CONTINENTAL SURVEY

The Spring Migration March 1 -- May 31, 1984

AbbreviationsFrequently Used in Regional Reports ad.: adult, Am.: American, c.: central, C: Celsius, CBC: Reservoir, not Reservation,R.: River, S.P.: State Park, sp.: Christmas Bird Count, Cr.: Creek, Corn.: Common, Co.: species,spp.: speciesplural, ssp.: subspecies,Twp.: Town- County,Cos.: Counties, eta!.: andothers, E.: Eastern(bird ship, W.: Western(bird name), W.M.A.: Wildlife Manage- name),Eur.: European,Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit,fide:reported ment Area, v.o.: various observers, N,S,W,E,: direction of by, F.&W.S.: Fish& Wildlife Service,Ft.: Fort, imm.:imma- motion, n., s., w., e.,: direction of location, >: more than, <: ture, 1.: Island,Is.: Islands,Isles, Jct.: Junction,juv.:juvenile, fewerthan, +_:approximately, or estimatednumber, c•: male, L.: Lake,m.ob.: many observers, Mt.: Mountain,Mts.: Moun- 9: female,0: imm. or female,*: specimen,ph.: photographed, tains, N.F.: National Forest, N.M.: National Monument, •-: documented,ft: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, km: kilometers, N.P.: National Park, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, N.: date with a + (e.g., Mar. 4 +): recordedbeyond that date. Northern(bird name), Par.: Parish,Pen.: Peninsula,P.P.: Pro- Editorsmay alsoabbreviate often-cited locations or organiza- vincial Park, Pt.: Point, not Port, Ref.: Refuge, Res.: tions.

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION /Blair Nikula

Althoughthe diversityin this Regioninvariably precludes any con- sensusamong its manyobservers, rarely does a seasonevoke such an extremedivergence of opinionsas did the springof 1984. Comments rangedfrom "one of thebest we everhad" to "a silentspring." This feast-to-faminesituation defies explanationand appearsunrelated to local variationsin the weather, which was fairly uniform acrossthe Region:cold, very wet andgenerally unfavorable, both for migration and for migration-watchers. Followingan exceptionallymild spellin late Februaryand the resul- tantpremature influx of blackbirdsand other early migrants, March was usheredin by below-normalcold thatpersisted, with only brief excep- tions,most notably March 21-24, throughthe end of themonth. In fact, March temperaturesin Bostonaveraged 5.2øF colderthan thoseof February(!)and two majorstorms brought as much as 30 inchesof Sl•OW to portionsof northernNew England.Not surprisingly,by month'send O iC'E A N migrationhad fallen well behindschedule. The sub-partemperatures persistedthrough much of April (2.6ø belownormal for themonth in Boston)accompanied by above-normalrainfall and, whilea few species Poln! managedto appearon time, the arrivalof mostremained retarded by a week or more. Stormsof southerlyorigins swept through the Region April 5-6, 15-16and 24-25, bringingwith theman amplenumber of the typicalApril overshoots,although totals fell far shortof last year's recordedtheir peak activity on May 22 when340 birdswere handled. recordflights. Indigo Buntings, as usual,led thecharge, followed by a The warmspell lasted through the 27th, but thenthe skiesopened and well-above-averagenumber of Blue Grosbeaks. copiousrainfall across New Englandthe last four days of May resulted A briefsurge of warmair at theend of April broughta smallflurry of in severeflooding in many areasand seriouslyimpacted much of the migrantactivity, but the cool, excessivelywet conditionsreturned in nestingactivity underway at that time. earlyMay andcontinued with only momentary spells of relief(primarily It appearsthe northwardrange extension undergone by a numberof May 11-14)through the 18th.Finally, the weather broke May 19and the essentiallysouthern species over the last two-to-three decades may have first significantsouthwest winds of the seasongenerated the only Re- abated,at leasttemporarily. Species such as the "southern" herons, gionwidewave of note. From Connecticutto Nova Scotia, observers Chuck-will's-widow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, found good,although generally unspectacular, concentrations of war- Blue-grayGnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird and Northern Cardinal blers and othermigrants May 19-22. The ManometBird Observatory haveall beenlightly reported at the northernedges of theirrespective

Volume38, Number5 883 rangesrecently Whetherthese species have reached their "limits" in Sable I , N S , in April (IAM) At the other extreme, notableinland the Region, or are merelyexhibiting a temporaryresponse to three birdsincluded single Great Egrets in E. Conway,N.H., May 2-31 (B successivecolder-than-normal springs, remains to be seen.Conversely, Robinson)and Manchester,N.H., May 13 (M. Martin), and single a few species,such as Turkey Vulture, KentuckyWarbler and Blue GlossyIbises in Wentworth,N.H., Apr. 6 (E. Burke)and S. Windsor, Grosbeak,have continuedtheir northwardexpansions. Conn., May 19 PJD). A GreatEgret was early in Chatham,Mass., Mar Genuinerarities were few and far between,although it shouldbe 3-12 (fide BN). notedthat severalspecies that were almostunknown in springa few In addition to those noted above, extralimital herons, all in Nova yearsago (e.g., LesserBlack-backed Gull, Forster'sTern, Clay-colored Scotia,included 15 SnowyEgrets, three Little Blue Herons,two Tricol- Sparrow,Yellow-headed Blackbird) are now regularlyreported during oredHerons, two CattleEgrets, and two Green-backedHerons, plus two thisseason and no longer merit "bold-facing." For those keeping score, GlossyIbises (fide IAM). A Little Blue Heronwas also reported from the seasonnetted three state/provincial firsts, one of whichwas also new MiquelonMay 28 (RE). Certainlythe preeminentwading bird of the to the Region.Newfoundland tailed to live up to its developingreputa- seasonwas a White-facedIbis, carefullystudied among nine Glossies tion as "Attu East," perhapsdue to ratherlimited coverage there this in Essex,Mass., Apr. 24-27(?RAF et al.). Diagnosticfeatures noted spring(BMc). Understandably,observers in that provincemay have werea brightred iris, red "knees" anda ¬ inch-widecrescent of white neededa rest followinglast fall/winter'sbonanza! aroundthe eye. The sightingconstitutes a first Regionalrecord, al- ABBREVIATIONS -- G.B. - George'sBank; G.M.N.P. = Gros thoughnot unexpectedin light of the species'regularity in New York Morne Nat'l Park, Nfld.; M.V. = Martha'sVineyard, Mass.; M.B.O. and New Jerseyrecently. =Manomet Bird Observatory,Mass. WATERFOWL -- Tundra Swans were found in Massachusetts at LOONS, GREBES-- A breeding-plumagedArctic Loonwas a sur- RutlandApr. 2 (ML, SC) andSpringfield Apr. 9 (B. Kinnery)and an prisingfind at Manomet,Mass., May 27-29 (J. Loughlin).Observers exceptionallylate individual was reported from Lincolnville,Me., May onceagain documented a loon migration past Pt. Judith,R.I., although 28 (J. Despres,fide WCT). Modestnumbers of SnowGeese included numberswere well belowthe last 2 seasonaltotals. On 4 datesin May 1500 over Egremont,Mass., Apr. 6 (D. Spurr), 500 overGreenwich, (9,12,23 & 24), 565 Corn.Loons were tallied, with a peakof 186May Conn., Apr. 9 (fide TB) anda maximumof 400 at PlmnI., Mass., in 12 (RLF, RACet al.), the sameday that Red-throatedLoons also April (fi'deRPE). Significantconcentrations of Brantwere in Wellfleet, peaked at 46 birds. Mass., Mar. 22 when 2500 were estimated(P. Trull) and in Westport, Stormyweather generated a remarkable grounding of grebesinland in Conn., where2000-3000 were movingin the eveningon the ratherlate w MassachusettsApr. 15. At CongamondL., in Southwick,44 Horned date of May 20 (DV). "Eurasian" Green-wingedTeal Regionwide and69 Red-neckedgrebes on thatdate (SK) exceededmost totals from totaledthree or fourindividuals while Eur. Wigeonnumbered six birds s coastallocations this spring. The observernoted that most of theRed- In Newfoundland,10 + pairsof Am. Wigeonduring the period (BM) neckeds,but noneof theHorneds, were in breedingplumage. Along the wasindicative of thatspecies' increase in n. portionsof theRegion, and coast,Horned Grebes continued to be very scarcewith 46 at Plum I., in the sameprovince, a pair of N. Shovelersin theCodroy Valley May Mass., Apr. 17 (J. Grugan)the largestconcentration reported. Red- 20 (BM) anda pair of LesserScaup at G.M.N.P., May 7-9 (BM) were neckedGrebes were scarce again also, particularly in s. portionswhere considerednoteworthy. the highestcount was a mere47 at Gloucester,Mass., Apr. 7 (C. Typicallylate King Eiderswere singlesin Marion. Mass., Apr. 23 Floyd).In Nova Scotia,an influx(from where?)of Red-neckerswas (RAF) and GreenwichPt., Conn., Apr. 26 (JZ), andthree on M.V , notedin mid-April, when 150+ wereat Cow Bay Apr. 11 (FLL), 80 at May 14-19(W. Manteret al.). At Isleau Haut, Me., theannual Harle- easternPassage Apr. 13(IAM), and150 were tallied at 4 otherlocations quinDuck census Mar. 25 recorded200 + birds(PDV). Scotersmigrat- in the province.Still farthern., on St. Pierre, 427 Mar. 6 (fide RE), ingpast Pt. Judith,R.I., Apr. 21 numbered1300 Black, 1300 Surf and althoughimpressive compared with elsewhere in theRegion, was fewer only40 White-winged(RLF), while at GreenwichPt., Conn.,on the thanhalf of the 883 countedthere last spring(not previouslyreported). eveningsof Apr. 26 & 27, 1111 White-winged,one Black (and no WesternGrebes (morph not specified)were at Revere,Mass., Apr. 25- Surfs)were recorded, all movingE to W (JZ et al.). The watersaround 27 (M. Vaughnet al.) and NantucketI., Mass., Apr. 26 (E & C CapeCod havehosted increasing concentrations of Red-breastedMer- Andrews). gansersin recentyears, perhaps in responseto a spectacularincrease in populationsof the smallfish Ammodytes (sp.), buta countof 15,000 TUBENOSES THROUGH IBISES -- Northern Fulmars were abun- from Wellfleet to ProvincetownMar. 31 (WRP) was the highestever dantin theCabot Strait Apr. 23 when907 werenoted (BM) whilefarther reportedthere or, perhaps,anywhere in the Region. s , 120storm-driven birds were seen in Eastham,Mass., Mar. 30 (BN). SingleSooty Shearwaters were first noted at CapeBreton, N.S., Apr. HAWKS -- Turkey Vultureswere again numerousas far n. as c 18 (fide RGBB) and on G.B., Apr. 21 (RSdE), and 116 were on Cox's Maine. The only kite reportedwas an American Swallow-tailedKite in LedgeMay 28 (fideDLE). Oneto two Manx Shearwaterswere again Concord, Mass., May 30 (P. Stowe). Amidst concernfor the species notedaround Pt. Judith,R.I., on severaldates beginning Apr. 15 (fide throughoutmost of theRegion, it is encouragingto learnthat five or six DLE), resurrectingspeculation about probable breeding in that area. pairsof N. Harriersare now breedingin G.M.N.P., Nfld., wherethey Thefirst Wilson's Storm-Petrels were noted on G.B., Apr. 25 (RSdE), wereformerly only vagrants(BM). Goodnumbers of migratingSharp- whiletwo unidentifiedstorm-petrels in BarnstableHarbor, Mass., Mar. shinnedHawks were notedin Massachusetts,with a maximumof 165 •n 30 (JA) followinga storm,were probablyLeach's. 4 hoursat TruroMay 6 (BN et al.). A veryearly Broad-winged Hawk No exceptionalcounts of cormorantswere received,however, both was found in Hamilton, Mass., Mar. 13 (RSH), and the peak of that speciescontinued in greatly increasednumbers and an inland Great species'migration apparently occurred Apr. 22 when228 werecounted Cormorantappeared again in Lakeville,Mass., May 28 (WRP). passingMt. Wachusett,Mass. (T. Lipsky)and the following day when a While populationsof Am. Bitternsin s. portionsof the Regionre- "strongmigration" was noted in s. New Hampshire(SAG). Thorough, mainedlow, it was encouragingto learn that "most suitableareas in convincingdetails were furnished for two(!) birdsidentified as Swain- Newfoundlandhave a pair" (BM), andin NovaScotia, 14 + birdswas son'sHawks thatpassed Peaked Hill, N.H., Apr. 13 (SAG). However, "morethan usual" (IAM). An unusuallycooperative Least Bittern was the observerfeels that, becauseno other observerswere presentfor presentat GrandDesert, N.S., May 15-31 (fide IAM). One of the more corroboration,the sightingsshould be consideredhypothetical. bizarre events of the seasonwas a fall-out of herons on and around the Peak numbersof migratingAm. Kestrelsthis springwere foundat C G.S. "Dawson" at seaoff N. CapeBreton, N.S. (exactlocation not Scituate,Mass., where155 weretotaled on 4 datesin lateApril, with a specified),in late March. Some 50 Great Blue Herons, 25 or so Cattle peakof 89 on Apr. 29 (fideGWG). No fewerthan 79 Merlinsacross the Egretsand a Yellow-crownedNight-Heron were notedthere Mar. 30 Regionwas an exceptionalspring total (cf. an above-average40 last (fideIAM)! Other"pelagic" herons included two Great Egrets on an oil year)and 28 + Peregrinescontinued the steadyupward trend in spnng ng 180mi e. of St.John's, Nfld., Apr. 5 (fideBMc), a SnowyEgret that reportsfor thatspecies. The winteringgray Gyrfalcon at SakonnetPt, landedaboard a shipand perished 20 mi s. of Burgeo,Nfld., in late R.I., remainedthrough the end of Marchand was joined by a whitebird March (fide BMc) and a Yellow-crownedNight-Heron found dead on during the first 2 weeksof that month(fide DLE)!

884 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 GRUIFORMES, SHOREBIRDS -- Five PurpleGallinulcs4ead, in Scarboro,Me., May 3 (PDV), Newburyport,Mass., May 5-13 (fide alive and otherwise--includeda dead, frozen bird on Cape Sable I., RPE) and Squantum, Mass., May 27 (fide RPE). Long-billed N.S., Mar. 1 (E. Murphy), a deadadult in Eastham,Mass., Apr. 10 Dowitcherswere at Jerusalem,R.I., Apr. 7 (?RAC)and M.V., Mass., (fide DR), an injuredbird in Springfield,Mass., May I (fMe SK), one Apr. 27 (VL et al.), but a dowitcherin Newburyport,Mass., on the whichlanded on a boat "far to the south" of RhodeIsland May 8 and early date of Mar. 28 (JPS)was thoughtto be a Short-billed.Wilson's rodeinto Galilee (fide DLE), andone adult in ShadBay, N.S., May 26- Phalaropeswere again widely reported, with five in Connecticut,one in June4 {fide IAM). SandhillCranes were found m Franklin,Me., May 3 RhodeIsland, 16+ in Massachusetts(including a maximumof eight (fide WCT), Seal Harbor, Me., May 7-8 (fide WCT) and on Plum I., plusat PlumI.), onein Maine. two in Nova Scotia,and one in Mique- Mass., May 27-28 (fide RPE). RSH enjoyed watchingthe latter bird Ion. Red-neckedPhalaropes are routinely encountered off MonbeganI., leapinginto the air and trumpeting,as it pursuedan over-matchedand Me., in lateMay, buta flockof 60 + RedPhalaropes there May 27 (fide intimidatedRed Fox along the marshedge! WCT) were not only late but unusualthat far inshore. Extensiveshorebird censuses were conductedthis springat both the mouth of the HousatonicR., Conn. (DV) and on Monomoy I., Mass. JAEGERS,GULLS -- Very fewjaegers were noted, but one storm- (BN, DH). The accompanyingtable illustrates some interesting similar- driven individual,species unidentified, in EasthamMar. 30 (BN) was ities and contrastsin arrival datesand peak numbersfor the mostcom- very early, while a Parasiticin West Haven, Conn., Apr. 12 (NP) was mon species. not only early but in an unusuallocation. Far-afieldLaughing Gulls were on G.B., Apr. 24 (RSdE), Bon Por- Table I. Shorebird censusesat Housatonic River mouth, Conn. tageI., N.S., May 20 (EPS) and inlandat Southwick,Mass., May 12 (ItR) & Monomoy I., Mass. (MI). (SK). LittleGull numbersseem to haveleveled off somewhatrecently; thisseasoh's total of 10+ (tf. 7, 15+, 8+, 8+ thelast4 years)were Maximum # distributedamong Connecticut (three + ), RhodeIsland (two), andMas- Species First date (date• sachusetts(five + ). Common Black-headedGulls, on the other hand, Black-bellied Plover (HR) 4/8 600 (5/30) maybe in theinitial stages of a majorexpansion into the Region. Totals (MI) 3/31 950 (5/13) of 45 + in Newfoundlandand 42 + in NovaScotia early in theperiod SemipalmatedPlover (HR) 4/29 350 (5/14) suggestedmore than a token breedingpopulation somewhere farther (MI) 4/29 20 (5/22) north{?).Although numbers in New Englandremained comparatively GreaterYellowlegs (HR) 4/2 260 (5/2) low (17 + total this season),they were well distributedthroughout s. (MI) 5/3 20 (5/17) portionsand a significantdevelopment occurred on Monomoy I., siteof RuddyTurnstone (HR) 5/6 190 (5/22) lastyear's unsuccessful "single-handed" nesting attempt (AB 37:847), (MI) 5/8 150 (5/28) wherea pairof Black-headedsreturned this year and produced 2 eggsin Red Knot (HR) 5/22 6 (6/1) late May for a first United Statesnesting record (DH). (MI) 3/31 160 (6/3) Sanderling (HR) ? 110 (4/26) (MI) 4/18 2000 (5/28) SemipalmatedSandpiper (HR) 4/26 1000 (6/5) (MI) 5/8 1500 (5/28) LeastSandpiper (HR) 4/18 500 (5/11) (MI) 4/18 450 (5/13) Dunlin (HR) ? 660 (5/22) (MI) 3/31 1200 (5/3,17) Short-billed Dowitcher (HR) 5/6 100 (5/30) t,MI) 4/18 250 (5/21)

No fewer than 12 LesserGolden-Plovers, Apr. I l-May 22, all but two of which were in Massachusetts, could be considered an "inva- sion" by this normallyrare springmigrant. Wilson's Ploverswere photographedat Plymouth,Mass., May 15 (D. Bolster)and Seal I., N.S., May 26-28 (IAM, ELM et al. ). A Willet at StephenvilleCrossing, Nfld., May 27 (BM) addedto the increasingnumber of recordsin that province.Three UplandSandpipers on M.V., Apr. 3 (VL) were very early. A totalof 21 Whimbrelsacross the s. one-halfof theRegion was well aboveaverage, while a MarbledGodwit on MonomoyI., May 19 (J. Bartonet al.) was uniquethis season.White-rumped Sandpipers were early at bothMonomoy I. (BN) andRichmond Pond, Mass. (fide DLE), Apr. 29, andone at StephenvilleCrossing, Nfld., May 27 (BM) establishedonly the 2nd springprovincial record. Many observers. throughoutthe Region, commentedon numbersof PurpleSandpipers CommonBlack-headed Gull on neston Monomoy1., Mass., June 1984. lingeringinto lateMay. CurlewSandpipers at Squantum,Mass., May First U.S. breedingrecord. Photo/RobertHumphrey. 27-28 (fide RPE) and MonomoyI., May 28 (BN) providedthe first springoccurrences in theRegion since 1980. A veryearly Stilt Sandpip- Mew Gulls wererepresented by adultsin RockyHarbor, Nfld., Apr. er was in Salisbury,Mass., Apr. 7 (fide RPE, ph.), andthree were in 2 ('•BM) and Falmouth,Mass., Apr. 8 (tK. Griffis et al.), and a 2nd- Newburyport,Mass., Apr. 23 (M. Litchfield et al.). Spring Buff- year bird in Dartmouth,N.S., Mar. 12-Apr. 18 (FLL et al., ph.). No breastedSandpipers are virtuallyunknown in the northeast,so onein fewer thanfour differentThayer's Gulls at Galilee, R.I., Mar. 3-May 5 Lancaster,Mass., Apr. 28 (•'ML, SC) wasan eye-opener.No details ('•RAC et al.) had observersspeculating about a "migration" of the werereceived on a 2nd individualreported from Miquelon May 5 (fide speciesthrough that area, but one adult at CapeRay, Nfld., Apr. 28 RE). (gBM) wasthe only otherreport in theRegion. An impressivemigration The indomitable Ruff that survived the winter with a flock of Rock of IcelandGulls up thew. coastof Newfoundlandwas detected Apr. 13- Dovesin St. John's,Nfld., waslast seen Apr. 24 (fide BMc). Visionsof 15 when 10,000 birds, 98% adults, were estimatedto have passed this misguidedsoul sitting on a nest under a bridge somewhere,or (BM). This same movementalso contained180 GlaucousGulls, also perhapsin a churchsteeple, are, of course,preposterous, and yet .... 98% adults(BM). The seasoh'sseven Lesser Black-backed Gulls were More normalRuffs were found on only 3 occasionsthis spring: singles splitbetween Newfoundland (four) andMassachusetts (three). Top hon-

Volume 38, Number 5 885 orsin the gull departmentwent to Connecticut,where an ad. Ross' Gull Althougha bit early,the detailed description seemed consistent with that bothpleased and frustratedbirders with its sporadicappearances (and species.Farther s., anAcadian was banded on Appledore I., Me., May disappearances)in WestHaven Apr. 11-22 •DV et al.), for a first state 28 (DWH), 14 were reportedin Massachusettsand three in Rhode and4th Regionalrecord. An ad. Ivory Gull at ConceptionBay, Nfld., Island.A second,potential vagrant flycatcher in Nova Scotiaeluded Apr. 16 was both late and unusuallyfar s. (BMc). conclusiveidentification, as a Myiarchus(sp.) on Brier I., May 28 allowedonly a brief observationbefore dismissing itself. Saidto be TERNS, ALCIDS -- Gull-billed Terns were found at Watchemoket "nota GreatCrested," the details submitted lend support to theobserv- Cove, R.I., May 7 (tRAC) andRowley, Mass., May 29 (?RSH). An efts impressionthat it wasprobably an Ash-throated(?ELM). excellenttotal of 58 CaspianTerns was distributedamong Newfound- land (24), Nova Scotia (one), Maine (one), Massachusetts(20), Rhode SWALLOWSTHROUGH SHRIKES-- Noteworthyconcentrations Island (10), and Connecticut(two). A basic-plumagedForster's Tern of TreeSwallows were 1100 in Millis,Mass., Apr. 20 •B. Cassie)and wasvery early, althoughnot unprecedented,at W. Dennis,Mass., Mar. 2500in theCodroy Valley, Nfld., May 20 (BM). The latterflock also 26 (JA), two were amongthe Ross' Gull fall-out at WestHaven, Conn., containeda locally rare Cliff Swallow(BM). AlthoughBarn Swallows Apr. 19 (fide DV) and an alternate-plumagedbird was identified in areamong the most frequently encountered passerines offshore, one at Chatham, Mass., Apr. 22 (BN et al.). A prevenientLeast Tern at 45.21.4øN, 55.04.løW, May 20 (fide RE) seemedto havecarried the Plymouth,Mass., Apr. 20 (PWS) roundedout the tern list. SingleBlack species'pelagic tendenciesto an extreme. Skimmerswere found on M.V., May 7-8 (fideRPE), Squantum,Mass., Blue Jay numberswere up at M.B.O., where 174 were banded. May 8-11 (fide RPE), andMonomoy I., May 12-13 (RP et al.), while CommonRavens continue their S spread,and are now regularly seen as six to sevenflying past MonheganI., Me., May 20 (T. Martin, fide far s. as the w. half of Massachusettsand s. New Hampshire.One WCT & PAC) were far afield. wonderswhat factors previously limited the distribution of sucha seem- Alcidsreports were sparse, but 29 Dovekiesin the CabotStrait May inglyadaptable species and why it isonly now beginning to occupy large 19 (BM) were surprisinglytardy, and a trip 50 mi s. of Block I., R.I., tractsof apparentlysuitable habitat. Mar: 15 producedtwo to three Atlantic Puffins (RAC).

DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- A White-winged Dove photographedon GrandManan, N.B., May 22 (C. Johnston,J. Wilson) provideda 3rd recordfor thatprovince. Following a crashin the gypsy mothpopulation, both cuckoos were sparsely reported throughout most of their rangeswithin the Region.

Jackdaw(Corvus monedula) on Brier l., N.S., May 6, 1984. Photo/lan A. MeLaren.

SoA. Anothercorvid is makingsuspicious inroads into the Region. Followingthe presenceof a bird on NantucketI., off and on(?) for overa year,there may have been as many as five Jackdawsin the maritimesthis spring.In Nova Scotia,one was on Brier I., May 6 + (J. & N. Kearneyet al., ph.) anda birdthought to be a 2nd individual,based on plumagedifferences, was on BonPor- tage I., May 19-24 (R. Foxall et al.). IAM also reportedthat three birds were on St. Pierre Mar. 23-Apr. 6; however,no detailson thosesightings were received.IAM & MG called attentionto a 1962 recordfor the speciesfrom Florida(AFN 17:322)and a recordof a flockof 20 thatappeared on a weather- shipat 57ø00N, 20ø00W (approximately500 mi w. of Scot- White-wingedDove. Grand Manan I.. N.B.. May 22, 1984. Photo/ land), Oct. 18, 1975 (Sea Swallow 26:18). Jackdawshave also Cecil L. Johnston. been recorded from Iceland, the Faeroes, the Azores and the CanaryIs., andthus, have some history of limitedvagrancy. SnowyOwls lingereduntil Apr. 4 at Plymouth,Mass. (PWS), Apr. Nonetheless,extralimital corvids are alwayssuspect and debate 15 on St. Pierre(fide RE), andMay2 at Concord,N.H. (R. A. Quinn). over the legitimacyof the speciesin North America(however Equallylate was a GreatGray Owl in Hillsboro,N.H., throughApr. 29 thatmay be defined)is destinedto ragefor sometime. Tunein to (J. Adams)while the Hadley, Mass., bird and two in Dover/Foxcroft, the summerseason summary for furtherdevelopments. Me., wereall lastsighted on the morenormal date of Mar. 25 (fideSK & WCT). A Chuck-will's-widowat Mt. Auburn,Mass., May 21 (fide RPE) was uniquethis season,the speciesapparently absent from its usualhaunts on M.V. (VL). A 9' hummingbird,reported as a Ruby- A CarolinaWren on Seal I., May 16 (SJF et al.) furnishedonly the throated,was seenbriefly at Cornerbrook,Nfld., May 27 (BM). The 3rd recordfor Nova Scotia.Golden-crowned Kinglet numberscontin- usualscattering of Red-headedWoodpeckers was found throughout s. uedto be generallyup, while Ruby-crownedKinglets were, with some portionsup into New Hampshire(three) and Maine (two), while the N exceptions,reported as beingscarce. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also expansionof Red-belliedWoodpeckers seems to haveslowed with only generallybelow recentaverages. The Swainson'sThrush picture in e. singlebirds as far n. as s. New Hampshireand s. Maine. Massachusettsexemplified the discrepanciesthat can occur between An Olive-sidedFlycatcher was early at GlaceBay, N.S., May 5 (fide impressionsgained through binoculars and thosegained with banding JSC).An Empidonaxflycatcher, carefully studied at veryclose range on nets: 33 Swainson'snetted at M.B.O. (TL-E) was well below normal BrierI., N.S., May 14, wasthought to be anAcadian Flycatcher (IAM). (cf. 86 & 83 the last2 years),yet observerselsewhere in e. Massachu-

886 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 settsreported excellent numbers of this shy speciesEleven Hermit cut,Massachusetts (four), and Nova Scotia, and spanned the dates Mar Thrushesat M.B.O. (TL-E)was also well below last year's 33. Thetwo 7-May 27. OvershootingOrchard Orioles included four in Nova Scotia winteringVaried Thrushes were last seen Apr. 3 in Worthingtonand and 10+ on MonheganI. HouseFinches were saidto have "almost Apr. 5 in New Salem,Mass. (fde SK). BrownThrashers drew discour- vanished"from Nova Scotia (PRD)--we should all be solucky! Fol- agingremarks from severalareas, and observers are urged to keepan lowingan essentially non-flight year, it wasnot surprising that very few eyeon thisinconspicuous bird in thenear future. Although not surpris- winterfinches were reported. Six HoaryRedpolls were noted in New- ing, it is no lessdisheartening to relatethat no LoggerheadShrikes were foundlandMar. 31 (BM) and240 Corn.Redpolls at G.M.N.P., Apr 1 reportedthis season. haddwindled to 110by Apr. 19(BM). As duringthe winter, 2 excep- tionsto thepaucity of fincheswere Pine Siskins, which were widely VIREOS, WARBLERS -- An exceptionallyearly Yellow-throated reportedthroughout the period and Region, and Evening Grosbeaks, Vireo in Falmouth,Mass., Mar. 25 wascarefully identified (?P. Trim- whichlingered into May in severalareas beyong their breeding range ble et al.). PhiladelphiaVireos totaled an averageeight across s. por- Two enigmaticspecies round out the springseason: yet anotherEur tionsof theRegion. Early Red-eyed Vireos were at Sakonnet, R.I., Apr. Siskinwas reported, this one at a feederin Middleboro,Mass., Mar 8 18 (fideDLE) andMartinsville, Me., Apr. 20 (M. Plymire)and one on (D. & J. Briggs)and a Eur.Goldfinch was found in Milan,N.H., Apr MiquelonMay 27 (fde RE) provideda first islandrecord. In New 29 (A. Johnson). HampshireRed-eyeds were said to be scarce(SAG, WWF) anda mea- gresix banded at M.B.O. (TL-E) continueda disconcertingrecent trend UNCONFIRMEDREPORTS -- Althoughan increasing number of there. observersare providing documentation of their sightings, reports of rare Followinga SW gale, singleN. Waterthrushand Black-and-white or unseasonalspecies continue to be receivedunaccompanied by any and Hoodedwarblers on SableI., N.S., Apr. 6 were remarkablyearly detailsor with insufficient details. Such reports this season included: W (T. Lock, S. Crowell).Single Orange-crowned Warblers were reported SandpiperApr. 21 in RhodeIsland; Royal Tern Apr. 19in Connecticut, from Nova Scotiaand Maine, andfour were in Massachusettsin May. MountainBluebird in 2 locationsin New Hampshirein May; Bell's Two N. Parulasin Newfoundlandin May (BM) wereconsidered unusu- Vireo in 2 locationsin New Hampshire,May 15 & 18; Black-headed al, as was a Chestnut-sidedWarbler on St. Pierre May 28 (fide RE). GrosbeakMay 20 in Massachusetts;and Harris' Sparrows in 2 locations CapeMay Warblerswere said to be "more commonthan ever" in w. in Maine, May 15 & 23. Connecticut(DV) andwere exceptionally numerous on CapeCod, yet only twowere banded at M.B.O. (TL-E). Werethe four Palm Warblers ADDENDUM -- The Myiodynastesflycatcher on Martha'sVine- on St. PierreMar. 16 (fde RE) successfulwinterers or very premature yard,Mass., Nov. 12-13,1983 has been conclusively identified from migrants?Later in the season,Palms were numerous in w. Connecticut thephotographs asa $ulphur-belliedFlycatcher (R. Ridgely,R A (DV), and 100+ on Brier I., N.S., Apr. 29 (EPS)were noteworthy, yet Forster,R.R. Veit) andis thusa first Regionalrecord. only onewas banded at M.B.O. (TL-E). Similarly,Bay-breasted War- blers were "many" in w. Connecticut(DV) but totaledonly one at SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldfaceditalics), CONTRIBUTORS M.B.O. Lestthe reader think that warblers bypassed M.B.O. altogether (boldface),and OBSERVERS -- Dorothy Arvidson, Janet Aylward, thisspring, 101 Black-and-white Warblers banded there was well upand R.G.B. Brown, Tom Burke, Sheila Carroll, J,$. Cohrs, Robert A particularlysurprising following an all-time low lastfall, and133 Corn. Conway,Eric H. Cooke,Peter A. Cross, RaymondS. de'Entremont, Yellowthroatswas their best springtotal since 1980 (TL-E). Paul J. Desjardins, Phyllis R. Dobson, David L. Emerson, Ruth P. "Southern" warblers,beyond their known breedingranges, were Emery, RogerEtcheberry, Richard L. Ferren,Wayell W. Fogleman, generallyscarce but included five Yellow-throated,seven Cerulean (one Richard A. Forster, Sylvia J. Fullerton, Tom Gagnon, Susan A. of whichwas banded on Appledore I., Me., May 30), sixProthonotary, Gonzalez, Michel Gosselin,George W. Gore, Richard S. Heil, Da- two Worm-eatingin Nova Scotia, 28+ Kentucky, and 22 Hooded vid W. Holmes, DenverHolt, Seth Kellog, DouglasL, Kraus,Vernon warblers.Yellow-breasted Chats were particularly numerous with eight Laux, F.L. Lavender,Trevor Lloyd-Evans•Mark Lynch,Bruce Mac- atNinigret W.R., R.I., May 18 (RAC) plusfour others in RhodeIsland, tavish (BMc), Blake Maybank, lan A, McLaren, Eric L. Mills, onein Connecticut,eight in Massachusetts,and two in New Hampshire, Wayne R. Petersen,Robert Prescott, Noble Proctor,Diane Reynolds, all in May. Ray Schwartz,P.W. Smith,Jan P. Smith, E.P. Spalding,F.L. Spald- ing, Robert H. $tymeist, Scott Surner, Lee Taylor, Stuart I. Ting- TANAGERSTHROUGH FINCHES -- Twenty-fourSummer Tan- ley, William C. Townsend,Dennis Varza, Peter D. Vickery, Joe agerswere found this season, with the northernmost in Nova Scotia May Zeranski.•BLAIR NIKULA, 23 Atwood Lane, Chatham, MA 15(IAM), anda ScarletTanager was in Lomond,Nfld., May 12(?BM). 02633. SixRose-breasted Grosbeaks in Newfoundlandwas considered excep- tional(BM), whilefarther s., BlueGrosbeaks, though below last year's record(70 + ), stillnumbered an impressive 48 +, withno fewer than 10 asfar n. asNova Scotia. Surely, a firstRegional nesting for that species is imminent.Another good influx of overshootingApril Indigo Buntings QUEBEC REGION (100+ ) wasnoted this year and was actually most pronounced in Nova Scotia,where 50 + werefound during that month. /Richard Yank and Yves Aubry WinteringDickcissels were present through late April in St. John's, Nfld. (fde BMc), andthrough Mar. 20 in PinePt., Me. (fde WCT), Marchtemperatures were below normal throughout the province with whileothers were in Brewster,Mass., Mar. 7-8 (fde BN), Chatham, precipitationbelow average in the southand above average in the north Mass., Apr. 26 (H. Rich), Portland,Me., May 3 (fde WCT) and In southernQuebec a normalApril was followed by an unseasonably MonheganI., Me., May 25-28(fde SS). A winteringClay-colored coldand wet May, delayingthe arrivalof manypassetines. Meanwhile, Sparrowin St. John's,Nfld., wasstill present Apr. 25 (BMc),singles mild dry weatherprevailed in the north. werebanded in Rockport,Mass., May 16 (fideRPE) andon thesame dayat M.B.O. (TL-E), andone was on Monhegan I., mid-lateMay (T. PELICANSTHROUGH GEESE-- A whitepelican, presumed to be Martinet al.). A Henslow'sSparrow was also a nicefind on Monhegan an Am. White Pelican,was seenflying E alongthe OttawaR., at I , May 25-28(?)(J. Piersonet al.). Fox Sparrowswere found in excel- PlaisanceMay 27 (MG). With theexception of thenow regular presence lent numbersin mostareas and White-throated Sparrows were also of a few Great Egrets in extremes.w. Quebec, southernherons were numerous,with 153banded at M.B.O. (TL-E). A totalof 42 Swamp relatively scarcethis spring:lone Great Egrets at Rimouski, Trols- Sparrowsat M.B.O. wasalso above average. Yet anothersparrow in Pistoles(GG et al.) andCap-Tourmente (MD, CBr), a SnowyEgret at goodnumbers this spring was White-crowned, with one in Newfound- Rimouski(YG et al. ), anda CattleEgret at Sainte-Anne-des-Monts(JB) land,22 in NovaScotia, eight banded at M.B .O., anda "Gambel's"on werereported in May. An ad. Black-crownedNight-Heron arrived early MonheganI., Me., May 5-6 (PDV). at Jonqui•reApr. 9 (CC). A group(large for thisRegion) of 13 Tundra The season'ssix Yellow-headed Blackbirds were found in Connecti- Swanspassed over Hull Mar. 27 (AL), anda birdwas sighted at Km 381

Volume 38, Number 5 887 UplandSandpiper at Cap-TourmenteMay 9 (PBr) was a local rarity. The Whimbrel is casualin w. Quebec;consequently, a flock of 44 at Hull May 25 (BD) was surprising.A MarbledGodwit turnedup at Baieville May 10-11 (DJ) and nearby1. du Moine May 21 (DJ, YA), while a Purple Sandpiperwas found at QuebecCity May 25 (AGo). Althoughno Ruffs werereported this spring,a Long-billed Dowitcher was at Baieville Apr. 28 (YA) and anotherwas at Cacouna(GG, DR), addingto the recentincrease in sightingsof this bird. A c• Wilson's Phalaropeat New-CarlisleMay 12 (RBi et al.) providedone of very few recordsfrom the Gasp6Pen.; individualsalso strayed to the n. shoreof theLower St_ Lawrence R., with a femaleat Pointe-LebelMay 20 (SM) & 28 (CT) and a male at both Pointe-Lebeland HauteriveMay 25 (SM, CD, GC).

GULLS THROUGH OWLS -- There was the usual scatteringof rarergulls along the St. LawrenceR.: LaughingGull at BaievilleMay I (JPO), Franklin's Gull at Rivi•re-Ouelle May 15 (CA, MA), Corn. Black-headedGull at RimouskiMay 2 (TAP, YG) and LesserBlack- backedGull at QuebecCity Apr. 18 (CV). At leasteight Little Gulls of theJames Bay Rd., May 14 (DB et al.). A goodshowing was made returnedto LaSalle in May (PB). Remarkablefor springwere an ad. by theGreater White-fronted Goose with one each at Baieville(JL et Black-leggedKittiwake at LaSalleMay 20 (PB), 75 at QuebecCity May al.), Saint-Barth616mi(PBr et al.), Lauzon(FG) and M6tabctchouan 25 (AGo, CV) and I0 at L6vis May 29 (SMd). Twenty-nineArctic (JM, CC, JG)•hc latteran immatureand a firstfor L. Saint-Jean--and Ternswere identifiedat QuebecCity May 27 (AGo, CV) and Forster's five (a high number)at PlaisanceMay 5 (DT, RS, CB). Northbound Ternswere observedat Baievillein early May for the 3rd consecutive SnowGeese were again numerous outside their usualmigration corri- year--two on May I (JPO)& 8 (JH). A RingedTurtle-Dove at Berthier- dor: 20,000__+staged along the RichelieuR., and the s. shoreof L. sur-Mer Apr. 27 (PBe et al.) was undoubtedlyof captiveorigin. A N. Saint-Pierreand, on theGasp6 Pen., wherethe species is seldomseen, Hawk-Owl appearedat Dorion Mar. 25 (fide GH) andbirds previously 500 wereat Pctitc-MatancApr. 27 (LR) and60 werefound at Saintc- reportedat Laval andDeschambault (GL) stayedinto March. Remnants Annc-dcs-MontsMay 10(AD). In additionto a coupleof Ross'Geese at of lastwinter's Great Gray Owl invasionincluded up to threeat Aylmer QuebecCity (PL, CV), onewas at La Pocati•reApr. 19and May 6 (CA) until Apr. 4 (fide RB), oneat DundeeMay 23 (DG et al.), one(possibly and anotherwas at Islc-VcrteMay 16 (JPL). There were severalnote- two) at Oka until at leastMay 18 (RL), andone each at StokeMar. 31 worthysightings of Brant:a groupof 35 inlandat Lac-aux-SablesMay (fide VL), Cap-h-l'AigleMar. 27 (JPO) andNicolet Apr. 20 (AG). The 19 (GM) and flocksof 650 and 660 respectively(large for w. Quebec) annualowl censusin the Outaouaisregion produced calling Boreal Owls movingN overDundee May 21 (DG et al.) andAylmcr May 23 (BD). at Aylmer Mar. 23 (RD, RFu) and PerkinsApr. 11 (RB, DD). A dead bird was also collectedat Matane Apr. 28 (LR). All were considered DUCKS THROUGH FALCONS -- Extmlimital ducks included sin- migrants. gle Wood Ducksat HauteriveApr. 26 (SM) and Saint-Paul-du-Nord May 10 (AP), threemale and two 9 Canvasbacksat Sainte-Anne-des- MontsMay 11 (RF), a Redheadat RimouskiMay 3 (TAP) and lone GNATCATCHERS THROUGH TANAGERS -- A displacedBlue- RuddyDucks at Bic Apr. 29, RimouskiMay 3 (YG) andCacouna May grayGnatcatcher was found at Maria May 26 (RC) anda N. Wheatear 4-8 (TAP, YG). EurasianWigeons were noted at Montreal(JM), Baie- seenat CarletonMay 25 by the sameobserver provided a rarespring ville (two birds. m.ob.), QuebecCity (CV), Lauzon(PBr), Saint-G6- record.A WoodThrush was slightly n. of itsnormal range at La Malbaie d6on(fide CC), Cacouna(GG) and Saint-Paul-du-Nord(AP). Several May30 (RLa).while several mi•nids wandered exceptionally far N: a N. Corn.Eiders reached the Upper St. LawrenceR., wherethe species is a Mockingbirdat HauteriveMay 27 (LD, CD) andBrown Thrashers at rare vagrant:a male was founddead at ContrecoeurMay 10 (fide PB) Bergeronnesin May (AB) andPointe-Lebel May 27 (RT). A Magnolia while I. des Soeursproduced a female May 18 (FH) and a pair the Warblerat PortneufApr. 29 (CMa) wasthe only early arrival to be noted followingday (DM). The speciesis also scarce at QuebecCity in spring, amongthe warblers. At leasttwo Pine Warblers at Cap-TourmenteMay soflocks of 24 on May 12 (LM et al.) andeight on May 19 (JG, CC) 20-21 (FC, MH et al.) andone at Sainte-FoyMay 31 (CM) werelocally were unusual.A Turkey Vulture discoveredat Saint-Jean-Vianneyin uncommon,while one at BonaventureI., May 27 (PBr, GCh) was far late May (FP, LT) wasonly the 2nd for the Saguenayarea. A pair of from its breedinggrounds. A ConnecticutWarbler was at Saint-Fran- Red-shoulderedHawks returned Apr. 24 to Alma (MS, CG), wherethe •ois-du-LacMay 11 (DJ)•a recordearly arrival date for this rarely speciesnested in 1977,at then. limit of its range.For the2nd consecu- detectedmigrant. A fewsouthern vagrants also delighted observers: a c• tive yearPeregrine Falcons nested in Montreal.Both birds were captive Blue-wingedWarbler (YA et al.) anda c• HoodedWarbler (PM, PB) bred,the femalehaving been released in Vermontby CornellUniversity stoppedat Mt. RoyalMay 19, a $ HoodedWarbler was at thesame andthe male in New York. The pairlaid 4 eggsApr. 1-I 0 in a scrapeon locationMay 21 (BB et al.), and a Yellow-breastedChat was seen a downtownoffice building; two young(male and female) hatched May brieflyat Pointe-ClaireMay 26 (MM). NortherlyScarlet Tanagers were 11 and successfullyfledged in June(DBi, RGa). Sightingsseem to be talliedat BergeronnesMay 23-31 (AB) and HauteriveMay 26 [LD, increasingin the provinceas 19 otherbirds were countedat widely CD). scattered locations. GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES -- An imm. C• Blue Gros- PARTRIDGES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Four Gray Partridge beak frequenteda feederat L6vis Apr. 29-May 3 (FG) and an Indigo at Saint-Joseph-de-BeauceMar. 3 (YM et al.) were at the n.e. limit of Buntingat Mont-LaurierApr. 26 (EB) establisheda record early date for this introducedspecies' established range. An Am. Coot at M6tabet- the Region.Quebec's 8th Lark Sparrow (2ndfor spring)was an excit- chouanApr. 9 (NT) was early, while singlesat Bergeronnesin May ing find at Saint-Paul-du-NordMay 5 (RG). A $ Dark-eyedJunco of (AB) and CacounaMay 21 (ALa) were farther n. than usual. This the "Oregon" type was photographedat Alma May 5 (PT, SMa). A • season'sonly SandhillCranes were two observedat Km 381 of the Northern "Bullock's" Oriole observedat WestmountMay 12 (MAi) JamesBay Rd., May 6-11 (LRo et al.). Amongnotable shorebirds were representedonly the 2nd provincialsighting of this form. The increase 2 speciesseldom encountered here in springmigration: a LesserGolden- in House Finches continued, as 20 or more were counted at Montreal I. Plover at Saint-Andr6, KamouraskaCo., May 23 (JPO, DL) and two feedersduring the period (fide ND) Singlepairs also moved into feeders Baird's Sandpipersat CacounaMay 26 (CMa, RS6). Single Willets at DundeeApr. 2-3 (DG et al.) andLoretteville Mar. 18-May18 (LDR), visitedLaprairie (RW, m.ob.), Pointe-au-P•reand M6tis (TAP), andan new localitiesfor the species.

888 AmericanBirds, September4Dctober1984 ADDENDUM -- A belatedreport of an ad. d' Black-throatedGray ch•.nes,L. Desch•.nes,A. Desrosiers, B. DiLabio (BD), R. Dubois, R_ Warblerwas received; the bird was apparently seen for 5 minutesamong Faubert(RF), R. Fuoco (RFu), R. Galbraith(RGa), J. Gagnon, Y. a mixedflock of warblersmigrating through a Longueuilyard May l 1, Ganthier, M. Gawn, G. Gendron, D. Gervais, A. Giard (AG), R. 1983 (SB). Detailsof the headand upperpartswere noted,although no Gilbert (RG), C. Girard, A. Gouge (AGo), F. Grenon, J. Hardy, F. written descriptionwas prepared.This representsthe Region'sfirst Hilton, M. Houde, G. Huot, D. Janvin, R. Laberge(RLa), J. La- convincingsight record. chance,D. Lacroix, P. Lane, A. Lapierre(ALa), J-P Lebel, R. Letoire (RL), G. Lepage,V. L•tourneau, A. Lutz (AL). C. Maheu,Y. Maheu. ERRATUM -- The sightingof a GreatBlue Heronat Sherbrooke S. Marchand (SMd), L. Marcheterre,C. Marcotte (CMa), S. Martin Feb. 4, 1984 should be deleted from last winter's report. (SM), S. Massicotte(SMa), M. Mcintosh. J. Meloche, P. Migneault, CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- M. Ainley (MAi), T. G. Morissette, D. Mulholland, J-P Ouellet, F. Pedneault, A. Pelletier, ApRheinallt(TAP), Y. Aubry,C. Auchu.M. Auchu(MA), P. Bannon P. Poulin, L. Rochefort(LRo), L. Ruelland (LR), D. Ruest, M. Sa- (PB), B. Barnhurst,C. Baumann(CB), P. Bergeron(PBe), J. Bertrand, yard,R. Schryer(RS), R. S•lesse(RS6.), D. Toussaint,C. Tremblay,L. D. Bird (DBi), R. Bisson{RBi), R. B!ais (RB), S. Boivin, D. Bordage Tremblay, N. Tremblay, P. Tremblay, R. Turgeon, C. Vachon, R. (DB), A. Bouchard,E. Brault,C. Brodeau(CBr), P. Brousseau(PBr), Weeds.--RICHARD YANK, 566 Chester Road, Beaconsfield, Que. R. Caissey,F. Carreau,G. Chapdelaine(GCh), C. Cormier,G. Cyr, H9W 3KI, and YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wildlife Service, P.O. D. Dallaire, M. Darveau,N. David, L. deRepentigny(LDR), C. Des- Box 10100, Sainte-Foy, Que. G1V 4H5.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION /William J. Boyle, Jr., Robert O. Paxton and David A. Cutler Corm As compilerGreg Hanisek noted, Spring 1984 was a seasonof plen- ty-pie ntyof rain. plentyof coldweather, and plenty of birds. Weather- wise,it wassimilar to lastyear's cold, wet spring, except that it wasnot quiteas cold, norquite as wet, andthe birding was even better. March wasespecially dreadful, with temperaturesaveraging about 5 degrees belownormal and precipitation well abovenormal. The mainevent of themonth was the devastating storm that struck the Region March 28-29 with hurricane-forcewinds. This nor'easter,the worstspring storm in manyyears, dumped up to two feetof snowon northeasternPennsylva- nia andrearranged parts of theNew Jerseycoast. The combinationof strongwinds, heavy rain andhigh tidessent waist deep water surging throughmany coastal towns, isolating Atlantic City fromthe mainland for part of one day. April and May were tameby comparison,but both monthswere colderthan normaland very wet. The 9.74 inchesof rain receivedby City New York City in May madeit the wettestMay sincerecording began. For the season,the city got almost23 inches,nearly twice the normal allotment. The combinationof cold, wet weatherwith predominantly northerlywinds, alternating with brieferperiods of southerlyflow, resultedin anoutstanding passefine migration that lasted from late April into the secondweek of June.Late development of foliage,induced by thecool, damp spring, allowed the hordes of songbirdsto beeasily seen. Neverhave we hadsuch unanimous agreement on a migratoryseason. groundat Bull's Island,New Jersey,May 15 (RBI); 40+ Orchard Reportsfrom almost every observer began with statements such as "this Oriolesin a field at CapeMay, May 5 (PBa).The falloutof May 19was was the bestmigration in manyyears." Barb and FrankHaas called it mainlyalong the coast,as a cold front from the northcollided with a "the bestwarbler migration in 20 + years" in southeasternPennsylva- warm front from the southto pushmany migrantsout to sea. Those nia, while BobDeed said it wasthe best at hishome in Nyack, Rockland fortunateenough to be birdingalong the coastin the light rain saw County,New York, duringthe 40 yearshe haslived there.So many hundredsof migrantspouring in off theocean. Paxton banded 46 birds interestingreports were received that picking and choosing those to fit in two hoursusing only two netsat Gilgo, LongIsland, while Lauro, a into the limited spaceof this columnwas unusuallydifficult• many few mileswest at Tobay, had76 White-crownedSparrows. May 19 was worthwhile records had to be omitted. alsothe day of the New JerseyAudubon Society Birdathon, and one The first big wave of songbirdscame during the last few daysof teamspent the entire day at 4600-acreSandy Hook, wherethey tallied April, afterwhich there was a lull in mostareas until mid-May, although an amazing148 species, including 1000+ CapeMay Warblers,100+ May 5 wasgood on LongIsland and May 8-9 produceda majorfallout White-crownedSparrows, and 30 + Lincoln'sSparrows. A total of 245 on the coast.Inland, the flood gates opened (as Bill Reid putit) May 12, specieswas found that day by the 13 birdathonteams. with a steadystream of migrantsfor aboutten days. A secondbig fallout ABBREVIATIONS -- BombayHook = BombayHook Nat'l Wild- hit thecoast on May 19-20,but things quieted down a bit afterthe 22nd, life Refuge,near Smyrna.Del.; Brig. = BrigantineNat'l Wildlife when the weather turned warm. There were still numerouslingering Refuge,Atlantic Co., N.J.; J.B.W.R. = JamaicaBay Wildlife Refuge, migrantsduring the first week in June, includingthe usuallate fly- New York City. Place namesin italics are counties. catchersand MourningWarblers June 10. With thewaves of migrantscame some spectacles of thesort that are usuallyseen only in the fall, if at all--50+ Yellow-belliedFlycatchers LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- As usual,there were many reports of at PrincetonMay 17-21 (RBI); 25 + Gray-cheekedThrushes at Forest lingeringloons, the latestbeing a Corn.Loon at Sumneytown,Mont- Park, QueensMay 20; 38 Rose-breastedGrosbeaks at a BucksCounty, gomery,Pa., June3 (GFr). Followinga goodwinter showing, Horned Pennsylvaniafeeder, May 7 (SF); 20 ScarletTanagers feeding on the Grebeswere common along the coast in earlyspring, but scarce inland.

Volume 38, Number5 889 Red-neckedGrebe reversed that pattern, w•th mostof the reportscom- VULTURES THROUGH CRANES-- The BlackVulture population ing from inlandlakes and reservoirs. High countswere two at Hoope's continuesto increase,particularly near the n. edgesof itsrange. A count Res., Sussex,Del., Apr. 3 (RWe et al.); six at Harvey's L., Luzerne, of 30 in the Kingwood Station,Hunterdon, N.J., roostin April surq Pa , Apr. 17 (WR); sevenat CulversL., Sussex,N.J., Apr. 19 (Fr); and passedthe previousstate high of 25 setin Januaryat the sameplace 11 at the Bashakill,Sullivan, N.Y., Apr. 16 (JPT). An EaredGrebe was (m.ob.). Similarly, a flock of eight Black Vulturesat Hawk Mt., Pa, reportedfrom Hoope'sRes., Apr. 3-5 (E. Speck,APE). Apr. 21, wasthe biggest number ever recorded there (SBe). A prospect- The annualDelaware Valley OrnithologicalClub/Urner Club pelagic ing scoutwas seennear Mt. Peter,Orange, N.Y., Mar. 10 (D. Murphy trip out of BarnegatLight, N.J., May 26 was hamperedby fog and et al. ). producedfar fewer birdsthan last year, althoughmost of the usual The first of three Am. Swallow-tailedKites in the Region was at specieswere represented.Three Cory's Shearwatersand threeManx Southport,Long IslandApr. 19 (C. McKeever).The 2ndwas at Sandy Shearwaterswere bonuses among the severaldozen each of Greaterand Hook Apr. 30, only one day later than the bird therelast year (FN), Sootyshearwaters, but no N. Fulmarswere seenthis year. A single whilethe last of theseason entertained numerous observers at Cape May Leach's Storm-Petrelwas spottedamong the hundredsof Wilson's May 5. MississippiKites visited Cape May for the9th springin a row, Storm-Petrels(DS). but like lastyear, nonelingered for morethan a day. Suttonestimated a An Am. White Pelicanarrived in early March at Brig., where the total of eightindividuals on handMay 5-24, includinga full adultMay speciesis gettingto be somewhatregular, and remained throughout the 19 (AK et al.). More unusualwas a MississippiKite nearDover, Del , season.Seven Brown Pelicans at Cape May Pt., May 25 (MG), heralded May 26, providingonly the 3rd staterecord (RWe, J. Patterson,K the beginningof a minorinvasion during June; these birds proved to be Zietler). even more elusivethan thosein 1983. A big inlandflight of Double- Scatteredreports of Bald Eagleswere, fortunately,too numerousto crestedCormorants was reported from severallocations in Pennsylvania mention,but therewere a few noteworthyrecords. One of thesewas of Apr. 17, and100-200 were seen daily Apr. 25-May 25 migratingup the the constructionof a nestby a pair in Salem,N.J.; althoughthe nestwas DelawareR., near Philadelphia(NP); the speciesis not yet knownto notused, it is hopedthat the pairwill attemptto breedthere next year If nestinland in the Region, so migrantsare presumablyheading for the so, it would be only the 2nd nestingpair of Bald Eaglesin the state Great Lakes and farther n. Anotherpair of Bald Eagleswas seenat the TamarackSwamp, Dutch- ess, N.Y., May 12 (R.T.W.B.C.), while scatteredindividuals were SoAo noted during the period at the Sullivan, N.Y., reservoirs,where it is The bird of the seasonin New Jersey,narrowly grabbing hopedthey will nestin the near future(JPT et al.). honorsfrom a visitingtropical flycatcher, was the 5 Anhinga FourRegional hawk watcheswere mannedon a more-or-lessregular foundsoaring over Cape May Pt., May 4 by Mary Gustafsonand basis.The SandyHook site,monitored daily for the6th year, recorded a Linda Mills. This elusive vagrantfrom the s., only the 2rid record8018 birds, predominantlySharp-shinned Hawks (4990) and recorded in the state, frustratedbirders for almost a month, as it Am. Kestrels(1561), but alsoincluding new high counts for Bald Eagle was seenon 5 moreoccasions through June 1 alwaysin the air (five), Cooper'sHawk (165), Broad-wingedHawk (179), Merlin (251), and never for more than a few minutes(ph. PDu). and Peregrine(seven•FN). At MorganHill, Pa., on a promontory overlookingthe Delaware R., DeReamustallied 3168 raptors(59% Broad-wingeds)in 39 days of watching (DD). Although Hawk Mt Severalrecords of LeastBittern in May frome. Pennsylvania,where counted1749 raptorsin only 20 days of observation(JO, SBe), the thespecies is a rarebreeder, could have indicated nesting birds. One was Morgan Hill countswere consistentlyhigher on dayswhen both were at BethlehemMay 5 (KK); anotherat BeachHaven, Luzerne May 20-27 covered(which included all of the big flight days),again demonstrating (D , J., and M. Kalbach);and a 3rd at Minsi L., LehighMay 24 (SBo, that springmigration paths vary substantiallyfrom the familiar fall ph BS). InlandTricolored Herons were at HyperHumus, Sussex, N.J., routes.Big springflights do occurat thetraditional fall sites,however-- Apr. 28 (JZ), for a first countyrecord; at the BashakillApr. 29 (JPT et Mt. Peter, N.Y., recorded1725 raptorsin only 7 daysof counting, al ), for a first Sullivanrecord; and at PiermontPier on the HudsonR., mainlybecause of an Apr. 27 flight thatincluded 1269 Broad-wingeds RocklandMay 8, providingonly the 2nd county record (PDe). An imm. (JCi). White Ibis at Little Creek, Del., May 13, was the first in that statein The DelawareOrnithological Club springroundup located 10 Red- severalyears (PDm). shoulderedHawks, mainly in Sussex,and Ednie found the species•n eachof his3 breedingbird atlas blocks (APE et al.). Thisspecies, which WATERFOWL -- A Greater White-fronted Goose returned in late is steadilydeclining in New Jersey, appearsto be increasingin s Februaryto RoundPond, Amenia,Dutchess, N.Y., where a pair was Delaware,where it was formerlyseverely persecuted (fide DAC). Three presentlast spring. It wasjoined Mar. 27 by a 2ndbird, andthe two were reportsof GoldenEagles included an extraordinarily late one at Middle seenuntil Apr. 18 (DF, MY). An estimated20,000 SnowGeese passed CreekW.M.A., Pa., May 12 (SS). Inlandrecords of PeregrineFalcons over Goshen,Cape May, N.J., Apr. 7 (CS, PS), and many smaller camefrom GreatSwamp N.W.R., Mar. ! 1 (LS), Fairfield,N.J., in late flockswere noted at inlandhawk watches during the month. Late linger- March(PBa), andMt. Peter,Apr. 27, butwith theburgeoning Regional ers includeda flock of 20 at BombayHook throughoutmost of May, breedingpopulation (ca. 15pairs), coastal migrants are harder to ascer- w•th a few still aroundin June(m.ob.). A gatheringof 15,000Canada tain. A grayGyrfalcon photographed at Tuckerton,N.J., Mar. 11, may Geeseat L. Ontelaunee,Berks, Pa., Apr. 4, provideda recordlocal have beenthe one seenearlier in the winter at nearbyBrigantine I concentration(SBe). (RWi, ph. BS). Five Eur. Wigconin New Jerseyand three on Long Islandin Mamh Black Rails were reportedfrom suchregular sites as Port Mahon, were holdoversfrom the winter season.A good scatteringof divers Del., May 5 (twocalling--JCt); Oak Beach Marsh, Long Island May 20 remainedlate into the spring,perhaps discouraged from migratingby (RKe); andTurkey Pt., Cumberland,N.J., May 19 intoJune (minimum the cool weather. Amongthem were a Canvasbackand a Redheadat threecalling males--PGu et al.). The TuckahoeR. site at Marmora, Little Creek to at leastMay 17 (DAC et al.). Local high concentrations whichhas dwindled rapidly in the past2 years,held only three calling of Ring-neckedDuck included150-200 at ThousandAcre Marsh,Del., malesMay 19, andnone was heardafter that date (RM). Most unusual Mar. 19 (L. Frink); 220 at a reservoirin York,Pa., Mar. 25 (DHe); 320 was a calling Black Rail at the Allendale,N.J., celeryfarm, May 14- at SpruceRun Res., Hunterdon,N.J., Mar. 24 (RKa); and50+ at the June 8 (B. Johnson,m.ob.). For the first springin many years, we BashakillApr. 14 (JPT). receivedno report of a wanderingPurple Gallinule. Three Sandhill A • King Eiderlingered at MontaukPt., LongIsland, to May 13, Cranessoaring over Port Elizabeth, Cumberland,N.J., May 8, on a alongwith two HarlequinDucks (IBa). Othergatherings of Harlequins stormy,windy day werelate andmisplaced migrants (RBa). includedan impressive11 (six males,five females)at BarnegatLight Mar. 12 (B&FH), someof which remainedinto mid-April, and six at SHOREBIRDS -- A modestspring flight of LesserGolden-Plovers JonesInlet, Long Island, Mar. 3 to mid-April (JR et al.). Numerous broughtup to 12 to a rain poolnear Bombay Hook Apr. 20-May 2 (fide flocksof Com. Mergansersin Marchwere headed by a groupof 570 at APE), and about10 to Pedricktown,N.J., Apr. 9-May 3 (m.ob), a Budd L., Morris, N.J., Mar. 20 (C. Kelly). singlewas at CavenCove, Hudson, N.J., May 4 (DHa). Most notewor-

890 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 thywas one near the Bashakill May 12-13,one of thefew springrecords New Jersey, but has been winnowing in mid- to late May at Troy for inland s.e. New York (S.C.A.S.). Meadowsand GreatSwamp N.W.R., sincethe mid-1950s(fide PAB). Five reportsof Black-neckedStilt werewell aboveany recent spring Reportsof Wiison'sPhalarope were too numerousto detail,but includ- tally: the first wasa singleat SomersPt., Atlantic.N.J., Apr. 7 (MD); ed five in Delaware,four in New Jerseyand four in New York. Note- two werenear Petersburg, Atlantic, Apr. 15 (MM); oneat Aiiowayand worthywere two singlesin Orange, N.Y., one at KingstonMay 15 (RT, Pedricktown,N.J.. Apr. 26-28(JHa, JSt); two at ManningtonMarsh, FM), and one near ChesterMay 16 (E.A.M.B.C.). A Red-necked Salem,N.J., May 12 (S.C.B.C.); and l0 wereearly at PortMahon. Phalaropeat JonesBeach, Long IslandApr. 8 (fide THD), wasthe only Del., May 26 (APE).Three Am. Avocetswere sitting on the ice at Little reportof the season.On Apr. 22, J. Cadwaladerspotted what he thought Creek W.M.A., Del., Mar. 3 (D&KBa), and four-to-fivewere therein was a deadrobin on a suburbanlawn in Blue Bell, Delaware, Pa. Closer lateMay. Fouravocets at Brig.,Apr. 8, stayedto at leastApr. 29 (DHa, investigationrevealed that the bird was a Red Phalaropein partial m.ob.). breedingplumage. It had apparentlybeen dead a few days, and was probablybrought in by the storm of Apr. 18-19.

JAEGERSTHROUGH TERNS -- The HudsonCanyon pelagic trip May 26 producedthree Pomarine Jaegers. but noother jaegers or skuas. Little Gullsshowed a bigjump fromthe lowsof thepast few years,with at least20 individualsreported. although there was some possibility of duplication.Concentrations included two at KitCs Hummock, Del., May 17 intoJune (DAC et al.); sixat S. CapeMay Apr. 29-May 5 (PDu, LM et al.); an adult and an immatureat Caven Cove May 4 (DHa); six inm•aturesat CavenCove May 23 into June(DHa etal.); andabout five on Long Island during the season.A half-dozenCorn. Black-headed Gullswere all in New Jersey,one of theminland at AssunpinkW.M.A., Mar. 31 (RKa). The Little Gullsat S. CapeMay werewith a flock of about1000 Bonaparm'sGulls roosting in the S. CapeMay Meadows;a flock of about100 Bonaparte'sat Kitt's Hummock,Del., May 12 was the largestand latestgrouping that Cutler has observed in Delawarein Willet(with two Greater Yellowlegs) at MinsiLake, Pa., May 7, 1984. latespring (DAC). A Bonaparte'sGull at StrubleL., Chester,Pa., May Photo/Brad Silfies. 18 was a good find for that location(B & FH). Numerouslceland, LesserBlack-backed and Glaucousgulls in New York and New Jersey A Wilier inland at Minsi L., Lehigh, May 7, provideda rare occur- duringMarch andearly April wereholdovers from the winterseason. rencefor e. Pennsylvania,and may havebeen the first for that area A pair of Gull-billedTerns was at JamaicaBay May 20 (GT, TWB); documentedby photograph(BS, ph.). In the aftermathof the spring this speciesnow nestsannually in small numberson w. Long I. Scat- teredreports of CaspianTerns from variouscoastal and inland locations stormin lateMarch, a dazedand very early Upland Sandpiper was found wanderingthe medianstrip of Long BeachBoulevard near Harvey's were normal, but a Royal Tern at Great Kills, StatenI., N.Y., May 28 Cedars, Ocean, N.J., Mar. 30 (EF et al.). Just where the bird was wasrather early (A. Morris). ThreeRoseate Terns were at S. CapeMay comingfrom or goingto is a mystery,as this uncommon migrant and May 27 (RKa), and two were therethe next day (DS); a singlewas at breederordinarily arrives about Apr. 25. At the otherextreme was a Cape HcniopenMay 29 (JA, WWF). Three first-summer("portlan- very late migrantUpland Sandpiper at BombayHook May 17 (JCM, dica") ArcticTerns were seen on the HudsonCanyon pelagic trip May DAC et al.); thespecies is notknown to breedin Delaware.The annual 26, andanother was at S. CapeMay May 28-30 (DS). BlackTerns were very scarcethis season and, surprisingly,most of the recordswere from springgathering of Whimbreisat Tuckertonnumbered about 500 in late inlandlocations. Among them was one at HyperHumus marsh, Sussex, April andearly May (RKa et al.), andincluded an individualof the Eurasiansubspecies, as it oftenhas in thepast (MM). A similarly-sized N.J., Apr. 28 (JZ), andtwo at the BashakillMay 9 (P. Jeheberet al.). flock of Whimbreiswas at ShellbayBoulevard, near Cape May Court House May 14 (CS). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A White-winged Dove No aerialsurvey of theDelaware Bayshore massing of migrantshore- stoppedoff in BobManrer's yard at Marmora,N.J., for 2 hourson the birdsin lateMay wasundertaken this year, but visitors to suchspots as morningof May 20, but departedbefore a swarmof birderscould get P•ckeringBeach, Del., Reed'sBeach, N.J., andMoore's Beach, N.J., therefrom CapeMay (RM). The birdmay have come with thewave of found the usualhordes of Ruddy Turnstones,Red Knots, Sanderlings migrantsthat hit the Jerseyshore May 19-20; thereare now 3 state and SemipaimatedSandpipers. A Red Knot at Emmaus,Pa., May 7 records(one photographed), all withinthe last4 years.Because of the (KBu) furnishedthe firstLehigh record of a speciesthat is alwaysrare cold,damp spring, there were almost no tentcaterpillars anywhere in inland,especially in spring.Ten PurpleSandpipers at RooseveltInlet, theRegion, and in responseto thislack, there were almost no cuckoos. Del., May 28, wereunusually late for thatstate (BF), althoughthey are Many activebirders made it throughthe seasonwithout seeing or hear- regularalong the Jersey coast in lateMay. Amongtens of thousandsof ingeither species, and the few birds that arrived did so mainly at theend SemipaimatedSandpipers at Moore'sBeach May 28, wasa breeding- of May. plumagedCurlew Sandpiper(WJB, TH). Other CurlewSandpipers were at StoneHarbor Apr. 27 (SLiet al.); two at Brig., May 19-20 (m.ob.); JamaicaBay May 20-earlyJune (H. Martin et al.)' andLido A N. Saw-whetOwl wasfound at a traditionalnesting location Beach, Long IslandMay 29 (M. Lindauer). nearChatsworth. Ocean, N.J., May 19 (ABet al.). This species Ruffsput on anothergood show at Pedricktown;Meritt assembled is probablya muchmore common breeder in thePine Barrens of photographsand detaileddescriptions indicating that at leastseven New Jerseyand Long Island than is generallyrecognized, but its malesand one female were present during the season. Three of themales whollynocturnal habits and lack of birderinterest in themonoto- wereapparently repeats from 1983.The firstwas found Mar. 14 (RKa), nousbarrens contribute to an incompleteknowledge of thebird's and the last two were seenApr. 29 (m.ob.). Elsewhere,there were a distribution. male and female at Moore's Beachin early May, severalindividuals at Little Creek-BombayHook in April, anda malein full breedingplum- age at Cape Heniopen,Del., May 27 (JA, WWF). A Short-billed A Chuck-will's-widowstruck a buildingat Newark Internat'l Airport Dowitcher at Ciarks Summit, near Scranton, furnished an unusual on a foggyApr. 17 anddied despite efforts at rehabilitation(fide LS); springrecord for n.e. Pennsylvania(B. Ludlow, B. Nichols). inlandChucks were at Great SwampN.W.R., May 19, and at Eagle ACom. Snipe winnowingin the Great Swamp N.W.R., Morris, Rock Res., Essex, N.J., May 21 (TP). Several reportscame from N.J., on thelate date of May 19, suggestedpossible nesting there (RKa. variousparts of Long Island, wherea smallpopulation is now well PAB, AK, H. Wailurn). This speciesseems to be a rare breederin n. established.Red-headed Woodpeckers remained at new nesting1oca-

Volume 38, Number 5 891 tions after the winter invasion:three pairs were apparentlynesting at time;young were being fed May 14 (AG etal.). Therewere no authenti- ForestP., Queens,in May (GT), andabout four pairswere nesting at catedreports of SedgeWren in the Region,although their former haunts GreatSwamp N.W.R. (m.ob.). Two reportsof Yellow-belliedSap- in coastalDelaware were carefully searched. Many observerscontinued suckerin lateMay weremost unusual: one was found on theMoriches to comment on the improvinghealth of the E. Bluebird population, Bay Aud. Soc. Big Day CountMay 26 (J. Clinton,Sr.; J. Clinton,Jr.; as the speciesspreads into areasfrom which it vanisheddecades ago. R. Adamo);the 2nd, a femaledeveloping a broodpatch, was netted and The cold, wet springcaused a lower than averagebreeding success, bandedat Newark, Del., in late May (R. Roth,fide GKH). The sap- however. suckeris anearly migrant and is notknown to breeds. of themountains Kinglets and thrusheswere among the many speciesrecorded in of n.e. Pennsylvaniaand s. New York. excellentnumbers during the big flightsof lateApril andMay. The 25 + Gray-cheekedThrushes recorded at ForestP., QueensMay 20 mustbe FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Olive-sidedFlycatchers an all-time Regionalrecord for the spring(GT, TWB). A late flight of andYellow-bellied Flycatchers were more widely reported than usual, migrantthrushes produced over 300 Swainsoh'sThrushes on the eve- mainlywith the big wavesof migrantpasserines. Many observers felt ningof June7 at thePhiladelphia Airport 0CM). Onespecies that was that the otherEmpidonax flycatchers were late in arriving. not found in abundancewas Brown Thrasher.Many observershave commentedover the past few yearson thedeclining numbers of thrash- SoAo ersaway from theirpine barrens stronghold. Whatever the reasons,this Narrowlylosing out to theAnhinga as New Jersey'sbird of the is a speciesthat bears watching. The LoggerheadShrike at RosedaleP., seasonwas a flycatcher,found by B. Nixdorfand fellow birders, Mercer, N.J., was last seenMar. 20 (DHa), and anotherwas found dead feedingwith a flockof E. Kingbirdsin a field nearCape May in Somerset,N.J., Apr. 8 (WJW). Most interestingwas a Loggerhead Pointon theafternoon of May 18. It wasidentified by M. Gustaf- Shrikeat Ward PoundRidge Reservation, Westchester, N.Y., May 24, son and L. Mills (the sametwo who foundthe Anhinga)as an a date suggestingpossible breeding (J. Kalin); thereare only a few imm. Fork-tailed Flyeatcher•providing about the 9th recordfor nestingrecords for the Region,the last one beingin Orange,N.Y., in New Jersey.The bird wasseen by severaldozen birders (includ- 1963. ingRoger Tory Peterson on a recordNew Jersey Big Day) before it departedon thenight of May 20 (MG, LM, m.ob., ph. SLF). VIREOS, WARBLERS -- A White-eyedVireo at the BashakillMay All but 2 of theprevious 20 + recordsof thisspecies in the n.e. 12 furnished a first local record(E.A.M.B.C.). In contrastto someof United States and e. Canada have come in fall (see B.L. Monroe, the otherrare springmigrants, Philadelphia Vireo wasalmost unreport- Jr., and A. Barron, AB 34: 842). ed. One wasat Alpha, Warren,N.J., May 20 (J. Ebner).Solitary Vireos were late, but all of the other vireoswere plentiful. The big warblerflights brought numerous reports of bothBrewster's and Lawrence'shybrids, along with improvednumbers of Golden- wingedWarblers. SevenOrange-crowned Warblers were a bit above averagefor the spring:one was in New York. two in New Jerseyand four in Pennsylvania.The usualrash of Yellow-throatedWarblers n. of their normalrange was mainlyin April, as expected.Farthest afield were birdsin Rockland,N.Y., Apr. 12 (V. Schwartz),at the Bashakill May 12 (E.A.M.B.C.), andat BeachHaven, Luzerne, Pa., May l 0 (D., J. & M. Kalbach). Others at Lenhartsville,Berks, Pa. (C. R. Elwell), and near Sumneytown,Montgomery, Pa. (GFr, GAF), were in areas wherethe specieshas previously nested. A singingd' Yellow-throated Warblerappearing to be of thenominate race dominica in LebanonS.F., N.J., May 18-19, was well n. of the known breedingrange for that subspeciesin New Jersey(GM, m.ob.). A "Western" Palm Warbler, rare in spring,was banded at Somerset, N.J., on the late date of May 19 (WJW). KentuckyWarblers were at Wilkes-BarreMay 12 andat nearbyWyoming, Pa.. May 24 (JHo. KM, MB). Two othersat Wapwallopen,also in Luzerne, Pa., were present May 20-July and were presumablynesting (DG). A ConnecticutWar- bler was reportedfrom SpringCr., Lehigh, Pa., May 12 (KBu), and MourningWarblers were plentiful. with 40 + reports,including four at Forest P., June 3 (GT) and five at Rye, N.Y., May 26 (L. Brinker).

TANAGERS THROUGH ORIOLES -- Only a dozen accountsof Fork-tailedFlycatcher at CapeMay, N.J., May 20, 1984. Identifiedas SummerTanagers n. of theirknown breeding range were referred to us, an immature,but a wornor moltingadult couldhave an equallyshort but we suspectthat manyrecords go unreported,as sightingsof this tail. Photo/SergeLaFrance. increasingand N-expandingspecies become more commonplace.A SummerTanager at Dingman'sFerry, Pa., May 16-17, wasthe north- ernmostsighting (J_ Padalino). Another species that is steadilyexpand- A yellow-belliedTyrannus flycatcher that flew pasta groupof birders ing N is the Blue Grosbeak,which breeds commonly n. to aboutthe watchingthe Fork-tailedFlycatcher was thoughtto be a W. Kingbird, Raritan R., New Jersey,with an outpostat North Arlingtonin the but someother vagrant species could not be ruledout (FH et al.). We HackensackR. Marshes.Further expansion this year included a pairthat haveno recentspring records for W. Kingbird.although it is a regular attemptedto nestat CentralP., New York City {m.ob.). andanother pair fall andearly winterwsitor. A full-tailedScissor-tailed Flycatcher was presentat KingwoodTownship, Hunterdon, N.J., with no positive at LocustValley. Long IslandMay 2-5 (J. Schumsbyet al.). evidenceof nesting(OH). Observersfrom all partsof the Regioncommented on the late and There were severallate-spring reports of Dickcisselfrom Delaware, heavy migrationof swallows,especially the usuallyuncommon Cliff Pennsylvaniaand s. New Jersey.Two pairsof Dickcisselswere discov- Swallow. Single-daycounts of Cliff Swallowranged up to about100 in ered near Swedesboro,Gloucester, N.J., May 23, in an alfalfa field. DelawareMay 17(DAC et al.), 150 nearCape May May 16 (GM), and The birdsappeared to be nesting,but May 26 the field wasmowed. On hundredsat BullsI., May 15 (RB1,V. Blauvelt).The BorealChickadee May 28, two malesand a femalewere in an adjacentalfalfa field, but previouslyreported from Liberty S.P., N.J., stayeduntil at leastMar. birderssearching after that date could not relocatethem. Other Dickcis- 21 (m.ob.) A late andwidespread flight of Red-breastedNuthatches in selssuffered a similarfate in Junea few milesaway. A singing<• Clay- mid-May includedmany at potentialbreeding locations. Brown Creeper coloredSparrow discovered at SandyHook May 19 waspresent through was found nestingat Ridley Creek S.P., Delaware, Pa., for the first the 21st (FN et al.).

892 AmericanBirds, SeptembersOctober1984 VesperSparrows were found along many farm roadsin Somerset, Heck, G.K. Hess, Jim Hoyson(JHo), Rich Kane(RKa), Allan Keith, N.J. (WJW) in addition to the usualHunterdon and Warren locales. A RichKelly (RKe), Jim & MaryKey, Ken Kranich, Don Kunkle, Serge singingmale was at AssunpinkW.M.A., May 19 (FT et al.), and LaFrance(SLF), A.J. Lauro. SteveLawrence (SLa), Sid Lipschutz anotherwas on territoryat Bridgeton,Cumberland, N.J., May 22-24, (SLi), Mike Maurer, Robert Maurer, Gerry McChesney,Kevin well s. of the species'normal range in the state.A Lark Sparrowat McGuire, E.A. Mearns Bird Club, J.K. Meritt (JKM, s.w. NJ: 809 ColliersMills W.M.A., N.J., May 1, wasan unusualspring find (SH). SaratogaTerrace, Turnersville, NJ 08012), J.C. Miller (JCM), Linda Three Lapland Longspursat Alpha, N.J., May 9-11, were the only Mills,A. & J. Mirabella,B.L. Morris(BLM, e. Pa.:825 Muhlenburg holdoversfrom a poor wintershowing. St., Allentown,PA 18104),Brian Moscatello (BMo), FrankMurphy, The only two Yellow-headedBlackbirds reported were both females FrankNicoletti, D.M. Niles, Jim Olmes,Dave Oster, Ed Patten(EPa), and bothin Pennsylvania:one was at Quarryville,Lancaster, Apr. 17 JackPeachey, Eleanor Pink (EPi), Ted Proctor,Nick Pulcinella,G.S. (RMS) andanother was at MoselemSprings, Berks, Apr. 24 (SBe, M. Raynor,William Reid (n.e. Pa.: 73 W. RossStreet, Wilkes-Barre, PA Spence).At least eight Boat-tailedGrackles at JamaicaBay in May 18702),John Ruscica, Salem County Bird Club, SteveSantrier, R.M. indicatea continuingincrease in the smallNew York Statebreeding Schutsky,Joe Seneca (JSe), Dave Sibley, Brad Silfies, Len Soucy, Jim population.A groupof four Boat-tailedsat the Salem, N.J., nuclear Stasz(JSt), Sullivan County Audubon Society, Clay Sutton, Pat Sutton, powerplant were a few mi upstreamfrom the recently formed colony at JoeSwertinski (JSw), Robert Terwilliger, Fred Tetlow, Ken Tischner, Mad HorseCreek W.M.A. (RKa). The coastalflight of May 8 brought J.P. Tramontario(Orange, Sullivan and UlsterCos., NY: Orange an estimated150 eachof OrchardOriole and N. Orioleto Higbee's CountyCommunity College, Middletown, NY 10940),Guy Tudor, BeachW.M.A., near Cape May (PDu, MG et al.). Marion VanWagner, Otis Waterman. R.T. Waterman Bird Club (DutchessCo., NY), W.J. Wayne, Berna Weissman,Rick West (RWe), Rick Wiltraut(RWi), Mary Yegella,Jim Zamos.•WILLIAM FINCHES -- The Regionalrarity of the seasonwas a c• Brambling J. BOYLE, JR., 15 Indian Rock Road, Warren, NJ 07060, ROB- that visiteda PleasantValley, Dutehess,N.Y., feederca. Mar. 1-27. ERT O. PAXTON, 560 RiversideDrive, Apt. 12K, New York, NY Becauseof thecircumstances ofthe feeder, only a smallgroup of birders 10027,and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110Rock Creek Drive, Wyn- wereable to seethe bird, but the identityof thisfirst New York State cote, PA 19095. recordwas confirmed by an identifiablephotograph (MV, EPi, J'&MK, ph. OW); there are 2 recordsfor New Jersey(1958, 1965). A Red Crossbillin e. Dutehess,N.Y., on the latedate of May 12 suggested possiblenesting (R.T.W.B.C.). Therewere manyreports of flocksof PineSiskins in lateMay fromvarious parts of theRegion. It seemslikely that some of these birds will have remained to nest, as a few did MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION followingthe big invasionyear of 1981-1982. /Henry T. Armistead EXOTICS -- A pair of Eur. Goldfincheswas at Shoreham,Suffolk, Long IslandMay 27 (H. Halarea,T. Droisen);can they possiblybe Spring was wet, windy and cold. March averaged3.4 ø F below remnantsof the formerLong Islandpopulation? normal,April 2.2ø below normal, while precipitation was 2.7 inchesand 1.7 inchesabove normal, respectively. May sawno improvement.Wa- UNCONFIRMED REPORTS -- Two differentreports of Black- terfowl and cold-weatherpassetines lingered late. Shorebirdarrivals shoulderedKite werereceived from New Jersey-- onenear Columbia, were delayed.Yet many warblers,thrushes, Bobolink, Rose-breasted Warren, Apr. 22 (R. Malkovsky) and one near Reaville, Hunterdon, Grosbeak,and Lincoln'sSparrow were up and the migrationspilled May 16 (D. Dalrymple).These single-observer sight records have been over into Junefar morethan it usuallydoes. Heronsand hawkswere referredto the New JerseyBird RecordsCommittee. There is one underreported. confirmedrecord for the Region, a bird photographedin Dutchess, N.Y., in April 1983. A bird identifiedas an ad. Gray Hawk was seen ABBREVIATIONS -- Adv. = AdventureSanctuary, Potomac, nearBernardsville, Somerset, N.J., Apr. 27, by an experiencedraptor Md.; Bait. = Baltimore;Black. = BlackwaterNat'l WildlifeRefuge, enthusiast(LS). Distantphotographs were obtained, and the reporthas Md.; the Bay = ChesapeakeBay; C.B.B.T. = ChesapeakeBay been referredto the N.J. RecordsCommittee. The possibilityof an Bridge-Tunnel,Va.; Chinc. = ChincoteagueNat'l Wildlife Refuge; escapedfalconry bird existsin this case. Craney = CraneyI., Portsmouth,Va.; D.C. = Washington,D.C.; F.S.P. = Ft. Smallwood Park, Anne Arundel Co., Md.; Hart = Hart- CORRIGENDUM -- The date of the Black-shouldered(White- Miller Is., e. of Baltimore;S.S. = SandySpring, Md.; Susq.= lower tailed) Kite in Dutchess,N.Y., reportedin AB 37:852, was April 26, SusquehannaRiver, Md.; italicizeddate indicatesbirds were banded. 1983, not March 26. For technicalassistance with this reportI am indebtedto Rick Biota, Claudia Wilds and Erika Wilson. OBSERVERS -- (Subregionalcompilers in boldface):John Aull, PeterBacinski (PBa), Ilze Balodis(IBa), RobertBarber (RBa), Doug & Karen Batt (D&KBa), Seth Benz (SBe), Irving Black (IBI, n.e. NJ: EagleRock Village, Bldg 26, Apr. 8B, BuddLake, NJ 07828), Mark Blauer,R.J. B!icharz (RBI, n.c. NJ: 827 PennsylvaniaAve., Trenton, NJ 08638), Pete Both (PBo), Steve Boyce(SBo), Alan Brady, P.A. Buckley(PAB), JoeBurgiel, T.W. Burke (WestchesterCo., NY: 235 HighlandAve., Rye, NY 10580),Keith Butler(KBu), JudyCinquina (JCi), JoelCitron (JCt), Mike Danzenbaker,T.H. Davis (s.e. NY, L.I.: 94-46 85th Road, Woodhaven, NY 11421), Dave DeReamus, R.F. Deed (RocklandCo., NY: 50 ClintonAve., Nyack, NY 10960), Peter Derven(PDe), Jim Dowdell, Paul Dumont(PDm), Peter Dunne (PDu, coastalNJ: CMBO, Box 3, Cape May Point, NJ 08212). A.P. Ernie (New Castle and Kent Cos., DE: 21 N. Wells Ave., Glenolden, PA 19036),Steve Farbotnick, Ed Fingerhood,Bill Fintel.Dot Fleury,G.A. Franchois(GAF), W.W. Frech (SussexCo., DE: Carr. Rt. 3, Box 1144,Lewes, DE 19958),Gary Freed(GFr), PaulGillen (PGi), Doug Gross,AI Guarente,Paul Guris (PGu), Mary Gustafson,Jerry Haag (JHa), Barbara& FrankHaas (B&FH), SaulHait, Tom Halliwell, Greg Hanisek(n.w. NJ: 363James St., Phillipsburg,NJ 08865), DaveHarri- son (DHa), Dorothy Hartmann (DHt), Dan Heathcote(DHe), Otto

Volume 38, Number 5 893 LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- CommonLoons showed up in num- diedto 200 by Apr 16, 60 remaineduntil Apr 26 at Chlnc (DFH) On bersmuch earlier than usual in Marchwith threeat PineyRun County Mar. 18, 65 blue morphSnow Geesewere at Black., and 70 were in P , CarrollCo., Md., Mar. 31 (RFR) and35 at Oxford,Md., Apr. 1 QueenAnnes County, Md. (HTA). (BM, GLA, HTA), yet no extraordinarycounts were received. Two A pair of N. Pintailsnested unsuccessfully in Norfolk in April, the pairsof Pied-billedGrebes bred in May at HuntleyMeadows County P., 2ndVirginia breeding record, assuming the birds can be determined not Fairfax Co., Va., on a beaverpond, the first countybreeding record to havebeen escapes (RLA). At newly-birdedsewage lagoons near havingbeen here in 1983(JMA, EMW et al. ). AlthoughHorned Grebes Hufiock,Dorchester Co., Md., 100N. ShovelersApr. 8 anda lateN continuedto be scarce,an exceptionalreport was of 698 carefully Pintailand four RuddyDucks May 13 were notablefor the c. Eastern countedin St. Mary's County,Md., Apr. 20, with 598 of theseat Elms Shore(RFR). Excellentcounts from Deal IslandW.M.A., Md., were EnvironmentalEducation Center (EMW, MH); 195 were at Craney 1500Gadwalls, 1000 Am. Wigeon,250 N. Shovelersand 500 Ring- Apr. 5 (EMW et al. ). Red-neckedGrebes were rather widely reported in neckedDucks Apr. 8 (SHD). One-to-threeEur. Wigeonwere at Clare- Marchand early April w. of theBay with two in D.C., Mar. 8 (DC) and mont,Va., Mar. 4-18 (TK etal.) anda malewas at Black., Apr. 1 (HTA two on TriadelphiaRes., w. of Columbia,Md., Apr. 7 (HM, fide et al.). Goodcounts of Ring-neckedDucks were 230 on LibertyRes , CPW). Pelagicreporting was nil but seenfrom shorewere two Sooty n.w. of Balt., Mar. 31 (RFR) and 171 at Gaithersburg,Md., Mar 11 Shearwatersat Chinc.,May 19 (HD,fide CPW); 75 N. Gannetswere at (Me) cappinga goodshowing for thisspecies. The only"jetty duck" BackBay Apr. 5 (EMW et al. ) wherea lingererwas still present May 19 reportwas of a q?Harlequin Duck from C.B.B.T., Mar.3-Apr. 7 (RLA, (TRW). AmericanWhite Pelican'sstreak of 22 consecutivereporting DKD, EMVqet al. ). Morethan the usual number of lingering(i.e., May periodsends. No reportsthis spring. Previously they had been seen each birds) Canvasbacks,Redheads, scaup and Oldsquawswere seen seasonsince the fall of 1978.The firstBrown Pelicans were in Virginia (v.ob.). In D.C., Apr. 3, 42 Oldsquawsand 40 Com. Goldeneyeswere at SmithI., Apr. 27 (BT), two immatureswere at FishermanI., May 17 surprisingcounts for there(DC). Miscellaneoushigh counts were of 50 (ME), one was at Back Bay May 19 (RLA et al.), and two were at HoodedMerg.ansers at Piney Run Mar. 10(RFR), 1000Ruddy Ducks at Chmc., May 27-31 (HB, JAG, DFH et al.). BackR., e. of Balt., Apr. 1 (RFR) and838 Ruddieson the Patuxent R , The only GreatCormorant sightings were at LowerMachodoc Cr., at HorseLanding Mar. 19 (EMW). Va, nearthe Potomac R. mouthwhere two to eightwere seen as late as Apr. 2 (JEJ). Double-crestedCormorants continued to flourish with notablyearly upper Bay records of oneat Poole'sI., Mar. 2 (JGG),30 at Hart Apr. 1 (RFR) anda highof 121on thelower Susq., May 24 (RMS). At Hopewell,Va., 185 was a recordcount Apr. 21 (FRS, JWD), 92 RAPTORSTO CRANES-- In s. DorchesterCounty a raptormigra- tion was underwayApr. 1 when 130 Turkey Vultures,20 Red-tailed lingeredat BarrenI., Md., May 27 (GLA, HTA) andan apparent albino Hawks,three Rough-legged Hawks, 17 BaldEagles, 35 N. Harriersand wasat LangleyA.F.B., Va., May 22-23 (PMc,fide TK). A c• Magnifi- centFrigatebird was at AssateagueI., Md., Apr. 30 (MHn), aboutthe 30 Am. Kestrelswere counted (GLA, BM, HTA). EarlyOspreys were 6th for Maryland.American Bittern was more widely seen than usual, singlesin TalbotCounty, Md., Feb. 26 (JGR), at SmithI., Md., Mar 2 especiallyw. of theBay. In D.C., at KenilworthAquatic Gardens, three (RT), WestmorelandCounty, Va., Mar. 4 (JEJ)and Hog I., SurryCo , (plusa Sora)were foundMay 6 (BS). A bit earlywas a LeastBittern at Va., Mar. 4 (TK); a fine countof 98 wasmade on theSusq., Md., Apr 25 (RMS). Both Osprey(PRS) and Red-shoulderedHawk (EM) had GrandView, Hampton,Va., Apr. 2 (LW, fide TK) but mostherons returnedlate (v. ob.). An estimatedtotal of 110 GreatBlue Heronand 25 below-averagebreeding production probably due to excessrains The Bald Eagle nest surveyfound 62 active nestsin Virginia and 51 in GreatEgret pairs were at a colonyat BarrenI., May 27 with good productionof young(HTA, GLA). As in the pastfew yearsCattle Maryland,the firsttime in 27 yearsof censusingthat more have been Egretscontinued to be in low numbers.Early were singles in Maryland foundin Virginia (JMA, FRS et al.). At leastfour were downedby at ClaiborneMar. 21 (JKE) and AccokeekApr. 1 (PN), and on the windstormsand tornadoes of May 8 (MAB, fide FRS). In 1982 there were 102 nests,in 1983, 107 vs 113 this year. Notablefor the lower Virginia Piedmonttwo were at LeesburgMay 23 (KS). EasternShore, Md., werea Cooper'sHawk at HebronMay 27 (RFR), Thefirst Green-backed Herons were at JugBay, Md., Apr. I (JAG) one n. of Black., May 12 (CP, PL, FLP, HTA) and a pair of Broad- andnear Hopewell Apr. 5 (BP). A Black-crownedNight-Heron at Glen Falls, Md., May 24 wasonly the secondrecorded for inlandCarroll Co. wingedHawks at NassawangoCr., May 26 (SHD), all probablebreed- ers. New for Marylandwas a Swainson'sHawk in companywith 10 (RFR, PW). Twenty-threeYellow-crowned Night-Herons were at New- Broad-wingedHawks at F.S.P., Apr. 17 (WK). PiedmontMerlin sin- portNews, Va., May 12(WPS et al.). GlossyIbises made a verygood showingw. ofthe Bay with records such as four at F. S. P., Apr.6 (WK), gleswere reportedfrom RockvilleApr. 23 (Me) andNew DesignRd , fourin D.C., Apr. 16 (DC), six at MerkleW.M.A., PrinceGeorges FrederickCo., May 5 (BS et al. ) in Marylandand Nokesville, Va., Apr Co , Md., Apr. 20 (RFR, PW), five at HartApr. 22 (RFRet al.), and 26 (KB). Four PeregrineFalcons fledged by naturalbirth in downtown oneat Nokesvillein theVirginia Piedmont May 12 (RAA, KB et al.). Balt. (RFR) but informationwas unavailableon their otherbreeding sitesas it wasfor the hawk countsmade this springat F.S.P. An earlyone was at Black.,Mar. 18(HTA) andone the color of light milk chocolatewas at Fishermans I., May 11(MM) in a flockwith other Rallidswere well reportedwith highlightsincluding a Yellow Rail Glossies.At Chinc.these low maxima, many of themfrequently sur- flushedat GrandView, Va., Apr. 22 (LR, fide FRS) and a Black Rail passedon CBCs, indicatedthe often-low numbersof heronson the which"flew rightinto my wife's hands"at 3:30a.m. May 19 at Elliott refugein spring:Little Blue Heron 13 on May 17-18,Great Egret 20, I., Md. (DLK), where 12 were heardApr. 27 (JCM). Meanleyfound CattleEgret six, and Glossy Ibises 32 onMay 3-4, SnowyEgret 51 on ClapperRails paired off by Apr. 1 at Chinc., anda ratherearly nest with May 31-June1, andTricolored Heron nine on Apr. 25-26(CPW). 8 eggsMay 16. PiedmontKing Rails, alwaysof interest,were singles at PortDeposit, Md., May 3 (RMS) andSterling, Va., May 12 (CT) In s DorchesterCounty, Md., 42 VirginiaRails May 5 and44 on May 12 WATERFOWL -- More than the usual numbers of waterfowl lin- were averagecounts for censusesthere (KS, PL, CP et al.). Three geredinto May. High countsat Chinc. included:690 TundraSwans and VirginiaRails were at BlackMarsh e. of Balt., May 20 (RFR), 13 plus 690 N. ShovelersFeb. 26-Mar. 3; 350 Am. WigeonsMar. 18-24;640 two Soraswere at Miles Cr., Talbot Co., Md., May 5 (T.C.B.C.), six Green-wingedTeals Mar. 25-31;253 Blue-winged Teals Apr. 1-7;2599 were at Back Bay Apr. 27 (BW), and 10 plus two King Rails andtwo GadwallsApr. 8-14 with 530 still present as late as May 10(DFH et al.). Soraswere in Kent County,Md., May 5 (JGG, FLP). Very earlyyoung Mostof thesecounts are from weekly censuses with the date unspeci- seenat GrandView wereClapper Rails May 8 andVirginia Rails May 5 fied.Higher counts of many of thesespecies are usually obtained during (TK). New for inlandCarroll County, Md., weresingle Soras May 9 & thefall. Twoimm. Trumpeter Swans with yellow patagial tags were at 17 (RFR et al.) anda Com. MoorhenMay 17 (RFR, EB). Late (?) Am St Michaels,Md., Decemberto mid-Apriland had been hatched by Cootswere singles at Berlin, Md., May 12 andBack R., May 20 (RFR), MuteSwans in Ontarioand consorted with Mutes on their winter range a nestingattempt failed at NokesvilleMay 17 + (KB), oneof the few (JGR).Up to 42 MuteSwans, at theirs. limit,were at Chinc.,in early Virginia records.A cootwith a largewhite frontal shield was at McKee- April. A GreaterWhite-fronted Goose, present in winter,remained at BeshersW.M.A., MontgomeryCo., Md., May 10-11(PP, Me, ph ) Creswell,Hartford Co., Md., untilApr. 15(DLK etal. ). Fourthousand DorchesterCounty's first Sandhill Crane was at Black., Mar. 18 (RPR, SnowGeese at Ridgely,Caroline Co., Md., Apr. 6 (MWH) haddwin- LV), almostall otherRegional records being in fall or winter.

894 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984 SHOREBIRDS -- Universallylamented as being late and in low Bonaparte'sGulls More thanthe usualnumber of Bonaparte'slingered numbers,one problem being the cold waters which inhibited horseshoe well into May with 19 in D.C., May 5 (DC), one at Piney Run on the crabsegg-laying during the mid-Mayperiod of full moon(BT, CPW), MarylandPiedmont May 19 (RFR), one at Hart May 20 (RFR), 12 at wadersnevertheless had their momentsof interestthis spring.Wilds' Newport News May 12 (fide WPS) and someuntil May 20 at Grand Chmc.surveys continued with 10two-day censuses conducted Mar. 15- View (TK). On the York R., Va., 600 on Apr. 6 were considered June 1, for which spacepermits mention only of highlightshere (i.e., unprecedented(BW). A first-winterIceland Gull was on the Susq, maxima):two MarbledGodwits Apr. 5-6; 25 PipingPlovers, 166 Wil- Mar. 7 (RMS). Lesser Black-backedGulls were seen only at Ft letsApr. 26-27;425 Whimbrels,1038 Dunlins May 3-4; 603 Short- McHenry, Balt. (two adultsMar. 3 & 11--RFR), on the C.B.B.T , billed DowitchersMay 11-12; 751 SemipalmatedPlovers, 139 Black- Mar. 21-24 (RLA, GR) and at Wittman, Talbot Co., Md., Feb. 23 belhedPlovers, 720 LeastSandpipers May 17-18; one Stilt Sandpiper (JKE), perhapsan indicationwe shouldnot yet take them for granted May 24-25; 2098 RuddyTumstones, 663 Red Knots,72 White-romped GlaucousGulls were at Hart (two immaturesApr. 22--RFR; oneimma- Sandpipers,11,061 SemipalmatedSandpipers, 3744 Sanderlings,one ture May 20, RFR, EB, JD et al.), Back R., Mar. 4, one immature Wllson's and threeRed-necked phalaropes May 31-June1. As in any (RFR, EB), on the C.B.B.T., Apr. 4 (BB, EMW) andone was at Ocean otheryear some of thesespring migrants may actually have been in peak City, Md., during early May (CP, SM). numberslater, in June.Also present was a CurlewSandpiper May 17-24 Only nominalnumbers of Gull-billedTerns were reported, the earli- (CPW, KHW, DPn, DLK et al.). Our of sheerperversity, mention is estbeing four at BackBay Apr. 21 (TRW). The firstCaspian Terns were alsomade of the surprisinglylow numbersof somespecies seen here, to two at CraneyApr. 5 (EMW et al.). At theirprime concentration area at show that even a paradisesuch as Chinc. is not an undifferentiated Hart theybuilt upfrom 60 on Apr. 15 to 200 on Apr. 22,220 on Apr 29 showcasefor superlativesand offers plenty of chancesto ponderon the andthen down to 65 on May 20 (RFR et al.). SandyPoint S.P., Md , relativeabundance of birdsfrom placeto place(see also under herons in had75 on Apr. 21 (WK) anda breedingpair wasat ShipShoal I., Va , thisreport); other maxima included: one Killdeer Mar. 15-16& May 17- May 24 (BT), markingthe 11th consecutiveyear of attemptedbreeding 18, 83 Am. OystercatchersMar. 15-16;14 GreaterYellowlegs Apr. 26- by this speciesin very smallnumbers on Virginia'sEastern Shore A 27, nine LesserYellowlegs May 3-4; two SolitarySandpipers May 3-4 vagrantwas still in D.C., June4 (DC). Royal Ternswere almostunre- & 17-18;six Spotted Sandpipers May 17-18.Species missed completely portedon the Maryland part of the Bay exceptfor two at PoplarI , were Lesser Golden-Plover,Pectoral Sandpiper,Long-billed Dow- TalbotCo., May 5 (T. C. B.C.). In Virginiatwo SandwichTerns were at itcher, andCorn. Snipe.Wilds commentedthat this was an exceptional- Craney May 2, one at Back Bay May 11 (both TRW) and two at ly goodspring here for Whimbrels. PoquosonR., May 24 (BP). On May 27 theBarren I. areahad a record LesserGolden-Plovers included two nearJamestown, Va., Apr. 4-7 554 Corn.Tern nestsplus 64 of Forster'sTern, 23 of LeastTern and 16 (RLA, HCI, FRS et al.) andone at Trappe,Md., Apr. 15 (T.C.B.C.). of Black Skimmer, theselatter representing the 2nd breedingrecord for Mehlmanfound a Wilson'sand 12 Pipingplovers (including 4 nests)on the Marylandpart of the Bay, the first havingbeen here in 1983 (HTA, AssateagueI., Md., May 12. Amongthe 260 shorebirdsBuckalew GLA). bandedat Chinc. was a SemipalmatedPlover he caughtin May thathe Earliest terns included Forster's Mar. 11, Common Mar. 15, and originallyhad banded in May 1983.A Black-neckedStilt was at Craney LeastApr. 16 all at GrandView (TK). At Nokesville,Va., a Forster's May 18 and three were at Deal I., Md., May 14 (WS). American Apr. 30 and a Common May 7 were unusualfor the Piedmont(KB) Avocetspeaked at 200 at CraneyApr. 7, thendeclined to 10 by May 6 Coloniesof Least Terns were at Craney (150 pairs, May 18--RLA, (TK) Two were at Back Bay May 12 (BW) wherethey are muchless RLAk), 75 nestswith eggsnear 120thSt. at N. OceanCity May 27 expected.The high yellowlegscounts were in DorchesterCounty, (RFR), smallcolonies at Hart andPatuxent N. A.S., Md. (fide ME) with wherethere was 184 Grcatersand 86 LessersMay 5 (DB, EMW etal.). many hundredsof birds at GrandView (FRS, WPS et al.) and a few Notablefor landlockedFrederick County, Md., were six Willets, a pairsagain on the roof of the Cambridge,Md., high schoolin late May Black-bellied Plover, and two Pectoral Sandpipersnear Adamstown (HTA). Very small numbersof Black Terns were widely reportedin May 7 (DHW). An early SpottedSandpiper was at CapeCharles Apr. 4 May suchas threeon the Susq.,May 10 (RMS), four at Hooper'sI in (EMW) andthey againbred in D.C., in May (DC). UplandSandpipers the central Md. Bay May 12 (HTA et al.), one with two Forster'sat werewidely reported throughout the Region, mostly singles and pairs in LilyponsMay 7 (DHW) and threeat Seneca,Md., May 13 (SS, fide earlyMay (v.ob.). Thefirst Whimbrels were three at UpshurCr., Apr. 5 CPW), with an early one at CraneyApr. 28 (TK), a goodalbeit diffuse (BT) andtwo at GrandView the sameday (RHP, DP), and400 wereon showing.Rare on the upperBay were nineBlack Skimmersin n. Anne a tump at Fowling Pt. marshApr. 13 (BT), theseall in Virginia. At ArundelCounty just s. of Balt., May 28 (SG). Rarerstill wasa Razorbill BarrenI., Md., 28 plus89 RuddyTumstones and 14 RedKnots May 27 8 mi s.e. of Wachapreague,Va., whichcircled a boatat closerange in wereunexpectedly high counts for thec. Bay area(HTA, GLA). At the companywith 12 N. GannetsApr. 12 (GR). topof theBay at Hart, Ringleret al. had 12 RuddyTurnstones, 16 Red Knots, 75 Dunlins and a PurpleSandpiper May 20. DOVES THROUGH SHRIKES -- A total of 617 MourningDoves The onlyW. Sandpiperwas one at ShirleyPlantation near Hopewell wasseen on theNewport News spring bird count May 12 (WPSet al ) May 20 (FRS et al.). The overwinteringLeast Sandpipersat Curles Two Monk Parakeetswere at Annandale,Va., Apr. 20 (BK,fide CPW), Neck, s.e. HenricoCo., Va., were seenMar. 11 & 24, wheneight were a speciesthat never has been commonly reported in thisRegion. Several there(FRS, JWD, BR). White-rompedand Pectoral sandpipers as well commentedthat Black-billed Cuckoos were late and uncommon. Except as Short-billedDowitchers were in poor numbers(v.ob.). A Purple on the Piedmontthe cuckoomost people see here is the Yellow-billed, Sandpiperand six Red-neckedPhalaropes were seenfrom C.B.B.T., whichalmost everyone considered to havearrived very late and in low May 27 (GL, fide DC). SingleStilt Sandpipers were at HebronMay 13 numbers,many not seeingthem until mid-May or later. Interestingly (RFR) and Black., May 12-14 (PL, WS et al.). A Long-billed enough,tent caterpillarswere almostnonexistent also. Highest owl Dowltcherat Lilypons,Frederick Co., Md., wasunique May 7 (DHW). countsincluded 17 E. Screechand 18 GreatHorned in Talbot County, Portlockfound 135 Corn. Snipeat PresquileN.W.R., nearHopewell Md., May 5 (T.C.B.C.) andfour Short-earedOwls at the Chinc.cause- Apr 3 andHewitt found 5 i atDenton, Md., Apr.10. A pairof Wilson's way Mar. 15 (RAA). A N. Saw-whetOwl was in D.C., Apr. 11 (DC, Phalaropeswas at RemingtonFarms, Kent Co., Md., May 5-8 (JGG, ph.). The earliestChimney Swifts were threein RichmondMar. 30 (PB, fide FRS). The first Ruby-throatedHummingbirds were singlesat Lo- GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- In the Hampton, Va. area spring custville,Va., Apr. 6 (GR) and Virginia BeachApr. 13 (TRW). Late amvalRoyal Terns were first noticed Mar. 11(TK) andLaughing Gulls Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere at Alexandria, Va., May 10 (PN) and Mar 17 (TK, HCI). Thirty-fourLaughing Gulls were at Chinc.,Mar. in D.C., May 19 (DC). Unusualon or nearthe coastalplain were Olive- 15-16(CPW). An ad. Little Gull at GrandView Apr. 5-7 wasjoined by sided Flycatchersat RichmondMay 12 (MJI, KLR, fide FRS) and an immatureApr. 6 (TK, HCI) and onewas at Chinc., Apr. 25-26 nearbyat CurlesNeck May 13 (FRS, RHP et al.), while at Nokesvdle (CPW). An ad. Corn. Black-headedGull was at Chinc., Mar. 20-Apr. May 17 one plus a Yellow-belliedFlycatcher and a Lincoln'sSparrow 15 (BY, DKD etal.) andone at BackR., Md., Apr. 1 wasin immacu- wereall singing(KB). Cannotone say that flycatchers sing? If not, then latebreeding plumage (RFR, PW et al., ph.) andin companywith 600 their callingmust mean both their songsplus their call notes,an impre-

Volume 38, Number 5 895 clsedescriptor Black Rmls also sing A lateYellow-bellied Flycatcher wereat NokesvllleMay 12 (RAA), Frederick,Md , May 7 (fideDHW), wasat S.S., June2 (JSW). The only Alder Flycatcherreport was of one Beltsville, Md., May 3 (WS) and McKee-BeshersW.M.A., May 21 at Beltsville, Md., May 23 (WS), but 38 "Traill's Flycatchers"were at (JO) while threewere at CurlesNeck alsoduring May (FRS et al ) S S., May 13-June3 with eight on May 20 (JSW). Unusuallyfar s.e. Extremelylate was a Tree Sparrowat Sterling,Va., Apr. 29 (EMW et wasa Willow Flycatchernear Hopewell June 3 (JWD, FRS). Oneof the al.). A Clay-coloredSparrow in D.C., May 1-5 wasnew for there(DC, few reportsever for Marylandwas a well-describedScissor-tailed Fly- BS, ph.) and onewas in RockvilleMay 9-17 (BA et al.). Nine Hens- catcher seenat very closerange at Black., May 16 (BFR et al.). low's Sparrowswere at ElliottI., Apr. 27 (JCM). A lateFox Sparrow The firstswallows are always heartening. At Lilyponstwo N. Rough- was at Adv., Apr. 17 (MD). The Lincoln's Sparrowmigration was wlngedswere seen Mar. 18 (EMW et al. ), two Bankswere at Betterton, excellentwith 19 at Adv., May 6 (two)-May21 (three)with five onMay Md., Apr. 4 (JGG), a Cliff was at Claremont,Va., Mar. 17 (LW,fide 20, while S.S. capturedseven onMay 20 andfive onMay21 (MD, N & TK) and a very early PurpleMartin wasin NewportNews Mar. 3 (ES, SM, JSW). White-throatedSparrows lingered in huge numbersinto fide TK). Exceptionallylate was a Black-cappedChickadee at S.S., mid-May with countssuch as 240 in D.C. (DC) and 380 in Frederick bandedMay 18 (JSW). Red-breastedNuthatches were widespreadand County(DHW) May 5, andvery late onesat Adv., May 30 (MD) and late duringMay with two at Chinc., as late as May 24 (KHW, DPn). threebanded at S.S., May 21 (JSW). The Harris' Sparrowat Hamp- Two Brown Creeperswere singingat NassawangoCr., wherethey stead,Md., stayeduntil at leastMar. 18 (RFR et al.). A Dark-eyed breed,May 26 (SHD). The last Ruby-crownedKinglet was at Adv., (Oregon)Junco was in D.C., Mar. 14 (DC, ph.). Bobolinksstaged an May 20 (MD). The thrushmigration was excellent with peaknumbers of excellentflight throughout,many people seeing hundreds in oneday, Gray-cheekedsand Swainson'sat Adv., May 20 (MD) andclose by at with 767 at NewportNews May 12 (WPS et al.), 60 at CurlesNeck June S S., May 21 (JSW) asindicated by bandedbirds. At S.S., two Swain- 3 (JWD, FRSet al.), andmany others seen well into June. A d' Yellow- son'swere present June 2 (JSW) andalate Hermit wasat Adv., May 15 headedBlackbird was in Kensington,Md., Mar. 9 (DS, fide CPW) (MD). Gray Catbirdwas the commonestcatch at S.S. (242--JSW, N & PurpleFinches were present late at Adv., withsome banded May 8-18 SM) and the 2nd-commonestat Adv. (304•MD et al.). In Frederick including 17 on May 10 (MD). Pine Siskinslingered late againthis County,Md., May 5, 66 WaterPipits was a veryhigh number for solate spring,with morereports in May thanfor mostof thewinter, incudlng (DHW). CedarWaxwings staged a veritableinvasion of the areain May one at Nokesville(KB) andtwo at Alexandria(JMA) May 15, andthe with many birds spillingover well into Junein most areas(m.ob.). lastat RichmondMay 19(BR, FRS). The samemay be said for Evening Three LoggerheadShrikes were at Lilypons Apr. 1 (DWH) but for the Grosbeakwith last recordsat Jug Bay May 20 (JAG) and four at first time in 5 yearsnone nested in the Nokesvillearea (KB). Claiborne,Talbot Co., Md., May 11 (JKE).

VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- In spiteof the cold, wind and rain OBSERVERS -- J.M. Abbott, R.L. Ake (RLAk), R.A. Anderson, manyconsidered this an exceptionalspring for thesebirds. Among the R.L. Anderson,G.L. Armistead,Bob Augustine,Ken Bass,Paul Be- 2795 birdsof 92 speciesbanded at Adv., in 16,611 net-hoursApr. 15- dell, Henry Bielstein, Eirik Blom, L.D. Bonham, Bill Bruni, J H May 31 were29 warblerspecies, including an Orange-crownedApr. 28, Buckalew, M.A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak, LesterCoble, S.L. Collins, 20 MourningsMay 14-31 (four on both May 21 & 27), highs for GeorgeConsolvo, David Czaplak, Gus Daniels, Karl David, Fenton Magnolia, Wilson's, Canadaand Am. Redstartall May 20, and N. Day, Harold Day, J.W. Dillard, D.K. Disher,K.L. Dixon, Margaret Waterthrushbeing the commonestwarbler with 145 bandedincluding Donnald,Jon Dunn, S.H. Dyke, J.K. Effinger, Ethel Engle, M•ke 16 onMay 1 (MD et al.). The big numbersof commonbirds on someof Erwin, A.J. Fletcher,R.B. Fletcher,Shirley Geddes,Inez Glime, J A the springcounts are indicatedby 118 White-eyedand 152 Red-eyed Gregoire,J.G. Gruber,Maggie Hawk, M.W. Hewitt, Mark Hoffman vireos at WilliamsburgApr. 29 (BTa et al.), and 133 Red-eyedsat (MHn), D.F. Holland,H.C. Irving, M.J. Iwanik, J.E. Johnson,Sylvia Newport News May 12 (WPS et al.). Blue-wingedWarblers were Johnson,Teta Kain, D.L. Kirkwood, R.L. Kleen, Wayne Klockner, abundantwith an extremelyearly one at Ashland,Va., Apr. 2 (KD). A Alicia Knotts, Bob Kuhn, YuLee Larner, L. Leavy, GeorgeLedec, Paul "Brewster'sWarbler" was at RichmondApr. 30 (DP,fide FRS) anda Lehman,Nancy & StuartMacClintock, Elwood Martin, PaulMcAllis- "Lawrence'sWarbler" was at RockvilleMay 5 (JS,fide CPW). Gold- ter (PMc), SeanMcCandless, Mark McNair, BrookeMeanley (BMy), en-wingedWarblers were widespread and Tennessee Warblers were in D.W. Mehlman, Bjorn Miller, J.C. Miller, Harvey Mudd, Paul Mur- above-averagenumbers (v.ob.). An Orange-crownedWarbler was at phy, Paul Nistico,Madanna Nuttle, JohnO'Brien, MichaelO'Brien, Rockville Apr. 28 (MO). The first N. Parulaand Prairie Warblers were F.L. Parks,E.D. Peacock,Dwight Peake, R.H. Peake,Carl Perry,Don in Norfolk Apr. 5 (TRW). A lateMagnolia Warbler was in D.C., June5 Peterson(DPn), PaulPisano, Bill Portlock,J.G. Reese,George Ringer, (DC). Yellow-rumpedWarblers stayed late in largenumbers with oneat R.F. Ringler, Wilbur Rittenhouse,K.L. Robertson,Larry Robinson, RichmondMay 24 (FRS) and 860 in Talbot County, Md., May 5 B.F. Rollflnke, Betsy Roszell, R.P. Russell, Kurt Savoie, R M (T.C.B.C.); they were still numerousaround Balt., May 20 (RFR). A Schutsky,F.R. Scott, SteveSteimel (SSm), Kim Shank(KSk), Don late BlackburnianWarbler was at Curles Neck June 3 (JWD, FRS). At Smith,W.P. Smith,P.R. Spitzer,Evelyn Stalnaker, Nick Stavms, Jean S S., 1310 birds of 76 specieswere bandedon 21 daysApr. 21-June3 Steinberg,Susan Strange, Wally Sumner,Byron Swift, CharlieSwift, with 28 warblerspecies including three Mourning Warblers May 20, a Brian Taber (BTa), Talbot Co. Bird Club (T.C.B.C.), Barry Trum, • ConnecticutWarbler May 21-22, a CanadaWarbler June 2 andtwo CraigTufts, RobinTyler, LauraValoppi, D.H. Wallace,Pete Webb, BlackpollWarblers June 3 (N & SM, JSW).Bay-breasted Warbler drew K.H. Weber, J.S. Weske,H.L. Wierenga,C.P. Wilds, Lew Wilkinson, the mostcommentary for beingin bestnumbers, the bestever for many Bill Williams, E.J. Willoughby,E.M. Wilson,T.R. Wolfe, Benjamin birders,with a big influx May 10-20, suchas 16 in RichmondMay 17 YokeI.--HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 28 E. Springfield Ave., Phila- (FRS et al.). In NewportNews 171 BlackpollWarblers were found May delphia, PA 19118. 12 (WPS et a l.) andScott had 15 still in RichmondJune 1. Out of place was a Swainson'sWarbler at Huntley MeadowsCounty P., May 13 (LL,fide CPW). The MourningWarbler migration was as extraordinary as that of the Bay-breastedswith many reportedwell into June,many observersseeing > one/day.Exceptional also was the passageof Wil- son'sand Canadawarblers with Wilson'sbeing seen commonly even near the coastand countssuch as 21 Canadasin RichmondMay 15 (FRS). More notable censustotals were 70 Black-and-whites,94 N. Parulasand 66 PrairieWarblers at WilliamsburgApr. 29 (BTa et al.).

GROSBEAKS THROUGH CARDUELINES -- Rose-breasted Grosbeakwas yet another species drawing comments from all sections for its high numbers.Single Black-headed Grosbeaks were seenat VirginiaBeach Jan.-Apr. 26 (SLC et al., ph.),in NorfolkMay 4 (RLA, NS) andat Jug Bay, Patuxent R., Md., May6 (JAG).Single Dickcissels

896 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION /Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. / ./ L 't':',, ,' , 2'"_--•t'--..... '

The weatherthis spring was quite similar to thatof a yearago. March I- / ...... }•'• • • l e RALEIGH andApril werequite cool andwet, andvery unsettled,as evidenced by I' • • •.• ,•.1 N. •. an unusualnumber of tornadoes,but the Regionessentially avoided snowand hard freezes.The regularprocession of cold frontsfrom the Great Plainsto the Southeastcontinued well into May. However, the • / ' • •Xg LUMBERTONe May frontswere ratherdry, and unsettledweather became somewhat SCarce. Lastspring in thisjournal I proclaimedthat the 1983 flight"was one of the betterspring migrations in the last ten years." This springwas I FallLine • • •Y• •OM•rN evenbetter, perhaps the bestin ten years,at leastfor passefinemigrants. Trans-Gulfmigrating warblers were in muchabove normal numbers in the Piedmont,but the CoastalPlain observersfound suchspecies un- commonor rare, as usual.A stalledfront April 21-22 causeda major songbirdfallout, and westerly winds behind several cold fronts from late April to mid-May, especiallyMay 4-5, alsoblew birdsto the eastof their normalmigratory routes (and into the Piedmont).On the other hand,shorebirding was rather disappointing, as most lakes were full and FLA...A ..... --..• , .. . - the unsettledweather did not coincidewith the periodwhen shorebird flightsare typically heavy (late April to lateMay). Pelagicbirding was ratherbland, in part becauseof the scarcityof tripsto North Carolina's Durham-ChapelHill area were more than usual. Yellow-crowned Gulf Stream.Despite the lacklusterwaterbirding, there were a number Night-Heronsnested near Chapel Hill severalyears ago, sotwo adultsat of unusualsightings, especially among songbirds that migrateto our New HopeCr., Apr. 28 (BW, MW) mightpossibly have been breeders. west. In fact, the two new staterecords, both from Georgia, were Alwaysa goodfind inland,a GlossyIbis wasat JordanL., Apr. 28 (P & Westernpasserines. PHo).

LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- The best inland count of WATERFOWL -- Notablefor springwere two TundraSwans Mar. Com. Loonswas 47 at vastlyunder-birded L. Moultrie, S.C., Mar. 18 24 at JordanL. (RD, AB) and anothernear Atlanta Mar. 9 (JG, CA). (DBM). The two N. Fulmarrecords were hopefullyof differentbirds-- The cool weather in April allowed waterfowl to linger longer than singleseach 40 mi s.s.e.of BeanfortInlet, N.C., Apr. 7 (RD) & Apr. 12 normal, with the Durhamspring count Apr. 22 tallying 11 speciesof (LD). Black-cappedPetrels have provento be essentiallyyear-round waterfowl (fide MS), includingtwo N. Shovelersand two Gadwalls residentsin partsof the Gulf Stream, at leastoff North Carolina. Re- (RD). Georgia's first Harlequin Duck, discoveredthis winter, re- cordsthis season were of 10off CapeLookout, N.C., Mar. 3 (WI et al.); mainedat Tybee I. until Mar. 10 (PB, MO, BP). OccasionalOldsquaws fouron May 11 off Charleston,S.C. (CH); a Georgiarecord 65 e. of St. areseen on inlandlakes in winter,for a few days,but two birdsat a pond CatherinesI., Apr. 13 (CH); andone off JekyllI., Ga., May 27 (TM et near AugustaMar. 15-Apr. 11 (AW. DW) were nearly unprecedented al.). Shearwatersof notewere an early GreaterMay 7 off Charleston for length of stay. Both a Surf Scoter and a White-winged Scoter (DF), six.Sooties off TybeeI., May 18 (CH) forjust the 3rd recordever stoppedat L. Keowee, S.C., Mar. 13 (DBM). AnotherWhite-winged for Georgia,one and possiblytwo Manxesoff CapeLookout Mar. 3 wasthere Apr. 4 (DBM), andnine at St. SimonsI., Ga., wererather late (DL, HL, WI), twoearly Audubon's Apr. 13off St. Catherines1. (CH), Apr. 3 (D & PM). Otherlate waterfowl were a $ HoodedMerganser at and169 Audubon'sMay 11 off Charleston(CH). A recordearly Wil- L. Lure, N.C., May 15 (RW) and three Corn. MergansersMar. 23 at son'sStorm-Petrel for Georgiawas one Apr. 13 off St. CatherinesI. Jordan L. (RD, AB). (CH). Haneyhad the only Leach's Storm-Petrel for theseason--125 mi e. of TybeeI., Ga., May 11, andin the samearea the sameday was an HAWKS THROUGH CRANES -- A first Piedmont nest of the ad.White-tailed Tropicbird (ph., CH). Hardlya seasongoes by without Osprey, and the first away from North Carolina'stidewater zone, was a recordfor the once-very-rareAm. White Pelican;individuals this foundMay 6 at JordanL. (ALB, JPayet al.). Therewere mixed reports springwere noted for a weekin mid-Marchin theMorehead City, N.C., as to the presenceor absenceof young, but the nestwas foundpartly area(AP et al.) andin Charlestonharbor Apr. 27 (CW, PN). Georgia's destroyed(by a storm?)later in the month,and the nestingapparently remarkableinland Great Cormorantthat spent the winter near Albany failed (fide BR). AmericanSwallow-tailed Kites turnedup at 5 coastal lingeredto mid-March(G & CV,fide TM). Numbersof Double-crested sitesin NorthCarolina, with oneat OcracokeI., Mar. 8 (LC) beingquite Cormorantsnesting in inlandNorth America must surely be on therise, early. Possiblythe earliestMississippi Kites for North Carolinawere basedon the astronomical increase in migrantsobserved on inlandlakes sevenat their usual breeding (?) sitein e. Halifax CountyApr. 28 (MAS, in theRegion. McNair had 2200 onL. Marion,S.C., andjust below its WL) anda migrantwas rare in that statenear Swansboro May 16 (HH). dam on Mar. 18; 360 were tallied on a springcount at JordanL., Thesekites breed in the CongareeSwamp below Columbia, S.C., but ChathamCo., N.C., May 6 (RD, BR);200 + wereflying over Augusta, 17 on thatcity's springcount May 5 (fideJS) wasimpressive. Gratify- Ga., Apr. 14(AW); and210 wereat FailsL. nearDurham, N.C., May ingly, a pair of Bald Eagles bred successfullyin the wild in North 13 (RD). Carolina, endinga frustratingand mysterious14-year lapse; the pair fledgedtwo youngfrom the neston mainlandHyde County(MWe et WADERS-- GreatEgrets were formerly rather rare in springin the al.). Inlandreports of migrantBald Eagles continue to increase,with the Piedmont,but this seasonindividuals were reported at 5 spotsin c. bestcount being of 14 (12 iramatures)at a marshbelow L. Mariondam NorthCarolina and at 2 sitesnear Atlanta, Ga. However,Snowy Egrets Mar. 18 (DBM) andthree at JordanL., May 6 (GM, RD). What might aregenuinely rare in thatprovince in spring;sightings there were one at be a first in the Regionin springwas an ad. Northern Goshawk seen JordanL., N.C., May 6 (RD), onenear Atlanta May 6 (PB, BP, PR), soaringin s.e. AlamanceCounty, N.C., Mar. 11 (AB). A goodhawk and sevennear Raleigh, N.C., Apr. 22 (HL, JM). Five "changing" migrationwas notedat JordanL., Apr. 15; 10 specieswere tallied, imm. Little BlueHerons at FallsL., Apr. 22 (KK) werenotable inland, including30 eachof Ospreyand Broad-winged Hawk (RD, AB, HL). and seldom seen in the Piedmont at this season was a Tricolored Heron Both inland Merlins were observedMay 5: near Columbia(SC et al.) at JordanL., Apr. 23 (RD). The bestwader of thespring was a Reddish andnear Fayetteville (PJC et al.). A PeregrineFalcon near Raleigh May Egret Apr. 7 somewhatinland at Middleton Plantation,10 mi n.w. of 1 (JM) wasthe only inlandreport, whereas three were sighted along the Charleston(DP). CattleEgrets differ from other waders in beingmore coast,at CharlestonApr. 27 (CW, PN) andat CedarI., N.C., May 6 & numerousinland in springthan as latesummer visitors; the 5 recordsfor 20 (JF et al.). the Atlantaarea (fide TM), andnumerous reports from the Raleigh- There were scatteredinland reportsof King and Virginia rails and

Volume 38, Number 5 897 Soras,as usual, and many Kings (including two chicks)were at Eufaula wasa LeastTern at Augusta Apr 9 (AW, VW), anda BridledTern was N.W.R., Ga., Apr. 22 (BP). A PurpleGallinule was out of rangeat somewhatearly May 11 s.e.of Charleston(CH). Thoughthere was MerchantsMillpond S.P., N.C., May 26-June3 •de FW); andgood evidenceof a flightof Razorbillsthis winter into our waters, three in Am. Coot totalsfor the w. Piedmontwere 320 at L. KeoweeApr. 4 Charlestonharbor Apr. 8 werea completesurprise (DP). (DBM) and 233 at SweetwaterCreek S.P., Ga., Mar. 25 (D & PM). SandhillCrane migrants seem to be on the increasethrough the Atlanta CUCKOOSTHROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- It wasa poor spring for area(TM); thepeak of thenorthbound flight over the city was Mar. 4-6, theBlack-billed Cuckoo, with just one sighting atAtlanta and 4 reports about average. elsewhere.A dead N. Saw-whetOwl was found at Durham, N.C., Apr 3 (JH,fide BW), anda countof eightChuck-will's-widows to the n e SHOREBIRDS-- Rarein springinland was a Black-belliedPlover at nearButner Apr. 22 (RD)was quite good for the area. Ruby-throated ClaytonCounty, Ga., Mar. 25 (PB); but 1984had the poorestspring Hummingbirdswere rather early at CedarI., Mar. 22 (JF,RE) and flight of LesserGolden-Plovers in many years, with the only report nearbyMorehead City Mar. 24 (JF).As northbound Olive-sided Fly- beingof threenear Townville, S.C., Mar. 31 (SG, CWo et al.). Inland catcherspass almost entirely to the w. ofthe Region, it wasno surprise Willets were encounteredalong the ChattahoocheeR., near Atlanta thatthe 2 reportswere for n. Georgia-- nearPalmetto May 12 (D & Apr. 29 (A.A.S.), nearPineville, N.C., May 9 (HWh), andat FailsL., PM)and Douglas County May 20 (D & PM).In additionto breeding May 12 (MS, LS). UplandSandpipers were widely reported, mostly in birdsagain noted at Winston-Salem(RS), theonly certain Willow mid- andlate April, with the bestbeing a countof 14 nearDublin, Ga., Flycatcherwas one singing at ChapelHill May 22 (ME), whereone Apr. 15 (TKP) anda very earlybird nearAtlanta Mar. 17 (BP). Fussell spentthe summer in 1971.An E. Phoebeappeared tobe on territory near had his 3rd recordof a Whimbrelof the Eurasianrace, supposedly FayettevilleMay 15 (PJC),an overduefirst suchoccurrence for that casualin NorthAmerica, an individualthat flew pastAtlantic Beach, city.A firstspring record for the Region, and new to the Georgia list, N C., Apr. 10. Notablerecords of Calidrissandpipers inland included a was a Say's Phoebebetween Cordele and Americusfrom late March Sanderlingat JordanL., May 4 (AB) & May 6 (KK); a peak of 37 intoApril (G & CV). Noneof the4 Regionalrecords has yet been SemipalmatedSandpipers at PeachtreeCity L., nearAtlanta May 12 documentedbyphoto or specimen. A pair of Gray Kingbirds seen May (PB); a W. Sandpiperat Falls L., May 20 (RD); peakWhite-rumped 11-13at FrippI., S.C., suggestsa rare nesting for thatstate (TKP), Sandpipertotals of sevennear Raleigh May 8 (HL), fournear Pineville, whilein GeorgiaHaney had two at SeaI., May 26 andanother in N C., May 5 (DB, TP), andtwo at ClaytonCounty, Ga., May 5 & 26 downtownBrunswick May 28. Threereports of Scissor-tailedFly- (PB); andDunlins at JordanL. on May 6 (RD) andPineville May 5-9 catcherswas excellent for a singleseason, each bird being near the (HW, PH). The rare-in-springStilt Sandpiperwas found near Marietta, coast,at Hilton Head I., S.C.,Apr. 18-19(GB, JK,fide LL), CedarI , Ga., May 2 (TMi) and in ClaytonCounty May 12 (PB, FM, EM). Apr.29 (WI), andOriental, N.C, May24 (RBr,DFoy, RF, JF) Coastalresults were ratherbland, as is typical in spring,in part becauseno onereported from theRegion's premier shorebird spot at LARKS THROUGH VIREOS -- Several Horned Larks near Cordele Bodie-PeaIs., N.C. McNair had notablecounts from South I., near Apr. 1 wererare for s. Georgia(BP, HG, PB), andAtlanta's earliest Georgetown,S.C.: 1300Semipalmated Plovers May 11,5000 Semipal- everCliff Swallowwas one Apr. 7 (BP).Fish Crows were finally found matedSandpipers May 13, and40 Stilt SandpipersMay 13. The best shorebirdwas a Curlew Sandpiperin breedingplumage May 12 at conclusivelyto breed at Clemsonthis spring (DBM); yet the species lS PortsmouthI. (JF,RB), whereit is somewhatregular in latesummer and stillunknown from Atlanta and most other sites in theupper Piedmont The 2 reportsof Bewick'sWrens came from n. Georgia,one that fall, andmaybe also in spring(pending further field work). Short-billed Dowitchers were found inland in North Carolina at Beaverdam Res. winterednear Pendergrass and was last noted Mar. 12(JP) and another nearAtlanta Mar. 26 (D & PM). Thebest of theinland Sedge and Marsh (JM) andPineville (HW) andin ClaytonCounty, Ga. (PB). Only two wrenreports were at National Wildlife Refuges--five Sedges at Eufaula Wilson'sPhalaropes were reported--at Portsmouth May 11-12(JF, RB) Apr. 22 (BP) andfour Marshes at Santee,S.C., Mar. 17 (DBM) andin ClaytonCounty May 19 (CH, PB); whereasthe other phalarope specieswere noted only offshore.Forsythe had Reds on all 5 tripsoff It wasa goodspring for the migrantthrushes, and the normally uncommonGray-cheeked Thrush was severaltimes more common than CharlestonMar. 10-Apr.22 with a peakof 135 on Mar. 18. usual.A GrayCatbird was 3 weeksearly near Atlanta Mar. 24 (PB), but thenews on the Brown Thrasher was not good. The deep freeze in late JAEGERSTHROUGH ALCIDS -- Pomarineand Parasitic jaegers Decembereliminated over 50% of the winteringpopulation in inland wereobserved off the South Carolina and Georgia coasts on numerous partsof theRegion, and spring count tot'ds in c. NorthCarolina suggest- occasions(DF, CH);amazingly, no jaegers were reported from North ed that the mortalityrate may havebeen closer to 75%. Carolina.Single Laughing Gulls were at JordanL., Apr.23 (RD)& Ratherrare and early was a SolitaryVireo nest found Apr. 16 near May6 (AT, PT,TS, MWe)and Sweetwater Creek S.P., Ga., Apr. 22 DrowningCr., MooreCo., N.C. (LW,fideJHC); and also suggestive of (D & PM);however, they were no match for the 180 at the L. Moultrie, nestingwere two singing near Zebulon, N.C., May 9-31+ (EP)and two S C., damMay 10 (DBM) and the 800 at the L. Mariondam May 10 alsosinging at CrowdersMountain S.P., N.C., May 28-31+ (PH) A (DBM).One of the most exciting finds was North Carolina's first spring normalspring generally sees only a fewreports of WarblingVireos, but Franklin'sGull, only the 3rd ever for the state, near Raleigh Mar. 31- 1984may have had record numbers. Eight on the Winston-Salem spring Apr. 1 (HL, JM et al.). Second-winterIceland Gulls are seldom found in countMay 5 •'de RS) was outstanding;others were threein Moore theRegion; thus notable was one in Beaufort, N.C., Mar. 4-5 (JF, AB, County,N.C., Apr. 25-29(S & FD, CG), onenear Raleigh Apr 25 RD, HL). Rare for South Carolinawas a 2nd-winterLesser Black- (JM) andanother Apr. 27 (RD), andone at Athens,Ga., Apr.23 (CH) backedGull off CharlestonMar. 18 (DF), andan imm. GreatBlack- Evenrarer were a PhiladelphiaVireo near Atlanta Apr. 30 (TMi), onein backedGull May 4 atJordan L. (AB)provided one of just a fewinland Burlington,N.C., May5 (AB), andtwo also May 5 atRaleigh (JL,fide recordsfor theRegion. The Black-legged Kittiwake, practically un- RJH);unfortunately, none was reported singing. knownin SouthCarolina and Georgia waters a fewyears ago, is no longera greatrarity; this season's reports were two off Charleston Mar. WARBLERS -- Both Blue-wingedand Golden-wingedwarblers 18(DF) and one off Cumberland I., Ga., Mar. 22 (CH).A Sabine'sGull werequite numerous in theAtlanta area •de TM); individualrecords of 125mi e. ofTybee I., Ga.,May 11 (CH) was unfortunately outside the noteincluded two Blue-wingeds May 5 onthe Morehead City count (JF, Region'sboundaries, but the record is verysignificant nonetheless. JPo,NM) anda Golden-wingedrather far e. nearRaleigh Apr. 27 (RD) CaspianTerns have never been more numerous in c. North Carolina TennesseeWarblers were more common than usual, but onlyin the thanthis spring; most lakes had a fewmid-April to earlyMay, with Piedmont,with the best tally being four on the Raleigh count May 5 (HL peaksof nine eachat Falls andWheeler lakes and a remarkable27 at et al.). The NashvilleWarbler generally skirts the Region to thew , so JordanL., Apr.23 (RD). A fewForster's and Com. terns were reported of interestwere 4 sightingsin theAtlanta area Apr. 23-May 5 (fideTM), inland,the best totals being five Commons at L. KeoweeApr. 30 andsingles at Clemson inApril (CWo), Kershaw County, S.C., May 20 (DBM)and 11 Forster's near Atlanta Apr. 22 (D & PM). Againthis (CWo), andChapel Hill Apr. 29 (HWi). Earlywere N. Parulasnear springArctic Terns were seen off the Georgia coast, with five photo- AtlantaMar. 21 (PR) andSouthern Pines, N.C., Mar. 25 (EC), in graphedMay 27 e. of JekyllI. (CHet al.). Alwaysa goodfind inland additionto two+ Yellow-throatedWarblers and a ProthonotaryWar-

898 AmericanBirds, SeptemberOctober 1984 bler Mar 17 at White L, N C (DL) Rare for the CoastalPlain in zonesin w Ft Bragg,N C , includingone singing on terntory Apr 29 spnngwere Chestnut-sided Warblers in c. CarteretCounty, N.C., May (JHC,JMo). These birds, coupled with the continued presence of a few 5 (JPo,NM) andat FayettevilleMay 10 (W J, HR). As with mostTrans- birdsin nearbyRichmond County (HL, KK), suggestthat a viable Gulf migratingwarblers, the Blackburnian was noted in increasednum- populationis presentin the Sandhills.More detailswill follow in the bers(in the Piedmont),and T. Mooreestimated that they were 10 times nextreport. A s.range extension of theGrasshopper Sparrow's breeding more numerous than usual in Atlanta. rangein Georgiaoccurred when Patterson found a pair nearDublin in No warblerdrew more raves than the Bay-breasted; normally uncom- lateApril; the birds were feeding young in thenest May 28. Migrant mon to occasionallyfairly commonin the Piedmont,many observers Henslow'sSparrows were detected Apr. 13 at Pendergrass,Ga. (CH) foundthem "common" and "most ever in spring." At long last a andnear Atlanta Apr. 21 (BP);whereas the elusive Lincoln's Sparrow CeruleanWarbler was foundin the North CarolinaSandhills, near Vass wasreported only thrice--Apr. 17 at Athens (CH), Apr. 21 nearAtlanta Apr 29 (JHC, JMo). Therewere a few scatteredCerulean reports from (BP), andMay 5 nearYork, S.C. (BH). Late birdsincluded a Song thePiedmont of theCarolinas, plus 25 + reportsfrom the Atlanta area, a Sparrowat SanteeCoastal Reserve, S.C., May 11 (DBM), a Dark-eyed near-normalfigure (fide TM). An excellentcount of Worm-eatingWar- Juncoat SouthernPines May 5 (EC), two Bobolinksat a Columbus blerswas 21 in I'On Swamp,S.C., Apr. 29 (PN party). One-to-two County,N.C., airportMay 31 (DBM), andan Evening Grosbeak at Pine Swainson'sWarblers singing on territoryalong the Deep R., Lee Co., Knoll Shores,N.C., May 21-22 (KKi, fide JF). A $ Yellow-headed N C , Apr. 28 & May 6 was very unusualfor the e. Piedmont(HL). BlackbirdApr. 7-29 at CedarI. (HH, JF) wasvery rare for thespnng Therewere several reports of Swainson'sin the Atlantaarea, where they season;and the easily-overlooked Brewer's Blackbird was detected near may breed,but onesinging near Raleigh May 5 (RD) wasbelieved to Townville,S.C., Apr.21 (SGetal.) andat EufaulaN.W.R., Apr. 1 (30 have been a migrant.As usual,the only ConnecticutWarblers were birds--BP, PB). Severalpairs of HouseFinches again nested on the foundin Georgia--May 13near Atlanta (A. A.S.) andMay 16 at Athens ClemsonUniv. campusat Clemson(fide CWo), andthey ought to nest (CH) The Region'sfirst springrecords for Mourning Warblers in at at York, S.C., as surelya few of the 975 bandedover the winterby least7 yearsalso came from n. Georgia--anad. malenear Tyus May 20 Hilton must remain into summer! (D & PM) andone seen and heard May 21 at Athens(PS, CF,fide CH). The usualhandful of Wilson'sWarblers was highlighted by fouron the OBSERVERS-- CarolAnderson, Atlanta Audubon Society, Grace Raleighcount May 5 (fideRJH), quiteearly for sucha number.The best Belford, Donald Booth, Rich Boyd, Ricky Brandon(RBr), Patrick birdof theseason was a PaintedRedstart, anadult seen well in a group Brisse,A.L. Broughton,Allen Bryan, EleanorCarter, J.H. CarterIII, of Am. RedstartsApr. 13 nearthe coastat CrookedRiver S.P., Ga. Steve Compton,Larry Crawford,P.J. Crutchfield,Sybil & Faust (DG) Of course,this is a firstrecord for theRegion and one ofjust a few D'Ambrosi, Lloyd Davidson,Ricky Davis, RossEarnest, Marc Els- for e North America. dorfer,Craig Faanes,Dennis Forsythe, Dorothy Foy (DFoy), Roger Foy,John Fussell, Charlotte Gantz, Dot Garrett,Hugh Garrett, Sidney TANAGERS THROUGH CARDUELINES -- Almost regular at Gauthreaux,Joe Greenberg, Henry Haberyan, R.J. Hader,Mr. & Mrs Fayettevile,a c• W. Tanagerthat overwintered was last noted May 10 in Cliff Hammonds(C1H), ChrisHaney, Paul Hart, JanineHeffner, Bill breedingplumage (C1H,fide PJC). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, as expect- HiltonJr., Pat & PeteHobson (P & PHo), WayneIrvin, Mrs. Weldon ed, were more numerousthis springthan usual, and threeat Moore's Jordan,Kathy Kirkman (KKi), Jan Kissling,Ken Knapp, Bruce Landingn.e. of CharlestonApr. 29 wasa goodcoastal total (TR, BK). Krucke,Louise Lacoss, Dave Lee, JoshuaLee, Harry LeGrand, Warren Black-headedGrosbeaks, probably "boldface-able" a yearago, contin- Lloyd, Grant MacNichols, Ellery McClintock, Dennie & Pam Mc- ued to turn up•a femalewas seenat High Point, N.C., May 6 (RO), Clure,D.B. McNair, NancyMenfiner, Francis Michael, Terry Miller andan imm. malewas a feedervisitor near Morehead City Mar. 19-Apr. (TMi), JulieMoore (JMo), TerryMoore, Jim Mulholland, Perry Nu- 21 (MWade et al. ). The firstPainted Buntings in severalyears at Dublin gent,Mark Oberle,Robert Odear, John Paget, T.K. Patterson,Johnnie werefeeder birds, a malein earlyMay anda femalein lateMay (TKP). Payne (JPay), Dick Peake, Taylor Piephoff,Eloise Potter, Allyn The Dickcisselcontinues to make newsas a breedingspecies, despite Powell,JoAnne Powell (JPo), Billy Pulliam,Paul Raney, Henry Rankin the apparentdiscontinuation of thePayment-in-Kind program. In addi- Jr., Tom Reeves,Barbara Roth, Lois Schultz,Mike Schultz,Tony tion to a probablemigrant female at EufaulaN.W.R., Apr. 22 (BP), Shrimpton,Ramona Snavely, Peter Stangel, Jack Stewart, Lula Stewart severalbirds including a singingmale were seennear Raleigh May 12- (LSt), M.A. Sunderlin,Andy Towle, PattyTowle, Gregory& Carmen 15 (WI, JM). Most importantly,breeding or presumedbreeding colo- Valpey-Toussignant,McDuffy Wade (MWade), Bill Wagner,Margaret niesof Dickcisselswere foundin the upperCoastal Plain, wherequite Wagner,Heathy Walker, CharlieWalters, Ron Warner, Anne Waters, rare, in Lexington(JS, LSt) and Calhoun(DBM) countiesin South Dan Waters,Vernon Waters, Libba Watson, Melinda Welton (MWe), Carolina and near Dublin in Georgia (TKP) in late May and June. HarrietWhitsett (HWh), HavenWiley (HWi), FloydWilliams, Charlie Furtherdetails on thesecolonies will appearin the SummerSeason Wooten (CWo).--ItARRY E. LeGRAND, JR., 331 Yadkin Dr., Report. J. Carterdiscovered several Lark Sparrows in April at drop Raleigh, NC 27609.

FLORIDA REGION throughoutthe period. The destructionwrought by the December freezeswas still widespreadin centralFlorida with mostof the citrus /Herbert W. Kale II grovesdead or severelykilled back,along with mostof the subtropical vegetation. Thespring 1984 migration would have won the "poorest migration in Probablythe most outstanding event of theperiod was the first nesting memory"election if areaeditors had voted--it certainlywas the most of the Masked Booby in the continentalUnited States.Other notable "silent" of the 20 springsI've lived in Florida. Althoughnumerous sightingswere a CommonBlack-headed Gull, Little Gull, Tropical(or frontspassed down the peninsulain Marchbefore peak migration, the Couch's)Kingbird, "yellow-green" Red-eyed Vireo, anda flockof 26 few thatoccurred in April andMay werenot accompaniedby weather Bronzed Cowbirds. severeenough to precipitate many migrants. The most productive week- end•ualitatively--was April 16-18when 28 speciesof warblerwere ABBREVIATIONS -- A.B.S. = ArchboldBiological Station; Cape sightedat Ft. DeSotoPark, that Gulf coastbirding hotspot at theend of Can. = Cape Canaveral;C.S.M. = Clear SpringsMine, Polk Co, the PineliasPeninsula. Temperatures were mild andpleasant well into D.T. = Dry Tortugas;E.N.P. = EvergladesNat'l Park; F.S.M. -- May Heavyrains in Marchand early April in southGeorgia and north Florida State Museum; Lox. = LoxahatcheeNat'l Wildlife Ref.; N Florida raised the Suwannee and other north Florida rivers to their Pen. = Northern Peninsula;S. Pen. = SouthernPeninsula; S.G.I. = highestlevels since the early 1970s. In southFlorida the drought of 1981 St. GeorgeIsland; T.T. = Tall TimbersResearch Station; Tally Div. = hasreceded into dim memory as ponds and lakes remained relatively full Tallahassee Division.

Volume 38, Number 5 899 REGION CENTRALSOUTHERN-TALLAHASSEE • ATLANTIC DIVISION i,.•?•. OCEAI',t •,' Jacksonville LiveøOak ' Io•n River A• Gainesrill Augustine

St.George Is, NORTHERNPEN.• Alligator Orlando Is. Polar Key Cocoa Melbourne St.Petersbur I&FortPierce AnnaMar SebringPE L.OJ•eechobee GULFOf: MEXICO FortMyers- MaskedBoobies, Dry Tortugas/AlanBra•: Sanibel Fort CorkscrewSwamp' Lauderdale,,

EVERGLADES NAT'L Homestead Cape DryTo•'tuga• Key .Flamingo FLORIDA BigPine Key • J LOWER- KEYS FloridaUpperKeysBoy

LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS -- A Red-throated Loon 3 mi s.w. of Dog I., Mar. 22 (LEW), providedone of our few springrecords. The massivedieoff involvingan estimated4000 Com. Loonsthat oc- curredalong the Gulf coastin the springof 1983was not repeatedin 1984. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Servicefound that many of the dead loonsautopsied showed high mercury concentrations, but stopped short of blamingmercury for their deaths.A loonin basicplumage remained nearTierra Verdethroughout the period(LA), andone in full alternate plumageon a pondin an Ocalapark Apr. 3-6 (JRS)was unusual.By Adult MaskedBooby in flight near Middle Key,Dry Tortugas,Fla., mid-Marchmany of the 20 EaredGrebes that wintered at C.S.M. were May 6, 1984. Photo/AlanBrady. in breedingplumage and five of thesewere still there Apr. 21 (PF. SB). An impressive36 Cory'sShearwaters seen 25 mi e. of CapeCan., May 15 (JJ), were the earliestfbr the N. Pen. Equallyimpressive were 13 CapeCan., May 15 (JJ) wasa raritythere. A N. Gannetsitting on Lower Audubon'sShearwaters sitting on a weedpatch in the AtlanticOcean e. TampaBay 3 mi in fromthe Gulf May 5 (RTP) wasunusual, and one off of Marathon May 12 (HD), and II Wilson's Storm-Petrelswith the Tierra Verde May 19 (13A)tied the latestdate for the N. Pen. above-mentionedCory's May 15 (JJ). A Wilson's l0 mi e. of Palm Migrating Am. White Pelicansjoined the small flock that wintersat BeachMay 6 (HPL, TT, WM) was the earliestfor the S. Pen. FernandinaBeach so that by Mar. 18 it numbered75 birds(MJW). Lake As usual, up to six White-tailedTropicbirds thrilled visitors with a Apopka,once a famousfishing lake, is nowconsidered "dead" (a result daily showat GardenKey, D.T., duringApril and May (m.ob.). of agriculturalrunoff), but this did not deter a flock of 250 Am. White Pelicansseen there Apr. 20 (DF). A passageof 528 Brown Pelicans flying N pastTurtle Mound, Volusia Co., between6:30 and 7:30 a.m., Feb. 26 (JCD), were probablyheaded back to theirnesting grounds in theCarolinas. Only in recentyears have they been wintering on interior lakes.but an adult in breedingplumage on L. Clay, HighlandsCo., Mar. 17 (CP), andtwo to fouradults and immatures roosting on a boat houseon LakeJune Apr. 30-midMay (FEL et al.) stimulatedspecula- tion aboutbreeding possibilities. The winteringGreat Cormorantat Wakulla Springswas still there Apr. 1 (DB), markingthe first springrecord for the Tally Div., while oneof thewintering Dekay Beachbirds spent Mar. 4-Apr. 14 at theW. Dekay Beachsewage pond (m.ob.). A MagnificentFrigatebird flying over U.S. 98, 3 mi e. of EastPoint, FranklinCo., Apr. 19 (HWK) was early, and up to 107 were on a Marco I. roostduring May, compared with a prior 10-year mean (1974-1983) of nine (THB).

HERONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Seventeen Am. Bitterns at Adult White-tailedTropicbird in fiight overFort Jefferson.Dry Tortu- Lox., Mar. 26 (PWS. BH), providedevidence for a migrationtaking gas, Fla., May 4, 1984. Photo/AlanBrady. place,and a LeastBittern found dead on GardenKey Apr. 8 (WBR) furnishedthe 4th recordfor D.T. Two Wood Storkswere early at L. The first definitebreeding record for the Masked Booby in the Lafayette,Leon Co., Mar. 18 (RN). Drawn to floodedagricultural continentalUnited States was establishedMar 25 whenpark ranger fieldsnear Wellington, Palm Beach Co., Mar. 25, a flock of 5800 White Tom Rutledgefound an adultincubating an egg on Middle Key, D.T. Ibis (PWS et al.) musthave been a sightreminiscent of pre-drainage Five otheradults and four subadultswere alsopresent (details to be years."Pink" ibises,progeny of Scarletx WhiteIbis crosses,appeared published).Few recordsfor this speciesexist in the upperGulf, hence in Gibsonia,Polk CO., whereone was in a flockof 12 WhiteIbises Apr. nine at S.G.I., Apr. 21, and eight at Bald Pt., May l--probably the 10(ES), andat Flamingowhere two were on the mudflats Apr. 21 (BN). sameflock (GRG et al.)--was unprecedented.One flying 25 mi e. of Two GreaterFlamingos were spotted near Christian Pt. in FloridaBay,

900 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 ENP,Mar 3-4(NEM) DeSotoP , Apr 4-7 (LH et al ) A singleAm Oystercatcherat Black The blue Snow Goose at Okeeheelee P., West Palm Beach since Pt., B•scayneBay Apr. 15 (RM) mayhave been the same bird reported Januarywas still thereMay 19 (m.ob.), thelatest date for thismorph in therein 1983.Up to 500Am. Avocetswere in McKayBay Mar. 16(PF) Florida,and brought to mindthe Blue Goosethat was reported late for andfive onCasey Key May 14were in full breedingplumage (A & SS) several years on a Sarasotagolf coursebefore we learned it was a A verylate Spotted Sandpiper was seen May 28 onClay Gully Rd., e of permanentresident there. Over 100 FulvousWhistling-Ducks were at N. Myakka (L & JN). A singleUpland Sandpiper was at Ft. DeSotoP , Hatbill P., Brevard Co., Mar. 10 (DHu, DS), and "thousands"were Apr. 4-18 (LA), while sevenreached Imeson IndustrialP., Jackson- reportedon the w. side of L. Okeechobee,near MoorehavenMar. 17 ville, Apr. 25 (PCP). Sixty MarbledGodwits near St. James,Frankhn (CDB). A 3' Mallardx MottledDuck hybrid seen near the Bayway and Co., Apr. 5 wereunusually numerous (JEC). Two White-rumpedSand- Ft DeSotoP. area was probablythe offspringof one of the local piperswere at ToytownDump, St. Petersburg,May 1 (LH), and 22 domesticatedMallard hens(LA). A 3' Eur. Wigeonwas late on Merritt were at Sykes Cr., BrevardCo., May 13 (JJ). Single Long-bfiled IslandN.W.R., Mar. 23 (JMC). The first recordof the Ring-necked Dowitcherswere at ToytownDump Apr. 14 (LH, JH) andat St. Marks Duck at D.T. occurredApr. 24 (HPL), establishingalso the latest date LightMay 9 (JMS,DY) & May 29 (JEC),the latter being the latest for for theLower Keys. Far s. of itsusual range was a White-wingedScorer thestate. A live downyAm. Woodcockchick found Mar. 7 on a roadin seenrepeatedly in the 10,000 Is., s. of Marco I. (THB, DA). A rare AlachuaCounty was the first recent evidence of breedingthere (JRB, speciesfor E.N.P., a flock of three to five Buffieheadswas on Home- *F.S.M.; detailsto be published). steadCanal near Flamingo Mar. 2 (NEM). Two $ MaskedDucks were A Little Gull at the MelboumeSewage Plant Mar. 3 (PWS, BH) at Lox., Apr. 8 & 11 (PWS). furnishedthe first springrecord for Florida,while anotheraccidental, a Com.Black-headed Gull, joined Laughing Gulls at a CedarKey dock Mar. 21-24 (PB). Theobserver, a gullbiologist, was studying Laughing RAPTORS -- American Swallow-tailed Kites continue to increase in Gull dispersal.Herring Gulls winter throughout coastal Florida but they Floridawith one early in Liberty CountyMar. 22 (WWB), and others arenever abundant on thelower s.w. coast.T. Below's10-year (1974- seenat unusualplaces like GainesvilleMar. 6 (PS), Lox., Apr. 8 1983) averagefor March is 38. A fish kill this March attracted1210 (PWS), andLanark, Franklin Co., May 28 (HWK). MississippiKites HerringGulls to the Marco I. area. A rare Black-leggedKittiwake were againin Ocaladuring the nestingseason with onethere May 10 perchedlong enough for a carefulstudy at Jupiter Beach Apr. 5 (KR) A (JRS), anda pair wasobserved copulating near Madison in n. Florida flockof 200-300Roseate Terns at D.T., Apr. 4-11 wasthe largest in May 5 (N & CT). With waterlevels for AppleSnails optimal for thepast recentyears. Nesting occurred at the e. endof BushKey (WBR et al ) 3 seasons,Snail Kites have been sighted frequently along Tamiami Trail Rosearesagain nested with LeastTerns atop the Truman Annex and the neara roostlocated just n. of the MiccosukeeIndian restaurant and the highschool in Key West(JT). In theupper Keys six to eightRoseates SharkValley entranceto E.N.P. For the 2nd year the kite has nested were sittingon the MolassesReef light Apr. 28 (SS) and one was at withinthe park also(OLB). Cooper'sHawks again nested at A.B.S., FlamingoMay 1 (GC). Thoughone or moreCom. Ternsoccasionally nearLake Placid (FEL). Oneat Lox., Mar. 18 (PWS)was a raritythere. winter on the Gulf coast, two at S.G.I., Mar. 29 were consideredthe An albinisticRed-shouldered Hawk at OrangeL., Mar. 21 wasall white earliestfor theTally Div. (HMS). SeveralSooty Terns, Bridled Terns, w•thyellow eyes and faint barring on its tail (RWR et al.). EarlyBroad- andBrown Noddies were in theAtlantic Ocean e. of MarathonMay 12- wingedHawks were in TallahasseeMar. 26 (HMS) andLiberty County 13 (HD), andthree Bridleds were 20 mi e. of CapeCan., May 15 (JJ) A Mar. 30 (WWB). BlackTern at St. MarksN.W.R., Jan. 14 (RJRet al.) waspossibly the Visiting birderswant specificdirections to a sure-betShort-tailed firstrecorded in winterfor theTally Div., andthis may have been one of Hawk. Well, the placedoes not exist.That light-phasepair near,the thetwo birds seen at S.G.I., Mar. 29 (HMS) & Apr. 6 (SC),establishing entranceto theFish-eating Creek W.M.A. is notalways there, and one theearliest spring records for theDivision. The avidly-sought-for Black takeshis chances on seeingone of theE.N.P. birdsalong the Flamingo Noddy was at the D.T., Apr. 21 (BD, HPL) but was not seensubse- Road.But it is encouragingto know thatthe speciescontinues to show quently,to the disappointmentof manyvisitors. ' up at scatteredlocations in Florida,even if rarelyseen. A light-phase birdwas on theDeseret Ranch in e. OrangeCo., Apr. 13 (LEW), anda DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- The 2nd RingedTurtle- dark-phasebird was on theRock Springs Run State Reserve, Lake Co., Dove for E.N.P. wasfound along Anhinga Trail May 5 (CMs). Thiswas May 5 (GM, BP, BS). Soaringover the Fruit & SpiceP., in Homestead onlya few milesw. of Homestead,where this dove is becomingquite Mar. 1 wasa late Swainson'sHawk (BC, LG). So far asI candetermine abundant,and alongwith the White-wingedDove is displacingthe the lastdate reported for the winteringFerruginous Hawks at Zeiiwood nativeMourning Dove. Another Ringed Turtle-Dove was seen on Sandy was Mar. 5, when one of the two was still there (JEC). Merlins and Rd., n.e. of N. Myakka Apr. 13 (ESf, GE). Two Blue-crownedCon- PeregrineFalcons were relatively scarce,with most of the numerous ures,presumably escaped birds from the mainland,spent several weeks winteringbirds probably having departed before Mar. 1. Merlinswere at atD.T. in April andMay (m.ob.). Otherpsittacines were a flockof eight CedarKey Mar. 20 (JC, RWR), CapeFlorida Apr. 7-8 (BN), andFt. Dusky-headedConures in the Miami Springsarea May 18 (MC), a DeSotoP., Apr. 10 (LA) & 15 (PF). SinglePeregrines were at Alafia White-crownedParrot in Ft. LauderdaleApr. 29 (GC), andtwo Canary- Banks,Hillsborough Bay, Mar. 16 & 30 (RTP), CedarKey May 1 wingedParakeets in downtownSarasota Apr. 11 (EVM). (JHH, DLM), andFt. DeSotoP., Apr. 2 (TP) & May 11 (LA), thelatter NumerousMangrove Cuckoos were on SugarloafKey, wherethey date being the latestfor the N. Pen. breed, mid-April and May (M & PB et al.), and two remainedat Ft DeSotoP., Apr. 7-28 (m.ob.). At leastone of the Groove-billedAms that winteredat AnhingaTrail was still thereApr. 23 (CMs). Heavy RAILS THROUGH TERNS -- Not therarest species in Floridabut rainsmust have forced Burrowing Owls out of theirburrows near Wel- possiblythe most infrequently seen, a Yellow Rail wasat Lox., Mar. 20 lingtonMar. 25 when21 owlswere counted where usually only two or (BH). Black Rails were heardcalling at Eco Pond,E.N.P., Mar. 3, threeare seen (HPL, GH). A Short-earedOwl at Ft. JeffersonApr. 11- wherethey wintered(HPL), and at WellingtonMar. 24 & 25, but not 12 furnishedthe 3rd recordfor the D.T. (WBR et al.). Two Lesser thereafter,hence were probably migrants (PWS, BH et al.); but rails Nighthawkswere on Garden Key Apr. 24 (HPL, JM). The Rufous heard frequentlythroughout March and April at Lake Woodruff Hummingbirdthat wintered in Tallahasseewas last seenMar. 21 (F & N W.R., n. of DeLand(NOW, PCP), wereprobably breeding there. SW). Two more, a maleand female, were with sevenRuby-throateds at Thelatest Virginia Rail for thestate was observed by A. andS. Stedman Oak Hill Mar. 26 & Apr. 3 (DS), the latestdate for the state.A xanthlc on CaseyKey as it "appearedfrom the rip-rapat our dockand walked d' Red-belliedWoodpecker was in OrlandoMar. 10 (DF, WF). This aroundthe feedersand acrossour yard within 10 ft of us, thencrossed conditionappears to be moreprevalent than we originallythought. The thedriveway and disappeared into the mangroves.This was May 18, reappearanceof a Red-cockadedWoodpecker at MorningsideNature andMay 22 we watchedas it retracedits stepsback to therip-rap." Two Centerin Gainesville,after an absenceof severalyears, was somewhat Llmpkinson GardenKey Apr. 12 establishedthe 4th recordfor theD.T. encouraging,although a pair wouldbe moreencouraging (DLJ, CMr) (WBR). Numerousclans in the Big CypressPreserve had chickscalling this LesserGolden-Plovers were near St. Marks Light, nine Mar. 10 spring--an improvementover last year when no reproductionwas de- (HMS, BAn), andthree each at SunshineSpeedway Mar. 29 andFt. tected (D J).

Volume 38, Number 5 901 FLYCATCHERS THROUGH KINGLETS -- At least six Acadian veyedalmost daily, andP Fellers,B Cooper,and the Hopkins hit most Flycatcherswere singing along Blackwater Cr., LakeCo., May 28 (BS, of the weekends.Rare Blue-wlngedswere thereMar. 3-Apr. 24 (LA, LS) A LeastFlycatcher was a springrarity on S.G.I., Apr. 28 (JMS et BC et al.). Onewas banded at CaseyKey Apr. 24 (A & SS), andone at al ) The last reportI receivedabout the winteringc3 Vermilion Fly- CedarKey Apr. 26 (JHH, DLM) waslate. The only Golden-wingedfor catcherat the Flamingocampgrounds was Mar. 13 (KMcM). Received the Region was on S.G.I., Apr. 30 (LA et al.). A c3"Lawrence's toolate to includein my 1983report was a sightingof a c3Vermilion on Warbler" wasclosely observed on GardenKey May 10 (BB, AB, GS) AmeliaI., NassauCo., Apr. 17, 1983 (JP).A GreatCrested Flycatcher Ironically,in thisspring of scarcities,three Nashville Warblers, among returnedearly to LibertyCounty Mar. 17 (WWB); two of thewintering our rarestspecies, were reported.One in Seminole,Pinellas Co., Mar Brown-crestedFlycatchers were still at theRoyal Palm Visitors' Center, 17 (JFi) was the earliest for the N. Pen. Another at Lox., Mar. 18 was E N P., Mar. 2 (BN), andone was in theFlamingo area Mar. 6 (RW). A theearliest for theS. Pen.,and a 3rdwas at Ft. DeSotoP., Mar. 30-Apr Tropical/Couch'sKingbird at HypoluxoI., May 13 gaveobservers only 7 (LA et al.). A Cape May Warbler singingin JacksonvilleMar 14 a 30-secondlook as it perchedatop a gumbo-limbotree, henceno (VMM) and one at Ft. DeSoto P., Mar. 16 (LA) were early. It is specificdetermination was made(FC, PWS, HPL). Althoughthe E. possiblethat both birds overwintered in Florida.The onlyBlackburnlan Kingbirdbreeds in s. Florida,it doesnot occur near the coast, hence one Warblerreported was at Ft. DeSotoP., Apr. 16-18 (LA). The latest juste. of SarasotaMay 28 (J & LN) waspuzzling. If stillmigrating then Yellow-throatedWarbler for the Lower Keys was a female found it was the latestfor the state.Gray Kingbirds,one eachat Homestead stunnedin downtownKey WestMay 17. It soonrecovered and flew off Mar 17 (fide BN) and at Merritt IslandN.W.R., Mar. 16 (KMcM) were (FTH). early. Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were widespread)--at Ft. DeSotoP., SingleBay-breasted Warblers were at Ft. DeSotoP., Apr. 16-18 Apr 1-18(LA et al.), SarasotaApr. 3 (EVM), alongS.R. 70 at DeSoto (LH, LA), and Palm BeachMay 5 (CC, HPL, GH). Four Ceruleans PrmrieApr. 6 & 29 (KMcG, DRS), L. IstokpogaApr. 7 (m.ob.), and were at Ft. DeSotoP., Apr. 16-20 (LA et al.) and oneon GardenKey, FlamingoApr. 21, whereat leastone wintered. D.T., May 10 (BBet al. ) wasthe latestfor thestate by oneday. While in NorthernRough-winged Swallows were seen at an AlachuaCounty theGulf streamoff MarathonMay 12-13,H. Darrowobserved flocks of sitewhere they have nested in thepast (JHH, DLM), andwere observed Am. Redstartsmixed with otherwarblers and Indigo Buntings coming enteringdrain pipes in a seawallnext to thehighrise bridge in Carabelle fromthe SSE between 8:00 a.m. and1:30 p.m. Largestflocks each date May 28 (HWK). As usual, Barn Swallowswere nestingunder this contained26 and56 redstarts,respectively. On May 15, six redstarts, bridge.Although they havenot beenfound nesting on Payne'sPrairie six Blackpolls,and a Black-throatedBlue landedon J. Johnson'sboat for severalyears now, BarnS wallows nested 15 mi farthers. atthe River 25 mi e. of Cape Can. Styx (TAW). Migrating flocksof Blue Jays,especially in spring,are Swainson'sWarblers were relatively common at Ft. DeSotoP., Birch rarelyseen or reported,hence a flock of morethan 70 birdsflying N P., Ft. Lauderdale,and Bill Baggs S.P., Key Biscaynethroughout April from treeto tree nearGainesville Apr. 11 (LEW) wasnoteworthy, as andearly May (m.ob.) A N. Waterthrushwas late at MarathonMay 24 was a singlejay on PlantationKey Apr. 2 (PH). A White-breasted (HD), and a LouisianaWaterthrush banded on CaseyKey May 8 (A & Nuthatchin GainesvilleMay 5 (GC) waseither a rarebreeder or a late SS)was the latest for theS. Pen.,tying the latest state migration record migrant.Formerly they nesteds. at leastto Orlando,but not in recent KentuckyWarblers appeared at Ft. DeSotoP., Apr. 5-20 (LA et al. ) and years.A Golden-crownedKinglet at BrookerCr. Park, PinellasCo., at Palm Beach Apr. 20 (WG, BH, FJ) & May 10 (WG). As usual, Mar. 10 (LH, JH) was a rarity so far s. One that winteredin Alachua ConnecticutWarblers were widespreadin s. Floridaduring May, In- CountyDec. 2-Mar. 23 (JHH) waslate, while a Ruby-crownedKinglet cludingfour banded on CaseyKey May 18-24(A & SS).A rareMourn- at CedarKey May 1 (JHH, DLM) was alsothe latestfor the N. Pen., ing Warblerwas on CedarKey Apr. 22 (CMr). SingleWilson's War- excludingthe one found injured June 3 in a Gainesvillebackyard (DSM, blersin WinterPark (BK) andCoot Bay Pond(MW), bothMar. 9, may *F S.M.). havebeen wintering birds. Single birds on S.G.I., Apr. 14 (JMS) & 21 (GRG) wereconsidered rarities there. A maleat Ft. DeSotoP., Apr 16- THRUSHES THROUGH VIREOS -- Characteristicof the poor(for 18 (JF, LA) and a femalethere May 9-11 (LA) were the latestfor the the birder) migration,thrushes were scarcerthan in any recentyear. state. Hotspotssuch as Ft. DeSoto P., and St. GeorgeI., wheredozens of thrushesare usually seen after cold fronts, produced relatively few. At TANAGERS THROUGH SPARROWS Only 26 ScarletTanagers Ft DeSotoP., only oneor two were seenat a time, with the following passedthrough Ft. DeSoto P., Apr. 5-24 (LA), and Rose-breasted on the peak date of Apr. 17: four Veeries, six Gray-cheekeds,25 Grosbeakswere alsorelatively scarce. A Blue Grosbeakat Lox., Mar Swainsons,and three Wood Thrushes (Wood Thrushes peaked Apr. 15 16-19 (RB, PWS, HPL) may havewintered in the state,and an Indigo with 13 individuals).A Veery at Ft. DeSotoApr. 15 (LH, LA) wasthe Buntingon S.G.I., May 30 (HMS, JMS) waslate for theTally Div. Two earliestby oneday for theN. Pen. A Gray-cheekedon S.G.I., Apr. 13 ChippingSparrows were late in OrlandoApr. 23 (WF), while one at (JEC)was the earliest for theTally Div., anda WoodThrush there May Alligator Pt., May 9 (GRG) was the latestfor the Tally Div. Rare in 30 (JMS)was the latest in migrationfor thestate. An earlyWood Thrush spring, a Clay-coloredSparrow was near St. Marks Light Apr 21 wasat SanFelasco Hammock, Alachua Co., Apr. 5, nearits s. breeding (GRG). Up to 50 Field Sparrowswere feedingat MomingsideNature limit. A pair of Am. Robins nestedfor the first time in Jacksonville Centerin GainesvilleMar. 16 (JDy), whileone sing/ng at A.B.S., Apr (PCP•details to be publishedlater). At leastone pair fromthat outlier 1 (JWF) was the latestfor the S. Pen. Anotherrarity at A.B.S. was a populationin Tampanested again this May (fideLA). A robinon Long singingLark SparrowMar. 25-31 (JWF, GEW). ThreeLincoln's Spar- Pine Key, E.N.P., Apr. 23 (RWR) was unusuallylate there. rowswere in theTally Div., nearthe Wacissa R., Mar. 10 (GRG), at St The presenceof six to sevenHill Mynahsat Royal Palm Hammock, Marks LightApr. 17 (JEC, SCC), andAlligator Pt., May 9 (GRG), the FakahatcheeStrand State Preserve, "traveling in pairs,calling and latterbird being the latestfor the Tally Div. Onewas near Lantana Apr interacting"May 1 (RN) suggestedan extensionof thisspecies' range 7 (PWS). A Gambel'sWhite-crowned Sparrow from the far w. spent from the s.e. coastwhere it hasbeen feral for approximatelythe past Apr. 5-18 onCasey Key whereit wasnetted (several times), banded and decade.A supposedlytypical individual of oneof the "yellow-green" photographedby the Stedmans. races of Red-eyedVireo (such as V. o. fiavoviridis) was observed closelyin thecompany of a Black-whiskeredVireo on Hypoluxo I. (the BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES -- Two E. Meadowlarks check-instation for all raritiesin thePalm Beach area), May 25 (HPL) & singingon Lower MatecumbeKey May 21 (fide KS) were s. of their 26 (HPL et al.). A Black-whiskeredVireo at AlligatorPt., May 24 usualrange for thatdate. Fourteen Rusty Blackbirds near Lantana Apr (GRG, *T.T.) wasrepresentative of severalthrough the years that have 1 (PWS, BH) andone still there Apr. 14 (PWS)were the latest for theS overshottheir breedingrange. Pen. An unprecedented26 Bronzed Cowbirds, malesand females, werediscovered just by chancewhen a birdingtour group stopped for WARBLERS-- Althougha dearthof warblerswas one of themajor gasMar. 1 atthe Snapper Cr. Plazaon the Florida Turnpike s. of M•ami complaintsof theseason, almost all of thespecies that migrate through (WCR et a/.).The flock remainedin the area (attractedto bird seed Floridawere accounted for (onlythe Canada Warbler was missed). Most providedby a stationemployee) until at leastApr. 19 (CWB). Brown- recordsoccurred, of course, at Ft. DeSoto P., which L. Atherton sur- headedCowbirds continue their southwardrange extension. Singing

902 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 maleswere in mangroveson JackI. StatePreserve at Ft. PierceMar. 18 Healy, Scott Hecker, John H. Hintermister,Denny Hobson, Wayne & Apr. 23 (JMB), the latterbeing the latest in theS. Pen. Severalwere Hoffman, Carolyn Hooper, Brian Hope, Judi Hopkins, Larry Hop- at Ft. DeSotoP., throughoutthe periodand a pair seencopulating there kins, Don Hunt (DHu), Gloria Hunter, Debbie Jansen,Franz Jeter, D. May 23 providedfirst evidence of breedingin theTampa Bay area (LA). Larry Johnson,Johnnie Johnson,Betts King, KathrynKloss, Darrel OrchardOrioles on HypoluxoI., wherethey rarely occur,Mar. 29-30 Land, Howard P. Langridge, Fred E. Lohrer, Donald H. Mace, wereprobably blown there by 49 m.p.h.W winds(HPL et al.). I'll leave Grace C. Mace, David S. Maehr, Virge M. Markgraf, William Mat- it to othersto speculateon the presenceof an OrchardOriole in n. thews,Maggie McCarraher, Kevin McGowan,Keith McMullen, Rob- TitusvilleMay 30-June8 (DS). Only six N. Oriolesappeared at Ft. ert Merkle, Cliff Miles (CMs), Chris Miller (CMr), Edith V. Miller. DeSotoP., thisspring (LA); oneMay 20 wasthe latestfor theN. Pen. Gary Minor, JeffreyMoore, Don L. Morrow, N.E. Muleady, Barbara (exceptfor anaberrant July record), and one Mar. 30-Apr.17 was a •2 P. Mushlitz, Bruce Neville, Jack & Louella Newton, Reed Noss, Joe Bullock's (m.ob.). A lone, late Am. Goldfinch was at Alligator Pt., Oliver, LonnieOrr, Tom Palmer,Jerry Pasquarella, Richard T. Paul, May 24 (GRG). Becky Payne, StanPerry, Craig Phypers,Ray Plockelman,Jan Plotkin (JPk), Peggy C. Powell, Nancy Prine, GeorgePowell, Robert W. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- (area editors in bold- Repenning, RobertJ. Richter, William B. Robertson,Bob Rose, Keith face)--Dave Addison,Bruce Anderson (BAn), BrooksAtherton (BA), Rott,William C. Russell,Tom Rutledge,Gloria Saylor, John R. Sharp, Lyn Atherton,W. WilsonBaker, Alma Barerra, Oron L. Bass,Steve Reba Shenk, Edna Sieff (ESf), Judy Silverman, Ellen Slater (ES), Bassett,Bob Behrstock,Ted H. Below, Carolyn D. Bennett,Penny JamesSlazenger, David R. Smith, Bob & Margie Sokol,Phil Spear, Bernstein,C. Wes Biggs, RichardBowen, JamesR. Brady, JaneM. SandySprunt, Annette & Stan Stedman,James M. Stevenson,Henry Brooks,Marge & Page Brown, Dana Bryan, GeoffreyCarpentier, M. Stevenson,Doug Stuckey,Bob Sullivan, Lem Sullivan, Karen JamesE. Cavanagh,Susan C. Cavanagh,Carolyn Christian, Frank Sunderland, Patti W. Sykes, Nancy & Charlie Tate, Jack Taylor, Christian,James M. Clark, SamCole, JackConnor, Buck Cooper,Mort TadziuTrotsky, Chuck Turner, Noel O. Warner,Julie Wasserman, Fred Cooper,Harry Darrow, Mrs. J. C. David, Ed Davidson,Marian De- & Sara Watson, Thomas A. Webber, Ann Weinrich, Patrick Wells, Ronde,Jean Dorney (JDy), Bill & Helen Dowling, JackDozier, Bill RobertWestmore, Jim Wheat, Mickie Wheeler, Lovett E. Williams, M. Drummond,Gadyes Ely, PaulFellers, Jan Ferguson, Judy Fisher (JFi), JoyceWilliams, Kathy Wolf, Glen E. Woolfenden,Davey Yon, Tom JohnW. Fitzpatrick,Dot Freeman, Wayne Freeman,Wally George, Yuchenko.--HERBERT W. KALE II, Florida Audubon Society, LindaGrable, Gary R. Graves,Nancy Gray, Frances T. Hames,Patricia 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, FL 32751.

ONTARIO REGION /Ron D. Weir epSl•periørG•gama At the risk of oversimplifyingthe weatherin this vastprovince, it is fair to saythere were two wintersseparated by a Februarythaw. In the south,the secondwinter lastedto late April whena systemcontaining moist air from southernUnited Statesopened the flood gatesand the ?SauitSaint • •t•....L. _•__, .•pigon Cochrane/ i delugeof migrantsbegan. Some 22 of theearly arrivals listed in Table 1 occurredApril 26-May 2. BetweenApril 26-29. first seasonarrivals at • North • •;-' I LongPoint numbered 44 speciesand 2626 werebanded. Over 10,000 hawkspassed Grimsby in thesame four days. Relatively few migrantsin April wereeither willing or ableto fly throughthe cold air of southern Ontarioto reachthe warn•ernorthern areas. May remainedcool andwet almosteverywhere holding back migrants until the majorpush May 17- L. I • . • Cornwail• 20 that broughthuge numbersof passerinesas far north as Quetico ProvincialPark. Torrential rainson May 23 groundedmany, among ] •ou.. ma..i;•Peterbørøugh whichwere 1000Swainson's Thrushes and 50 + ScarletTanagers, onto ...... • ' Kin ton [ Marsh "ø•e •Wolfe Is. a muddyroad at Kettle Point. Heavy shorebirdpassage occurred in the I - •%•Princ•dward j w•••• ••o • "•i.• lastweek andby month'send in the south,large numbers of passerines N Point•rY ' [ ...... ' -• PP •Ha•ilto. were still expected.Observers expressed disappointment at the succes- WSarnla sionof highpressure systems that dominated Ontario's weather, forcing L St.• g .-Lo•o. &Niaorarails L' ONTARIO severalstorm systems farther south and east, thereby holding back the • • • • / .... • Long...... Point •/Fort Erie mostsoutherly flows neededto encouragemigration. Nevertheless, 40 • RondeauPP specieswere early arrivals and there was a generousassortment of Point Peiee rarities. NP L. ERIE

ABBREVIATIONS -- A.P.P. = AlgonquinProvincial Park; M.I. = Manitoulin Island;Pelee = Point PeleeNat'l Park; P.E. Pt. = Prince Apr. 28 (K.F.N.) and 117 at MississagiLight May 14 (JCN). Horned EdwardPoint; P.P.P. = Presqu'ileProvincial Park; Rondeau = Ron- Grebeswere scarceexcept at P.E. Pt., where peak numberswere 110 deau Provincial Park. Place names in italics denote counties. and 59 respectivelyApr. 20 & 23 (K.F.N.). Noteworthyin the strong flight of Red-neckedswere 180 and70 respectivelyat MississagiLight LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Numbers of Red-throated Apr. 23 & 24 (JCN) and 70 at OttawaMay 9 (BMD, BL). An Eared Loons continuedto increase.At least 31 were noted, of which 26 were Grebein breedingplumage lingered at the Harrow lagoonsApr. 18-21 from L. Ontario (14 e. of Oshawa),three from L. Erie, one at Kettle Pt., (AW, PDP) and anotheror the sameturned up at PeleeApr. 21 (MBo). andone in PukaskwaN.P. Apart from the one that landedin a frozen The W. Grebe at P.P.P., May 11 was only their 2nd ever (AWi), a marshnear KingstonMar. 6 and subsequentlydied, the main flight speciesunknown farther e. in L. Ontario.Record numbers of Double- occurredApr. 23-May 20. Four Arctic Loonswas an unprecedented crestedCormorants were notedin early May on M.1. (JCN). numberfor springin the s. Singlesin breedingplumage were at P.E. Pt., Apr. 23 for the area'sfirst (RDW), Whitby May I (MJB, DDC) andin HERONS, IBISES -- The seasonwas noteworthy for s. herons.Up winterplumage at CobourgApr. 29 (BCO), Whitby May 21-22 (DB et to 44 Great Egretswere found at sitesalong L. Erie where23 were al.). Commonsnumbered 135 and 105respectively at P.E. Pt., May 6 & countedin a surveyof sewageponds in theextreme s.w., May 9-15 (PH,

Voli•me 38, Number 5 903 AGC). Singleswandered N to CoilingwoodMay 20 (DBu), M.I., May providedOntario's 4th recordin springand another, or the same,was at 21 (RRT), andE to AmherstI., May 19 (K.F.N.). At leastthree were in Pelee May 14 (BW et al.). The latter bird was in its first-summer the Ajax areaApr. 14-May 26. Only threeSnowies were reported from plumage.Five GoldenEagles (4 ad.) wereseen at Grimsbyin theperiod OttawaApr. 21, their6th (BMD), CranberryMarsh Apr. 28 (DDC) and (WK) andan adultwas in PukaskwaN.P., May 23 (M J). The 34 Merlins PeleeMay 13 & 23 (M. Willard, AW). The ad. Little Blue Heron at away from breedingsites were slightly above normal numbersfor P.P.P., May 14 wasthat area's first (RDM). Tricoloredsoverflew their spring.However, Peregrines totalled an encouraging26 s. of M.I., up usual boundariesin record numbers.Singles appearedat Smithville, sharplyover the pastseveral years. Eight were from Pelee(AW) and Niagara Apr. 29 (ph., REB, SB, DM), Wye Marsh, SimcoeApr. 30 fivedifferent birds from Rondeau including an ad. • tundriusMay 16 (DJH et al.), AmherstI., May 13-17 (K.F.N.) andStoney Pt., May 28 that was seenmanfling a still flapping cSMallard (DS). An adult at (AJR et al.). About 12 havebeen reported for the provincesince 1969. OttawaMar. 25-May6 roostedon thesame building as a Gyrfalconthat CatfieEgret numbers held steady for the2nd consecutive year. About 19 stayedMar. 25-Apr. 26 (BMD. RBr). Farthern., singleGyrfalcons werereported, of which10 werealong L. Erie andthree from L. Ontario were sightedat MarathonMar. 18 (SP, MJ) and MoosoneeApr. 13 sites.A singleconsorted with geesenear Morrisburg May 15-16 andtwo (KFA). were n. to OttawaMay 31 (ph., RL et al.). Irruptionsof GlossyIbises into Ontariolast occurredin 1976 and 1982. A weak flight developed QUAILS THROUGH CRANES -- The only N. Bobwhitereports thisspring as one appeared at StoneyPt., May 14 (MWi, RWi) andfour wereof 17 maleson WalpoleI., May 10 (PH, AGC) anda singlewas at at PickeringMay 24 (R. Wood). Howeverthe ibis at PeleeMay 14 was Rondeauin mid-May (HP). StoneyPt. hostedone Yellow Rail May 18 not identified as to species(WAM). (IP) andthe Richmond Swamp had four May 19-31(BMD et al.). King Railsmade their appearance at 3 locationsin theextreme s.w., at P.E. SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- The flight of Tundra Swanswas Pt., May 22 (RDW) for thefirst recorded there since 1973, and in Carr's confinedalmost entirely to the extremes.w., where4000+ were at Marsh betweenPort Hope and CobourgMay 30-June2 (BCO et al.). Rondeau Mar. 9 and again Mar. 24 (PAW, KJB), 1500-2000+ at The PurpleGallinule at StoneyPt.. May 3 (RP), wasseen by manyand PineryP.P., Mar. 4 andagain Mar. 25 (AHR) and3000+ at Aylmer still presentat month'send. High countswere the 420+ Am. Cootsat Mar. 26 (DBu). Sixty SnowGeese at OttawaApr. 6 wasa largenumber Pelee Mar. 23 (AW) and 192 SandhillCranes at Rainy R., Apr. 20 for thearea (BMD), andtheir main passage along Hudson Bay at Winisk (SFP). Therewere 53 otherreports of Sandhillsfrom KettlePt., Pelee, occurredMay 6-20 (KFA). The heavyBrant flight wasconfined mainly Rondeau,Union, Long Pt., P.P.P., Ottawa, Cochrane,Sudbury. and to the e., as usual,where Kingston observers noted peak counts of 2000 ThunderBay Mar. 31-May 31. and 1100 respectively,May 12 & 20. The 1500 nearOshawa May 22 wasa largegroup for the w. location(MJB). Fittinga neatpattern were SHOREBIRDS-- The shorebirdflight was especially strong, high- 900 + at PembrokeMay 21 (JB, JD), 660 at OttawaMay 23 (BMD), lighted by rarities and numbers. The two Lesser Golden-Ploversat 500 at Deep R., May 26 (WW) and their surgeat MoosoneeMay 27 RichmondMay 14were rare for springand the only ones reported. The (KFA). An ad. BarnacleGoose traveling with Canadasput down at outstandingrarity was Canada's first Mongolian Plover at P.P.P., May OttawaApr. 29 (RD et al.). The bird woreno legbands, was very wary 4 (ph.. RDM. m.ob.) in breedingplumage. Details will appearin and seemsto have been a legitimatewild straggler_Canada Goose OntarioBirds. The two PipingPlovers reported were at P.P.P., Apr. 26 numbersseem to haveincreased in anotherheavy flight led by 40,000-+ and 25,000 + respectively,at OttawaApr. 23 & 28 (fide BMD) plus 12,000-+ and 10,000-+ at KingstonMay 5 & Apr. 28 (K.F.N.). Their majorpassage over Marathon occurred Apr. 19-21at 3000-+/day(MJ). at MoosoneeApr. 22 and Winisk Apr. 29 (KFA). The cSEur. Green- winged Teal in DundasMarsh Mar. 25-31 (RF, KMcL) and the cS Tufted Duck at HamiltonMar. 25 (KMcL) werelikely the individuals thatoverwintered. A cSEur. Wigeonturned up nearPort Rowan Mar. 25-26 (DVW et al.), anotheror the samebird was at Long Pt., Apr. 6 (L.P.B.O.) and one was in CranberryMarsh Apr. 20-21 (DDC et al.). There were 6600+ Oldsquawat Long Pt., Apr. 23 (L.P.B.O.) and 1000_+ migratingpast Rondeau May 21 (PAW). Black Scoterswere morenumerous than usualat Kingstonand Long Pt. The 223 Surfsat P.P.P., May 9-17 wasa springhigh (J & JT) andfarther e., at P.E. Pt., 1000-+ White-wingedspassed May 6 (K.F.N.). A • Barrow'sGolden- eye was still at Ottawa Apr. 28 (BMD) and 100 Red-breastedMer- ganserswas a large concentrationat Pdee for the late dateof May 29 (WC). Twoviews of theMongolian Plover at Presqu'ile ProvincialPark. Ont., May 4, 1984. First Canadian record. Photos/R.D. McRae. VULTURES, HAWKS -- Ontario's7th Black Vulture was photo- graphedat PeleeMar. 31 (K & MO et al.) andit wasprobably this same (RDM et al.) and L. NipissingMay 18 (GFC). That at P.P.P. wore individualfound farthern.e., at Bothwellat 17:00 hrs, on the sameday colouredleg bands.The lone Am. Avocet lingeredin the Sarniaarea (TH). Three of Ontario'sBlack Vultureshave beenseen since 1980. A May 9-16 (ph., RT, A. Simmset al.). For the 4th consecutivespring, seasonaltotal of 529 TurkeyVultures was tallied at theGrimsby hawk- Willets flew in high numberswith at least43 birdsof which 29 were watch, of which 293 passedApr. 1-2 (WK). A cave lined with porcu- from L. Erie areas,headed by 20 at WheafleyMay 8 (AW et al.). Eleven pine droppingson M.I. servedas a nestsite that held 2 eggsMay 20 were from L. Ontario at Toronto's e. Headland, Bowmanville, P.P.P., (DBF). A record38 Ospreyswere counted at Grimsbythis spring (WK). Consecon,Amherst I., Ottawa, Sudbury,and Thunder Bay May 1-June The MississippiKite in first-summerplumage at PeleeMay 19-26(ph., 3. This spring'sheavy Whimbrel flight was widespreadMay 19-30. m.ob.) constitutedOntario's 6th recordsince 1971. Typical for spring Leadingtotals include 1200 at RondeauMay 23 (PAW, HP), 1000over werethe 42 BaldEagles reported. Highlights among numerous accipiter MarmoraMay 21 (TB, DCS) and600 at GrandBend May 20 (HGC). sightingswere the • Cooper'sHawk seen in A.P.P., May 8 (RWK) and Migrantswere flying past MoosoneeMay 27 (KFA). 67 N. Goshawkscounted at the Crrimsbylookout for the season,which SingleHudsonian Godwits at RondeauMay 13 (G & GB), M.I., May almostequalled last spring'srecord count (WK). However,Red-shoul- 15 & 23 (JCN), MoosoneeMay 22 (KFA), and Toronto'se. headland dered Hawks set a record there at 838 in all (WK) and their nesting May 26-27 (A J, HGC) representaverage numbers. However, the eight reportedin Waterloowas encouraging (AB), althoughtheir future there Marbledswere well abovespring's usual two or three.All were singles dependsupon the conservation ofsuitable habitat. A majormovement of at Wheatley,Pelee, Bowmanville, Ottawa, Leamington,Stoney Pt., Broad-wingedHawks occurred at GrimsbyApr. 26-29 when7509 were P.P.P., andRainy R., Apr. 25-June6. The two andone Ruddy Turn- tallied(WK). The imm. Swainson'sHawk at StoneyPt., Apr. 28 (DAS) stonesin A.P.P., May 26 & 29 respectively,provided first park records

904 American Birds, September-October1984 (RGT) A Red Knot arrivedat MoosoneeMay 20 (KFA), on the same Table 1. Early arrivals in Ontario: Spring 1984. day 102 were at Pelee(KJB, GTH). Five W. Sandpiperreports were receivedfrom Port Stanley,Sarnia area, Lakefield, andKingston May Green-backed 2-26 Thirty White-rumpedSandpipers was a normalnumber. Single Heron Dwight Apr. 29(1) RGT Baird'sSandpipers were discovered at P.P.P., May 4 (ph., AW et al.), Black-crowned StrathroyMay 24 (DEW), andBracebridge May 31 (RLB). The 1600 Night-Heron Oshawa Mar. 30(1) MJB PectoralSandpipers at Essexlagoons Apr. 30 wasan impressive num- Wood Duck ManitoulinI. Apr. 1(1) CTB,JGL ber PurpleSandpipers, like Baird's,are much rarer in springthan in Black-bellied autumn,but there was one at DeepR., May 26, thefirst there in spring Plover Wheatley Apr. 21(1) GTH (WW). Heavyrains downed 1500_+ Dunlins on AmherstI., May 23 Upland Sandpiper Port Weller Apr. 14(1) MEF (JHE), and 1500+ weremoving up the OttawaR., at DeepR., the Ruddy Tumstone Harrow Apr. 18(1) AW et al morningof May 26 (WW). Dunlinspeaked on M.I. andat Sudbury May Sanderling Presqu'ileP.P. Apr. 23(3) RDM et al 23-26 (JCN). Noteworthyamong the eight Stilt Sandpipers, which were Pectoral belownormal numbers, was the single at StrathroyMay 26, only the2nd Sandpiper Richmond Apr. 11(1) BMD recordedin springfor Middlesex(GEM, WRJ). Short-billed Dowitcher Kingston May 8(1) AS,RDW CaspianTern Pelee Apr. 8(2) PDP Forster'sTern Pelee Mar. 21(1) GTH,AW Black-billed The Ruff in Ontariois undergoingan expansion.During the Cuckoo Efteau Apr. 29(1) KJB 1950s,one/year was outstanding; 1963-1973, three or four annu- Common ally werediscovered, mostly during autumn; 1971-1975, two or Nighthawk Kettle Pt. Apr. 28(2) AHR threewere found each spring but four werediscovered in 1977. Yellow-bellied Fromspring 1980-1983, there have been two, four, four, and Flycatcher AlgonquinP.P. May 24(1) RDS sevenbirds, respectively. This spring's11 establisheda record Acadian high, of which six, includinga female, frequentedlagoons at Flycatcher Pelee Apr. 30(1) PDP et al Essex,Comber and StoneyPt., May 3-11 (fide GTH). Others LeastFlycatcher Marathon Apr. 27(2) MJ were a female at Blenheim May 5 (GTH), single males near Great-crested SarniaMay 6 & 9 (AHR), PembrokeMay 6 (MF, JB et al.), Flycatcher Oshawa Apr. 9(1) DVR PeleeMay 8 (MK, AWh), andLakefield May 9 (PB et al.). All Gray-cheeked this activity suggestednesting in Canada,perhaps in the low Thrush Pelee Apr. 27(3) AW Arctic or even at Churchill, Manitoba. However, no nesting Gray-cheeked evidencehas beenreported. Thrush St. Catharines, Long Pt. Apr. 30(1) MEF,LPBO SwaillsoIl'S Thrush Rondeau Apr. 21(1) HP Hermit Thrush Oshawa Mar. 16(1) JS A Wilson'sPhalarope appeared at North Bay May 9-10 for theirfirst Wood Thrush Peterborough Apr. 27(1) RS record (GFC), and the 25+ lingeringat Ottawa lagoonssuggested Water Pipit Peterborough Apr. 29(1) PH breedingin the area (BMD et al.). Five Red-neckedswere more than Yellow-throated usualwith two femalesat StrathroyMay 26-27 (GEM et al. ) andsingles Vireo PrinceEdward Pt. Apr. 28(1) RKE,RDW at LakefieldMay 26 (PB et al.), MoosoneeMay 27 (KFA), andSudbury Warbling Vireo PrinceEdward Pt. Apr. 28(1) RKE,RDW May 29 (JCN). Red-eyedVireo Pelee Apr. 27(1) AW Tennessee GULLS, TERNS -- A NE galeMay 28 resultedin a spectacular Warbler Rondeau Apr. 29(1) KJB eastwardlake movement by gullsand terns at theLong Pt.. breakwater, Chestnut-sided consistingof fourLittle and4000 + Bonaparte'sgulls, 500 -+ Common, Warbler Sudbury May 6(2) CTB,JGL 650-+ Forster's,and 900-+ Black terns(L.P.B.O.). Singlead. Frank- Black-throated hn's Gulls appearedat P.P.P., May 5 for their 3rd recordever (LR), Blue Warbler PrinceEdward Pt. Apr. 27(3) KFE et al KingsvilleMay 20 (SL, S & RL), andSudbury May 22 (JCN). The ad. Yellow-rumped Little Gull near LondonApr. 27 was only the 2nd ever recordedfor Warbler Manitoulin I. Apr. 12(2) JCN Mtddlesex(DMa), and at least 13 were at P.P.P., Apr. 23-May 13 Black-throated (RDM et al.), whichalso hosted its first Com. Black-headed Gull Apr. Green Warbler Lakefield Apr. 29(1) FH 29 (HM, m.ob.). SingleCom. Black-headedswere alsoat Leamington Blackbumian Apr 22 (PDP) andRock Point P.P., May 20 (RFA). An ad. Ring-billed Warbler Pelee Apr. 26(1) GTH at MlssissagiLight May 14 waswearing a fadedorange wing tag #33 Prairie Warbler Rondeau Apr. 29(1) KJB et al (JCN).Details are awaited of theCalifornia Gull report near Long Point Bay-breasted P P , May 4 (JSk), whichif acceptedwould be Ontario's4th ever. The Warbler Prince Edward Pt. May 1(3) FA,MBe latestof 15reports of Thayer'sGull wasat Lindsay May 25 (AGC, RH). Mourning Six LesserBlack-backeds were one short of lastspring's record total. Warbler Lakefield May 2(1) DCS Lone birdswere at P.P.P., Mar. 31 (J & JT), OttawaApr. 5 (BMD), Wilson's Warbler Pelee May 2(1) AW PeleeApr. 8 (GTH), TurkeyPt., Apr. 9 (TW), LongPt., Apr. 30 CanadaWarbler Pelee May 1(1) LW,MWi (L P B.O.), and RondeauMay 21 (PAW, PT). Anotherexceptional ScarletTanager Erieau Apr. 27(1) KJB rarityat P.P.P. wasthe Sabine's Gull in breedingplumage May 14 (ph., SwampSparrow Pelee Mar. 22(1) AW HM), a speciesthat hasnot previouslyoccurred in s. Ontarioduring Bobolink Peterborough Apr. 29(1) PH spnng.Early Arctic Terns were migrating up theOttawa R., May 21 & Brewer' s 23, and numberedseven and eightrespectively (BMD). Tremendous Blackbird Manitoulin Apr. 12(2) JCN numbersof Forster'sTerns were present in the s.w. Some215 were at PeleeMay 3 (AW et al.), a highcount there. Several hundred passed KettlePt., May 10-11,with 280 on May 12 (AHR). Forster'sappeared nearLondon Apr. 8-23 (AWM), Morgan'sPt., NiagaraMay 14 (RWK et al ), e. to P.P.P., Apr. 23 & 30 (RDM), andAmherst I., May 19 DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- One pair of Mourning (RDW e! al. ). Dovesarrived in CochraneApr. 18 (ERA), while farthern., on the

Volume 38, Number 5 905 HudsonBay coast,one was found dead May 24 (KFA) A singleMonk WARBLERS-- The 45 Blue-wingedWarblers reported, excluding Parakeetappeared at PeleeMay 13-15(AGC et al. ) raisingthe question Pelee,were up overlast spring's record and one pair of Brewster'swas of theeffectiveness of theeradication programme carried out in themid- on territoryat CambridgeMay 27 (PE). SingleGolden-wingeds were n 1970sin the UnitedStates. A SnowyOwl tarriedon AmherstI., until to QueticoP.P., May 12 (S. Palecny)and Sibley P.P., June2 (GY) May 12 (K.F.N.), and the last of the invadingN. Hawk-Owlswere Pelee's 5th recordedYellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler occurred s•nglesnear Sudbury Mar. 4 (JGL), OdessaMar. 6 (JCB),and Merrick- Apr. 26 (GTH). Ontario's 6th recordedTownsend's Warbler was a ville Mar. 13 (B. Kerr). The record-smashinginvasion by GreatGrays female at RondeauMay 11 (PAW et al.). Anotherwesterner, a d' ended as birds moved out of the s. during March and April. Last Hermit Warbler, appearedin Toronto'sJames Gardens Apr. 30 (TJ, sightingswere in SudburyApr. 8 (JCN), KingstonApr. 15 (K.F.N.), HGC, m.ob.), to constituteOntario's 3rd record ever. The first was A P.P., Apr. 24 (fideRGT), OttawaApr. 26 (BMD, RMP), andAlex- downedin a chimneykill nearKingston September 10, 1978,and is now andriaMay 6 (GM). Of thefour admitted to theOwl Researchand Reha- in theNat'l Mus. of Canada.Both species last occurred in spring1981 balirationFoundation, one had beenshot at North Bay and threewere Awayfrom Pelee, single Yellow-throateds reached Bronte May 2 (ph , involvedin collisionsin SaultSte. Marie, ThunderBay and Kirkland L. MJe), StoneyPt., May 8-9 (DG, R. Baker)and Long Point P.P., May 5 (KMcK). Remnantsof the BorealOwl irruptionincluded one at Ganan- & 10 wheretwo were alsosighted Apr. 28 (RC, DVW, KDL). A Palm oqueMar. 3 (M & TH), anotherin QueticoP.P., Mar. 25-30 (TJN, Warblerof theyellow hypochrysea race was at PeleeApr. 27 for their SFP), andone found dead in a barnon M.I., in lateMarch (CTB). Two 4threport ever (AW). A d' Prothonotarywandered N to OttawaMay 23 AmherstI. birdswere still presentMar. 10 and the last one was seen (BMD), thefirst there in spring,and the pair thought to benesting near Mar. 19 (K.F.N.). Chuck-will's-widowsreturned to their usualsite at Goderich(TD) may establishthe species'most n. breedinglocation in theSt. William's ForestryStation (L.P.B.O.), andtwo wereat Rondeau theprovince. The only Worm-eating Warbler reported away from Long May 10 (PAW). A femalewas picked up in KingstonMay 17 as she Pt., Rondeau,and Pelee, wherenumbers were normal,was at P.E Pt , sleptby day,but wasreleased (K.F.N.). High numbersof Red-bellied May 7 (RKE). The 26 KentuckyWarblers at PeleeApr. 28-May 23 Woodpeckerswere found in Niagara (RWK), and singleswere in (AW) weremore than usual and away from the extremes.w. only two WinghamMay 12-June3 (JBM), GeorgianBay IslandsN.P., May 14 were noted:at BronteMay 25 (MJe) and P.E. Pt., May 26 (JM, SE) (GG), P.P.P., May 9 (J & JT), andP.E. Pt., May 11 (RKE). The only Pelee, Rondeau,and Long Pt. observersreported typical numbersof Three-toedWoodpecker reported s. of thebreeding range was in Water- Hoodeds.Singles were at St. CatharinesApr. 29-May 2 (J. Black et loo Apr. 12 (AB). al.), BronteMay 19 (IR), P.E. Pt., May 20 & 22 (RDW), P.P.P., May 21 & 26 (J & JT), andwell n. at CapeRoberts, M.I., May 12 (JCN) Some21 Yellow-breastedChats were bandedat LongPt. (L.P.B O ), FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRENS -- The season'sW. King- andothers reported were along the n. shoreof L. Ontarioat Whitby May bird turned up at Marathon May 31 (GY). For the 3rd consecutive 18-22(DB et al.), Willow BeachMay 23 (ERM), P.P.P., May 6 (J & spring,Pelee hosted a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher May 19 (JWC, JMB et JT), and P.E. Pt., May 6 & 26 (K.F.N.). al ), andanother was in ThunderBay May 16 (IM, JF). High countsof HornedLarks were 1000 at PineryP.P., Mar. 4 (AHR), and5000 Bank Swallowsat LongPt., May 28 furnishedanother high total (L.P.B.O.). TANAGERSTHROUGH BUNTINGS -- EightSummer Tanagers at LongPt., Apr. 19-May 26, wasan unprecedentednumber (L.P.B O ), The migratingCom. Ravenat P.E. Pt., Apr. 1 (JHE, RDW), waslate, but numbersat Peleeappeared normal (AW). Singleswere at Tilbury aswas the BorealChickadee at P.P.P., Apr. 2 (J & JT). Bothnuthatches May 10 (AGC, PH), Erie BeachMay 19 (RFA), ande. to Cranberry stageda strongreturn flight along the lower Great Lakes. Red-breasteds Marsh May 25 (MJB), the first there. A d' W. Tanagerfound at arrivedat LongPt., Apr. 24 andup to 30/daywere at P.E. Pt. in mid- ListowellMay 29 (JKo) has yet to be consideredby the OntarioBird May. Followingtheir record'flight last autumn, White-breasteds moved RecordsCommittee. There are fewer than 10 satisfactoryspring records throughApr. 1-May 27 with up to 20/dayat P.E. Pt. andP.P.P., and numbersat LongPt. The BrownCreeper peak came Apr. 26-28 at Long in the past35 years.The d' Dickcisselat a Kingstonfeeder Apr 7-8 (ph., CC, VW) wasthat area'sfirst occurrencesince 1974, andat Pelee Pt, with approximately2500, 4000 and 1500/day, respectively lonebirds were present Apr. 23, May 11, 15 & 20 (AW). The season's (L P.B.O.). ThreeCarolina Wrens at PeleeApr. 26-May 15 (fideAW), sparrowrarity was the singing d' Cassin'sSparrow at Pelee May 19-23 anda pair at HolidayBeach May 31-June2 (PDP), werethe only ones (GS, m.ob.), for the province's3rd and Pelee's2nd recordever The noted. Long Point P.P., Apr. 21 was the site for Ontario's annual occurrenceof the ad. Lark Sparrowat LongPt., Apr. 28 (GEW et al ) Bewick's Wren (PL). maintainedthe species'provincial average of aboutone/year. ALe Conte'swas at PeleeMay 8-9 (MR et al.) andanother was near Sudbury KINGLETS THROUGH VIREOS -- The 5000 _+ Golden-crowned May 27 (JGL). New for Middlesexwas the Sharp-tailedSparrow at Kingletsat theLong Pt. breakwaterApr. 26 wasthe largest single group StrathroyMay 20 (DEW). Fox Sparrowswere widespreadin large reported(L.P.B.O.). High talliesfor Blue-grayGnatcatcher were 40 at numbers,and 175Lincoln's Sparrows at PeleeMay 11 wasa hightally PeleeApr. 27 (AW), highfor the earlydate, 20 reportsfor PortHope- (BM). A White-crownedat GuelphMay 16was of thew. gambelitrace Cobourg(ERM), and 16 at P.E. Pt., May 20 where one nest was (B. Wyatt). Harris' Sparrowswere at MarathonApr. 27 (SP) andQue- virtually completeMay 8 (K.F.N.). Singleswere on M.I., May 12 tico P.P., May 11 (SJW). Outnumberingthe 8000_+Dark-eyed Juncos (JCN) andin GeorgianBay IslandsN.P., May 30 (PD). The wintering at the Long Pt. breakwaterApr. 26 (L.P.B.O.) were SnowBuntings Varied Thrushestarried at Whitby to May 14 (fide MJB) and at Aber- flying in tube-shapedformation past Pinery P.P., Mar. 2 (AHR) The foyle to Apr. 1 (ADB). The most northerlyof 22 N. Mockingbird tubemeasured 1.5km long by 100m diameter,which at a conservative sightingswere singles at CochraneApr. 14 (fide ERA) andMoosonee estimateof 50 buntings/metreof tube lengthamounts to 75,000 birds• May 23 & 30 (KFA). The 200 WaterPipits flushed from a field being harrowedat MelbourneMay 2 seemedmore typicalof autumnnumbers BOBOLINKTHROUGH EVENING GROSBEAK-- An early d' (D Murray).The last of thewintering Bohemian Waxwings were 300 at Bobolinkwas forced by the cold to frequentaNorth Bay feeder May 1 PeterboroughMar. 18 (AH, WMcC), and250 at Dunrobin(BMD) and (GFC). Six W. Meadowlarkswere found at PeleeApr. 14 & 28 (AW, 30 at KapuskasingApr. 18 (fideERA). The N. Shrikeat Peterborough WJC),London Apr. 18(fide WRJ), Bronte Apr. 21-May23 (DG etal ), Apr. 20 provideda latest-daterecord there (AGC et al.). Thepaucity of andWest Lorne May 9 (AGC, PH). Of the 39 Yellow-headedBlack- Loggerheadscontinues to causeconcern and begs for an explanation; birdsreported in thes.w., there were 15 pairs at Stoney Pt., onepair at only 14 birds were reported.Numbers were down in Kingstonand Amherstburg,singles at Pelee May 11& 18(B. Foxet al.), LongPt , Ottawa while none was noted at severalsites where expected. Away May 24 & 27, andthree from nearby lagoons (L.P.B.O.). A femalewas from their usualL. Erie locations,single White-eyed Vireos made it to e. to WhitbyMay 12 (JW) anda malewas nearby at OshawaMay 27 BronteMay 5-13 (MJe et al.), P.P.P., May 10 (J & JT), Whitby area (RGT). The onlyBrewer's Blackbird reported away from its regular May 1 & 20 (DB, DJM et al.), P.E. Pt., May 26 (JM, SE) and near hauntswas at KingstonApr. 20 (AS). ThreeOrchard Orioles were in the StratfordJune 1 for their 2nd recordever (RHD). A Bell's Vireo was at Whitby-Oshawaarea May 12-13 & 19 (DDC, MJB), threewere at PeleeMay 11 (AW) andthe Yellow-throatedn. to EspanolaMay 13 was P.P.P.,May 13& 19(CEG, J & JT), andtwo were e. to P.E.Pt., May rare there (CTB). 12 (JHE, RDW).

906 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 Edwards,R.K. Edwards,J.H. Ellis, D.B. Ferguson,R. Fleming, M. Fleguel,M.E. Foley, J. Foster,R. Gairdner,D. Gardiner,G. Gem- mell, W.E. Godfrey, C.E. Goodwin,H. Hamilton,T. Hanifran(TH), R. Hartley,D.J. Hawke,F. Helleiner,M.&T. Hendrick,A. Hill, G.T. Hince, P. Hogenbirk,A. Jaramillo,W.R. Jarmain, M. Jennings (MJe), T. Johns,C. Johnston,M. Jones (M J), J. Kamstra(JK), M. King, KingstonField Naturalists,W. Klabunde, R.W. Knapton, J. Kotancn(JKo), S.R. Kozak, B. Ladouceur,S. Laforest(SL), S.&R. Lawrenee,P. Lawrason,J.G. Lemon, R. Lighthart(RL), Long Point Bird Observatory,K.D. Lord, I. MacDonald,C.J. MacFaydcn,H. MacPberson,G.E. Maddcford, D. Martin (DMa), W.A. Martin, J. Maynard (JM), W. McCord, M.J. McCormick, E.R. McDonald, K. McKeevet, G. McKicl (GM), K. McLaughlin, R.D. McRae, A.W. McTavish, B. McTavish, J.B. Miles, D. Milsom (DM), D.J. Mount- joy, T.J. Nash, J.C. Nicholson, B.C. Olson, K.&M. Overman, H. Penner,S.F. Peruniak, S. Phippcn(SP), R. Pittaway(RP), I. Platt, R.M. Poulin, P.D. Pratt, L. Rackzoski, I. Richards, P.W. Richter, A.H. Rider, D.V. Ruch, M. Runtz, A.J. Ryff, J. Sabean(JS), D.C. Sadlet, A. Scott,G. Shcmilt,D. Shepherd(DS), J. Skcvington(JSk), R. Smith (RS), R.D. Strickland, D.A. Sutherland,L. Tamann, R.R. Tasker,P. Taylor, J.&J. Thomson,R.G. Tozer,R. Tymstra(RT), V. Wakeford, W. Walker, G.E. Wallace, D.E. Walpole, S.J. Walshe, R.D. Weir, D.V. Weseloh, L. Weseloh, A. Whatley (AWh), M.P. Whalen,B. Whitney, J. Wigglesworth,A. Wilson (AWi), M. Wilson (MWi), R. Wilson (RWi), P.A. Woodliffe, T. Woodrow, A. Worm- ington (AW), G. Yaki, W.E. Zufelt.--RON D. WEIR, 294 Elmwood Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 2Y8, Canada.

NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN REGION /DouglasP. Kibbe and Cheryl M. Boise

Marchoffered little respitefrom winter'sicy grip. AlthoughFebruary Cassin'sSparrow at PointPelee Nat'l. Park, Ont.. May 1984. Third temperatureshad soared to the sixties,March averaged 6øF below nor- Ontariorecord. The "laddered" effecton the centraltail feathersand mal with many areasseeing minus temperatures in the doubledigits. thesubterminal black spots or crescentson manyback feathers help to Blizzardsearly andlate in the monthdumped over four feet of snowon distinguishCassin's from the otherAimophila sparrows. Photo/Alan partsof theRegion. April sawa returnto moreseasonable temperatures Wormington. but a seriesof slow-movinglow pressuresystems brought passefine migrationto a virtual standstilluntil late May. Brief breaksin this weather pattern, particularlyApril 26-30, led to exceptionalhawk The last of about30 Pine Grosbeakreports involved six at P.P.P., movementsalong Lake Ontarioaccompanied by a few early migrants Apr. 2 (J & JT). HouseFinches continued their colonization. First-ever and southernstrays. Passerines returned in small numbersat nearly birds were in Stratford Mar. 18 (MPD), Simcoe at Barrie Mar. 24 normaldates, but the majorityof the breedingpopulation was two to (CJM), Kettle Pt., Mar. 31 (AHR), and Temiskamingat Matacbewan threeweeks late in arriving.Ever-increasing coverage of the Region May 1-2(LT). Smallnumbers were passing the tip of LongPt., Apr. 10- resultedin a proportionalincrease in the numberof early recordsand 11 (L.P.B.O.). Crossbillscontinued to be scarce.Reds totaled 21 at raritiessighted. Since "rare" is a relativeterm, the readermay notice SudburyMar. 2, 23 & 30 (JCN), 20 at PetawawaMar. 18 (D. Shade) that specieshighlighted a few years ago are given scantnotice now. and six in A.P.P., May 28 (R. de By). The only White-wingedwas in Unfortunately,although we now know far more aboutthe regularity MarathonMar. l-Apr. 15 (MJ). A few reportsof Corn. Redpollswere with which somespecies occur, our knowledgeabout the factorsinflu- receivedfor March andthere were occasional stragglers in April. One encingthe occurrenceof "rarities" or even factsregarding the basic wasstill at PembrokeMay 1 (LB et aLL Two HoaryRedpolls appeared biologyof local specieshas remained relatively stagnant. This spring at OsgoodeApr. 4 (HH), andsingles were in OttawaApr. 4 (WEG), southernpassefines were in low numberswhile westernspecies were MoosoneeApr. 3-7 (KFA), andKingston Apr. 30 (AS). PineSiskins much in evidence. andEvening Grosbeaks appeared all alongthe n. shoresof LakesErie andOntario from early March to lateMay asthey migrated almost daily in steadynumbers.

SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface),CONTRIBUTORS (italic), and CITED OBSERVERS -- K.F. Abraham, R.F. Andtie, E.R. Armstrong, F. Avis, M.J. Bain, R.E. Baker, S. Baker, D. Barry (DB), J.C. Bayly, C.T. Bell, M. Benson(MBc), T. Bigg, L. Biggs, G.&G. Binsford, J. Bouvier (JB), R.L. Bowles, M. Boyee(MBo). R. Bracken(RB), A.D. Brewer,R. Brouillct(RBr), A. Bryant,D. Back- nell (DBu), K.J. Burk, P. Burke. J.M. Burley, D.D. Calvert, C. Cannon,A.G. Carpentier,J.W. Chardine,W. Clark, G.F. Clay, W.J. Crins. H.G. Currie, R. Curry, M.P. Davis, R.H. Davis, B.M. Di Labio, P. Dorais, J. Douwes, T. Dyson, P. Eagles, S. Edie, K.F.

Volume 38, Number 5 907 Notableresearch efforts recently lmtlated in theRegion include sever- wouldbe pure supposition The Jefferson County Bald Eagles produced al bandingprojects on the Lake Ontariolake plains which promise to twoeaglets. A Swainsoh'sHawk overDerby Hill Apr. 30 (GS)ancl a shedconsiderable light on the mysteriousmovements of birdsalong this possibleHarlan's form of the Red-tailedHawk at Webster(DS) added massiveimpediment to migration. varietyto the hawk watchingscene. Hawk bandingat BraddockBay yielded4 "foreign"bands in some200 totalcaptures, several times the LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- A mediocreloon migration normalrecovery rate for bandedraptors. Word is still awaitedon the wasoffset by a betterthan average season for grebes,particularly Red- origin of theseforeign recoveries. neckedGrebes which more often than not overtlythe Regionor occur Did theunrelenting downpours cause extensive clutch losses in Ring- only on the Great Lakes. The majorityof thesesightings occurred in neckedPheasant, Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkeythis spring? Pheasant mid-April wheninclement weather dominated the entireNortheast and populationsin particularmay have suffered as they already evidenced a apparentlyforced many birdsto land on the smallerwater bodies.An continuousdecline despite attempts to stockhardier, more resistant EaredGrebe at HiltonApr. 5 (CC) wasunusual, particularly for spring. varieties.The folly of investinga major effort to maintainthis species in Given the improbabilityof a Northern Gannet successfullyoverwin- regionswhere changing agricultural practices render the habitat unsuit- teringon theGreat Lakes, the appearance of oneApr. 22 at Ripley(FR, ableseems obvious but old stocking practices die hard. Another unhkely Buck,fideB .O.S.) wasextraordinary. As predicted,the L. Champlain candidatefor successfulstocking, a Chukar,was seen near Alfred (EB) Double-crestedCormorant population is increasing.Sixty-three nests Therewere at least7 SandhillCrane sightings in c. andw. New York, werecounted on Vermont'sYoung I., wherea singlebreeding pair was mostin the Rochestervicinity. One watched crane displayed a decided first noted in 1982, and a nest at Four Brothers Is. marked the first reluctanceto crossL. Ontariobut there is scantevidence that the species instanceof breedingon the New York sideof the lake. No more than followsthe lakeshoreas do diurnalraptors. threeGreat Egrets were notedat any givenlocation but theses. breeders Theshorebird migration was less than spectacular despite good condi- were foundas far n. as L. Memphremegog.Only two SnowyEgrets tionsfor inducedfallouts, perhaps because the multitudeof flooded wereseen, at Westpoint(GC) andRochester (m.ob.), butas will be seen fieldsgave grounded migrants ample opportunity to disperse.Early in next seasoh'sreport more were on the way. Cattle Egret sightings New York arrivalsincluded Black-bellied Plover Apr. 29 (MJ, TM), pickedup in c. New York but Little Galloo and YoungI. are now the GreaterYellowlegs Mar. 25 (AC, FD), andWilson's Phalarope Apr 28 only Regionalbreeding sites. A convincingly-describedad. Yellow- (FS). A Peregrine'smere presence induced a SpottedSandpiper, in crowned Night-Heron at WeybridgeMay 19 (MN, AB) was only flight,to submergein a Middleburypond (JP). As usual,spring pro- Vermont's 2nd, the first since 1958. ducedfew rarities. Three Piping Plovers at SandyPond May 21 (FS),by TundraSwans departed late. Somewere still presentat Oak Orchard far the most seenRegionally in a decade,and an Am. Avocet (one W M.A., thelast week of May. GreaterWhite-fronted Geese, normally individual?)near Rochester May 12 (m.ob,R.B.A.) andAngelica May veryrare fall migrants,were found at 4 NewYork locations this spring: 13 (VP et al.) were exceptionalspring finds. Rochesterarea birders NewsteadMar. 25 (RA, fide B.O.S.), HendersonMar. 25-28 (RW et reportedall 4 Willet sightingsand late May broughta smallflight of al, fide O.A.S.), Carlton StationMar. 28 (WS,fide G.O.S.), and L. Whimbrelsto w. New York. At leastnine Wilson's Phalaropes were Ontarioin Wayne CountyMay 27 (DS et al.). An excellentflight of reportedin late May as New Yorkerswatched eagerly for evidenceof SnowGeese passed through the Region.Many of themstaged at either nesting. Montezuma N.W.R. (3000 birds) or MissisquoiN.W.R., or Dead GULLS THROUGH CHICKADEES -- A black-headed,red-billed CreekW.M.A. (1500birds) but few observersbothered to notesubspe- gull (Franklin'sor Laughing?)in a Middleburyfield May 19 (MN, AB) cies, makingit impossibleto ascertainwhether one or morebreeding/ would have beenVermont's 2nd ever had the wing patternonly been winteringpopulations were involved. A flightof 600 Brantwas the best verified.Little Gullsare seldom spotted away from the Region's 3 major reportedbut Canada Geese were abundant, as usual. Rarities included a lakes,making one at Norwich,N.Y., May 13 (RD, JL) a particularly Barnacle Goose at Iroquois N.W.R., Mar. 25 (B.O.S.) and a Ross' significantindication of this species'migration route through c. New Gooseon a Henderson,N.Y., pondfrom Mar. 25 throughearly April York. Two subad.Thayer's Gulls were reportedly seen (fide H.P.A S ) (RW et al.). The 4 localitiesthat hostedEur. Green-wingedTeal of at WestportMay 18. Althoughonly the 3rd reportedinstance of this unknownorigin were Woodville, Oak OrchardW.M.A., Montezuma "species'"occurrence on L. Champlain,difficulties in identification N W.R., andSwanton, Vt. (R & DL, PT). Thelatter sighting was only make relativeabundance anywhere in the Regionan openarena for Vermont's3rd or possibly4th. The only Barrow'sGoldeneye reports speculation.A LesserBlack-backed Gull apparentlywas presenton came from the Rochester area. CayugaL. in April (no details,fideC.B.C.). A Forster'sTern at Derby Hill Apr. 15 (GS) wasmore than a weekahead of theRegional record HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- The hawk migrationalong Cuckoosand their recently favored prey, foresttent and gypsy moth the lake plainswas spectacularthe last 5 days of April, following caterpillars,were noticeablyscarce causing all to wonderhow these prolongedpoor flight conditionswhich causedmassive buildups. At species'breeding populations readjust their range so rapidly in response BraddockBay 44,690 of the record63,295 hawks tallied were seen to overwintercrashes in potentialprey. A singleCom. Barn-Owl,in dunngthis brief period (L & NM). Evenbetter coverage, at timesmiles Aurora,was reported (C.B.C.). A Great Gray Owl, doubtlessa lag- from the lake shore,produced record total countsof many species gardfrom this winter'sinflux, was seenMar. 8 at PopesMills, N Y (indicatedby *). Someof thebest daily and seasonal totals tabulated by (SB) andanother remained in SouthFayston, Vt., throughMar. 15 (N & speciesfor BraddockBay, andfor DerbyHill (in parentheses),follow: RJ). One hopesthat the resultsof the owl bandingstation at Noyes 2632* (1600') Turkey Vultures,507 on Apr. 14 (161 on Apr. 2); 124 Sanctuaryon the L. Ontarioplains will inspireother banders to under- (342)Osprey, 35 onApr. 30 (78 on Apr. 28);24 (22) BaldEagles; 739* take similarefforts. Conifer plantationsthroughout w. New York's (914) N. Harriers, 152 on Apr. 14 (74 on Apr. 14); 9515 (11,582) agriculturaldistrict are refugia for nocturnal(and diurnal) birds of prey Sharp-shinnedHawks, 2383 on Apr. 28 (3019' on Apr. 28); 216' and offer ideal mist netting conditionsfor insomnientbanders. A net- (676*) Cooper'sHawks, 36 on Apr. 14 (64 on Apr. 17); 90 (174) N. work of stationscould unlockmany mysteriesabout these recluslve Goshawks,10 on Apr. 14 (36 on Mar. 22); 514 (964) Red-shouldered raptors.The singlestation banded 13 Long-earedand 27 N. Saw-whet Hawks, 124 on Apr. 1 (127 on Mar. 22); 44,347* (39,673*) Broad- owls. Althoughexceptionally early Com. Nighthawkswere foundat wingedHawks, 19,879on Apr. 27 (16,582 on Apr. 28); 3494* (8166') Brockportin February,Rochester in lateMarch and near Lake Placid m Red-tailedHawks, 861 onApr. 14 (1233on Apr. 17);547 (563) Rough- earlyApril, themass of the migrants(wisely) did notappear until early leggedHawks, 65 on Apr. 20 (45 onApr. 28); 11 (22*) GoldenEagles; May when 300 + couldbe found over pondsnear Rochester. 558 (435) Am. Kestrels,110 on Apr. 20 (57 on Apr. 13); 16 (26) Severalobservers noted an increaseand spread in Red-belliedWood- Merlins; and six (four) PeregrineFalcons. peckersalthough only one was observedin Vermont (KD) and the One or more Black Vulturestoured c. New York, appearingover speciescontinues to be absentfrom mostof n. New York. A Hairy Derby Hill Apr. 2 (GS), WebsterApr. 3 (WL) and AlbanyApr. 7 Woodpeckerin its 9th yearat Alfred(EB) underscoresthe value of data (B O.S.). Whilethe probability that only one westbound individual was derivedfrom backyard banding. The species'longevity record, howev- mvolvedseems high, raptorstypically move W to E alongthe lake er, is nearly 16 years. Field work turnedup breedingBlack-backed plainsand in theabsence of recordedflight direction such a conclusion Woodpeckersnear Puffin Pond in e. New York (RG) but effortsto

908 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 verifyan extralimitalreport near Amherst were to no avail. Unfortunate- Warblers,up in numbersthroughout the Region,continued to be most ly fewer smalllandbird tallies were receivedfrom the hawk watchsites abundantat LetchworthS.P. where22 werefound May 20 (DB, PC). than last yearbut the conditionswhich produced the exceptionalflight Apr. 28 brought80 N. Flickerspast Derby Hill. New localitieshosting TANAGERS THROUGH SPARROWS-- ThreeSummer Tanagers AcadianFlycatchers included Little SodusBay (FS) andCairo, N.Y. were identifiedin New York this May and a PaintedBunting spent (RG). Despiteconditions to the contraryseveral exceptionally early severaldays at a Tully, N.Y., feeder(m.ob.) earlyin themonth. Nearly flycatcherswere spotted.First of thesewas an E. KingbirdApr. 13 at everyyear we receiveBlue Grosbeakreports which must be summarily Webster(SS), followedby GreatCrested Flycatchers at 2 w. New York rejectedas probableIndigo Buntings, cowbirdsor in one memorable localitiesApr. 28 and an Alder Flycatcherat Dewit May 6 OH). These instancea HouseSparrow. The speciesis, however,a likely vagrantas and otherearly-arriving insectivorous passefines, notably Tree Swal- evidencedby at leastone convincing description this spring from Ver- lows, had slim foragingunder cool soddenconditions and many of the mont. A 5-year-old Am. Tree Sparrow recapturedat Alfred (EB) latterspecies at leastare known to havesuccumbed to starvation.This showedremarkable site fidelity. A Clay-coloredSparrow flew in May unfortunatefate probably awaited the overzealousCliff Swallowseen at 17 andestablished a territory at theDunkirk-Fredonia airport (J & PK). Greece Mar. 21 (KG) and the Bank Swallow near RochesterApr. 4 A Harris' Sparrowwas reported without details (fide KC, GS) in n. New (KG). The May Blue Jay migrationon the lake plainswas termed York. The Region'sonly W. Meadowlarkwas back on territoryat Pt. incredible.Counts during peak flightsexceeded 5000 birds/hour(RS). Breeze by late March. At least four Yellow-headedBlackbirds were What cohortof the populationthese birds constitute still remainsto be discoveredin New York duringthe period but only two Brewer'sBlack- determined.Could two Fish Crows at MontezumaN.W.R. (DS et al.) birdscould be foundat their "traditional" stopoverin Hamlin. Watch and anotherat Derby Hill (FS, GS) portendfurther expansion by this for continuedincreases in theOrchard Oriole, particularly in theCham- speciesin the Region?Common Ravens again visited the lake plains, plainvalley and Great Lake plains. The occurrenceof nineN. Oriolesat oneappearing May 5 at CarltonStation (WS). A strongreturn flight of a Ferrisburgfeeder May 14 (J & MD) may give you someidea of the Black-cappedChickadees was notedon the lake plainsbut only two desperatestraits arriving migrants faced this spring.Crossbills and extralimital Boreal Chickadeeswere reported. Corn.Redpolls remained extremely scarce, apparently having wintered n. of the Region. WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS -- CarolinaWrens, aided by an open winter, may be staginga comeback.A BohemianWaxwing at CORRECTION:The PalmWarbler nesting in New York lastsummer Shelburne,Vt., Apr. 12 (SA) waslate, particularlyfollowing a "poor" providedthe first Regional,not United States,record. winter flight. LoggerheadShrike put in a tokenappearance (8 + sight- ings)but by season'sclose was still notknown to be nestinganywhere in the Region. A half-dozenNew York sitesand one Vermont locality CONTRIBUTORS (in Boldface) AND CITED OBSERVERS -- R. hostedWhite-eyed Vireos. Specialefforts to confirmthis speciesas a Andtie, S. Antell, D. Bassett, A. Bilodeau, E. Brooks, S. Brown, Regionalbreeder are clearlyin order.Many vireosdelayed their arrival Buffalo Ornithological Society,D. & L. Burton, G. Carleton, C. 1-2 weeks until the end of May. Orange-crownedWarblers staged Cass, Cayuga Bird Club (C.B.C.), L. Chamberlaine, Chenango perhapstheir finest springshowing ever with about2 dozensurprise Bird Club, A. Clarridge, P. Conklin, K. Crowe!l, R. Daigle, K. appearancesthroughout the Region.Prairie Warblers, who exhibita David, P. DeBenedictis,F. Dobson,J. & M.C. Dye, B. Fox, Genesee curiouspattern of disjunctcolonies in the Region,are probably increas- Ornithological Society, K. Griffith, R. Guthrie, J. Hanyak, High ing here. While unlikely ever to becomeas abundantas it is in the Peaks Audubon Society,N. & R. Jerome,M. Jones,J. & P. Kumler, Southeastpine plantations, the speciesis well suitedto youngwhite pine R. & D. Lavalie, J. Lehman, W. Lloyd, M. Metcalf, L. & M. Moon, standswhich proliferatein our Region'sabandoned hillside pastures. T. Mosher, M. Nelson, J. Nicholson,W. Norse, Onondaga Audu- SeveralProthonotary and Worm-eatingwarblers overshot their normal bon Society, B. & J. Peterson, V. Pitzrick, F. Rew, Rochester breedingareas to landnear Rochester and four KentuckyWarblers were Birding Association,F. Scheider,D. Sherony,G. Smith, R. & S. seen in c. New York while one Yellow-breasted Chat made it to s. Spahn, W. Symonds,P. Taber, S. Taylor, Vermont Institute of Vermont. Vermont hostedits first springConnecticut Warbler (WN) Natural Science, R. Walker.--DOUGLAS P. KIBBE and CHERYL and two or three were seen (one banded) in w. New York. Hooded M. BOISE, Box 34, Maryland, NY 12116.

APPALACHIAN REGION •stEs.e N.Y. /GeorgeA. Hall MICH.

It was a very shortspring but while it lastedit was an eventfulone. Therewere a few minorityopinions but mostreporters felt theyexpe- riencedthe best springmigration in recentyears. The late winterhad been fairly mild but Marchturned very cold with IND. severalheavy snowfalls, even as far southas the Shenandoah Valley. At Pittsburgh,March rainfall was lower than normalbut elsewhereabout normal.April hadnormal rainfall and only slightlybelow normal tem- peratures.In May, however,rainfall at all locationswas greatlyin excessof normal(eastern Tennessee having nearly three times the nor- mal amount),and the first half of the monthwas quite cool with several frostsas far southas northernVirginia. Extensiveflooding in the south- westdestroyed many early nestings. Spring finally arrived about May 10 and lastedonly until perhapsMay 20, whensummer conditions ap- peared. Exceptin the north,where most bodies of waterwere still ice-locked, the Marchand early April migrationwas about on time. By late April andearly May eventswere perhaps a weekto ten daysbehind. Starting ATLANTIC aboutMay 12-15, migratingpassefines came through in greatnumbers until aboutMay 24 with the arrival of summer. OCEAN Despitethe cold early weather there was a greatnumber of extremely

Volume 38, Number 5 909 early recordsof somespecies, as for example,an Indigo Buntingin Goosewas seen Mar. 16-24 (MW). Two Brantwere at P.I.S.P., May IndianaCounty, Pennsylvania, April 8 (R & MH) anda Bank Swallow 24-31 (RHo, DF1)and three were at B.E.S.P., Pa., May 28 (HH, MW). at Lake Arthur, Pennsylvania,April 7 (DF). Unlike the last two years A Bar-headedGoose, certainly an escape,was at SenecaL., O., in late therewere few migrantsremaining in the Regionon the first of June. May. A bird of this specieshad spent6 weeksat thatlocation in the Therewas somesuggestion that the extremelycold weatherof De- springand summerof 1982 (ME). cember,which penetratedfar to the south,caused excessive winter A Cinnamon Teal at L. Arthur, Pa., Mar. 18 (DD) wouldestablish mortalityof somespecies wintering in the south.This was evidentat the first s.w. Pennsylvaniarecord, if it was not an escape.A Eur. mostplaces for EasternMeadowlarks, and perhaps for Golden-crowned Wigeon was seenat the Middle Creek W.M.A., Pa., Mar. 31 (CG). Kingletsand Field Sparrows. Oldsquawsand GreaterScaup were more widespreadand numerous ABBREVIATIONS -- B.E.S.P. = Bald Eagle State Park, Pa.; thanis usualin this Region.Surf Scoterswere at Yellow Creek S.P., P.I.S.P. = PresqueIsle StatePark, Pa.; P.N.R. = PowdermillNature Pa., Apr. 27 (MH) and at P.I.S.P., May 12 (DF); the more unusual Reserve, Pa. Place namesin italics refer to counties. BlackScoter was seen at L. Arthur,Pa., Mar. 25 (PH). White-winged Scoterswere unusuallynumerous in w. Pennsylvaniaand they were LOONS, GREBES, AND CORMORANTS -- The only reportof a reportedat Cheshire,W.Va., Apr. 18 (TI), Rockingham,Va., Mar. 28 Red-throatedLoon came from P.I.S.P., May 12 (DF). CommonLoons (YL) and Boone L.. Tenn., Mar. 17 (DH). weremore numerous than in recentyears, and there were reports as late as mid-May, even in the s. In late March and early April therewas a RAPTORS-- Therewas a smallamount of systematichawk watch~ major influx of Red-neckedGrebes with reportsfrom Crawford, Pa., ing thisspring. At Erie, 1200hawks and 266 TurkeyVultures were Apr. 21 (RFL); B.E.S.P., Apr. 8 & 15 (m.ob.);Hanover, Pa., Mar. 16 countedin 9 daysof observation,with a highcount of 505 onApr. 15 (CG); Fayetteville,Pa., Apr. 19 (CG); Vienna,W. Va., Apr. 1 (m.ob.); (SS, JM). Of these341 wereSharp-shinned Hawks and 423 wereRed- andBlacksburg, Va. (SB). An EaredGrebe was seen in Somerset,Pa., taileds.At anotherlocation at Erie, 1500hawks (860 Broad-wingeds) Apr. 8 (RT), for the first s.w. Pennsylvaniarecord. wereseen in 6 hoursApr. 26 (CK). At Harvey'sKnob, Va., 601 Broad- At Erie, Pa., Double-crestedCormorant sightings have been increas- wingedswere countedApr. 15 (MM et al.). At Waynesboro,Va., ing for severalyears (JM) andat PymatuningL., Pa., a countof 20 on "uncountablenumbers" of Broad-wingedswere seen Apr. 16 (GK). May 13 (m.ob., fide RFL) was noteworthy.There was more than the At Eriethe 2 prizerecords of theseason were of a BlackVulture Apr. usualnumber of reportsfrom elsewhere. 30 followingSW windsof up to 50 m.p.h. (CK) and a Swainsoh's Hawk Apr.21 (JM). BlackVultures, very rare in theOhio Valley, were alsoreported from Mason, W. Va., Apr. 18and Cabell, W. Va., May 5 (T1).There was an encouraging number of reportsof Ospreys.A pairof Ospreysstarted nesting at the R.D. BaileyL., in s.w. WestVirginia (firstnesting in thestate in about9 years)but this nesting was wiped out by severeflooding in lateMay (fideGAH). Threepairs of BaldEagles werenesting in the PymatuningL. area(RFL), two wereat NorrisL., Tenn., all season(JH), and a pair was at KinzuaRes., Pa., all season (WH). Therewere numerous other eagle records dating the migration Red-neckedGrebe near Vienna,W. Va., earlyApril 1984. season.The only N. Goshawkrecords came from Erie whereone was bandedApr. 14 (RG) and from Allegheny,Pa., Apr. l0 (T&NMc) & HERONSAND IBISES-- TheAm. Bitternis seldomreported from May 6 (late DF, PH). Rough-leggedHawks remained at s. locations thisRegion but therewere 8 reportscoming from asfar n. asP.I.S.P., untilearly May. Theonly reports of GoldenEagles can• fromLookout andas far s. asBlacksburg, Va. LeastBitterns were found at P.I.S.P., Plateau, Ga., Mar. 4 (JGr, CA), RaccoonCreek S.P., Pa., Mar. 30 wherethey were frequently observed (m.ob.); Mason, W. Va., May 18 (NK), and Harvey's Knob, Va., Apr. 13 (MM). (TI); andFairview, N.C., Apr. 10 (R & JY). GreatEgrets were more Merlinswere reported from Somerset, Pa., Apr. 14(RT), Crawford. widelyreported than is usualin thespring. Snowy Egrets were reported Pa., Apr. 7 (ML) & Apr. 8 (RFL), 6 reportsfrom Erie, Pa. (JM, CK), from Meadville,Pa., Apr. 14-22(RFL, ML) andfrom JohnsonCity, andGarrett, Md., May 10 (PL). Peregrineswere found at ErieApr. 28 Tenn., May 4 (MDi). Cattle Egretswere foundat P.N.R., Apr. 24 (CK), at P.I.S.P., May 10 (JM, DS), at WoodcockL., Pa., Apr. 23 (RCL, RM); StateCollege, Pa., Apr. 23 (TL) & May 28 (MW); Freder- (RFL) and on Roan Mt., Tenn., Apr. 28 (GE et al.). ick, Va., May 4 (RSi);Silver L., Va., Apr. 16 (BA); andFt. LoudonL., Tenn., May 7 & 9 (MD, PP). CRANES AND RAILS -- Severalflocks of up to 200 eachof Sand- Yellow-crownedNight-Herons were reported from Mason, W. Va., hill Craneswere seenin the Dalton, Ga., areaMar. 3-8 (fide HD) and May 5 (TI) andSalem, Va., Apr. 28 & May 22 (NM), andwere nesting they were reportedat Knoxville as late asMar. 16 (PP). Theseare the at Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE). usualcrane reporting stations but moreunusual was one seen at Geneva, Most unusualfor thisRegion were 3 recordsof GlossyIbises: State Pa., May 23, for a 2nd countyrecord (RFL, ML). College,Pa., May 4-14 (MW); Augusta,Va., May 1 (YL, IO); and The rail of the year was a Yellow Rail seenwell in Buncombe,N.C. Blacksburg,Va., May 12-14 (SB). (AB). Virginia Rails, Soras, and Corn. Moorhenswere more widely reportedthan usual. Was this a resultof the very wet season?Another WATERFOWL-- The waterfowlflight was widely reported as one unusualrecord was of a Purple Gallinule* found moribundat Johns- of thebest in years,although as expected some areas did not do so well. town, Pa., in early May; detailswill be publishedelsewhere (TD). The goodnumbers were however most notable for divingducks while the dabblersdid not showas well. The peakof the flight wasin late SHOREBIRDS-- At the KingstonSteam Plant, Tenn., one of the March. Someunusually high countswere madeat L. Arthur, Butler, usualshorebird hot spots,water levels were too high to producea good Pa.: one-daymaxima of 555 Canvasbacks,175 HoodedMergansers, flight (CN); and at P.I.S.P. (the othergood shorebird station in the 800 Red-breastedMergansers, and most remarkablefor a 1980s Region)the flight was poor until May 18 whena stormbrought in the count--120 Am. Black Ducks (fide PH). At P.I.S.P. an estimated unprecedentednumber of 1500birds of 16species (JM, DS). Elsewhere 15,000waterfowl were present in lateMarch and early April, aboutthe the wet weatherin May apparentlyproduced some good habitat and sameas last year. Rather late were the 1000Red-breasted Mergansers manylocalities had goodflights. Suchusually rare speciesas Black- there May 10 (JM). belliedPlover, White-rumped Sandpiper, Dunlin, and some others were Themigration of TundraSwans was generally good in earlyMarch, reportedfar too widely to detailindividual records. Some of the more with an out-of-normal-routerecord from Roanoke,Va., Mar. 25 unusualrecords were Whimbrelat P.I.S.P., two on May 18 (DSt) and (MDo). A Mute Swanwas at P.I.S.P., Mar. 4 (SS, JM). SnowGeese sevenon May 20 (DF), and at B.E.S.P., May 28 (JS); 14 Marbled were reportedfrom Hanover,Pa., Mar. 16 (CG); L. Arthur, Pa., Mar. Godwitsin Rockingham,Va., Apr. 24-25 (R.B.C.); HudsonianGodwit 17 (GW, MK); MosquitoL., O., Apr. 18 (CB);and Blacksburg, Va., at Blacksburg,Va., May 4 (SB);Baird's Sandpiper at B.E.S.P., May Apr. 17 (SB). At StateCollege, Pa., an apparenthybrid Snow x Canada 30 (MW, DB); Wilson'sPhalarope at Blacksburg,Va., May 4-end(fide

910 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984 JMu) and at Cumberland,Md., May 10 (PL); Red-neckedPhalarope at record came from Devil's Courthouse, N.C., where three were heard BlacksburgMay 4 (SB), and at P.N.R., May 18 (RCL, RM). Lesser Apr. 28 (R & JY). Golden-Ploverswere reportedfrom PymatuningL., Pa., May 9 (RFL, A new locality for the Chuck-will's-widowwas Mingo, W. Va. ML); B.E.S.P., May 26-27 (fideKJ); andWhigeld, Ga., Apr. 11 (HD.) (TDe), a tangibleresult of the Atlas project.One was heardat Lynd- Willets werereported from P.I.S.P., May 26 (SS); StateCollege, Pa., hurst,Va., for sometime in May (WP). The Whip-poor-will continues May 7 (HH); B.E.S.P., May 23, firstlocal record (CH); Mill Creek,W. to declineand ratherfew reportersmentioned it. Va., Apr. 30 (CS); andBlount, Tenn., May 7 (MD). At P.I.S.P., 40 RuddyTumstones May 26 (SS) wasan unusualnumber for spring,the WOODPECKERS AND FLYCATCHERS -- Red-bellied Wood- only otherreport coming from B.E.S.P., May 24-26 (PS, CH). Short- peckerscontinue to do well in the n., with 4 locationsin Erie, Pa. (JM) billed(presumably) Dowitchers were reported from nearLock Haven, and a "definite increase" in the Lock Haven, Pa., area (PS). Most Pa., May 18-19 (PS); Elkins, W. Va., May 14 (EH); and Austin encouragingwas the numberof reportsof Red-headedWoodpeckers, Springs,Tenn., May 8 (RK). At P.I.S.P., May 18 a conservative abouttwice as many as in pastyears. At Pittsburghthe flight of Yellow- estimatewas of 880 dowitchers,of which 75% were identifiedas Short- bellied Sapsuckerswas the bestin years(PH). billeds (JM, DS). Olive-sidedFlycatchers were reportedfrom Lock Haven, Pa., May 19 (CH); Keewadyn,Pa., May 26 (PS);P.N.R. (RCL); Vienna,W.Va., GULLS AND TERNS -- Franklin's Gulls were found at Somerset, May 13 (LR); Shenandoah,Va., May 13 (RSi); andRoanoke, May 19- Pa., Apr. 8 (RT) and at L. Chatuge,Ga., May 4-5 (AG). There were 21 (HT, NM). Yellow-belliedFlycatchers were reportedin unusually somelarge concentrationsof Ring-billedGulls reported:3500 at L. largenumbers for spring.At P.N.R., bandingswere 315% abovenor- Arthur, Pa., Mar. 18-19 (GW) and 2000 elsewherein the Pittsburgh mal with 39 banded, 17 on May 19 (RCL). Two were heard at Mt. regionon thosedays (fide PH), and 2500 at PymatuningL., Pa., Mar. Rogers,Va., the southernmostbreeding station, in late May (ES). Alder 24 (RFL, ML). The usualgull hotspotat P.I.S.P., reporteda Lesser Flycatchersappear to be expandingtheir ranges. at highelevations. At Black-backedGull Mar. 18 and a Thayer'sGull May 10, as well as two leastfive were heardon Roan Mt., Tenn., in late May (GE), and three Iceland Gulls, up to eight GlaucousGulls and 100+ Great Black- nearFairview, N.C., in lateApril (R & JY). Onewas heard in Cumber- backedGulls (SS, DS, JM). A non-typicalIceland Gull (hybrid?)was land. Tenn., May 14 (J & BC). The northboundflight of E. Kingbirds seenthere May 10 (JM). A moreunusual Lesser Black-backed Gull was was also the best in severalyears, highlightedby a flock of 50 at at RoanokeApr. 4 (MP). A GlaucousGull Mar. 17 (GW et al.) and a Knoxville May 8 (MA). A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was seen near LaughingGull Apr. 7 (DF et al.) at L. Arthur,Pa., wereunusual for this Middleburg,Va., May 19-20 (RSi). inland locality. RAVENS, TITMICE, NUTHATCHES -- Two Com. Ravennests in the Warren, Pa., area were successful,and anothernest was locatedin that area (WH). Ravens were seen all seasonalong the Kentucky- Virginiaborder in Wise,Va., andone pair acted as if theywere nesting (RP). Therewere a few Black-cappedChickadees reported s. of thenormal range,a holdoverfrom last fall's flight, and the previously reported • CarolinaChickadee at P.N.R. (n. of the normalrange) was captured againthis year in breedingcondition. The BorealChickadee reported AdultFranklin's Gull (withRing-billed) at L. Chatuge,Towns Co., fromAllegheny, Pa., in thewinter remained until mid-March (RKe) and Ga., May 4, 1984. Photo/ArthurL. Green. one was seen in Warren, Pa., Mar. 17 (RR). Therewere more reports of Red-breastedNuthatches than usual for the spring,but it was not a majorflight.

WRENS, THRUSHES, KINGLETS -- Carolina Wren populations remainedgood, and apparently this species did not suffer undue mortal- ity duringthe cold winter. The Winter Wren was another species report- ed morecommonly than usual during migration, but the only reportof Bewick'sWren camefrom Mason, W.Va., May 5 (TI). The only Marsh Wrenreport came from AustinSprings, Tenn., May 9 (RK) butSedge Wrenswere seenat CanoeCreek S.P., Pa., in early May (LB), Alleghe- ny, Pa., May 15 & 20 (JG, DR, JR), AustinSprings, Tenn., Apr. 28 AdultFranklin's Gull at L. Chatuge.Towns Co., Ga., May 4. 1984. Photo/Arthur L. Green. (RK), and Knoxville Apr. 29 (PHa). While someareas reported normal numbers of both kinglet species Anotherremarkable record for theRegion was of a Gull-billed Tern mostplaces saw rather few Golden-crowneds,and this species may well at Blacksburg,Va., May 31 (JV). CaspianTerns were reported from: have sufferedmortality on the winteringgrounds during the cold De- B.E.S.P.(HH, TS);Mosquito L., O., May 12(CB); Woodcock L., Pa., cember. Apr. 20 (RFL, ML); BeechFork S.P., W. Va., Apr. 20 (TI); and It wasa banneryear for all speciesof spottedthrushes. The bandings Augusta,Va., Apr. 24 (YL). Forster'sTerns were more commonly at P.N.R. were 239% above normal for Veeries, 100% for Gray- reportedthan Com. Terns with reports from several places in Erie, with cheeked and 70% for Swainson's Thrushes. Hermit Thrushes remained a highcount of 30 at P.I.S.P., May 5 (JM);from B.E.S.P. (HH, TS); rather late and the otherscame somewhatearly so it might have been fromL. Somerset,Pa., May 12 (KP, RCL); fromQuemahoning Dam, possibleto list5 speciesof spottedthrush in oneday. The thrush record Pa., JuneI (G & RSa); fromAugusta, Va., Apr. 24 (YL, IO); from of the year, however,was furnishedby a Townsend'sSolitaire at Elkins,W. Va., May 10(EH); andfrom Austin Springs, Tenn., Apr. 9 P.I.S.P., Pa., May 12 (DF). & May I (RK). A LeastTern was at P.I.S.P., May 26 for a 3rdcounty record (J & BB). PIPITS, SHRIKES, VIREOS -- There was a good flight of Water Pipitswith 200 + at L. Arthur,Pa., Mar. 18 (GW). Pipitsremained at CUCKOOS, OWLS AND GOATSUCKERS-- Neithercuckoo spe- Elizabethtonuntil May 19 (RK) and at the late datesof May 10-12 there cieswas especially numerous, even in thosefew areasthat hadtent was a heavy flight at P.I.S.P. (JM). NorthernShrikes were reported caterpillaroutbreaks. The only Com. Barn-Owl reports came from the 2 from B.E.S.P., Pa., Mar. 4 & 6 (PS, CH), P.I.S.P., early March (BG), regularlocations, Lyndhurst, Va. (fideRS) and 3 locationsnear Eliza- andCrawford Pa., Mar. 31 (JGS, JHS). The only reportsof Loggerhead bethton,Tenn. (GE). Short-earedOwls were reported from P.I.S.P., Shrikeswere two for the season(normal) at Knoxville (CN), one at Mar.25 (BF)& Apr. 10(JM), Zelienople,Pa., in March(FL), andup to Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE), andtwo in the ShenandoahValley in Augus- six in Indiana, Pa., Mar. 4-10 (R & MH). The only N. Saw-whetOwl ta, Va. (RS).

Volume38, Number5 911 Red-eyedVireos were perhapsslightly fewer than normalbut the Gehrleln,Bonnie Glnader, Norris Gluck, Arthur Green, Joe Greenberg othervireo species were all in goodnumbers. This wasespecially true (JGr),Joe Grom (JG), CharlesHandley, Paul Hartigan (PHa), Cecil for theYellow-throated Vireo in n. WestVirginia where it hasbeen low Hazlett(CH), Dick Hegler,Harry Henderson, John Heninger, Paul for severalyears (GAH). SolitaryVireo populationsin the WestVirgin- Hess(PH), MargaretHigbee, Roger Higbee (RH), WilliamHighhouse, la breedinggrounds were alsohigh (GAH). RoseHohmann (RHo), Joe Howell (JH), Eugene Hutton, Tom Igou, KatherineJones, Rhonda Kelly (RKe), Gene Kerby, Nick Keriin, Barry WARBLERS-- The mainwarbler flight wasa little late butonce it Kinzie,Rick Knight(RK), J. Koella,Tom Krakauer,Charles Krantz, startedmost areas reported a very fine migration.It was a shortone, Mary Kruth, YuLee Lamer, Mary Leberman,Robert C. Leberman however,and most migrantswere gone by the last week in May. At (RCL),Ronald F. Leberman(RFL), Paul Lehman, Todd Linagh, Fred P N.R., of the 21 speciesrecorded in significantnumbers, 16 werein Lochner,Betty Mason (BMa), Jim Mason(JMa), NellieMcGary aboveaverage numbers and only 4 were in belowaverage numbers. Of (NMc), ThomasMcGary (TMc), JerryMcWilliams (JM), Norwood thepassage species, most areas had excellent flights of Tennesseesand Middleton(NM), MyriamMoore, Terry Moore, Robert Mulvihill, John Bay-breasteds.Orange-crowned Warblers (usually missingin the Murray(JMu), CharlesNicholson, Isabel Obenschain, Paul Pardue, spnng)were reported from severalplaces, and one wintered successful- KennethParkes, Wayne Patrick, Richard Peake, Glen Phillips, Frank ly at Elizabethton,Tenn., remaininguntil Apr. 4 (GE). The mostinter- Preston,Mike Purdy, Ron Rieder (RR), Robert F. Ringler,Rockingham estingwarbler news was the continued expansion of theYellow-throated BirdClub, Dave Roell, John Roell, Lorraine Rollefson, Russell Ryan WarblerN. This hasbeen progressing steadily for someyears but this (RRy), Glen Sager(GSa), Ruth Sager(RSa), Terry Schiefer,Paul yearthere was a veritable"explosion" of n. records.They werereport- Schwalbe,E. Scott(ES), JerrySiefert (JS), Robert Simpson (RSO, ed from at least 4 localitiesnear State College, Pa. (MW), and 5 Merit Skaggs,Don Snyder,Ruth Snyder (RS), StanleyStahl (SSt), localitiesin n. Allegheny,Pa., as well as in Beaver,Butler, Fayette, DaveSteadman (DSt), Craig Stihler, Jean Stull (JHS), Jim Stull (JGS), Green, and Washington,Pa. (PH) and one at P.I.S.P., May 12 (ESw). SamStull (SS), EdwardSwab (ESw), Robert Tisony, Harry Turner, The speciescontinues to be reportedat new locationsin WestVirginia. JerryVia, RonWarner, Kirk Waterstripe, David White, Gene Wilhelm, PrairieWarblers have generally declined over much of the n. partof Merrill Wood, JerryYoung, Ruth Young.•EORGE A. HALL, their range. Is the habitatoutgrowing this species?A Worm-eating Divisionof Forestry(Mail Address:Department of Chemistry,P. Warblerat P.I.S.P., Apr. 28 wasunusual (DF). The ConnecticutWar- O. Box 6045), WestVirginia University,Morgantown, WV 26506- bleris very rarein thisRegion in spring,but this year reports came from 6045. P I S.P., May 11 & 22 (JHS) & May 27 (JM); P.N.R., onebanded May 27 (RCL); a singingmale at Montoursville,Pa., May 27 (SSt);and one at Elizabethton,Tenn., May 25 (RC). Wilson's Warblerswere found more commonlythan usual.

GROSBEAKS THROUGH SPARROWS -- Rose-breasted Gros- beakswere in goodnumbers in migration,but the only reportsof Blue WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION Grosbeakscame from the S.: Buncombeand Henderson, N.C., Spring /David J. Powell Counts(fide RW), andElizabethton, Tenn., Apr. 28 (GE). Dickcissels were reportedfrom Augusta, Va., onepair andtwo maleslocated (RS); Springwas mixed in theRegion with Michiganhaving an averageto Daleville, Va., May 10-15 (BK, TK); KnoxvilleApr. 27-29 (JK, J & slightlyabove average migration, Minnesota having a verypoor migra- BMa); and JohnsonCity, Tenn., May 14 (RK, DH). tion, and Wisconsinbeing somewherein between.After the warm A Clay-coloredSparrow was seenat P.I.S.P., May 12-14 (m.ob.). weatherof February,March was cold and wet in both Michiganand FieldSparrows were generally in shortsupply, and this species may well Wisconsin,cold with snowin Minnesota.April was warm anddry in have had heavy winter mortality. Lark Sparrowswere reportedfrom Minnesota,but cold, wet, andwindy in Michiganand Wisconsin The P I S.P., May 19 (RRy, KW) andfrom Whitfield,Ga., Apr. 28 (HD). end of April broughta majorfront throughthe Regionwith severe Savannahand Grasshoppersparrows seemed a little on the low side. thunderstorms,tornadoes, and very high winds (91 m.p.h. in Kalama- Henslow'sSparrows cannot be saidto be up to formernumbers but there zoo,Michigan; 83 m.p.h.in GrandRapids, Michigan). The first half of were encouraginglymore reportsthan in recentyears. There was an May remainedcold and wet with snowin thenorthern part of theRegion unusuallyheavy migration of Fox Sparrows,and Lincoln's Sparrows andstrong winds throughout. In mid-lateMay, theweather improved in werereported more commonly than usual, including a very earlyone at Michiganand Wisconsin with scatteredspring-like weather. Unfortu- SlipperyRock, Pa., Mar. 19 (GW). The only report of a Lapland nately,this weatherwas permeated with tornadicweather--in several Longspurwas from Butler, Pa., Mar. 18 (GW). cases,killer weather.Minnesota, however, remained very cold. Themigration in generalwas late by two-to-three weeks Regionwide, BLACKBIRDS AND FINCHES -- The N. Oriolewas in unusually particularlyin Marchand April. Waterfowlwere almostnonexistent in goodnumbers at mostplaces, but E. Meadowlarkswere generallyin theRegion, and almost none lingered. May wasbetter, especially the low numbers.Four Yellow-headedBlackbirds were seenat P.I.S.P., last one-half,particularly in Michigan.The shorebirdmigration was May 19 (SS et al.). A Brewer's Blackbird was seen at a feeder in poorin Wisconsin,with theexception of severalof thelarger species, Waterford,Pa., Mar. 24 (RB) andone was at L. Arthur, Pa., Mar. 25 (DF). The migrationof PurpleFinches was quite good. The onlyreport of Red Crossbillscame from the ChattahoocheeN.F., Ga. (HD), andthe only Com. Redpollreport came from L. Arthur,Pa., Mar. 15 (DF). Pine Slskinshad been locally abundant and locally absent during the winter, butin lateApril andearly May theyappeared practically everywhere in smallnumbers. Evening Grosbeaks were distributed in excellentnum- bersthroughout the Region, and many of theseremained well intoMay.

CONTRIBUTORS -- Carol Anderson,Marc Armstrong,Brian Ar- thur, CaroleBabyak, Bonnie Baird, Jim Baird, RalphBell, StanBent- ley, Dorothy Bordner, Lois Braun, Andrew Brown, A. R. Buckelew, RalphBurbridge (RB), Betty Campbell,Jim Campbell,Dennis Carter, Richard Clark, Dave Darney, Marcia Davis (MD), Timothy Dean (TDe), ThomasDick (TD), HarrietDi Gioia, MarthaDillenbeck (MDi), M•ke Donahue(MDo), MabelEdgerton, Glen Eller, Bill Fink, Kathleen Flnnegan,Dave Flynn (DF1), Dave Freeland(DF), Carl Gamer, Rod

912 AmericanBirds, SeptemberOctober 1984 averagein Michigan(low numbers,excellent diversity), and goodin HAWKS -- As hasbecome normal, Turkey Vultures were seenin Minnesotaduring late May. Thrusheswere low in Minnesota,but in goodnumbers at W.P.B.O., with 48 duringthe period. A strongS wind goodnumbers in Michiganand Wisconsin. Warblers were late and very in May broughtMichigan's 2nd MississippiKite to Kalamazoo(RA) low in Minnesotaand Wisconsin, but in goodnumbers in Michiganin Bald Eagleswere seenat W.P.B.O. in recordnumbers, with 37 dunng mid-May. Sparrownumbers paralleled those of warblers. the period(RW, TA, m.ob.). Accipiterswere down at W.P.B.O., this The outstandingrarity wasMinnesota's and the Region'sfirst Ross' springwith N. Goshawksat lessthan one-halfof last year's totals Gull. Other notablerarities were Michigan's first Arctic Loon, Minne- Broad-wingedHawks were alsoat a muchreduced level at W.P.B O, sota'ssecond Anhinga, Michigan's second Mississippi Kite, Michi- with this year's total of 2070 approximatelyone-fourth of the 5-year gan'ssecond Curlew Sandpiper,and Wisconsin'sfirst LesserBlack- average(TA). Swainson'sHawks were seen twice in bothMichigan and backedGull. In the followingtext, placenames in italicsare counties. Wisconsin:singles on Apr. 27 (JF, TH, TL) & May 3 (RW) at W.P.B.O.; May 5 at Schlitz Audubon Center, Milwaukee (DT), and ABBREVIATION -- W.P.B.O. = Whitefish Point Bird Observa- May 7 in Eau Claire, Wis. (JPo).A "Harlan's" typeRed-tailed Hawk tory, Mich. was seenat MuskegonS.G.A., Mich., Apr. 7 & 14 (BB, DP et al ) If thiswere still a species,it wouldprovide the 3rd staterecord. Ferrugln- LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A Red-throated Loon Mar. 31 at ous Hawks were at Polk, Minn., May 19 (K & SS) and at the Felton prairie, Minn. (KE, KC, HK). Despitetheir scarcitythis winter, good Duluth (m.ob.) set the earliestMinnesota record. They were in good numbersof Rough-leggedHawks were seen at severallocations in numbersin bothMichigan and Wisconsin,with 62 duringthe period Michigan and Wisconsin.Golden Eagles were plentiful in Michigan Apr. 19-May29 at W.P.B.O., themost ever for Michigan,and 110 on with 17 at W.P.B.O. (RW, TA et al.) and five othersat variousloca- L Michiganin ManitowocApr. 1 (DT), certainlyvery high. Interest- tionsin the state.The restof the Regionwas represented by oneApr 28 lngly, the birdsseen in Michiganare normallyseen from late April at Milwaukee(JB). Thirty-sevenMerlins were seenin Michigan,29 of throughMay, essentiallyonly on L. Superior,while the Wisconsin birds theseat W.P.B.O. (RW), certainlya goodshowing. Peregrine Falcons areseen primarily in Marchand April withmany, if notmost, found on were seenin excellentnumbers Regionwide with 17 individualsreport- L Michigan. An Arctic Loon May 26 at W.P.B.O. (RS, WS, RHo) ed from 13 countiesin Minnesotaand 30 individualsin Michigan,26 of providedMichigan's first accepted sighting. Common Loons were near- them at W.P.B.O., with an unprecedentedsix on May 5 (RW et al ) ly doublelast year's total at W.P.B.O., with 1341May 6 (RS) thepeak The overwinteringGyrfalcon at Duluth remaineduntil Apr. 8 (KE) count.Red-necked Grebes were up Regionwide,with oneMar. 30 in This or anotherGyrfalcon near Superior, Wis., May 7 (RJo)established Minnesota'sDakota (RJ) establishingthe earlieststate record. Eared the latestspring record for Wisconsin. Grebeswere foundat 3 Michiganand 5 Wisconsinlocations. Western Grebeswere found May 15 & 30 at Crex MeadowsW.A., Wis. (JHo), GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- SpruceGrouse are normal- May 26 & 27 in Chippewa,Wis. (JPo), and May 28 in Dunn, Wis. ly very difficultto find in the Region,so the successenjoyed by the (DT). W.P.B.O. staffis of interest.With the aid of a tapeof the female'scall, AmericanWhite Pelicans were reported from 4 Wisconsinlocations. Double-crested Cormorants continue to increase on the Great Lakes, theywere able to showover 200 peoplea very cooperativemale (TA) Yellow Rails were seenat Horicon N.W.R., Wis., May 19 (SR, JeB et with inlandrecords becoming increasingly frequent. An Anhinga seen al.) andat theirSeney N.W.R., Mich., nestingareas. King Railswere May 26 nearShakopee, Scott (DB et al.) wasonly the 2nd for Minneso- reportedfrom 4 Wisconsinand 3 Michiganlocations. This specieshas ta GreatEgrets were foundn. of usualat St. Louis. Minn. (AE) and becomeincreasingly hard to locatein the Regionin recentyears. Sand- Crawford,Mich. (DR). SnowyEgrets were found at GreenBay, Wis. hill Cranenumbers were higher in Michigan. PipingPlovers remained (m oh.), Crawford,Wis. (DT), and Houghton,Mich. (NS). As has veryscarce in theRegion with reports from 3 Wisconsinand 5 Michigan becomethe normal pattern, the s. heronswere scarce again this spring. locations.Alarmingly, none was foundat their Long Island,Ashland, The only Little Blue Heronof the springwas one May 12 at the Schlitz Wis., nestingsite. Unusual,however, was one inland at Morrow L, AudubonCenter, Milwaukee (DG, BC), andthe only TricoloredHeron Kalamazoo,Mich., May 18-19 (RA, DP). AmericanAvocets made an in the Regionwas one May 30 in Monroe, Mich. (JR). Cattle Egrets excellentshowing in the Region,particularly in Wisconsin,with 30 at wereup in Minnesotawith 15 on May 26 in Grant (KE et al.) thehigh the SchlitzAudubon Center, Milwaukee Apr. 28 (WW, MB, JB et al ) count.Cattle Egrets were scarce in Wisconsinand Michigan, however, and 28 at Monroe, Wis., Apr. 30 (EE), the largestflocks. Avocetsat with reportsfrom 3 Wisconsinand 2 Michigan locations.Yellow- Minneapolis(CH) andCrow Wing, Minn. (JB1)were at unusualloca- crownedNight-Herons remain very scarcein the Region,with only 3 tions. sightings,all in Wisconsin. The onlylarge group of LesserYellowlegs reported was 450 May 4 in Monroe,Wis. (EE). Willetswere seen in excellentnumbers in Michigan WATERFOWL -- Tundra Swanspassed through Wisconsin in a andWisconsin with reports of oneto 20 + birdsfrom 7 Michiganand 12 hurrythe last week of Marchwith 8000+ Mar. 31 at Shiocton(DT) the Wisconsincounties. An Upland Sandpiperat GrandMarais, Mlnn , largestconcentration. Mute Swans continue to spreadin theRegion with May 22 (K & MH) wasunusual for theNorth Shore. Whimbrels were reportsfrom 4 locationson L. Superior,3 in Michiganand at Duluth, veryscarce in Wisconsin,with only 13 reported, but in averageto above Minn. (KE). GreaterWhite-fronted Geese were found at oneWisconsin averagenumbers in Michiganwith 300+ the eveningof May 26 (DP, and2 Michiganlocations, although local birders think that the same two BB, TS, MA) the largestcount. The progressionof Whimbrelsthrough btrdswere at both Michiganlocations. A late Snow Goosewas in St. Michiganis wortha comment.They normallymigrate through in the Croix, Wis., May 27 (RH, DT). An excellentmovement of Canada last10 daysof May, andare usually seen at thefollowing places, in this Geesewas witnessed Apr. 21 on Minnesota'sNorth Shore, with thou- order:Monroe, TawasPoint S.P., andW.P.B.O. Duringthis period, at sandsmoving N (m.ob.).The duckmigration was late and poor in all 3 theseplaces, hundreds are often seen. Elsewhere in thestate or at other states,with few lingerers.A CinnamonTeal wasin Hennepin,Minn., timesof theyear, they are uncommon to rare. HudsonianGodwits were May 1-17 (m.ob.). This specieshas become rare/regular in Minnesota. foundat 3 Michiganand 15 Wisconsinlocations, a goodshowing for HarlequinDucks were found Apr. 9 in Door,Wis. (JA) andMar. 26-27 thisuncommon species. Marbled Godwits were found at 4 Michiganand nearEly, Lake,Minn. (S & NP, SS).The Minnesotareport is particular- 4 Wisconsinlocations with 12 on May 12 in Columbia,Wis. (WH), the ly notable,because it is oneof thefew inlandsightings. As hasbecome highestsingle count. the usualin the Region,the only locationwith significantnumbers of RedKnots were seen in Michiganand Wisconsin in averagenumbers scoterswas Michigan's W.P.B.O. where 16 Black, 13 Surf, and 1150 Therewere 5 reportsfrom both Michigan and Wisconsin of W. Sandpip- White-wingedscoters were seen. The onlyscoter report from Minnesota ers,quite high for thespring migration. Surprisingly, Baird's Sandpip- wasof twoWhite-wingeds Apr. 3 in Sibley(HK), unusuallyearly and an erswere foundat W.P.B.O., one on May 11 (TL), andthe Muskegon unusuallocation (KE). All 3 specieswere seen in Wisconsin,but in low WastewaterSystem, Mich., sevenMay 30 GW); they arevery uncom- numberswith threeBlacks, 10-12 Surfs,and about45 White-wingeds monin theRegion in spring.Michigan had only its 2ndCurlew Sand- reported.It is certainlyinteresting how common White-winged Scoters piper whena moltingindividual was seen at theCoopersville, Ottawa, are in e. L. Superiorand how scarcein w. L. Superior. sewageponds May 19-22(JP, JBa, m.ob.). Thisbird exhibited the odd

Volume 38, Number 5 913 An impressive 12,000-15,000 Corn. Terns were counted from Kewauneeand Manitowoc, Wis., May 20 (JI, DT et al.). Arctic Terns are continuingto showup in the Regionwith increasingfrequency as observersstart looking for them. This spring'sreports were one at ManitowocMay 13 (DT), with threethere May 18 (BBr) andtwo May 19 (RH); one at Ashland,Wis., May 24 (SR) andone with two Corn. Ternsat W.P.B.O., May 28 (DP, BB, MA, LR, RS). Sixty Forster's Terns were seenin Bay, Mich., Apr. 28 (DP, BB).

CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- Bothspecies of cuck- ooswere very late and scarce throughout the Region. A Corn.Barn-Owl wasfound at theWood Lake Nature Center, Hennepin, Minn., May 11 CurlewSandpiper at Coopersvillesewage ponds, Ottawa Co., Mich., (m.ob.), wherethe species is onlycasual. Snowy Owls were very late in May 19, 1984. Secondrecord for Michigan. Photo/JamesPonshair. Michigan,with singlesMay 17-20at theMuskegon Wastewater System (BB, DP et al.) & May 22 at W.P.B.O. (RS, RW). After lastwinter's behaviorpattern of arrivingat theponds between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and invasion,it wasnot surprising that Great Gray Owls were found into late leavingabout 6 p.m. Earlieror laterin theday, it wasnever seen. Short- May in n. Michigan and n. Minnesota. Eleven were banded at billed Dowitcherswere in aboveaverage numbers in Michigan.Wil- W.P.B.O_ (TA, staff)_ More unusualwas one in Marathon, Wis., son'sPhalaropes were seen in aboveaverage numbers in Minnesotaand duringthe last half of May (fideDF). BothLong-cared and Short-cared Michigan.The only Red-neckedPhalaropes were foundin Wisconsin owls were scarcein Michiganand Wisconsin,particularly the Short- with five individualsat 4 locations.A breeding-plumagedRed Pbala- eared. A record47 Boreal Owls were bandedat W.P.B.O. (TA, staff). ropeat the MuskegonWastewater System May 30 (FD) furnishedonly A singlebird was found roosting Mar. 7 nearTrout L., Mackinac,Mich. the 2nd springsighting for Michigan. (fideNI), andnormal numbers (i.e., five) wereheard calling along the GunflintTrail, Cook,Minn. (K & MH). A Ruby-throatedHummingbird JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS -- Michiganhad only its 2nd spring at W.P.B.O., Apr. 27 (staff) was very early for the Upper Pen. Red- jaegersighting when an ad. ParasiticJaeger flew by W.P.B.O., May 28 headedWoodpeckers were generally scarce in Michigan,but bothRed- (DP, BB, MA). SingleLaughing Gulls were found May 15-21in Man- headedsand Red-belliedswere unusuallycommon in the Duluth area. itowoc, Wis. (m.ob.), May 21 at Tawas Point S.P., Mich. (LG), and Black-backedWoodpeckers were reported from 6 UpperPen. locations May 22 in Berrien, Mich. (WB). Franklin'sGulls were reported from 2 in Michigan and 2 locationsin Wisconsin. Michigan and 5 Wisconsinlocations. Little Gulls were seenin all 3 FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES -- Flycatcherswere stateswith 12 (six adults,six iramatures)at Kewaunee,Wis., May 13 (DT et al.) particularlyimpressive. Flocks of over 1000 Bonaparte's scarcethroughout the Region with onlyoccasional exceptions. Twenty Yellow-belliedFlycatchers at Kalamazoo,Mich., May 26 (RA) was Gulls were seen in all 3 stateswith the largest, 12,000 May 13 at certainlya highnumber, however. Also present at thesame Kalamazoo Kewaunee,Wis. (DT). Singlead. CaliforniaGulls were foundApr. 12 locationwere good numbers of peweesand Alder Flycatchers. Despite at AgassizN.W.R., Minn. (KL) and in April at Morrow L., Kalama- the cold weather,Least Flycatchers appeared in s. Michiganand s. zoo, Mich. (RA). Thayer'sGulls were reportedfrom all 3 stateswith Wisconsinin late April. A Say'sPheebe put in a brief appearancein birdsremaining into May in bothMchigan and Wisconsin. Iceland Gulls Minnesota'sLac QuiParle Apr. 28 (PEet al.). WesternKingbirds were were seen at 3 Michigan and one Wisconsinlocations. A breeding- e. of normalat W.P.B.O., May 9 & June1 (RS, TL, RW) andin Polk, plumagedad. Lesser Black-backedGull was discoveredMar. 29 at Kewaunee,Wis. (DT) for the firstWisconsin record of thisspecies. The Wis., May 26 (RH). A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher found its way to next day it was seenat Two Rivers (MD, RSu) and thereafterdisap- WhitewaterS.P., Winona,Minn_, May 11 (m.ob.). Both Rough- wingedand Bank swallows returned to Trempealeau,Wis., at thevery peared.A GlaucousGull at W.P.B.O., May 25-26 (RS, DP, MA) was unusuallylate. earlydate of Apr. 9 (THu) withboth Cliff andBarn swallows returning the next day to Polk, Wis. (JHu). Despitethe cool weather,these were SoAo all neartheir record early datesfor Wisconsin.Black-billed Magpies werefound nesting unusually far e. at Tower-SoudanS.P. in St. Louis, The bird of the seasonundoubtedly was the Ross' Gull in Minn. (SW/MS). As happensevery spring, Boreal Chickadees appeared Minnesota. An adult, it was discoveredApr. 4 at Agassiz at W.P.B.O. in goodnumbers in May (upto 30/day)after having been N.W.R. (JM) and was seenand photographedby many until essentiallyabsent from the state.Where do thesebirds come from and Apr. 14. The bird spentmost of its time loafingon the dike road whycan't we find themin thewinter? Red-breasted Nuthatches lingered and would allow closeapproach (to within 10 feet). It fed by throughMay in Kalamazooand Kent in s. Michigan(RA, JW). Rock hoveringlow over the ice of refuge poolsand picking at tiny Wrenswere found at 2 Minnesotalocations: one May 12-13at Goose- organisms.It was closely associatedwith ice; once a pool berryFalls S.P., Lake (LW) and a pair whichappeared to be nesting thawed,the gull movedto anotherthat was still frozen.With this (carryingnesting materials) in Bemidjiin late May (AS), establishing speciesnow regularat Churchill,Manitoba, it wasonly a matter only the 7th and 8th staterecords. Carolina Wrens remain extremely of time before one appearedin the Region. scarcein the Region, with only 4 reports,2 in Michigan and 2 in Wisconsin.Marsh Wrens wereextremely scarce in Kalamazoo,Mich. (RA, DP). As has becomeusual, Blue-grayGnatcatchers appeared at W.P.B.O. in late April, the first beingApr. 24 (staff).A Townsend's Solitaireappeared at W.P.B.O., Apr. 22 (RS, TS, TH, TL). Gray- cheekedand Swainson'sthrnshes both returned early to Michiganand Wisconsinwith a Gray-cheekedat W.P.B.O., Apr. 29 (staff),particu- larly notable.Observers in the s. half of Wisconsincommented on a truly outstandingmigration of the above2 species,along with lesser numbersof Veeries,May 11-13. Observersin s. Michiganalso reported a good migrationof thrnshes.

MOCKINGBIRD THROUGH WARBLERS -- NorthernMocking- birdswere reported from 5 Wisconsinand 6 Michiganlocations with at leastsix individualsfrom 2 locationsin Michigan'sUpper Pen. Water Adult Ross' Gull at AgassizN.W.R., Minn., Apr. 9, 1984. First for Pipitswere scarcein Wisconsin,but abundantat W.P.B.O., with a peak Minnesota and for the WesternGreat Lakes Region Photo/Warren of 345 May 17 (RS, m.ob.). BohemianWaxwings lingered into late Nelson. March and early April in bothMichigan and Wisconsin,last Apr. 9 at

914 American Birds, SeptemberdDctober1984 W P B O LoggerheadShrikes were reported from 4 Michigan,4 WIs- W11dhfeAreas, Burnett (RH, DT, JeB) Fox Sparrowswere quite scarce consin, and 5 Minnesotalocations. A White-eyedVireo May 22 at in Michigan. A Lincoln's Sparrowat KalamazooApr. 29 (DP) was Anoka, Minn. (KL), was unusual.More normal were 5 reportsfrom early. White-crownedSparrows were noticeably lacking throughout the Wisconsinand 8 reportsfrom Michigan.The only Bell's Vireosthis Region,except at W.P.B.O., wherethey were "common"throughout springwere in Wisconsinwhere 6 locationswere about normal. A Blue- May (staff). Harris' Sparrowswere in below normalnumbers in Minne- wangedWarbler in Wisconsin'sDane Apr. 28 (PA) wasvery early. A sotaand Wisconsin. Very unusualfor Wisconsinwas a sightingof four spectacularmovement of TennesseeWarblers was noted in Kalamazoo, Smith'sLongspurs in a field n.e. of Madisonin ColumbiaApr. 12 (RH), Mich., May 19 with 10-50 individualsin almostevery woodlot in the s. 2nd-highest spring count. Western Meadowlarks remain scarce one-halfof thecounty (RA, DP). A CapeMay WarblerApr. 30 in Dane, statewidein Michigan. An OrchardOriole at TawasPoint S.P., Mlch, Wis. (PA), was almosta recordearly arrival. A Black-throatedBlue May 24 (CF) wasn. of normal.Minnesota's first Brambling remained at Warblerat MilwaukeeApr. 24 (JI) wasthe earliest ever for thestate. An Owatonnauntil Mar. 24. Michigan'sfirst Rosy Finch lingereduntil "Audubon's"type Yellow-rumped Warbler was at Big StoneN.W.R., mid-late March at Romeo, Macomb. Record late dates for Pine Gros- Mann.,Apr. 28 (m.ob.), providingonly the 4th recordof thisform in the beaksoccurred in Duluthat 2 feedersabout 2.5 mi apart,each reporting state.Minnesota's 3rd sightingof Yellow-throatedWarbler was of one a pairof adults,the first May 5 andthe other May 16 (fideKE). House May 9 in Washington(RJ). Wisconsinhad 2 sightingsof this rare Finchescontinue to expandin theRegion with reportsfrom 9 countiesin species:May 14 in Buffalo(CW et al.) andMay 26 at WyalusingS.P. Michigan, including36 bandedin May in the Detroit area (EC), and (DT). They alsowere at theirBerrien, Mich., nestinglocation at the Minnesota's4th through6th staterecords, all of ad. males,all at feed- early dateof May 5 (RSm, DP et al.). PrairieWarblers are becoming ers:Mar. 18 in St. Cloud (NF), Apr. 25 in Austin(R & RK, DS) and morescarce in theRegion. This springthere were only 4 sightings,one earlyMay into Junenear Aitkin (m.ob.)•this last bird wasthe first to m Wisconsinand 3 in Michigan. staymore than one day and the first to let Minnesotabirders come and A Bay-breastedWarbler Apr. 26 in the Lost Nation S.G.A., Hills- seehim. As hasbecome the patternin the last severalyears, very few dale, Mich. (JR), wasearly. Blackpoll Warblers appeared early in both crossbillsof either specieswere seen, even in the far north. Whlte- Michiganand Wisconsinwith individualsApr. 28 in Hillsdale, Mich. wingedswere particularlyscarce with only 5 reportsfor the entire (JR) and Apr. 29 in Sauk, Wis. (KLa) and Ottawa, Mich. (JP). A Region, one each in Minnesotaand Wisconsinand 3 in Michigan spectacular200 + werefound along the Kalamazoo R., betweenAugus- CommonRedpolls lingered into April at 3 Michiganand 2 Wisconsin ta and Galesburg,Kalamazoo, Mich., May 19 (RA), with almostas locationswith Apr. 25 in Door, Wis. fit'deR & CL) the latestdate. Pine manyBlackpolls as there were Tennessees in s. Kalamazooon thesame Siskinswere seen in largenumbers throughout the Region, especially in date(RA, DP). A CeruleanWarbler Apr. 29 in Sauk(SSw) wasconsid- Minnesota,with nesting confirmed in boths. Michiganand s. Wiscon- ered very early for Wisconsin.An Am. Redstartwas at W.P.B.O., at sin. Interestingly,there were two reportsof interspeciescompetition theunprecedented date of Apr. 28. A ProthonotaryWarbler May 24 in betweenblackbirds and siskins:At a Superior,Wis., feederduring the Houghton,Mich. (WR) wasthe first for Michigan'sUpper Peninsula. first half of May, a gracklestalked and killed morethan 20 siskinsfitde Worm-eatingWarblers were seenat 5 Wisconsinand 3 Michiganloca- KE) and at an Ontonagon,Mich., feeder,a Brewer'sBlackbird killed tions, aboutaverage. One May 8 in Waseca,Minn. (RG), was more and ate at least eight siskins(JMcD). unusual,as this species is onlycasual in Minnesota.Kentucky Warblers were unusually scarcewith only 3 Michigan, one Minnesota and 3 CONTRIBUTORS -- This editorwishes to thankthe manyindivid- Wasconsinreports. Connecticut Warblers were seenin Michigan in uals who submittedrecords for this summary.The natureof the sum- goodnumbers with eightMay 26 in Kalamazoo'sKleinstuck Preserve maryprecludes listing every individual who sendsin reports;therefore, (RA) especiallyimpressive. For the 2ndyear in a row, a HoodedWar- only thoseindividuals with citedrecords are listed below. (State Editors bler found its way to Crow Wing, Minn., May 17 (B. Brown, Jr.), in boldface.)Michigan: Ray Adams,Tom Allen, Marc Ameels,David unusuallyfar n. Also unusualwas a nestingpair in Murphy-Hanrahan Baker (DBa), JohnBarr (JBa), Walter Booth, Bill Bouton(BB), Elhe CountyP., Scott,Minn. (m.ob.). HoodedWarblers were seen in normal Cox, Feller DeWitt, Jim Fowler, Chip Francke,Leonard Graf, Tom numbersin Michiganand Wisconsin. Yellow-breasted Chats were late Heatley (TH), Ron Howard (RHo), Nick Ilnicky, Tim Lamey, Joe andscarce in Michigan,but one Apr. 29 at the SchlitzAudubon Center, McDonnell (JMcD), Jim Ponshair(JP), David Powell, Jack Reinohl, Milwaukee (m.ob.), set the earliestWisconsin record. William H. Riipi, Bertha M. Rollo, Laurel Roth, Don Runck, Rick Sawicki(RS), Norm Sloan,C. Roy Smith (RSm), Tom Smythe(TS), TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- SummerTanagers made a Wes Stinehelfer,Bill Taylor, CharlotteTaylor, GeorgeWickstram, JohnWill, Rick Wiltrout; Minnesota: Jo Blanich (JB1),Don Bolduc strongshowing in the Regionwith 4 Minnesota,5 Wisconsin,and 8 (DB), Keith Camburn,Kim Eckert, Paul Egelund,M. & D. Evans, Michiganreports. Three W. Tanagerswere seen in the Region,one at a feederin Washington,Minn., in earlyMay (m.ob.), oneat the Mosquito Audrey Evers, N. Ford, R. Glassel,Ellen Hawkins, Ken & Molly Hoffman,Charles Horn, RobertJanssen (RJ), Ron & RoseKneeskern, Hill NatureCenter, Outagamie, Wis., May 6 (PW et al.) andone May 9 in Bayfield,Wis. (DV et al.). Unusuallyfar n. wasa N. CardinalMay HenryKyllingstad, Ken LaFond(KL), J. Mattsson(JM), WarrenNel- son, Steve & Nancy Piragis, A. Schmierer,Dean Schneider,Steven 20 in Cook,Minn. (EH). SingleBlack-headed Grosbeaks were reported from all 3 states:a singingmale at Ann Arbor, Mich., Apr. 28 (DBa), Schon,R. Skayune(RSk), Keith & ShelleySteva, K. Sundquist,L Weber, SteveWilson/Mary Shedd;Wisconsin: Jim Anderson,Phllhp oneat a feederin MadisonMay 10 (TD), anda malein St. PaulMay 24 (RSk). Minnesota's8th and 9th Lazuli Buntingsappeared in Duluth Ashman,Jeff Baughman(JeB), Marilyn Bontly, Jon Bronson(JB), Bernie Brouchoud(BBr), Bill Cowart, ThomasDetmer, Mary Donald, within a few daysof eachother---only a half blockfrom eachother: an ad maleMay 18 at the M. & D. Evansfeeder and an imm. male May Eric Epstein,Don Follen,Dennis Gustafson, William Hilsenhoff,Jim Hoetier (JHo), Randy Hoffman (RH), JosephHudick (JHu), Thomas 22-26 at theK. Sundquistfeeder. Painted Buntings appeared at 2 widely Hunter (THu), John Idzikowski, RobbyeJohnson (RJo), Ken Lange separatedfeeders May 12 in Racine, Wis. (EP, Kasparek).Continuing (KLa), Roy & CharlotteLukes, JaninePolk (JPo), Ed Prins, Sam thepattern of recentyears, Dickcissels were very scarce and/or very late Robbins, Tom Schultz (TSc), Roger Sundell (RSu), Scott Swengel Regionwide.Field Sparrowswere found in Duluth May 12-14 (fide (SSw), Daryl Tessen,Dick Verch, Curt Wilda, Winnie Woodmansee, KE), wherethey are only casual. Lark Sparrowswere found as usual in 5 Wisconsincounties. More unusualwere singlebirds at GrandMarais, Paula Wydeven,Norma Zehner.•DAVID J. POWELL, Research Associate,Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. WesthedgeAve., Minn., May 29 (K & MH), DrummondI., Mich., Apr. 27 (BMR) and Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Ontonagon,Mich., May 22 (JMcD). Lark Buntingswere founde. of normalin Aitkin, Minn., May 20 (JBI, WN) andjust w. of Ashland, Wis., May 26 (JeB, TSc). An unprecedented28 + Sharp-tailedSpar- rows were found May 18 at the end of the StoningtonPen., Delta, Mich., witheight still present May 19 (CT, BT). Evenone Sharp-tailed is unusualin Michigan, so 28 is nothingshort of incredible.Wisconsin birdersfound one May 4 at the Schlitz AudubonCenter, Milwaukee (NZ) and severalMay 26-27 at the Crex Meadows and Fish Lake

Volume 38, Number 5 915 MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION /Bruce G. Peterjohn

Springbegan with thereturn of winterweather to mostof theRegion. Snowcover was prevalent in thenorthern states while temperatures were well below normal. Sub-zeroreadings were widespreadMarch 9-10, and the monthlyaverage temperature was 5 degreescolder in March than in Februaryat Columbus,Ohio. Theseunfavorable conditions reducedmigration to a trickleduring the first half of Marchand retarded migrationby one-to-twoweeks at month'send. However,when the migrantsreturned. their numbersappeared to be normal. April's weatherremained cool and wet. Averagetemperatures were severaldegrees below normal in mostareas while the greatest amount of precipitationfell in Iowa, nearlysix inchesabove normal. Arrival dates remained one-to-two weeks later than normal while unfavorable winds producedfew overflights.Typical April migrantswere distressingly scarcein manyareas, perhaps as a resultof theadverse weather condi- tions.Significant declines were reported for Yellow-belliedSapsucker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet,Hermit Thrushand BrownThrasher. A warmingtrend April Red-throatedLoon at Cedar Rapids, !a., Apr. 6, 1984. The extensive 24-28 produceda strongRegionwide flight, possiblythe most pro- white on theface and neck, small bill with upturnedlower mandible, nouncedmovement all spring. andfine whitespeckling on the backare all evidenthere. Photo/Carl The cool, wet weathercontinued throughout May. Most migration Bendorf. appearedto occuron only a few dayswith the strongestmovements May Eared Grebes were scattered across Iowa. Missouri and Illinois after 11-12 and 18-22. These migrantsdid not linger and relatively little Mar. 15 although25 at Springfield,Mo., Mar. 27 compriseda larger activitywas noted on otherdates. Arrival and departure dates remained thannormal flock (WH). They wanderedE to Merom Res., Ind., Mar. one-to-twoweeks later thannormal and many migrants passed through 31 (KB et al.) andone-to-two were in Warren,Ky., May 10-13+ (?BP the Region well into June. et al.). As manyas four W. Grebeswere noted at 3 Iowa locationsApr. Theseconditions produced a largelyuneventful spring. While most 9-May 23 where they are regular springmigrants, while one at Ft. observers'perceptions depended upon whether or not they were out Wayne, Ind., Apr. 20 (•'FH) was e. of its normalrange. American duringthe few flightdays, most agreed that numbers were relatively low White Pelicans were numerous in Iowa and Missouri where 1500 at especiallywhen comparedto thoseof last spring.Despite the poor SwanLake N.W.R., Mo., Apr. 15 wereconsidered normal (fide JW). showingof many migrants,a typical representationof rarities was Theonly report from the e. stateswas of oneat W. Lafayette,Ind., May discovered in each state. 16-17 (?EH et al.). Numbersof Double-crestedCormorants continued to improvein all areaswith maximaof 100-250in thew. states,200-300 at East HarborS.P., O., duringApril, and 20-60 at many inlandloca- tions.

HERONS, IBISES -- For the 2nd consecutivespring, most herons werereported in fairly low numbers.Both bitterns remained disturbing- ly scarcewith a total of 22 Americansand 14 Leastsreported this year. As many as four Snowy Egrets at one to 4 locationsin each state PA'i representeda typical movementfor recentsprings. Small numbersof Litfie Blue Herons were discovered at 8 Illinois sites and 2-4 locations in theother states except Indiana. Tricolored Herons were found for the4th consecutiveyear at L. Calumet, Ill., with one-to-twopresent May 5- VA. June2 (?JLet al.). CattleEgrets were locally numerous in thew. states with concentrationsof 140 in Ray, Mo., May 19 (MMc, CH) and 115 nearPercival, Ia., May 16 (T, RS); flocksof 30-80 werefound near the Co MississippiR., in Kentuckyand Illinois but they were fairly scarce farther e. Both night-heronsappeared to be stable; the 16 Yellow- crownedreports included a flock of 17 near Aldrich, Mo., Apr. 15 (m.ob.). A GlossyIbis wasthoroughly studied at GraniteCity, Ill., May ABBREVIATIONS -- S.C.R. = SquawCreek Nat'l Wildlife Ref- 15 (?PS, $RG) while a smallmovement of White-facedIbises in the w. uge, Mo.; M.M.W.A. = Magee Marsh Wildlife ManagementArea, statesbrought one to threebirds each to 4 Missourilocations and singles O.; Spfld. = Springfield,Ill. Italicized place namesare counties. to 2 Iowa sitesApr. 28-May 1I.

LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Surprisingly,the only WATERFOWL -- A fairly goodmigration developed this spring, Red-throatedLoon was detected at CedarRapids, Ia., Apr. 3-16 (?CB, especiallyfor diversduring March when unfavorable weather contribut- •TS et al.); this speciesis a casualmigrant in Iowa. CommonLoons ed to the formationof largeflocks of Aythyaducks at many locations. returnedto all statesduring the lastone-half of March with maximaof However,the puddleduck migration was poor with few sizableflocks 18-37 reportedfrom severalsites. This springproduced an eventful foundanywhere in the Region. grebemigration. Pied-billeds remained scarce in the e. statesbut were A flock of nine Fulvous Whistling-Ducks visited Muscatatuck numerousin the w., with a maximumof 165at Waterloo,Ia., Apr. 14 N.W.R., Apr. 3-15, providingthe 3rd recordfor Indiana(?KO•ph., (FM, RM). Horned Grebeswere widespreadthrough May 19 with m.ob.). Normalnumbers of TundraSwans passed through their regular concentrationsof 40-90 reportedfrom Ohio, Indianaand Illinois. Red- stagingareas. They were morenumerous than normalin c. Ohio and neckedGrebes appeared in remarkablenumbers. March reports consist- n.c. Iowa where200 near CharlesCity, Ia., Mar. 29 were remarkable ed of singlesalong L. MichiganMar. 3 plus inlandat LaurelRiver L., for spring(fide JH). Scatteredbirds were reported from the otherstates Ky., Mar. 7-21 (?JEet al.) and HorseshoeL., Ill., Mar. 15-17(JWa, exceptKentucky. Latest of severallingering swans was an immaturein •m.ob.). A smallflight developed during April with singlesat 3 n. Ohio Seneca,0., May 31 (TBa et al.). GreaterWhite-fronted Geese appeared locationsApr. 2-8 and 2 Iowa lakesApr. 12-17 while a late bird re- in above-normalnumbers e. of the MississippiR. As manyas 18 were mainedin Clay, Ia., May 21 (?MB). As expected,small numbersof found at 7 Illinois locations,2 Indiana sightingsincluded 15 at L.

916 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 WavelandMar. 19-20 (AB), while singlesat Ballard W.M.A., Ky., No largeRed-shouldered Hawk flightsdeveloped this spring.Large Apr. 7 (LRa, DN) andBig IslandW.M.A., O., Apr. 14 (J) werelocally numbersof Broad-wingedHawks migrated along the Great Lakesdur- unusual.Small numbers of Ross'Geese were reported from 2 s.w. Iowa ingthe last week of April asexemplified by a peakof 2000+ in Ottawa, locationswhere they are regularmigrants. A totalof 7 CinnamonTeal O., Apr. 25 (fide JG). This flight was not apparentinland. Swainson's sightingsfrom Iowa Mar. 17-May 19 wasgreater than normal, while Hawks invaded the w. stateswith 14 sightingsin Iowa and 10 in onewandered E to CarlyleL., Ill., Apr. 18 (?SR).Quite unexpected Missouriincluding flocks of 21 at Cherokee,Ia., Apr. 30 (MBr) and 19 wasan apparentN. Shovelerx Am. Wigeonhybrid at BrookvilleRes., at TabervillePrairie, Mo., Apr. 14 (LM). In additionto Illinois' nesting Ind., Apr. 11 (JC). It was a goodspring for Eur. Wigeon with at least birds,two werenoted at HorseshoeL., Apr. 20 (•'LB). A Ferruginous two in the w. Lake Erie marshes,different males near Lawrenceburg, Hawk wasdiscovered at Springfield,Mo., Feb. 22 whereit is a casual Ind.-O., Mar. 18-21 (•'JBe, ?RH, m.ob.) & 30-31 (•'MM et al.), and migrant(•'CT). The totalof 7 GoldenEagle reports from Indiana,Ohio oneat SweetMarsh, Ia., Apr. 15-17providing only the 3rd recordfor and Illinois was slightlygreater than normalfor recentsprings. Both that state(•'FM, •'RM, m.ob.). Merlins and PeregrineFalcons continued their gradualimprovement InlandGreater Scaup sightings increased dramatically. Flocks of 50 with at least 12 and 26 sightings,respectively. Prairie Falcons have at Mark Twain N.W.R., Ill., Mar. 2 (SR) and BrookvilleRes., Ind., becomerare but regularmigrants through the w. states.In additionto Mar. 15 (TLe, JB) were unusualwhile smallernumbers elsewhere winteringbirds, singlePrairies were observednear Lester, Ia., Mar. 9 includedseveral birds lingering through May 10. HarlequinDucks are (•'DH), ForneyL., la., Mar. 25 (•'P) andin Alexander,Ill., Mar. 31 scarcespring migrants along the Great Lakes; hence, one at Oregon,O., (?JRo). Mar. 12 (JP)and one-to-two at Chicago Mar. 22-Apr. 10 (HR, JL et al.) werenoteworthy. Oldsquaws were scarce along the Great Lakes where GROUSE THROUGH CRANES -- A Greater Prairie-Chicken in the largestflock was of 15. However,they stageda strongmovement Sullivan,Mo., May 3 hadwandered 100 mi from its normalrange (RT). acrossOhio, Kentucky,Illinois and Iowa where there was a totalof 16 Railswere generallyreported in fair numbers.Yellow Rails weremore inlandsightings including an unprecedented17 at BarkleyL. and25 at widely observedthan normalwith singlebirds in 4 Iowa marshesplus KentuckyL., Ky., Mar. 31 (BP). A few Blackand Surf scotersap- singlelocations in Missouri,Ohio and Illinois Apr. 13-May 22. The pearedalong the Great Lakeswhile inlandrecords consisted of two only Black Rail was capturedat Fairmount,Ill., May 30 (JS). King Blacksat NorthBranch Res., O., Apr. 25 (J) andfour Surfs at Beaver- Rails have not shownany improvementwith a total of 9 sightingsthis creekRes., O., Apr. 3 (TBa) plussingles at CoralvilleRes., Ia., Apr. 9 spring.As many as 10-12 werenoted at Little PortageRiver W.M.A., (T) andMendota, Ill., Apr. 24-26OHm). White-wingedScoters peaked O. (JP et al.), while four adultsand a nest at ReelfootN.W.R., Ky., with 475 at Wilmette, Ill., Mar. 3 (JL) while a late bird lingeredat May 27 were unusualfor that state(BP et al.). Peakconcentrations of Clevelandthrough May 31; the only inlandsighting was at Columbus, Virginia Rails and Soraswere 17 and 37, respectively.Extralimital O., Apr. l0 (JF). CommonGoldeneyes were numerous along L. Erie PurpleGallinules appeared at MammothCave N.P., Ky., Apr. 28-29 (J where6000 were presentin Lorain, O., Mar. 10 (VF). Last but not & PB, KO--ph.), MingoN.W.R., Mo., Apr. 28-May 14 (•'RL, m.ob.) least, Iowa's first Barrow's Goldeneyerecord was providedby a male andnear Alton, Ill., May 5-27 (RE, ?PS,m.ob.). CommonMoorhens photographedat ForneyL., Mar. 17-Apr.6 (•'MN, •'m.ob.--ph.). were thoughtto have increasedin severalstates. Normal numbersof Sandhill Cranes were observedalong their regular migrationcorridor between w. Ohio and e. Illinois. Extralimital records included one-to- three at 3 Iowa locationsand two in Holmes, 0., May 2 (DK).

SHOREBIRDS -- The shorebirdmigration was consideredto be relativelygood in manyareas. As usual,large concentrations were very locallydistributed and generally of shortduration. Migrant Lesser Gold- en-Ploversreturned Mar. 17 and peakedwith 1000-4000in Illinois and 150-900in the otherstates. Two earlySemipalmated Plovers returned to LouisvilleApr. 6 (DN). It wasa dismalspring for PipingPlovers with only 3 sightingsfrom Iowa wherea largegroup of 10 wasfound at the IPL ponds,Pottawattamie May 28 (BW). The 13 Am. Avocetreports constituteda normalspring flight. They werescattered across all states exceptKentucky with locally unusualconcentrations of 24 at Huron, O., Apr. 27 (DC, TL) and22 nearRockford, Ill., Apr. 28 (LI). Num- bers of Willets continuedto improve.They appearedat a total of 38 locations in all states but were most numerous in the w. states with a Male Barrow's Goldeneye,Forney L., la., Mar. 25, 1984. First Iowa maximumof 64 at the IPL ponds,Ia., Apr. 26 (BW). In thee. states, record. Photo/T.H. Kent. largestreported flocks consisted of six to 15Willets. A remarkablyearly SpottedSandpiper returned to S.C.R., Mar. 7 (L). UplandSandpipers HAWKS -- The hawk migrationgot off to a slow start during were generallydiscovered in normal numbersat traditionalnesting March's unfavorable weather. However, a substantial movement ac- areas.The flock of 101 Whimbrelsin Wayne,0., May 26 wasunprec- companiedthe late April waxmingtrend and culminated in largeflights edentedfor thisRegion (JHe, DK). Betweenthree and seven were found alongthe Great LakesApr. 25-28. at 3 n. Ohio siteswhile singlesat HendricksonMarsh, Ia., May 12-13 As manyas sevenBlack Vultures at BrookvilleRes., Ind., through (•'SD et al.), JeffersonCity, Mo., May 19 (JR), Ray, Mo., May 19 (CH, May 15(m.ob.) and one at HorseshoeL., Ill., Apr. 26 (•'JV)were n. of MMc) andLaMoille, II1., June3-5 (•'JHm,m.ob.) wereunexpected. their normalrange. Turkey Vultures peaked at 125-170at severalloca- HudsonianGodwits were restrictedto Iowa, Illinois and Missouri with a tionsin Ohio andIndiana. Ospreys arrived on time, andtheir numbers maximumof 67 at Colo, Ia., May 11 (HZ). Marbled Godwitswere continuedto improvein mostareas. Mississippi Kites werefairly nu- fairly scarcewith oneto six reportedfrom 5 Iowa and2 Ohio locations. merousalong the MississippiR. in w. Kentuckywhere daily counts of Red Knotswere restrictedto Ohio with scatteredsightings along L. 13-17were reported during the lastone-half of May. Extralimitalkites Erieplus 2 inlandreports including a remarkable47 in Seneca,0., May wanderedN to Channahon,Ill., May 5 (JO) andMorgan, Ill., May 13- 18(TBa). An earlySanderling returned to Columbus,O., Apr. 23 (JF). 20 (PW). WinteringBald Eaglesdeparted during March; migrants were They werescarce along the GreatLakes but appearedat scatteredinland more widely reportedfrom the e. statesthis spring.Accipiters were siteswhere one at KentuckyL., May 9 (CP) andthree in Fulton May 27 generallyobserved in normalnumbers with the largest flight composed (BP et al.) providedrare spring records from Kentucky.A Semipaimat- of 140 Sharp-shinnedand 22 Cooper'shawks at DunesS.P., Ind., Apr. ed Sandpiperat Colo., Ia., Apr. 14 wasearly (T). SingleW. Sandpipers 26 (KB). This spring'sN. Goshawkmovement was comparable to last werescattered across Illinois and Missouri while 12inAllen, Ind., May year'sand consisted of one-to-threebirds at each of 11 Iowa, 10 Blinois, 18 provideda remarkablespring concentration anywhere in the Region 6 Indiana and 2 Ohio sitesthrough May 1. (Haw). White-rumpedSandpipers were observedin normalnumbers

Volume 38, Number 5 917 CaspianTerns were fairly numerous with maxima of 220at Cleveland Apr. 21 (VF) and71-79 at severalinland locations. In contrast,Corn. Ternswere alarmingly scarce along L. Eriewhere the largest flock was of only 25. Few werereported from the otherstates although 16 at RathbunRes., May 19 wereunusual in Iowa (RC). Forster'sTerns continuedto increase,especially in the e. stateswhere they outnum- beredCorn. Terns. However,no large concentrationswere reported alongL. Michigan.It wasan encouraging year for LeastTerns with one- to-sixobserved at oneMissouri, oneIllinois, 2 Iowa and4 w. Kentucky locations.A remarkablyearly BlackTern returnedto Oldham,Ky., Apr. 7 (DN). This speciesreceived mixed reports,being generally scarcein the e. statesand fairly numerousin the w. wherethe largest flock was 200 at AndersonL., la., May 12 (SD et al.).

CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Cuckoos were uni- versallylate and scarce. They did notreturn to mostareas until the last Curlew Sandpiperin SenecaCo., 0., May 16, 1984. First confirmed halfof May;their decline is a continuationof a trendoriginally noted 2-3 Ohio record. Photo/Tom Bartlett. yearsago. In additionto nesting reports, Corn. Barn-Owls were reported from a totalof 8 locationsin all statesexcept Indiana. Their population with maxima of 30-100 in the w. states.An early Baird's Sandpiper remainsvery low althoughmanagement practices undertaken in several returnedto Spfld., Apr. 19 (H); migrantswere scattered across the w. statesmay prove to be beneficial for thisspecies. The latest Snowy Owl stateswhere the largest flock was 20. Dunlinswere generally reported in remainedin LaSalle,Ill., Apr. I (JHm) while theonly BurrowingOwl goodnumbers. This spring'smost unusual shorebird was Ohio's first was recoveredin Lake, Ill., Apr. 26 (RHe). The othermigrant owls confirmedCurlew Sandpiperdiscovered in SenecaMay 16 (.tTBa-- werealso scarce with one-to-threeLong-eareds at 8 locations,as many ph., m.ob.). StiltSandpipers were fairly scarce with a maximumof 10 as 12 Short-earedsscattered across 10 sites in all statesexcept Ken- in the w. statesand scatteredbirds e. to Indiana. Unusualspring Buff- tucky,and one-to-two N. Saw-whetsat 5 locationsin the n. states. breastedSandpiper concentrations consisted of 40 in Ray,Mo., May 19 CommonNighthawks were also remarkably late, not arrivingat many (CH, MMc) and 31 at ForneyL., Ia., May 20 (fide TB). The 3 Ruff reportswere normal for spring with a malein Seneca, 0., May 16('tLR, localitiesuntil the last 10 daysof May. Chuck-will's-widowscontinued theirslow N rangeexpansion, returning to theirtraditional locations and TBa)and single females inAllen, Ind., May 18-19('tHaw) and Monroe, appearingat Willow SloughW.M.A., Ind., Apr. 28 (KB), Cook,Ill., Ill., May 19 (•PB et al.). Short-billedDowitchers were fairly scarce May 20 (PD) andHenderson, Ill., June9 ('•MBa). An earlyChimney whileLong-billed sightings included one to 10 at 6 Iowa locations,one- Swift returnedto Dayton,O., Apr. 2 (JGa) while a strongmovement to-fourat 3 Illinois sitesand onereport along L. Erie. Wilson'sPhala- brought1000 + to ClevelandMay 16 (VF). Ruby-throatedHumming- ropeswere widely reported from all statesexcept Kentucky with maxi- birdsreceived mixed reports but at leasta few observersnoted increases ma of 400 in s.w. Iowa Apr. 28 (FM, RS) andfour to 17 in the other thisspring. Woodpeckers elicited few comments.An apparentnuchalis states.Small numbersof Red-neckedPhalaropes were discovered at 4 raceof theYellow-bellied Sapsucker was photographed atChicago Apr. Iowa locationsand along L. Erie. 28 (.tJL),providing one of veryfew e. recordsof thisrace (species?). A PileatedWoodpecker in Marshall,la., May 4 wasw. of itsnormal range in Iowa (BPr et al.). GULLS, TERNS -- The returnof winter weatherduring March was accompaniedby the reappearanceof wintergull concentrationson the GreatLakes. These concentrations dispersed by month'send although a numberof thesespecies lingered well into spring. Single Laughing FLYCATCHERS THROUGH CREEPER-- An apparentWestern Gulls were notedat 3 L. Erie locations,while the only inland sighting Wood-Peweewas identified by voiceat Urbana,Ill., May 26 (.tRCh) wasone at HorseshoeL., Ill., May 13-14('•DB). Few Franklin'sGulls providingthe 3rd recordfrom Illinois and the firstduring spring. The wanderedE of the MississippiR. thisspring with a maximumof fourin Empidonaxflycatcher migration was generally late and in reducednum- Illinois and scatteredsingles in Ohio. Little Gulls are accidentalaway bersfrom last yeart As expected,Yellow-bellied and Alder flycatchers from the GreatLakes; hence, an adultat CarlyleL., Ill., Apr. 18-24 werewidely reported in smallnumbers during the last half of May. As (•'SRet al.) andan immatureat L. St. Mary's, O., May 14 ('tJ) were an indicationof thisyear's late migration, a sizableflycatcher move- unexpected.Only one wasfound on L. Erie this spring.Bonaparte's mentalong L. ErieJune 2-3 includedmany Leasts, normally scarce in n. Gulls were scarcealong L. Erie but unusuallycommon at manyinland Ohio after May 20. Say's Phoebeshave apparentlyabandoned their locationsas exemplifiedby peaksof 270-275 in s. Illinois and Ken- traditionalnesting location in n.w. Iowa. Normalnumbers of W. King- tucky. The first California GulI observedin Kentuckywas photo- birdswere reported from the w. stateswhile single birds wandered E to graphedat KentuckyDam Mar. 31 ('tBP). A probablesighting from the Hancock,Ill., May 12 (RA) andFulton. Ill., May 31-June1 (LA, VH). samelocation May 16 (?Set al.) may have pertainedto the same FewerE. Kingbirdswere reported except for a strongmovement in s. individual.Along the Great Lakes, March Thayer's Gull reportsinclud- Illinois where 44-69 were found in 3 counties. Extralimital Scissor- ed 11 in Chicagoand a maximumof three on L. Erie whereone tailedFlycatchers wandered N to Iowa with onein WayneMay 4 (fide remainedat Huron, O., throughMay l0 (TL). One at Barkley Dam, JD) andtwo at Milford May 8 (fideDH) andE to Illinoiswith singlesat Ky., Apr. 6 ('•DN, LRa) wasquite late for an inlandlocation. Small MacombMay 5 (?EF) andnear Vandalia May 30-31 (PWi). numbersof Iceland Gulls were scatteredacross the Great Lakesduring The firstPurple Martin returned to Somerset,Ky., Mar. 15(JE) but March and one remainedat Clevelandthrough May 6 (VF). An ad. arrivaldates were much later in the otherstates. Numbers were thought Lesser Black-backedGull was discoveredat Barldey Dam Apr. 1, to bedown as a resultof thecold spring weather. Few sizable concentra- providingthe 3rd sightingfor Kentucky(.tBM, .tDN et al.). At least tionsof the otherswallows were reported, most noteworthy being 2600 fourwere present on L. Erieinto early May. As manyas seven Glaucous Treesin LaPorte,Ind., Apr. 22 (S & DP) and218 Cliffs in Madison, Gulls were reportedalong the Great Lakesduring March whereone Ill., May 5 (RG). They alsoarrived relatively late; the only unusually lingeredat Huron,O., throughMay 9 (VF). The onlyinland bird was earlysighting was a BarnSwallow at ClevelandMar. 20 (VF). Migrant found at Savanna, Ill., Mar. 26 (BS). Small numbersof Great Black- Blue Jayspeaked along L. Erie May 7 & 22 whenthousands were backedGulls were observedon L. Michigan duringMarch wherethey observed.The normal small numbersof Fish Crows were notedalong arerare but regular. More unusual were inland singles at LouisvilleMar. theMississippi R., n. to St. Louis.A few wanderedaway from the river 14-18 ('•DN, '•BP) and at SalamonieRes., Ind., Apr. 15 (SS). Black- with 2 sightingsfrom s. Illinois andone in Trigg, Ky., Mar. 30 (CP). leggedKittiwakes are casual anywhere in the Regionduring spring but Red-breastedNuthatches were widely reportedin smallnumbers this an immaturein s.w. Missouriat SpringfieldMar. 17 was remarkable spring.Numbers of BrownCreepers were lower than last year although ('•DT, CBo). local concentrations of 15-30 were found in Ohio and Indiana.

918 AmericanBirds, September4)ctober1984 FemaleBlack-throated Gray Warbler at Chicago,May 10. 1984.Fifth Illinois record. Photo/Joe Milosevich.

WRENS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Iowa's 3rd Rock Wren record many speciesexhibited very localizedpatterns of distribution,being wasprovided by onephotographed in WoodburyMay 21 (TT, tRS). relativelyabundant in one area and scarcein another. Bewick'sWrens improved slightly with one-to-threeat 5 locationsin A total of 17 Golden-wingedWarblers in Wayneand Union, Ind., Kentuckyand Illinois, 2 w. Missourireports plus singlesin Iowa at May 12 wasexceptional (fide BB). Five Brewster'sand two Lawrence's OakvilleMay 2 (P) andWaubonsie S.P., May 24 (TTB, TBPa).Sedge warblerswere noted from Indiana, Ohio andMissouri this spring. In the Wrens remained scarce in the e. states while Marsh Wrens received w. states,Cape May Warblerswere foundat one Missouriand 4 Iowa mixedreports without any apparentpauern to theirdistribution. A late sites while the only Black-throatedBlue was reportedfrom Hoene Golden-crownedKinglet remainedin Marshall, Ill., May 12 (LA). Springs,Mo., May 5 (PG). An "Audubon's" Yellow-rumpedWarbler While Golden-crownedswere rather scarce,Ruby-crowned Kinglets wasobserved at DeSotoN.W.R., Ia., Apr. 26 (TB etal.). This spring's werelocally numerous with a maximumof 90 alongL. Erie. Blue-gray mostunusual warbler was Illinois' 5th Black-throatedGray Warbler Gnatcatchersremained in good numberswith an exceptional106 in discoveredat ChicagoMay 2-10 (RB, Tm.ob.--ph.). An earlyBlack- Massac, Ill., May 5 (DR). throatedGreen Warbler returnedto HorseshoeLake W.M.A., II1., Mar. Good numbersof E. Bluebirdscontinued to be reportedfrom most 31 (TJRo)while a PineWarbler at Dunes S.P., Apr. 5 wasvery early for areas.A Townsend'sSolitaire was observed near Greenville, Mo., Apr. n. Indiana (/'Me KB). Three Cerulean Warblers were unusualin w. 24 (TA & LC); thisspecies is a casualvisitor to thew. states.With the Missouriat Van Meter S.P., May 5 (KH). Swalnson'sWarblers were exceptionof HermitThrushes, the Catharm thrushes passed through the restrictedto their normalhaunts near the MississippiR. in w. Kentucky Regionin generallygood numbers. Veeries and Gray-cheekedswere and s. Illinois. Opororniswarblers returned to normal numbersthis plentifulduring the first half of May includinga remarkable52 Gray- spring. As many as three Connecticutswere reportedfrom scattered cheekedsat Giant City S.P., Ill., May 12 (DR). The peak Swainsoh's localitiesin all stateswhile Mourningswere also widespread with maxi- Thrushmovement occurred during the lasthalf of May and into early ma of four to eight. June. This winter's Varied Thrusheslingered later than normal, into March at Indianapolis(fide CK), throughMar. 31 at Reynoldsburg,O. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- Since there were few over- (fide JF), and Apr. 19 at Davenport,Ia. (fide P). Water Pipitswere flightsthis spring,the appearanceof SummerTanagers at 31 locations widespreadwith maximaof 30-150 exceptfor thousandsin Ottawa, 0., n. of their normalbreeding range was unexpected.Most noteworthy May 7 (JP).The CedarWaxwing migration was fairly typical with small were2 sightingsfrom n.w. Iowa, at StormL., Apr. 30 (MPT) andnear numbersscattered across all statesduring March and April plusa strong Spirit L., May 12 (DH). Accidentalanywhere in the Region, a c• Regionwidemovement during the latter half of May whichbrought 1370 WesternTanager wasclosely studied near Subula, Ia., May 15 (TLJ). pastMichigan City, Ind., during70 minuteson themorning of May 19 Blue Grosbeaksreturned to mosttraditional locations while overflights (KB et al.). NorthernShrikes were discoveredat 3 localitiesin the n. werereported from Willow SloughW.M.A., Ind., May 17 (KB), Braid- stateswith the latestApr. 3 in Porter, Ind. (KB et al.). Loggerhead wood, Ill., May 18-23 (IM) and Rockford,Ill., May 27 (LJ). A c• Shrikesappeared to be stablein portionsof Kentuckyand Missouri but Lazuli Buntingwas reported from St. LouisMay 10 (TRK et al.) at a remained scarce in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana where one-to-three were differentlocation than last spring's sightingß Painted Buntings returned reportedfrom a total of 5 locations. to 2 s.w. Missourisites where they breed in small numbers. The sparrowmigration was also late and generally unimpressive. The VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Whenthey finally arrived,vireos general- only Bachman'sSparrow was discoveredin Calloway,Ky., May 28 ly appearedin relativelygood numbers. While some of theresident birds (BP et al.). It was a good springfor Clay-coloredSparrows with a returnedby lateApril, thebulk of themovement occurred in mid-to late maximumof 30 at Independence,Mo., Apr. 20-23 (KH), 7 Illinois May. An earlyWhite-eyed Vireo returnedto Springfield,Mo., Mar. 24 sightings,and Indianasingles at New Market May 7 (AB) and Dunes (CBo etal.). A totalof 62 White-eyedsin GiantCity S.P., IlL, May 12 S.P., May 11 (tKB). Lark Sparrowsremained scarce in the e. states (DR) was remarkableeven for the s. portionsof this Region. Normal althoughas manyas 50 migratedthrough w. Missouri.The only Lark numbersof Bell's Vireos were reportedfrom every state. Singlesin Buntingappeared in n.w. Iowa in SiouxMay 24 (TT, TRS). Grassland Allen, Ind., May 7 (fide Haw) andat HeadlandsS.P., O., May 26 (TLR, sparrowselicited few commentswith smallnumbers of Henslow'sSpar- J) were locallyunexpected. Good numbers of PhiladelphiaVireos were rowsnoted in everystate. Small numbersof LeConte'sSparrows were generallyobserved during the last half of May. alsoreported e. to n.w. Indianathis spring.A very late Fox Sparrow The warblermigration was disappointing,especially when compared lingeredin Allen, Ind., throughMay 15 (BWa). Lincoln'sSparrows with lastyear's exceptional numbers. Along L. Erie, thisspring's flights appearedin fairly goodnumbers although 100 at Euclid, O., May l 1 producedthe followingconcentrations: 50 Black-throatedBlues, 300 (DC) was not representativeof the smaller numbersfound elsewhere. Yellow-rumpedsand 50 Black-and-whitesMay 11; 150 Bay-breasteds Harris' Sparrowspeaked with 60 in Cherokee,Ia., May 9 (M.Br). May 18; and 120 MagnoliasMay 22 (VF, D & JH). However,these Farthere., therewas one sightingin Illinois, plus Indianasingles in numberswere not representativeof Regionwidetrends. In addition, Noble May 2 (TH, FH) andMichigan City May 15 (fide KB). The main

Volume 38, Number 5 919 LaplandLongspur movement occurred in early March with 3000 in CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION Jasper,Ill., Mar. 10 (LH) and 1000-1300in c. Iowa Mar. 7-14. Flocks /Thomas A. Imhof of 200-500were reported elsewhere in Iowaand Illinois through Apr. 22 butonly smallnumbers appeared in theother states. Smith's Longspurs peakedin c. Illinoiswith flocks totalling 400 and500 nearSpfld., Mar. Aftera record-breakingcold winter, plant development in theRegion 31 & Apr. 4 (H etal.). Smallernumbers were discovered at oneMissou- wasjudged about two weekslate, evident in pollenproblems. Birds that wintered in the United Stateswere also late, but thosefrom southof the ri, 4 Iowa and4 additionalIllinois sites.To the e., 51 in Jay, Ind., Apr. 7 compriseda largeflock for thatstate (BB) whileone at ClevelandMay bordermade rapid progress inland on strongsoutherly winds and were 5 (JT, ?m.ob.) providedone of few recentrecords for Ohio. Snow early. Unusualspecies came not only fromthe southbut also from the Buntingslingered much later than normal with flocks in excessof 1000 west and east, and holdoversfrom the cold winter provideda few alongL. Erie throughMar. 23 and scatteredbirds through Apr. 13. northernersas well. AlthoughMay wasrather wet, April and spring as a Both W. Meadowlarks and Yellow-headed Blackbirds returned to wholewere quite dry, especiallyon the coast which experienced mostly traditional summer locationse. to w. Lake Erie. In addition, extralimital dry "northers"and many fair, warmdays with southeastwinds. Some Yellow-headed Blackbirds were noted at 3 s.w. Missouri sites and 4 commentsfollow: from Pensacola,"very dull spring"•urtis Kings- Illinoislocations away from the metropolitan Chicago area. The normal beryand "fairly goodfor migrantsthough nothing to comparewith last small numbersof Brewer's Blackbirdswere reportedfrom all states year."•Bob Duncan;from Mississippi,"unremarkable... slow to exceptIndiana; largest flocks totalled 20-30 in Iowa andw. Kentucky. get started... notdynamic at any time."--Judy Toups;from Louisi- The Great-tailedGrackle range expansion continued. In Iowa, they ana, "we hadalmost no weatherthat would ground migrants." Dan returnedto RivertonW.M.A., May 15 (?T) whilea pairand nest wcrc Purrington,"lacklustre at best;little frontal activity and almostno newlydiscovered in GreeneMay 17+ (MB, JD). In w. Missouri,100 precipitation."--DavidMuth, and"southwinds were incredibly strong wereroosting at Mud L., Apr. 4 (L) andtbey also appeared at previously throughoutmost of the season,so migrantsprobably sailed past the undiseovcredsites in Newtonduring April (CH) andCass May 5 (DM). coastfor hundredsof milcs."--Nancy Newfield. But thesesame south- NorthernOrioles passed through most areas in goodnumbers. erlywinds brought unusual birds from south of theborder and prompted RonaldStein to say, "This springwill go downas the mostexciting Purple Fincheswere locally numerousthis springwith the largest ever. ' ' flocks of 50-80 reportedfrom Kentuckyand Ohio. The HouseFinch invasioncontinued to expandw. They werespreading through c. ands. Illinois wherethere were 5 sightingsthis spring.The originsof House Finchesin w. Missouriposed an intriguingquestion as one appearedin MO, KansasCity Mar. 3-29 (CH), threenear Cuba Mar. 21-22 (?JWi), and two in Cass Apr. l0 (JGr). Did thesebirds come from the e. or w. populations?The only Red Crossbillreports were received from single locationsin Missouriand Illinois. PineSiskins were widely scatteredin small numberswith the peak movementduring early May. They lin- geredthrough the end of May at severallocations where nestingwas suspected. An impressive 1600 Am. Goldfinches passed by M.M.W.A., May 7 (JP). EveningGrosbeaks were also widespread duringMay. Generallysmall numbers were reported although flocks of 100+ appeared•n Ohio and Kentucky.They lingeredmuch later than normal, well into May in all stateswith the latestreport May 22 at Valley Station, Ky. (DS). CORRIGENDUM -- In AB 37:995 the photographof the Clay- coloredSparrow nest should have been credited to JoeMilosevich. CONTRIBUTORS -- (Subregionaleditors' names in boldface;con- tributorsare requested to sendreports to them.)R. Applegate,L. Au- gustine,L. Barber,T. Bartlett(TBa), P. Bauer,M. Baum (MBa), J. Beatty(JBe), D. Beeher,J. andP. Bell (J & PB), C. Bendoff(CB), J. Bens(JB), R. Biss,D. Bohlen(H), C. Bonner(CBo), T. Bray(TB), M. Istand Brewer(MBr), K. Brock,M. Brown(MB), A. Brunet, B. Buskirk,R. Chapel(RCh), A. and L. Chapin(A & LC), J. Cope, D. Corbin,R. GULF f MEXICO Cummins(RC), J. Dinsmore,S. Dinsmore,P. Dring, R. Edwards,J. Elmore,V. Fazio,E. Franks,J. Fry, J. Gallagher(JG), J. Garber(JGa), J. Garrett(JGr), R. Goctz,P. Grace,R. Halberstadt(RH), J. Hampson Ot•enthe amountof precipitationis ratherconstant, so that if onearea (JHm), J. Hansen(JH), D. Harr, L. Harrison,J. Haw (Haw), F. Head- hasa drought.another has a flood. ThusBob Newman foundLouisiana ings,T. Heemstra,R. Heidorn(RHe), J. Herman(JHe), C. Hobbs,K. mudflatspowder dry andDan Purrington reported New Orleansrainfall Hobbs,D. andJ. Hoffman(D & JH), W. Holloway,E. Hopkins,V. eightinches below normal as of the endof May, whileTom Atkcson Humphreys,L. Johnson,Charles Keller (Indiana), Tom Kent (T) reportedWheeler National Wildlife Refugeshorebird habitats flooded (Iowa),Vernon Kleen (Illinois), D. Kline,R. Korotev,J. Landing,F. out and easternTennessee floods kept the TennesseeRiver in this Lawhon(L), T. LePage(TL), T. Leukering(TLe), R. Lewis, M. conditionfor manyweeks. No wondershorebirds have such long, point- McHugh (MMc), M. Mercer (MM), D. Meyers, J. Milosevich, B. edwings; they need them to beable to fly extrahundreds of milesto find Monroe, F. Moore, L. Moore, R. Myers, M. Nolan, D. Noonan, J. adequatehabitat. Many of themhowever were aided by strong,souther- Olson,K. Overman,B. Padelford(BPa), B. Palmer-Ball(BP), Bruce ly windsand were loggedas early. Inland,observers reported good Peterjohn (J) (Ohio), P. Petersen(P), C. Peterson,S. andD. Plank(S concentrationsof migrantsin northwesternArkansas, middle and west- & DP), J. Pogacnik,B. Proescholdt(BPr), J. Rathert(JR), L. Rauth ern Tennessee, and northern Alabama. Comments from the Tennessee (LRa), D. Robinson,J. Robinson(JRo), L. Rosche(LR), S. Russell,H. Valley of Alabamawere: "... 28 speciesof warblers,six vireos. . . Rylaarsdam,S. Schacht,B. Shaw,R. Silcock,J. Smith,P. Snetsinger, butmigrant thrushes... lessabundant than previous springs."---Glenn AnneStature (S) (Kentucky),T. Staudt,D. Summerfield,J. Talking- Piper,Tuscumbia; from Birmingham,100 milessouth of the Tennessee ton, R. Thom,Mrs. P. Thornton(MPT), D. Thurman,C. Tyndall,J. Valley,"short three inches of rainas of June1. Landbirds peaked April Van Benthuysen,J. Walsh(JWa), B. Walton(BWa), P. Ward(PW), P. 20-May 8, featuringgood numbersof Red-eyedVireos, Tennessee, Willms (PWi), J. Wilmarth(JWi), B. Wilson(BW), Jim Wilson (JW) Yellow-rumped,Blackpoll, and Palm warblers, but cuckoos,Common (Missouri),H. Zaletel. In addition,many persons who couldnot be Nighthawk,Eastern Wood-Pewee, Empidonaces late, and American individuallyacknowledged submitted notes to thevarious subregional Redstart scarce and late. "--Imhof. Bob Newman's comments deserve reports.---BRUCEG. PETERJOHN, 105-K E. TiconderogaDr., specialmention. He was"in thefield just about every week... several Wcsterville, OH 43081. timesto the coast... witnessednothing remotely in a classwith the

920 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984 greatm•gratory concentrations of bygoneyears Reductionof breeding By scanrangthe Gulf w•th a telescope,five to 40 N Gannets/hour haNtatalone is almosta guaranteethat probably trans-Gulf migrants were noted in early April, all flying W, away from their breeding really are fewer." But birdingalmost always has its savingfeatures: grounds•a puzzleto birdersfor decades.The currentsin theGulf go N "Imaginewatching a GrayKingbird doing battle with a TropicalKing- alongthe w. coastof Florida,W alongthe n. coast,then are deflectedS b•rdin thetown of GrandIsle!" Bobpoints out what might be called the by the MississipiR. outflow,then SE throughthe FloridaStraits; turn- "WestonSyndrome:" as Francis Weston got older "each spring's mi- ing N closeto the Miami shore,this currentbecomes the Gulf Stream gration was worse than the one before." Those of us with several The birdsby followingthis current can go all theway to BonaventureI decadesof experiencenote with sadnessthat the numbersof spring An exceptionthat proved the role wasthe adultat PevetoBeach, Cam- nmgrantsare noticeablydecreasing! eron, May 27 (BC, LH); latestfor Louisiana?About 150 Am. White S.A. Pelicans,migrating N overElkins, Washington, Mar. 23 werethe earh- estfor n.w. Arkansas(D J, KS). BrownPelicans continued to increase•n IDENTIFICATION -- Many observersseem to dependtoo Mississippi,Alabama, and n.w. Florida to the delightof local birders heavilyon patternto make identifications.Birds advertisetheir (CK, JT, VF, m.ob.). A Great Cormorant at Biloxi Apr. 10 prowded speciesin many ways, andbirders need to take advantageof all the4th Mississippirecord, 3rd successive year (JT); one, possibly two theseclues, otherwise they will be callingpartial albinos Snow on DauphinI., Apr. 13-15 (JT, MBa, m.ob.) setthe latestdate in the 4 Buntings!Birders need to usevoice, shape,posture, flight, rela- yearsit hasbecome regular on theAlabama coast. Two ad. Anhingasat tive proportions,habitat, season, and many other features, called Waterloo,Lauderdale, May 27 (GP) revivedthe hope that the species by PeterHarrison, "jizz." A goodway to acquirethe abilityto will again breed in n. Alabama. Scatteredrecords in Arkansas, n usejizz in identificationsis to make practiceidentifications of Alabama,and Tennessee lent hope that many herons also may eventu- backlightedbirds, then go aroundwith the sunbehind you and ally breedagain in then. partof theRegion. Encouraging was the re- check.True, in somegroups, especially land birds, many species port of 140+ nestsof Black-crownedNight-Herons near Nashwlle have jizz so much alike that patternmust be usedfor species (JRS). At ChoctawN.W.R., Mar. 10, about25 White Ibises(CK, •dentification,e.g., Dendroica warblers.But otherscan hardly F.M.W.A.S.P.) wereunusual this early in inlandAlabama. Also unusu- be identifiedby patternalone either because individuals vary so al wasan ad. Glossy Ibis at closerange at SabineN.W.R., La., Mar 25 much--Buteos, Ruff, Rock Dove--or becausethe speciesvary (DMu, GR). so little--gulls, terns,peeps, flycatchers. Thank goodnessall speciesneed to advertisetheir identityin someway evenwhen WATERFOWL -- Ten Black-be!lied Whistling-Ducks (one their plumagesare very muchalike. But outsidethe breeding *L.S.U.M.Z.) seenin ricefieldsnear Bayou Lacassine, La., Apr 21 seasonwhen in immatureor winter plumage,birds often have were with thousandsof FulvousWhistling-Ducks and gave every em- little needto advertisetheir species identity, so it is importantto denceof beingwild (BC, SH). Someof themcould have been part of the learn the jizz of identifiableadults first. southernbird influx. Greater White-fronted Geese were reported from 4 Anotheridentification problem is the fellow who logsexperi- states:one near Pensacola Mar. 1, presentsince Feb. 17, establishedthe encewith a specieson vacation.Often the bird is pointedout to 2nd recordfor n.w. Florida(BM); 400 at Arkadelphia,Ark., with 700 him and he hasno needto searchthrough his Petersonor track Snowsand 25 CanadasMar. 11 (H & MP) dwindledto two Mar. 24 (L down strangecalls. So, the field marksdo not stickwith him. & JS); 100+ alsowith Snowsand Canadaswere at Moffett, Okla., 1 5 Different thoughis the fellow who logs experiencewith the mi w. of Ft. Smith, Ark., Mar. 13 (JN, BB); 15 in Louisianaat Lacas- speciesby living for awhilein its range(transferred there by his sine N.W.R., with 77 Snowswere very late Apr. 21 (BC, SH); most company,in theService or otherwise)and, as all teachersknow, geese,though, left in earlyMarch. Several Am. BlackDucks appeared theseidentifications stay with him and the specieshas a firm on coastalCBCs, two were in Hancock,Miss., Mar. 13 (JT, GM), and place on his life list. two at UNO-East, Orleans, Mar. 20 were the latest for s.e. Louisiana (DMu). A c• GarganeyApr. 1 in Pulaskiwas the first to be found•n Arkansas,but may not have been wild (LP). A 52Blue-winged Teal w•th CONTRIBUTORS -- We greatlyappreciate all contributorswho: threeyoung at WavelandSewage Pond, Hancock, Miss., providedthe a) sendin reportsas soonafter June 1 as possible,b). makecomments 2nd local breedingrecord (JT, DaK, DoK). Five GreaterScaup were on theseason and its effecton birds,c). reportall noteworthyrecords on seen on Budd Kidd L., Washington,Ark., Mar. 13 (JN, BK). Old- 3 x 5 cards(obtainable anywhere) with localityincluding state, date squawsstill appear off Biloxi, 30 onMar. 30 (JT);inland they were seen includingyear, legible observer and place names, DETAILS OF IDEN- in AlabamaMar. 3 at L. Jackson,Covington and Mar. 24 at Eufaula TIFICATION, andsignificance. We areoften forced by time consider- N.W.R., Barbour(CK, F.M.W.A.S.P.); alsoDec. 28-Apr. 2, a female at•ons to assume that most records not submitted on cards are not joinedby a maleJan. 23 andby anothermale Apr. 2 at L. Porter(TI, M consideredvery noteworthy! & RR, m.ob.). A possiblyinjured first-winter c• Corn.Goldeneye, on L. Porter,Jefferson, Dec. 17, 1983-May21 setthe latest spring date and ABBREVIATIONS -- A.F.B. = Air Force Base; L.S.U.M.Z. = mayhave remained to providethe first summerrecord for Alabama(TI, LouisianaState University Museum of Zoology;N.A.S. = Naval Air m.ob.).A 52Hooded Merganser was with three young near Tiptonwile, Station.Counties and parishesare in italics. Lake, Tenn., May 8 (S & BS). Peakof a goodflight of Red-breasted Mergansersthrough Alabama in mid-Marchwas a countof 1150 at LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- After the dieoff of 1982-1983, fewer Waterlooon the 18th (GP). Corn.Loons appeared on theGulf thiswinter and spring, and they were mostlyin groupsof two to 10rather than singly as usual; many appeared HAWKS -- A generalincrease in Ospreysin thisRegion, especially roland,the latestreport being on May 21 at L. Porter,Jefferson (TI). of breeders,was shown by fourpairs, three at nestsin Jackson,Miss , The latestof severalEared Grebes was one in summerplumage on L. Mar. 3 (JT, JD). AmericanSwallow-tailed Kites seemedmore numer- PorterApr. 21 (TI, LAT). A dark-phaseW. Grebeon BuddKidd L., ousthis spring; most seen, eight Mar. 24 at Logtown,Hancock, M•ss Washington,Mar. 13 wasthe 1lth for Arkansasbut only the 2ndfor the (JT, m.ob.) andon Dauphin Apr. 14 (PB, m.ob.);one was in Huntswile w Ozarks(JN, BK). At Gulf Shores,Ala., Apr. 8 with a SE wind about Apr. 28 (Boll, ph.) for the northernmostrecord in Alabama,4th n of 25 m.p.h., threeshearwaters were seen(with a telescope)about 5 min the Fall Line; and one exhaustedbird was 20 mi s. of the mouth of the apartflying W in typicalshearwater fashion. They appeared gray, paler MississippiR., on an oil rig May 4 (fide MMy). The latterbird was below,and about the sizeof a Ring-billedGull; theirbills were light and taken to the AudubonZoo bird rehabilitationcenter in New Orleans, no headpattern was evident. Although an identificationcould not be recovered, and was later released on Pearl River W.M.A., La., •n made, they were mostlikely Cory's (TI). An imm. MaskedBooby was suitablehabitat. Black-shouldered Kites were at Johnson'sBayou, Ca- seenflying W just offshoreat Gulf ShoresApr. 5 (TI, MN); thereare meron,one Feb. 4 (BC, LH); in Hancock,Miss., a pairpresent through- now morethan 20 recordsfor Alabama,and it hasbeen recorded every out the winterproduced adult-sized young by May 16 (JT, m.ob.) A yearsince 1971. An imm. BrownBooby flying S outof Mobile Bayjust kettleof 40 MississippiKites was seen Apr. 29 at L. ChicotS.P., Ark abovethe water Apr. 16 (RD) furnishedthe 12thAlabama record; it has (DRS). Near Slidell,St. Tammany,La., two full-grownyoung were •n a been found in 7 of the years since 1975. Bald Eagle nest Mar. 22 and perchedout of the nest Mar. 24 (JT,

Volume 38, Number 5 921 m.ob.); at CrossCreeks N.W.R., Tenn., threeyoung were producedby Five Buff-breastedSandpipers May 12 at the BentonvilleAirport (BSa) Apr. 13 but one later died (RV, CG); late eaglesin Louisianaand werethe first ever for the ArkansasOzarks. A pair of Am. Woodcock Alabamaraised hopes of morebreeding pairs elsewhere in the future wasin courtshipnear Malvern, Ark.. on thelate date of Apr. 23 (H & (GP, DMu). Late N. Harriers were at Venice, La., Apr. 15 (DMu, MP). On BlakelyI., an earlyWilson's Phalarope was present Apr. 28 MMy, RDP), and in Fernvale,Williamson, Tenn., May 5 (LR, JA). (CK. JW) and threemore were thereMay 13 (GJ, DeJ); 30 wereat the Late Sharp-shinnedHawks were at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Apr. 21 {CK, CentertonHatchery May 2 (BK, MMI); onewas at theGallatin Steam FW, MLM, OF) and at GreenwoodI., Jackson, Miss., a whole month Plant,Tenn., May 6 (LK); andthree were near Tiptonville, Tenn., May late May 23 (JT, DaK). 8 (SS, BS). Also at BlakelyI., one Red-neckedPhalarope May 1 (PT, Early Broad-wingedHawks were in Walton, Ha., Mar. 3 (CK, RD) andthree May 22 (RD) werethe 3rd and 4th, andlatest, reported in F.M.W.A.S.P.); GrandIsle, Jefferson,La., Mar. I 1 (DMu, NON); and springfor Alabama;one at theCenterton Hatchery May 27 (BSa)pro- Hancock, Miss., Mar. 22 (JT, MBa). SwainsoWsHawks were rather vided the first record for the Arkansas Ozarks. numerousin the w. part of the Region;14 birds in at least6 placesin Washington,Benton, and Pope, Ark., with threein May, latest23rd at JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS -- A ParasiticJaeger at Ft. Morgan Fayetteville(KS, m.ob.); 15 light-phaseadults in Gum Cove, Calca- Apr. 21 (DMB, CDC) wasmost likely onethat spent the winter nearby. sieu, La., Apr. 18 (BC, m.ob.); in Mississippia dark-phasebird Feb. Franklin'sGulls were seen as follows: in n. AlabamaApr. 6 at L. Porter, 22-Mar. 8 (JT, MBa, EJ) anda light-phaseone Mar. 27 (JT, CDj), both Jefferson(C & PB), onlythe 2ndrecorded between the coast and the in Hancock,provided the 2ndand 3rd recordsfor the state.One Rough- TennesseeValley; in theTennessee Valley May 13 nearWilson Dam (G leggedHawk was in Columbia,Tenn., Mar. I (KA), but a muchlater & NP) andMay 27 at Waterloo(GP); in w. Louisiana,Apr. 18, one one was in St. Tammany,La., Mar. 22 (JT, MBa). Of severalMerlins adultin Calcasieu(BC) andthree in Cameronthe sameday (DMu, GR); reported,one Apr. 5 at Ft. Morgan made 2 passesover the shrubby in Tennessee,one at Old HickoryDam May 9-10 (BP); but nonefrom marshand flushed42 E. Kingbirdseach time (TI); anotherat the Shell Arkansas.A peakof 87 Bonaparte'sGulls was listed for n. Alabamaat Moundson DauphinApr. 15 was chasedoff the islandby a c• Purple Waterloo Mar. 18 (GP), while at L. Francis,Benton, Ark., numbers Martin (TI); a femaleat Herbert'sBottoms, Cheatham, Tenn., May 6 Apr. 1-May 2 variedfrom six to 30 (MM1). This writer feels that was late (CGD, RJM). PeregrineFalcons were listed from all states. Thayer'sGull is a w. subspeciesof theIceland Gull, or an arcticrace of One Mar. 25 at Sabine N.W.R., La., was of the race tundrius (DMu, the Herring Gull, or a hybrid betweenthe two. All three forms are GR); the latest was an immatureMay 8 at Centerton,Benton, Ark. mostlyallopatric and Thayer's does not seem to meto havea jizz of its (MM1). own--most of the differencesare of degree,not of kind. Certainlyit mustbe a lot of fun tryingto provethat an arcticgull from the Pacific RAILS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- One or two Virginia Rails coastwinters in Louisiana,but I believe somethinglike this calls for were seenor heardJan. 2-Apr. 24 at BayviewL., Jefferson,Ala. The specieshas wintered here for almost40 years(cf. AlabamaBirds, 1976) specimens.Louisiana with a top-notchmuseum has done very well in yet is listedas casualin interiorNorth Americaby the A.O.U. Check- providingspecimen evidence in othersituations. Nevertheless a dark- eyed,small-billed, medium-sized, gray-w•nged gull wascarefully iden- list (1983). Sorasflocked through: 27 seensimultaneously Apr. 24 at tified as Thayer'sGull by expertson FourchonBeach. La., Apr. 13- MonsantoPonds, Maury, Tenn. (A & OBL); 25 on Apr. 28 in Hancock and Jackson, Miss. (JT, DaK, DoK); and 14 in Pulaski, Ark. (RC, May 19 (RDP ph., DMu, NLN, m.ob.). Lesser Black-backed Gulls continueto move W along the Gulf WCi). EarliestPurple Gallinules were Apr. 1 at Biloxi (JT); 3 placesin coast;Louisiana's 3rd was seen at least 5 times Mar. 1I-Apr. 22 at Cheathamand Maury, Tenn., May 5, 6 & 12 (CGD, RJM, S & BS); and FourchonBeach (DMu, NLN, RDP ph.); Mississippi's2nd was an adult in a floodedyard in Glenwood,Pike, Ark., Apr. 26-May 9 (CR). Hocks of Sandhill Cranes were observed in TennesseeMar. I at Manchester, Mar. 1-27 on GulfportBeach (present since Nov. 12, 1983) (JT ph., m.ob.). Lesser Black-backedhybrids were in evidence:old "one- Coffee,16 (GY); Mar. 10 at Byrdstown,Pickett. 22 (RCH); andMar. 13 foot", now almostl0 yearsold and mostlikely a hybridwith either in Nashville, 28 (AC). Great Black-backedor Herringgull, was at PensacolaN.A.S., where The 93 + LesserGolden-Plovers Mar. 17 were actuallyat Moffett, collectingis not permitted,Apr. 20-May 25 (RD, m.ob.); a 2-footed Okla., 1.5 mi w. of Ft. Smith, Ark. ON, RiS). Inland Piping Plovers bird, mostlikely a hybridwith a HerringGull, wason GulfportBeach were both in Tennessee,Apr. 28-May 6 at MonsantoPonds (fide AL) Mar. 27-29 (JT ph., CDj, JD, AMc). It is logicalthat pioneering, thinly- and May 8 nearTiptonville (BS). A Mountain Plover, seenwell and scattered Lesser Black-backeds on this continent should have trouble describedat length(CDD, RWH, PF, DB) at the airporton DauphinI., findingmates of their own species,and so producehybrids with other furnishedthe 3rd recordfor Alabama. Among the Am. Avocetrecords Larusspecies of roughlythe samesize. It is regrettablethat the seden- were2 from inland:30 on Apr. 21 in Mena, Polk, Ark. (D, L, S & WB) tary W. Gull was even broughtinto the picture. andfour May 9 at Old HickoryDam, Tenn. (BP); four lateones were at PensacolaMay 19 (CK, F.M.W.A.S.P.). Two Willets werenear Oma- ha, Boone,Ark., Apr. 21; 11 wereat BuddKidd L., Washington,Ark., Apr. 28, and six were there May 2 (MMI, BK); and 80+ were at AshlandCity, Tenn. (CGD, RJM). A goodcount for the Ozarkswas the 12 UpIandSandpipers at CentertonApr. 24 (JN, RiS). Any numberis a goodcount for Whimbrelsin the Ozarkswhere two were seenat Budd Kidd L., May 23 (JN, EA). All HudsonianGodwits were on the w. edgeof the Region:in Calca- sieu, La., near Gum Cove, 21 on Apr. 15 and 12 on Apr. 18 (BC, m.ob.); in Johnson'sBayou, Cameron,La., one Apr. 29 (MW, RS); at Adult LesserBlack-backed Gull on GulfportBeach, Miss., March 1984 Centerton,26 on May 12, a reallygood count for anywherein Arkansas (presentsince November 1983). SecondMississippi record. Photo/Ju- (BS, MMI, m.ob.). For Marbled Godwit, 75 on Mar. 18 at Fourchon dith Toups. Rd., La Fourche,La., wasa very high number(DMu, RDP); and one A hybridHerring x GlaucousGull wasseen at Bay St. Louis,Miss., Mar. 22 at Swan Creek W.M.A., Limestone (DCH), set the earliest Apr. 28 (JT ph., DaK, DoK); it couldhave been called an Icelandor a record for inland Alabama. Also earliest for inland Alabama were three Thayer's!Glaucous Gulls were seenat PensacolaApr. I 1-14 (RD, PT, RuddyTurnstones at Decatur,Limestone Apr. 26 (DCH), while two at RB) andat FourchonBeach (where else?) Apr. 17, two (NLN, PN, TS) CentertonMay 28 (MM1) were late for Arkansas.White-rumped Sand- & Apr. 21, one(DMu, RDP). A first-winterGreat Black-backedGull piperswere very early at FourchonRd., La., Apr. 22 (MMy, DMu, wasnear Hackberry, Cameron, Feb. 4 (BC); anotherat ParisLanding, NoN) and Apr. 29 two were at Gallatin, Sumner,Tenn. (D & PC). Henry,Tenn., Feb. 20-24 (DMa, DWB); a 3rd, injured,establishing the White-rumpedspeaked at PascagoulaR. Marsh at 100+ May 12 (JT, 3rd recordfor Tennessee,at Percy-PriestL., Mar. 19 & 24 (RCS, fully CR, m.ob.), andup to 150 wereat Centerton,Ark., May 2-12 (MM1 et described);and yet another,a 2nd-winterbird, wasat Biloxi on the late al.). A near-recordhigh of 160 PectoralSandpipers was at Town Cr., dateof May 8 (JT). CommonTerns were noted at WilsonDam, Ala., Lawrence,Ala., Mar. 25 (GP). Stilt Sandpiperhigh countswere 93 at fouron Apr. 28 (GP)and at Centerton Hatchery May 2, furnishinga first CentertonMay 13 (BSa) and575 on BlakelyI., Mobile, Ala. (GJ, DeJ). springrecord for n.w. Arkansas(BK, MM1). OnMar. 18single earliest-

922 AmericanBirds, September43ctober 1984 ever Least Terns were seen at Grand Isle and on Fourchon Rd. (DMu, RDP). Black Ternswere alsovery early, threeMar. 25 at Holly Beach, Cameron (DMu, GR).

Elaeniaspecies, probably Caribbean Elaenia (E. martinica),at Ft. Pickens,near Pensacola, Fla., Apr. 28, 1984.Although the photo- graphsare notdiagnostic, careful voice descriptions by Evelyn Barbig andothers may yet confirmthe identity of thisfirst U.S. record.Photo/ Robert Duncan.

afternoon in live oaks at Ft. Pickens, Gulf Islands Nat'l Seashore, Escambia,Fla., Apr. 28 (E & HB, FG, SD, RD ph., OF, MMa). Evelyn Barbigwas attractedby its distinctivesong, others were alerted,and the birdwas studied and photographed from asclose as 20 ft off andon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The speciesoccurs widely on smallerislands in the West Indies and islands off the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize; the last two arejumping-off places for migrantsdestined for the n. Gulf Coast. Olive-sidedFlycatchers were seennear Nashville May 6 (JCM) and at Dover, Stewart, Tenn., May 17 (DWB). An earliest-everE. Wood- Peweewas at Logtown,Hancoek, Miss., Mar. 27 (JT). On May 29, up to 16 Alder Flycatcherswere notedsinging and calling in the willow LesserBlack-backed Gull (center--with Ring-billedand Laughing gulls fringeof L. Fayetteville,Washington, Ark. ON). In middleTennessee a and RoyalTerns) on FourchonBeach, La., spring1984. Third Louisi- Willow Flycatcherwas noted May 6 at AshlandCity (CGD, RJM) and ana record. Photo/R.D. Purrington. five were singingat MonsantoPonds May 12 (S & BS, ARH); ncar MonroeMay 12 a bird wasseen where the speciesbred for the first time in Louisianain 1983 (DTK); when checkedMay 28, a 2nd pair was DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- The introduced,slowly- discoverednearby (BC, SH, DTK). Least Flycatcherwas noted in movingRinged Turtle-Dove was found for the 3rd time in n.w. Florida, LouisianaApr. 27 in PevetoBeach Woods, Cameron(Jail, Jill); in at Ft. Walton BeachApr. 9 (fide RPo). A maximumof 15+ White- Tennesseeat DoverMay 4 (DWB), 30 at RadnorL., May 6 (fide JRS), wingedDoves in Cameron,La., Apr. 27-29 (DMu) wasan indicationof and at Davy CrockettP., May 24 (DJS); and in Alabamaat BrushyL., thesize of thes. andw. influxthis spring; as also one at Ft. MorganMay Winstonwhere it sangthroughout the day June 11 (MSG). 12 (CK, others),latest recorded for Alabama.Mourning Doves in Me- An Ash-throatedFlycatcher was seenat Ft. Morgan Apr. 12 (RD) & tairie, La., had a newly-fledgedyoung Mar. 9 (NLN). The Inca Dove 16 (MLM) andon DauphinI., 3 mi to the w., Apr. 14 & 15 (TI, CDC, successfullybred in Louisiana;two adultsand two fledgedyoung were DMB, m.ob.): mostlikely the samebird, whichcould not be foundon seenApr. 15 in Lake Charles(BC, PM, MS) and on the 20th were seen Fridaythe 13th!The 2ndSulphur-bellied Flycatcher for Louisianawas carryingnest material (DMu). A GreaterRoadrunner near Mt. Olive, lzard, Ark., Apr. 12 (WMS), wasonly 130mi fromthe Mississippi R. The only Groove-billedAnis were two a! Grand Isle, La., Apr. 8 (DMu), 3 monthslater than they ever occur in Alabamaor n.w. Florida. Two Short-earedOwls cameto grief this spring:one at Van Buren, Ark., Mar. 24 hadhit a barbed-wirefence, damaged its wing andlater died(JN, BB); theother was found emaciated but uninjured on an oil rig 60 mi off s.e. LouisianaApr. 5 and was takento the AudubonZoo RehabilitationCenter in New Orleans(fide MMy). Short-earedsare greatwanderers, breeding in mostof the NorthernHemisphere s. to PuertoRico andwintering to s. Mexico, so it is easyto imagineone 60 mi out in the Gulf. This greatpower of flight andwanderlust is what enablesmany species to populateodd comers of the world.It alsomakes birdingimmensely interesting! Up to four LesserNighthawks were in Cameronfor the L.O.S. meetingApr. 28-29 (BC, MW, m.ob.). A reportfrom CasaColibri: "Few winteringhummingbirds lingered into spring." Most Ruby- throatedsarrived almost 10 dayslate... "mortalityin migrationlast Sulphur-belliedFlycatcher in CameronParish, La., Apr. 29, 1984. fall seriouslydepleted the populationof immaturebirds."--Nancy SecondLouisiana record. Photo/R.D. Purrington. Newfield.The first Black-chinnedHummingbird for Alabamaspent thewinter in SpringHill, Mobile,and remained through the first week in April (GJ ph., DeJ, LGC). The white collar belowthe very darkthroat on Monkey I., Cameron, Apr. 28-29 (DWG, L.O.S., m.ob., ph., andabove the dusky sides was much more prominent in thephotographs *L.S.U.M.Z., GR). A 3rdMexican flycatcher for thisspring and a first than in the field guides,and servedto help find anothermale at Ft. for Louisianawas the Tropical Kingbird nearGrand Isle May 12(RJN, Morganin reeds(phragmites) on rainyApr. 8 duringa late afternoon *L.S.U.M.Z., BC, NLN, many).Western Kingbirds were in Washing- reflux of 24 Ruby-throatedsand four unidentifiedhummers (JAI, TI). ton, Ark., oneat L. Fayetteville,May 4 (MM1), anotherat BuddKidd L., May 23 (JN, EA). Easternflycatchers also came to Louisiana:Gray FLYCATCHERS -- First record ever for the U.S. was a bird of the Kingbirdswere seen on GrandTerre Apr. 30 (NLN, PN); onGrand Isle genusE!aenia, probably a CaribbeanElaenia, E. martinica,seen in late May 9, 12 & 13 (NLN, m.ob., RDP ph.); andat Ft. Jackson,Plaque-

Volume 38, Number 5 923 mmes,May 28 (NLN, DMu), thelatter being 8th and latest for thestate usualin Alabama(TI), about20 were in Jackson,Miss , Apr 3 (JT) In Tennessee,a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher returned to its breedingsite at Earliestever Warbling Vireos were in Jackson,Miss., Apr. 9 (JT, DaK) Murphreesboroon an unknown date (fide TJW). and at Ft. Walton Beach, Okaloosa,Apr. 10 (RPo), andanother there Apr. 21 (RPo); and at Wilson Dam, Ala., four were presentMay 13 (GP). With all the Gray Kingbirdsin Louisiana,it is amazingthat only oneBlack-whiskered Vireo was reportedfrom Alabama,at Ft. Morgan Apr. 18 (ALM). A Golden-wingedx Blue-wingedWarbler hybrid at PevetoBeach, La., Apr. 19 had Golden-wingedplumage with a yellow washon the breast(TP, GR, DMu). Very late Orange-crownedWarblers were at Ft WaltonBeach Apr. 23 (fide RPo) andin Hancock,Miss., Apr. 26 (JT, MBa). Uncommonto rarelocally, NashvilleWarblers were seen Mar 31 at PensacolaBeach for the 4th andearliest spring record (CK, FW, MLM, OF), andat GamerRidge, Cameron,Apr. 19 (DMu). Six Cape May Warblerswere seenin CameronApr. 28-29 (BC, L.O.S., m.ob ) and one was at L. Fayetteville,Ark., May 21 (BSa). Amongthe few Black-throatedBlue Warblersreported were singing males in Birming- hamMay 1 (ALM) and in a gorgenear Arab, Ala., May 17 (MSG) A Yellow-rumped(Audubon's) Warbler at Gulf BreezeApr. 4 (R, L, & SD, PT) providedonly the 2nd arearecord. A late BlackburnianWar- bler May 31 at Leiper'sFork, Williamson,Tenn., wasa male(SS) A Pine Warblerbuilding a nestMar. 1 at Loretto, Tenn. (DS), was excep- tionallyearly in a late season.A PrairieWarbler Mar. 21 at Boothville, Plaquemines,was most likely a winteringbird; two were on thenearby Venice CBC (DMu, NON). PalmWarblers had a goodflight, abundantthrough Birmingham and with at least5 recordsin n.w. ArkansasApr. 30-May 12 in Washington, Benton,and Boone (MM1, MBe, JN, JR, P & SW). An earlyBlackpoll Warbler was in Columbia,Tenn., Apr. 17 (AL). AmericanRedstarts Gray Kingbird, Grand Isle, La., May 1984. Photo/R.D. Purrington. weredownright scarce in andaround Birmingham, so it is encouraging to hearthat 11 singingbirds were notedin Seamy,Ark., May 19 (JN) A ProthonotaryWarbler Mar. 11 & 18 at GrandIsle (DMu) wasdifficult to SWALLOWS THROUGH WAXWINGS -- Early Tree Swallows place,because the dateis not too earlyfor migrantsand two werelisted Mar. 10 were at Marion, Ala. (GJ, HK, BG), and Monsanto, Tenn. on the GrandIsle CBC. Of nine singingSwalnson's Warblers around (WJ). On Apr. 27 on BuddKidd L., Ark., a pairof TreeSwallows was BirminghamApr. 17-May21, mostwere present just for one day or two seengathering nest material and May 25, eggswere in the nest(JN), (TI); singleswere in Athens,Ala., Apr. 26-28 and in nearbyLoretto, establishinga rare nesting for thatarea. An earliest-everBank Swallow Tenn., Apr. 28 (AA). A N. WaterthrushMay 19 at GrandIsle was the was in Hancock,Miss., Mar. 24 (JT) and an early N. Rough-winged latestfor s.e. Louisiana(DMu, RDP). Earliest-everLouisiana Water- Swallow was at MonsantoMar. 1 (KA). Cliff Swallowsarrived early at thrusheswere at GrandIsle, two Mar. 11 (DMu) andtwo in the Nash- CrossCreeks N.W.R., Tenn., Mar. 17 (DWB), but hundredsof early ville areaMar. 18 (JCM, KG). In Nashvillea ConnecticutWarbler was nestswere flooded out in earlyMay (RJM); theycontinued to neston the presentMay 9 (BP) anda MourningMay 6-9 (fideJCM). ThreeWfi- coastat Middle PearlR., St. Tammany,La. (RDP) andnear the Battle- son's Warblerswere at Wilson's Dam, Ala., May 13 (GP). shipon Mobile Bay (M.B.C.). AnotherMexican bird on the n. Gulf Coastwas the Cave Swallow at Ft. Morgan, studiedfor 3 hrs Apr. 22 (DMB, CDC) for a first recordfor Alabama!Barn Swallowscontinued TANAGERS, CARDINALINES, SPARROWS -- A ScarletTan- to increaseas breeders nearly throughout the Region;on 1-10w. of New agerat Ft. WaltonBeach May 28 (RPo) wasby 11 daysthe latestfor Orleansin 3 yearsthey have built up to 24 nestsin 3 colonies(RS, MW). n.w. Florida. An ad. d' W. Tanagerwas in CameronApr. 28 for the Bewick'sWren is still reasonablycommon in middleTennessee, with L.O.S. meeting(Jill, RS, MW, m.ob.) anda femalewas at Ft. Morgan six birdsreported in late April andearly May (fide AL); but one at Apr. 18 (ALM). A Rose-breastedGrosbeak at Columbia,Tenn., Mar Ansley,Hancock, Miss., Mar. 8 was the first seenthere since 1976 16-17 wouldbe expectedat a feederbecause of the earlinessof the date (JT), and one in Bessemer,Ala., Mar. 31 was the first in n. Alabama (NT), butlater in theseason they continued to frequentfeeders, includ- sincelast Oct. 1 (TI, LNT). Two HouseWrens at PensacolaMay 8 ing 78 at one May 5 in BarnesHollow, Putnam,Tenn. (RWS). The (MLM, GG, KSt) were unusuallylate, but one singingin Birmingham species'migration must be gearedto the developmentof vegetation May 11 (TI), in light of othersummer records and its recent addition to whichthis year was about 2 weeksbehind, and the birds had to frequent the nestingbirds of Alabama,may lead to furthernesting records. A feedersas a substitutefor naturalfoods. Those birds able to capitalizeon WinterWren Apr. 28 at Loretto,Tenn., just overthe Alabama line, was man's activities,his agriculture,his waste,seem to be the onesthat also unusual.A Golden-crownedKinglet at Ft. Morgan Apr. 4 (TI, prosper.Sounds like the Rose-breastedis jumpingon the bandwagon many)was very late, as were two in 2 placesnear Nashville May 5 with itsformer cousin the Evening Grosbeak. Black-headed Grosbeak is (JCM, JE). A very late Veery wasat Mandeville,St. Tammany,May 22 another:one at a feederin Mobile Apr. 10 (LDi), two at a feederin (Jilt). On Apr. 28 a late Hermit Thrushwas in Loretto,Tenn. (DS, BirminghamApr. 24 andone Apr. 25 (MMc); we nowhave at least30 MBe) andanother was on Smith'sI., Cameron,La. (DMu, MMy); next recordsfor Alabama, 12 inland, and it is recordedannually, often at day onewas collected on nearbyMonkey I. (GR, L.S.U.M.Z.) which feeders.A Blue GrosbeakMar. 15 at Fairhope(MN) was the earliest provedto be of a w. subspecies.This throws new light on theorigin of ever for Alabama.An earliestIndigo Buntingfor Mississippicoast was someof our.late migrants. Figure the originof the Am. Robinin Grand a femaleMar. 15 at Bay St. Louis(JT, MBa). On May 8 at CaveSpring, Isle WoodsMay 16, 90 mi from its nearestbreeding ground (DMu, Washington,Ark., 40 Dickcisselswere seenall in onetree! (JN, RiS) NoN, RDP). A Gray CatbirdMar. 21 at Columbia,Tenn. (GRM), was One Bachman'sSparrow was near Malvern, Ark., Mar. 22 (H & probablya winteringbird. Fifty CedarWaxwings in CameronMay 27 MP), and four males were noted e. of Kingsland,Cleveland, Ark (BC, LH) were the usuallate lingerers. (WMS, FG). The Rufous-crownedSparrow on Mt. Magazine,Logan, Ark., hadapparently suffered a setback,possibly from the severecold VIREOS, WARBLERS -- A Bell's Vireo at Eglin A.F.B., Oka- of last winter;only one coudbe foundMay 7 (JN) & June1 (WMS) loosa,Apr. 9 (RPo)was one of a very few for n.w. Florida;one at the Unusualin thespring, two Clay-coloredSparrows were at Peveto Beach Zoo in BirminghamApr. 25 (BG) providedthe 6th springrecord for Woods,La., Apr. 18-29 (DMu, RDP, m.ob.); in Arkansasat leastsix Alabama. Yellow-throated Vireos seemed almost twice as numerous as were seenin Carroll, Washington,and Madison Apr. 28-May 9 (RS,

924 AmericanBirds, SeptembersOctober1984 MM1, DJ, EA) A VesperSparrow, latest ever for n w Floridaby 4 Paul Johnson,D Tom Kee (DTK), Dalton King (DaK), Don King days,was notedat Ft. Walton BeachApr. 21 (fide RPo). A Lark (DoK), Curtis Kingsbery,Helen Kittinger, Paul Kittle, JoeKleiman, Sparrowwas singing in Henry,Tenn. (DWB). A very lateSharp-tailed Lee Kramer, Bret Kuss, Ann Lochridge,O.B. Lochridge,Louisiana Sparrowwas at GrandTerre May 12(MW), anda verylate Fox Sparrow OrnithologicalSociety (L.O.S.), Frank Lutz, Mike Magley (MMa), was at Manchester,Tenn., Apr. 28 (GY). Up to 40 territorialc• Song Nancy Maier, FlorenceMallard, Don Manning,Mary Lou MattIs Sparrowswere in Nashville(DV) andone was seen with nest material in (MLM), GeorgeR. Mayfield, JaneC. Maynard(JCM), Mabel Mc- MonsantoApr. 28 (OBL). Harris' Sparrowwas seen at Ft. MorganMar. Donald(MMc), PaulMcKenzie, A.J. McMurphy (AMc), Martha 4 (PQ, CDC) & Mar. 17 (PB), latestfor Alabamaexcept for Apr. 7, burn (MMi), Rocky J. Milbum (RJM), Ann L. Miller (ALM), Bill 1953. Millmore (BM), Mike Mlodinow (MM1), Mobile Bird Club (M.B.C), GenryMorgan, HowardJ. Morris, David Muth (DMu), Mac Myers BLACKBIRDS, CARDUELINES -- On May 1,250 Bobolinkswas (MMy), JosephC. Neal (JN), NortonNelkin (NON), NancyL. New- a goodnumber for theBaton Rouge area (BC); andone in NashvilleJune field (NLN), PaulNewfield, Robert J. Newman, Bill Nimkin, Minnie 2 wasvery late (DV). Two W. Meadowlarkswere in Arkadelphia,Ark., Nonkes,Helen & Max Parker(H & MP), Ted Parker, Henry E. Parmer Mar 11 (H & MP). Yellow-headedBlackbirds were well distributed:in (HEP), Brainerd L. Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Lance Peacock,Glenn & Tennesseee. of GallatinApr. 17 (WCo);in Alabamaat Ft. MorganApr. NancyPiper, Dee Poulsen,Robert Powell (RPo), R. Dan Purrington 21 (CK, FW, MLM ph., OF); in Louisianain Cameron,two Apr. 20 (RDP), Pat Quintenz,Carl Racchini(CR), CeceliaRiley (CRi), Larry (BC, SH) andone Apr. 27 & 28 (TS, m.ob.); in Arkansas,five at Mena Raye,J. Van Remsen,Mary & RoberS,Rolen, Gary Rosenberg, Bob Apr 21 (LB, others)and 27 at CentertonApr. 24 (JN, RS). Also at Sanger(BSa), Janice Schuckmann (JSc), Tom Schulenberg,Lee & Judy Centerton,Ark., a male and two • Great-tailed Grackles were seen Shaw (L & JS), William M. Shepherd(WMS), DamienJ. Simbeck May 14and two eggswere found in thenest June 3---establishing a first (DS), RichardW. Simmons(RWS), Loetta Simmons(LS), Don R local nestingrecord (JN, BS). The BronzedCowbird continuedfor its Simons(DRS), Kimberly Smith(KS), JamesR. Snapper(JRS), Rich- 7th year in the areajust w. of New Orleans(RS, MW, NLN) and now ard Stauffacher(RiS), RonaldJ. Stein(RS), BarbaraH. Stedman(BS), hasbeen found across L. Pontchartraine. of Slidell Apr. 23 (Jill). On StephanJ. Stedman(SS), KathleenStone (KSt), RandyC. Stringer May 4, an unusuallystrong low with toweringclouds blew into Harri- (RCS), Mark Swan (MS), Phil Tetlow, Nina Thomas, Lynnes N son,Boone, Ark., andnext day 100+ N. Orioleswere everywhere (JR, Thompson,Louise A. Tommie,Judith Toups(JT), David Vogt, Re- BK, MMi). beccaVial, Melvin Weber, Pat Wheeler, SteveWheeler, A. FredWicke A PurpleFinch was late May 3 at a feederin Gurley,Madison, Ala. (FW), Norma Wilkinson, R. Williams, JohnnieWise, Terry J. Witt, (Boll). Thesouthernmost breeding of HouseFinch was in Montgomery GradyL. York, Ann & TonyZiccardi.--THOMAS A. IMHOF, 1036 wherethe first of 5 eggshatched Apr. 24 in a nestin a hangingplant in a Pike Road, Birmingham, AL 35218. carportwhere people were away at workall day(fide HJM). Many Pine Slsk•nswere present in thePensacola-Ft. Walton area (fide CK); about 100 on May 3 werethe last seenat a feederin Gurley, Ala. (Boll); and the latestfor Nashvillewere two May 18 (CRD). EveningGrosbeaks were also well distributed:up to 450 at GreenwellSprings, E. Baton RougeJan. 22-May 1 (Mr. & Ms. MF, BC, m.ob.) andin otherplaces in theBaton Rouge area; at Midway, SantaRosa, Fla., oneApr. 30-May 7 (B & CEE, A & TZ, MC); Hartselle,Ala., a peak of 50 on Mar. 26 PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION (RW); at Muscle Shoals,last one May 5 (GP); hundredsaround Bir- /J. Bernard Gollop minghamthrough May 1; andin Tennessee,late onesin NashvilleMay 14 (CRD) and in SouthTunnel, Sumner,May 16 (BHa).

CORRIGENDUM -- Two Plegadisibises reported in AB 38(2)212- Temperaturesin Marchwere near normal in the eastto almost6øC 213 did not constitutethe secondrecord for Arkansas;there are several abovein thenorthwest. Many minimumtemperature records were set in recordsof the genusand at least two definite recordsof White-faced earlyMarch and many record high temperatures were set in April. May Ibis In addition,in the samereport, the Pomafine Jaeger at L. Millwood hadfrequent frosts but the month was noted for its winds,particularly in Aug 21-Oct. 8, 1983was not reported as the first record for Arkansas, Saskatchewan.Precipitation was below normalin March exceptin which it was. Finally, the excellentphotograph of this bird was not southernAlberta and southeastern Saskatchewan. There were two major creditedto the photographer,Charles Mills. stormsin April: one in easternSaskatchewan gave 20-40 mm of rain April 11; the secondApril 27-28 gave30-70 mm of precipitationto southernManitoba, including up to 40 cm of snowin the southwestern CONTRIBUTORS (Sectionalreporters in boldface)-- Elizabeth partof theprovince. May precipitationvaried from 25 % of normalin the Adam, Alabama OrnithologicalSocietey (A.O.S.), Jan Alexander, south to more than twice normal in the northern half of Saskatchewan KennethAnderson, Carol Ascherfelt,Thomas Atkeson, Andy Augus- and Alberta. SouthwesternManitoba had heavy wet snow May 24. tin, Micky Baker(MBa), RichardBallman, Evelyn & HowardBarbig, Mike Bevin(MBv), MichaelBeuerlein (MBe), BirminghamAudubon Society (B.A.S.), Deborah Blackmon(DeB), Paul Blevins, Donald Blunk (DB), Charles & Peggy Brasfield, Bill Brazelton,David, Luanne,Shirley, & Walt Brotherton(DWB), D. Mark Brown(DMB), Morris Clark, WandaClinton (WCi), L.G. Connell,A.W. Conrad,C. DwightCooley (CDC), Bret Cous(BCo), Wick Corner(WCo), Roberta Crabtree,Dot & Paul Crawford, D. Bruce Crider (BC), C. Rowan Debold(CRD), LindaDix (LDi), CindyDjavidan (CDj), C. Gerald Drewry (CGD), JanDubuisson, Charles D. Duncan,Linda, Robert, & ScottDuncan, Betty& C.E. Edwards,John Ellis, Mr. & Ms. Morgan Fairchild,Owen Fang, Philip Foster,Francis M. WestonAudubon Societyof Pensacola(F.M.W.A.S.P.), Venetia Friend, Ben Garmon, GoldwynGary, Katherine Goodpasture, Chip Grafe, M. ScottGravette, FredT. Griffin (FrG), FredGreenwood (FG), Dale W. Gustin,Bessie Hagan(BHa), Tom Haggarty,Robbie C. Hassler,Bobby Harris (Boll), RalphW. Havard, StanHeath, Lucille Hendrick,Anne Hettish(AH), AudreyR. Hoff(ARH), JamesHolmes (Jail), Jim Holmes(Jill), David C Hulse,Joseph A. Imhof, ThomasImnof (TI), DebraJackson (DeJ), MONTANA ORTN DAKOTA GregJackson, Douglas James (DJ), WilliamJemigan, Evelyn Johnson,

Volume 38, Number 5 925 LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A vagrantArctic Loon was found A surprisingconcentration of five YellowRails was heard near Doug- n w. of Sundre,Alta., May 12 (HH). Pied-billedGrebes were reported las, Man., May 26 (CC, GJO). A Virginia Rail was photographedat downin numbersby 5 of 8 Saskatchewanobservers. Manitoba reported Churchill,where it is an accidental(BC). Soraswere down significantly recordconcentrations of Red-neckedGrebes May 5:237 at Oak Ham- at Ft. McMurray (JGu). Near Bretona,Alta., 15,000 SandhillCranes mock(GH) and364 at SevenSisters (MS). EaredGrebe observations at wereseen migrating in one hour(JC). A WhoopingCrane (with eight Ft McMurray totalled355, 20% of lastyear's figure (JGu). Two Am. Sandhills)was unusuals.w. of Ashern, Man., Apr. 21 (fide RN) White Pelicanswere found dead under power lines near Rockglen, Sask., May 22 (RG). Double-crestedCormorants peaked at 600 near SHOREBIRDS -- Reginawas the only areareporting a "fantastic" SevenSisters, Man., May 12 (PT). A coldspell may have contributed to migration. Peak numbersfor some of the 32 speciesrecorded there thedeath of a GreatEgret in Winnipeg,alive Apr. 30, deadMay 1 (RS). were: 200 LesserGolden-Plovers May 25; 32 SemipalmatedPlovers Saskatchewanreported two egret species:a Snowy May 24 s.e. of May 12; >140 Am. AvocetsApr. 23; 35 Greaterand 150 Lesser yellow- MooseJaw (DR), oneCattle Egret May 19-27on a sloughin Saskatoon legsApr. 24; 18 SolitarySandpipers May 12; 120 HudsonianGodwlts (CE, BG) andanother at the n. endof LastMountain L., May 26 (MCo). Apr. 23; 18_+Ruddy Turnstones May 26; >100 Red KnotsMay 21, An ad. TricoloredHeron at SevenSisters May 26 may haveprovided >600 SemipalmatedSandpipers May 22; >100 LeastsMay 21-25,650 Manitoba's13th record (G-G, PH, GH, RK). Saskatchewan's2nd report White-rumpedsMay 21; >300 Baird'sMay 20; sevenDunlins May 21, of a Yellow-crownedNight-Heron was of a singlebird n.w. of Moose 800 Stilt SandpipersMay 22; 16 Com. SnipeMay 13; 400 Wilson's Jaw May 8 & 27 (EA, EK, MR). PhalaropesMay 21 (BL, TR, CA). In additionwere such rarities as four WhimbrelsMay 9 (CA) andtwo W. SandpipersMay 16 (RH). Concen- trations elsewherewere: 1500 Black-bellied PloversMay 17 near SWANS THROUGH DUCKS -- A black(not gray) swan was seen at Brooks(LG); twoBlack-necked Stilts May 10 w. of Manyberries,Alta closerange flying NW with threeTundra Swans May 1 s.e. of Saska- (JR);200 MarbledGodwits May 21 nearCalgary (AS); 105Sanderllngs toon(JS). At leasttwo Trumpeter Swans with Tundras were again heard May 27 (PA), 1000Pectoral Sandpipers May 12 and700 Buff-breasteds andseen at SpringValley Apr. 7-30 (FBo). In Saskatchewanhundreds of Greater White-fronted Geese and thousands of Snow Geese were May 28 at BeaverhillL. (DD); and 2000 dowitchersnear Lucky L, Sask., May 23 (PB). Only two PipingPlovers were noted:May 10, flying NW nearSpring Valley Apr. 8-11 (FBo). MooseJaw reported Raymore(WHa) andMay 18, Irricana,Alta. (JMS). Greaterand Lesser hundredsof White-frontedsover the city Mar. 31, Apr. 1 & 4, andthere yellowlegswere at aboutone-half their 1983populations at Ft. McMur- werethousands of Snowsin the BuffaloPound L. areaMay 6 (EK, PK ray; Long-billedDowitchers were at one-third1983 levels (JGu). The et al.). Anotherconcentration of Snowswas estimated at 30,000 (10% first W. Sandpiperfor the Saskatoonarea was reported May 15 (JW) blue phase)near FrancisApr. 5 (GL). In Alberta "great flocks" of Savingthe bestuntil last, two Spoonbill Sandpiperswere drawnand Snowswere migrating near Sundre in lateApril (Fid), whilein Manito- describedin details. of Irricana,Alta., May 19. They were with 10 ba, Delta reported300,000 _+ May 6 (CC). The firstreport of a blue- phaseRoss' Goose in Manitobawas one of a pair, in a flockof seven otherspecies of shorebirdson a 0.2-km2 alkalislough surrounded by pastureand cultivatedfields (JMS). Ross', nearGlenboro Apr. 29 (CC). A singleRoss' showedup at Ft. McMurray May 2 (JGu). Wood Duckswere particularly common near JAEGERS THROUGH OWLS -- PomafineJaegers are stragglersin Calgarywith nine birdsat 5 locationsMar. 24-May 3 (LG et al.). Saskatchewan;a dark-phase adult was seen at then. endof LastMoun- Total ducknumbers in s. Alberta (s. of 54ø latitude)were aboutthe tain L., May 1 (WHa). At Ft. McMurray,Franklin's, Bonaparte's, sameas last year; s. Saskatchewanwas down 27% and s. Manitoba Mew, Ring-billed,California and Herring gulls were at 20 to 50% of down 38%. In s. SaskatchewanGreen-winged Teal, N. Pintail, N. 1983 levels(JGu). Four speciesof gullsconsidered accidental in the Shoveler,Am. Wigeon, scaup,Buffiehead and Ruddy Duck weredown followingareas were reported. An ad. Mew wasstudied and described 26 to 55% f•om 1983.Both Redhead and Ring-necked Duck were up 47 s. of ReginaMay 11 (CA). Thayer'sGull reportswere as follows an and 96%, respectively.Near 56ø latitudeat Ft. McMurray, Green- adultoccurred Apr. 18 nearFt. Qu'Appelle(FBr) andan immature Apr wlngeds,pintails, Blue-wingedTeal, wigeon,Canvasbacks and Red- 24-28 nearRegina Beach, Sask. (fide CA); an immatureMay 6 andan headswere down from 1983 while shovelersand scaupwere up (JGu). adultMay 9 in Calgary(JMS et al.); singleimmatures May 12 at Oak The first Mallardbrood was seenMay 20 nearSaskatoon (KD). A c• Hammock(GH, RT) andMay 12-18in Winnipeg(RK). An ad. Lesser Mallardx Am. Wigeonwas studied near Saskatoon May 14 (JGo)and a Black-backedGull was studiedin WinnipegMay 12-13, establishing c• Blue-wingedx CinnamonTeal was seenand sketchedin Cypress the 2nd Manitoba record (SH, RK, DF, HL). An imm. Glaucous- Hills Apr. 20 (RG, KM). Therewere observations of five singlec• Eur. wingedGull wasseen in CalgaryMay 9 (JMS, DC), wherea Caspian Wigeonat 5 localitiesin the Calgaryarea on 6 datesMar. 28-Apr. 14 TernMay 12-14(RC, PS, JT) anda Band-tailedPigeon Apr. 17 (JR) (seespring 1983 also;JP, DC, JPT, WW). AnotherEur. Wigeonoc- were alsoexceptional. Short-eared Owl numberswere reported up in curred at Beaverhill L., Apr. 29 (WHc et al.). both s. Manitoba and at Churchill; 5 of 7 Saskatchewanobservers For the2nd consecutive year Greater Scaup appeared in numbersin s. reporteddecreases. Boreal and N. Saw-whetowls were more common Saskatchewan:95 birdsin all, at Saskatoon(SS), MooseJaw (fide EK), in s. Manitobathan last year (fide RK). Turtleford(MCa), Cochin(JMS), Regina(TR, FBr, MB), andSimpson (WHa) Apr. 8-May 3. Oldsquaw,vagrants in spring,were reported only LARKS THROUGH SHRIKES -- HornedLarks at Ft. McMurray fromSaskatchewan: Apr. 29, onemale at Lac La Loche(SS, CE); May were at one-sixththeir 1983 levels and Black-billedMagpies were at 6 & 11, two, and May 29, one, s.e. of Saskatoon(MG, KD, FR). A one-third(JGu). There was a vagrantViolet-green Swallow in thesame rarityin s. Albertawas Surf Scoter--a flock of nineon May 12 n.w. of areaMay 24-25 (JGu).Early arrivingswallows in s. Manitobawere Sundre(HH). A pair of Barrow'sGoldeneyes, accidental in Saskatch- apparentlywiped out by theApr. 27 snowstorm(RK). A pairof Red- ewan, was seenApr. 2 at Ft. Qu'Appelle(RH) and a male was found breastedNuthatches carrying food provided Regina's first nestingrec- May 6 n. of Turtleford(MCa). ord(BL). A RockWren reappeared in Reginathis year (CA) andanother spentMay 25-28in Saskatoon,far n. of its usualrange (MCa). Sedge EAGLES THROUGH CRANES -- An unusual occurrence of a Bald andMarsh wrens were noticeably down in s. Manitoba(RK). SingleE Eaglewas one at ChurchillMay 21 (BC). Red-tailedHawks were seen Bluebirds,considered accidentals in Alberta, appeared60 km n.w of one-tenthas often this year as last on surveysat Ft. McMurray(JGu). A CalgaryMar. 30 (CH) andin EdmontonMay 30 (fideRE). TheRegion pair of FerruginousHawks attempted to nestnear Lyleton, but deserted hadits first documentedWestern Bluebirds this spring: two pairswere afterthe Apr. 27 snowstorm;this may have been the first known nesting photographedat boxes s.w. of Calgary,Alta., May 7 (JB, ES, DE) in Manitobain >50 years (JJM). AnotherFerruginous near Seven Accidentalin the Saskatoonarea were a Townsend'sSolitaire Apr 1 Sistersprovided the easternmostprovincial record in half a century (RJ,MCa) anda VariedThrush May 19, providinga firstspring record (PT). At leasteight pairs of Merlinswere on territoryin Regina(TR). A (KD). Regina had a • Varied ThrushMay 26, also a rare spnng parrof PeregrineFalcons that nested on one building in Calgarylast year occurrence(CA, TR). The n. thrushmigration was poor in s. Saskatch- was nestingon anotherthis spring(DC). There were 49 reportsof ewan(no comments from elsewhere). American Robins were among the Peregrines,21 morethan last year, includingeight May 19 at Beaverhill few speciesto showan increase in Ft. McMurraysurveys: 2019 obser- L (DD). vationsin 1984,cf. 1383in 1983and 780 in 1982(JGu). What may have

926 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 beenAlberta's most northerly N. Mockingbirdwas seenat Ft. McMur- NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION ray May 26 & June3 (JGu). The latestdate for more than a single /Gordon B. Berkey BohemianWaxwing was Apr. 2 in Regina (300 +--TR), Saskatoon (50--EW), nearCanore (20--WJA), and Moose Jaw (two•DK). Five of 7 Saskatchewanreporters found Loggerhead Shrikes down compared Our continentalclimate, with its manyextremes, usually has a strong to 1983. effecton the springmigration season, and this season was no exception. March was rather uneventful in North Dakota and Montana, while severalsnowstorms rolled acrossSouth Dakota. Six speciesof diving WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Like lastyear the warbler ducksthat had reachedthe MissouriRiver at YanktonFebruary 28 did migrationwas unspectacular,noted more for its wanderersthan its not reachthe Wanbay-SandLake area until March 23-31. waves. Manitobawas again an exceptionwith >260 Yellow-rumped April waswet, cloudy,and windy in SouthDakota; precipitation was Warblersin

CONTRIBUTORS -- (Provincialcompilers in boldface,local com- pilers in italics.) C. Adam, E. Adkins, W. and J. Anaka (WJA), P. Assman,J. Bargroan,M. Belcher,T. Beveridge,F. Bogdan(FBo), F. Brazier (FBr), P. Browne, M. Carlson (MCa), B. Chartier, J. Christian- PELICAt•S THROUGH DUCKS -- An Am. White Pelican at J. son, R. Clarke, D. Collister, M. Colwell (MCo), C. Cuthbert, D. Clark SalyerN.W.R., Apr. 8 wasquite early (GE); pelicannesting was Dekker, K. De Smet,R. Ebel, D. Elphinstone,C. Escott,D. Fast,R. underwayat 4 South Dakota locations.Seven Cattle Egretss.w. of Godwin,B. Gollop, J. Gollop(JGo), M. Gollop, G. Grieef, L. Guille- Berlin, N.D., May 16 provideda rarespring record (WH); a highof 16 mette,J. Gulley (JGu), P. Hamel, W. Harris (WHa), D. Hatch,Mrs. F. on May 17 wasreported for SouthDakota (LA). A carefullydescribed Haug, H. Hickland, W. Hochachka(WHc), G. Holland, S. Holohan, Yellow-crownedNight-Heron was seenin Lake, S. D., May 17 (JE). R. Hooper,W. Horn(WHr), C. Hunt, R. Jensen,E. Kern, P. Kern,D. White-facedIbises were seenin 4 SouthDakota counties, including an King, R. Koes, M. Krueger,H. Lane, S. Lane, L. Layman,G. Liebelt, earlyone Apr. 27 in Brookings(K J);one near Lignite was a raresighting J. and G. Lowden(JGL), B. Luterbach,K. Meeres,M. Milkening, J. for n.w. North Dakota (TF), and two were at Bowdoin N.W.R., Mont., Miller, J. and J. Murray (JJM), R. Nero, G. and J. Ogilvie (GJO), P. Apr. 17 (KS). A total of 13 Ross' Geeseon 4 differentdates were O'Neil, J. Podlubny,J. Riddel, T. Riffel, M. Ritchie,D. Robinson,F. countedin 3 SouthDakota countiesMar. 27-May 3 (LA); a singleat Roy, L. Schlichting,R. Scriven,S. Shadick,P. Sherrington,M. Siep- Kelly's SloughN.W.R., N.D., was photographedApr. 29 (DOL). man, A. Slater, J. Smart, E. Spalding,J. and M. Steeves(JMS), P. Single Am. Black Ducks were in Hanson, S.D., May 17 (LA) and Taylor, J. Thompson,J. and P. Thompson(JPT), R. Tkachuk, J. Ransom,N.D., May 21 (DGP), whiletwo wereat FargoMay 31 (MB). Wedgwood,H. Wiens, W. Wilson, Eric Woodsworth.--J. BER- SevenCinnamon Teal were reportedfrom SouthDakota and w. North NARD GOLLOP, Canadian Wildlife Service, 115 Perimeter Rd., Dakota.A 6 HarlequinDuck on the MissouriR., just belowFt. Peck Saskatoon, Sask., S7N 0X4. Dam Mar. 18-May 6 establishedthe first recordof the speciesfor e.

Volume 38, Number 5 927 Montana It wasoften seen chasing a $ Buffiehead(CC, JC) The • Flycatchercomplex, early dateswere given for Alder as May 16 m Barrow'sGoldeneye that wintered in Penn,S.D., waslast seen Mar. 11 SouthDakota (DB) & 20 in NorthDakota (LF) andfor Willow asMay (JB); singleswere alsoin Deuel Apr. 8 (BKH) and at BentonLake 10 (GN) & 13 in Montana(KS). An Eastern Phoebee. of Miles City, N W.R., Mont., Mar. 13 (LM). A high numberof 10 Red-breasted Mont., Apr. 21 providedthe 2nd state record (SG, doc).The many early Merganserswas at GrandForks Apr. 29 (DOL). RuddyDucks arrived swallowarrivals in SouthDakota included Purple Martins at PierreApr earlyat bothTewaukon and Kelly's SloughApr. 1. 7 (JB), Tree Swallow at BrookingsApr. 6 (KJ), 15 Violet-greensin PennApr. 28 afterthe snow,and N. Rough-wingedApr. 19, Cliff Apr HAWKS THROUGH CRANES -- A few years ago an observer 22, and Barn Apr. 11 in Hanson (LA). seeingan Osprey would have had a goodchance of a citation,but there aremany more reports this year! There were at least13 sightings in 11 CHICKADEES THROUGH MIMIDS -- Invading Boreal Chicka- differentSouth Dakota counties, and 13 sightingsin NorthDakota. Of 2 deeswere last seenin North Dakota Mar. 17 at Minot (REM) and Mar nestsfound in e. Montanaalong Ft. PeckRes., one was 6 mi fromthe 31 at Grand Forks (MW). White-breastedNuthatches usually seem lakein a cottonwoodtree (fide CC). LateSharp-shinned Hawks May 19 sedentary,so the daily counts of 80-110in Bottineau,N.D., Mar. 1-26 in Brown(NW) & May 27 in Fall River(RP) may have indicated local werequite surprising; by May dailycounts were in therange of fourto nesting;there is onlyone modern nesting record for SouthDakota. five (DNS). A totalof 16 pairsof PygmyNuthatches was found in 4 There were fewer than normalmigration reports of Sharp-shinneds. BlackHills locationsMar. 3-Apr. 16 (RP). OneBrown Creeper feeding Definitenesting of Cooper'sHawks occurred in Brown,S.D. (BKH), anotherin Grand Forks, N.D., May 24 couldhave indicateda pair on andLostwood (RKM) andin L23, Mont., a newlatilong record (SG). A nestingterritory; there are no confirmednesting records for the state temtorialdisplay flight was observed in theponderosa pines of Slope, (DOL). A viablebreeding population of RockWrens was discovered in N D., Apr. 20 (GB). Broad-wingedHawks were early at MandanApr. n.w. Ward, N.D., considerablye. of the knownbadlands breeding 3 (WB) andFargo one day later (MB); onApr. 26 a spectacularkettle of range.At least5 locations,a gravelpit and 4 erodedbadlands-type "severalhundred" was in Grant, S.D. (DRS). An exceptionallyearly slopes,had Rock Wrens, and several more pairs could have been present Swainson'sHawk wasat LewistonMar. 22 (LM). Onemember of a pair giventhe habitat (REM, GBB). Therehad been previous nestings by a of Red-tailedHawks at a nestnear Devils L., Apr. 20 wasa "Krider's" singlepair in the areain 1959-1960.A CanyonWren May 26 in the (DOL, SL). PeregrineFalcons were seen Apr. 22-May16 at Grand Cave Hills of Harding wasthe first SouthDakota observation outside Forks(DOL), Fargo(MB, TD), Fairfield,N.D. (REM, GB), andLa- theBlack Hills (JB). Thefour Winter Wrens at FargoApr. 20 musthave creekN.W.R. (JB, DDP). Six pairsof PrairieFalcons were counted in beena newhigh count for NorthDakota (TD). An E. Bluebirdbrood of FallR., S.D., in Apriland May (RP),and a pairwhose brood was taken fivefledged from a nestbox along the Souris R., wherethe species is a bya GreatHorned Owl last year returned to the same site near Ft. Peck rarenester (REM). High totalsof HermitThrushes were 13 in Roberts, (CC). The declineof GreaterPrairie-Chickens in Gregory continued S.D., Apr. 13(DRS), 22 in MinotApr. 17(REM), and50 inFargo Apr (GS, DLL). A pair of CaliforniaQuail in Custer,S.D., May 10 was 28 (MB). GrayCatbirds arrived late in Montana:May 25 atBowdoln & presumedto haveoriginated from releases in theearly 1960s; none had 29 at Ft. Peck.A N. Mockingbirdwas seen in FargoMay 11(MB, CS) beenreported in severalyears (LR). SixWhooping Cranes were deter- minedby a trackingteam to have spent the night in or near the N. Unitof WARBLERS, TANAGERS -- Most observersmentioned both fewer TheodoreRoosevelt N.P., Apr. 17 (fide SS). speciesand smallernumbers of warblersthis spring,undoubtedly be- causeof thefavorable winds which prevailed during nearly all of May SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- StrongSE winds in May SouthDakota birder D. Tallmancalled it the worstever; yet, thereare causedmany shorebirdsto overfly the Region, and mostspecies were alwayshighlights. On May 17, Golden-wingedWarblers were in Fargo seenin greatlyreduced numbers. There were reports of LesserGolden- (MB) andGrand Forks (DOL). Also at Fargowere two N. ParulasMay Ploversfrom only three South Dakota counties; Harris observed a flock 19 (TD) andthe 2ndNorth Dakota record for KentuckyWarbler May of probable"Goldens" flying into a tornadoarea against 50-70 m.p.h. 16 (GN, doc.). CapeMays were in SouthDakota at LincolnMay 13 N winds! Mountain Plovers were at the w. unit of C. M. Russell (MS) andBrookings May 17 (CT), andone was at FargoMay 15 (MB) N W.R., Apr. 20 andnear Lavonia in L30 Apr. 24 (LM). A Whimbrel An earlyYellow-rumped Warbler was at GrandForks Apr. 7 (PP). Most at Big L., Mont., May 19 provideda newlatilong record for L41 (LM); observersmentioned good numbers of thiscommon species. There were a reportof one at AudubonN.W.R., phonedin by a visitingbirder, very few reportsof less-commonbut regular species such as Nashville, could not be checked because of insufficient information. Birders Chestnut-sided,Black-throated Green, Blackburnian,Palm, Bay- shouldbe carefulto giveas much information as possible when report- breasted,Mourning, Wilson's and Canadawarblers. ing unusualsightings away from home! Four Long-billedCurlews in A SummerTanager was banded and photographed May 26 in Brown, Custer,S.D., Apr. 8 wereearly (MM). SouthDakota reported a good S.D. (DT), a singing• ScarletTanager was again at SmithGrove, s of flight of HudsonianGodwits including 40 in BrookingsMay 9 (JH); Washburn,N.D., May 28 (REM), anda W. Tanagerarrived early May good numbersof Marbleds were seen West River, where they are 13 in Penn (NW). considereduncommon to rare. Eight Red Knots at Ft. Peck May 8 furnishedonly the 2nd sightingthat long-timeobserver CC hashad. A CARDINAL THROUGH SISKIN -- A • N. Cardinal came to a Dunlin Apr. 8 at GrandForks was undoubtedly the earliest-everfor the Bismarckfeeder daily May 25-31 (RR). A • Rose-breastedx Black- entireRegion (DOL), andone at LacreekMay 5 mayhave been the first headedGrosbeak was seensinging in Ward, N.D., May 27 (REM), West River record for SouthDakota (JB, DDP). An Am. Woodcock severalBlack-headeds were found singing in the SourisR. loop,where was at GrandForks Apr. 11 (FK) anda malewas performing courtship thereare a few nestingrecords, but they may have been overshoots reded flightsin May wherethey nested last year at TurtleRiver S.P. California by thewind, as they seemed to havedisappeared by themiddle of June Gulls were nestingat WaubayN.W.R., S.D., and observationswere The earliestIndigo Buntingever reportedfor SouthDakota was at madein McPhersonand Stanley. A 2nd-yearGlaucous Gull at Kelly's BrookingsApr. 27 (KH), and an unusualnumber of Lazuli Buntings Sloughprovided the 2nd GrandForks record Apr. 14-15 (DOL, SL). was seenEast R., includingfour to five May 17-20 in Brown(DT) A CommonTerns were early in Codington,S.D., Apr. 15 (BKH, JG). Clay-coloredSparrow at Fargowas very early Apr. 10 (GN). A Brew- er's Sparrowwas observed very carefullyin a New Townfarmyard all OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- BurrowingOwls arrivedat U. morningMay 19 (BCH). Clay-coloredswere also feeding in theyard, L Bend N.W.R., Mont., Apr. 9 (LM), and at Crosby,N.D., Apr. 20 but this bird stayedby itself;this speciesnests in extremes.w. North (TF); onewas in e. Sargent,N.D., May 1 (HD). Long-earedOwls were Dakota. Two Fox Sparrowsoverwintered at Fargothrough Mar 11 reportednesting in the SouthDakota badlands, and in NorthDakota one (DC); bothDakotas had good numbers of migrants,with a peakof 46 at nestwas found near Upham (GE) and2 at Lostwood(RKM). A N. Saw- Minot Apr. 17 (REM). It seemsthat numbers of migrantFox Sparrows whetOwl wasat FargoMar. 30 (MB, CS, VS). A ChimneySwift was and Hermit Thrushescorrelate well. The earliest-everSwamp Sparrow early at BrookingsApr. 28 (KH) and two White-throatedswere e. of for South Dakota was in CodingtonApr. 8 (JG). A flock of 150 their usual range at Kadoka May 22 (KG). McCown'sLongspurs was seen in thesnowstorm Apr. 28 nearHarlow- Area observersappear to be paying more attentionto the "Traill's" ton in L30 (LM). SingleSmith's Longspurs were at BottineauMay 5

928 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 (DNS) and FargoMay 11 (MB) The earhest-everBobolink for South linger,Larry Falk, Thad Fuller, BerniceC Hauser,Frank Kelley, Dakotawas reportedApr. 20 in Turner(JW). The lastof the wintering David O. Lambeth, SharonLambeth, Ron E. Martin, RobertK. Mur- Rosy Finchesleft New Town Mar. 26 (BCH). House Fincheswere phy, Gary Nielson, Paul Pickett, David G. Potter, Robert Randall, reportedfrom Hot Springs,Belle Fourcheand Gregory, S.S., andfrom VirginiaScheel, Skip Snow, Carol Spurbeck, Dan N. Svingen,Mark Ft Peck. PineSiskin nesting was general over c. ande. NorthDakota Willms. S. DAKOTA--Leon Anderson,Jocelyn Baker, Dave Beck, and n.e. South Dakota. Two hundredbirds were bandedin Gregory JoeEvanich, John Gilman, KennethGraupmann, John Haertle, Willis (GS) Nestswere foundin both April and Junein Ward, N.D., indicat- Hall, Bruce K. Harris, KennethHusmann, Kent Jensen,Dennis L Ing possibledouble brooding (REM, GBB). Langkeek,Michael Melius, Debbie D. Paulson,Richard Peterson, Lin- da Riner, DennisR. Skadsen,Mark Skadsen,Galen Steffan, Dan Tall- CONTRIBUTORS -- (area editors in boldface). MONTANA-- man, CharlesTaylor, Nat Whitney, Julie Wilcox.--GORDON B. Charles Carlson, JohnCarlson, Steve Gniadek, Larry Malone, Karen BERKEY, Division of Science,Minot State College, Minot, ND Stutzman.N. DAKOTA--Mary Bergan,Gordon B. Beœkey,William 58701. Buresh,Dorothy Collins, Tom Dahlen, Harold Duebbert,Gary Es-

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION /Frances C. Williams

Nebraskasuffered a very late, cold, wet spring,with the worstlate springblizzard in overone hundred years. Severe cold the nightof April •. _ • . -- •1 •.rescenz •.a•= . . . .Omaha 26-27 killed manyAmerican Robins, Killdeers and EasternPhoebes. / ' -- - • . Lincoln Whenthe weather did clear, it wastoo nice, with suchclear, calm nights thatthere was no falloutof migratingwarblers. Kansas did notundergo the sameextreme weather, but migrationwas "not spectacular"and --•orthPlatteø-r*hP-Iatte- -- ;•n*l•a•a ' n•$-....hawnee most migrantstrickled through,with no warbler wavesor shorebird COLO • Hays.Cheyenne • . concentrations. ' • - B•ttoms ß•arals deCyg• Springin much of Oklahomawas alsowet, with rain on seventeen CimmaronKA• • consecutiveweekends at Bartlesville.From 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on May 27-28, TulsaCounty received up to 12 inchesof rainwhich took its toll ...... ,.,.at...... of nestlings.Migrants were late throughoutthe state, even in those • Amarillo ' •. ß portionsthat were not subjectedto storms.Migrating warblerswere •E• •EX. • ß •, "• •it•. ....Oklahoma *•.Heavenet scarceand breedingspecies arrived late. ;Muleshoe • ',s g Broken Bow Most observersin the easternhalf of Texasreported a "very dull" spring,but the fartherwest one lived the moreexciting events became and at El Pasomigration was notedas the "best ever". Throughout ]• LUOOOC•Lub• ' . Falls HagerinßDallas • .... • Abilene ß .., . • L• Texaswest of the 100thmeridian, shorebirds appeared which had not • • ß Fort worth • ' •- t • ß Nacogdoches beenseen in years,"eastern" vireosand warblers were commonplace ß > Wao .-- . and therewas a largerthan usualinflux of "western" warblers. • Can An=e[oTM , LaKe Livingstot In the following text, place namesin italics are counties. •al• ins • • • CollegeStati•

GREBES THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Horned Grebes at Waco, MEXICO' • Tex , Apr. 3 and Kendall, Tex., Mar. 15 were slightlyout of range. Hundredsof Eared Grebes concentratedat Quivira N.W.R., Kans., BigSend N • • Apr 7, andone was found at Muskogee,Okla., Apr. 3. A W. Grebein Ratns, Tex., Apr. 1 & 8 provideda first recordthere (RK). Lone W. exoticgame ranches of the areawere missing a flamingo,and the bird Grebeswere also found at Big BendN.P., May 25 andEl PasoMay 5. had no tagsor identificationof any kind. The origin of this bird was In Blaine, Okla., 100_+ Am. White Pelicanswere killed by a tornado indeedpuzzling (E & KM). andhail Apr. 20 (JDT). The largestflock of Am. WhitePelicans report- ed (about500 birds)flew over Ft. Gibson,Okla., Apr. 25 (JMcM). WATERFOWL -- ThreeFulvous Whistling-Ducks were sightedat Double-crestedCormorants were unusualat El PasoApr. 7-May 30, CheyenneBottoms May 25. This specieswas reported at both Cheyenne Amarillo May 20 and Gray, Tex., Apr. 15. OlivaceousCormorants Bottoms and Quivira last summer--what is its status? Two Black- visited HagermanN.W.R., Tex., Apr. 26-May 31 (KH, JHB), Kerr, bellledWhistling-Ducks provided a 2ndrecord in El PasoApr. 28 (SW Tex , May 31 (E & KM) andCanadian, Okla., Apr. 28 (JAG). et al.), two visitedCollin, Tex., May 16 (FB) and one was in Dallas Apr. 21 (RS). An interestingfacet of SnowGoose migration in Nebras- HERONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS -- Least Bitterns arrived at ka was that it passedto the w. of the MissouriR. valley. At least OklahomaCity on the early dateof May 8 (JGN). GreatEgrets at El 100,000were present in JeffersonMar. 7, andon Mar. 19, SnowGeese PasoApr. 7 & May 30 providednoteworthy spring records (BZ et al.) as covered fields and roads in York. Ross' Geese were recorded in Hud- did Little BlueHerons in Gray,Tex., Apr. 15 andPotter, Tex., May 20 speth,Tex., Sherman,Tex., Amarillo, Quivira, and CheyenneBot- (FC et al.). TricoloredHerons made unexpected spring appearances in toms.Lone Brants were found at QuiviraApr. 6 andCheyenne Bottoms Big Bend N.P., May 13 (DW), Quivira May 13 (MC et al.), and Mar. 3. WoodDucks were reported in Big BendN.P., Mar. 1 & May 6, CheyenneBottoms W.M.A., Kans., May 25 (LM et al.). White-faced El PasoApr. 28 andDawes, Neb., Mar. 17. In lateMay, nearly100 c• Ibises were observedin Washington,Okla., Linn, Kans., York and Wood Ducks gatheredin a flooded field in Sarpy, Neb. At Tulsa, an Sarpy,Neb., andthroughout the w. At least300 werecounted at Quivira Am. Black Duck was sightedMar. 3 & Apr. 8. Two Mottled Ducksin andCheyenne Bottoms. A RoseateSpoonbill delighted a Dallasobserv- Brazos,Tex., Apr. 9 werethe first in thatarea in 7 years(MW). In n e er May 29 (DJ). Nebraska,Greater Scaups arrive as soonas the ice breaksup. They The mysteryof the seasonwas providedby a GreaterFlamingo at lingeron pastthe beginning of LesserScaup migration, but as the peak Kerrville, Tex. First sightedflying over a park May 10, it was found of Lessersreaches the area, the Greatersare gone.There were many deadon the roadMay 12. Neitherthe San AntonioZoo nor any of the reportsof GreaterScaups in thearea in March, with thepeak comprising

Volume 38, Number 5 929 60 birdsin OmahaMar 15 (TB) ThreeGreater Scaup were discovered breasted,was reported at MidlandMay 5 (FW, TJ), Lyon, Kans , May at TulsaMar. 24. A BlackScorer provided a firstrecord at Midland Mar. 5-14 (JSc),and Rogers May 5 (D & HG). An Am. Woodcockprobing in 11 (RMS, FW). A Barrow'sGoldeneye graced Bellevue, Neb., Mar. 4 the leaf litter of a mesquitethicket Mar. 6 provideda new recordin (RG). HoodedMergansers were observedat E1 PasoMar. 1-7, Kerr- Midland(FW, m.ob.). Red-neckedPhalaropes, always scarce in spnng, ville, Tex., May 3 (very late), and CheyenneBottoms Mar. 3. were foundat QuiviraMay 11 andCheyenne Bottoms May 25-28

VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS -- A pair of Black Vulturesin GULLS AND TERNS -- A LaughingGull at Hagermanwas studied Taylor,Tex., duringMay waspresumed to be nesting(BH). At Black carefullyMay 17 (KH). An ad. Little Gull wasseen with othergulls at Gap W.M.A., Brewster,Tex., McKinney watched1463 Turkey Vul- LubbockApr. 9 (ML); Texashas had very few records.Late Bona- turesfly N acrossthe Rio GrandeMar. 17. Peculiarbehavior of an parte'sGulls were reported at severalsites, the latest being in Wa•htng- Ospreywas observedin Washington,Okla., Apr. 22. It stoodin a wet ton, Okla., May 28. SeveralBonaparte's were grounded by heavyran field among12 Swalnson'sHawks. There were no lakesor evenfarm in Rush, Kans., Apr. 21. There are few recordsfor w. Kansas.Three pondsnearby (MV). Black-shoulderedKites providedfirst recordsin CaliforniaGulls were noted in Dawes,Neb., May 27 (RCR, DJR) The Taylor,Tex., Apr. 26-May 1 (BH et al.), and Tulsa May 19 (JK). A LesserBlack-backed Gull that winteredat OklahomaCity remained Bald Eagle nestwas discoveredin Grimes,Tex., Feb. 24 (DB) and a untilApr. 2. A Sabine'sGull at Elkhart,Kans., May 26 provideda new chick was in the nestApr. 24 (JY, BB), but the chickwas deadin the Morton record(SS et al.). Two CaspianTerns in Washington,Okla, nestMay 28. This wasthe first confirmednesting of the speciesin the c. provided a not-unexpectedfirst record (D & HG). CommonTerns BrazosR. valleyand was the only inlandnesting in Texasthis year (JY). visitedMidland May 8 (FW, JM) andCheyenne Bottoms May 28 (SS) A N. Goshawkwas sightedin Pawnee,Kans., Apr. 4 (SS). A Gray The onlyLeast Terns reported were at Oklahoma City May 29 andTulsa Hawk remainedin Big BendN.P., Mar. 1-May 31 (m.ob.) andanother May 15. Black Terns formerly migratedacross the Region in flocks provideda firstrecord at E1Paso Apr. 14 (BZ, SW). Two Broad-winged comprising30-50 birds, but now only small groups of sixto 10 birdsare Hawksin Dewey,Okla., May 17 were about100 mi w. of the normal seen. range(JAG). More Broad-wingedHawks were sighted than ever before CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS--The only Black-billed in n.w. NebraskaApr. 29-May 5 (RCR) andthe specieswas alsomore Cuckooreported was at Sherman,Tex., May 13 (KH). An early Yel- commonthan usual in Osage and Washington,Okla. ("common" at low-billed Cuckoo was discoveredin Crosby,Tex., Apr. 6 (KH0 theselocalities means 4 or 5 sightingsof up to five birds.) The largest Youngfledged from a mixednest of a c• W. Screech-Owland a 9 E flock of Swainson'sHawks reportedcomprised 31 birds in Johnson, Screech-Owlin Big Bend N.P., June4 (RSt). In Ottawa, Okla., where Tex., Apr. 9 (CAE). A Zone-tailedHawk wasdiscovered in Kaufman, 100 artificial nestingplatforms have been erectedfor Great Horned Tex., Mar. 2-3 (KE et al.). A taggedFerruginous Hawk observedin Owls, and where there are also many Red-tailedHawk nestswhich Gtllespie,Tex., Mar. 1 had beenbanded and taggedas a nestlingin could be usedby the owls, only one nestingpair was observedThe NorthDakota June 27, 1983(MS). PeregrineFalcons were sighted at 12 causeseemed to be a lack of rodentsfollowing the extremecold of last locations,variously noted as stooping or feedingon Green-wingedTeal, winter, as no rodentswere capturedwhen live trappingwas attempted Am. Coots and shorebirds.Prairie Falcons in Rains, Tex., Mar. 25 were (PWW). In Custer,Okla., only 2 Great HornedOwl nestswere found, e of their usualrange; the specieswas nestingat HuecoTanks S.P. in and both nestsfailed (PWW). A Long-earedOwl* was discoveredin far w. Texas in May. Comanche, Okla., Mar. 7 (JDT). The seldom-seenBroad-billed Hummingbird was discoveredin Big RAILS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- A Corn. Moorhen was dis- BendN.P., Apr. 12 (BMcK), andthe even rarer White-eared Humming- coveredin Big BendN.P., Apr. 8 (BT) andanother (or the same?)was bird was seen there May 6 (V & JD). Magnificent Hummingbirds justup river at Lajitas May 15 (DW). Heavysnow and strong N windsin brightenedBig Bend N.P., May 3 & 19 (RH, JB) and Guadalupe late March groundedhundreds of SandhillCranes in Pawnee,Kans. MountainN.P., May 10 (HMcG). Broad-tailedHummingbirds, uncom- There were numeroussightings of Black-bellied Plovers and Lesser mon in spring, were sightedin Randall, Tex., May 12 (KS), Potter, Golden-Ploversthroughout the Region. Good numbers of SnowyPlo- Tex., May 14 (KS) and HuecoTanks S.P., Apr. 28 (BZ). A Rufous verswere found in theE1 Paso area and a pairremained at Midlanduntil Hummingbirdin Dawes,Neb., May 18-19provided a firstspring record May 31. A PipingPlover was noted in Keith, Neb., May 16 (RCR). A there (RCR). A RingedKingfisher was observedin Val Verde,Tex , MountainPlover at MuleshoeN.W.R., Tex., Apr. 30 provideda new wherethe specieshas been recorded several times in the past4 years, refugerecord (AJ), and one visited a grazedprairie dog town near May 15 (SSo, KA). A GreenKingfisher, lover of crystalclear streams, CheyenneBottoms May 5 (LM). A Black-neckedStilt stopped at Okla- fishedin the muddyRio Grandein Big BendN.P., May 1 (RSt) Red- homaCity May 1 (JGN). At Muleshoe,300 Am. Avocetsfed busily headedWoodpeckers were scarce in c. Oklahoma(JAG). Golden-front- Apr. 16 (AJ). A singleAm. Avocetwas seen in Rogers,Okla., May 5 ed Woodpeckers,recent arrivals in Big Bend N.P., are now nesnng wherethe speciesis rare in spring(D & HG). Willets are normally there. In Johnson,Tex., two pairsof Red-belliedWoodpeckers were uncommonmigrants on theplains, but 150were counted at WacoApr. nestingwithin 150 yardsof eachother after successfullyevicting star- 22, 32 at OklahomaCity Apr. 21, and40 in HudspethApr. 28 andthe lings from the site. specieswas present at severallocalities where it issporadic. Whimbrels, amongthe rarest shorebirds in w. Texas,appeared at AmarilloMay 5 FLYCATCHERS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- Greater Pewees (KS), L. Balmorhea,Reeves May 3 (RSt), E1 PasoApr. 28-May 15 werereported in Big BendN.P., Apr. 26 (AB, JB) andE1 Paso May 21 (JSp), andMidland May 8 (JM, FW). HudsonianGodwits were seen in (A & MG). An AcadianFlycatcher was singingin FontenelleForest, numbersthroughout the Region. Among the larger gatherings were 41 at Sarpy,Neb., May 18 (TB, BP). A W. Flycatcherwas identifiedin OklahomaCity Apr. 18, 31 at OmahaMay 12, 31 at BartlesvilleApr. Morton, Kans.,May 26 (SS).Two pairsof BlackPhoebes were nesting 20, and 19 at HagermanMay 17. A singlebird in Dawes,Neb., pro- at McNary, Tex., where there is only one previousbreeding record reded only the 2nd recordthere in 11 years (RCR, DJR). Marbled (BZ). Single Black Phoebesvisited Hueco Tanks S.P., Mar. 23 and Godwitswere recorded at 7 localities.In Sarpy,Neb., 15 RuddyTurn- Kerr, Tex., May 24. An Ash-throated Flycatcher calledfor morethan stoneswere countedMay 22-25 (RG). Ten Red Knotswere sighted at 2 hrs at Norman, Okla., May 15, providinga first c. Oklahomarecord CheyenneBottoms May 28 (SS). Sanderlingswere seen at Waco,Ama- (JAG). If all the sightingsof Brown-crestedFlycatchers in s.w. Texas rillo, Hagerman,Midland, Tulsa, and in Rogers,Okla. White-rumped thisspring were valid, the speciesstaged quite an invasion.A Great Sandpipersappeared at 7 Texasand 2 Oklahomasites during May. The Kiskadeewas nestingin Val Verdefor the 3rd consecutiveyear (SSo, largestflock comprised65 birds in Gray, Tex., May 28 (KS). At KA). A kingbirdof the Tropical/Couch'scomplex, thought to be Tarrant, Tex., 1289 Baird's Sandpiperswere counted,4 times the Couch's,visited Big Bend N.P., Apr. 21 (HH). Cassin'sKingbirds numberrecorded last year (RLN). In Lyon, Kans.,flocks of Baird'sand were a little e. of their usualroute at Midland May 2 (BE, AW), Pectoralsandpipers fed in burnedpastures May 5-6. Dunlinsvisited LubbockApr. 26 (LJ) andTribune, Kans., May 2 (SS). At Muskogee, Rogers,Okla., May 5-11 andTulsa May 29. Stilt Sandpipers,usually Okla., W. Kingbirdswere nesting again. A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher at scarceat E1Paso, were in thearea May 13-30,with a peakof 25 onMay E1Paso May 23-24 was the first seenthere since 1971 (R & GA) 17(BZ). Another of theless common sandpipers ofthe plains, the Buff- A flockof BankS wallows comprising 150 birds hunted over Copan

930 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984 Res., Washington,Okla., May 28--an unusualnumber there. Cliff LD) and BartlesvilleMay 2-5 ½JHa,DG). Swallowswere nestingat the Ft. Gibsondam, Wagoner,Okla. (JN). The mostunexpected migrant at Hagennanwas a Cassin'sSparrow About40 Cave Swallowsvisited a bridgein HudspethMar. 4 and one whichremained May 13-20(JHB, KH). NumerousCassin's Sparrows pairremained to nestApr. 7 (BZ, SW). A BlueMay (m.ob.) andthree displayedin 4 Oklahomacounties e. of theirusual range: Caddo, Dew- ScrubJays (WR) in Big BendN.P. wereunexpected. Two GreenJays ey, Blaineand Comanche (JAG). Hundredsof Clay-coloredSparrows near Keene, Tex., are still utilizing the samefeeder where they first movedthrough n.c. Texasin late April. This speciesis "accidental"at appeared4 yearsago. Nestingof White-breastedNuthatches was con- El Pasoin springbut this year small numbers were everywhere Apr. 23- finned in Kaufmanand VanZandt, Tex. (WP, RK). May 9. A Black-throatedSparrow in Borger, Tex., provideda first Hutchinsonrecord (MF). Lark Buntingswere seenat 2 locationsnear WRENSTHROUGH VIREOS-- WinterWrens were reported in Big Waco in March (AG, JO) and two malesin breedingplumage May 3 BendN.P., Mar. 24 (WR) andBartlesville May 7 (MD). A SedgeWren werein Kerr, whereMar. 3 wasthe previouslate date (E & KM). ALe photographedat El PasoMay 17 provideda new countyrecord (BZ, Conte'sSparrow was located near Bartlesville Apr. 25 (MG). Lapland SW). SeveralSedge Wrens sang in Linn, Kans.,May 11-13,where the Longspurswere presentin Sarpy,Neb., Mar. 29 (TB). Smith'sLong- statusof the speciesis uncertain.Two Blue-grayGnatcatchers flitted spurspassed through Lyon, Kans., Mar. 5-Apr. 21 (JSc) and one was throughthe oaks at Hueco Tanks S.P., Apr. 28 {BZ). Veeries were found in Crosby,Tex., Mar. 18 (ML). notedin Tarrant,Tex., Big Bendand Tulsa in earlyMay. Gray-cheeked Thrusheswere sighted in Big BendMay 5 andNorman, Okla., May 2 & BOBOLINK THROUGH EVENING GROSBEAK -- A Bobolink in 9. The Wood Thrushwhich appearedat El Pasoin Februaryremained Moore May 12 constitutedone of the few recordsin the TexasPanhan- until Mar. 29. WoodThrushes were discovered at MidlandMay 5 and dle (CSz, KS, ph. to TexasPhoto-Record File at A & M). A largeflock LubbockMar. 27, while the specieswas nestingat Ft. Gibsonfor the of g Bobolinksremained near Oklahoma City May 6-9 andhundreds of 2nd consecutiveyear. Gray Catbirdsskulked at Big Bendand El Paso 9 Yellow-headedBlackbirds inhabited the same fields (JGN). Twenty May 8. In Nebraska,N. Mockingbirdssang in FontenelleForest Apr. Yellow-headedBlackbirds at Roland, Okla., Apr. 13 were nearly in 27-May 8 andRichardson May 3. Sprague'sPipits were found in Cros- Arkansas(JMcM) and 1000 of this speciesmassed in Dallas Apr. 21. by, Tex., Mar. 16, Lyon, Kans., Apr. 19 andRush, Kans., Apr. 23. Two g Great-tailedGrackles were notedMay 15 near Shelton,Neb. LoggerheadShrikes were very scarcein the TexasPanhandle, but are (RCR). Seltmanwas not overjoyedto addthis species to severalcounty increasingin w. Kansasand in Nebraska.Seltman saw and heard about listsin w. Kansasthis May. A g "Bullock's" N. Oriole visitedWash- 20 Bell's Vireos in Rush. Pawnee and Barton, Kans., an unaccustomed ington,Okla. May 3 (ED). Scott'sOrioles were found at 2 locationsin highnumber, and the speciesseems to be holdingits own in c. Oklaho- Randall, Tex., Apr. 27-28 (PA, FC). A HouseFinch in Johnson,Kans., ma. Althoughthe Black-cappedVireo is in troublein Oklahoma,Texas Mar. 3 provideda newcounty record (EMcH). A pairof recentlyarrived populationsare stable.There were numerousreports of White-eyed, HouseFinches in Larned, Kans., built a nestjust feet away from the Yellow-throatedand Red-eyed vireos in thew. one-thirdof theRegion. mainentrance to the First StateBank (SS). Pine Siskinslingered to late WARBLERS -- Expertbirders invading Big BendN.P. managedto May at many localitiesand remainedto nest at Omaha. A Lesser find almostall the warblerson the Park'slistShere is just not enough Goldfinch seenand photographed in Sioux,Neb., May 20 providedthe spaceto list them all. Golden-wingedWarblers were foundin Guada- first documentedrecord for the state (PS). Evening Grosbeaksthat lupeMountain N.P., May l0 (TW, BP), Panola, Tex., May 5 (SC) and winteredin e. Texas lingeredto May 18 at Huntsville. Rogers, Okla., May 5 (D & HG). Virginia's Warblerswere present from BlackGap W.M.A., n. to Amarillo. Lucy's Warblerswere discov- ered at El Paso Apr. 17-18 (SW, BZ) and Big Bend N.P., Apr. 12 (BMcK). Northern Parulas were found w. to Black Gap Apr. 24 (BMcK). GuadalupeMountain N.P., May 28 (PL), Taylor,Tex., May 6 (BH) and BuffaloLake N.W.R., Apr. 27 (PA, FC). Chestnnt-sided f, Warblerswere found at GuadalupeMountain N.P., May 29 (PL) and Tulsa May 7-8 (FD). A MagnoliaWarbler gracedBuffalo L., May 8. Black-throatedGray Warblerswere seenat LubbockApr. 30 (CS, LJ) andLarned, Kans., Apr. 27 (SS). Townsend'sWarblers were found at Male LesserGoldfinch in Sioux Co., Neb., May 20, 1984. First docu- Midland Apr. 30, Taylor,Tex., May 3, BuffaloL., Apr. 22 andRush, mented Nebraska record. Photo/Phil Swanson. Kans., Apr. 27. BlackburnianWarblers were sightedat Ingram,Tex., May 19, Tulsa May 7 and Canadian, Okla., May 4-5. Yellow-throated CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface)AND CITED OBSERVERS-- Peg- Warblerswere notedat Midland Mar. 31 & Apr. 7, ShermanMay 2, gy Acord,Robert & GenevaAlexander, Keith Arnold, Mike Austin, Real, Tex., May 20 and Linn, Kans., Apr. 30. A Pine Warbler was David Bass,James H. Beach, F. Becker, Ann Bellamy, J. Bellamy, discoveredin open farming country in York, Neb., May 6-8 (LMo et B. Benson,Tanya Bray, Bill Brokaw (BBr), lna Brown, Lillian al.). PalmWarblers in SheridanMay 5 andCherry May 6 providedonly Brown, Fern Cain, Steve Culver, Mel Cooksey,V. & J. Davila, Lois the 2nd and3rd recordsfor n.w. Nebraskain 11 years(RCR, D JR) and DeLacy, Ella Delap, FrancesDennis, R. Derdyn, Melinda Droege, oneat BalmorheaS.P., Tex., constituteda first recordfor Reeves(GW). Charles A. Easley, Bill Edwards, K. Elrod, Maurine Forbus, AI & BlackpollWarblers were seenat Midland, Palo Duro CanyonS.P., Madeline Gavit. Dotty & Howard Goard, Anne Gordon,Mike Gray, Tex., Buffalo L., and Canadian. A Cerulean Warbler was banded in Ruth Green, JosephA. Grzybowski, JohnHaley (JHa), Karl Hailer, Washington,Okla., May I (EM) and anotherwas sightedin Rogers, Alan Hamburg,H. Hausman,Kelly Himreel (KHi), R. Huggins,Bill Okla., May 16 (DG, ED). Worm-eatingWarblers flitted throughBig Hunt, D. Jackson,Nick M. Jackson, AI Jones,Ted Jones, Larry Bend N.P., May 5, Dallas Apr. 30 and FontenelleForest May 12. Jordan,John Kennington, R. Kinney, Paul Lehman, Mark Lockwood, Swainson'sWarblers were seenat Tulsa Apr. 11 and Rogers,Okla., Jo Loyd, Janet M. McGee, Hugh McGuinness(HMcG), Ed McHugh May 5. KentuckyWarblers brightened Black Gap May 5, LubbockApr. (EMcH), Bonnie McKinney (BMcK), Jeri McMahon (JMcM), Joan 23 and Comal, Tex., Apr. 26. In Oklahoma,Canada Warblers were Merritt, Emma Messerly, Ralph Moldenhauer, Lloyd Moore, Lee discoveredin CanadianMay 4-5 andRogers May 6. A PaintedRedstart Morris (LMo), Ernest & Kay Mueller, R. L. Neill, John G. Newell, at El Pasowas the first theresince 1978 (ES). Cookseycommented that Jim Norman, O. V. Olsen, JuneOsborne, Mabel B. Ott, BabsPadel- Yellow-breastedChats have becomehard to find in the KansasCity ford (BPa), Bryan Pfeiffer, Warren Pulich, Will Risser,Bettie Rob- area. erts, DorothyJ. Rosche,Richard C. Rosche,Ernest Schieffer, Jean Schulenberg(JSc), Scott Seltman, Ken Seyffert, Marge Shepard, TANAGERS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- ScarletTanagers were SylvestreSorola (SSo), JohnSproul (JSp). Rich Stallcup (RSt). Caro- found in 4 w. Texas localitiesMay 3-9 and in Sioux, Neb., May 29. lyn Stallwitz{CSz), Cliff Stogner,Rose Marie Stortz,Phil Swanson,B. Rose-breastedGrosbeaks inundated the w. one-halfof the Region. In Talbot, Jack D. Tyler, Mary Vogh, M. Weller, Allen Werepie, Geth the Texas Panhandle, Rose-breastedswere more numerousthan Black- White, Tom Will, JuneWilson, Paul W. Wilson, ScottWilson, David headedGrosbeaks. Lazuli Buntingswere reportedat 9 sites,including Wolf, Jim Yantis, Barry Zimmer.•FRANCIS C. WILLIAMS, Rt. thesen.e. locations:Johnson, Kans., May 2 (AH), Tulsa May 8 (JW, 4, 2001 Broken Hills Rd. E., Midland, TX 79701.

Volume 38, Number5 931 SOUTH TEXAS REGION ABBREVIATIONS -- Anahuac= AnahuacNat'l. Wildlife Refuge; /Greg W. Lasley and Chuck Sexton Attwater= AttwaterPrairie Chicken Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge;Bentsen = BentsenRio Grande Valley State Park; L.R.G.V. = Lower Rio GrandeValley; Santa Ana= SantaAna Nat'l. WildlifeRefuge; U.T.C. The descriptionsof this springseason seem schizophrenic. Almost = Upper Texas Coast. withoutexception, the regular migration of passetineswas described as terrible.Long-time Regional observers like Webster,Kutac, and Mor- LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- Two Arctic Loons were at Offat's gandeemed it theworst they had ever witnessed. Yet theRegion played Bayouin GalvestonApr. 29 (BW, DW et al.), thesame location where a hostto themost dazzling army of super-rarebirds ever found here in one pair had beenseen most of last spring.Six unidentifiedstorm-petrels season.Three new speciesfor the UnitedStates were reported, two of wereseen briefly May 23 at LagunaAtascosa N.W.R. (JD, LM). A very whichwere thoroughlydocumented. There was a modestinflux of earlyfrigatebird was seen Mar. 23 at PortAransas (WP). All early(or Antillean-routewarblers and a majorshowing of westernmigrants far- outof season)frigatebirds should be carefullyidentified as to species,as ther east than normal. a recentreport of a possibleAscension Island Frigatebird in thisRegion As virtuallyall Gulf Coastobservers now recognize, the explanation attests(in press).Many observersfelt that Least Bitternswere more forthe lack of majormigrant fallouts was a lackof significantcold fronts commonthan normal, with single-partycounts of 15+ reportedby penetratingthe Region. Most of theRegion entered March with normal many, especiallyat Anahuac. rainfall totals (exceptAustin and the drought-riddeninterior brush- lands).A few penetratingfronts in earlyMarch produced modest rains WATERFOWL -- FulvousWhistling-Ducks have been somewhat andsome nice early fallouts on theUpper Texas Coast, but then the rains scarcein recentseasons, but 120 at AttwaterApr. 26 (HM) was an stopped.In lateMarch the Lower Rio GrandeValley had all-time record encouragingnumber. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were reported reg- temperaturesof 106-107øF.March rains were sparseto nonexistentin ularlyin moderatenumbers throughout the Region into May, including the southernpart of the Region. April, normallyone of the wetter 40 in Uvalde County May 7 (DW), considerablyw. of their typical months,was dry Regionwide.Numerous localities recorded no rainfor range.Two Mottled Ducks in Zavalla CountyMay 5 (DW) probably the month,and Kingsvillereported no rain in March or April. No establisheda newcounty record, quite far w. andinland for the species. measurablerain fell on mostof the UpperTexas Coast March 23-May FourMasked Ducks (two males, two females)were reportedat Santa 18, nor wasthere rainfall at SantaAna N.W.R., Februaryl-May 19. By Aria Mar. 19 (fide SL). theend of the seasonthat refuge had received a totalof two inchesfor the year. A wind shiftand very lightrains on the UpperTexas Coast April RAPTORS-- Ten Ospreyswere counted at FalconL., Mar. 30 (G & 30 andMay I seemedthe only respitefrom the oppressivehot anddry BL). There were 3 reportsof Am. Swallow-tailedKites Mar. 10-26 at conditions.Partial relief fromthe drought finally came May 1%20,but coastallocations, a poor showing.Mississippi Kites were very sparse therains (although locally substantial as in Brownsvilleand Beaumont) Regionwidewith 250 at SantaAna Mar. 23 (SL) theonly sizableflock were spottyand insufficientto bring rainfall totalsanywhere up near noted.The newly hatchedBald Eaglementioned in the winterreport normal. Fronts in late May did howeverbring good (but not great) appearedfully grownby Mar. 10(CC). TheBroad-winged Hawk migra- migrantfallouts throughout the Region.Temperatures continued hotter tion peakedMar. 29-Apr. 1. The close-sitestudy in the L.R.G.V., thannormal through May, andmuch of theinterior brushlands ended the organizedby the Hawk MigrationAssociation tallied 16,000 Broad- seasonwhere they began.in a moderate-to-severedrought. wingedsMar. 31; another27,275 wereseen rising from the woodlands Observerscommonly recognized that what was bad for migrantbird- atSanta Ana the morning of Apr. 1 (GD, VS et al.). Anothermajor push ing wasgreat for themigrants themselves. Migrant breeding birds of the wasnoted Apr. 6-9 alongthe coast and in Austin.An earlySwainson's Region generallyarrived on territoryon schedule.Several reporters Hawk was seen at San Bernard N.W.R., Mar. 1 (RH), and 50+ were speculatedthat the sameRegional weather patterns that madepassefine seenin WilsonCounty Apr. 14-15 (WS). Swainson'swere common in observationsso sparsemay have alsocontributed to the appearanceof the L.R.G.V., May 18-21 (PM). A Zone-tailedHawk at L. Bastrop the handful of Mexican and/or Central American vagrantsdetailed May 4 (AP) & May 11 (SR) addedto the increasingnumber of Austin below. arearecords. Unusually late for the Regionwere Ferruginous Hawks at Birdingreports ranged from raves to occasionalrevulsion. Highlights CorpusChristi Apr. 20 (RS) andnear Uvalde May 8 (DW). The individ- of anygiven observer's spring depended on being at thefight place at the ual at Uvalde was patrollingthe entranceto a bat cave, repeatedly fight time. With an efficientnetwork of rarebird alertsand generous, catchingbats in companywith six differentRed-taileds. A very lateAm. timely communicationlinks from activebirders, many of the rarities Kestrelwas at Falcon Dam May 20 (PM). were seenby hundreds,perhaps even thousandsof gleeful observers. RAILS THROUGH SANDPIPERS -- A Yellow Rail flushed from underfootat SantaAna Apr. 7 (SB) wasnoteworthy. Purple Gallinules numbered40 on L. Gonzalesin late May (PH), apparentlythe largest inlandgathering of the speciesin theRegion. Well-described "Caribbe- LA. an Coots" were reported by many observersat Santa Ana and near '• • ßBaslrop Beaumanl ßJ Rockport,however most observersdo not regardthe bird as a true • •4• PAtMEtrOHouslon ß •Co•• species.Eighteen Whooping Cranes departed Aransas N.W.R. before • e e Seguin •VS•O•E•-)•.• , . Apr. 3, and 51 more left Apr. 3-9 on favorableS winds. The few •1 Rm ß Anlonia • •X Uvalde remainingbirds were gone by May 3 (TS). LesserGolden-Plovers were • •Freeporl more numerousthan usual in Austin, San Antonio, and the U.T.C. At %•Ea•lePass Beeville. • Mitchell L., in San Antonio, three small curlews were heard and ' & • --,- -- •Rackporl glimpsedunder poor conditions Mar. 11 (WS). Sekulaconsidered Eski- mo Curlew the mostlikely identificationof the birds. As many as 20 HudsonJanGodwits were at AustinMay 12-15,a notablyhigh count for the area. Flocks of up to 250 Hudsonianswere reportedfrom the ß' •' •_• Raymondville U.T.C., duringlate April andearly May. Severalobservers commented on thescarcity of Red Knotsthis season. Amos has censused the birds of MustangI. almostdaily for 6 yearsand considered the species "drasti- • SontaA• Refuge•awnsville cally down" this spring. In contrast,the editorscounted 150+ Red KnotsApr. 29 betweenHigh I. and Sea Rim S.P. Amos also observed a dramatic increase in the number of oiled San- derlingsthis spring on MustangI. The incidenceof oilinghad appeared to diminishwith timesince IXTOC oil firstshowed up on Texas beaches in 1979.This spring,however, Amos saw "the greatestnumber of oiled --,,,-,, ; '• ,1t birdssince IXTOC; on one day 200 + Sanderlingswere oiled, the 2nd

932 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 Little Gull (in transitionfrom first-winter to first-summerplumage), Galveston I., Tex., Apr. 7, 1984. Third docamentedTexas record. Photo/Ted Eubanks.

in the Region.The individualreported at PortAransas during the winter Sanderling,Mustang I., Tex.,May 13, 1984. Thecolor bands mark this was seenuntil Apr. 14. Amosphotographed a strikingadult Mar. 14, bird as one bandedin November1983 in Peru, as part of the Pan also at Port Aransas, which he believed to be of the nominaterace (Larus AmericanShorebird Program. Photo/A.F.Amos. fuscusfuscus).Another sub-adult was at High I., Apr. 21 (?JL, VEm, JR). The Kemah Great Black-backedGull was seenperiodically into highestdaily total of the6-year survey." Amos photographed a partially lateApril. The diversityof laridsnear High I. duringlate April included oiledSanderling May 13 thatwas color banded. The birdhad originally an ad. Black-leggedKittiwake Apr. 18 & 21 (VEm, JR, CE et al.). A beenbanded Nov. 16, 1983 at Villa, Peru,as part of the PanAmerican possibleRoseate Tern was observedat Bolivar Flats Apr. 20 (BH, ShorebirdProgram (fitde JPM). Texas observersshould be alert for WEH, EG). Writtendetails suggest the identificationis correct,but are markedshorebirds. Most "peep" specieswere numerouson the coast notconclusive for thisvery rarespecies in Texas.Charlie Clark contin- and at inland sewageponds. White-rumpeds numbered in the several ues to monitor Com. Tern populationson the coastand has notedthat hundredsat Austin duringMay and Baird's Sandpiperswere easierto thisspecies is far morecommon on theU.T.C. thanon thec. coastnear find thannormal on the U.T.C. (DW et al.). A PurpleSandpiper was CorpusChristi. Four SootyTerns were seen on an islandin the Laguna sightedat PortBolivar Apr. 19 (?MM). A Curlew Sandpiperfound by Madrejust e. of CorpusChristi Apr. 8 (l_J). Jonssonon BolivarPen., Apr. 28 wasseen by hundredsof observersand photographedby many(TE, GL, JB et al.). This establishedthe first documentedTexas record after severalsight records over many years. The bird was last seenMay 8. A Ruff showedup at the samelocation May 13-14 (ph. TE). The overwinteringReeve in SanAntonio was last seenMar. 15. A Short-billedDowitcher at L. Alice Mar. 22 provideda firstJim Wells Countyrecord (RA). A RedPhalarope was photographed at BolivarFlats Apr. 20 (WEH et al.), andanother was at SanAntonio May 6 (PWS).

Adult LesserBlack-backed Gull, MustangI. beachnear Port Aransas, Tex.,Mar. 14, 1984. Althoughjudging from photosis difficult,this was possiblyL. f. fuscusor L. f. intermedius;the vastmajority of North American recordsare thoughtto pertain to the paler-backedL. f. graellsii.Photo/A.F. Amos.

Curlew Sandpiper,Crystal Beach, Bolivar Pen., Tex.,Apr. 29. 1984. DOVES THROUGH PARROTS -- A small populationof Ringed First docamented Texas record. Photo/Ted Eubanks. Turtle-Doveshas been discoveredin Oak Hill near Austin (fide EK). The birdshave apparently been coming to feedersin the areafor several LARIDS -- A sub-ad.Pomarine Jaeger was on MustangI., May 17- years.A few White-wingedDoves were seenregularly in suburban 21 (TA). A first-winter Little Gull, widely regardedas a different areasof San Marcosand Austinat the n. limit of their range.Two individualthan the Freeportbird reportedin the winter, wasdiscovered reportswere receivedwithout details regarding single Ruddy Ground- onGalveston I., Apr. 7 (PTE). Thebird, establishingthe 3rd document- Doves,one at Bentsenand one at SantaAna, bothduring late March. ed staterecord, was well photographedand was last seenApr. 20. An Any sightingof thisaccidental species should be thoroughlydocument- ad. California Gull was found near Anahuac Mar. 22 (KP). A well- ed. A singleGreen Parakeet was seen Mar. 5 at SantaAna, anda few describedfirst-winter Thayer's Gull nearHigh I., Apr. 21 (VEm et al.) parakeetswere periodicallyreported "up and down the valley" (fide provideda 3rd U.T.C. record.Unfortunately, a small,bleached, heav- SL). Labudaconsiders that reportsof this species,as well as the Red- ily worn first-winterHerring Gull was in the samearea in subsequent crownedand Yellow-headedparrots, may reflect a mix of naturally weeks and was widely misidentifiedas "the Thayer's." All detailed occurringvagrants and escapees. With substantialongoing disruptions reports(and even a setof photos)of a "2nd-yearThayer's" in late April of habitatsin n.e. Mexico and a continuingmarket in legaland illegal nearHigh I., appearedto havebeen based on thissmall Herring. Lesser parrotimportation along the border,confusion on the originof such Black-backedGulls continueto be observedwith increasingfrequency birds will remain.

Volume 38, Number 5 933 OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A "drastic decline" of all shortsupply with no largeconcentrations reported. One or two Clay- owl specieson the U.T.C., dueto the harshwinter weather continued to coloredRobins were seenperiodically at a residencein Brownsville be notedinto the spring(DD). A specialnightbird survey Apr. I l at throughthe period. A White-throatedRobin (Turdusassirnilis) was SantaAna, however,turned up remarkablenumbers including two reportedlyseen well by observersfamiliar with the species,Mar. 13-15 Corn. Barn-Owls,43 E. Screech-Owls,19 Elf Owls, andone Long- at SanBenito (fide TP). To date,however, we havereceived no written earedOwl (SL). A pair of FerruginousPygmy-Owls was seen and heard details.If documented,this would provide a firstUnited States record. regularlyat its familiarhaunts below FalconDam in April and May Curiouswas a N. Mockingbirdnear Bastrop singing "a perfectBell's (MA, m.ob.). A LesserNighthawk was seen Apr. 27 on BolivarPen. Vireo [song]as well as daily repetitionsof a Groove-billedAni" (JT), (BW), a very rare migranton the U.T.C. Buff-belliedHummingbirds neitherof which occurregularly in that area. returnedin substantialnumbers during mid-April after last winter's devastation.As manyas l0 were seenbetween Raymondville and Sarita VIREOS AND WARBLERS-- A Bell's Vireowas a goodfind on May I (DW), andone showed up at PortAransas May 17 (WP). By late GalvestonI., Apr. 28-30(LJ, m.ob.), providinga 4thU.T.C. record. May "aboutone out of everyfour" hummingbirdsin theCorpus Christi All of the expectedmigrant vireos were seenin mostareas of the areawas a Buff-bellied(KM). A PileatedWoodpecker at High I., Apr. Region,but generallyin smallnumbers. 20 (BB) was at an odd locality. SoAo FLYCATCHERS THROUGH MIMIDS -- A N. Beardless-Tyrannu- An unfamiliarvireo was captured in a mistnet Apr. 28 near le•atSan Ygnacio May 18(PM etal.) wasnew for Zapata Co. andthe Crystal Beachon Bolivar Pen. The bird was later measured, first to be recordedoutside the L.R.G.V. proper. photographedin the hand, and identifiedas a Yucatan Vireo (Vireomagister) (JMa, JM, T & VE, LW). The birdwas released SoAo atthe 5-acre woodlot of coastalscrub where it hadoriginally been A Myiopagisflycatcher was discoveredat High I., May 20 capturedand was subsequentlyseen by 1000+ observers (JM, LF). The bird was later netted (T & VE, M & RB), meas- throughMay 31 The identificationof the bird was confirmed ured,and photographed in thehand. It wasidentified as a Green- fromphotos and measurements by severalmuseums and repre- ish Elaenia (Myiopagisviridicata) and released. The identifica- sentsthe first UnitedStates record. Details will be published tion of this bird settingthis first United Statesrecord was elsewhere. confirmedby severalmuseums from the hand-heldphotos and measurements.The bird was seenby manyobservers through May 23. Details will be publishedelsewhere.

YucatanVireo (Vireo magister),near CrystalBeach, Bolivar Pen., Tex.. Apr. 29, 1984. First United Statesrecord. Photo/TedEubanks.

GreenishElaenia (Myiopagisviridicata), High Island, Tex.,May 20, 1984. First United States record. Photo/Ted Eubanks. The warblermigration was generallyconsidered quite dull Region- wide. All expectedspecies were seen, but very few largeconcentrations werenoted. Observers wandered the woods at High I. andother migrant A Tropical/Couch'sKingbird was foundat High I., May 6 (LW). trapsall springwaiting for the big fallout that nevercame. The few Vocalizations,which would have aided specific identification, were not noteworthywarbler records included an early Blue-wingedat High I., heard.A Couch'swas seen and heard in Del Rio May 9 (DW), a location Mar. 25 (WG), anda highcount of 250 + Yellow Warblersat Sabine n.w. of thatspecies' regular range. A singleMexican Crow was at Santa PassApr. 30 (GL, CS). The unstableweather of Apr. 30-May I on the Ana Mar. 22 where the speciesis very rare (JI). Equally rare was a U.T.C., broughtdown moderate numbers of Yellows,Chestnut-sideds, ChihuahuanRaven at PalaciosMar. 25 (SW). Ruby-crownedKinglet and Bay-breasteds(m.ob.) for perhapsthe best warbler wave of the numbersdid not increasesubstantially after the harshwinter; one has to season.Strangely, Cape May Warblerswere far more commonthan wonderhow badly the speciesmay have suffered.All thrusheswere in usualduring most of April andearly May on theU.T.C. andelsewhere.

934 AmericanBirds, Septemberd3ctober1984 Easleycounted five at H•ghI, Apr 23, andMorgan reported numerous L R G V morefrequently this spring than in recentyears Smallnum- s•ght•ngsfrom otherU.T.C. locations.Two wereseen in AustinMay 19 bersof PineSiskins remained in Austinuntil May 21, a newlate date for (RF), a very rare bird there. At least three Cape Mays were in Port the area. Aransasduring early May (WP, B & LT). A Black-throatedGray Warbler was unusualat AransasPass Mar. 4-5 (JW). Late Blackpolls CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS -- Richard Albert, wereseen May 24 on the U.T.C. (MA) andat Port Aransas(WP). A Tom Ammerman(TAn), Tony Amos,Keith Arnold,Mike Austin,John MacGillivray'sWarbler provided a 5th U.T.C. recordwhen one was Baird,Bob Behrstock,Lloyd Bletsch,Marcia & Ron Braun,Carolyn foundin JeffersonCounty Apr. 28 (?BB). Burnett, SheritonBurr, Charlie Clark, Gary Clark, Sherry & Tom Collins,Don Connell,Bessie Cornelius, Merry Cox, DavidDauphin, TANAGERS THROUGH SISKINS -- Summerand Scarlet tanagers GladysDonohue, John Dunning, Charles Easley, Victor Emanuel appearedin mostareas in modestnumbers, but the rare W. Tanager (VEm), Ted & Virginia Eubanks,Linda Feltner,Robert Freeman, Sid- seemedcommon at times.There were perhaps 15 individualsat various ney Gauthreaux,William Graber,Edward Greaves, Bruce Hallett, W U T C. locationsduring April. Singlebirds appeared in Brownsville EdwardHarper, Pat Hartigan,Steve Hawkins, Ray Hoffman,Joe Apr 17 (WEH), PortAransas May 1 (B & LT), andCorpus Christi May Ideker,Lars Jonsson, Chuck Kaigler, Ed Kutac,Steve Labuda, Becky 13 (DWi, fide CK). A pair of Blue Buntingswas reported at Rancho Lasley,Jeri Langham, Lawrence Levingston, Ray Little, James Massey SantaMargarita Mar. 15 (NP,fide TP). A LazuliBunting was observed (JMa),Kay McCracken,Hugh McGuinnes, Margaret Mcintosh, Laurie at Port AransasApr. 16 (B & LT), anda Varied Buntingwas seen with a McKean,Paul McKenzie,Jim Morgan,J.P. Myers (JPM), Andrew flockof severalhundred migrating Dickcissels at PadreI., Apr. 22 (fide O'Neil, KennethParkes, Bryan Pfeiffer, Arnold Pfrommer, Tom Pin- KM) White-collaredSeedeaters continued to be seenat San Ygnacio celli, Noble Proctor,Warren Pulich, Jr., JohnRowlett, SusanRussell, dunngthe period; Harper observed a singingmale there Apr. 16. Unex- Daniel Schmidt,Willie Sekula, Rich Stallcup,Tom Stehn, Vernon pectedwas the appearanceof singingseedeaters May 25 at the Border Stolberg,Jim Tucker, Bob & LeonaTurnbull, Debbie Underwood, Fred Patrolcheck station near Sarita (fide TP). A Cassin'sSparrow singing at S. Webster,Jr., Larry White, Bret Whitney,Jane Wilds, Tom Will, Attwater Apr. 30 (DW) was well e. of its typical range. A Golden- Steve Williams, Doris Winship (DWi), David Wolf.--GREG W. crowned Sparrow was a rare find in OrangeCounty May 23-24 (ph. LASLEY, 5103 TurnaboutLane, Austin, TX 78731, and CHUCK MC, LL, BC et al.). Hoodedand Audubon'sorioles were seenin the SEXTON, Box 519, Austin, TX 78767.

ShallowBay, L. Laberge,s. Yukon, May 5 (TMu); at least 10 were NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION countedat SwanL., May 13 (HG, TMu et al.); andtwo or morewere /Helmut Grfinberg observedat SwanL., May 27 (EB, HG). Wilson'sPhalaropes were encounteredin substantialnumbers at SwanL.: two May 13 (HG, TMu et al.) and 21 + on May 27 (EB, HG). After a mild winterand an earlyspring in manyparts of the Region, BorealOwls wereheard in goodnumbers in the Yukon andn. British the springseason seemed to havebeen generally cool. Precipitationas Columbia(m.ob.). The Northern Saw-whet Owl was establishedas a rain was also fairly high. Some early migrantsappeared earlier than PeaceR. areabird as two were heardcalling in 2 differentareas near usual while later ones arrived "on time" or even a bit late. A total of 202 F.S.J., B.C., Mar. 18 & 23 (CS). The first RufousHummingbird was specieswas observed this season. Some of theunreported species were seenat GrahamInlet, TagishL., n. B.C., Apr. 30, and a pair was Swainson'sHawk, PeregrineFalcon, Gyrfalcon, Surfbird, Northern observedMay 8-9 (MBr). A PileatedWoodpecker was heard and seen at Hawk-Owl, and MountainChickadee. This was partly due to the fact Liard HotspringsApr. 20-22 (HG, TMu), and one was heardnear thatsome of the majorcontributors to thisreport apparently did notmeet F.S.J., May 27 (CS). the deadlines.

GREBESTHROUGH COOTS --Pied-billed andRed-necked grebes FLYCATCHERS THROUGH GROSBEAKS -- A Hammond's/ wereseen in increasednumbers as compared to previousyears near Fort DuskyFlycatcher was reported as far n. askm 74 DempsterHwy, in the St John(hereafter, F.S.J.) by CS. Peak numbersof 1850 swans,the lastpatch of treesbefore the N. ForkPass of theOgilvie Mts., c. Yukon, greatmajority being Tundra Swans, were counted at M'ClintockBay of May 21 (HG). The observationof a HornedLark at InuvikMay 21 was MarshL., s. Yukon, Apr. 24 (BH,fide PH). A singleSnow Goose was somewhatunusual (MBen). Steller'sJays were reported at feedersin the seenin this areaMay 5 (H & SK, HG), the samedate the first Snow F.S.J. area in March (CS). A N. Wheatearwas seenon top of Sheep Geeseappeared at Inuvik(MBen). A • CinnamonTeal wasfirst report- Mt., KluaneN.P., May 27 (MH). A Gray-cheekedThrush was heard ed from SwanL., 20 km n. of Whitehorse,by TMc May 6 andthereafter nearMarsh L., in late May (CO). A rareEur. Starlingwas encountered seenby 6 observersthroughout May. Near F.S.J., the 'annual' • at Inuvik May 16 (MBen); thiswas probably the 2nd record for thatarea CinnamonTeal was observedMay 2 + (CS). Three Am. Cootswere A WarblingVireo washeard and seen at SwanL., May 27 (EB, HG) seenat SwanL., May 13 (HG, TMu et al.) whileat least two werenoted One • CapeMay Warblerwas seen and another one heard May 25, and at a lake 8 km s. of Pelly Crossing,c. Yukon (HG, JN). two were heardMay 30, in the F.S.J. area (CS). A singingLe Conte'sSparrow was encountered near F.S.J., May 23 SHOREBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Two Am. Avo- (CS). The firstHarris' Sparrow near Inuvik was recorded May 22 this cetsappeared near F.S.J., May 24 for a 3rd recordfor the PeaceR. year(MBen). A probableBrewer's Blackbird was identified at Shallow district,B.C. (CS). On May 18, CS discoveredand photographeda Bay, L. LabergeMay 5 (TMu). A Brown-headedCowbird was seen as Wi!!et on thebeach of CharlieL., nearF.S.J. It wasalso seen May 19 far n. asInuvik May 27 (MBen). Anothercowbird was noted at Shallow (JJ, CS). This representedthe first PeaceR. area recordand aboutthe Bay, L. Laberge,among some horses May 29 (ND, HG). At leasttwo 15thfor BritishColumbia. Up to two Whimbrelswere observedin the EveningGrosbeaks were observed at Liard Hotsprings Apr. 21-22 (HG, N Fork Pass,Ogilvie Mts., c. Yukon May 18-20 (HG, TMc et al.). A TMu). largeflock of 26 HudsonianGodwits was seen near F.S.J., May 2 (CS). Thefirst observations of RuddyTurnstones at Inuvik were made May 18 (MBen). A W. Sandpiperappeared here May 15 (MBen), and another CORRIGENDUM -- The sentenceon fulmars(AB 37: 1005) should onewas seen near F.S.J., May 29 (CS). The rare White-rumpedSand- read:"A smallcolony up to an estimatedmaximum size of 20,000 N piperwas recorded twice near F.S.J., May 18 & 27 (CS). StiltSandpip- Fulmarswas reportedfrom Cape Vera, Devon I. (R. W. Prach et al, ers were reportedat Inuvik May 16 + (MBen) while three were seen fide C. Harris)". Theseand other observations at CapeVera weremade nearF.S.J., May 27 (CS). A Short-billedDowitcher was identifiedat by a CanadianWildlife Serviceteam underthe directionof project

Volume 38, Number 5 935 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- INTERMOUNTAIN REGION /Thomas H. Rogers

Althoughit is difficult to generalizeabout so huge a Region, it is fairly safeto saythat overall it wasa cold, wet spring.March, however, althoughwet in mostareas, was abnormallymild, encouragingan early migration.April turnedcold, andvaried from wet to normalin various subregions.May wasdry except for northeasternWashington and south- ern interiorBritish Columbia,but was unseasonablycold. Migrants weredelayed in someareas but appearednot to be affectedin others.In some casesmigrants were "bottled up" by adverseconditions and showedconspicuous concentrations of somespecies. Waves of warblers werenoted in a few instances.Flooding was prevalent in southernIdaho and at MalheurNat'l Wildlife Refuge,causing some species to shift nestinglocations, either to wetter or drier locations;e.g., Savannah Sparrowswere nestingin wheatfields in southernIdaho. Black-necked Stiltsin recordnumbers in centralWashington probably were encour- agedby the abundanceof ponds.

ABBREVIATIONS -- N.F. = NationalForest; ref. pers. = refuge personnel;R.S. = rangerstation; W.M.A. = Wildlife Management Area.

z

CI'IILKAT PAll

leaderR. W. Prach. This was part of a 5-year studyof seabirdsand a nearbypolynya made possible by the generoussupport of PolarConti- nental Shelf Project.

CONTRIBUTORS -- E. Baer, M. Beattie (MBea), M. Bentley WYOMING (MBen), M. Brook(MBr), J. & P. Dabbs,N. Dykstra,B. Heebink.P. Heebink, M. Hoefs, J. Johnston,H. & S. Kempton, M. Lammers (MLa), M. Ledergerber(MLe), R. Lombardi,H. MacKenzie,T. McI1- wain (TMc), T. Munson (TMu), J. Normandeau, C. Osborne, C. Sid- dle,J. Thompson.•H.GR•INBERG, Yukon Conservation Society, LOONS AND GREBES -- Three Com. Loons were on Mountain #4-201 Main Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Home Res., Ida., May 5 for apparentlythe first recordthere (KBP) and five in breedingplumage on small lakesin the Preston,Ida. areawere consideredpotential nesters there (CHT). Homed Grebes,mostly sin- gles,appeared in severallocalities in s.w. Idaho,where they are rather rare migrants.A Red-neckedGrebe, even more unusual in s.w. Idaho, wassighted at C.J. StrikeRes., e. of Grandview(MRC, ECC, A & HL) andprobably eight to 10 pairswere nesting at KootenaiN.W.R., Bon- nersFerry, Ida. Three W. Grebes.Clark's form. wereon Strike Res., Mar. 14 (MRC) and three of that form were swimmingin flooded sagebrush(!) at Malheur N.W.R., Burns, Ore., Apr. 6 (TC).

PELICANS AND CORMORANTS -- American White Pelicans had built up to 2000 + birdsat Malheur by May 29 but no nestinghad taken place. Nine soaredover Salmon, Ida., Mar. 31; they are rare there (HBR). Four of this speciesappeared on Coeur d' Alene L., just n. of Harrison,Ida., May 11 (JN) andone was on MedicineL., to thee., May

936 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 28 (PZ) An estimated600 pairs of Double-crestedCormorants, the sightedat Hall Mt, Apr 19 (PRS) The pairof BaldEagles at Kootenal largestnumber ever recorded in the HarneyBasin, were nesting in trees N.W.R. thatbegan nest building last fall, hatchedtwo young,the first in on andnear Malheur N.W.R. Thosenesting in bulrusheswere forced by the refuge'shistory (LDN). A pair in LincolnCounty, Mont., was risingwaters to relocate.Four Double-cresteds at Mountain Home Res., rearingtwo eaglets(K.B.C.) as wasa pair at WasaSloughs near Kim- Apr 28 may havebeen the first ever recordedthere (KBP) andtwo at berley, B.C. (MVW). Hebgenand Quake L., near W. Yellowstone, fishlessHatfield L., Bend,Ore., May 10 weretotally unexpected (CM). Mont., had three nestingpairs (JS). A Bald Eagle roostcount in the HarneyBasin came up with 155birds Mar. 19-20. Somehawk totals for EGRETS THROUGH IBISES -- A Great Egret at Lewiston, Ida., the Regionwere: Sharp-shinned three, Cooper's 12 + and "common," May 19 wasthe first therein manyyears (LL, CV, VB). Anotherflew N. Goshawkfour, Fermginousfour and "a few," Merlin three, Per- overO'Sullivan Dam s. of MosesL., Wash., May 17 (JRR).The only egrineFalcon two andPrairie Falcon three. An incubatingGolden Eagle Cattle Egret reportedwas one near Pocatello,Ida., Apr. 19 (CHT). was at Naches and anotherat Oak Creek W.M.A., n.w. of Yakima, Severalcolonies of Black-crownedNight-Herons at Malheur were de- Wash. Nine of 24 GoldenEagle nest sites at Malheurwere successful stroyedby rising waters.One Black-crownedflying over Mountain Mostremarkable was the sightingof a CrestedCaracara near Montpe- Homemay have been the firstever there (KBP). An estimated900 pairs lier, Ida., May 30. Photographedat closerange, the bird wasnot tame of White-facedIbises were nesting in the HarneyBasin. A White-faced andhad no obvioussigns (jesses) of havingbeen captive (GDe et al ) Ibisjust n. of Helena,Mont., Apr. 20 providedseemingly a latilongfirst (JJa) One of thesebirds was at Metcalf N.W.R., Stevensville,Mont., GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- A White-tailedPtarmigan was discov- the latter part of May (RT). eredin the CaribouCr. areanear Yaak, Mont., Apr. 17 (CW). Sage Grousenumbered 60 at YakimaFiring Range and a lek 20 min. of the WATERFOWL -- CalispellL., nearUsk, Wash., wasthe stopping Utah stateline in s.c. Idaho contained20 males.The lek near Millican, placefor an estimated4000-6000 TundraSwans the weekendof Mar. Ore., hadup to 35 SageGrouse, and 5 leksnear Bend showed increased 10, amongthem was a birdcollared in theCold Bay area of Alaska.Two numbers.The Oregon StateFish and Wildlife Dept. addedabout 20 thousandTundra Swans were on the lake at Ennis,Mont., Apr. 1. Nine Wild Turkeysto theflock n.w. of Sisters,hoping to reduceinbreeding in pmrsof TrumpeterSwans were nesting in theBlitzen Valley at Malheur. the flock introducedin the 1950s. Gambel'sQuail were notedat Boise A Trumpeterat Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney,Wash., was incubating7 and Ft. BoiseW.M.A., nearPerma, Ida. (MRC, JL, ST, m.ob.). eggs,a lonemale andlast year's cygnet remained there also. A single Trumpeterwas with TundraSwans at Noxon,Mont., Mar. 23 (K.B.C.). CRANES-- GreaterSandhill Cranes were experiencing low nesttng Richland,Wash., hadfive GreaterWhite-fronted Geese Mar. 3 (REW) successat Malheuras the resultof predation.A color-markedLesser andSt. Andrews,Wash., hadtwo Apr. 14 (BW). A field e. of Burns, Sandhillobserved there had been marked as a fledglingat Nushagak Bay Ore, contained3000 Snow Geese,including one "Blue." With them in Alaskalast year. Threeflocks of LesserSandhills totaling 400-500 were500 Ross'Geese (TC, CM). Two Ross'Geese were photographed passedover RichlandApr. 21 (REW) and ConconullyL., Okanogan at HubbardRes., Ada Co., Ida., Mar. 28 (MRC, ST) andsingles of the Co., Wash., had5000-6000 Sandhills flying overApr. 16 (AP). Three speciesappeared with swansand Canada Geese at CaiispellL., Mar. 10 Sandhillswere observedflying overthe ContinentalDivide w. of Phil- (MJ) and on the Albion, Wash., sewagepond May 6 (GDem). Three ipsburg,Mont., in early May (PLW). Ross'visited Mountain Home Res., alongwith 16 SnowGeese Apr. 21 (KBP). "Thousands"of CanadaGeese paused in fieldss. of Minidoka S,Ao N W R., Rupert,Ida., Mar. 7. The speciespeaked at 7000 at Columbia SandhillCrane nestsat GraysL., Ida., had 32 Whooping N W R., Othello,Wash., andnumbered 8000 on Mar. 10 at Calispell Craneeggs placed in themand at least9 eggshad hatched. Six L Predationwas severelylimiting goose production at Maiheur.The older Whoopershad returned,two more than last year, but no samewas true at KootenaiN.W.R., where 69% of known nestswere pairing or nestingoccurred. There is still a shortageof older destroyed,mostly by avian predators.Canada Geese suffered a 50% femalesthere. Other olderWhoopers summered in e. Idahoand nestloss due to ravenpredation at McArthurLake W.M.A., Boundary w. Wyoming (ECB). Co, Ida. (MB), andgoose fledging at MetcalfN.W.R., Stevensville, Mont was30-40% belowaverage. Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney,Wash., reportedexcellent nesting success for Canadas,however. At Calispell SHOREBIRDS-- The only Black-belliedPlovers reported were one L , puddleducks and divers together were estimated at 20,000 on Mar. at MalheurApr. 19 andone at Lower KlamathN.W.R., Ore., just n of 10 KootenaiN.W.R.'s duckspeaked at 8000, down from last year's the California line. The Snowy Plover was observedat Hubbardand 10,000. Indian Creek reservoirs,Ada Co., Ida. (MRC, JL, ST) and at Lower A phenomenalrarity was an ad. d Garganeyphotographed atPentic- Klamath(PL). The specieswas not recordedat Malheur;high water ton, B.C., May 23-24 (SRC, m.ob.). Gadwallnumbers reached 1462 at levelshad eliminated suitable nesting habitat there. SemipalmatedPlo- Turnbulland 350 at ColumbiaN.W.R. A few Eur. Wigeon, mostly versappeared at Malheur, Lower Klamath,Weston and Rufus,all in singles,appeared in n. ands.e. Idaho,n.c. Oregon,e. Washingtonand Oregon.Black-necked Stilts appeared in a numberof unusualplaces s interiorBritish Columbia, with moresightings than usual in the latter The most remarkablesighting was that of at least six at Swan L, locality.A maleand two femalesof thisspecies on Bull L., s. of Troy, Vernon, B.C., May 14-25 (IB, m.ob.). One at Mann's L., e. of Lew•s- Mont, were the first recordedfor the latilong(K.B.C.). Canvasback ton, wasapparently n. Idaho'sfirst (REJ, JR). Up to five weresighted at reached150 at ColumbiaN.W.R. Malheurhad a GreaterScaup Mar. 18 Reardan,Wash., and three stoppedat St. Andrews,Wash., Apr. 14 and one was sightedat the mouth of the DeschutesR., ShermanCo., (BW). Up to eight appearedat Hatfield L., Baker, for the 2nd county Ore, Mar. 30 (RG). Two pairsof HarlequinDucks were frequenting the record (TC). An astonishingnumber showed up in the Winchester LightningCr.-Spring Cr. areanear Clark Fork, Ida. (JSc),and one was Wasteway-DodsonRd. areas.w. of MosesL.; aboutApr. 20 a groupof found on the LochsaR., 50 mi e. of Kooskia,Ida. (HC, FK, RW, 13 wasat onepond and 15 at another(JT). Pondsn. of FrenchmanHills mob ). SingleOldsquaws were seen near Kamloops, B.C., May 12-19 Rd., in that areaheld 15 stilts,two of whichwere on eggs.One nest (RH) and at Vernon, B.C., Mar. 24 (JGr). A Surf Scoteron the Colum- checkedcontained 4 eggs.A smallisland in the n. partof PotholesRes bia R., at Trail, B.C., made the observer'sfirst springrecord of the had two pairsof stilts;behavior of the birdsindicated at leastone nest speciesin 40 years(ME). CommonGoldeneyes peaked at 2600 + at (RF). Turnbull.A 9 Corn.Goldeneye with five smallyoung was sighted at A few Am. Avocetsshowed up at Bendfor the 2nd countyrecord the sewagepond at Colville, Wash., May 13 (DS). Threepairs of Red- (TC). At Kootenai N.W.R., where the speciesis rare, one avocet breastedMergansers were on the Snake R. nearLewiston, Ida., Apr. 22 appearedApr. 10 andtwo May 19 (LDN). The only SolitarySandpipers (RN) reportedwere singlesat Genesee,Ida. (MK, LL, PP), andw. of Rear- dan (BW). A rare sightingof a Whimbrelwas made at MalheurMay 1 VULTURES AND HAWKS -- A strangesighting was that of a (ref. pets.).Two migratingLong-billed Curlews at BonnersFerry May TurkeyVulture alighting on a treein Richland;the species is rarein that 12were distinctly on the rare side (PRS). This species again appeared in area (REW). One of this species,rare in BoundaryCounty, Ida., was small numbersin the Eureka, Mont., vicinity (CW). Four Marbled

Volume 38, Number 5 937 Godwits,also rare at Malheur,appeared there Apr. 25 (ref. pers.).Two Wren was reportedstill increasingin the Walla Walla areaand nearby wereat Mann's L., Lewiston,Ida., May 5 alongwith four Sanderlings along the Snake and Columbia rivers (SM). (RN). A Sanderlingat MountainHome Res. provideda latilongfirst (KBP) as did two at OtharpL., s.w. of Eureka(CW). Eight Baird's GNATCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS -- A Blue-grayGnat- Sandpipers,rare at Bendin spring,were counted there Apr. 15; this catcheragain appeared at Boise-Barberpools of the BoiseR., Apr. 28 couldbe an extremelyhigh numbereven for the fall migrationthere (MRC), andtwo pairs were building nests at Malheur.Migrating Moun- (TC). Oneor two Dunlinsat HubbardRes., andDry L. ponds,Canyon tain Bluebirds numbered 85 at Bickleton, Wash., Mar. 6 and a flock of Co., Ida., werenoteworthy (MRC, ECC, CS) andone near Umapine, 35 was seennear Cataldo, Ida. May 6. Boisehad a visit from a N. Ore., May 5 was unusual(SM, PD). Rufushad four Short-billed MockingbirdMay 16 (PPh, PB). The Brown Thrasherthat wintered DowitchersMay 4 (RG), one was photographednear BoiseMay 8 near Genelle, s. of Trail, B.C., was last seenMar. 5 (ME, m.ob.). A (MRC) and one was at Bend May 3 (TC). LoggerheadShrike, very rare in s. British Columbia,was sightedat OsoyoosApr. 5 (SRC). "Phenomenal"waves of vireosand warblers GULLS AND TERNS -- Unusual were four Franklin's Gulls at wereencountered in the Boisevicinity Apr. 21-May 21, coincidingwith HubbardRes. anda Bonaparte'sGull at DavisRes., e. of Cascade,Ida. an erratic storm patternto the e. Includedwere two Bell's Vireos (MRC, ST). A Franklin'sGull, rare in s. BritishColumbia, was at describedMay 16 for apparentlyIdaho's first (MRC, PPh, PB). A c• NakuspMay 30 (RH). At least1000 Bonaparte's were on SalmonL., s. Blue-wingedWarbler at PocatelloMay 8 apparentlyprovided Idaho's of Karoloops,B.C., May 5 (JW). Onewas at LewistonMay 5 (RN) and 2nd record(CWe,fide CHT). TennesseeWarblers were unusuallycom- two wereon a pondat Genesee,Ida., May 6 (C.B.). SingleHerring mon at Vernonin mid-May (PMcA) andone wasobserved at Pocatello Gulls were at RufusApr. 6 (RG) and at MalheurMar. 7 (reft pers.). May 16 (CHT et al.). A Tennesseewas near Page Springs, Ore., May 5. Birdsidentified as W. Gullswere reported at C.J. StrikeRes., Feb. l0 Malheurhad a Black-throatedGray WarblerApr. 25, a Black-throated andnear Boise Mar. 28 (MRC, ECC, NS, CS). This speciesis virtually GreenMay I l, a pair of BlackpollsMay 19 anda c• Black-and-white unknown inland; these records, if correct, would be the first for Idaho. May 22 + (reft pers.). A moltingc• "Myrtle" Yellow-rumpedWarbler Two CaspianTerns, rare in s. interiorBritish Columbia, appeared at wasseen at MountainHome May 18, anda Corn.Yellowthroat May 14 TranquilleMay 17 andone was at ChapperonL., s. of Karoloops,May madethe first recordthere (KBP). That oasistbr birds and birders,the 12 (RH). Two wereat LewistonMay 6 (C.B.). Several"Black Terns" Davenport,Wash. cemetery, provided a PalmWarbler May 12 (BW). A at AmericanFalls Res. in s. Idaho May 3 provedto be Corn. Terns Black-and-whiteWarbler at Tumalo S.P., May l 1 wasDeschutes Coun- (CHT). SingleBlack Terns were sighted at HubbardRes., Marsingand ty's first andanother was at Fields,Ore., May 27 (TC, JG, RS, HN). An Ft. Boise W.M.A. Millcreek Res., e. of Walla Walla had one May 28 Ovenbirdwas near Fields May 27 (reft pers.)and one caught by a cat at (CF), andtwo at Fortine,Mont., May 15were the first there in thelast 6 PocatelloMay 25 was bandedand released.The cat owner saidhe had years(WW). seenanother in his yard (JJ).

DOVES AND OWLS -- A Band-tailedPigeon was sighted at Mal- heurApr. I andanother appeared at Morttour,Ida., May 12 (A & HL, G.E.A.S.). Slate Creek R.S.; s. of White Bird, Ida., had one May 3 (SW). At least25 Corn.Barn-Owls frequented cliffs at dusknear Clark- ston,Wash., May 21 (MK). Five FlammulatedOwls were callingat variousplaces in the Kumloopsarea May 18-24 (RH) and threewere heardnear Kelowna, B.C., May 26 (JB). Two werecalling at Diamond L., Wash., May 28 (BW). A pair of SnowyOwls that reportedlywin- teredin the Cascade-Donnelly,Ida., areawere last seenApr. 10 (fide MRC). Owl censusesin BoiseN.F., Valley Co., Ida., in March and April countedone W. Screech,up to eight GreatHorned, up to 14 N. Pygmy,one GreatGray ( + five in adjacentareas), two Strix spp., two Boreal and three N. Saw-whet owls (G & PH).

SWIFTS AND HUMMINGBIRDS -- An estimated 1000 Black Swiftswere over Swan L., VernonMay 21 (PMcA). A kayaktrip onthe

OwyheeR., belowRome, Ore., May 27 yieldedthree Black Swifts in z associationwith many White-throatedSwifts (BN). A singleWhite- throatedwas sightednear Asotin, Wash., May 25 (MK). An exciting observationwas of a c• Costa's Hummingbird at Bend, Ore., May l 1 q- (G & CR, TC). This furnishedthe Region's first record.

WOODPECKERS AND FLYCATCHERS -- Few Lewis' Wood- peckerswere reportedexcept at Malheur, wherethe birdswere rather Ovenbirdbanded by Joe Jeppsonat Pocatello,Idaho, May 25, 1984. commonthrough May 16. Two W. Flycatcherson Scout Mr., s. of Photo/C. H. Trost. Pocatello,May 31 were suspectedof nesting(CHT). A reportof an Ash- throatedFlycatcher at Cranbrookwas apparentlythe first for interior GROSBEAKS THROUGH GRACKLES -- Helena had a c• Rose- British Columbia (fide MVW). EasternKingbirds were reportedas breastedGrosbeak May 26 (GH) and a femaleJune I (AS). A Lark muchmore numerousthan usualin e. Oregon, outnumberingthe ordi- Sparrowat KimberleyMay 17furnished that area's first record (MVW). narily morecommon W. Kingbird. A W. Kingbird, a rarity at Kootenai A Black-throatedSparrow at MetcalfN.W.R. wasthe 3rd ever reported N.W.R., was observedthere May 21. for w. Montana(HH). The Malta, Ida., areahad two Lark BuntingsMay 3 (WHS). GrasshopperSparrows were foundin the Boisearea at Ft. SWALLOWS THROUGH WRENS -- A c• PurpleMartin showed Boise, Kuna, and Black's Creek Res. (MRC, JL, ST), and in the up nearMountain Home Apr. 21 (CS) andperhaps the samebird ap- vicinityof Eureka,Mont. (CW). Thespecies was also reported at the N. pearedwith swallowsnear BoiseApr. 25-26 and nearHubbard Res.. Potholes(Y.A.S.) andnear Wallulla, Wash. (SM). SingleHarris' Spar- May 12 (MBe, MRC). The BlueJay that wintered near Fortine was last rows were reportedat Rogersburg,Wash., May 5 (AM), at Boise seenMay 5 (WW). The mountainsalong the w. sideof CascadeRes., feedersand along the PayetteR., lda., Mar. 1-Apr. 26 (MRC), andone Valley Co., Ida., hadthree Chestnut-backed Chickadees Mar. 20. Local at KlamathFalls was seenagain Apr. 16 (PL); CollegePlace, Wash., residentsreportedly have seen them 20 mi to then.e. of therein summer hadtwo immaturesMar. 3 (B.M.A.S.). The lakeshoreat Nakusp,B.C., (MRC). Hull's GulchNature Trail, Boise,had three Plain Titmice May hostedthe phenomenalrarity of two c• Chestnut-collaredLongspurs 27 for apparentlythe first springrecord for thatarea (ECC). Bewick's in full breedingplumage May 29-30 (GDa, FKi). A breeding-plumaged

938 AmericanBirds, September43ctober1984 9 SnowBunting photographed at Donnelly, Ida., Mar. 16 furnisheda Jordan,Frances King (FKi), FlorenceKnoll (FK), Merlene Koliner, latilongfirst (MRC, JL, ST). Bobolinksseem to havebecome regular KootenaiBird Club (K.B.C.), AI & Hilda Larson,Louise La Vole, Paul summerresidents at Prairie, Ida.; two maleswere seenin that vicinity Lehman,Jim Lyons,Pat McAllister, Craig Miller, Alice Montag,Shir- May 26 (KBP). A few Corn.Grackles appeared in theBoise and Moun- ley Muse, Larry D. Napier, Harry Nehls, Ron Neu, Jerry Neufeld, tain Home vicinities (MRC, A & HL, J & RS, m.ob.). Barbara North, Peggy Pedigo (PP), Polly Phillips (PPh), Ambrose Priestley,Kerry B. Provance,James R. Rees,James Reichel, Hadley B. OBSERVERS CITED -- Patricia Baker, Ian Barnett, Eugene C. Roberts,Gary & CarolRouth, Don Schmaldt,Ann Scofield,John Scott Barney,Marc Beehard (MBe), VivianBellemere, Jack Bowling, Blue (JSc),W.H. Shillington,Paul R. Sieracki,Jack & RuthSmith (J & RS), MountainAudubon Society (B.M.A.S.), Mel Branch(MB), SteveR. RichardSmith (RS), Nettie Smoot, Jim SparksOS), Coleen Sweeney, Cannings,Canyon Birders (C.B.), HelenCarlson, E.C. Cleaveland, Jim Tabor, C.H. Trost. Scott Tuthill, Robert Twist, Laura & Maurice Mark R. Collie, Tom Crabtree, Priscilla Dauable, Gary Davidson Vial, Carol VandeVoorde, Cheryl Webb {CWe), WintonWeydemeyer, (GDa), GeraldDeutcher (GDe). Gay Demmer(GDem), Maurice Elli- Bart Whelton, Mildred V. White, Ruth Wirtanen, Susan Wise, Carl son,Chris Flanagan, Ron Friesz,Golden E.agle Audubon Society Wolf (CW), RobertE. Woodley,John Woods, Philip L. Wright, Yak- (G.E.A.S.), Roy Gerig,Jeff Gilligan (JG), JamesGrant (JGr), Harvey ima AudubonSociety (Y.A.S.), Pete Zager.•THOMAS H. ROG- Hackett,Greg & PatHayward (G & PH), GeorgeHolton (GH), Rick ERS, E. 10820 Maxwell, Spokane, WA 99206. Howie, JohnJancic (JJa), Joe Jeppson (J J), RichardE. Johnson,Martha

MOUNTAIN WEST REGION /Hugh E. Kingery

Generallycontributors described an uneventfulspring migration, with the land birds concentratedinto ten or fifteen days. Snowstorms punctuatedthe Coloradoand Wyoming spring: one each weekend in Marchand April, withthe last two--April 20-22in Coloradoand April 25-29 in northernWyoming--turning into real corkers. They generated bizarreobservations like a BurrowingOwl whichperched 50 feet up in an elm treein urbanDenver, and tragic vignettes like 32 deadrobins on oneranch in Sheridan,Wyoming. Southern Nevada and southern Utah hada droughtgoing, with highwinds and hot temperatures(108øF in Las VegasMay 29) throughmuch of the spring. The inexorable rise of the Great Salt Lake has inundated Utah's productivewildlife refuges. Counts of waterfowland shorebirds have plummeted,and nestinghabitat for many species,from pelicansto Short-earedOwls, has gone awash. Two bandersviewed the seasonthrough different nets. Mildred Sny- der has bandedbirds in her Aurora, Colorado, yard for 22 years. Last year shebanded 97 birdsof 26 species;this year shebanded only 31 birds of nine species.On the other hand, in Ogden, Utah, Merlin Apr.7 (?tRW) andReno, Nev., Apr. 8 (?MR).Observers fear that the Killpack bandedhuge numbers of birds,comparable with previous risingwaters of the Great Salt L. will inundatethe Am. White Pelican years:449 LazuliBuntings, 173 Dark-eyed Juncos, 72 PineSiskins, 65 nestingcolony--3000 pairsstrong--perhaps destroying 700 eggsand Black-headed Grosbeaks. young(JKa). MeanwhileWyoming had a new colonyat Pathfinder First arrivaldates of severalspecies came quite early--but severalof Res., with 245 nestswith eggsor youngJune 15 (SF). Lake Powell, in thosefirst arrivalswere loners;no othersof their kind were seenfor three s.e. Utah, attracteda Brown Pelican Apr. 4-8, for the first staterecord or four moreweeks. The significanceof early arrivaldates, so revered verifiedby photograph.It had adultplumage except that it lackedthe by bird watchers,probably is very limited. Examplesof early birds blackbelly (S. Scottph., ?E & RS). withoutcompanions for someweeks: two Violet-greenSwallows at Yellowstone National Park April 14, no more until May 14; House WrensApril 22 at Logan,Utah, no moreuntil May. The Regionreported an averagenumber of speciesfor the Spring-- 371. Nevadahad 284 species,35 aboveaverage, but theother states had averagevariety: Colorado 326, Wyoming255, and Utah 249.

ABBREVIATIONS -- t? = writtendescription submitted to C.F.O. RecordsCommittee: # = no written description;L/L/B/L = Long- monULyons/Berthoud/Lovelandarea, Colo.

LOONS TO IBISES -- The 188+ Corn. Loonsreported included a peakof 40 atCedar City, Utah? Apr. 8; thedates stretched from early March at Las Vegasto May 25 at Fish SpringsN.W.R., Utah. They arrived in n.w. Wyoming at BedfordMay 26. Ruby Lake N.W.R., Nev., attracted400-600 Pied-billed Grebes in May (CE). Two contribu- torsin n. Coloradoreported differenfexperiences with Horned Grebes: a peakof 40 Mar. 20 at Boulderidentified as relatively low (LHa) andthe 187 countedMar. I 1-Apr. 22 at L/L/B/L threetimes last year'scount (F.A.C.). The 41-observerreport from L/L/B/L may rest on a more consistentdata base, or may showthat the grebes used different reser- Brown Pelican on Lake Powell, Utah, Apr. 4, 1984. First dorumented voirs this year. Rare Red-neckedGrebes stopped at Penrose,Colo., Utah record. Photo/Steven Scott.

Volume38, Number5 939 Ruby L estimated300 Am Bitternson the refuge,and a surprising 125 Apr 10 & May 5 (F A C ) The two Virginia Rmls at Evanston, one visitedRock Spnngs,Wyo., May 25-26 (FL). A LeastBittern Wyo., provideda first Latilongrecord May 11 (CK). CommonMoor- stoppedat Provo,Utah May 2%30 (•'MW) andone was reported from hensvisited Cedar City, Utah, May 1 (SH--lst countyrecord) and RubyL., May 26 (?JMN); lastyear we alsohad one report each from GrandJct., Colo., May 2-7, (?RL, MJ, A.S.W.C.--lstLat.). On Mar Utah and Nevada (#). Last spring the Region countedeight Great 1 the San Luis Valley counted8000 SandhillCranes and Lund, Nev , Egrets;this year, 16. Little BlueHerons reportedly visited Brush, Colo., had 1450. Observersdid not reportany otherlarge flocks except 330 at May 5 (??LHa)and Boulder, Colo., Apr. 30 (#). A Yellow-crowned Delta, whichalso had one Whooping Crane (M J). In March,26 Whoop- Night-Heronagain built a nestamong the Black-crownedsat Denver's ers stoppedin the San Luis Valley; three died from collisionswith City P.; it did notappear to havea mate,however (HEK). White-faced powerlinesand fences, two stayedand apparentlysummered, and the Ibisnumbers appeared healthy---equal to orgreater than last year's. Best restmoved N, mostto Idaho,but two returnedto Daniel, Wyo. (JR) count came from Grand Jct., Colo., with 326 Apr. 19 (A.S.W.C.). SHOREBIRDS -- Habitatconditions--high water, no mud flats-- WATERFOWL -- Utah's waterfowlcounts in March droppedto keptshorebird observations down. At theGreat Salt L., manyfed in wet one-halfof lastyear's; half of the 8 GreatSalt L. refugesdid not turnin pasturessince their favored marsheswere under water. Best counts, counts--saltwater has inundated most of them.The peakcame Mar. 16- paltrycompared to typicalBear River Refuge Counts, were 500 Black- 30 with 99,741 ducks, a far cry from the 336,185 reportedin 1981. belliedPlovers, counted near Farmington May 5 andLayton May 22 TundraSwan countsalso plummeted, the peak being 1726 Mar. 1 cf. (JN). A LesserGolden-Plover stopped at Las VegasApr. 22 (J & MC) 25,021 in 1981(U.D.W.R.). Somewaterfowl may have visited inacces- TheSnowy Plover at Riverton,Wyo., May 30 provideda lstLat. record sible areasof the lake or refugeswhere no countsoccurred (including (SF). Whimbrels visited e. Coloradoin unusualnumbers: flocks of one Bear River); howeverthe risingsalt watersdestroyed not only habitat to 29 occurredApr. 29-May 12, andCheyenne and Casper reported one but also food. The San Luis Valley, Colo., refuges--Alamosaand each.A RuddyTurnstone rested on a sandbar nearRiverton, Wyo , Monte Vista--tallied 37,000 ducks,twice the usualcount; the peak May 12 (?SF). From 15to 200 RedKnots fed with Black-belliedPlovers came 10 days later than usual (JK). in pasturesat Farmington,Utah May 5-22 (JN, MW). At Denver, TundraSwans may have dispersedfrom the Salt L. Valley. Kirch D.F.O. reportedeight knotsApr. 29. At Delta, two W. Sandpipers W M.A., at Lund,Nev., counted117 Mar. 5; it hadnone last year (CS). stoppedMar. 22--the day the ice went off the lake (M J). The 32 Dunhns Swansstopped at Logan, Utah, 35 mi n.e. of Great Salt L., Mar. 10- included18 at LasVegas Apr. 18 andseven to eightat KirchW.M A , Apr 3, a maximumof 50. Smallgroups of two to 10 occurredat Reno, Apr. 23-30 (CS), twoat DeltaMay 1-3 (MJ), andsingles at GrandJct, Nev., Provoand Ogden, Utah, Durango,Penrose, and Denver, Colo., Loveland,and Casper.The only sizableflock of Stilt Sandpipers,79, and Rock Springsand Sheridan,Wyo. Thesedispersed reports totaled wasat Huntley, Wyo., May 19 (FL). ThirteenShort-billed Dowitchers 198 swans,compared with eightlast year. Observersreport more Ross' stoppedat Platteville,Colo., Apr. 30 (JW, identifiedprimarily by call) Geeseeach year, probably due to improvedfield identificationinforma- andsix in s.e. ColoradoMay 12 (#RB). KirchW.M.A. reportedthe top tion Top countscame from w. Colorado,with sevenat GrandJct., Mar. countof Long-billedDowitchers•600 May 7 (CS). A Corn. Smpe 18 and 11-33 at Delta Mar. 2-19 (MJ); thebird examinedfor 1V2 hours probedaround a seepingspring Mar. 3 in theHigh Uinta Mts. ofe. Utah Mar. 17 at Ruby L., and the four at Lund Mar. 12-26 (CS) filled in e. -- the surroundingsnow was 3 ft deep (CK). At SheridanApr 25, Nevadato the Ross'range (iCE, CS). WoodDucks provided 2 notable Oelklausheard one winnowing as he triedto shovel4 ft of snowin his breedingrecords: At GrandJct., sevenyoung were seenwith parents driveway.Strong counts of Wilson'sPhalaropes included a totalof 3794 May 6, establishingthe first W. Slopebreeding record (MHu--lst Apr. 24-May 12 at L/L/B/L, 205-387at DenverApr. 28-May 6, and300 Lat ), and at SheridanMay 10, one was seenentering a nesthole in a at Fontanelle,Wyo., May 12 (JR). Countsof Red-neckedPhalaropes cottonwoodtree (MWa). A birdresembling an Am. BlackDuck stopped were dismal,except for a spectacular1300 at Rock SpringsMay 21 at RockSprings Apr. 14•it reportedlymet all criteriaexcept that it had (FL). whiteborders on the speculum(FL). GreaterScaup reports included 16 at Delta Mar. 7 (MJ), two probablesMar. 24 at RockSprings (FL), two GULLS TO CUCKOOS-- A LaughingGull huntedover the shal- at CheyenneApr. 8 (AA), andone at Kirch W.M.A., May 21 (CS). An lows of CherawRes., Colo., May 25 (??LHa ph., D & JW). Spring Oldsquawstopped at Fernley, Nev., Apr. 11-14(JB). CommonGolden- observationsof Bonaparte'sGulls doubled, toppedby 10 at ICdrch eyeslingered to the end of the periodin Logan(KD, MT). W.M.A., May 14 (CS) and nine at Grand L., Colo., May 12 (DJ) Logan'scomplement of gullsincluded a Thayer'sMar. 17-19(#MT) RAPTORS -- Ospreyobservations increased by 40% this spring,in The GlaucousGull at Goodrich,Colo., Apr. 26 was late (JCa) A all 4 states.They included urban visitors--taking goldfish from a subdi- descriptionof a GreatBlack-backed Gull at Longmont,Colo., thesame visionpond at CarsonCity, Nev. (BP) andflying overthe U. of Colora- day will undergoscrutiny by the C.F.O. RecordsCommittee (??LHa) do campusat Boulder(DW), andtwo at Garrison,•tah, May 13 (LN-- Zion's first White-wingedDove spentApr. 23-27 on thelawns and trees 1stLat). Coloradohad an Am. Swallow-tailedKite for the 2nd straight aroundthe DriftwoodLodge (JG et al.); the bird occurscommonly 40 spnng, one May 12 at BonnyRes. (#VZ, JRe). Reportsof all 3 Ac- mi s.w. Denver's Monk Parakeet built a stick nest around a hole in a ctpttersincreased over last year. Northern Goshawkscontinued their maple tree, where it stayedall spring;no mate joined it (UCK) A winter visitationto the e. Coloradoplains, includingone Mar. 24 in surprising10 Yellow-billedCuckoos were found in May, the earliestin Denver'sCity P. (BA). ACom. Black-Hawkvisited Davis Dam, Nev., Denver May 7 (PE). Apr. 9 (GA, fide CL). Coloradohad 11 reportsof Broad-winged Hawks,half lastyear's total. Utah hadits 10threport, one seen Apr. 7 at OWLS TO WOODPECKERS -- FlammulatedOwl reportscame CapitolReef N.M.; four hawksnearby may have beenof the same fromLas Vegas(C & PG), BeaverDam Wash,s.w. Utah (MW, netted), species(E & RS). The 35 reportedPeregrine Falcon observations and the San Luis Valley, Colo. (JJR). Observersin all 4 statessaw N matchedthe numberseen in 1983. A pair of PeregrineFalcons took up Pygmy-Owls;a pair in Bedford,Wyo., inspecteda nesthole Mar 13, residenceon the ledgesof SaltLake City's Hotel Utah for 3 weeks.The but did not stay(SS). At Cheyennean earlyBurrowing Owl got caught female,only a year old, hadbeen released in Idaho;the malewas from in a chimney Mar. 22; rescuedwith hook, tendedfor a week by a Ogden,Utah in 1981.Hotel officials were ready to closeoff thewing of veterinarian,and then returnedto its burrow, it had a mate the next the hotel wherethe birds appearedlikely to nest. Maybe next year. morning(LO). A BurrowingOwl flushedfrom junipers in a Denvercity Gyrfalconsvisited Logan Mar. 4 (J & TB,fide MT) andSheridan Mar. parkduring the Apr. 20 blizzard,and lit 50 ft up in an elm tree(UCK) A 21 (BO). pair returnedto lastyear's probable nest site nearMonte Vista, Colo , May 8 (JJR).On Mar. 23 a Short-earedOwl flew aroundanother Denver CHUKAR TO CRANES-- The severewinter impacted severely on neighborhood,with eightor 10 Blue Jaysmobbing it (DS). populationsof thevarious grouse. But a Chukarenlivened Snyder's dull CameronPass also had 13 N. Saw-whetOwls during the period (two spnngbanding program: May 31 it lit "up on the very tip of theroof, in 1983--DP) andthe SanLuis Valley hadN. Saw-whetsin at least5 actinglike a weathervane!"Ruby L. reportedlow countson Sage locations(JJR ph.--lst Lat.). A few Corn.Nighthawks had arrived by Grouseleks (four and six--CE) but 2 Walden, Colo., lekshad 80 and theend of May;first arrivals came to GrandJct., May 8 (A.S.W.C.) and

940 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 Ft MorganMay 15 (JCR).Hedges reported a probableChimney Swift receivedfor the 3 turnedin this spring(from Two Buttesand Fleming, at CedarCity, Utah, May 2; he notedthe featureswhich distinguish it Colo., andCasper). Except for flocksof 75-150 May 12-15 in the e tier from the Vaux's Swift. Utah hasone specimenand one sightrecord-- of Colorado, observersfound few Swainsoh'sThrushes--the Denver bothfrom the n. partof the state.Chimney Swifts have become regular Spring Count tallied only one. in most Coloradoplains towns; Hargreaves noted 25 in Wray and Ho- lyokeMay 8. A motleycrew of sixN. Flickerswas courting at Sheridan CATBIRD TO VIREOS -- Gray Catbirdswere found May 26-27 at Apr 22: theyincluded at leasttwo Yellow-shafteds and one Red-shafted Provo(MW), Yellowstone(TM), andDyer, Nev. (?JL).In CarsonCity (PK). a N. Mockingbirdappeared Mar. 10-11, possiblyblown in by high windsin California (BP). A pair nestedat Eureka, a rare occurrence SoAo (fide JE). The SageThrasher in a Cheyenneyard Apr. 1-2 & 16 came Reportsof Boreal Owls explodedthis spring.At Cameron unusuallyclose to thecity (H.P.A.S.). BrownThrashers strayed into the Pass,Colo.--the first Regionaland 2nd lower-48-statenesting mountainsMay 5-6 at Alamosa,Radium, and IndianPeaks, Colo. (JK, site--Palmerfound 25 singingmales Mar. 1-May31, andfound DJ, DH). Bendire'sThrashers nested 60 mi s. of Eureka (fide JE) and twonests. Last year he countedonly nine birds there. He explains onewas w. of GrandJct., May 4 (ñ?VZ). The frequencyof reportsof that the besttime to find themis mid-Marchto late April, during Curve-billedThrashers near Ft. Morgan, Colo. (one May 27--JRe) thefull moon.Forty-five to 60 mi s., in BoulderCounty, Boreals suggeststhat thosebirds mustbe goingsomewhere. Denver reported calledat Caribou,Brainard L., andCoal Cr. Canyonduring the two May 5 & 13 (D.F.O.). Zion had its first CrissalThrasher May 24 full moonApr. 4-5 (DH, DB, PH). Rawinskireported five Bor- (JG); they occur commonly about 40 mi s.w. BohemianWaxwings ealsat Creede,Colo., in April and May, includingone singing stretchedout theirwinter presence; flocks of 100-500occurred in March andfeeding on a vole;•his moves the records and possible nesting alongthe FrontRange from Denvern. to Sheridan,and into the moun- sites225 mi s.w. from the originalCameron Pass location (lst tains at Radium and Indian Peaks. The fewer Cedar Waxwings did Lat.). include200 at Las Vegasin May, feedingon ripeningmulberries, six to 40 in March-April at CarsonCity, and flocksof 50-200 May 12-26 at Bonny.A roadsidecount from Denver to Ft. MorganApr. 29 tallied75 FLYCATCHERS TO SWALLOWS -- At least two Least Fly- LoggerheadShrikes; a similarcount on the samehighway May 5 count- catcherswere calling at BonnyMay 12-13(VZ); sincenone called there ed 19 (LHa). A Yellow-throated Vireo visited Boulder May 19-20 May 26-27 (HEK), the earlierbirds may havebeen migrants. Black (#VZ, PG, m.ob.). Fontanelle,Wyo., sporteda Red-eyedVireo May Phoebeshad hatchedand left the nest by May 3 at Zion (LP). The 28 (FL--lst Lat.). Denverarea had E. PhoebesMay 4 & 26 (WWB, D.F.O.). Boulderhad a GreatCrested Flycatcher May 19-23 (VZ, PH) andJulesburg had one WARBLERS -- Three ColoradoSpring Countsturned up fewer May 13 (VZ). The eight Brown-crestedFlycatchers at BeaverDam warblerspecies and lower numbers than usual--10-14 species,303-515 WashMay 21 showedan increaseof 30% over lastyear (SH). At Reno individuals.The spring'srarities included: a Blue-wingedWarbler at Mar 24, a W. Kingbirdarrived 10 daysearlier than the normalarrival Limon,Colo., May 20 (ñ?RW);a singingN. Parulaat LasVegas May time in Las Vegas(JWa). EasternKingbirds strayed W to Las Vegas, 12-15 (VM); Nevada's3rd springChestnut-sided Warbler at Las Vegas Dyer, Nev., Provo, andCortez, Colo., in May. Denver'sSpring Count May 27 (VM); May Magnoliasat Las Vegas, Laramie, Wyo. (DM), May 13 turnedup a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher (D.F.O.). PurpleMartins Boulder, Holyoke, Fleming, and Crook, Colo.; a Cape May at Two werereported Apr. 29 at Denver(D.F.O.) andMay 5 at Pueblo(RB). Buttes, Colo., May 24 (??JW); differentBlack-throated Greens at The first Tree Swallows arrived at Reno Mar. 10 and Kirch W.M.A., CheyenneMay 13 (J'AK)& May 19 (tFL); a Blackburnianat Boulder Mar 11. They had reachedYellowstone N.P., by Apr. 19 (JZ). The first May 14 (?ñDW); a Bay-breastedat Alamosa,Colo., May 23 (?JRG-- swallows,Violet-greens, arrived at Zion Mar. 4 (LP); Yellowstonehad lstLat.); a Blackpollat Big Piney, Wyo. (ED--lstLat.); Nevada's3rd two Apr. 14 andthen no moreuntil May 14 (JZ). Countsof 300 + Bank Prothonotaryat Las VegasMay 26 (J & MC, ?VM); a Worm-eating Swallowscame from Cheyenneand Ft. Collinsin May. Cliff Swallows Warblerat BoulderMay 18-19(D & JW); andan Ovenbirdat LasVegas face an uncertainfuture when they nest aroundhomes and condomin- May 27-June9 (VM). iums;owners dislike their droppingsand resort to variousmeans, from Semi-raritiesincluded 21 Tennessees,10 Nashvilles,two Virginla's broomsto gardenhoses, to dislodgethem. At Eureka,Nev., whereEyre whichstrayed N to Jackson,Wyo., May 16 (BPe);three N. Parulasin doesn'tmind them, the tale of 7 nestingpairs seemed to follow the script Coloradoincluding the firstone in the SanLuis Valley (??JJR),three of "the perilsof Pauline:they failed to finishone, House Sparrows took Chestnut-sidedsin Coloradoincluding one at McCoy May 14 (ME), 3, Starlingsdestroyed one, and 2 survived." only one Black-throatedBlue Warblerat Denver, 10 Black-throated Graysin n.e. Coloradoand e. Wyoming;one Hermit Warbler at Las WRENS TO THRUSHES -- A colossalcount of migratingRock Vegas;a Grace'sat Rye, whichfor thefirst time in 5 yearsdid notnest Wrens came from Pawnee Grassland:500 on May 11 (PR). Denver there(DJo); four Palm Warblers in e. Colorado;11 Blackpollsin Colo- Field Ornithologistsfound a Bewick'sWren on the Denver Spring rado,a low numberbut includingone in the SanLuis Valley (JJR); eight CountMay 12, andB.A.S. reportedone from BoulderApr. 28. House Black-and-whiteWarblers; and N. Waterthrushesat Blanding,Utah (E Wrens arrivedearly Apr. 9 at Big Piney, Wyo. (JR), and Apr. 22 at & RS) and Rock Springs(FL). Logan(KD); however,the restarrived in May asusual. On Apr. 6, in a one-mistretch of Pine Cr. Canyonnear Las Vegas,the Cressmansfound TANAGERS TO SPARROWS -- Longmont, Colo., reporteda all 6 westernwren speciesincluding a Winter Wren. Other unusual SummerTanager May 13 (tKB). The massesofW. Tanagersthat have Winter Wrens were reportedfrom Zion Apr. 5, BoulderMay 12, and appearedsome years did not materialize this spring; top counts were 36 EvergreenMay 21. Puebloreported the one speciesmissed by the by 8 partieson the Denver Spring Count May 12-13and 35 at LasVegas Cressmans--SedgeWren May 5 (t?DJo). Ruby-crownedKinglets May 15. A N. Cardinalstayed in Casperthrough Apr. 5, andat least mostlyslipped through unnoticed, although at OgdenKillpack banded threewere reported from various yards in Denver.The Regionreported 19 (noneever before). EasternBluebirds put in w. appearances:one to only41 Rose-breastedGrosbeaks, a drop from the 144found in 1983 two at PuebloMar. 10 (VT), Ridgway, Colo., Mar. 31 (tJRG), Denver Ogdencontinued as the Lazuli Bunting capital: Killpack banded 449 and and BoulderApr. 22 (F & JJ, D & JW), LaramieApr. 23 (SFr), and would have banded more had he not run out of bands•he banded 604 GlenwoodSprings May 10-12 (VZ). April saw flocks of 10-20 W. lastyear. One Lazuli appeared early at a Sheridanfeeder during the Apr Bluebirdsalong the Front Rangefrom Denverto Loveland, and one 29 blizzard(MRt). A Dickcissel,the first since1979, visitedLas Vegas Apr 28 gracedPawnee Grassland (D.F.O.). MountainBluebirds ar- May 25-29 (VM). At Denversparrows peaked May 5-6 whenone rived late andremained late andin highnumbers on the plains;L/L/B/L D.A.S. Birdathongroup counted 110 Chippingsand 110 Vespers;May counted858 Mar. 2-May 6 cf. 140 last year (F.A.C.). Gray-cheeked 12 in thesame place they found two Chippingsand eight Vespers. (The Thrushesmay well migratethrough e. Coloradoand Wyoming in small DenverSpring Count May 12-13tallied 276 Chippingsand 57 Vespers numbers•olorado hasa coupleof recentspecimens--but sight obser- altogether.)In contrast,the Boulder and Ft. CollinsSpring Counts May vationsstill requiredetailed supporting descriptions, which were not 12respectively counted 444 and862 Chippings. Observers found Clay-

Volume 38, Number 5 941 coloredSparrows at Las VegasMay 13 (VM) andBluff, Utah May 22 ForrestLuke, T. Manns,John Merchant (3), Vince Mowbray (8), (tPL--lst Lat.). DavidMozurkewich (13), Larry Ned, JohnNelson (7), J. M. Nissen, UnusualBlack-throated Sparrows strayed N to Logan--two Apr. 20 B. Oelklaus, L. Osborne,Dave Palmer, B. Perkins(BPe), Louise andone May I (AS, KW, KD)--and to DenverMay 12 & 26 (D.F.O., Pettit (16), Bill Pickslay(3), JohnJ. Rawinski,Bert Raynes(13), P. BA). Denverhad rare SageSparrows•two Mar. 23 and one Mar. 24 Rechel,J. Reddell, J.C. Rigli, M. Robbins,M. Roth (MRt), John Row (MJS, HEK). Lark Buntingsseemed scarce at Cheyenne,but a roadside (6), R.A. Ryder, M.J. Schock,D. Sehottler,Mildred Snyder,E. & countfrom Denverto Bonnytallied 915 May 25 cf. 688 last year. An R. Sorenson(4), Craig Stevenson,A. Stewart, Sasan Swan, Bert early oneappeared on Cody'smain streetApr. 15, feedingwith House Tignor (16), Mike Tove, Van Truan, Utah Div. of Wildlife Re- Sparrows(JW), and one to 10 were at YellowstoneMay 4-13 (JZ). sources,K. Wallace(KWa), JackWalters (JWa), Doug & JudyWard, Sheridanrecorded a top count of SavannahSparrows--153---on its RosieWatts, Merrill Webb, K. Williams,Roberta Winn (RWi), Joe SpringCount May 19; the prior averagewas 27. Observersin Boulder Zarki (4), Vic Zerbi.---HUGH E. KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee andLongmont reported six Baird'sSparrows; the threeat BoulderMay Street, Denver, CO 80206. 2, andone May 14, camewith gooddescriptions ('•LHa). Grasshopper Sparrowsdo not appearas numerousthis year as last, with only four reported---oneat Las Vegas and three in e. Colorado. A Chestnut- collaredLongspur stopped at Las VegasApr. 15 (J & MC, KWa). After the winterabundance of SnowBuntings, only Cheyennereported them this spring:five Mar. 12 and one Apr. 22 (H.P.A.S.).

BLACKBIRDS, CARDUELINES -- Western Meadowlarks suf- SOUTHWEST REGION feredwith the springstorms. At Eureka,Nev., 150 fed by a highway Arizona, Sonora duringa 6" snow.Sheridan reported high mortality during the late April storm:a ripariansurvey in May which usuallytallies 21-27 counted /David $tejskal and Janet Witzeman none (HD). They arrivedlate and nestedlate in Cody and Bedford, Wyo. (UK, SS). Great-tailedGrackles continue their relentlessexpan- The first half of the springwas characterized by verydry weather, sion;to Zion, CedarCity, Kanab,and Bluff, Utah, andKirch W.M.A. whichwas a continuationof conditionsduring the winter. There was no (up to 25 countedin May) andLida, Nev. Evanston,Wyo., May 16 precipitationin mostareas of the statefrom earlyJanuary through late hostedtwo Corn. Grackles,probably expanding as efficientlyas their April, at whichtime the drought conditions were ended by a coldstorm cousins.A HoodedOriole cameto a Renohome for the 2nd year (JB, frontoriginating in thePacific followed by warm,wet weatherfrom the ph.). A N. (Baltimore)Oriole stoppedat Kirch Apr. 30 (CS). The southin early May--weathermore typical of July andAugust. The BoulderBrambling (see previous report) stayed until Mar. 14 (MFo). heavyrains probably had somethingto do with the preponderanceof Typical largeflocks of RosyFinches spread into atypicalplaces, espe- reportsof singingCassin's Sparrows in thesoutheast. This species is not cially in Wyoming.Cheyenne had an unprecedentedinflux, with, e.g., usuallydetected in any numbersuntil Julywhen the usualsummer rains 600 Apr. 1, someroosting in a horsetrailer, and the lastseen May 15 commence. (H.P.A.S.). Codyhad 400 duringthe late April storm Keplerfed them As for the otherbirds, this spring'smigration was generally thought 5V2pounds of seed/day.Buffalo, Casper,and Rock Springsreported to be below average,with usuallycommon species passing through flocksof 200-300.Several Pine Grosbeaks strayed to plainslocations in virtuallyunnoticed or in reducednumbers. There was a fairly good May, thefirst time Regionalobservers have reported such a springtime varietyof therare-but-regular migrants and an above-averagenumber of phenomenon:two to Casper,one to Cheyenne,seven to Lyons,Colo., vagrantwood warblers. Arizona also recorded two vagrantsfrom Mexi- andeight to Loveland,Colo. In the IndianPeaks w. of Boulder,obser- co that will probablymake listersacross the continentdrool. vationsdeclined slightly from last spring;the observationsreflect the commentsfrom Figgs in thepreceding Winter Report. Cassin's Finches occurredin normalnumbers, except for largeflocks which assembled at I•L/B/L feedersduring the Apr. 20-21 blizzard. Few peoplereported NEV.] oeo,•. UTAH ! RedCrossbills, although the Indian Peaks Spring Count found 163 (four lastyear). The IndianPeaks had flocks of five to sevenWhite-winged •xLasV•as•l,• Lifilefieldtm'•,JKotB Pa• K•.... n• • FoFmn•tonI I• I I•J• ..... Crossbillson 4 daysduring the season(DH). PineSiskins staged their usualspring invasion, although comparative numbers seemed hard to '•Ci• •Hoo•er Dam •ra d - i•••anta Fe assess.Killpack banded 72, cf. 160last year; Grand Jet. had few, butin e. Coloradothe numbersseemed high Ft. Collins had 367 on its • i-I• Tarock gstaffe• H Ib•k .... • .... Sant• SpringCount and L/L/B/L counted811 duringthe seasoncf. 467 last year.L/L/B/L andIndian Peaks had substantially more Evening Gros- • J eJrar•er ,Dam_ . •O•lR•serve / Corrizozo beaksduring the season,respectively 151 and 167 (cf. 57 and 10 last •yt•e7 • Phoen,••,o• Elephant/ Impena•• •ilo B •coso e•e•Coohdge Butte• Roswell year). .... • PicaSSo'• • ,, • I J ß [ Alamogarda I•Yuma . •Sa.ora l-S•lverCi• CONTRIBUTORS(in boldface)and CITED OBSERVERS-- Peg Abbott, A. Abela,James Alfonso, B. Andrews,Audubon Society of W. Colorado,G. Austin, Mary Back, J. & T. Barnes,K. Bennett, John Blewcrier (6 observers),Boulder Audubon Society, W. W. I • •L• • • be O øeo o • eCasas • Fort:Davi•a Brockher (15), D. Brown, R. Bunn, J. Cairo (JCa), Jean Christensen I • OF • •a orca -- • Grandes (41), ColoradoField Ornithologists,J. & M. Cressman,Denver Audu- bon Society,Denver Field Ornithologists.E. Dickerson,Keith Dixon (15), Hden Downing(52), P. Echelmeyer,Carol Evans,Margaret MN E X I • C o Riotrand Ewing, JanetEyre (3), Mike Figgs,Scott Findholt, M. Flanagan,M. Foland(MFo), FoothillsAudubon Club, Ft. CollinsAudubon Society, Elva Fox, S. Frost(SFr), C. & P. Gaffey,J. Gifford,J.R. Guadagno, LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Arizona's 7th Red-throated I. Hanf, Dave Hallock, Larry Halsey(LHa), May Hanesworth(48), Loonwas found in PrescottMay 27-28(tcr). Thisestablished the 3rd Paula Hensley,Carol Hargreaves,Steven Hedges (3), LouiseHer- springrecord for the stateand the first for the Prescottarea. Common ing, James Herald (19), High PlainsAudubon Society, M. Hueton Loonsaway from the Lower ColoradoRiver (hereafter,L.C.R.) were (MHu), Mark Janos, David Jasper (8), Dave Johnson(DJo), Frank threeon May 3 on AshurstL., andone May 4 on UpperL. Mary, s. of & Jan Justice,J. Kadlec(JKa), Jan Kauffdd, Ursula Kepler (19), Flagstaff(both JSh). Craig Kesselheim(7), Merlin Killpack, A. King, U.C. Kingcry,P. Completelyunexpected was the imm. Red-billed Tropicbird found Knutson,Jeri Langham, Chuck Lawson, Paul Lehman, R. Levad, in an agriculturalfield s. of Camp Verde Apr. 7 (fide DT, ph. K.

942 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 Ingram). The bird, exhaustedand dehydrated,was broughtto the Ariz. representedonly the 3rd recordfor n. Arizona. Gameand Fish Dept., in Phoenix,and was subsequentlytransported to Black-necked Stilts had been unrecorded in n.e Arizona until this SeaWord in SanDiego for rehabilitation.Unfortunately, the bird died springwhen two were found at GanadoL., May 19 (DSj, CH). An in early June(*to U. of Ariz.). There were 2 previousrecords for the incredibleconcentration of 96 Whimbrelswas seen Apr. 28 nearYuma state:Apr. 10, 1905near Phoenix and Sept. 15. 1927near Dos Cabezas, (PN et al.). This wasby far the largestsingle-day number ever recorded Cochise Co. in the state. The Marbled Godwit is an uncommonspring migrant throughoutthe statebut is particularlysparse in the n.e., so of interest wereindividual birds seen at St. JohnsApr. 21 & 27 & May 5 (all BH). Evenrarer in springare Semipalmated and Pectoral sandpipers. A Semi- palmatedwas found w. of TucsonApr. 30 (JB, •'SSu),and a Pectoral was at Willcox Apr. 14-18 (JSa, JB). Short-billedDowitcher is also quite rare in springin Arizona, so of interestwere threew. of Tucson Apr. 27 (KK, DSj). The Red-neckedPhalarope is at bestan uncommon springmigrant in the statewith individualbirds and occasionalsmall flocksbeing noted mostly in the first half of May. Unusualwas a flock of 30+ at GanadoL., May 19 (DSj, CH) and 20 at Willcox May 25 (GM). A Red Phalaropew. of TucsonApr. 29-30 providedthe 5th springrecord for the state(KK et al.).

GULLS AND TERNS-- More Franklin'sGulls were reported this springthan is usualwith threein PrescottApr. 7 throughmid-April (CT), oneat SierraVista Apr. 26 (GM), fiveon Lower L. MaryMay 4 (JSh), and four at Willcox May 10 (JD et al.). CaliforniaGulls are uncommonaway from the L.C.R., andrarely reported in n.e. Arizona, soa 2rid-yearbird at GanadoL., May 19was noteworthy (CH, DSj). A Immature Red-billed Tropicbirdfound in exhaustedcondition s. of birdreported as a HerringGull (age?) was at PatagoniaL., Apr. 13(D. Camp Verde,Ariz., Apr. 7, 1984. Third Arizonarecord. Photo/Kathy Fraseret al.) andtwo ad. HerringGulls were at PrescottApr. 14 (CT). Ingram. One-to-twoCaspian Terns at PrescottApr. 11-22were in an areawhere thespecies isconsidered tobe unusual (CT). An ad.Corn. Tern at Many FarmsL., May 24 establishedonly the 4th springrecord for the state SingleDouble-crested Cormorants were notednear ShowLow Mar. (PL). An ad. Forster'sTern the same day at GanadoL. providedabout 30 (M. Larson)and nearSt. JohnsApr. 29 (BH). Double-crestedCor- the3rd spring record for n.e. Arizona,the paucity of recordsprobably morantsare sparsein n. Arizona. BothDouble-crested Cormorants and owing to a lack of observers. Great Blue Heronswere foundnesting at PicachoRes., Mar. 30 with oneand 15 nestsnoted, respectively (D & MSy). This is a new nesting CUCKOOS THROUGH NIGHTJARS -- A Yellow-billed Cuckoo localityfor bothspecies. At least350 CattleEgrets at QuigleyPonds n. s.w.of PhoenixMay 6 wasabout 3-4 weeksearlier than usual and may of Tacna May 26 was a high concentrationfor the state(DT). Cattle representthe earliest arrival date ever for thestate (DSj, CH). Several Egretsin n. Arizona,where uncommon, included four on Apr. 21 at FerruginousPygmy-Owls in n.w. Tucsonwere first noted in mid-March Cottonwood(A. Greene) and one at PrescottApr. 17-20 (CT). A bit (m.ob.)and another was noted at OrganPipe Cactus N.M., Mar. I 1 (P. more excitingwas the ad. Yellow-crownedNight-Heron found near Warshall).A juv. Long-caredOwl, an uncommonbreeder in thestate, Dudleyvilleon the SanPedro R., May 8-25 (O. Scott,D. Lee eta/., ph. wasfound at SilvercreekRanch n.e. of DouglasMay 21 (RS).Exciting GM, JSa). There had been2 previousundocumented sightings for the was the discoveryof one-to-threeor moreN. Saw-whetOwls on Mt. state, both in spring. Bigelowin theSanta Catalina Mts., n. of Tucson,Mar. 10+ (JSa,FH et al.), andanother found at RoseCanyon in thesame range Apr. 23 to WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS -- Fulvous Whistling- mid-May(LD, FH). Therehad only been2 previousrecords for the Duckshave become exceptionally rare in the statein recentyears, with SantaCatalinas. Buff-collared Nightjars returned to Aravaipaand Gua- the lastreport of a wild bird in 1978. So, unexpectedwas the individual dalupeCanyons and were first detected May 8 & May 20, respectively. reportedMay 30 at Prescott(•'H. & A. Gaither).This represents the first recordfor the Prescottarea this century.Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH KINGFISHERS -- A c• White- appearedin largerthan usual numbers in the s.c. ands.c. portionsof the caredHummingbird in MaderaCanyon, SantaRita Mts., May 24-30 state,with 75 + individualsreported. A flockof eight"Black" Brantat (JSa. JB) furnishedthe 2nd believablerecord for thatrange. A Violet- PuntoCirio, SonoraMay 26 was late for the Gulf of California(ph. D. crownedHummingbird, also in Madera Canyon, arrivedon the very Brown). earlydate of Apr. 20 (P. MacKenzie,m.ob.). A c• MagnificentHum- An early Turkey Vulture was seennear Palominas Mar. 4 (GM, D. mingbirdat a Paysonfeeder May 23 wasn. of thatspecies' usual range Fischer).The expansionstory of the decadecontinues to be that of the (JW et al.). Four Lucifer Hummingbirdswere notedduring the period Black-shoulderedKite. No fewer than 30 individualswere reported, with a femaleat PortalApr. 11-25(W & SSp), two malesalso in Portal mostlyfrom the southeast(24), but alsofrom c. Arizona (five) and one Apr. 14-30 (B. & M. Schaughency),and anothermale at Ramsey from the L.C.R. Most of the reportspertain to individualbirds but no Canyon, HuachucaMts., May 15 (•'J. Arvin et al.). A c• Costa's fewer than five pairs were noted includingone pair copulatingn. of Hummingbirdwas in PortalMar. 23-31 (W & SSp, RM). This is e. of Marana. the species'normal range. A possiblec• GreenKingfisher was seen in The desert-nestingBald Eagle populationon the Salt and Verde the SonoitaCr. SanctuaryMar. 19 (?N. Haverlack).This specieshas Riversfledged a record15 young.The previoushigh of 14 was setlast beenrecorded relatively infrequently in the statein the pastdecade, due year and in 1981. The Bill Williams Delta Corn. Black-Hawkreturned possiblyto flood damageto its habitat on the Rio Magdalenain n. Apr. 5 for the6th consecutiveyear (DK). A CrestedCaracara seen at the Sonora,the likely sourcefor most Arizona birds. SonoitaCr. SanctuaryApr. 7 was unusual,as the speciesis rarely encounteredoutside the PapagoIndian Reservation(RBa et al.) FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- A LeastFlycatcher was carefullyobserved May 20 at PetrifiedForest N.P., by observers SHORE•IRDS-- Theonly Black-bellied Plover reported was one familiarwith thisand similar species (•'DSj, •'CH). AnotherEmpidonax Apr. 30 w. of Tucson(JB et al.). Much rarerwas the LesserGolden- observedand heardcalling at BeckerL., n. of Springerville,May 19 Ploverat WillcoxMay 23-29 (RS, ?J.& A. Priceet al.). Thismay have wasthought at thetime to be an Alder Flycatcher(•'DSj, ?CH). Unfor- beenthe sameindividual reported last year in May at Willcox. There tunately,the bird wasnot collectedand its identificationremains tenta- havebeen only 6 previousspring records for thestate and only about two tive at best.If correct,it wouldrepresent afirst state record. Unexpected dozenoverall. Two SnowyPlovers at Many FarmsL., May 17 (GM) was a Buff-breastedFlycatcher on SonoitaCr., Apr. 29 (RTS). This

Volume 38, Number 5 943 speciesis rarelyreported dunng migration below 5000' The only pre- SoAo viousrecord for the area was on Mar. 30, 1927. A possibleScissor- Completelyoutclassing all of the e. vagrantwarblers were the tailedFlycatcher was observed near Helvetia on then. sideof the Santa two Mexicanvagrant warblers found this spring in theHuachuca Rlta Mts., on the incredibledate of Mar. 6 (?IR). If valid, this would Mts. On Apr. 28, a singingad. Crescent-chestedWarbler was representeither a very early migrantor a bird that winteredlocally. foundin RamseyCanyon with a secondindividual found shortly There are no winter records for the state. One of the Tucson Cave afterward(?JB, LD et al., ph. N. Bock). The apparentpane Swallowsreturned for the 5th year Mar. 19 (T. Huels, m.ob.; seeAB remainedto at leastMay 17, but no evidenceof nestingcould be vol 38:281-283, 1984). found. This providedthe 2nd recordfor both Arizonaand the UnitedStates. It is interestingthat this record came so soon after JAYS THROUGH THRUSHES -- Two Black-billedMagpies were the first United Statesrecord, from Sept. 1983, alsoin the Hua- foundat ManyFarms L., May 17 (GM). Thisis theextreme s. limit of chucas.This speciesdoes not normallyoccur n. of e.c. Sonora thespecies' normal range in thestate at this time of year.One of a pairof Only slightlyless exciting was a singingFan-tailed Warbler MountainChickadees found earlier this year wasseen again Mar. 24 in foundMay 24 in upperGarden Canyon (ph. & ?T. Strong,•'J ChlricahuaN.M. (RT). This specieswas unrecorded in theChiricahuas Huntington,J. Cardell). Unfortunately,the bird could not be untilthe winter of 1981- 1982.A c• Black-cappedGnatcatcher in Florida relocatedthe following day in spite of intensivesearching by Wash(just e. of ChinoCanyon) Mar. 3 wasat a new localityfor this numerous observers. This was the 3rd record for the United species(?L. Galloway).The onlyRufous-backed Robin to be reported States and for Arizona. Interestingly, the Fan-tailedWarbler thiswinter/spring was one in GuadalupeCanyon on thelate date of May foundlast year in ScheeliteCanyon was in an arealess than one 20 (RS, H. Morris).This wasonly the 3rd or 4th foundin thestate later mile from thisyear's bird. All 3 Arizonarecords plus the record thanmid-April. The VariedThrush, which staged a minorinvasion this for extremen.e. Sonorahave fallen withinthe narrowtime span yearin the state,was reported from PhoenixApr. 4-6 (C. Merril, fide of May 19-28. RW) and from the SouthwesternResearch Station in the Chiricahuas Mar. 10-12 (fide W & SSp). PYRRHULOXIA THROUGH LONGSPURS -- A pair of Pyrrhu- loxiasat New River n. of PhoenixApr. 3 wasn. of thatspecies' usual THRASHERS THROUGH VIREOS -- A Gray Catbird in Portal rangein Arizona (H. Dahnke,fide DT). A total of 12 Rose-breasted May 11-13furnished the 7th localrecord for thespecies (RT, G. Mont- Grosbeakswas reportedfor the periodwith sevenin s.c. Arizonaand gomeryet al.). TheBrown Thrashers that spent the winter in Elfridaand five in the n. one-halfof that state.Indigo Bunting records for the n e in the SonoitaCr. Sanctuaryremained until Apr. 21 & Apr. 14, respec- cornerof thestate are surprisingly few, soof interestwas a singingmale ttvely.Surprising was a Curve-billedThrasher at PetrifiedForest N.P., at GanadoMay 20-24 (DSj, CH, PL) and anothermale at SandersMay May 20 (CH, DSj); thisfurnished the firstrecord in Arizonan. of the 20 (DSj, CH). Cassin'sSparrow had a fairly impressivespring with Mogollon Rim. The flock of BohemianWaxwings in Flagstafffirst numbersof singingbirds noted in the s.c. part of the stateduring late foundin Febmarybuilt up to 150+ in March with one seenas late as April and May, and also single individuals noted in some unusual Apr. 10 (JC). AnotherBohemian Waxwing was seen in a flockof Cedar localities.A singingbird wasnoted Apr. 14-15about 10 min. of Puerto Waxwingsin PrescottApr. 8-16 (CT). This representedthe first record Pehasco, Sonorain the dunesbehind the beach(R & JW). This was the for YavapaiCo. Largenumbers of Phainopeplasin Portalduring the last first recordfor the area and possiblythe first for coastaln.w. Sonora weekin March, and s.w. of Phoenixlate April +, wereunusual (W & ...... Ancother qin•in• •___• hird...... veaq fcmnd near C'handler May • -3 (D & MSy), which SSp, RM, DSj). The only Red-eyedVireo reportedwas one in Madera is n. of thespecies' usual range. Even farther n., a birdwas found in Oak CanyonMay 5-25 (D. Lee, 70. Scott,m.ob.). Cr. Canyonnear Sedona May 5 in roadsidebrush (JSh). A Clay-colored Sparrowwas nettednear TucsonApr. 18 (R. Bowers).A Five-striped WOOD WARBLERS -- The assortmentof e. warblersthis spring Sparrowreturned to Chino Canyon on the early date of May 6 (B was somewhatbetter than averagewith 13 speciesreported, including Hallett). The onlyFox Sparrowreported was one (schistacea) in Guada- the rare-but-regulars.Three TennesseeWarblers were foundwith one lupe CanyonMar. 25 (TC1). The Golden-crownedSparrow found at s w. of PhoenixMar. 10 (DSj), one at PatagoniaApr. 21 (B. Sutton), SaguaroN.M. thiswinter was last seenduring the lastweek of March and anotherin KayentaMay 22 (PL). The March bird had probably (m.ob.). The Harris' Sparrowreported earlier in Tucsonremained until winteredlocally. The N. Parulafound in Februaryat Tucsonremained Apr. 17 (R. Chapin).The flock of McCown'sLongspurs found earher to at leastMar. 7 (m.ob.) and anotherwas foundn. of Tucsonat Cortaro nearMcNeal waspresent until at leastMar. 2 (GM et al.). The Lapland Rd, Apr. 15 (?FH). The Chestnut-sidedWarbler that winteredat the Longspurin the samearea was seenagain Mar. 4 (AM). BoyceThompson Arboretum near Superiorwas seenas late as Apr. 3 (TC1). A 0 MagnoliaWarbler was foundat GanadoMay 24 (-•PL), ICTERIDS THROUGH FINCHES -- A c• "Baltimore" N. Oriole representingone of the few springrecords for the state.A c• Black- wasfound near Portal May 9 (JD et al.). This raceis extremelyrare in throatedBlue Warbler observedin Ramsey CanyonMar. 19-Apr. 12 Arizona. The impressivenumbers of Purple Finchesin and around (?L. Brand, ?C. Jones,?M. Shepardet al.) undoubtedlywintered Prescottthis winter persisteduntil March with a few remaininguntfi locally. Two Black-throatedGreen Warblerswere reportedwith one earlyApril (CT et al. ), thusending the most significant flight ever xn the very early male in PrescottApr. 7 (CT, A. & H. Gaither)and another Prescottarea. Red Crossbillscontinued to experiencea successful malein Miller Canyon,Huachuca Mts., Apr. 29 (?TM). Quite unex- breedingseason in the Prescottarea with juvenilesnoted in the Brad- pectedwas Arizona's first record of a "Yellow" PalmWarbler with one shawand SierraPrieta Mts., in mid-April (CT). Two EveningGros- seens. of FlagstaffApr. 27 (?TCo, J. Babcock):this also provided the beaksat Teec Nos Pos May 22 were late for that locality(PL). 6th springrecord for the statefor thisspecies. Amazingly, three Protho- CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface) CharlesBabbitt, notaryWarblers were reportedwith two in NogalesMay 16 (?IR, F. RobinBaxter (RBa), Pat Beall, JerryBock, RobertBradley (RBr), Tom Piersol)and a female in Littlefield in extremen.w. Arizona May 19 Clark (TC1), John Coons(Flagstaff), Troy Corman(TCo), Doug Dan- (?PL). Only one Ovenbird was reportedin the state,at Teec Nos Pos forth, Salome Demaree, Carol DeWaard, Louis Dombrowski, Jon May 24 (?PL). A totalof five HoodedWarblers was reported (all males) Dunn, RichardFerguson, Tom Gatz, SharonGoldwasser, Grace Gregg, with one Apr. 13 in SonoitaCr. Sanctuary(?R. Ridout, P. Tufts, D. Brian Heap, Fred Hopf, ChuckHunter, Betty Jackson(Globe), Kenn Fraser);one at PageSprings near Sedona(as last spring/summer)May Kaufman (Advisor), Dave Krueper (L.C.R.), Paul Lehman, Terry 2 + (A. Greeneet al. ); one at Dudleyville on the SanPedro R., May 15 Meyer, ScottMills, Gale Monson,Arnold Moorhouse(Hauchuca Mts and anotherat Kino SpringsMay 17 (bothRS et al. ); andyet anotherin & McNeal), Robert Morse, Phil Norton, RobertNorton, GeorgiaPor- theSierra Ancha n. of GlobeMay 19 (RF et al.). Two Black-and-white ter, Larry Pyc, IreneRitch, JohnSaba (JSa), John Shipley (JSh), R T Warblers,two Am. Redstarts,and threeN. Waterthrusheswere report- Smith, Sally $pofford (Portal, SSp), Walter Spofford,Rich Stallcup, ed, all from n. Arizona in late May. David & Myra Styer(D & MSy), ShermanSuter (Tucson,SSu), Rick Taylor, Dick Todd, Carl Tomoff(Prescott), Robert Witzeman.--DA- VID STEJSKAL (DSj), 8032 N. 11th Avenue, Phoenix,AZ 85021; JANET WITZEMAN, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

944 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 New Mexico GULLS THROUGH DOVES -- The state's 2nd Heermann's Gull /John P. Hubbard wasa probable2nd-winter bird photographedat Vado, Dona Ana Co , Apr. 1 (KZ). The only previousacceptable record was of an adultfound GREBESTHROUGH HERONS -- Two light-phaseW. Grebeswere deadin the mountainsnear Silver City Mar. 20, 1919! A high countof at BluewaterL., Apr. 9, andup to fourDouble-crested Cormorants were Ring-billedGulls was 800 nearAnthony Mar. 28 (BZ), while the only on the Zuni ReservationApr. 7-10 (JT); both are infrequentin the reportsof Californiaswere nine at MorganL., May 23 (PL) andone-to- generalarea. A new localityfor breedingGreat Blue Heronswas the two at Zuni Apr. 9 & May 5-7 (JT). The Forster'sTern is infrequentin lowerPecos Valley s. of Carlsbad,where up to 10 nestswere found Apr. the Gila Valley, where three were reportednear Cliff Apr. 29 (RF) A 12-13 (S. van Velsor);the specieswas again nesting near Alma, Carton first for the upperRio Grandewas a Least Tern at EspafiolaMay 13 Co , Apr. 8 (JH). An ad. Little Blue Heron was on a nest near Belch (JD, BL), while also notablewas anothernear Loving May 28 (PL) Apr 29 (WH), whichis the 3rd areaof the statewhere the specieshas Early White-wingedDoves were singlesat Truth or Consequences beenfound breeding;an adult at Tesuque,Santa Fe Co., Apr. 21-29 (hereafter,T or C) Mar. 9 (DM) andMangas Springs, Grant Co., Mar (JD) was a northerlyvagrant. The greatestspring influx ever of Cattle 24 (RF); on May 29 two were at Deming (KF), where infrequently Egretsoccurred beginning in mid-April, with birds presentfrom the reported. An Inca Dove at T or C Mar. 3 (DM) was an apparent PecosValley w. to the Gila Valley and n. to Zuni, Tesuque,and Las straggler. Vegas (v.ob.). In addition,2 nestsand six adultswere presentnear BelenMay 31 (WH). Unusualwere two Green-backedHerons at Zuni OWLS THROUGH SWIFTS -- Noteworthywas a Com. Barn-Owl May 24 (JT) and an ad. Yellow-crownedNight-Heron in s. Dona Ana at Zuni Apr. 4 (JT), while a N. Pygmy-Owl in the Burro Mrs., Grant CountyMay 14 (JDo, BZ). Co., May 10 (BZ, KZ) mayhave been the first reported from thatrange A Short-earedOwl at Zuni May 26 (JT) wasvery late and could possibly WATERFOWL -- A c• Wood Duck nearBernardo May 24 (WH) havebeen breeding--which is unprecedentedin the state.Also notable was late. "Mexican-like" Mallards includedsingle males at Bernardo at Zuni was a N. Saw-whet Owl May 27-28 (JT), almost certainly May 24 (WH) and Bosquedel Apache N.W.R. (hereafter,Bosque representinga nestingbird. Hundredsof LesserNighthawks were at N W.R.) May 5 (RT), plus two w. of Hatch May 19 (JH); at leasttwo BosqueN.W.R., May 10 & 26 (BZ et al.), anda northerlybird wasat hybridswith northernMallards were at HollomanLakes, Otero Co., BernardoMay 24 (WH). Also northerlywas a Whip-poor-willin the Apr 29 (RH). A scatteringof Canvasbacks,Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Zuni Mrs., May 28 (JT). ApparentChimney Swifts made an excellent Scaup,Corn. Goldeneyes, and Buffleheads lingered into lateMay asfar showingin the state,including one at RoswellMay 27 (PL) and nine-to- s as Zuni, BosqueN.W.R., and Bitter Lake N.W.R. (v.ob.). An ten in the Rio GrandeValley--between Albuquerqueand the Belen aberrantc• RuddyDuck at Zuni May 5 hadan all blackishhead (JT) and area--Apr. 29-May 25 (WHet al.). More usual were reportsfrom mighthave been mistaken for a MaskedDuck by a lesscareful observer. Clayton,where the first bird wasrecorded May 5 andup to sevenwere RAPTORS -- A "hawk watch" in the ManzanoMrs., Feb. 22-May seen throughMay 31 (AK et al.). 13, yielded the best suchspring count ever for the state, with 1640 individualsof 17 speciesrecorded (S. Hoffman et al.). Some of the HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Lucifer Hum- highlightsincluded: 391 TurkeyVultures, with the first Mar. 17 andthe mingbirdswere againpresent in PostOffice Canyonin the Pelonclllo peakApr. 4; 35 Ospreysin April, with the peakof 13 on Apr. 11-13;39 Mrs., HidalgoCo., wherethree birds were seenApr. 24 (RH). A c• N Harriers Mar. 14-May 5; 261 Sharp-shinnedand 284 Cooper's Costa'sHummingbird was seennear Cliff May 5 (W. J. Shaul et al ), hawks,with the peak Apr. 14; 181 Red-tailedHawks Mar. 10-Apr. 1, nearwhere another was seenin the springof 1983--that beingthe first thepeak Mar. 16; 141 GoldenEagles Feb. 22-Apr. 23, the peakof 34 on since1876! Single • hummingbirdsthought to be Calliopeswere seen Mar 8-10; and 124 Am. KestrelsMar. 15-May 5, with the peakof 35 on at Zuni May 25 (JT) andin Karr Canyon,Sacramento Mrs., May 9 (HM Apr 14. Two MississippiKites were near Belen May 16 (WH) and et al.); however,this species is extremelyrare in springin New Mexico, sevenat RoswellMay 27 (PL), bothareas where nesting is suspectedbut andthe detailsfor theseidentifications were equivocal. Also a very rare unprovenin recentyears. The only lowland reportof the N. Goshawk speciesin springis the RufousHummingbird, but an ad. malereported wasof one at BosqueN.W.R., Apr. 21 (PB), while stragglerswere an at SocorroApr. 21-23 (PB) was well and convincinglydetailed A ad Corn.Black-Hawk near Belen Apr. 29 (WH) anda Harris'Hawk in BeltedKingfisher was at an apparentnest hole nearCliff Apr. 29 and s Dona Ana CountyMay 14 (BZ et al.). An ad. Red-shoulderedHawk threebirds were thereMay 5 (RF). Othersof this speciesthat may have was reportedat RandalsPool, s. Dona Ana Co., Apr. 15 (JDo, BZ); beennesting included one at Zuni as late as May 29 (JT) andanother at althoughthe photosdo not appeardefinitive, the descriptionmakes this CaballoDam May 18-19 (JH et al. ). Oneor two AcornWoodpeckers at the mostcredible record yet of the speciesfor the state.A Zone-tailed Zuni May 22 (JT) wereapparently the first for theimmediate area. Only Hawk over the SandiaMrs., May 3 (WH), was apparentlythe first two Gila Woodpeckerswere counted in theCliff areaMay 5 (RF et al ), recordedin that range. a very low totalthere. Southerly records of DownyWoodpeckers were oneat SocorroApr. 24 (PB) andtwo at BosqueN.W.R., Apr. 29 (WE) RAILS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- Ten Sorasat SacramentoL., OteroCo., May 9 (HM et al.) wasa highcount for the area. Somewhat FLYCATCHERS -- NorthernBeardless-Tyrannulets were conspicu- e of the usualRio Grandemigration route were 14 SandhillCranes over ousMay 19 in GuadalupeCanyon (WE, WH); the speciesis perhapsnot La CienagaMar. 11 (PI, H. Voetberg). Somewhatlate were single presentin the upper(New Mexico) sectionof the canyonevery year Black-belliedPlovers at Zuni May 5-7 (JT) andDeming May 10 (KF); a The only GreaterPewee reported was one in thePinos Altos Mrs., Apr possibleLesser Golden-Plover was at BosqueN.W.R., May 27 (WE et 14 (RF). Apparentlythe sameDusky/Hammond's Flycatcher from last al ) West of the usualrange was a SnowyPlover at Morgan L., San winterwas the onestill presentnear Caballo L., Mar. 3 & 16 (KZ et al ) JuanCo., May 23 (PL), while the earliestMountain Plovers were three The phoebesituation in the Upper PecosValley, betweenRibera and nearBernardo Mar. 8 (RT et al.). One hundredAm. Avocetsat Clayton Villanueva, May 2 revealed six Blacks cf. only two Easterns(JH), Apr 29 and 63 on May 5 (AK et al.) werehigh countsfor the area.A suggestingthat the formerspecies has displaced or is in the processof rareWhimbrel was reported at CorralcsMay 6 (DS), while two likely displacingthe latter. Up to sevenBlack Phoebeswere presentat Zum oneswere at HollomanL., Apr. 29 (RH). Some400 Long-billedCur- Apr. 7-May 26 (JT), and a nestwas observedMay 26 & 29 (TR) A lews at AnthonyMar. 28 (SW, BZ) were bothearly and a high count, GreatKiskadee was reported at RattlesnakeSprings May 8 (HM et al ), while w. of the usualrange was a bird at Zuni Apr. 7-11 (TR, JT). A for the 2nd and mostreliable report for the state.Only minimaldetails goodcount of MarbledGodwits was 30-50 at BosqueN.W.R., Apr. 27 have so far been received on this latest report, which remainsto be (RT), while also notablewere three at Zuni May 6 (JT). West of the thoroughlyevaluated. usualrange were singleWhite-rumped Sandpipers at Morgan L., May 23 (PL) and BosqueN.W.R., May 27 (WE et al.); also notablewere SWALLOWS THROUGH DIPPER -- Unusualwas a PurpleMartin eightBaird's Sandpipers at Zuni May 5-7 (JT). The first well-substanti- Apr. 25 at Tesuque(JD), wherea vagrantat best.Lower than usual was ated report of Buff-breastedSandpiper for the state was of one at a Clark's Nutcrackernear the Gila Cliff DwellingsMay 5 (BH, BR) BosqueN.W.R., May 26 (PL,fide R. Edens,Jr.). The only Red-necked AmericanCrows fledgedyoung in the Belen area in late May (WH), Phalaropereported was a singlebird at Zuni May 7 (JT). while other peripheral reports of the specieswere of three near E1

Volume 38, Number 5 945 Pueblo,San Miguel Co., May 2 (JH) and 11 on Blue Cr., GrantCo., SocorroMay 17 (PB). Up to sevenE. Meadowlarkswere at Zuni Apr. 7- May 29-30 (BH). Six nestsof ChihuahuanRavens near Belen contained May 28 (JT); one was at SocorroMay 2 (PB) and a flock was present eggsand/or small young May 16 (R. Precek).Numbers of Black-capped throughthe periodin s. Dona Ana County(BZ)--both beinglocalities andMountain chickadees were only 20% ashigh as those of 1983in the where the speciesis infrequentlyreported. Out-of-place Great-tailed Belen areathis period, with a total of only sevenpairs located (WH). Gracklesincluded two at Dulce May 5 (DS), four nearCaprock Apr. 15 Three Bridled Titmice were in the Caballo L. area Mar. 3 (KZ et al.) & (PIet al.), threenear the Gila Cliff DwellingsMay 5 (BH, BR), andone May 13 (RH), furthersuggesting the presenceof a residentpopulation onthe McGregor Range, Otero Co., Apr. 10(RH); likelybreeding birds there.One-to-two Winter Wrenswere present near Bosque, Valencia includedup to six at Zuni Apr. 24-May 25 (TR, JT) and 10 at Aragon Co., Apr. 14 & 19(WH), for theonly reports for theperiod. One-to-two Apr. 8 (JH). CommonGrackles were again at Zuni, with sevenon Apr. Am. Dipperswere present at Zuni, with an activenest there May 23-29 8 (JT). East of the usualrange were BronzedCowbirds in Dona Ana (TR, JT); this is the first positivebreeding record for the area. County,one at LasCruces May 22 & 27 (EW) andanother at Duifing's FarmMay 12 (BZ, SW); the latter,a female,was photographed and was THRUSHES THROUGH WAXWINGS -- A Swainson's Thrush apparentlyof the w. race, loyei. West of the usualrange was an ad. c• wassinging in AlbuquerqueMay 26 (WH, PL), whichwas unusual. OrchardOriole at Aguirre Springs,Organ Mts., May 29 (Y. Medina, MigrantGray Catbirdsin areaswhere infrequently reported were one- BZ). A c• "Baltimore"(N.)Oriole wasat Bitter Lake N.W.R., May 10 to-twoat Zuni May 23-24 (JT) andin s. DonaAna County Apr. 30 (SW, (HM et al.), for the only springreport of this race. Notable Scott's BZ). A N. Mockingbirdwas at about8200' in theSandia Mts., andthe Oriole recordsincluded two-plus at Los AlamosMay 5-31 (M. Lewis) specieswas more common than usual in thefoothills of thatrange in the and singlemales at CorralesMay 5 (WE) and BosqueApr. 29 (WH). spring(HS). Therewere two Bendire'sThrashers Apr. 10 nearCotton A flock of RosyFinches--form(s) not specified--lingeredon Sandia City (JH), wherelocal. A fledglingCurve-billed Thrasher at Glenwood Peak at leastuntil Mar. 31 (B. Steel). Red Crossbillsobviously bred at Apr. 29 (B. McKnight)was early, and a nestat Owen'sFarm, March to severalstations in the state,although no nestsor very smallyoung were May, wasone of the few recentones in thatarea of s. DonaAna Co. reported;localities where adults and streakedjuveniles were seen were (BZ). CedarWaxwings were relativelywidespread in the period,in- the Zuni Mts. (i.e., Zuni and Cottonwood Gulch) May 19-28 (A. cludinge. to Claytonand s. to the Texasline (v.ob.). McCallum, JT), SandiaMts. in CienagaCanyon May 21 (HS), andthe BurroMts., May 10 (BZ, KZ). Five or morepairs of PineSiskins nested VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS -- A northerlyreport of Bell's in Albuquerquein the spring(WH), but apparentnonbreeders lingered Vireo was of one at BosqueN.W.R., May 27, while fledglingswere in severalareas into late May--including Clayton (AK), Zuni (JT), seenin GuadalupeCanyon May 19 (WHet al.). A detailedrecord of a Roswell(PL), andSan Simon Cienega OH). AmericanGoldfinches also Black-cappedVireo at RattlesnakeSprings May I l (G. Parker)was the lingeredin severalareas into late May, includingmost notably at Zuni first reportfor New Mexico. Surveysfor Gray Vireosin the Glenwood (TR, JT) and RattlesnakeSprings (PL). Three EveningGrosbeaks at arearevealed at least 11 birdsApr. 10-19 (D. McKnigh0, and at least Kirtland,San Juan Co., May 23 (PL) werelate for thatlow a site,while two were still presentMay 20-21 (JH). A Yellow-throatedVireo was the lastat SantaFe wereMay 12 (JH) andthe only oneat Zuni wasApr. presentnear Bosque,Valencia Co., May 16 (WH), while three Red- 7 (JT). Montanerecords of the speciesincluded three in theSandia Mts. eyedswere reported in the Rio GrandeValley May 12-25 (BZ et al.). on Mar. 3 and35 on May 12 (PI et al.), and 10 in the SacramentoMts., NortherlyLucy's Warblers included one-to-two near Bernardo Apr. 14 May 9 (HM et al.). & May 24 (WH) andat ThreeRivers, Otero Co., Apr. 10 (RH). Reports of the lesscommon warblers in the periodincluded seven Am. Redstarts ADDENDUM -- Received late was an extraordinarybut well-de- May 16-25 and nine N. WaterthrushesApr. 29-May 25, plus a few tailed report of five-plus Cassin's Kingbirds arounda beehivenear Tennessee and Black-and-white warblers and N. Pamlas (v.ob.). Redrock, Grant Co., Dec. 10, 1983 (S. Williams III et al.). Among the real rarities were a Cape May Warbler at Bitter Lake N.W.R., May 2 (K. Wood) and a probableLouisiana Waterthrush-- INITIALED CONTRIBUTORS -- Pat Basham, Jim Dominic, Jeff whichwould furnish only the 2ndrecord for the state--atOwen's Farm Donaldson(JDo), William Eley, Kim Falzone, Ralph Fisher, Bruce May 7 (BZ). Also notablewere a Chestnut-sidedWarbler at CochitiL., Hayward,Randy Hill, William Howe, JohnHubbard, Pat lnsley,Adolf May 17 (BL, W. Turner), a Worm-eatingWarbler in s. Dona Ana Krehbiel,Paul Lehman,Burt Lewis, Hugh McGuinness,Doris Miller, CountyApr. 10 anda Kentuckythere May 26 (BZ et al.), an Ovenbird TerrenceRhoades, Bill Rogers,Hart Schwarz,Dale Stahlecker,Ross s. of SantaFe May 10-11 (C. Schaafsma),a PaintedRedstart at Bosque Teuber, JohnTrochet, ScottWilson, EleanorWootten, Barry Zimmer, N.W.R., Apr. 29 (WE), andfour HoodedWarblers in the Rio Grande Kevin Zimmer; v.ob. stands for "various observers."--JOHN P. Valley Apr. 20-May 30 (BZ et al.). HUBBARD, 2016 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, NM 87501. TANAGERS THROUGH EMBERIZINE FINCHES -- A Hepatic Tanagerwas reported May 13 at Espanola(PI et al.), wherea straggler at best. A c• N. Cardinal near Mesilla, Dona Ana Co., Mar. 24 (RH et al.) wasout-of-range. Early-breeding Pyrrhuloxias were feeding young at Las CrucesMay 7, with a nestwith an egg thereMay 22 (EW). At least15 Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were reported over the stateApr. 29- May 29 (v.ob.). An apparenthybrid Indigo x Lazulibunting was at Zuni May 23-26 (TR, JT). Up to eight Varied Buntingswere in Guadalupe CanyonMay 19 (WE, WH), while a PaintedBunting near Caprock, s.e. of RoswellApr. 29 (RH) was somewhatout-of-range. Single Dickcis- selswere at SantaFe May 14-16 (PI) and RattlesnakeSprings Apr. 23 (J. Egbert).Unusual for springwere two singingCassin's Sparrows at Cochiti L., May 9 (WE) and a Rufous-cmwnedSparrow at El Pueblo May 2 (JH). Rather late was an Am. Tree Sparrow at Bitter Lake N.W.R., Apr. 14 (PI et al.), while the only Clay-coloredsacceptably reportedwere up to threesinging in s. Dona Ana CountyApr. 20-May 30 (BZ et al.). SongSparrows lingered at Bernardo(WH, S. Zack) and MangasSpring, Grant Co. (RF) untilMay 6, whilevery latewas one at Zuni May 23--with a singingSwamp Sparrow there the nextday (JT)! One Golden-crownedSparrow was at GlenwoodMar. 1-3 (R. Skaggs) and two werethere Apr. 20 (E. Estes),while the only Harris' Sparrow reportwas at Socorro(PB).

ICTERIDS THROUGH CARDUELINES -- A c• Bobolink was at Anna's Hummingbird/Drawingby Hillat 3' Hulen

946 American Birds, Septcmber4Dctober1984 ALASKA REGION season.Up to five 9-plumagedSmews were present at Shemyathe last /D. D. Gibson week of May (DWS et al.), and up to three(May 24) were seenat Attu. Widely-separatedpairs of Ruddy Duckswere reported: on the e. Cop- per R. Delta May 15 (BC); on the Yukon-KuskokwimR. Delta May 31 Spring 1984 was generallycold and late throughoutthe Region. (JIH); and at Yarger L., e. of Tok Jet., June 13 (PI). The speciesis Arrivaltiming of migrantsin muchof Alaskasouth of theBrooks Range casualanywhere in Alaska. wasa mixedbag. however,with mostspecies late or at the lateend of normal,but with manyearly exceptions.It wasa springof manyexcit- EAGLES TO RAILS -- In 1984White-tailed Eagles did notbreed at ing records,including one new species for Alaska.Because of circum- the 1982-1983 nestsite at Attu; only one bird, an adult, was seenin the stancesof timing and locality, it was inferredthat severalinteresting areain May andJune. A G Eurasian KestreI at Attu June3-4 provided recordsof Palearcticbirds this spring were of individualsreturning north Alaska's5th (2nd spring)record. An Am. Coot at AnchorageApr. 24 after winteringin North America, not individualsreaching Alaska as through at least May I (MH, TGT) was the only one reportedthis direct migrantsfrom Asia. These birds (see Common Black-headed season,although, as an indicatorof otherprairie-displaced birds, this Gull, SiberianAccentor, Brambling) either accompanied Nearctic con- specieswas widely sought. genersor Nearcticspecies whose habits or migrationtiming were similar to their own. SHOREBIRDS -- Four Corn. Greenshanksarrived at Attu May 21 (m.ob.), and up to four were seenat ShemyaMay 24-25 (DWS et aLL oneat St. PaulMay 26-29 (fWER) wasa casualvisitant in thePribilofs; andone greenshank observed at GainbellMay 31-June I (LJ, •'JLDet al.) provided the northernmostAlaska record and the first from St. Lawrence I. Two Greater Yellowlegs at St. Paul May 13-14 (WER) wereout of place.Two SpottedRedshanks at Attu May 23 & one May 26 were of interest;this speciesis knownto be regularin springat no other location in Alaska. Wood Sandpipersoccurred in low numbersin thew. Aleutiansthis spring--maximum 18 + on May 26 at Attu•ut at leastthree displaying birds remained on territorythere, wherethe spe- cieshad bred in the past,through the observers'departure on June9. A SolitarySandpiper studied in greatdetail at St. Paul June 11 - 12(•'JLD et al.) provideda first sightingfor this specieson any of the BeringSea islands. Curlewswere well reported.Both Whimbrel subspecies that occur m Alaskawere seenthis springat St. Paul, which is off themain migration pathsof either:two variegatusMay 24-26 (fWER) anda lonehudsoni- cusJune 9 (•-JLD et al.). There arevery few recordsof Nearctichudson- icuson any of the BeringSea islands.One Bristle-thighedCurlew was seenat WomensBay, Kodiak, May I I (RAM & JBA), andup to six/day wereseen May 16-23 at MiddletonI., Gulf of Alaska(ECM), wherethe speciesis a regularspring migrant. Single Bristle-thigheds were seen May 15 & 28 at St. Paul (•'WER), wherethe speciesis very rare;one observedat Attu May 17 (TGT et al.) provideda first recordfor that islandand only the 3rd for the w. Aleutians.Single Far Eastern Cur- lews wereobserved at Attu May 21 (NSP) andat St. Paul May 27-JuneI (•'WER). This speciesis a very rarevisitant in Alaska. SingleBlack-tailed Godwits were notedat ShemyaMay 21 (RAW) andat Attu May 22-23. EarliestHudsonian Godwits were reported Apr. 28 at Palmer(RLS); they werefollowed by a goodpassage in SC andC Alaska. A flock of 13 Marbled Godwitsat Kalsin Bay, Kodiak, May 1 (RAM. DWS) and one at WomensBay May I I (RAM, JBA) were the WATERFOWL -- Two TrumpeterSwans at Kodiak Apr. 15-23 only reportsthis spring,on time. A Great Knot accompanyinga Surf- (•'RAM, '•JBA et al.) providedthe first recordfor that archipelago.A bird at the Nome R. mouthMay 29 (•'JLD et al.) furnishedthe 10th collaredTrumpeter Swan at FairbanksApr. 30 ('•BAA) provedmost substantiatedAlaska record,the 3rd at that very location.One Little interesting.Collared Aug. I 1, 1983, at Minto Lakes,w. of Fmrbanks, Stint was closely observedat Gambell May 31 (•'JLD et al.). The thebird was also carrying a transmitter.It hadspent winter 1983-1984 in Alaskarecords of thisbird, all recent,are no doubtrelated to itsbreeding n.w. Washington,had been seen at Delta Cr., Alaska,Apr. 16, andon in recentyears at the tip of the ChukotskPen. (see Tomkovichand May 5, still transmitting,it wason a nestat Minto Lakes(RJK). A Spot- Sorokin 1983, "The bird fauna of easternChukotka." in: Flint and billed Duck studiedwell at Adak I., c. Aleutians,Mar. 25 (•'CFZ et al.) Tomkovich [eds.], Distribution and systematicsof birds, Publ. Moscow providedonly the 4th Alaskarecord. The onlyCinnamon Teal reported University).Gray-tailed Tattler, Com. Sandpiper,and Rufous-necked, this springwas a male at JuneauMay 16 (RJG). Three G Gadwalls Temminck's,and Long-toed stints were all accountedfor in smallnum- togetherat PrudhoeBay June I I (DDG et al.) establishedthe 4th n. bersin the w. Aleutiansthis spring.A 9 Wilson's Phalaropewas Alaskarecord of thespecies. A GEur. Wigeonat KodiakApr. I (RAM) observedat the MendenhallWetlands, Juneau, May 20 (MWS), and a was record-earlythere; maximumat Kodiak was six males Apr. 23 pair was observedwith Red-neckedsat the Valdez sewagetreatment (RAM, JBA); elsewhere,maximum was 22 at Attu May 26. Common plantJune 6 (GJT). This speciescontinues to be a casualspring visitant Pochardswere widespreadin smallnumbers in the c. andw. Aleutians: with no evidenceof breeding. threearrived at Attu May 16 and maximumthere was five May 20; two femaleswere seenat ShemyaI., May 24-26 (DWS, GVB, JLT); and a GULLS TO SWIFTS -- CommonBlack-headed Gulls werepresent male andtwo femaleswere at Adak May 28 (CFZ et al.). Canvasbacks, in theusual small numbers in the Aleutiansand Bering Sea: single adults Redheads,and Ring-neckedDucks were widely reportedin C Alaska at Attu May 18-June7 (TGT et al.), up to 10 at ShemyaMay 24-26 thisspring; of thesespecies, Canvasback occurred in impressivenum- (DWS et al.), one adult at Gambell May 29 (ST et al.), and an adult at bers,maximum reported was a flock of 117 at FairbanksMay 4 (DDG), St. Paul June 11 OLD et al.). A first-summerCom. Black-headedGull andit wasrecorded as far w. asSt. PaulI., Pribilofs(three May 12-15• at YargerL., Mile 1256Alaska Hwy, June15 (*DDG) wasthought to be WER), and KotzebueSound (pair at DeeringMay 30•JDW). Tufted a bird tha! had arrived in C Alaska with the local-breederBonaparte's Duckswere alsopresent in smallnumbers in the Aleutians;up to 12 at Gullswith whichit was observedfeeding. There is no previousAlaska Adak from March to mid-April (CFZ et al.) was the maximumthis record of this Asiatic bird away from the seacoast.A 2nd-summer

Volume 38, Number 5 947 CaliforniaGull was seenApr. 28 at Anchorage(DWS, TGT et al.). CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS (SUB-REGIONAL EDI- whichcontinues to be a tbcalpoint for thisspecies w. of SE Alaska.A TOR IN BOLDFACE), ABBREVIATIONS -- [UnattributedAttu Is- N. Saw-whetOwl observedat Palmer May 28 (MTB, DO) wasthe first land observationsare by ATTOUR (L.G. Balch,T.G. Tobish,N.S. suggestionthat this species'range extendsN of Anchorage.Two Proctor,T.L. Savalojaet al.)] J.B. Allen, B.A. Anderson,R.H. Arm- White-throatedNeedletails observed at closerange and at lengthat strong,M.T. Bronson.G.V. Byrd,B. Conant,L.L. Curgus,R.H. Day, Attu May 24 and singlesMay 25 & 27 (PI, tTGT et al.) thmishedthe J.L. Dunn, R.J. Gordon,M. Heller, D.R. Herter,J.I. Hodges,P. 3rdAlaska record, all fromthe Near Is., andall in the4th weekof May. Isleib,L. Jonsson,B. Kessel.R.J. King,R.A. Macintosh,P.D. Martin, B. Mickelson,E.C. Murphy, D. Owens,N.S. Proctor,B. Roberts, OLD WORLD WARBLERS THROUGH ACCENTOR -- An esti- W.E. Rodstrom,R.L. Scher,M.W. Schwan,D.W. Sonnebom,G.J. mated25 Lanceolated Warblers (Locustellalanceolata) observed at Tans,S. Tingley,T.G. Tobish,J.L. Trapp,J.D. Walters,J.S. Wee- Attu June4-9 (TGT et al., ph.*) constitutedthe first Alaskarecord of den,R.B. Weeden,E.R. Whitney,R.A. Wood,D.A. Woodby,C.F. this Asiatic species,which is a commonbreeder as close to us as Zeillemaker;?details on file U.A.M.; ph. photograph{s)on file Kamchatka,the Kurile Is., and n. Japan.Many weresinging birds on U.A.M.; *specimenat U.A.M.--D.D. GIBSON, Universityof Alas- territory, and at least one was seencarrying nesting material, but all ka Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99701. movedon by late Junewithout breeding. Two d Red-breastedFly- catchersarrived at Attu May 25, anotherwas seenthere June 5, and singlemales were seen at ShemyaMay 26 & 27 (DWS, GVB); therehad been4 priorAlaska records. all since1977. A Gray-spottedFlycatcher May 25 at Attu was alsorecord-early; maximum was two May 27 at Attu, when one was seenat Shemya(DWS) also. Two SiberianRubythroats at Attu May 27 andtwo morethere June 8 providedthis spring's records of thespecies. A d Bluethroatat Deering May 27 (•JDW) wasone day off the arrivalrecord {see AB 37:903); NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION singlepassage males were singing at Gambell May 29 & 30 OLD etal. ). /David Fix MountainBluebirds were newsworthy on 2 fronts.At leasteight were recordedin the Fairbanksarea, wherethe speciesis a casualspring Spring1984 in theRegion was characterized by mild,moist weather visitant,Apr. 18-24(m.ob.), andone male was seen briefly on a year- whichserved to groundwaves of passetines.This effectwas most old bum w. of FairbanksMay 24 (RHA). Elsewhere,a lone d' Mountain noticeableApril 13-18and April 24-26. Migrationthrough interior Bluebird observedat Middleton 1., May 20-21 (ECM, BR) was an valleyswas noted as excellent in manyareas. Coastal migrations were amazingat-sea record--to my knowledgethe first bluebird ever record- t•dr-to-poor,with numbers of somecommon species dramatically low ed on Alaska's Pacific seacoast. A Townsend's Solitaire at Fairbanks onshore.Western Oregon hosteda record invasionof Black-necked Mar. 8-10 (BM, DAW, DRH) and, someweeks later, in songin the Stilts,while the entire Region saw a generallyearly arrival of summer- samearea through Apr. 13 (m.ob.) wasprobably a bird thathad win- ing landbirds. terednot far away. A t•w Eye-browedThrashes were seen at Agattu (CFZ, JLT) andAttu May 25-28; a DuskyThrash at AgattuMay 31 ABBREVIATIONS-- N.J.C.R. = northjetty of theColumbia R., (JLT, CFZ) was the only one recordedthis season. Wash.;S.J.C.R. = southjetty of the ColumbiaR., Oreg.;V.I. = Vancouver Island, B.C.

s.go Accompanyingone of the first smallflocks of Am. Tree Spar- rows andjuncos to arrive in the Fairbanksarea this spring,a Siberian Accentor at a seed feeder in Ester astounded observers early on Apr. 17 (•DDG, •RHD, ?PDM). Providingthe first inlandrecord of the speciesin Alaska,this Asiatic bird, like the AnchorageBrambling (q.v.), doubtlesshad winteredin the New World. It was not seenagain.

SHRIKES THROUGH FINCHES -- A Brown Shrike seenbriefly at AttuJune 4 wasAlaska's 4th. An Ovenbirdsinging vigorously in aspen woodlandnear Fairbanks May 31 (RBW, JSW, BK, DDG) provided Alaska's2nd recordthis century(see AB 36:208). The elusivebird was apparentlypresent in thatarea for weeks,since it washeard again all day June11 (JSW), but not subsequently.Few RusticBuntings were seen thisspring; arrival date was May 25 (late)at bothAttu andShemya, and maximum was eight at Shemyathe sameday (GVB, DWS). Smith's Longspurson the Canning R., N Alaska, May 24 (ERW) were on W•lopa schedule.Like spring1983, spring1984 wasnot a 'finch season'in the Aleutians.One Bramblingat Attu May 21-22 (TGT et al.) and five at ShemyaMay 24 (DWS et al.) werethe only onesrecorded. A IEmaleat GainbellMay 31 (JLD et al.) anda malethere June 2 (LJ) providedthe o 5th recordthere. A d' Bramblingwith migrantSavannah, Golden- crowned,and White-crowned sparrows in an Anchorageyard at inter- valsall day May 13 (tLLC) wasundoubtedly a bird thathad wintered in NorthAmerica, where scattered individuals were reported from Califor- nia to Minnesotain winter 1983-1984. (None was reportedm Alaska thispast winter.) White-winged Crossbills were common and breeding in C Alaska this season,and Redswere numerousin SE Alaska;cross- bills wereessentially absent at Kodiakthis period, however. A single LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Arctic Loons stagedtheir usual PineSiskin observed with redpollsat GainbellJune 4 (JLD et al.) was concentrationaround Active Pass, s. British Columbia, with 650-800 St. LawrenceIsland's 2nd and, indeed,only the 2nd recordedfor all of thereApr. 7-19 (J & RS, M & VG). Northwardpassage of Arcticsoff w. Alaska! Oregonbeaches continued through the end of the period(m.ob.). Fol-

948 AmericanBirds, SeptembersOctober 1984 lowinglast wlnter's 14+_ Yellow-billedLoons, five were seenMar 6- in theOregon Cascades In additionto onereport each of a few birdsin 24 in s. BritishColumbia and n. Washington.The winteringbird at theHood R., McKenzieR., andupper Willamette R. drmnagesm April YaquinaBay, Oreg.,remained until late April (VT et al. ). EaredGrebes (v.ob.), an ad. femalewas found May 28 onthe headwaters of DeerCr, wereseen in the usualsmall numbers, with theexception of a flock of Yamhill Co., on the e. slopeof the n. OregonCoast Range (TL, fide nine on MearesL., at Tillamook Bay, Oreg., Mar. 30 (HN). Western HN), an areawhere the speciesis practicallyunknown. Six Oldsquaws Grebeswere reported in low numberstypical of thepast 10 yearsin the thatwintered at YaquinaBay remained until late April, theonly concen- s half of the Region.This contrastedwith the raft of 6000 on Saanich trationin Oregon(m.ob.). Inlet, V.I., Mar. 12 (VG). A light-phase"Clark's" W. Grebewas on the ColumbiaR., near Skamokawa,Wash., Apr. 11 (PAR), and one VULTURES THROUGH CRANES -- Reportsof Turkey Vultures wasfound inland on the sewageponds at ForestGrove, Oreg., Apr. 25 mentionedmostly pairs and singlesfrom many locationsMar. 3 + (DI, JGi). Dark-phasebirds greatly outnumber"Clark's" in the Therewas little concertedmovement apparent this spring. All reports Region. indicatethat populations of Ospreysin theRegion continue to thrive.As Wahl'sboat trip out of Westport,Wash., May 6 encounteredlow expected,only a few Black-shoulderedKites lingeredinto the season numbersof most species.Forty-four Black-footed Albatrosses were Singleswere at FinleyN.W.R., s. of Corvallis,Oreg., Apr. 22 (B seen, and no N. Fulmars. The 44 Pink-footed Shearwaterswas also Altman,fide EE), and on LeadbetterPt., Wash., May 31 (RW). A below average.Two Flesh-footedShearwaters were found. The 6224 modestnumber continued resident in TillamookCounty, Oreg., with a SootyShearwaters off Westportand 4000 atthe S.J.C.R., May 25 (HN) pairprobably nesting again at the Tillamookairport (HN et al. ). Num- were near expectedtotals. However, "perhapsa million or more" bersof thesmaller accipiters were normal, and a typicalcount of nineN SootiesMay 12just off the S.J.C.R. (RS,fide HN) wasa highspring Goshawkswas seen.An imm. goshawkcaptured a crow at the Tilla- concentrationfor this favoredlocation. The only storm-petrelsnoted mookdump Mar. 24 (DIet al.). The usualfew residentRed-shouldered this seasonwere 24 Fork-tailedsout of Westport(TW), and a single Hawkswere noted on the s. Oregoncoast. However, one in theCoqmlle Leach's seenMar. 17 in Canadianwaters s. of Victoria(KT, J. Wilson). Valley Mar. 24 (JGa)was farther n. thanthe speciesis generallysus- Brown Pelicansreturned early once again.Two were at Tillamook pectedto breed.Aside from numerous and scattered s. V.I. reports(ftde BayMay 19 (JK,fide DI), andfour were at nearbyNetarts Bay May 21 VG), only a few Golden Eagles were seen. Two near McMinnville, (JK). One of the Great Blue Heron coloniesnear Eugene,Oreg., was Oreg., in lateMarch werenear last year's nesting location, and one was aboutto be displacedby graveldredging--an important threat to ripar- seenharassed by a Red-tailedHawk overCentralia, Wash., Mar. 17 (J •ansites in theWillamette Valley (DF). A countof 66 GreatEgrets was Skriletz).About 17 PeregrineFalcons were seen, slightly fewer than is tallied Mar. 24 in the CoquilleValley s.e. of CoosBay, Oreg. (JGa). now expected.A Gyrfalconin Vancouver,B.C., Mar. 2 (T. Plath) Thepresence of a GreatEgret near the huge Bachelor I., Wash.,heronry constitutedthe only reportfor the period. in lateApril wasintriguing (HN); thisspecies is presentlyonly a casual EightSoras calling from a marshnear Tillamook May 12 (DIet al ) breederin the Region.Two SnowyEgrets in the RogueR. Valley at was a surprisingcount for a coastallocation. Bizarre, but believable, Medford, Oreg., May 11 were out of place(OSw), but the Snowy at wasa Sorasitting atop an outdoorphone kiosk at 6020' in CraterLake BowermanBasin on Grays Harbor, Wash., Apr. 22 (M. Hatheway)was N.P., Apr. 27, surroundedby 10-ft snowbanks(J. Bartl). Sandhill trulysurprising. Three Black-crowned Night-Herons on the Skagit Flats Cranespeaked at 1100on Mar. 3 on SauvieI., Oreg.(fide HN). A flock GameRange, n. Wash., Mar. 11 may havebeen wintering birds noted of 300 spentApr. 14-22near Neah Bay, Wash., andApr. 14 a flockof earlierin the year(fide PM). The immaturethat wintered at Reifel Ref., 93 crossedthe Strait of Juan de Fuca from Neah Bay into s. British near Vancouver,B.C., was last reportedMar. 28 (refugestaff, fide Columbia(C. Commeree).Two pairswere nesting by period'send on MF). PorcherI., s.w. of PrinceRupert, n. B.C., for a newRegional breeding site (Mr. & Mrs. Ostrom). WATERFOWL -- The bulk of the wintering Tundra Swans had departedby the end of March(v.ob.), but one adult lingered until at least SHOREBIRDS-- The 500 Black-belliedPlovers in dairy pastures late May w. of Florence,Oreg. (BC et al.). The BaineyL., Wash., nearTillamook Apr. 24 wasthe high countfor the Regionthis spnng TrumpeterSwans had left by mid-March(DP). GreaterWhite-fronted (DI). LesserGolden-Plovers made an exceptionalshowing. Possibly 12 Geesewere widely reported this season. Evidence suggests that many occurredin WashingtonApr. 21-May 25, five beingP.d. fulva (G & flockstravel from the interiorNW acrossthe s. WillametteValley, WH, DP, RW, J. O'Connell), andeight to 12 werein n. coastalOregon, thenceN up the outerOregon and Washington coasts. Nehalem Bay at leastone being assigned tofulva (fide HN). Sevenwere in pastures near Tillamookhosted 315 on Apr. 28 (VT), and hundredspassed nearTillamook Apr. 25 (DI, JGi et al.), a magneticlocation for large Ocean Shores,Wash., Apr. 21-29 (DP). Three birds late at the plovers.One at BoundaryBay, Delta, B.C., Apr. 29 (BK) was a rare S J C.R., May 31 "appearedto be TuleGeese" (HN). A BeanGoose at springsighting for theVancouver area. Up to threeSnowy Plovers were NlsquallyN.W.R., nearOlympia, Wash., from Marchuntil at least seenin April and May at CatalaSpit, OceanShores, Wash., their n Apr 6 (B. Harrington-Tweitet al.) was consideredan escapee.A limit for breedingon the Pacific Coast(PM et al.). subad.Ross' Goose stayed May 2-6 at BurnabyL., B.C., for only the 3rd Vancouverarea record (?J & HM, ?MF et al.). An EmperorGoose wasat Sandspit,Queen Charlotte Is., B.C., Mar. 2 (M. Morris), and one wasat RaceRocks, Metchosin, V.I., Apr. 19 (P. Griffiths).The Thespring of 1984will beremembered by w. Oregonobserv- lmm. Emperorthat wintered in Portland,Oreg., parks remained through ersas the season Black-necked Stilts invaded. A few stiltsstrag- theperiod, as several such individuals have done in therecent past (DIet gle moreor lessregularly into the areain springand early fall. al ) CanadaGeese of varyingorigin breed locally throughoutthe Re- Thisyear, however, was exceptional. Between Apr. 14and May glon. The first of 4 nestsat Ft. Lewis, Wash., hadhatched out by Apr. 4 about120-130 birds appeared, at 11 locationsbetween Med- 17 (J. Beall, fide TB), while the first youngwere noted May 4 on fordand Tillamook (m.ob.). The largestconcentrations were 40 MetchosinLagoon, V.I. (N. Marcus). at Fern Ridge Res., w. of EugeneApr. 17 (SH, DI, DF), 38 at Seven'Eurasian' Green-winged Teal werefound, aboutaverage for MedfordApr. 17, with 19 therethe previousday (OSw), 17 at the springperiod. A strongly-markedhybrid c• Eur. x Am. Green- HelmickS.P., PolkCo., Apr. 14 (D. Bucy,fideEE), andeight wingedTeal wasat StewartPond, Eugene, Oreg., Apr. 29 (BC, ?DF, onSauvie I., Apr. 15(DR). A singlebird at TillamookApr. 28- ?SH). About 14 c• Eur. Wigeonwere scatteredthrough the Region, May 2 (DIet al.) wasthe only onereported from the coast.The withthe last one in VictoriaMay 5 (VG). A hybridEur. x Am. Wigeon lonesighting for Washington was of threenear Stanwood, Skagit wasthere as well May 3-4 (J & RS). An ad. c• Tufted Duck was Co., Apr. 17(C. Evans).Perhaps surprisingly, none was report- discovered3.7 mi n.w. of Coquille, CoosCo., Oreg., Mar. 11 (?G. ed afterMay 4. Somewere in plausiblebreeding habitat, al- Keller, LT) for the 4th staterecord. Reinforcing the thoughtthat the thoughmost were found in seasonallywet fields.It seemsrea- ColumbiaGorge may be an importantinland station for GreaterScaup sonable to correlate their incursion with record floodwater levels wasthe reportof 150 at StarvationCreek S.P., e. of CascadeLocks, in the n. Great Basin. Oreg., Mar. 25 (DA). HarlequinDucks are scarce and elusive breeders

Volume 38, Number 5 949 The only Am Avocet was at Medford May 9-15 (OSw) Solitary andother aberrant possibilities All featuresnoted on theRichmond bird Sandpiperswere nearlyroutine in Oregon.At least 16 were found, with are consistentwith a typical "Kumhen's", includinglight barringon as many as sevennear Banks,w. of Portland,on severaldates (JGa et the tertials,inner greater secondary coverts, and undertail coverts; high, al ). Four to six on s. V.I., andthree in the Vancouver,B.C., area(fide roundedhead shape; bill size and shape;and marked extension of wing- VG, DK), broughtthe Regionaltotal to morethan 23 birds.The Willet tipsbeyond tail. This is the2nd photographically-documented record of that winteredat Ediz Hook, Wash., was seento Apr. 3 (DS). Two thisform for BritishColumbia, coming on theheels of a first-winterbird Walletswere at BowermanBasin, Grays Harbor, Apr. 26 (DH, ER), and foundat the Vancouverlandfill earlier this year. two were a surpriseat MedfordApr. 30 (OSw). Twelve Long-billed FourSabine's Gulls out of WestportMay 6 (TW) werethe only ones Curlewswas an above-averagecount for spring,and they were widely seen.Caspian Terns continue to do well in the Region.Following the scattered.Singles Apr. 8 in Vancouver,B.C. (MP) & May 21 at Iona I. first northboundarrival Mar. 23 at Bandon,Oreg. (MH, SH, DR), high (G Thomas)were rare locally, while one at Finley N.W.R., May 17 numbers were seen coastwise. Both Common and Arctic terns were in (SH, DR, MH) was early for an inlandlocation. lower than averagenumbers, although 18 Arcticswere encountered off A winter-plumagedBar-tailed Godwit at the S.J.C.R., Apr. 27 Westport,and a smallflock wasseen at theN.J.C.R., May 19 (BM) An (?HN) sustaineda vaguerecent pattern of West Coast-winteringBar- ArcticTern at GilbertBeach, Richmond, May 14 (MF) wasunusual for tinledsreturning N in spring.Single Marbled Godwits, unusual in spring the Vancouver area. in BritishColumbia, were on SeaI., May 14 (JI), at SaanichMay 16 (B. ThirteenMarbled MurreletsApr. 9 off West Pt. in Seattle(DB, DH) Whittington,KT), andon BlackieSpit Apr. 26 (W. Weber)and May 20 wasa high countthere. The only AncientMurrelets reported were three (D Jensen).The highcount for RuddyTumstones was of 200 at Ocean at ActivePass Apr. 7 (RS). Wahl termedthe 11 Cassin'sAuklets May 6 ShoresMay 13 (P. Evans,D. & L. Lindstrom).Red Knotswere consid- off Westport"pathetically low". Only sevenTufted Puffinswere at eredscarcer than usual this season at OceanShores (G & WH), possibly Cape Meares, Oreg., May 2, causingconcern about repeated poor owing to heavy use of nearbyWillapa Bay, where800 were counted showingsthere (HN). Many fewer thanusual were at nestrocks off Pt May 1 for the peaknumber reported (AR et al.). A Red Knot inlandat Grenville, Wash., in early May also (PM). Medford Apr. 30, and ten thereMay 11 (OSw) were unexpected.A SemipalmatedSandpiper at SaanichApr. 23 (?J& RS) andanother at OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Two Com. Barn-Owl PadillaBay, Wash., May 6 (•'S. Johnson)were detailed. About 13 were nestson s. V.I. were bothin broken-topdouglas-firs (MN et al.). The reportedfrom Iona I., B.C., May 6-30 (v.ob.), andfour at Leadbetter only SnowyOwl reportswere of singlesMar. 11 on theSkagit Flats, n Pt , WillapaBay, May 31 (RW). Bothare areas where the occurrence of Wash.(fide PM), andMar. 25 in Delta, B.C. (P. Yorke). A BarredOwl Semipalmatedshas beenwell demonstratedin the past. WesternSand- nestwas again found in Seattle'sDiscovery P. (DB), andanother indi- pipersconcentrated in favored Bowerman Basin on GraysHarbor, with vidualwas seen Apr. 22-May 7 on nearbyMercer I., in L. Washington 40,000 the last week of April beingfewer than usual(DP et al.). As (W. Crill et al.). Adultsseen in E. Sooke,V.I., all springwere thought expected,token Baird's Sandpipers showed up. Singleswere at Saanich to be nesting.There wereno Oregonreports for theperiod. Four Long- Apr. 30 (J & RS), at Finley N.W.R., Oreg., May 5 (J & RK,fide EE), earedOwls in w. WashingtonCounty, Oreg., in April andMay werein andon Iona I., May 15 (DA1). A PectoralSandpiper was at Iona I., May an areawhere poorly known (v.ob.). ACom. Poorwillroad-feeding in 20 andtwo werethere the followingday for the only reportsthis spring wetconifer forest just n. of Marblemount,n. Wash.,May 3 (?P. Stod- (fide DK). Most surprisingwas the Buff-breastedSandpiper at Lead- dard,S. Hiebert)was dramatically out of normalrange and habitat. The betterPt., May 31 (?RW), anunseasonal occurrence for anywherein the onlysightings of BlackSwift, asidefrom undetailed April reports,were West. A flock of 50 Long-billedDowitchers appeared briefly in Seattle of one at Queen Elizabeth P., Vancouver, B.C., May 15 (DA1), and May 12 before flying off high to the N (L. Stevens),274 were in eightat Langford,V.I., May 24 (RWm). The springflight of Vaux's Medford May 11 (OSw), and 30 were on Iona I., May 19 (JI). Swift was excellenteverywhere, "unprecedentedin bothnumbers and At least21 Wilson's Phalaropesappeared Apr. 30-May 29 (m.ob.). extent" on s. V.I. (VG), and"bundles of migrants"in Portland(DI) A Six at Tillamook Bay, May 28 (DF, DI, MK) was the high count.This few in Portland(TC) and 20 over Eugene(DF), bothApr. 13, were a above-averageshowing contrasted with thedearth of pelagicphalaropes few daysearly. A totalof 400 + wastallied May 9 on s. V.I., with 200 throughoutthe Region. Few Red-neckedPhalaropes were seen along the usingan Oak Bay chimney(fide VG). coastuntil lateMay. The boattrip outof WestportMay 6 foundonly 14 Twenty-threeAnna's Hummingbirdswere defendingterritories in (TW). No Red Phalaropeswere reported. DiscoveryP., Seattle,during early March (DH), andup to six were watchedon the Univ. of Victoria campusthrough the spring.A c• Costa'sHummingbird in PortlandMay 11 (JK,fide DI, HN) provided JAEGERSTHROUGH ALCIDS -- Two PomarineJaegers off West- aboutthe 12thOregon record. A c3Calliope Hummingbird at a Saamch portMay 6 (TW) anda dark-phasebird at YaquinaBay, Oreg., Apr. 18 feederApr. 27 wasonly the 4th for theVictoria area, and the first since (J Evanich,VT), alongwith two Parasiticspassing Ocean Shores May 1966 (M. Jamison,C. Blankendaal).This speciesis apparentlyunder- 25 (G & WH) madefor a poorshowing. Another Little Gull wasfound going a range expansioninto the lower mountainsof w. Oregon in the Region in spring,this time an adult Apr. 8 off OrcasI., in (m.ob.). A c3 Allen's HummingbirdMar. 23 in the lower Coqmlle Washington'sSan Juans(TW, ph.). Exemplifyinga generallypoor Valley s.e. of CoosBay was the northernmostone reported this season migrationalong the outer coast was the striking scarcity of Bonaparte's (MH, SH, DR). Underscoringthe virtual disappearanceof breeding Gullsin thes. one-halfof theRegion. They were seen only occasionally Lewis'Woodpeckers from the Region was the reported season's total of in Oregonand Washingtonuntil aboutMay 25. One hundredat Port just threebirds: singles on s. V.I., in Seattle,and at FinleyN.W R , Townsend,Wash., Apr. 14-15 may have been the largestgathering Oreg., all in mid-May.A "Red-naped"Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Apr onshorethere during mid-spring. Only two wereseen at OceanShores in April andMay (G & WH, DP). Yet in inlandwaters to then., 5000 were 28 at UpperTable Rock in theRogue Valley of s. Oregonfurnished a notablemigrant record (MR). seenat Active Pass,s. V.I., Apr. 7, and 300 were in Richmond,B.C., May 14 (MF). The anticipatedonshore N migrationof HerringGulls wasnoted on thecoast of Oregonand Washington, with 50 +/hr. flying FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- Two Olive-sided up SunsestBeach near the S.J.C.R., May 2 (DI, MK). Most ad. FlycatchersApr. 21 in Metchosin,V.I., wereslightly ahead of schedule Thayer'sGulls appeared to departin lateMarch, while immatures hung (KT). Hammond'sFlycatchers were more widely noted than ever in the on longer,with 24 still on SauvieI., Apr. 8 (DI). A few Thayer'sat lowlandsduring April andearly May passage,following the first bird OceanShores Apr. 29-May 6 werethe last ones noted (DP). The lastof Apr. 14 at Corvallis,Oreg. (EE). Arrivalwas generally 2-3 daysearly the34 + GlaucousGulls reported this spring was at OceanShores May Increasedawareness of Hammond'sdistinctive but easily-overlooked 25 (G & WH). DP remarks that there was clear evidence of a small call notehas probably caused an increasein reports,especially in the s coastwisemigration of Glaucousthere Apr. 25-May 6. WillametteValley, wheremore than 50 werelocated (v.ob.). The only A bird identified as a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull was discovered Mar. Dusky Flycatcherreported was near Yamhill, Oreg., May 18 (JGa) 10 at thelandfill on Lulu I., Richmond,B.C. (?MF ph., •'BK, T. Plath, Two Gray Flycatchersstrayed across the Cascades. One was in Corval- MP). The gull wasintimately described and thoroughly discussed, with lis, Oreg.,May 12 (?F. Ramsey,fideEE), andone was in SeattleMay convincingseparation made from abnormally-pigmentedThayer's Gull 28 (?DB) for the2nd w. Washingtonrecord. A W. Flycatchersinging

950 American Birds, September-October1984 onOrcas I, Wash,Apr 14(GJ, FS) was shghtly earlier than expected WAXWINGS THROUGH BUNTINGS -- Several Bohemian Oregon'snorthernmost known Black Phoebes persisted, with a pair WaxwingsMay 23 in Portlandwere very late (SJ,fide HN) Cedar underthe Hwy. 101bridge at Euchre Cr., CurryCo., May6 (BC,DF). Waxwings amved in most areas in mid-May, later than expected Thefirst of sevenSay's Phoebes this season was in SeattleMar. 11for (v.ob.). A singingN. Shrikein SeattleApr. 14 wasthe lastreported, KingCounty's earliest ever (DB). Western Kingbirds enjoyed a most althougha shrike(sp.) in n. coastalLane County, Oreg., Apr. 28 was remarkablesurge into the Region this spring, with reports of unusual late regardlessof species(DF). SolitaryVireos arrived slightly early, numbersand locationstoo numerousto list. At leasta dozenwere in w. with singlesat Corvallis,Oreg., Apr. 5 (EE), Langford,B.C., Apr 6 Washington,near-record numbers were found in muchof w. Oregon, (G. & T. Briggs),and Redmond, Wash., Apr. 11 (R. Rockle)being the andthere were six sightings at Vancouver,B.C., whereit is quiterare initial stateand provincial sightings. A WarblingVireo in EugeneApr (m oh.). 20 was ahead of schedule(DF). Returneeselsewhere were about on AlanMacLeod's Eur. Skylarksurvey on the Saanich Pen. of s. V.I. time. Red-eyedVireos arrivehere in late May andJune. Only one was totalled45 singinglarks at 18sites during the spring. This indicates an foundduring the period,in the MalahatLand Districtof V.I., May 26 approximatelystable population inthat area. Purple Martins were little (MN). noted,but seemed in normalnumbers atFern Ridge Res., w. of Eugene April sawa staggeringand protracted passage of Orange-crowned (v ob.). NorthernRough-winged Swallqws arrived about on timein Warblersthrough w.-c. Oregon(m.ob.). About 150 wereon Skinner mid-to-lateMarch, with the exception of a veryearly bird Mar. 10 at Butte,Eugene, Apr. 13, and225 weremassed there Apr. 26 (DF, SH) Qulck'sBottom, Saanich (KT). At leastfive BankSwallows were On Apr. 29, hugenumbers were encountered in coastal Oregon clear- found.One was at Nehalem, Oreg., May 9 (TC, HN), andone visited cuts,with flocks of up to 20 warblersswarming in thesalal everywhere Seattle'sMontlake Fill May 13(DB). Oneto three were at Iona I., May (BC, DF, SH). More than200 were in StanleyP., Vancouver,B C , 20-26(BK, MF et al.). A loneCliff Swallowat NisquallyN.W.R., May 8 (BK). NashvilleWarblers appeared slightly early and in good Wash.,Mar. 21 wasvery early so far n. (fidePM). Widespread arrival numbers.The firstwas in EugeneApr. 11(S. Gordon).Four were found tookplace 2-3 weekslater. in the Vancouver,B.C., area, threewere seenin lowlandw. Washing- JAYS THROUGH WAGTAILS -- Followinga major lowland- ton, and anotherthree were on the Oregoncoast where amongthe coastalincursion last fall, Steller'sJays made what may have been a scarcestregular warblers (v.ob.). SingleYellow Warblersat Vancou- returnshowing. Thirty-five were at one location in SaanichApr. 17 (L. ver, B.C., Mar. 29 (fide DK), at DungenessSpit on the n.e. Olympic Alexander),31 werein DiscoveryP., Seattle,Apr. 25 (DH), and48 Pen.,Apr. 8 (BM), andApr. 23 at Saanich(J & RS) wereearly. A pair werethere May 6 (DB).The Blue Jay that wintered at L. Sammamish, of 'Myrtle' Yellow-rumpedWarblers appeared to be buildinga nest Wash.,was last seen May 11 (B. Johnson),while the McMinnville, Apr. 29 on SidneyI., s.w.B.C. (TZ). Black-throatedGray Warblers Oreg.,bird disappeared after early March (TL). Thefall influxof alsoshowed up early, and in impressivenumbers. One in CorvallisApr MountainChickadees into the west-side lowlands also appeared to have 6 wasthe first reported (fide EE). A heavymovement of Black-throated an'echo' effect, with a revisitationof feederswidely noted in w. Oregon Grayswas noted by manyw. Oregonobservers in mid-April.About 80- (v ob.).Ten Bushtits May 10 at Hot Springs I., inthe Queen Charlotte 100 wereon SkinnerButte, Eugene, Apr. 17, and 110+ werethere Is , n.w.B.C.(E. Lofroth),were very far n., andmay have provided a Apr. 26 (DF, SH). Sevenwere seen on s. V.I., May 21 (RWm, A first Islandsrecord. A Bewick'sWren at Kitimat, B.C., Apr. 25 (P. MacLeod), near the n.w. limit of their breedingrange. Eighty Town- Ward)was also far n. of its knownrange in theprovince. Several send'sWarblers were on Skinner Butte Apr. 7, anda flockof 50 wasin a thousandRuby-crowned Kinglets massed on Tatoosh I., Wash.,Apr. yardon BainbridgeI., nearSeattle, May 13 (GG). The firstreturning 15(B. Paine).They were watched making short flights up and back at HermitWarblers were two in PortlandApr. 18(RS). An imm. $ Hermit dusk,preparing for nightmigratory flight. in EugeneApr. 7-21 hadprobably wintered there (DF et al.). A c3 WesternBluebirds appeared stable. Twenty-five pairs were settled at Black-and-whiteWarbler in OregonCity, Oreg.,Apr. 20 (tR. Fergus) Ft Lewis,Wash. (J. Beall,G. Walter).Single Mountain Bluebirds wasunexpected, especially so earlyin the season.A MacGillivray's wereon the Skagit Flats Mar. 31 (E. Smimov),at CadboroBay, Sa- Warblerin EugeneApr. 13 (SH) wasthe first reported. A Corn.Yel- amch,Apr. 22-25 (M & RM-Get al.), andat IonaI., Apr.23 (T. lowthroatMar. 23 nearCoquille, Oreg., was the first arrival noted (MH, Moore,R. Jones).The species is veryscarce at theselocations. The SH, DR). Arrival of Wilson'sWarblers was early in manyareas. One rapidsettlement ofclearcuts across much of the Region by Townsend's wasat LaPush, n.w. OlympicPen., Apr. 8 (M. Egger).On Apr. 16one Solitairescontinues, and probably contributes to theincrease in sight- wasat Olympia,Wash., for G & WH's earliestever there, ten were ingsof lowlandmigrants. High numbers were seen this season in par- foundin TillamookCounty, Oreg. (JGi et al., fide DI), andsingles were tlcular.A Veeryat Sequim on the n.e. Olympic Pen., May 21 (?D & SS) at CapeAlava, Wash. (GG) andin Saanich(J. Holt) aswell. wasa straggler.A few earlySwainsoh's Thrushes were detected as Two W. Tanagerson s. V.I., Apr. 15 werefirst arrivalsfor the usual,the firstbeing a birdat Philomath,Oreg., Apr. 8 (J & RK). Region(fide VG). A Black-headedGrosbeak in PortlandApr. 26 (M Duringthe night of May 18-19, 40-50 calls/minute were heard overhead Houck,fideHN) wasthe first reported. A LazuliBunting Apr. 15near inEugene (DF). Night calls were also heard over Portland May 22 (DI). GrantsPass., s. Oreg. (P. Lehman),was about10 daysearlier than Mostsurprising was a fully-fledgedjuvenile Am. RobinMar. 1 in expected.Accurate arrival dates for this species seem difficult to obtain downtownPortland (JGi, fide DI), productof anaberrant early nesting. The c3Dickcissel that spentthe winteron PugetI., s.w. Wash.,was A GrayCatbird at Pitt Meadows, near Vancouver, B.C., May 26 (BK, enjoyedby manybefore it waslast seenon Apr. 14 (G. Exum,C MF) continueda trend of increasedsightings at thispast breeding loca- Carver). tion.Only two N. Mockingbirdswere seen this season. The bird at the TwoBrewer's Sparrows were found: singles at Sauvie I., Oreg.,Apr Medford,Oreg., airport continued resident (OSw), and one was found 11(?HN), andatop Upper Table Rock, near Medford, Oreg., Apr 28 in PortlandMay 20 (OSc,fide HN). TheBrown Thrasher that wintered (?MR).A VesperSparrow on Sea I., Richmond,B.C. May20 (?J& nearColton, s.e. of Portland,was not observedafter Apr. 27 (K. HM) wasa rarity.The first arrival reported for Vesperwas Apr. 14near Cooper,fide HN). Eugene(SH). One singing on Cape Blanco, Oreg., May 7 waspart of The first-winterBlack-backed/White Wagtail that winteredat thehighly fragmented s.coastal population (BC, DF). A LarkSparrow CrockettL., WhidbeyI., Wash.,was seen often during April and was justn. of EagleCove, San Juan I., Apr. 26 furnishedthe 5th spnng lastreported May 5 (T. Weiret al.). Beginningin April,the bird recordfor w. Washington(GJ, FS). Black-throatedSparrows appear as underwentan incompletemolt in whichit acquiredpartial black on rare,irregular spring overshoots in the Region, mostly in w. Oregon throatand neck, a thinblack eyeline across a whiteface, a narrowwhite This seasonsaw an amazingshowing, with no fewerthan 13 birds bandabove the bill, anda narrowblack band above that. At lastreport found,all in May. Elevenwere in w. Oregon,five coastallyand six in nodetectable change had occurred in thewing pattern. Plumage charac- interiorvalleys. Two on Cape Blanco May 23 (fideHN) provideda rare terscited by Morlan(Continental Birdlife 2:37-50, 1981) suggest that multipleoccurrence. None was reported from Washington, but a Black- our currentknowledge does not allow for identificationof suchan throatedSparrow at Pitt Meadows,B.C., May 20 (P. Cook, ?F individualin thefield, andpossibly not in thehand. PM commentsthat Walker)and another at WhiteRock May 28 (?J.Sarles et al.) provided thismay be an instance in whichexcellent photographs, written descrip- 3rdand 4th provincial and Canadian records. Also making news were tions,and the presence of thebird through an entire molt may not be twoSage Sparrows, both in Oregon.One was on Sauvie I., Apr.2 (SJ), sufficientfor specificidentification. andone was just s. of FernRidge Res., near Eugene, Apr. 14 (SH) A

Volume 38, Number 5 951 Lincoln'sSparrow in OaksBottom, Portland May 27 (DI) wasa month PM), all sitesin Washington.They do not breedat theselocations. behindthe main movement.Two SwampSparrows were seen. An Threeabout the Silcox Hut at 6900'on Mt. Hood,Oreg., May 27 were immaturewas in Langford,B.C., Mar. 4 (KT, C. Harper),and one was at a known nestsite (DF). Three Cassin'sFinches were discoveredin the at Reifel Ref., nearVancouver, B.C., Mar. 5-10 (J & HM, ?D. Jensen). lowlands,where they are rare. One was in N. Vancouver,B.C., Apr. At least 25 White-throatedSparrows were reported.A well-marked 21-23 (?G. Poynter)for the first documentedrecord from thatarea, one White-crownedx Golden-crownedSparrow was seenat Westport, wasin theColumbia Gorge at Cascade Locks, Oreg., Apr. 28 (DA), and Wash., May 5 (TW). "Thousands"of White-crownedswere massed the3rd was netted from a smallflock on Vashon I., nearSeattle May 7 aroundthe w. endof then. OlympicPen., May 5-6 (M. Carmody).Four (J. Van Os, ph. on file at Burke Mus., U.W.). Red Crossbillswere Harris' Sparrowswere noted. Single Lapland Longspurs, both very late, nearlyabsent through the springexcept on s. V.I., whereVG termed were seenMay 22-24 in JerichoP., Vancouver, B.C. (MF, BK, J. themcommon. Pine Siskins were common to abundantthroughout the Vandefiinde),& May 25 at the S.J.C.R. (JGi, HN). Region.A LesserGoldfinch was a surpriseApr. 25 at Tillamook(DI). Theyare rare on thecoast n. of CoosCounty. All reportspoint to a BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES -- At least a few Tricolored superlativeEvening Grosbeak year, althoughsome observers felt low- Blackbirdshad returned to their 1983nesting outpost in n. Portlandby land arrival to be rather late. Apr. 28 (SJ). A W. Meadowlarkcarrying food at the Victoriaairport May 13was intriguing, as there have been no s. V.I. nestingreports for INITIALED OBSERVERS, with sub-regionaleditors in boldface: years(H. Hosford,fide VG). Yellow-headedBlackbirds were scattered Dave Alderoft(DAD, David Anderson,Dave Beaudette,Thais Back, in modestnumbers over much of theRegion's interior. Small numbers BarbaraCombs, Tom Crabtree,Elzy Eltzroth,Mike Force,David Fra- showedonce again at the MontlakeFill in Seattlewithout evidence of ser (DFr), JohnGatchet (JGa), GeorgeGerdts, Jeff Gilligan(JGi), breeding(m.ob.), while a tenuouscolony at the ForestGrove, Oreg., Margaret& Vic Goodwill,Steve Heinl, Glenand Wanda Hoge, Eu- sewageponds expanded this spring to 8-10 pairs(DI). An ad. d Hooded geneHnnn, Matt Hunter,Dave Hutchinson, John Ireland, Dave Irons, Oriolestayed May 3-11 at a hummingbirdfeeder s. of Dallas,Oreg. (F. SteveJaggets, Gretchen Junker, Brian Kautesk, John Kempe, Mark Gilchristet al.) for a rarespring sighting of thisoccasional wintering Koninendyke,Jan & RickKrabbe, Dang Kragh, TomLove, JoAnn & species.Northern Orioles arrived on schedule.The firstreport was of Hue MacKenzie,Margaret & Rob McKenzie-Grieve,Phil Mattocks, one at Canby,s.e. of Portland,Apr. 29. One in s. SeattleMay 5 (J. Bob Morse, Harry Nehis, Mark Nyhof, Dennis Paulson, Michael Dodson)and one in SaanichMay 7 (KT) wererespective first arrivals Price,Ellen Rataash, Alan Richards, Mike Robbins,Dennis Rogers, for Washingtonand British Columbia. Joy& RanSatterfield, Owen Schmidt (OSc), Fred Sharpe, Dory &Stan Threeunusual reports of RosyFinches were received.Two were at Smith,Richard Smith, Otis Swisher (OSw), Jeremy B. Tatum,Keith the 2400' summitof Mr. Constitution,areas I., Apr. l0 (J. Harder), Taylor,Verta Teale, Larry Thornburgh, Terry Wahl, RalphWidfig, onewas in DiscoveryP., Seattle,Apr. 30 (DH), andyet another individ- RayWilliams (RWm), Tim Zurowski.--DAVIDFIX, 609E. 14th#2, ual wason Mt. Erie, 1300'on FidalgaI., s. of Anacortes,May 30 (fide Eugene, OR 97401.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION averagein Eurekaand 25-35% of averagenearly everywhere away from /Ran LeVa!!eyand Kurt F. Campbell the northcoast. Northwesterly winds blew almost continuously along the coastthrough the period,disappointing vagrant-chasers and prob- ably accountingfor a lack of migrantsat SoutheastFarallon Island and The Regionwas warm and dry this spring,in continuationof late on the coast.The windswere associatedwith long-overduecoastal winter'sconditions, with May temperaturesgenerally 3-6øF above nor- upwellingthat promised to bringnutrients to thesurface and begin the mal. As of June2 cumulativeprecipitation for the year was 73% of recoveryfrom the effects of E1Nifio. Seasurface temperatures along the immediatecoast dropped from 11-12øCin Marchto below9 ø in April andMay, the lowestsince spring 1981. Most landbirdsmigrated early, with nearlyall first arrivalsand last departureson time to two weeks E early. The drynessand warmthseemed made-to-order for the eventof the season:an unprecedented,Regionwide irruption of dry-climatebirds. Yrek• • •'• LAVABEDS Costo'sHummingbird, Black-chinned and Black-throatedsparrows, Ix • A MI. Allur_a• '•. Shasta •.. ,! andLawrence's Goldfinches were most prominent in thisregard with manyindividuals apparently breeding in newareas. The mostexciting landbirdsof theseason, Bendira's Thrasher and Cassin's Sparrow, filled • Eueka LASSEN•, ' • out what one observer called our "arid invasion."

• SAC•rO Chico .. I' ABBREVIATIONS -- C.B.R.C. = California Bird Records Com- mittee;C.V. = CentralValley; F.I. = S.E. FarallonIsland; P.R.B.O. •l- . '" City• • '• = PointReyes Bird Observatory;S.F. = SanFrancisco; Gray Lodge •9oJ • WoodlandMorysvJlle L•• = GrayLodge State Wildlife Area, Butte; ? = descriptionon file; ph. = photoon file. All observationsat Palomarin(near Balinos, Marin) and F.I. should be credited to P.R.B .O. References to the Gull refer to GoldenGate AudubonSociety's publication, whose observations col- umn is written by S. F. Bailey. Italicized namesrefer to counties...... • •d•oS• TM Son .'• I SantaCr • *Merced Followingare selectedarrival and departure dates of speciesaway Rafael,. •ke•eY: •. uzalas Bonos from areasof breeding;exceptional dates are indicatedwith italics. First dates:Pink-footed Shearwater Mar. 22 PigeonPt., SanMateo , • /cIsco •'%, Coaltooo (BS); Am. White PelicanMar. 10 IndianTom L., Siskiyou(SFB); Blue- wingedTeal Mar. 17 L. Earl (GL); OspreyMar. 17 CrescentCity (GL) 7dCity e '•'• & Mar. 30 Sacramento(fide TM); SwainsoWsHawk Mar. 13 Stockton ß. Pal•Aho (DY); CaspianTern Mar. 2 SeacliffBeach, Santa Cruz (GS); Pigeon ...... SanJose ...... GuillemotMar. 17 CrescentCity (GL); Tufted Puffin Mar. 28 Castle

952 AmericanBirds, September4)ctober 1984 Rock,Del Norte (GL),'Lesser Nighthawk Apr I SutterButtes (WA), SootyShearwaters did not reachtheir pre-E1 Nlfio numbersin Monterey Vaux's Swift Mar. 26 Mt. Diablo S.P. (JRi) thenApr. 12 SantaClara Bay thisspring they werestill consideredabundant in lateApril (AB) OCtdeWB); Black-chinnedHummingbird Apr. 9 SanJoaquin (fide DY); Unhappily,205 drownedthere in a fishingnet setin 66 ft of waterMay Costa'sHummingbird Mar. 21 Redding(B&CY); CalliopeHumming- 25 (fide AB). As moreemphasis is placedon harvestingnew resources birdApr. 3 Yreka (RE); RufousHummingbird Mar. 4 SantaClara and or usingnew techniques to harvesttraditional resources from the sea, the Del Norte (fide WB, RAE); Olive-sidedFlycatcher Apr. 13 Stevens importanceof consideringthe effect of harvestingon non-target,but CreekCounty P., SantaClara (WB); W. Wood-PeweeApr. 15 Stevens ecologicallyimportant specieswill increase.The last Short-tafied Creek CountyP. (WB); W. FlycatcherMar. 21 Pacific Grove (DR); Shearwaterof the winter'sgood showing was reported from Pigeon Pt , Ash-throatedFlycatcher Apr. 8 Carmichael,Sacramento (fide TM); Mar. 2 (BS). Swainson'sThrush Apr. 23 AnnadelS.P., Sonoma(DE); SolitaryVireo Surprisingly18 Am. White Pelicanswere on HumboldtBay Apr 28 Mar. 27 Sonoma(KFC); WarblingVireo Mar. 17 PaloAlto FoothillsP. (fide JS). There areonly a handfulof recordsfor the coastn. of Sonoma (WB); Orange-crownedWarbler Mar. 5 Sonoma(KFC); Yellow War- An imm. Brown Pelican in CrescentCity Harbor Mar. 17 (GL) was bler Apr. 13 StevensCreek Co. Park (WB); MacGillivray'sWarbler somewhatearly. An Am. Bitternat Tule Lake N.W.R., Mar. 11 (SFB et Apr. 12 Trinity (fide JS); Wilson'sWarbler Mar. 19 Inverness(RS); al.) wasprobably an early arrival while 25 at GrayLodge Apr. 16 (LCB) Black-headedGrosbeak Mar. 28 Placer and Contra Costa (BB, LF); wasa notablylarge concentration. A GreatEgret flying N 6 mi at seas Lazuli BuntingApr. 14 RockpileRd., Sonoma(BDP); Blue Grosbeak of CrescentCity Apr. 2 (GL) was certainlyunusual as only small Apr. 28 Gray Lodge(BED); Black-chinnedSparrow Apr. 21 Corral numbersoccur n. of there,and those mostly in the winter.An ad. Little Hollow, San Joaquin(DY); HoodedOriole Mar. 5 Alamo, Contra Blue Heron at Bolinas Lagoon May 19-27 (DDeS) was apparently Costa (JRi), the next Mar. 20 Santa Clara (WB); N. Oriole Mar. 20 joinedby a 2nd at AudubonCanyon Ranch May 22 (fideGull). Another Contra Costa (LF). adultwas presentall springat the Alviso Heronry,San FranciscoBay Last dates:Pied-billed Grebe May 6 BodegaHarbor (KFC); Horned N.W.R., for the 6th consecutiveyear (RWL). GrebeMay 19 BodegaHarbor (KFC); Red-neckedGrebe May 24 Cres- centCity Harbor(RAE); EaredGrebe May I PetalumaSonoma (KFC); WATERFOWL -- A singleFulvous Whistling-Duck was at Merced TundraSwan Apr. 5 L. Earl (fide GL); GreaterWhite-fronted Goose N.W.R., Feb. 10 and againMar. 7-Apr. 10 (RB) while anotherwas at Apr. 12 GrayLodge (BED); WoodDuck Apr. 28 Monterey(DR et al.); nearbyLos Banos Wildlife Area Apr. 2 (JRi). LowerKlamath N.W R Blue-wingedTeal Mar. 18 CharlestonSlough (fide WB); Am. Wigeon had 65 late GreaterWhite-fronted Geese May 19 (PS). A normal,but May 27 CamancheRes. (DY); RingmeckedDuck Apr. 28 GrayLodge alwaysimpressive, spring concentration of 140,000Snow Geese at Tule (BED); Black ScoterMay 10 BodegaBay (KFC, NTC); Com. Golden- Lake N.W.R., Mar. 10 containedone partial "blue" morph(SFB et eye Apr. 28 Moss Landing (DR et al.); BuffieheadApr. 18 Auburn al.). Coastally, Snow Geesewere reportedas follows: one at Moffett (BB); Rough-leggedHawk Apr. 1 Big L., Shasta(B&CY, BV); Per- Field, SanMateo Mar. 25-Apr. 23 (WB et al. ), oneimmature in Pacific egnneFalcon Apr. 30 F.I. (P.R.B.O.); LesserGolden-Plover Apr. 29 Grove, MontereyMar. 25 (JML), two at CastleRock and the nearby Pt Reyes (fide Gull); Greater Yellowlegs May 19 Big L., Shasta McLaughlinranch, Del Norte Mar. 25-Apr. 11 (fide RAE), anda late (B&CY); LesserYellowlegs May 13 CaderLane Ponds (KFC); Surfbird bird at CastleRock May 23 (GL). A Ross'Goose, always rare on the May 26 FishRock, Mendocino (KFC); RockSandpiper Apr. 17 Bodega coast,spent Mar. 9-Apr. 11 with the AleutianCanada Geese around Head (KFC); Com. SnipeMay 12 Fairhaven,HumboMt (KVR); Ruby- Castle Rock and L. Earl (fide RAE) while anotherwas along the crownedKinglet Apr. 30 Gray Lodge(BED); Water Pipit May 8 Sutter HaywardShoreline, Alameda Mar. 18 (HLC). A typicalspring gather- Buttes(WA); Fox SparrowMay 8 Oak Grove P., San Joaquin(DY); ing of 15,000 Ross'Geese at Tule Lake N.W.R., Mar. 10 includedone Lincoln'sSparrow May 2 Del Norte (RAE); Golden-crownedSparrow "blue" morph(SFB et al.). Four at Lower KlamathN.W.R., May 19 May 11 Gray Lodge(BED); White-crownedSparrow May 30 Dinuba, (PS) weredefinitely late. March 22 wasthe first calmday at PigeonPt Tulare (RG). aftermany windy daysand 22,527 Brantwere countedmigrating north (BS). The peak springcount of AleutianCanada Geese at L. Earl was LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A concentration of 400 Red- 3150 Mar. 29 (PS). throatedLoons was found stagingat the RussianR. mouth, Sonoma A <5 Green-wingedTeal of the Eurasianrace was on the Hunter Apr. 5 (KFC). Peak movementof Arctic Loons was thoughtto be Ligget Military ReservationMar. 24-Apr. 28 (?AB, BW, DR), we aroundApr. 26 when3000 + migratedN by FishRock, Mendocino in receive few reportsof this form. Five hundredGreen-winged Teal at one-halfhr (KFC, DE). Notable inland concentrationsof Com. Loons GrayLodge Apr. 16 (LCB) and 100 still thereApr. 30 (BED) werehigh were 13 at L. Yosemite,Merced Apr. 21 (RB) and 14 on L. Almanor, numbersfor so late. A <5Blue-winged x CinnamonTeal hybridwas at PlumasApr. 23 (DAA). An unusualinland occurrence of a Red-necked MercedN.W.R., Mar. 17 & Apr. 17 (RB, DY). CinnamonTeal arrive Grebein PetalumaApr. 13 (LCB) fit thepattern established by thisand on theirn.e. Californiabreeding grounds by mid-Marchas indicated by othercoastal species: most inland records are from migrationperiods. 100+ at Eagle L., LassenMar. 10 and 300+ at Honey L., Mar 11 An extraordinaryconcentration of 2000-3000W. Grebeson L. San (DAA). Recent work has shown that these are typical arrival dates Antonio,Monterey Mar. 24 wasparticularly interesting as most coastal contraryto earlierbeliefs. Wintering single Eur. Wigeonslingered into birdsdeparted around Mar. 12 (AB). WesternGrebes have returned to thespring as follows: Palo Alto YachtHarbor Mar. 3 (fideWB), Golden Clear L., Lake followingtheir almostcomplete disappearance during Gate Park, S.F., Mar. 29 (KFC), BolinasLagoon into April (DDeS) theheavy pesticide usage of the 1950s.Forty were counted Apr. 27 and Redheadslingered near Fall River, Shastathrough May 19 when 12 they were considered"nesting all aroundthe lake" (HLC). were noted(B&CY). A c• TuftedDuck was at the Stocktonsewage Black-footedAlbatrosses displayed their usual spring abundance with pondsMar. 17-22 (?DY, JRi). Four GreaterScaup on Big L., Shasta 19 sightedfrom Pigeon Pt., Mar. 29 (BS), 25 in MontereyBay May 19 Apr. 1 (B&CY) werein an areawhere they are scarce. A c• Harlequin (AB) and25 nearthe CordelleBanks, Marin May 19 (KFC, AB). Two Duck was at Pacific Grove Mar. 8 (fide AB). Two Oldsquaws,one a LaysanAlbatrosses were seen:one from PigeonPt., Mar. 29 (BS) and long-tailedmale, were at the Smith R. Estuary,Del Norte Mar 10 anotherat theCordelle Banks May 19 (?KFC, •'AB). More surprising (RAE, RS, DDeS) anda singlewas migrating past Pigeon Pt., Mar 22 thoughwere two or threefound on shore.One found with a brokenwing (BS). The Moss LandingOldsquaw population increased to threeuntil at FosterCity, San Mateo Mar. 8 was takento a rehabilitationcenter Mar. 24 andone bird lingered until Mar. 28 (DR, LCB, JML). The latest whereit subsequentlydied (fide Gull). Anotherfound in Benicia,So- Oldsquawwas a female in ArcataMay 12-17 (JS, PS). March 22 saw lano Mar. 24 (fide Gull) was taken to the AlexanderLindsay Junior 10,924 Surf Scotersfly pastPigeon Pt., thanksto the calm day (BS) Museumwho eventuallyreleased it nearF.I., Apr. 2 (fideP.R.B.O.). A The wintering•2 Barrow'sGoldeneye at MossLanding was last seen 3rdLaysan of unreportedorigin was also taken by theLindsay Museum Mar. 10 (DR et al.). A very late •2 HoodedMerganser was at Essex to F.I., for releaseApr. 28 (fideP.R.B.O.). Perhapsthis rash of onshore Pond,HumboMt May 20 (KVR); their nestingstatus on the n. coastis occurrencesis dueto someassistance from the crewof an unknownship still uncertain.A •2 Red-breastedMerganser at Big L., ShastaApr 14 (or ships?),although there is an unexplainedhistory of Marchrecords apparentlyfurnished a first countyrecord (RE, CYo). for Laysan Albatrossfrom the S.F. Bay area (RAE). The only N. Fulmar reportwas of two nearCordelle Banks May 19 (AB). Although RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES -- An ad. Mississippi Kite was

Volume 38, Number 5 953 seenover Pigeon Pt, Apr 5 (tBS), if acceptedby theC B R C , this GULLS THROUGH SKIMMER -- The winteringLittle Gull at the wouldbe the5th Regionaland earliest spring California record. Large Stocktonsewage ponds was joined by a 2ndbird Apr. 15and both were numbersof Bald Eaglesremained at Lower KlamathN.W.R. until at lastseen Apr. 28 (DY). The Com. Black-headedGull therewas last seen leastMar. 11 when 204 were counted(SFB et al.). High numbersof N. Apr. 9 (DY). Mew Gulls lingeredlate in the C.V. with one at the Harriers were also encountered Mar. 11 when 75 were at Lower Kla- Stocktonsewage ponds Apr. 15 (DY) and anotherpresent near Rio math N.W.R. and40 were at the adjacentTule Lake N.W.R. (SFB et Vista,Sacramento through Apr. 17(T&AM). A GlaucousGull at Low- al ) BothSharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks were poorly reported this er Klamath N.W.R., Mar. 3-17 (CYo, ?RE, MR et al.) furnished season,though few observers expressed concern for eitherspecies. An Siskiyou'sfirst record. The wintering adult at FreshwaterLagoon, Hum- ad N. Goshawkwas beingharassed by a pair of Cooper'sHawks at boldtwas last seen Apr. 15 (?KH). A first-yearbird was reported from HenryCowell Redwood S. P., SantaCruz Mar. 22 (GS). This is far s. of PrincetonHarbor Mar. 11 (fideGull). Five Sabine'sGulls were near the any knownbreeding locality for goshawksand in an area from which CordelleBanks May 19 (KFC, ABet al.). thereare few, if any, records.Goshawks are knownto invadecoastal CaspianTerns were absent from their breeding colony on Bair Island, areasin winterand this was likely a bird thathad wintered out of range S.F. Bay, wherein 1983there were about 400 pairsand in 1982there andwas returning to ? Maybeeven more surprising was Siskiyou Coun- were 800-1000 pairs (RWL). The reasonfor this drasticdecline is ty's first Broad-wingedHawk on Mt. ShastaMay 6 (?RE, CYo, unknownbut it seemsto be a localphenomenon. A RoyalTern in Pacific ?MR). Thisestablished the first inland record and probably the first true GroveMar. 7-8 (?ABetal.) wasonly the 3rd or4th in theRegion in the springmigrant record for the Region. An ad. FerruginousHawk at last15 years. Two Com.Terns were still present at MossLanding at the EsteroLane, SonomaApr. 12 was late (KFC) but anotherin Surprise latedate of May 25 (DDeS)and an ArcticTern, alwaysrare onshore, Valley, Modoc May 30 (BED) was not too far from knownbreeding wasphotographed at Pt. Pinos,Monterey May 9 (SS).Like the Caspian localitiesoutside the Region. Althoughthe recentA.O.U. Check-list Tern, LeastTerns did not returnto theirnesting colonies on Bair Island liststhis species as "probably breeding" in n.e. California,the evidence (RWL) and returneesat other n. California colonies were either absent appearsto be only summeringadults. A sub-ad.Golden Eagle in Kla- or low in numbersand late (SFB). A Black Tern at the PajaroRiver mathGlen May 27 establishedthe first coastalDel Norte record(RAE). mouth,Santa Cruz May 14 wasin an areawhere they are rarely ob- A Merlin at Lava BedsN.M., Modoc Apr. 29 (CYo, RE) wasnotably served(GS). BlackSkimmers continued their presence in the Region late with sightingsof singlesat thePajaro River mouthMay 11 (GS et al ) Ruffed Grousewere reportedfrom 5 locationsin Humboldt,Del and at MossLanding May 12 (fide Gull). Norte andSiskiyou. Nine male and25 $ SageGrouse at the lek n. of Litchfield, LassenMar. 17 (JRi) were the best totalsreported since PIGEONS THROUGH OWLS -- Coastal movement of Band-tafied 1977,but the number of malesis stillvery low comparedto counts prior Pigeonswas evident, with peaksof 18 at Palomarinand 55 at Bodega to the 1970s.A BlackRail washeard calling throughout the period at Harbor(KFC) Apr. 16 & 22 respectively.A MourningDove at Blodgett BohnasLagoon (DDeS). An ad. Sora with chicksnear Salinasin May ForestResearch Station, El DoradoMay 30 (SAL) wasat 4300 ft; they providedMonterey with its first documentednesting record (fide DR). arerare on thew. slopeof theSierras, but May holdsthe most records A CommonMoorhen chicks were seenin May near Salinas(fide DR) and FlammulatedOwl heardMay 27 at Peak 8, Del Norte provideda 4th GonzalesMonterey (RR) where they are quite rare as breeders.Del countyrecord (GL et at.). Long-earedOwl reportsare always of inter- Norte County's first SandhillCrane at Klamath Glen throughMar. 26 est;of 3 received,one of a birdheard at 2200 ft on PaperCabin Ridge, had apparentlybeen present since January (RAE et al.). TuolumneMay 15 & 23 (MG) was in a countyfrom whenceseveral springand summer records have come in recentyears. A singlereport of SHOREBIRDS --The two wintering LesserGolden-Plovers (P.d. Short-earedOwl for the entireperiod (one, Mar. 11, LowerKlamath fulva)at Lodi sewage ponds were last seen Mar. 26 (JML, DY). Notable N.W.R., Siskiyou--SFB)highlights this once-common species' current inlandconcentrations of SemipalmatedPlovers were 50 + in the Co- plight in our Region. sumnesR. floodplain,Sacramento Apr. 17 (T&AM) and in the Butte Sink, Sutter Apr. 20 (MRH). Black-neckedStilts stagedan unprec- SWIFTS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- The 4 Black Swift rec- edented mini-invasion to the n. coast. Two were first encountered in ordsfell in a shortperiod: one each, May 20 at Dunsmuir,Siskiyou (CS), Eureka,Humboldt Apr. 14 (PS) andon the nextday four werepresent May 22 overLafayette, Contra Costa (JRi) andMay 30 betweenJenner thereand 13 had arrivedat L. Earl, Del Norte (GL, JAR). A maximum and Ft. Ross, Sonoma(DE); two on May 24 were at the Pine Mt concentrationof 35 wasat L. Earl Apr. 19 (JAR) andtwo werein the Airport, Tuo[umne(•'MG). Two Vaux's Swiftsn. of Orick,Humboldt Arcatabottoms (JS) on the sameday. The lastreport was of eightat L. Mar. 19 (GL) were the last of wintering birds there, and 15 + over Earl Apr. 20 (GL). Prior to this only 2 Del Norte and a handfulof Salinas Mar. 17 (GS) wintered in the state, however one Mar. 26 at Mt Humboldtrecords existed. The wintering Solitary Sandpiper near Inver- Diablo S.P., ContraCosta (JRi) may simplyhave been a very early nessMarin waslast seen Mar. 14 (fideGull). At least11 springmigrants migrantfrom the species'more usualwinter range. were detectedalong the coast and four werefound inland Apr. 14-May A c• Black-chinnedHummingbird appeared in Lafayetteon Apr 16 3, oneof thelatter near Jolon, Monterey Apr. 28 (fideDR) wasthe only (LF), while a femaleat 3000 ft on TassajaraRd., Montereywas where one awayfrom HumboMt,Del Norte andSiskiyou. Wandering Tattlers not knownto breed,Apr. 21 (DR). Observersin Sacramentoand San areunusual inside S.F. Bay soone at theSunnyvale sewage plant, Santa Joaquincommented on the paucityof Anna's Hummingbirds,while at Clara May 6 (fide WB) and up to sevenat the AlamedaNaval Air Palomarinthey were consideredabundant. Singles appeared at F I , StationMay 8-18 (SFB) were of interest. where quite rare, Apr. 4 & May 28; the speciesfirst arrived at L The thousandsof MarbledGodwits that depart Humboldt Bay in late Almanor, LassenApr. 21 (DAA). The ad. c• Costa'sHummingbird April and early May apparentlyfly almostimmediately inland as evi- whichwintered in SanRafael, Marin waslast seenMar. 15 (fideGull) dencedby theirscarcity in Del Norte. This yearonly two on May 9 and The irruptionof Costa'sthrough the Regionthis springwas unprec- one on May 11 were detectedin CrescentCity (RAE). The only Semi- edented:9 reportswere of 13+ clearlyextralimital individuals. Far n palmatedSandpiper found this springwas in ArcataApr. 29-30 (JS, were first countyrecords for Del Norte and Shasta:a displayingmale ph ) A singleBaird's Sandpiperat the Lodi sewageponds Mar. 21 Apr. 14-27in CrescentCity (GL et at.) andthree (2 c•c•, one0) Mar. 21- (?DY) wasvery early. It wasfollowed by two thereApr. 17 (DY) and May 31 (B&CY) in Redding. A male at GreenhornPark, Yreka, St•- anotherat the SmithRiver estuary,Del Norte Apr. 19 (GL et al.). This kiyouApr. 23 + (RE, MR) setan earliestcounty record. Additionally, speciesis now beingdetected annually in springin very smallnumbers. many new locationsnear the edgeof the species'usual range provided A Stilt Sandpiperwell-described from Moffett Field, Santa Clara Apr. records.Breeding was suggestedat new locationsin Monterey, where 14 (?WB et al. ) establishedonly the 2nd spring record for theRegion. A breedingwas first confirmed in 1981(DR), andperhaps even Marin (1), $ Ruff at MercedN.W.R., Mar. 7-12 (RB) mayhave been the same one wherethree to six birdstook up residenceApr. 27 + at RodeoLagoon thatwas in breedingplumage there Apr. 19 (RB). Wilson'sPhalaropes (fide Gull). Movementof CalliopeHummingbirds through the Region occurredw. of their normalrange with three in the Ferndalebottoms, was also impressive.Three were in Marin Apr. 16-26 (P.R.B.O , HumboMtMay 27 (RLeV, KVR, LD), oneat ArcataMay 28 (KVR, JS) DDeS), and a strongflight wasindicated at low elevationsin Sacramen- and one near Ft. Dick, Del Notre (fide RAE). to andPlacer (EH, TM et al.). The speciesis regularin smallnumbers

954 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 in thecoastal ranges e of S F Bayin spring(e g, five malesin Tilden in increasednumbers after a 2-year slumpat LawrenceLivermore Lab, P Apr. 29, SFBet al.), howevera reportof 50-60in theCorral Hollow Alameda (KH). areaof SanJoaquin Apr. 28 (no details)would be amazingif correct (DY). Of all hummers,the most widely reported as present in veryhigh JAYS THROUGH WRENS -- Reportsof ScrubJays from areas numberswere the Selasphorus; up to 45 werein oneyard in Bolinas wherethey are rareincluded one near Westwood, Lassen Apr. 25 fitde Apr 25 (DDeS), mostof whichwere felt to be Allen's. DAA), threeto six at L. Almanor,Plumas May 9 (DAA), and "up to seven"in Del Notre duringthe period (RAE); springmovement at both KINGFISHERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- One 9 Belted areashas precedents.American Crows were in "unprecedentednum- KingfisherApr. 4 at F.I. waspar there for spring.A Lewis'Woodpeck- bers" at Palomarinwith a highof six, Mar. 24 & 27, but wentunreport- er May 5 atColusa S.P. (WA) wasa littlelate for theC.V. (wherea few ed elsewhere. Two Mountain Chickadeesat the Folsom L. Peninsula,El still breed?),while a "Red-naped" Sapsuckerat Carmichael,Sacra- Dorado Mar. 11 (EH) were extremely low at about800 ft. The last seen mentoApr. I (fide TM) was one of ratherfew C.V. reportsever re- of the n. coast'srare wintering Mountain Chickadees was one Apr. 17 at ceived.Two White-headedWoodpeckers were at thepreviously unre- Klamath (RAE). Curiously,the next coastalrecords were two with the corded location of Alder Springs, Glenn in May (SE). Four timing of vagrants:22 May, ArcataMarsh, HumboMt(KVR, JS), and "Yellow-shafted"Flickers were reportedwithout descriptions (one, 29 May, outer Pt. Reyes,Marin (NTC, '['KFC);the latter bird was F I , Apr. 5; singles,Del Norte,Mar. 9-Apr.19, RAE, GL), whilethe apparentlyfrom a West Coastpopulation, as expected.Red-breasted only(!)reported introgressant was a femaleon SonomaMt., Mar. 27 Nuthatchescontinued lowland movement well into May: two at Reich- (?KFC). muthPk., Sacramento(TM) andone in PacificGrove (DR), bothMay 8; one May 12, Los Altos, Santa Clara (fide WB), and one presentat FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- In a dramatic con- F.1. through May 27; three on outer Pt. Reyes May 29 had recent trastto lastspring's excellent flight of W. Wood-Peweeson F.I., they precedents(KFC). Brown Creeperswere at "an all time low for Palo- went nearly unrecordedthere this season,with three, May 28-30 a marin." A pair of CanyonWrens at Corral Hollow Rd., Apr. 28 fur- strikinglow. They wereunrecorded at Palomarin,and only onewas nishedthe first confirmed breeding for SanJoaquin (DY). HouseWrens notedat BodegaHarbor all spring(May 29, KFC). Presumablythe werereported in goodnumbers in Shastaand Plumas (B & CY, DAA), consistentwinds were a factor in their avoidance of the coast, however F.I.'s first-everwintering bird apparentlydeparted May 22. A Winter theonly other comment on numberswas by TM, whonoted them to be Wren on the C.V. floor at Ancil Hoffman Park, Sacramento Mar. 10- in "small numbersand generallylate" in Sacramento.Despite this Apr. 7 (TM) was rare and a little late. trendone was on Moxon Rd., HumboldtApr. 21; it wasfelt to be about 2 weeksearly for then. coast(]}'de JS). Others reported a few on-timeor KINGLETS THROUGH WRENS -- Ruby-crownedKinglets depart- shghtlyearly arrivals. Willow Flycatcher passage began light and a little ed about2 weeksearly throughout the Region.A Blue-grayGnatcatcher late(even for them !), withsix migrants noted in the period, the first May noted Mar. 5 at Palo Alto Foothills P., Santa Clara (WB) probably 18in SanJoaquin (DY) andDelNorte(RAE). Secondand 3rdMonterey winteredin the Region.The winteringbird at Palomarindeparted Mar recordsfor Hammond'sFlycatcher were establishedApr. 21 in the 7. A last Mountain Bluebirddeparted the SutterButtes Mar. 3 (BED), upperCarmel Valley (?DR), with their lowlandmigration extending while the firstreported on breedinggrounds were in Sierraand Las•en fromthat date to May 2. DuskyFlycatcher migration was noted Apr. 14- Mar. 10 (JML). Townsend'sSolitaires were reported in lowlandareas in May 3. Althoughunusually numerous away from GreatBasin areas, highernumbers than for anyprevious spring except the 1982invasion Gray Flycatcherswere well downin numbersfrom lastspring's inva- As in that year inlandand coastalreports were equallysplit; the last sion,as well as earlier(Apr. 7-May 8). The distributionhowever was recordswere of singlesApr. 26, n.w. of Ft. Dick (fideRAE) andApr similar, with 8 of 15 recordsfrom the n. coast. 28 at Woodleaf, Yuba(BED). At leastone of three+ Hermit Thrushes Singlewintering Black Phoebes departed F.I., Mar. 1 andPalomarin on outerPt. ReyesMay 29 ('•KFC) appearedto beof theeastern racial Mar 14. Confirmationof nestingfor 2-3 pairsof Say's Phoebesat group(C. g. faxoni etc.), basedon size, darkcolor and brownish sides Corral Hollow Rd. was a first for San Joaquin (DY). Ash-throated This form is apparentlypreviously unrecorded in the state. Varied Flycatcherarrival was about typical, with 6 firstarrival records Apr. 8- Thrushprovides a goodexample of the needfor cautionin interpreting 14, while four on the n. coastwere termed"rare migrants:"one Apr. departuredates. In anaverage spring (and this appears to havebeen one) 30-May2 andtwo on May 4, at KlamathGlen, Del Norte(RAE), and mostindividuals depart the winteringgrounds during March, with strag- oneMay 20, EssexPond, Humboldt fit'de JS). A pairof Cassin'sKing- glersgiving departure dates through April. A few areseen in May; even birdsnear the n. end of Mines Rd., AlamedaApr. 15 (BDP) was where Junerecords exist which appear to refer to stragglersfar from known the specieshas bred in yearspast, while 12-15 mi away alongCorral breedingareas. Thus this year's "departuredate" wasof a femaleat Hollow Rd., wherebreeding was noted the last 2 years,the only sighting outerPt. ReyesMay 29+ (KFC); thenext preceding it wasone at Mt wasof oneApr. 28 (DY). The firstinterior W. Kingbirdwas about on DiabloMay 1 (JRi). April 13 wasan odd date for a Wrentitto be at4300 time Mar. 24 on Meiss Rd., Sacramento(fide TM), while the first It; it was said to be the first in 3 yearsat BlodgettForest Research coastwardwas a little early Apr. 1, s. of Petaluma,Sonoma (B. Bur- Station, El Dorado (SAL). ridge,fideKFC). Thirty-seven + onthe n. coastduring the period was a THRASHERS THROUGH VIREOS -- A SageThrasher noted Apr large number(fide JS, RAE). 20, w. of Ft. Dick (GL et al.) provideda 2ndDel Norterecord. A well- It appearsnormal arrival datesfor PurpleMartins are 2-3 weeks describedBendire's Thrasher on F.I., May 19 (?JP,ph. T. McElroy) earlierin the C.V. thancoastwardly; thus first arrivalsfor the C.V. in wasonly the5th individualfor theRegion--2nd for spring.The lastN SacramentoMar. 23 (B & HK) and coastwardly,w. of Ft. Dick, Del Shrikereports were both Mar. 17:an immature on Scott Rd., El Dorado Norte Apr. 12 (fide RAE) seemusual. Records suggesting breeding at (?EH) andone (age?) near Honey L. (JRi). A LoggerheadShrike Apr localeswhere not now knowninclude eight at Salt PointS.P., Sonoma 9-14 wasat Pt. St. George,DelNorte; theyare rare on then. coast(GL, (DE), six+ in Big BasinS.P., SantaCruz May 30 (GS) anda maleand RAE et al.). One singingBell's Vireo May 25 was near Bradley, female togetherMay 19 at SoldierMt., Shasta(B & CY). The latter Monterey, where the specieswas noted breedinglast year (DR). A recordis intriguing,as it is the 6th May-Junerecord in as many years singingSolitary Vireo May 1-June8 + in Klamath(RAE) wasunusually from e. Shasta,though breeding is apparentlyyet to be confirmed;they coastalfor then.w. partof theRegion. Five "first arrivals"of Warbling arequite rare in interiorranges. Northern Rough-winged Swallows were Vireo in the S.F. Bay areaMar. 17-21 indicateda strong,early push foundto be eflkctivelyutilizing vertical drain holes in freewayover- there. passesfor nesting,in areasas dispersedas San Joaquin,Marin to Mendocinoand, apparently,Plumas (DY, KFC, DAA). How wide- WARBLERS -- A TennesseeWarbler at the Presidio, S.F., Mar 4 spreadis this habit,how old--and how importantto the species?The to at leastMar. 21 (fideGull) winteredlocally; the only otherreport was Mar 6 arrivalof BankSwallow at theKing City colony(fide DR) setan of a singingmale at outerPt. ReyesMay 27 (JM);none were at F.1. The earlyrecord for Montereyand nearly so for the Region.A colonywith recent(1979-1983) average for Marchto May is 3.6 on themainland, 30 nestholes on theSacramento R., 2 mi belowColusa was apparently and 6-8 for F.I. Orange-crownedWarblers may havenested at Ancd new (BED), while two at F.I., May 17 werequite rare there. Both Cliff HoffmanP., Sacramento;one nettedApr. 27 had a possiblebmod andBarn swallowswere lightly reported; Cliff Swallowswere felt to be patch,and a birdwas seen carrying food at thesame spot in May (TM)

Volume 38, Number 5 955 The onlyC V precedentseems to beone carrying food at BlackberryI , mountrunsto Glenn (SE--26 to 38 at 4 s•tes, April-May) Coastal Tehama, June 19, 1977 (SAL). A Nashville Warbler near San Juan recordswere of singleson Fairfax-Bolinas Rd., Marin May 6 (fideGull) Bautista,San Benito Mar. 23 (LCB) probablywintered in the state;one andon SweeneyRidge Trail, Pacifica,San Mateo May 20 (fideGull) •n Yreka Apr. 4 (RE) tied the Region'searly springrecord. A • N. Onepair bredat Palomafin,with breedingprobable at manyother s•tes Parulawas at Fairhaven,Humboldt May 29 (RLeV). SingleMagnolia VesperSparrows were singingon terntoryboth at Big L., Shasta(five Warblersat F.I., May 28 & 30 and outerPt. ReyesMay 29 (?KFC) on May 19--B & CY) and L. Talawa (eight+, May 14--DDeS), probablyrepresent only one or two birds. Apart from one "Myrtle" breedinghas yet to be confirmedaway from the Great Basinin the Warbler on outer Pt. Reyes May 27 (JM), which was probablyan Region. Six + Lark SparrowsApr. 30-May 12 in Humboldtand Del easternvagrant, the lastreported were two at Mr. Diablo May 1 (JRi). Norte (fide JS, RAE) were rare migrantsfor the n. coast. The last clearly migrant "Audubon's" was May 3 at Gray Lodge Reportsof Black-throatedSparrows at 5 siteswere received; the first (BED), while a femalewith nestingmaterial May 15 at KlamathGlen 2 areof vagrants,while the latter 3 probablyindicate breeding: one Apr establishedthe 2nd coastalnesting record for Del Norte (RAE). The 22 provideda 2nd SutterButtes record (WA), while anotherwas at Black-throatedGray Warbler winteringin Arcatawas last seenMar. 28 Requa,Del Norte May 23-24 (RAE etal.) for a firstcounty record (and (fideJS), andthe first migrants arrived simultaneously on theearly date 6th coastalspring record for theRegion); two + nearYreka were noted of Mar. 31 in Sacramento,Palomarin, and Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara May 17 wherethey are irregularlyseen (RE, MR); up to 18 werenear (TM; P.R.B.O. ;fide WB). Townsend'sWarblers were reported in high FolsomL. Peninsula,ElDorado May 21-23 + (JML, EH et al.) where numbersaway from the immediatecoast (TM, DY, JRi), andabsent at theyhave not been noted before; one was on Cohasset Ridge, Butte May Palomafin;three were at F.I., May 19-30(recent March to May average: 26 (TM) wherethey were found May-June 1974. Sage Sparrows stud to 60•). be breedingnear FolsomL. Peninsulaon May 21 (JML) extended An albilora Yellow-throated Warbler was at Pt. Lobos, Monterey northwardthe known range of thedisj unct Sierran foothill population of May 24-25 (GS, ?AB, ?DR), closelymatching last year's May 27 A. b. belli, but oneApr. l on Riley Rd., nearAprno Rd., Sacramento recordin PacificGrove. Tantalizing was a reportof a probablePrairie (?B & HK) was A. b. canescensor nevadensis.At least five Lark Warbler heard singingrepeatedly at AudubonCanyon Ranch, Marin Buntingsappeared in theSacramento Valley. Onemale was present near Mar. 3 (EH). Thereare but 3 Regionalwinter records. The lastof the Sacramentomid-March throughApr. 23 (TM et al.); two (male and four Palm Warblersreported (all from the n. coast)was onein Arcata female)were at the s.e. edgeof the SutterButtes Apr. 14-May 8 (WA, Mar. 28 (fide JS). Of six Black-and-whiteWarblers in the period(five BED et al.); anothermale presentMar. 30-Apr. 2l, 6 mi w. of Wood- coastal), one furnishedan apparentfirst Merced record May 19 at land, Yolo (ph. BM, ?KH) may have beenone of the two birdsseen MercedN.W.R. (RB). No Am. Redstartswere reported,for the first Mar. 16, 8 mi to the s.e. (JRi), as only onewas seen at the latterspot March-Mayperiod since 1978. The only Ovenbirdwas singing at Fair- Mar. 18 (fide Gull). haven,Humboldt May 28-31 (JS,KVR), for a 4thcounty record. Once a A SavannahSparrow at 4300 ft at the BlodgettForest Research commonnester through the C.V., the Corn. Yellowthroathas declined StationApr. 2 l (SAL) wasa verymisplaced migrant; eight on May 8 at there in the last 40 years. Its currentstatus is unclear.It is still at least the SutterButtes (WA) weremany for a lastRegional report away from locally commonas a breederin Butte and San Joaquin(BED, DY), breedingareas. There appear to be but2 January-FebruaryGrasshopper while it is apparentlyabsent or rarein mostof the Valley as a breeder Sparrowrecords for theRegion (Jan. 3, 1973& Feb. 18, 19l l); bothare (butnot as a migrant).A Yellow-breastedChat at Salyer,Trinity Apr. specimensand from the SanJoaquin Valley. Thereare no knownMarch 17 wassaid to be 2 weeksearly (fide JS); both it andone that same day in recordsfor the Regionwhatsoever. Thus a reportof oneMar. 27 near Del PuertoCanyon, Stanislaus (JRi) were 3-4 daysahead of theaverage Nicasio,Marin (fideGull), ostensiblya very early migrant, must remmn first amval for the Region. a tentativerecord, as no photoor documentationwas apparently made Early recordsotherwise were of oneApr. 5 at HaywardShoreline Pk , TANAGERS THROUGH LONGSPURS--The c3Summer Tanager Alameda(?HG) andanother Apr. 6 justw. of Nicasio(JE). The number w•nteringat GoldenGate P., S.F. waslast reported Mar. 4 (fideGull). A of sitesat whichthis species is knownto beroutine continues to grow,as Mar. 15 W. Tanagernoted at Henry Cowell S.P., Santa Cruz (GS) birdersexplore grasslands. The lastof 14 White-throatedSparrows was w•nteredin the state,while the subsequent4 reports, Apr. 15-17,were oneMay 3, 2 mi s. of McCloud, Siskiyou(CS) which, amazingly,was averageto a few daysearly as firstsfor the Region.One feedingyoung saidto be "acting asif nesting."--with White-crowned?!An "incredi- May 15 at StevensCreek County P. (fide WB) was certainlyahead of ble fallout" of Golden-crownedand White-crowned sparrows involved schedule!Three or fourRose-breasted Grosbeaks May ! 8-19 wereaver- "many 100s" of each,Apr. 30-May 3 in coastalHumboldt (RLeV) and age--a strongcontrast to the usualnumbers seen at this time on the Del Norte (RAE). A latead. Hams' Sparrowwas at Tracy, San Joaqutn deserts and coasts of s. California. Black-headed Grosbeaks were a May 8 (fide DY). Seventeen"Slate-colored" Juncos were reported,to weekor soearly through much of theRegion. Perhaps due to thecoastal Apr. 10. A "Pink-sided" Junco(J. h. mearnsi)report lackeddetads, w•nds, numberswere clearly low in Marin and w. Sonoma(DDeS, thereare still no documentedrecords for the Region,though it surely P R.B.O., KFC). Lazuli Buntingsarrived early and were presentin mustoccur. A LaplandLongspur in Hayward,Alameda to May 12 (BR) above-averagenumbers. Several observerscommented on the high was only one day shortof the latest-everRegional date. numbers,although as is oftenthe case,no comparativenumbers were offered,making interpretation difficult. The only Indigo Buntingwas a ICTERINES -- More reportsof TricoloredBlackbirds were received malesinging in SanMateo May 20 + (fideWB); the ! 979-1983Region- this springthan in the previous3 springperiods combined; the largest al averagefor March is 3.4. numberreported was 1500 on White Rock Rd., SacramentoMar 17 Two Brown Towheesat Willow Cr., Humboldtduring the period (EH). Hopefullyobservers will continueto documentthis species' stat- (ftdeJS) werenear the n. limit of the speciesthere. Pending acceptance us.North of Orick,Humboldt, 30-40 were "unprecedented numbers for by the C.B.R.C., a Cassin'sSparrow May 29 at the Little R. mouth, the n. coast" May 27-30 (JS, RAE). A female describedfrom F I Humboldt(JS, ?KVR) gaveus a 7thRegional and first mainland record. (?JP),Mar. 7-14, establishedonly the 2ndrecord there away from fall Fourof thepast records (all F.I.) fell betweenJune 2 & July 12, theother Five coastalrecords of Yellow-headedBlackbird spanned Apr. 15-May 2 m lateSeptember. A Rufous-crownedSparrow 6 mi w. of Paskenta,s. 17. The Rusty Blackbirdn. of Orick was last seenApr. 8 (RAE), TehamaMay 15 (SE) extendedthe species'known range n. about2 mi. providingonly the 2nd Regionalrecord later thanmid-February. F•rstreturning Chipping Sparrows were in SacramentoMar. 3 l (TM) and Del Norte Apr. 3 (RAE). Single Brewer's SparrowsApr. 16 in FRINGILLIDS -- A PurpleFinch Apr. 30 at Gray Lodgewas the last Sutter(LCB) andMay 8 n. of Stockton(DY) wererare C.V. migrants, for the C.V., and the first reportat that spotin 8 years (BED). Red buttwo to foursinging at Big L., ShastaMay 17-19(B & CY) werein a Crossbillswere well reportedthroughout the period, both in theSierras regionwhere the speciesprobably breeds. One was on F.I., May 28. and coastwardlyfrom Monterey to Gualala, Mendocino. Pine Sisk•ns Impressivewere reports of about65 Black-chinnedSparrows at l 8 sites, were clearly in much aboveaverage numbers through much of the all but a few from areaswhere irregular at best.Birds were noted as far Regiondespite rather few reports,as the reporters were widespread and n •n Sierranfoothills as CohassetRidge, Butte (TM--two malesMay unanimouslyenthusiastic; for instance,"hundreds were presentth•s 26), where the specieswas notedin 1974, and in the inner coastal yearon an annualcensus of the KilgoreHills nearYreka wherenormally

956 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 noneor, at best,a few arepresent" (RE, MR). An invasionof hundreds Tule Lake N.W.R., not Lower Klamath N.W.R. of Lawrence'sGoldfinches into the Region this spring was unprecedent- ed in size. The earliestreport was of birdsat the SutterButtes Mar. 11 CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface)-- D.A. Airola, W. (WA), with reportsbuilding steadilyand apparentlypeaking in late Anderson, M. Armour, R. Bacon, S.F. Bailey, A. Baldridge, B. May. No reportswere receivedfrom the interiorn. of Glenn or in Great Barnes,L.C. Binford,W. Bousman,K.F. Campbell,H.L. Cogswell, Basinareas; coastwardly the northernmostrecords were of four on May N.T. Conzett,D. DeSante,B.E. Denel, L. Doerflinger,A. Edwards, 26 nearWillits, Mendocino(AE, KH) andtwo on May 29 and"several R. Ekstrom,D. Ellis. S. England,R.A. Erickson, J. Evens,L. Farrar, daysprior" at Cape Mendocino.Humboldt (JS, RLeV et al.); the latter R. Gerstenberg,H. Green,M. Green,K. Hainebach,E. Harper,M. weresaid to havebeen photographed for a 2ndcounty record. Two May RossHills, J. Hornstein,B. & H. Kimball,J.M. Langham,S.A. Lay- 31 at AckersonMeadow, Tuolumne (MG) wereat thehigh elevation of mon, R. LeValley (RLeV). G. Lester,J. Lovio. R.W. Lowe (RWL), A. 4500 ft. Notably,at least3A of the reportswere of oneto s•x birds,and & T. Manoils, B. Maxwell, J. Morlan, B.D. Parmeter,J. Penniman,B. nestingwas probablein manycases. The apparentdependence of this Richmond, J. Richmond {JRi). M. Robbins. D. Roberson. C. Roberts. specieson nativeannuals as a foodcrop, fiddleneck (Amsinekia spp.) in J.A. Rooney(JAR), K.V. Rosenberg,R. Ryno,B. Sauppe,S. Seltman, particular,may be an importantclue in understandingthe irruption (see D.L. Shearwater,P. Springer,R. Stallcup,J. Sterling.G. Strachan.C. alsoBent, 1968,LifeHistories...). "Huge flocks" of EveningGros- Stromsness,B. Von der Mehden (BV), B. Weed, D. Yee, C. Yoder beakstotalling 5000+ in the SouthL. Tahoearea Mar. I-5 (RS) repre- (CYo), B. & C. Yutzy.--RON LeVALLEY (loonsthrough aleiris), sentedthe largestnumber reported in the Regionin 4 years. 1876 Ocean Dr., McKinleyville, CA 95521, and KURT F. CAMP- BELL (pigeonsthrough finches), P.O. Box 268, Cotaft, CA 94928. CORRIGENDA- The wanderingSabine's Gull (AB 38:242)was at

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION /Guy McCaskie

The dry weatherof the wintercontinued into the springwith only a minimal amountof precipitationduring March and April, and none thereafter,leaving us with the seconddriest January-through-June peri- od on record. The regularlyoccurring west coastmigrants were mostconspicuous duringApril andthe first week of May, with averageto aboveaverage numbersencountered along the coast, but below averagenumbers at mostdesert oases. After the first week of May migrantsbecame unusu- ally scarcethroughout the Region,and this remainedthe situationinto early Junewith fewer of the regular vagrantsfound.

ABBREVIATIONS -- F.C.R. = Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, Inyo Co.; N.E.S.S. = northend of the SaltonSea, Riverside Co.; S.D.N.H.M. = SanDiego Natural HistoryMuseum; S.C.R.E. = SantaClara River Estuary,Ventura Co.; S.E.S.S. = southend of the Salton Sea, Imperial County. In the text following, place namesin italics are counties.As virtually all raritiesfound in southernCalifornia are seenby numerousobservers, only the observerinitially identifying the bird is included. Documentation is on file for all rarities listed in the report. The early arrivaldates for someof our key migrantswere: Wilson's PhalaropeApr. 15, SaltonSea; Red-necked Phalarope Apr. 28, Salton Sea; ElegantTern Mar. 1 I, SanDiego; CommonTern Apr. 14, Morro Bay; LeastTern Apr. 16, BolsaChica; Black Tern Apr. 18, SaltonSea; LOONS, GREBES -- Red-throated Loons continued to be found far LesserNighthawk Mar. 20, Imperial Valley; Vanx's Swift Apr. 6, inlandwell intoApril asindicated by one-to-twoon L. Perris,Riverside Venice; Black-chinnedHummingbird Feb. 25, Blythe {ColoradoR. Apr. 11-15 (SC) and one on L. Henshaw,San Diego Apr. 16 (RH). Up Valley) & Mar. 24, Los Angeles;Olive-sided Flycatcher Apr. 14, San to threeArctic Loons,casual inland, were on L. PerrisApr. 1-15 (SC) Diego;Western Wood-Pewee Apr. 14, SanDiego; Willow Flycatcher and anotherwas on nearbyL. SkinnerMar. 12 (RMcK). The imm. May 6, SanDiego; Hammond's Flycatcher Apr. 1, SanDiego County; Yellow-billedLoon foundon L. PerrisDec. 20 was lastseen May 4 WesternFlycatcher Mar. 11, SanDiego; Ash-throated Flycatcher Mar. (SC). Two HornedGrebes, rare after the end of April, were on San 22, OrangeCounty; Western Kingbird Mar. 17, Los Angeles;Swain- Diego Bay May 13 (REW), onewas still presenton L. Perrisat the end son'sThrush Apr. 21, San Diego; Bell's Vireo Mar. 21, SanDiego; of the period(SC), and anotherwas at N.E.S.S., May 5+ (REW). SolitaryVireo Mar. 21, San Diego; WarblingVireo Mar. 1, Orange County;Nashville Warbler Mar. 31, SanDiego and Morongo Valley; ALBATROSSES -- A Black-footed Albatross near Santa Rosa I., Yellow WarblerApr. 8, SanDiego; Black-throatedGray WarblerMar. May 20 (LB) was in the SantaBarbara Channel where rare. The pres- 24, San Diego;Hermit WarblerApr. 12, San Diego; MacGillivray's enceof a Laysan Albatrossat N.E.S.S., May 21 + (SC) maynot be as WarblerMar. 30, SanDiego; Wilson's Warbler Mar. 7, OrangeCounty; outlandishas it would initially appear,there being 3 prevmusrecords Yellow-breastedChat Apr. 8, SanDiego; Western Tanager Apr. 8, San from thisgeneral area in May: one seennear Desert Hot Springsabout Diego; Black-headedGrosbeak Mar. 22, San Diego; Blue Grosbeak 45 mi n.w. of the Salton Sea May 5, 1976 (W. Birds 8:27-28), one Apr. 29, Pt. Mugu;Lazuli Bunting Apr. 1, e. SanDiego County; Black- photographedin Yuma 75_+ mi s.e. of the SaltonSea May 14, 1981 chinnedSparrow Mar. 13, SanDiego County; Hooded Oriole Mar. 3, (Am. Birds 35:798-799)and one founddead in Blake Valley about40 SantaBarbara; Northern Oriole Mar. 21, e. San Diego County. mi w. of the SaltonSea May 28, 1982 (Am. Birds 36:893). Increasing

Volume 38, Number 5 957 were totally unexpected;10 were presentat the end of the period (REW). The $ Anhinga foundon Lee L., nearL. Elsinore,Riverside Jan. 29 was still presentat the end of the period (SC) but could be difficult to find amongthe partiallysubmerged trees.

HERONS, STORKS -- An ad. Little Blue Heronat S.E.S.S., May 27 (HK) was the only one foundaway from the San Diego areawhere a smallpopulation now appearsto be resident.A TricoloredHeron still presentnear Imperial Beach, San Diego June 6 (M & DH) wasapparent- ly summeringin that area. A sub-ad.Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, rare-to-casualalong the San Diego coast,was at the SantaMargarita R. mouthnear OceansideMay 9 (LRH). Two ad. Wood Storksremained aroundOceanside from the winter with one on Windmill L., Apr. 22 (LRH) being the latest sighting.

WATERFOWL- Two FulvousWhistling-Ducks at N.E.S.S., May 12 (GMcC) constitutedone of a very few recordsin Riverside. A winteringGreater White-fronted Goose in SantaBarbara remained to Apr. 30 (RAH), which was unusuallylate. As usualBrant were found inlandduring March and April with 688 on L. Henshaw,San Diego Horned Grebe, n. end of SaltonSea, Cal., May 6, 1984. Photo/Steven Mar. 14 (RH) beingthe largestconcentration; 75 seenflying W over W. Cardiff. Yaqui Wells in the Anza BorregoDesert Apr. 19 (BW) wereaway from water, and single birds on L. Casitas,Ventura Mar. 24 (LB) and L. Tinnemaha,lnyo June 1 (REW) were at unusuallocalities. A light- numbersof theseare being found around the tip of theBaja California belliedBrant (Branta bernicla hrota), casualin California, was seenoff Pen.(B. Pitman,pers. comm.),suggesting that the occasional bird is GoletaPt., SantaBarbara Apr. 19 OLD) A winteringc• Eur. Green- nowfinding itself "trapped" at thehead of theGulf of Californiaafter wingedTeal, very rare alongthe coastof s. California,remained in movingN from the "CapeRegion" along the wrong side of the Baja Goletathrough Apr. 14 (TW), andanother in BarstowApr. 13-28(SC, Pen., and attemptingan overlandflight to continueits N migration. ph. S.D.N.H.M.) wasthe first to havebeen found at a desertlocality in thisRegion. A G Eur. Wigeonin Ramona,San Diego Apr. 7 (REW) BOOBIES, PELICANS, ANHINGA -- A sub-ad. Brown Booby wassomewhat late for s. California.Four Black Scoters migrating N off nearSanta Barbara I., Mar. 25 (AS) was very likely the samebird seen GoletaPt., Apr. 11 OLD) andtwo more at thesame place Apr. 17 OLD) in this generalarea Oct. 29, 1983. A Brown Pelicanat N.E.S.S., Apr. 7 were the only ones reported.Migrant Surf Scoterswere seenon L. (REW) was morethan 2 weeksahead of the previousearly arrivaldate Henshawbetween Mar. 12 & May 3 with a high countof 186 present for this inland locality, so eight at the samelocation Apr. 15 (GMcC) Mar. 14 (RH). Two winteringHooded Mergansers present in Goleta

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958 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 Introducing North American Rare Bird Alert The first continent wide reference service with rare bird sightinginformation. Nowyou can learn of rare bird sightings sooner. North American RareBird Alert (NARBA) is a continentwide telephone hookup designedby a birdingenthusiast for birdingenthusiasts. It eliminateslag time. So you have a betterchance to seethem yourself. Here's how NARBA works. TheNARBA computer is constantly updated with information on the exactlocation of the latestconfirmed sightings. Twolevels of serviceare available. With LevelI ("Gyrfalcon")Service, youcall our special phone number for recorded information. With LevelII ("Laysan")Service, we'll call you when the particular birds you're interestedin aresighted. These services are available for as little as$12.50 annually. I/you'reserious about sighting rare birds, call or write us for more detailstoday. NARBA will take the guesswork out of your birding.

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Telephone throughApr 10 (NC) were late of April ThreeWandenng Tattlers, casual inland, were at SaltonCity May 5 (GMcC) with two still presentMay 6 (DLD). An UplandSand- HAWKS, FALCONS -- A Black-shoulderedKite alongthe Colora- piperat F.C.R., May 29 (SC) wasonly the 9th ever found in s. Califor- do R., s. of Palo Verde, Imperial Mar. 20 (DKr) wasat a mostunusual nia, but the 4th at this locationin late May. RuddyTurnstones were locality.A sub-ad.Mississippi Kite, a speciesnow foundeach year in presentinland on the Salton Sea between Apr. 15& May 12with a high lateMay or earlyJune, was at Oasis,Mono June1 (ML). A wintering countof 80 May 5 (REW). Red Knotsreached peak numbers on the Imm. Bald Eaglepresent on L. Henshawthrough May 4 (RH) waslate. Salton Sea in late April with 300 at Salton City Apr. 28 (JO) A An ad. N. Goshawkon Mr. PalomarMar. 22 (RH) wasonly the 3rd ever SemipalmatedSandpiper near Lancaster,Los AngelesApr. 15 (JLD) to be foundin SanDiego, andan immatureat OasisMay 24 (JLD) was establishedthe earliest date for thisvery rarespring migrant in Califor- unexpectedat this time of the year. An ad. Red-shoulderedHawk at nia, andwas followed by onein VictorvilleApr. 28 (SC), up to six at DesertCenter, Riverside Apr. 18 (RMcK) was well e. of the species' N.E.S.S., May 2-6 (DLD), and a late stragglerat S.E.S.S., June3 rangein California.The onlyBroad-winged Hawk reported was an adult (REW). A Baird'sSandpiper, rare to casualin spring,was near Lancas- near Mr. Pinos, Kern May 27 (DB). Swainson'sHawks continueto ter Apr. 14 OLD). A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper on the Kern N.W R , declinewith oneat CaliforniaCity, Kern Apr. 7 (MH) andanother over Kern May 8-10 (JW, ph. S.D.N.H.M.) was only the 2nd ever foundin SaltonCity, ImperialMay 5 (REW) beingthe only migrantsreported. A Californiain spring.The only Stilt Sandpipersfound this spring were 30 Merlin at Tehachapi,Kern Apr. 27 (MH) wasquite late. A Peregrine at S.E.S.S., May 5 (REW). The c• Ruff thatwintered on San Diego Bay Falcon at L. HenshawMar. 15 (RH) and anotherat L. Elsinore,River- was last seenMar. 26 (DKi). A flock of 320 Short-billedDowitchers in stde Apr. 14 (GMcC) were both at unusuallocalities. VictorvilleApr. 25 (SC) wasan exceptionalconcentration for an inland locality away from the SaltonSea. CRANES-- A flock of 15 SandhillCranes flying N overS.E.S.S., Apr. 10 (FGB) were undoubtedlymigrants moving N eitherfrom the JAEGERSTHROUGH SKIMMER -- An ad. PomafineJaeger, acci- smallwintering population in the ImperialValley or from w. Mexico, dentalinland, on L. ElsinoreMay 18 + (DLD, ph. S.D.N.H.M.)and andestablished the latestspring date for s. California. two more at N.E.S.S., June4 (PEL) had undoubtedlyreached these localitiesby way of theGulf of California.One or twoParasitic Jaegers PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS-- The only LesserGolden-Plovers re- at N.E.S.S., May 27-29 (DV) werethe firstto havebeen found inland In portedwere all winteringfulva,and included six still present near Santa s. Californiain spring.A 2nd-summerLaughing Gull on Morro Bay Maria, SantaBarbara May 6 (PS). A SolitarySandpiper, rare in spring, Mar. 24-May 4 (AMC) was alongthe coastwhere considered casual, a was in GoletaApr. 26 (JEL), anotherwas in Mojave, Kern Apr. 27 2nd-summerbird at N.E.S.S., May 2 (DLD), anotherat SaltonCity (MH), two were at nearbyCalifornia City May 1-4 (MOC), two more May 12 (GMcC) anda 3rdat S.E.S.S. thesame day (BB) wereearly for were in Victorville,San BernardinoApr. 28 (SC) and a 7th was at the Salton Sea. Migrant Franklin's Gulls includedtwo at Arroyo ImperialDam, Imperial Apr. 27-28(JML); this was more than normally Grande,San Luis ObispoMay 31 (BS), one at F.C.R., May 25-26 encounteredat this time of year, and all within a very shortperiod, (GMcC), anothernear LancasterMay 23 (JLD), one near Imperial suggestinga movement of thesebirds through the Region the last week BeachMay 30 (CGE) and up to nine at N.E.S.S., May 21-June10

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960 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 13. A LeastTern, very rare to casualinland, was at SaltonCity May 6 (REW) andsingle birds were at N.E.S.S., May 6 & 23 (DLD). One to four Black Skimmersat S.C.R.E., May 4-6 (DB) were the only ones found along the coastnorth of San Diego.

PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- One or two Band-tailed Pigeonsat F.C.R., May 26-30 (JO, REW) and anotherat California

CuckooCityMayat 5 Oasis(MH) June were I (REW)atunusual waslocalities. the only oneAmigrant reported. Yellow-billedOne or two Com. Nighthawksat F.C.R., May 26-30 (DLD) werespring migrants at an unusuallocality. As usual,a few ChimneySwifts appeared, with one at DeepSprings May 23 (JLD), threeover Los Angeles May 29 (RMcK) and four at the Iron Mr. PumpStation in e. San BernardinoJune 2 (H &

virtuallyPB).AVaux's all ChaeturaSwiftonseen Pt. Lomaalong Junethe coast 2(DP) of wass. Californiaexceptionally in latelate,May as andearly June are ChimneySwifts. A c• MagnificentHummingbird seenfor a shortperiod of timein Ridgecrest,Kern Apr. 24 (JBr)when attractedto a lawn sprinklerwill establishthe first recordfor California if acceptedby the CaliforniaRarities Committee. Calliope Humming- birdswere morenumerous than usual during April, with 50 + reported alongthe coast and a concentrationof 10 nearLancaster Apr. 14 OLD). A c• Broad-tailedHummingbird at TollhouseSprings in theWhite Mrs., !nyo Mar. 21 (BWK) was early, and singlebirds at Corn Springsin e. RiversideMay 6 (AS) andnear Iron Mr. PumpStation Apr. 29 (RMcK) wereaway from areas of normal occurrence. Anobvious c•N. (Yellow- shafted)Flicker at DeepSprings May 25-28 (JO) wasexceptionally late.

FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A DuskyFlycatcher, very rare alongthe coast,was on Pt. Loma May 3 (REW). FifteenGray Fly- catchersalong the coastbetween Apr. 14 & May 3 were more than normal. An E. Phoebeat CaliforniaCity May 4-5 (MH) was only the 2ndever reported in May in s. California.The Dusky-cappedFlycatcher foundin LosOsos, San Luis Obis7•o Jan. 22 waslast seen May 20 (GPS, ph. S.D.N.H.M.). For the 3rd consecutiveyear a Brown-crestedFly- Twopelagic or coastalbirds' inlatut at L. Elsinore,Riverside Co.. Cal. catcherappeared at F.C.R., beingpresent May 27-30 (SC), andanother Above:Pomarine Jaeger (adult or near-adult).Ma3 18. 1984. Below: at Ft. Piute in e. San Bernardino June 1 (SC) was the 2nd ever found in adult Heermann'sGull, May 4, 1984. Photos/StevenW. Cardiff. e. Mojave area. A wintering Tropical Kingbird remainedin Goleta throughApr. 29 (AB). Three E. Kingbirdswere foundin the e. portion (DLD, PEL). An ad. Heermann'sGull, casualinland, was on L. Elsin- of the Regionwith oneat OasisMay 27 (AS), anotherat F.C.R., May oreMay 4 (SC, ph. S.D.N.H.M.) andanother was at N.E.S.S., May 23 29-31 (DRW) andone at MorongoValley June7 (KR). A Scissor-tailed (SC, ph. S.D.N.H.M.). An ad. Mew Gull at SaltCr., on theSalton Sea Flycatcher,a casualstraggler to California,was at F.C.R., May 28-30 Mar. I 1 (DRW) was far inland. An ad. Herring Gull at CaliforniaCity (JBo).A •?Purple Martin over Brawley, Imperial Apr. 28 (GMcC)was Apr. 27 (JW) andanother at F.C.R., May 19 (GMcC) wereboth in the at an unusuallocality. desertwhere previous records are virtually nonexistent. A first-summer W. Gull inlandon L. ElsinoreApr. 11 + (SC) waswearing color bands, JAYS THROUGH VIREOS -- A ScrubJay at StovepipeWells in havingbeen banded as a chickon SantaBarbara I. Up to threeGlaucous- Death Valley May 27-31 (DRW) wascertainly lost. A Hermit Thrushon wingedGulls at N.E.S.S. at the end of the period (GMcC) were far Pt. LomaJune 6 (REW) wasexceptionally late for a coastallocality. A inland. A first-yearGlaucous Gull, rare in s. California,flew N past Varied Thrush near Holtville, Imperial Apr. 12-13 (MJK) was unex- Goleta Pt., Mar. 26 OLD). pected,and singlebirds at Pt. Mugu May 6 (H & PB) and on Pt. Loma Two Gull-billed Terns at N.E.S.S., Mar. I 1 (DRW) gave us the May 13 (B & MMcI) were late for 'alongthe coast.A BrownThrasher, earliestspring arrival date for thisspecies in California.An ElegantTern mostunusual in spring,was at Scotty'sCastle May 26-27 (B & MMcI). at Carpinteria,Santa Barbara Mar. 23 (LB) was unusuallyfar n. for so A Water Pip•t alongthe coaston Pt. Loma May 21 (REW) and another early in the year. An ad. Arctic Tern at N.E.S.S.. June 9 {DLD) on the desertat F.C.R.. May 25-27 (JO) were bothvery late for these establishedthe 7th recordfor the interior, all falling betweenJune I & localities.A Bell's Vireo at OasisJune I-3 (REW) wasunexpected, and BenFeltnees Peregrine Tours PERU June9-1-auly 16,1985 ARGENTINA October 25-November 14, 1985 In1985 Peregrine inaugurates twonew Latin American tours.Each will feature aneminent leaderwho has othercountry in the world. Paul, formerly naturalist atthe Explorer's Inn, has led numerous Peru tours and hasbeen tape-recording andpainting Peruvian birdsfor years. Roberto Straneck, anArõentinian ornithologist withthe Museum of NaturalHistory in Buenos Aires, will lead you from tropical rain forests tothe sub- Antarcticshores of Tierradel Fueõo. Both tours will be limitedin size,with our own BobBehrstock as co- leaderifthe number ofparticipants warrants. Please write us for detaile• itineraries ofthese or any of our other fine tours_ P.O. Box 2074, Humble, Texas 77347 (713) 441-1220

Volume 38, Number 5 961 wasfelt to be fromone of thee populationsbecause of •tsrelatively brightcoloration. Three Red-eyed Vireos, rare but regular in latespnng, werereported with oneat CornSprings May 13 (OC), anotherin Cah- forniaCity May 28 (JW), andthe 3rd on FigueroaMt., nearSanta BarbaraMay 20 (LRB).

WOOD WARBLERS-- A •2 Blue-wingedWarbler in Califorma City May 25 (JW) wasonly the 8th ever foundin s. California A d' Golden-wingedWarbler, one of the rarestwood warblersto reachCah- Join The Federation of Ontario fornia,was in CarpinteriaJune 1-2 (TW). A Lucy'sWarbler at Oas•s NaturalistsCo-Sponsors of May 29-June3 (DLD) wasexceptionally far n. The onlyN. Parulas werean early ]nale at Pis]noBeach, San Luis Obispo Apr. 1-5(BS), a CANADIAN fe]nalein CaliforniaCity May 15(MOC) and another at Oasis May 30- June3 (JML). Thewintering Chestnut-sided Warbler found in Hunt•ng- ton Beach,Orange Dec. 31 waslast seen Apr. 3 (LRH), but a ]naleat NATURE CornSprings May 13(OC) was the only spring vagrant. Four Magnoha Warblerswas about an average number with a femalein BarstowMay TOURS 11 (SC, ph. S.D.N.H.M.), andsingle ]nales at ThousandPahns Oas•s, for RiversideMay 17(RMcK), Ft. PiuteMay 26 (REW)and Oasis May 30- Tours of 31 (JML).Two d' CapeMay Warblers, casual in spring,were together Wild Canada atF.C.R., May 19(JO). A d'Black-throated Blue Warbler near R•dge- crest, Kern June4 (HLJ) was only the 3rd to have beenfound •n s A variedprogramme, with Californiain spring.The wintering Black-throated Green Warbler found excellentleaders, touching all at Los OsosDec. 17 waslast seen Mar. 2 (LB) andthe fe]nale in Costa cornersof the country. Mesare]nained through Apr. 6 (LRH). A d' Yellow-throatedWarbler •n Birding toursacross Canada, CarpinteriaJune 2-3 (SC)was of theexpected race albilora. At leasttwo wildernesscanoeing in Northern Grace'sWarblers on ClarkMr., SanBernardino May 29 (TW) were Ontario, manyhigh arctictours, probablyspring overshoots asnone was found on subsequent visits, th•s generalnatural history trips to speciesnests in thenearby Charleston and Sheep Mrs. ofs. NevadaThe both seacoasts, and mountain winteringPine Warblerfound in San Luis ObispoJan. 9 rmnmned throughMar. 14 (CM); a singing]nale at F.C.R., May 31 (REW) backpacking. 355 Lesmill Rd. providedour first spring record. A d' PrairieWarbler, virtually unheard Don Mills, Ontario M3B 2W8 416-444-8419

PLANETARIUMSTATION NEw Yo.g. NY Questerstor 1985 Travelwith a purpose. Learnand discover.Search outp/ants and animals,birds and flowers.Explore rain forests,mountains and tundra, seashores, lakes and swamps. WithQuesters you wi// have ample time to photograph, absorb and reflect. Naturalistguides, small tour parties, first-c/ass accommodations. Worldwide Nature Tours Asia & Africa // lg85 1985 Departures Japan:23 days,5/31 * Burma/Thailand:23 days, 11/2 ß Sri Lanka: 18 days, 2/15, 7/5, 11/15 ß /• BirdingEx•dition The Americas •, Sichuan Province Nepal/Sikkim/Bhutan: 23 days, 3/14, 10/10 Okefenokee:12 days,4/14 ßHawaii: 15 days,2/7 ßFoothills of WesternHimalayas: 19 days,4/18ß WEST CHINA &21, 3/21, 10/17, 12/19 ßAlaska.17 days,6/21, Kenya: 22 days, 1/31, 7/18, 10/17 ß Mada- 7/9 & 27 ß PacificNorthwest: 12 days, 6/17, 8/5 ß gascar/Reunion/Mauritius:24 days, 7/7, 10/6 Death Valley:9 days, 3/24, 10/6 ß Churchill:12 Mt. Emei (Omei-Shan) Oceania & Australasia 4 - 27 April days,6/17 ßNewfoundland: 16 days, 6/16 * Baja California:11 days, 4/12, 10/11 ß Southern Mex- Australia/NewZealand: 28 days, 2/9, 10/5 ßNew Jiuzhaigou/Baihe ico:15 days, 2/3&17, 11/3, 12/22 * Panama/ Zealand/MilfordTrack: 22 days, 2/8, 11/15 * Pa- Panda Reserves Costa Rica: 14 days, 2/11,3/18, 12/23 * Venezu- pua New Guinea: 24 days, 5/18, 8/10, 11/2 ß 22 April - 19 May ela, 16 days, 2/1, 3/8, 11/1 ß Amazon:17 days, Australia:35 days, 9/6. 1/6, 3/3, 5/5, 7/7, 8/4, 11/17. Ecuador/Galapa- Writefor the 1985 QuestersDirectory of World- gos: 17 days, 1/6, 3/10, 4/21, 8/4, 10/13, 12/15 ß w/deNature Tours./f a particu/artour strikes your Tours may be taken Galapagos:17 days, 1/21, 2/4- Peru:17 days, fancy,ask for its Detai/ed itinerary. consecutively or separately 7/14, 11/3 ß Patagonia:22 days, 1/7, 11/4 ßTrini- dad/Tobago:11 days, 3/4 & 18, 11/4 & 18, Toursled by BEN KING, the foremost Europe held birder in Asia, author of A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Iceland:16 days,6/14, 7/5, 8/9 ßIreland: 23 days, Asia, and currently writing A Field 5/8 ß Islands/Highlandsof Scotland:21 days, QUESTERS Identification Handbook to the Birds 5/30, 7/18. Switzerland:17 days, 7/19, 8/9. Worldwide Nature Tours of the Indian Region. Write for Spain:20 days, 4/19 ß Greece: 19 days, 4/15, Dept. AB, 257 Park AvenueSouth /fineraries. 9/16 * Islesof Greece: 16 days, 5/4, 10/12. New York, NY 10010 ß (212) 673-3120

962 A]nencanB•rds, Septmnber-October 1984 Osprey Puffins Gannets Bald Eagles Blue Whales Right Whales Beluga Whales Herons; Sandp•pers Petrels; Shearwaters Sitting before a crackling fire. Humpback and Finback Whales New friends,old yarns, and muchmore

Come and explore breathtakingcoastal Maine and the beauty of theCanadianMaritimes. • Male Blackpoll Warblerat Corn Springs,Riverside Co., Cal., May 13. 1984. Photo/Herbert Clarke. of in spring, was in CaliforniaCity May 8 (MAC). A Palm Warbler knownto havebeen present in Goletasince Dec. 17 remainedthrough Apr. 26 (KB) and anotherin Los OsosMay 8 (PA) could well have winteredlocally, this species being exceptionally rare in lateMay when mostother springvagrants are found. The only Bay-breastedWarbler foundwas a malein AnaheimJune I (DRW). A C•Blackpoll Warbler, Whale and Btrdmg Expeditions, Art exceptionallyrare in spring,was at Corn SpringsMay 13 (HC, ph. and Nature Photography Workshopsare S.D.N.H.M.). A c• PrathonoraryWarbler, a casualstray to California, oursoecialtg. wasat F.C.R., May 19-20 (HAG) and anotherwas at the samelocation May 26 (JA). Eight Ovenbirdsduring May was aboutaverage, and

Box 102-D-HCR 70 Machias, Maine 04654 (207) 255-8810

Bird Bonanzas Presents "THE AFFORDABLE TOURS" PO Box 196 \•l• BIRD BaNAN/AS invitesyour attentionto our 1985 tour proõram.In these PLANETARIUMSTATION . timeswhen so many tour pricesare out of reachfor the averaõeperson, we're pleasedto offer bird tours at a barõain. For example: URUGUAY in February-- a 14 day tour for only $995. HAWAII in April -- a 14 day tour for only $1395. KENYA in June -- an 18 day tour for /' 1985 / only $1795. Birding Tours SCANDINAVIA in July -- a 23 day tour for only $1695. THAILAND MEXICO (Oaxaca) in Auõust -- a 12 day tour 13 Jan. - 4 Feb. for only $1150. AUSTRALIA in October -- a 30 day tour for only $2345. BURMA4 - 11 Feb. We also have tours in 1985 to Panama (January), Costa Rica (includinõa cruiseto Cocos Island, HONG KONG March), Seabird Cruises to the South Paci- 12 - 15 Feb. fic with Peter Harrison (March), Mexico (El Triunfo, Apdl), Guatemala (Tikal, May), Tours may be taken Yemen (April), the Philippines (April) and consecutively or separately New Zealand (November). We employthe finestavailable leaders, we keep our õroupssmall, and we offer Tours led by BEN KING, the foremost unsurpassedbirdinõ experiences at a relaxinõ, enjoyablepace. field birder in Asia, author of A Field Guide to th• Birds of South-East Foradditional details about barõains you can'tafford to overlook,please write to: Asia, and currently writing A Field Identification Handbook to the Btrds of the Indian Region. Write for Bird Bo J•a•r•za•y In • NorthMiami, BoxFla. 6.5633161 itin erarios.

Volume 38, Number 5 963 sponsoredby American Birds The Bird Watcher'sDigest and New Jersey Comell Laborato• of Society Ornithology challenges Endorsed by the birders AmericanBirding Association in North America to cross this line.. for the 2nd Annual SERIES OF BIRDING theBIGGEST Midnight to Midnight 18 May 1985 DAY A 24 hour Big Day (•)o (•)• Birding(N.J. Record:Competition 201) •,•••.,•oI• • p•proceedsgenerated dgeswill benefit the •,,,,-•"-co. ns.e.•a,tio,ncause of the sponsoring • organization'schoice. Vie for the covetedURNER-STONE CUP (1st place)andthe EDWIN I. STEARNS AWARD (1st out of Regionteam)

PROSPECTIVE BIG DAY TEAMS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS Consistof a minimumof 3 anda maximumof 6 observersß Conformto ABA and Biggest Dayrules ß Plottheir routes entirely within the state of NewJersey ß Gainthe sponsorship of an establishedbirding club, group, Audubonchapter, nature center, or birding enterprise.

FOR DETAILS AND ENTRY MATERIAL WRITE: WORLDSERIES OF BIRDING CapeMay BirdObservatory P.O. Box 3 CapeMay Point,New Jersey08212 (609) 884-2736

964 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984 includeda somewhatearly individual at CornSprings May 5 (HC). The Costa Rica only HoodedWarblers found were a male on Pt. Loma May 12 (BF) and anotherin Tustin, OrangeMay 26 (V & WG). Tropical TANAGERS THROUGH SPARROWS -- The wintering Hepatic Adventure Tanagerpresent in Santa Barbarasince Nov. 25 was last seenApr. 8 (VC), anda maleat CornSprings May 6 (AS) wasone of veryfew found Birdingand Natural History in springaway from a knownbreeding locality. A d IndigoBunting April 5-14, 1985 near S.E.S.S., May 5 (REW) and anotherin BarstowMay 8 (DLD) weresomewhat early for thisrare but regular stray to s. California.A d December 21-31, 1985 Dickcissel,casual in spring,was near RidgecrestMay 18 (HLJ) and Limited to 12 Participants anotherwas found at OasisMay 27 (DLD). A Black-throatedSparrow We havediscovered stunning settings on Pt. LomaMay 30 (GJ) wasalong the coast where considered casual. to observe, photograph and study A GrasshopperSparrow at F.C.R., May 27 (SC) was at an unusual exotic b•rds and other wildlife. locality. A SwampSparrow near Imperial Dam Apr. 27-28 (JML) and Breathtakmgscenery anotherin Victorville May 3 (SC) were probablyspring migrants. A Beautiful Pacific beaches White-throatedSparrow in MojaveMay 18 (MH), anotherat OasisMay Rugged mountains 19-20(JO) anda 3rd at MesquiteSprings in DeathValley N.M., May 19 Glorious climate (HAG) were late. A Golden-crownedSparrow on Pt. Loma June 7 Delightfulaccommodations (REW) wasexceptionally late. A migrantHarris' Sparrow was in Cali- Observe birds of primary tropical fornia City May 11 (JW). 'rainforest,cloud forest, savannahs, mangroves, rivers, beaches and BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, FINCHES -- Bobolinks were scarcer volcanic mountains. Thrill to flocks of thannormal in thee. portionof the Regionwith six reportedMay 13- Scarlet Macaws, Chestnut-mandibled June2; but alongthe coast,where decidedly rare in spring,a malewas Toucans, the Fiery-billed Araceri, seenin Irvine, OrangeMay 30 (RS) and anotherwas found at Marina Violaceousand Slaty-tailedTrogons, del Rey, LosAngeles June I (JS, ph. S.D.N.H.M.). A d Tricolored manakins, motmots, and many more Blackbirdat StovepipeWells Mar. 25 (DS) andanother at F.C.R., May birds and other wildlife. 29-JuneI (SC) were both in the DeathValley area wherefar out of nature 1Dorld Explorations, Inc. 11442High Hay Dr., Columbia,MD 21044 (301) 730-0877

Trinidad EASTERN BIRDS OF PREY By Neal Clark & Tobago The Asa Wright •/- • NatureAnd LodgeCentre .0.•J A 200-acrewildlife sanctuaryin the rain-- forestedNorthern Mountain Range; home to a colonyof Oilbirds,12 speciesof humming- birds, Channd-billed Toucan, Crested Oropendola,Antshrikes, Mottled Owl, trogons,tanagers, bellbirds, and others. Trinidad'sspecies include an impressive 400 birds,108 mammals, 55 reptiles,25 amphibiansand over 617 butterflies. Individualand group tours to the Centre, Life cyclecoverage and field identification Trinidad,and its sisterisland of Tobagoare conductedthroughout the year. of allmajor raptors east of theMississippi. Specialtours include our summerwork- shopsin Ornithology,Botany, Tropical Ecology,Entomology and Nature Photo- Over graphyand Art; and the AnnualAudubon 40 OutstandingPhotographs Christmas Bird Count. -•' ! ' Clip couponand Sendme__ copiesat US •' mail with check •,., TollFree: 800-235-1216 $6.95. Please add $1.00 for ('•,,•+ InCT: 203-622-8989 ',. or money order shippingand handling. Maine •,•]•',, C 40•rGe,reentcW•C.•v•a8•B-3 residents add 5% sales tax. CaligoVentures een,•ic, 0 ß':o ] payableto: t 'toqueC,,nhhc,m Tr.n el -- Thorndike Press Name Address •' P.O.Box 159 Or The Trinidad & Tobago Tourist Board, SIZE 6"x9" Thorndike City. 400 Madison Ave.. New York, NY 10017 174PAGES ME 04986 State Zip And fly with BWIA International

Volume 38, Number 5 965 range.Great-tailed Grackles continued to be foundalong the coast with HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION a femaleat Pt. Mugu Mar. 24 (SJR) and anothernear Imperial Beach June6 (M & DH). ACom. Grackle,a casualstraggler to California,was /Robert L. Pyle in BakerMay 24-30(SC) and another was at Iron Mt. PumpStation May 23-29 (RMcK, ph. S.D.N.H.M.). A wintering• OrchardOriole re- The acuteshortage of rain continuedthrough spring. Only twice mainedin Goletathrough Apr. 1 (HR) andanother stayed in SanDiego beforein thiscentury (mid-1910s and early 1970s) have dry conditions to Apr. 8 (LZ); a male at PismoBeach, San Luis ObispoMar. 3-6 approachedthe currentdrought in severityand duration. Higher wind- (TME) couldhave been wintering in that generalarea, but a femalein wardmountain areas were receiving adequate rains, but leewardlow- CaruthersCanyon of theNew York Mts., May 9 (DLD) andanother at landareas west of themountains on all islandswere particularly hard hit. OasisJune 3 (JML) wereclearly vagrants. A • Scott'sOriole at F.C.R., Theseincluded the official state climatological station at Honoluluair- May 29 (ML) wasat an unusuallocality. port, and the entireislands of Kahoolaweand Niihau in the rain shadows A PurpleFinch at DesertCenter Apr. 12 (SC) wasin an areawhere of larger islands. veryfew havebeen found. A • Lawrence'sGoldfinch at Ft. PiuteMay Accessto NiihauIsland, privately-owned with about200 inhabitants, 31 (SC) wasunexpected. A • EveningGrosbeak near Keystone Canyon hasfor generationsbeen denied to everyoneincluding state government in the New York Mts., May 14 (SFB) was the only one found. officials.Little is knownof its birdlife.It hastwo largelakes which are knownfrom occasional aerial surveys to havesupported breeding popu- CONTRIBUTORS-- PattieAlderbrook, Jon Atwood, Stephen F. lationsof the EndangeredHawaiian races of AmericanCoot and Black- Bailey, Larry R. Ballard, Dean Bazzi, Florence G. Bennett, Louis neckedStilt, whenwater conditions were good. In Junethe Honolulu Bevier,Allyn Bissell,Jeff Boyd (JBo), Bob Bradley, Julis Breitenstein Advertisernewspaper sponsored a helicopteroverflight of Niihau, (JBr), Karen Bridgers,Hank & Priscilla Brodkin (H & PB), Steve whichrevealed starkly desert-like conditions across the island. A photo Cardiff, Mark O. Chichister (coordinatorfor Kern Co.), Herb Clarke, of one of the lakesshowed it to havebeen long dry, with cracked Olga Clarke, Virginia Collett, Elizabeth Copper (coordinatorfor San mudpanpattern. The droughtmust have significanteffects on the wet- DiegoCo.), Alan M. Craig,Nancy Crawford, Donna L. Dittman,Jon land breedingbirds of the island,and perhapson its landbirdstoo, L. Dunn, Tom M. Edell (coordinatorfor SanLuis ObispoCo.), Claude althoughaccess to assessthe situationis not feasible.An interesting G. Edwards,Bob Florarid,Virginia & WayneGochenour (V & WG), second-or third-handreport from oneof the island'sowners to a state Helen A. Green,Robb A. Hamilton,Marjorie & Don Hastings(M & wildlife biologist(TT) wasthat manyLesser Golden-Plovers did not DH), LorenR. Hays, Matt Heindel,Roger Higson, Ginger Johnson, H. departNiihau in Aprilas they normally do. Cotfid it bethat they couldn't Lee Jones,Mark J. Kasprzyk,Brian W. Keelan, David King (DKi), find enoughfood to preparefor the longoverwater m•gration to their Harry Krueger, Dave Krueper (DKr---coordinatorfor Colorado R. arctic breedinggrounds (TT)? Valley), Jeri M. Langham,Patti E. Lehman, Joan E. Lentz, Mike Lippsmeyer,Curtis Marantz, Bert & MargaretMcintosh (B & MMcI), ABBREVIATIONS-- F.F.S. = FrenchFrigate Shoals; H. = Ha- Robert McKernan (RMcK•oordinator for RiversideCo.), JerryO1- waii I.; J.C.N.W_R. = JamesCampbell Nat'l Wildlife Ref., on Oahu; denettel,Dennis Parker, Kurt Rademacher,Sylvia J. Ranney (coordi- K. = Kauai I.; L. = Lanai 1.; M. = Maui I.; O. = Oahu I.; natorfor OrangeCo.), Hugh Ranson,Don Schmoldt,Rob Schonholtz, P.H.N.W.R. = Pearl Harbor Nat'l Wildlife Ref., on Oahu. Brad Schram,Arnold Small, Greg P. Smith, Phil Swan, JacobSzabo, Dick Veit, Bill Wagner, RichardE. Webster,Doug R. Willick, John Wilson, Tom Wurster (coordinator for Santa Bafoara and Ventura Cos.), Linda Zarins. An additional 75 _+ observerswho could not be individually acknowledgedsubmitted reports this season.•UY McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, CA 92112.

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966 AmericanBirds, September-October1984 ALBATROSSES AND PETRELS -- A Black-footed Albatross SoAo chickwas found on KaulaRock Apr. 16-18 (MM et al.) duringthe state Kauai'sfamous Golden Eagle first appeared in thewild Wai- surveyof this isolatedseabird breeding island 35km s.w. of Niihau I. meaCanyon regioh of thatisland in early 1967, andwas identi- The little groupof LaysanAlbatrosses seen often through the winterin fied thenas a sub-adult.During the next 17 yearsit wasseen the Kahukuarea of Oahuremained until mid-April. At leastthree and irregularlyin thecentral mountain areas of Kauai,mostly by the possiblyfive werethere Apr. 16 (PD, RD), twoApr. 19 (JB), noneApr. pilotsof commercialsightseeing helicopters. Over the years the 21 or thereafter.Occurrence of severalalbatrosses over a period of eaglebecame more and more antagonistic toward the choppers, monthsis unprecedentedfor Oahu in recentdecades. At least50 'U'au oftenattacking those that came too close. Finally, in May of this (the EndangeredHawaiian race of Dark-rumpedPetrel), seen or heard year, the inevitablehappened. The eagledove at a helicopter May 26 nearthe fog dripstation in theLanai mts., wasconsidered a low from above,the pilot was unableto evadeit, and the bird was count becauseof windy conditions(PC). Nine occupiednests of shatteredin theoverhead blades. Thus ended, at theprobable age Bulwer'sPetrels, the majority with eggs,had been found by May 15 on of 21, thelife of a magnificentbird that had become a legendon Kauai. Manana Islet off Oahu (JS). Are thereany other cases on recordwhere an accidentalstrag- TROPICBIRDS TO FRIGATEBIRDS -- Also on Manana Islet, 8 gler stayedas long as 17 yearsin the samelocale? activeRed-tailed Tropicbird nests had beenfound by late May (JS). Previously,Red-taileds had been known to neston Mananaonly irregu- larly, andno morethan one or possibly2 pairsin a singleseason. This correlateswith morefrequent sightings along the nearby Oahu coast this spring(fide JS). A "dark"-phaseRed-looted Booby, in this caseone COOTS THROUGH TERNS -- About 470 (Hawaiian) Am. Coots that was pale brown aboveand below, was on a nestin the colonyat (Endangered)were at Waita Res., K., Apr. 29 (BJ). Late springdates Ulupau Head, O., Mar. 31 (RLP et al.). A bird of this color had been for shorebirdson OahuI., includedLesser Yellowlegs at KahukuApr. observednesting in aboutthe samespot in occasionalprior years. 16 (PD, RD) and Waipio May 12 (RLP, LS). PectoralSandpiper at Virtually all Red-lootedBoobies nesting in Hawaii are of the white Kahuku Apr. 16 (PD, RD), and Ruff and Long-billedDuwitcher at phase;most of thosenesting s. of theEquator are darker brown. Observ- WaipioApr. 27 (RLP), the lattercoming into goodbreeding plumage. erson theKaula Rock survey studied a partiallyalbinistic Great Frigate- SootyTerns breeding on MananaIslet, O., hadmostly large juveniles in bird soaringover the islandApr. 16-17 (MM et al.). late May, andthe colonyhad enlarged to occupysome areas not used lastyear (JS). A White Tern chickand several adults observed in a large DUCKS -- Two Fulvous Whistling-Ducksresident at Kii Pond, tree near Punahouand Wilder streetsduring March and April (PN) J.C.N.W.R., andadjacent Areorient Aquafarm, O., sinceJune 1982 are •ndicatedanother successful nesting by this speciesin the favoredarea presumedto be from a flockof six seenbriefly in the samearea 5 months on the e. edge of downtownHonolulu. earlier.These had been the only recordedoccurrences of the speciesin Hawaii. Thus, it wasstunning when a flock of sevenwas seenflying OWLS, SWIFTLETS -- The Short-eared Owl that wintered at Tern overKii PondApr. 13 (RLP et al.). The sevenwere found again Apr. 16 I., F.F.S., wasjoined in earlyMarch by a 2ndbird, but both disappeared andthen were joined in the air by two more,totalling nine individuals at the beginningof May (fide BE). It cannotbe saidwith certaintythat (PD, RD). Up to half a dozenhave been seen there since. Origin of these thesevagrant Short-eareds turning up in the n.w. HawaiianIs. areof the ducksis unknown:migrants from NorthAmerica do notnormally arrive subspeciesendemic to themain Hawaiian Is., becausethe one specimen in April. One conjectureis that the four original birds not seenafter collectedout there (at Kure) was of the Holarctic race. January1982 founda hideoutand raised a few morein the ensuing2V2 An arduoushike to the headof theN. HalawaValley, O., June2 was years.Another possibility is thatthis new group,and perhaps the origi- rewardedwith finding more than20 nestsof the Gray Swiftlet (RS, nal grouptoo, mightbe escapesfrom an unknowncaptive flock here in DW). Swiftletswere introduced to Oahuin 1962.The nestswere deep in the islands. a dead-endhorizontal tunnel shaft dug into the mountainsidemany At leasttwo Blue-wingedTeal remainedat AimakapaPond, H., after decadesago as a water well (unsuccessful).The KoolauMts. survey otherducks had departedin mid-April, but no evidenceof nestinghad found a few nests in this same tunnel shaft during the late 1970s. beenreported. Last report of the handsomedrake Garganey at Kii Pond Numerousother abandonedhorizontal shafts are still presentin this was Apr. 16 (PD, RD). sectionof the KoolauMts., but mosthave not beenexplored for swiftlet nests.Incredibly, on the sameday a Gray Swiftletwas reported flying RAPTORS -- An Osprey(occasional migrant to Hawaii) wasat Kii over Haiku Valley in the e. foothills of the Koolaus(MS), directly Pondirregularly from March into June, and was observed catching a fish oppositeN. HalawaValley on thew. side,and barely 3kin from the nest there (DW). This couldhave beenthe sameindividual that winteredat tunnel.Swiftlets had neverbefore been reported e. of the Koolausum- Wilson Res., in Wahiawa, O. mit, and are rarely encounteredanywhere outside N. Halawa Valley.

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Volume 38, Number 5 967 PASSERINES -- EuraslanSkylarks heard singingdunng most MICRONESIA-- TheU S F & W S Surveyof Trukand Yap in the March and April visits to Waipio and to the Honouliuliand Waiawa U.S. TrustTerritories of Micronesiafrom March through May (JE,PP, unitsof P.H.N.W.R. (RLP et al.) indicatedthat this speciesis doing DJ, JM) foundpopulations of all of the nativelandbird species known wellin theWaipio Peninsula area despite extensive year-to-year modifi- fromthese 2 islandgroups. All of Yap'sspecies are doing well, includ- cationsin land useby the sugarplantation there. A JapaneseBush- ing the little-knownendemic form of Cicadabirdwhich was found to be Warblerat theTurtle Bay Kuilima Pond near Kahuku, O., Apr. 16 (PD, uncommonbut widelydistributed. At Truk, only a few of the endemic RD) furnishedan interestinglowland record for spring. A Kama'o form of MicronesianPigeon were found. However,the Truk Greater (Kauai form of HawaiianThrush) observed along Pihea Trail at Kokee, White-eye--previouslyknown only from the top of thehighest islet of K , aroundApr. 23 (RD) wasat least the 4th reported sighting in thelast Tol--was alsofound on the highest pans of nearbyPolle, Pata, and Onel 4 yearsof thisextremely rare and endangered bird in thissame reason- islets.Total range of thespecies on the 4 isletsis onlyabout one square ablyaccessible area. Eight Greater Necklaced Laughing-thrushes were km. OtherTruk species,including the Truk Monarch (previously con- seenalong Haiku Rd., near Puhi, K., in late April (RD). Five N. sidereduncommon), were found in goodnumbers and well distributed Mockingbirdsin the publicuse sectionof SandI. Park, O., May 12 About2 dozennew speciesof migrantwaterbirds were recorded for (RLP, LS) wasan unusually high count for onelocality. The birdsmay the2 islandgroups. Most would be expectablein theseislands, which havemoved into thisarea from adjacentsections of the parkrecently havenot been thoroughly observed for migrants in thepast. Highlights clearedof keawescrub, a preferredhabitat for thisintroduced species in includedFar EasternCurlew, GreatKnot andRuff on Truk, andMarsh Hawaii. Sandpiperand Swinhoe's Snipe in bothisland groups. SeveralRed-crested Cardinals were seenMay 26-28 at PoipuBeach, a new!y-reportedlocality for this specieson Kauai (RLP). Two Laven- CORRIGENDA-- Thereference to thehoneycreeper 'O'u (not'Ou, derWaxbills in a yardin theheights above Kailua-Kona, H., Apr. 12 whichis the Hawaiianname for Bulwer'sPetrel) in theAlakai wilder- (RD) establisheda new locality for thisspecies not too far fromthe Puu nessarea in August 1983 (AB 38: 251) shouldbe deleted.The 'O'o'a'a Waawaaarea where a few still hold out. The Com. Waxbill, fairly heardthere (AB 38: 361) was insteadof the 'O'u, not in additionto it recentlydiscovered on OahuI., is holdingits own at 3 localities:17 total at 2 placesat WaipioMar. 17 (MO, RLP), 12 at TurtleBay Kuilima CONTRIBUTORS-- JoanneBarta, Peter Connally, Reggie David, PondApr. 16 (PD, RD), and11 nearWaiawa Unit, P.H.N.W.R., Apr. PeterDonaldson, Bruce Eilerts, John Engbring, Dave Jickling, Betty 27 (RLP). A brilliantc• RedAvadavat at NiumaluBeach P., Apr. 28 Joao, Walt Jones, Jim Moore, Marie Morin, Patricia Nevin, John (RD) mayhave been the firstreported from Kauai. Ten JavaSparrows Obata,Mike Ord,Peter Pyle, Rob Schallenberger, Larry Spear, Malle Mar. 18 at UpperNuuanu Res., nearthe crest of theKoolaus, provided Stemmermann,Jack Swenson, Avery Taylor, Tom Telfer, Dave Wood- furtherevidence of the rapidexpansion of this speciesin e. Oahu. side.--ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 N. KalaheoAve., Kailua, HI 96734.

WEST INDIES REGION /Robert L. Norton THE NORTHERN VIRGIN ISLANDS AND EASTERN PUERTO RICAN BANK A lageffect of the 1983E1 Nifio/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) wasthe severespring drought experienced in theeastern Caribbean. Hutt recalls N ' ' •- thatthis spring was the driest he has witnessed in 30 yearsresidency on Barbados.Puerto Rico, experiencingthe driestApril in 77 years(San _ ANEGADA JuanStar, May 8), hada 35% reductionfrom normal monthly rainfall as the droughtentered its 13thweek. E1Yunque rain forestin PuertoRico hadtwo inchesof rainon April 28, representing89% of theweek's total atthat station. Weeks of dry weatheron St. Kittsand Nevis were finally interruptedby 3.8 inchesof rainduring an eight-hour deluge on April 28 (San Juan Star, May 1). March precipitationin PuertoRico was about50% below average whilein theVirgin Islands it wasdown only 20%. Rainfall for Apriland May in the Virgin Islands,however, was down 53% and58% respec- tively. The effectof tropicaldrought and rainy periods controls the biology of frugivoresand insectivores. Long dry spellsmay also influence the biology of marine avifaunaas well, by limiting amountsof nutrients washedinto bayswhich supportlocal food webs.This phenomenon, althoughmechanically different from ENSO, hasessentially the same results--influencingseabird dynamics in the Caribbean. SHEARWATERS THROUGH COOTS -- A Cory's Shearwater Local fishermenand yachtsmen (i.e., from Barbadosand the Virgin waspositively identified (FS) May 16on a sailingtrip between Antigua Islands)continue to makevaluable contributions regarding movements andSt. C., representingone of the few reportsfrom the Caribbean On of pelagicspecies in the Caribbeanand tropical western Atlantic, which Apr. 6 a singleSooty Shearwater was noted about 15 min. ofV.I (JL) wouldnot otherwisereach our attention.Two longvoyages, one from alongthe 100fathom isobath. However, FS reportedthat Sooty Shear- theLesser Antilles in 'January (GO) andanother from the Virgin Islands waterswere common from 300 min. of theV.I. to Bermuda,May 23- in May (FS) to Bermuda(32ø20'N 64ø45'W), which lies about840 26. An Audubon'sShearwater colony was discovered on a smallislet nauticalmiles due north of the Virgin Islands,provided rough 'tran- off Providenciales,T & C, Apr. 21 (fide BA). Wilson'sStorm-Petrels sects'of pelagiccomposition and distribution. werenoted by JL andDR alongthe 100fathom line s. of St. T. during the last 2 weeksof May while GO noted50 off Palm I., Grenadlnes, ABBREVIATIONS -- B. = Barbados;G.T. = Grand Turk; P. = May 7. Sladenreported a few Leach'samong many Wilson's Storm- Providenciales;P.R. = PuertoRico; St. C. = St. Croix; St. T. = St. PetrelsMay 23-25. Furnissreported that 300-400 Red-footedBoobies Thomas;T & C = Turks and Caicos;V.I. = Virgin Islands. were nesting at DesecheoI., P.R., Mar. 16. A Great Blue Heron

968 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984 remainedat T & C (BA) until May 6 Ten nestsof Great Egretswere RSL) A Black-belhedMay 4 waslate for B (MBH) SnowyPlovers notedat Green Cay, St. C., Mar. 5 (FS) of which somealready had wererecorded at T & C Apr. 6-May 13 (five, RSL) witha juvemle noted chicks.The droughtin B. nodoubt reduced the number of SnowyEgrets Apr. 15. Huttnoted a SnowyPlover at B., Apr. 25, for oneof few spring and Little Blue Herons (fide MBH). The ad. Western Reef-Heron recordsthere. Wilson's Plovers were found nesting at St. C., Apr. 12 remmnedat Barbadosuntil Apr. 13 (MBH, RD); the juvenilewas last (RLN, FS). Killdeerswere found nestingat St. C., Mar. 18 (FS) seenMar. 8. BA andRSL recordedboth light- anddark-phase Reddish Aldridgenoted as many as eightWillets at P., May 22, someof which Egretsat G.T., Apr. 8-22; it appearedthere were 10 of eachmorph. mayhave been residents. Sladen, who has discovered Willets nesting at Black-crownedNight-Herons appeared to have nestedsynchronously St. C. in the past, reportedlower numbersthis season(May 12). A thisyear at leastat B. (MBH, WPS) andSt. C. (FS) basedon sightings Whimbrelseen at WaterCay, T & C (BA), Apr. 12-23was considered ofjuveniles Mar. 21 & 11 at theformer and latter sites, respectively. FS rarein the Bahamas,whereas Whimbrels (10) seenat St. C. (FS) are counted22 nestsApr. 18, someof which still had eggs.Two Glossy regularpassage migrants and occasionalsummer visitors. Bond (1979) Ibiseswere noted at GrandTurk, T & C, Mar. 25, providingan unusual considered the Red Knot rare in West Indies. Sladen has shown over the recordoutside of the Bahamasand Greater Antilles. Aldridge reported last severalseasons that Red Knot is a regularpassage migrant and that GreaterFlamingo was more numerous at T & C thisyear, with 25 occasionallya summervagrant. In March, 16 knotswere observed and notedat ProvidencialesMar. 29 and six reportedfrom G.T., May 6 only four in April with none seeninto May (12th) at St. C. (FS) (RSL). Regularityof visitsto St. C. by RedKnots indicates habitat preference at A party of threeFulvous Whistling-Ducks was notedat B., Apr. 3 leastat thissite during migration and that rarity is probablybased upon (MBH, AB), thefirst seen there for sometime (MBH). A pairof Green- lack of properhabitat and knowledgeable observers in the Region.FS wingedTeal remainedat St. C. until Mar. 19 (FS). A $ N. Pintailfirst alsoreported 10 PectoralSandpipers from St. C., May 12, whichex- notedMar. 11 lingereduntil May 12 at St. C. (FS), providinga rather tendsthe springlate date (Bond 1979). Hutt reportedthe first records of laterecord for thisarea of theRegion, and a c• Am. Wigeonwas noted at PomarineJaeger (five) from watersadjacent to B. (fideRD), Apr. 17 St C , Mar. 11 (FS). BreedingOspreys (Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi) On May 7 betweenPalm I. (Grenadines)and Tobago (off Trinidad), GO werenoted at P., Apr. 8, andat G.T. (BA, RSL). Oliver submitteda late observed30-+ PomarineJaegers. Sladen noted a jaegersp. between report which includedrecords of nestingridgwayi at ConceptionI., Antiguaand St. C., May 16, andseveral jaegers from 300 nau.mi to Bahamas,Feb. 15 and lnagua,Bahamas, Feb. 22. A rudimentarynest approximately600 nau.min. of St. T., wherea dark-phasead. Pomar- of an Ospreyssp. was shownto me by FS on Apr. 12 at industrialized ine anda light-phasead. ParasiticJaeger were noted May 24-25 at the KrauseLagoon, St. C. A searchfor breedingOspreys in the vicinity latterdistance. An imm. HerringGull wasseen Mar. 1 & 25, & Apr. 2 turnedup two carolinensis(ER, JY, FS). Evidencethat Ospreys nest or (no doubt inclusive)at St. C. (FS). have nestedin the V.I. remainsinconclusive without absolute proof, Gull-billedTerns were reported from Providenciales and Grand Turk, t e , specimenof egg or chick, or photoof such.Peregrine Falcon(s) T & C (BA, RSL) from Apr. 8 (20) to Apr. 22 (max. 30), andsix May werelast seenat Desecheo,P.R., Mar. 16 (SF), probablyharrying 23. Two CaspianTerns were at G.T., May 16 providingone of thefew youngboobies, at CaboRojo, P.R., Mar. 26 (CS), andat St. C., two on recordsfrom the s. BahamianBank (RSL). Fewerthan expected num- Apr 20 andfour on Mar. 21 (FS et al.). Hutt reportsthat a pair of bersof SandwichTerns nested in theU. S.V.I.; only 10nests were found CaribbeanCoots remained at GraemeHall Swamp,B., until Apr. 18, at CricketCay, St. T., May 30 (RLN). The first Sandwichnoted for the butthereafter an Am. Cootwas noted. At Hart Baypond, St. John,V.I., seasonin the V.I. wasApr. 13. RoseateTerns nested at SabaCay, St Mar 1, Am. Coots numberedseven, Caribbeansthree, intermediates T., againthis season(721 nests)and at CricketCay where281 nests two, juvenilestwo, and chicksthree. At FrancisBay pond, St. John, were counted(RLN). Approximately200 nestswere estimatedfor the four Am. Cootswere countedthe sameday (RLN). Kalkun Cay, St. T., colonyof Roseates.RSL notedthat 30 Roseate Ternswere seen May 20 at GrandTurk, T & C. ThreeCorn. Terns were PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS -- Black-bellied Plovers were noted notedApr. 26 at Providenciales,T & C (BA). LeastTerns (28) were in breedingplumage during the 3rd & 4th weeksof April in T & C (BA, foundnesting on an offshorecay at P. (BA) andperhaps 25 pairswere

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Volume 38, Number 5 969 nestingin the vicinityofG T (RSL), May 20-22 (bothsites) Oneof the P R , Mar 10-May 31 (CS) NorthernOrioles made news in April at mostremarkable reports from the Regionwas an observationof two two widelyseparated sites: B., Apr. 12 (RD), representingonly the 2nd Black Noddiesseen May 24 at Providenciales,T & C (BA). This dateis recordfor that island(MBH), andon P., perhapsa routineoccurrence, of interestsince Brown Noddies, a nestingcohort, are on territoryif not Apr. 18 (BA). incubatingat many.stations in the V.I., for example.Colonies of tree- nestingBrown Noddiesshould be carefullyexamined for A. minutusin ADDENDUM -- Latereports of laridsseen during the winter deserve the Region.This representsthe first recordfrom the Bahamasand the attentionhere. A greatincursion of far-north,perhaps Palearctic, breed- Region(Bond 1979). ersinto the tropicalAtlantic and Caribbean indicated a massivemove- mentprompted or aidedby climaticconditions which lasted until De- DOVES THROUGH ORIOLES -- White-wingedDoves are appar- cember.Robbins reported that two Common Black-headed Gulls were ently increasingin the T & C as reportedby BA and RSL basedon presentfor a leasta week(late November to earlyDecember and perhaps remarksthat the speciesis abundantafter April (75 + on the 14th). later--RLN) atthe salt pans of Philipsburg,St. Maarten,Neth. Antilles Aldridgerecorded the first Com. Barn-Owlat Providenciales,T & C in Thiswas the firstrecord of the speciesfrom the St. Martin Bank(Voous 4 yearson Apr. 8 & 20 whichmay represent a vagrantfrom Cubaor 1983). Oliver noteda Bonaparte'sGull at Abaaco,Bahamas, Jan 1-3, Hispaniola(RLN). A few lateCom. Nighthawks were noted during late andcontinued to documentsightings of Black-leggedKittiwake from April andearly May in theT & C. AntilleanNighthawks were noted at several islands in the Bahamas: Eleuthera, two on Feb. 11; Cat I, two P, May 12 (four) andpresumably thereafter as the speciesbreeds in the on Feb. 14; ConceptionI., one immatureFeb. 15; LongI., one imma- area. Staicernoted that AntilleanNighthawks were commonafter Apr. ture Feb. 17; and Inagua,one immatureFeb. 22. RLN observedtwo 10 at CaboRojo N.W.R., P.R. ThreeBlack Swiftswere seenat Cabo Lesser Black-backed Gulls, an adult and an immature, at San Fer- Rojo aswell on May 14 (CS). An Eastern Kingbird seenApr. 15-17 at nando,Trinidad, Apr. 23 (outof Region),providing only the 2nd or 3rd Providencialesprovided the firstrecord from theT & C (BA) andthus occurrencefor that island, which servesto emphasizethe astounding themost easterly record from the Region. A rarespring occurrence of N. breadthof the larid incursionin the West Indiesduring the winter of Rough-wingedSwallow was noted Apr. 12-14at P. (BA). CubanCrow 1983-1984.Additional late reports involving land birds also support the is reportedto be locally commonin the T & C (BA, RSL). Robbins' theoryof a climaticinfluence responsible for somany island and Re- belatedreport of four Scaly-breastedThrashers near the summitof gionalrecords in late 1983 and early 1984. Theseinclude a Wood ParadisePeak, St. Martin, Dec. 1, 1983,was apparently the first for that Thrush at New ProvidenceI., Bahamas,Jan. 12 (GO); Magnolia, island(Voous 1983). It is doubtfulthis thrasherhas been overlooked in Black-throatedBlue, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Prothono- thepast, but may be on themove to habitatsproviding fruit asa resultof taryWarbler at St. Martin,all Dec. 1 (MR), all providingfirst island 2 successivedroughts in the Region.A Red-eyedVireo wasobserved records(Voous 1983). May 14 at P. (BA) for thefirst record from the T & C. Thisdate also extendsthe spring late record (Bond 1979). A trulyremarkable record of CONTRIBUTORS (Subregionaleditors in boldface)-- Beverlea a c• Townsend'sWarbler was expertlydocumented Apr. 28 at Free- Aidridge, AlistairBinnie, RogerDuram, Arthur Edwards, Sean Fur- port, GrandBahama (ph. AE). This was the first fully documented hiss, Maurice B. Hutt, Joe Laplace, Geoff Oliver, Mark Robbins, occurrenceof this warbler in the West Indies. Hutt suggestedthat the DennisRodriguez, Earl Roebuck,Fred Sladen, Robert St. Leger,Wil- droughtmay have forced an early departure of N. Waterthrushfrom B., liam P. Smith, Cindy Staicer,John Yntema. -- ROBERT L. NOR- asthe lastone was seen Apr. 13. A Blue Grosbeakwas noted Apr. 30 at TON, Division of Fish & Wildlife, 101 Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, P (BA). GrasshopperSparrows were noted at Cabo Rojo N.W.R., USVI 00802.

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970 AmericanBirds, September-October 1984