at Medford after Feb. 8 (S). A d' Cassin's specieswas little notedthis winter, althoughSalem had Finch was seenregularly at EugeneNov. 3 -- Jan 19 a flock of 100after Jan. 28 (RL). Medford found twelve (LM et at.); one frequenteda feeder at Shady Cove, N Shrikesfor its CBC, but curiouslynone were to be Oreg., on the Rogue R. from mid-Februaryto early foundafter Jan.1 (OS); Northern Shrikeswere reported March (ABr,fide OS), and four pairs were at Tzuhalam throughout the winter, however, from the Willamette Dec. 23for the firstVancouver I. record(VG, RS). lhne Valley and the Puget soundlowlands n. to Bellingham, Grosbeaksin smallnumbers were in the PugetSound and at Victoria. lowlandsand the SanJuans from Decemberuntil early February. They were also on Vancouver I. Dec. 27 - VIREOS, WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS, Mar. 16 (VG et al.) where 26 were recorded on the FINCHES -- Hutton's Vireo showedup on mostof the Victoria CBC. An estimated 100 or so Gray-crowned Region'sCBCs, with 11 at Tillamook apparentlythe Rosy Finches in one or two flocks were to be found in maximum. An early Solitary Vireo appearedat Eugene Whatcom Co., Wash., next to the Canadian border Mar. 22 (RFI,fide LM). There were at least four De- from Dec. 1 until Feb. 22; they frequented beach and cember records of Orange-crowned Warblers in the s. gravel areas; up to 40 were seenon Mary's Peak w of half of the Region. Migrants were at Eugene in mid- Corvallis, Feb. 17 (JW, fide FZ) and Mar. 16 (WHo, March and on s. Vancouver I. by month's end. The CLdqde FZ). Pine Siskins,as is their wont, were seen Gray's Harbor CBC turned up 185 Yellow-rumped abundantlyin someplaces and not at all in othersduring Warblers -- 175 "Myrtles" and 10 "Audubon's", a the course of the winter; spots favored were S. Van- highwinter count in this Region. A few Yellow-rumped couver I., Bellingham, Seattle, Gray's Harbor, Olym- Warblers were around the Corvallis area after Jan. 1 pia, Portland and, for a time, Finley N.W.R. Medford (FZ), andwere to be foundon s. VancouverI. all winter listed over 400 Lesser Goldfinches on its CBC. Red (VG). A very early Black-throatedGray Warbler was Crossbills were much in evidence at places on the seenat Eugene Mar. 29 (LM). Up to four Townsend's Washingtoncoast and in the foothills of the Cascades, Warblers at a time were found in December or very but were rather scarce around Puget Sound (EH), ex- earlyJanuary -- mostlyon CBCs-- at Victoria, Samish cept at Olympia in December (GH). They were seen I, Salem, Eugene, Cottage Grove, Oreg., and Med- regularly on the n. Oregon coast and on s. Vancouver I ford; the 59 in one loose flock at Tillamook for the CBC through the season. A q2White-winged Crossbill was repeats a phenomenonwhich has been observed in found at Victoria, Dec. 8 (RS,fide VG). Larger-than- March at Tillamook in 1967 and in 1970. Another Reg- normalniambers of SavannahSparrows appear to have ionalrecord for the Northern Waterthrushwas supplied wintered in the s. half of the Region, particularly in the by the sightingand careful identificationof an indi- Willamette Valley, with reports of up to 35 birds for a vidual at the Skagit Game Range near Mt. Vernon, given locality. A Vesper Sparrow appeared at Finley Washington,on the surprisingdate of Jan. 24, 1974,by N.W.R. Mar. 25 (FZ). A Lark Sparrow was at Saamch an observer familiar with the species(AW). ACom. Dec. 5(KM,fide VG), anotherwas at Corvallis, Dec 29 Yellowthroat was seen on the Eugene CBC. From Dec. (FR, fide FZ), and eight were noted on the Medford 1 to Dec. 29 a c• Yellow-headed Blackbird frequented CBC. Three Tree Sparrows were found at Seattle for the Lummi Flats near Bellingham(TW et al.); a female the CBC and one or more were seen there until the last or lmm. male of this specieswas seen several times by week of March (EH et at.). A Tree Sparrow was at different observers at Seattle Feb. 27 - Mar. 21 (fide Sauvie I., Jan. 19 (HN, CS) and another was at Duncan PM). On Mar. 3 there were 125Tricolored Blackbirdsat during all of March (JCo). Two Chipping Sparrows Medford (OS). A d' N. Oriole was saidto be at Belling- wintered in Eugene (LM), where a Clay-colored ham Dec. 26 (fide TW) andthe sameor anotherbird was Sparrowwas alsofound on Feb. 2 and was seenuntil at at a suet feeder in Ferndale Dec. 28 (GG, fide TW); least Mar. 8 by many observers.The bird was in a large these may be the first winter season records of N. flock ofjuncos and other sparrowsand constitutesthe Oriole for the State of Washington.A Rusty Blackbird first Oregonrecord of which we know. Two of the three was carefully observed in good light at Duncan, B.C. Harris' Sparrowswere to be found off and on duringthe Dec. 23 (VG, RS); another was seen there Mar. 20 winter on n. Washington's Lummi and Skagit Flats (VG). Individual Rusty Blackbirds were also seen on (EH, NL et al.); a bird was also seen at Saanich Jan 29 the SaanichPen. in companywith Brewer's Blackbirds (V&MG). Reports were received of up to a score of Jan. 17 (V&MG) and near Victoria Jan. 31 & Mar. 9 White-throated Sparrowsfrom Victoria s. to Eugeneat (VG).Brown-headed Cowbirds wintered in some num- various times during the winter; five were found for the bers, as indicated by counts of 50 or more on the CBC at the latter place. Fox Sparrows were well rep-

Volume 28, Number 3 683 that in fewer numbers (JDfide TW); three were at the Samish R. mouth, Mar. 8 (NL), three were at Ocean Shores,for the Dec. 16CBC, and one was at Fern Ridge Res. Dec. 30 for the EugeneCBC. On Dec. I there were 225 Snow Buntingson the Lummi Flats where 109were recorded for the Bellingham CBC; they disappeared shortly afterward. Ocean Shoresfound 25 Snow Bunt- ings for the CBC and Tillamook listed two for its count. Otherwise,Snow Buntings were seen in no greater

cember,numbers atthan Seattlethree in lateat Victoria February,several at Samishtimes I.,in Mar.De- 1, and on Great Chain I., Feb. 21 &Mar. 2.

OBSERVERS -- Range Bayer; Alex Benedict; Blair Bernson; Ann Briggs (ABr); Wayne Campbell; David Chelimer; John Comer (JCo); Alan Contreras; John B. Crowell; Ellie D'Arms; David Dudley; Jim Duemmel; William Elliot; Randy Floyd (RFI); Ralph Fryer; Clay-colored Sparrow, Eugene, Ore., Feb. 8, 1974. George Gleason; Vic & Margaret Goodwill; Dennis Photo/Larry McQueen. Heinemann; Wayne Hoffman (WHo); Glen & Wanda Hoge; Larry Holbrook; Eugene Hunn; Stuart John- resented on most of the Region's CBCs. Lincoln's ston; Norman Lavers; C. Littlefield; Robert Lucas; Sparrowswere reported singly or in pairsfrom Belling- Phil Mattocks; Ken Mayall; Thomas McCamant; Larry hamsthrough the PugetSound and WillametteValley McQueen; Harry Nehls; Dennis Paulson; G. A. throughto Corvallisand Eugene,where eight and six Poymer; Fred Ramsey; Hilda Reiher; Dick Reynolds; individuals,respectively, were listed for the CBCs at Leila Roberts; Ron Satterfield; Michael Scott; Chuck those two places; single birds were also noted at Smith; Ernie Spragg; Otis Swisher; William Thack- Saanich, Feb. 9, and at Victoria and Tillamook for the aberry; Augusta Thompson; Bill Twitte; Terry Wahl; CBCs. A light, bright-coloredSong Sparrow thought to Arthur Wang; Wayne Weber; Sally Weick; John White; be of an easternsubspecies wintered at Eugene until Fred Zeillemaker-- John B. Crowell, Jr., 1185 Hallinan Mar. 8 (LM). Lapland Longspurswere found in num- Circle, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 and HARRY B. bersup to 40 at the LummiFlats in Decemberand after NEHLS, 2736 S. E. 20th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION / Rich Sta!!cupand RussellGreenberg

The winter seasonwas typified by much rain, relatively little snow and very mild temperaturescausing few freeze periods.The October-Novemberrains continued sporadicallythrough the winter with the only major lowland freeze and snowfall in early January •. Shaslal peakingfrom the fifth to the eighth.Several northern counties suffered severe flooding and spill water remained throughout the Central Valleys (below C.V.) SACRAMENTOChico pastthe end of the periodwidely dispersingwaterfowl •.- Nevadam •T• and shorebirdsfrom the usualplaces of concentration. With the warm temperaturesmore than usualnumbers of land birds stayedat higherelevations later and more than usual nutnbersof typically "summer" passerines remained through December much to the delight of •Dioolo ß 'øo '%•G • • •- ChristmasCount compilers.With the excesswater and widely dispersedwaterfowl, the numberof birdskilled • e eLosBanos by hunterswas considerablyless than last year. Pelagic specieswere much more adequatelyreported than in anyother winter owing to severalAudubon boat trips in January and February and regular offshore surveys, (C.F.G.). An asteriskmeans that a written description is on file with the RegionalEditors.

684 American Birds, June 1974 There were more Snowy Owls seenin Califor- To understandthe magnitudeof this year's inva- nia this winter than have been seen in all the sion, let us see what has precededit. Grinnell and previousyears combined.If one assumesthat 1) Miller (1944, The Distribution of the Birds of owls seen at different localities were separate California. Cooper Ornith. Club, Berkeley, Calif.) owls, and 2) owls seen at a given locality on summarized the California records through 1943 different dates were the same owls, unlessthere and listed 20 records for Snowy Owls from the was contraryinformation such as plumagedif- flightsof 1896, 1897, 1908and 1916,of which Santa ferences or the known death of an earlier owl, Cruz. Co. is the locality farthest south. Harris and the number of individual Snowy Owls this winter Yocum (1968, Condor, 70:392) reported the only was at leastforty-three. other substantiated records: four individuals seen Table I shows the number of owls in each of near Humboldt Bay, January - March, 1967. the counties where they occurred and the first More Snowy Owls were farther south than ever and last dates that Snowy Owls were seenthere. before recorded in California. Why did it happen9 The counties are listed in order from north to The generallyaccepted explanation of these inva- south. Nothing is actually known about the sionsis basedon the 3-4 year populationcycles of owls' movements from area to area, but the im- the letomingson which Snowy Owls feed. In the pressionof someobservers, especially in Hum- yearswhen letomings are extremely abundant in the boldt and Del Norte Counties, was that the birds summeron the coastalbreeding grounds, the result tended to settle and remain when they found a is increased owl reproduction. These lemming suitablelocation, as do the nomadic Long-eared "highs" are followedby "crashes"in which the and Short-earedOwls. Eight birds were reported lemmingpopulation drops rapidly to very low de- dead or were captured as a result of gunshot nsities,usually about the time the bumpercrop of wounds. Snowy Owls are "protected" by law in owletshas just fledged.The consequentfood shor- California, and two hunters were convicted and tage is thoughtto causelarge numbersof owls to fined in Humboldt Co. for killing an owl there in move south. December. It is likely that more owls were shot, Perhaps for the same reason the Rough-legged but were not seen by birders and not reported. Hawk, anotherArctic-breeding raptor, appearedin All of the owls were found in coastal dunes or spectacularnumbers, in our regionthis winter. Ex- adjacentopen land, exceptfor three with a yen cept for the 40 Rough-leggedsat Lower Klamath to try city life: one in San Francisco, Jan. 2 Refuge, Feb. 2 (ODS), the large concentrationsseen (Harriet Fraser), one in Alffmeda, Feb. 9-18 in the Fall were spreadthroughout the region during (J&SL, many), one in Berkeley, Feb. 16 (SFB). the winter. Most sightingswere of one or two birds The southernmost record is a bird found A conservative tally gave 187 individual birds with "freshly shot," Jan. 11, at the Salinas R. mouth the bulk of the reports from along the coast, al- in Monterey Co. (D. Ainley,fide AB). The other thoughthe Central Valley had more Rough-leggeds Snowy Owls reported this winter were: one at than usual. Spacepermits only a sampleof the total the Smith River mouth, Nov. 23 (Pat Fisher,fide In mid-December,40 Rough-leggedHawks were DE), fourteenmore between Pt. St. Georgeand counted along the coast between San Francisco and the Oregon border (RLeV, SFB, GMc), seven- Santa Cruz (BGE). Point Reyes had as many as 15 teen between McKinleyville and the mouth of per day vs. four per day in previousyears (WMP) the Eel R., Dec. 12 - Mar. 27 (m.ob.), three at At Marina in Monterey Co., there were eight on Jan Centerville Beach, Dec. 10(CFG, M. Trenholm, 26 (VR), eight in eastern Contra Costa Co. Dec. 27 fide DE), one at BodegaHead, Jan.30 - Feb. 9 (AE), 12 at Benicia, Dec. 16 (CBC.fide FKB), at (Carolyn Conners),one at Pt. Reyes, Dec. 22 least 10 wintering from Loleta to Arcata (TS, DE) (Pt. ReyesCBC), and anotherthere, Jan. 6-7 and 1-3 birds reported from each of these counties (VR, RGr, JM, RS, m.ob.), one at Ano Nuevo Del Norte, Mendocino, Tehama, Colusa, Kern, State Beach, Jan. 9-14 (DAG), Many of these Merced and Tulare. birds may have been present longer than the The big southward migrations of Rough-legged dates indicate, but these were the only dates Hawks are usually attributed to the Arctic microfine reported. rodent cycles,and the concurrenceof Rough-legged SnowyOwls in California, Winter, 1973-74 Hawk and Snowy Owl invasionsis frequently mentioned, although this concurrenceis far from per- No. Individual fect. A brief survey of old Rough-leggedrecords County Dates SnowyOwls reveals an interestingphenomenon -- while Snowy Owl invasionsusually do not occur in successive Del Norte Nov. 23-Jan. 5 15 years (althoughthere are exceptionsin the eastern Humboldt Dec. 10-Mar. 27 20 part of the country), Rough-leggedinvasions tend to Sonoma Jan. 30-Feb. 9 1 comein clumps,e.g., both 1960-61and 1961-62were Marin Dec. 22-Jan. 7 2 invasion winters on the Pacific coast, and both San Francisco Jan.2 1 1970-71 and 1971-72 were invasion years on the Alameda Feb.9-18 2 Great Plains. There are many other examples of San Mateo Jan. 9-14 1 this, and it will be interestingto seewhether another Monterey Jan. 11 I invasionoccurs here next winter. __ SadieBrown

Volume 28, Number 3 685 LOONS, GREBES -- Three Yellow-billed Loons PELICANS THROUGH HERONS -- Lower- were reported. One at Humboldt Bay Jan. 1 (DA et al.), than-usual numbers of White Pelicans wintered in one at Monterey Jan. 9 (AB, WA) and one (probablyof South S.F. Bay, but larger-than-usualnumbers were at this species)at BodegaBay Dec. 10 (LWG). The usual temporary water in the C.V. A thousandwere near Los numbers of Corn. Loons were found coastally and at Banos in late March, (BGE) and nearly 500 were in the inland lakes and 85 was very high on the OaklandCBC. Sacramento Valley throughout the period (RS,DW) Two Arctic Loons were at SprecklesL., Golden Gate Only a few single Brown Pelicanswere reported. Good Park Jan. 18, a most unusual location (BJM). Three numbers of Great Blue Herons were reported. Lake Red-throated Loons, rare inland, were at L. Hennessey Successhad 75 (only 40-50 last year-- RB). A "record Jan I (BDP), one was at San Pablo Res. Dec. 18 (JM) number" of 24 was at the Ukiah SewagePonds Feb 16 and 140 on the Oakland CBC was very high. Grebes (OJK) and an "umprecedentednumber" of 43 was were reported in usual numbersand locationswith the counted on the Lewiston CBC Trinity Co. (BKI). Ten following exceptions:a red-neckedwas at Essex Pond pairs were at a heronrynear HoplandMar. 10 (OJK) Humboldt Co., Feb. 14 - Mar. 17(DE, TS et al.). Single and 20 pairs at a heronryon Indian I., HumboldtBay Horned Grebes were reported inland at Avocado L. Mar. 15 (DE,JG,TS). The usual few Green Heron re- Fresno Co., Jan. 12(RBH,KH,JS), L. MendecinoFeb. portswere outclassed by 25 on the Lost L. CBC Fresno 16 (OJK), Grey Lodge Mar. 12 & 13 (BED), Redding Co. (RBH,KH,JS). Great Egretswere commonin the Mar 24 (DE,RS,GM), Chico Mar. 20 (PM) and several CW and 45 wintered near Elkhorn bridge, Yolo Co wintered at Folsom L., Comanche Res. and Shadow (RS,DW). Fifty at JacobyCreek, HumboldtBay Mar Cliffs Park, Alameda Co., which is normal. Eared 19was a goodfigure but 18Snowy Egrets there Feb 16 Grebes were high at L. Success,Tulare Co. with 500 was an all-time high. (DE,TS et al.). This speciesis comparedto 200 last year. All water birds were up in certainly becoming more common north along the numbers there (RB). It is the usual trend that as new coast. Twelve Cattle Egrets were reported from the reservoirsmature biologically, the numberof attending coast, four from the C.V. and two on the Farallon Is in birds rises. Forty-five Pied-billed Grebes "in one December and January, which foraged for flies on the flock" at Skaggs I. Jan. 5 was thought to be unusual elephant seals(P.R.B.O.). At Least 550 Black-crowned (LCB) and one with two newly hatched chicks at Night Herons in two roosts at Grey Lodge in December Shadow Cliffs Park Mar. I (AE) is interesting. (RS,GM) and 20 at the Martinez Marina (NRB) were the only numbers reported. Three Least Bitterns were TUBENOSES -- Black-footed Albatrosses were identified by call at Los Banos Wildlife Area Mar 16 seen on nearly every trip off Monterey with a maximum (RBH,KH,JS)*. Three Am. Bitterns reported from of eight, Jan. 26 (RS,VR,JL et al.). Twenty-five were Humboldt Co. despite good coverage there was low seen 12 - 20 mi. off Humboldt Bay Feb. 17 and in their (DE,TS). Three in wet fields at Ano Nuevo Jan. 12& 19 company were three Laysan Albatrosses(RLeV,TS et (VR,TC) was unusualbut all other reports indicated al ) Another Laysan was seen10 mi. w. of Moss Land- normality. The maximum number of White-faced Ibls lng Mar. 22-26 (fide BGE) and yet anotherwas one mi. reported was 140 at Los Banos Wildlife Area Feb 16 s of the Farallon Is. Mar. 22 (VDaC)*. Northern Ful- (VR,KG). Various smaller numbers were reported mars were seen off the Pacific Grove shore with 250 on there(our only regularwinter spot)during the periodby Dec I (GMc,JM,RS), and 75 there Jan. 8 of which 50 many observers. per cent were white phasewhere only 10-15per cent is normal (AB). Very smallnumbers were reportedafter WATERFOWL -- Again as in the winter of '71-'72 this date. A CapePetrel (Daption capensis)was well abundantwater from the heavy rains in the C.V. dis- described4.5 mi. w. of Moss Landing Mar. 13 (BGE)*. persedducks and geese, resulting in a smallertotal bag This is the second record for the Region and only the of killedbirds by morehunters than in previous,drier third for the e. Pacific Ocean north of the equator. No seasons.Whistling Swans in the c. SacramentoValley Pink-looted Shearwaterswere reported until Mar. 27 totaled 36,600 on the Mid-winter Survey (below when the first spring bird was noted (BGE). Thirty M. W. S.) (CFG) and 200 at the Garcia R. mouth Dec 30 Sooty ShearwatersJan. 26 (VR, RS,JL,O.A.S.) was Mar. 15 (OJK,KG) and 300 Decemberto Februaryin the maximumcount for any pelagictrip until late March the Eel R. bottoms(TS,DE) were probablyall better when the springinflux brought the normal thousands. than normalnumbers. The last swansat Grey Lodge Short-tailed Shearwaters were seen in small numbers were 40 on Feb. 23 (BED). A singleBrant with Black off Monterey from late November through February Brant at Humboldt Bay Mar. 9 is one of several recent with an average of about four per trip. records from that locality (TS,DE,JG)*. Five blue- (VR, BGE,RS,AB et al.)* Whether the irregular status phase Snow Geese and one intermediate were with of this speciesis partly an artifact of irregular pelagic 40,000 white-phase and Ross' Geeseat Tule L. Mar 24 coverage by birders is not presently clear. Fork-tailed (RS,GM,DE)* and three were at Grey Lodge Jan 10 Storm-Petrels were seen on most boat trips from Mon- (BED). Mallards totaled 16,500 in the Central Sac- terey Bay with a maximum of 8 on Jan. 26 (VR,RS,JL ramento Valley M.W.S. which was considered low O A.S.) and at least three were seen from the Pacific (CFG), Gadwall were in goodnumbers with 38 at Napa Grove shoreduring strong NW windsDec. 1. Also seen (BDP), 75 atthe SalinasR. mouth Mar. 21 (LK) and 100 there Dec. I were three Ashy Storm-Petrels and 12 at L. Talawa, Del Norte Co. Feb. 10 (RS,DE,TS,JG) Black Storm-Petrels(RS,GMc,JM). The only other re- Two hundred ninety-four thousand Pintails were ports of these were of four Ashys seen 3-6 mi. n.w. of counted on the Central Sacramento Valley M.W S Pt Pinos, Monterey Bay, Jan. 26 (RS,VR,O.A.S.). (CFG). At least three 6 6 "Eurasian" Green-winged

686 American Birds, June 1974 Teal wintered at n. Humboldt Bay, which is normal L. OrovilleDec. 15(GN)*, oneimmature at Honey L (TS,DE,DA,many) and another was at Belmont Feb. Dec. 27 (AC et al.), one adult at Grey Lodge Jan 10 11-19(BS m.ob.). All other teal were in averagenum- (CFG,fide BED), CalaverasS.P. Mar. 4 (MK) andone bers. Thirty • • Eur. Wigeonwere reportedthis season immaturebelow Briones Dam Mar. 4 (SFB)*. Cooper's with four at Bollinger Res., Contra Costa Co. Dec. 29 and Sharp-skinnedHawks were reported in fair num- with many thousandsof ducks(LF), 18 at Grey Lodge bers. In e. Contra Costa Co. Cooper's outnumbered Dec. 31 with 60,000 Am. Wigeon, a normal ratio Sharp-shinneds6:1 (NRB) but in Humboldt Co the (RS,GM,CLOW et al.) and eight singlesat various reverse was true at 8:0 (DE,TS). In the Fresno area places on the coast. Wood Ducks are thoughtto be ratios were about even with Cooper'sover Sharp- decliningin theHumboldt- Del Mortearea where only shinneds 1.33:1 with more than 60 observations three sightingswere madethis winter (DE,TS) and (RBH,LH,JS). Twenty-two Red-tailed Hawks seen in nonewere found in the usualplaces there in January the Sierran foothills of Amador and Calaveras Cos Jan (J&PG).Five hundredRing-necked Ducks, always un- 10 were all adults (RS,GM). Becauseof the Rough- commonin the C.V., wereon GreyLodge after heavy leggedHawk invasionthere were many more raptors springflooding (BED), 333 were at L. HennesseyJan. 1 per foragingarea and we wonderif manyof the Buteos (BDP), 225wintered at L. Success(3 timeslast year's might have suffered starvation had rodents not been numbers)and 300 were at SearsvilleL. Jan.13 (T&ZC). broughtto the surfaceas a result of flooding. Red- Canvasbacknumbers were down inland with onlytwo shoulderedHawks seemto be doingvery well in this at Springville,Tulare Co. comparedto 50 or 100last. region, especially in the San Joaquin Valley year (RB) and half last year's numbers in the Yolo (RBH,LH,HK,JS) and on the North Coast where re- Causewayand Sacramentobypass (RS). The M.W.S. portsof sevenwere more than ever (DE,TS,J&PG) A estimated7,300 for andthe delta (CFG) and only 2,351 pair was seencopulating near Chico Feb. 2 (LT) on the OaklandCBC is so low that it's scary.Three Swainson'sHawks an-ived on time as expectedwith Greater Scaup were found inland which is more than oneat SanLuis RefugeMar. 9 (J&SL,JM) andfive at usual:one at Friant,Fresno Co. Mar. 9 (RBH,KH,JS), DavisMar. 16(RS). Reports totalling 187 Rough-legged one at ChicoNov. 18 - Feb. 13 (PM,TM) and one at Hawks were received from the coast and C.V. com- GrizzleyI. Feb.10 (JM). Seventy-five Com. Goldeneye paredwith 67 in theseareas last winter, whichwas then wereat LewistonL., TrinityCo. Feb. 16(DA,DE,TS). felt to be a good flight. Numbers in the basin at Lower Nme Barrow's Goldeneyewere reported; five on foot- Klamath(ODS,RS,DE) and at Honey L. (RS,AC)were hill rivers(RS,DW,PM), threein S.F.Bay (J&SL,BGE) alsothought to be aboveaverage. (See essay above) and one female on the San JoaquinR. near Friant, Sixteen FerruginousHawks were reportedfrom the Fresno Co. Feb. 15 - Mar. 9 (RBH,KH,JS). Buf- C.V. and the coastwhich is aboutaverage, but 45 last fieheadson the Arcata Sewageponds reached400 on winterwas unusuallyhigh. All otherraptors were re- Mar. 10which was very high(DE,TS). Ten Oldsquaw portedin numbersclose to the lasttwo wintersexcept were reportedfrom the coastincluding three together at Bald Eagles, which were more common and wide- Moss Landing all winter and one that wintered at the spreadand more often observed in localitiesaway from FarallonIs. (P.R.B.O.). Twenty-five HarlequinDucks mountains and the Basin. reportedfrom the coastalmost exactly equals the average yearly number. The only King Eider seen since GROUSE TO COOTS -- A • Blue Grouse was November was the imm. male at Monterey harbor booming5 mi. n.w. of HoplandMar. 29, the samespot whichwas stillpresent at the endof theperiod and had as one Mar. 29, 1973 (OJK). Over 10,000 Sandhill been seen by most active birders in the area. A 6 Craneswintered in the CoV., whichis aboutaverage White-wingedScoter at GreyLodge Jan. 23 (BED) may Twenty-two were seen overhead 6 mi. n.e. of Auburn have been the same bird that was at Chico in November Dec. 9 (MaA) at a high altitudefor this date, and small and December (RS,PM). Surf Scoters on the Oakland flockswere seenflying n. over ShastaCo. on Feb 26, CBC totaled 19,717,which was very high. Over 100 Mar. 3 & Mar. 12 (BK1). A C.F.G. and Audubon Soci- Black Scoters were reported from their usual coastal ety cooperativerail censusin San FranciscoBay coor- haunts:Ano Nuevo Pt. (by many),McKen-icker Beach dinatedby Bob Gill produced655 Clappers,160 Vir- (BDP,OJK), Humboldt& Del Norte Cos.(DE,TS), and ginias,61 Sorasand 40 Blacks;Clappers may be down Pt Reyes(AP). Three at the Arcata Sewageponds 20 to 30 per cent under the last three years but further during Januarywere at an odd locality (DE,TS). analysisof the data is necessary(RG). As many as Hooded Mergansersagain were more common and seven Black Rails were reportedfrom a smallmarsh at widespreadthan is normal and notable, though regular, BeniciaS.P. by manyobservers during flood tidesin were 40 on the SanJoaquin R. near Friant, FresnoCo. Januaryand February (JM,m.ob.). A Corn. Galhnule (RBH,KH,JS). Threehundred Com. Mergansers at L. was observedat McKerricker S.P., coastalMendecino Successwas five times as many as were there last year Co., a mostunusual locality (Rickon,fide OJK). Over (RB). The only Red-breastedMerganser inland was a 23,800 Am. Coots were estimated on the South Sac- femaleat ShadowCliffs Park Jan. 20 & 27 (AE). ramentoValley M.W.S. (CFG, fide BED).

RAPTORS -- White-tailed Kites were more common SHOREBIRDS --Thirty-seven Black Oystercatch- and widespreadthan in other winters in Humboldt Co. ers were on BodegaHead Jan. 12 (BDP). Eighty-one (DE,TS). Goshawkswere found in the following un- Snowy Ploversat Pajaro DunesDec. 27 were more than usual lowland localities: one adult at Garberville Dec. 3 last year andthe first nestwas made Mar. 24 (J&RW) (fide TS), one adult on the n. fork of the Feather R. near Over 150Mountain Plovers near Woodlandinto early

Volume 28, Number 3 687 December(RS,DW) is a highcount for thatlocality and from the FatalIons Mar. 12 &13 (P.R.B.O.) and it was asusual they were gone by January,probably wintering the "commonest pelagic gull" in Monterey Bay in Inknown spots on the w. sideof theSan Joaquin Valley. mid-March (BGE). In early winter 95 per cent were A few Golden Plovers, both Eurasian and American adultsbut after the influx many immatures appeared. It subspecies,wintered on Pt. Reyeswith Black-bellied is believed that the immatures are from farther south, Plovers(BDP, RS m.ob.). A WanderingTatlet was at hundredswere seenoff n. Baja California in late Feb- BerkeleyMarina, at thesame spot as last year, on Dec. ruary, with no adults (AB). 16(LCB) and again on Feb. 1(KG). Theyare quite rare Eight Forster's Terns at BodegaBay Jan. 12 (BDP) insideS.F. Bay.Lesser Yellowlegs were noted as fol- were farther north than they are usually found in lows three at Arcata Dec. 8 (TS,BB) were late, two at winter. About 500 Com. Murres at BodegaHead Jan. 12 BohnasLagoon Jan. 26 (P.R.B.O.),six at JoiceI. Feb. (BDP) and 150 off Humboldt Bay in February 10- Mar. 14(JM), fifteen6 mi. n.e. of BeniciaMar. 22 (DE,TS,RLeV) were noteworthy. Twenty-five Mar- (RS,DE) and four at SacramentoN.W.R. Mar. 24 bled Murrelets were reported from outer coastal loca- (RS,DE).They are very rare and local in winterand all tions December through February but one in summer of theserecords may refer to migrants.Five Rock plumageat Pt. Isabel,Contra Costa Co. Mar. 30, far Sandpipersat BodegaBay Dec. 8 (JM),four at McKer- inside S.F. Bay was exceptional(NRB). An unusual nckerBeach Feb. 9 (OJK,BDP)and one, one mi. s. of concentration of 200+ Ancient Murrelets was at PescaderoJan. 18 (BS) were the only onesreported. Bodega Head, Dec. 8 (JM,BDP) and 56 in Monterey LeastSandpipers were all but missingat HumboldtBay Bay Jan. 10was higher than normal (AB). Aukletswere with 21 maximumon SouthSpit Feb. 22 (TS,JG). West- common in Monterey Bay and peak numbersreported ern Sandpipersfar outnumberedLeasts in the Sac- were: 200 Cassin's Jan. 26 (O.A.S.,LCB,RS,JL) off ramentoValley, which is normallyreversed and proba- Moss Landing, 2000 Rhinocerosat Pacific Grove Jan bly owingto abnormallyabundant water. The Long- 25 (AB) and 3000 Rhinos off Moss Landing Jan. 26 billed Dowitcher is usually the only speciespresent in (O.A.S.,LCB,RS,JL). During the week of Jan. 23 a winter at HumboldtBay but a singleShort-billed Dow- Parakeet Auklet washed ashore near Moss Landing itcher was seen and heard at Arcata Marina Jan. 10. Marine Laboratory and is now a specimenthere (fide Numbersof bothspecies increased there during March BGE). This is the first record for the Region in many (DE,TS). About 2000Marbled Godwitsat Arcata Feb. years. The only Tufted Puffin reported was one, 12mi 8 were down to 1000 on Feb. 16 and 800 on Mar. 19 w. of Monterey Jan. 10 (AB). (TS,JG). FifteenAm. Avocetsat Lower KlamathMar. PIGEONS, OWLS -- Large influxes of Band-tailed 19were early springreturns (ODS). The Black-necked Pigeonswere noted during February and March. Inva- Stilt hasundergone a markedchange in the s. C.V. in sions in the C.V. were restricted to the n. end and our regionand is now a commonwinter resident (CBC adjacent foothills. Five reports of Roadrunners are dataand pers. obs., JM). RedPhalaropes were late and more than have been reported in several winters. One in largenumbers with 1600at PacificGrove Jan. 5 (VR) was observed along Rte. 5 near Redding (Sue Kaiser) and6000 there Jan. 12 (LCB). Duringearly December An intensive study of Spotted Owl distributionby the andJanuary some were present at mostcoastal inlets C.F.G. locatedit at many regularlocalities in Mann, (many).Northern Phalaropes were unusually late at the Somona,and Monterey Cos., but failed to find it in the DumbartonBridge with as manyas five stayinginto Santa Cruz Mts.; a gap in its rangefilled by few records earlyJanuary (RS,Hurd,Null) and one female in near (fide BGE). One was carefully observed at the low breedingplumage was at MossLanding Jan. 12 (LCB). elevation of 2300ft. at the s. extreme of its Sierran range near Springville,Tulare Co. (E. Peterson).Burrowing GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Eight Glaucous Owls continue to decreasein e. Alameda Co. (AE) and Gullswere found along the coast including one with an were absent from the extreme n.w. coast (DE). Snowy excellentdescription of an adult (BDP*,GLB)* at Jen- Owls were found many places along the coast (see ner Mar. 30. HerringGulls were again abundant in the essay above). This may have been a minor invasion C V (RS,DW)and one at L. Success,Tulare Co. Dec. year for Long-earedOwls. They were reported from 15- Feb. 3 may be the first countyrecord (RB). Seven four localities: two, 4 mi. s.e. of Woodland, Yolo Co Thayer'sGulls were found inland (VR,RS,DW) and (RS,AP), two majorroosts at Grizzly I. totaled35 birds sevenwere seenoffshore (DE,RLeV,VR) in additionto (3-5 still presentat the end of the period-- RG), a roost severalreports (but not yet enoughfor conclusions) of five at Coyote Hills discoveredDec. 15(SB,VR), and from coastaldumps. Mew Gulls were in normalnum- two on BodegaHead Jan. 30 (VR et al.). Short-eared bers (thousands)along the coastand normallyrare in- Owls were uncommonthroughout the region.The only land with 54 at the Pleasantonsewage plant Jan. 20 concentrationsreported were eight birds at Grizzly I (AE), four at Sacramentoall winter (RS,DE), one im- Feb. 10 (JM) and eight at the SalinasR. mouth Mar. 21 mature on the Feather R. at Oroville Dec. 22 (AC)*, five (LK). RoostingSaw-whet Owls were found at Grizzly at Dan Foley Park, Vallejo Feb. 16 (FB) and eight at I., Feb. 22-24(RG) in Tilden Park Jan. 21 (fide The Gull) Shadow Cliffs Park Jan. 27 (AE). Two Bonaparte's and at Davis in February and March (PB,DQ). Gulls at Clear L., Lake Co. Dec. 13(DA) one at Shadow Cliffs Park Dec. 26 (AE) and two at L. Shastinain late NIGHTJARS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An December(TM) are significantrecords. Black-legged active Poor-will was flushed in Bidwell Park, Chico Kltttwakes were scarce offshore until Feb. 2 when 230 Feb. 5 (PM) anda torpidbird wasfound in a Marin Co were seenin Monterey Bay (AB, G.G.A.S.). The major hole in mid-January(fide The Gull). Large concentra- passageoccurred in early March when 100+ were seen tions of White-throated Swifts were seen in several

688 American Birds, June 1974 locahtiesduring the winter which is normal. Only one one in Kneeland Mar. 9 (RLeV) and one in Fernbridge Selasphorushummingbird was reported for mid- Jan. 12 (R.M. Tiperson,fide DE), both Humboldt Co, winter. First arrival dates for Rufous Hummingbirds were north of their known range. Reports of Red- rangedbetween Feb. 20 andApril 2 with a mediandate breastedNuthatches indicate they were commonin the of Mar. 10. Firsts for Allen' s Hummingbirdswere much Sierras (MK) and the coast range of Humboldt Co eadterwith four Januaryreports and a mediandate of (DE). Most lowland observers found them scarce, Feb 3. An ad. 6' Costa's Hummingbird was seen at a however they were abundant in the Monterey area feedernear FolsomL. Jan. 20, where it haswintered for (AB). There were four reports of Brown Creepers from severalyears (DW,TL). The first Black-chinnedHum- C.V. riparian habitat, where they are rare. A Dipper mtngbirdwas in ChicoApr. 4 anda very earlyCalliope wintered in Tilden Park (JM,VR et al.). House Wrens Hummingbird at Table Mt., Oroville Feb. 10 (GN). A were found in usualnumbers with sevenC.V. reports concentrationof mixedwoodpeckers was found around and two coastalreports; six were additionallyreported the n. edgeof Big Meadow, Yosemite N. P. Dec. 13: 26 on the Peace Valley CBC Dec. 3 l. Four Winter Wrens Whtte-headeds, seven Williamson's Sapsuckers,four were found alongthe San JoaquinR. near Friant where HalryS,one Red-breastedSapsucker, and one Pileated they are very rare (RBH,KH,JS). Another was found in (DAG). Six reports of pure "Yellow-shafted" Com. the Sierras at Calaveras SP Jan. 14 (MK). Fhckers and six of conspicuous introgressantswere fewer than usual. Lewis' Woodpecker was absentfrom muchof its range,but concentrationswere observedin MIMIDS THROUGH STARLINGS -- A Mocking- the San Antonio Valley, Santa Clara Co. (AE), several bird observedat Garberville was the only report from hundred were near Glennville, Kern Co. (RB) and 165 n.w. California (fide DE), but 5-6 pairs were found were observedalong a 6omi.stretch near Lodoga, Co- residentin Ukiah Mar. 16 (OJK). Two truly rare mimtd lusa Co. (DA,DW). Up to ten birds wintering in Knee- specieswere found this season. A Gray Catbird at- land (BB,RLeV et al.) and nine e. of Arcata Feb. 24 tendeda feederin PebbleBeach, Monterey Co. Dec. 28 (RLeV) were first winter records for Humboldt Co. Feb. 20 and was observed by many of the region's One Bay Area report came from residentialPalo Alto active birders(AB,LCB,VR*) aswell as photographed duringFebruary (TC,BY,RGr). Red-napedSapsuckers This is the third regionalrecord. Two Brown Thrashers (S v varius), rare winter visitors, were observednear were found: one came to a feeder in Fairfax, Marin Co Frmnt, Fresno Co. Jan. 19 (R&KH,JS), Janesville, (RS,VR, m.ob.)* all winter, as it hasfor severalyears, LassenCo. Dec. 27 (RS,TM et al.), and in FresnoJan. and equallysurprising is a reportfrom JanesvilleDec 19(RBH,KH,JS). A Hairy Woodpecker,apparently of 27 (RS,PM,TM)*. These are the first regionalwinter one of the northwest races(gairdneri?), was described records. A Sage Thrasher was found in a San Jose from Limantour Spit Jan. 2 (AP*,JM). backyardNov. 12(B&CY); anotherwas well described from Chico Mar. 4 (PM*,TM). It is a rare speciesout- FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Tropical side the Basin. Kingbirdwas well describedfrom PescaderoMarsh Reportsthroughout the regionindicate it was a good Dec 15 (PM*,SFB). First arrivalsof W. Kingbirds winter for Varied Thrushes, but Hermit Thrushes were were concentratedbetween Mar. 2 l & 30. An unusually consistently reported down in numbers. There were northernwintering Black Phoebewas at L. Earl, Del three coastal reports of Mountain Bluebirds NorteCo. Dec. l (DE,TS,SS).The fourthwinter record Townsend's Solitaires were common in the American of a Dusky-Hammond'stype Ernpidonaxflycatcher River Canyon near Auburn Mar. 23 (DW) and one was was seenat Solano L. (DAG) and a W. Flycatcherwas at Monticello Dam, Yolo Co. Jan. 9 (Jerry Tangren, found on the Oakland CBC for the fourth consecutive DW) which is rather far southin the coast range. Blue- year Dec. 16 (SB,VR*). A large concentrationof gray Gnatcatchers were encountered much more fre- Vtolet-greenSwallows wintered at PescaderoMarsh quently this winter particularly in the C.V. Golden- where 400 were presentJan. 20 (LCB,Steve Spittier) crowned Kinglets were widespread and common and 200 Tree Swallows were at Suisun Bay Dec. 20 Cedar Waxwings were common as usual in the late (SL). Two winter reports were received for winter months and small groups of Bohemian Wax- Rough-wingedSwallow: St. Mary's College,Contra wings were found at 3 localities in the Davis- Costa Co., Dec. 17 (RS et al.) and L. Merced Dec. 5 - Sacramento area (DA,RS). Reports of N. Shrikes out- Jan 2 (BJM). These are the first regionalwinter rec- side the Basin continue to increase: n.w. coast five, ords. An extremely late Barn Swallow was at West coast s. of Humboldt Co. three, Delta four and C.V Butte Road Nov. 4 (BM) and another was seen near four. This is probably owing to increasedscrutiny of Santa Rosa Dec. 19 (LBG); there are few winter rec- shrikes rather than true invasions.Two Loggerhead ords.Migration dates fell typicallyearly from the C.V. Shrikeswere found around Humboldt Bay where they wtth one near Los BanosFeb. 9 (AP). Cliff Swallows are rare in winter (DE) and reportsfrom the C.V. indt- also arrivedearly in the C.V. with 4 reportsfor Feb- cate.they remainedcommon(AP,BED). Three massive ruarywhich is normal.Only a few coastalreports were Starling roostswere located:6000-10,000 at the Garcm received,but one was on a nestin PaloAlto Foothills R. mouth (OJK), 14,000-18,000at Friant (RBH,KH,JS) Park March ll-13 (TC). and 12,000 in Eureka (JS,TS).

CORVIDS THROUGH WRENS -- An unidentified VIREOS, WARBLERS -- The first Trinity Co magpiewas observedalong the New River, Trinity Co. Hutton's Vireo was found in Lewiston in December (RLeV). Two reports of White-breastedNuthatches, (DAfideBK1). A Solitary Vireo was in Pacific Grove

Volume 28, Number 3 689 Dec. 23 (AB) and a Warbling Vireo, for which there is (fide DE). Pine Siskinswere reportedin normalto good only one previouswinter record, was well describedfor numbers except along the Marin and Sonoma coasts the Oakland CBC Dec. 17 (Janice Southworth*). This wherethey were scame(BGE). Red Crossbillnumbers was a fairly good year for wintering warblers. A were down alongthe n.w. coast(DE), but were high in 9 Black-and-White Warbler was at Olema Marsh Dec. the Monterey area (AB) and fourteen were seen near 10(RS,GM).A goodnumber of reportswas received for Scott's Valley, Santa Cruz Co. where they are rarely Orange-crownedWarbler except on the north coast reported(BGE). Lark Buntingsappear to be somewhat where only one was reported.There were two winter- regularalong West Butte Road, Sutter Co. where two lng Nashville Warblers: one in Eureka in December were found wintering (RS,T&BM); another was in (TS) and one Jan. 6 near LaFayette Res. (P & D White, Elverta, Sacramento Co. through January fide The Gull).A Yellow Warbler, very rare in the (RS,BM,DW). A Grasshopper Sparrow, one of the winter, was in Montery Dec. 1 (LJ). Black-throated region's least known birds, was found near Winters, Gray Warblers were found at Vascona Peak, Santa Yolo C. Dec. 7-8 (DAG,DW). A Sharp-tailedSparrow Clara Co. (J.M.Abbott) Nov. 27, BodegaHead Dec. 2 was found for the fourth consecutive winter near the e & 29 (BDP) and s. of ColusaDec. 31 (PM,GM); several end of the Dumbarton Bridge, AlamedaCo. Jan. 1 (RS) were found around the C.V., at least three from Chico A concentrationof 71 Vesper Sparrowswas at Sutter (fide AC) and threefrom Springville,Tulare Co. (RB). Buttes Dec. 31 (RGr,BM,SB). The first spring record Tow Hermit Warblers were reported from localities for Sonoma Co. was at SugarloafRidge S.P. Mar 24 around s. Tomales Bay during December (BDP). A Lark Sparrowwas at a Eurekafeeder during (WMP,RS,RGr). Common Yellowthroats were com- December (RLeV) where it is rare. Sixteen reports of mon in PescaderoMarsh (AP) and Grey Lodge (BED), "Slate-colored" Dark-eyed Juncosis fewer than usual but were reported scarce in Napa and Solano Cos. Four Tree Sparrowswere foundtogether with juncos2 (FKB). The only wintering Wilson's Warbler was a mi. s. of Grey Lodge Dec. 31 (RGr,BM)providing one male at Patterson Ranch, Alameda Co. Dec. 16 of the few C.V. records. Five Chipping Sparrows re- (J&SL,RS,RGr). A Palm Warbler at Ferndale Dec. 30 ported on the PeaceValley CBC Dec. 31 were usual, (DA) was the only report. Amazingwas the observation but a flock of up to 35 at Avocado L., Tulare Co ofa d ParulaWarbler at Grey Lodge.It wasfound Dec. (RBH,KH,JS) December-February is quite surprising 31 (RS,GM,CIow) and subsequentlyseen by many until Two Harris' and 13 White-throated Sparrowreports is Feb. 20. This is the first winter and C.V. record for this far below the averagefor recentwinters. A rusty Fox species. Sparrow,a rare visitorfrom the north,was at Inverness BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS -- Indi- during February (WMP,Gerald Brady). Lincoln's vidual Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at Princeton Sparrowswere reported scarceby many observers Harbor Jan. 13, Ano Nuevo Pt., Jan. 20 (LCB, et al.), However 79 were reported on the Hayward CBC Dec and a road-killed male was examined near Petaluma 16 mainly from a concentration at Coyote Hills Apr. 1 (BGE). A largeconcentration of a thousandwas (RS,RGr,J&SL) and over 80 wintered at Munger L, found in a massive blackbird flock near Los Banos Sacramento(RS ,DE). There were two SwampSparrow (AP). All reports of wintering Hooded Orioles came reports. Lapland Longspurs,rarely found wintenng from the C.V.: a female in Fresno Jan. 11 and two Mar. outside the Basin, were at the Eel R. mouth Jan. 27 and 2 (RBH,KH,JS), one in Chico Feb. 4 (LT) an adult 17 were in the Arcata Bottoms Mar. 5 & Apr 2 male, two females and an imm. male wintered in Por- (DE,GF,JG,TS). Snow Buntings were at Honey L terville, Tulare Co. (RB), and one in Eureka Mar. 9 (fide Dec. 28 (adult male and immature -- Gary Page,RS,TM DE). A "Bullock's" N. Oriole was at PattersonRanch et al.) and Feb. 17 (immature -- RS). Dec. 15 (J&SL,RGr) and an adult male was at Grey CORRIGENDA -- The Pacific Grove Rose-breasted Lodge Dec. 31 (RS,GM et al.). Brown-headedCow- Grosbeak(Am. Birds 27:916, 1973)was June 6-7 not birds(3-6 per flock) were occasionallyseen near Arcata July. There was only one W. Grebe chick(Am. Btrds where they are uncommonin the winter (fide DE). 28:981974) and not nineat Tule L. Clarificationunder WinteringW. Tanagerswere found at 6 localitiesin- Tubenoses(Am. Birds 28:98 1974):LaysanAlbatrosses cluding3 fromthe C.V.; a 9 SummerTanager wintered have been recorded farther south than Pt. Pinos, but in Pacific Grove (AB,RS). these have been farther offshore than 25 miles. Change FINCHES, SPARROWS-- FemaleRose-breasted numberof Black Storm-Petrels(Am. Birds 28:99 1974) Grosbeaks were described from two localities: Mines in 1966 and 1967 to 2-300, not 2-3000. The Black Brant Road, AlamedaCo. Jan.27 (EugeneMakishima*) and (Am. Birds 28:99 1974)listed for Grey Lodgewas at near PilarcitosL., San Mateo Co., Dec. 8 (FN*). Even Tule L. and the date was Oct. 23. Sharp-tailedSand- morerare was awintering 9 Black-headedGrosbeak in piper(Am. Birds28:101, 1974) was the secondand not PacificGrove Jan.9- Feb. 24 (StonerHaven,fide AB). the first inland record. Initials for Black-and-white EveningGrosbeaks were widely reported but in num- Warbler (Am. Birds 28:104, 1974) in San Francisco bersonly a shadowof lastwinter' s invasion.Reports on should be JM and not DR. In list of contributors(Am PurpleFinch abundance showed no clearpattern with Birds 28:106, 1974) Larry Kafka should be Lenny reportsof localabundances from Lafayette (LF), Davis Kafka. and nearby foothills(DW,TL) and decreasesfrom Fresno(RBH,KH,JS), Arcata (DE,TS) and Oroville ADDENDA -- Ground Dove (Am. Birds 28 102, (GN). A d Cassin'sFinch, alwaysrare nearthe coast, 1974)on Sept. 29 at Pt. Pinosfor the first N. California was in Canyon,Contra Costa Co. Dec. 16 (RS et al.*) record (DDeS). Add to list of contributors(Am. Btrds and four were observed in Garberville Nov. 21 - Jan. 6 28:106, 1974) Kimball Garrett and Steve Summers

690 American Birds, June 1974 CONTRIBUTORS -- Dave Anderson, William An- The only species appearingmore numerousthan derson, Maurine Armour (MaA),Stephen F. Bailey, usual were Rough-leggedHawks and Varied Thrushes. Alan Baldrige, Robert Barnes, Bob Behrstock, Frank On the other hand many speciessuch as Red-breasted K. Beyer, Laurence C. Binford, George Bing (GB), Nuthatches, Purple Finches, and Fox Sparrows ap- Gordon. L. Bolander (GLB), Ned R. Boyajian, Peter peared to be scarcer than normal. The Region received Brown, Sadie Brown, California Departmentof Fish & its share of unusual birds including a species new to Game (CFG), Ted & Zoe Chandik, Alan Craig, Valeria California -- a Rufous-backed Robin. DaCosta, Bruce E. Deuel, Art Edwards, Bruce G. El- liott, Dick Erickson, Lynn Farrar, Gary Friedrichsen, LOONS, GREBES -- Inland reports of Com. Loons David A. Gaines, Kim Garrett, Ron Gerstenberg included 1-2 in the Owens Valley all winter, and one on (RGe), Robert Gill, Golden Gate Audubon Society, L. Mathews, Riverside Co. Feb. 17; small numbers L.W.Gralapp, Russell Greenberg(RGr), Joe & Patty occur regularly on large inland bodies of water. An Greenberg (J&PG), Joel Greenberg (JG), Robert B. Arctic Loon found dead in Whittier, gA. Co. Nov. 3 Hansen, Keith Hansen, Lee Jones, Lenny Kafka, Mar- (DH), and another seen on L. Sherwood, Ventura garet Keith, Barb Klasson (BKI), Oliver J. Kolkmann, Co. Jan. 8 (GSS), along with a Red-throated Loon in Steven Laymort, Ron LeValley, Tom Love, John & Whittier Jan. 2-26 (DWF et al.), were exceptionalsince Susanne Luther, Bill Manolis, Georgianne Manolis, both speciesare virtually unrecorded away from the Tim Manoils, Marie Mans, Brian J. McCafiery, Guy coast. A Red-necked Grebe at Malibu, gA. Co. Dec. McCaskie,Whitney Mcloud, PeterMetropulos, Joseph 14 was the only one reported. Single Horned Grebes Morlan, Fran Nelson, Gary Nielsen, Ohlone Audubon were found inland, where they are rare, on L. Havasu Society, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Alan Pistorius, Wil- on the Colorado R., Dec. 27 and in Colton, San Bernar- liam M. Pursell, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Van dino Co. Mar. 22. Remsen, Jean Richmond, Don Roberson, Elsie Roemer, Barry Sauppe, Don Schmoldt,Tom Schulen- FULMARS -- The anticipated influx of N. Fulmars berg, Doris M. Shanks,John Silva, Rich Stallcup,Otis failed to materialize, however, small numbers were D. Swisher, Steve Summers, Lynn Thomas, John & present offshore all winter with a few noted from shore Ricky Warriner, RogerWilmarth (RWi), Dave Winkler, in December. Bob & Carol Yutzy -- RICH STALLCUP, 4409 44th Ave. Sacramento, California 95824 and Russell HERONS, SPOONBILLS -- A Little Blue Heron GREENBERG 2637 Monte Vista El Cerrito, California, was present at Bolsa Chica, Orange Co. most of the 94530. winter, definitely Dec. 10 - Feb. 9 (GAA,JD). A few Cattle Egrets evidently wintered along the coast since SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION 30 individuals were reported between Goleta, Santa / Guy McCaskie Barbara Co. and Imperial Beach, San Diego Co. during the period; large numberswere aroundthe southend of The scarcityof gasolinethis winter curtailedthe ac- the Salton Sea (hereafterS.E.S.S.) where they are now tivities of many birderswho would normally have been permanent residents, and 120 were noted at Winter- far afield on weekends exploring areas such as the haven, Imperial Co. Feb. 1. The Reddish Egret that Colorado River Valley, the Salton Sea, and the vast appeared in Imperial Beach Oct. 6 (Am. Birds 28:107) was still presenton Mar. 31. A singleLouisiana Heron was at Seal Beach, Orange Co. Dec. l0 - Feb. 7, another was at Bolsa Chica Jan. 21 - Feb. 9, and four were around Imperial Beach all winter; small numbers regularly winter along this section of the coast. A lone Roseate Spoonbill at Palo Verde on the Colorado R. Dec. I - Mar. 21 (JHS) was a straggler from last summer'sinflux, and representsthe first winter record for California.

SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Up to 39 Whistling Swans near Big Pine in the Ownes Valley all winter were the only onesreported. The Brant at Malibu (Am. Birds 28:107) remained until at least Jan. 8 (GSS), and anotherwas present on San Diego Bay Jan. 20 - Mar. 28 (JMA,JL et al.). Two Black Brant at S.E.S.S. Feb. 24 were unusualfor that time of the year. Two or three "Blue" Geese remained with the Snow Geese at S.E.S.S. through February as usual. Most unusualwas the presenceof three Black-be!lied Tree Ducksnear Bakersfield, Kern Co. Nov. 19 (WLG); three were present at S.E.S.S earlier in the fall (Am. expanseof desert east of the Coastal Range. Conse- Birds'28:107) and it is possiblethe same birds are in- quently less information than normal was available volved in this sighting.Thirty Fulvous Tree Ducks at from areas outside the main metropolitan centers. Winterhaven Feb. 13 and 40 at S.E.S.S. Feb. 19 were

Volume 28, Number 3 691 unexpectedsince it is consideredcasual in California Riverside Co. being.the only concentration;numbers dunngthe winter. A Eur. Green-wingedTeal was seen reachingS. Californiaappear to declineeach winter A w•th Green-wingedTeal at L. SherwoodJan. 8 - Feb. 2 few Ospreyswintered in the Region as is evident from (GSS & RS) where one has been found each winter the ten or so individuals included in contributors' re- since 1970-71, and another was studied near La Costa, ports; most were from along the coast with the rest SanDiego Co. Dec. 12(SS); thisform is foundregularly beingnoted at largeinland bodies ofwaterin extremeS along the California coast each winter in small num- California. Prairie Falcons continue to hold their own •n bers. Am imm. d Baikal Teal was shot near Riverside, suitable habitat, with a few still reachingthe coast RiversideCo. Jan. 12 (EAC, * to S.B.C.M.); the previ- Eight PeregrineFalcons were reported with three on ousrecord for Califbrniahas been treated as a possible SantaRosa I. Dec. 11-14,two at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co escapee(A.O.U. Check-list);however, individuals do Feb. 2 and singlebirds at GoletaJan. 5, on AnacapaI get into Alaska, and one has been shot in British Col- Feb. 17, and at Newport Bay Mar. 22. Only eight Mer- umbia, lendingcredulity to the belief that speciesmay linswere reportedduring the period;the speciesused to reach California as a genuine straggler. More than a be much more numerousten years ago. dozen Blue-wingedTeal were reportedalong the coast dunng the period as well as one at S.E.S.S. Feb. 16. CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- A flock of 61 Sandhill The only Eur. Wigeon reported were singlemales in Cranesnear Brawley, ImperialCo. Feb. 8 were the only Whittier Mar. 1, on Upper Newport Bay, Orange Co. onesnoted away from the Carrizo Plainwhere a large Dec. 1, and nearOceanside, San Diego Co. Feb. 9-17. A concentration regularly winters. A Black Oyster- d Tufted Duck on L. Sherwood Dec. 31 - Feb. 2 (GSS & catcherat Playa del Rey Dec. 9 was away from area of RS) musthave been the sameindividual present there normal occurrence.A PipingPlover returned for the last winter (Am. Birds 27:662). SingleOldsquaws, rare fourthconsecutive winter to Goleta,being present Dec •n S. California, were noted on Morro Bay, San Luis 16 - Mar. 3 (JA et al.), and the bird at Malibu (Am. Btrds Ob•spoCo. Mar. 30 and at HuntingtonBeach, Orange 28:107)was still presentMar. 29; a careful searchalong Co Dec. 1 - Feb. 9, and three were on San Diego Bay our beachesmay reveal a small but regularwintenng dunng Decemberand January.A d HarlequinDuck at population on the West Coast. Mountain Plovers stdl Playa del Rey, L.A. Co. Jan. 5 - Mar. 31 (HB et al.) was occurin goodnumbers with flocksregularly wintenng south of its normal range. The King Eider at Malibu along the w. edge of the San JoaquinValley, in w (Am. Birds 28:107) was last seen on Jan. 28 (GSS). A RiversideCo., in the coastalplains of Orangeand San White-wingedScoter was seeninland on the SaltonSea Diego Cos., as well as in the Imperial Valley; one near Dec. 16 (EAC & SC) and a Surf Scoter was seenthere Blyth, Riverside Co. Feb. 16 was in an area from wtuch Feb. 17; both speciesare rare away from the coastbut few recordsexist. Two Am. GoldenPlover at Playadel noted with someregularity on the Salton Sea. Black Rey Mar. 9 and anotherin San Diego Dec. 1 - Jan 15 Scoters remainedfairy numerousthrough February were all of the racefulva, and were the only individuals alongthe coastwith up to four individualsat numerous reportedthis winter. A WanderingTattler at Westlake, points from Goleta to Imperial Beach. Up to five Ventura Co. Mar. 3 (HK) was exceptional since the Hooded Mergansers, scarce in S. California, were in speciesis accidentalaway fromthe coast.A Sanderhng Whittier Dec. 10 - Jan. 2, one was on L. Sherwood Dec. at SaltonCity on thew. shoreof the SaltonSea Feb 17 30 and anotherspent the winterin Colton,San Bernar- givesus anotherwinter recordfor this inlandlocality A dino Co. A flock of 70 Corn. Mergansers near Red Phalaropeat Imperial BeachJan. 27 was the latest Coachella, Riverside Co. Feb. 15 was a large number after a few appearedalong the coast in December As for the area. usual a flock ofN. Phalaropesspent the winter at Im- perial Beach with over 50 countedthere Jan. 27. HAWKS --An ad. Goshawk in San Pedro, L.A. Co. Jan. 25 - Feb. 11(SW et al.) was felt to be wild by some, JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS -- A however, there was no flight last fall and this individual few Pomafine Jaegerswere noted offshore as is normal, was frequentinga residentialarea. A Red-shouldered and one was presenton SanDiego Bay Feb. 23 - Mar 2 Hawk in Big Pine, Inyo Co. Mar. 16, and anotherat the At least seven ParasiticJaegers were reported seen north end of the Salton Sea (hereafter N.E.S.S.) Dec. from shore in Santa Barbara, Los Angelesand Orange 19 were both outsidetheir normal range. An imm. Cos. duringthe winter; muchis still to be learnedabout Broad-wingedHawk was seenin Chatsworth,L.A. Co. jaeger statusand distributionalong the Calfornia coast Jan. 27 (HK); one ortwo are recordedin the Regionjust but this editor is of the opinion the Pomafine is the about every winter now. A typical Swainson'sItawk normally occurringjaeger in winter. A GlaucousGull was carefully studied in Bard, Imperial Co. Jan. 5 was seen at Goleta Mar. 4 (TNM), one was studiedat (GMcC, JD, SS); there is no documentedwinter record the Santa Clara R. mouthJan. 31 (GSS), and a third was for California, but all three observers know the bird in San Pedro Dec. 22 - Feb. 15 (GSS, JD et al.); th•s well. A number of Rough-leggedHawks reached the speciesapparently reaches as far southas S. Califorma Region as indicatedby reportsof over 25 individuals eachwinter. A Glaucous-wingedGull in RiversideDec from asfar southas SanLuis Rey andEscondido in San 2, and another near Brawley Dec. 7, were the only two D•ego Co. and near Brock Ranch in Imperial County. found away from the immediate vicinity of the coast FerruginousHawks were scatteredthroughout the Reg- An imm. Mew Gull, quiterare away from the coast,was ion with some30 individualsreported Dec. 1 - Mar. 4. studiedin a floodedfield near Calipatfia, Imperial Co At least 14 Bald Eagles(11 imm. & 3 ad.) were found in Jan. 26 (GMcV). Black-leggedKittiwakes were qmte the Region, with five (4 imm. & 1 ad.) at L. Mathews, numerousoffshore throughout the winter, and impres-

692 American B•rds, June 1974 slve numbers were at some coastal localities such as on Dec. 2, another Jan. 24 - Feb. 18 and the other on King Harbor, L.A. Co. (30 Dec. 11) and Los Angeles Feb. 10, an additionalbird was seennear Needles Dec Harbor (80 Mar. 16). 27-28; this speciesis proving to winter in limited num- As usual a few Com. Terns lingered along the coast bers. A Coue'sFlycatcher in San Diego Jan. 20 - Mar 25 until mid-December, and all appeared to have departed (GMcC, JD et al.) represents the seventh record for by Jan. 1, as wouldbe expected;however, an immature California and it is interesting to note that four of the on San Diego Bay Mar. 24 was most likely a wintering other records were of wintering birds. A few Vermilion b•rd. The Black Skimmeron San Diego Bay (Am. Birds Flycatcherswintered along the s. coast as is normal, 28 108) remained until at least Mar. 2 (GMcC,JD) to with one at Pt. Mugu Nov. 3 - Mar. 14 beingthe farthest establish the first winter record in California. north; in addition a few were around the Imperial Val- ley, and one or two were present at Furnace Creek DOVES, OWLS, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- Ranch in Death Valley. Interesting swallow records Agmn a few White-wingedDoves spentthe winter at included the presenceof at least two Bank Swallows Agua Caliente Springs in e. San Diego Co. and an around Imperial Dam on the Colorado River on Feb 16, out-of-rangebird was seenin Venice, L.A. Co. Dec. 15. numerous Rough-wingedSwallows throughoutthe s e Ground Dove numbers continue to increase in the Val- comer of the Region from mid-December on, one or ley Center/PumaValley area of San Diego Co., an area two Barn Swallows along the coast in January and recently colonized by this species. Records of Long- February and Cliff Swallows returning as early as eared Owls, a speciesfor which much is still to be mid-February along the Colorado R. learned of its distribution, included two in Apple Val- CORVIDS -- A Steller's Jay in Whitewater Canyon, ley, San Bernardino Co. in early January, two near Riverside Co. Jan. 11 and another in Garden Grove, Hemet, Riverside Co. during January, one at Cotton- Orange Co. Mar. 15 were both in lowland 1ocaht•es wood Springs, Riverside Co. Mar. 27, two near San where they are unusual. Up to 13 Corn. Crows re- Diego Mar. 10, and one at LagunaDam, Imperial Co. mained aroundthe S.E.S.S. all winter, a recently estab- Dec. 17. Short-earedOwls were virtually nonexistent lished wintering area. A Clark's Nutcracker in the throughoutthe Region, for only four individualswere CuyamacaMts. Feb. 3 wasthe only out-of-rangebird of reported. A Saw-whet Owl found dead at Cottonwood this speciesreported. SpnngsJan. 29 was at an isolatedclump of trees on the Colorado Desert, a rather unusual1ocalilty. Six Vaux's THRASHERS, THRUSHES, SHRIKES -- A Swifts were seen over Beverly Hills, L.A. Co. Jan. 11 Bendire's Thrasher first noted near Imperial Beach on (JT), and a flock of about 30 was seennear Oceanside Nov. 8 (Am. Birds28:109) was still presentJan. 31 but Jan 26; it is beginningto appearthat a few ofthese birds not found thereafter, and another was seen near Bard, winter in California. A Rufous Hummingbirdin Valley Imperial Co. Feb. 1 (RS); the speciesis very rare any- Center Jan. 27 and an Allen's Hummingbird in San where in California during the winter. A lone Curve- Diego Jan. 20 were the first spring migrants noted; billed Thrasher was found near Bard Dec. 28 (AS), and elsewhereone or two winteringRufous Hummingbirds this, or anotherindividual, was presentin Bard Feb 16 were seen in December and January, and resident throughMar. 9 (JD, EAC et al.); the speciesis a casual Allen's Hummingbirdswere present in Santa Barbara stragglerto the Colorado R. Valley. ALe Conte's on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Thrashernear Bishop, Inyo Co. Feb. 24 (SGF) was at the northern limit of its range. A Sage Thrasher at WOODPECKERS -- At least seven Corn. Flickers Oxnard, Ventura Co. Mar. 26 and another on Pt. Loma, showingthe characteristicsof the easternform auratus San Diego Co. Dec. 14were the only two reportedfrom were reported includingone near Parker Dam on the along the coast. The first Rufous-backedRobin to be Colorado R. Mar. 17. Lewis' Woodpeckerswere scarce identifiedin California was discoveredat Imperial Dam this winter, however one reached as far south as L. on the ColoradoR. Dec. 17(Ken Kaufman, S & SL) and Henshaw, San Deigo Co. Feb. 26. Again Williamson's was still presentApr. 6, havingbeen seenby virtually Sapsuckerswere foundin the mountainsof San Diego all the active birders in the state (photo to Co, where they were unknown prior to 1965, with a S.D.N.H.M.). Varied Thrushes were present in fair female seen on CuyamacaMt. Feb. 3 (JD). numbersthroughout the winter, being most numerous in the northern coastal counties, but pushing as far FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Tropical southas San Diego where at leasteight individualswere Kingbird was presentin SantaBarbara Jan. 14- Mar. 30 found. A N. Shrike near Big Pine in the Owens Valley (AH,JL et el.), and another was seen near Imperial was probablyat the s. end of its normal winter-range Beach Mar. 2 (JD, GMcC); this speciesis very rare in VIREOS, WARBLERS -- At least six Solitary V•r- California during the winter. An E. Phoebe, a rare eos were reported with one in Riverside Dec. 12 (JA), stragglerfrom eastward,was in Tuna Canyon, L.A. Co. two near San Diego Dec. 24 - Jan. 3 (DR), one in San Mar. 13-14(SWo, GSS, HK), and anotherwas found at Diego Jan. 27 - Mar. 16 (JD et el.), one at Brock Ranch Mesa Grande, San Diego Co. Feb. 26 (AF). The only Feb. 16 (GMcC) and one near Imperial Dam Jan 31 Gray Flycatcher seen along the coast was one in San (RS); the one in San Diego was definitely cassinii, the Diego Feb. 17,however, four werefound near Needles, normal occurring race in California, but the one at San Bernardino Co. Dec. 27-28 indicating the species Brock Ranch was plumbeus, a scarce form here A maybe morenumerous along the ColoradoR. in winter Black-and-white Warbler was near San Diego Dec 20 - than elsewhere in California. Three W. Flycatchers Mar. 27 (JWD,JD), and another was at Lagtma Dam on were seenaround SanDiego duringthe winter with one the Colorado R. Dec. 18 - Jan. 28 (S & SL); a casual

Volume 28, Number 3 693 wintering speciesin California. A TennesseeWarbler a! the only area in California where the speciesoccurs Brock Ranch Jan. 8 (LJ) was most unusual. The only naturally; however, recent reports have been few and Nashville Warbler reported was one in Los Angeles far between. A q? Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Dec 29, and this cotfid well have been a late fall mi- Yorba Linda, Orange Co. Dec. 29 - Jan. 13 (BVW, grant A Northern Parula was collected near Needles photo to S.D.N.H.M.), and a male was presentin San Dec 28 (EAC,SC; * to S.B.C.M.), providingone of the Diego Jan. 25 - Mar. 15 (JD et al.). A •?Black-headed few winter records for California. A Yellow Warblel Grosbeak was seen in Santa Barbara Dec. 10 (TNM), near Imperial Beach Dec. 2-15 was the only one on the anotherwas in San Diego all winter, and a 6 was there coast, but 2-3 were noted around the S.E.S.S. where Jan. 20 - Mar. 1 (GMcC,JD). Both speciesof grosbeak they winter regularly, and singlebirds were seenalong are rare in California duringthe winter but it is interest- the Colorado R. at Earp (Mar. 17) and around Imperial ing to note that the eastern speciesis as common as the Dam (Jan. 31 and Mar. 9). Six Black-throated Gray western one at that time of the year. Evening Gros- Warblers were reported, but three were in Decembel beakswere reportedonly from the SanBernardino Mts and could have been late fall migrants; one was in where they were quite common with as many as 300 Goleta all winter, one was seen in Puma Valley, San together(Running Springs Mar. 1-30). A flock of about Diego Co. Mar. 10, and another was at Brock Ranch 20 Red Crossbills remained on the Palos Verdes Pen. all Feb 16. A Palm Warbler near Otay, San Diego Co. winter, but away from there three in Santa Barbara Dec 21 - Feb. 18 (DR, JD et al.) was clearly of the Mar. 31, one at Simi Valley, Ventura Co. Dec. 8 and normally occurring race palmarum, however, anothel eight in San Diego Mar. 30, were the only others re- accompanying it on Dec. 21 appeared to be ported. hypochrysea(DR et al.), an exceptionallyrare stragglei A few Green-tailedTowhees spentthe winter along to California. A N. Waterthrush, a very scarcewinter- the s. coast, but one near Tecopa, Inyo Co. Jan. 31 and ing bird in California, was near San Diego Dec. 30 - another near Cima, San Bernardino Co. were some- Mar 15 (JWD,JD), and another was near Imperial what unusual.Dark-eyed Juncosappeared scarcer than Beach Dec. 2 through Feb. 18 (GMcC,JD). A Yellow- usual throughout the Region and consequently only breasted Chat near Imperial Beach Dec. 2 (GMcC, JD) nine individuals of the eastern "Slate-colored" forms was suspectedto be winteringlocally sincevirtually all were reported. In addition a Gray-headed Junco in normally have gone from the state by the end of Sep- Fullerton, L.A. Co. Feb. 5, and two at Brock Ranchall tember. A few Wilson's Warblers wintered along the winter were the only individuals reported. A Black- coastwith one seenat Pt. Mugu Feb. 2 and at least six chinned Sparrow, very rare in California during the around San Diego December through February. winter, was studiedin Riverside Mar. 3 (EAC,SC). In ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- A 6 contrast to last winter Harris' Sparrows were excep- Orchard Oriole present at a feeder in Santa Barbara tionally scarcewith one in Big Pine Jan. 2 - Mar. 31 and sinceSept. 15(Am. Birds 28:110)remained until Jan.313 anotherin Colton Dec. 21 - Mar. 15 being the only two (TNM) andan immature6 was seennear ImperialDam reported. White-throated Sparrow numberswere about on the Colorado R. Feb. 20-21 (GSS); the speciesis normal with five reported along the coast, one in the scarce in California. The only wintering Hooded Owens Valley, and two along the lower Colorado R Oriolesreported were three around Santa Barbara. A • Four LaplandLongspurs on SanNicholas I. Feb. 9 (L J) Scott's Oriole in Riverside Jan. 10 (EAC, SC) was were the only longspursfound. mterestingbecause very few are reportedin winter. As usual a few N. Orioles, by far the more commonoriole CORRIGENDA -- In Am. Birds 28:110 (Southern m winter, were reportedwith at leasttwo aroundSanta Pacific Coast Region) reference A Bay-breastedWar- Barbara,five in the Los Angelesarea and three in San bler shouldread -- A Bay-breastedWarbler was on Pt Diego. Unprecedentedwas the finding of two Rust> Loma (JD et al.) Sept. 16, and another was near Otay Blackbirdsnear Solvang, Santa Barbara Co. Jan. 8-12 Sept: 29 (GMcC et al.), . . ." (JAet al.); only a handfulof recordsexist for the coastal areas of California and only one of those was of a CONTRIBUTORS -- Jackson M. Abbott, Ernest R wintering bird. Great-tailed Grackles continue to Abeles, Jon Atwood, Fred Baker, Bruce Broadbooks, spreadalong the ColoradoR. with over 25 at Blyth Feb. Hank Bradkin, EugeneA. Cardiff, Steven Cardiff, John 9 and 10 or so at Havasu Landing Dec. 27; one at W. DeWitt, Jon Dunn, Dick Erickson, Jim Fairchild, Rammer L. on Mar. 26 was the only report for the StanleyG. Ford, David W. Foster,Alice Fries, William Imperial Valley. A W. Tanagerin SantaBarbara Mar. L. Goodloe, Andrew Hazi, Tom Heindel, Don Hoech- 20, 4-5 in Riverside Dec. 12, and at least four around lein, Lee Jones, Harry Krueger, StephenA. Layman, San Diego all winter were the only onesreported; a few Steven & Susan Liston, Tom Love, John Luther, T regularly winter, especially in areas supporting Nelson Metcalf, Jesse & Donna Morton, Ed Nava- eucalyptustrees that flower in the winter months.A q? josky, Bill Principe, Don Ramsey, Sylvia J. Ramsey, HepaticTanager was carefully identifiedat Imperial Van Reinsen, Chuck Sexton, Arnold Small, JamesH Dam Dec. 19 and another was seen at Agua Caliente Snowden, Richard Stallcup, G. Shumway Suffel, Ste- SpnngsMar. 9 (JD,SS); this speciesis very rare in ven Summers,Jan Taibel, Don V. Tiller, ShirleyWells, winter. The only Summer Tanagers reported were two SandyWilbur, SandyWohlgemuth, Bill Van Wormer in San Diego Jan. 25 - Mar. 1; the speciesno doubt Other abbreviationsand symbols: SBCM, San Bernar- occursin S. California every winter, but numbersare dino County Museum; S.D.N.H.M., San Diego always very small. Natural History Museum; *, collected specimen. -- FINCHES, SPARROWS, LONGSPURS --A • GUY McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, Cardinal was seen in Earp on the Colorado R. Mar. 24, Balboa Park, San Diego, California

694 American Birds, June 1974 27th Winter Bird-Population Study Edited by Ronald A. Ryder

List of Studies

State or Hec- Birds per Hrs. ¾rs of Habitat Province tares sq. kin. Obs. cies Study

A. Forest Habitats 1. White Birch-Red Maple-Ash Woodlot Maine 6.9 28 19.0 6 2 2. Upland Beech-MapleForest Connecticut 8.1 111 9.1 12 3 3. Upland Oak-Maple Forest, Meadow Connecticut 8.1 198 9.0 19 4 4. Upland Oak-Maple Forest Connecticut 10.0 90 19.0 7 1 5. Hemlock-White Pine-Hardwood Connecticut 10.0 180 15.3 8 1 6. Maturing Upland Red Pine-White Pine New York 15.4 104 17.0 9 4 7. Black Spruce-Tamarack Bog New York 4.6 239 11.8 6 3 8. Upland Oak Forest New York 11.8 68 10.1 9 3 9. Upland Mixed Pine-Spruce-Hardwood New York 16.6 199 58.0 18 1 10. Mixed Hardwood Forest Maryland 11.3 327 13.7 28 16 11. Hickory-Oak-Ash Floodplain Forest Maryland 18.4 472 24.0 36 3 12. Forest Developing After Cultivation Maryland 8.1 49 12.0 12 6 13. Central Hardwood with Pine District of 26.3 198 20.5 15 21 Columbia 14. Upland Oak-Hickory Hatxlwood Forest Virginia 11.0 109 19.3 16 4 15. Upland Tulip-tree-Oak Forest Virginia 20.6 97 20.8 15 1 16. Hardwood-Softwood Forest North Carolina 15.0 73 12.0 16 21 17. Upland Pitch Pine-WhitePine Forest Ontario 12.5 136 13.0 10 18. Climax Maple-Beech Forest Ontario 26.3 91 20.0 12 4 19. Disturbed Oak-Hickory Forest Ohio 14.2 275 27.0 19 20. Oak-Maple Forest and Forest Edge Illinois 22.3 49 18.0 27 26 21. BottomlandOak-Gum-Cypress Forest Mississippi 11.4 1178 21.6 37 3 22. Southern Bottomland Hardwood Forest Louisiana 16.2 754 13.6 36 23. Mixed Pine-Deciduous Forest Louisiana 8.9 1359 12.0 30 4 24. Loess Bluff Forest Louisiana 16.2 1081 34.0 45 1 25. Loblolly Pine Forest Louisiana 12.1 239 20.1 26 1 26. Ponderosa Pine Forest Colorado 8.1 445 13.0 17 12 27. Canyon Bottom-PonderosaPine Forest California 9.7 148 18.0 8 1

B. Forest Mixed with Other Habitats 28. Floodplain Forest and Cultivated Bottomland New York 51.8 772 23.3 32 4 29. Mixed Habitat-Deciduous Wooded Stream Valley, Meadow Maryland 35.6 359 24.8 33 2 30. Mixed Upland Habitat Maryland 16.2 2606 42.0 45 6 31. Mature DeciduousFloodplain Forest Maryland 17.8 812 28.6 32 23 32. Mixed Upland Habitat District of 14.2 762 24.5 33 15 Columbia 33. Deciduous Woods Ohio 16.2 445 18.0 20 1 34. Mixed Habitat-Disturbed Bottomland Oklahoma 40.5 435 40.0 46 2 35. Ponderosa Pine Sedimentary Creekbottom Colorado 35.0 102 22.5 23 1

C. Brush, Grassland and Desert 36. Grassland: Abandoned Airport Indiana 23.3 52 12.1 9 1 37. Grassland: Municipal Airport Louisiana 12.2 231 5.3 5 1 38. Mixed Prairie Park Nebraska 16.0 920 16.2 33 4 39. Sandhill Prairie Kansas 32.4 173 9.8 28 2 40. Live Oak-Mesquite Brushland Texas 12.1 255 9.0 24 8 41. Mesquite-JuniperCanyon Bottomland Texas 12.6 853 24.8 45 7 42. Shortgrass Prairie Colorado 40.5 52 8.0 2 2

Volume 28, Number 3 695 43 Conifer-Brush-Grass Plains Colorado 28.3 346 10.0 17 12 44 Foothills Conifer-Brushland Hillside Colorado 61.8 623 7.0 10 1 45 Joshua Tree-Yucca Mohavian Desert California 8. l 49 8.7 8 1 46 Sycamore Coast Live Oak Riparian Woodland California 24.4 1342 18.0 35 1 47 Coastal Grassland California 8.1 295 3.5 9 1 48 Creosote Bush Scrub, Colorado Desert California 16.2 136 18.0 12 1 49 Cactus-Ocotillo Colorado Desert California 8.1 309 12.2 9 1 50 Valley Oak Woodland California 18.4 376 16.0 25 1 51 Disturbed Mesa Grassland California 12.2 148 6.0 13 1 52 Deciduous Oak Woodland California 3.2 2934 28.0 37 4

D. Habitats Including Open Water 53 Exposed Cove and Adjacent Ocean Maine 43.7 490 14.0 17 5 54 Mixed Upland Habitat and Swamp Connecticut 14.2 71 7.0 14 2 55 Salt Water Marsh and Coastal Beach Connecticut 220.0 88 28.0 49 9 56 Lagoon Virginia 23.5 592 10.3 21 6 57 Coastal Waters-SandyBeach California 16.6 574 13.5 11 1 58 Undisturbed Coastal Salt Marsh California 8.1 1581 6.5 23 1 59 Coastal Marsh Channel California 3.2 2797 3.5 26 1 60 Disturbed Coastal Salt Marsh California 12.2 626 16.0 20 1 6l Coastal Waters-SandyBeach California 13.7 1758 11.0 15 1 E. Croplands 62 Partially AbandonedHayfields and Pastures Connecticut 7.7 754 24.0 26 3 63 Abandoned Orchards-Old Fields- Tree Rows New York 15.5 187 15.0 22 2 64 Corn Stubble, Winter Wheat, Hayfields Pennsylvania 40.5 217 9.6 11 1 65 Abandoned Field Maryland 6.1 1038 20.0 20 1 66 SugarcaneField Louisiana 16.2 371 6.0 9 1 67 Hedgerows-Cornfields Saskatchewan 62.2 211 64.5 26 1 68 Irrigated Pastureland, Weed Areas, Tree Rows Oregon 19.4 1138 10.5 23 3

F. Urban HabRa• 69 Suburban School Park Florida 8.0 625 11.3 16 6 70 Forested City Park Ontario 10. l 178 13.6 11 3 7l UrbanResidential Area,Vfi Ontario 103.0 481 27.5 13 1 72 City Park Ohio 29.3 272 15.0 12 5 73 City Park Iowa 13.4 142 10.2 12 20 74 City Cemetery Colorado 32.4 374 8.0 19 l 75 SuburbanShopping Center Colorado 16.4 208 10.0 3 1 76 Urban Nature Center California 34.4 1285 20.0 50 4

G. Unclassified Late Arrivals 77 Mature Poplar Forest Alberta 10.0 50 8.2 6 3 78 Exposed Peninsula and Adjacent Ocean Newfoundland 293.4 194 11.0 13 2 This year 78 Winter Bird-Population Studies the most prevalent problems. We are still most were submitted, an increaseof 15, or 24 per cent, interested in studies made in habitats that are over 1972-73. Of this total, 29 were new. This normally considered waste or marginal lands, year' s countscame from four provinces, 21 states these will be most useful in providing data for and the District of Columbia. California lead all such environmentalimpact studiesas may be the rest with 15studies, followed by Connecticut, required if and when such lands are endangered Colorado and Maryland with 7 each, Louisiana by development. However, if the total number of and New York with 6, and Ontario with 4. Study studieskeeps growing, the "Remarks" and other manuscripts were received in good order al- less essentialalthough interesting sectionsmay though 52 of the 78 had slips in the spelling, have to be drasticallyabbreviated, as they have abbreviation, or order of listing of the species-- been in some studiesthis year.

696 American Birds, June 1974 1. WHITE BIRCH - RED MAPLE - ASH WOOD- 3. UPLAND OAK - MAPLE FOREST, SECOND LOT-- Location: Two miles southeast of Palermo, GROWTH, MEADOW AND EDGE.--Location: Fret- Mmne, « mile north of State Route 3; Palermo Quad- field County, Greenwich, in the NW part of town and rangle,USGS; 44ø22'31Y'N,69027 '30"W. On the grounds the SE portionof 280-acreAudubon Center; 41ø06'N, of the Walters Ecological Experimental Station. 73ø41'W, Glenville, Conn. Quadrangle, USGS Continuity: Second year. Size: 6.9 ha = 17.8 acres, Continuity: Fourth consecutivewinter census.Size u'regularshape (measured with a polar planimeterfrom 8.09 ha = 20 acres(rectangular, surveyed). Description a surveyedmap of the Station).Description of Area: See of Area: See AFN 23:724-725 (1969). Weather AB 27(3):702(1973). Weather: During the 85-day study 1951-1971averages are shownin parenthesis.Average period, temperaturesranged from -16 ø to 65ø F. The temperatures:Jan., 31.4øF.(28.1ø);Feb., 29.4ø(308 ø) meanlow and hightemperatures for that periodwere 2ø Precipitation(inches); Jan., 4.31 (2.78); Feb., 2 23 and 44ø, respectively. The mean temperaturesduring (3.41); 11.07and 8.16 inchesof snowfell in Jan. and actual observation periods was 29ø (range 12ø-50ø). Feb. respectively.The groundwas snow coveredon Snow depthsranged from 0 to 6 in., averaging2 in. All most of the visits. (Weather information from weather weather data were taken weekly, from a weather sub- stationat StamfordMuseum, 6.5 miles east.) Coverage stationon the studyarea. Coverage:Dec. 18,29; Jan.7, Jan.5, 13, 18,20, 27, 31: Feb. 9, 16(twice). Total; 9trips 15, 22, 28; Feb. 12, 19, 25; Mar. 5, 12. Total, 11 trips, averaging60 minutes each, between 1000 and 1800 most between 1200 and 1400, one 900 to 1000, and two hours(EDST). Count:Black-capped Chickadee, 5 (62, 1000 to 1100, averaging 60 minutes each. Count: 25); Am. Robin, 2 (25, 10); Downy Woodpecker,1 (12, Black-cappedChickadee 2(27, 11); Ruffed Grouse, +; 5); Blue Jay, 1 (12, 5); Corn. Crow, 1 (12, 5); Tufted Hmry Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Brown Creeper, Titmouse, 1 (12, 5); White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (12, 5), +, Golden-crownedKinglet, +. AverageTotal: 2 birds Hermit Thrush, 1 (12, 5); Golden-crownedKinglet, 1 (28 per sq.km., 11per 100acres). Remarks: Total birds (12, 5); Cardinal, 1 (12, 5); Am. Goldfinch,1 (12, 5), seenlast year (43) is closeto the numberobserved this Ruffed Grouse, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Hmry w•nter (41) on the samenumber of trips (11). JAMES Woodpecker,+;Brown Creeper,+;Winter Wren, +, M KIENZLER, Rm. 122, Nutting Hall, Univ. of Gray Catbird, +; White-throatedSparrow, +. Average Marne, Orono, Maine 04473. Total: 16 birds (198 per sq. kin., 80 per 100 acres) Remarks: Last year's averagewas 19 birds. Increases 2. UPLAND BEECH - MAPLE FOREST--Location: were Am. Robin(+2), Hermit Thrush,kinglet, Cardi- Connecticut;Fairfield County, Greenwich,in the NW nal and Am. Goldfinch(+ 1) each. Declines were crow part of town and N portion of 280-acre Audubon and chickadee(-3) each, grouse(-2) and Dark-eyed Center; 41ø06'N, 73ø41'W, Glenville, Conn. Quad- Junco(-1). The area was also frequentedby White- rangle, USGS. Continuity: Third consecutivewinter tailed Deer (Odocoileusvirginianus), Eastern Cotton- census. Size: 8.09 ha = 20 acres (rectangular, sur- tail (Sylvilagusfloridanus) and Eastern Gray Sqmrrel veyed). Descriptionof Area: See AB 25:970-971(1971). (Sciuruscarolinensis).--THOMAS BURKE, CURTIS Weather: 1951-1971averages are shownin parenthesis. SMITH, GARY PALMER, (compiler), P.O. Box 1263, Average temperatures:Jan., 31.4øF.(28.1ø); Feb., 29.4ø Greenwich Conn. 06830. (Member of Mianus (30.8ø).Precipitation (inches): Jan., 4.31 (2.78); Feb., Naturalists of GreenwichAudubon Society). 2 23 (3.41); 11.07and 8.16 inchesof snowfell in Jan.and 4. UPLAND OAK-MAPLE FORESTS•Location Feb. respectively. The ground was snow covered on Western slope of Coye Hill, 1.7 mi. east-southeast mostvisits. (Weather informationfrom weather station Union, Tolland County, Connecticut;Westford Quan- at StamfordMuseum, 6.5 mileseast.) Coverage: Jan. 5, drangle USGS. Continuity:New. Size: 10 ha = 24 7 9, 13, 27; Feb. 9, 16 (twice), 20; Mar. 6. Total, 9 trips acres(rectangular, 400 x 250 m., measuredwith com- averaging 62 minutes each, between 1100 and 1800 passand tape). Descriptionof Area: The study area •s hours (EDST). Count: Com. Crow, 2 (25, 10); Black- located in Yale Forest along a seriesof ridgesrunrang capped Chickadee, 2 (25, 10); White-breasted N-S andis composedof mixedupland hardwoods w•th Nuthatch,2 (25, 10); Downy Woodpecker,1 (12, 5); intermittenthemlock. Vegetation: Trees 3-in. in diame- Tufted Titmouse, 1 (12, 5); Am. Goldfinch, 1 (12, 5); ter and over, based on five 0.1 acre circular samples, Red-tailedHawk, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Pileated 268 trees/acre; total basal area, 116.4 sq. ft./acre Woodpecker,+; Hairy Woodpecker,+; Blue Jay, +; Speciescomprising 90% of total numberof trees(fig- Golden-crownedKinglet, +: AverageTotal: 9 birds ures after each give no. of trees/acre,relative density (111per sq. km., 45 per 100acres). Remarks: Changes (%), relative dominance(%), frequency (%), in that from last year's average of 11 were Blue Jay, chick- order): Northern Red Oak (Quercusrubra) 78, 28, 52, adee, and Tree Sparrow (- 1) each and crow(+l). The 100; Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 86, 31, 16, 100; Black habitat has remained virtually unchangedover the 3 Birch (Betula lenta) 24, 9, 4, 60; Yellow Birch(Betula winter studieswhich is reflectedin the relatively con- alleghaniensis)18, 6, 6, 20; Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga sistentpopulation of birds on this plot. The area was canadensis) 10,4, 9, 60; Dead Trees 8, 6, 3, 60; Sugar also frequented by White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus Maple (Acer saccharum) 14, 5, 2, 60; White B•rch vtrginianus), and Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus (Betula papyrifera) 4, 1, 2, 40; White Ash (Fraxmus carolinensis).--THOMAS BURKE, WM. BOLTON americana) 16, 6, 2, 40; White Oak (Quercusalba) 4, 1, COOK, CURTIS SMITH and GARY PALMER, (corn- 1, 40. Trees by diametersize class(figures after each ptler) P.O. Box 1263, Greenwich, Conn. 06830. (Mem- class give trees/acre, relative density (%), basal bersof Mianus Naturalists of GreenwichAudubon Soc- area/acre, relative dominance(%)): A(3-6 in.) 136, iety). 49,13.6,11;B(6-9 in.) 62, 21, 18.6, 16;C(9-15 in.) 60, 21,

Volume 28, Number 3 697 48, 42; D(15-21 in.) 18, 8, 30.0, 26; E(21-27 in.) 2, 1, 6.2, White Pine, Black Birch, and Mountain Laurel (Kalmta 5 The sparse shrub layer is composedof saplingsof latifolia). No shrub layer under the dense hemlock Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), Black Birch, Red stands comprising the majority of the plot. Ground Maple, and Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Cover, 10%. Canopy, 90%. Height 70 ft. Topography Ground Cover, 20%. Canopy, 80%. Height, 60 ft. Elevation, 750 ft. Western slope, gentle on northern Topography: Elevation, 900 ft. West-northwestslope, portionbut slightlysteeper in southernportion. Edge gentlysloping through center of plot, steeperin western Similar forest type with Bigelow Brook and some portion. Edge: Similarforest type with increasinghem- wooded swamp 100 m. to east, becomingincreasingly lock and White Pine down slope from the plot. Water: deciduousto the west of the plot. Water: three small Two smallbrooks present, one appearsto flow all year. brooksrunning east to west, all appearto flow all year Weather: Average temperatureduring census22. IøF., Weather: Average temperature during census 20øF varying from 9 to 39ø (measuredon plot). Ground was varying from 2 to 30ø (measuredon plot). Ground was ice- or snow-coveredon 80% of counts. Coverage:Dec. ice- or snow-coveredon 80% of counts.Coverage: Jan 19, Jan. 5, 13, 17, 20, 29g Feb. 9, 14, 17, 26. Total, 10 5, 15, 20, 28; Feb. 5, 12, 17, 21, 28. Total, 9 trips trips between0850 and 1430,averaging 116 min. Count: between 0840 and 1410, averaging 102 min. Count Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (40, 16); Hairy Wood- Black-cappedChickadee, 8 (80, 32); Golden-crowned pecker, 1 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Kinglet, 5 (50, 20); Downy Woodpecker, 2 (20, 8), White-breastedNuthatch, I (10, 4); Brown Creeper, I Brown Creeper, 2 (20, 8); Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (10, 4)g Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (10, 4)• Ruffed (10, 4); Hairy Woodpecker, +; Winter Wren, +; Even- Grouse, +. AverageTotal: 9 birds (90 per sq. km., 36 ing Grosbeak, +. AverageTotal:18 birds (180 per sq per 100 acres). Remarks:Newly-made Pileated Wood- km., 73 per 100 acres). Remarks: Nearest feeder ap- pecker workingswere found, providingcontinuing evi- prox. 1.7 mi. from plot. See Study4 for samearea but dence of the bird's presence, but it was not seen or different habitat. I wish to thank Dr. GeorgeA. Clark, heard during the census period. See Study No. 5 for Jr. for his advice, Professor David Smith and the Yale same area but different habitat. I wish to thank Dr. University School of Forestry and Environmental George A. Clark, Jr. for his advice, ProfessorDavid Studies for permissionto conduct the study in Yale Smith and the Yale University School of Forestry and Forest, and Robert Craig for his assistance.--JOSEPH Environmental Studies for permissionto conduct the L. SUCHECKI, Biological Sciences Group, Universtty study in Yale Forest, and Robert Craig for his of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., 06268. asslstance.--JOSEPH L. S UCHECKI, Biological Sci- encesGroup, Universityof Connecticut,Storrs, Conn., 06268. 6. MATURING UPLAND RED PINE-WHITE PINE 5. HEMLOCK- WHITE PINE-HARDWOOD. PLANTATION.--Location: 2 miles west of Alfred, ---Location:Lower western slopeof Walker Mountain, New York; the plot is part of the State "reforestation I 8 mi. southeastUnion, Tolland County, Connecticut; area" that lies between Randolph Road and Water Westford QuadrangleUSGS. Continuity:New. Size: 10 Wells Road near the westernboundary of the Township ha = 24.7 acres(rectangular, 400 x 250 m., measured of Alfred, Allegany County; 42ø7'30"N,77ø45'W; An- with compassand tape). Descriptionof Area: The study dover Quandrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established tract is located in Yale Forest along the lower slope of 1970-71; no count in 1973. Size: 15.4 ha = 38 acres, N-S running ridges and is composed of a mixed age nearly square, measured by tape and compass stand of Hemlock, White Pine, and intermittent hard- Descriptionof Area: Described in AFN 24:754 (1970) woods. Vegetation:Trees 3-in. in diameter and over Weather:Generally milder than an averagewinter with based on five 0. I acre circular samples;236 trees/acre; no majorstorms. Average highs and lows for December total basal area, 169.2 sq. ft./acre. Speciescomprising were 35.7ø and 20.6ø , for January 35.1ø and 17.3ø , for 90% of total number of trees (figures after each give February 31.6ø and 11.2øF.Precipitation was that of an number of trees/acre, relative density (%), relative averagewinter and sufficientto maintaina continuous dominance(%), frequency(%), in that order): Eastern snow cover except during the last week of January. The Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)92, 39, 49, 100• White weather on count days was mostly fair with no high Pine (Pinus strobus) 10, 4, 9, 40; Black Birch (Betula winds or excessive precipitation; maximum tempera- lenta) 46, 20, 12, 80; Dead Trees, 8, 3, ! 1,60; Red Maple tures ranged from 27ø to 43ø . (Weather data from the (Acer rubrum) 34, 14, 4, I00; Northern Red Oak U.S. Cooperative Weather Station at Alfred.) Food (Quercus rubra) 18, 8, 6, 20g Yellow Birch (Betula The cone crop on the 40-year old pineswas very light alleghaniensis)8, 3, 4, 40• ShagbarkHickory (Carya and the shrubs were bare of fruit. The main food source ovata) 8, 3, 4, 40. Trees by diameter size class (figures was the insectson the stemsand foliage of the pines and after each class give trees/acre, relative density (%), the few deadtrunks that exist from thinningoperations basal area/acre,relative dominance(%)): A(3-6 in.) 60, Coverage:Jan. 14, 21, 28, (two trips), 29; Feb. 15, 27 26, 6 0, I 1; B(6-9 in.) 60, 26, 18.0, 10•C(9-15 in.) 82, 34, Total, 7 trips with one or two observersor parties,all 65 6, 39• D(15-21in.) 26, 10, 46.8, 28• E(21-27 in.) 6, 3, between 945 and 1630. Total observer or party time 18 6, 11;F(27-33 in.) 0, 0, 0, 0; G(33-40in.) 2, 1, 14.2,8. averaged 146 minutes per trip. Count: Black-capped (Note: The White Pine is situatednear the easternand Chickadee, 9 (59, 24); Golden-crownedKinglet, 3 (20, northern edgeof the plot and no sampleplot measured 8); Brown Creeper, 2 (13, 5); Ruffed Grouse, 1 (7, 3), the vegetation in the pine-dominatedarea. I feel the Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (7, 3); Long-eared Owl, +, pine to be more importantthan may be indicatedin the Downy Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; White-breasted above analysis.) Shrub layer composedof saplingsof Nuthatch, +. AverageTotal: 16 birds (104 per sq. km ,

698 American Birds, June 1974 42 per 100 acres). Remarks: The owl was seen only turesranged from -13 ø to 56ø, with an averageof 23 1ø once. The variation in the number of chickadees(2 to and total precipitation2.26 in. (water equivalent) 24) andkinglets (0 to 9) on differenttrips suggeststhat Comparedwith other years Jan. and Feb. departedby their feedingarea was probably larger than the confines about+ 1.1ø and -0.3 in. precipitation.Compared w•th of the plot. Appreciationis extendedto the Allenterm otheryears Oct., Nov., Dec. departedby +0.3ø, +0 3ø, Committeeof Alfred Universityfor includingthis pro- +2.4ø and -1.06 in., -1.69 in., +3.00 in. precipitation ject on the program of the Januaryterm.--WILLIAM Coverage:Dec. 31; Jan. 10, 17, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 2, 9, 16, H HOWE and CLARENCE W. KLINGENSMITH, 23. Total, 10 trips, mostlymid-day hours, averaging 62 Alfred University, AIJ?ed,N.Y. 14802. observer minutes each. The method used was that de- 7. BLACK SPRUCE-TAMARACK BOG. scribedin the 1973winter count of this plot. Count --Location: New York; Delaware County, Mud Lake Black-cappedChickadee, 4 (34, 14); 'Hairy Wood- bog, about 2 miles N of Pine Lake on South Hill and pecker, 1 (8, 3); Downy Woodpecker,1 (8, 3); White- about 2 miles E of West Davenport; 42ø29'N, breastedNuthatch, 1 (8, 3); BrownCreeper, 1 (8, 3), 74ø55'45"W, West Davenport Quadrangle, USGS. Turkey, +; PileatedWoodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +, Continuity: Established 1971-1972. Size: 4.6 ha = 11.3 Golden-crownedKinglet, +. AverageTotal: 8 birds(68 acres(1.9 acresof centralwater not includedin plot per sq. km., 27 per 100 acres.--J. ROBERT MILLER, area;elliptical, measured into a squaregrid of 16 one- Dept. of Chemistry, LOUIS FARLEY, III, and JAMES acreunits by steeltape, and many measured vegetation D. PARSONS, JR., Hartwick College, Oneonta, N Y edgepoints connected to givethe vegetationzone el- 13820. hpsesfor a ploton graphpaper, from which zonal areas 9. UPLAND MIXED PINE - SPRUCE-HARDWOOD andwidths were determined). Description of Area:See PLANTATION.--Location: On the south side of Brown AB 26:659-661and 959 (1972). Weather:Trips were Road, near its intersectionwith the Vandermark Road, madein all kindsof weather.Trip temperaturesaver- 3.5 miles west of Alfred, New York; 42ø7'30"N, agedabout 22øF., with snowcover varying from 0 to 10 77ø45'W; Andover Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity m, averaging63A in. All the followingweather data New? Size: 16.6 ha = 41 acres; roughly rectangular, fromCooperstown, 12 miles north, were supplied by U. perimeter measured with tape and compass S NationalWeather Service. Temperatures for Jan. Descriptionof Area: The plot is part of a 2700-acreState and Feb. rangedfrom -13 ø to 56ø with an averageof Reforestation Area of similar habitat. The east side •s 23 1ø and total precipitation 2.26 in. (waterequivalent). borderedby pasturelandand the north by Brown Road Th•sis 1.1ø above normal temperatures for the period and Vandermark Road. One stream, which remained and0.3 in. belownormal precipitation. As compared flowingthroughout the studyperiod, runs eastto west w•thother years Oct., Nov., Dec. departedby +0.3ø, acrossthe northern half of the plot. There is another, +0 3ø, + 2.4ø and - 1.06in., - 1.69in., +3.00in. precipi- smaller stream near the south border of the area and tation. Coverage:Jan. 10, 17, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 2, 9, 16, other areasof standingwater. Elevation of the northern 23, 24. Total, 10trips, mostly midday hours, averaging part is approximately1950 ft. slopingupwards to 2080 71 observer minutes each. The method used was that ft. near the southernboundary. There are six diffenng describedin the 1973winter count of thisplot. Count: zonesin the studyarea. Zone 1 (approximately6 acres) Th•sis givenfirst for the 11.3acre plot. The second a plantationof White Pine (50%) and Norway Spruce number,in brackets,is the averageper trip per 100 (40%),with someBlack Locust and Red Maple, planted acresusing the sameaverage per trip countas before in 1935, with average height of trees about 45-50 ft butusing only the actual forage area- i.e., shrub(II) and Zone 2 (approx. 9 acres):this section,planted in 1931, tree(III) zones(8.7 acres). Black-capped Chickadee, 6 consistsof 50% White Pine and 45% Norway Spruce (131,53) [69];Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4 (87, 35) [46]; The remainderis madeup of isolatedBlack Cherry and White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (22,9) [12];Downy Wood- BlackLocust. Average canopy height is approximately pecker,+; BlueJay, +; BrownCreeper, +. Average 45 ft; groundcover is snow-coveredpine needlesw•th Total: 11 birds (239 per sq. km., 97 [127] per 100 an occasionalMarginal Wood Fern. Zone 3 (approx 6 acres).--J. ROBERT MILLER, Dept. of Chemistry, acres): two hardwood areas: one on the southwestern LOUIS FARLEY, III andJAMES D. PARSONS,JR., comer with the most abundant trees being Beech, Hartwick College, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820. SugarMaple, Black Cherry and Elm; the other along the main stream,Elm, manyof themdead, makingup 8. UPLAND OAK FOREST-- Location: New York; themajor tree species, with a few willowsalso present Delaware County, about 15 miles N of Pine Lake on Averagecanopy height is 60-65ft. Zone 4 (approx 8 South Hill and about 2 miles E of West Davenport; acres):a largeRed Pine plantationplanted in 1935w•th 42028'3"N, 74056' 15"W, WestDavenport Quadrangle, little groundcover other than pine needlesand dead USGS. Continuity:Established 1971-1972. Size: 11.8 ha limbs and few other trees. Average height of trees •s = 29.1+0.5 acres(nearly square, essentially 6 x 5 units about 50 ft. Zone 5 (approx. 4 acres): this section, of 208ft. edge- i.e., measuredinto a gridof 1-acreunits, planted in 1935, is a White Pine stand with much invad- measuredwith steeltape). Description of Area: SeeAB ingBlack Cherry and Red Maple. In an openingon the 26' 661-662and 941 (1972). Weather:Trips were made road sideof the sectionis a smallstand of goldenrod •n all kinds of weather.Trip temperaturesaveraged The White Pine average 40-45 ft. in height. Zone 6 about22øF., with snowcover varying from 0 to 10in., (approx. 8 acres): this is a brushy area on the side of averaging5[5 in. All the followingweather data from Brown Road which contains numerous hawthorns as Cooperstown,12 miles north, were suppliedby the thedominant tree. Elm, BlackCherry, and Red Maple U S. NationalV•geather Service. Jan. and Feb. tempera- are also represented.Ground cover consistsmainly of

Volume 28, Number 3 699 goldenrods,thistles, teasel and brambles.These plants Field Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 37 birds (327 per sq were a major food source on the plot, with the haw- km., 132 per 100 acres). Remarks: The average totals thornshaving the best crop in years. Cone production continuedto show aloss in this study area for the third this year was generally poor. Weather: Temperatures consecutive year. The density was the lowest yet re- duringthe 2« monthstudy period did not vary signific- corded here. This is in contrast to last summer's antly from the 57-yearaverages supplied by the Alfred breeding-bird census when marked increases in ter- CooperativeWeather Station.Total snowfallduring the ritorial males were recorded. The 16-yearaverages now study period was 38.5 in. (normal for the 57-year aver- stand at 61 birds and 221 per 100 acres. The Carolina ages); the census area was snow-coveredduring the Chickadee showed a 50% loss this year as did the entire study period. Coverage:Dec. 22, 23, 28; Jan. 1, Tufted Titmouse. Losses were also noted in the Brown 10, 15, 17,22,24, 29, 31;Feb. 10, 14,21. Total 12trips (7 Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and between 0930 and 1130 and 5 trips between 1415 and Yellow-rumped Warble r. The Carolina Wren increased 1700).On eachtrip, the studyarea wasdivided into two again this year. Increasesoccurred also in the Common or three sectionsand censusedby from one to 5 people. Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed A total of 58 party-hoursof censuswork was done.Two Junco.--JOHN H. FALES, Ridge Road, Neeld Estate, short additional trips were made to the study area: one Huntingtown, Md. 20639. at 2200 to listen for owls and another at dawn for evi- 11. HICKORY - OAK - ASH FLOODPLAIN denceof roostingbirds. Count: Black-cappedChick- FOREST.---Location: Floodplain of Middle Patuxent adee, 15 (90, 37); Golden-crownedKinglet, 11 (66, 27); River due west of Hobbits Glen Golf Course, Colum- Brown Creeper, 3 (18, 7); Blue Jay, 2 (12, 5); Hairy bia, Howard County, Maryland; 39ø13'10"N Woodpecker, 1 (6, 2); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 2); 76ø54'45"W, Clarksville Quadrangle, USGS Ruffed Grouse +; Turkey +; Great Horned Owl +; Continuity:Established 1972; 3 consecutiveyears. Size White-breasted Nuthatch +; Red-breasted Nuthatch 18.4 ha= 45.5 acres(L-shaped following the 310-foot +, Winter Wren +; CedarWaxwing +; EveningGros- contour; surveyed).Description of Area: See AB 25 beak +; Com Redpoll+; Am Goldfinch+; Dark-eyed 963-964(1971). The dominantcanopy trees are Pignut Junco+; Tree Sparrow+. AverageTotal: 33 birds(199 Hickory (Caryaglabra ), Red Oak (Quercusrubra), and persq. km., 80per 100acres). Remarks: Appreciation is Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Average canopy extended to David Zlomek of the New York State Dept. height, 39 feet. Weather: Mild and open, December of Environmental Conservation for supplying aerial throughFebruary. The meantemperature was 3ø above photographsof the areaand information on the compos- normal in December, 6ø above normal in January, 5ø ition of the studyarea; to Laura andDavid Brooksfor abovenormal in February.Temperatures ranged from assistancein settingup the plot; to Lou Burton for his 23ø to 40øF.on the morningcounts and from 24ø to 70ø photographicwork; to Clarence Klingensmith and on the afternoon counts. Winds did not exceed 5 mph M•dgley Smith for assistance in conductin• the on any of the counts.Five countswere madeon clear censuses. ELIZABETH W. BROOKS (compiler - days, 1 on a partly cloudyday, and 2 on overcastdays Water Wells Rd., Alfred Station, N.Y. 14803) and Exceptfor a 7-in. snowin Feb. 8 that hadlargely melted WILLIAM HOWE. by the next day, snowdid not accumulatemore than 1 in. Coverage:Jan. 13, 26, 27; Feb. 6, 18(2), 21, 24. The 10. MIXED HARDWOOD FOREST--Location: trips averaged3 hours,0 minutes.The 4 morningtrips Maryland;Calvert Co., NW of Hum Pointand 1 mile started in the first 10 minutes after sunrise, and the 4 •nlandfrom ChesapeakeBay, on TobaccoRoad be- afternoontrips endedbetween 38 minutesand 5 min- tween State Routes 263 and 26l. Size: 11.3 ha = 28 utes before sunset. Count: Carolina Chickadee, 13 (71, acres. Continuity:Established 1959; 16 consecutive 29); Downy Woodpecker,11 (60, 24); Cardinal, 10 (54, years. Descriptionof Area: SeeAFN 13: 333, 1959. 22); White-throatedSparrow, 9 (49, 20); Tufted Tit- Weather:The skywas clear on 6 of the 10census days. mouse,6 (33, 13);Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5 (27, 11), The groundwas snow-coveredonly on Feb. 10. The Yellow-rumped Warbler, 5 (27, 11); White-breasted creekflowed continually and the bogwas mostlyfree of Nuthatch, 4 (22, 9); Carolina Wren, 3 (16, 7); Golden- •ce High temperatureson half of the count dayswere crowned Kinglet, 3 (16, 7); Am. Goldfinch, 3 (16,7), above60øF. Coverage: Dec. 27, 29;Jan. 6, 13, 16,22, 27, Brown Creeper, 2 (11, 4); Winter Wren, 2 (11, 4); Song 29, Feb. 5, 10.Ten trips, averaging82 minutes,started Sparrow, 2 (11, 4); Mourning Dove, 1 (5, 2); Belted between 0940 and 1155 EST. Count: Cardinal, 8 (71, Kingfisher, 1 (5, 2); Com. Flicker, 1 (5, 2); Yellow- 29), CarolinaWren, 5 (44, 18);Carolina Chickadee, 4 bellied Sapsucker,1 (5, 2); Hairy Woodpecker,1 (5, 2), (35, 14); White-throatedSparrow, 3 (26, 11); Tufted Blue Jay, 1 (5, 2); Com. Crow, 1 (5, 2); Rufous-slded Titmouse, 2 (18, 7); Am. Robin, 2 (18, 7); Yellow- Towhee, 1 (5, 2); Dark-eyed Junco, 1 (5, 2); Green- rumpedWarbler, 2 (18., 7); Dark-eyedJunco, 2 (18, 7); wingedTeal, +; Turkey Vulture, +; Red-tailedHawk, Corn. Flicker, 1 (9, 4); PileatedWoodpecker, 1 (9, 4); +; Red-shoulderedHawk, +; Barred Owl, +; Pileated Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (9, 4); Yellow-bellied Sap- Woodpecker, +; Mockingbird, +; Am. Robin, +, sucker, 1 (9, 4); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (9, 4); Downy Eastern Blueird, +; Ruby-crownedKinglet, +; Star- Woodpecker,1 (9, 4); Brown Creeper, 1 (9, 4); Hermit ling, +; Com Grackle, +; Purple Finch, +. Average Thrush, 1 (9, 4); Golden-crowned Kinglet, I (9, 4); Total: 87 birds (472 per sq. km., 191 per 100 acres) Sharp-shinnedHawk, +; Red-shoulderedHawk, +; Remarks:Total species,36. Not includedin the totals Am Woodcock, +; Mourning Dove, +; Blue Jay, +; were an estimated10,000 Com. Gracklesthat landedm Com. Crow, +; White-breastedNuthatch, +; Winter the plot on Jan.27 andremained for about 15minutes, Wren +; Am. Goldfinch, +; Rufous-sidedTowhee, +; their principal activitieswere drinking, bathing and

700 American Birds, June 1974 resting, but they were not observed taking any food. tent years. Size:Until 1961,80 acres;since 1961,26 3 ha Po•sonIvy (Rhus radicans) produceda heavy crop of = 65 acres(triangular, surveyed). Description of Area berries, but most of them had been taken by early See AFN 2:153-154, (1948). Weather: Mild during fall January. Only a few small berries of this speciesre- and very mild duringwinter. Januarytemperatures av- mamedby the end of the censusperiod. Other berries eraged8 to 10ø above normal. Snow covered the ground remaininglocally in small numbersat the end of the on only 4 days during the censusperiod. During trips period were Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) and the temperatureranged from 23ø to 45øF,with average Blackhaw (Viburnumprunifolium). The only new win- of 35ø;wind less than 5 mph, except 9 to 15 mph on 2 tenng speciesfor the plot were Green-wingedTeal and trips. Sky was clear during only one trip, and overcast Com. Grackle, eachof which was seenon only one day. on 6 trips includingdrizzle duringone. Coverage:Dec The greatestdrop from last year was in White-throated 23; Jan. 1,5, 19, 20; Feb. 2, 9. The 7 trips averaged2 55 Sparrows,which declinedfrom an averageof 15 to 9 hours and were made between 0735 and 1130 EST b•rds per trip. Cardinalsdropped from 16 to 10, al- Count: Carolina Chickadee, 14 (53, 22); Tufted T•t- though they have been unusuallycommon at feeding mouse, 9(34, 14); Blue Jay, 5 (19, 8); Corn. Crow, 5 (19, stationsthis winter. The only speciesthat registereda 8); Carolina Wren, 4 (15, 6); Red-belliedWoodpecker, 3 large increase was Carolina Chickadee, which rose (11, 5); Downy Woodpecker,3 (11, 5); White-breasted from 10 to 13 birds per trip. Althoughthe number of Nuthatch, 3 (11, 5); Brown Creeper, 2 (8, 3); Turkey speciesis the sameas last year, therewas a reductionof Vulture, 1 (4, 2); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (4, 2); Hmry 17% in averagenumber of individuals.The 1974popula- Woodpecker, 1 (4, 2); Cardinal, 1 (4, 2); Golden- tion was only 46% of the unusuallyhigh populationof crowned Kinglet, +; Dark-eyed Junco, +. Average 1972. Afternoon counts yielded the same average Total: 52 birds (198 per sq. km., 80 per 100 acres ) number of speciesas morningcounts (21.5), but 14% Remarks:Total densitythis year is 24% higherthan the fewer individuals. Analysis of variance showed that study average. A population peak this or next winter countsfor the White-breastedNuthatch (p < .01), Blue would be in phase with an approximate 7-year cycle Jay (p < .05), and Tufted Titmouse (p < .05) were that has been observed throughout the study. Density s•gnificantly higher in the morning than in the of Blue Jays and Carolina Wrens this winter is at an afternoon.---CHANDLER S. ROBBINS, Migratory all-time high for the study. Total species,15; low com- Btrd and Habitat Research Laboratory, Laurel, Md. pared to study average of 19.•.E. CRAVEN, Audu- 20810• bon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Road, 12. FOREST DEVELOPING AFTER CULTIVA- Washington, D.C. 20015. TION. --Location: 5 miles northeast of Hampstead, 14. UPLAND OAK-HICKORY HARDWOOD Maryland; on the watershedof PrettyboyReservoir, FOREST.---Location: Burling Park, McLean (Frotrax 0 2 miles northeast of Beckleysville crossroads; County, Virginia. Size: 11.02 ha = 27.2 acres 39ø39'N., 76ø47'W.; Lineboro Quadrangle, USGS. Descriptionof Area: SeeAB 25:636 (1971) andAtl. Nat Continuity: Established 1969. Size: 8.1 = 20 acres. 26(2): 77-78. Weather:Temperature on the trips varied Descriptionof area:Described in AFN 23:528(1969). In from 20ø to 72øF;the averagewas 42.4ø. There was no the last year 2 houseshave beenbuilt about75 m from precipitationon any of the trips. The monthof January the easternboundary near the southeasterncorner and was fairly mild with no snow. About 6 in. of snow fell on a formerly brushy lot along that part of the boundary Feb. 8; thereafter traces of the snow remained on the has been cleared and turned into pasture. Weather: groundthroughout the censusperiod. Coverage: Jan 6, Duringthe studyperiod there were 2 dayswhen the 15, 20, 27 (twice), 30, 31; Feb. 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17. Total, temperaturedid not rise abovefreezing and 11 days 13trips, between0810 and 1815,averaging 89 minutes when it did not go below freezing. Precipitationwas each. Five trips were made during the morning, 2 well above normalbut there was only one snowfall(9 aroundmidday, and 6 in the aftemoon. Count:Carohna cm). In the latter part of Januarymaximum tempera- Chickadee,5 (45, 18);Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (10, turesrose into the 60son 3 days. Temperaturesduring 4); Hairy Woodpecker,1 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, hours of countingranged from 21ø to 40øF. Coverage: 1 (10, 4); Tufted Titmouse, I (10, 4); White-breasted Jan. 2, 4, 6, 12, 19, 20, 26; Feb. 2. Total, 8 trips, Nuthatch,1 (10, 4); BrownCreeper, 1 (10, 4); Carohna averaging90 minuteseach, between0800 and 1030 Wren, 1 (10, 4); Turkey Vulture, +; Red-tailed Hawk, EST. Count:Downy Woodpecker, 1 (12, 5); Carolina +; MourningDove, +; PileatedWoodpecker, +; Corn Chickadee,1 (12, 5); Golden-crownedKinglet, 1(12, 5); Crow, +; Golden-crownedKinglet, +; Ruby-crowned Dark-eyed Junco, I (12, 5); Ring-neckedPheasant, +; Kinglet,+; Cardinal,+. AverageTotal: 12birds (9 per Blue Jay, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; White-breasted 100 ha, 44 per 100 acres). MARTIN BRAND WEIN, Nuthatch, +; CarolinaWren, +; Am. Robin, +; Cardi- C.E. CRAVEN, LOUIS CRAIG, BILL DAVIS, MRS nal, +; Am. Goldfinch,+. AverageTotal:4 birds(49 per WILLIAM R. DAVIS, JR., BEN R. FERN, JESSICA sq km., 20 per 100acres). Remarks: This year'scount GIUSTI, DON AND KAREN STEIN, DONALD was by far the lowest in the 6 years of this study. No WEBER, MRS. HAZEL YOUNG, ROBERT J. WAT- clear reason for this is evident. HA VEN KOLB, Rte. SON (compiler - 2636 Marcey Road, Arlington, Va 1, Box 147A, Millers, Md. 21107. 22207.) 13. CENTRAL HARDWOOD FOREST WITH 15. UPLAND TULIP-TREE - OAK FOREST. SCATTERED PINE.--Location: Washington, D.C.; --Location: U.S. Geological Survey National Center, Rock Creek Park, lying S of Military Road and W of Reston, Fairfax County, Virginia; 38ø56'•5"N, Rock Creek. Continuity:Established 1948; 21 intermit- 77ø21'50"W, Vienna Quadrangle, USGS. Continmty

Volume 28, Number 3 701 New Size:20.6 ha = 50.9 acres. From contourmap by Woodpeckerwas occasionallyseen just outsideof the planmaeter.Description of Area: This areais the remain- area. A flock of 10Dark-eyed Juncoson Jan. 23 resulted mg forest on the site of the new National Center of the in a highaverage per trip for thisspecies. We thankR S Urnted StatesGeological Survey. It is boundedon the Sigafoos(USGS), for makinghis botanicalinformatton eastby SunriseValley Drive and on the west by South available to us, William Back (USGS) for encouragmg Lakes Drive andthe Surveybuildings and parking lots. and helping us to undertake this study, and V E To the southeast, it is bounded by a continuation of McKelvey, Director,U.S. GeologicalSurvey, for mak- forest to Reston Avenue. BeyondSunrise Valley Drive ing this study possible.--JOAN C. WOODWARD and ts stmilar woodland, and beyond South Lakes Drive PAUL W. WOODWARD, 2433 SouthgateSquare, Res- and Reston Avenue are residential areas. The area is ton, Va. 22091. bluntly crescent-shapedwith the long axis (ca. 933 yards)oriented roughly N-S. The northend is ca.,200 16. HARDWOOD-SOFTWOOD FOREST. yards wide; the center, ca. 300 yards wide; and the --Location: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina south end, ca. 230 yards wide. From the south end, Continuity: Established 1954; 20-year summary pub- where the elevation reachesa maximumof 468 ft., the lished 1973. Size: 15.0 ha = 37 acres. Descriptionof areaslopes gradually downward to the northand east to Area: Fully describedin AFN 8:280-281(1954), except a mmimum elevation of 384 ft. The northern third of the that area was doubled the following year. Since then area rises gently again to an elevation of 400 ft. The construction of houses and roads had reduced the tract mtddle of the crescent and the east-central section are by 3 acres. Weather: Average temperaturefor January generallylevel. The tract is well drainedexcept for the was 45øF.; averagefor February 45.25ø. January pre- low, fiat areaswhere water accumulates.During heavy cipitationtotaled 7.56 in. (no snow); February5.32 m ratns, two gullies carry water from the southern (1 in. snow). Coverage:Jan. 15, 17, 21, 23; Feb. 4, 28 end---one at the southeast corner and one at the south- Total, 6 trips, averaging2 hoursper trip. Count:Tufted west corner toward Sunrise Valley Drive. A portion Titmouse,2 (13, 5); CarolinaWren, 2 (13, 5); Bobwhtte, of SugarlandRun flows alongthe eastcentral boundary 1 (7, 3); Screech Owl, 1 (7, 3); Barred Owl, 1 (7, 3), and another small streamflows from the Survey build- Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Blue Jay, 1 (7, 3), mg northeast acrossthe northern third of the area. An White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (7, 3); Cardinal, 1 (7, 3), old loggingroad bisectsthe northernhalf from N-S, and Mourning Dove, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Downy another cuts across the southwest corner. At the north- Woodpecker, +; Carolina Chickadee, +; Brown em end, there are two small, paved, loopedpathways. Creeper,+; Am. Robin, +; Hermit Thrush, +. Average A small building covering an acre is at the southwest Total: 11 birds (73 per sq. km., 30 per 100 acres) corner. The commoncanopy tree speciesare Tulip-tree Remarks:No fruit. Fair crop of acorns and hickory (Ltnodendron tulipifera), Chestnut Oak (Quercus nuts, but increaseof squirrelsin precedingsummer prtnus), White Oak (Q. alba), Scarlet Oak (Q. reducedcrop. Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, and coccinea), Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), Black Oak White-throated Sparrows much less numerous (Q velutina ), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), andSourGum throughout the countrysidethan usual.--WENDELL (Nyssasylvatica). There are five smallstands of Scrub P. SMITH, North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659. Pines (Pinus virginiana)--two at the southernend, one along the west-central portion, and two at the north 17. UPLAND PITCH PINE-WHITE PINE end Much ofthe understoryis composedof saplingsof FOREST.--Location: On north side of highway2A, 13 the above species,especially Tulip-trees. There are miles west of Brockville, Ontario, St. Lawrence Island also a significant number of Holly Trees (Ilex sp.). National Park, Mallorytown Landing,Lot 22, Front of Along the two streamsare large tanglesof greenbriars Yongetownshipl Leeds County. Size: 12.47ha = acres (Smdax sp.). This area has been extensivelylogged in (trapezium,440 yards x 220 and 440 yards, measured the past 50 years, sothe treesare of unevenage and size fromaerial photo.) Description of Area:Typical wooded throughout.A quantitativesurvey of thevegetation will granite outcrop of the Frontenac Axis at the St. Lawr- be made in the summer. Plant names are from M.L. enceRiver; trees, 3-in. diameterand over, basedon five Fernaid, Gray's Manual of Botany, 8th ed., 1950. 0.1 acre circular samples,358/acre; total basal area, Weather: The sky was clearon 2 trips, partly cloudy on 92.0 sq. ft./acre. Speciescomprising 96% of the total 5 trips, and overcaston 5 trips. Temperaturesranged numberof trees(figures after eachgive no. of treesper from 23ø to 70øF. Winds varied from 3 to 13 mph. There acre,relative density (%), relativedominance (%), fre- was no snow cover on any trip. Coverage:Dec. 28, 29; quency(%), in thatorder: Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) 104, Jan 5, 8, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23, 30; Feb. 1, 5. Total: 12 trips, 29, 26, 80; White Pine(P. strobus)76, 21, 14, 80; Bass- stx m the morningbetween 0805 and 1120,totaling 11.4 wood (Tilia americana) 40, 11, 12, 20; Red Cedar hours, and six in the afternoonbetween 1350and 1705, (Juniper virginiana) 38, 11, 7, 80; Sugar Maple (Acer totaling 9.4 hours. Count: Carolina Chickadee, 6 (29, saccharum) 16, 4, 3, 20; White Ash (Fraxinus 12), Golden-crownedKinglet, 3 (15, 6); Tufted Tit- americana) 14, 4, 3, 20; White Birch (Betula papyrifera) mouse, 2 (10, 4); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (10, 4); 12, 3, 1,40; Gray Birch (B. populifolia) 12, 3, 1, 60) Red Brown Creeper, 2 (10, 4); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Maple (A. rubrum) 10, 3, 1, 20; dead tree 10, 3, 2, 60, (5, 2); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (5, 2); Blue Jay, 1 (5, 2); Red Oak (Quercusrubra) 8, 2, 20, 40; White Oak (Q Corn. Crow, 1 (5, 2); Carolina Wren, 1 (5, 2); Cardinal 1 alba) 6, 2, 8, 20. Scientificnames from C.F. Bockman, (5, 2); Dark-eyed Junco, 1(5, 2); Hairy Woodpecker,+; Trees of North America, 1968, Trees by diameter size Starling, +; Am Goldfinch,+. AverageTotal: 20 birds class:A 240, 67, 24.0, 26; B 92, 26, 27.6, 30; C 20, 6, (97 per sq. km., 40 per 100acres). Remarks:A Pileated 16.0, 17; D 4, 1, 7.2, 8; H 2, 0.6, 17.2, 19. Shrub

702 American Btrds, June 1974 stems/acre,30,700; canopycover 78%; averagecanopy Nuthatch and Brown Creeper were the most frequently height36 ft. (range20-60). Topography: Granite ridge, seen species. The Golden-crownedKinglets (2) were rehef 90 ft., base elevation 270 ft. Edge: The ridge is not seen after Dec. 8. A pair of Red-tailed Hawks, as m part of a 20-mileby 1-milegranite •idge complex border- the past 8 or 9 years, occupiedthe woods, havinga nest •ngthe St. LawrenceRiver. On all butthe southedge is site near the south edge, and screamingterritorially more of the same habitat. A campgroundand young from Jan. 25 on. Playing tapes of Screech and Great pine plantationform the southernboundaIy. A county Horned Owls produced no response during sintable roadpasses through the southend of the studyarea and weather on Feb. 26. Both specieswere known to have a bush trail is still visible. Water: A small brook flows been resident in the woods in the last decade. Three acrossthe southwestcorner of the study area. Weather: fewer speciesbut 2 more individualswere seenon the During the 63-day study period the temperaturesre- plot than in 1971-72,when it was last censused.How- mmnedbelow freezingon 42 daysand remainedabove ever, Eastern Cottontail, European Hare, Deer Mouse, freezingon 5 days.The rangeof temperaturewas from Gray Squirrel and Short-tailed Shrew were abundant 15to 48øF.Precipitation totalled 7.6 in. including42 in. Red Squirrel was scarce, and only single Striped of snow. Maximum snowdepth at one time was 30 in. Skunks and Raccoons were seen. Land-use did not (Temperaturesand precipitationfrom KingstonAir- change in the park except for increasedcross-county port, 38miles west.) Coverage: Dec. 18,27; Jan.4, 24; skiing and riding. A few snowmobilesillegally entered Feb. 7, 18. Total: 6 trips, two between0845 and l 110, With the pavingof Bleam'sRoad pastthe park, traffic •s four between 1230 and 1500, averaging 130 minutes heavier. Renewed construction in the surrounding •n- each. Count:Black-capped Chickadee, 9 (72, 29); Blue dustrial basin may soon make censusing the tract Jay, 2 (16, 6); White-breastedNuthatch, 2 (16, 6); Ruf- difficult.---CRAIG A. CAMPBELL, (compiler), WIL- fed Grouse, l (8, 3); Haiiy Woodpecker,l (8, 3); Gol- LARD H. SCHAEFER and GREGORY DONA•LD- den crowned Kinglet, l (8, 3); Tree Sparrow, l (8, 3); SON of OikosAssociates, Box 747, Waterloo, Ont N2J Brown Creeper, +; Evening Grosbeak, +; Song Spar- 4C2. row, +. AverageTotal: 17birds ( 136per sq. km., 55 per 19. DISTURBED OAK-HICKORY FOREST, PINE 100 acres).Remarks: A PileatedWoodpecker was ob- STAND, EDGE AND POND--Location: Camp Falhng servedin the study area but not on a censusday. The Rock, Eden Township, Licking County, Ohio. Size cooperationof ParksCanada and the staff at St. Lawr- Approximately 14.18 ha = 35 acres. Descriptionof ence Island National Park is greatly appreciated. Area: See AFN 22:719-721(1968) and other numbers --MARY E. GARTSHORE, ELIZABETH M. HOL- related to the Breeding Bird Censusof the same area ROYD and GEOFFREY L. HOLROYD (compiler) Last study was reported in AB 25:655. Weather: There Dept. of Zoology, Univ. of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, were few unusualperiods of temperature or precipita- M5S 1A1. tion duringthe winter monthsof 1974,though contrast- 18. CLIMAX MAPLE-BEECH FOREST. ing extremeswere evident. Rainfall was slightlyabove --Location: Ontario; Regional Municipality of Water- normal for the three-month period. Record tempera- loo, Steckle Woods, Bleam's Road, Kitchener. tures of 70øF. on Mar. 3 contrasted with record lows of Continuity: Established 1970; 4 intermittent years 0ø on Mar. 25. The first warm days of early March were (1971-72published in OntarioField Biologist26:50-53). enoughto accumulatean excessof 2.2ø, while precipita- Size: 26.3 ha = 65 acres, accordingto city (32.5 park, tion was 1.5 in. above normal. Snowfall was considera- rest civic land); roughly rectangular. Description of bly below normal. A movementof migrantstook place Area: SeeAFN 24:547-548 (1970). Weather: A late fall the first few days of March with robins and grackles, and early spring; little snow bt•t several very cold among others, being very conspicuous. These two periods.On censusesweather variedfrom overcastand specieswere evident on their territories when the Mar calm, with moderate temperatures (15ø-30øF),in De- 14 survey was made. Coverage:Oct. ll, 12, 25, 26, cember, to clear, and calm (temperatures10ø-30øF) in Nov. 29.; Dec. 17; Jan. 24; Feb. 14; Mar. 14. Total Januaiy,and clear and calm (temperatures 8ø- 15+øF) in hours, 27. Coverage was always in the afternoon and Februaiy. At the start of the period, there was veiy varied from early PM to darknessor later. Count httle snow cover; on Jan. 18 an ice storm created a Golden-crownedKinglet, 5 (35, 14); Dark-eyed Junco, heavy crustfor a day or two. Coverage:Dec. 8, 15;Jan. 5 (35,14); Carolina Wren, 3 (21, 9); Cardinal, 3 (2l, 9), 12, 19, 25; Feb. 5, 9, 14, 26 (the lastfor owls, 1900-1930). MourningDove, 2 (14, 6); PileatedWoodpecker, 2 (l 4, Total: 8 t•ips (2 were half-coverages),7 between 0930 6); Red,belliedWoodpecker, 2 (14, 6); Downy Wood- and 1600averaging 75 minuteseach. Five were in the pecker,2 (14, 6); CarolinaChickadee, 2 (14, 6); Tufted morning. Total observer hours: 20. Count: Black- Titmouse,2 (14, 6); White-breastedNuthatch, 2 (14, 6), cappedChickadee, 6 (23, 9): Brown Creeper, 4 (15, 6); Song Sparrow, 2 (14, 6); Great Horned Owl, l (7, 3), Downy Woodpecker, 3, (11, 5); White-breasted Belted Kingfisher, l (7, 3); Corn.Flicker, l (7, 3); Hmry Nuthatch, 2 (8, 3); Am. Goldfinch,2 (8, 3); Dark-eyed Woodpecker, l (7, 3); Blue Jay, l (7, 3); Corn. Crow, 1 Junco,2 (8, 3); Red-tailedHawk, 1 (4, 2); Blue Jay, l (4, (7, 3); Brown Creeper, l (7, 3). AverageTotal: 39 b•rds 2), Corn. Crow, 1 (4, 2); Hairy Woodpecker,+; Gold- (275 per sq. km., l l l per 100acres). Remarks:A lower en-crownedKinglet, +;Cardinal, +. AverageTotal: 24 densitythan in previousyears can be attributedmamly (91 per sq. km., 37 per 100acres). Remarks: goldfinch, to a reductionof cover andof food-bearingshrubs The crow and Red-tailed Hawk are counted as part of the entirenorthern edge is now an openwoodland, bushy populationsince they sometimeswere on the plot, al- edge. Combinedwith windfall in this sameborder area, thoughthey more often flew low over it. Downy Wood- such additional cover served to counterbalance the re- pecker, Black-c•pped Chickadee, White-breasted duction of habitat. Of the 19 species, 14 can be clas-

Volume 28, Number 3 703 sffiedas permanentresidents; two as semi-permanent observerscovered the plot, each with assignedareas residents (Corn. Crow, Mourning Dove); three as On 7 tripsone observer worked alone. Average time per winter residents (Dark-eyed Junco, Golden-crowned trip: 130 observer-minutes.Count: Yellow-rumped K•nglet, Brown Creeper). Ths Great Horned Owl, Warbler 25 (220, 89); White-throatedSparrow 20 (176, probably a permanentresident, was recorded on only 71); Rusty Blackbird 18 (158, 64); Com. Grackle 16 one count.-A.H. CLAUGUS, 228 S. Lake St., Carey, (141,57);Cardinal 7 (62, 25);Golden-crowned Kinglet 5 Ohto, 43316. (44, 18);Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 (35, 14);Am. Robin 4 (35, 14); Red-belliedWoodpecker 3 (26, 11); Hermit 20. OAK-MAPLE FOREST AND FOREST-EDGE. Thrush3 (26, 11);Starling 3 (26, 11);Dark-eyed Junco 3 --Location: Six milesnortheast of Champaign,Illinois. (26, 11); Wood Duck 2 (18, 7); Com. Flicker 2 (18, 7), Continuity: Established 1948.Size: 22.3 ha = 55 acresof Yellow-bellied Sapsucker2 (18, 7); Downy Wood- forest plus 2.0 kilometersor 1.25 miles of forest-edge. pecker 2 (18, 7); Brown Creeper2 (18, 7); Carohna Description of Area: See AFN 2:151-152 (1948). Wren 2 (18, 7); Red-wingedBlackbird 2 (18, 7); Am Coverage;Dec. 15, 28; Jan. 16, 25; Feb. 11, 26. Total: 6 Goldfinch2 (18, 7); SwampSparrow 2 (18, 7); Pileated trips, 18 party-hours. Count: Forest Interior Species: Woodpecker1 (9, 4); Hairy Woodpecker1 (9, 4); Blue Downy Woodpecker, 4 (18, 7); Red-bellied Wood- Jay 1 (9, 4); CarolinaChickadee 1 (9, 4); Winter Wren 1 pecker, 2 (9, 4); Great Horned Owl, 1 (4, 2); Hairy (9, 4); Red-tailedHawk; +; Am. Woodcock +; Mourn- Woodpecker, 1 (4, 2); Carolina Chickadee, 1 (4, 2); ing Dove+; E. Phoebe +; Tufted Titmouse +; E Brown Creeper, 1 (4, 2); Carolina Wren, 1 (4, 2); Bluebird +; PurpleFinch +; Rufous-sidedTowhee +, White-breasted Nuthatch, +; Winter Wren +. Field Sparrow +; Fox Sparrow +; Song Sparrow + Forest-edgeSpecies (Individuals per kilometerand per AverageTotal: 134(1178 per sq. km., 477per 100acres) mile in parenthesis);Starling, 24 (12, 19); Tree Spar- Remarks:Total species,37. New speciesrecorded this row, 18 (9, 14); Mourning Dove, 10 (5, 8); Blue Jay, 4 (2, year were: MourningDove, Field Sparrow, Fox Spar- 3), Ring-neckedPheasant 3 (1, 2); Cardinal, 2 (1, 2); row, and Song Sparrow. Specieslisted last year but Dark-eyed Junco,2 (1, 2); Red-tailedHawk, 1 (1, 1); absentthis year were: Mockingbird,Brown Thrasher, Song sparrow 1 (1, 1); Corn. Flicker, +; Red-headed Cedar Waxwing, and Pine Warbler. The chickadee, Woodpecker, +; Corn. Crow, +; Mockingbird, +; titmouse and robins continued to show a marked de- House Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: Forest interior, 11 cline, while the Wood Duck, Hairy Woodpecker, b•rds(49 per sq. km., 20 per 100acres);Forest-edge, 65 CarolinaWren, creeper,Blue Jay, kinglet,junco, and birds (32 per km., 52 per mile). Remarks: Late autumn Swamp Sparrow showedsignificant increases. migrants:Am. Robin, 1 (Dec. 15); early springmig- The food supply was better than normal and ap- rants: Red-winged Blackbird, 15 (Feb. 26), Rusty pearedin the form of samarason the elms, SweetGum Blackbird, 40_+ (Feb. 11), 135_+(Feb. 26); Corn. seeds, insect larvae, and weed seeds(the result of a Grackle, 10_+(Feb. 26). In the Winter Bird-Population goodweed crop in the clearedareas of theplot). Poison Study for this regionlast year (AB 27; 675 [1973]),the Ivy berrieswere very prevalentduring the first half of numberof forest-edgebirds per kilometeris incorrectly the period, but were all gone by the last two trips calcualted. The number seen should be divided by Woodpeckers, kinglets, thrushes, and warblers were 2 ---S. CHARLES KENDEIGH and JOHN EDGING- seeneating these berries. Mosquitos and other flying TON, Vivarium Bldg., Wright and Healey Sts., Cham- insectswere presenton one count day. During the patgn, Ill. 61820. count period the park crews cleared about an acre of woodsin the middleof the plot andfenced it in to keep 21. BOTTOMLAND OAK-GUM-CYPRESS horses.The forty-foot-widecleared lane referred to In FOREST --Location: North of State Highway 12 in the originaldescription of the areahas been kept clear LeRoy Percy State Park, 4 miles West of Hollandale, and clean. The total effect of these two areas seems to WashingtonCounty, Mississippi;parts of Sections5, 8 be givingthe area an increasein edgeeffect as evi- and 9, T15N, R7W. Size; 11.4 ha = 28.1 acres;rectangu- dencedby the new sparrows.Another factor affecting lar In shape:836 x 1463ft.; measuredwith compassand the habitat was the construction of an enclosure for steel tape. Description of area: See AB 25:638-639 alligatorsin an area borderingthe sourthwestcorner of (1971) Continuity: Established 1971. Weather: During the plot. Water that had previouslydrained off, ac- the study period the temperatureson count days ranged cumulatedin the westernareas of the studyplot. Wood from 29ø to 69øF.The mean high temperature from Jan. Duck and Swamp Sparrow increasedaccordingly 5 through Feb. 24 was 57.4ø while the mean low was ---MR. & MRS. G.E. ALEXANDER, JR. 1749 W 39 7ø . Total rainfall for the same period was 12.24 in. Azalea, Greenville, Miss. 38701. For the comparable period last year the mean high temperature was 50.6ø , the mean low was 34.0ø , and the 22. SOUTHERN BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD total rainfall was 10.60 in. Both the temperatures and FOREST.--Location: Ascension Parish, Louisiana, 5 rmnfall for January and February were above normal. miles southeastof White Castleand eastof State High- The precedingmonths of November and Decemberhad way 1. Approximate coordinates on White Castle above-normal temperatures and normal precipitation. Quadrangle, USCG: 3009'45"N, 9004' 15"W. Size: 16 2 (Weather data from Delta Branch Experiment Station; ha = 40 acres(square, 440 x 440 yards, measuredwith Stoneville, Miss. 15 miles north.) Coverage:Jan. 5, 12, steel tape). Descriptionof Area; Typical of bottomland 13, 20; Feb. 2, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24. Total, l0 trips starting hardwoodsin the former flood plain of the Mississippx at varioustimes during the day from 0820CDT to 1515 River. Trees mostlyrange from 6 to 14 in. DBH and 30 CDT; 6 morning trips, 4 afternoon trips. On 3 trips 2 to 60 ft. tall. The dominanttree speciesare water oak

704 AmericanB•rds, June 1974 (Quercus nigra ), sweetgum (Liquidambar styracifiua ), 70803; SHARON ROGERS, Battelle-Columbus Lab- hackberry (Celtis laevigata), American elm (UImux oratories, Columbus, Ohio 43201. americana), combining to make up about 75% of the forest canopy. The understoryconsists mainly of pal- 23. MIXED PINE-DECIDUOUS FOREST. metto (Sabal minor), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), --Location: One mile west of the Northwestern State boxelder (Acer negundo), and greenbriars (Similax University campus, within the University's Natural spp ). Vegetation in non-forestedportions of the plot History Reservation, on the south side of Louisiana consistsof broomsedge(Andropogon sp.), spikerush Highway 6 (Sec. 81, R7W, T9N), NatchitochesParish, (Eleocharis sp.), blackberry (Rubus sp.), plume grass Louisiana.Continuity: Established 1971. Size: 8.91 ha (Ertanthus gigantia ), sumpweed(lva annua ) and gold- = 22 acres(L-shaped, measuredby pacingwith com- enrods (Solidago spp.). Plant namesfrom Radford, et pass). Descriptionof Area: See AB 25:639-640 (1971) al , Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas, and26:669 (1972). Weather: Daytime temperatures dur- 1968 The woodland has been logged at various inter- ingthe countranged from 35ø to 75øF.,and night temp- vals during the past, but has not been disturbed in 15 eraturesranged from 30ø to 60ø . All count days were years. An abandoned railway roadbed transeets the overcast. It was quite wet, with heavy to moderate center of the area and is used occasionallyby pickup rains occurring during the 7-day period in which the trucks. Topography: Flat, elevation 10 ft. Edge: The count was completed.Wind duringcounts ranged from study plot is part of a bottomlandhardwood forest of 0 to 2 on the Beaufortscale. The generalweather pat- about 2500 acres. The southwest corner of the plot tern was wetter and milder than usual for the area borders a sugarcane field for a distance of 1740 ft. or Coverage:Jan. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10. Total, 6 trips between about one-third of the total periphery. Two pipeline 1000 and 1600, averaging 2 hours. Count: White- r•ghts-of-way are presentand comprise about 7% of the throatedSparrow, 27 (303, 123);Ruby-crowned K•ng- plot One right-of-waytransects the plot diagonallyand let, 13 (146, 59); Blue Jay, 8 (90, 36); Carolina Chick- •s 1620ft. long and 60 ft. wide. A smallerright-of-way adee, 8 (90, 36); Tufted Titmouse, 7 (79, 32); Pine War- branchesoff the other and is 495ft. longand 30 ft. wide. bler, 7 (79, 32); Cardinal,6 (67, 27); Dark-eyedJunco, 6 Water: No permanentwater is present; but, becauseof (67, 27); Bobwhite,5 (56, 23); CarolinaWren, 4 (45, 18), the flat natureof the topography,drainage is poor and Com. Grackle 4 (45, 18); Am. Robin, 4 (45, 18); Red- water up to 10 in. deep coveredabout 5% of ths plot bellled Woodpecker,2 (22, 9); Yellow-belliedSap- during the study period. Food: Acorn production was sucker, 2 (22, 9); Golden-crownedKinglet, 2 (22, 9), shghtlybelow normal this year, but mast was plentiful Yellow-rumpedWarbler, 2 (22, 9); Am. Goldfinch,2 on other species.Shrubs and herbaceousplants pro- (22, 9); Com. Flicker, 1 (11.5); PileatedWoodpecker, 1 duced an abundanceof fruit and food adequate from (11,5); DownyWoodpecker, 1 (11,5); E. Phoebe,1 (11, th•s source.Mild weatherthroughout the study period 5); Brown Creeper, 1 (11, 5); Mockingbird, 1 (11, 5), resulted in insect availability; dead trees or limbs are Brown Thrasher, 1 (11, 5); Hermit Thrush, 1 (11, 5), plentiful and contain many invertebrates.Weather: The SolitaryVireo, 1 (11, 5); Orange-crownedWarbler, 1 weather was relatively mild throughout the study (11, 5); PurpleFinch, 1 (11, 5); Rufous-sidedTowhee, 1 period and freezingtemperatures were recordedonly (11, 5); Am. Woodcock, +. Average Total: 121 birds on 5 days. The temperature ranged from 28ø to 76øF. (1359 per sq. km., 550 per 100 acres). Remarks: The Precipitationwas abovenormal, and duringthe 56-day total number of species seen was 30. The number of study period 17.0 in. were recorded(Temperature and speciesin previouswinters has remainedquite con- rmnfall from Donaldsonville, 6 miles southwest). stant, 30, 27 and 31. The density per 100 acres, how- Coverage: Dec. 12, 14, 15, 16, 17; Jan. 27; Feb. 1, 5. ever, has increasedfrom 200 in 1971,to 291 in 1972,to Total: 8 trips, averaging102 minutes each; 6 trips bet- 436in 1973,and not to 550in 1974.The densityincrease ween 0710 and 1130and 2 trips between 1520and 1700. may be partly attributed to the efforts of the observer •n Count: Am. Robin 38 (235, 95); Swamp Sparrow, 18 locatingsome of the lesscommon species of the area (111, 45); Am. Goldfinch,14 (86, 35); Yellow-rumped Onlyone species had a plusdensity, whereas in prew- Warbler, 10 (62, 25); Cardinal, 6 (37, 15); White- ousyears 3 or more specieshad a plusdensity. Signific- throated Sparrow, 6 (37, 15); Ruby-crownedKinglet, 5 ant density increases from 1973 were noted for the (31, 12); Blue Jay, 3 (19, 8); Carolina Chickadee,3 (19, White-throatedSparrow, Ruby-crownedKinglet and 8), Red-winged Blackbird, 3 (19, 8); Hairy Wood- Dark-eyed Junco, while the Com. Grackle showed a pecker, 2 (12, 5); House Wren, 2 (12, 5); Hermit Thrush, significantdecrease from 1973.-CHARLESE. VIERS, 2 (12, 5); Com. Yellowthroat, 2 (12, 5); Com. Flicker, 1 Dept. of Biological Sciences,Northwestern State Unt- (6, 3); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3); Red-bellied versity, Natchitoches, LA 71457. Woodpecker,1 (6, 3); Yellow-belliedSapsucker, 1 (6, 3), CarolinaWren, 1 (6, 3); Catbird, 1 (6, 3); White-eyed 24. LOESS BLUFF FOREST.--Location: Louisiana V•reo, 1 (6, 3); Com. Grackle, 1 (6, 3); Sharp-shinned West Feliciana Parish; 4 miles S of St. Francisville and Hawk, +; Red-shouldered Hawk, +; Am. Woodcock, 2 milesE of the MississippiRiver. The eastboundary of +, Screech Owl, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; E. the studyarea is 200 yardsW of and parallelto State Phoebe, +; Com. Crow, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Mock- Highway 965; 30ø45'N, 91ø20'W, Section 59, T3S, mgb•rd, +; Brown Thrasher, +; Golden-crownedKing- R2W, St. Francisville, La. Quadrangle, USGS let, +; Boat-tailed Grackle, +; Rufous-sidedTowhee, (latitude,longitude, and quadranglemap given in the +, SavannahSparrow, +. AverageTotal: 122birds (754 breedingbird censusreport, AB 27:973-974,were m per sq. km., 305 per 100 acres).-ROBERTH. CHA- error). Continuity:New. Size: 16.19ha = 40 acres(1320 BRECK, La. State University, Baton Rouge, La. ft. square,surveyed with a transitand measuredwith a

Volume 28, Number 3 705 steeltape). Descriptionof Plot: SeeAB 27 (3):973-974. mostly of Waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera) and dewbemes Weather: Daytime temperaturesranged from 34ø to (Rubussp.), leavingthe upper Loblolly Pine canopyas 82øF. and night temperaturesranged from 30ø to 55øF. the only layer of vegetation.Edge: Surroundedby tden- Seven count days were clear and one was overcast. tical forest, with a gravelroad 2 chainsfrom andparallel Wind was no factor during 5 countsbut wind velocity to the west sideof the plot and a power line 1 chainfrom during3 countsregistered 2 to 3 on the Beaufortscale. and parallel to the north side of the plot. Topography Weather pattern was warmer and dryer than usual for Essentiallyflat. Elevation: 80 ft. Weather: Temperature the area. Coverage:Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 24; Mar. 1,2, 7• rangeduring censuses: 50ø-75øF. Estimated wind speed 9 Eight trips, between 0805 and 1800, CDT. Total varied from 0 to 25 mph duringthe censusperiods, but man-hours: 34. Count: White-throated Sparrow, 41 probablydid not affectthe censusresults. Light fogwas (253, 102);Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 18 (111,45); Tufted present during 3 census periods. Coverage:Jan 31, Titmouse, 13 (80, 32); Cedar Waxwing, 11 (68, 28); Feb. 1, 16; Mar. 3, 5, 7, 8, 9. Eight trips between0812 Cardinal, 11 (68, 28); Carolina Wren, 9 (56, 22): and 1838 CDT averaging 151 minutes each. Total man- Rufous-sided Towhee, 9 (56, 22); Red-bellied Wood- hours: 20.1. Count: Pine Warbler, 16 (132, 53), pecker, 7 (43, 18); Carolina Chickadee, 7 (43, 18); Bachman's Sparrow, 3 (25, 10); Red-belliedWood- Yellow-rumpedWarbler, 7 (43, 18);Blue Jay, 6 (37, 15); pecker, 2 (16, 7); Carolina Wren, 2 (16, 7); E. Bluebird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,4 (25, 10); Am. Robin, 4 (25, 2 (16, 7); Corn. Flicker, 1 (8, 3); Blue Jay, 1 (8, 3), 10), Am. Goldfinch, 4 (25, 10); Brown Thrasher, 3 (19, Carolina Chickadee, 1 (8, 3); Brown-headedNuthatch, 8), Red-shoulderedHawk, 2 (12, 5); Corn. Flicker, 2 1 (8, 3); Sharp-shinned Hawk, +; Pileated Wood- (12, 5); Downy Woodpecker2 (12, 5); E. Phoebe,2 ( 12, pecker, +; Yellow-belliedSapsucker, +; Hairy Wood- 5), Hermit Thrush 2 (12, 5); Orange-crownedWarbler, 2 pecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; E. Phoebe, +, (12, 5); Swamp Sparrow, 2 (12, 5); Pileated Wood- Corn. Crow, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Brown Thrasher, pecker, 1 (6, 2); Corn. Crow, 1 (6, 2); Brown Creeeper, 1 +; Am. Robin, +; Hermit Thrush, +; Loggerhead (6, 2); Golden-crownedKinglet, 1 (6, 2); White-eyed Shrike, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +; Cardinal, +, Vtreo, 1 (6, 2); Solitary Vireo, I (6, 2); Pine Warbler, 1 Am. Goldfinch, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +; Swamp (6, 2); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Turkey, +; Am. Wood- Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 29 birds per sq. km., (239 cock, +; Barred Owl, +; Hairy Woodpecker,+; Fish per sq. km., 97 per 100acres). Remarks:This censusts Crow, +; Winter Wren, +; Gray Catbird, +; Yellow- part of an on-goingstudy to determinebird populattons throated Vireo, +; Com. Yellowthroat, +; Com. in Loblolly Pine plantationsof 3 size classes(1-5 years, Grackle, +; Purple Finch, +; Pine Siskin, +; Savannah 15-25 years, and 45 years-old and older). A mature Sparrow• +; Field Sparrow, +; Song Sparrow, +. mixed pine-hardwoodarea will serveas a control.Two AverageTotal: 175birds (1081per sq. km., 438 per 100 Pine Warblers were observed in a territorial dispute on acres). Remarks:The pair of Red-shoulderedHawks Mar. 7. A male and a female E. Bluebird were observed were constructing a nest 45 ft. up in a sweetgum fighting with 2 Brown-headed Nuthatches over a tree (L•quidambarstyracifiua) tree on Jan. 27. The yellow- stumpapproximately 7 ft. high. There was a hole in the throat, Rufous-sided Towhees, Field Sparrow and stumpabout 4 in. in diameterand about6 ft. abovethe Swamp Sparrowwere found entirely within the 4 acres ground. The nuthatches chased away the bluebtrds of abandonedpasture. The Yellow-throatedVireo, ob- --WILLIAM E. HOLDEN, JR., ROBERT E. NOBLE, served closely by Hamilton on Feb. 10, representsone and ROBERTB. HAMILTON, School of Forestry and of the few winter records for the state.-ROBERT B. Wildlife Management, Louisiana State University, HAMILTON and ROBERT E. NOBLE, School of Baton Rouge, La. 70803. Forestry and Wildlife Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. 70803. 26. PONDEROSA PINE FOREST.--Location: Col- orado; Boulder Co., in the lower foothills 0.5 mile S of 25. LOBLOLLY PINE FOREST.--Location: BaselineRoad, Boulder; in the easternpart of Sectton Louisiana: Livingston Parish, 5.6 miles SSW of Pine 1, TIS, R71W, 6th PM. Continuity: Established Grove, 0.5 miles E of State Highway 449, 30ø38'N, 1953-54;12 intermittentyears. Size: 8.1 ha = 20 acres 90ø47'W, Section 11, T5S, R4E, Pine Grove Quad- Descriptionof Area: Situatedin the northeastcorner of rangle, USGS. Continuity:New. Size: 12.14 ha = 30 a pine-coveredmesa, at an elevation of 5900 ft See acres(1143 ft. square,surveyed with a hand-heldcom- AFN 8:372 (1954). Weather: November and December pass and measured with a fiberglasstape). Description were aboveaverage in snowfall;January and February of Area: The plot is in a 45-year-oldnaturally regener- had little snow and mild temperatures.Snow parttally ated Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) plantation. The only or wholly coveredthe plot on 11trips; the mostwas 5 in canopytree was LoblollyPine. A quantitativestudy of on Nov. 22. Temperaturesranged from 22ø to 50øF theforest canopy gave the following results: Trees 4-in. Coverage:Oct. 28; Nov. 11, 18, 22, 25; Dec. 2, 9, 15, 23, dbh and over, based on nine 1/5-acre circular plots, Jan. 6, 13,20, 27; Feb. 10, 17. Total, 15trips, totaling13 62/acre; total basal area 67 ft.2/acre: Average tree hours. Trips were taken from 0740 to 1037. Counts hetght,based on the measurementof the 2 treesclosest Mountain Chickadee, 11 (136, 55); Pygmy Nuthatch, 9 to plot centerin eachof the 9 plots,92 feet. The forest (111, 45); Steller's Jay, 4 (49, 20); White-breasted was prescribedburned in February 1973 and Mar. 5, Nuthatch, 4 (49, 20); Brown Creeper, 3 (37, 15);junco 1974 to control understory hardwood regeneration. (sp.), 3 (37, 15); Black-billed Magpie, 1 (12, 5); Red This is a commonforest managementpractice in Lob- Crossbill, 1 (12, 5); Hairy Woodpecker, +; Downy 1olly Pine standsof this area. The Mar. 5, 1974 burn Woodpecker,+; Com. Crow, +; Townsend'sSolitatre, removed most of the understory, which consisted +; Golden-crownedKinglet, +; Pine Siskin, +; Dark-

706 Amencan Btrds, June 1974 eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, +; Dark-eyed (Oregon) 42ø10'N,77ø59'W, Wellsville Quadrangle,USGS, 1926 Junco, +; Gray-headedJunco, +. Average Total: 36 Continuity:Established 1971. Size: About 51.8 ha = 128 birds (445 per sq. kin., 180 per 100 acres.) Remarks: acres. Description of Area: See AB 25:644-645 (1971) This winterpopulation was about average. There was a Croplandwas increasedthis year by the bulldozingof a small pine cone crop. No Clark's Nutcrackers, Red- 15-acre strip adjoiningoriginal fields on the west side breasted Nuthatches, Cassin's Finches, or Dark-eyed from the sloughsouth along someof the old river bed, (White-winged) Juncoswere seen. Red Crossbillswere over the old pasture and through part of the woods, scarce. Brown Creepers and Townsend's Solitaires leavinga 5-acrestrip of woodsnear the southend of the were more noticeable than on previous counts. The plot. Eight acresof the new stripwas unplanted, grow- Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen only in October ing up to weeds; the remainder is oat stubble. Of the and November.The White-breastedNuthatch popula- original cultivated acreage, fall plowing left about 5 tion has apparently increased on the study acres of corn stubbleat the south end of the plot. The acreage.--LOUlSE HERING, 568 Marine, Boulder, 8-acre sod area is the same and the 8-acre north field is Colo. 80302. corn stubble. Several dead elms in the wooded areas have been downedby the bulldozer and by high winds 27. CANYON BOTTOM-PONDEROSA PINE Food: A main source was extensive top dressingsof FOREST--Location: Flume Canyon, northside of manure on the cultivated fields. On 5 trips it was freshly Highway 2 (off CardinalDrive), Wrightwood, San Ber- spreadon the snow cover, and bird tracks solidly cov- nardino Co., California; Mount San Antonio Quad- ered these areas. On one trip when new snow buried rangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size: Rectangular this food source, the large flocks of Com. Crows (12,088ft. longand 110ft. wide, paced). 12.35ha = 30.5 opened the snow cover, and smaller birds then were acres.Description of Area:Ponderosa Pine Forest with able to feed. Corn gleanings,Box Elder, tall Ragweed an occasional oak and several shrubs; trees average and other weeds were abundant. There were no wild about50 ft. high and 3 ft. in diameter.Ponderosa Pine apples or grapes, and Sycamore fruits were few. Rab- (Ptnus ponderosa), 78%; California Black Oak bits were scarce, but many mice were sighted in the (Quercuskellogii), 13%;miscellaneous, 9%. The forest corn stubble. Large schools of minnows and thick canopy is open with an understoryof smallpines, oaks patches of Buckweed at the slough were available and grasses.Topography: Mountains, at the starting throughout the study period as the waters were mostly point the elevation was 5500 ft. and the ending point open. The river also was open on 6 trips and frozen was 7210ft. abovesea level. Edge: The studyarea is in across at only one narrow section on 4. Weather: Skies the San Bernardino National Forest and is crossedby were fair on 4 trips and cloudy on 6; wind on every trip, San AndreasRift Zone. The study area is boundedby calm to light. On 4 trips the groundwas bare, on one had Blue Ridge to the south which is covered with Pon- 2 in. of snow, and on 5 there were 7 - 10 in. of snow derosa Pine. To the north lies Holiday Hill, a ski resort. cover. A severeice stormleft a ¬-in. coatingon weeds, Water: A small intermittent stream runs through the trees and snow Jan. 12. Temperatures during trips canyon bottom, but only flows during the winter rangedfrom 5ø to 30øF.with average18 ø, very near the months(November through March). Food: There was a average mean (18.8ø ) for the 41 days covered by the heavy crop of acorns,grass seeds, and pine conesthis survey. (Data from the Alfred Coop. Weather Station, year, but at the time of the countthere was little food 16 mi. northeastof Scio and 770 ft. higher elevation, left on the ground. The Acorn Woodpeckers stored a with recordscomparable to ours.) Coverage:Dec. 29, great numberof acornsand their work couldbe seenall Jan. 12, 14, 17, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 2, 8, 9. Total: 10 trips, through the area. Weather: During the 35-day study averaging 140 minutes each, with 8 between 0720 and period the temperaturevaried from 8ø to 59øF. On the 1130, and 2 between 1120 and 1400 EST. Count: Corn first 4 visits there was little precipitation,but prior to Crow 320 (618, 250); Tree Sparrow 15 (29, 12); Rock the last 5 visitsa storm left 3 ft. of snowon the ground. Dove 14 (27, 11); Black Duck 8 (15, 6); Evening Gros- (Temperatures were obtained from the Wrightwood beak 8 (15, 6); Horned Lark 7 (12, 5); Song Sparrow 7 Ranger Station). Coverage:Dec. 23 - 26; Jan. 22 - 26. (14, 5); Mallard 3 (6, 2); Field Sparrow3 (6, 2); Downy Total, 9 trips, all between0830 and 1100,averaging 120 Woodpecker2 (4, 2); White-breastedNuthatch 2 (4, 2), minutes each. Count: Dark-eyed (Oregon)Junco, 8 (65, Cardinal2 (4, 2); Corn.Merganser 1 (2, 1); Herring Gull 26), Steller'sJay, 2 (16, 7); PygmyOwl, 1 (8, 3); Anna's 1 (2, 1); MourningDove 1 ( 2, 1);Belted Kingfisher 1 (2, Hummingbird, 1 (8, 3); Corn. (Red-shafted)Flicker, 1 1); Blue Jay 1 (2, 1); Black-cappedChickadee 1 (2, 1), (8, 3); Acorn Woodpecker, 1 (8, 3); CaliforniaQuail, +; Starling1 (2, 1);House Sparrow 1 (2, 1); Am. Goldfinch White-breastedNuthatch, +. Total Average: 15 birds 1 (2, 1); Great Blue Heron, +; Com. Goldeneye, +, (density, 122per sq. kin., 49 per 100 acres). Remarks: Hooded Merganser, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Killdeer, +, The Pygmy Owl was seen on every trip, in the same Great Horned Owl, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Red- PonderosaPine. A Steller's Jay and an Acorn Wood- winged Blackbird, +; Swamp Sparrow, +; Lapland pecker were fighting over an acorn on the ground when Songspur,+; Snow Bunting, +. AverageTotal: 400 a W. Gray Squirrel (Sciurusgriseus) took it and ate birds (772 per sq. kin., 313 per 100acres). The table at it --JERIE H. ST. GERMAIN, 445 Coronado Ave., the close of this report makes a 4-year comparison Apt 6, Long Beach, Calif. 90814. Remarks: Most of the waterfowl appeared after Lake Erie, about 60 miles n.w. of Scio, reacheti 32øF. on Feb 5. New species this year were Great Horned Owl, 28. FLOODPLAIN FOREST AND CULTIVATED Swamp Sparrow and Hooded Merganser, Lapland BOTTOMLAND.--Location: North of and adjacent to Longspur, Killdeer and Red-wingedBlackbird on one the village of Scio, Allegany County, New York, trip The influxof sparrowsis attributedto therecovery

Volume 28, Number 3 707 Table 1. Comparative Summary -- 4 Years in FloodplainForest and Cultivated Bottomland, Study 28.

4-year average 1971 1972 1973• 1974

Total Species 28 20 30 28 32 Average Birds per Trip2 205(161) 51(42) 195(152) 174(136) 400(313) Average Birds per Trip excluding Com. Crowa 98(77) 50(39) 168(131) 95(75) 80(63) Mean Temperature, January 21.5øF. 9.0øF. 4 24.5øF. 26.4øF. 26 2øF Average Snow Cover, in inches, January 4.8 .15 .75 0 3 5

1973,the year followingHurricane Agnes 2,a the first numberis av. birdsper trip andthe second,in parenthesis, densityper 100acres 4 lowestin 57 from Hurricane Agnes (1972)of the floodplainsection white, 5 (14, 6); Downy Woodpecker,3 (8, 3); Tufted of the plot, where a bounty of weeds provides rich Titmouse, 3 (8, 3); E. Bluebird, 3 (8, 3); Golden- foraging.The rise in actualnumbers is dueto increasein crowned Kinglet, 3 (8, 3); White-breastedNuthatch, 2 the crow population,flocks of 300to nearly600 appear- (6, 2); Carolina Wren, 2 (6, 2); Field Sparrow, 2 (6, 2), tng regularly. Appreciation is again extended to Dr. Red-belliedWoodpecker, 1 (3, 1); Hairy Woodpecker, Clarence Klingensmith and Robert Place for weather 1 (3, 1); PileatedWoodpecker, 1 (3, 1); Blue Jay, 1 (3,1), data, and to Don Maybee, owner of the plot, for its use Mockingbird, 1 (3, 1); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Red- andfor informationon acreagechanges. Note: Correc- shoulderedHawk, +; Sharp-shinnedHawk, +; Am ttons in 1973 report, AB 27:680, "Red-headed Wood- Woodcock, +; Mourning Dove, +; Barred Owl, +, pecker" should read "Red-bellied Woodpecker, +". Com. Flicker, +; Belted Kingfisher, +; Brown --VIVIAN MILLS PITZRICK, Box 61 R. 1 Amity Creeper, +; Winter Wren, +; House Sparrow, +; Am Lake, Belmont, New York 14813. Goldfinch,+; SwampSparrow, +. AverageTotal 128 birds (359 per sq. km., 145 per 100 acres). Remarks, Total species,33. On onetrip, threePileated Woodpeco 29. MIXED HABITAT: DECIDUOUS WOODED kers were observed at one time (two on the Study Area STREAM VALLEY AND MEADOW.--Location: and one on adjacentproperty.) Subsequenttrips indi- Potomac, Maryland; 39ø2'40"N, 77ø13'50"W, Rock- catethat the BarredOwls haveestablished territory on ville QuadrangleUSGS. Continuity:Established 1973. the area.-MARGARET T. DONNALD, MORRILL B Size: 35.6 ha = 88 acres. From contour map by planime- DONNALD, A VIND E. BONDE, GARY MELHMAN, ter. Boundaryof surveyarea followsthat proposedfor JANNINE M. NORVELL, JOHN R. NOR VELL com- Nature Study Center "Adventure" in future stream piler, Rt. 5, Box 169-B, Mt. Airy, Md. 21771), Mont- valley park. Descriptionof Area: See AB 27:702-703, gomery County Chapter, Maryland Ornithologtcal 1973. Weather: During the study period, temperatures Society. ranged from 29øF. on Feb. 18 to 70ø on Feb. 13. De- cember temperatures averaged quite mild for the first 30. MIXED UPLAND HABITAT.--Location and last thirds of the month, but below average for the WoodendSanctuary of the AudubonNaturalist Society period coveringthe trip of the 16th. Januarytempera- on JonesMill Rd., adjoiningRock Creek Park in Mary- tures averaged 7.3ø above normal, while February land,just abovethe District of ColumbiaLine in Chevy temperaturesaveraged 4-5ø colder that January. Pre- Chase.Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres.Description of Area See cipitation for December was above average, about av- AFN 23:538-539(1969). Weather: Temperatures ranged eragefor January,and abouthalf the normalfor the area from 23ø to 74øF., winds calm to moderate. Several during February. Snow fell during the December cen- inchesof snow were presentone day; otherwisethe sustrip and snowwas on the groundduring the trips of groundwas clear. Coverage:Jan. 6, 7, 13, 15, 22, 23, 29, February 10-13to a total accumulationof about 4 in. Feb. 9, 10, 17, 18. Total, 12 trips between 0830 and Sevenvisits (« or B of a trip) were madeon cleardays, 1730, averaging 2 hours each; 42 observer-hours and five on cloudy or partly days. Winds rangedfrom Count: Starling, 52 (321, 130); Cardinal, 49 (303, 123), calm (1 day), 4-5 mph (9 days), 6-8 mph (1 day), and 12 White-throated Sparrow, 43 (266, 108); Red-wtnged mph (1 day). Weather data taken from Metropolitan Blackbird, 41 (253, 103); House Sparrow, 27 (167, 68), Climatological Summaries for the National Capital Com. Crow, 26 (161, 65); Carolina Chickadee, 24 (148, Area, and ClimatologicalData for Maryland and De- 60); Brown-headedCowbird, 22 (136, 55); Dark-eyed laware for the weather stationin Rockville, Maryland. Junco, 19 (117, 48); Fish Crow, 17 (105, 43); Mourning Coverage:Dec. 16,Jan. 20(«), 22(«), 28(V3),30(Va), 18 Dove, 14 (86, 35);House Finch, 13 (8•, 33); Cedar («), and 18 («). Total: 7 trips averaging 3 hours 32 Waxwing, 11 (68, 28); Blue Jay, 10(62,25y; Tufted Tit- minutes each.Count: White-throated Sparrow, 17 (48, mouse, 7 (43, 18); Carolina Wren, 6 (37, 15); Turkey 19); Starling, 15 (42, 17); Dark-eyed Junco, 15 (42, 17); Vulture, 5 (31, 13); Downy Woodpecker, 5 (3l, 13), Com. Crow, 12 (34, 14); Carolina Chickadee, 12 (34, Mockingbird, 4 (25, 10); Am. Goldfinch, 4 (25, 10), 14); Cardinal, 8 (22, 9); Song Sparrow, 8 (22, 9); Bob- White-breastedNuthatch, 3 (19, 8); Field Sparrow, 3

708 American Birds, June 1974 (19, 8); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 (12, 5); Song Spar- km., 329 per 100 acres). Remarks: Seen on the water row, 2 (12, 5); Red-shoulderedHawk, 1 (6, 3); Bob- near the area: Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, white, 1 (6, 3); Corn.(Yellow-shafted) Flicker, 1 (6, 3); Black Duck, Wood Duck, Buffiehead, Corn. Mer- Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3); Brown Creeper, 1 (6, 3); ganser,Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Ring-billedGull, Brown Thrasher, 1 (6, 3); Golden-crownedKinglet, 1, Belted Kingfisher. Total abundanceof birds is almost (6, 3); Corn.Grackle, 1(6, 3); PurpleFinch, 1 (6, 3); Pine exactly the sameas last year. Number of speciesat 32, Siskin, 1 (6, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; however, is usually high and reflects the presence of Plleated Woodpecker, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, several speciesnot usual in the study area, for example, +, Black-capped Chickadee, +; Red-breasted the Red-winged Blackbird, Bobwhite, Cedar Waxwing, Nuthatch, +; Winter Wren, +; Gray Catbird, +; Am. Rusty Blackbird and Pine Siskin. Other birds that are Robin, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +; Rusty Black- often absent but present this year are the Golden- bird, +. AverageTotal: 422 birds (2606 per sq.kin., 1055 crowned Kinglet and Evening Grosbeak. The Tufted per 100acres). Remarks: Species total, 45. Severalnew Titmouse was much less abundant than usual A specieswere seen probably owing to more frequent number of birds showed distinct increases:goldfinch, coveragethan has been possiblein the past. Although Purple Finch, junco, White-throated Sparrow, and trends are difficult to interpret becauseof better cover- Winter Wren. Particularly active were the Winter age of the groundsand more trips this year, the follow- Wrens, not only more numerousthan usual but often ing specieshave increasedover the past 3 years: Red- heard singing incomplete songs.--JOAN H. CRIS- winged Blackbird, cowbird, Cardinal, House Finch, WELL (compiler), WILLIAM H. CRAMER, C E junco, Field Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow. CRAVEN, ELIOSE DAVIS, WILLIAM DAVIS III, Other factors contributingto the increasemay be the WILLIAM DAVIS, JR., RICHARD GAUTHEY, developmentof the groundsinto more varied habitat, DAVID MEHLMAN, DONALD MEHLMAN, MRS more bird feeding locationson the property, and the B. MEHLMAN, HAZEL YOUNG, (members of the fact than snow has not remained on the ground for long Audubon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Rd, periodsduring the last 3 years. The increasein Fish Washington, D.C. 20015). Crows resultedfrom a roostjust off the property;this roost broke apart 3 weeks after the beginningof the 32. MIXED UPLAND HABITAT.--Location: Central study. Becauseof diversityof habitat, Woodendis not third of Glover-Archbold Park, a long, narrow, stream comparableto any other studyplot. It does,however, valley park in the northwestsection of the District of provide an interestingcontrast to more homogeneous Columbia. Continuity: Established 1960; 15 consecu- areas.-•C.E. CRAVEN, BRIT EDSBERG, VINCENT tive years. Size: 14.2 ha = 35 acres. Descriptionof Area JONES, PETER PYLE, PHILIP STODDARD, and See AFN 14:502-503 (1960). Weather: Cloudy on 4 HOLLY WAGNER (compiler, Audubon Naturalist trips, raining on 1, snowing on 2, sunny on 7. Snow on Society, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Washington, D.C. the ground on 2 days. Average temperature was 49øF, 20015). below freezing on 3 days. Wind was calm on 8 trips, 5-10 mph on 2 trips, and 15-20mph on 4 trips. Coverage 31.MATURE DECIDUOUS FLOODPLAIN Jan. 5, 7, 8, 12 (2 trips), 15, 17, 19, 22, 27; Feb. 8, 9, 18(2 FOREST.--Location: Glen Echo, Maryland, 2« miles trips). Hours rangedfrom 0830 to 1800, evenly spread northeast of the District of Columbia, between the C & over that span. A total of 24 hours25 minutesspend on O Canal and the Potomac River. Size: 17.8 ha., 44.1 14 trips gave a total of 12 complete coveragesof the acres. Descriptionof Area: See AFN 2:153-156(1948). area, since some were partial. Averagetime for each The land is a fairly flat stripalong the fiver, supportinga coveragewas 2.02 hours. Count: Carolina Chickadee, heavy growth of deciduoushardwoods 80 to 100 feet 12 (85, 34); House Sparrow, 12 (85, 34); Tufted Tit- high. Weather: Weather was unusually mild and practi- mouse, 10 (71, 29); Starling, 9 (64, 26); Dark-eyed cally lacking in snow duringthe censusperiod. Temp- (Slate-colored)Junco, 8 (56, 23); Blue Jay, 6 (42, 17), erature duringwalks averaged43øF. Coverage: Jan. 12, Corn. Crow, 6 (42, 17); Cardinal, 6 (42, 17); Mourning 16, 19, 20, 26, 27, 29; Feb. 2 (3 tfips), 16. Total: 11trips Dove, 5 (35, 14); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 4 (28, 11), averaging 2.60 hours, between 0725 and 1645 EST. Downy Woodpecker,4 (28, 11); CarolinaWren, 4 (28, Count: Starling, 42 (235, 95); Carolina Chickadee,20 11);Brown-headed Cowbird, 3 (21, 9); Am. Goldfinch, (112, 45); White-throated Sparrow, 14 (78, 32); Am. 3 (21, 9); White-throated Sparrow, 3 (21, 9); Turkey Goldfinch, 9 (50, 20); Downy Woodpecker, 7 (39, 16); Vulture, 2 (14, 6); White-breastedNuthatch, 2 (14, 6), Carolina Wren, 7 (39, 16); Cardinal, 6 (34, 14); Dark- Black Vulture, 1 (7, 3); Bobwhite, 1 (7, 3); Ring-billed eyed Junco, 6 (34, 14); Corn. Crow, 5 (28, 11); Tufted Gull 1 (7, 3); RockDove, 1 (7, 3); PileatedWoodpecker, Titmouse, 4 (22, 9); Winter Wren, 3 (17, 7); Evening 1 (7, 3); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Fish Crow, 1 (7, 3), Grosbeak,3 (17, 7); SongSparrow, 3 (17, 7); Mourning Mockingbird, 1, (7, 3); Purple Finch, 1 (7, 3); Rufous- Dove, 2 (11, 5); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 (11, 5); sided Towhee, 1 (7, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Red- White-breastedNuthatch, 2 (11, 5); Purple Finch, 2 (11, shouldered Hawk, +; Brown Creeper, +; Winter 5), Turkey Vulture, 1 (6, 2); PileatedWoodpecker, 1 (6, Wren, +; Ruby-crownedKinglet, +; SongSparrow, + 2), Brown Creeper, 1 (6, 2); Red-wingedBlackbird, 1 (6, Average:108 (762 birds per sq. km., 309 per 100acres ) 2), Bobwhite, +; Rock Dove, +; Barred Owl, +; Remarks: Total species, 33. One species, Ruby- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Hafiy Woodpecker, +; crownedKinglet, was addedto the winter list, bringing Blue Jay, +; Golden-crownedKinglet, +; Cedar Wax- the cumulative total to 67 species. The average of one wing, +; Yellow-rumpedWarbler, +; RustyBlackbird, Bobwhite representsa covey of 15 seen on one occa- +, Pine Siskin, +. Average total: 145birds (812 per sq. sion. It was the first time the Black Vulture moved up

Volume 28, Number 3 709 from a + to 1, but the Starling count was the lowest yet; 34. MIXED HABITAT-DISTURBED BOTTOM- it has rangedfrom 8 to 20 in previousyears, and drop- LAND. --Location: Dewey, Washington Co., Ok- ped from 13 last year.•SHIRLEYA. BRIGGS (corn- lahoma; 2 miles west of intersection of Ninth St. and pder - 7605 Honeywell Lane, Bethesda, Md. 20014), Highway 75 and 0.3 miles north on east bank of Caney DAVID MEHLMAN, OLIVE HOLBROOK, EDGAR River, 36ø48'N, 95ø58'W, Tulsa Quadrangle,USGS H SMITH, and DONALD WEBER. Continuity: Established 1972.Size: 40.47 ha = 100acres 33. DECIDUOUS WOODS.--Location: Shade- (irregular rectangle roughly 600 by 800 yards; deter- Wickwire Woods, Reed Township, Seneca County, minedfrom SCS aerial map). Descriptionof Area: See Ohio; ¬ mile east of State Route 4, and ¬ mile southof AB 26:976-977 (1972) Weather: Count days were clear Township Road 106; 41ø05'N, 82ø52'W. Continuity: to partly cloudy, very little wind. Temperatureswere New. Size:16.2 ha = 40 acres.It is a square.Description from 12ø to 65øF; average low, 30ø; average high, 44ø of Area: The area is a fairly typical deciduouswoods of Coverage:Dec. 22 and 23 (half trips); Jan. 2, 5, 14, 19, northwestern Ohio. However, as far as is known it is a 21, 25, 28; Feb. 1, 8. Ten complete trips, averaging3 primarygrowth, accordingto Ray Shade,who haslived hrs. 55 min.; 40 man hours. Three afternoontrips were near the woods for more than 60 years. Some of the between 1230 and 1705; all others between 0740 and larger trees were cut in 1967.An unusualaspect of this 1415CST. Count: Am. Robin, 19 (47, 19); Cardinal, 16 woodsis that there are several"bald spots". These are (40, 16); Blue Jay, 14(35, 14); Tufted Titmouse, 14(35, areas of about 1 to 4 ha. in size and contain no trees but a 14); Song Sparrow, 12 (30, 12); Starling, 11 (27, 11), few shrubs.It is theorizedby Dr. PecyLilly, a botanist Red-belliedWoodpecker, 10(25, 10);Tree Sparrow, 10 at Heidelberg College, that these areas are remnantsof (25, 10); Carolina Chickadee,9 (22, 9); White-throated the prairie. Research is presently being conductedin Sparrow, 6 (15, 6); Cedar Waxwing, 4 (10, 4); Rusty these areas. The woods consistsof mainly hickories Blackbird, 4 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 4 (10, 4), (mainlyCarya ovata), Beech(Fagus grandifolia ), Box- Rufous-sidedTowhee, 4 (10, 4); Bobwhite, 3 (7, 3), elder (Acer negundo) and Silver Maple (Acer Corn. Flicker, 3 (7, 3); White-breastedNuthatch, 3 (7, saccharinurn),and hawthom (sp.?) in the area of the 3); E. Bluebird, 3 (7, 3); Swamp Sparrow, 3 (7, 3); Corn bald spots.There is also a smallpond (about 20 ft. in Crow, 2 (5, 2); Brown Creeper, 2 (5, 2); Carolina Wren, diameterand lessthan 1ft in depth)in the southwestern 2 (5, 2); Golden-crownedKinglet, 2 (5, 2); Dark-eyed comer of the land. The area of this comer is very wet. Junco, 2 (5, 2); Rough-leggedHawk, 1 (2, 1); Marsh There is a small streamflowing out of the pond and Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Barred Owl, 1 (2, 1); Pileated Wood- cuttingdiagonally across the land. Edge:The woodsare pecker, 1 (2, 1); Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 (2, 1), surroundedon three sides by fields and by a field and Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (2, 1); LoggerheadShrike, 1 (2, similarwoods on the south side. Topography:Essen- 1); House Sparrow, 1 (2, 1); E. Meadowlark, 1 (2, 1), tlally flat with a slightslope along the stream.Elevation Red-wingedBlackbird, 1 (2, 1); Purple Finch, 1 (2, 1), 950 ft. Weather: The weather was slightlymilder than Am. Goldfinch, 1 (2, 1); Fox Sparrow, 1 (2, 1), normal this year. One count was made in the rain and Lincoln's Sparrow, 1 (2, 1); Great Blue Heron, +, one while it was snowing.There was a snowcover on 5 Red-tailed Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Great Horned trips. The temperaturewas usually in the high 30s and Owl, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Bewick's Wren, mld-40s. However, on one trip it was in the mid-teens +; Mockingbird, +; Orange-crowned Warbler, + andon anotherin the mid-20s.Coverage: Jan. 7, 14, 23, Average Total: 176 birds (435 per sq. km., 176 per 100 30, Feb. 9, 15, 23. Total of 7 trips, 5 between 10133and acres). Remarks:Total species,46, is the sameas last 1300 EST, and 2 between 1400 and 1700 EST. Total of year. Number of individuals was up from last year's 18 hours, averagingabout 2« hours per trip. Count: 135. Weather was milder; water was frozen, but soil in Cardinal, 12 (74, 30); Tufted Titmouse, 10 (62, 25); the woods did not freeze, leaving foraging area for Downy Woodpecker, 9 (56, 23); Tree Sparrow, 9 (56, robins and other groundfeeders. An abundantcrop of 23), Black-capped Chickadee, 7 (43, 18); White- hackberriesattracted several species, including a flock breastedNuthatch, 6 (37, 15); Am. Goldfinch, 4 (25, of 75 Starlings on one count. The Tree Sparrow total 10), Brown Creeper, 3 (19, 8); House Sparrow,3 (19, 8); increasedbecause of a flock of 60, feeding on goldenrod BlueJay, 2 (12, 5); Corn.Crow, 2 (12, 5); SongSparrow, seed, seenon only one visit. Five specieswere new this 2 (12, 5); MoumingDove, 1(6, 3); Corn.Flicker, 1(6, 3); year: Rough-leggedHawk, Bewick's Wren, Golden- Horned Lark, I (6, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Screech crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing and Rusty Black- Owl, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Red-bellied Wood- bird. Lincoln' s Sparrow, presentfor the entire period in pecker,+; Winter Wren, +. AverageTotal: 72 (445per 1972-73,was seenonly on the first two countsthis year sq kin., 180per 100acres). Remarks: Total species20. SongSparrow populationwas down becauseof lossof Of interest was the absenceof the Dark-eyed Junco, habitat owing to summermowing. ELLA DELAP409 reported to be abundant throughout the rest of the N. Wyandotte, Dewey, Okla. 74029. county. On a similar censusin 1972 (unpublished)the Dark-eyed Junco was second in abundance with an 35. PONDEROSA PINE SEDIMENTARY CREEK- averageof 20. The sporadicnumbers of Cardinals(31 BOTTOM. --Location: Running Creek Field Station, on one count, 0 and 1 on two other counts)is inexplica- 28 miles NE of Colorado Springs and 10 miles S of ble Owls are probablymore regularthan reported. I Elizabeth, in parts of Sections 25, 26 and 35, T9S, discovered a roosting tree of the Great Horned Owl R65W Elbert County,Colorado. Continuity: New. Size and,judging from the amountof debrisunder it, he was 35.02 ha = 90 acres(measured from map). Description a regular in the woods.--H. THOMAS BARTLETT, of Area: A north-southrectangular acreage bounded by P 0 Box 303, Tiffin, Ohio 44883. fence lines on all four sides, which includes the rock-

710 American Birds, June 1974 walled creekbottom of Running Creek and the edging cially where there is an availability of mammal prey, Ponderosa Pine woodland. Aspen (Populus true of the Running Creek area. Limiting factors here tremuloides) and willow (Salix) are found in the creek- includelow temperatures,wind, persistentsnow cover, bottom together with some Ponderosa Pine (Pinus and a restricted food supply. Junco populations, for ponderosa)and Rocky Mountain Red Cedar (Juniperus example, are minimal because there is seldom snow- scopulorum).The open linear woodland along both free ground accessiblefor feeding. The most unusual sides of the rocky canyon is composedprimarily of winter record here was the redpoll, uncommonin Col- Ponderosa Pine and Red Cedar, with Mountain orado but reportedin the Black Forest in winter before Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), Wax Currant Usually coniferousforest creekbottoms are less pro- (Rtbes cereum), Ninebark (Physocarpusmonogynus), ductive than deciduous forest creekbottoms in Col- as well as a variety of grassesand herbs. Mullein orado, being less diversified and generally affording a (Verbascumthapsus) is found in disturbedareas near more limited food supply. It would thus be provocative an old stonequarry and housefoundation in the north- to compare the Running Creek area, with its p•ne- west section of the census area. The north-south creek juniper woodland, with the deciduouswoodland along is intermittentmuch of the year, and was frozen during the next creekbottom to the west.--JOHN KOSHAK the censusperiod. The Dawson arkosesandstone walls and RICHARD BEIDLEMAN (compilers), LARRY of the canyonrange between 10 and 30 ft. highand are NELL, ALBERT SHULTZ and ALEXANDRA from 30 to 70 fl. apart. The northern section of the VARGO, Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Col- canyonis extremely broken and rugged,narrowing to orado Springs, Colo. 80903. the south. Arkose bedrock surfaces throughout the area, especially towards the canyon rims. Elevation: 6970ft. Edge:To the north and southis a continuation 36. GRASSLAND:ABANDONED AIRPORT.-- of the wooded rocky creekbottom. Cultivated and Location:Jefferson Proving Ground, JeffersonCounty, abandonedagricultural land and farm buildingslie im- Indiana; 38ø49'30"N, 85ø26'W, Clifty Falls Quad- mediatelyto the east,while the westernedge of the area rangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size: 23.15 ha = 57 2 includes abandoned agricultural land and grassland. acres. Triangular, surveyed by post engineer Ecologically,the area is relatedto the Black Forest, an Descriptionof Area: Elevation 850 ft. Artificial grass- elevated sloping plateau of Ponderosa Pine and as- land, clearedin 1939and with concreterunways 150ft sociated grasslandextending east from the Colorado wide. One concreterunway (7.3 acresof the plot) w•th Front Range. Weather: The censusperiod followed a tufts of grassgrowing in the cracks, extends acrossthe relativelydry, mild autumn.The averagetemperature plot, but all other areas look like prairie, some wet and was about 15øF.with alow of -25 øand ahigh of 49ø. No some dry. Dominant plants are Broom Sedge snowfall measurementswere available, but there were (Andropogonvirginicus), Nimble Will (Muhlenbergla several storms during the period and snow covered the schreberi), and Fall Panic Grass (Panicurn groundat a depth of frum 8 in. to 2 ft. Coverage:Dec. 8; dichotomiflorum). Plant specimenswere identified by Jan 9, 17, 19, 23; Feb. 1, 10, 22, 27. Total: 9 trips, both Dr. JamesH. Maysfiles. Edge: Concreterunways sur- morning and afternoon, totaling 22V2 man-hours. round the plot on all sides; beyond these similar flat Count: Pine Siskin, 11 (30, 12); Am. Robin, 6 (17, 7); grasslandextends for one-half mile in all directions, Townsend's Solitaire, 5 (14, 6); Black-billed Magpie, 4 except for a small hangar. Weather: January and Feb- (11, 4); Gray-crownedRosy Finch, 4 (11, 4); Mountain ruary were about averagefor southernIndiana. During Chickadee, 3 (8, 3); Corn. Redpoll, 3 (8, 3); Horned counts, temperatures ranged from 27-57øF.; wind was Lark, 1 (3, 1); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Bald Eagle, +; rather light, exceeding12 mph. (to about 15 mph) only Marsh Hawk, +; Merlin, +; American Kestrel, +; once for a short time; precipitation (snow) fell dunng Great Horned Owl, +; Long-eared Owl, +; Corn. only one count; skieswere clear, or mostly so, 6 times Flicker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Corn. Raven, +; and overcast twice; snow cover of 1-2 in. twice Whge-breasted Nuthatch, +; Red-breasted Nuthatch, Coverage:Jan. 16, 30; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 21,23, 27. Total, 8 +, Pygmy Nuthatch, +; Cation Wren, +; Dark-eyed counts,all in daylight, 2 afternoonand 6 morning;aver- (Slate-colored)Junco, +; AverageTotal: 37 birds (102 age trip 91 minutes; total man-hours 18. Count E per sq. km., 41 per 100 acres). Remarks: The census Meadowlark, 4 (17, 7); Horned Lark, 3 (13, 5); Le plot is part of Running Creek Field Station, an en- Conte's Sparrow, 2 (9, 3); Marsh Hawk, 1 (4, 2); Short- vironmental study area operated by the Wright- eared Owl, 1 (4, 2); Savannah Sparrow, 1 (4, 2); Rock Ingraham Institute of Colorado Springs. The creek- Dove, +; Corn.Crow, +; Starling,+. AverageTotal 12 bottom and 500 acres of surrounding grassland are birds (52 per sq. kin., 21 per 100 acres.) Remarks: We managedby the Institute to retain the integrityof the thank the authorities of Jefferson Proving Ground, naturalecosystems; and this studyis part of an ecosys- United StatesArmy, for permissionto use the area and temal inventory at the field station. Although lying, for their help.-J. DAN WEBSTER and BRIAN HAAG, geographically,in the high-plainscountry of eastern Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana 47243. Colorado, this site is essentiallypart of the Transition L•fe Zone, as reflected by its flora and fauna. The winter bird populationis essentiallythat of a foothills 37. GRASSLAND: MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.-- comferous-forestecosystem -- especiallythe Hairy Location: In the municipal airport of Natchitoches, Woodpecker,Mountain Chickadee,nuthatches, robin, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana; 31ø44'N, 93ø66'W, sohtaire, siskin. The diversity of birds of prey charac- Provencal Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size terizes "isolated" woodlands amidst grassland,espe- 12.14 ha = 30 acres (rectangular, 1320X 990 ft., meas-

Volume 28, Number 3 711 ured with steel tape). Descriptionof Area: The area is tablished 1970; 4 consecutive years. Size: 15.99 ha = wlthm and near the center of the Natchitoches City 39.5 acres (surveyed). Descriptionof Area: See AB Airport. The airport is maintained as a grasslandby 25:648-649 (1971). Weather: December 1973 tem- mowingthree or more times each year with the clip- peratures averaged 23.8øF. with 15•/2in. snow. January pingsbaled and removed. It has not been seededre- 1974 temperatures averaged 18.9ø with 6•/2 in. snow cently. The vegetationoccurring is a natural develop- February temperatures averaged32.2 ø with 3 in. snow ment under the present managementpractices. The During the 78-day studyperiod maximum temperatures plant specieslisted in this descriptionwere collected were below freezing 29 days, minimum temperatures Sept 26, 1973. The dominant specieswere Broom- were below 0ø 13 days and above freezing 3 days. Dur- sedge (Andropogon virginicus), Bermuda Grass ing count periods temperaturesranged from 5ø to 52øF (Cynodon dactylon), Johnson Grass (Sorgum at CANC. Extremes for the study period were -36 ø to halepense), Sandbur (Cenchruspauciflorus), Foxtail 65ø (data from CANC weatherstation). Coverage: Dec (Setaria viridis), and Crabgrass(Digitaria sanguinalis). 12, 20, 28; Jan. 2, 9, 15, 22; Feb. 1, 4, 11, 20, 28. Total, Other grasses collected were Paspalum (Paspalum 12 trips, all between 0845 and 1645, averaging 81 m•- urvtllei and P. laeve), Three-awn Grass (Aristida nutes. Total observer hours, 19.5. Count: House Spar- ohgantha), Love Grass (Eragrostisspectabilis and E. row, 43 (269, 109); Dark-eyed Junco, 32 (200, 81); Starl- oxylepis), Smut Grass (Sporoboluspoiretii), Beard ing, 10 (63, 25); Mallard, 9 (56, 23); Harris' Sparrow, 7 Grass (Andropogon divergens); Tridens (Tridens (44, 18); Blue Jay, 6 (38, 15); Black-cappedChickadee, strtctus), and Axonopus (Axonopusfurcatus), Other 6 (38, 15); Downy Woodpecker, 5 (31, 13); Red-winged plants collected were Sensitive Brier (Schrankia Blackbird, 5 (31, 13); W. Meadowlark, 3 (19, 8); Cardi- mtcrophylla), Purple Agalinis (Agalinis purpurea), nal, 3 (19, 8); Tree Sparrow, 3 (19, 8); Bobwhite, 2 (13, Beggartick (Desmodium paniculatum), Goats Beard 5); Mourning Dove 2 (13, 5); Hairy Woodpecker, 2 (13, (Tragopogon major), Sneezeweed (Helenium 5); Corn. Crow 2, (13, 5); Am. Robin, 2 (13, 5); Pine autumnale), Buttonweed (Diodia teres), Wood-sorrel Siskin 2 (13, 5); SongSparrow 2, (13, 5); Great Horned (Oxalis stricta), Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Owl, 1 (6, 3); White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (6, 3); Am dock (Rumex sp.) Ground Cherry (Physalis Goldfinch, 1 (6, 3); Com. Redpoll, 1 (6, 3); Red-rarer heterophylla), Sage (Salvia lyrata), Southern De- Hawk +; Ring-necked Pheasant +; Killdeer +; Belted wberry (Rubus triviales), Pepper-vine (Ampelopsis Kingfisher +; Com. Flicker +; Red-bellied Wood- arborea), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Reversed pecker +; Red-breasted Nuthatch +; Brown Creeper Clover (T. resupinatum), Dichondra (Dichondra +; Golden-crowned Kinglet +; Fox Sparrow + repens), Cocklebur (Xanthium pennsylvanicum), Gol- AverageTotal: 147birds (920 per sq. km., 372 per 100 denrod (Solidagoaltissima), thistle (Cirsiumsp. ), Ver- acres). Remarks: Total species,33. Four speciesseen bena (Verbena simplex), and everlasting(Gnaphalium last year (Goshawk, Sharp-shinnedHawk, Long-eared sp ) Rushesand sedgeswere found in one low area of Owl and Red Crossbill) were sighted during the study the studyplot. Edge: Borderedon all sidesby the same period but not on count days. Four speciesof hawks vegetation type. Topography: Flat. Elevation: 100 ft. and one species of owl which have been observed in Water: Permanent water is available from a lake and past years were not sighted during this year's count sloughsabout ¬ mile from the study area. Food: The The average number of birds per trip decreasedto 147 grassesand forbs of the area provide an abundantsup- compared with 192 for the 1972-73 count. This may ply of seeds and the soft, porous soil provides ear- partially be owing to the decrease in average time per thwroms. Weather: Daytime temperatures on count trip over the past 3 years (120 minutes for 1971-72, 90 days ranged from 60ø to 75øF., and night temperatures minutes for 1972-73, 81 minutes for 1973-74). The rangedfrom 28ø to 60ø . Two count days were clear and number of Mallards wintering in Haines Branch de- the remaining5 were partly cloudy to cloudy. The area creased considerably this year. The most noticeable was wet and the soil waterloggedduring the first 4 count changewas with the Bobwhite populationas it was only days but had dried out during the last 3 counts. All observed once on Dec. 12.--DR. ESTHER BENNETT countdays were windy with wind of 2-3 on the Beaufort and BRYCE ANDERSON, Staff - Chet Ager Nature scale. The generalweather pattern was wetter and mil- Center, Lincoln Park and Recreation Dept., 2740 "A" derthanusual for the area.Coverage: Jan. 18,20, 28, 30; St., Lincoln, Neb., 68502. Feb 6, 13, 27. Total, 7 trips, all between 1400and 1600, 39. SANDHILL PRAIRIE.--Location: Sand Prairie averaging 45 minutes. Count: Savannah Sparrow, 12 Natural History Reservation,4 miles east and 4 m•les (99, 40); E. Meadowlark, 11 (91, 37); Am. Robin, 3 (25, north of Burrton, Harvey County, Kansas (E¾2SE¬ 10), Sprague's Pipit, 2 (16, 7); LeConte's Sparrow, +. Sec 36, R3W, T22S). Continuity: Established1973 AverageTotal: 28 birds (231 per sq. km., 93 per 100 Size:32.38 ha = 80 acres(rectangular, 440 X 880 yards, acres). Remarks: The assistanceof Dana Sanders in measuredwith cloth tape). Descriptionof Area: SeeAB identifying the plant species is gratefully 27:684 (1973). Water: There was a relatively large acknowledged.-CHARLES E. VIERS, Dept. of Biolog- amount of standing water in the sloughs and semi- tcal Sciences, Northwestern State University, Natch- permanentponds. These were still partiallyfilled from ttoches, LA 71457. the fall floodingof the Little ArkansasRiver whichruns 38. MIXED PRAIRIE PARK.--Location: Nebraska; V2 mile east of the Reservation and from filling dunng Lancaster County; 5.5 miles (8.8 km) southwestof Lin- the previouswet spring. They were thinly or solidly coln; Chet Ager Nature Center (CANC) is in the south- frozen duringthe early part of the countperiod, thawing west corner of Pioneers Park; T9N, R6E; 40ø46'N, in the latter part. Weather: During the 37-day study 96ø46rW,Emerald Quadrangle,USGS. Continuity:Es- period the weatherremained below freezingon 8 days

712 American B•rds, June 1974 and above freezing on 8 nights. The temperature ranged Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 31 birds (255 per sq. km , from -10ø to 55øF. The average temperature during the 103 per 100 acres). Remarks: A new speciesfor the seven counts was 34øF. During the January counts 8-year study was the Winter Wren found on two walks there was a 4-5 in. snow cover, but the groundwas clear The average number of birds was the lowest for the m February. During the counts, the winds were light count. The previous low was 43 birds in 1971. These (0-12 mph, mean 5 mph), and the sky was clear or low countsfollowed dry autumnseasons with lessthan shghtlycloudy, with one count under completelyover- a half inch of rain in November and December cast sky. (Data taken on the Reservation.) Coverage: Lincoln's Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows var- Jan. 5 (2 trips), 6, 16, Feb. 9, 10(2 trips). Total, 7 trips, 4 ied best with the autumnrainfall reachinglow points•n between 0825 and 1100 and 3 between 1345 and 1630, 1971 and 1974, and with high numbers in 1972 after averaging 84 minutes each. Count: Tree Sparrow, 19 heavy autumn rains.-JAMES A. MIDDLETON, San (59, 24); Bobwhite, 8 (25, 10); Ring-neckedPheasant, 4 Antonio Audubon Society, Witte Memorial Museum, (12, 5); Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (12, 5); Brown- 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209. headed Cowbird, 3 (9, 4); Harris's Sparrow, 3 (9, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 2 (6, 3); Com. Crow, 2 (6, 3); Cardinal, 2 (6, 3); SongSparrow, 2 (6, 3); Marsh Hawk, 41. MESQUITE-JUNIPER CANYON BOTTOM- 1 (3, 1); Com. Flicker, 1 (3, 1); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (3, LAND. ---Location:12 miles east of Canyon, Texas, 1), Am. Robin, 1 (3, 1); Cedar Waxwing, i (3, 1); Red- and 4 miles from entranceto Palo Duro Canyon State winged Blackbird, 1 (3, 1); Dark-eyed Junco, 1 (3, i); Park (first water crossing); 34ø57'N, 101ø40'W, For- Mallard, +; Rough-leggedHawk, +; Red-tailed Hawk, tress Cliff Quadrangle, USGS. Size: 12.55 ha = 31 +, Am. Kestrel, +; Killdeer, +; Great Horned Owl, +; acres,steel tape andcompass (rectangular). Description Red-belliedWoodpecker, +; Brown Creeper, +; Log- of Area: See AFN 21:659-661(1967). Weather: Dunng gerhead Shrike, +; meadowlark sp., +; Rufous-sided the 85-day study period the temperature remained Towhee, +. AverageTotal 56 birds(173 per sq. km., 70 below freezing on 11 days. The range of temperature per 100 acres). Remarks: While speciesdiversity was was from 2ø to 77øF., while the average temperature up over the singleprevious count, the number of birds was 34øF.The days of greatestprecipitation in the form seen was down. The main factor in this decrease was in of snow or sleetwere Dec. 3 (1.2 in.), 4 (.3 in.), Jan t the number of Bobwhite. There was some evidence of 0.5 in.), 2 (.5 in.), 3 (1.0 in.), 9 (.2 in.), 27 (.4 in.), and mortality duringa cold spellin the first part of the count Feb. 7 (1.2 in.). The averagewind velocitywas 13mph period.-VIC CLAASSEN, Box414, North Newton, KS (Data from the Amarillo Air Terminal 18 miles north At 67117. that point the elevation is 3604 ft. while on the study areais is 2876ft.) Coverage:Dec. 2, 9, 15, 24; Jan.6, 20, 26; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24. Total: 11 trips, t0 between 0845 and 1200 CDT, and 1 between 1405 and 1605 CDT, 40. LIVE OAK-MESQUITE BRUSHLAND. averaging 135 minutes each. Count: Dark-eyed Junco, --Location: Northeast Preserve, city park of San An- tonio, Texas, located 2 miles northeast of San Antonio 18(143, 58); White-crownedSparrow, 16 (128, 52), Am Robin, i1 (88, 35); ScaledQuail, 8 (64, 26); SongSpar- InternationalAirport. Studyarea is alongthe northern row, 8 (64, 26); Golden-frontedWoodpecker, 4 (32, 13), boundary of the park, extending 660 yards east- Starling,4 (32, 13);Cardinal, 4 (32, 13);Bobwhite, 3 (24, southeastof Jones-MaltsbergerRoad and 220 yards t0); Bewick's Wren, 3 (24, t0); Pine Siskin, 3 (24, 10), south-southwestof the fence. Continuity:Established Am. Goldfinch, 3 (24, i0); Com. Flicker, 2 (16, 6), 1967. Size: 12.1 ha = 30 acres, basedon survey stakes Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 (16, 6); Black-crested along the fence and measuredoutward 220 yards by Titmouse,2 (16, 6); Com. Bushtit, 2 (t, 6); Long-balled steeltape. Descriptionof Area: SeeAFN 21:472(1967). Marsh Wren, 2 (16, 6); House Sparrow, 2 (16, 6), Weekendcampers disturbed area very little. Increasing Rufous-sidedTowhee, 2 (16, 6); Rufous-crownedSpar- usage of paved trail by bicyclists was mainly on weekends. Weather: November and December had a row, 2 (16, 6); Green-wingedTeal, 1 (8, 3); Am. Kestrel, 1 (8, 3); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (8, 3); Cation Wren, 1 (8, total of .45 inchesof rain so the periodbegan very dry. 3); Ruby-crownedKinglet, i (8, 3); House Finch, 1 (8, Rmn increasedin Januaryto 1.36inches but was still.30 3); Mallard, +; Wood Duck, +; GoldenEagle, +; Bald •nchesbelow normal.Temperature was aboutnormal in Eagle, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Killdeer, +; Mourmng January. Coverage: Dec. 26, 31; Jan. 14, 20, 28, 31. Dove, +; Roadrunner,+; Say'sPhoebe, +; ScrubJay, Total: 6 trips, averaging90 minutes,4 trips in the morn- +; Corn. Crow, +; Vetdin, +; Mockingbird, +; Brown lng between 0830 and 1100 and 2 in the afternoon Thrasher, +; Curve-billed Thrasher, +; Townsend's between 1510and 1730CST. Count: Cardinal, 5 (41, t7), Am. Goldfinch, 4 (33, 13); Rufous-sidedTowhee, 4 Solitaire, +; CedarWaxwing, +; Yellow-rumpedWar- (33, 13); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 (25, 10); Carolina bler, +; Tree Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 107birds (853 per sq. km., 345 per tOOacres). Remarks: On Dec. 2, 28 Chickadee,2 (16, 7); Black-crestedTitmouse, 2 (16, 7); Sandhill Cranes flew over at a 500-600 ft. altitude This Bewick's Wren, 2 (16, 7); White-throatedSparrow, 2 (16, 7); Lincoln's Sparrow, 2 (16, 7); Golden-fronted is the first time in the 7-year study that the Mountain Bluebird was not recorded.--KENNETH D. SEYF- Woodpecker,1 (8, 3); Mockingbirdt (8, 3); Am. Robin, FERT, 2709 S. Fairfield St., Amarillo, Texas 79103 1 (8, 3); Pine Siskin, 1 (8, 3); Fox Sparrow, 1 (8, 3); Mourning Dove, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Ladder-backed Woodpecker, +; Vetdin, +; Winter Wren, +; CarolinaWren, +; Long-billedThrasher, +; 42. SHORTGRASS PRAIRIE.--Location: 8 miles Hermit Thrush,+; Orange-crownedWarbler, +; Field north-northwestof Nunn, Weld County, Colorado, on

Volume 28, Number 3 713 theCentral 151ains Experimental Range of the U.S. Ag- the mountainsto the west, as well as for the highpopu- ricultural Research Service, Pawnee National Grass- lation oftowhees,which would ordinarily move farther land, 40ø4TN, 104ø55'W.Continuity: Established 1973. south during colder winters. The Mountain Chickadee, Size 40.5 ha = 100acres (south block measures60 X 20 a montane species,was not seen after January 20, al- chmns, central block 20 X 10, north block 10 X 20, though Black-capped Chickadees, which frequent bordersare contiguous;blocks marked with grid inter- high-plainswoodlands, were seenthroughout the cen- val of two chains; surveyedwith 2-chaintape and staff sus period. Field data from this winter's study were compass). Description of Area: See AB 26:975-976 computer-programmedin such a way that each trip's (1972). Weather: Temperatures ranged from 19ø to resultscould be reproducedon a computer-generated 45øF Winds were mainly from the northwestand aver- map of the census area. --RICHARD BEIDLEMAN aged7 mph. Only a few patchesof snowin drawson all (compiler), KIRK BEIDLEMAN and DAVE SNYDER 6 counts.Coverage: Jan. 19, 31; Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9. Total, 6 (computer programmers), KATHY BOBAL, JON counts, between 0820 and 1150, and lasting approxi- BURRIS, and DAVE FIELD (Colorado College Field mately 80 minutes each; 2 observerseach count. Count: Zoology Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Horned Lark, 21 (52, 21); Lapland Longspur, +. Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903. Average Total: 21 birds (52 per sq. km., 21 per 100 acres).Remarks: This field work wassupported in part by National Science Foundation Grant No. GB-31862X 44. FOOTHILLS CONIFER - BRUSHLAND HILL- aspart of the avianpopulations study for the Grassland SIDE. -- Location:Colorado; On the Rampart Range B•ome, U.S. International Biological program. Road northwest of the Garden of the Gods (central ---DANIEL C. BUTLER, PAUL GERTLER, portion of the N«, Section33, T13S, R67W), Colorado STEPHEN E. HENRY, RONALD A. RYDER (com- Springs,E1 PasoCounty. Continuity: New. Size: 10 1 prier), and SARTOR O. WILLIAMS HI, Dept. of ha = 25 acres(roughly triangular, measured from map) Ftshery& Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Descriptionof Area: The censusarea includesthe fairly Fort Collins, Colo. 80521. steep south and east slopesand the flat summit of a sedimentaryoutcrop hill, boundedbelow by the Ram- part Range Road and a northeastside road (both dirt), 43. CONIFER-BRUSH-GRASS PLAINS - FOOT- to the north by a fenceline in an open saddle, and to the HILLS ECOTONE. --Location: Colorado; SW of Col- northwest by the dropoff of the hill crest. The dominant orado Springs, above Cheyenne Mountain High vegetation is Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus School. Continuity:Established 1963; 4 breeding-bird montanus), with Gambel's Oak (Quercusgambeht), population studies, 5 winter-bird population studies thicketsand Yucca (Yucca glauca). On rocky outcrops, (seeAFN 22: 494-496,1968, for five-wintersummary). especially to the southeast,there are large Pinyon Pines Size 28.33 ha = 70 acres(roughly square). Description (Pinus edulis) and PonderosaPines (Pinus ponderosa), of Area: SeeAFN 18:401-402, 1964.Weather: This was with a grove of fairly large PonderosaPines atop the a relativelymild, dry, breezy winter, but with wet, cold ridge, and some scattered One-seed Junipers spellat the beginningof the censusperiod. The average (Juniperus mexicana). Ground cover is made up of temperaturewas 29.5 ø, with a low of -8 ø anda highof grasses, especially Grama (Bouteloua), and some 72ø Snowfalltotaled about 10in. (.85 in. water equival- herbs. Elevation: 6900-7150ft. E4ge: Below the dirt ent), coming mainly at the beginningof the period. roads the Pinyon-Juniperwoodland becomes domin- However, much of the time the ground was free of ant, while to the north the brushland continuesup a snow. Coverage:Dec. 23; Jan. 6, 9, 17, 20, 26, 27; Feb. higher slope; and below the northwest crest there is a 23, Mar. 3, 6. Total: 10 trips both morning and after- fairly dense forest of Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga noon, averaging about one hour each. Count: Cassin's menziesii)and some Ponderosa Pines. Weather: During Finch, 45 (159, 64); Steller's Jay, 15 (53, 21); Rufous- most of the censusperiod the weather was mild, dry and sidedTowhee, 10 (35, 14);Scrub Jay, 8 (28, 11);Black- windy. The averagetemperature was about34øF., with billed Magpie, 5 (18, 7); Dark-eyedJunco, 5 (18, 7); a low of 3ø and a highof 72ø. Snowfall totaled over 10in, [Oregon, 3; White-winged, 2; Slate-colored, +]; but the groundwas generallyclear of snow. Coverage Black-cappedChickadee, 3 (11, 4); Mountain Chick- Jan. 11, 18, 25, 26; Feb. 17, 24; Mar. 3. Total: 7 trips, adee, 2 (7, 3); Com. Flicker, 1 (4, 1); Com. Crow, 1 (4, both morning and afternoon, averaging 1 hour each 1), White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (4, 1); House Finch, 1 Count:Cassin's Finch, 47 (465,188); Dark-eyedJunco, (4, 1); Gray-headedJunco, 1 (4, 1); Am. Robin, +; 5 (49, 20); [Oregon, 5; White-winged, + ;] Townsend's Townsend'sSolitaire, +; Pine Siskin, +; Tree Spar- Solitaire, 4 (40, 16); Rufous-sidedTowhee, 2 (20, 8), row, +. AverageTotal: 98 birds (346 per sq. km., 140 Scrub Jay, 1 (10, 4); Black-billed Magpie, 1 (10, 4), per 100acres). Remarks:This winter's populationwas Com. Raven, 1 (10, 4); Evening Grosbeak, 1 (10, 4), characterizedby flocks of Cassin's Finches, a large Gray-headed Junco, 1 (10, 4); Peregrine Falcon, +, band of Steller's Jays which moved back and forth MountainChickadee, +. AverageTotal: 63 (623per sq through the northern third of the area, sometimescon- km., 252 per 100 acres). Remarks: This censusarea was sortingwith ScrubJays, a largenumber of Rufous-sided of particular interest because it had been slated for a Towhees (especially in two groups on south-facing high-density,multi-family housing development, which brushyhillsides, with the highesttrip countbeing 29); would completely alter the natural aspectof the site and and by a dearth ofjuncos, which wouldusually be the consequentlyits bird population.The censusresults are mostabundant winter birds here. The mild dry weather essentiallywhat one would expect of a Colorado east- probablyaccounted for the influx of Steller'sJays from slopefoothills habitat dominated by brushlandbut with

714 American B•rds, June 1974 Study 44. Foothills Conifer BrushlandHillside, Study 44. View with Pike's Peakto the west in the ColoradoSprings, Colo., lookingnorthwest from background.Gambel's Oak thickets, Mountain Garden of the Gods. Photos/Richard G. Beidle- Mahogany, PonderosaPine and Pinyon Pine. mail. a scatteringof conifers. The Cassin's Finch, Rufous- southwest. Water: Lost Horse Well, ¬ mile to the east. sidedTowhee and Scrub Jay are indicatorsfor brash- Food: Seeds and berries on shrubs and some insects in land,just asthe solitairefavors Juniper and Douglas-fir litter on desert floor. Weather: During the 4 days spent in winter. As is true on many Colorado foothills slopes at the site, the temperature ranged from 15ø to 70øF. (as opposedto brushyand woodedfoothills draws, for Snow had fallen just prior to the counts and still re- example), there was not a great diversity and abun- mained on the surroundingfoothills, but not on the dance of food here, and hence the area was not unusu- studyplot. Light rain fell on the nightof the 16th.On 4 ally atl•active except to certain speciesof birds. In- of the trips the wind was up to 25 mph. Coverage:Jan. deed, most of the birds recorded here were transients, 16. 17.23, 24. Total: 7 trips (2 trips per day on Jan. 16, save for a few of the towhees and possibly one Scrub 23, and 24. Morning countsstarted at 1030and after- Jay. The solitaires particularly frequented the north- nooncounts at 1600.Trips averaged75 minuteseach. west Douglas-firslope, outsideof the censusplot, but Count: Black-throated Sparrow, 4 (49, 20); Say's did fly through the area and occasionally Phoebe, +; Pition Jay, +; Corn. Raven, +; Cactus perched.--RICHARD BEIDLEMAN {compiler), Wren, +; Rock Wren, +; W. Bluebird, +; Sage Spar- NOEL ADAMS, BARBARA SEARLES, PETER row, +. AverageTotal: 4 birds(density 49 per sq. km., SAWTELL, HENRY SMEAL, and CHARLES VOGT 20 per 100 acres). Remarks: Numerous Cactus Wrens (Colorado CollegeField Zoology Class), Dept. of Biol- andGambel' s Quail were seennear the campgroundbut ogy, Colorado College, ColoradoSprings, Colo. 80903. the Gambel's Quail were never seenon the plot. The ravens were seen only once. after a Coyote had been observed feeding at the same location. Traffic in the campground was negligible on all visits.---ROSS E. 45. JOSHUA TREE-YUCCA MOHAVIAN DESERT. LANDR Y, 16181Tomas Ln., HuntingtonBeach, Calif. --Location: Immediately west of Ryan Camp- 92649. ground, Joshua Tree National Monument, Riverside County, Californi/t(Section 21, T2S, R8E). Continuity: New Size: 8.1 ha = 20 acres (rectangular, 200 x 484 46. SYCAMORE-COAST LIVE OAK RIPARIAN yards, measuredwith calibrated stride). Descriptionof WOODLAND.--Location: The Starr Ranch Audubon Area: Uniform upper desert JoshuaTree forest; Joshua Sanctuary, in Bell Canyon, 4.5 miles southeastof Trees averaging 15 ft. high, about 1!& ft. DBH, and Trabuco Oaks, Orange County, California; lower brush averaging 2 ft. high. Black Brush 33ø35'30"N, 117ø34'W, Canada Gobernadora Quad- (Coleogyne ramosissima), 40%; Joshua Tree (Yucca rangle, USGS. Continuity:New. Size:24.4 ha = 60.2 brevifolia), 30%; California Juniper (Juniperus acres(irregularly shaped rectangle •vith average width californicus), 10%, miscellaneous shrubs, cactus and of 525ft. anda lengthof 4,998ft.). Acreagemeasured on grasses, 20%. Vegetation covers all but 20% of the USGS topographicquadrangle using a compensating desert floor. The area is relatively undisturbed and polarplanimeter. Description of Area:The studyarea is off-road vehicle activity is prohibited at present. part of a continuousriparian woodland growing along Topography: Flat, with 2 shallow gulleys running an intermittent stream in the bottom of Bell Canyon. diagonallyacross the study plot. The elevation is 4400 The principal trees are sycamore(Platanus racemosa) ft. Edge: The study area is part of a JoshuaTree forest and coastlive oak (Quercusagrifolia). Sycamoresout- of approximately6 squaremiles, borderedon the east number oaks about 6 to 1. Trees average about 50 ft. by rock formationsand Ryan Mountain (elevation5561 high and about2 ft. DBH. Trees and the shrubunder- ft). The Little San Bernardino Mountains are 5 miles story are widely spacedthroughout most of the study

Volume 28, Number 3 715 area. A section of about 5 acres at the north end is sumac and black sage. These five speciesshowed a covered with a dense growth of oaks. This is the only regular mid-day movement from the canyon bottom to portion of the study area that is well shaded.The prin- the brush-coveredslopes nearby. Large numberswere cipal understory shrubs are laurel sumac (Rhus recorded during the morning countsbut few were ob- laurina), willow (Salix sp.), elderberry (Sarnbucus servedduring the period from 1200to 1400hours. Dur- rnexicana), white sage(Salvia apiana), black sage(S. ing the afternoon countslarge flocks of 30 to 60 birds rnellifera) and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.). A were followed as the descendedthe slopesto the can- thick growth of grassesis present in most of the study yon below. Starlings also showed a daily movement area. The only conspicuousannual forb at the time of They were abundant during the morning counts but the census was filaree (Erodiurn sp.). Taxonomy of showed an average decreaseof about 75% on the after- plants is from Munz and Keck, A California Flora, noon counts. Their afternoon location was not deter- 1959. Topography:Flat; elevation 650 ft. Edge: The mined. The distribution of the Brown Towhee and, to a study area is borderedon the east and west by gentle lesser extent, the Rufous-sidedTowhee, appearedre- slopes covered with white sage, black sage, laurel lated to the presenceor absenceof laurel sumac.Brown sumac and California sagebrush (Arternisia towhees were almost always seen in or beneath cahfornica). A buffer zone of riparian woodland sepa- sumacs, foraging in the leaf litter. A Barn Owl was ratesthe studyarea from the slopes.This zone averages found roostingin an oak tree on the first 3 countsbut about 50 yards on the west and 100 yards on the east. was not seenafter Feb. 1. A fresh Barn Owl eggand the The censusarea is bordered on the north and south by remainsof anotherwere foundon Feb. 1beneath alarge contiguousriparian woodland. Water: An intermittent cavity in a sycamoreabout 100yards from ths roosting streamflows alongthe canyonbottom. Average depth owl. Because no new pellets were found beneath the •s aoubt 6 in. Water is usually present after the first sycamoreafter Feb. 1, it is presumedthat the nesting heavy rains of December or January and remains site was abandoned. The mule deer (Odocoileus throughJuly or August.Food: Few acornswere found hernionus),California ground squirrel (Sperrnophilus on the oaks at the time of the study. Many bird species beecheyi) and Audubon's cottontail (Sylvilagus were feeding on the dried fruits and seedsof laurel audubonii)were seenfrequently on the study area. A sumacand black sage. Large numbersof spidersand coyote (Canis latrans) was observedonce. Analysis of insectswere found amongleaf and limb litter. Weather: owl pelletsrevealed the probablepresence of the Botta (Weather data from the University of California South pocket gopher, (Thomomysbottae), Pacific kangaroo Coast Agriculture Field Station at E1 Toro, 10« miles rat (Dipodornys agilis), western harvest mouse NW of study area; February data not available.)The (Reithrodontomysmegalotis), dusky-footedwood rat mean daily maximum and minimum temperaturesfor (Neotorna fuscipes) and California meadow mouse Januarywere 62ø and 46øFrespectively. Temperatures (Microtus californicus).•DAVID R. BONTRAGER, on the February count days were slightly higher. No Dept. of Biology, Calif. State University,Long Beach, rmn was recordedduring the censusperiod but 4.83 in. Calif. 90840. fell duringJanuary. Coverage: Jan. 20; Feb. 1 (twice), Feb. 3 (twice), Feb. 7 (twice), Feb. 8. Total: 8 trips. 47. COASTAL GRASSLAND.--Location: 100 yards Morning trips hours varied between 0900 and 1200 East of the San Diego Freeway (Interstate5), 1 mile hours; afternoon hours rangedfrom 1400to 1700hours. South of San Clemente, San Diego Co., California The averageobserver minutes per trip was 135minutes. Camp PendletonMarine Corps Base (Section24, T9S Count: Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, 107(439, R7W). Continuity: New. Size: 8.0 ha = 19.67 acres 178); California Quail, 45 (185, 75); Mourning Dove, 41 (rectangular 138 x 690 yards, paced). Description of (168, 68); Starling,22 (90, 37); Am. Robin, 15 (62, 25); Area: Typical grasslandof coastalSouthern California Corn. Bushtit, 10(41, 17); LesserGoldfinch, 10(41, 17); Grassheight varied from 3 to 15in. Soft Cheat (Bromus Acorn Woodpecker, 9 (37, 15); Plain Titmouse, 9 (37, hordeaceus), 80%; Bluegrass (Poa scabrella), 15%, 15), Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, 9 (37, 15); White- Wild Raddish (Raphanus sitivus), 5%. The grass had crowned Sparrow, 9 (37, 15); Scrub Jay, 7 (29, 12); only recently sprungup due to moisturefrom rains in Brown Towhee, 6 (25, 10); Corn. (Red-shafted) Flicker, early January.Roads used only occasionallyin months 4 (16, 7); Am. Kestrel, 3 (12, 5); Red-tailed Hawk, 2 (8, previousto the time of the studywere completelyover- 3), Corn. Crow, 2 (8, 3); Bewick's Wren, 2 (8, 3); W. grown. Topography:Flat, elevation 100ft. Edge: The Bluebird, 2 (8, 3); Cedar Waxwing, 2 (8, 3); House studyplot is partof a largeol•en grassland of approxi- Finch, 2 (8, 3); Rufous-sidedTowbee, 2 (8, 3); Anna's mately 140 acres. On the west side « mile away, it is Hummingbird, 1 (4, 2); Black Phoebe, 1 (4, 2); Corn. boundedby the ocean, and in the other three directions Raven. 1 (4, 2); White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (4, 2); surrounded by coastal sage scrub interspersedwith CactusWren, 1 (4, 2); Ruby-crownedKinglet, 1 (4, 2); small areas of grassland.Water: No pools or running W Meadowlark, 1 (4, 2); Barn Owl, +; Yellow-bellied water, but the grasseswere saturatedwith water drop- Sapsucker, +; Nuttall's Woodpecker, +; Wrentit, +; lets from early morningdew. Food: Very few seedsas Mockingbird, +; Fox Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 327 the grasseshad not yet matured,but terrestrialinsects birds (1342 per sq. km., 543 per 100 acres). Remarks: were abundant. Weather: No rain during the study Species total, 35. The fifteen most abundant species period and the temperatureremained above freezing were seenon all 8 trips. Mixed flocksof Yellow-rumped Temperature range was from 43ø to 71øF. (Tempera- Warblers, Corn. Bushtits, Lesser Goldfinches, Dark- turesfrom San ClementeState Park). Coverage:Jan. 30 eyed Juncosand White-crowned Sparrows were often (twice), Feb. 2, 3, 6, 10, 11. Total: 7 trips, all between seen feeding on the dried fruits and seeds of laurel 1305 and 1730, averaging30 minutes each. Count: W

716 American B•rds, June 1974 Meadowlark, 20 (251, 101); Red-winged Blackbird, 2 years it has been undisturbed.There are afew dirt roads (25, 10); Am. Kestrel, 1 (13, 5); SongSparrow, 1 (13, 5); that crossthe study area. Topography: Flat, elevation Say's Phoebe, 1 (13, 5); White-tailed Kite, +; Marsh 1200 ft. Edge: The study area is bounded on its north Hawk, +; Corn. Raven, +; Corn. Crow, +. Average and south sidesby the canyon'srim. East and west the Total: 25 birds (314 per sq. km., 127 per 100 acres). area is borderedby relatively the sametype of vegeta- Remarks: W. Meadowlark numbers varied from 11 to tion as that found within it. Near the southernedge of 44 birds.-PETER H. BLOOM, 13611 Hewes Ave., the studyarea there is a greatervariety of plantsinclud- Santa Ana, California, 92705. ing several large willows. Water: A small stream flows along the southern edge of the study area. Weather 48. CREOSOTE BUSH SCRUB, COLORADO During the study the temperaturesranged from 45ø to DESERT.--Location: 550 feet east of"Pines to Palms" 76øF. There was no precipitation, though the week be- H•ghway 74 on carriage trail, Palm Desert, Riverside fore the study there was an unusually large amount of Co., Calif. NW ¬ of SE ¬ of Section 31, T5S, R6E. rain (3.3 inches). (Temperatures from Anza-Borrego Continuity: New. Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres (rectangular, Park Headquarters,4 mi. south.)Coverage: Jan. 16, 17, 440 x 440 yards measured with transit and steel tape). 18. Total: 6 trips, half between 0800 and 1100, and half Descriptionof Area: lower slopesbordering the western between 1430 and 1800, averaging 122 minutes each edgeof the Colorado Desert; distributionof flora ranges Count: Black-throated Sparrow, 18 (222, 90); House from the dominant JumpingCholla (Opuntia bigelovii), Finch, 3 (37, 15); Costa's Hummingbird, 2 (25, 10), Creosote Bush (Larrea divaricata), and Bur-Sage Verdin, 1 (12, 5); W. Bluebird, 1 (12, 5); Cooper's (Franseria dumosa), to a few Smoke Trees (Datea Hawk, +; Ladder-backed Woodpecker, +; Cactus sptnosa). The ground is sparselycovered with Buck- Wren, +; Yellow-rumpedWarbler, +. AverageTotal wheat (Eriogonum). Approximately70% of the ground 25 birds (309 per sq. km., 125 per 100 •s bare. Topography: Flat, elevation 690 ft. Edge: To acres).-MICHAEL D. McCRARY, 15752 Calif St, the east there is a 20-acre ranch with 3 homes, and Tustin, Calif. 92680. beyond the south boundary is another home. Beyond the south perimeter are the rocky slopesof the Black 50. VALLEY OAK WOODLAND.--Location On Hills. Water: No surface water although it may be ob- north side of Malibu Canyon Road, 9.5 miles east of tainable nearby from the irrigation of trees on the Malibu, Los AngelesCo., California (Center sectionof 20-acre ranch. Weather: Study period lasted 22 days, in Tapia Park). Continuity;New. Size: 18.6 ha = 46 acres which the temperatureranged from a low of 40ø to a high (880 X 253 yards, measuredwith tape). Descriptionof of 82øF. There was approximately one inch of rain Area: Typical oak woodland of southern Califorma during that period. (Temperaturesrecorded from the foothills; trees averageabout 40 ft. high and about 1 ft local newspaper.)Coverage: Jan. 12, 13, 26, 27; Feb. 2, DBH. Valley Oak (Quercuslobata), 50%; miscellane- 3 Total: 9 trips between 0900 and 1800 averaging 120 ous chaparraltype shrubs,20%. The forest canopyhas minutes each. Count: Gambel's Quail, 14 (86, 35); large openingsover much of the area but there are two Mourning Dove, 4 (25, 10); House Finch, 2 (12, 5); significantstands where the canopyis closedwith low Say's Phoebe, 1 (6, 3); Corn. Raven, 1 (6, 3); Am. shrubs of the chaparral type. In the large open areas Kestrel, +; Ground Dove, +; Roadrunner, +; Lesser there were growths of short grass. This area has been N•ghthawk, +; Vetdin, +; Rock Wren, +; Cactus used as a Los Angelescounty park for approximately 15 Wren, +. AverageTotal: 22 (136 per sq. km., 55 per 100 years. Topography:Rolling knolls with a tall hill at the acres). Remarks:The plot is on a State Game Refuge. north end; elevation 500 ft. to 750 ft. Edge: The study The quail forage for food on this study plot but nest area is a section of a park of about 160 acres. To the amongthe rocky foothills beyond the southeastcorner. west is the county water works buildings with Mahbu A Verdin's nest was located in a SmokeTree just out- creek in between. Water: Two very small brooks flow s•de of the study area.-WILLIAM E. ALTLAND, 445 diagonallyacross the plot, one at the southend and one Rose Apt. 7, Long Beach, Calif. 90812. at the north end, and empty into Malibu creek about 300 yards away. Food: There was a good crop of acorns, 49. CACTUS-OCOTILLO ASSOCIATION, COL- and a small amount of berries on some shrubs;dead- ORADO DESERT.--Location: North side of Coyote wood was not too plentiful, due probably to a park Canyon Rd., 4 miles north of Anza-BorregoState Park clean-up program, but flying insects were abundant Headquarters, Borrego Springs, San Diego Co., Weather: During the 17-day studyperiod the tempera- California (Section 23, T9S, R5E). Continuity:New. ture ranged between 39ø and 72øF. There was a small Size: 8.1 hectares = 20 acres (rectangular, 1044x 835 amount of precipitation. (Temperatures from Santa feet, measuredwith steel reinforcedline). Description Monica Airport, 13 mi. south.)Coverage: Jan. 25, 26, of Area: Typical cactus-ocotillodesert of the Anza- 27; Feb. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10. Total: 8 trips, all between 0830 Borregoregion. The studyarea is part of a long, wide, and 1400, averaging 120 minutes each. Count: Dark- canyon bottom. Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia eyed (Oregon)Junco, 15 (81, 33); ScrubJay, 7 (38, 15), acanthocarpa ), 50%; Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), Corn. Crow, 7 (38, 15); Corn. Bushtit, 6 (32, 13); Plam 20%; JumpingCholla (Opuntiabigelovii), 15%; Creos- Titmouse, 4 (21, 9); Rufous-sidedTowhee, 4 (21, 9), ote Bush (Larrea divaricata), Desert Agavi (Agavi Varied Thrush, 3 (17, 7); W. Bluebird, 3 (16, 7); Ruby- deserti), and Burro~weed(Franseria sp.), 13%; various crowned Kinglet, 3 (16, 7); Starling, 3 (16, 7); Yellow- dried grassesand annuals,2%. In the studyarea 20% of rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, 3 (16, 7); Brown To- the ground is bare. At one time there were cattle in the whee, 3 (16, 7); Anna's Hummingbird, 1 (5, 2); Corn sectionof the canyon being studied,but for the last 10 (Red-shafted) Flicker, 1 (5, 2); Acorn Woodpecker, 1

Volume 28, Number 3 717 (5, 2), Bewick's Wren, 1 (5, 2); Mockingbird, 1 (5, 2); Main Quadrangle;37ø24'20"N, 122ø13'30"W,USGS Am Robin, 1 (5, 2); House Finch, I (5, 2); White- Palo Alto Quadrangle. Continuity: Established 1970 crowned Sparrow, 1 (5, 2); Golden-crownedSparrow, 1 Size:3.24 ha = 8 acres.Description of Area: SeeAFN (5, 2), Red-tailedHawk, +; Red-shoulderedHawk +; 24:554-555(1970). Blue Oak (Quercusdouglasii) is the California Quail, +; Nuttall's Woodpecker, +; Black dominantspecies of tree on the plot. It is borderedon Phoebe, +; Phainopepla, +. Average Total: 70 birds two sidesby California Live Oak (Quercusagrifoha) (density, 376 per sq. km., 152 per 100 acres). IAN R. woodland, on one side by California Live Oak and McKINNIE, JR. 915 12th St., Santa Monica, Calif. Toyon (Photiniaarbutifolia) thicket and on the fourth 90403. side by foothill grassland.The plot is bisectedby a meadow of about two acres. Weather: Rainfall was 3 23

51. DISTURBED MESA GRASSLAND.--Location: in. in January,1.21 in. in Februaryand 2.00 in. in the first week in March. Total 7.04 in., about normal but On the Starr Ranch Foundation property, approxi- considerably less than the 18.89 in. over the same mately « mile from the ranch gate at the end of the periodlast year. The temperaturesfrom Jan. 7 to Feb 1 countyroad 2 miles southofTrabuco, California;San- varied from amean daily high (mdh) of 54øF.to amean tiago Peak Quadrangle,USGS N.E./4 SantiagoPeak. daily low (mdl) of 38øF.,the absoluterange being 34 ø to Continuity:New. Size:12.15 ha = 30acres (rectangular, 64øF. From Feb. 1 to Mar. 3, the temperaturesranged 330 x 440 yards measuredby steel tape). Descriptionof from a mdh of 56øF. to a mdl of 38øF;the absoluterange Area Typical mesa of the foothills of the Santa Aria was32ø-6 IøF. (Weatherdata from JasperRidge weather mountainsin Orange County. The area is covered by stationapproximately « mile from the plot; in the past introduced grasses(F. gramineae) 10%, Composite weather data was from Woodside Fire Station 2[5 miles (unknown)20%, Filaree (Erodiumsp.) 50%, Sagebrush away.) Coverage:Jan. 17, 31; Feb. 2, 5, 7, 14, 19, 28, (Artemisia sp.) 5%, Buckwheat (Erigonum sp.) 3%; Mar. 4, 5, 10.Total: 11trips averaging 152 minutes for a miscellaneous plants: Cacti (Opuntia sp.), Dock total of 28 hours, all between0900 and 1230 PDST (Rumex crispus), Turkey Mullein (Eremocarpus Count: Am. Robin, 29 (896, 363); Dark-eyed (Oregon) sttgerus), Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchiumbellum), in- Junco, 8 (247, 100); Scrub Jay, 7 (216, 88); Plain Tit- cluslve, 2%. The area has been farmed in the recent mouse, 6 (185, 75); Yellow-rumpedWarbler, 6 (185, past An old airstripapproximately 15 ft. wide bisects 75); BrownTowhee, 5 (154,63); Golden-crownedSpar- the plot. The airstrip was plowed about three years ago, row, 5 (154, 63); Anna's Hummingbird,3 (93, 38), leavingbare places.Topography: Flat, slopingslightly Ruby-crownedKinglet, 3 (93, 38); Yellow-belliedSap- to the south. Elevation, 1,200 ft. Edge: The plot is sucker, 2 (62, 25); Chestnut-backedChickadee, 2 (62, boundedon the west by a slightridge. On the east is a 25); White-breastedNuthatch, 2 (62, 25); Bewick's smallcanyon. To the north is the ranchroad. Water: A Wren, 2 (62, 25); Rufous-sidedTowhee, 2 (62, 25), small reservoir is in Dove Canyon, east of the plot. Turkey Vulture, 1 (31, 13);Red-tailed Hawk, 1 (31, 13), Food: Abundant insect and plant food in the area. Band-tailedPigeon, 1 (31, 13); Corn. (Red-shafted) Weather: During the count period, the temperatures Flicker, 1 (31, 13); Violet-green Swallow, 1 (31, 13), rangedfrom a highof 76ø to a low of 37øF.There was a 4 Corn.Bushtit, 1 (31, 13);W. Bluebird,1 (31, 13);Purple mph wind on Jan. 24, and smogon 3 count days. Less Finch, 1(31, 13);Great Blue Heron, +; Am. Kestrel, +, than an inch of rain fell during the count period. (Tem- Mourning Dove, +; Nuttall's Woodpecker, +; Downy perature data from University of California South Woodpecker,+; Blue-grayGnatcatcher, + Wrentit, +, Coast AgricultureField Station, 12 miles northwest.) Brown Creeper, +; Mockingbird, +; Hermit Thrush, Coverage:Jan. 12, 15, 16,24, 28, 29. Total: Six trips,all +; Hutton's Vireo, +; W. Meadowlark, +; Am. Gold- between 1200 and 1630 hours, averaging60 minutes finch, +; Lesser Goldfinch, +; SavannahSparrow, + each Count: W. Meadowlark, 38 (313, 127); Water AverageTotal: 95 birds(2934 per sq. km., 1188per 100 Pipit, 17 (140, 57); Vesper Sparrow, 15 (124, 50); W. acres). Remarks: Speciesof note not seen on the plot Bluebird, 12 (99, 40); Horned Lark, 3 (25, 10); Corn. this seasonwere the California Quail and Cedar Wax- Raven, 2 (16, 7); White-crowned Sparrow, 2 (16, 7); wing. Speciesthat were decidedlyless common this Am Kestrel, 1 (8, 3); MarshHawk, +; CaliforniaQuail, year than last includethe ScrubJay (10-7),California +, Say's Phoebe, +; ScrubJay, +; Brown Towhee, +. Quail (4-0), Hairy Woodpecker(1-0), Acorn Wood- AverageTotal: 18 birds (148 per sq. km., 60 per 100 pecker(1-0), PlainTitmouse (12-6), Corn. Bushtit (4-1), acres).Remarks: The Say's Phoebeis a winter resident. The W. Bluebirds were resident in the small draw to the and Cedar Waxwing (1-0). The bushtitpopulation has been steadilydecreasing over the last four years. The north of the road on the northem boundary of the plot. Dark-eyed (Oregon)Junco has showeda decline in The Am. Kestrel was a female and the plot was part of numbers over the last two years after three years of her territory. The Scrub Jay and Brown Towhee are steady population. A number of specieswere more typical residentsof the scrubbiercanyon sidesto the common this seasonthan last: Yellow-rumped Warbler east Owing to developmentpressures, areas such as (2-6). Am. Robin(4-19), Brown Towhee (3-5), Golden- this are very rapidly disappearing in Southern crowned Sparrow(3-5). The Yellow-rumpedWarbler Cahfornia.-BEVERLY MCINTOSH, Box 435, had the largest increase in population, doubling m Trabuco, CA 92678. number over the mean of the last four years. This 52. DECIDUOUS OAK WOODLAND.--Location: season's somewhat normal climate may explain the On the JasperRidge BiologicalExperimental Area of increase in total number of individuals seen per visit Stanford University, San Mateo County, California: this year. We would like to thank Dr. Harold Mooney 3 5 miles west-southwest of Stanford University's for hissponsorship of thisyear's census, Ellen S teiker

718 American Birds, June 1974 for her assistance, Steve Turitzen for the weather data pecker, +; Brown Creeper, q-; Dark-eyed Junco, q-, and Ted Chandik for the 1972 census Tree Sparrow, +; Field Sparrow, +. AverageTotal 10 data.--MICHAEL PALOMINO and DANIEL birds(71 per sq. km.; 29 per 100acres). Remarks: Total, GOODMAN, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Stanford, 14 species. In 1968-69the average total was 20 b•rds Cahf. 94305. (density, 141 per sq. km., 57 per 100 acres) and the 53. EXPOSED COVE AND ADJACENT OCEAN. numberof species19, comparedwith the 1973-74aver- --Location: Schoodic Point section of Acadia National age total of 10 birds and 14 species.--LAURA H Park, Winter Harbor, Hancock County, Maine; MOSELEY (compiler)and LEON L. BARKMAN (ob- 44ø20'N, 68ø04'W; Chart 306, USC&GS. Continuity: server), Science Department, Housatonic Commumty Established1968. Size:43.7 ha = 108 acres(irregular College, Bridgeport, Conn. 06608. shape). Descriptionof Area: See AFN 23:545 (1969). Area remains unchanged.Weather: Warm, with no 55. SALT WATER MARSH AND COASTAL SAND snow cover. Average temperatures measured at the BEACH.--Location: Great Meadows and Long Beach, study site: Dec., 34øF., Jan., 26ø, Feb., 22ø. Tem- Stratford, Conn.; 73012' 10"W, 41008'20' 'N, Bridgeport perature range during visits, 0ø to to 56øF. Average Quadrangle, USGS. Size: 220 ha = 543 acres seawater temperatures at the site: Dec., 44ø, Jan., 39ø, Description ofArea: This is part of one of New Feb., 36ø . Weatherdid not preventaccess to studyarea. England's largest marsh areas: 25% Phragmites;33% A few minor snowfallsoccurred. Seaswere predomi- tidal water basin, 10% sand beach, 5% mud flat, 3% nantly SW at 2-3 ft. Two major stormsdisrupted bird ponds, 24% spartina marsh grass sp. Among the populationsduring the studyperiod. Coverage: Dec. 9, Phragmitesin suitable ditches are cat-tails. The spar- 16, 30; Jan. 1, 3, 6, 13, 20, 26; Feb. 3, 17, 21, 22, 24. tina grassesare mainly Spatrina alternifiora. There are Total, 14trips madeat varyingtimes from 0800to 1500, other smaller grasses. There is a large dike on the averaging1 hour. Count: Com. Eider 63 (144, 58); Her- north-central part of the area, covered largely with nng Gull, 37 (85, 34); Oldsquaw, 36 (82, 33); Buf- Phragmites.Trees are very sparsewith a few represen- fiehead, 24 (55, 22); Black Duck, 16 (37, 15); Black tatives of Big-tooth Aspen (PopulusgrandMentata), Guillemot,9 (21, 8); Great Black-backedGull, 8 (18, 7); weeping willow (Salix babylonica) and birch (Betula Red-breastedMerganser, 6 (14, 6); Horned Grebe, 4 (9, sp.). On the sand beach, there is a beach grassspecies, 4), Great Cormorant,4 (9, 4); Black-leggedKittiwake, 4 BeachPlum (Prunus maritima), beach-pea,beach rose, (9, 4); Com. Loon, 2 (5, 2); Harlequin Duck, 1 (2, 1); and a single stand of Phragmites.Phragmites height Red-throatedLoon, +; King Eider, +; White-winged average is about 6.5 ft. Tree height is about 9 ft. The Scoter, +; Dovekie, +. AverageTotal: 214 birds(490 sandbeach is separatedfrom the marsh by a tidal chan- per sq. km., 198 per 100 acres).Remarks: An unusual nel on the southand the east. The area includesa good storm on Feb. 1 with winds of 80-100 mph dispersed part of the tidal channelbasin, jetties on the beach, and Com. Eider flocks for up to 7 days. There were no the tidal basingoing south and east of the western part fishingactivities in the area duringthe countperiods. of the Great Meadows. There are two watergatesgoing More Navy personnel stationed at Schoodic Point re- into the interior of the marsh. There are also two fair- sultedin more seweragebeing released into the study sized ponds, one about 1 acre, and the other about 5 areaand, hence,an increasein the numberof gulls.The acres in size. Elevation: 0-10 ft. Food: Marsh plants HarlequinDuck was a singlebird that winteredin/krey easily accessibleand mudflatsunfrozen in tidal areas Cove. The King Eider was seenonly twice.-WILLIAM From Jan. 6 - 24 extremely hard snow crust was preva- C TOWNSEND, Murine Biology Instructor, Sumner lent on the dry part of the beach and the interior of the Htgh School, E. Sullivan, Maine 04632. plot, except the Spartina area. Since 1968, the tidal areashave never been so consistentlyopen. However, 54. MIXED UPLAND HABITAT AND SWAMP. the uplandareas, when frozen, causeland-bird popula- --Location: Newtown, Fairfield County, Connecticut, tions to declinegreatly. Seedplants were more produc- intersectionof Route 34 and Zoar Road; 41ø24' 10"N. tive beforefrozen underby the crust. It was notedthat 73014'10"W, Derby Sheet,USGS. Continuity:Estab- Savannah(Ipswich) Sparrowsare adaptedto feedingon hshed 1968; secondstudy. Size: 14.2 ha = 35 acres the beachgrass area when it is frozen hard. Phragm•tes (n'regular,greatest dimensions 653 X 364 yards, sur- andbeach-pea seem to be a food sourcefor that species veyed). Description of Area: See AFN 22:714-715 Weather: Average temperature during coverage was (1968). Coordinates printed incorrectly in 1968. about 35øF.with a rangeof 17ø to 64øF.On only one day Weather: Temperatures during count hours ranged of coveragewas the wind over 20 mph (36 mph on Feb from 25ø to 44øF.Wind rangedfrom W to NW; no wind 13). From the afternoon of Jan. 24 on, the marsh re- on 2 days,light breezeon 4 days, briskon 1 day. Sky mainedquite open, andthe weathermild. Precipitation was partly cloudy on 3 days, completelyovercast on 1 wasabout average for southernConnecticut. Coverage day, clear on 3 days. Snow coveredthe groundon 2 Dec. 23, 26; Jan. 6, 7, 12, 24, 27; Feb. 13. Total, 8 trips, trips-m4in. deepor less,sometimes patchy. Coverage: between 0600 and 1700, averaging 3.5 hours. Count Dec. 8, 29; Jan. 20, 26; Feb. 9, 16, 17. Total, 7 trips, Herring Gull, 37 (17, 7); GreaterScaup, 30 ( 14,6); Black between 1200 and 1630, averagingone hour. Count: Duck, 24 (11,4); Tree Sparrow, 18 (8, 3); Canada Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (28, 11); Hairy Wood- Goose, 17, (8, 3); Song Sparrow, 14 (6, 3); Com. Gol- pecker, 1 (7, 3); Downy Woodpecker,1 (7, 3); Tufted deneye,8 (4, 1);Horned Lark, 6 (3, 1); Starling,6 (3, 1), Titmouse, 1 (7, 3); White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (7, 3); Great Black-backedGull, 5 (2, 1); Ring-billedGull, 4 (2, Golden-crownedKinglet, 1 (7, 3); Cardinal1 (7, 3); 1); Snow Bunting,3 (1, 1); Mute Swan, 2 (1, +); Marsh RuffedGrouse, q-;Mourning Dove, q-;Pileated Wood- Hawk, 2 (1, +); Short-earedOwl, 2 (1, +); Savannah

Volume 28, Number 3 719 Sparrow(nominate form) 2 (1, +); LaplandLongspur, 2 of 2 miles south. Continuity:New. Size: 16.6 hectares, (1, +); Canvasback,1, (+, +); Lesser Scaup 1, (+, +); 40.9 acres (rectangular,75 [equaldistance from shore Red-breastedMerganser, 1 (+, +); ClapperRail, 1 (+, line] x 2,640 yards,width approximated,length meas- +), Killdeer, 1 (+, +); Sanderling,1 (+, +); Mourning ured by car odometer).Description of Area: Typical Dove, 1 (+, +); Blue Jay, 1 (+, +); Com. Crow, 1 (+, sandybeach front, no vegetation,quite free from oil +), Black-cappedChickadee, 1 (+, +); Sharp-tailed Topography:Both beach and shelf have a very gradual Sparrow, 1 (+, +); Savannah(Ipswich) Sparrow, 1 (+, slope.Elevation: Sea level. Edge: The studyplot is +), Great Blue Heron, +; Am. Bittern, +; Am. borderedby morebeach on eachend, oceanon oneside Wlgeon, +;Am. Kestrel, +; Virginia Rail, +; Sora, +; and a highwayon the fourth side. On the other sideof Greater Yellowlegs, +; Purple Sandpiper, +; Tufted the highway is the Bolsa Chica EcologicalReserve Titmouse,+; Water Pipit, +; N. Shrike, +; Com. Yel- Water: Clean, moderately strong currents,with surf lowthroat, +; E. Meadowlark, +; Corn. Redpoll, +; rangingfrom 1-4feet. Food: Refusefor the scavengers Rufous-sidedTowhee, +; SeasideSparrow, +; Field Abundant fish life for the marine feeders. Sanddwelling Sparrow,+; White-throatedSparrow, +; SwampSpar- invertebrates at the water line. Weather: During the row, +. AverageTotal: 194birds (88 per sq. km., 36 per 25-daystudy period the temperaturenever went below 100acres). Remarks: 49 specieswere observedduring freezing. The range of temperaturewas from 46ø to theperiod. Inexplicable was the absence of Mallardand 83øF. (Temperaturesfrom Long Beach Airport, 8 ml Dark-eyed (Slate-colored)Junco, both common in north). There was one day of precipitation,several nearbyareas. Hunting drives most ducks out early, and foggymornings and the rest sunny.Coverage: Jan. 16, only during the first half of February do numbersstart 23, 25, 26, 27; Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10. Total: 9 trips, 5 trips to move in again. The open water accountedfor the between 0800 and 1000, 3 between 1100 and 1230, and usually-absentCom. Yellowthroat and SeasideSpar- one between 1600and 1730,averaging 90 minuteseach row Savannah(Ipswich) Sparrow, Water Pipit, Lap- Count:W. Grebe, 64 (387, 156);Willet, 9 (54, 22); Surf land Longspur,and Snow Buntingare regularwinter Scoter, 8 (48, 20); Sanderling,6 (36, 15);Larus sp , 4 residentson the beach. The Phragmitesgenerally was (24, 10);W. Sandpiper,1 (6, 2); CaliforniaGull, 1 (6, 2), devoidof birds,while the openmarsh, beach, and tidal Ring-billedGull, 1 (6, 2); Forster's Tern, 1 (6, 2); Mar- flats and channels attracted most of the birds. Thanks to bled Godwit, +; Rock Dove, +; Com. Crow, q- Walter Bulmer, Dennis E. Varza, Ronald Lundgren, Average Total: 95 (574 per sq. km., 232 per 100 John Souther, Paul C. Spofford, Tom Vrabel, and acres).---ROBERTA.BULLOCK, 6512 Via Siena,San Helen Hills for their assistance.-CHARLES F. HILLS, Pedro, Calif. 90732. 3052 Burr St., Fairfield, Conn. 06430. 56. LAGOON.--Location: Roaches Run Waterfowl 58. UNDISTURBED COASTAL SALT MARSH. Sanctuary, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia; ---Location: Los PenasquitosLagoon, Torrey Pines 38ø52'N,77002'30 "W, AlexandriaQuadrangle, USGS. State Reserve. On the east side of North Torrey Pines Continuity:Established 1968; 6 intermittentyears. Size: Rd., 3 milesnorth of La JollaSan Diego Co., California 23 5 ha = 58 acres (oblong with long axis oriented (Section 25, T14S, R4W). Continuity: New. Size: 8 1 NNE-SSW). Descriptionof Area: SeeAB 27:691 (1973). hectares= 20 acres(rectangular, 417 x 2087ft., meas- The mudflatsnear the outlet to the river were not pres- ured with steel-?einforcedline). Descriptionof Area ent on any counts this winter. Weather: The sky was Typical salt water marshof southernCalifornia. Pick- clear on 6 trips, partly cloudyon one trip, and overcast leweed(Salicornia sp.), 95%; variousdried grasses and on 5 trips. Temperaturesranged from 28ø to 60øF.The annuals, 5%. The study area is relatively undisturbed water waspartially frozen on Dec. 19,Jan. 15,and Feb. and inaccessible owing to its marshy condition. It is 9 Coverage:Dec. 19,29; Jan. 4, 9, 12, 15, 19,22, 26, 30; crossedby a railroad and a line of telephonepoles Feb 4, 9. Total, 12 trips, totaling 10.25 hours, between Topography:Flat, elevationsea level. Edge:The study 0940 and 1715.Count: Mallard, 33 (141, 57); Pintail, 30 area is part of a marsh of about 250 acres. To the northeast of the area there is a small housing tract (128, 52); Ring-billedGull, 24 (102, 41); Am. Wigeon, 12 (51, 21); Herring Gull, 12 (51, 21); Great Black-backed Water:During high tide thereare severallarge bodies of Gull, 8 (34, 14);Killdeer, 7 (30, 12);Bonaparte's Gull, 4 water within the studyarea. During low tide theseareas (17, 7); Pied-billedGrebe, 3 (13, 5); Com. Merganser,3 are bare mud flats. Weather: During the 10-day study (13, 5); BlackDuck, 1(4, 2); BeltedKingfisher, 1 (4, 2); period the temperatureranged from 45ø to 73øF. and Horned Grebe, +; Great Blue Heron, +; Black- there was no precipitation. (Temperaturesfrom Lind- crownedNight Heron, +; Canvasback,+; Corn. Gold- berg Field, 12 miles south.) Coverage:Feb. 2 - 4, 8 - 10 eneye, +; Buffiehead,+; HoodedMerganser, +; Com. Total: 6 trips between 0930 and 1530, averaging65 Snipe, +; Greater Yellowlegs, +. AverageTotal: 139 minutes each. Count: Pintail, 38 (469, 190); Green- birds(592 per sq.km., 240per 100acres). Remarks: An wingedTeal, 18(222, 90); CinnamonTeal, 15 (185, 75), influx of 44 Bonaparte'sGulls on Feb. 9 resultedin a Am. Coot, 15 (185, 75); Ring-billedGull, 12 (148, 60), high total for this species.The Greater Yellowlegs, a Mourning Dove, 12 (148, 60); SavannahSparrow, 4 (49, rare winter visitor in this area, was seen on Feb. 20); Great Blue Heron, 3 (37, 15); Say's Phoebe,2 (25, 9 -PAUL W. WOODWARD, 2433 Southgate Square, 10);Double-crested Cormorant, 1 (12, 5); Buffiehead, 1 Reston, Va. 22091. (12, 5); Snowy Egret, 1 (12, 5); Black-belliedPlover, 1 (12, 5); SemipalmatedPlover, 1 (12, 5); Killdeer, 1 (12, 57. COASTAL WATERS-SANDY BEACH. 5); Willet, 1 (12, 5); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (12, 5), --Location: Bolsa Chica State Beach, Orange County, Brewer's Blackbird, 1 (12, 5); Am. Wigeon, +; Osprey, California,extending from Warner Avenuea distance +; Black-neckedStilt, +; Whimbrel, +; Marbled God-

720 American Birds, June 1974 w•t, +. AverageTotal: 128birds (density, 1581per sq. north sector.The south20 acresof the study area have km, 640 per 100 acres).-•4ICHAEL D. McCRARY, beenplowed under. The vegetationis similarto that of 15752 Calif. St., Tustin, Calif. 92680. the north sector but very sparse. The major cover •s plant debris and sprouts;higher ground has been •n- 59.COASTAL MARSH CHANNEL.--Location: vadedby Ice Plant (Mesernbryanthemumcrystallinurn) Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, north side of Pacific andHaplopappus venetusssp. vernonoides. Along the Coast Highway, 6 miles northwest of Huntington west edgeof the entire studyarea is a narrow strip of Beach,Orange County, California,500 ft. southeastof low dunes; major ground cover is Ice Plant the t•dal gatesthat bisectthe reserve. Continuity:New. (Mesernbryanthemumchilense and M. edule); shrub Size 3.22 ha = 7.95 acres,rectangular. Plot consistedof coverforms a hedge-likestand up to 9 ft. highof Willow a sectionof channel 350 yds long (measuredwith car (Salix sp.), Mule Fat (Baccharis virninea), odometer)and 110 yds across(measured with range Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) and Salt Bush finder of telephoto lens). Descriptionof Area: Study (Atriplex canescens).Near the middleof the studyplot, area •s in a pocket of marshthat escapeddevelopment. along the west edge, is an impenetrablestand of Rush T•dal actionis almostcompletely stopped by tidal gates 200 ft. long and up to 60 ft. wide. (Plant identificatmn unmediatelywest of plot. Edge: The heavily traveled from Munz, A California Flora, 1963.) Topography PacificCoast Highway (41ands)parallels the channel 15 Flat, with low dunesto the west. Elevation is a few feet yds to the south and the ocean is some 200 yds away above high tide level. Edge: Boundedon the north by a across a sandy beach. The marsh continueseast for dike, beyond which is a Salicornia marsh of 10 acres about 1 mile to a large oil field. To the north is a flood which ends at the Southern California Edison Power control channel that joins at the tidal gates. The com- Generation Station; on the east is a channel of the Santa bined channel continues westward, paralleling the Ana River system;to the west a highway;to the south coast, for 1 mile throughtidal mud flats then another 5 plowed field and BrookhurstAvenue. Water: A chan- miles to the ocean, the last sectionbeing heavily built nel of stagnantsalt water lies alongthe west edgeof the up Food: Schoolsof smallfish were numerousand the north 10 acres. Rain forms large pools in the south 20 banks were littered with mollusks. Weather: During the acres. Water is replenishedby a small amount of seep- 17-dayperiod the weather was very mild, being in the age and rain. Food: Several types of Amphipods are 60s duringthe day. A stormimmediately preceded the abundant. Carabids, Cicadellids, Muscids, and various count period and rain fell on 1 day during the count. other insectsare common. Weather: During the 31-day Coverage:Jan. 10, 11, 14-16,18- 21 (2 trips),22 (2 trips), studyperiod, the meanlow temperaturewas 47øF., and 26 Total, 11trips between0830 and 1700,averaging 19 the meanhigh was 61 ø; the lowest temperaturerecorded m•nutes.Count: Ruddy Duck, 17 (528, 214); Surf Sco- was 39ø and the highest70 ø. There was rain or fog on 9 rer, 13 (404, 164); Eared Grebe, 12 (373, 151); Red- days. (Temperaturesfrom Huntington Beach Pier, 4 breasted Merganser, 12 (373, 151); Lesser Scaup, 11 miles north.) Coverage:Jan. 2, 10, 19, 24-27; Feb 1 (342, 138);Bufflehead, 11 (342, 138);Ring-billed Gull, 3 Total, 8 trips, all during morning or evening hours, (93, 38); Pied-billed Grebe, 2 (62, 25); Snowy Egret, 2 averaging 120 minutes each. Count: Black-belhed (62, 25); Am. Coot, 2 (62, 25); Pintail, 1 (31, 13);Willet, Plover, 18 (148, 60); SavannahSparrow, 12 (99, 40); W 1 (31, 13);Sanderling, 1 (31, 13);Am. Avocet, 1 (31, 13); Meadowlark, 9 (74, 30); White-crownedSparrow, 9 (74, Bonaparte'sGull, 1 (31, 13); Forster's Tern, 1 (31, 13); 30); CinnamonTeal, 6 (50, 20); Mourning Dove, 6 (50, Horned Grebe, +; White Pelican, +; Little Blue Heron, 20); Killdeer, 4 (33, 13); Willet, 4 (33, 13); Am. Avocet, +, Great Egret, +; CinnamonTeal, +; Marsh Hawk, 2 (16, 7); Ring-billedGull, 2 (16, 7); dowitchersp., 1 (8, +, Greater Yellowlegs, +; Long-billed Dowitcher, +; 3); Black-neckedStilt, 1 (8, 3); Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Marbled Godwit, +; Caspian Tern, +; Tern sp. +. (8, 3); House Finch, 1 (8, 3); Green-wingedTeal, +, AverageTotal: 90 birds ( 2797 birds per sq. km., 1132 Blue-wingedTeal, +; Ring-neckedPheasant, +; Mar- per 100acres). Remarks: The countfor mudflatfeeding bled Godwit, +; Com. Raven, +; Loggerhead Shrike, b•rds is low because the count took place during a +; House Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 76 birds(626 per periodof high water. Towardsthe end of the countthe sq. km., 253 per 100 acres). Remarks: On all 3 early water level was lower, exposinga stripof mud alongthe morning trips, more than half of the Savannah Spar- banks.--JOSEPH F. ALEXANDER, 4118 E. 14th St., rows observed were perched and singing, indicating Long Beach, Calif. 90804. that at least the majority of these birds are of the res•- dent Belding's form, which recently has been given 60. DISTURBED COASTAL SALT MARSH. endangeredstatus in California.-RICHARD ZEMBAL, --Location: East of State Highway 1, 3 miles south of Dept. of Biology, California State University at Long State Highway 39, Huntington Beach, OrangeCounty, Beach, California 90840. California. Size: 12 ha = 30 acres(rectangular, 200 x 725 yards, measuredwith steel tape). Descriptionof Area: 61. COASTAL WATERS-SANDY BEACH. Sal•cornia marsh habitat which. has been diked, stop- --Location: On coast, immediately west of the Los p•ngtidal flow intothe area.The north 10acres are thick Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles Co , w•th vegetationwith but a few bare spots:Salicornia California.Continuity: New. Size:13.6 ha = 33.6 acres vtrgtnica and S. subterrninalis, 70%; Frankenia (1222 x 133 yds. by measuredstride). Descriptionof grandifolia, 25%; Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata), 4%; Area: Study area extends66.5 yds. seawardsfrom the w•th scatteredoccurrence of Rush (Juncusacutus var. mean high tide line and an 'equal distance inland. No sphaerocarpus)and Saltwort (Batis rnaritima). A dirt terrestrialplant life existsin the studyarea. The perma- road runs along the east and south perimetersof this nent structureson the study plot consist of two rock

Volume 28, Number 3 721 jett•esat the north and southboundaries and a cement- Blue Jays and Mourning Doves were more abundant encasedstorm drain outlet. The area is usedheavily for than in the past, and a minor incursion of Com. Red- recreation during warm periods, and the onshorepor- polls occurred in February.-HELEN HILLS, tion is draggedperiodically for refuse removal. Edge: CHARLES F. HILLS, 3052 Burr St., Fairfield, Conn Study plot is a portion of Dockweller Beach State Park 06430. and is bordered to the north, south, and east by sandy 63. ABANDONED ORCHARDS - OLD FIELDS - beachand to the west by the PacificOcean. Water: No sourceof fresh water existson the studyplot or within a TREE ROWS. -- Location: New York; Rockland 2 5 mile radius of it. Food: Fish life is abundant for County, about 4[5 miles northeastof Suffern, 2 miles marine feeders; there are sand-dwellinginvertebrates southwest of the intersection of Rtes. 202 and 306, at the water line, musselsincrust the jetties and storm 41009' 15" N, 74ø05'40"W, Thiells QuadrangleUSGS drain, and there is a gooddeal of refusefor scavengers. Continuity:Established 1973. Size: 15.5 ha = 38.4 acres Weather: During the study period the temperature (roughlyrectangular). Description of Area: See AB 27 rangedfrom 38ø to 81øF.There was little precipitation, 693-694 (1973). Weather: All trips wrere made in dry althoughthe sky wasovercast on 4 of 7 visits.(Temper- weather. At least 4 in. of snow cover existed after Jan atures from Los Angeles International Airport, im- 5, and 9 in. of snow topped by a strongice crust after mediately eastof studyplot.) Coverage:Jan. 12, 15, 20, Jan. 11. During the period temperaturesranged from 26, 31; Feb. 4, 10. Total: 7 trips, all between 1430 and 2-54øF.while temperaturesduring countsranged from 1600,averaging 95 minuteseach. Count:Surf Scoter, 89 15-54øF.Precipitation was slightly above normal for the (655,265); W. Grebe,63 (463,188); Ring-billedGull, 26 period, average temperature slightly below normal (191, 77); Willet, 21 (154, 63); Marbled Godwit, 13 (96, (Data from home weather station). During the counts 39); W. Sandpiper,5 (37, 15); Bonaparte'sGull, 5 (37, wind speedsvaried from 0-40 mph. Coverage:Dec 27, 15); Surfbird, 4 (29, 12); Herring Gull 4, (29, 12); 30; Jan. 3, 5-8, 11, 13, 15-17. Total, 12 trips, averaging Forster'sTern, 4 (29, 12);Rock Dove, 3 (22, 9); Califor- 75 minuteseach, duringall times of the day (0800-1600) ma Gull, 2 (15, 6); Heermann's Gull, 2 (15, 6); Snowy Count: Starling, 7 (45, 18); Dark-eyed Junco,7 (45, 18), Plover, 1 (7, 3); Brown Pelican, +. AverageTotal: 239 Tree Sparrow, 3 (19, 8); Corn. Crow, 2 (13, 5); Black- birds (1758 per sq. km., 711 per 100 acres). Remarks: cappedChickadee, 2 (13, 5); Red-tailedHawk, 1 (6, 3), On most trips there were additionalW. Grebesand Surf Com. Flicker, 1 (6, 3); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3), Scotersin flocks seawardof the study plot.--ROBER T Blue Jay, 1 (6, 3); Mockingbird, 1 (6, 3); E. Meadow- E SMICE, 8324 Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey, lark, 1 (6, 3); Cardinal, 1 (6, 3); Am. Goldfinch, 1 (6, 3), Calif. 90291. Am. Kestrel, +;Ruffed Grouse, +; Wilson's Snipe, +, Mourning Dove, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Am. Robin, +; Golden-crownedKinglet, 62. PARTIALLY ABANDONED HAYFIELDS AND +; Song Sparrow, +. Average Total: 29 (187 per sq PASTURES.--Location: 7 miles north of the center of km., 76 per 100 acres). Remarks: This year's average Fatrfield, Connecticut; 41ø12'N, 73ø17'W, Westport total, 25% lessthan last year's, was probably owing to a Quadrangle,USGS. Size:7.7 ha = 19acres. Descriptio n number of factors. The winter was more severe than of Area: See AB 25:1007-1008 (1971). Weather: The last, with relatively heavy and continuoussnow and ice temperature ranged from -2 ø to 64øF. The average covers. Also, the area was heavily used by snow- temperature was about 33ø. A major ice storm occurred mobiles and minibikes during the count period. This just beforeNew Years' Day. From Jan. 17to Feb. 1, the year's count, asidefrom the halvingofjunco numbers, ice crust was frozen hard on the area. The precipitation was generally consistent with last year's census was average, with much more snow than in recent Mammals observed on the plot during the counts were years. There were no winds above 10 mph during White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) E. Cotton- counts. Coverage:Dec. 25, 26; Jan. 3, 4, 8, 17, 25, 27; tail (Sylvilagus fiorManus) Gray Squirrel (Scturus Feb. l, 11, 13, 20. Total, 12 trips, averaging2 hours, carolinensis) Woodchuck (Marmota monax) and startingfrom 1201to 1900. This was the third consecu- Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis).-BRUCE B tive winter-bird populationcount for the area. Count: EDINGER, 2630 Clara Dickson Hall, Cornell Untver- Mourning Dove, ll (143, 58); Starling, 8 (104, 42); sity, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 7 (91, 37); Black- capped Chickadee, 5 (65, 26); Blue Jay, 4 (52, 21); Tree Sparrow, 4 (52, 21); White-throated Sparrow, 4 (52, 21); 64. CORN STUBBLE, WINTER WHEAT, AND Corn. Crow, 3 (39, 16); Tufted Titmouse, 2 (26, 11); HAYFIELDS.--Location: One-half mile south of Jersey Cardinal, 2 (26, 11); Corn. Redpoll, 2 (26, 11); Ring- Shore, Pennsylvania.Continuity: New. Size:40.47 ha = necked Pheasant, 1 (13, 5); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (13, 100 acres. (rectangular, measured with steel tape and 5), White-breastedNuthatch, 1 (13, 5); House Sparrow, compass).Description of Area: Consistsof fields that 1 (13, 5); House Finch, 1 (13, 5); Song Sparrow, 1 (13, are under cultivation annually, with the exceptionof a 5), Screech Owl, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Hairy stripof about5.5 ha, part of an old river channel,which Woodpecker, +; Brown Creeper, +; Mockingbird, +; is in hay. There are two large postsabout 7 ft. high, but Am. Robin, +; Hermit Thrush, +; Golden-crowned no trees are in the study area. This winter the fields Kinglet, +; Am. Goldfinch,+. AverageTotal: 58 birds were composed of corn stubble, 26 ha (64%); short (754 per sq. km., 305 per 100 acres). Remarks: A more grass-hay,8.5 ha (21%); and winter wheat, 6 ha (15%) stable winter population was present this year than in Edge: Borderedon all sidesby similarcropland of over the past. The birds mainly were attracted by feeders, 600 acres. There is a single tree about 200 ft. from the and a mostly open brook on the eastern part of the area. east sideof the study area, and riverbottom woodlandis

722 American Birds, June 1974 found about 200 fl. from the southern end. The West (1972). Weather: The winter of 1974 was also an ex- Branch of the SusquehannaRiver is about 300 ft. from tremelymild periodin the east.Snow cover was sparse this southern end. A farm road runs along the study (« in. on Dec. 24 only) and temperaturesranged from area, 30 fl. from the west side.Topography: Essentially 24ø-59øF.on censusdays. Coverage:Dec. 24, 28; Jan 5, flat exceptfor the old river channelwhich has sloping 7, 12, 14, 17, 22, 28; Feb. 4. Total, 10 trips, 9 between sides,and is about 15ft. deepin someplaces, and from 0820 and 1150and 1between 1400and 1605,averaging 2 100 to 200 fl. wide. Elevation is from 530 to 545 ft. hours each. Count: Red-winged Blackbird, 20 (329, Water: During wet weather, water sometimescollects 133); Tree Sparrow, 8 (132, 53); Am. Goldfinch, 7 (115, in the old river channel.Weather: For Januarythe mean 47); Dark-eyed (Slate-colored)Junco, 5 (82, 33); Song high temperature was 36.7øF. and the mean low as Sparrow,5 (82, 33); White-throatedSparrow, 4 (66, 27), 22 7ø . Precipitation was about average with 3.03 in. Savannah Sparrow, 3 (49, 20); Carolina Chickadee, 2 During the first two days of February, temperatures (33, 13); E. Bluebird, 2 (33, 13); Bobwhite, 1 (16, 7), were from 27ø to 35ø and 24 ø to 33ø respectively. Precipi- CarolinaWren, 1 (16, 7); Cardinal, 1 (16, 7); Swamp tation was 0.13 in. Temperaturesranged from 20ø to 40ø Sparrow, ! (16, 7); Red-shoulderedHawk, +; Marsh on the censustrips. Wind was calm on one trip, but Hawk, +; Com. (Yellow-shafted) Flicker, +; Brown from 5-20mph on most.The sky was overcastor cloudy Creeper, +; Mockingbird, +; Golden-crownedKing- on mosttrips. The groundwas coveredwith 4-5 in. of let, +; Ruby-crownedKinglet, +. AverageTotal 63 snow on first 4 trips, with a hard crust presenton the (1038 per sq. km., 420 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total first 3; but was essentiallybare on the last 4 trips. species21, comparedto 14 in 1973.Eight specieswere Coverage:Jan. 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 26; Feb. 1, 2. Total: 8 new to the study plot. Two speciesrecorded in 1973 trips, averaging72 minuteseach. All trips were made were not seenon censusdays this year: Downy Wood- between 1000 and 1507, about evenly divided between pecker and Vesper Sparrow. The creeper was as- the a.m. and p.m. Count: Horned Lark, 35 (86, 35); sociatedwith a strip of treesand brush extending into Snow Bunting,24 (59, 24); Mourning Dove, 13(32, 13); the field from an adjacentswamp. The bluebirdflock is E Meadowlark, 12 (30, 12); Starling, 3 (7, 3); Com. most likely a resultof an extensivenest box project, Crow, 1 (2, 1); Whistling Swan, +; Rough-legged whichhas tripled nesting success since its inceptionin Hawk, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Savannah 1972. Populationincreases occurred in the Am. Gold- Sparrow, +; Lapland Longspur, +. AverageTotal: 88 finchand Field, Savannah,Tree, andSwamp Sparrow birds (217 per sq. km., 88 per 100acres). Remarks: The Decreases were found for Red-shouldered Hawk and MourningDoves were found mostlyin the corn stubble White-throatedand SongSparrow. The total popula- while the Horned Larks and E. Meadowlarks were tion has more than doubled between 1973 and 1974 primarilyin the shortgrass-hay. The numberof species This is probablya result of severalfactors --increased per trip rangedfrom 0 to 8, and the numberof individu- seed crop in the many weed plants, increaseddense als from 0 to 210. The contrastbetween the first group cover, and an exceptionally mild winter. In addition of 4 trips, and the last 4 trips is quite striking.In fact, large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Am. Gold- they look like two differentcounts and, if so reported, finches were recorded.-M. KATHLEEP• KLIM- would be as follows: Sub-Count A (first 4 trips only, KIEWICZ, (compiler), 13117 Latchdale Rd. #2, 4-5"snow): Snow Bunting, 22 (54, 22); Rough-legged Laurel, Md. 20810, and LEONARD TEUBER (fieM Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Marsh Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Com. Crow, 1 (2, work). 1), Am. Kestrel, +; Savannah Sparrow, +. Average Total for A: 25 birds(62 per sq. km., 25 per 100acres). 66. SUGARCANE FIELD.--Location: Ascension Sub-Count B (last 4 trips only, ground bare): Horned Parish, Louisiana 6 miles southeastof White Castle and Lark, 70 (173, 70); Mourning Dove, 26 (64, 26); Snow east of State Highway 1. Approximatecoordinates on Bunting, 25 (62, 25); E. Meadowlark, 23( (57, 23); Starl- White Castle Quadrangle, USCG: 30ø19'45"N, ing, 6 (15, 6); WhistlingSwan, 1 (2, 1); Com. Crow, 1 (2, 90ø3'58"W.Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres(square, 440 x 440 1), Rough-leggedHawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Lapland yards, measuredwith steeltape). Descriptionof Area Longspur, +. Average Total for B: 152birds, (376 per The plot is a sugarcanefield with associateddrainage sq km., 152 per 100 acres). Remarks: Notice the great ditches.The sugarcanewas harvestedin early fall anda difference between these totals and the totals for the stubble, about 2 in. high, remained. The plot was not entire studyperiod above. Perhapsthis illustrateswhy cultivatedafter harvest and next year's sugarcane crop just a few trips may not produce a valid population will develop as sprout growth from remainingroot- estimate. This also may illustrate the effect of snow stock. The field was burned prior to harvest to remove cover in a croplandsituation on the availabilityof food leaves from the plants. However, burning was not for some speciesof birds.-GLENNA P. SCHWALBE complete and scattered sugarcane leaves and stalks and PAUL W. SCHWALBE, Dept. of Biology, Lock remained after harvest. Harvesting was done by Haven State College, Lock Haven, Pa. 17745. mechanicalcutters and a smallportion of the sugarcane 65. ABANDONED FIELD.--Location: Piscataway wascultivated several times during the early summerto Park, Potomac River, 3 miles W of intersection of control weeds and by late summerthe cane had become Route 210 and Bryan Point Road; Accokeek, Prince too densefor understoryplant growth. By December, George's County, Maryland; 38ø41'N, 77ø4'W, Mr. butterweed(Senecio glabellus) began to appearin the Vernon Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established harvestedfield and on turn rows and by Februarywas 1973. Size: 6.1 ha = 15.0 acres (irregular parallelogram, widespread.A large drainageditch 10 ft. wide and 5 ft delineatedby steelstakes into one-halfacre plots using deepbordered the plot on the north sideand crossed the steel tape). Descriptionof Area: See AB 26:995-996 plot near its west side. Five lateral ditches, 3 ft. wide

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724 American Birds, June 1974 and 2 ft. deep, crossedthe plot in an east-westdirection 15 ft. high, the maple and the spruce 30-40 fit high and connectedto the large drainageditch. The domi- Located in the middle of the plot is a small (approx 5 nant vegetation in the large drainage ditch is cattail acre) grove of Trembling Aspen (Populustremulotdes) (Typha domegensis)and, in the lateral ditches, dew- from which runs a small coulee choked with Hawthorn berry (Rubus sp.). Bermuda grass(Cynodon dactylon) (Crataegus spp.), Willow (Salix spp.), Choke Cherry was presenton turn rows and ditch banks. Plant names (Prunus virginiana) and Pincherry (Prunus from Radford, et al., Manuel of the Vascular Flora of pensylvanica).The edgebordering the river consistsof the Carolinas, 1968. Topography:Flat, elevation 12 ft. mature Trembling Aspen and Balsam Poplar (Populus Edge: The study plot is in a vast sugarcane-growing balsamifera) with a shrub understory of Red-osier regionwith thousandsof acresunder this type of culti- Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and Rose (Rosa spp ) vation. A woody fence row is present 100ft. south of The main portion of the plot is plantedto vegetablecash the plot and a largebottomland hardwood forest lies 300 crops of which only Corn (Zea mays) remains to pro- ft west of the plot. Water: The large drainage ditch vide winter habitat. Several smaller patches of Lilac contains water most of the year, but other areas in the (Syringa spp.) are located on the plot and a few scat- plot drain very quickly, even after heavy rains. Food: tered AmericanElm (Ulmus americana). Marginal land Dewberry productionwas very heavyduring the spring within the plot which is not cultivated (besides the and many seeds were present in the lateral ditches. above mentioned) contains a variety of grasses, the Insect larvae and earthworms were common in the dominant of which are Awned Brome (Bromus sugarcanefield among the stubble and plant debris. inermis), Crested Wheatgrass(Agropyron cristatum), Weather: The weather was relatively mild throughout Northern Wheat Grass (Agropyron dasystachyum), the study period and freezing temperatureswere re- Couch Grass (Agropyron repens), Blue Grama Grass corded only on 5 days. The temperature ranged from (Bouteloua gracilis), June Grass (Koeleria cristata), 28ø to 76øF.Precipitation was abovenormal, and during and Western Snowberry (Symphoricarpos the 57-day study period 17.0 inches were recorded. occidentalis),Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata ), and (Temperatures and rainfall from Donaldsonville, 6 Buffalo Berry (Shepherdia argentea). A variety of miles southwest).Coverage: Dec. 11-13, 15-17;Jan. 27; weed speciesare found growing along the hedgerows, Feb. 5. Total: 9 trips, averaging40 minutes each, with 7 Pigweed(Chenopodium sp.), RussianThistle (Salsola trips between 0710 and 1220 and 2 trips between 1740 pestifer), Tansy Mustard (Descurainia spp.), and and 1845.Count: Am. Robin, 18 (111, 45); Red-winged Shepherd'sPurse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)being the Blackbird, 18 (111, 45); Swamp Sparrow, 15 (93, 38); dominant species.Weather: A variety of weather con- Savannah Sparrow, 11 (68, 28); White-throated Spar- ditions were encounteredduring the period. Tempera- row 2 (12, 5); Bobwhite, 1 (6, 3); Killdeer, I (6, 3); Am. tures were about normal and precipitation was well Woodcock, 1 (6, 3); Corn. Snipe, 1 (6, 3);. Average abovenormal. Temperaturesranged from - 42ø to 30øF Total: 60 birds (371 per sq. km., 150 per 100 acres). Coverage:Dec. 20, 21, 26; daily from Jan. 2 to Feb 10 Remarks:Open fields in this regionare importantnoc- inclusive; 43 trips from 0800 to 2200 CST; total hours turnal coverts of the Am. Woodcock; consequently, 2 about 64.5. Count: House Sparrow, 43 (69, 28); Black- counts were made at night using a 6-volt headlight. An billed Magpie, 32 (51, 21); Corn. Redpoll, 29 (47, 19), almost completely different bird populationwas ob- Bohemian Waxwing, 12 (19, 8); Gray Partridge, 5 (8, 3), servedin the sugarcanefield at night. Killdeer was the Ring-neckedPheasant, 3 (5, 2); Hoary Redpoll, 3 (5, 2), only speciesof the 9 recorded, which was observed Black-cappedChickadee, 2 (3, 1); Great Horned Owl, 1 both at day and at night. A roostingcovey of Bobwhite, (2, 1); Cedar Waxwing, 1 (2, 1); Mallard, +; Corn containing 11 individuals, was observedalong a ditch Goldeneye, +; Goshawk, +; Gyrfalcon, +;Merlin, +, bank in the plot. The Am. Robin, Red-winged Black- Sharp-tailedGrouse, +; Rock Dove, +; Hairy Wood- bird, and Savannah Sparrow were common among the pecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Rusty rows of the harvested sugarcanefield. The Swamp Blackbird, +; Pine Grosbeak, +; Red Crossbill, +, Sparrowwas found in the densegrowth of dewberry in White-winged Crossbill, +; Dark-eyed Junco, +; Tree the lateral ditches.-ROBERT H. CHABRECK, La. Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 131birds (211 per sq. km , State University, Baton Rouge, La. 70803, SHARRON 85 per 100 acres).Remarks: The bird feeder attracted ROGERS, Battelle-Columbus Laboratories, Colum- Common and Hoary Redpolls on Jan. 5 and they were bus, Ohio 43201. seenon every day after that with their numbersincreas- 67. HEDGEROWS-CORNFIELDS.--Location: ing over the period; Com. Redpollsfrom 13 to 52 and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on the NE ¬-3-37-5-W of Hoary Redpollsfrom 2 to 6. Gray Partridgepopulations the 3rd Meridian. Plot located within the city limits of droppedfrom 23 to 10 over the period and Ring-necked Saskatoon about •/2 mile from residential edge. Pheasant number declined from 23 to 1 on Feb. 10 The Continuity: New. Size: 62.16 ha = 153.6 acres. 20 Cedar Waxwings of Dec. 20 had decreased to I on Descriptionof Area: Elevation 1600 ft. Flat farmland, Jan. 6 and were not recorded after that date. Similarly 2 boundedon the southand eastby cultivated land and on Tree Sparrows and 3 Dark-eyed Juncos disappeared the west and north by a 25-ft. bank which marks the early in the censusperiod. The followingwere probably boundaryof the South SaskatchewanRiver floodplain. in the generalvicinity of the plot but were not recorded Two occupiedhouses are locatedon the plot. Vegeta- on every trip: Sharp-tailedGrouse, Hairy Woodpecker, tion: Flora on the plot consists of hedgerows of Downy Woodpecker and Pine Grosbeak. The unusual Caragana (Caragana arborescens),Manitoba Maple amountof snowprobably accounts for the highmortal- (Acer negundo), and White Spruce(Picea glauca). All ity of the Gray Partridge and Ring-neckedPheasants, of these are mature trees with the Caragana averaging althoughdefinite evidence of predation was found on

Volume 28, Number 3 725 several occasions. The Cedar Waxwings appeared to plot was again used for a winter feedinglot for cattle have moved rather than succumbed,as they were noted About 300 cattle were countedusing the plot duringthe regularly about 2 miles from the plot, where food was period. The Black-billed Magpie and House Sparrow more plentiful.-WA YNE C. HARRIS (compiler), Box populationsdecreased slightly while the Starlingpopu- 93, Raymore, Sask. SOA 3JO), SHEILA M. LAMONT, lation increasedabout 88%. Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco ARNOLD L. NIJSSEN. and Song Sparrow populations decreased considerably. New species observed were Chukar, Brown 68. IRRIGATED PASTURELAND, WEED AREAS, TREE ROWS. --Location: The west side of State Creeper, and Pine Siskin.-DA VE WORDEN and LIZ HELLUMS, Box 206, Heppner, Ore. 97836. H•ghway 74, nine-tenths mile north of the Heppner Library and Museum, Heppner, Morrow County, 69. SUBURBAN SCHOOL PARK.--Location: Deer- Oregon. Continuity: Established1971. Size: 19.4 ha = field Beach, Florida, between N.E. 6th and 9th Av- 48 acres. Description of Area: Described in AB enues, Hillsboro Boulevard, and N.E. 2nd Street, 25 651-652 (1971). Weather: Temperature during the 26ø19'N, 80ø05'W, USC&GS Nautical Chart No. 1248 period averaged34øF. range was - 12ø to 65øF. Precipi- Size: 8.0 ha = 19.77 acres (rectangular 1127x 764 ft ) tation for the period was 2.44 in. Coverage:Dec. 29; Continuity:Established 1969; sixth consecutivecount Jan 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23. Total: 7 trips, averaging90 Descriptionof Area: See AFN 23:552 (1969).The plot m•nutes each. All counts were made in late morning, now contains 1l one-story houses in addition to the five under cloudy skies and two under clear. Count: school buildingsand the public library. Weather: Dur- House Sparrow, 109 (561,227); Starling, 65 (335, 135); ing the 18-day study period, temperaturesranged from Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, 26 (134, 54); Black-billed 68ø to 85øF.; precipitation was 0.53 in. The starting Magpie, 8 (41, 17); Brewer's Blackbird, 2 (10, 4); Song temperatureon count morningsaveraged 71.5 ø. On 6 Sparrow, 2 (10, 4); Mallard, 1 (5, 2); Golden Eagle, 1 (5, trips the weather was sunny; on 1, partly overcast;on 1, 2), California Quail, 1 (5, 2); Ring-neckedPheasant, 1 clearing. Winds varied from calm to 10 mph, being over (5, 2); Great Horned Owl, 1 (5, 2); Corn. Raven, 1 (5, 2); 5 mph on 2 trips. Coverage:Dec. 27-30;Jan. 1, 5, 6, 13 Am Robin, 1 (5, 2); Red-wingedBlackbird, 1 (5, 2); Total: 8 trips, all between0810and 0955 EST, averaging Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 1 (5, 2); Rough- 85 minutes each. Count: Mourning Dove, 18 (225, 91), leggedHawk, +; Chukar, +; Corn. Flicker, +; Downy House Sparrow, 15 (188, 76); Mockingbird, 4 (50, 20), Woodpecker, +; Black-cappedChickadee, +; Brown Rock Dove, 2 (25, 10); Boat-tailed Grackle, 2 (25, 10, Creeper, +; Pine Siskin, +; Rufous-sidedTowhee, +; Cattle Egret, 1 (13, 5); Am. Kestrel, 1 (13, 5); Red- White-crownedSparrow, +. AverageTotal: 221 birds bellied Woodpecker, 1 (13, 5); Yellow-bellied Sap- (1,138 per sq. kin., 460 per 100 acres). Remarks: The sucker,1 (13, 5); Blue Jay, 1 (13, 5); Starling,1 (13, 5),

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726 American B•rds, June 1974 Palm Warbler, 1 (13, 5); Red-winged Blackbird, 1 (13, doublesand only 3 or 4 small apartment blocks. A small 5), Corn. Grackle, 1 (13, 5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, +; park occupies one-half block, and there are several lhne Warbler. +. AverageTotal: 50 birds (625 per sq. churches; the schools and industrial plants are all just km , 253 per 100 acres). Remarks:Total, 16 species. off the survey area. Trees are generallydistributed and The installation in January of the area's first feeder of considerablesize (10-20 in. DBH and 40-60 ft. tall) A accountedfor 5 Red-wingedBlackbirds on each of the sample comprising about 25% of the area included last 2 trips; in the previous 5 years this specieswas about 1360trees, or about 21 per acre. The most abun- representedonce by a + .-LAURA H. MOSELEY, 1083 dant were maples, especially Manitoba, Norway, Hdlsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Fla. 33062. Sugar, and Silver Maples (collectively 53%); other important trees were Am. Elms (15%), spruces (11%), 70. FORESTED CITY PARK.--Location: Ontario; cedars (6%), and Black Locusts (4%), while smaller Regtonal Municipality of Waterloo, Homer Watson numbers of at least 17 other species made up the rest Park, Wilson Avenue, Kitchener. Continuity: Estab- (11%). The few hedgesare largely of deciduousshrubs, hshed 1969; 3 intermittent years. Size: 10.1 ha = 25 but most lawns have ornamentalshrubs. Edge: Similar acres, roughly rectangular.Description of Area: See housingextends beyond the study area for one-half or AFN 23:535-536(1969), and for further details, AB 26: more blocks in most directions, but there are open 685-686 (1972). Weather: A late fall and early spring; fields to the north (east of the river) and west, and an little snow but several very cold periods. On censuses, area of railway yards on the south, in total about 20-25 weather varied from overcast (on the first 4) to bright per cent of the perimeter. Topography: Nearly level (on the last 4), and from 12ø (Dec. 19) to above 32øF east of the river; risinggradually to the west of the river, (Dec. 8 and Feb. 26); days were calm or with slight elevation 450-500 ft. Weather: Snowfall was much breeze. There was slight snow cover by Dec. 11. below average, with considerable rain and freezing Coverage:Dec. 8, 11, 19; Jan. 14, 24; Feb. 7, 26 (for rain; the only big snowof the winter was on Dec. 20, but owls, 1935-2000),28. Total: 8 trips, 7 between0940 and owing to subsequentcrusting the snow cover persisted 1735,averaging 50 minutes each. Six were in the morn- with little settlingto the end of the count period. Temp- mg Total observer hours: 13•. Count: Dark-eyed eratures were above average in December, and near Junco, 6 (59, 24); Black-capped Chickadee, 3 (30, 12); average thereafter. On count days (selected for less Brown Creeper, 3 (30, 12); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 severeconditions), temperatures ranged from 7ø (Feb (20, 8); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Corn. Crow, 1 12) to 40 øF (Dec. 26); winds were light, except gusttng (10, 4); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (10, 4); Cardinal, 1 to force 5 Beaufort on Jan. 30 and Feb. 20, and skies (10, 4); Pileated Woodpecker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, were overcast, with light snow for about half of the Feb +, Am. Goldfinch, +. AverageTotal: 18 birds (178 per 12 count. Coverage:Dec. 3, 26; Jan. 3, 30; Feb. 12, 20, sq km., 72 per 100 acres). Remarks: On Feb. 28, a 28. Total: 7 counts, averaging3 hr., 56 min. per trip. All possibleGreat Horned Owl was glimpsedin large hem- surveyswere in the morning. Count: House Sparrow, locks at the centre of the plot, near where 2 were seen 264 (256, 104); Evening Grosbeak, 134 (130, 53); Rock on the 1971-72 census. The same day fresh Ruffed Dove, 30 (29, 12); Starling, 27 (26, 11); Corn. Redpoll, Grouse droppingswere noted in dense White Cedars 21 (20, 8); Black-cappedChickadee, 6 (6, 2); Blue Jay, 2 (Thuja occidentalis) in the central swamp. The only (2, 1); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (1, +); White-breasted regular speciesabsent this year was Blue Jay. Playing Nuthatch, I (1, +); Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 (1, +) of taped calls of Screech, Saw-whet and Great Horned AverageTotal: 496 birds(481 per sq. km., 195per 100 Owls on Feb. 26, during suitableweather, producedno acres). Remarks: House Sparrows assembled tem- responses.Crows wintered regionallythis year in some porarily into flocks of up to 85 birds during the second numbers, as they did in the study area, whereas and third surveys, but were more usually dispersed Golden-crownedKinglets were down in both. Average Bird distribution was variable, but the north-central number of birds was above 1968-69 and 1970-71 but area was consistentlypoorer than the rest. There was below 1971-72. Gray Squirrel was the only common no obvious correlation between bird numbersand edge, mammal. Land-use remainsthe same--passive recrea- tree density, or income level (judged by size and ap- tion -- with snowmobilesbanned, but skiingand riding pearance of houses)within the area. Gray (and black) permitted.--CRAIG A CAMPBELL (compiler), WIL- squirrelswere seen on 3 surveys, and red squirrelson 2 LARD H. SCHAEFER and GREGORY DONALD- surveys.-ANTHONY J. ERSKINE, Migratory Bird SON of OIKOS ASSOCIATES, Box 747, Waterloo, Populations, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ont N2J 4C2. Canada KIA OH3. 71. URBAN RESIDENTIAL AREA, VII. --Location: 72. CITY PARK.---Location: Grove Ave. and 31st Carleton Place, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada. St., Lorain, Ohio. Size: 29.3 ha = 72.3 acres (2100 x Continuity: New. Size: 103 + 6 ha = 255 + 15 acres 1500 ft.). Descriptionof Area: See AFN 23:553-555 (measuredfrom map).Description of Area:Most of the (1969). Weather: The temperature during the study continuously built-up part of the town (population period varied from 25ø to 44øF., averaging 33ø. There 5000);irregularly shaped, the perimeterincluding parts was snow cover on 5 trips, varying from 2 to 9 in , of at least 19 streets. The area is divided into three averaging4.5 in. Coverage:Dec. 2, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jan 5, roughly equal portions by the MississippiRiver (the 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2. Total, 10 trips, between 1200 and lesserone!), flowing SSW to NNe, and a railway line, 1330,averaging 1.5 hours. Count: Starling,61 (208, 84), NNW to SSE. The commercial area occupies three Blue Jay, 7 (24, 10); Rock Dove, 7 (24, 10); Dark-eyed blocksalong both sidesof Bridge Street; the rest of the (Slate-colored) Junco, 3 (10, 4); Red-headed Wood- area is residential,largely of singlehomes with a few pecker, 1 (3, 1); Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 (3, 1); Red-

Volume 28, Number 3 727 tailedHawk, +; Com. Flicker,+; Red-belliedWood- the last part of the month when there was a succession pecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Tufted Titmouse, of light snowfalls. The first haft of Janthai3;was the +; House Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 80 birds(273 per coldest on record, and by the time of the last count on sq. kin., 111per 100acres).-ZIGMOND and HELENA the 14th there was an 8-in. snow cover on the ground. NAGY, (Elyria Audubon Society), 2332 E. 31 St., Temperatures during count hours ranged from 15ø to Lorain, Ohio 44055. 50øF.,with a meanof 66ø. Coverage:Nov. 11, 17;Dec. 73. CITY PARK.mLocation: Des Moines, Iowa. 2, 9, 11, 12, 16, 23, 28; Jan. 3, 14. Total: 11trips averag- Continuity: Established 1954; 20 consecutive years. ing 50 minutes each. Count: Dark-eyed Junco, 5 (39, Size: 13.4 ha = 33 acres. Descriptionof Area: Upland 15); Starling, 4 (30, 12); House Sparrow, 3 (22, 9); deciduousforest area of rectangularshape. With the Black-capped Chickadee, 2 (15, 6); White-breasted exception of two small groves of White Pine (Pinus Nuthatch, 2 (15, 6); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Blue strobus)and Austrian Pine (P. austriaca) anda groupof Jay, I (7, 3); Cardinal, I (7, 3); Corn. (Yellow-shafted) Hawthorn (Cretaegus coccinea), the trees are pre- Flicker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Tufted Titmouse, dominatnlyvirgin White Oaks (Quercus alba) 40-50ft. +; Am. Goldfmch,+. AverageTotal: 19 birds(142 per in height and 15-24 in. DBH. The western and central sq. kin., 58 per 100 acres). Remarks: This is the first portionsof the areaare grassy beneath the oaks,but the time the Red-belliedWoodpecker was not found. This eastern 1/3 has an understoryconsisting of Gray Dog- is the twentieth consecutivewinter populationstudy in wood (Cornus paniculata), coralberry (Symphor- the area. Chandler Robbins (AB 26:688) pointed out icarpos sp.) and Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum that it is impossibleto obtain exact counts within a opulus). A rose garden is located in the center of the timbered area in mid-winter. However, by making the area. In the southernportion there is a smalllake fed by counts under conditions which are uniform as far as is a streamwhich parallelsthe streetbounding the area on possible,and limiting the variablesto temperatureand the east. The Des Moines Art Center is located in the sky cover, it shouldbe possibleto establishpopulation northwesternpart of the area. Topography:Rolling and trends. A few trips were made in mid-afternoonin the hilly, elevation800 ft. Edge: Boundedon the north by a first year of the counts but few birds were observed on busy highway and on the northern half of the east side these. This could have been owing either to absence by a residentialstreet; bordered on the remainingsides from the area, or to lessenedactivity with correspond- by parklandsimilar to the easternportion of the study ing decreasedvisibility. Since the nature of the terrain plot. Weather:November was relativelycool and dry, on three sidesof the censusarea is essentiallythe same but with a recordhigh on the 1lth, and severalfreezing as that eensused,the latter possibility seems the more rains late in the month. December had little snow until likely.

MEXICAN BIRDS

Spenda weekin San Biaswith two experiencedguides from the Point Reyes Bi•xl Observatory. Navarit's extensive mangrove swampand palm hn'esl hosl an tinbelievablevariel• of wimedng shorebilxls,North American migrants,alia neo-lropical specialties.Morning and aidemoonwalks plus lhree unustmlboa• trips exploring•!•e fim•ousSan Biasenvirons produced over 200 specieslasl year.

Come en.jov with Bill Chnv and Xrt Earle the reclnsive BARE-TH ROATED TI(;ER-BITTERN, the showy I.AU(;HI N(; FALCON, fivespecies of parrotsincluding MII.ITARY MACAW, the hard to see MANGROVE CUCKOO, the strange nocltlrnal POTOO, BOA CONSTRICTOR, COATIMUNDI, FAN-TAIIZD WARBLER, and the exotic RUFUS-CROWNED MOTMOT.

Cost:$200. Wewill makehotel re.•ervations.•.'you in San Biasand meetand IletUlltttyOit tO Mazatlan via automobile.Proceeds help .vuppo•l Point Reye.• Bird Observator.'a non-profit institutio..

Forfurther information write: Meryl StewartP.O. Box 442 Bolinas, California 94924 Phone 415-868-0696

728 AmericanBirds, June 1974 __ • • CHICKADEE • O--TITMOUSE -- • •--- NUTHATCH •]• '.-- O•DWNY

2' .-- .•.• ...... %.•.--_ /: • I -- •• -.•

I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I • 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

NUMBERS O• BIRDS SEEN PER TRIp FIG. 2 FIVE-YEARMOVINGAVERAGESOF

7 HOUSESPARROW $

I I I I I I I I I • I • i i • I I I I IB54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

Volume 28, Number 3 729 Results of afternoon counts have been eliminated with only 11 trips in that winter. While some of the from the tabulation,and only trips made between0845 highernumbers of specieswere found in the years of and 1015 CST are included. This is in accord with greater activity, a scatter plot showslittle correlation. Robbins' (ibid.) recommendationthat only populations Some correlation between numbers of birds found and at the optimum time of day be computed. No trips were temperatures at the times of the counts was looked for, made on days with high winds or with precipitation and the first few years' countsdid showa relationshipß other than very light snow flutries, and all followed This provedmerely fortuitous,and after 493 trips it was identical routes. Fig. 1 showsthe 5-year moving aver- foundas many birdsper trip were seenat temperatures agesfor the numbers of four common, native, and per- below 1løF. as were seen while temperatures were in manent resident speciesseen per trip: chickadee. tit- the 20sand 30s. Few physicalchanges have taken place mouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Wood- in the study area. A quantity of brush depositedin a pecker. The Blue Jay, which appearspartially migra- ravine in the fall of 1963 attracted a flock of House tory in this area, shows no trend. Fig. 2 shows the Sparrows the following winter. The average number of correspondingcurves for the introducedspecies House theseper trip jumpedfrom 4.3 in the previouswinter to Sparrow and Starling. Table 1 showsthe averagenum- 14.5 that year, and this accountsfor the abrupt rise in bers for each of the 6 speciesfound on clear days (with the curve in Fig. 2. Numbers dropped to 3.2 in the shadowscast), and on cloudy days (no shadows).All following year and the decline continued until 1970 but the chickadeewere found more often on clear days when an increasingtrend began.An additionto the Des than on cloudy. Frequency curves for numbersfound Moines Art Center constructedin 1966-67replaced a on clear and cloudy days closely parallel each other for 50-yard-squareportion of a formal garden, but elimi- all species.The percentagesof clear to total daysfor the nated no trees. The few Am. Elms scattered in other four 5-yearperiods were 62, 58, 69, and 76 respectively parts of this predominantlyWhite Oak territory suc- so the trends demonstratedby Fig. 1 cannot be attrib- cumbedto diseaseand were removed.No sprayingwas uted to a preponderanceof cloudy days in the later done to protect these trees, and there is no apparent years.Table 2 liststhe speciesrecorded and the number reasonfor the declineof the native bird population.The of years in which each was observed. A few stragglers performanceof the Starlingis probablybeing repeated will appearin the surroundingterritory in many winters in many areasthroughout the country.-WOODWARD and the chance of observing these in the census area H. BROWN, 432 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines, IA would appear to be improved by making more trips. 50312. The numberof trips per winter rangedfrom 10in 1972to 74. CITY CEMETERY.--Loeation: Colorado; Col- 53 in 1962, and the numbers of speciesseen per winter orado Springs,El PasoCounty. Continuity: New. Size: varied from lows of 12 in 1972 and 1973 when 10 and I 1 32.38 ha = 80 acres (T-shaped; measuredfrom map). trips respectively were made, to a high of 23 in 1968 Descriptionof Area: The censusplot includes the older

Study 73. Greenwood Park, Des Moines. Photo/Larry Stone.

730 American Birds, June 1974 (southern) portion of the (main) Colorado Springs 75. SUBURBAN SHOPPING CENTER.--Location Evergreen Cemetery from Laurel Avenue south, East Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado bounded on the west by an abandonedcounty road, on Size: 16.35 hectares = 40.4 acres; rectangular the east by Violet Avenue and on the southby a fence- Descriptionof Area: The Citadel shoppingcenter in- line. In the south central area there are large native cludesan expanseof asphaltparking lot brokenby the Ponderosa Pines (Pinus ponderosa) in ridge-ravine to- central building, three main plaza areas, and a building pography;while the rest of the cemetery's vegetation construction site (east). The three open-air plazas (1 4 has been planted and includes a variety of species, acres each) are located on the east, south, and north especially Am. Elm (Ulmus americana) and Silver sides of the building complex. Landscaping includes Maple (Acer saccharinurn), with some Box Elder (Acer ornamentaltrees, more or lessregularly spacedaround negundo), Red Cedar (Juniperusscopulorum), White the perimeter of the asphalt and in the plazas. There are Fir (Abies concolor), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga 53 evergreens, most of them small, and 70 small de- menziesii) and Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens). ciduous trees. The roof of the building complex, com- There is extensive lawn, except in the pine ravine areas, prising 375,000 square feet (8.6 acres), is flat, covered but planted shrubberyis limited. Elevation: 6000 ft. with loosegravel and ventilationequipment, and varies Edge: A newer and more sparselyvegetated section of from one to three stories in height above the parking the cemetery extends to the north; while with the ex- area. Edge: The asphaltedshopping area is immediately ception of some roads, the areas to the west, south and edged on the west and north by open land ready for or east are undeveloped though disturbed grassland and under development, beyond which are residential brushland,with somedraws, hillocks,and native pines areas. Parallel to the east (above) and to the south to the southwest, and a cottonwood creekbottom to the (below) are four-lane highways,with shortgrassprairie southeast. Weather: The censusperiod was relatively extending beyond the former, commercial develop- mild, dry, and breezy, following an early January ment beyondthe latter. Topography:The area, on fill, snowy cold snap. The average temperature was about slopes gradually to the southwest, with the eastern 37øF., with a minimum of 3ø and a maximum of 72ø. parking sectionat a higher level than the western sec- Snowfall averagedabout 4 in., but most of the time the tion, and with a steep drop-off to the south. Elevation groundwas clear of snow. Coverage:Jan. 10, 13, 15, 18, 6100 ft. Weather: The study period was dry, breezy, 27, Feb. 22; Mar. 1, 9. Total: 8 trips, both morningand and mild, following an early-January cold spell. The afternoon, averaging about one hour each. Count: average temperature was 36øF., with a low of 3ø and a Dark-eyed Junco, 39 (120, 49); [Oregon, 37; Slate- highof 72ø. Snowfalltotaled 4 in. (.41 in. water equiva- colored,2; White-winged, + ;] House Finch, 25 (77, 31); lent). Thus, the period was drier and warmer than nor- Black-billed Magpie, 16 (49, 20); Starling, I0 (31, 13); mal. Only twice was there any snow cover on the lhne Siskin, 10 (31, 13); Gray-headed Junco, 5 (15, 6); Cassin'sFinch, 4 (12, 5); Corn. (Red-shafted)Flicker, 3 (9, 4); Am. Robin, 3 (9, 4); Red-tailed Hawk, I (3, 1); This Fall at The New School: Corn. Crow, 1 (3, 1); Black-cappedChickadee, 1 (3, I); Mountain Chickadee, I (3, 1); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (3, I); Brown Creeper, I (3, 1); Mallard, +; Ornithology of Townsend's Solitaire, +; House Sparrow, +; Harris' the IVew York/Jrea Sparrow, +. AverageTotal: 121birds (374 per sq. km., 151 per 100 acres). Remarks: This census is similar to A course by that for many U.S. city parks and cemeteries, with either many identical speciesor ecologicalequivalents. JOHN BULL For example, in comparisonwith the Fort Collins, Col- of the American Museum of Natural History orado, cemetery (see AFN 8: 287-288, 1954), the two How to find, identify and watch birds in the shared 13 species, and for both areas the Dark-eyed New York area. The common and uncommon Junco and House Finch were numerically most abun- birds of the region; migration and breeding. dant. The Fort Collins cemetery environs are more The location and distribution of birds; how to urbanized, and it is thus no surprisethat the House attract birds; bird-banding and nesting Sparrow ranked fourth there but was only seen once in studies. Fundamentals of basic ornithology-- the less urbanized Colorado Springs cemetery. It is classification and systematics. One half-day interesting that Harris' Sparrow, uncommon in Col- field trip to the Jamaica Bay Wild Life orado, was recorded in both cemeteries. Pine Siskins Refuge; another half-day class to be were absent until the end of February, occurringafter conducted at the Museum of Natural History that time in large numbers in the deciduous treetops. on a Saturday afternoon. The Starlings also frequented deciduoustreetops, generally avoiding the Ponderosa Pine groves. Winter 6 sessions, plus two half-day field trips. Thursdays, 5:55-7:25 P.M., species association groups were present but lacked beginning September 19. $50. Downy or Hairy Woodpeckers.--RICHARD BEIDLEMAN (compiler), MARCY COTTRELL, JENNIE GREENEWALD, BRUCE LOWRY, and FELIX MARTINEZ (Colorado College Field Zoology Thelew $(hool Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado 66 WEST 12 ST. NEW YORK 10011 OR 5-2700 Springs, Colo. 80903.

Volume 28, Number 3 731 ground. Coverage:Jan. 11, 15, 17, 25, 27; Feb. 9, 10, 12, 76. URBAN NATURE CENTER.--Location: E1 16, 17, 22. Total: 11 trips, between 1000 and 1640, Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach, Califorma totalingabout 10 man-hours.Count: House Sparrow, Bounded on the north by Spring St., southby Willow 18 (110, 45); Rock Dove, 16 (98, 40); Corn. Crow, +. St., eastby the Long BeachTree Farm, west by the San AverageTotal: 34 birds (208 per sq. km., 84 per 100 Gabriel River. Continuity: Established 1971; 4 years acres). Remarks: The shopping center opened on Size: 34.40 ha = 85 acres (rectangular, « mile north- March 1, 1972, and the main attraction for urban birds south, ¬ mile east-west).Description of Area: SeeAB hasbeen the availability of wastefood from the center's 25:656 (1971). Weather: Night temperaturesare nor- twelve businesseswhich dispensefood; secondarily, mally abovefreezing, usually above 45øF.;day temper- convenientroosting sites. Waste is taken out through atures up to 75ø but usually around 60ø . Rainfall was five garbagedocks, especiallythe three on the west. moderately above average this winter, with the Both Rock Doves and House Sparrows were seen heavieststorms in Decemberand January.Coverage around the garbageexits, and sparrowswere often seen Dec. 16, 26; Jan. 5, 13, 23, 31; Feb. 7, 14. Total, 8 trips, m the parkinglot itself amongthe cars, gameringfood all between 0700 and 1100, averaging 150minutes each scraps.Doves frequentedthe highest(south) part of the Count: Am. Wigeon, 128(372, 151);Am. Goldfinch, 47 roof, abouta fourth of the shoppingcenter' s roof area. (137, 55); CinnamonTeal, 39 (113, 46); House Finch, 27 Sparrows were often seen on the roof but favored the (78, 32);N. Shoveler,26 (76, 31);Am. Coot,21 (61,25), two largest evergreen trees on the west side, which Yellow-rumped Warbler, 21 (61, 25); Yellowthroat, 19 were dense and provided roosting protection. Rock (55, 22); White-crownedSparrow, 16 (47, 19); Ring- Doves and House Sparrowsare opportunistsin urban necked Duck, 10 (29, 12); Ruddy Duck, 10 (29, 12), areasaround the world, and it is no surprisethat they SongSparrow, 10 (29, 12); Mallard, 8 (23, 9); Pied-billed havecolonized this new urban area, as they have down- Grebe, 6 (17, 7); Anna's Hummingbird, 6 (17, 7); Mock- town ColoradoSprings (seeAB 27:698-699 [1973]). It is ingbird,6 (17, 7); Lincoln's Sparrow,6 (17, 7); Gadwall, unfortunate that observations were not started soon 5 (15, 6); Com. Flicker, 5 (15, 6); Green-wingedTeal, 4 enoughafter the Citadel's completionso that the pat- (12, 5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3 (9, 4); Loggerhead tern of colonization here could have been documented. Shrike,3 (9, 4); Starling,3 (9, 4); Canvasback,2 (6, 2), Starlings will presumably be the next Mourning Dove, 2 (6, 2); Green Heron, I (3, 1); Red- mvaders.-RICHARD BEIDLEMAN AND ROB FREY tailed Hawk, 1 (3, 1); Red-shoulderedHawk, 1 (3, 1), (compilers), JOHN KESSEL, SUE KNOCK, and Spotted Dove, 1 (3, 1); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (3, 1), ELLEN WATSON (Colorado College Field Zoology House Wren, 1 (3, 1); Hermit Thrush, I (3, 1); W Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Meadowlark, 1 (3, 1); ChippingSparrow, 1 (3, 1);Great Springs, Colo. 80903. Blue Heron, +; Am. Bittern, +; Pintail, +; Redhead

FALCONERS v PROTECTIONISTS

The March and September issues of Outdoor California (Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game) provide a good look at one of the most heated conservation questions of the decade. In a rare opportunity of public discussion, the California Hawking Club and Society for the Pres- ervation of Birds of Prey "have it out" over the issue of falconry. The SPBP thinks the public should decide for themselves -- after considering both the falconer and protectionist positions -- whether or not falconry harvesting should continue. The SPBP doesn't think it should,and we're willing to bet you'll agree. Send $1 for both papersto SPBP, Box 891, Pacific Palisades, Calif. 90272.

732 American Birds, June 1974 +, Lesser Scaup, +; Buffiehead, +; Sharp-shinned 77. MATURE POPLAR FOREST.--Location: Elk Is- Hawk, +; Cooper's Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel +; Ring- land National Park, Alberta; 23 miles east of Edmonton necked Pheasant, +; Corn. Gallinule, +; CaspianTern, on Highway 16, on the Hayburger Trail east of road +, Black Phoebe, +; Corn. Crow, +; Rufous-sided through park and 4 miles north of Highway 16, 53ø Towhee, +; Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, +. Average 37«'N, 112ø 50«'W, 83H/lp West, Elk Island Park, Total: 442 birds (1285 per sq. kin., 520 per 100 NTS. Continuity:Established 1972. Size: 10.0ha = 24 7 acres)--BARBARA MASSEY, 1825 Knoxville Ave., acres (rectangular, 400 x 250 m, lines laid out in 50 m Long Beach, Calif. 90815. intervals, measured by 50 m wire cable and compass) Descriptionof Area: See AB 26:988-989 (1972) The 78. EXPOSED PENINSULA AND ADJACENT dominant canopy trees are Balsam Poplar (Populus OCEAN.--Location: Cape Spear National Historic balsamifera) and QuakingAspen (P. tremuloides) Av- Park, 11 miles east of St. John's, Newfoundland; erage canopy height 47 ft (range 40-54 ft). Weather 47ø31'N, 52ø37'W (easternmost land in North Temperatures ranged from a minimum of 44øF to a America); Canadian National TopographicSeries, St. maximum of 40øF.During January 20.6 inchesof snow John's 1N/10E, 4th ed. 1966.Continuity: Established fell, which is the fourth greatest monthly snowfall A 1973. Size: 293.4 ha. = 725 acres (determined from snowdepth at Edmontonof 31 in. reported on Jan 30 is aerial photographs and planimeter). Description of the greatest depth of snow on the ground since 1942 Area: SeeAB 27:690 (1973). Area remainsunchanged. January also held the record low number of hours of Weather: Slightly colder than normal with below nor- sunshine.Since the numberof hoursof sunshineduring mal snowfall. Only 15.11 in. of precipitation at St. February was similarly low, not much melting oc- John's Airport from Decemberthrough March (30-year curred. (Data supplied by Atmospheric Environment normal is 21.75 in.); only 108.2 in. of snow (normal Service weather office at Edmonton). Coverage:Dec 117.2 in.). Temperaturesranged from 0.2ø (March) to 31; Jan. 6, 20, 26; Feb. 2, 10. Total: 6 trips, averaging82 55 2ø (December).Patchy snow cover reachinga max- minutes each, between 1038 and 1557 CST. Count Lmumdepth of 24 in. for the largestdrifts. Some"slob" Corn. Redpoll, 2 (20, 8); Ruffed Grouse, 1 (10, 4), tce off-shore in late January and early February. No Black-cappedChickadee, 1 (10, 4); Pine Grosbeak, 1 pack ice or bergs. Coverage:Dec. 23, 26; Jan. 13, 27; (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, +; Corn. Raven, q- Feb. 4; March 2, 17. Total of 7 trips, made at varying AverageTotal: 5 birds(50 per sq.km., 20 per 100acres) tunes from 1100 hrs. to 1745hrs. Average time per trip Remarks: On two days, Jan. 6 and Feb. 10, no birds was 94 minutes. Count: Corn. Eider, 296 (101, 41); were seen. Only Ruffed Grouse were present on each of Oldsquaw, 150(51,21); Black-leggedKittiwake, 44 (15, the other days. The Pine Grosbeaksand Corn. Raven 6), Black Guillemot, 28 (10, 4); Herring Gull, 27 (10, 4); were present on one day only, although the latter were Great Black-backed Gull, 10 (3, 1); Iceland Gull, 6 (2, seen more regularly in winter in this area than previ- 1), DoveMe, 4 (1, 1); GlaucousGull, 2 (1, +); King ously. The Corn. Redpolls were found only in depres- Eider, I (+, +); Razorbill, +; Corn. Murre, +; Corn. sionswhere young Betula papyrifera grow.-JACK L Raven, +. AverageTotal: 569 birds (194 per sq. kin., 79 PARK & LORAN L. GOULDEN (compiler) Renewa- per 100 acres).-JOHN E. MAUNDER, 7 Maypark ble Resources Consulting Services Ltd., 11440 Ktngs- Place, St. John's, Newfoundland AIB 2E3. way Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5H OX4

BIRDING TOURS TO EXCITING PLACES • MEXICOThree greattrips plannedfor superb \\• birding.Central Highlands: Dec. 28-Jan 8 \\\\ .•., • FromMexico City, leaders: Dr. JackTyler, Carl \•\ q:•. •-•(•a• Amason.Nayarit: Jan. 8-15. Week of concen- \'q•. '•.'•.t '• tratedWest Coast birding, mostly at SanBias • •'"• Yucatan:Jan. 17-Feb. 7. Over300 speciesof •\ f •) ß birds; Mayan ruins! Leaders:T. Ben Felther, •,•\ RoWauer, Carl Amason. N•J I I I CENTRAL& SOUTHAMERICA. Five excibng • ___J// tripsfor wildlifeand fabulous birding, with Dr '--"n,••,/ • AlexanderSkutch, leader. Colombia-Ecuador I/,,__...,,,-• • • Jan.16-Feb. 1, from Miami.Trinidad& Tobago, J• • Feb. 3-13, from Miami.Panama.' Feb. 14-20, ß ß •' - from Miami. Costa Rica: Feb. 21-Mar. 6 • Guatemala: Mar. 7-17. Small groups. Kindred spirits.Tour director ornithologist Annette C. Koch and local experts. Write for aletads ROADRUNNER NATURE TOURS. BOX 945. GAINESVILLE. TEXAS 76240

Volume 28, Number 3 733