Long Point Bird Observatory

LONG POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY

FIELD OPERATIONS REPORT 2004

JANUARY 2005

STUART A. MACKENZIE

Long Point Bird Observatory c/o Bird Studies Canada P.O. Box 160 Port Rowan, ON. N0E 1M0; Web-site: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/Lpbo.html; E-mail: [email protected] 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...... 2

MIGRATION MONITORING ...... 3

SPRING MIGRATION MONITORING...... 4

FALL MIGRATION MONITORING ...... 6

FRIENDS OF LONG POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY ...... 9

TREE SWALLOW RESEARCH ...... 10

VEGETATION MONITORING AND BREEDING BIRD CENSUSES ...... 11

LATIN AMERICAN TRAINING PROGRAM ...... 12

DOUG TARRY NATURAL HISTORY FUND ...... 13

RESEARCH INITIATIVES ...... 15

PUBLICATIONS ...... 18

RECOVERY / RECAPTURE INFORMATION ...... 16

APPENDICES ...... 25 - Top twenty species banded at Long Point, 2004 - 2004 Species Summary

The Tip of Long Point. Photo: Brian Pruka

INTRODUCTION:

Long Point Bird Observatory is the oldest bird observatory in North America, founded in 1960 by the Ontario Bird Banding Association. It began with a focus on studying and monitoring migratory birds at Long Point, Ontario, Canada. Since then the organization has evolved and expanded its programs to become what is now Bird Studies Canada (BSC). BSC is recognized nation-wide as a leading and respected not-for-profit conservation organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, appreciation and conservation of wild birds and their habitats, in Canada and elsewhere, through studies that engage the skills, enthusiasm and support of its members, volunteers, staff and the interested public. The Long Point Bird Observatory now operates as a program of Bird Studies Canada maintaining 5 separate programs largely carried out by volunteers recruited from around the world. These programs are as follows:

1) Migration Monitoring Program 2) Tree Swallow Research 3) Vegetation Monitoring and Breeding Bird Censuses on Long Point 4) Latin American Training Program 5) Doug Tarry Natural History Fund

This report summarizes the program activities in 2004, LPBO’s 45th year of operation.

View South From the Breakwater Field Station. Photo: Brendan Donaghey

MIGRATION MONITORING PROGRAM

LPBO began collecting data on bird migration at Long Point in 1960. In 1986, LPBO coined the phrase ‘ migration monitoring’ as a quantifiable method for monitoring populations of many migratory species. This is a particularly valuable method, since it enables us to monitor those species that breed in northern Canada, or other inaccessible areas, which can be difficult to assess with more conventional monitoring methods such as the Breeding Bird Survey. Each spring and fall, staff and volunteers perform daily censuses, banding and observations at each of 3 field stations on Long Point — the Tip (A01), "Breakwater" (A02), and Old Cut (A13), which is open to the public (Figure 1.). These data are used to derive “estimated totals” for up to 366 species of birds that have been recorded at Long Point. The result is a huge database. The program has generated a unique and vast data set spanning over four decades — the longest running program of its kind in North America. LPBO has been responsible for banding over 800,000 birds of about 270 species, more than any other non-government organization in the Western Hemisphere. Adequate data is collected to derive population trends for many of these species.

Project Partners: - Environment Canada / Canadian Wildlife Service–National Wildlife Research Centre - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources – Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP) - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources – Wildlife Assessment Program

Figure 1. Long Point, Ontario, Canada. The Tip=A01; Breakwater=A02; Old Cut=A13.

SPRING MIGRATION MONITORING SUMMARY: LPBO’s 45th spring migration was an average year numbers wise, but exceptional in terms of rarities. In late February and through March, Tundra Swans whitened the Long Point and Turkey Point marshes, while other waterfowl blackened the Inner Bay. The season began at Old Cut on 1 April. The Tip and Breakwater were opened on 17 and 21 April, respectively. As the spring progressed, the passage at Long Point appeared to be more episodic than usual, with strong waves of migrants from 30 Apri – 4 May, 10-17 May, and a little push from 25–27 May. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes and White-throated Sparrows dominated the first big wave. The next big wave hit in the second week of May and we got soaked as hundreds of White-throated Sparrows and a variable grab bag of other migrants kept staff and volunteers very busy. 685 birds were banded on 10 May alone, an incredible 369 of which were banded at Old Cut in just six hours of banding. During the week of 10-17 May, LPBO banded 2897 birds of 93 species! This mid-May tidal wave brought with it an incredible number of rarities, including the banding of 2 Kentucky Warblers, 4 Worm-eating Warblers, a Yellow- throated Warbler, 2 Summer Tanagers, and a Harris’s Sparrow. A Blue Grosbeak, Lark Sparrow, and 2 Laughing Gulls were also observed. Warblers were well represented this spring; we banded 35 species, including Yellow-breasted Chat (4), Ovenbird (100) and both Northern (44) and Louisiana waterthrushes (2). May also brought the ‘Days of the Jays’. A phenomenal 886 Blue Jays were banded this spring, breaking the previous yearly record set in1966! This may dispel worries we may have had about the impact of West Nile Virus on our blue-feathered friends. Interestingly, 76% of these birds were aged as second-year (Table 1). Similarly, the Blue Jay totals for 2003 were the highest they had been since 1980. Two species, whose northern range limit is in southern Ontario, shattered earlier banding and daily estimated total records. Eight White-eyed Vireos were banded and many more were observed, matching a previous high for the entire year of 1988. We also had an exceptional northward eruption of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, with 16 banded (highest ever total) and as many as 75 separate migrants observed. Two Acadian Flycatchers (Endangered in Canada) were banded this season, along with a recaptured colour-banded female at the Tip station. She was originally banded in August 2003 just 10 km north of Long Point in Backus Woods. Another astounding recovery resulted in LPBO setting yet another longevity record, this time for an Eastern Kingbird. This female kingbird was originally banded at our Breakwater field station in May 1994 as an after hatch-year. She was recaptured in 1996, 1998, 2001 and in June 2004, making her at least 11 years old. Well over 1000 visitors to Old Cut enjoyed banding and birding demonstrations as well as our visitor center. All told, LPBO banded 9787 birds this spring, involving 121 species. In total, 223 species were recorded (Appendix 2). This compares to 6034 birds banded of 110 species in 2003. In total, LPBO had 71 days of coverage and 7684 net hours, with a catch rate of 126.7 birds/100 net hours (slightly above 123.5 in spring 2003). Twelve ground traps, four J-Traps (three of which were brand new) and 2 Heligoland traps contributed 23.2% of the catch. This season would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the 41 volunteers who spent time at LPBO. Thanks for the wonderful spring. 5

Table 1. Top 10 banded species and their age ratios at Long Point Bird Observatory in Spring 2004. Species Number % Second % After Second % After Hatch Banded Year Year Year White-throated Sparrow 1233 52.2 12.0 35.8 Blue Jay 886 76.1 6.6 7.3 Red-winged Blackbird 440 60.4 33.6 6.0 Yellow Warbler 419 53.0 32.5 14.5 American Goldfinch 382 24.3 62.6 13.1 Magnolia Warbler 377 38.5 38.7 22.8 Common Yellowthroat 365 39.4 22.7 47.9 Gray Catbird 338 45.8 36.4 17.8 Brown-headed Cowbird 319 62.4 19.1 18.5 Myrtle Warbler 313 56.9 31.6 11.5

Volunteer Contributions:

Long Term Volunteers (> 1 month): Sophie Barker, Patricia Brekke, Ben Curry, Janus Ethelberg, Adam Knight, Silke Laucht, Juliette Juillerat, Ted Maddeford, Hugh McArthur, Dustin McCrank, Kevin Picard, Crissy Ranellucci.

Short Term Volunteers (< 1 month): Jeff Balsdon, Kata Bavrlic, Jim Burrell, Kenny Burrell, Mike Burrell, Mike Boyd, John Brett, Shawn Craik, Graham Deacon, Roz Ford, Marcel Gahbauer, Kristabel Harris, Audrey Heagy, Marie-Anne Hudson, Chris Hughes, David Hussell, Kim Hutcheon, Amanda Jamieson, Dawn Laing, Jon McCracken, Gerry McKeating, Colin McShane, Glynn Middleton, Martin Preston, Matt Prior, Josee Rosseau, Lyndsay Smith, Christine Vance, Ross Wood.

One of a record breaking 16 Red-bellied Woodpeckers banded this spring. Photo: Stu Mackenzie 6

FALL MIGRATION MONITORING In early fall, a lot of our time seemed to be spent waiting for migration to begin. The fall program officially began on 10 August at Old Cut, although some coverage was obtained from 1-10 August with the Young Ornithologist Workshop (YOW). The Tip and Breakwater stations were opened on 14 and 16 August, respectively. A nice total of 58 birds were banded on our first day with the YOWs. However, this influx of local birds and fledglings was not sufficient to keep us busy for very long. August and most of September were extremely slow. Very calm and hot weather through this period resulted in minimal concentrations of migrants. The Tip experienced a typical little influx of flycatchers at the end of August, dominated by Least, Yellow-bellied, and Traill’s. After banding 85 birds on 30 August, the Tip would not band more than 50 birds a day until 25 September. This lull, however, would not go unrewarded. The first big push of migrants was evident at Breakwater on 31 August. In an area encompassing only about 1 km2, an incredible 100 species were tallied on the morning census alone. The species total for the day was105! These totals may seem a little outlandish to those who haven’t birded at Breakwater. Twenty-five warbler species were recorded that day, including Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Brewster’s, and as the season’s only Prairie Warbler. On 5 September, the Tip crew caught something only dreamed of in the circles of LPBO -- one of our own colour-banded Loggerhead Shrikes from the endangered central Ontario population! This bird had been reared in captivity, colour banded and then released on 4 August 2004, near Dyer’s Bay on the Bruce Peninsula. This was the Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Team’s first recovery outside of the breeding season and is proof that captive- reared birds are exhibiting normal migration behaviour. The shrike was released to continue south (leaving a frog in the net as a farewell gift). Hurricane Francis released her fury on Long Point from 7-9 September, leaving a wind-blown, rain-soaked crew itching for rarities. Despite our best efforts, the storm just wasn’t strong enough to bring any real goodies, although all three jaeger species were recorded between Breakwater and the Tip. After the storm passed and skies cleared mid-day on 9 September, over 200 raptors of 13 species were recorded! The Tip also got quite the push of shorebirds, including 12 White-rumped Sandpipers. Coverage at Breakwater ended on 20 September, due to the start of the hunting season. Both the Tip and Old Cut experienced a good push of warblers on 25-26 September, banding 227 and 127, respectively. Blackpoll, Western Palm and Magnolia warblers dominated the catch. Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked thrushes were also represented in good numbers. Much to our surprise, a Worm-eating Warbler was also at the Tip on 25 and 30 September. Also on the 25th, Old Cut banded the fall’s only Connecticut Warbler. On 26 September, 122 Northern Flickers were observed migrating, and the seasons second Whip-poor-will was banded. LPBO banded 370 birds of 40 species on 30 September, with a mixed bag of temperate migrant kinglets, creepers, nuthatches, warblers, and sparrows pushing through. From 18-28 October, LPBO banded 3360 birds of 58 species, the majority of which were kinglets, Myrtle Warblers, White-throated Sparrows, Slate-colored Juncos and Northern Saw-whet Owls (Table 2). The Tip crew banded 2102 of these, including 428 on 25 October alone. This peak also came with its share of rarities, mostly at the Tip. A California Gull, which stayed around for most of October, was found on the 16th along with a Purple Sandpiper and the first 9 of a record 122 Atlantic Brant observed this season (78 were counted on 20 October). Two Cattle Egrets spent most of the day on 17 October hunting on the lawn at the Tip. 7

The 21st produced one of only a few fall records for Henslow’s Sparrow, plus a Lesser-Black-backed Gull. Three Hudsonian Godwits stopped at the Tip briefly on 24 October, as well as 24 Rough-legged Hawks and the first two Northern Shrikes of the year. The following day, 19 more Rough-legged Hawks appeared off the lake, accompanied by two Golden Eagles and 9 Red-shouldered Hawks. Meanwhile, a Lark Sparrow hopped around the garden. A female Harlequin Duck flew by the Tip on 29 October. On 30 October, 79 species observed at the Tip, including an adult Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Raven, Cattle Egret and four Arctic Terns that were found sitting with Common Terns at the Tip. There was also a good number of Peregrine Falcons this fall, with 10 different individuals observed at the Tip on 16 and 20 October. During a boat trip from the base of the point to the Tip on 20 October, 13 different individuals were counted! Monitoring of the Northern Saw-whet Owl migration began at Old Cut and the Tip on 25 September and 4 October, and ended on 15 and 9 November, respectively. There were 25 nights of coverage at Old Cut and 15 at the Tip. We banded a total of 583 Northern Saw-whet Owls, 4 Long-eared Owls and 1 Eastern Screech Owl. The night of 24 October was particularly amazing, since the Tip crew banded 130 owls -- the highest one night total ever for LPBO and for any other banding site in North America! Things quickly quieted down in the first week of November, but not without a bang. Two Cave Swallows flew by the Tip on 4 November, and two Red Phalarope spent most of the day swimming along the shoreline. Another Cave Swallow was found at Old Cut on 5 November, and a final bird was found flying at knee level around the garden at the Tip on the 9th. Afternoon Monarch Butterfly censuses were carried out at the Tip and Breakwater for 88 and 35 days, respectively, and resulting in counts of 3164 and 204 butterflies, respectively. This total is down from 18,.203 in 2003, and down 68% from the long-term average of 9919. Despite the sluggish first half of the fall season, LPBO had an average fall, with 9787 birds banded of 117 species. In total, 251 species were recorded. This compares to 10,580 birds banded of 110 species in 2003. LPBO had 107 days of coverage, yielding 8556 net hours with a catch rate of 114.4 birds/100 net hours, again slightly above 110.5 last year. Twelve ground traps, four J-Traps (3 brand new) and 2 Heligoland traps contributed 11% of the catch (13 % lower than the spring). Nearly 1000 visitors enjoyed banding demonstrations, as well as the visitor centre at Old Cut this fall. As is always the case, this wonderful season would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the 33 volunteers who spent time at LPBO this season. Thank you.

Brewster’s Warbler (actually an F2 back-cross hybrid) banded at Breakwater in August. Photo: Anne Wynn. 8

Table 2. Top 10 banded species and their age ratios at Long Point Bird Observatory in Fall 2004.

Species Number % Hatch % After Hatch % Other: SY, ASY, ATY, U Banded Year Year Golden-crowned Kinglet 1039 83.0 14.4 U=2.6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 984 86.2 12.8 N/A White-throated Sparrow 668 77.4 22.6 N/A Myrtle Warbler 638 85.6 13.9 U=0.5 American Goldfinch 623 72.1 22.15 SY=2.9; ASY=2.4; U=0.5 Northern Saw-Whet Owl 583 37.9 9.6 SY = 38.6; ASY = 13.2; TY=0.5; ATY=0.2 Brown Creeper 411 68.6 5.8 U=25.6 Slate-coloured Junco 398 63.1 36.4 U=0.5 White-crowned Sparrow 298 63.4 36.6 N/A Hermit Thrush 276 78.6 21.4 N/A

Volunteer Contributions:

Long Term Volunteers (> 1 month): Tiffany Beachy, Josh Boadway, Mike Boyd, Patricia Burri, Anne Evers, Derek Gruar, Leticia Lopez, Ted Maddeford, Hugh McArthur, Lucy Manning, Jesse Pakkala, Allain Parada, Jude Philips, Kelly Ramster, Dave Restivo, Ayala Wineman, Ross Wood, Anne Wynn

Short Term Volunteers (< 1 month): Jody Allair, David Brewer, Emily Burton, Barbara Campbell, Derek Connelly, Marcel Gahbauer, Audrey Heagy, Kristabel Harris, Dawn Laing, Sandra Maxwell, Jerome Petigney, Sue Prentice, Bill Read, David Okines, Ana Yuristy.

One of 4 Long-eared Owls banded at the Tip this fall. Rusty Blackbird banded at the Tip this fall. Photo: Stu Mackenzie Photo: Stu Mackenzie

THE FRIENDS OF THE LONG POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY

In early winter 2004, long-term LPBO volunteer Hugh McArthur and BSC staff organized a new volunteer initiative designed to improve visitor services at LPBO. The fruits of their labour would quickly become a collection of 24, mostly local volunteers, known as the Friends of Long Point Bird Observatory. (FOLPBO). Each day, a few of the ‘Friends’ would kindly greet all of the visitors to Old Cut and explain what was going on. They also manned the new and very successful ‘LPBO Shoppe’. The ‘Friends’ took a great deal of pressure off of the ‘Bander-In-Charge’ and the volunteers, who are often undergoing intensive training. At the same time, their efforts greatly improved our ability to provide and expand our visitor services at Old Cut. Many thanks to all of their help!

Volunteer Contributions:

Hugh McArthur - Volunteer Co-ordinator Lynne Bradstreet, Betty Chanyi, Bill Coles, Jean Coles, Mary Margaret Dandeneau, Fred Gilman, Shirley Gilman, Audrey Heagy, Otto Larsen, Gail Larsen, Carol Lidbetter, Kathy Jones, Ruth Ann Logan, Ted Maddeford, Sandra Maxwell, Helen Robinson, Diane Salter, Marion Sherman, Helen Smith, Richard Smith, Shelia Smith, Evelyn Stone, Emilie White, Linda Wilson.

TREE SWALLOW RESEARCH PROJECT

Research on Tree Swallows at Long Point has been occurring in some capacity since the late 1960s and has run consistently since 1977. LPBO monitors three nest box "colonies" of Tree Swallows at Long Point: two on the "mainland" near Port Rowan (at the Port Rowan sewage lagoons and adjacent to agricultural land at Mud Creek) and the third at the Tip of the point. Each colony contains 50-65 nest boxes. The objectives of this project are (1) to provide a long-term record of breeding performance of Tree Swallows in relation to their food supply and climate, (2) to provide other opportunities for research on breeding swallows, and (3) to provide training in field ornithology for students and other volunteers. On 17 April, volunteers began sampling insect abundance and diversity, as well as taking weather observations. Nest checks began around 1 May at the Mud Creek and Sewage Lagoon study sites, and a little later at the Tip. In total, 179 nest boxes were monitored, plus an additional42 trap or late boxes. Of these, 169 contained Tree Swallow nests, with an additional 22 in trap or late boxes. These nests were intensely monitored from the first strand of grass placed in the box till the last chick fledged. The project crew banded 902 Tree Swallows (see Table 3). Information regarding current research projects and publications can be found in the Research Initiatives section below.

Table 3. Summary of Tree Swallow Project banding in 2004. Sex Nestlings Second Year After Hatch Year After Second Year Total Unknown 745 0 19 0 764 Male N/A 0 49 0 49 Female N/A 33 8 48 89 Total 745 33 76 48 902

Project Partners: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources – Climate Change Program

Volunteer Contributions: Long Term Volunteers (> 1 month): Dr. David Hussell – project coordinator and research scientist Ryan Blyth, Dr. Gary Burness, Tara Kelly, Larissa Nituch, Jude Philips, Kala Wolfe. Short Term Volunteers (< 1 month): Ben Curry, Rebecca Harrold, Crissy Ranellucci

12 day-old Tree Swallow chick. Photo: Stu Mackenzie 11

VEGETATION MONITORING AND BREEDING BIRD CENSUSES ON LONG POINT

White-tailed Deer were extirpated on Long Point by 1870, due to over hunting and poaching. The Long Point Company, following its acquisition of Long Point in 1866, slowly reintroduced deer to the Point. A lack of natural predators subsequently resulted in a herd numbering well over 500 animals by 1989. Not only was the herd threatening its own food supply, but there was massive evidence demonstrating the negative impact the deer were having on the ecology of Long Point. In 1989/90 the Canadian Wildlife Service organized a cull of 490 White-tailed Deer on Long Point to keep the herd at a sustainable level. Smaller culls were also carried out in 1994 and 2003. In 1991, LPBO established 15 breeding bird census plots in a variety of different habitats across Long Point, to monitor vegetation and breeding bird communities following the removal of deer. Vegetation was sampled on all 15 plots in 2004, and breeding bird censuses were completed on four plots: Dry Juniper Cottonwood Savannah, Integrated Dune Swale Savannah, Red Oak – Sugar Maple Forest, and Red Oak – Sugar Maple Savannah. Three new breeding species were discovered for Long Point this year: White- throated Sparrow (confirmed), Orchard Oriole (Probable) and Northern Rough-winged Swallow (confirmed). There was also suspicion that Wild Turkeys have begun breeding on the Point (Stu Mackenzie and Long Point Company staff, pers. obs.).

Volunteer Contributions:

Dr. Jane M. Bowles, Michael Bradstreet, Janus Ethelberg, Christian Friis, Stuart Mackenzie.

Project Partners: - Environment Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service- Ontario Region

Completing breeding bird surveys through the wilds of Long Point. Photo: Stu Mackenzie

LATIN AMERICAN TRAINING PROGRAM

Since 1988, LPBO has been operating a series of Latin American training initiatives. The training program had its roots in a multi-year collaborative project in Cuba, and then expanded to accept applicants from the rest of Latin America in 1996.This year, the program hosted three biologists from Mexico (Table 4.). They are all conducting conservation work in the Sian Ka’an World Biological Reserve located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Traditionally, the program has been run in the fall, but this year it was offered during the breeding season, in order to expose participants to a broader range of field ornithology. Participants arrived on 11 June and stayed until 11 July. This year’s trainees were exposed to: Migration Monitoring Techniques –censussing, estimating daily totals, banding Banding – bird handling, biometric data collection, ageing and sexing, mist net and trap use Breeding Bird Census Techniques – point counts, transects, breeding bird surveys/censuses Breeding Bird Ecology – nest searching, colour banding, territory mapping, habitat sampling

Table 4. 2004 Latin American Program participants. Name Origin Ivonne Gomez CanCun Mexico Alberto Caan Sian Ka’an, Mexico Ischmael Caan Sian Ka’an, Mexico

We also welcomed two other Latin Americans, who received intensive training during the course of our regular migration monitoring program – one from Cuba and another from Paraguay. Thanks to Dr. Chip Weseloh (CWS) and Dr. Erica Nol (Trent University) for their assistance in arranging to have these two field biologists take part in our program.

Project Partners: - Canadian Wildlife Service – Latin American Program; BirdLife International and Nature Canada

Volunteer Contributions: Crissy Ranellucci aided the program as a field hand for some of the banding/migration monitoring and breeding bird ecology training.

Latin American Training Program Participants 2004. From left to right, Alberto Caan, Ischmael Caan, Stu Mackenzie and Ivonne Gomez. Photo: Susan Debrecini. 13

DOUG TARRY NATURAL HISTORY FUND

Thanks to the generosity and foresight of the late Doug Tarry, the Doug Tarry Natural History Fund was established to support educational activities for young people at LPBO, including the Young Ornithologists’ Workshop and Internship program for teenagers. These programs are aimed at providing pre-university level students with an opportunity to experience nature and ornithology up close and personal. The Workshop invites 6 teens from across Canada to come to Long Point and be immersed in bird and natural history studies for a week. The Internship invites past workshop participants back to Long Point for a month to participate in the Migration Monitoring Program and to design and implement their own research project. These programs have been the jumping off point for many of today’s most talented field biologists.

Young Ornithologists’ Workshop (YOW) In 2004, the YOW was extended from a one-week to a 10-day program, thanks to a grant from the NSERC PromoScience program. The numbers of participants remained at six and were selected from across Canada (Table 5). Participants arrived on the 30 July and departed on 8 August. Bird banding and migration monitoring were the main focus throughout the workshop, but numerous other activities were undertaken to expose the group to a wide range of ornithological, biological, conservation, and other scientific experiences. Some main topics covered in workshop were as follows:

Migration Monitoring Techniques –censussing, estimating daily totals, banding Banding – bird handling, biometric data, ageing and sexing, mist net and trap use Breeding Bird Ecology – nest searching, colour banding, breeding bird censussing Insect Ecology – moth and butterfly expeditions Bird Taxonomy and Anatomy – examination and preparation of study skins Natural History Tour of Long Point – studying natural communities of Long Point. Scientific Method – Hypothesis testing, data collection and management

Table 5. 2004 YOW participants. Name Origin Name Origin Andre Gerard Grasswood, SK Justine Panhuis Orangeville, ON Stephane Gerard Grasswood, SK Christian Lunn Halifax, NS Danielle Mitchell Ottawa, ON Erin O’Reilley Temiskaming, ON

Young Ornithologist Internship (YOI) The YOI was also expanded in 2004, accepting four of last year’s YOW participants (Table 6). This year’s crew studied time/stress dependant weight loss in captured migrants at the Tip of Long Point. They predicted that ‘project birds’ would sustain a loss of weight in proportion to the time elapsed during processing. Although the results from their study were inconclusive, they did find that aerial insectivorous foragers such as Empidonax flycatchers, tended to be more prone to weight loss then other insectivores, such as Dendroica warblers. In addition to their special research project, the YOIs participated in 14 every aspect of the Migration Monitoring Program. Three other YOW alumni returned for up to a month to volunteer at LPBO this year.

Table 6. 2004 Internship participants. Name Origin Name Origin Garth Casbourn London, ON Allyson Parker Cobourg, ON Natalie Marshik Victoria, BC Mary-Anne Kissinger Calgary, AB

Project Partners: - Doug Tarry Natural History Fund - Ontario Wildlife Foundation - National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) – PromoScience program - Ontario Bird Banding Association (OBBA)

Volunteer Contributions: Andrea Flowers helped host the Young Ornithologists’ Workshop. Peter Carson, Mary Gartshore and many other BSC staff were also a great help.

The 2004 YOW Crew from left to right, Christian, Danielle, Justine, Erin, Stephane and Andre. Photo: Stu Mackenzie

SPECIAL RESEARCH INITIATIVES

LPBO has a unique capacity to be involved in a variety of scientific endeavours that often meld into the regular program schedule. We have a great capacity to house and service researchers studying a variety of topics. The following is a brief summary of the research projects pursued in 2003-2005 using LPBO data or resources.

Breeding biology and habitat use of Black-and-White Warblers (Mniotilta varia). Melinda Collins used Black-and-White Warbler data collected at LPBO from 1976-2003 to help her investigate potential sex ratio biases in the population for her Master’s thesis at Queen’s University.

Conservation implications of global climate change for Neotropical migrants. Dena MacMynowski from Stanford University acquired LPBO (1960-2003) and Thunder Cape Bird Observatory (1990-2003) banding and estimated totals data to be incorporated into continental scale analyses of songbird migration and climate/weather data.

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): Status report on the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera). Rachel Fraser from Queen’s University used LPBO data on Golden-winged and Blue- winged Warblers, including their hybrids “Brewster’s” and “Lawrence’s” from 1966 to present, to aid in drafting a COSEWIC report on the status of the species in Canada.

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): Status report on the Lousianna Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla). Jon McCracken, BSC’s Ontario Program Manager, used Louisiana Waterthrush data from LPBO, 1960-present, to aid in drafting a COSEWIC report on the status of the species in Canada.

Differential migration of the two morphs of White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). Sarah Caldwell, from the University of Toronto, used LPBO banding data from 1985-1994 on White-throated sparrows for her undergraduate thesis examining potential differences in the timing of migration between the two colour morphs, white and tan.

Immune response in female and nestling Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Dr. Gary Burness, and his undergraduate student, Tara Kelly from Trent University conducted research on the relationship between immune response and the stress hormone, corticosterone, in female Tree Swallows and nestlings at the Mud Creek and Sewage Lagoon sites.

Incubation behaviour of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Dr. Margaret Voss, and her undergraduate student, Kala Wolfe from Behrend College, School of Science with Penn State University, placed thermocouples in Tree Swallow nests at a variety of sites on Long Point to study incubation behaviour.

Range expansion of the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottus) in Ontario. Peter Boyd, from the University of Toronto, obtained Northern Mockingbird banding and daily estimated totals data from 1960-2003. The data were used to examine the range expansion of the Northern Mockingbird in Ontario for his undergraduate thesis.

Provincial Policy Statement 2.3 Natural Heritage (Woodlands): Recommendation for an Indicator of Effectiveness. Margaret McClaren, with assistance from Dr. David Hussell from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, used spring and fall migration indices from1990-2002 to aid in a PPS under the Planning Act to develop indicators for natural heritage policies. One such indicator was population trends in forest-interior bird species and those that are sensitive to development.

DNA bar-coding of the breeding birds of North America. LPBO played a key role in the collection of feather samples for the bar-coding life initiative centred in Dr. Paul Hebert’s Lab at the University of Guelph. LPBO collected 407 feather samples from 105 species in 2004, providing a large boost in the sample sizes for the project. For more information visit www.barcodinglife.com or refer to; - Hebert, P.D.N., Stoeckle, M.Y., and Francis, C.M. 2004. Identification of Birds through DNA barcoding. Public Library of Science - Biology 2(10): 1657-1663.

Flight feather symmetry and body condition of White-throated Sparrows. Sue Prentice, a PhD student from Trent University, completed an investigatory study on symmetry in flight feathers as it relates to body condition in the fall of 2004 at LPBO. Her original work was done on endemic Hawaiian finches, and was trying to apply it to North American species.

Skull pneumatization cut-off dates for northeastern passerines. Robert McKinney will be using LPBO skull pneumatization scores on a set of target species from LPBO banding data in order to publish a summary of cut-off dates for reliably ageing hatching-year birds by the level of skull development. Data from New York State, New Jersey and various museum specimens will also be incorporated.

Tick collection for the Lyme Disease Association of Ontario. In 1997, LPBO began collecting ticks from migrant songbirds, mostly Neotropical migrants, for John Scott at the Lyme Disease Association of Ontario. Since then, LPBO has sent him well over 50 ticks from a variety of species. Most of the ticks have turned out to be from the genus Amblyomma originating in the Neotropics or southern United States, or rabbit ticks (Haemaphysalis). LPBO has discovered at least three tick species never before recorded in Canada. These data are helping to further the understanding of the zoogeography of ticks and the possible spread of ecto-parasite transmitted diseases such as Lyme disease.

Northern Saw-whet Owl age and sex ratio summary 1960-2003. In fall 2004, Lucy Manning, an LPBO volunteer, began compiling and organizing the Northern Saw-whet Owl data for potential further use in examining age or sex ratios over time. Lucy is continuing to look at the data through 2005, looking particularly to identify possible differences in the timing (time of year or time of night) of migration between male and females at Long Point. 17

Weather and climate effects on insect abundance and Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) breeding performance. Dr. David Hussell and Jude Philips are investigating effects of weather and climate on insect abundance and Tree Swallow breeding performance over 27 years (1977-2003) at Long Point and 3 mainland sites.

Influence of changes in the light beam at the Long Point lighthouse on nocturnal migrants and age ratios. Silke Laucht, a volunteer from Germany in 2004, will be returning in spring 2005 to conduct her MSc research at LPBO. She will be investigating whether changes in the intensity of the light beam at the Long Point lighthouse have resulted in changes in the pattern of nocturnal migration at the Tip station, particularly with regards to age ratios.

PROSPECTIVE PROJECTS IN 2005: Pending LPBO committee approval.

Empidonax trailli complex identification study. Related to the above DNA work, Stu Mackenzie hopes to collect both detailed measurements and feather samples from Traill’s Flycatchers captured at LPBO. This data can then be used to test both the relevance of a formula developed by Stein (1963) to segregate Willow/Alder Flycatchers using molecular confirmation, and the field applicability of DNA bar-coding in identifying cryptic bird species. - Stein, R.C. 1963. Isolating Mechanisms between populations of Traill’s Flycatchers. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 107(1): 21-50.

Bill colour as a possible ageing tool in Western Palm Warblers? In fall 2004, LPBO began collecting qualitative information on the mandible colour in Western Palm Warblers for potential use as an aging characteristic in HY/SY birds. Bill colour has been shown to be a successful tool for other Dendroica spp., such as Yellow Warblers (Mundy and McCracken 1997). Plans are in the works to examine specimens at the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as collect further data in spring 2005 to see if bicoloured lower mandibles extend into SY birds in the following spring. - Mundy, R.P., and McCracken, J.D. 1997. Bill colour as an age character in Yellow Warblers. North American Bird Bander 22(3).

Canadian Migration Monitoring Network ecto-parasite and climate change study. The CMMN will be undertaking a collaborative study examining the possible effects of climate change on the spread of Lyme disease transmitted by ecto-parasites on migratory passerines. LPBO will be an integral part of the data collection due to LPBO’s high catch rate.

PUBLICATIONS IN 2003-2004 BY LPBO CONTRIBUTORS OR THOSE USING LPBO DATA.

Dunn, E.H. 2003. Recommendations on fat scoring. North American Bird Bander 28(2):58- 63. Dunn, E.H., Hussell, D.J.T., and Adams, R.J. 2004. An investigation of productivity indices derived from banding of fall migrants. Avian Biology 29: 92-96. Dunn, E.H, Hussell, D.J.T, Francis, C.M, and McCracken, J.D. 2004. A comparison of three count methods for monitoring songbird abundance during spring migration: capture, census, and estimated totals. Studies in Avian Biology 29:116-122. Hussell, D, J, T. 2003. Climate change, spring temperatures, and timing of breeding of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) in Southern Ontario. Auk 120:607-618. Hussell, D, J, T. 2003. Two more double-brooded Tree Swallows. North American Bird Bander 28(2):49-51. Hussell, D, J, T. 2004. Determining productivity indices from age composition of migrants captured for banding: problems and possible solutions. Studies in Avian Biology 29: 82-91. Jones, J., and Francis, C.M. 2003. The effects of light characteristics on avian mortality at lighthouses. Journal of Avian Biology 34: 328–333. Kissner, K.J., Weatherhead, P.J. and Francis, C.M. 2003. Sexual size dimorphism and timing of spring migration in birds. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 16:154-162. Shutler, D., Hussell, D.J.T., Horn, A.G., Leonard, M.L., Shutler, R.W., and Lepage, D. 2004. Breeding between Tree Swallows from the same brood. Journal of Field Ornithology 75:353-358.

Additional Thesis:

Birchall, A. 2004. The effect of food abundance during egg formation on clutch size, and on intra-annual clutch size trends in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor).

Oral Presentations:

Hussell, D.J.T. Tactics for coping with a variable environment: Laying interruptions and extended incubation in Tree Swallows. Association of Field Ornithologists/Wilson Ornithological Club, Ithaca, NY, April 2004. Hussell, D.J.T. Tree Swallow tactics for coping with a variable environment. Linnaean Society of New York, March 9, 2004.

RECOVERY AND RECAPTURE INFORMATION

Table 7. LPBO band recoveries in 2004. BCNWA = Big Creek National Wildlife Area. LPBO TO ELSEWHERE Band Date Date Days Between LPBO Distance Species Number Banded Recovered Capture Station Location Recovered Lat Long (km) American Goldfinch 2290-94190 May 14, 2003 June 24, 2003 375 A01 Dearborn, MI 421 831 263 American Redstart 2240-63049 May 27, 2002 May 24, 2004 727 A01 Toronto, ON 433 791 130 American Redstart 2300-34989 Sept 13, 2003 June 2, 2004 262 A13 Cabot Head BO, ON 451 811 311 American Robin 1162-91761 Oct 17, 2003 Apr 16 , 2004 181 A01 Plattsville, ON 431 803 85 American Tree Sparrow 2290-42748 Feb 23, 2003 Apr 5, 2004 406 A13 Ruthven, ON 420 824 227 Bald Eagle 0629-25243 June 2, 1998 Aug 9, 2004 2259 420,823 Crane Research Station, OH 412 823 222 Blue Jay 1152-35335 May 27, 2002 June 6, 2002 10 A02 Rock Point Provincial Park 425 793 78 Brown-headed Cowbird 1581-47050 Apr 11, 2002 June 4, 2004 785 A01 Vittoria, ON 424 801 23 “ 1681-36705 Apr 23, 2003 May 5, 2003 13 A13 Long Point, PP 423 802 2 “ 1791-33344 April 12, 2002 April 25, 2002 13 A01 Marion, MA 414 780 776 “ 1791-33365 April 12 2002 Sept 29, 2003 535 A01 Albion, NY 431 780 179 Cedar Waxwing 1861-61287 June 6, 2003 July 20, 2003 44 A01 Rock Point Provincial Park 425 793 78 Common Grackle 1373-03359 Aug 3, 2001 May 30, 2004 1030 A13 Harsens Isl., MI 423 823 178 “ 1453-32956 May 6, 1998 May 15, 2004 2200 A01 Cleveland, OH 412 813 180 Common Snipe 1513-17646 Nov 3, 2002 Feb 26, 2003 115 A01 Champney Isl, GA 312 812 1250 E. White-crowned Sparrow 1871-67030 Nov 1, 2003 Nov 3, 2003 2 A01 Erie, PA 420 080 62 Gray Catbird 1581-47341 May 29, 2002 Jul 3, 2002 35 A01 Hamilton, ON 431 795 75 Hermit Thrush 2181-58051 April 14, 2003 Sept 4, 2003 144 A13 Selkirk, MB 500 965 ? Loggerhead Shrike 1182-00224 May 26, 2003 Jul 12, 2004 412 440,077 Cameron, ON 442 784 138 Loggerhead Shrike 1631-87380 Jun 5, 2001 Jul 5, 2002 395 442,785 Carden Plain, ON 442 785 0 Myrtle Warbler 2350-52319 Oct 6, 2003 Feb 6, 2004 123 A01 Sumter, SC 335 802 965 Northern Cardinal 1681-38013 May 11, 2003 Apr 9 2004 333 A01 Angola, NY 423 790 109 20

Band Date Days Between LPBO Distance Species Number Date Banded Recovered Capture Station Location Recovered Lat Long (km) Northern Saw-whet Owl 0614-69099 Oct 20, 2002 Oct 24, 2003 369 A13 Willow Beach, Port Hope, ON 435 782 220 “ 0614-91513 Oct 28, 2002 Nov 1, 2003 369 A13 Hopkins Mem. Forest, MA 424 731 588 “ 0614-91527 Oct 27, 2002 Nov 1, 2004 370 A13 Wayne, MI 420 831 240 “ 0614-91529 Oct 28, 2002 Dec 2, 2002 400 A13 Whitley Co. KY 364 847 770 “ 0614-91579 Oct 30, 2002 Nov 15, 2003 381 A13 King’s Gap, PA 400 771 366 “ 0634-69195 Oct 27, 2004 Oct 28, 2004 364 A13 Holiday Beach Migration Obs., ON 421 832 250 “ 0634-69338 Nov 7, 2003 Nov 11, 2004 369 A01 Huntsdale, PA 400 771 366 “ 0634-69353 Oct 12, 2004 Nov 11, 2004 30 A01 Timber Creek, Powhatan, VA ? ? ? “ 0764-32498 Oct 26, 1999 Mar 13, 2004 1599 A13 Shenandoah Rv. St. Pk. Front Royal, VA 384 781 464 “ 0924-12047 Oct 11, 2004 Dec 13, 2004 63 A13 Rockingham County, VA. ? ? ? “ 0924-12106 Oct 31, 2004 Nov 3, 2004 4 A13 Holiday beach Migration Obs., ON 421 832 250 “ 0924-12134 Nov 3, 2004 ? ? A13 Casselman River, MD ? ? ? “ 0924-12137 Nov 7, 2004 Nov 9, 2004 2 A13 St. Williams, ON 424 802 19 “ 0924-12172 Nov 09, 2004 Nov 10, 2004 1 A13 St. Williams, ON 424 802 19 “ 0924-13100 Oct 25, 2004 ? ? A01 Lower Delmarva? ? ? ? “ 0924-13152 Oct 26, 2004 Oct 31, 2004 5 A01 Booth’s Harbour, ON 424 802 19 “ 1273-53831 Oct 12, 2003 Oct 27, 2004 380 A13 Holiday beach MO, ON 421 832 250 “ 1273-53882 Oct 17, 2003 Nov 1, 2004 379 A13 Lynchburg, VA 372 791 584 “ 1273-53888 Oct 17, 2003 Oct 1st ish, 2004 349 A13 Temiskaming, ON ? ? ? “ 1273-55402 Oct 18, 2004 Oct 28, 2004 375 A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1273-55466 Oct 23, 2003 Nov 5, 2004 378 A13 Selkirk, ON 424 795 45 “ 1293-37161 Nov 3, 2002 Nov 3, 2004 730 A01 MA ? ? ? “ 1293-37441 Nov 6, 2003 Oct 26, 2004 354 A13 Huntsdale, PA 400 771 384 “ 1513-17697 Oct 24, 2003 ? ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Red-winged Blackbird 0972-32031 April 10, 1994 Dec 31, 2003 3552 A13 Kennewick, WA 461 119 3075 Slate-coloured Junco 1651-02158 Oct 28, 1999 Mar 2, 2004 1586 A13 Birgingham, MI 423 831 233 “ 2350-64556 Oct 27, 2003 May 3, 2004 188 A13 Fenelon Falls, ON 443 784 260 21

Band Date Days Between LPBO Distance Species Number Date Banded Recovered Capture Station Location Recovered Lat Long (km) Tundra Swan 0519-77619 Dec 13, 1998 Apr 4, 2004 1969 BCNWA Grand Forks, Emerado, ND 475 972 1456 “ 0519-77636 Mar 27, 1999 Jan 27, 2004 1767 BCNWA Pantego, NC 353 764 841 “ 0519-77637 Mar 27, 1999 Dec 11, 2003 1527 BCNWA Mattamuskeet NWR, NC 352 760 881 “ 0519-77643 Mar 27, 1999 Dec 29, 2003 1373 BCNWA LK Landing, Highpoint, NC 353 760 864 White-throated Sparrow 1791-33973 Oct 12, 2002 April 2003 170 A01 Greer, SC 345 821 874 ELSEWHERE TO LPBO

Acadian Flycatcher 2280-77783 Aug 12, 2003 May 26, 2004 269 A01 North Backus Woods ? ? 25 Black-capped Chickadee 2200-41568 ? May 6, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Blue Jay 1053-46823 ? May 14, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1202-07133 ? May 3, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1543-01269 ? May 19, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Cooper’s Hawk 0745-28249 ? Oct 26, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Golden-crowned Kinglet 2260-01612 ? Oct 25, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Loggerhead Shrike 1731-01444 ? Sept 5, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Northern Saw-whet Owl 0614-19776 Oct 4, 2000 Oct 2, 2004 1459 A13 Willow Beach, Port Hope, ON 435 782 220 “ 0674-96802 Oct 15, 2003 Oct 31, 2003 16 A01 Little Suamico Orn. Station., WI ? ? ? “ 0674-96364 Oct 5, 2002 Oct 27, 2003 387 A01 Little Suamico Orn. Station., WI ? ? ? “ 0764-16933 ? Oct 21, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0764-16936 ? Nov 1, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0764-35391 ? Nov 3, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results, PA ? ? ? “ 0844-15471 Nov 4, 2003 Nov 3, 2004 366 A01 Cassleman River, MD ? ? ? “ 0844-58602 ? Nov 1, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0844-59000 Oct 20, 2003 Oct 24, 2004 369 A01 Williamstown, MA ? ? ? “ 0924-02048 ? Nov 3, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results, VA ? ? ? “ 0924-03602 ? Nov 3, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0924-06315 ? Nov 1, 2004 ? A01 Prince Edward Point BO ? ? ? “ 0924-07584 ? Nov 9, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? 22

Band Date Days Between LPBO Distance Species Number Date Banded Recovered Capture Station Location Banded Lat Long (km) “ 0924-07588 ? Nov 8, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0924-14506 ? Oct 9, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0924-14537 ? Oct 24, 2004 ? A01 St. Williams, ON 424 802 19 “ 0924-19607 ? Oct 25, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 0924-19631 ? ? ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1204-24226 Sept 22, 2004 Nov 3, 2004 43 A01 Quebec ? ? ? “ 1204-27329 ? Oct 12, 2003 ? A01 Willow Beach, Port Hope, ON 435 782 220 “ 1333-21001 ? Oct 11, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1333-21003 ? Oct 24, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1333-21009 ? Oct 12, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1333-21034 ? Oct 31, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1333-21050 ? Nov 1, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1333-21065 ? Nov 1, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1333-22435 ? Oct 26, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1533-01020 ? Oct 26, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1533-01068 ? Oct 31, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1533-01100 ? Oct 24, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1533-01106 ? Oct 25, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? “ 1533-13469 ? Nov 11, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Song Sparrow 1861-30233 ? May 9, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Tree Swallow 1671-34167 ? May 4, 2004 ? A13 Awaiting Results ? ? ? White-throated Sparrow 1231-07649 ? May 10, 2004 ? A02 Awaiting Results ? ? ? Wilson’s Warbler 2080-50992 ? May 20, 2004 ? A01 Awaiting Results ? ? ? TABLE 7. LPBO Multi-year Return-Recapture Summary 2004. A01= Tip, A02=Breakwater, A13=Old Cut, A11=TRES Grid Tip, A23 = Sewage Lagoon, A53 = Mud Creek.

Species Number Station Station Number Station Station Banded Recovered Banded Recovered

1994 to 2004 Eastern Kingbird 1 A02 A02 - - - 1996 to 2004 Northern Cardinal 2 A13 A13 - - - Red-winged Blackbird 1 A02 A02 - - - 1997 to 2004 Red-winged Blackbird 1 A02 A02 - - - Song Sparrow 1 A02 A02 - - - 1998 to 2004 Warbling Vireo 1 A13 A13 - - - Common Grackle 1 A13 A13 - - - Northern Cardinal 1 A13 A13 - - - Yellow Warbler 1 A13 A13 - - - Common Yellowthroat 1 A13 A13 - - - 1999 to 2004 American Robin 1 A13 A13 - - - Gray Catbird 1 A13 A13 - - - Northern Cardinal 1 A13 A13 - - - American Goldfinch 1 A01 A01 - - - 2000 to 2004 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 A01 A01 1 A02 A02 Gray Catbird 1 A13 A13 - - - Red-winged Blackbird 1 A01 A01 2 A13 A13 Yellow Warbler 1 A02 A02 - - - White-throated Spaorrow 2 A13 A13 - - - Song Sparrow 2 A13 A13 - - - 2001 to 2004 House Sparrow 1 A13 A13 - - - Common Grackle 6 A13 A13 - - - Brown-headed Cowbird 2 A02 A02 - - - Gray Catbird 2 A13 A13 - - - Red-winged Blackbird 3 A02 A02 2 A13 A13 Northern Cardinal 2 A13 A13 - - - Yellow Warbler 4 A13 A13 - - - Black-capped Chickadee 1 A13 A13 - - - American Goldfinch 2 A13 A13 - - - 2002 to 2004 Downy Woodpecker 1 A02 A02 - - - Warbling Vireo 1 A02 A02 - - - American Robin 1 A02 A02 - - - Red-winged Blackbird 1 A02 A02 - - - Gray Catbird 1 A02 A02 - - - Barn Swallow 1 A01 A01 - - - Yellow Warbler 3 A02 A02 4 A13 A13 Song Sparrow 1 A13 A13 - - - Brown-headed Cowbird 2 A02 A02 1 A13 A13 Carolina Wren 1 A13 A13 - - - Baltimore Oriole 2 A13 A13 - - - Northern Cardinal 1 A13 A13 - - - Black-capped Chickadee 2 A13 A13 - - - 24

2002 to 2004 Common Yellowthroat 3 A13 A13 - - - Common Grackle 1 A01 A01 4 A02 A02 “ - - - 4 A13 A13 2003 to 2004 Blue Jay 1 A01 A02 - - - House Sparrow 3 A13 A13 - - - Purple Martin 1 A01 A01 - - - Barn Swallow 1 A01 A01 - - - Tree Swallow 1 A11 A01 2 A23 A02 “ - - - 1 A23 A13 Common Grackle 9 A01 A01 1 A02 A02 “ - - - 19 A13 A13 Red-winged Blackbird 2 A01 A01 1 A02 A02 “ - - - 6 A13 A13 House Wren 2 A13 A13 - - - Gray Catbird 3 A02 A02 21 A13 A13 White-throated Sparrow 1 A13 A13 - - - Brown Thrasher 1 A01 A01 - - - Traill’s Flycatcher (Willow) 1 A13 A13 - - - Common Yellowthroat 1 A13 A13 - - - Warbling Vireo 1 A13 A13 - - - Eastern Wood Pewee 1 A02 A02 - - - American Tree Sparrow 1 A13 A13 - - - Northern Cardinal 1 A13 A13 - - - Nothern Saw-whet Owl 2 A01 A01 1 A13 A13 “ - - - 1 A01 A13 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 A13 A13 - - - Black-capped Chickadee 5 A13 A13 - - - American Goldfinch 4 A13 A13 - - - Great-crested Flycatcher 1 A13 A13 - - - American Robin 2 A13 A13 - - - Yellow Warbler 1 A02 A02 8 A13 A13 “ - - - 1 A02 A13 Song Sparrow 6 A13 A13 - - - Baltimore Oriole 4 A13 A13 - - - Brown-headed Cowbird 3 A13 A13 - - - Total Return Recaptures 208

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Top 20 banded species at Long Point Bird Observatory in 2004 (including special projects). Species Number Species Number

White-throated Sparrow 1901 Yellow Warbler 537 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1262 Slate-colored Junco 507 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1064 Brown Creeper 486 American Goldfinch 1005 Gray Catbird 480 Myrtle Warbler 951 Common Yellow Throat 471 Tree Swallow 943 Red-winged Blackbird 464 Blue Jay 890 Hermit Thrush 400 Magnolia Warbler 616 Song Sparrow 329 White-crowned Sparrow 599 Brown-headed Cowbird 325 Northern Saw-whet Owl 583 Least Flycatcher 318

Appendix 2. Species Summary for 2004 Migration Monitoring at LPBO in 2004. * = High Estimated Total (ET) on more than one day at more than one location. Species High ET; day/month; Banded Banded Special Total Station Spring Fall Projects Banded Red-throated Loon 4; 4/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Common Loon 140; 28/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Pied-billed Grebe 2; * 0 0 0 0 Horned Grebe 7; 9/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Red-necked Grebe 4; 7/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Double-crested Cormorant 31000; 22/9; A01 0 0 0 0 American Bittern 4; 5/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Least Bittern 1; 26/4; A13 * 0 0 0 0 Great Blue Heron 13; 10/9; A13 0 0 0 0 Great Egret 2; 30/4; A01 0 0 0 0 Cattle Egret 2; 16/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Green Heron 14; 13/8; A13 0 0 0 0 Black-crowned Night Heron 1; * 0 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 200; 4/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Cackling Goose 1; 31/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Canada Goose 235; 17/9; A13 0 0 0 0 Brant 78; 20/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Mute Swan 4; 5/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Tundra Swan 566; 13/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Wood Duck 33; 17/10; A13 8 0 0 8 Gadwall 100; 17/10; A13 0 0 0 0 American Wigeon 36; 17/10; A13 0 0 0 0 American Black Duck 250; 15/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Mallard 300; 17/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Blue-winged Teal 112, 6/9; A02 0 0 0 0 Northern Shoveler 20; 10/4; A13 0 0 0 0 Northern Pintail 50; 17/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Green-winged Teal 45; 19/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Canvasback 80; 17/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Redhead 22; 13/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Ring-necked Duck 101; 15/4; A13 0 0 0 0 Greater Scaup 3510; 25/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Lesser Scaup 200; 11/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Harlequin Duck 1; 29/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Surf Scoter 93, 25/04; A01 0 0 0 0 White-winged Scoter 40; 30/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Black Scoter 19; 16/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Long-tailed Duck 66; 2/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Bufflehead 28; 27/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Common Goldeneye 24; 7/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Hooded Merganser 1; * 0 0 0 0 Common Merganser 1500; 3/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Red-breasted Merganser 330; 29/4; A01 0 0 0 0 Ruddy Duck 1500; 26/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Osprey 2; * 0 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 9; 26/10, A01 0 0 21 21 Northern Harrier 3; 9/9; A02 0 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 108; 23/10; A01 0 10 0 10 Cooper’s Hawk 5; 31/10; A01 1 3 0 4 Northern Goshawk 6; 6/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 13; 5/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 3; 26/10; A01 0 0 0 0 27

Species High ET; day/month; Banded Banded Special Total Station Spring Fall Projects Banded Red-tailed Hawk 120; 26/10; A01 0 1 0 1 Rough-legged Hawk 24; 24/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 2; 26/10; A01 0 0 0 0 American Kestrel 30; 9/9; A02 1 1 0 2 Merlin 25; 17/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 10, 16& 20/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Ring-necked Pheasant 1; 30/8; A13 0 0 0 0 Wild Turkey 1; 17-20/10; A13 0 0 0 0 Yellow Rail 1; 5/5; A02 0 0 0 0 Virginia Rail 1; 20/8; A01 0 0 0 0 Sora 1; * 0 0 0 0 American Coot 1; 13/9; A01 0 0 0 0 Sandhill Crane 9; 29/5; A01 0 0 0 0 Black-bellied Plover 26, 29/5; A01 0 0 0 0 American Golden Plover 8; 17/5; A13 0 0 0 0 Semipalmated Plover 12; 6/9; A01 0 0 0 0 Killdeer 20; 22/5; A01 1 0 0 1 Greater Yellowlegs 39; 26/8; A01 0 0 0 0 Lesser Yellowlegs 45; 7/5; A13 0 0 0 0 Solitary Sandpiper 3; 16/8; A01 0 0 0 0 Willet 1; *; A01 0 0 0 0 Spotted Sandpiper 12; 15/5; A01 0 1 0 1 Whimbrel 70; 24/5; A02 0 0 0 0 Hudsonian Godwit 4; 28/5; A01 0 0 0 0 Ruddy Turnstone 42; 26/5; A01 0 0 0 0 Red Knot 2; 9/9; A01 0 0 0 0 Sanderling 96, 20/10; A01 0 11 0 11 Semipalmated Sandpiper 110; 11/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Least Sandpiper 20; 29/8; A02 0 0 0 0 White-rumped Sandpiper 12; 9/9; A01 0 0 0 0 Baird’s Sandpiper 1; *; A01 0 0 0 0 Pectoral Sandpiper 12; 9/9; A01 0 0 0 0 Purple Sandpiper 1; 16/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Dunlin 71; 18/5; A01 0 2 0 2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 2, 23& 24/8; A01 0 0 0 0 Short-billed Dowitcher 2; 9/9; A01 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Snipe 7; 11/10; A01 0 0 0 0 American Woodcock 6; 3/4 A13 4 6 0 10 Red Phalarope 2; 4/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Pomarine Jaeger 1; 13/09& 2/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Parasitic Jaeger 3; 9/9; A02 0 0 0 0 Long-tailed Jaeger 1; 9/9; A02 0 0 0 0 Franklin’s Gull 1; 6/21; A01 0 0 0 0 Little Gull 9; 16/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Bonaparte’s Gull 12660; 16/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Ring-billed Gull 4515; 8/10; A01 0 1 0 1 California Gull 1; Oct *; A01 0 0 0 0 Herring Gull 1365; 28/4; A01 0 0 0 0 Thayer’s Gull 1; 27/4; A01 0 0 0 0 Iceland Gull 3; 23/4; A01 0 0 0 0 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1; 20/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Glaucous Gull 1; 15/10; A02 0 0 0 0 Great Black-backed Gull 52; 21/4; A01 0 0 0 0 Black-legged Kittiwake 1; 30/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Caspian Tern 91; 8/9; A02 0 0 0 0 28

Species High ET; day/month; Banded Banded Special Total Station Spring Fall Projects Banded Common Tern 500; 8/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Arctic Tern 4; 30/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Forster’s Tern 140; 6/9; A13 0 0 0 0 Black Tern 10; 16/8; A02 0 0 0 0 Rock Pigeon 10; 16/5; A02 N/A N/A N/A N/A Black-billed Cuckoo 21; 28/8; A02 5 8 0 13 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 6; 3/8; A02 6 3 0 9 Eastern Screech Owl 2; *; A13 0 1 0 1 Great Horned Owl 1; *; A13 & A01 0 0 0 0 Long-eared Owl 4; 31/10; A01 0 4 0 4 Short-eared Owl 1; 31/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Northern Saw-whet Owl 240; 24/10; A01 0 583 0 583 Common Nighthawk 26; 30/8; A02 0 0 0 0 Chuck-wills-widow 1; June; A01 0 0 0 0 Whip-poor-will 1; * 0 2 0 2 Chimney Swift 342; 22/5; A01 1 0 0 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 46; 22/5; A01 N/A N/A N/A N/A Belted Kingfisher 7; 30/8; A01 1 1 0 2 Red-headed Woodpecker 8; *; A01 11 0 0 11 Red-bellied Woodpecker 15; 30/4; A01 18 2 0 20 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 30; 17/4; A01 13 13 0 26 Downy Woodpecker 11; 18/4; A13 9 19 0 28 Hairy Woodpecker 1; *; A01 1 0 0 1 Northern Flicker 36; 4/10; A13 19 25 0 44 Pileated Woodpecker 2; 3/4; A13 0 0 0 0 Olive-sided Flycatcher 3; 30/8; A02 1 0 0 1 Easten Wood-Pewee 29; 27/5; A01 52 30 0 82 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 35; 1/6; A01 86 94 0 180 Acadian Flycatcher 1; *; A01 2 0 0 2 Traill’s Flycatcher 45; 26/5; A01 124 96 0 220 Least Flycatcher 120; 20/5; A01 180 138 0 318 Eastern Phoebe 13; 30/9; A01 7 36 0 43 Great-crested Flycatcher 7; 6/6; A01 13 2 0 15 Eastern Kingbird 25; 20/8; A13 17 5 0 22 Loggerhead Shrike 1; 5/9; A01 0 0 Northern Shrike 3; 15/11; A13 0 2 0 2 White-eyed Vireo 2; *; A13 8 1 0 9 Blue-headed Vireo 63; 23/10; A01 30 77 0 107 Yellow-throated Vireo 2; 31/8; A02 0 1 0 1 Warbling Vireo 15; 15/5; A02 23 37 0 60 Philadelphia Vireo 10; 21/5; A01 19 9 0 28 Red-eyed Vireo 38; 23/5; A01 128 64 0 192 Blue Jay 518; 3/5; A01 886 4 0 890 American Crow 85; 15/11; A13 0 0 0 0 Common Raven 1; 30/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Horned Lark 3; 1/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Purple Martin 120; 14/8; A01 1 34 0 35 Tree Swallow 526; 18/4; A13 41 0 902 943 N. Rough-winged Swallow 54; 15/5; A01 4 0 0 4 Bank Swallow 8001; 15/5; A02 6 0 0 6 Cliff Swallow 47; 9/9; A02 0 0 0 0 Cave Swallow 2; 4/11; A01 0 0 0 0 Barn Swallow 3578; 15/5; A01 23 7 0 30 Black-capped Chickadee 52; 7/11; A13 6 55 0 61 29

Species High ET; day/month; Banded Banded Special Total Station Spring Fall Projects Banded Red-breasted Nuthatch 50; 7/10; A01 7 91 0 98 White-breasted Nuthatch 4; 18/10; A01 0 3 0 3 Brown Creeper 78; 25/10; A01 75 411 0 486 Carolina Wren 8; *; A13 3 8 0 11 House Wren 20; * 63 66 0 129 Winter Wren 38; 26/10; A01 19 90 0 109 Sedge Wren 4; 11/5; A01 0 0 0 0 Marsh Wren 9; 27/9; A01 1 6 0 7 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1850; 25/10; A01 25 1039 0 1064 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2000; 21/10; A01 278 984 0 1262 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 24; 1/5; A01 N/A N/A N/A N/A Eastern Bluebird 22; 31/10; A01 2 5 0 7 Veery 15; 23/5; A01 63 40 0 103 Gray-cheeked Thrush 30; 26/9; A13 31 83 0 114 Swainson’s Thrush 65; 23/5; A01 120 135 0 255 Hermit Thrush 54; 21/10; A01 124 276 0 400 Wood Thrush 8; 4/5; A13 51 5 0 56 American Robin 1100; 15/10; A13 92 64 0 156 Gray Catbird 53; 13/5; A13 338 152 0 490 Northern Mockingbird 6; 4/6; A01 3 1 0 4 Brown Thrasher 11; *; A01 40 14 0 54 European Starling 8000; 10/11; A13 33 8 0 41 American Pipit 170; 27/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Cedar Waxwing 445; 20/5; A01 28 38 0 66 Blue-winged Warbler 5; 8/5; A13 17 2 0 19 Brewster’s Warbler 1; 31/8; A02 0 1 0 1 Lawrence’s Warbler 1; 29/8; A01 0 0 0 0 Golden-winged Warbler 1; * 1 1 0 2 Tennessee Warbler 9; 28/9; A02 3 18 0 21 Orange-crowned Warbler 4; 6/10; A13 6 18 0 24 Nashville Warbler 32; 7/5; A02 48 97 0 145 Northern Parula 8; 10/5; A13 5 1 0 6 Yellow Warbler 200; 13/5; A01 419 118 0 537 Chestnut-sided Warbler 42; 21/5; A01 97 39 0 136 Magnolia Warbler 102; 17/5; A13 377 239 0 616 Cape May Warbler 13; 25/9; A01 6 26 0 32 Black-throated Blue Warbler 30; 30/9; A13 64 134 0 198 Myrtle Warbler 3000; 19/10; A01 313 638 0 951 Black-throated Green Warbler 21; 21/5; A01 48 35 0 83 Blackburnian Warbler 18; 20/8; A02 21 9 0 30 Yellow-throated Warbler 1: 12&13/5; A01 1 0 0 1 Pine Warbler 3; 18/4; A01 1 1 0 2 Prairie Warbler 1; *; A02 0 0 0 0 Palm Warbler 27; 8/10; A01 76 58 0 134 Bay-breasted Warbler 8; 23/5;A01 11 8 0 19 Blackpoll Warbler 88; 25/9; A01 37 138 0 175 Cerulean Warbler 2; 8/5; A13 1 0 0 1 Black and White Warbler 43; 9/5; A01 51 26 0 77 American Redstart 75; 26/5; A01 136 122 0 258 Prothonotary Warbler 1, 9/5; A02 1 0 12 13 Worm-eating Warbler 1; * 4 0 0 4 Ovenbird 25; 2/5; A02 100 51 0 151 Northern Waterthrush 11; 21/5; A01 44 59 0 103 Louisiana Waterthrush 1; 24/4; A13 2 0 0 2 Kentucky Warbler 1; * 2 0 0 2 30

Species High ET; day/month; Banded Banded Special Total Station Spring Fall Projects Banded Connecticut Warbler 1; * 1 1 0 2 Mourning Warbler 11; 21/5; A01 35 12 0 47 Common Yellowthroat 169; 26/9; A01 365 106 0 471 Hooded Warbler 3; 21/5; A01 9 2 113 124 Wilson’s Warbler 50; 20/5; A01 105 36 0 141 Canada Warbler 21; 21/5; A01 55 41 0 96 Yellow-breasted Chat 1; * 4 0 0 4 Summer Tanager 1; *; A02 2 0 0 2 Scarlet Tanager 12; 6/5; A12 17 4 0 21 Eastern Towhee 9; 22/4; A13 21 17 0 38 American Tree Sparrow 170; 8/11; A13 29 82 0 111 Chipping Sparrow 100; 21/4; A01 152 38 0 190 Clay-colored Sparrow 3; 20/5; A01 2 0 0 2 Field Sparrow 28; 21/4; A02 27 63 0 100 Vesper Sparrow 3; 18/4; A01 1 2 0 3 Lark Sparrow 1; 17/04 & 25/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Savannah Sparrow 15; 10/5; A01 10 4 0 14 Grasshopper Sparrow 1; * 0 0 0 0 Henslow’s Sparrow 1; 21/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Le Conte’s Sparrow 1; 21/4; A13 0 0 0 0 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow 1; 7/5; A02 0 0 0 0 Fox Sparrow 9; 24/10; A13 24 22 0 46 Song Sparrow 71; 3/11; A01 135 194 0 329 Lincoln’s Sparrow 76; 9/5; A01 137 23 0 160 Swamp Sparrow 27; 10/5; A13 98 53 0 151 White-throated Sparrow 800; 10/5; A02 1233 668 0 1901 Harris’s Sparrow 1; 10/5; A01 1 0 0 1 E. White- crowned Sparrow 550; 21/10; A01 301 298 0 599 Slate-colored Junco 300; *; A01 109 398 0 507 Lapland Longspur 1; *; A01 0 1 0 1 Snow Bunting 40; 27/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Northern Cardinal 22; 10/11; A13 38 49 0 87 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 31; 9/5; A02 107 22 0 129 Blue Grosbeak 1; 6-8/5; A01 0 0 0 0 Indigo Bunting 50; 24/5; A13 55 15 0 70 Dickcissel 1; 18/5; A01 0 0 0 0 Bobolink 259; 9/5; A01 2 0 0 2 Red-winged Blackbird 140146; 7/11; A13 440 24 0 464 Eastern Meadowlark 50; 25&27/10; A01 0 0 0 0 Rusty Blackbird 253; 12/10; A13 0 1 0 1 Common Grackle 420041; 7/11; A13 300 9 0 309 Brown-headed Cowbird 11200, 7/11; A13 319 6 0 325 Orchard Oriole 3; *; A13 5 1 0 6 Baltimore Oriole 32; 13/8; A13 101 45 0 146 Purple Finch 91; 8/11; A13 5 11 0 16 House Finch 49; 6/4; A13 39 12 0 51 White-winged Crossbill 4; 7/4; A13 0 0 0 0 Pine Siskin 227; 1/11; A01 1 38 0 39 American Goldfinch 1557; 3/11; A01 382 623 0 1005 Evening Grosbeak 2; 29/4; A13 0 0 0 0 House Sparrow 150; 25/9; A13 24 107 0 131 Total Species and Forms 267 121 117 4 139 Total Banded 9735 9787 1058 20580