The Nesting Season June 1

CONTINENTAL SURVEY

The Nesting Season June I m July 31, 1980

Abbreviations frequenll) used in Regional Reports ad.: adult, Am.: American, c.: central, C: Celsius, CBC: Refuge, Res.: Reservoir, not Reservation, R.: River, S.P.: Christmas Bird Count, Cr.: Creek, Corn: Common, Co.: State Park, sp.: species,spp.: speciesplural, ssp.: subspecies, County, Cos.: Counties, et al.: and others, E.: Eastern (bird Twp.: Township, W.: Western (bird name), W.M.A.: Wildlife name), Eur.: European,Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit,fide: report- Management Area, v.o.: various observers, N,S,W,E,: direc- ed by, F.&W.S.: Fish & Wildlife Service, Ft.: Fort, imm.: im- tion of motion, n., s., w., e.,: direction of location, ): more mature, I.: Island, Is.: Islands, Isles, Jc!.: Junction, juv.: than, (: fewer than, _+: approximately, or estimated number, juvenile, L.: Lake, m.ob.: many observers, Mr.: Mountain, o': male, 9: female, •: imm. or female, *: specimen, ph.: Mrs.: Mountains, N.F.: National Forest, N.M.: National photographed, ]': documented, ft: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, Monument, N.P.: National Park, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife kin: kilomelers, date with a + (e.g., Mar. 4+): recorded Refuge, N.: Northern (bird name), Par.: Parish, Pen.: Penin- beyond that date. Editors may also abbreviate often-cited sula, P.P.: Provincial Park, Pt.: Point, not Port, Ref.: locations or organizations.

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME was seensome 4 hours out of N. Sydneyand incetownJune 8 and in Norwell July 12 (v.o., so presumably constitutes a first New- fide RSH). In the same state singleSwallow- REGION foundland record. Northern Fulmars were tailed Kites were seen in Marion June 11 and /Peter D. Vickery againfound in the Gulf of Maine, thoughnot in SandwichJune 12 (fide RSH). A Mississip- This summer saw the continued extension in the impressive numbers observed the pi Kite was identified in Chatham, Mass., of several northward-expandingspecies. previous two summers: 15 were noted from June25 (RSH, PT). A GoldenEagie in Litch- American Oystercatchers,Acadian Flycatch- the ferry BluenoseJune 28 (fide MKL). A field, Conn., June 8 was apparentlyunique ers, Blue-wingedand Cerulean warblers all singlevery early Cory's Shearwaterin Placen- this summer(PCa). consolidated their numbers to the south and tia Bay, Nfld., June 21 (RTB) and three from SoAo pushed to new northern limits. Pelagics in- the Bluenoseferry June 28 (fide MKL) sug- cluded early Cory's Shearwaters,again this gest the possibility of another sizeable late The most heartening news of the sum- summer, wandering considerablynorth of summer movement into the Gulf of Maine mer surroundedthe discoveryof a pair of their usual limits. Two Black-browed Alba- and farther n., into Newfoundland waters. PeregrineFalcons nesting in e. Maine. In- No less than 108 Manx Shearwaters were trosseswere reported. In Massachusetts,Mis- terestingly, neither of the adults were sissippiand Swallow-tailedkites appeared observed from the N. Sydney--Argentia thought to be Cornell Univ. releases:the again. An astonishinggathering of shorebirds ferry July 14 (DW et al.). Of particularinte- male was clearly unbanded.Two nestlings was seentogether on Monomoy June 24. The rest was an intensely vocal Manx Shearwater fledged Aug. 20, for the first successful simultaneouspresence of a Little Stint (C. makingnocturnal visits to E. EggRock, Me., nesting in the area since 1955 (weT). rninuta), Rufous-neckedStint (C. ruficoilis), on the nights of June 11-14, July 22, 24, 31 White-rumped Sandpiperand Western Sand- (S.Kress). Surely the speciesmust be breeding somewhere s. of Newfoundland. Two Audu- piper on that date in easternMassachusetts At least two cr Yellow Rails were found in defiesexplanation. A secondLittle Stint in bon's Shearwaters were seen 55 mi s. of Nan- the Atlantic Provinces, one in New New Brunswick and a second Rufous-necked tucket July 27 (RSH). A Stint in Massachusetts concluded a better count of 870+ Snowy than averageshorebird season. Egretsflying to roostat The first unassisted North American occur- Plum I., Mass., July 30 rence of the Redwing(Turdus iliacus), dis- quite certainly consti- covered near St. Anthony, Newfoundland, tuted a Regional high was perhaps not totally startling considering count {fide RSH). the assortedEuropean vagrants found in that WATERFOWL areas this spring. THROUGH RAILS--A The discovery of wild Peregrine Falcons nestingand successfullyfledging two young late o' Harlequin Duck was notable in Man- in easternMaine washeartening news indeed. chester, Mass., June 23 (fide RSH) as wasan ad. LOONS THROUGH HERONS--A pair ty King Eider in Lubec, of Com. Loons, with young observed on the nest, found near Peace Dale, R.I., apparently Corn. Eider with six constituted a first modern state nesting chicks and a second nest record (RACet ai.). Common Loons remain with eggsat Lunging I., rare nesters in Connecticut and w. Rye, N.H., provided a Massachusetts. A single Black-browed first confirmed nesting Albatross was noted in early June on Cox's record for New Hamp- Ledge, R.I. (fide CW) and another carefully shire (fide VHH). detailed Black-browed Albatross was noted In Massachusetts, from the N. Sydney,N.S.--Argentina, Nfld., single Black Vultures ferry July 15 {DW et al.). This secondbird were seen in Prov-

Volume 34, Number 6 875 The season's two Curlew Sandpipers in- found on territory in Framingham, Westboro cluded a spring migrant at Nauset, Mass., and Windsor although no breedingwas con- June 3 (BN et al.) and a fall bird at Scituate, firmed (fide BH, RAF). A Wheatear in July 22 (fide RAF). A Marbled Godwit was Newbury, Mass., June 6 was either the same presumablya very late and rare spring mi- individual reported this spring or (more like- grant on Monomoy June 12 although the pro- ly) another individual (fide RS). venanceof a Willet of the w. race (C.s. inor- natus) on the same date at the same locality was lessclear (BN et al.). The secondMassa- The discoveryof a Redwing (Turdus il- chusetts nesting of Wilson's Phalarope was iacus)singing on territoryjust southof St. recorded when a female was flushed from a Anthony, Nfld., June 25-July 11 (BMacT nest containing 3 eggson Monomoy June 7 et al.) provided the second (first unam- biguous) record of this speciesin North Black Rail, captured by Noble S. Proctor, (WRP et al.). At least five Wilson's America. The authenticity of a previous Cromwell, Conn., June 25, 1980. Phalaropes summered on Plum I., but record at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Photo/N.S. Proctor. nesting was not confirmed this season. N.Y., Feb. 20-24, 1959, remains in doubt Brunswickand anothercalling in Nova Scotia SKUAS, GULLS, TERNS--A skua, sp., becauseof its proximity to JFK Int'l Air- (fide SIT). Of particular interest was a ter- was observedoff Nantucket Shoals July 27 port, where exotic escapees are occa- ritorial c• B!aek Rail calling in Cromwell, (RSH). At least two Lesser Black-backed sionally found. The arrival of the St. An- Conn., June 25 into July (fide NSP). This Gulls and no less than 11 Little Gulls oc- thony individual was quite probably coin- was the first known potential breeder in re- curred in e. Massachusettsthis summer(v.o., cidental to the other European vagrants cent times, though the speciesonce bred in fide RSH). Some 630+ imm. Black-legged recordedin late May. Unfortunately, the Connecticutand presentlybreeds further s. in Kittiwakes were curiously out of season at Redwing was neither photographed nor New Jersey and possibly still on Long I., Provincetown, Mass., June 23 (RSH). "Port- its voice recorded. N.Y. (NSP). !andica" Arctic Terns numbered 600 on Monomoy June 28 and 200 at Nauset, Mass., VIREOS, WARBLERS--No lessthan four SHOREBIRDS--American Oystercatchers in early July (BN et aL). Possiblyas many as pairs of Yellow-throated Vireos on territory continued to move into Maine in impressive 11 Royal Terns occurred in e. Massachusetts just s. of Augusta,may reflect a small range numbers. In addition to the four birds listed while four were found in Rhode Island (fide expansion,or more likely greater birder sen- this spring,there were five more at Biddeford CW). In Maine, singleRoyal Terns wereseen sitivity to the species' habitat requirements Pool June 27 (DJA et al.) and a singlebird at on a boat trip to Matinicus Rock June 28 (PA,SW). This summer Blue-wingedWarb- GeorgetownJuly 28 (fide MKL). Two Am. (fide MKL) and at Biddeford Pool July 5 lers and Louisiana Waterthrushes were con- Avocets were noted on Plum I., July 26-30 (DJA, PL). A Sandwich Tern was rare on firmed nesting in Maine for the first time. (fide RSH). Monomoy June 6 (WRP et al.). Blue-winged Warbler, a species expanding impressivelyin e. Massachusetts,was found on territory and subsequentlyfeeding young in S. Berwick (PA, PDV eta!., SW). As ex- pected, Louisiana Waterthrushes were found feeding downy fledglings in Sweden, Me., June 14 (PDV). More surprisingwere nesting Louisiana Waterthrushes at Wells Beach, Me. Four recentlyfledged young were discov- ered there July 2 (JF). Also of interest in Maine was the discovery of 10+ pairs of Palm Warblers in suitable bog habitat in Old Orchard June 5--well s. of any previously known breeding area (PA). In Connecticut, White-wingedDove, Wellfleet, Mass., July 5, Cerulean Warblers apparently numbered Little Stint, Monomoy, Mass., June23, 1980. 1980. Photo/Roger S. Everett. 20 + pairs (fide NSP) and KentuckyWarblers Photo/R.A. Forster DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS-- continued to attract attention as several ter- A White-winged Dove was photographedat ritorial males were found again this summer (fide TB). A Yellow-throated Warbler was Unquestionably the most astonishing Wellfleet, Mass., July 2-4 (fide RSH). The banded on Kent I., N.B., July 30 (PFC). gatheringof shorebirdsever recordedin third MassachusettsBurrowing Owl this year the Region occurred on Monomoy I., was located at Katama, Martha's Vineyard Mass. this June. First, a Little Stint (C. July 12-Aug. 31 + (VL et al.). Earlier in- minuta) was discoveredJ•ne 19-25 (BN et dividualsthis springwere found at Plymouth a!., ph). Five days later observerslocated Beach and on Monomoy. A very early W. a Rufons-neckedStint (C. ruficoilis) June Kingbirdwas noted in S. Kingston,R.I., July 24-28, which sometimesapproached with- 11 (DR et al.). Acadian Flycatchers, doing in feet of the Little Stint (VL eta!., fide well in Connecticut and in w. Massachusetts, BN). Additionally, single Western and where three territorial males were located, White-rumped sandpipers June 24-25, were found as far n. as Littleton, N.H., May rare at that date, accompanied the two 28-June 24 (CAM). Two were banded on Ap- stints, with larger numbersof Least and pledore I., Me.; one each June 3 & June 6 (RS Semipalmatedsandpipers (BN et al.). The fide VHH). For the second successiveyear Little Stint furnished a first Regional oc- Willow Flycatcherswere singingon territory currence while the Rufous-necked Stint in E. Machias, Me. (NF). There are also Yellow-throated Warbler, Kent L, N.B., July provided a third Regional and first Mass- second-hand reports of the species on ter- 30, 1980. Photo/Peter F. Cannel!. achusetts record. Within days the ritory somewherein Nova Scotia (fide SIT). Region's secondLittle Stint was discov- An Eastern Wood Pewee was rare indeed at ICTERIDS, FRINGILLIDS--From all ac- counts Orchard Oriole numbers n. to and in- ered at Castalia, Grand Manan, N.B., L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Nfid., June 25 June 30-July 4 (DWF eta!., ph). Finally, (BMacT). cludinge. Massachusettsseemed well up this a second Rufous-necked Stint was found summer. Acr Painted Bunting in Mid- in Scituate, Mass., July 17-22 (WRP et dletown, R.I., May 24 (fide CW) shouldbe a!., ph). WRENS, THRUSHES•In Massachu- added to the three individuals reported this setts, single Short-billed Marsh Wrens were spring. The first Berkshire County, Massa-

876 American Birds, November 1980 chusetts, breeding record for Evening mains of a Sooty Tern, no doubt a remnant Famous, June Fieker, Davis W. Finch, Grosbeak was established this summer in from the 1979 Hurricane David wreck, was Richard A. Forster, Tom French, Vera H. Pittsfield (fide BH). Breeding Grasshopper discovered on Matinicus Rock, Me., June 15, Hebert, Richard S. Hell, Bartlett Hendricks, Sparrowshave never been particularly num- 1980 (TF). Seth Kellogg, Betty Kleiner, Steve Kress, Ver- erous in the Region; 40+ birds on Naushon non Laux, Paul Lehman, Trevor Lloyd- I., Mass., June 23-25 (BS, fide RS) no doubt CORRIGENDUM--Delete the record of Evans, Michael K. Lucey, Bruce MacTavish, constitutes the state's and Region's largest an Acadian Flycatcher at Blandford, Mass., Charles A. Miles, Blair Nikula, Wayne R. breeding colony. May 28, 1979. Petersen, Noble S. Proctor, David Roche, Bruce Sortie, R. Stephenson, Stuart 1. SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface TingIcy, William C. Townsend, Peter Trull, ADDENDA--An Arctic Loon was ob- italic), Contributors (boldface), Observers Peter D. Vickery, Stephen Weston, David served off Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard, and other abbreviations--Dennis J. Abbott, Wolf, Charlie F•ood, ph. photograph, v.o. Mass., Mar. 23, 1980 (BK). A remarkably Paul Adamus, Tom Burke, Roger T. Bur- various observers.--PETER D. VICKERY, early Least Bittern was found in Scituate, rows, Peter F. Cannell, Paul Carrier (PCa), Box 127, Richmond, Maine, 04357. Mass., Mar. 18 (fide RAF). The skeletal re- Robert A. Conway, Ruth P. Emery, Norm

released bird in over a QU!•BECREGION decade in the North- / Michel Gosselin and Normand east (see A.B. 34:142 David port). Two Bobwhites nearand L.our BeauportSpring MayRe- In Quebec, summer weather was the op- 15 (YH) were un- positeof that in the rest of North America; doubtedly of captive daytime temperatureswere cooler than the origin, but can the mean, and precipitation was heavy in many presence of a singing localities(e.g., important inundationsin the bird at Laprairie June easternGaspS). 3-4 (JH, BB,MM) be linked to the favorable FULMARS THROUGH GEESE--The weather conditions of waters off the e. North Shore proved once last winter. 9 For the first time ever, Yellow s•omreol againto be the mostrewarding in this Region Hulls for pelagics;on July 10 near Blanc-Sablon, Rails were discovered 40 N. Fulmars, 50 Sooty Shearwatersand 200 at Bergeronnes July Greater Shearwaters were recorded; 580 N. 10-22 (AB, GS); they Fulmars, seven Sooties, 1080 Greaters and also occurred at St- three Manx Shearwaters were seen off St-Au- Fulgence in good gustinJuly 12 (CS, PLn). For the secondcon- numbers at the end of the season (NB); one A Thick-billed Murre July 23-25 and a Dove- secutive summer a Green Heron frequented singing bird was heard on I. du Moine July 1 kie June 30 were rare summer visitors to Bon- the cattail marshesn. of Old Harry, Magda- (PC). An Am. Coot at Port-Menier, Anti- aventure I. (fide RB). len I. (PD). Single Great Egrets in Hudson costi I., June 30 (MBe) was the first local oc- June 22 {fide PS) and I. Dupas July 23 (PC) currence in over 60 years. DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS-- were not totally unexpected, but a bird at Extralimital Mourning Doves included birds Port-Daniel June 30 (JD et al.) was a first in SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS-- in Chibougamau P.P., June 11 (YH), Har- theGaspe'Peninsula. The Little Egret of Ca- An Am. Oystercatcherseen at Cacouna May rington-Harbour July 4 (KB-F), and Schef- couna (seeour Spring Report) was seeninter- 19 (AP) was describedas having among other ferville in early summer (RT). Yellow-billed mittently during the entire season(MGa, BG, features "... yellow eyes, a black head and Cuckoos were in evidence this summer, with m.ob.), and two Snowy Egrets were present a gray back... ", thus pointing more spe- singlebirds in various parts of Montreal May at Rimouski c. July 19 (PBr). A pair of Can- cifically to the American (as opposed to the 24 (D J), June 28, July I (MA), July 16-21 ada Geesewith downy young was reported European) species. The range extension of (AT); in Aylmer June 25 (MBo); and a court- from the Dundee marsh, at the s.w. tip of the Killdeer was consolidated with the discov- ing pair in Longueuil July 6+ (MTr); a Quebec,May 31 (fide PBa). Summeringgeese ery of a nest along the Opinaca R., June 27 Black-billed Cuckoo reached Sainte-Marie I. includeda Brant on BonaventureI. (fide RB) (JL) and that of a flightless young at Blanc- July 9 (KB-F). A nest of Red-headedWood- and a Snow Goose at Pointe-des-Monts July Sablon July 8 (PLn, CS); birds were also seen peckers was discoveredon the Bertbier Is., 11 (GT) where it is rare even in migration. at Port-Menier, Anticosti I., June 26 (MBe) and at least two young were raised (PC); this and Harrington-Harbour June 21 (KB-F). is a 50 km range extension for a Blue-listed Some outstanding shorebirds of the season species.Willow Flycatcherswere observedin DUCKS THROUGH COOTS--The breed- included an Am. Woodcock near Port-Me- new localities:singing birds were in Hull June ing rangeof the N. Shovelerwas extendede. nier June 26 (MBe), a Willet at Barachois Ju- 11 (DStH), Laprairie June 12 (ND), Otter- of the Saguenay R., with the discovery of ly 11 (RB), up to sevenStilt Sandpipersat La- Lake June 23 (BMD), two at I. Dupas July 3 flightlessyoung at St-Paul-du-Nord July 20 prairie July 27-Aug. 3 (BB, m.ob.), and a (PC), two at LennoxvilleJuly 29 (PBo), and (AB, LF, GS). A 9 Harlequin Duck carefully pair of Wilson's Phalaropes at Barachois four near Mt. St-Bruno Aug. 2 (MTo). Three studied at I. des Soeurs June 5 (YA) repre- June I (RB). Ring-billed Gulls in the Mon- E. Wood Pewees were seen and heard at sented a first summer occurrence in the Mon- treal area now total nearly 30,000 breeding Pointe-aux-Outardes June 13 (FL), and thus treal area. A pair of Ruddy Ducks on a small pairs, an increaseof 34ø/osince 1978 (PM); are certainlybreeding in the area. The species pond near Baleville June 3 (YM) was near another sign of this population explosion was was also reported in Power Township, Gas- where the only Regional breedingrecord had the discovery of a colony of 60 pairs on an p• Co., June7 (PP). been obtained. The most outstanding nesting island on the Yamaska R., e. of Granby (RL, reportsinvolved two of our lesscommon rap- PM). The newly discoveredcolony of Black- tors:Golden Eagle in the Gaspe'Peninsula legged Kittiwake, another expanding Larid, WRENS THROUGH WEAVERS--A (ML, YP), and PeregrineFalcon in s. Quebec on Sainte-Marie I. numbered 127 nests (KB- Carolina Wren turned up briefly in a Mon- (fide PBo, YA); in the latter case,two young F). Three Forster's Terns, two of them treal backyard July 17 (PBa). Four Gray Cat- fledged,the first suchrecord involving a non- copulating,appeared at Lasalle June 11 (BB). birds were recorded at BergeronnesJuly 5

Volume34, Number6 877 (AB, GS), and a lone bird was seenand heard tion of Anticosti I. The ty W. Meadowlark re- chus) was photographedin Montreal May 12 at Pointe-aux-OutardesJune 12 (fide FL); all ported in spring, remained near Chicoutimi (DA); for more details on this species,see Mimids are thus pushing the limits of their for most of the season (YB); two singing A.B. 31:273-8; 34:254. range N. Accordingto RB, Hermit Thrushes birds were also heard near Rivi•re-du-Loup wentalmost unnoticed in the Gaspe'Penin- June 29 (GG, LH). Another Icterid pushing CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) AND OB- sula this summer. A pair of E. Bluebirdswas its range NE was the Corn. Grackle, present SERVERS--D. Ainley, M. Ainley, Y. Au- attendinga nest at Jonqui•re June 14, and at Havre St-Pierre and Natashquan July 3 bry, P. Bannon (PBa), B. Barnburst. M. Ber- later successfuRRyraised four young, the first 0aLn, CS). A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was geron (MBe), R. Bisson, Y. Blackburn, P. suchrecord for L. St-Jean(YB, NB). At least found at BergeronnesJuly 10-22, and at least Blain 0aBl), K. Blanchard-French(KB-F), P. three pairs of Blue-gray Gnatcatcherswere three singing birds were present at St-Paul- Boil}, (PBo), M. Bostock (MBo), A. Bou- presentthis summeron Mt. St-Bruno(MTo), du-Nord July 12 (AB, GS); a singing male chard, N. Breton, P. Brousseau(PBr), P. where they nested in 1978. Details on a was found at I. du Moine July 2, and there Chagnon, B.M. DiLabio (BMD), P. Dra- Worm-eating Warbler reported from Mt- were possibly two birds on this Upper St. peau, J. Dunn, L. Fortin, R. Foxall, M. Royal July 5 (RP) will appear in Bull. orni- Lawrence island until the end of the season Gawn (MGa), S. Gawn, G. Gendron, B. Gor- thologique. At Covey Hill, a ty Golden- (PC), a most enigmatic phenomenon.Clay- ham,L. Hall• Y. Hamel,J. Houghton,D. wingedWarbler appearedJune 7 (BB), while colored Sparrows were again noted at St- Jackson, P. Lane (PLn), P. Laporte (PLt), two adults were seen feeding three fledged Colomban (MM), and a singing bird was M. Larrive'e,R. Lebrun, F. Leduc, J. young at L. Philippe, Gatineau P.P., July 5 discoveredat L. Cayamant June 23-30 0aBl). Legris, Y. Mailhot, M. Melntusb, P. Mous- (RF, SG). A ty CeruleanWarbler was singing The presenceof Lincoln's Sparrowsin the St. seau, R. Pelletlet, A. Potvin, P. Poulin, Y. from Mt. St-Bruno this summer (MTo), a Lawrence lowlands was illustrated by a bird Pouliot, D. St-Hilaire (DStH), G. Savard, C. new locality for the species.House Sparrows in Farnham June 20 (ND), and an adult car- Simard, P. Smith, R. Tait, A. Tarassoff, M. were thriving at Schefferville,within the Arc- tying food at Longueuil July 12 (BB, MM). Tomalty (MTo), G. Trencia, M. Trudeau tic Ecotone (RT), where first reported by Hel- (MTr).--MICHEL GOSSELIN, 370 Met- lether in 1970 (Can. Field-Nat. 86:84). EXOTICS--Single Chukars were reported ealfe #707, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P IS9, and from Laval Apr. 4 (fide PLt) and Mt-Royal NORMAND DAVID, Centre de recbercbes ICTERIDS, FRINGILLIDS--The twelve May 8 (BB); the bird previously reported •'cologiquesde Montreal,5858 Cote des Bobolinks presentin the vicinity of Port-Me- from St-Lambert apparently wintered there. Neiges#400, Montreal, Qued, H3S IZI. nier June29 (MBe) attestedto their coloniza- Our first Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta mona-

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION the duration of the period. Fortunately, / William J. Boyle, Jr., Robert the record hot weather O. Paxton and David A. Cutler came too late to affect the nesting of most species, and the lack The nesting season was generally unre- of severe storms con- markable, with very few vagrant rarities or tributed to a generally unusual breeding records. A few speciesof successful breeding southern affinity continued to push their way season, especially for slowly north, some exploring new territory colonial waterbirds. and others reclaiming areas surrenderedin the past. Another, somewhat smaller, con- GREBES tingent of northern specieshas been expand- THROUGH IBISES ing to the south of historical breeding ranges. --A Red-necked The updating of our knowledge of the Grebe at Marine Park, breeding status and distribution of the Brooklyn June Region's birds is greatly facilitated by the 22-Aug. 2 (m.ob.) continuing interest in one-day counts model- provided the first sum- HWR ed after the Christmas Bird Count (referred mer record for Long to below as Summer Bird Count or S.B.C.) Island. Marine Park and in the Breeding Bird Surveysconducted also had one Horned by a few groups and individuals. This year Grebe, while a pair at S.B.C.s were received from southern Lan- Jamaica Bay Wildlife caster County, Pa., and Cumberland Coun- Refuge (hereafter, •D©l ty, N.J. {June 7), W. Chester, Pa. (June 8), J.B.W.R.) June •' L- - Boonton, N.J., Captree, L.I. and central 10-July 4 was watched Suffolk Co., L.I. (June 14). Whatever the closely, but to no limitations of counts of this type, they pro- avail, for signsof nesting(m.ob.). New Jer- along with three Cory's and five Greater only vide data on bird populations that are not sey's largest colony of Pied-billed Grebes re- 5 mi off Barnegat Inlet June 29 (AB), while otherwise available. A continuing study of mained stable at Kearny Marsh, with ten Raynor had a Manx and a Cory's at Shinne- the nesting birds of the Highlands of north families numbering 50+ birds in July (RK). cock Inlet July 8. An Audubon's Shearwater central New Jersey conducted by the Urner This specieshas disappearedfrom most of its less than V: mi off Indian River Inlet, Del., Ornithological Club is cited hereafter as N.J. old New Jerseyhaunts and is scarceelsewhere July 21, was an excellent find (JG); this Highlands B.B.S. (Breeding Bird Survey). in the Region, although J.B.W.R. had its warm-water speciesis infrequently seenin the June and early July were very mild, with first nest in 10 years (fide THD). Region, owing more, perhaps, to the small slightlybelow normal temperaturesand near- The highlight of the June 7 pelagic trip number of late summer-early fall pelagic trips ly average rainfall. By the end of the second from Montauk, N.Y., to Block Canyon was than to its inherent scarcity. week in July, however, the heat wave which the four Leach's Storm-Petrels spotted For the first time in five yearsthe New Jer- had been plaguing the southern and western among 300+ Witsoh's (THD, BS et al.). sey Coastal Colonial Waterbird Survey was parts of the country arrived and remained for Closer in, Brady found a Manx Shearwater not conducted, owing to a lack of funding.

878 American Birds, November 1980 Results from the past 4 years of this study S.B.C. recorded 486, a new h•gh, and 500 Red-tafied Hawks conUnue to be common have provided a comprehensivepicture of the were at Great Swamp N.W.R., N.J., in June. and widespread in spite of habitat en- status of the state's colonial waterbirds, and In N. Wales, Pa., a pair nestedsuccessfully croachment, as do Broad-winged Hawks •n it •s hoped that the survey will be conducted on the roof of an industrial plant (AM, JM). most of the Region, except s. New Jersey at intervals in the future. Without it or any Black Ducks were doing well inland with 76 where Sutton reports that this once common similar data from Long Island, information on the S. Lancaster County S.B.C. and 500 at nesting bird is now almost non-existent as a on these birds is rather spotty; nonetheless, Great Swamp N.W.R. in June, and on Long breeder. 14 species of long-legged waders were re- Island where 72 on the Captree S.B.C. fur- One of the two active Delaware Bald Eagle ported from the Region this season, with all nisheda new high. A post-breedingcount of nestsproduced two young (J.M. Abbott) and but one of them known or probable breeders. 100 Green-winged Teal at Great Swamp a former nest site had a resident pair, but no Great Blue Herons were reported from all N.W.R. was impressive for a specieswhich nest (Paul Burnes). As reported in the spnng, parts of the Region, but nestingis limited to a has been a scarcenester in the Region. the one known New Jerseynest and one Dela- small scattering of colonies, most of which A c• Eur. Wigeon at J.B.W.R. July 6-13 ware nest failed; there are no others in the Re- are well away from the coast. In addition to (THD et al.) was a good find, but more inter- gion. There were only 2 reports of wandenng the coastal coloniesof Cattle Egret, 27 were estingwere the three Am. Wigeon at Connet- immatures. The status of the Marsh Hawk •n found on the S. Lancaster County S.B.C. and quot River S.P., on the Captree S.B.C. This New Jerseyimproved marginally this year as 50+ were in the Kearny, N.J. roost May 31 species,which was found in potential nesting the 23 breeding pairs located in the s. part of and again at the end of July (RK), in a loca- habitat, is very rare as a breeder in the Re- the state experiencedgood breeding success tion where nesting is a possibility. These gion, all known recordsbeing from Long Is- (PD). At least three other pairs were noted numbers pale beside the 4700 present on land. At least 14 pairs of Ruddy Ducks nested further n., but the Hackensack Meadowlands Rookery I., Washington Boro, Pa., in the in the Kearny Marsh, the only significant population was down to one pair from four SusquehannaR., Aug. 6 (RS). Five-sixLouis- breeding location for this speciesin New Jer- in 1975 (RK). There were nine breedingpairs lana Herons in N. Arlington-Kearny during sey (RK). None was reported from Little on Long Island (fide B. Allen, N.Y.D.E C ) July were unusual at this inland location, Creek W.M.A. (hereafter, L.C.W.M.A.) The situation for the Osprey looks very en- while eight at Tinicum Nat'l Environmental which last year produced Delaware's first couraging. New Jersey's Non-game and En- Center (hereafter, T.N.E.C.) was the largest confirmed breeding record in 17 years. The dangered SpeciesProject found that 86 active number ever recorded in s.e. Pennsylvania only other regional nesting location is nests(vs. 87 in 1979) produced an average of (JCM). Black-crownedNight Herons seemto J.B.W.R. A 9 Hooded Merganser with five 1.13 young/nest, significantly above the 0 95 be faring reasonablywell. Although the Kear- young at the E. Orange Water Reserve, Essex young/nest which is the minimum replace- ny heronry is the only non-coastalsite in New Co., N.J., on the Boonton S.B.C., (RR) pro- ment level for a stable population and which Jersey(with 20 nests--Don Smith), there are vided the fifth breeding record for the state, was exactlymatched last year (J. Frier, JGa) a number of colonies in Pennsylvania, includ- while a nest at Mashomack Woods on Shelter On Long Island, 87 nests, up from 70 in 1979, ing one at Pittston, near Wilkes-Barre (WR). I. was the first ever for the Long Island area fledged 1.16 young/nest (fide B. Allen, What is apparently the largest in[and colony (C.K. & K. McKeever). Common Mergansers N.Y.D.E.C.) and 25 birds were counted of Yellow-crowned Night Herons in the are prospering in the upper De[aware and along the s.e. Delaware coast June 14 (P J) Northeast was discovered on McCormick's SusquehannaValleys. Fifty birds, including The introduction of the Peregrine Falcon •nto I, in the Susquehanna R., at Harrisburg; at least 15 young, were on the Delaware R., the salt marshesof New Jerseyby the Cornell Chff Jones visited the island, an historical between Stroudsburg and Dingman's Ferry University Peregrine Fund is proving success- breeding site for one or two pairs of Yellow- July 13 (fide RK), while 13 adults and 32 ira- ful. A pair near Manahawkin raised three crowneds, Aug. 11, and discovered25 vacant matures were on the Susquehanna at Tunk- young of their own while one at Brigantine nests and numerous ad., imm., and dead bannock July 21 and six more at Wyoming N.W.R. (hereafter, B.N.W.R.) fledged one herons, all of which were Yellow-crowned. July 28 (WR). Reid has documented a steady of their own and two transplants(fide JGa) The site will be visited earlier in the nesting increasein this speciesin n.e. Pennsylvania These birds nested on the same towers from season next year to confirm the number and over the last 5-6 years. which they were fledged severalyears ago identity of herons present. Least Bittern was recorded at most of its RAPTORS--No Black Vultures were re- RAILS, SHOREBIRDS--Three nests of usual haunts, such as Bombay Hook N. W.R. ported from New Jerseythis summer follow- Sora found at Oak Beach Marsh (J. Green- (hereafter, B.H.N.W.R.), Trenton Marsh ing the best spring yet for this species. In law) were the first on Long Island since 1935 and Great Swamp N.W.R., but was con- Pennsylvania, however, the 46 recorded on Two Black Rails were at Turkey Pt., Cum- sidered down in numbers from 1979 at Kear- the S. Lancaster County S.B.C. were follow- berland Co., N.J., June 4, where they have ny Marsh, its main strongholdin New Jersey ed up by the photographicdocumentation of nested for the past few years (DK), and one (RK). The pair of ad. White-faced Ibis spent a nest, the first for that county (RS), on the Captree S.B.C. was at the traditional their second summer at J.B.W.R., but no although York County across the river has Oak Beach Marsh site after an absence of sev- confirmation of nesting was obtained (THD had several. Following the 6-7 sightingsof eral years. In Delaware, several pairs were at et al.). Three imm. White Ibis at Rumson, MississippiKite in s. New Jerseyin late May- B.H.N.W.R. and Primehook N.W R N J., July 19-21 (Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Lefferts, early June (see spring report), there were no through the summer (fide DAC). The outpost Mabel McKim) were the forerunners of a more until Aug. 1 when an adult appeared Purple Gallinule no longer seemsto breed at minor irruption of this speciesinto our Re- briefly over Wildwood Crest (Renek Dragon's Run, Del., but a characteristically g•on. An injured imm. female at Ridley Kochenberger, fide PD). Speculation con- late vagrant was at Sea Cliff, L.I., June 13-16 Creek S.P. July 28 (JCM) died and became tinues rampant concerningthe possibilityof (m.ob., ph BS) and another was found near Pennsylvania's first specimen, subsequentto nesting by this species in the relatively un- Tinton Falls, N.J., with a missing foot (fide numerous sight records. There were addi- populated areas of nearby Cumberland or LS). Common Gallinule is the dominant tional reports in early August, but substan- Salem counties. Sharp-shinned Hawks were rallid in the marshes of the Hackensack tially fewer than during the big 1977 invasion. seen in two cedar swamps in s. New Jersey Meadowlands, N.J., having replaced Am (TP, WW), although without evidence of Coot in all brackish waters. Only in the Kear- WATERFOWL--The numbers and variety nesting.Reid found it a good summerfor Ac- ny Marsh, which is fresh, does the coot hang of summering waterfowl (only 23 species ciptersin n.e. Pennsylvaniawith six Sharp- on, the 800+ pairs that breed there being the mentioned) were well below the norm for re- shinnedsand three Cooper's Hawks, while a only significant breeding population in the cent years, but a few of the breeding birds Goshawk was seen at Promised Land S.P. in state and the largest in the Region. Even at seemed to be doing very well. Mute Swans thePocbno Mts., July23 (JGi).The situation Kearny the gallinule has increased tremen- continued to increase, especially near the of Red-shoulderedHawks was modestly en- dously in the last two years and now numbers coast, but were found on many inland lakes, couraging, especially in the New Jersey in the hundreds (RK). and ponds as well. Canada Geeseare reach- Highlands with 12 birds, including several American Oystercatchers continue to •n- lng epidemic proportions and are considered breedingpairs, noted on the B.B.S. A pair creasewithin the Region, 23 on the Captree pests by some municipalities, where they raised two young at the Bronx Zoo (J. S.B.C. furnishingan all-time high count S•x- gather in flocks of hundreds on the grass in Roderick) and three on the S. Lancaster ty at Tuckerton, N.J., in late July included parks and on corporate campuses. Captree County S.B.C furnisheda high for the count. many immatures, indicating continued h•gh

Volume 34, Number 6 879 breeding success(JCM). As noted last year, heading S over Stone Harbor Pt., N.J., July Captree S.B.C. and had a very successful Miller has found them nesting on grassy 21 (CS), while as many as eight Hudsonian nesting season in New Jersey (JGa). The re- islands and believes the change from beach Godwits were presentin mid-July on the Line nesting of a colony at Stone Harbor Pt. pro- nesting may be responsiblefor the dramatic Is. in S. Oyster Bay, L.I. (THD et al.). An ex- duced about 200 young, with some downy increasein this area. A surveyof nestingPip- cellent inland record of Hudsonian was pro- chicks and even birds on eggs at the end of lng Plovers along the New Jersey coast this vided by a bird at Peace Valley Pk., Bucks August (AG)! An ad. Thick-billed Murre at summer found 90 pairs (exclusiveof Atlantic Co., Pa., July 12 (AM,JM). An interesting Tobay Beach, L.I., July 13 established the County, where data are incomplete), which report of Wilson's Phalarope was of a female first summerrecord of this speciessince 1966 producedan averageof 1.5 young/pair (AG). at Long Beach, L.I., June 3 in salt marsh (P. Martin, ph BS). Compared to the 93 pairs found on the first (FGB,PAB). This specieshas recently been Colonial Waterbird Survey in 1976, thesere- found breedingin similar habitat on the coast of Massachusetts and should be watched for sults indicate a stable population. In N. CUCKOOS THROUGH FLY- Wales, Pa., a Killdeer nestedon the roof of a in our Region.One wondersif the breeding- CATCHERS--Yellow-billed Cuckoos con- factory not far from the Canada Goose fam- plumaged female at Cape May June 27 and tinue to increase explosively in responseto ily noted above (AM, JM). the winter-plumagedmale there June 30 (PD) the recurringinfestations of tent caterpillars were post-breedingmigrants from some not- They have becomeregular backyard breeders SoAo too-distant location. A 9 Ruff was at in the Philadelphiasuburbs (DAC) and the 85 A specialappeal for information about J.B.W.R., July 13-20 (THD et al.) and two recordedon the S. Lancaster County S.B C were at B.N.W.R., July 20 (JD, JKM). No breeding Upland Sandpiperselicited re- was a 21-fold increase over the four seen on ports about a meager handful of sites. Am. Avocets were reported away from the 1977 count. Other high counts were 65 on Two pairs, including a nest with 4 eggs, B.H.N.W.R. and the only Black-necked Stilts n. of Delaware were two at J.B.W.R., the C. Suffolk County S.B.C., 17 on the Cap- were found in a remnant "prairie" habi- tree S.B.C. and 46 on the Cumberland Coun- tat at Lawn, Lebanon Co., Pa. (RS), two June 14 (TWB, S. Stappets). The Port ty S.B.C. Barn Owls are common over most pairs were seen at Gettysburg Nat'l Mili- Mahon, Del., stilt colony is stable at 17- of the Regionand appear only to requireade- tary Pk. (fide T. Hake), two pairs were 25 pairs (DAC). quate nesting sites in order to take up resi- noted at Phila. Internat'l Airport (JCM) dence in appropriate habitat. Thomas found and one pair was discoveredat Steelville, GULLS, TERNS--The big news about six nestingpairs in SussexCounty, N.J., in- Pa. (J. Sheetz). These sevenpairs repre- gulls came from J.B.W.R., where last year's cluding birds in 4 of 12 nest boxes which he sent the known s.e. Pennsylvaniapopula- colony of 12-15 pairs of Laughing Gulls ac- has put up for them in unused silos. In tion, although in the 1960s Cutler knew complished the first successful nesting for Chester County, Pa., Sterrett banded 18 of 4 other sites in the Philadelphia area this specieson Long Island since the 1880s. young in 4 nests,two of them in boxesand all alone. In New Jersey,Upland Sandpipers This year's numbers swelled to 235 nests, a within 1 ¬ miles of Westtown School. Soucy have ceasednesting in 7 counties within dramatic increase whose details will be pub- located 34 active nests in Hunterdon and the last 10 years and are now known to lished elsewhere (FGB, PAB). Gull-billed SomersetCounties, N.J., which produced an nest only at Reaville, Hunterdon Co., Terns nestedagain on Long Island, where a averageof 4.0 young/nest, very closeto the (two pairs--GH), Mullica Hill, nest was found in salt marsh at Long Beach in 8-year norm. All but 2 of the nests were in GloucesterCo. (JKM), Harrisonville and June (R. Kremer,fide PAB). They apparent- man-made structures, including 6 in nest Sharptown, Salem Co. (JKM,RK) and ly nested at B.N.W.R. as usual, since six boxes.There were 2 reports of possiblebreed- Pomona, Atlantic Co. (RK). Kane has birds seen there Aug. 3 included two imma- ing Long-eared Owls from n.w. New Jersey proposed that they be given Endangered tures (WJB, JB, PWS). The Captree S.B.C. in June, one at Scott's Mt. (Mike Thomas) Species status in New Jersey. In New recorded 180 Roseate Terns at the Cedar and one at Blairstown (William Heyne), both York, the species breeds at Blue Chip Beach colony, but at Great Gull Island, off in Warren County, from which there have Farm, Ulster Co. (flightless young in Long Island, the population was down to beenno previousnesting records. The species 1980) and possibly at Stewart Airport, about 800 pairs. There has been a steady de- is rare and irregular as a nesterin the Region Orange Co. (JT), at Westhampton Air- cline from the 1500+ pairs of 7 years ago, Short-earedOwl, on the other hand, may be port, and probably at Grumman Airport possibly caused by encroaching vegetation on the verge of disappearingas a breeding on Long Island. The Upland Sandpiper's around the perimeter of the nesting area, but species: there were no reports from Long one strongholdin the Region is, ironical- it is felt that the colony may have stabilized at Island and only one from New Jersey,that of ly, within the city limits of New York, at its presentlevel (JDiC). a pair at Holgate in June and July (ftde Kennedy Internat'l Airport, where a The Delaware Least Tern Census June 14, WJB). Kelly Island, Del., and T.N.E.C. are stable population of 15-20 pairs nestssuc- found 935 adults in 7 colonies, about the two other known breeding locations. cessfullyon the acresof grasssurrounding average for the last few years. Sixty-nine Chuck-will's-widows continue to expand the runways, oblivious to the comings and young and 270 nestswere found, but, because on the New Jersey coast, displacing the goings of hundreds of jet aircraft each the method of censuswas changedto reduce Whip-poor-will as they increase. Ten to hf- day (S. Chevalier). We should be grateful the chance of disruption, the results are not teen were in the Barnegat Bay area in June, for further information about this directly comparable to those of previous along with a nest with 2 eggsand two young threatened species. years. In New Jersey no quantitative data (Kate Duffy). On Long Island, two were on were available, but Least Terns were reported the Captree S.B.C. and one on the C. Suffolk to have had a very successfulbreeding season County S.B.C. Whip-poor-wills were doing The fall shorebird migration, which, as (JGa). About one-third of a flock of 25 at well in n.e. Pennsylvania(BM, WR) and 24 usual, nearly overlapped with the spring mi- Longport, July 27 were immature (SL). Ex- were recorded on the C. Suffolk County gration, got underway at Cape May on the cept for a group of five non-breederson the S.B.C. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and early date of June 24 with the arrival of ten Captree S.B.C., Royal Terns were late in ar- Belted Kingfishers, two specieswhich seemto Lesser Yellowlegs, two Short-billed Dow- riving this year, the usual large flocks not ap- have declined as breeders in recent years, itchers and a Pectoral Sandpiper (PD). Two pearing until the beginning of August. The were reported more often than previouslythis Baird's Sandpiperswere at Cape May July 27 only Sandwich Tern reported was an adult at year, especially on the S. Lancaster County (BR) and a single bird was noted at Turkey Mecox, L.I., July 3 (AJL). After missinglast S.B.C. with 14 and 16, respectively. Swamp, Monmouth Co., N.J., July 29 (J. year, an ad. White-winged Black Tern re- The status of Red-headed Woodpeckers Peachey). A Curlew Sandpiper in partial turned to L.C.W.M.A., July 19 (A1 Guarenti, appears to be changing. While they were breedingplumage appearedat J.B.W.R., Ju- Tom Reeves), but was not seen thereafter. reported as "widespreadand uncommon" in ly 20-31+ (THD et MO. Three very early This may have been the same bird seenearlier Orange County, N.Y. (JT), and one was re- Long-billed Dowitchers were reported from at ChincoteagueN.W.R., Va., sincethat one ported from DutchessCounty, N.Y. (P. & T Cape May July 16 (BR), while Short-billed was not seen after July 17 (fide DAC). The Haight), they have nearly disappeared from Dowitchers peaked at B.N.W.R., July 20 perennialquestion that remains,though, con- former territories in n. New Jersey, only 2 with a count of 5450 (JD, JKM). The first cerns the origin of these birds. Black Skim- possiblebreeding sites remaining (GH, FT) Marbled Godwits of the season were four mers reached the record total of 341 on the During June and July, however, at least five

880 American Birds, November 1980 pairs were discoveredin the Lebanon S.F. in New Jersey they were considered well dis- Warblers common and well dispersed in the New JerseyPine Barrens (WW, SB, TP). tributed, with one or two pairs in each of 10 cedar swampswith at least 50 singingmales Other pairs were at nearby Pasadena and different cedar swamps (WW, TP). Seven (WW, TP). One on the Captree S.B.C at Colliers Mills W. M. A. (fide WW), along birds were found on the two Long Island Connetquot River S.P. was in similar habitat with the small colony at Cape May Court S.B.C.s and six adults and two immatures and may have beenbreeding. Cerulean Warb- House. Theserepresent a significantincrease were at Smithtown (Ken Ward), while in lers are beingreported from many new loca- for the s. part of the Region. A nestingpair Pennsylvaniatwo pairs nestedsuccessfully at tions and are increasinglycommon in the n on the S. Lancaster County S.B.C. was new Revere, Bucks Co. (S. Farbotnik) and one parts of our area. From the oppositedirec- to the count, but no breeding birds were re- was on the S. Lancaster County S.B.C. tion, N. Waterthrushesare increasingin the ported from e. Long Island where they have A Short-billed Marsh Wren at Hurlock's Highlands of New York-New Jersey and a nested in recent years, although an adult was Creek, n.e. Pa., July 27 (WR) was the only singing male at Colliers Mills W.MA, found dead at Lindenhurst, July 21 (AJL). one reported outsideof Delaware, which has OceanCo., N.J. in May and June(SB, WW) Vagrant flycatchers included a W. King- a small breeding population at three loca- was s. of any known breedingsite. Kentucky bird at Cape May Pt., July 17 (B. Bailey), a tions. Eastern Bluebirdswere reported in ex- Warblers are gradually reclaiming areas Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Manorville, L.I., cellent numbers from e. Pennsylvania, n. abandonedin the early part of the century, June 14 (GSR) and another, or perhaps the New Jersey, and s. New York, with one ob- with numerous birds in n. New Jersey and same one, at Ft. Tilden, Queens, L.I., June server (JGr) suggestingthat "it's strictly a eightprospecting males in s. New York. Long 30-July 4 (J. Parker, ph THD et al.). Acadian management problem now... bluebirds are Island had its secondnesting record, a pair Flycatcher continuesto expand and increase over the hump." One pair in Wyoming, Pa., that fledged young at Mill Neck in June m every corner of the Region. In contrastto began nesting June 28 in a box recently va- (Helen McClure, BS et al.). Canada Warblers what was written in this column only 2 years catedby a brood of Tree Swallows(WR). An- were found in 4 different cedarswamps in s ago (AB 32:1145), this speciesand not the other speciesslowly spreadingin our Region New Jersey (WW, TP). Interestingly, this Willow Flycatcher now appears to be the is the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Pairs with species,which is closely associatedwith the most widely distributedand possiblythe com- young were at Ward Pound Ridge Reserva- Hooded Warbler in the laurel understoryof monest Empidonax. The S. Lancaster Coun- tion, Westchester Co., N.Y. (TWB) and at the New York-New Jersey Highlands prefers ty S B.C. had a record high 116. Willows are Black Rock Forest, Orange Co., N.Y. (RSp, the same neighborsin the s. fairly common over most of the area and JBe), while 11 singing on the New Jersey Alder Flycatcherswere widely reported from Highlands B.B.S. were at 6 different loca- GRACKLES THROUGH SPARROWS-- the n. half of the Region. The story on the tions, mainly in spruce plantings. Solitary A report of a 9 Boat-tailed Grackle at Least Flycatcher was less conclusive, with Vireos were widely reported from the n. part J.B.W.R., June 6 (F. Scheideret al.) provid- some observers commenting on their near of the Region, but one on the S. Lancaster ed the only observationof this expandingspe- total disappearance(GH, RFD) and others County S.B.C. was far from any known cies from Long Island, where they may have finding encouragingnumbers (S. Lancaster breedinglocation. nestedlast year. An ad. o' WesternTanager S B C., W. Chester S.B.C., RB, WJB, DAC) at Ward Pound Ridge July 7 (TWB, Rich following recent declines(see also spring re- Kelly) was an outstandingsummer find. The port). WARBLERS--Since the status of many of discoveryof four pairs of Summer Tanagers the 30 speciesof warblers known to breed in in Lebanon S.F., N.J., including a nest with SWALLOWS THROUGH VIREOS-- the Region was reviewed2 years ago (AB 32: young (SB, TP, WW), extended that species' Bank Swallow colonies tend to move around 1145) there have been a few noteworthy de- known breedingrange in the state and Region becauseso many of the birds chooseto nest in velopments. Blue-winged Warbler now ap- n. 50 mi. A pair found at E. Orange Water quarries. The large colony along the Dela- pears to be more common than Golden- Reserve on the Boonton S.B.C. was at the ware R., near Lambertville, N.J., finally lost winged in nearly all areas, although the latter same location as a pair in 1978 and suggests out to the earth-movers, but a disusedquarry does not appear to have declined substantial- that another jump in the n. breeding limit on Rt. 23 near Hamburg, N.J., had 200+ ac- ly in some areas, e.g. Orange County, N.Y. may be in store. Blue Grosbeaksare increas- tive nests. A locally rare breeding colony of (JT) and New Jersey Highlands B.B.S., and ing dramaticallyin Delaware(MVB, BF, AE) ten pairs nestedat L. Tappan, Rockland Co., is still the dominant speciesin Perry County, and are seekingout new territories in c. and N Y (RFD). Cliff Swallowmay be slowlyre- Pa. (O.K. Stephenson).Nashville Warbler re- n. New Jersey (RK), including one on the coveringin the Region, with 20 on the S. Lan- appeared this year in the s. portion of its Boonton S.B.C. Purple Finches were fairly caster S.B.C., and 12 at Paulinskill L., N.J. breeding range, with eight birds in Orange- common on the New JerseyHighlands B.B S where all six e. swallow specieswere present Rockland Counties, N.Y. (GB, RSp, JBe) this year, but were consideredscarce just to June 22 and presumed nesting (JB, WJB). and two, apparentlyunattached, males on the the n. in Rockland and Orange counties, The pair of Com. Ravens near Red Rock, New Jersey Highlands B.B.S. in June. The N.Y. (RSp). Pa, in the springwas not noted duringJune- Northern Parula may be slowlyreestablishing The report on field-nesting sparrows was July, but was seen again in early August itself as a regional breeder, with 18 birds seen mixed. Savannah Sparrows were well distri- (Earle Cowden). These birds, along with a on the S. Lancaster County S.B.C., one on buted in alfalfa fields in s. Warren Co., N J, group of four seenall day June 14 at Slide the W. Chester S.B.C. and one on the Cum- with 20+ pairs (GH) and nine were seenon Mt , Ulster Co., N.Y. (J. Yrizarry et al.) sug- berland County S.B.C. The Delaware Valley the C. Suffolk County S.B.C., in addition to gest that breedingin the Region is imminent, population of recent years in Bucks County, the regular Unionville, Pa., colony. Excellent if not already established.At Chestnut Hill, Pa.-Hunterdon County, N.J. was not men- numbers of GrasshopperSparrows were re- Phlla., a chickadeewhich appeared to be a tioned this year, but is presumablystill pres- ported from Lewes, Del. (BF), Middle Creek Carolina sang both Carolina and Black- ent. Two o' Magnolia Warblers were found W. M. A., Pa. (RW) and on the C. Suffolk capped songsand respondedto both (KR). on the New JerseyHighlands B.B.S. and may County S.B.C. Smaller numbers were found This is an area of overlap of the two species, have been nesting, but one in Whippany, in scattered parts of New Jersey, Delaware and birds with intermediate characteristics N.J., June 14 (PD) was surely a wanderer. A and Pennsylvania, but none from s. New are expected, but how common are birds o' Yellow-rumped Warbler was found on the York. Two Henslow's Sparrows at Harvey's singingboth songs?Red-breasted Nuthatches New Jersey Highlands B.B.S. at the site of L., Luzerne Co., Pa. (WR, m.ob.) were the nested at two s.e. Pennsylvanialocations (see last year's first New Jersey nesting record, only onesreported, but they presumablystill springreport) and were found at 8 different but apparently had no mate. A similar un- breed at Broadkill Beach, Del. Vesper Spar- sites on the New Jersey Highlands B.B.S., mated male was found at Sterling Forest, rows were common only near New Holland, and at 4 in Orange Co., N.Y., including two N.Y., for the second year in a row (RSp, Pa., Lincoln, Del. and s. Warren Co., N J pairs with three young each (GB, RSp, JBe). JBe), but successfully-breedingbirds were in Other reports came from C. Suffolk S.B C, The northernmost U.S. pair of Brown- Dutchess County, N.Y. (MVW) and n.e. S. Lancaster S.B.C., e.c. Pennsylvania (BM) headed Nuthatcheswas feeding young in the Pennsylvania, where they are sporadic but in- and a new colony of 5-6 pairs at Mercer dock piling nest at Henlopen Acres, Del., creasing(WR). County Pk. near Lawrenceville, N.J. (RB) June 2 (BF). Brown Creepers continue to A surveyof the Pine Barrens of s. New Jer- These last three species,all Blue-listed, have spread S as breederswithin the Region. In s. sey in June found Black-throated Green declined significantly in the Region in recent

Volume 34, Number 6 881 Longspur in breeding plumage found and Swamp N.W.R., Greg Hanisek (n.w.N.J.: photographedat Cape May June 18 (WD, SJ, R.D. 3, Box 263, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865), m.ob., ph WD). This bird provided the first Gene K. Hess (GKH), Armis Hill, S.P. confirmed state record and one of a handful Homsey, Peggy Jahn, Steve Jennings,Cliff of Regional records. Jones, Rich Kane, Don Kunkle, A.J. Lauro, Steve Lawrence, Glenn Mahler, $.K. Meritt OBSERVERS--(Subregional compilers in (s.w.N.J.: 809 Saratoga Terr., Turnersville, boldface): Peter Bacinski, Maurice V. Barn- N.J. 08012), John C. Miller, August Mira- hill (Del.: Box 7603, Newark, Del. 19711), bella, Judy Mirabella, Bernard Morris (e. John Benzinger(JBe), lrving H. Black (n.e. Pa.: 825 Muhlenberg St., Allentown, Pa., N.J.: 2 Beaumont Place, Newark, N.J. 18104), D.M. Niles, Ted Proctor, Rick Radis, 07104), Raymond Blicharz (n.c.N.J.: 82-7 Gilbert S. Raynor, William Reid (n.e. Pa. 556 Pennsylvania Ave., Trenton, N.J. 08638), Charles Ave., Kingston, Pa. 18704), Bob Barry Blust, Alan Brady, Sharon Brady, Russel, Keith Russell, Richard Ryan, Paul Gene Brown, Fran G. BuckIcy, Paul A. Saraceni, R.M. Schutsky, V.J. Schwartz, P. Buckley, Joe Burgiel, Thomas W. Burke William Smith, Len Soucy, Robert Speiser (WestchesterCo., N.Y.: 235 Highland Ave., (RSp), Barbara Spencer, Tim Sterrett, Clay Chestnut-collaredLongspur, Cape May Pt., Rye, N.Y. 10580), David A. Cutler (s.c. Pa., Sutton, Fred Tetlow, Stiles Thomas, John N.J., June18, 1980.Photo/Wesley Doughty. Del.: address below), John Danzenbaker, Tramontario (Orange, Ulster Cos., N.Y.: yearsand any reportsof breedingbirds would Thomas H. Davis (s.c.N.Y., L.I.: 94-46 85th Orange Co. Community College, Middle- be appreciated. Singing ty White-throated Road, Woodhaven, N.Y. 10241), Robert F. town, N.Y. 10940), Marion VanWagner, Tim Sparrowswere at Harriman Pk., and West Deed (Rockland Co., N.Y.: 50 Clinton Ave., Vogel, Wade Wander, R.T. Waterman Bird Point, N.Y. {RSp, JBe) and at Hardwick, Nyack, N.Y. 10960), Peter Deryen (PDe), Club (DutchessCo., N.Y.), Winston Wayne N.J. (Floyd Wohlfarth), but a pair with one Joe DiCostanzo, Wesley Doughty, Peter (WWa), Rick Wiltraut.--WILLIAM $. young seen on the New Jersey Highlands Dunne (coastal N.J.: CMBO, Box 3, Cape BOYLE, JR., 15 Indian Rock Road, Warren, B.B.S. provided the first confirmed breeding May Pt., N.J. 08212), Andrew Ednie, Fran N.J. 07060, ROBERT O. PAXTON, 560 record for the state since 1973 (WJB, JB). File, Bill Frech, Anne Galli, Joan Galli Riverside Drive, Apl. 12K, New York, N.Y. The final item of this report is, appropriately, (JGa), Florence Germond, John Ginaven 10027 and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock the bird-of-the-season: a cy Chestnut-collared (JGi), Jeff Gordon, JesseGrantham, Great Creek Dr., Wyncole, Pa. 19095.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST R., Md., July 7 (JGR) REGION and Chincoteague N.W.R., July 22-25 /Henry T. Armistead (JMA), were undoubt- June was cool and dry with much of the edly subadultnon- precipitationconcentrated in some areas in breeding lingerers, but several thunderstorms that brought often ones at Sandy Pt. S.P. only localor temporaryrelief to the dry land. (hereafter S.P.S.P.) Most stations received less than one-half nor- June 4 & 9 in strong mal rainfall in June. Accompanying several northward flight were stormswere violent winds which undoubtedly late migrants(MLH, seriouslydamaged heronties and large raptor HW). The motives of nests as well as those of many other species, another, northbound although this drew little commentary. Brutal over land at Bellevue, heat began in July and the drought inten- Md., July 4, are less sified. Fairfax, Virginia, had its hottest July clear (HTA, C&RP). At in 108 yearsof record-keeping,with tempera- Chincoteague, 25 Pied- tures over 90øF on 21 dates. Richmond re- billed Grebes were seen corded the driest June ever, and its ninth hot- July 12 (DFA,HB) while test July, when temperaturesreached 90 ø or in Maryland six were at higher on 19 days. Reservoirswere low. Fairmount W.M.A., Ju- Refugeimpoundments verged on drying up, a ly 2, and 108 at Deal possibleexplanation for the good showingof i. W.M.A., July 3 (HTA), probably their 3 regular, with one at Cedar I. W.M.A., Md., herons and ibises further inland. In spite of best breeding areas in this Region. July 11-18 + (RWM et al.) that was also seen these meteorological vicissitudes many Greater Shearwaters were found off Wreck in the Virginia part of the Bay nearby. observers felt the breeding season was suc- I., Va., July 9 (four) and up to 60 mi from the Another was at Fisherman I. N.W.R., June 4 cessfulfor many commoner landbirds. There mouth of Chesapeake Bay (hereafter, the (MAB,fide Back Bay N.W.R. staff). The on- was a dearth of reports for most passefinesin Bay) July 25 (30) by Truitt. At Fisherman I. ly BrownPelican report was of one at Lynn- contrast to those resulting from the much N.W.R., June 21, three dead ones were haven Inlet, Va., June 26 (HCI). Unusual more intensivecoverage of the colonial bird found in company with two dead Sooty was an imm. Gannet in flight at Chin- sceneon the Bay and coastislands, and good Shearwaters (RLA). A pelagic trip out of coteague July 14 (KHW). Double-crested shorebirdingalong the coast. The seasonpro- Ocean City yielded 60 Cory's, 100 Greater Cormorant did not breed near Hopewell, vided a remarkable number of boldfaced rari- and 20 Sooty shearwaters,plus 2500 Wilson's Va., as it had in 1978 (FRS), but elsewhereon ties consideringthat this is the shortestreport Storm-Petrels and a very well-described the lower Bay summered in high numbers period and there is lessfield activityhere in Black-capped Petrel June 14 (MLH et aL), with minimal counts of 185 n. of Tangier 1., this seasonthan in any other. apparently the first inshore record for Mary- Va., July 5 (FRS,JWD) and 93 at Bloods- land. An albino Cory's Shearwater and ten worth 1., Md., June 7 (HTA,EMW,JCVO. LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS-- Leach's Storm-Petrels were 100 mi e. of Cape Well seen was a Magnificent Frigatebird at Three Com. Loons seeneach day at L. Anna, Charles July 23 (RAR). Hog 1. (hereafter refers to the Hog I. on the Louisa Co., Va., June 27 (TDW), Choptank White Palloans are becoming almost Virginia coast) June 29 (BT) which furnished

882 AmericanBirds, November 1980 the fifth state record. or Virginia.

HERONS THROUGH IBISES--For the HAWKS THROUGH RAILS--At the sug- sixth consecutive year colonial .waterbirds gestionof Patterson and others, a voluntary were surveyed on Virginia's Eastern Shore apres-BreedingBird Survey count of diurnal (hereafter, Va.E.S.) excluding the Chino- raptors was instituted, the feeling being that teagudand Wallops I. areasand "by all indi- thesebirds were not accuratelycensused by cations...had an extremely successful the B.B.S., which for most personsis over by season" based on observations made June 0930 hours. Resultsare forthcoming--prob- 23-27 (BW,BA). As usual no Great Blue ably elsewhere.The fancy hawk this summer Heron nestswere found, but the most numer- was a MississippiKite well studiedby raptor ous species were (number of adults seen): expert Clark near Oak Grove, Va., June Black-crowned Night Heron 836, Glossy Ibis l--Virginia's fifth. A Sharp-shinnedHawk 389, Louisiana Heron 382 and Snowy Egret nest was discovered in mid-June in Prince 332. However, most speciesare down from William County, Va., and fledged three the numbers reported in 1975-1977. On the young July 28 (CK,WSC)--the secondrecent lower Maryland Eastern Shore (hereafter, state breeding record away from the moun- Md.E.S.) 1747pairs of ten heron specieswere tains. Another was seennear Dahlgren, Va., estimated, down from 2502 in 1973 and 2164 June I (WSC). Near Royal Oak, Md., a Red- in 1978 with all speciesshowing declinesfrom Regional Editor Henry T. Armistead with shouldered Hawk was locally unusual June 7 1978except Lousiana Heron (206) and Glossy Osprey. (JGR). In the Laurel, Md., area 30 pairs Ibis (166). Most numerous were Black- fledged 60 young, the highestsuccess in 10 crowned Night Heron (477), Great Blue spreadof Mute Swan on the Bay seeAuk, Ju- yearsof study following the lowest successin Heron (277), Louisiana Heron and Glossy ly 1980, pp. 449-464 (JGR). Three pairs of 1979 0EMn). A Broad-wingedHawk nest was Ibis (HTA et aL). Obviously thesebirds merit Canada Geese bred at Dyke Marsh near found in Parklawn Cemetery, Rockville, careful monitoring. Washington, D.C., producing young--the Md., June 22 (EMW). Low water levels at Chincoteagueyielded first year more than two pairs have bred The ChesapeakeBay Bald Eagle Nesting impressive reports such as 450 Little Blue (JMA). Small numbers of Brant were seen Survey was encouraging, finding the Herons, 150 Great Egrets, 1150 SnowyEgrets throughoutJune on lhe Va.E.S., including "greatest number of successfulnests and the and 525 Glossy Ibis July 12 (DFA,HB). Ex- up to sevennear Parramore I., June 14 (BT). largest number of eaglets hatched in any cellent later counts further inland were 32 Duck production seemed excellent on the season since the survey began." However, Great Egretsat Lily Pons July 31 (RFR,RB), lower Bay, especially at Deal I. W.M.A., "the Maryland population is showinga small 12 at Upper Marlboro July 27 (RMP), and 18 Maryland's best summer duck area. Here Ju- but steady rise in the number of nests which Snowy Egrets and an unusual Louisiana ly 3 were 65 Mallards, 135 Black Ducks (six are abandoned each year. For the first year Heron at Baltimore July 29 (RFR). An ad. broods), 130 Gadwall (four broods), six sincethe early 1960sVirginia producedmore Black-crowned Night Heron was seento grab Green-winged Teal, and 95 Blue-winged Teal young/active nest than did Maryland (1.0 vs an Am. Oystercatcherchick at Hog I., June (seven broods)--(HTA). A Ruddy Shelduck 0.76). Both figuresare abovethe 0.7 average 14 (BT)--such are the charms of this demure was at Chincoteague again this summer July which is frequently quoted as the minimum species. An imm. Yellow-crowned Night 4-13 (DFA,HB), undoubtedly an escape. average required to sustain a viable popula- Heron at S.P.S.P., July 10 was locally not- Gadwall continue to flourish as breeders with tion." (JMA) In the Bay area 83 active nests able (MLH,HW) as were 12 at Chincoteague a female and sevenyoung on Smith I., Va., were found, 70 young produced, and 61 July 12 (DFA,HB). Breedingseason Am. Bit- June 12 (BT), a pair on Hog I., June 14 (BT) young banded (JMA,MAB,WSC et al.), six terns persist with sightings of one in Surry and 80 n. of Tangier I., including four young being fitted with radios. Two suc- Co., Va., July 20 (BW), three at Fairmount broods, July I (CDC,HTA). A Pintail was at cessfulnests had active gray squirrel nestsin W.M.A., and one at Deal I. W.M.A., June Chincoteague July 6 (RFR). Worth mention- them. Abbott cautions that an eagle in an in- 18 (MLH). Unique were two Wood Storks ing in retrospectis Maryland's first breeding cubating posture is not always a certain sign present at Newport News July 12-19 (DM et record of Pintail in Sinepuxent Bay s. of of an active nest. al.). At Lily Pons were 1-3 GlossyIbises July South Pt., June 12, 1979, where a female Marsh Hawks were noted near the s. edge 16-27 (DHW,RFR). flushed off a nest with 12 eggs(SAD et aL, of their breeding range at Hog I., June 23 The featureof the seasonwas the big influx fide HTA). Virginia's only 3 breeding records (BW) and E. Vaughn W.M.A., Md., June 15 of White Ibises, the first since 1977. Birds at are from nearby Chincoteague. Green- (MLH). At Deal I. W.M.A., in "late May", Hog and Fisherman Is., where breeding has winged Teal continue to maintain a regular a nest with three young and two pipping eggs been suspected and proven respectively in but scarce presenceduring the breeding sea- was found (SAD, fide HTA). Ospreyssuf- previousyears, were seenagain in 1980 (fide son. Maryland and Virginia have but one fered considerable mortality from wind- BW). Several were at Chincoteague from at breedingrecord each. One or two were seen stormsin late June and early July when large least June 16-early August (MLH, JPW, at Hunting Creek, Va., July 24 (DFA,HB), young were blown out of their nests. On the DFA, m.ob.). Five immatures were at New AssateagueI., Md., June 17 (MLH), Deal I. lower Patuxent R., Md., 14 young from 37 Kent, Va., July 30 (JPW,fide FRS) and 4 im- W.M.A., July 18 (MLH) and Fairmount nestswere presumedto have disappearedfor matures at Silver Spring, Md., July 13 (SW, W.M.A., July 2 (HTA). At Lily Pons 48 this reason (SVC, fide EJW). On Smith 1., fide CPW). In the Washington, D.C. area young Wood Ducks were seen this summer Md., 58 Ospreyswere banded in one day in one team saw five immatures July 27 spread (DHW). late June--all before 1000hours by a party in over 3 counties (RFR,RB). The majority of From one to two Canvasbacks were at one boat, showingwhat can be accomplished the records were from this area somewhat in Baltimore June 13-22 (RFR). A Greater with a good tide, local expertise and a big the interior at locations such as Patuxent Scaup was at Hunting Creek July 7-14 outboard (MH). In Virginia Peregrines were W.R.C., Lily Pons, Hughes Hollow and (DFA,JMA,HB). Two Oldsquaws were at hacked in Norfolk as well as on 3 islands on Mckee-BeshersW.M.A. (DHW, PW, DB et S.P.S.P. June 10 (MLH) and two more at the Va.E.S. In Anne Arundel and Prince al.) in Maryland. Two were seen at Newport Nelson's I., Md., June 15 (HTA). More Georgescounties, Md., Patterson conducted News July 20 (M&DM). Most were irama- unusual was a • Corn. Eider capable of flight studiesof 25 Am. Kestrelnests extending the tures or subadults. on Little Cobb I., Va., July 10-11 (JSW). known extremelate egg date from the previ- Black Scoters were seen near Metomkin I., ous June 2 record to at least July 16 (pair WATERFOWL--Mute Swans continue to Va., June 25 (two) and Parramore I., June 26 from a failed nest in a secondnesting at- increaseat Chincoteagueand in the central (one)--(BW). As usual Ruddy Ducks sum- tempt). He feels wild birds are attracted to Md.E.S. On July 12, 71 were at Chin- mered in small numbers including three at the area around Patuxent W.R.C. because of coteague, none of them birds of the year Hog I., June 28-29 (BT), four in Baltimore the many penned birds there, perhaps the (DFA,HB). Eastern Neck N.W.R. staff June 13-28 (RFR) and as many as 13 on Chin- same reason several Bald Eagles have been reported up to 160 on this Maryland refuge coteague N.W.R., June 16-July 17 (MLH). loitering there recently. Kestrels in Anne (fide RFR). For an excellentreview of the Breedinghas yet to be confirmed in Maryland Arundel County capture Bank Swallows,

Volume 34, Number 6 883 both adults in the air and young on the and July 24 & 29 at Craney I., Va. (TRW). Armlstead feels his estimatesfor previous ground, and may inflict as much as 10% mor- Seven Red Knots were on Hog I., June 14 years were low (e.g.: 1511 in 1978), a record tahty on one particular swallow colony (BT) and nine at Ocean City June 15 (RFR). 3240pairs wascounted this year (HTA,CDC, (RMP). An early postbreedingkestrel was at Hoffman saw 15 southboundon Assateague EMW). Ring-billed Gull is normally very Blackwater N.W.R., July 5 (HTA,C&RP). I., July 16, probably a record Maryland fall scarcein the lower Bay in summerbut in the Bobwhite are still perceivedto be low in arrival date. Very early Pectoral Sandpipers upper part it was common in 1980 with 2000 numbers. Thirty Virginia Rails and one Black were at ChincoteagueJuly 5-6 (three by DFA, summeringin Baltimore (RFR), 700 June 12 Rail were heard at Elliott I., Md., June 21 HB) but 15 there July 11 were more on sched- and 500 July 9 at S.P.S.P. (MLH) and 350 in (TA, fide JGR). Two pairs of Black Rails ule (FRS,JWD). At Craney I., 25 White- Queen Annes County July 11 (JGR) summered at S.P.S.P. (HW). Rare as rumped Sandpiperswere seen June I (DFA, Williams' survey, which does not include breedersin the Region, Soras were at Lily HB). The lone Baird's Sandpiperreport was AssateagueI., found about 2460 pairs of Pons July 6•20 (DHW), S.P.S.P., June 21 of two at ChincoteagueJuly 10 (JMA). The LaughingGulls, a rather low total perhapsat- (HW) and Deal I. W.M.A., June 18 (MLH). earliest peep, Least Sandpiper, had already tributableto unevencoverage of marshareas, Over the years enough records have ac- built up to 600, July 4 and 1500, July 12 at but 5000 pairs were estimated for the Chin- cumulatedto suggestthey may be very rare Chincoteague(DFA,HB). Outstanding was a coteaguearea (JHB), and as usual none was nesting birds on the lower Md.E.S., but a Curlew Sandpiperat ChincoteagueJuly 19-22 found in the Bay (HTA). SingleFrankIra's nest has yet to be found. Several broods of (EMn,AH,DJH). Ten Short-billed Dowit- Gulls were at Hunting Creek, Va., July 7 Com. Gallinule were seen at Fairmount cherswere at Ocean City June 15 (RFR), 100 (DFA,JMA) and, based on plumage, three W M.A., and Deal I. W.M.A., June 18 and on Parramore I., June 16 (BT) but only 20 at differentbirds at S.P.S.P., June10, July 9 & July 2-3 (MLH,HTA). Two young Am. Coot Chincoteague June 22 (HB, DFA). Extraor- 10 (all MLH). were at Deal I. W.M.A., July 13 (RFR, dinary were three Stilt Sandpipersat Chin- A Gull-billedTern at Deal I. W.M.A., July RB)--one of the few Maryland breeding coteagueJune 21, one lingering until June 23 3, providedthe first SomersetCounty record records. Sixty coots were there July 18 and 15 were there July 12 (DFA, HB). (HTA), and 959 were censused on the (MLH) and two summered near Baltimore Marbled Godwits were reported in Virginia Va.E.S. in June (BW) comparable to or bet- (RB). June 24-July 19 at Chincoteague, Nassawa- ter than the previous 3 years. Forster's Tern dox, Parramore I., and Ship Shoal I., the was low in numbers, with 293 pairs on the SHOREBIRDS--Low water and much peak count being ten at ChincoteagueJuly 19 Bay (CDC,HTA) and only 96 seen on the (EMn). The sole Maryland bird was one on Va.E.S. (BW). Other totals from the Virginia mud at Chincoteague furnished good shore- AssateagueI., July 16 (MLH). Chincoteague barrier island surveywere all averageor bet- bird habitat in July with estimates such as boastedthe only Hudsonian Godwit records ter: Com. Tern 5003, Least Tern 795, Royal 5000 Least and 4000 W. sandpipers, 1000 between July 5 & 29, the peak being Tern 7326, SandwichTern 34, CaspianTern Short-billed Dowitchers, and 2000 Lesser Buckalew'scount of 14 on July 29, and Ruffs 4 and Black Skimmer 6970 (BW,BA). Else- Yellowlegs submitted for July 17 (MLH)-- where Least Tern fared well with 200 at and these were considered low. Were the were there July 4-27 with three on both July 6 (RFR et al.) and July 12 (HB,DFA) tying the Craney l., June27 (HCI), 53 pairson Barren following on Assateague I., Md., June 17 Virginia high count. Hoffman saw 750 San- I., Md., July 5 (C&RP, HTA), 150 pairson coming, going or staying?: Semipalmated derlings on AssateagueI., Md., July 24. AssateagueI., Md., June 17 (MLH), 30 pairs Plover 9, Black-bellied Plover 10, Ruddy American Avocets frequented Chincoteague at Piney Pt., St. Mary's Co., Md., June 7 Turnstone 22, Red Knot 1, White-rumped July 12-Augustwith a high of 10 on July 24 (EJW) and a successfulcolony at Baltimore Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, SemipalmatedSand- (CPW). As usual, Craney I. had huge (RFR). However, the S.P.S.P. colony was piper 30 (MLH). American Oystercatchers declined from 1239 to 746 ad. birds observed numbers with 117 on July 11 (FRS,JWD), unsuccessful(HW). 500 on July 15 (HCI, who stopped counting For the first time Royal Tern bred on the on the Va.E.S. in June 1979and 1980 respec- at 347 and estimatedthe rest) and 300 on July Bay, wherethere were at least 101pairs n of tively (BW). On Assateague I., Md., Dyke 29 (TRW). Still a rarity in Maryland a Black- Tangier I., in companywith 19 Black Skim- saw them feeding on mole crabs at the surf necked Stilt was on Smith I., June 17 (MH, line The numbers of Wilson's Plover and to mer pairs (second Bay nesting)throughout .fide HTA) and two were at Deal I. W.M.A., July (HTA,FRS,JSW et al.) plus a single a lesser extent Piping Plover seem to be July 2-13 (HTA,RFR,RB). Wilson's Phalar- SandwichTern July 1, rare this far up the decreasingin Virginia (BW). Piping Plover opes were at Chincoteague June 21-July 19 Bay (HTA,CDC). During the period Weske displaysan affinity for Least Tern colonies and 68 adults were found on the Va.E.S. in (DFA,HB). Martin saw two there July 19. banded4302 Royal and 22 SandwichTerns, Others were at Craney I., June I (DFA,HB) two of the Royals at the Cedar Is., in coastal June(BW). Wilds noted50 at Chincoteague and S.P.S.P., July 3 (HW). Maryland. Locally unusual were Royals at July 24-25. B. Williams only found 20 ad. Hunting Creek, Va., July 22 (JMA) and Wllson's Plover in Virginia in June but 16 Baltimore July 17 (RB). Weske comments were at Chincoteague July 27 (DJH) and that small Royal colonies establishedlate in seven on AssateagueI., Md., June 17 where JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMERS the seasontend to suffer much egg lossand the peak Piping Plover count was 30 on July --Along the coast gulls, terns and skimmers attrition. For the seventhstraight year Cas- 14 (MLH). The only Am. Golden Plover was had a successfulbreeding season (JHB,BW). pian Tern bred on the Va.E.S. with a nest on one at Chincoteague July 20-27 (DJH). A Parasitic Jaeger off Ocean City June 14 Ship Shoal l., June29 and July 11 and oneon From one to five Ruddy Turnstoneswere (fide MLH) was unique. A Great Black- Metomkin I., June 15 (JSW,BW). As usual, seenin mid-June at Hog I. (BT), Ocean City backed Gull at Hopewell July 20 furnished summer strays were in severalplaces: Balti- (RFR) and Chincoteague (MLH). A Whim- the first local July record(FRS,JWD). Seven more (RFR), Piney Pt. (EJW), S.P.S P brel was at Chincoteague N.W.R. June 16 large young were on the Bay near Shanks l., (MLH), Hopewell (FRS,JWD), n. of Tangier (MLH) but the first southbound ones were Va., July 1 (CDC,HTA); Smith I., Md., had I. (JWD,FRS), Barren I. (C&RP,HTA) and five on AssateagueI., Md., July 5 (SHD). an estimated51 breedingpairs June28-July 1 Little Cobb I. (FRS,JWD)--mostly in June Rare on the Bay, one was at S.P.S.P., July 25 (CDC,HTA,EMW) and a nest with one egg and early July. Four Black Terns were at (HW). The best count was 135 there July 16 at Holland l., Md., provided Dorchester ChincoteagueJune 16 (MLH). For the sixth (MLH). Early were five Upland Sandpipers County's first breeding record June 7 year since 1963 a White-wingedBlack Tern at Greensboro, Md., July 6-27 (AJF). More (EMW,JCW,HTA). The small Virginia coast appearedat Chincoteague,this one a "per- in line were 14 at Cape Charles,Va., July 13 populationdoubled from six pairs in 1979to fect ten" seen July 7-13 (DFA,JMA,HB, (FRS,JWD) and seven on Chincoteague about 12 pairs (BW). On AssateagueI., Md., RFR,FRS et al.). A gray fox on FishermanI N W.R., July 17 &25 (CPW). Upto six Spot- two LesserBlack-backed Gulls wereseen July N.W.R. may have been the reason for the ted Sandpiperswere on the Va.E.S., mostly 16 and one on July 24 (MLH). Herring Gulls abandonmentof the Black Skimmer colony near NassawadoxJune 16-July7 (BT). There continue to thrive, increasingnear the limits there (RLA). are no definiteVirginia coastalplain breeding of their Chesapeakerange from six breeding records. Willets peaked at 250 July 24 on pairs (1978) to 39 at Holland I., June 7 Assateague I., Md. (MLH). Estimates of (HTA,JCW,EMW). On the Virginia coast 1000 Lesser Yellowlegs on each date were the total of nearly 1400 pairs was the third PARROTS THROUGH SHRIKES--Two given for July 12 at Chincoteague (DFA,HB) highest in 6 years. At Smith I., Md., where Rose-ringed Parakeets were at Hampton,

884 American Birds, November 1980 Va., July 20 where a few have been estab- 3 years have been Prothonotary and Hooded W.M.A., Eastern Neck N.W.R., Baltimore, lished for eight years (M&DM). Monk warblers. Inexplicable was a Canada and Anne Arundel County (RFR,RB,WK), Parakeets nested in Towson, Md., in July Warbler in Anne Arundel County, Md., July where a nest at S.P.S.P. was the first for the (fide RFR). Yellow-billed Cuckoo received 12 (PB, fide DB). Late was an Am. Redstart county (DB, fide WK, RFR, date?). mixed reviews, two observersfeeling it was at Bellevue June 8 (HTA,EMW). Bobolinks up in Maryland (RFR,SHD), anotherthat it often turn up in strangeplaces in July. One at OBSERVERS--D.F. Abbott, J.M. Ab- was down in c. Virginia (FRS). Unexpected S.P.S.P., July 10 (MLH,HW) and six in bott, 1.W. Alles, Bill Akers, Terry Allen, were Black-billed Cuckoos at Fairfax July 18 Baltimore County July 19 (RFR) were odd, R.L. Anderson, T.E. Armour, Maurice (JWE) and Chincoteague July 24 (JMA). but another near Taylor's 1., Md., was in Barnhill, J.B. Bazuin, Ruth Beck (RBk), Scott sees the Chuck-will's-widow as increas- definite northward migration June I (HTA). Henry Bielstein, C.R. Blem, Rick Blom, ing on the Virginia piedmont. On the Singing cy Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were M.R. Boatwright, J.H. Buckalew, M.A. Va.E.S., Corn. Nighthawk was found in Baltimore County June 15 & 29 where Byrd, Danny Bystrak, Paul Bystrak, S.V. breeding on two barrier islands: Myrtle and there were 2 breeding records last year (fide Cardano, W.S. Clark, C.D. Cremeans, S.A. Ship Shoal in June(BW,BA). Unusualwas a RFR). The limited regional Dickcissel Dawson, John Dennis, J.W. Dillard, S.H. Red-headedWoodpecker on Barren 1., July 5 breeding population flourished, with birds Dyke, J.W. Eike, Wilbur Engle, A.J. Flet- (CP). On June 28 a Scissor-tailedFlycatcber noted in very small numbers in Carroll, cher, Greg Greer, Anne Ha!lenbeck, D.J. was seen at Cape Charles--Virginia's sixth Frederick, Baltimore and Montgomery coun- Hallenbeck, Michael Harrison, M.L. Hoff- record (GG, ficle JSW). Four Willow Flycat- ties, Md., (DB,RFR,DHW,RB). Near Hope- man, H.C. Irving, Hank Kaesmer, M.K. cherswere at Dyke Marsh in July (JMA), five well, Va., five males were singing June 1 Klimkiewicz, Wayne Klockner, Craig Kop- were at Lynchburg June 7 (MRB et al.) and (FRS et al.) and a nest with 4 eggsand one pie, J.T. Lineban, R.W. Maldeis, Elwood 17 males were found at McKee-Beshers young was discovered June 18 (JMA). Martin (EMn), Brooke Meanley, Mike Mit- W.M.A., Md., where the planting of autumn House Finches bred in Norfolk (EM), An- chell, Dorothy Mitchell, Emily Moore, R.M. olive hedgerows may have aided their in- napolis(RMP) and elsewhere.Very recently Patterson, Carl Perry, Rachel Perry, Darrell crease(PW). Eike witnesseda "black" snake fledged Savannah Sparrows were at Peterson, Mary Pulley, J.G. Reese, R.F. at Fairfax June 5 which capturedan E. Wood Baltimore (date?), establishingthe first local Ringler, R.A. Rowlett, F.R. Scott, R.J. Pewee in mid-air from the top of his roll-top breeding record in many years (HK, fide Tripician, Barry Truitt, D.H. Wallace, M.L. garage door. Late single Olive-sided Fly- RFR). Henslow's Sparrow persistsat Elliott Wags, K.H. Weber, J.S. Weske, Steve Whit- catcherswere at Frederick, Md., (DHW) and 1., where six wel;e seen June 21 (TA, fide comb, Hal Wierenga, C.P. Wilds, Bill Williamsburg, Va. (BW)--both June 1. JGR). At Vaughn W.M.A., 13 Sharp-tailed Williams, J.P. Williams, E.J. Willoughby, Sparrows June 15 was a fair summer count Tree Swallows seemto be increasingslight- E.M. Wilson, J.C. Wilson, T.D. Wilson, (MLH). Swamp Sparrow seemsto be spread- T.R. Wolfe, Paul Woodward, Lawrence ly in the Region's piedmont (PW) and at Big ing somewhatas a rare breeder on the upper I., Bedford Co., Va., they occupiedtwo Cliff Zeleny.--HENR¾ T. ARMISTEAD, 28 E. Swallow nests June 10 when 59 Cliff Swallow Bay with reports, mostly in July, at Ellis Bay Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. nestswere found (FRS). Cliff Swallowsalso seem to be up somewhat with colonies reportedelsewhere at Lake Anna (TDW) and Hopewell (CRB) in Virginia. In Maryland at Crofton, Anne Arundel Co., a pair built a nest in a Bank Swallow burrow June 21 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST LOONS THROUGH ANHINGAS--Lake (RMP), the second state coastal plain Lanier, Ga., hosted a Corn. Loon and a breedingrecord and a phenomenonprevious- REGION Horned Grebe June 22 (JP), the latter species ly witnessedin California. In company with /Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. hundreds of Fish Crows and Corn. Grackles being very rare away from the coast in sum- Although June weather was rather typical, mer. Notable for inland North Carolina was 3000+ Purple Martins roosted in Mt. Ver- July certainly was not--it was one of the hot- a report of nesting Pied-billed Grebes: an non, Va., July 28 (JMA). Martins had a test and driest on record in this Region. High adult with six young at a Carolina bay near good breeding season (MKK). A Brown temperaturesin triple figureswere common- Wagram June 24 (ML). Dave Lee had the Creeper was singing at Bellevue, Md., June place in Georgia and westernSouth Carolina, usual (rather low) numbers of shearwaters 7-14 (HTA) where breeding was also and it was nearly as scorchingelsewhere. Legs and petrels, including Black-capped, off suspectedin 1976, 1978and 1979. At Nolan's than an inch of rain fell during July in many Oregon Inlet, N.C., in June and July, and Ferry, Md., a pair was seencarrying food places, and this very-hot-very-dry trend con- two or three White-tailed Tropicbirds were behind loose bark on a dead tree May 26--if tinued well into August. observedduring the period by boat captains a breedingrecord it representsone of the few As would be expected in such a hot sum- (fide DL). All four of the commoner shear- for the state (DHW). Eastern Bluebird was mer, field work was slack, though Parnell, waters were seen along the Carteret County, felt to have had a normal breeding season, Fussell, and others continued their excellent N.C., coast in June and July, with the better although the first broods were 7-10 days late studies of coastal nesting birds in North countsbeing eight Greatersat Cape Lookout (LZ, fide RMP). Totally bizarre was a very Carolina. A Breeding Bird Foray was held in June 26 (SP), 60 Audubon's near Beaufort well seenRuby-crowned Kinglet at Quantico, Currituck and Dare counties of that state in Inlet July 23 (BP), and 25 Audubon's at Wicomico Co., Md., July 13 (RFR,RB)--a late May and early June, and first state summer record. Cedar Waxwing, a rare coastalplain breeder, was representedby several exciting discoveries were again made at Jordan / ' :...•.. : ,,, t_' ,::•"•-:--$•:-•gd:- a nestlingat Williamsburg in mid-July (RBk, --9•---•,•-•-..•t•/- ---r--' ..•o,s I _.•/:' :. Reservoir in eastern Chatham fide BW) and two adults were at Bellevue County, North Carolina. June 13 (HTA). A pair of Loggerhead Fussell noted that in Carteret Shrikeswas feedingyoung at L. Anna June 1 County wading birds had a (JBB). good nesting seasonbut gulls and terns had spotty success, WARBLERS THROUGH SPARROWS-- with some colonies damaged A Prothonotary Warbler was feeding a young by high tides and a storm in Brown-headed Cowbird near Pocomoke Ci- June. Otherwise, very little 1 ...... •.•,•.•....• o•s • . ty, Md., June 15 (MLH). In Dismal Swamp information was received N.W.R., Meanley found a Swainson's concerning general nesting '• • GA. •;.v••.:•.•:. ..•:.• Warbler nest with 3 eggs June 3 and saw a success of birds in the various ...... / female feedingtwo large young the next day. sections of the Region, but On two Breeding Bird Surveyshe conducts perhaps no news is good there, the most abundant speciesfor the past news.

Volume 34, Number 6 885 Atlantic Beach July 27 (LC). On the other necked Ducks were observed in July at both ritory, engagingin the broken wing display, hand, Fussell found eight dead Greaters L. Cammack (AB) and Beaverdam Res. was s. of the breedingrange at SunsetBeach, along 3 mi of beach July 7 at Shackleford (RJH) in c. North Carolina. N.C., June 16 (ER). A good post-breeding Banks, N.C., an indication of another puzzl- count of Wilson's Plovers was the 200 noted ing die-off of this species.A report of a prob- HAWKS--Cely reported that 2 nests of in Beaufort Inlet Aug. 2 (BP), and a Long- able Blue-facedBooby, in ad. plumage,was Swallow-tailed Kites were found in May in billed Curlew was at Ocracoke, N.C., July 14 made25 mi off NewR. Inlet, N.C., July,24 the Francis Marion N.F., S.C., but both nests (RD,BN,JFP). Jordan Res. was, as usual, (BP), though the possibility of a Gannet failed. This forest harbors nearly the entire thoroughly covered by an avid group of could not be entirely eliminated. Single in- breeding population in the Region, with Chapel Hill birders;highlights (all BL et al.) land Double-crested Cormorants, all in perhaps a dozen pairs inhabiting it. A con- included two Corn. SnipesJune 10, a Wfilet North Carolina, were noted at Jordan Res., siderable number of ad. Mississippi Kites July 28, a Greater YelloMegs June 10, a June 29 (BL) and July 11 (BM,MW), at L. were again seen in e. Halifax County, N.C., Dunlin in breedingplumage June 29 and July Cammack near Burlington July 1-29 (AB), this summer,where breedingmay well be tak- 2, and up to three Stilt SandpipersJuly 21 to and Roanoke Rapids L., July 13 (ML). A ing place; the peak count was 14 on June 13 August. One of the very few Regionalrecords pair of Anhingas at a pond near Fayetteville (ER). A Sharp-shinnedHawk was rare July 6 of Curlew Sandpiper away from the Outer N C., June 16 was somewhat n. of the near Henderson, N.C. (MT), and Cooper's Banks was furnished by an individual in breedingrange (MEW,TP), but a female at Hawks were reported to be holding their own breedingplumage near Southport,N.C., July Catfish L., s.c. Jones County, N.C., July 9 in the Atlanta area (fide TM). Broad-winged l0 (JHC,JFP,RD,BN et al.), and a Marbled (ML), might have been breedingthere or on Hawks are rare in summer in the Region's Godwit near Atlantic BeachJune 19 (JF) was an adjacent lake. Coastal Plain, occurringmainly along the ex- notable for that month. Wilson's Phalaropes treme w. edge. Individuals in the coastalzone are quite unusual in mid-summer, so of in- WADERS--A new and very large heronry were surprisingnear Shallotte, N.C., June 22 terest were singles on Ocracoke I., N C, (1200 nests)of Cattle Egrets was discovered (RD) and between Swansboro and Jackson- June 11 (RD) and near Raleigh, N.C., July 22 15 mi e. of Columbia, S.C., in July (JEC); ville, N.C., July 29 and 31 (LC). An ad. and a (WI). More unusual in mid-summer was a otherwise, no information was receivedon in- juv. Broad-winged provided a first positive dark phase Pomafine Jaeger, with a full taft, land coloniesin the Region. As usual, a few breeding record for Dublin, Ga., July 21 at Shackleford Banks July 7 (JF). The only post-breedingSnowy Egrets and Louisiana (TKP), and other adults were of interest in noteworthy tern reports concernedvery early Herons occurred inland, and both species North Carolina this season at Fayetteville migrants: a Caspian found dead at Beaver- were noted in July at Dublin, Ga. (TKP), (PJC), Maxton (JHC), and Arcola (ML,JM). dam Res., near Raleigh July 19 (RJH), and a Fayetteville (PJC), and Jordan Res. (BL). A An active Bald Eagle nestat Colington, N.C., Black at Jordan Res., June 20 (BL). plethora of reports of Yellow-crowned Night on the Outer Banks, this spring (fide LP) Herons was received, perhaps indicating a causedquite a stir, as the state had gone at GOATSUCKERS THROUGH FLY- highly successfulbreeding season. A nest was least 5 years without a single active nest. An CATCHERS--Chuck-will's-widows are discoveredalong the Neuse R., in extreme e. eagle nest reported at Orton Plantation, s. of rather scarce in the c. Piedmont of North Durham County, N.C., June 24 (BK), and a Wilmington, in 1976 (AB 30:943) was never Carolina; thus, two heard in e. Guilford young bird was found helplesson the ground corroborated by wildlife officials or ex- County, June 10 (AB) and three heard in near Kinstoa, N.C., in late July (fide JF). periencedbirders and was presumablythat of neighboringAlamance County June 18 (AB) Adults with juveniles suggestedbreeding in an Osprey, which aboundsin the Orton area. were notable. A Whip-poor-will was rare the c. Coastal Plain of North Carolina near Strange at it may seem, Marsh Hawks out- near Hollonville, Ga., just w. of Griffin, in Williamston (TH) and at two sites near numbered Bald Eagles in summer in that mid-June (HG,LB). For the third consecutive Clarkton (ML). Also, at least three im- state, with a few probable breeding pairs at summer a Western Kingbird was detectedin matures were seen at each of 4 Piedmont Cedar Island and in Dare County; presumed the Region, this one being at the n. end of locales: Atlanta, Ga. (fide TM), Winston- non-breedingMarsh Hawks were unusual at Folly Beach, S.C., June 14 (DF,GC). Most Salem, N.C. (RS,HS), Jordan Res. (BL,AB), Jordan Res., July 4 (JPay) and July 11 rarities reported in this Region, or in any and Pendleton, S.C. (HL). The foray into (BW,MW). The most significant Am. Kestrel region for that matter, are seenby experienc- Currituck County tallied 35 Least Bitterns at reportswere of a pair apparentlyon territory ed obervers,as one would expect.So why is it three sites May 30 (ML et al.), an excellent in Francis Marion forest May 4 (PN et al.) that Scissor-tailedFlycatchers in the Region count, and 12 Wood Storks were noted July and an individual seen in downtown Durham, always seem to elude the experts? This 13 at their usual post-breeding location at N.C., July 2 (JC). seasoh's Scissor-tailed was noted in s w Sunset Beach, N.C. (AB,BL), the northern- Sumter County, S.C., July 20 (TV, fide KS), most spot on the Atlantic Coast where these CRANES THROUGH RAILS--An ad. by an observer unfamiliar to me! Ramona birds occur regularly. Ibiseswere newsworthy Sandhill Crane at Jordan Res., July 8-10 (BL Snavelyhad a number of significantsightings this summer at Jordan Res.: as many as four et al.) appearedto provide a first record for of Willow Flycatchers in North Carolina's GlossiesJuly 15-Aug. (BL,BW) and 80-100 the North Carolina Piedmont. This individ- n.w. Piedmont. She noted a singingbird at Whites in late July (BL et al.). A tally of 25 ual, along with a most unusual flock of 18 Roaring River June 8, another singing at Whites seenin flight June 29 in e. Guilford near Americus, Ga., July 15 (TS), were prob- High Point June 10, still another singingat County, N.C. (AB) was also notable. An ably post-breedersfrom .Florida or Okefeno- the sewagetreatment plant in Winston-Salem Am. Flamingo was near Ocracoke, N.C., kee Swamp Ga., as n. migrants do not reach June 26, and most importantly, an active nest June 10 (RD,BN), and a bird, perhaps the the Region until early November. The only at Washington Pk., in the latter city, under same, was seen on three occasions in July in noteworthy rail sightings came from the observation June ll-July 8. One was rare e Carteret Co. (KV,JT,RSt). marshes in the bed of Jordan Res., which is June 26 at Duluth, Ga., where the specieshas still not yet a lake. A King Rail was detected occurred previously in summer (JV). WATERFOWL--A report of nestingBlue- calling on territory on several occasionsin winged Teal near Fairplay, Anderson Co., May and June, and four (juveniles?) were LARKS THROUGH VIREOS--Horned S C., this summer(fide SM) was the first for heard giving another type of call there July 4 Larks are rare breedersalong the w. edge of an inland site in the Region. As usual, a (BL et al.). Lewis saw a very early Sora at the Coastal Plain; thus, a pair seenon several handful of waterfowl lingered far s. of their Jordan July 28, and most fortuitously flush- occasionsthrough July 21 near Mayesvdle, normal breeding ranges, although one must ed a Black Rail June 3. He also had a Black S.C. (ED) were noteworthy, and one was suspectthat many were sick or injured. A • calling in responseto a tape June 10; this is heard singing in w. Robeson County, N C , Pintail, with a probable female, was at Bodie the second consecutive summer that the June 19 (JHC). The Region's only Bank I, N.C., in early July (CS), and another was specieshas been detected there. Swallow colony, at Roaring R., N.C., was near Southport, N.C., July 10 (JHC et al.). A checked June 8 (RS); erosionhad destroyed pa•r of Redheads was of interest at Davis, PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS--Fussell some of the nesting sites, but the colony was N C., June 22 (JF), and an injured White- et al. tallied ten + territorial pairs of Piping still thriving. Cliff Swallowshad a good sum- winged Scoter was seen on the same date at Plovers between Portsmouth I. and Beaufort mer at Clemson; in recent seasonsonly one or Klawah I., S.C. (SC,GM). Single Ring- Inlet, N.C., this summer, and a pair on ter- two pairs bred there, but at least9 activenests

886 American Birds, November 1980 were counted on the SC 93 bridge at L. Hart- one near Woodstock July 20 (DP). In North 30 mi s. of Atlanta June 22 (TM,PF). Five well in June (HL). Cliffs seenat 2 sitesin Carolina, Scarlets nest throughout the Pied- Song Sparrows, including three singing June near Burlington, N.C., indicated mont and well into the n. Coastal Plain, with males, at Portsmouth, N.C., June 3, were breedingthere (AB), and Lynch counted71 significant finds this summer being six sing- one island to the s. of the known breeding nests at well-established sites at L. Gaston, ing males at 3 sites in Gates County in June range of the Atlantic race (JF). Surprisingly, N C., this summer. When Jordan Res. and July (ML,HL,TH), and another singing two or three singingmales, presumablyof the becomesan honest-to-goodnesslake in a year male outside the known range at Southern Atlantic race, were found May 30 in a or so, we might expect to see Cliffs nesting Shores,just n. of Kitty Hawk, May 31 (HL). residential area of Bells I., in Curmuck there. Lewis noted a few Fish Crows in June A o' Black-headed Grosbeak consuming County (ML); this race was presumed to oc- and early July in Chapel Hill, where breeding sunflower seedsat a Greenville, S.C., feeder cur in summer only along the outer islandsof has not yet been detected, and the same can July 14-21 furnished a first summer record North Carolina. be said for Clemson (HL). The inland for the Region (fide PW). Painted Buntings distribution and foraging habits of this nested 6 mi e. of Sumter this season, with two CORRIGENDUM--The Golden Eagle speciesin the Region,at all seasons,is puzzl- males, a female, and several juveniles seen near Burlington, N.C., reported in AB ing and deservesconsiderable study. House coming to a feeder (fide ED). The first 34:151, was actually seen Oct. 24, and not in Wrens were reported in increasednumbers as reported breeding of Dickcissels in North September. breedersat Atlanta (TM), with youngout of Carolina since 1964 was established at Jordan the nest at nearby Stone Mountain Apr. 27 Res. In the Farrington vicinity of the lakebed, CONTRIBUTORS--Liz Bradshaw, Allen (PF); and 36+ Long-billed Marsh Wrens Lewis noted two territorial males June 20, Bryan, J.H. Carter III, J.E. Cely, James were tallied in the freshwater marshes in n.e. and others saw these birds through July 4. Coman, Steve Compton, Greg Cornwell, Currituck County, May 30 (ML,EP et al.), Roth discovered another site a few mi s. of Larry Crawford, P.J. Crutchfield, Pat indicating a sizable breeding population the Farrington location June 22 by finding an Culbertson, Evelyn Dabbs, Ricky Davis, there. Along the edgeof its nestingrange near ad. pair, and several birders observed as Peggy Fletcher, Dennis Forsythe, John Littleton, N.C., a singing Solitary Vireo was many as four juveniles there through July 4. Fussell, Hugh Garrett, Bryan Glover, R J seenin open shortleaf pines June 8 (ML). Almost as notable was a o' Dickcissel near Hader, Tom Haggerty, Carol Hamilton, Perry, Ga., in late May (TS), accompaniedby Kevin Hintsa, Wayne Irvin, Vince Jackson, WARBLERS--A singing o' Black-and- a female June 6 (MO). Unfortunately, there Bobby Klutz, Dave Lee, Harry LeGrand, white Warbler, apparently on territory, was was no subsequentinformation on whether a Bob Lewis, Merrill Lynch, Gardner Miller, at Kitty Hawk, N.C., May 31 (HL,ML,EP); nestingattempt was made. No seasongoes by Stanlee Miller, Julie Moore, Terry Moore, this appears to be the first breeding-season without a significant Regional record for the Bud Needham, Perry Nugent, Mark Oberle, record for the immediate coast. Rare for House Finch, although summer 1980 seemed Barbara Page (BaP), John Paget, Bralnard Winston-Salem was a Prothonotary Warbler quiet in comparison with previous ones. A Palmer-Ball, Dick Parks, J.F. Parnell, T K nest, with three fledglings, found July 6 positive nesting occurred at Durham, N.C., Patterson, Johnnie Payne (JPay), Lance (RS,HS). A singing Swainson'sWarbler was in mid-July (CH,MP), and 15 all summerat a Peacock, Tim Playforth, Eloise Potter, Skip noted 30 mi s. of Atlanta June 22 (PF,TM), a feeder in Atlanta, where breeding has already Prange, Mary Pyne, Bob Raymund (BRa), new site for the species,although it occurs been established, was an excellent count Ed Reimann, John Rollins, Barbara Roth, sparinglyin Georgia's Piedmont in summer. (BRa, fide TM). Could three singing Kay Sisson, Clyde Smith, Harry Snavely, Worm-eating Warblers were found at three Grasshopper Sparrows seen at the New Ramona Snavely, Terrill Soules, Roy Styron North Carolina localities this season, but in Hanover Co. airport just n. of Wilmington, (RSt), Bob Terhune, John Thompson, Mike each casethey had been noted at the samesite N.C., July 28 (RD) actually be nesting,only 8 Tove, Tony Veccio, Keith Voges, Bill in 1979--Alamance County, May 31 (AB), w. mi from the Atlantic Ocean? Bachman's Wagner, Margaret Wagner, Pat Waller, Gates County June 12 (ML), and Winston- Sparrows have nearly disappearedas breeders M.E. Whitfield.--HARRY E. LeGRAND, Salem July 4 (KH). A very early o' Blue- from the Piedmont; thus a good find was two JR., Department of Zoology, Clemson winged Warbler was seen at Poinsett S.P., singingbirds noted on a BreedingBird Survey University, Clemson, S.C. 29631. SumterCo., S.C., July 18 (BG,fide KS), and five singing Cerulean Warblers were noted along the Roanoke R. near ScotlandNeck, N C., June 15 (ML et al.). These Ceruleans are part of a disjunctpopulation that inhabits the mature, open hardwoods along the river from Halifax to Williamston. An active Ken- tucky Warbler nest found near Savannah, Ga., May 19 (JR), apparently a first for a FLORIDA REGION coastal county in that state, extends the throughout the period. Inexplicably, north- /John B. Edscorn knownbreeding range s.e. by approximately ern birds actually summered in our state 30 mi. A o' Am. Redstart was rare along the Like much of North America, Florida en- Even the prize of this enigmaticseason, a tiny Santee R., near Alvin, S.C., June 2 (DF), at dured record heat in the summer of 1980. To Cuban finch, raised questions which may the presumeds. limit of breeding in that some extent Nature suppressedexcessive ther- always irk some observers. state. mometer readings on the peninsula, but in our high humidity, 100øF seemedunreason- LOONS, GREBES--A late Corn. Loon in ORIOLES THROUGH SPARROWS--A able. That mark was broken for the first time mixed plumage was seenon the Gulf off the 9 N. Oriole near Winston-Salem June 13 at the writer's central Florida location, but SteinhatcheeR. mouth June 2 (HWK), and (PC,BaP,RS) and a male near L. Cammack highs went well above it in north Florida and one in full breedingplumage was on the lake in the Burlingtonarea June22 (AB) wereof were lowest in subtropical south Florida. This of a huge apartment complex s. of Jackson- interest and might have been breeders, but is no paradox; the surroundingsea, the sum- ville (hereafter "Jax") June 11-12 (SPP, VM, one at Columbus, Ga., July 2 (BT) must have mer tradewind and rainy seasonmore effec- PCP). While loons are exceptional finds in been a very early migrant or a summer tively curb temperatureextremes in the south. summer here, stragglersmay be somewhere wanderer. Boat-tailed Grackles are closely Upstate climate in Florida (inland, especially) along our vast coastline every year in June tied to salt or brackish water in the Region, so is more like that of the hotter, continental Later dates are very rare, however. Also late it seemedodd that 100+ were found.in the Deep South. at Steinhatchee was a June 8 Horned Grebe in vicinity of the freshwater marshes of n.e. July arrivals of "fall" migrants suggested breeding plumage (JC). Sixteen Pied-billed Curdtuck County May 30, with a. flightless that somenesting may have been forsaken in Grebes on the flooded muck fields of Duda juvenile at Bells I., on the same date (ML ½t the northern heat, and this may also have Farm near Belle Glade (hereafter "Duda's") al ). ScarletTanagers are rare in summerin been true of second-nestingin Florida. Of July 13 (PWS, BH) increased mightily to 62 the c. Piedmontof Georgia; thus, noteworthy many birds at our farm home, only an inde- there by July 27 (PWS, GSH, RT), illustrat- was a pair near Cummingin June (JP) and fatigable wren pair was seenwith young (one) ing nesting successeven in very hot weather

Volume 34, Number 6 887 CENTRAL SOUTHERN keeping by John, pro- (RLC, BC) and a o, Ruddy Duck on L. Ella, REGION -TALLAHASSEE ATLANTIC vided vital insights May 5-July 12 (GEM). DIVISION OCEAN which we hope can be resumed when he re- RAPTORS--Hoping to intercept the big turns to Florida. flight of Swallow-tailed Kites around L. Twenty years after Okeechobee (a magnificent mid-summer the introduction of avian spectacle which can involve coales- Scarlet Ibis eggs, rais- cencesin the hundreds),we searchedJuly 14 ed by White Ibises in from Big Cypress Indian Reservation all the Greynolds Park, Mi- way up to Brighton, but saw only nine. This ami, we see evidence low number was typical of other reports, too. that the confused (im- Only one observersaw a semblanceof migra- printed?) progeny tion en masse: 25 in a tightly cohesive flock have been mating with w. of Ochopee July 9 (DR). White Ibises ever A Mississippi Kite well-describedat s. Jax since. These ibises are July 30 was e. of its usual range (JPC). Ever- very closelyrelated, so glade Kites continued holding sway in a fav- it is to be hoped that ored area along U.S. 41 near "Shark Valley" the Whooping Cranes (m.ob.); we have put tour groups within 30 ft being raised by Sand- of kites there, with all 50 people still en- hill Cranes (an experi- sconcedin the bus! Of interest were: a very ment which may even- late Sharp-shinned Hawk in the Myakka tually be extended to Valley June 12 (DHM, GCM), a Cooper's produce nonmigratory Hawk near Talla., July 2 (JMS) and a white- .... :Florida Bay LOWER KEYS Whoopers in Florida) phaseShort-tailed Hawk near OchopeeJuly 9 are distant enough kin (DR}. Miniscule and ever-dwindlingsummer SHEARWATERS•On the Gulf j•t 3 mi not to produce such confusion. A Scarlet X Am. Kestrel reports continue to presage off Horseshoe Beach July 26, Lovett White Ibis was far n. at Zellwood July 25 doom for breeders in c. & s. Florida. Williams ran a b•t besidea flying Grater (BP). Sh•rwater "within 25 ft for about a COOTS, PLOVERS--American Coots minute," g•ting a good I•k at a species again had young in Duval County, where rarely seen in those waters. There was an WATERFOWL--Introduced (and thus only last year first nesting was discovered Audubon's Shearwater die-off of unknown non-migratory) Canada Geese persist near (JPC), but at Duda's in w. Palm Beach extent on the e. coast (where one or more Tallahassee (hereafter, Talla.); Menk saw a County this species,with young, peakedat 87 pelagics•ci• seemto be strickenevery sum- pair with five immatures in a new nest area (July 13; PWS, BH). Reduced now to near- mer). At Patrick A.F.B. alone, four were there June 26. How does one present a wild, extinction on our c. Gulf coast, two remnant picked up July 21-22 (Wayne Hoffman, U. of free-flying West Indian Whistling Duck-- Snowy Plover pairs nested at Casey Key, but S. Fla.), and another was mentioned a f• mi along the Gold Coast, at that, where all man- only one chick was ever seen (AS, SS). Such away at Se•stian Inlet. ner of exotics routinely escape? This is a results auger sadly for our future. Virtually "nearby foreign" speciesable to fly over to all beachesnot built on are overrun with peo- PETRELS--Well inland at Lakeland July Florida in two hours but one which, alas, is ple, pets, motorcycles, etc.--even so-called 16 Warren Hall was driving besideL. Parker, already here in collections from which es- "endangered lands," ostensibly preserved. had his curiosity aroused, and went back to capes seem inevitable. Not to use boldface Snowy Plovers will be extirpated unlesswe closely observe a storm-petrel resting mo- type for such a long-hoped-for bird is sad, protect them. tionlessly--"head sagging; very tired or but Sykesso treated it, we concur, and here it sick"--just 20 ft from shore! Storm-Petrel is...Amid 460 Fulvous Whistling Ducks with SHOREBIRDS--We come next to the en- details were unquestionable,but unfortunate- young at Duda's July 27 (a decreasefrom 830 tertainment of guessingwhich way the shore- ly specific identification was not possible there July 13; PWS, BH) there was also a birds are migrating (or are they sometimes (news was delayed, and the bird vanished West lndian and two Black-bellied Whistling summering?) in the limbo period around July overnight--where alligators are seen). Ducks (PWS, GSH, RT)! For yet another 1. That date arbitrarily differentiates between summer Black-bellieds were with Fulvous kin Wilson's is the likeliest species, but, rather very late spring and early fall migrants. But astonishingly, Lakeland had a previous at Zellwood (July 20, BD, HD, KD; July 27, somehopelessly late "wrong-way Corrigans" storm-petrel (June 5, 1972; a summer in GB, Die). Fulvous, some of which may origi- flying N then are meeting early southbound which many oceanic birds died on the E. nally have come here on their own (we see kin head-on in the night sky!--which is amus- Coast), and that moribund bird proved to be flocks fly in to both coasts), have long been ing if you picturethat scenein a lighter vein a Leach's. breeding in Florida and can be locally and make up anthropomorphic bird talk: a numerous, as they have reportedly also mother-lode of new jokes. become in Cuba. They come and go unpre- The seasoh's earliest Solitary Sandpiper PELECAN IFORMES--Non-breeding dictably but this is an odd specieswith a very was near Talla., July 7 (GEM), and latest/ White Pelicans seem to be somewhere in odd range scattered about the globe. Black- earliest Greater Yellowlegs were near Ft. Florida every summer (up to 1000 have sum- bellleds have not appreciably increased. West Myers June 27 (HMS) and July 6 (DR). A mered even at inland Lakeland in recent Indians may neverestablish themselves in the Dunlin at Alligator Pt., June 30 (Todd Eng- history), but this seasonproduced almost no wild here (at least, they have not after living strom) was thought to be Florida's latest-ever reports. Two Brown Boobiesprovided a rare nearby for ages), but we have seen them in in breedingplumage. Early arrivals seemedto sighting6 mi off Mayport June 27, but they the Cayman Is., where very wary, in brackish characterize reports of all the other usual were eclipsed by a well-described Masked swamps much like those in our Keys and Ten shorebird species. Booby 6 mi farther out (CWH, PB)! Pro- Thousand Is. blematical to categorize was a most A Blue-wingedTeal on the PineliasCounty TERNS•Best Gull-billed Tern counts unseasonal Gannet, perhaps flightless, seen Bayway June 7 (B. Durham et al.) was late, came from Duda's July 13 (ten; PWS, BH) ashore and afloat July 29 (Sam Cole) at St. while 23 at Duda's July 13 (PWS, BH) and and Zellwood July 20 (2-3; PJF, BC, CG). George I. (hereafter, St.G.I.). "50" at Zellwood July 20 (PJF, BC, CG) Since no nestingis known on our coast, June presumably were early, returning from the 15 was an interestingdate for 25 breeding- WADING BIRDS•For years, Regional north. Nesting in Florida is extremely rare, plumaged Com. Terns to be resting on the Editor John C. Ogden presented wader and was not suspected in these reports. water near Dog I. (HWK). As usual, some nestingsummaries here. Those surveys,in- Noteworthy in the Talla. Division were: the Least Tern colonies failed (no successknown volvingmuch field work, flying, and record- White-winged Scoreroff Alligator Pt. July 25 at Ward's Bank; JLW), some did fairly well

888 American Birds, November 1980 (53 nests, 17 chicks banded by June 13 at such aggregationscan become very large. At Menk reported that Boat-tailed Grackles Midnight Pass;AS, SS) and otherscontinued traditional June-to-August communal roosts "seem fairly establishedin n. Leon County to achievesuccess by nestingon gravel roof- this season were: 2500+ in downtown since last summer; up to 15 seen." A nest tops in many areas. The speciessurvives even Jacksonville, which a newspaper reported with young Orchard Orioles on the s. side of inland (severalreports), and is not nearly as (PCP), and 5000 in one banyan tree in a Ft. Orange L., June 18, "may be the most threatened as some which cannot adapt as Meyers Beach downtown park (Keith southerly" (nest actually seen), although well. Carstens). Bobby Crawford saw great Stevenson once collected a juvenile in n On a spoil-island in Hillsborough Bay two numbers--perhaps 3000 in one of the Citrus County (HMS). Long-estabhshed or more pairs of Sandwich Terns nested--a flocks--on Alligator Pt., July 26-27. A truly Spot-breasted Orioles mysteriously declined first for the lower W. Coast since the early enormous number swelled a roost of many in s.e. Florida, and still are "relatively low" 1900s (James Rodgers)! Two Black Terns years in the Homeland Industries phosphate- (PWS). Brown-headed Cowbirds continue over Ft. Myers Beach July 3 (DR) were pre- mining plant near Bartow..Employee Carl their invasion. A young bird was being fed by sumably southbound very early, but this is Hancock says that some are present in all a 9 towhee well s. at Gainesville July 15 another specieswhich meetsitself coming and "martin months," but big numbersbuild up (JHH, AC), and 13 others were seen at going. in June, peak in July and continue declining another location there July 13 (BPM). Julie in August. Not until dusk doesthe sky-filling Cocke and Peggy Powell cited 3 Jax locations DOVES, CUCKOOS--Introduced White- cloud of birds arrive to roost. The peak this in June, and Menk counted up to 700 post- winged Doves are thriving in s.e. Florida; year was "conservativelyguessed" at 20,000 nesting birds near Talla.,--continuing woe possiblyin a new nest area were two, singing, July 18 (CH, CG)! for parasitized birds! in c. Palm Beach County June 24 (HMS). Presumably moving S early (although some CATBIRDS, THRUSHES--A Gray Cat- FRINGILLIDAE--The southernmost are still going N in June), singleYellow-billed bird singing June 22 at Olustee Battlefield reported summer Blue Grosbeak was inter- Cuckoos hit the WCTV tower July 14 & 28 revealed likely nesting (CWH), and solid mittently heard singingMay 16-June 16 n w (RLC). The Florida Region's latest-ever proof, a fledgling, was included in a count of of Lakeland, but whether it had a mate could Black-billed Cuckoo was reported June 7 3-4 at a locally new Leon County nest site Ju- never be ascertained(JBE). Well s. was a near St. Petersburg(Larry Carpenter et al.). ly 6 (GEM). It was quite a summerfor thrush singing Indigo Bunting at Zellwood July 20 records. Stevenson saw two Am. Robins June (PF, BC, CG). The best bird of the season SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS--Chimney 17 in Ocala ("where reported breeding for was a Cuban Melodious Grassquit seen at Swifts nest well s. in Florida, but unlesstak- years"), and also two at a repeat site in Tam- Key West June 1-12. Birders travelled over ing a brief sojourn in migration, three of pa's southernmostnesting area June 27 (Ed 1000 mi to list it, but few outside of local these birds on Hypoluxo I., July 26 (PWS, Mack et al.). Summer Wood Thrushes were residentsgot to seeit (word got out too late) BH), and again July 30 (Paul Springer)might well reported, especially in Duval and Two lucky ones, the Dowlings, submitted indicate a new nest area nearby. Intriguing Alachua counties near their s. range limit complete details, and Thurlow Weed photo- was a report of what was termed a breeding (fide PCP, RWR). June 7 was late for a graphed it. Now we hear that some (the ones "population" of Ruby-throated Humming- Catharus thrush, "not a Veery," at Eastpoint who missed?) say it was brought over by birds just w. of Copeland, far s. in Florida (JMS). Remarkable at Talla., "in woods Cuban refugees, and can't be "counted" It (Collier County) June 15. Laymond Hardy, similar to those where it breeds in North is possible,of course, but unlessproven. • A who reported these, saw 10-11 on just two Carolina," was a non-singing but normal- Vesper Sparrow summered at Gainesville, bushesthere "less than three weeks earlier," acting Veery--from at least June 22-July 3 May through July (LW). and asked local people to try to find a nest. (Mrs. Lovett Williams, Sr., fide HMS)! Even better would be to prove that young are Eastern Bluebirds nested for the secondyear CONTRIBUTORS (Area Editors in raised, something this writer has never been just s. of Ft. Pierce, where none had been boldface)--Greg Betz, Paul Beiderwell, able to establish even in c. Florida. We seen for about 10 years previously (H&BD). Audrey Coggins, Buck Cooper, Jeff Cox, always seem to see only females in nesting To encourage such results in Polk County, Beth Crawford, Robert Crawford, Bill Dowl- season(males having apparently moved on Carl Hancock is building a bluebird trail. ing, Helen Dowling, Kevin Dowling, Paul north), and we have wondered if these birds Fellers, Dorothy Freeman, Chuck Geanan- lay fertile eggs? We would be interested to GNATCATCHERS, WARBLERS--A gel, Samuel A. Grimes, John Hintermister, know of any successfulnesting on the Florida Blue-gray Gnatcatcher June 26 revealed that Brian Hope, Chuck W. Hunter, Gloria peninsula. Not eggs, but nestlings. this species persists at its southmost and Hunter, Herbert W. Kale ll, Donald Mace, isolated nesting area off the "Loop Rd.," s. Grace Mace, Virg Markgraf, Gall Menk, SWALLOWS--The first Bank Swallow of U.S. 41, Collier Co. (HMS). Among the Edith Miller, Barbara Muschlitz, Susan was at Talla., July 24 (GEM), but three days earliest "Fall" migrants were two Black-and- Pairsh, Becky Payne, Cynthia Plockelman, later 25 were at Duda's (PWS, GSH, RT). white Warblers July 13 at San Felasco State Peggy Powell, Robert Repinning, Dave Far, far from contiguousrange, Cliff Swal- Preserve, Gainesville(AAS). Near its known Ruch, Alachua Audubon Society, Annette lows continue to nest at their inexplicably dis- southern limit June 22 was a Swainson's Stedman, Stanley Stedman, Henry M. junct colony near Port Mayaca on the e. side Warbler at Manatee Springs on the lower Su- Stevenson,James Stevenson,Paul W. Sykes, of L. Okeechobee, where 2 active nests were wannee R. (CWH). If not a very late straggler Jr., Rob Thorn, Lovett Williams Jr., Joseph seen June 27 (PWS). June Barn Swallows (unlikely for this early spring migrant), a Wilson.--JOHN B. EDSCORN, 5620 N. elicit curiosity now, what with increasingcol- singingN. Parula June 7 on St. G.I., gave a Galloway Rd., Lakeland, FL 33805. onization, particularly near the coast; but one first indication of summeringthere (JMS). at Bayport June 3 acted like one of the usual Still at Winter Haven June 1-2 was a singing June stragglers(HMS). Not as clear was the Cape May Warbler (PJF). Apparently sum- status of two, June 6, in Leon County, where mering, a local first, was a Yellow-throated nesting is anticipated (GEM). Under a Duval Warbler which sang all spring and until at County IntercoastalWaterway bridge, where least June 7 on St. G.I. (JMS). Locally Barn Swallows have previously nested, at earliest records were set for at least five least five adults and 2 occupied nests were warbler species at Saddle Creek Pk., near still being seen as late as July 27 (SAG). Lakeland, a "hot spot" for fall birding which However, observershave been seeinga few has been covered for many years. Included on southbound Barn Swallows well before this July 26 were Yellow-throated and a Loui- date, and these may be coming out of the siana Waterthrush (PJF), and the next day, spreading southerly range. Prairie, Hooded and Am. Redstart(PJF, BC, Post-nesting assemblagesof Purple Mar- CG). Remarkably, an Am. Redstart sang all tins began as early as May (these, our first of June and July in W. Palm Beach (CHP)! birds of spring, arrive as early as January, so young are already raised by summer), and GRACKLES THROUGH COWBIRDS--

Volume 34, Number 6 889 previous highs of 41 and ONTARIO REGION 82 (CJM, DS). Dave ßWawa •,• CapeMaria Henrietta / C!ive E. Goodwin Hussell noted that un- .;%Lke s.,er,or / ...... derestimation of heronry size is usual if Breeding was successfulin spite of mixed the nests are counted L.Nipigon Møøsø summerweather. It was cool, abnormally wet from the outside; SaultSaint _. Cochr.,,e •n the southand abnormally dry in the north, however, when an in- with some violent extremes: even Kettle terior census is under- Point, in Ontario's "banana belt' ', had snow taken, the timing of the June 9. Further north, things were worse. At visits into the colony P•m•si Bay, Louise de K. Lawrence dubbed must be carefully June 8-17 "winter in June", with morning selected. "G • •arry. I PP ..• • frost, two days of snow flurries, one of freez- The status of other 1•. • Ottawa• ing rain, and one of hail. In spite of it all, herons seemed less se- L 1% -• CornwalFb good breeding successwas reported: for ex- cure, although the ample, Mrs. Lawrence's pair of Eastern Black-crowned Night [ ...... Rarri• Pe•e•orough • Phoebesbrought off a brood of five during Heron appeared to be th•s time, with a nestingperiod of only 19 doing well. Two nests I Ma[sh Ho•e •Wolfe Is. days were located off K•t•l• •,_ _•t e?oo•ronto •i•n•d•rd

The strange weather did influence move- Manitoulin I., and at Sarnia ments. Migration continued well into June, least one on the Island L St.•: ,London •NiagaraFails L. OHTARIO and at Pimisi Bay following the cold snap itself (CW), a new de- • / • •Fort Erie "suddenly, the empty territoriesbecame set- velopment, even though J • .... Long Point r '• RondsauPP tled and gave the impressionof a more dense- the' nests were deserted Point Pelee ly populated study area than in severalof the by June 30; a new col- NP L ERIE past years" (LdeKL). Return migration (if ony of 8 nestswas found that is what it was) also began early, with on Toronto's E. Headland (JAK); and 60 successfulnestings, as ducks continue to ex- shorebirdsmoving in numbersbefore the end nests, on Pigeon I., showedno trace of egg- ploit the habitat provided by sewageponds, of June. shell thinning or dead young (RDW). There and generally to expand their rangesin the were also an estimated 200 nests on both E. Province. High summer concentrations •n- LOONS, GREBES, CORMORANTS-- Sisterand Pelee Is., June 12 (PAW), and the cluded 600 Mallards at Port Hope in June The usual summering loons on the Lower Nottawasaga I. heronry, with 136 nestsJune (ERM), and 20 Green-winged Teal and 40 Great Lakes included a Red-throated at Pick- 7, maintained its level of the last two years Am. Wigeon at B.M. in late June and early enng July 26 (JAK). Inland, a Common was (CJM). On the other hand the only numbers July (MF). Black Ducks nestedat Rondeau at CambridgeJune 14 (MS, EH, ML), and a of Am. Bitternsreported were from Bradley's and Bright's Grove (PAW, DR, AR), pairs of pa•r with young at Port Perry July 29, prob- Marsh, L. St. Clair (hereafter, B.M.) with 40 Green-winged Teal were seen at Algonqmn ably marked the southernmostbreeding sta- in July (MF), and no one reportedany Least June 26 (JMo), Port Hope (R J) and Kettle tion in the Province (RT). The Lower Lakes Bitterns at all. Both Green Herons and Great Pt. (AR), and a brood of Pintail and two of had scatteredgrebes as well, but 13 Red- Egrets were numerous at B.M. with 20 pairs Am. Wigeons were recorded in the Wh•tby neckedsat Port Credit June 12, reduced to and 74 birds respectively(MF); both species area (DRc, NLeV). Hooded Mergansernest- two by July 9 (BW), representedan unusual also wandered N, the Green to Naughton ings occurredat Sioux Narrows (GB), Backus number at an old summering station for this June 8 (GB) and an egret to Meaford June 15 Woods, Port Rowan (DH), Algonquin P P species.An Eared Grebewas at Wiarton June (JCC). Cattle Egrets were seen at Northville (JMo et al.) and Ottawa (BMD). Finally, a 3 (JWJ), and a Horned Grebe at Ottawa June June 18 (AR, DM, JM) and Ottawa June 7 Red-breastedMerganser with 12 young was 7 was also noteworthy (BMD). Encouraging (BMD), and a Glossy Ibis appeared at off Hopkin's Bay July 28 (JWJ). reports of Double-crestedCormorants con- Bright's Grove June 23 (DR, AR). tmued, as there were 80 nests(compared to 38 VULTURES, HAWKS--One of the most •n 1979) on Pigeon I., with a count of 253 SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS--There was unwelcome features of the season was forest adultsplus young July 18 (RDW), 85 nestson the usual assortment of summer stragglers fire on an unprecedentedscale in the tinder- B•g Chicken I., June 12 (PAW), and 26 birds along the Lower Great Lakes, with some dry n.w. About a week after its occurrence•n on Peter's Rock near Cobourg June 2-28 more noteworthy occurrences elsewhere. late May, we passedthrough the area where (ERM). Theseincluded a Whistling Swan at Stratford the enormous Kenora fire had crossed the July 16 (RJM, fide MPD), Snow Goose at Trans-Canada Highway. Raptors are usually HERONS--Much interesting information Laurel Reservoir June 22 (MS), Canvasback thinly scattered along the n. highways, but on Great Blue Herons was received. The at Gauley Bay July 17 (JWJ), two c• Ruddy the burn zone yielded two Turkey Vultures, Long Point Bird Observatoryheron survey Ducks on Wawa sewage lagoons June 2 two Red-tailed Hawks, a Broad-winged had records of 428 "active" heronries--those (CEG) and three Com. Mergansers on the Hawk, a Marsh Hawk and unusual numbers in use since 1974 and not known to be ex- Grand R., near Cambridge in June (CAC, of Com. Ravens. Also noteworthy was the tinct-including 10 with over 100 nests.These BE). Canada Geesecontinued to expand their unusual amount of song--for example, an contained 1835 nestsout of 2838 reported so southernbreeding range N and E: 2 or 3 nests Ovenbird singing vigorously from a blacken- far this year. Colony sizes. of the Laurentian were on Amherst I. (RDW), two pairs bred ed hillside where even the soil was charred to Shield averageslarger--49 nests--than those successfullyat Tiny Marsh (CJM, EAM), ash. A Goshawk nest was found at Cameron on the Shield, with 18 nests average (fide there was a pair with two young at Port Perry L. (JWJ) and the Pinery P.P. had two suc- DH) In future years this important survey July 29 (RT), and the speciesalso staged cessful Cooper's Hawks nests, with at least can be expectedto provide valuable informa- some unaccountable movements during June three young fledged (DM,JM). Few Sharp- tion on the trends in our heron numbers. Per- --for example, four were at Kiosk June 18 shinned Hawks were seen, but the species•s sons wishing to help should contact the (PN). Brant movement continued well into particularly elusive in the breeding season, Observatory.Other reports suggestthat this June, but six birds at Toronto June 11 (BW) and I know of no evidenceto justify an "En- speciesis strengtheningits population: a new and one at Ottawa June 9-15 (BMD) were dangered" listing in Ontario. Only 2 nestsof heronry at Maryhill, Waterloo, had 40+ late. The most unusual duck reports were of a Red-shouldered Hawks were located in the nestsApr. 9 (MS); there were 150 nestson E. Eur. Com. Teal at Wiarton June 5 (unfor- Kitchener-Waterloo area and no others were S•ster I., June 12 (PAW) and in Simcoe tunately lacking full details) and the Great reported, but there were scatteredreports of County the Nottawasaga I. and Minesing Lakes' first summering Harlequin Duck at birds seen. The summer sightingsgave some heronieshad record populationswith 43 and Pickeringthroughout (fide AD, PB). The rest suggestionof recovery, but there was nothing 127 nests respectively, as compared to of the waterfowl story is of high numbers and to imply the existenceof any large undisturb-

890 American B•rds, November 1980 ed populations. The species is generally the area also had an early Baird's Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nest in Speyslde scarce towards the edges of its range, and July 10 (AW). There are only 3 or 4 June (CAC et al.). In Quetico P.P., young left a observersare cautioned against jumping to records of Baird's in total, so reports from Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker nest conclusionsbased on the seemingly large Mimico June 13 (BW) and Chelmsford June July 8, and a pair of N. Three-toedswere seen numbersthat can be observedduring passage 15 (JN) were surprising.Ottawa had separate July 11 (SP). at favoured hawk lookouts. No reliable infor- groupsof 15 and 41 Stilt SandpipersJuly 28 mation exists on the comparable numbers at (BMD,SO) and a N. Phalarope June 14 (SG), FLYCATCHERS, LARKS--Several ob- theseareas in former years, and as previously and Pt. Pelee a HudsonJan Godwit June 4-5 serversfelt that there had been some recovery pointed out in this account (AB 31:994) the (JG,AW). Wilson's Phalaropescontinued to of E. Phoebes: at Cambridge a June 14 cen- totals still imply only a very sparsepopula- expand their range: probable breeders were sus recorded 14, up from 5 in 1979. Flycat- tion acrossthe species'range. reported from Toronto, Wiarton and Ot- chersand warblers were major componentsin Two Rough-legged Hawks moving at tawa, and on Amherst 1., five or more pairs the movementin early June. At Long Pt., 16 Plmisi Bay June 1 were exceptionallylate were present, and downy young established Yellow-bellied Flycatcherswere banded June (LdeKL), and there was hawk movement in the first Kingston area breeding(PM,RDW). 7, and Prince Edward Point's (hereafter, the s.w. until June 5, when an Osprey was P.E.Pt.) last bird in springappeared June 17 one of the birds seenin a generallyNW move- GULLS, TERNS--An Iceland Gull was on (fide DH, RDW). By early July birds were ment at Rondeau (PAW). Four Bald Eagle Amherst I., July 19 (RDW). In s.w. Ontario again moving, with a Least at Long Pt., July nests in the Atikokan area contained nine there were 35-40 Herring Gull nests on Big 9. The strangeJune weather may have been young (SP): this is one part of the Province Chicken I., and a further 30-35 on E. Sister 1. the cause of a Yellow-bellied on territory at where the speciesseems to have consistently (PAW). Some high gull counts were record- Pimisi Bay in atypical habitat (LdeKL) and held its own. ed: Ring-billeds continue to dominate the an Olive-sided at Spottiswood June 23 Great Lakes colonies, and were estimated at (DRI ,MS). An Acadian Flycatcherwas again GROUSE, RAILS--Bobwhite were scarce 60,000 in Toronto (JAK), and on Pigeon I., on territory at Spottiswood (fide CAC) but in the s.w., except for 11 on the Lambton there were 10,000 adults, with 12,000 on none was seenat Rondeau, a location usually B B.S. (DR), but Ring-neckedPheasants oc- Amherst 1., July 19 (RDW). One hundred fif- viewed as their stronghold in the Province curred in good numbersthere (fide AHK). A ty Bonaparte's Gulls were off Cobourg June (PAW). Algonquin P.P.'s first-eversummer Sora, rare in the Algonquin area, was seen 20-July 13 (ERM)and 15,000+ Franklin's Horned Lark was seenJune 28 (GT), empha- there June 20 (JMo, AM,GH). were on L. of the Woods Aug. 2 (DHE et al.). sizing the scarcity of open country species Noteworthyin the s. werea Franklin's on R. over much of the forested shield. SHOREBIRDS--At one time, Ontario Canard in June (PAW), a Black-leggedKit- observers had a rule of thumb that shorebirds tiwake at Whitby June 7 (DRc), and a Little CROWS THROUGH WRENS--The before June 20 were going N, and those after Gull at Ottawa to June 2 (fide SG). The latter bonanza of Rainy R. sightings included at June 30 were returning, and birds were ex- speciesprobably bred at Long Pt., and there least one Black-billed Magpie nest (fide BD), pectedto have the considerationnot to clutter were numerous sightings along the lower documentation is awaited on what would be up the 10 daysbetween. Well, they did--and Lakes, but little additional information was the first (and long awaited) proven nesting•A presumablyalways have--and only two days obtainable. Common Terns nested on the Com. Raven at Wiarton was unusually far s this year (June 24-25) separated the two Mimico landfill (JAK) but the new Coiling- on the Bruce Pen., as the speciescontinues •ts streams, which once again revealsthe futility wood colonywas down to 8 nestsfrom 21 last slow expansionthere (JWJ). Wrens seemed of trying to designatemid-summer shorebirds year and the speciescontinues scarce (DS, to be stagingsome recovery, although the pic- as "late" or "early." However, so wide- CJM). Two Arctic Terns were at Ottawa June ture was far from clear. In Algonquin P P , spread were the sightingsin the June 27-29 1 (RAF). Winter Wrens were coming back, although period that it appears that a significant move- still much reducedin numbers(RT) and this ment occurred at that time. In the s.w., ar- CUCKOOS THROUGH CAPRIMUL- paralleled my own impressionacross the n in rivals on June 27 included Ruddy Turnstone, GIDS--Cuckoos followed their usual ir- June. There were also birds at Rondeau Greater Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher regular pattern of distribution: in the s.w. (PAW) and three singing males at W. Mon- and Least Sandpiper (PAW,DR), and at Yellow-billeds were common but Black- trose (CAC et al.). On the other hand there Whitby a SemipalmatedPlover and Pectoral billeds scarce,except at the Pinery where no were none on the Mattawa or Port Carling Sandpiper appeared June 29 (MB). Ruddy Yellow-billeds were seen, but there were six B.B.S., for the first time in 11 years (CJM) Turnstones, Lesser Yellowlegs and Black-billeds (DM,JM). The latter were com- Long-billed Marsh Wren reports were even Semipalmated Sandpipers were scattered mon in Algonquin P.P., and a Yellow-billed more contradictory, as at B.M. there were through the period--presumably summering was reported there July 27 (RT). The Owl 150 in mid-July (MF) but at Tiny Marsh only individuals. The Piping Plover picture unfor- Rehabilitation and Research Foundation, one was found in 3 days, July 5, 15 & 16 tunately remains unchangedfrom the spring (hereafter, O.R.R.F.), had handled seven (CJM,EAM) and there were only 2-3 at Wye report. The bird's absencefrom Long Pt. was juvenile ScreechOwls to the end of July--a Marsh (FW). There was little new on Caro- recorded for the first time ever, although the closer-to-normal figure, but still below lina Wrens, although a hatch-yearbird was last nesting there was in 1977 (DH). average (KM). Long-eared Owl nests were trapped at P.E.Pt., July 2 (JD), and a bird American Woodcock seemed in no trouble, found on Amherst I. (RDW) and near Orillia over-wintered n. of Bruce's Mines (JK, ftde with 33 on the Pinery B.B.S. alone(DM,JM). (WZ), and two birds were seenat Cambridge TDM). A smallcolony of Short-billedMarsh The Upland Plover picture was mixed, with June 14 (LR,PS) as well as one at Whitefish Wrens was located in Halton Region in May the Kitchener-Waterlooregion reporting 14% June 30 (CGB). There were Short-eared re- (BE,CAC) and one was in Algonquin P P, of last year's population (K.W.F.N.), but ports from more areas than I can ever recall June 24 (JR,RK). there were 18 on the Lambton B.B.S. (DR) before in summer:5 pairs and at least 2 nests and the speciesseemed to be maintaining its at Ottawa from May 25 (RMP), 3 nests on MIMIDS, THRUSHES--Mockingbird numbers in the main parts of its present Wolfe I. (RDW), a nestlingfrom Caledon to reports included a nesting at Ottawa and a range.Two Whimbrelswere seen July 27, one O.R.R.F., June 15 (KM), and at least four pair at Ingersollthroughout (DB). The Pinery at Whitby (MB) and one at Ottawa (JH,BG), birds at Rainy R. in July (KJB,AMcT,PDP). had some unusual Mimid nests:a Gray Cat- where 15 Red Knots the next day (BMD) were At least one Chuck-will's-widow was at bird nest built in and of cattails, and 2 of 5 also noteworthy. Rondeau throughout (PAW). Brown Thrasher nests located on the ground The area around the mouth of Rainy R. (DM,JM). The E. Bluebird picture seemed yielded a string of noteworthy reports this WOODPECKERS--Nests located in the improved: 17 pairs in boxes at Meaford summer: on Aug. 2-4, 600+ Lesser s.w. included those of a Pileated Woodpecker (JCC), four pairs in Waterloo, one on Pelee Yellowlegs were there, together with four at Arkona June 22 (AR), a Red-bellied in the I. (CAC et al.), a pair near Wheatley (PAW), Marbled Godwits and three Am. Avocets Pinery (DM,JM), and at leastthree Hairies in two in the Pinery (DM,JM) and six pairs on (DHE et al.). Details are awaited on a Rondeau (PAW). Elsewhere a Red-bellied the Carden Plain with many sightings reported nestingof the latter species,which was seenat Sibbald Pt., June 4 (BP), a Red- elsewhere. A Mountain Bluebird on the would be the first for Ontario (fide BD), and headedat PeterboroughJune 1 (TW), and a Carden Plain near Darymple L., July 7-Aug

Volume34, Number6 891 8 was unprecedented(JAS). Blue-gray Gnat- eluded a Yellow-rumped nest at Sibbald Pt. AR) and 19 on the Lambton B.B.S. (DR) but catcher nests were found at Wesleyville (BP) and a 9 Connecticut at Long Pt., July few other reports. Henslow's Sparrows con- (ERM) and P.E.Pt. (RDW) with a bird n. to 20 (DH). A Yellow-breastedChat nesting at tinued to decline: the Simcoe County colony Rainy R., July 12-13 (KJB,AMcT,PDP). Rondeau (PAW) established, strangely, the had only four birds, partly owing to cultiva- first proven nesting for the County (fide tion of the field by the Ministry of Natural PIPITS THROUGH VIREOS--At least AHK). Two were calling at Cambridge June Resources. However, a bird was located in two Sprague's Pipits at Rainy R., July 3 14 (CAC et aL). Oro Township, July 18 (CJM). A Rufous- (JL,AG,BD,m.ob.) werethe first-everfor the sided Towhee was recorded in Algonquin Province. Good documentation was received, BLACKBIRDS•There were two suc- June 20 (GH,AM) and the Park had its first but acceptanceto full status as a Provincial cessful Yellow-headed Blackbird nests at proven Lincoln's Sparrow breeding with a record probably hangs on the quality of a B.M. (MF) and a bird was at Taunton July 27 pair feeding young July 30 (GH). tape made of the song in the field. One can (BK,m.ob.). Orchard Orioles nested at only speculateabout the contributionof the Bowmanville and Cambridge as well and, as SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), abnormally dry conditions both there and usual, at Point Pelee, and birds were seen at CONTRIBUTORS (italic) and CITED farther w. to this remarkable influx of Whitby July 17 (PB), Glen Morris June 14 OBSERVERS--D. Asquith, M. Bain, G. westerners. Loggerhead Shrikes gave no (CAC et al.), and the Pinery in mid-June Bennett, C.G. Blomme, P. Bridges, D. causefor cheer:six pairs on the Carden Plain (DM). Four active Brewer's Blackbird col- Bucknell, K.J. Burk, C.A. Campbell, G. -(JAS), 4-5 pairs in the Ottawa area (SG) and onies were located and three nests found in Carpentier, B. Clark, J.C. Clarke, W. Crins, singlesin 3 sitesaround Kingstonconstitute the Bruce Pen.; birds were sighted oc- M.P. Davis, A. Dawe, J. Deane, B.M. the only reports. There were none either on casionally in other areas as well (JWJ). Dilabio, B. Duncan, R.K. Edwards, D.H. the Bruce Peninsula(JWJ) or on Manitoulin Elder, B. Evered, D. Ferguson, M.H. Field, I. (JN). Apparently pairs of White-eyed FINCHES, SPARROWS--After an ab- R.A. Foxall, M. Frak, R. Gairdner, C. Gar- Vireos were present in both Pelee and sence of two summers, Indigo Buntings re- ton, B. Garvin, J. Gates, Stephen Gawn, Rondeau. Yellow-throated Vireos nest- turned as commonbreeding birds to Highway C.E. Goodwin, A. Gray, B. Gray (BGr), J. building at Windfall L., Manitoulin I., were 60 in Algonquin P.P. (RT), and the species Harris, G. Henson, N. Hordy, E. beyondthe n. limit of the species'range (DF): was also reported as much more numerous on Hunsberger, D. Hussell, W.R. Jarmain, R: ironically none were recorded in the Bruce the Bruce Pen. (JWJ). The House Finch suc- John, J.W. Johnson, J. Keast, A.H. Kelley, Pen. (JWJ). SoutherlySolitary Vireos were in cess story continues: no information was J.A. Kelley, B. Kern, D.J. Kerr, R. song at Hilton Falls in June (CAC,BE,WC), receivedon the only establishedpopulation at Kingswood(RKi), Kitchener-WaterlooField Sauble Falls June 28 and Miller L., July 23 Niagara-on-the-Lake, but the speciesnested Naturalists, R. Knapton, J. Lamey, L.de K. (JWJ). at Kingston, with at least 3 families, and six Lawrence, M. Lemon, N. LeVay, C.J. Mac- adults and seven young seen simultaneously Fayden, E.A. MacFayden, P. MacKenzie, D. WARBLERS•The Pinery had a host of (BGr,HQ et aL). Another pair raised several Martin, T.D. Marwood, J. McCauley, E.R. noteworthy warblers apparently on territory: young at St. Thomas (RKi, MHF), breeding McDonald, K. McKeever, A. McTavish, R.J. a Golden-winged singing June 16, and a was suspectedat Toronto (m.ob.), and a bird Miller, A. Mills, J. Mountjoy (JMo), multi- Magnolia, three Ceruleans, 20+ Pines, was presentthroughout at Ottawa (BC). This ple observers(m.ob.), J. Nicholson, P. Nut- five+ Prairies, and a Canada July 1 explosion in the species'population is par- tall, S. O'Donnell, B. Parker, S. Peruniak, (DM,JM). A natural areas survey in nearby ticularly interesting in the light of the high R.M. Poulin, P.D. Pratt, H. Quilliam, J. Thedford yielded still more, with another numbers noted in last winter's Appalachian Reynolds, A. Rider, M. Roinila, D. Ruch Magnolia, a N. Parula, and a Hooded (fide Region report. Another expanding species, (DRc), D. Rupert, D. Russell (DRI), L. AR). Golden-winged Warblers were wide- Clay-colored Sparrow, establisheda new col- Rutherford, D.C. Sadlet, J.A. Satterly, M. spread, from Rainy R., where one was band- ony at Tiny Marsh with two males (CJM), Scholz, D. Scott, P. Staite, G. Thorn, R. ed Aug. 2 (DHE et al.) to Tobermory June 9 and nesting was confirmed at P.E.Pt., July Tozer, L. Wensley, R.D. Weir, C. Weseloh, (JWJ), Algonquin, where they are now 20, the first for Kingston (RDW). A F. Westman, B. White, T. Wilson, P.A. regular on the e. side(fide RT), and colonies Grasshopper Sparrow was reported from Woodliffe, A. Wormington, W. Zufelt.-- of 12 near Peterborough(GC et al.) and 35 + Thunder Bay June 22 (MR,CG,NH) and in CLIYE E. GOODWIN, 11 Westbank Cresc., at Kingston(RKE). Other warbler reports in- the s. there were six pairs at Thedford (fide Weston, Ontario, Canada, M9P 1S4.

NIAGARA--CHAMPLAIN New Yorkers, in the initial year of their GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL-- Atlas effort, mobilized over 700 observersin Tardy Horned Grebes were recorded at Der- REGION their effort to cover some 5000 blocks. by Hill, Dead Creek, and Ithaca, N.Y., June /Douglas P. Kibbe Although only about 650 blockswere covered 1, 13 & July 13, respectively. Double-crested this summer, the enthusiastic response Cormorants continue to occur regularly on Most of the Region sweltered through the elicited has convinced all but the most scep- the L. Champlain Islands, still without hottest, driest summer in history, although tical of the ultimate successof this mammoth evidence of breeding. The Region's only certain local areas experienced sufficient undertaking. nesting colony, on Little Galloo Island in e. cold, wet spellsin June to causesome nestling Workers in both mortality. The heat wave and drought in the states are urged to South may have been responsiblefor a small keep careful records influx of wading birds, but in general, few of clutch size, and all weather-related occurrences were noted. egg, nestling, and The real news this summer was that of the fledgling dates. progress made on the Vermont and New These data are of im- York stateBreeding Bird Atlas Projects. Ver- mense value in any monters, now in their fourth year, achieved discussions of the re- partial coverageof all priority "blocks" with productive param- a majority of the blocks now satisfyingthe eters of species ; previously-selected arbitrary completion populations, but •' level, at least75 speciesper block with 50 per- withthe passing of •,• cent confirmed as breeders. Efforts during oology, are seldom the f'mal year will concentrate on blocks noted or reported by which failed to meet this standard. today's birders.

892 American Birds, November 1980 L. Ontario, is presumably the source of the flying toward Marcellus, N.Y., June 19 Bergen Swamp and was sigh'ted(and taped) at perennial host of New York sightings. (MR). Summer brought the usual array of Ithaca. While the speciesmay be a newcomer Southern herons made one of the strongest shorebird late-departureand/or early arrival to many regional observers, it occurred showings in recent years. Little Blue Herons dates (depending on the birds' direction of regularly on the Ontario lake plains and m appeared at Basic Res. (a belated report, May flight or the dispositionof the observer). The the Finger Lakes region severaldecades ago 17, fide RG), and Kendall, an immature July following represent some of the more in- It is doubtful (contra Bull 1975, '76 "Birds of 18 (MD, WL). At least 14 Cattle Egret nests teresting records: four Whimbrel at Brad- New York State") that it was ever truly extlr- were found on the L. Champlain Is. Surpris- dock Bay July 17 (RC et al.): an Am. Golden pated from the state or that it was absent ingly, this adaptive newcomerto the Region's Plover at Montezuma N.W.R., July 9; from L. Erie plains, as the dearth of records breeding avifauna has been virtually unre- Solitary Sandpiper--many n. Vermont from that area seemsto imply. ported from the w. half of the Region in re- sightingsduring first week of July; Lesser The status of the Cliff Swallow seems cent years. Great Egrets made a strong post- Yellowlegs, 120 at Buffalo July 12 (B.O.S.) something of an enigma in the Region, with breeding incursion throughout the Region, the best of many reported that week; a • colonies widespread and thriving in the e but the number of (presumably) non- Ruff at Montezuma N.W.R., July 14; a portion but sparse and struggling in the w breeding summer residents remains well Short-billed Dowitcher at Buffalo July 3; two half. Over 1000 nests were counted on Robert below that typical of a decade ago. One or breedingoplumaged Stilt Sandpipers at Moses Dam at Massena (LC). Ithaca's Fish more Snowy Egrets lingered in Vermont Montezuma N.W.R., July 14 (DS) and Crow colony now hosts three pair (fide DM) through mid-June and post-breedingwander- another July 31 at Shelburne, Vt. (BF) where and two were seen as far n. as Cementon in ers began to appear throughout the Region the speciesis consideredvery rare. Although the Hudson R. Valley in April (fide RG) during the last week of July. An imm. Yel- Wilson's Phalaropeswere again spotted dur- Despite a host of winter reports, Tufted Tit- low-crowned Night Heron was carefully ob- ing the breeding season--June 9 at Hamlin, mice, which forsake feeders and turn relative- served and sketchedin Ithaca (DS) and an June 11 at Chili, July 20 at Buffalo, and July ly silent when nesting, were confirmed breed- adult appeared briefly on Pt. Pleasant in 29 at Westport--no evidenceof breedingwas ing at only one Vermont locality. Short-billed OswegoCounty (JK,FS,GS) June 24. Upstate found. Marsh Wrens were found at only one Ver- mont and four New York locations. New York's first White Ibis, an immature, An imm. Glaucous Gull appeared at Par- was studied from 30 yards at Braddock Bay ma June 20 (MD), establishingthe Region's July 18 by an early-rising observer (MD) and first mid-summer record. A California Gull MIMIDS THROUGH VIREOS--A hardy the seasoh'sonly Glossy appeared nearby at appearedbriefly July 7 & 8 at Rochester(MS Mockingbird was found at 1700 ft near Hunt- Hamlin June 3 & 4 (KG,MD). Reports of lag- et al.). An imm. Laughing Gull visited ington, Vt. (JA). Unprecedented was the re- gard waterfowl included the usual scattered Charlotte, Vt. (MD et al.) in late July. Ap- appearance of the Varied Thrush at the observations of Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead parently four separate Franklin's Gulls were Athens, Vt., feeding station June 14 (fide and Oldsquaw along with one Whistling sighted at Ithaca during July (DS, DM et al.) DC). Two Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Letch- Swan at Montezuma N.W.R., June 22. and two others were found near Rochester in worth S.P., June 1 (G.O.S.) were, presum- June. This species has a long history of ably, very late migrants, since there are no HAWKS THROUGH GROUSE--The regular passage through the Niagara Falls confirmed New York breeding records out- Braddock Bay hawk watch, again monitored area, but has only recently begun to appear in side the Adirondacks. An intrepid observerin through June, set another record of 38,800 c. New York. Although non-breeding w. New York (VP) who this year found and birds with all-time highs for three species: Bonaparte's Gulls regularly summer in New studied over 500 nestsof 61 speciesprovides 6271 Sharp-shinned; 2823 Red-tailed; and York, a bird on Vermont's Kent Pond July 22 some insight into the hazards of being a nest- 24,204 Broad-winged hawks (L&NM). A (MBD) was apparently a state first. An alar- ling Cedar Waxwing. Over 65 percent of 56 Golden Eagle "cruising across" KeeneValley ming report that there were no successful nests documentedwere lost to predation It July 10 (HK), constitutedthe only report of Com. Tern colonies in U.S. waters in e.L. would be interesting to compare this preda- this rare Adirondack breeder. Sibling Bald Ontario was received (GS), but St. Lawrence tion rate with that experienced by earlier- Eagles "hacked" to the wild from R. colonies were reported to be increasing nesting species in similar scrub habitats Montezuma N.W.R. in 1976 made national (LC). A max. count of 31 Caspian Terns at Although Loggerhead Shrikes were reported news again when they paired at the tender age Ithaca (DS) was very good. from 6 L. Ontario plains locations, a single of 4 yearsand successfullyfledged one of two known successful nesting was less than hatchlings. Back at Montezuma, a pair of heartening. Atlas workers produced a couple Ospreys made news by establishingc. New CUCKOOS THROUGH WRENS--An in- more "probable" breeding Philadelphia York's first active nest and then proceeding flux of Black-billed Cuckoos in c. Vermont Vireos in the Green and Adirondack Mts, to harassthis year's participants in the eagle- was noted in late June (WN). A Barn Owl and a pair of birds feeding young responded hacking program. A single Peregrine Falcon celebratedJuly 4 at Chili (JS et al.). Far fewer almost instantly to a tape-recording in the visited Sandbar W.M.A., July 27 (M&SM). Screech Owls than expected were reported. Northeast Kingdom, Vt. (FO et al.). Gray Partridge sightingsfrom the Massena Observers are encouraged to use tapes to area were up slightly (LC). elicit responsesfrom what is probably our most abundant raptor, if they hope to ade- WARBLERS THROUGH SPARROWS-- SoA. quately delineateits distributionand relative Belated reports were received(fide RG) of an Although the spruce forests surround- abundance. Reports of single Long-eared extralimital Prothonotary Warbler at Ghent lng Moose Bog appeared well on their way Owls at Massena and Delhi provided the only May 17-19 and a Yellow-throated Warbler at to preservationfrom lumbering when the records of this secretive denizen of our con- E. Glenville May 9. One tireless Vermont Vermont Fish and Game Department ac- ifer stands and swamps. Shortoeared Owls atlaser (WE) again maintained records of all quired the property, plans are apparently "seemed to be everywhere there was a warblers seen. The following percentagesare brewing to clear-cut portions to provide wetland" on the lake plains e. of L. Ontario based on nearly 2200 observations made this habitat for white-tailed deer. This action, (LC) and breeding was finally confirmed in year in 27 blocks scattered throughout the to be taken in a state already overrun with Vermont. Owing to increased observer state: 24% Corn. Yellowthroat; 12-13% Am deer, will result in the degradationof one coverage, several Black-backed Three-toed Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler; 8-9% of the state'slast SpruceGrouse breeding Woodpeckers were found at a new site near Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird; 3-5% Yellow- areas. Sincethis is the only portion of the Island Pond and a Northern was present at rumped, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, species'breeding range currently afforded Indian Falls in the Adirondacks. Yellow- Black-and-white, Canada, and Blackburman any protection in the state, the clearcut- bellled Flycatchers continued, as usual, to Warbler; <3% Black-throated Green, ting may even result in the eventual extir- migrate well into June. Acadian Flycatchers Nashville, Blackpoll and Mourning Warbler, pation of the speciesfrom Vermont. were found at a number of locations in N. Parula, N. and Louisiana Waterthrush, Chautauqua County (SE) with singing males and Golden-winged Warbler. While these "every 100 to 150 yards" in some appropriate percentagesare probably a closerapproxima- RALLIDAE THROUGH LARIDAE--A bottomland forest breeding habitats (M J). tion of the true relative abundance of these crane, presumably a Sandhill, was observed Further n. and e. the speciesnested again in speciesin the entire state than those presented

Volume 34, Number 6 893 earlier (/lB 31:1138 and 32:1158) they may somewheredeep in the woods south (?) of Bird Club, J. Allen, R. Andde, D. Bassett, still reflect biases associated with differential Maidstone Lake. Yellow-breasted Chats were W. Benning, Buffalo Ornithological Society habitat coverage(e.g. Blackpollsare limited reported from half a dozen w. New York (B.O.S.), L. Burton, J.C. Cannon, J. Car- to mountaintopconifer standsand probably localities. roll, L. Chamberlain, D. Clark, R. Clark, M. are slightlyoverrepresented in this sample). Western Meadowlarks lingeredin at least 2 Davids, M.B. Drake, J. Dye, M.C. Dye, S. localities near Rochester during June Eaton, W. Ellison, B. Farrell, Genesee Or- A singing N. Parula at Montezuma (G.O.S., R.B.A.). Rusty Blackbirdnumbers nithologicalSociety (G.O.S.), K. Griffith, R. N.W.R. would, had breeding been confirm- remained far below normal at all known Guthrie, High Peaks Audubon Society, M. ed, have marked the first nesting record in w. breedingareas in Vermont. An ardentbut un- Jones, J. Kidney, H. Kingery, W. Listman, New York in 2 decades. The decline of mated Dickcissel spent June at Letchworth M. & S. Maurer, D. Mcllroy, M.F. Metcalf, regionalpopulations, due to acid rain which S.P. (DB, m.ob.). Equally in vain were the L. & N. Moon, W. Norse, F. Oatman, Onon- kills the nesting substrate Usnea lichens, has displays of a Clay-colored Sparrow near daga Audubon Society(O.A.S.), V. Pitzrick, been addressedby this editor previously(see Willsboro June 18-July 14 (m.ob.) and a C. Rimmet, Rochester Birding Association AB 33(6):831). Many observersare unaware White-crowned Sparrow which tarried at (R.B.A.), M. Rusk, F. Scheider,D. Sibley, J. of the magnitude of migration which occurs Braddock Bay through June (R.B.A.). Skelly, G. Smith, P. Smith, R. Spahn, T. in July and early August--witnessthe 150 Sterrett, M. Sunderland, S. Taylor, Vermont Yellow Warblers at hhaca's Steward Park Institute of Natural Science.--DOUGLAS P. July 22 (DS). Bay-breasted Warblers were CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND KIBBE, Box 422, Saxtons River, Vermont. finally confirmed breeding in Vermont, CITED OBSERVERS--Alleghan• County 05154.

APPALACHIAN REGION abated. Hooded Mergansers raised young at summer at Warren, Pa. (H J), and there were Warren, Pa. (BH), and one was seen at L. June records from Alan SeegerNatural Area, / George A. Hall Chillisquaque, Pa., July 31 (SS). Goshawks Centre Co., Pa., and at Pittsburgh (MR), raised two young near State College, Pa. both well s. of the birds' normal range. This It was generally a benign summer for the (RW) and one was seenat Powdermill Nature specieswas quite scarce in its normal breed- bird, if not always for the birder, and most Reserve, Pa., (hereafter, P.N.R.), June 5 ing range on Roan Mt., Tenn. (GE), Mt. areas reported successful nesting seasons. (RCL). In recent years the Sharp-shinned Rogers, Va. (FS}, and the Cheat Mts. of June was slightly cooler than normal in the Hawk has been almost entirely limited to the W.Va. (GAH). A Hermit Thrush nest on Mt. north; to the south and east the month was higher mountains as a nesting species. This Rogers May 28 provided the second docu- hot. July was much warmer than normal year one pair fledged young near Knoxville mented nesting for Virginia (PSh). The spe- throughout. June was drier than normal (JT), and at another location there was one cies is increasing in that area at the extreme s. seen carrying food part of its range. The specieswas common in Y' (JH).There was also a its normal breeding area in n. Pennsylvania possible nesting near (RFL) and the Cheat Mts., W.Va. (GAH), Watauga L., Tenn. and singing males were heard in Snyder (GE), and there were County, Pa., July 4 (SS) and near State Col- many more reports lege, Pa., June 21 (RW & SB). Two singingc• than usual throughout Swainson's Thrushes were located on Mt. e. Tennessee (LTu, Rogers, Va. (PSh), but this speciesis not in- GE). Upland Sand- creasing there. pipers continue to in- In its normal nesting range the Golden- crease S in the Great crowned Kinglet is making only a slow come- Valley. back from the mortality causedby recentcold Two singing c• winters, and this year it did not nest on Yellow-bellied Fly- Laurel Ridge, Westmoreland Co., Pa. catchers were again (RCL); but there were two nestingswell s. of found on Mt. Rogers, its normal range: R.B. Winter S.P., Union Va., the third year Co., Pa. (SS) and near Colyet L., Centre there (PSh, FS). Also Co., Pa. (RW & SB). Both of theseoccurred in the Mt. Rogers in non-native spruce plantations. There were area, above 4800 ft, severalsummer reports of Nashville Warblers about 11 pairs of out of normal range: June I 1, State College, A• Alder Flycatchers Pa. (DB); 2 other locations near State Col- OCF.•Iq werethought to be lege, June 16& 26 and July 2 (RW); one, pos- present, and one nest sibly a juvenile seen in Wyoming County, was found (FS). Alder Pa., July 24 (SS); and 2 reports from the everywhere, but most of the Region experi- Flycatchers also nested successfully above Rockingham County, Va. area in June (LT). enceda very wet July (an excessof 2.91 in. of 5000 ft on Roan Mt., Tenn. (GE). Lowland Single Yellow-rumped Warblers were seenat rain at Pittsburgh) which usheredin the wet- records for this speciescame from Edinboro, Presque Isle S.P., Pa., June 2 (DS) and test late summer on record. However, in the Pa. (DS) and Union City, Pa. (JM), Butler Leeper, Pa., in July (LC), and the pioneering east the whole season was dry, and many County, Pa. (PH), and most remarkably population on Gaudineer Knob, W.Va., ap- cropsdid not develop normally. from Washington County, Pa. (SSi). The parently was reducedagain to one pair, after This account is organized, as it was last Willow Flycatcher continues to do well, and having beenup to three in 1978(GAH). Mag- summer, on the basisof severaltopics of in- was reported as common in the lowlandsnear nolia Warblers continue to increase in the s. terest, followed by a listing of the more un- Mt. Rogers, Va. (FS). areas which they have recently entered. A usual speciesin taxonomicorder. Black-cappedChickadees have moved into Canada Warbler summered in Zaleski S.F., the Mt. Rogers area in the last decade, and Vinton Co., O. (JP). SOUTHWARD BREEDING RANGE EX- were found to be common above 3500 ft in There is a permanent population of Red TENSIONS-These accounts have long em- June (FS). The speciesnested at about 3000 ft Crossbills in the s. mountains, but until this phasizedthe trend for n. speciesto extend in Shenandoah County, Va. (RSi). A pair of year there had been no definite nesting rec- their rangesS, and this trend continuesun- Red-breasted Nuthatches came to a feeder all ord. This year four young fledgedfrom a nest

894 AmericanBirds, November1980 on Reddish Knob, Va. (R.B.C.). Other cross- 51 counted on a B.B.S. route in n. West Vir- Co., O. (JP), and at Elizabethton, Tenn, 2 bill recordsof note were: a bird of the year ginia (tied with robin for secondmost abun- nestsfledged 5-7 young (GE). banded at State College, Pa., July 25 (first dant species)--(RB) but they were low in White lbises,all immatures,were unusual- summer record)--(MW), a juvenile seen on numbersat Pittsburgh(PH), P.N.R. (RCL), ly abundantfor thisRegion. One waspresent Whitetop Mr., Va., June 12 (LT & NM), and Morgantown (GAH). near Dalton, Ga., for 2 months(AH & HD) s•ghtingsat two locations in Rockingham The grassland sparrows continue to do There were 4 reports from Tennessee Wa- County, Va. (LT), and in the Chattahoochee poorly in most places.In w. Pennsylvaniait tauga L., one July 20-29 (GE); Kingston,one N.F., Ga., July 29 (HD). was felt that this was not due to habitat de- July 16-31 (PP & SJS); Clinton, one July terioration (PH), but I suspectthat in most 22-31 (LTu et al.); and Surgoinsville,five Ju- NORTHWARD BREEDING RANGE casesthis is the cause.Wise County Virginia ly 5 (WJ & GR); and 3 reportsfrom Virginia EXTENSIONS--While many of the s. spe- joins the small group of areas where Grass- Botetourt County, July 20 (BO), Roanoke, ciesare moving N, and are increasingin their hopper Sparrowsare increasingin new habi- two July 29 (SN, E&HM), and near Staun- new range (i.e. Red-bellied Woodpecker and tat provided by recoveredstrip mines. The ton, one July 31 (fide YL). Mockingbird), this movement has not pro- Savannah Sparrow was missing from the duced as many exciting new records as have Chilhowie area of s.w. Virginia where a WATERFOWL AND RAPTORS--A the S expansions. There were a few news- V.S.O. foray had locatedthem in 1974(FS). Mute Swan was seenin Snyder County, Pa, worthy events:the first breeding seasonrec- June 7 (SS) and another was at Bald Eagle ords for the Chuck-will's-widow at Roanoke, EXTRAORDINARY DATES--There was S.P., Pa., July 27 (K J). The introducedpop- Va., were establishedby a road kill June 1, an unusualrash of late sightingsof springmi- ulationsof CanadaGoose in w. Pennsylvania and a singingbird June 2 (Bhu & NM). The grants, as well as early sightings of fall mi- had a very successfulbreeding season. Fish Crow has been steadilyadvancing up the grants. Early June dates can be assignedto Turkey Vultures nestedin Warren County, Susquehannadrainage in Pennsylvaniafor stragglingspring birds, and July datescan be Pa. (TG), which is approachingthe n. limit of many years, and although it occurred in be- assumedto designateearly fall birds, but the range locally. The consensuswas that low normal numbersat Lock Haven (PS), it what can one infer from late June dates? most of the Buteosare doing quite well, and was reported as being present at State Col- Common Loons were reported from Wa- in particular the Red-shouldered Hawk oc- lege, Pa., all summer (RW). tauga L., Tenn., June I (GE), L. Chillisqua- curred in unusuallygood numbers(e.g, the A "Brewster's" type warbler was found at que, Pa., June I (SS), Warren, Pa., June 7, five listed on a Wise County, Va., B B S about 3000 ft in the Canaan Valley, W.Va. (JS), Butler County, Pa., June 12 (RBy), route comparedwith a usualone--RP) (DK). If the Blue-wingedWarbler has suc- SomersetCounty, Pa., July 22-31 (G & RS), ceededin reachingthis area it may be "bye- and Hanover, Pa., July 31 (RH). A Horned RAILS AND SHOREBIRDS--Virginia bye chrysoptera" since it had been thought Grebe was at Presque Isle S.P., Pa., June 2- Rails were reported from Montour County, that the Golden-wingedWarbler might find 17 (JF). Unusual dates for waterfowl sight- Pa., June 3 and Northumberland County, its final refuge at the higher elevations.Other ings included: Pintail, Roanoke, July 15-17 Pa., July 3 (SS), Conneaut Marsh, Crawford hybrid warblers in the normal range of the (MP); Blue-winged Teal, Clarke' County, Co., Pa., one June 14 and six July 16 (RFL), Golden-winged were at State College, Pa., Va., pair seenthrough June (RSi), Kingston, a juvenile at Saltville, Va., July 25 (TD), June 16 (RW), and Union County, Pa., June Tenn., three present in July (fide LTu); Clarke County, Va., all summer (RSi) and 5 (SS), but one in Ohio County, W.Va., dur- Green-winged Teal, Presque Isle S.P., Pa., Berkeley Springs, W.Va., July 17 (RS0 ing late May to mid-June (BB & GP) was in July 21 (JM); Ring-neckedDuck, two males Soras were also reported from Northumber- the normal range of the Blue-winged. all summerat Kingston, Tenn. (SJS & B$); LesserScaup, summeredat Kingston (SJS & land County, Pa. (SS), Conneaut,Pa. (RFL) and Clarke County, Va. (RSi). BLUE LIST AND "DISASTER" SPE- BS); Ruddy Duck, State College, Pa., July 29 SingleCorn. Snipewere seennear Stuart's CIES--Red-cockaded Woodpeckers nested (MW); and Bufflehead, Wilbur L., Tenn., Draft, Va., June 25 (LT) and July 11 (TR) successfully in Great Smoky Mountains June 15-22 (GE). Both datesseem much too early for migrants N.P., the first nestingthere since 1965 (CN), The w. Pennsylvania region produced a of this species,but it is not known to nest in and a singlebird was seenin Campbell Coun- series of unusual sighting dates: Tennessee this area. ty, Tenn., June 3 (CN). The Bald Eagle nest- Warbler, PittsburghJune 5 (DF); Cape May The early arrivals of the fall shorebird mi- •ngs in Crawford County, Pa., raised four Warbler, PittsburghJune 7 (DF); Blackburn- gration appearedthe third weekof July, the young (RFL), and sightingswere reported Jan Warbler, Washington County June 12 earliestdate beingJuly 15 at PresqueIsle, Pa (SSi); Pine Grosbeak, New KensingtonJune from Sullivan County, Pa., July 30 (SS), There were a number of unusual records Cumberland, Md., several times during the 22-23 (PR) and Pine Siskin, New Kensington besidesthe yellowlegsand "peep": Whim- season(KH), Clarke County, Va., at least 3 throughoutJune (PR). An EveningGrosbeak brel, Presquelsle July 22 (DS), eight Short- s•ghtings(RSi), Norris L., Tenn., one adult was seen in Crawford County, Pa., July 7 billed Dowitchers, Presque lsle July 15 through the season(JH) and Cherokee L., (JM). (RFL), dowitchersp., Waynesboro,Va., July Tenn., one adult and one immature July 28 29 (MH), and Clinton, Tenn., July 22 & 23 (WJ & GR). CORMORANTS, HERONS AND IBISES (LTu et al.,), Red Knot, RoanokeJuly 28-30, The Carolina Wren has returned to normal --There were three reports of Double-crested first local record (MP), Sanderling,Clinton, numbersin the southbut hasmade only slight Cormorants: from Bald Eagle S.P., Pa., Tenn., July 22 (CN & DH) and Kingston, headwayin the north. The Winter Wren pop- June 21 (CH), Churchville, Va., June 28-29 Tenn., July 27 (LTu), White-rumped Sand- ulations are back to normal in the normal (CC) and Blacksburg,Va., July 9 (CR). piper, Presquelsle July 26 (JF), and Am range, and three singing males at Ohiopyle, There was apparently the greatest late sum- Avocet, Princeton, W.Va., July 28 (JPh), Pa., July 19, were slightly out of normal mer flight of the Great Egret that has oc- Stilt Sandpiper,Roanoke July 22-30, with a fringe(PS), but one found in Lewis County, curred in the years that these accountshave peak count of 12, July 29 (JPa). W.Va., in early June (B.B.C.) was probably been written. Some 15 locations scattered only a straggler.There were only two reports throughout the Region from Lock Haven, of Bewick's Wren: Lewis County, W.Va. Pa., to Dalton, Ga., reported exceptionally GULLS AND TERNS--Lake Erie at Pres- (B.B.C. Foray) and Grayson Highlands S.P., good numbers.Snowy Egrets were reported que Isle producedits usualgood gull records Va., June 11 & 12 (FS et al.). The E. Bluebird from Presque lsle S.P., Pa., June 2 (DS), LaughingGull June22 (JM), Franklin's Gull has made very little recovery from winter SusquehannaRiver near Harrisburg, July 27 July 31 (JM), and Great Black-backedGull mortality. At Warren, Pa., the 200 boxes of (SS), and Watauga L., Tenn., July 18 & 20 July 15 (RFL). More unusual were the Great Operation Bluebird fledged approximately (GE). Little Blue Herons were seenat State Black-backedGull at Bald Eagle S.P., Pa, 400 youngbirds comparedwith former years College, Pa., June I (CS), Hocking County, June 1 (JW) and June 30 (MW), the first local when each box averaged about three birds O., July 8-31 (JP), Clinton, Tenn., up to summer records, and the Laughing Gull at fledged(WH). There were mixed reports of eight July 14+ (LTu et al.), Surgoinsville, Kingston,Tenn., June24 (BS & RBe). Yellow-breastedChats. They were common Tenn. (WJ & GR), and Knoxville, July 5 Forster's Terns were reported from Pres- •n Lewis County, W.Va., (B.B.C.) and at (PP). A pair of Yellow-crownedNight Her- que Isle, June2 & 8 (DS), L. Logan, Hocking State College, Pa. (RW) with a phenomenal onsraised three young at L. Logan, Hocking Co., O., June28-July I (JP), and Bald Eagle

Volume 34, Number 6 895 S P., Pa., July 5 (CH). CaspianTerns were at Pa., all through July (SS). A Short-balled Beck (RBe), Ralph Bell (RB), Scott Bills, PresqueIsle June 8 (DS) and July 15 (RCL). Marsh Wren was at Karthaus, Clearfield Co., Dorothy Bordner, Brooks Bird Club Pa., June 2 (PS). (B.B.C.), Rich Byers (RBy), Lois Callahan, C. Cottingham, Tony Decker, Harriett OWLS AND WOODPECKERS--At Lock VIREOS, WARBLERS AND FINCHES-- DiGioia, Glen Eller, Jim Flynn, David Free- Haven, Pa., the Barn Owl seemsto be doing A White-eyed Vireo was at JerseyShore, Pa., land, Norris Gluck, Ted Grisez, Ann Hamil- well (PS) but only 2 nestscould be found near June 1 (PS), while Solitary Vireos at Union ton, Charles Handley, Mozelle Henkel, Paul Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE). The ScreechOwl City, Erie Co., Pa., June 18 & July 4&7 (JM) Hess, William Highhouse, Bill Hill (BH), has still not recovered from the decimation of were well out of summer range. A Prothono- Kendrick Hodgdon, Rick Hollis, Joseph recent winters. A Long-eared Owl was seen tary Warbler summeredin Hocking County, Howell, Bill Hundley (BHu), Wesley James, near Townville, Crawford County, Pa., July O., (JP) while Swainson'sWarblers were re- Harris Johnson,Katherine Jones, Douglas 4 (RFL & ML). SummeringSaw-whet Owls ported from Roanoke County, Va., three Kibbe, Barry Kinzie, YuLee Larner, Mary were found in the Canaan Valley, W.Va., in singingmales, June 1-6, the first local record Leberman, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F early June (DK), Great Smoky Mts. N.P., Ju- (NM), and for the second season in a row Leberman, Jerry McWilliams (JM), Nor- ly 2 (MO), and on Whitetop, Va., June 13 from Wilbur L., Tenn. (GE). wood Middleton, Clark Miller, Ernest & (LT et al.). Blue Grosbeaks were reported from Hazel Moore, JohnMurray (JMu), SallyNel- The Whip-poor-will continuesto disappear Blacksburg, Va., July 7 & 22 (JMu), from son, Chuck Nicholson, Mark Oberle, Bill from areas where it was once common. The Lyndhurst, Va., in late July (RS), and in Opergari,John Pancake (JPa), Paul Pardue, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker formerly nested Clarke and Frederick counties, Va., they Richard Peake, Glen Phillips, Jim Phillips throughout the higher elevationsof this Re- were more commonthan normal (RSi), but (JPh), John Pogacnik (JP), Frank Preston, gion, but in the last 30 years they have grad- farther s. in Shenandoah County they were Mike Purdy, Tom Rapp, Greg Reed, Pat ually disappeared. Thus 2 summer records below the numbersof recent years (R.B.C.). Rittman, Curtis Roane, Rockingham Bird from Wyoming and Sullivan counties, Pa., Small colonies of Dickcissels were found near Club (R.B.C.), M. Roush, Glen & Ruth were encouraging(SS). Woodstock, Va., and in Shenandoah Coun- Sager,Conrad Schmidt, Paul Schwalbe(PS), ty, Va. (RSi), and one male was seenin Au- Fred Scott,Phil Shelton(PSh), RobertSimp- FLYCATCHERS, BLUE JAYS AND gusta County, Va., July 3-8 (LT). The House son (RSi), Sam Sinderson(SSi), Don Snyder, WRENS--A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was Finch expansion continues without let up. Ruth Snyder, Stanley Stahl (SS), Barbara found at Staunton, Va., July 29 (LT & YL). Nestinghas now beenreported from through- Stedman,Stephen J. Stedman(SJS), James At State College, Pa., it was felt that the Blue out the Region n. of s. Tennessee,and at Stevenson, James Tanner, Leonard Teuber Jay population was down, and that the State College, Pa., a total of 554 young (LT), Linda Turner (LTu), Virginia Society nesting successwas low. A banding station House Fincheswere banded in June and July for Ornithology (V.S.O.), James Wharton, there which had been averaging 32 young in one backyard station (MW). A Sharp- David White, Cora Williams, Rick Wiltraut, Blue Jays/year banded only 13 this summer tailed Sparrow was seen at Montandon Merrill Wood.--GEORGE A. HALL, Divi- (MW). Marsh, Pa., June 10 (SS). sion of Forestry (Mail Address-Department Long-billed Marsh Wrens were seen at of Chemistry)West Virginia University, Mor- Montandon Marsh, Northumberland Co., CONTRIBUTORS--Bill Beatty, Robert gantown, West Virginia 26506.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES There were few wanderers from other REGION areas and even the takeofthe Woods . /Daryl D. Tessen previous years' move- ment of southern

While early June was cool, the duration of speciesinto the Region ULT STE MARIE the period was characterizedby very warm proved somewhat temperatures (90ø-100øF) and a seemingly diminished this year. endlessprocession of thunderstorms,many The best birds in this of which were severe. Strong winds, heavy quiet summer proved rains and often hail accompanied most to be two Black- storms.An especiallysevere storm hit Esca- necked Stilts that naba, Michigan, during the first week in lingered for a week June, causingconsiderable property damage. during mid-June in However without a doubt the worst storm of Michigan. Wisconsin the season struck a four county area (Eau had a Lazuli Bunting Claire, Chippewa, Dunn and Pierce) in wes- in early June and a tern Wisconsinthe night of July 15. Winds in sightingof a Mississip- excessof 110 mph were recorded at Eau pi Kite and Arctic Claire. Damage to property was extensive, Tern. Minnesota had approaching- 250 million dollars. As the its first summer Cin- storm hit after the prime nestingperiod the namon Teal and effect on the bird populationwas undoubted- nesting record for the Wilson's Warbler. [In the account below italicized names in- ly m•nimal. Also noteworthy was the unusually early dicate counties.] Exceptions to the warm, wet summer in- movementof variousboreal warbler species, LOONS THROUGH IBISES--South of cluded northwestern Minnesota where a especiallyin Minnesota. This movementwas its normal summerrange was an ad. Com drought that commencedduring a dry winter more unusualthis year than last owing to the Loon during June and an immature during and spring becamefirmly entrenchedwith a considerablyprolonged warm temperatures June-Julyat Devil's Lake S.P., Wis. (KL) rainless summer in that part of the state. during July. Many reporters lamented the Five late migratingRed-throated Loons were Total crop failures were common and many lack of shorebird habitat. For much of the at Wisconsin Pt., Superior, Wis., June 6 wetlandsdried up. Michigan had a more nor- Region a combinationof a drier springthat (RJO). In Wisconsin1-3 pairsof Red-necked mal weather pattern with only occasional enabled farmers to plant crops in normally Grebes nestedat Grassy L., Columbia, and periods of heat and localized heavy rainfall. flooded fields along with excessivesummer Oakridge L., St. Croix, with the Rush L. col- For the third consecutive summer there was rains that arrived too late caused the absence ony doing extremelywell as indicatedby the little excitement generated ornithologically. of suitable habitat. 45-50 adults/young counted during June-

896 American Birds, November 1980 July. Five Horned Grebes were on the Shia- couraging.For examplethe Goshawk had 15 Avocets at Salt L., Lac Qui Parle. Unfor- wassee N.W.R., Mich., June 30 (MJ). An confirmednests, including one unusuallys. in tunately heavy rains in early June destroyed Eared Grebe summered in the Milwaukee Juneau. Other specieshaving a highly suc- all three nests. harbor (m.ob.) while one was found across cessfulseason were the Sharp-shinned,Red- the lake in the sewageponds in Muskegon shouldered, Broad-winged (and most en- GULLS THROUGH TERNS--Michigan June 25 & July 5 (GW, JPon). Two White couragingly) the Cooper's hawks (TE). had at least six Great Black-backed Gulls dur- Pelicans moved around the s. tip of Green Equally heartening was the marked increase ing late July in the Monroe marshes. Two Bay, Wis., June 10-July 1 (TE, JT). The in Bald Eagle and Osprey productivity. The Laughing and one Franklin's gulls were Double-crestedCormorant picture continues preliminary WisconsinD.N.R. survey show- found at St. Joseph June 4 (WB). For to brighten in Wisconsinwith 8, possibly9, ed 230 eagle young this year, the most ever Wisconsin, Laughing Gulls were found at nestingsites. The largestcolonies are at Mead recorded.For the Ospreythere were 98 active Milwaukee until mid-July with a maximum W.M.A., with 100+ nestsand on Green Bay territories, 54 of which were successful.There of three (JF, RG, DT), and singlebirds at (Brown and Door) totaling 300 q- nests.Min- were 103 young fledgedincluding three rather Manitowoc June 19 (SR, DT) and July 28 nesota'sBig Stone N.W.R. again had prob- remarkableones whose nest on a tree stump (DT). Franklin's Gulls were present at able nesting Little Blue Heron, Cattle and moved 75 ft downriver from May to July Milwaukeeduring the periodwith a max of Snowy Egrets. Additionally, one Little Blue (RJu). seven(JF, DT, DG), at ManitowocJune 19 and four Cattle were seen at the Pelican L. (SR, DT) and two July 28 (DT) while seven colony June 18 (G&MO) where nestingoc- GROUSE THROUGH RAILS--Spruce appearedJuly 16 at Eau Claire, apparently curred several years ago. Wisconsin had Grouse were found in Oneida (BS), Vilas blown in during the devastatingstorm of the nestingCattle (14 pairs) and Snowy(1• pair) (June 16, JB) and Forest (July 22--DT) Wis. previousday (JPo). Little Gulls were again egrets, both at Green Bay (TE). Horicon A King Rail was heard at Green Bay July 26 present at Two Rivers with a maximum of ten N.W.R. had summering Cattle Egrets (DT, (DT). Yellow Rails are being found more fre- adultsand I confirmednest (JS, TE). At least RH) plus two Little Blue Herons June 21 quentlyin n. Minnesota,owing apparently to two were seen intermittently during the (DC). Michigan hostedone Cattle Egret July improved coverage.Besides the usual sitesin periodat Milwaukee(DG, RH, DT). An Arc- 22 in Muskegon (GW), and two at Pt. McGregor, Beltrami and Lake of the Woods, tic Tern was studiedat leisurein company Mouillee July 27 (TH, TW, PY). Nesting several birds were heard in Wilkin and Pen- with Forster's and Common at Milwaukee Yellow-crownedNight Herons were found in nington (KE). Wisconsinhad one at Powell June 10 (DT). This representsWiscons•n's Westland, Mich. (2 pairs--ACa) with an ad- Marsh, Vilas Co., June 30 (RSp). Michigan ninth record. The Black Tern survey con- ditional sightingJuly 13 in Muskegon (JHe, had severalJune 25 at SeneyN.W.R. (JS, ductedby the WisconsinD.N.R., showedth•s LB). Wisconsinhad probablenesting pairs in TH). speciescontinuing its declinein productivity Outagamie (JA, MP) and Waupaca (DD) in the state. with a single bird seen at Suamico July 26 SHOREBIRDS--Fifteen shorebird species (DT). Minnesota had summeringbirds at Big lingered well into June in various parts of CUKCOOS THROUGH OWLS--For the Stone N.W.R., and St. Paul with a June 8 Wisconsin. Interesting sightings included a second consecutive summer Yellow-billed s•ghting at Orwell W.M.A., Otter Tail Whimbrel at WisconsinPt., SuperiorJune 4 Cuckoos were found in surprisingnumbers (G&MO). (RJo), the eleventh state record for the Pur- even in the n. parts of the Region, albe•t ple Sandpiper with one at Baileys Harbor, somewhat decreasedfrom last year's total WATERFOWL--Mute Swans bred in n. Door June 7 (R&CL), a W. Sandpiper at Black-billed numbers were down from the Wisconsin (Ashland-BayfielcO with addi- Manitowoc June 20 (CS), summering Least previous summer. Minnesota had severalin- tional sightings from Douglas, Door and Sandpipersat Milwaukee (DG) and Superior teresting nesting owl records. There was an Winnebago. In Michigan, breeding occurred (RJo), and Sanderlings also at Superior undocumentedreport of three Hawk Owls •n m Newaygo, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne, (RJo), a Marbled Godwit at Green Bay June Aitkin duringthe summer.Two appearedto with an additional sighting from Mason. I (JJ) and a N. Phalarope in Eau Claire June be a nestingpair (SL). A pair of Burrowing Whistling Swans were found in Marinette, 11 (JPo). Other noteworthy observations in- Owls successfullyfledged one young near Wis., June 16 (HL) and summeringin Win- cluded three Semipalmated Plovers June 15 Downer, Clay (G&MO). Great Gray Owls nebago (TZ). In Minnesota one was at at Madison (ST), Ruddy Turnstonesat Mani- were found in several n. counties but most •n- PaynesvilleJuly 20 (R J). Snow Geese, unus- towoc June 15 (CS), a LesserYellowlegs June terestingwere 12 nests in Aitkin (SL) and •ual for this season,were found in the Region, 11 in Eau Claire (JPo), White-rumped Sand- family groupsin Roseau(TS) and St. Louts with four June 13 in Nicolett, Minn., (JFr), pipers until June 15 at Madison (ST) and (KE). Short-eared Owls were found more fre- single birds June 2 in Winnebago(TZ) and June 21 at Baileys Harbor (R&CL) and quentlythan usual, and were especiallycom- June 16 in LaCrosse, Wis., (FL). Minnesota Baird's Sandpipersuntil June9 at Milwaukee mon in Beltrami and Lake of the Woods had its first summer record for the Cinnamon (DG). Piping Ploversnested in Ashland (RE) Four Saw-whet Owl nests were located th•s Teal when a male was presentin Lyon June and possibly at Wisconsin Pt., Superior summer, two of which were successful. 22-July 6 (HK, JP, AM). Canvasbackswere (RJo). One appeared at Madison July 31 found until mid-June in Wisconsin's (ST). Early was an Am. Golden Plover July WOODPECKERS THROUGH STAR- Manitowoc (CS), Monroe (EE) and Win- 16 in Eau Claire (JPo). Solitary Sandpipers LINGS--Black-backed Three-toed Wood- nebago(TZ), with a pair summeringat Goose were already in St. Croix (JPo) and Dane peckers were found more frequently than Pond, Columbia Co. (m.ob.). Several (ST) by June 26-29. A Willet was at Manitow- usual in n. Minnesota. Two were in Forest Greater Scaup stayed in the Milwaukee har- oc June20-26 (CS). A Greater Yellowlegsap- Wis., July 22 (DT). Range extensionsoccur- bor until July 12 (RG et al.). Lesser Scaup peared June 23 in Eau Claire (JPo) with red in Minnesotafor the Acadian Flycatcher summeredin 4 Wisconsincounties (Manitow- Lesser Yellowlegs there June 29 (JPo) and in with nestingat Nerstrand Woods S.P., Rtce oc, Iron, Milwaukee and Outagamie) with in- Madison June 30 (ST). Western Sandpipers (O J, DB) and for the Alder Flycatcher w•th termittent sightingsin Winnebago, Colum- were found in s. Dodge July 19 (DT) and at singingbirds in Wilkin and Clay (KE). South bia, Brown and Douglas. Michigan had two Madison July 20 (St). of its normal range was a Com. Raven m June 25 in Muskegon (GW). Out of range Michiganhad nestingPiping Ploversagain Juneau, Wis., June 21 (FL). Boreal Com. Goldeneyes were found in Wright, this summer at New Buffalo (RS) and Wau- Chickadeeswere reported from four Wiscon- Minn., July 8 (EH, SS) and Brown, Wis., Ju- goshaneePt. (V J). One was in Cheboygan sin counties. A Tufted Titmouse found m ly 26 (DT). A Bufflehead remained in Door, July 16 (N&AK). A Red Knot was at St. Marquette June 6 was a first for that part of Wis., until June 14 (R&CL). South of its nor- Joseph July 27-29 (RS, LS, WB). A White- Michigan (DC). Brown Creepersfound June mal range was a 9 Red-breastedMerganser in rumped Sandpiperwas in Muskegon June 25 7-29 in Houston, Minn., were considerablys Milwaukee June 26+ (WW, DG). (GW) and a Buff-breasted Sandpiperwas in of their normal range (FL). The only Newaygo July 24 (ES). The best find in the Carolina Wren report wasof a singingbird m HAWKS--Wisconsin had its ninth record Region this summer proved to be the two Michigan'sSt. Clair. Also in Michiganwas a for the MississippiKite with the sightingof Black-necked Stilts at Shiawassee N.W.R., Mockingbird at MetrobeachJune 15 (RL), one just inland from L. Michigan in Ozaukee June 6-13 (ER, JGo). For Minnesota the while Wisconsinhad singlebirds from m•d-to June 5 (LD). For certain species,the breeding highlights included a Willett June 21 in late June in Outagamie(JA, MP) and July hawk picture in Wisconsin was most en- Wilkin (KE) and three pairs of nesting Am. 12-Aug. 1 + in Marathon (K&JL). A Swam-

Volume 34, Number 6 897 son's Thrush in Milwaukee July 23-29 pro- found in Dane, Walworth, Sauk and Erdman, Leslie Flint (LF1), Les Ford, J bably was an early migrant (WW). South of Waukesha, Wis., with severalpairs in the lat- Fowler (JFo), Jim Frank, J. Frentz (JFr), its normal range was a pair of Ruby-crowned ter two counties. Unusual was one in Min- Ethel Getgood, Jack Goemann(JGo), Janet Kinglets in Shawano July 6 (MP). The nesota's Scott until June 20 (m.ob.). Green, Dennis Gustafson, Ron Gutschow, Sprague'sPipit is becomingharder to find in Michigan had a nesting pair of Hooded Tom HeatIcy, Judy Herbig (JHe), E. Hib- Minnesota. Eckert had displayingmales July Warblers at Hoffmaster S.P. (LF). In bard, Randy Hoffman, J. Howitz, Nick ll- 7 in Norman and July 9 in Clay. Both Wisconsin nestingpairs were in Waukesha (4 nicky (Mich.), Vic Janson, Robert Janssen, Wisconsin and Minnesota found Cedar Wax- pairs) and Sauk (5 pairs--MB). In Minnesota Jim Johnson, Manny Johnson, O. Johnson, wingsto be unusuallyabundant this summer, this speciesis infrequentlyfound in summer Robbye Johnson (RJo), Randie Jurewicz for no apparent reason. Suddenlythis sum- so singlemales near Savage(DB et al.) and (RJu), Alice Kelley (Mich.), N. Kelley, H mer sightings, and most encouragingly, Cedar Creek N.H.A., (JH) is significant. Kyllingstad, Ken Lange, R. Leasure, Fred nesting of Loggerhead Shrikes were up. Minnesota had its first nestingrecord for the Lesher, Harold Lindberg, S. Loch, Norman Wisconsin had successfulnesting in Sauk (2 Wilson's Warbler. Six singing males heard Loewe, Ken & Jan Luepke, Roy & Charlotte fledged--DT), Eau Claire (6 fledged--JPo), June 13 in Lake was followed with the June Lukes, A. McKenzie, S. Millard (SMi), Steve Dunn (2 nests, 4 fledged total--JPo), 29 sightingof a pair of adults feedingthree Minard, Gary & Marion Otnes, J. Peterson, Trempealeau (unknown number fledged, flightlessyoung out of the nest(SW). Canada Mark Peterson, Janinc Polk, (JPo), James ftde JPo) and a lone sightingJuly 8 in Iron Warblers continue to be found s. of their Portshair (Mich.) (JPon), Sam Robbins, (MB). For Minnesota there was nesting in range. In Minnesota it was locatedat Cedar Elaine Rybak, S. Sarappo, T. Savaloja, Ellen Dakota (2 fledged)and sightingsin Le Sueur, Creek N.H.A., (JH) and for Wisconsinloca- Slater, Lorraine Smith, Roy Smith (Mich.), Clay and Mower (2 sites). tions included Jackson, Milwaukee and Charles Sontag, Tom Soulen (TSo), Dick Waukesha. Perhaps a reevaluation of this Sowler, Robert Spahn (RSp), Jeff Stenzel, VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS-- species'range boundary, plus that of certain Daryl Tessen(Wis.), Steven Thiessen,Harry Southern specieswere not as noticeablethis other passerines,is in order. Tiebout, Joel Trick, Tex Wells, George summer as in the past few years. For example Wickstrom, S. Wilson, Winnie Wood- there were only two White-eyed Vireo ORIOLES THROUGH SPARROWS-- mansee, Paul Young, Tom Ziebell.-- sightingswithin the Regionin contrastto the A. W. Meadowlark near Duluth June 7 repre- DARYL D. TESSEN, 2 Pioneer Park Place, 12 sightingslast year. Singlebirds were heard sents one of the few n.e. Minnesota records. Elgin, III. 60120. at Oakwoods Metropark, Mich., June 12 The Orchard Oriole continued a modest in- (EC) and in the Madison Arb6retum, Wis., crease in Wisconsin with ten reporting coun- June 13 (JPo). Bell's Vireos were at the usual ties. Another remarkable sighting this sum- sitesin Grant and Rock, Wis., and Wabasha, mer wasof the Lazuli Buntingheard and seen Minn. In addition a pair nested at St. Paul June 3 by Tiebout at Mead W.M.A., Portage (mob.) and one remained uhtil July 5 in Co. This representsWisconsin's third record, MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE Olmsted (JFo). In Michigan a pair was all hypothetical owing to a lack of photo- REGION observeddaily near Jericho xvith one young graphsand/or specimen.Dickcissels were ex- /Vernon M. Kieen being fed June 28 (DS,NL). ceptionallyabundant in certain sectionsof For the third consecutive year Pro- the Region.This includeds. Minnesotaand a The 1980 breedingseason was very hot and thonotary Warblers nested at Oakwoods considerableportion of Wisconsin(26 coun- dry for the most part, but scattered June Metropark, Mich. Worm-eating Warblers ties). Michigan had sightings only in thunderstorms were devastating in some were observed in two different locales in Newaygo and Macomb. Evening Grosbeaks areas such as southern Illinois. The weather Sauk, Wis. June 27-28 (LF1, SR). Again this and purple Finches were present in average was often compared with the heat and summer Tennessee Warblers were found at numbers in Wisconsin. However the Pine droughtof the mid-1930s,and madeit diffi- unusual times. Witness the June 27 bird in Siskin maintained its 1980 pattern of excep- cult for birders to muster up initiative to do Milwaukee (RG), the July 3 individual in tional scarcity. By contrast Red Crossbills any birding at all. Duluth (JG), two birds in Taylor, Wis., July werepresent in above-averagenumbers in the Although the drought caused many areas 4 (SR, TSo) with mid-July sightingsfrom n. half of the state. The White-winged Cross- to dry up, it apparentlyhad little effect on the Chtppewa, Trempealeau, and Sauk, Wis., bill, including some family groups, was nesting successof marsh-dwelling species and Anoka, Minn. This speciesis appparent- found in Lake and Cook, Minn. Lark Bunt- such as terns, herons and shorebirds. The ly one that startsits fall wanderingunusually ings were found in Minnesota's Traverse speciessome thought suffered the most dur- early. A late spring migrant Black-throated June4 (KE), Lac Qui Parle June7 (KE) and ing the three bad winters demonstratedposi- Blue Warbler was seen in Milwaukee June 11 Rock June21 (R J). Exceptionalwas the dis- tive (if small) signsof recovery. There were (DG). Black-throated Green Warblers sum- coveryof two singingc• Baird's SparrowsJu- few surprisesfrom nestingspecies, and range mered just n. of the Twin Cities in Anoka ly 9 at the Felton prairie, Clay,,Minn. (KE). extensions(both north and south) were well- (JH). A nesting pair of Cerulean Warblers More extensivecoverage of suitablehabitat in documented. For most birders, the highlight discovered June 22 in Otter Trail (SMi) Minnesota turned up an impressivenumber of the season was the return of the representedthe first for w.c. Minnesota. As of Le Conte'sSparrows--42 in Wilkin and 60 shorebirds--which arrived at record-breaking usual Yellow-throated Warblers were present in Clay (KE), plusan unusuallys. sightingin early dates. near New Buffalo, Mich. Stearns(R J). Wisconsinhad sightingsin five The amount of data submitted for the 1980 counties and Michigan in two. The Sharp- report surpassedeven those of the record- .S.A tailed Sparrow made newsin Wisconsin.One breaker in 1979. This successis due to the ex- The Kirtland's Warbler picturewas en- was heard July 2 at Powell W.M.A. (RSp). cellentcoordination of data by the subregion- couraging again this year. The annual However most unusual were at least three al editors and the timely submissionof re- censusin Michigan produced a count of males in Winnebago,where 4-6 had been ports. 242 males, an increase of 15% from last found in 1979. The birds were present from As usual, all extraordinary sight-records year. Also encouragingwas the location late May until mid-July (AC). This year 65 must be thoroughly documentedat the time of one in Wisconsin's Jackson June 14 Chestnut-collaredLongspurs were heard/ of observation. For the breeding season, 77 (Dt). This representsthe third consecutive seenat their usual nestingsite in Clay, Minn. forms were received: Indiana--39, Iowa and year it has been found here. (KE). In addition a pair was discoveredin Illinois--10 each, Missouri--6, Ohio--5, and Traverse, and a lone male in Big Stone. Kentucky--1. In addition, 14 photographs were received. All documented records have Pairs of Prairie Warblers were found June CONTRIBUTORS--Jim Anderson, Jim been denotedby a dagger(•'); specimensby 15 in Newaygo (SM) and July 25 in Mason Baughman, D. Bolduc, Margaret Brit- an asterisk (*). Mich., (EG). Kentucky Warblers were pre- tingham, Walter Booth, Liz Brower, Mary As a reading aid, the following abbrevia- sent in Waukesha and Grant, Wis. A Connec- Butterbrodt, Ernest Carhart, Anita Carpen- tions have been used in the text: O.W.R.-- ticut Warbler in Jackson June 14 (DT), if a ter, Art Carpenter (ACa), Dick Cudworth, Ottawa Nat'l Wildlife Ref., O.; S.C.R.-- summer resident, was far s. of its normal Lisa Decker, Dave Dunsmore, Kim Eekert Squaw Creek Nat'l Wildlife Ref., Mo, summer range. Yellow-breastedChats were (Minn.), Eric Epstein, Roger Everhart, Tom Spfld.--Springfield, Ill.

898 AmericanBirds, November 1980 and searched, Least Wayne County, O. (LRo). At least five Bitterns were found in Cooper's Hawks' nests (one fledged six good numbers. There young and another four young) were active in were 3 scattered Cook County, Ill., (RCo); there were two reports of Am. Bit- definite nestsin Summit County, O., and a terns in Ohio; a pair at possible nest in Will County, Ill. Red- Batavia, Ill. (RMo); shouldered Hawks were reported from all and at least one at L. statesand nesting in Kentucky (three nests), Calumet (JL). The ar- Iowa (one nest), Illinois (two nests), and Ohio rival of White Ibises (two nests); isolated adults were noted from (all immatures) was several other localities. There were two suc- first noted in Bollinger cessfulBroad-winged Hawk nests in n.e. Il- County, Mo., July linois and two or more probable successes 8-15 (tPS); another there as well as in Kentucky, Iowa and Ohio. appeared at L. Shab- A singleSwainson's Hawk was noted near the bona S.P., Ill., July (former?) nesting colony site in n.e. Illinois 23-27 (WS et aL); and (RM); three individualswere reported (rou- the two at Patoka, tinely) from w. Missouri. Five pairs of Bald Ind., July 27 (CMi et Eagles (three nests with eggs) successfully LOONS THROUGH IBISES--A regular al.) were the first recorded in Indiana since fledged three (plus one transplanted)young complement of Com. Loons lingered, a few 1925. along L. Erie (LV); one young fledged from a summered: two at Clear L., la. (fide JD); and Crab OrchardN.W.R., Ill., n•st'(but not singlesat Olney, II1., and in Crawford Coun- WATERFOWL--A pair of Mute Swans without enduring some problems--including ty, 111.(LH). Two Eared Grebes were still pre- had four young at Springfield, Mo. (CBo); the loss of the nest-tree from a storm); a sent at Willow Slough, Ind., June 3 (RMy). A singleswere noted at Waukegan, I11., June 22 possiblenest near L. DePue, II1., may have W. Grebe was observedin Clay County, la., (JL) and Murphysboro, I11.,May 30 (K). The been responsible for the immature observed June 5 (tJD). Nesting Pied-billed Grebes Canada Goose was an abundant breeder in in the area July 3 (MR); an adult was record- were located in 5 states and good breeding Clay County, la.; 50-60 pairs with young ed in JacksonCounty, 111.,June 6 (JG). The 3 successwas recorded; at least 13 broods were were reported from the Jasper/Pulaski July recordsof Marsh Hawks wereencourag- present at L. Calumet, 111. (RB). White W.M.A., Ind., and broods were reported ing: Warrick County, Ind., July I & 10 Pelicans began appearing in the w. by early from at least 6 Illinois locations. Two White- (•JCa); Columbus,O., July 27 (fide J); and July and reached a mid-July max. of 128 at fronted Geesewere still presentat Forney L., s. Cook County, II1., July 20 (WM). Single Forney L., la. (BW); three appeared in June 21 (FM). Six Snow Geese summered at Ospreys were reported from 5 locations in 4 Madison County, 111.,July 16 (fide BR). The Forney Lake (m.ob.) and one in Champaign states--as far s. as JacksonCounty, I11.Thir- Double-crested Cormorant colony at Thom- County, 111.(RC). Several Black Ducks sum- ty Am. Kestrels were present at L. Calumet, son, II1., increased to a welcome 38 nesting mered in the Chicagoarea (RB) and singlesor I11., July 27 (JL). pairs this year; a singlepair raised two young pairs were noted at 4 other Illinois locations at Rend L., I11.(RZ); 12 summeredat Forney and one in Iowa. Gadwall summered at GROUSE THROUGH COOTS--Young L., (m.ob.) and 1-3 were present at 5 other several L. Erie marshes; 18 was the maximum Ruffed Grouse were noted at Atterbury Fish locations into June. Eight Great Blue Heron at I location. There were 4 June/July records & Wildlife Area, Ind., June 13 (BGi) and at colonies were reported from Illinois, one of Pintail (singlesor pairs). There were a few L. Monroe, Ind., July 6 (KB). The Illinois large one (297 nests) from Ohio and none pairs of Green-wingedTeal summeringin the Greater Prairie Chicken flock witnessed a from the other states. The incursion of Little L. Erie marshes and 40 at the mouth of the 55% gain since 1979--possibly becauseof the Blue Herons was just beginning at the Maumee R., in late July (ET); a brood of five mild winter last year (RW). The Bobwhite seasoWs end; 220 adults and 127 immatures was presentat Batavia, III. (RM); fall arrivals population has also witnessed a population were presentat the Madison County, II1., col- began appearing in early July. There were 5 gain--at least 17% throughout Illinois (JEI). ony July 12 (LW et aL); 35 were noted at or 6 breeding locations for Blue-winged Teal King Rails were reported from only 5 loca- Aldrich, Mo., July 23 (CBo). Cattle Egrets in Illinois. Fifty Am. Wigeon were presentat tions. Young Virginia Rails were present in nested for the first time (13 nests) at the the Cedar Point W.M.A., O., June 21 (J); n.e. Illinois marshesand the specieswas pre- heronry in Mason County, II1. (RBj); more there were singlesat other Regional locations sent in 3 of 7 marshes surveyed in Kane than 250 birds were at the Bertram, Mo., col- in early June. It was another good seasonfor County, 111.(RM). Several Soras were observ- ony (PH) and about 90 (including 15 imma- nesting Wood Ducks. A brood of Redheads ed at S.C.R., July 20 (L); they were presentin ture) at the Madison County colony (PS et was observedin Erie County, O., in July (J). 3 of the 7 Kane County, 111., marshes aL); the specieswas not yet widespreadat the There were small numbers of Ring-necked surveyedin June (RM); young were found at end of the season. There were only five heron Ducks, Canvasbacks, Greater Scaup (only L. Calumet (RB), and birds were noted in 2 colonies in Illinois containing Great Egrets one), and LesserScaup at various Iowa, Il- Iowa locations in July. The Black Rail in (max., 39 nests); no colonies were reported linois and Ohio localities. Single Com. Lucas County, O., June 15-23 was exciting from other states. There were at least two Goldeneyeswere reported from L. Calumet for local observers($J, m.ob.). Nesting Com. Snowy Egret nests in the Madison County July 4 (JL) and ChicagoJuly 24 (JL). A Buf- Gallinules were reported from five n.e. Il- heronry, but 13 birds were noted at nearby fiehead summered at Chicago (m.ob.) and linois marshes (at least 12 broods at L. Horseshoe L., July 14 (PS); several birds another was present at Spfld., June 21-22 Calumet); at Gary and Decatur, Ind.; and summered in the O.W.R. area and the species (H). Ruddy Ducks bred successfullyin at probably in L. Erie marshesof Ohio; nesting was encountered in July at two w. Missouri least 5 n. areas (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and was suspected in 2-3 other locations. The locations. There were seven Black-crowned Ohio). Smallnumbers of Hooded Mergansers Am. Coot was an abundant nestingspecies at Night Heron coloniesreported; five in Illinois were encountered; breeding was noted at L. Calumet (more than 20 broods) and else- and one each in Kentucky and Iowa; the Springfield, Mo. (L) and O.W.R. (m.ob.). where in n.e. Illinois and n.w. Iowa; more largest colony comprised 224 nests (Mason There were three June records of Red- than 100 birds summered at L. Forney, but County, III.); 33 immatures were reported breasted Mergansers; the bird at Cleveland nesting was not documented. from Gary, Ind., June 8 (KB). Yellow- summered and another bird was found at crowned Night Herons were reported from 8 Chicago July 24 (JL). locations (5 states) including nests at Lex- SHOREBIRDS--Several fall migrants ar- ington, Ky., (DC) and Warrick County, Ind. DIURNAL RAPTORS--Up to 14 Missis- rived rather early and were hard to distin- (tJCa); all other reportsoccurred in July and sippi Kites were presentin Ballard and Hick- guish from the late-departing spring mi- only in Peoria County, I11., (max., 16 man counties, Ky., June 19-20 (ABa et al.); grants. From one to eight Am. Avocets were birds--VH) and at L. Calumet, II1., were only two birds were noted in Missouri and fall migrantsat 6 locations in 4 statesbegin- more than four birds found (eight birds-- regular numbers in s. Illinois. A nest of ning June 29 (at Cleveland--TL). Semipal- RB). When appropriate habitat was available Sharp-shinned Hawks was successful in mated Plovers first appeared July 5 (Chi-

Volume 34, Number 6 899 cago--JL) and were regularlyencountered by GULLS AND TERNS--Small numbers of mid-July in 3 states.Two ad. Piping Plovers Great Black-backed Gulls summered at were near S.C.R., July 25 ('•PS). A Hudson- various L. Erie locations; one immature was ian Godwit appeared at the O.W.R. by July noted at St. Mary's, O., July 23 (CMa). 25 (JP). Single Marbled Godwits were de- About 300 Herring Gulls summered at tected at the mouth of the Maumee R., O., Chicago;at least20 youngwere present at the July 20-31 + and at L. Calumet, III. July L. Calumetcolony June 21 (RB)--the colony 23-27 (JL). Five Whimbrels were reported--- is no longer on an island because it has three in Ohio (July 20-31), one in lndiana become ovegrown. The California Gull (July 21) and one in Illinois (July 26). The in- documented and photographed at In- terest in Upland Sandpipers (especially in Il- dianapolis(tTK) July 19 constitutesthe first Arctic Tern, Huron, Ohio, July 27, 1980. linois) has producedmore records;the species record for lndiana. More than 700 Ring- Photo/Don Tumblin. occurs only in isolated areas in "loose" col- billed Gulls summeredat Chicagowhile the onies and was reported in 5 states--greatest colony at L. Calumet approached5000 birds fall migration had begun by the end of June. numbers in Ohio and Illinois. The fall arrival (with 700 young noted June 21--RB); three Ohio's first Arctic Tern was documented and of Willets was first detected at Spfld., June immatures summered at Spfld. (H); 11 in- photographedat Huron July 27 ('•J et al.). 29 (H) and Cleveland June 26 (TL); they had dividualswere still presentin St. Clair Coun- Although there were no nesting reports of arrived at 3 other locations by mid-July ty, I11., June 29 (A). Adult Laughing Gulls Least Terns, the specieswas encountered as (max., five at any location). Spotted Sand- were presentat Cleveland, June 29 ('•DHo); singlesand pairs at 6 Illinois (one inland), 1 pipers with young were reported from 5 Illi- Maumee River, O., July 9 (*fide LV); and Iowa, ! Indiana (inland), 2 Missouri, and 2 nois locations. A Ruddy Turnstone made a Michigan City, Ind. July 4 (SJ); another in- Kentuckylocations mostly in June;one Ken- July 7 appearanceat Ga•y, Ind. (KB) and Ju- dividual was found at Huron, O., in July tucky observationrecorded five birds (JEr). ly 27 (3) at Huron, O. (J). The first breeding (TL). One or two Franklin's Gulls were There were no nesting reports of Caspian record for Wilson's Phalarope in Ohio was detected at 5 different Illinois and 3 Iowa Terns, but a few summered at Huron, O. established at the O.W.R., when a nest with 4 locationsthroughout June or July; 20 were (TL); the fall migration was wcll underwayby eggs was located; a second nest may have present at Forney L., June 6 (TBr) and 34 at mid-July,and had begunby late Junein some been present(ET); the speciesmay have bred St. Joseph, Mo. June I (L). Forty areas. The Black Tern was found nestingin in Dickinson County, la.; migrantswere pre- Bonaparte'sGulls were at Cleveland during severalmarshes along L. Erie and three n.e. sent at L. Calumet by July 12 (JL) in Madi- June and several hundred had arrived there Illinois locations; at least one summered in son County July 10 (PS et al.) and elsewhere by the end of July (DHo); ten were at Indiana s.w. Indiana ('•CMi); fall migration was by July 27-31 (m.ob.). BreedingCorn. Snipes Dunes, Ind., June 11 (SJ); and 2-8 at Wauke- readily observableby mid-July in Missouri, were recorded for Lucas County, O. (m.ob.); gan or Chicago June 22-July 24 (JL). An Illinois and Ohio. migrants (breeders?)were noted in n.e. Il- imm. Little Gull was detected at Cleveland linois in late June, and several Iowa locations July 24 (DHo). There were severalprobable in July. More than 100 Sanderlingswere pre- nestingsof Forster'sTerns in Clay and Palo sent at Waukegan, I11., July 24; singleswere Alto counties, la., during June (JD); the DOVES THROUGH WOODPECK- there June 6 & 22 (JL); one was present at specieswas still presentat Spfld., June 16 ERS-It wasa goodyear for nestingMourn- Waterloo, la. July 26 ('•FM). Small numbers (H)--but fall arrivals were detected in Illinois ing Doves, in contrast to 1979. The 1979 of Stilt Sandpipers began appearing (all by June 22, July 4 and thereafter; and at abundanceof Yellow-billed Cuckooscarried reports were from Illinois) by mid-July--but Huron, O., by June 23 with a max. reaching over into 1980in most areas;a nestwith two one arrived as early as June 28 at Spfld. (H). 200 by July 17 (TL). Ohio's only colony of youngwas still activeat Olney, Ill., Aug. 28 A Reevewas presentat Chicago'sMeigs Field Corn. Terns--at the Maumee R.--consisted (LH). Black-billed Cuckoos were less com- July 5 (JL). of 350 pairs and produced 147 young (LV); mon than in 1979and ratherscarce in many of their n. haunts. Six pairs of Barn Owls produced28 youngat the KillbuckW.M.A., 0., (fide JF); nestingsuccess was recorded in s.w. Indiana (CMi), near St. Joseph,Mo. (JW), and Springfield,Mo. (fide JW); one bird wasseen twice in s. Mills County,Ia. (RS). A "remarkable" increase of Screech Owls was reported in n.w. Ohio--12 nestsin 50 boxes,one nestof which fledgedseven young (LV). Indiana established its third record for BurrowingOwl when one was notedJuly 12-31 + in LakeCounty (•'m.ob.). Long-earedOwls attempted unsuccessfully to nest in Wayne County, O. (LRo). Short- earedOwls failed in their nestingattempt in LucasCounty, O. (fide LV); howeverthey were successfulin Warrick County strip mines (•'JCa) for the first Indiana success since 1938, and the farthest s. ever recorded there.The first confirmednesting record of Chuck-will's-widows was established in In- diana'sWillow Slough, June 7-13 (DA) when eggsand youngwere located;nesting was suspectedin Illinois' SandRidge S.F. (RBj) and Iowa's WaubonsieS.P. (RS)--eight birds presentat the latter location in mid- July. Some observers believe that Corn. Nighthawks are in trouble--declines were reportedfrom severalareas. Ruby-throated Hummingbirdswere scarce practically everywhere.Pileated Woodpeckers held their own or increasedslightly in n. areas--espe- cially n. Ohio. Red-headedWoodpeckers California Gull, EaglecreekReservoir, Ind., July 19, 1980.Photo/Timothy C. Keller. were found in expectednumbers--and do not

900 American Birds, November 1980 belongon the Blue L•st •n this Region. The possibly nesting at Morgan-Monroe S F, n as Cook (4 locations) and Lake counties, Yellow-belliedSapsucker nest in Ashtabula Ind., and 3 n. Ohio areas. There were three Ill. (KO); 2 Iowa counties(RD, RMy); and n County, O., June20 (C J) representeda rare territorial Winter Wrens in Geauga County, Ohio. Two Brewster's Warblers were holding occurrence for Ohio. O., June 27 (J). Bewick's Wrens were "more territories: Tippecanoe County, Ind., (DA) abundant than usual" in Texas and Dent and Seneca County, O. (ET). The two FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS-- counties, Mo., as several were noted Lawrence's Warblers reported were paired Eastern Kingbirds were found in greater throughout June (DHa); young fledged from with Blue-wingeds in Hocking and Lorain abundance than in most years. All of the W. a Brown County, O., nest (J); and one bird counties, O. (JP). The June 28 presenceof K•ngbirdswere found in w. Missouri. A was encountered at Macomb, Ill., May Tennessee Warblers in both Columbia, Mo , Scissor-tailedFlycatcher appeared at St. 30-June 3 (EF). There were still only a few (?BG) and Sweet Marsh, la., (FM), were Joseph,Mo., June4 (L). A Say'sPhoebe nest Carolina Wrens--but a slow comeback is be- unexpected; so was the one at Magee Marsh, was found in Plymouth County, la., July 4 ing experienced(m.ob.). Good numbers of O., July 6 (J). The "Sutton's" Warbler •n (TSt). "In the n.w. Porter County (Indiana) both Long-billed and Short-billed marsh Tippecanoe County, Ind., remained until at breedingbird census,Empidonax flycatchers wrens were encountered in appropriate set- least June 30 (DA). The three July recordsof occurredin goodnumbers: eight Acadians in tings. Black-throated Green Warbler were from various mature woodlands, seven Leasts in Lucas County, O. (no date, ET); Spfld., July the openwoodlots, 25 Willow and ten Alder MIMIDS THROUGH STARLINGS-- 26 (?H); and Columbia, Mo., July 4 (?BG, •n marshy areas or mixed shrubs;all were There has been a modest gain in Mockingbird m.ob.). A pair of Blackburnian Warbler ter- callingregularly until the secondweek of Ju- populations--more so in s. areas. Robins ritories was identified in Geauga County, O , ly "(S J) The WillowFlycatcher was reported were common and in above-normal numbers June 27 (J); a single bird was detected in •n normal numbers Regionwide. Both Alder in some areas. Single Swainson's Thrushes Hocking County, O., June 28 (JP). The 8 n and Willow flycatcherswere presentin Lucas were detected at Madisonville, Ky., June 5 Ohio and 3 n.e. Illinois reports of territorial- County, O., throughoutthe period; there are (JH) and Davenport, la. July 27 (P). The ity or summer presence of Chestnut-s•ded no confirmedbreeding records of the former breeding status of Veeries is improving and Warbler indicates a gradual s. range expan- species--therefore,the 3 territories estab- the speciesis expandingits range S into areas sion. The June 30 presenceof a Bay-breasted hshed are noteworthy there (J). The ter- such as Delaware County, O. (J) and Bain- Warbler at Spfld. was unsual (?H). Small ritorial Least Flycatcher in Scioto County, bridge, Ind. (DZ); 27 individualswere tallied numbers of Prairie Warblers summered O , June7 wasnoteworthy; normal numbers in .n.w. Indiana in June (SJ). Positive signs and/or nested in isolated n. Illinois and Ohio occurredin n.w. Ohio; singleswere reported were reported for nesting E. Bluebirds but counties. A pair of N. Waterthrushes was •n Wolfe County, Ky., in late June (DC); they are far from experiencing a noticeable noted in Lorain County, O., throughout the ChicagoJune 6 (JL); and Aurora late June recovery;one Ohio bluebird trail had 18 pairs period (JP). New breeding locations were (RM); an apparentmigrant had returnedto and producedat least 104 young. Few Cedar reported for Kentucky Warblers in n. Ohio Spfld. by July 10 (H). Tree Swallowcolonies Waxwingswere reported as nesting;migrants and n.e. Illinois. Lingering Mourmng are gainingfootholds farther s.: 80 pairs in had returned by July 24 to Waukegan, Ill. Warblers were regularly encounteredin early Ballard County, Ky. (ABa) June 18-19; and (JL). A Loggerhead Shrike nest in Win- June, but the one at Spfld., June 19 was qmte 100 (birds) in St. CharlesCounty, Mo., June nebago County, Ill., was the first there in 10 late (?H). Yellow-breasted Chat was found •n 25 (PS); theyexperienced an excellentnesting years (L J); the species was routinely en- expectednumbers and locations--and was m- season in n.e. Illinois; 1200 migrants were countered in most areas, but often only creasing in some areas, notably in Ohio reportedfrom CedarPoint N.W.R., O., July sporadically. Is there regional evidenceof a Hooded Warbler was found regularly •n 18 (J). SeveralBank Swallowcolonies were declining Starling population? The species small numbers in n.e. Illinois counties Il- reported--including36 holesat the Ba Hai was so-noted on more than one U.S. linois' first nest of Canada Warbler was Templegrounds in Evanston,lll.; 350 birds F.&W.S. Breeding Bird Survey. found at Joliet (JO); 9 territories of th•s were encountered at Cleveland July 24 specieswere reported from Geauga County, (DHo). Cliff Swallowswere nesting under an VIREOS AND WARBLERS--There is O.,--one fledgling was also noted--June 27 overpassin Wolfe County, Ky. (8 nests)June some information for practically all species. (J). 26 (DC) whichis oneof severalstatewide col- White-eyed Vireos have continued to expand onies(fide S); in Nashville,lnd., localpeople N in Illinois, Iowa and lndiana (m.ob.). A BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPAR- haveprotected a smallcolony under the eaves nest of Bell's Vireo at Paducah, Ky., ROWS--Eastern Meadowlark is still scarce m a shopping mall by placing "do not established a first such record in the state; the in many areas, but "back to normal" in parts &sturb" signsin the area. PurpleMartins re- specieswas widely scatteredin 1owa, 111inois of Kentucky. Young W. Meadowlarks, rare mained low in numbersas a breedingspecies; and Indiana and there was a successful nest in in the state, were found in Lucas County, O 231 birds were color-banded in the Bar- Lucas County, O., providing the second con- (ET); the speciesremains scarcein much of nngton,Ill. area (TC) and 37 werecaptured firmed Ohio nestingrecord (m.ob.). A nest of its range. Owing to the species' special in- that had been banded there during the past 2 Solitary Vireo in the Sand Ridge S.F., 111., terest, the number of Yellow-headed Black- years;migrant roosts included 5,-10,000 birds failed for the secondconsecutive year (RBj); bird reports was encouraging;two returned m JeffersonCity, Mo., July 3-31+ (JW); 500 the first nest (including young) for Indiana to the Cedar Point N.W.R., O. (J); nesting at Chicago, July 26 (JL); and 450 at Colum- was noted in Brown County S.P., May occurred in 1 n.w. Indiana and 8 n.e. 11hnois bus, O., July 17 (J). 29-June 9 (?KH); 5 territories were located in locations; a pair also nestednear Fulton, 111 Geauga County, O., June 27 (J) and one bird (BS); the Iowa population experiencedgreat- CROWS THROUGH WRENS--Small was noted in Hamburg, la., July 16. Suc- ly reduced numbers at traditional locations numbers (1-3) of Fish Crows were en- cessful nests of Black-and-white Warblers but some birds moved to upland areas for countered along the Ohio R. as far e. as were reported at ShadesS.P., Ind., June 18 nesting(FM); usual encounterswere reported Paducah, Ky. The Tufted Titmouse popula- (ABr) and Mundelein, Ill., June 8 (JN); the from w. Missouri. Thirteen Orchard Orioles tion remained below normal in many areas-- specieswas encounteredin July at 2 other n. were found in Seneca County, O., June 20 but demonstratedpositive signsof recovery; localities. The only Swainson's Warbler (J). The N. (Baltimore) Oriole was found •n one clutch of eight birds was successfully reported anywhere was in Ballard County, good (increasing) numbers in many areas fledged in Coles County, Ill. (LH). Nesting Ky., June 19 (ABa). A June censusof Shades The Summer Tanager population in Ohio •s was suspectedfor Red-breasted Nuthatches S.P., Ind., produced at least 21 pairs of gradually expandingN. The number of Blue •n the Sand Ridge S.F., 111.(RBj); two young Worm-eating Warblers; the specieswas also Grosbeaks encounteredn. of expected d•str•- were raised in Findley S.P., O. (JP); and, noted at Wildcat Den S.P., la., June 14 bution was noteworthy; observers in all 6 s•ngles summered at Cleveland (M) and (TSh). Territorial Golden-wingedWarblers statesreported an increasedor expandedpop- Dayton, O., (fide CMa). A successfulnest of were reported from 3 n. Ohio counties (in- ulation; the successfulnest in Adams County, Brown Creeperswas recordedin Coles Coun- cluding at least one successfulnest (JP, ET), O., represented a rare state occurrence ty, 111.(LH); the specieswas suspectedof and from n.w. Indiana (SJ); one bird was (*m.ob.); Indiana'ssecond confirmed nesting nesting in 2 n.e. Illinois locations and 1-3 present at St. Joseph, Mo., June 8 (L). occurred at the Atterbury F.&W. Area (BG•) Sangamon County, Ill., locations; and Nesting Blue-winged Warblers ranged as far Varying commentswere receivedconcerning

Volume 34, Number 6 901 the Dickcissel population--however, there per location. A possible increasein Vesper Bjorklund (RBj), C. Bonner (CBo), T. Bray, were more negative (scarcities, declines, Sparrows was suggestedfor e. Illinois owing K. Brock, A. Bruner (ABr), J. Campbell sparsedistribution) than positive(located in to the change from ten (1979) to 43 (1980) (JCa), M. Campbell, T. Carter, R. Chapel areas not present in past years, appeared in birds on one Breeding Bird Survey route in (RC), R. Collins (RCo), D. Coskren, R. good numbers). Platt and McLean counties (RC). Dark-eyed DeCoster, J. Dinsmore, A. Duke, J. Ellis Three breeding pairs of Purple Finches Juncos were found at 2 Geauga County, O., (JEI), J. Elmore (JE), J. Erwin (JEt), E. producedeight young in Lorain County, O. Iocatons June 27--a fledgling bird was noted Franks, J. Fry, J. Garver, B. Gill (BGi), B. (JP); another nest was noted at Akron, O. at I location (J); one bird was reported from Goodge (BG), K. Hammerberg, J. Hancock, (CT). A House Finch lingered at Louisville Cherokee, la., June 7 (DB). A Clay-colored L. Harrison, D. Hatch (DHa), P. Heye, D. & into early June (fide S); five summered at Sparrow was maintaining a territory in s.e. J. Hoffman (DHo), V. Humphreys, L. Hunt, Dayton, O. (fide CMa); normal numbersoc- Cook County, 111.,through late June (fide S. Jackson, C. Johnson, L. Johnson, C. curred in n. Ohio. A Pine Siskin was en- RB). Field Sparrows remained in low Keller (indiana), T. Keller, R. Korotev, J. countered in Lucas County, O., June 13 numbers. As in 1979, two or three White- Landing. T. LePage, W. Marcisz, C. (TBa). At least 24 Red Crossbillssummered throated Sparrows remained at Evanston, Mathena (CMa), L. McKeown, C. Mills at the Sand Ridge S.F., ill. (RBj); four were II1., into July (RB); another was present near (CMi), R. Montgomery (RM), F. Moore, R. presentat lndiana Dunes S.P., June I 1 (SJ). St. Charles, 111.,during June (RM). Myers (RMy), J. Neal, K. Offill, J. Olsen, L. The most intriguing comment about Savan- Parker, J. Pogacnik, J. Ratherr, L. Rauth nah Sparrowsconcerned their consistentuse CONTRI BUTORS--(Sub-regional Edi- (LRa), L. Rosche (LRo), B. Rudden, M. of interstate cloverleafs in c. lllinois (H). tors' namesin boldfacetype; contributorsare Runkle, B. Shaw, R. Silcock, T. Shires Bachman'sSparrows were found along parts requested to send their reports to these (TSh), P. Snetsinger, W. Southern, T. Stone of the MississippiR. (Kentucky side) June 14 editors.) Major contributors (A) Richard (TSt), E. Trainer, C. Tveekrem, L. Van (JEt). The only comments concerning Anderson, (H) David Bohlen, (J) Bruce Camp, R. Westemeier, B. Wilson, J. Wilson GrasshopperSparrows were that there have Peterjohn (Ohio), (K) Vernon Kleen (Missouri), L. Wrischnik, R. Zoanetti, D. been no further population changesand in (Illinois), (L) Floyd Lawhon,--(M) William Zumeta. In addition, many persons who Kane County, Ill., they were presentin about Klamm,(P) PeterPetersen, (S) .Anni•Stmmn could not be individually acknowledged sub- half of the appropriate habitats surveyed (Kentucky),(T)Thomas Kent(l•)wa). Other mitted notes to various subregional (RM). Henslow's Sparrows were reported observersand reporters included: D. Arvin, reports.--VERNON M. KLEEN, Depart- from several Ohio and n. and e. 111inoisloca- A. Barron (ABa), T. Bartlett (TBa), C. merit of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois, tions; there was a maximum of only five birds Becker, D. Bierman, R. Biss (RB), R. 62706.

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION seen at Pensacola Beach was a rare find July 7, the /Jermne A. Jackson fourth record for n.w. Records for heat and lack of rainfall were Florida (VF, fide WV); an broken in many mid-south areas. During July unidentified shearwater and August some locations had fifty or more had been seen l0 mi s. of consecutivedays of 90øF+ temperatures, in- the beach on the previous cluding ten or more days of 100ø +. Similar day (RD). conditions prevailed to the north, and may have contributed to the early appearance of More than 60 White many shorebird species across our Region. Pelicans made a brief visit Lack of tropical stormscontributed to a suc- to P.R.M. June 19 (JAT, cessfulnesting seasonfor many seabirds, but Lo &FC). An imm. Gan- Least Terns had a disastrous season in Missis- net feeding within 200 m sippi. Birds failed to return to somecolonies of Romar Beach, Baldwin and others suffered from apparent pesticide Co., Ala., July 20 fur- poisoning. On the other hand, a number of nished a very early record pesticide-pronespecies seem to be making a (R&LD). There were comeback in previously DDT-contaminated several contenders for the regionsof north Alabama. "Booby" prize this sum- Other highlights of the season include mer: Masked Boobies documentation of further range expansions were seen at Dauphin I. by Whip-poor-wills, Tree Swallows, Cliff (three iramatures June 14, Swallows, House Wrens, House Finches, and one immature June 29, Song Sparrows. On the negative side is fur- RH), Romar Beach (one ther evidence of Red-cockaded Woodpecker subadult, one immature, July 20, R&LD), weres. of Dyersburg,Tenn., July 24-Aug. 14 decline. Santa Rosa I. (one immature July 21-22, at a roost that was not used in 1979 (WGC). R&LD), and Navarre Beach, Escambia Co., in Noxubee County, Miss., the Little Blue LOONS THROUGH IBISES--A Corn. Fla., (one July 21-22, R&LD). Single Brown Herons and Cattle Egrets were missingfrom Loon in breeding plumage stopped over at Boobieswere at Dauphin l., in July (TH) and the old Cliftonville heronry and also from the the Hattiesburg sewage loons (hereafter, at Romar Beach July 20 (R&LD, BH). As nearby site they used in 1979. Large numbers H.S.L.) June 9 and was heard calling at dusk usual, a few Double-crested Cormorants fre- of both specieswere in the surroundingcoun- (TF). Other singles were seen all summer in quented Eufaula N.W.R. all summer (BO, ties and a few hundred nested at Noxubee imm. or winter plumageat Gulf Shores(JVP, DC). N.W.R., though a large heronry has not yet VF) and near the MississippiGulf ls. (JhJ). been discovered in spite of aerial searches A breeding-plumagedEared Grebe was at On July 13 RWL and CDC counted 60 ad. (JAJ). Four red- and one white-phase Red- H.S.L. June 4 (TF). A singlead. Pied-billed and 58 imm. Green Herons on islands at dish Egrets were seen on the beach at Grebe spent most of the summer at the Wheeler Res., Ala. During the season 103 Gulfport July 24 (JAT), a large number for a Pascagoula R. marsh (hereafter, P.R.M.) young were banded; fiedging rate was speciesnot yet known to nest in the state. A (JAT), and an adult and 13 young were seen reported high early in the season, but low single Louisiana Heron appeared inland at at a fish farm in Lonoke County, Ark., July later. Approximately 1200 ad. and imm. Lit- H.S.L. July 20 (TF, DH). Black-crowned 26 (H&MP, BSh, RC). A Greater Shearwater tle Blue Herons and up to 1400 Cattle Egrets Night Herons nested successfullyagain (50 +

902 American Birds, November 1980 nests)at the Bordeaux heronry near Nashville W M A, Limestone Co, Ala, July 23 8 pairs of Gull-billed Terns nested on the (Nashville T.e.s.), and a new Black-crowned (RWL). As usual, one spent the summer at spoil island w. of Petit Bols 1. (JAJ) A heronry (30-35 nests) was discovered along Eufaula N.W.R. (Be, DC). Reports of Am. Forster's Tern was also seen at Eufaula Mill Creek at Nashville (A&DP, JM). Kestrels came from throughout the Region, N.W.R., June 28 (DC), and six appeared at Yellow-crowned Night Herons nested suc- including nests at Pass Christian, Miss., L. Millwood July 13 (CM). A few Com cessfullynear the causewayat Mobile (MF) OAT) and Jonesboro, Ark. (ELH), an Terns nested on the spoil island w. of Petit and again at Noxubee N.W.R. (JAJ). Five unusual record for n.e. Arkansas. Bols 1. (JAJ) and about 12 nestswere found lmm. Yellow-crowneds were at H.S.L. July on a disturbed area at the Dupont plant on 21 (TF, DH), and one immature was at L. RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- Bay St. Louis (RL). Five Com. Terns visited Millwood, Howard Co., Ark., July 27 (CM). Purple Gallinules nested successfully at H.S.L. Aug. 4 (TF). Two all-dark ibises appeared at Petal, Marsh I. Golf Course, Jackson Co., Miss., Miss., July 21 (TF, DH). July records for where two adults and three downy young .S.A. White Ibis in Alabama included two im- were seen June 22 OAT). American Coots After a population buildup in recent matures at L. Martin, Tallapoosa Co. summered at H.S.L. (12--TF, DH) and in years following the establishmentof pro- (B,S,&AO), one immature in Bibb County Evangeline Par. (42--Be, DC) although no tected nesting areas, Least Terns on the (GDJ, DGJ, TJ), and three immatures at nestswere discovered.Within a 3-day period, Mississippicoast had a disastrousyear. The Wheeler N.W.R. (RWL). The Bibb County July 24-26, Piping Plovers were seen at terns had returned to nesting colonies m bird was very tame, allowing approach within H.S.L. (TF), and in Hempstead(CM) and Gulfport and Pass Christian and establish- 4 ft even though it could fly. It was once Lonoke (H&MP, E&HH) counties, Ark. Ten ed a new colony at the w. end of Deer I. The observed eating watermelon! In Tennessee, Black-bellied Plovers in New Orleans July 22 Long Beach colony site was deserted A single White Ibises were seen in n.e. Shelby establishedan early Fall record (NN), but on visit to band tern chicks in Gulfport mid- County July 16-Aug. 4 (DPh, LCC), and at the Mississippicoast a few apparently spent way through the nesting season revealed Reelfoot L., July 16 (D & GM); 40 to 103 the summer (TF, DH, JAJ). hundreds of dead and dying chicks (JAJ, roostedin the s. Dyersburgheron roost July An Am. Woodcock at Spring Hill, Ala., JAT, BER). The quivering, glazed-eyed, 24-Aug. 14 (WGC). June 12 produced a rare summer record for older chicks lacked motor coordination and the coast (GDJ,DGJ). The first June record seemed to be showing classicsymptoms of WATERFOWL--Mallards continued to of a Com. Snipe at Nashville was established pesticidepoisoning. Sampleswere collected appear in summer throughout the Region, by a bird found the 14th (DV); there was a and analyzed for organochlorines and and the first nest for Faulkner County, Ark. July record in 1977. Four early Whimbrels heavy metals: negativeresults. Chicks were was discovered(DMJ) and two birds were appeared at Romar Beach, Ala., July 20 checked for bacterial or vital infections seenat Mobile July 30 (GDJ). Mottled Ducks (RD). An ad. and one young Spotted Sand- negative results. Even red tide was con- seemed to do well at P.R.M.: 20 adults and piper were at Nashville June 21, the fourth sidered. Heat was also suggested,but the seven young were seen June 7, and nine local record (DV). Two were seenat Tupelo birds were found dying before the unusual young, including six "downies" were present June 4 (BBC, LCC). One early migrant ap- extreme temperature arrived. By comparing July 26 (JAT). Three Blue-winged Teal were peared at L. Millwood, Hempstead Co., brain enzyme levels of healthy chicks from at Mobile July 30 (GDJ) and an ad. Wood Ark., July 16 (CM) and 15 were at P.R.M., Ship I. with those of dying chicks, Duck with three young was discovered at July 26 OAT). A solitary Solitary Sandpiper U.S.F.&W.S. biologist Don White found P.R.M., July 24 (MH). Ruddy Ducks (one at New Orleans July 23 may represent the evidenceof organophosphateor carbamate male, four females)summered at H.S.L. (TF, earliest fall record for the area (NN). Willets pesticide poisoning. The main concentra- DH). appeared inland at H.S.L. July 2 (TF), L. tion of affected chickswas at the Gulfport Millwood, Ark., July 9 (19 birds) and July 13 colony immediately acrossfrom the Broad- RAPTORS--There were numerous sum- (one bird) (CM, TW), and at L. Purdy, Ala., water Golf Course. A few Deer 1. chicks mer records of Swallow-tailed Kites at H.S.L. July20 (HKi, HW, AM),.A GreaterYellow- were also affected: Pass Christian chicks (TF, DH) and in AscensionParish (JA, BSa, legs at the Bonnet Carte Spillway, La., July and Ship 1. chicks were not. The source of fide RSt). Two pairs of MississippiKites were 14 represents an early state record (MW). contamination and the specificchemical in- seenon the D'Iberville B.B.S. route, Jackson Another early bird was the Pectoral Sand- volved have not been identified. County, Miss. OAT) and severalwere seenin piper: one at Santa Rosa I., July 12 (FW, H & To add to the plight of the Least Tern, Forrest County, Miss. (TF, LG, DH), in- EB), four at H.S.L. July 1%18 (TF, DH), none nestedon the spoil island at the w tip cluding six flying over the businessdistrict at five at Mobile July 29 (GDJ), and a whop- of Petit Bois I. Two thousand pairs nested Petal Aug. 9 (TF). Single Mississippi Kites ping 370+ on a well-wateredfootball field at there last year. A colony of about 30 pairs werefound at TishomingoS.P., Miss.,June Starkville, Miss., July 29-30. The Starkville tried to nest near the w. tip of Petit Bols, 18 (TF), and near Spring Hill, Ala., June 15 flock increasedto 650 + in early August and but were unsuccessful,probably as a result (GDJ). At least one pair of Red-tailedHawks remained in the area for several days (JAJ, of raccoon predation. The only positive was in residence in Jackson County, Miss. BJS, DBM). tern report is that of a new colony including OAT). Red-shoulderedHawks were reported Other early sandpipers included a Long- an estimated 500 nests along a 4 mi stretch from several areas in Mississippi(JAT, JAJ) billed Dowitcher July 16 at Mobile (TI), Stilt of beach at Ft. Pickens, Fla. (RD, RB, and from Lonoke, Grant, and Dallas coun- Sandpipers at Nashville July I (D&PCr), B&GP). They set up housekeeping where ties in Arkansas (MP, E&HH). A pair of P.R.M. July 24 (MH), L. Purdy July 27 dunes had been flattened by Hurricane Broad-wingedHawks was spottedin Marion (HW, AM), and Mobile July 30 (GDJ), and Frederic. A lone Least Tern was seen at County, Miss., June 4 (LG, TF), and singles five W. Sandpipers at Nashville July 8 (D & Hattiesburg July 28 (TF, DH), as if escap- were found in JacksonCounty, Miss., June 1 PC). American Avocets were at P.R.M. ing the chaos on the coast. (JAT) and Little River County, Ark., June 16 again this year (22 on July 24, MH), and (CM). Ospreys returned again this year to Black-necked Stilts nested again at both nest in the same areas of Round, Horn, E. P.R.M. and in Evangeline Par. At least 24 Ship, and Cat Is., in MississippiSound, as adults and one immature were at P.R.M. July SandwichTerns and Royal Terns nestedin well as to the Escatawpa R. marsh n. of 24 (MH), and 51 adults, 14 young, and 2 much greater numbers on the spoil island w Pascagoula. There were approximately 40 nests were found at Miller's L., La., June 5 of Petit Bols I. this year. On May 26, 4126 nests, equally divided between the mainland (Be, DC). A Parasitic Jaeger at Dauphin I., Sandwich and 451 Royal Tern nests were and Gulf islands. All nests had been July 19, DPa, fide LT) would provide a good counted(JAJ). Black Terns were frequently destroyedby Hurricane Frederic last year, record sincethis speciesdoes not normally ar- seenthroughout the summerin congregations and new ones were generally built in the same rive until September, but no details were fur- of 100or moreon the endsof the Mississippi or nearby trees (JAJ). An Osprey was also nished. Some unusual Larids showed up at barrier islands(JAJ). A few showedup in- presentat Gulf Shoreswhere the specieshas H.S.L. this summer:a LaughingGull June 6 land: one at Eufaula N.W.R., June28 (DC), nestedin past years, but no nest was confirm- & July 20 (TF, DH), an ad. Franklin's Gull 14 at H.S.L., June 8 (TF), and up to 14 at ed this year (VF, fide LT). Inland, Ospreys June 6 (TF), and a possible imm. Black- H.S.L., July21-27 (TF, DH, LG) and five at were sighted at L. Purdy near Birmingham legged Kittiwake Aug. 4 (TF, DH) [Fair L. Millwood, Ark., July 25 (CM). Black (HT, AM, RS, HW) July 29 and Swan Creek details, but brief observation--Ed.]. At least Skimmersseemed to have a good nesting

Volume34, Number6 903 season all along the Gulf. By actual count Guntersvflle,Ala., (CDC) and the Toad Suck Sparrows were seen and heard at Ft. Pillow there were 328 nestson the spoil island w. of Lock and Dam on the Arkansas R., in Farm, LauderdaleCo., Tenn., June19(BBC, Petit Bois I. (JAJ, BER). Another 110 pairs Faulkner Co., Ark. (DMJ, A J, M J, RHa). In LCC), and an adultfeeding young was found nestedin the Least Tern colony at Gulfport. Mississippi, Cliff Swallows were reported June 9-21 in n.c. Dyer County, Tenn Only a few of their chickshad hatchedwhen nestingat Sardis Dam, Panola Co.; Belmont (WGC). A lone SeasideSparrow among yuc- the massive kill of Least Tern chicks oc- bridge, 5 mi down the Little Tallahatchie R. casin the LeastTern colonyat Gulfport June curred, and none seemedaffected (JAJ). At from Sardis Dam, Panola Co.; Enid Dam, 28 wasmiles from appropriatehabitat. Fifty Ft Pickens, Fla., 30 nests were estimated Yalobusha Co.; U.S. 51 bridge over the to 70 SeasideSparrows at HoetownBayou m along 2.5 mi of road (RD, B&GP, RB), and Yocona R., near Enid dam; the bridge over Walton Co., Fla., June 14-17was the largest •n New Orleans skimmers nested on the roof the Skuna R., on the Graysport-Coffeeville colonyfound during a surveyfor the species of the Lake Forest Plaza Shopping Center Road in Yalobusha Co; the bridge on the (HKa). An astounding41 singingBachman's (NN). A singleskimmer appearedat H.S.L. Graysport Road over the YalobUsha R., in Sparrows along the d'Iberville B.B.S. route Aug. 3 (TF). Grenada Co.; Grenada Dam and nearby must make Jackson County, Miss., the bridges; Arkabutla Dam, Desoto and Tate Bachman's Sparrow capitol of the world cos.; and the Mississippi Hwy 25 bridge over (JAT). Sometimes the accommodationsare CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- Yellow Cr., at the Tennessee-Tombigbee just too good--a White-throatedSparrow re- Two summer records for Black-billed Waterway abomination (BBC, LCC). In mainedat Petal, Miss., until June8 + (DH, Cuckoos were unusual for the Region: one Louisiana, 2 nests were found on the Kayo MHa). Last but not least, the Song Sparrow found dead June 26 at Jonesboro produced Bayou bridge, Cameron Par., apparently the alsoseems to be movingS; five weresinging the first summer record for n.e. Arkansas first nest record for the state (MBE). at the Gallatin Steam Plant in the Nashville (CB, EH); anotherseen July 24 at L. Semi- area (D&PCr), one was heard at Decatur, nole, Jackson Co., Fla., provided the first NUTHATCHES THROUGH WAR- Ala. (CDC), and severalwere singingnear July record for that area (MG). Barn Owls BLERS--White-breasted Nuthatches, rare Guntersville(CDC) and Huntsville(DMB) nested again this year in Escambia County, permanent residents in Bay County, Fla., Fla, but lost their young (BW, CLK). A were observedfeeding young near Panama s•ngleBarn Owl was seenon Dauphin 1., July City June 21 (GT). A Brown Creeper was CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS-- 20 (fide LT). seen June 14, and two were found July 17 in Jan Alexander (JA1), Jim Aymond, Richard Ben and Lula Coffey have worked for Nashville; there is a previous nesting record Ballman, Howard & Evalyn Barbig,Michael several years documenting the s. limits of from the area (JAI, JMc). A House Wren L. Bierly (Middle Tennessee), Cotfine Whip-poor-wills in the mid-South. New June 19 at Ft. Pillow S.P. makes Lauderdale Boucher, D. Mark Brown, Terry Butler, Arkansas records included single birds, May County the fourth county in w. Tennessee Louis & FrancesCashman (Lo & FC), Ben B. 27-28, 5 min. of Forrest City, one mi e. of with this speciesin summer (BBC, LCC). In- Coffey (West Tennessee),Lula C. Coffey, Colt, 2 mi e. of Colt in St. Francis Co.; one creasinglyrare within the Region, Bewick's Dan Combs, C. Dwight Cooley, Roberta m• w. of Levesqueand 5 min. of Levesquein Wrens were reported at Hillsboro, Ala., June Crabtree, Dot & Paul Crawford (D & PCr), Cross Co., and eight birds between Ark. Hwy 13 (CDC) and a nest with four young was Win. G. Criswell, Robert & Lucy Duncan, 351 & 141 in Craighead Co. In Mississippi found in Dyer County, Tenn., July 21 Marshall B. Eyster, Terrie Fairley, Owen they found Whip-poor-wills 3 mi s. of In- (WGC). Yellow-throated Vireos were seenin Fang, M. Floyd, Venetia Friend, Vance Fur- dependence,Tate Co., and at Bridgetown, Jackson County, Miss., June I (JAT) and at nass(VFu), Larry Gates, Mary Gray, Edith & DeSoto Co., on May 25. Whips were also re- Mobile June 27 (GDJ). A nestwas discovered Henry Halberg, Robert Halter (RHa), Dawd ported in Hot Spring County, Ark., June 11 at Tishomingo S.P., Miss. (TF). Swainson's Hamilton, Martha Hamilton (MHa), Earl L (H & MP). Specialefforts in Alabama have Warblers were heard in Grant County, Ark., Hanebrink, Ralph Havard, Tuck Hayward, revealed summering Whip-poor-wills in June 4 (MP), Tare County, Ark., July 4 (R & Ann Hettish, Malcom Hodges, George Hor- Tallapoosa, Chambers, and Lee counties-- BPe), and in Turner Swamp, Shelby Co., ton, BruceHymack, Tom Imhof (Alabama), details to be published elsewhere(BO, GH, Ala., June 2 (GDJ). A Blue-wingedWarbler Greg D. Jackson, Je•'ome A. Jackson RHM). at H.S.L. July 21 was an early arrival for the (Mississippi), Arthur Johnson, David M Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were seen at area (TF). Four Yellow Warblers were seenat Johnson, Debra G. Johnson, Martha Open Pond in Conecuh N.F., Ala. (GDJ, H.S.L., June 8 and three were in the same Johnson, Theodore Johnson, Herb Kale, DGJ). At Noxubee N.W.R., the Red- area July 22-28 (DH, TF). Two-to-four were (HKa) Curtis L. Kingsbury (n.w. Florida), cockaded had a poor season. Only 8 active also found at Mad 1., in Memphis, May Helen Kittinger (HKi) Cheryl & Norman colonies remain of 23 that have been active 31-June 29, e. of the species'normal range Lavers, Renne Lohoefner, Roy W. Lowe, w•thin the past 5 years. Of these, only 5 pro- (BBC, LCC, MWa). A Blackburnian Don & Gina Manning, Joe McLaughlin, ducedyoung this year. Major problemshave Warbler was present at Tishomingo S.P., John McLaughlin (JMc), Douglas B been tornadoes, southern pine bettles, and Miss., June 18 (TF). McNair, Ann Miller, Bill Millmore, Charles understorydevelopment (JAJ). Scissor-tailed Mills (Arkansas), Bobby Moore (BMo), Flycatchers continue to pop up e. of the Robert H. Mount, Norton Nelkin, Robert M•ssissippi,but no more nestshave been pin- Newman (Louisiana), Brent, Sue, & April ned down. An adult was seen at Mur- BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FIN- Oftego, Helen & Max Parker, D. Patronas CHES-The Great-tailed Grackle colony at freesboro, Tenn., for the third summer in a (DPa), J.V. Peary, Rob & Bill Peeples row (AH) and another appeared at Petal, Miller's L., in EvangelineParish has grown: (R&BPe), Audrey & Don Perry, Dawd M•ss., June 5 (TF). Tree Swallows nestedat at least 196 males and 50 females were seen Phillips (DPh), Bill & Gayle Plaia, Ed Price, L Conway, Faulkner Co. (TB, DMJ, A J, (BO, DC). Two crand 2 c?Bronzed Cowbirds Bernard Rowe, Buck Sayoy (BSa) Bette J M J, RHa) and at Big Lake W.R., Mississippi were at feeders in Reserve, La., the fourth Schardien,Ruth Schatz,Bill Shepherd(BSh) consecutive summer there for the species Co , Ark., (EP, BMo). Theyalso showed up Ronald Stein (RSt), Helen Thigpen, Gladys early (July 26) at the Bonnet Carre Spillway, (RSt, MW). At least10-12 pairs of Painted Todd, Lib Toenes, Judith A. Toups, Wayne La (RSt, MW). Buntingsnested at H.S.L. (TF, DH, LG) and Valentine, David Vogt, Martha Waldron Now that Barn Swallows have essentially two first yearmales were singing as if on ter- (MWa), Melvin Weber, Ray Weeks, Bert bridged the gap between n. and coastal ritories in Santa Rosa County, Fla., June 9, Weis, Tom Whitley, Fred Wicke, Harriett but neither females nor nests could be found populations,we can focuson another rapidly Wright, T.O.S.--Tennessee Ornithological expandingspecies--the Cliff Swallow. While (BM, fide OF). Bothsexes were seen all sum- Society.--JEROME A. JACKSON, Depa•-t- mer at the Mobile causeway, but no nests Barn Swallows seemedto expand in orderly ment of BiologicalSciences, Mississippi State fashion down our highways,the expansionof found (MF). SingleHouse Fincheswere seen University, MississippiState, Miss. 39762. Chff Swallows has been more erratic, cross- during the summerat 2 feedersin Decatur, •ng wide gapsin unpredictabledirections, but Ala., (RWL) andColumbus, Miss. (RW) and predictably becoming establishedas nesting will no doubt soon be nestingin the area. A speciesat major river crossingsand reser- Pine Siskinat Farville, CraigheadCo., Ark., voirs. Reports of colonies this year come establishedan inexplicablefirst July record from the bridge across Brown's Creek near for the state (C&NL). Two Grasshopper

904 American Birds, November 1980 PRAIRIE PROVINCES 20 and 52 on June 14 REGION near Saskatoon were mainly immatures and /J.B. Go!lop there were more Temperaturesin June varied from normal Swainson's than Red- in the southeasternpart of the Region to 2øC taileds (JBG); 11 ad. above in the northwestern; in July the entire and imm. Red-taileds Region had normal temperatures. Owing were noted June 15 mainly to late rains, precipitation in June was near Moose Jaw from half normal to normal in extreme south- (ROH,SJT,MAR) and crn Manitoba• and southern Saskatchewan; all of 29 that were Alberta experiencedtorrential rains, and up identified at to three times the normal amount. July rain- Markinch, Sask., June fall ranged from one-quarter average in 18 were ad. and imm. southern Manitoba to normal north and west Swainson's (MAG). acrossthe Region. Swainson'sHawk pro- In July southern Alberta had 18%0fewer duction was down in pondsthan in 1979, southernSaskatchewan Saskatchewan both in was down 63%o and southern Manitoba down terms of nest success 55%o. The July pond count was the fourth and young per nest (C&MH). In both Sas- Black-backed, Herring, Ring-billed, Bona- lowest in 20 years. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife katchewanand Alberta, FerruginousHawk parte's and Sabine's were seen at Churchill Service, Canadian Wildlife Service). productionwas down from 3.3_+young per (BAC). Mew Gulls nestedthere for the first There appearedto be more birds than usual successfulnest last year to 2.6 this year in 40 time, far e. of their published range, a out of their normal June-Julyranges, possib- nests(C&MH,ARS). Golden Eaglesproduc- predator took 3 eggsfrom one nest ca. July 3 ly associatedwith drought and warm weather ed sevefiyoung in Saskatchewanwhere there and nothing was laid in another (RMe,DM, as well as record forest fires in the north. was only one in 1979(C&MH). Marsh Hawks BAC,FC). Churchill also recorded a Black- weredefinitely down this year in theCalgary headed Gull July 11 & 27 (BAC,DFi), up to LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Church- area (JBS). Around Loon L., Sask.,only 5 of three Little Gulls June 11-12 & 23 (DMa, ill monopolized the loon records: Com. were 19 Osprey nestswere successfulcompared to BAC,YA), a Black-leggedKittiwake June 11 up (BAC). the first Yellow-billed for the area 12 of 21 last year (C&MH). In a 3-km-long (DMa,BAC) and the prize of the season-- was in breeding plumage June 26 and was coulee near Matador, Sask., four pairs of breeding Ross' Gulls. Three nests were adequately described (AR). Arctic Loons falcons were nesting; two Merlins and a found; Fred Cooke and Bonnie Chattier will were migrating June 8; >2000 were seen in 2 kestrel in magpie nestsand a Prairie on the publish details on them separately in this hours and there were probably 5 times that cliff (C&MH). An imm. Peregrineat Stone- issue.As many as four Com. Terns were also number through the day; at least 2 broodsof wall, Man., July 23 was a rarity for the sum- seen at Churchill June 24-25 & July 19 (YA, three young each were seenin July. About 20 mer (KAG). AC,BAC,PL). Red-throatedswere caught in a gill net July 7 RAILS THROUGH TERNS--Churchill PIGEONS THROUGH WRENS--Sas- (BAC). At Redberry Lake, Sask., White recorded its first Virginia Rail, heard June Pelicans raised 160 young, the most since katchewan's third Band-tailed Pigeon near 27, 29, 30 & July 3 (RFK,BAC). Both Sofas 1966, and Double-crestedCormorants pro- Mortlach June 28-29 was adequately describ- and Yellow Rails were up significantlythere, duced 63 young, the highest number in 25 ed (BF) and its fifth Barn Owl in Regina June possiblyowing to drought in the s. (BAC). years (C&MH). A Great Blue Heron June 15 10-12 was photographed(RK,m.ob.). Great at Churchill furnished the second record for Approximately 25 Sofas were estimated in 5 Horned Owl productionwas down in Saskat- mi of marsh near Warburg, Alta., June 28, the area (YA). Manitoba hosted two Green chewan, based on 115 young banded in 64 where there had been no more than two last Herons at Birds Hill P.P., near Winnipeg, nests(C&MH). A Hawk Owl nestedfarther s year; three Yellow Rails heard near St. Albert in Manitoba than previously recorded at June 17-July (RM'C,KP,m.ob.), and an was also a large number June 22 (GRAE). lmm. Little Blue Heron July 22 at Delta least one nestling June 15 at Whitemouth L, Two broods of Am. Coots July 6 at Churchill (DG) and an immature <10 mi away near (CWC,JS). A Great Egret flew overhead at were >250 min. of their main breedingrange Stewart Valley, Sask., June 12 (CGH) and an Vassar June 9 (fide RWN). Short-eared Owl (BAC). A flock of >140 Long-billedCurlews populations were low in the s. half of each ad. Snowy Egret was seen at Last Mt. L., was found s.w. of SaskatoonJuly 27 (JBG) June 1 (CJ,GV,BD). There was a Cattle Egret province but were up at Churchill where 12 and a rare Whimbrel was sightednear Moose at High River June 18 (fide RB). were seen June 25 (BAC). A Boreal Owl July Jaw June 28 (PRK). Long-billed Dowitchers 24 at Churchill was several mi from the loca- may be more regular than once thought at tion of the spring sighting (T&LL). Common DUCKS THROUGH HAWKS--Duck Churchill; they were recorded June 17 & 29 Nighthawks were low at Edmonton and in productionin the s. Prairieswas substantially with a maximum of five July 8 (BAC). Buff- Saskatchewan (PA,JBG). A Red-shafted down from 1979 (U.S.F.&W.S. & C.W.S.). breastedSandpipers were more commonthan Flicker was seenJune 25 at Churchill (BAC) A Black Duck brood July 4 near Watson was usual in spring through s. Manitoba and con- Red-headedWoodpeckers did well in s. Man- a rarity for Saskatchewan(WCH,SML). tinued to be so at the start of fall migration: itoba (HWRC) and their first confirmed Churchill may have had an influx of some 14 birds July 25 and eight on the 26th near nesting in Saskatchewan occurred in the birds becauseof dry conditions in the s.: Winnipeg and 10 on July 26 at Oak- Lumsden cemetery;unfortunately the partly more Gadwall and Blue-winged Teal than Hammock (RFK,GEH,SH). An exceptional- dead tree was cut down July 18 with three usual; the first record for Canvasback, a ly large flock of 1500_+Marbled Godwitsoc- young still in it (BL,RK,m.ob.). Northern brood of two, then one, July 5-11, >350 min. curred at Stirling, Alta., July 9 (PS). Near Three-toed Woodpeckers s. of their known of where the speciesusually breeds; in the Big River, Sask., two pairs of avocetswere on range nestedin Manitoba (30 mi n.w. of Win- order of 5000 Com. Goldeneye at one time in territory June 15 & July 13, just beyond their nipeg, early June, RMe) and were found •n June, and >100 Com. Mergansers June 8 known breeding range (WCH,RMi). Three Saskatchewan (Duck Mt. P.P., June 16, (BAC,FC). Other rarities for Churchill in- Manitoba rarities included: a Black-necked RK,AM). Alder Flycatchers are becoming cludedtwo Ring-neckedDucks June 12 (YA) Stilt at Delta June 10-July 31, the Province's more regular at Churchill with the speciesbe- and lone birds June 22 & July 8 fourth record (GLP,CWC); a Red Phalarope ing heard June 15 & 29 (four birds) & July 3 (DRMH,DFa), and a c• Harlequin June 15, at a Winnipeg sewagelagoon July 20 & 21 (DMa,AG,BAC). As many as 90% of the July 5-6 (ET,WN,BAC,RFK). Five Greater (GEH,m.ob.), and up to four Pomafine martins at Buffalo Pound L., Sask., may Scaup were reported on Chitek L., Sask., Jaegers at Churchill June 8-11 (RMe,BAC). have been poisonedby a bloom of blue-green June 20 (MIC). Gulls were the big news in Manitoba. There algae (Anabaena); ten adults were found Buteos are seldom reported in flocks in was a rare GlaucousGull near Winnipeg July dead in one yard, as well as all the nestlingsm June but this year they were noted on 3 dates: 27-28 (SH,RFK). Glaucous, Iceland, Great one house and 40 adults around another

Volume 34, Number 6 905 group of houses (EWK,LMK). One of the July 7 (BCG). Both an EveningGrosbeak Ju- (MIC). very few Blue Jay records for Churchill was ly 24 & 27 and a Dark-eyed Junco July 1-3 ap- provided by a single bird July 6 (RFK). peared out of place in Moose Jaw (GAZ). CONTRIBUTORS--(Area editorsin bold- Evidence is rare of White-breasted Nuthat- Pine Siskinswere up over last year acrossthe face). W.&J. Anaka, P. Assman, Y. Aubrey, ches breeding in Saskatchewan, but there s. prairies but no nesting was reported L.A. Baschak, B. Burrows, R. Butot, M I were 2 records for this period: an adult (JBS,JBG,HWRC). Several flocks of Red Carlson, A. Chartier, B.A. Chattier, N J feedingtwo young at Good Spirit L., June 29 Crossbills were unusual in Winnipeg during Cleveland, F. Cooke, H.W.R. Colaland, (W&JA) and young at a feederin Moose Mt. June and early July (JL,PAH,RFK) as were C.W. Cuthbert, B. Dale, R. Dixon, G.R.A P P , the week of July 20 (RD). A concentra- four birds at Oxbow, Sask., July 17 (HP). Ebel, D. Fast, D. Finch, B. Forbes, K.A tion of 30 Short-billed Marsh Wrens in 1.5 mi Lark Buntings were much more common in Gardner, B.C. Godwin, J.B. Gollola, M.A of marsh near St. Albert, Alta., June 22 was s.c. Alberta June 24-26 than usual (ARS) but Gollop, A. Grey, D. Guinan, C.G. Harris, probably the largest in Alberta (GRAE). the birds reported near Saskatoonin May ap- W.C. Harris, D.R.M. Hatch, M. Hemmie, Four c7Rock Wrens were on territory June 16 parentlydisappeared in June(JBG) and those D.&P. Hjertaas, G.E. Holland, R.O. Holl- near Unity, Sask., n. of their main breeding at Last Mt. L. were not seen after early July ing, P.A. Horch, S. Houlahan, C.&M range (ARS). (BD). Single Grasshopper Sparrows were Houston, C. Jorgerison, E.W. Kern, P R reported n. of their known breeding range Kern, L.M. Knight, R.F. Koes, R. Kreba, D MOCKINGBIRDS THROUGH WARB- near Hanna, Alta., June 25, and Unity, Kyle, S.M. Lamont, J. Lane, R. Lein, T.&L LERS-The most northerly of three Mock- Sask., June 13 (ARS); they were also Levin, P. Lison, B. Luterbach, R. Mac- ragbirds was near Prince Albert June 5 reported to be more common than in Charles, D. Mark, R. Mellon, A. MIllar, R (BCG,LAB). In or near Winnipeg single previousyears in extreme s.c. Manitoba (PT). Miller, J.L. Murray, W. Neily, R.W. Nero, Wood Thrusheswere reported June 3 & 9 & Baird's Sparrow showeda big increasein the P. O'Neil, H. Paton, G. LaPointe, K July 29 (GEH,DK,JZ). A Gray-cheeked Calgary district (JBS,BB) but was reportedas Porteous, A. Reille, M.A. Ritchie, S J Thrush in Calgary July ! was at an unusual a rarity at Oak-Hammock July 19 (one bird) Shadick, P. Sherrington, J. Simpson, A R location for that time of year (MS). A c7 & 25 (two)--(GEH,NJC,IAW). Two other Smith, J.B. Steeves,M. Steeves,P. Taylor, Mountain and c• E. bluebird raised broods of species far n. of their published breeding S.J. Thomson, E. Tull, G. Vandoorne, G three and five young near Lyleton, Man. ranges were a Brewer's Sparrow and several Wagner, I.A. Ward, A. Wiseley, G.A. Zado, (JLM). Fifty-nine pairs of Mountain Blue- o' Chestnut-collaredLongspurs on territory J. Zoch.--J. BERNARD GOLLOP, Cana- birds had a record 26 successful second near Unity, Sask., June 16 & 13, respectively dian Wildlife Service, 115 Perimeter Road, nestings and produced 324 young around (ARS). Seven Chestnut-collareds were still Saskatoon, Sask. S7N 0X4. Saskatoon; the first broods were unusually further n. at Turtle Lake, Sask., July 27 well synchronized(C&MH). Sprague'sPipits were up in s. Alberta and around Winnipeg (JBS,HWRC). Starlingswere up at Churchill (BAC) while TennesseeWarblers were down both in s.c. Manitoba and in the s. boreal forest in Saskatchewan(PT,WCH,SML). NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS GREBES, IBISES--Twenty young Horned The first documented nesting of a NashviIle Grebes were observedin Marshall County, /Esther M. Serf Warbler in Alberta resulted in one and S.D., July 23 (LLW). An estimated 10,000 possiblythree young being fledged ca. 10 mi The Region was so drought-strickenthat Eared Grebes were nesting at Freezeout L , s w of Calgary (GW,RL). A rare Black- observers compared the conditions to those Mont., (LMM). A White Pelicancolony pro- throated Blue Warbler was singing60 min. of the '30s, and some hinted that they might duced 114 young at Willow Lake N.W.R, of Hudson Bay June 19 (WCH,SML). A ter- be the worst of the century. When rains fell Rollette Co., N.D., (CAF). Waubay ritorial <7 Black-throated Gray Warbler in on small areas, the amount was too little or N.W.R., S.D., had a 17.6% increase of mid-Junein the foothillsnear Lodgepolewas too late to help. White Pelicans and an 860% increase of a rarity (MH,AW,PS,ET). At least six sing- Waterfowl and shorebirds abandoned nests Double-crested Cormorants over 1979 •ng BlackburnJanand two singingChestnut- as ponds dried up. Dry-land birds were most (LLW). Freezeout L. had a big increase of sided warblers were found at Cold Lake, out successful--there have never been so many 200 Cormorant nests compared to 30 nests a of their published breeding ranges, June reports of double broods. few years ago (LMM). 13-15;they were alsothere in 1979(PA). June There was someindication that certain spe- Two Little Blue Herons, 30 Cattle Egrets 25 was an unusual date for a Connecticut ciesshifted nestinglocalities from uplandsto and four each of Great and Snowy egrets Warbler to be in Edmonton (PA). lower, moist areas. In spite of the heat, ob- were believed to be in nestingcolonies June 9 servers made trips around their respective at Sand Lake N.W.R., Columbia, S.D, BOBOLINKS THROUGH LONG- statesand reported excellentobservations. (WAS). Low water and heavy marsh grass SPURS--It was an expansion year for Or- made it difficult to check nesting actiwty chard Oriole in Saskatchewan. A pair .S.A. Three Cattle Egrets and a Snowy were sighted through the summer at Oxbow indicated Misfortune plagued Broadview Marsh, at Broadview Marsh June 17 (HWC,BBF, nestingin an area whereit rarely but regularly n.w. Billings, Mont., becauseof both the RF). One Yellow-crownedNight Heron was breeds(HP). Then a female was found taking marsh's location in Comanche Basin and seen at Sand Lake N.W.R., June 1 (WAS) food to a nest ca. 10 mi n.e. of Moose Jaw a low-water condition that caused botu- During July, 21 White-faced Ibis (no young July 1 (D&PH,m.ob.), followed by a nest lism. In the beginning of this century, a mentioned) were counted at Bowdoin with two young 7 mi n.w. of Saskatoon July high-voltage transmission line was built N.W.R., Malta, Mont., (TWP). 14 (SJS,m.ob.). In all three cases the male through the basin when the area was very was in immature plumage, as was the female dry and no marsh existed. Heavy snow- WATERFOWL--Low water cut gooseand seen at the n. end of Last Mt. L., June 1 & 3 melt during the last few years created a duck production at least in half. Wood Ducks (GV,BD,D&PH). On July 31 a pair of W. sump area, without an outlet, and caused seemedto have the best nestingin the puddles Tanagers, possibly wanderers, appeared in the greatest water accumulation since the with tree limb entanglements. Edmonton (PA) and one n. of Hudson Bay '20s. As other areas dried up, the birds June 19 was e. of its recognized breeding flocked to Broadview. By June 20, 792 HAWKS--Adult Goshawks were seen •n range (WCH,SML). In May a pair of Cardi- birds of 32 different specieshad collided Custer County, Black Hills, S.D., June 4 nals was found in Saskatoon; while the fe- with the power line (U.S.F.&W.s.). By (JAH,RH) and in the Bull Mts., Mont., June male was not seensubsequently, the male was June 23, a botulism outbreak began and 5 (HWC). A female with four downy young reported almost daily through June and July another 3000 birds perished. In the last 3 was an exciting find in the Bearpaw Mts., s (PO'N). Still further n.w. a male was years, 63,000 birds have died from botu- Havre, Mont., (SJG). reported from Turtle Lake, Sask., June 8 lism at this marsh, so the power line losses Many more nest observations for Ac- (MIC). A verynortl•ern Indigo Bunting was were minor in comparison(CMC). cipiters, Butcos and Falcons were submitted heard and seen ca. 20 mi e. of Prince Albert this season than in the last 5 years. The

906 American B•rds, November 1980 Swainson's Hawk still seemed to be in trouble CUCKOOS, OWLS--A in most of the Region, yet 19 nests were pair of Yellow-billed found in n. Blaine County, Mont., and 15 Cuckoos was feedinga fledgl- Ferruginous Hawk nests were located in the ing in Dickey County, N.D., same area (AE). A pair of Golden Eaglesin a June 15--one of two nesting cliff nest fledged two young, June 20-July 2 records in the state (DWC. near Edgemont, S.D., (WH). The Marsh JPO, m.ob.). Two Yellow- Hawk was doing well in reclaimed coal min- billed nestlings were full- ing area where grazing was prohibited near feathered July 20, Burke L., Beulah, N.D., (DPK). A Merlin nest with 4 S.D., (GLS). Black-billed eggs provided a first-known nesting record sightings were scarce in the for Bowman County. N.D., (TAG,DWT) Region. and 6 Merlin nests were found in n. Blaine A family of five ScreechOwls was closely June 3 & 4 {DOL) and one was singing near County, Mont., (AE,PDS). studied at Highmore, S.D., June 10 (JHH). Jamestown June 12 (CA•. Independent Sightingsof Burrowing Owl with young were young Horn• •rks were feeding on gravel GALLINACEOUS SPECIES, RAILS--A numerous over the Region. There were 13 roads, s. Meade County, S.D., July 4 o' Ruffed Grouse was very aggressivein the sightings on area poisoned for prairie dogs (NRW). Rough-winged Swallows took over Turtle Mrs., Bottineau Co., N.D., June 7 July 23 in Jackson and e. Pennington coun- the holes in concrete previously used by (GBB). A brood of nine Sharp-tailed Grouse ties, S.D., (RDM,EMS). One Short-eared Violet-greens and the latter had to find new established a first-known record for Grand Owl was sighted in n. Hill County, Mont., places to nest at Ft. Peck (CMC). Tree Forks County, N.D., (JFK). Sage Grouse June 23 (SJG); one was at Jamestown, N.D., Swallows were abundam over Nor[h Dakota. production was down in e. Montana (MWA) June 10 (CAF) and another in Grand Forks Sixty-five pairs of Purple Martins were but six females and sevenyoung were seen in County July 27--very scarce (SOL). Two estimated to have raised 240 young at Burke, the Bowman County, N.D., area, June 3-5 Barred Owls were in Pembina County, N.D., S.D., (GLS). (DOL,SOL). June 14 (GSL) and one in the samearea July Ten young Soras in two broods were seen 12 (JFK). JAYS, WRENS•A Pi•on Jay provided at Rolla, N.D., July 5 (JJM). Three Yellow a first record for the Ft. Peck latilong, July 7 Rails were heard along the Sheyenne R., GOATSUCKERS, PICIDAE--A Poor- (CMC}. A sighting of eight Clark's Nut- Sheridan County, N.D., in a new location will nest with 2 eggs was found in the crackers in the Sweetgr•s Hills, n. Liberty June 25 (CAF). Missouri R. Breaks, s. Blaine Co., Mont., Ju- County, Mont., was interesting July 2S ly I (SJG). Several were calling in w. Slope (HMM). SHOREBIRDS--Water-level was reduced County, N.D., June 4 & 5 (DOL). There was The White-breasted Nuthatch was very in lagoons at Grand Forks A.F.B., and at heavy flocking of imm. Corn. Nighthawks •arce except in the Red River Valley, with Fargo, N.D., and created ideal shorebird July 20-26 along the e. edge of the Black successfulnests at Fargo and Grand Forks in habitat. In less than 100 acres near Grand Hills, S.D., (BMN,FMB)--the largest flock June (CWC, SOL, DOL). ReS-breasle8 Nul- Forks there were 21 speciestotalling some of 300 occurredat dusk over Spearfish, S.D., halches have increased greatly. Two nests 10,000 birds. Three ad. and one young Piping (DLB). were Io•t• a few mi apart in Slope County, Plover furnished the first-known breeding A pair of White-throated Swifts was N.D., producing the firs• 2 definite r•ords record in the L. Agassiz Plain at Fargo feeding five young June 25-July I near Edge- for the state (DOL,TAG,DWT). A nesl with Sewage July 2-20 (MAB,CAS,FJC). Success- mont, S.D., (WH). One was seenin s. Blaine four well-leathered young was in a hollow ful Piping Plover nestswere watchedthrough County, Mont., July 9 (SJG). A juv. Chim- pine stump in Custer S.P., S.D., June 16 the period in w. Clay County, S.D., (B. ney Swift was believed to be among three (NRW). It was unusual to find a Red- Lemons, fide WH) and at Ft. Peck, Mont., birds July 29 at Malta, Mont., (DMP). A breast• e. of the Black Hills at Burke July 19 (CMC). count of 30 was taken w. of Yankton, S.D., (GLS) and to the n. in Harding County, S.D., Two Red Knots were seen at Grand Forks July 29 (JEW). June 8 (BR,JLB). A Brown Cree•r was a A.F.B., July 25 (JFK). Several broods of Three Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were rare sighting at Fargo, June 19 (OIO) and a Mountain Plovers were at the C.M. Russell observed June I and one July 24 in Fargo, pair nest• twice in a barn s. of Rapid City N.W.R., Fergus Co., Mont., June 14 N.D., (AJL). Singles were in n. Moody June 13 (R. Kovafik,fide NRW). A ICa•n (HWC). Fifteen Buff-breasted Sandpipers County June 9 (LIW) and Burke, S.D., July Wren fl•ged five from a nest on a garage were observed at Grand Forks, N.D., July 31 31 (GLS). Four Rufous Hummlngblrdswere rafter July I at Cleghorn Canyon, Rapid City (GSL). fighting in the air over Gilia flowers, w. (DS•,BLG). Rapid City July 30. The distinct red collar GULLS AND TERNS--Two hundred was noted and photographed. Long-time MIMIDS THROUGH SHRIKES--A pair flightless young California Gulls were at observer, L.M. Baylor felt confident of a of Mockingbirds raised 2 broods of four each Chase L., Kidder Co., N.D., June 11 (WJB) Calliope in his Rapid City yard July 23. in Dickey County, N.D., (DWC, m.ob.). A and 470 nests were found in n.w. Divide Three pairs of Lewis' Woodpeckers raised Mockingbird seemedvery territorial, but no County, N.D., (KJW,KLC). Six imm. Herr- I I young on Deadwood Hill, (burn area) nest was found, in n. Blaine County, Mont., ing Gulls were sightedat Oahe Res., S.D., Ju- Black Hills, during the period (DLB). Two June 29 (SJG}. An ad. Wood Thrush was ly 19 (RCS) and a second-year bird was at were seen in the Bear Paw Mts., s. Blaine banded June 11 at Newton Hills S.P., S.D., Broadview Marsh, Mont., June 16 (HWC). Co., July I (SJG). A juv. Red-bellied (GCR). Veery sightingsin the Region were so Franklin's Gulls numbered 1000 at Grand Woodpecker was banded at Newton Hills numerousthat an influx was assumed.A pair Forks, July 24 (DOL) and 7000 in Kidder S.P., S.D., July 25 (GCR). of E. Bluebirdswas building over cold eggsin County, N.D., by July 30 (CAF). Hutchinson County, S.D., in June (RCS) and Sevennesting pairs of Forster's Terns were FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--A fledglings were noted at Lost Bridge, L. noted in Sheridan County, N.D., June 24 Cassin's Kingbird was sighted in the Bull Sakakawea, N.D., (BRP). A Water Pipit was (CAF). Thirty-four young Com. Terns were Mrs., n. Billings, Mont., June 5 (HWC). An at a water fountain July 5 at Wakonda, S.D., banded mid-June at Freezeout L., Mont., E. Phoebe was carrying food under a bridge (LAW). A Sprague's Pipit nest with eggs (LMM) and 120 nesting pairs were found on in Stanley County, S.D., July 19 (RCS). along with 11 other pipits were in a quarter an island in L. Sakakawea, N.D., (BRP). Many Say's Phoebe sightingswere reported. section, July 4 in Mountrail County, N.D., Black Terns nestedin fairly good numbersin Nests and fledglings in Nelson and Barnes (TAG,DWT). They were also recorded on spite of low water. By July 5900 had gathered counties and s.e. Jamestown, N.D., showed grazed and idle alkali prairies of Grand Forks at Mobridge, S.D., (WH) and 600 were seen the Say's has extended its range to the e. County (DOL,GSL,JFK). Western South at Grand Forks July 24 (DOL). Willow Flycatcherswere seenand heard more Dakota was dubbed "abundant shrike coun- A Black-legged Kittiwake was unusual at frequently in the e. half of both Dakotas. try" (RAP). the disturbed Broadview Marsh, Mont., in Three Olive-sided Flycatchers were in a June (J. Hammerick, fide CMC}. brushy draw, s. Marmarth, Slope Co., N.D., VIREOS, WARBLERS--Warbling Vireos

Volume 34, Number 6 907 were common in the Region and could be Clay County, S.D., (KJH) and a Black- CONTRIBUTORS--(Area editors •n found in shelterbelts as well as natural headed X Rose-breasted was noted at boldface). MONTANA--M.W. Aderhold, woodlands. Thirteen Red-eyed Vireos were RoughlockFalls June 16 (NJH). Two nesting C.M. Carlson, H.W. Carlson, A. Ellenowitz, s•ng•ngin Pembina County, N.D., (JFK). pairs of Lazuli Buntingswere seenalong the B.B. FitzGerald, R. Foxall, S.J. Gniadek, A Black-and-white Warbler returned to Knife R., Mercer County, N.D., June 18 T.C. Hinz, H.M. Marble, L.M. Moos, T.W. Grand Forks July 14 (DOL). A N. Parula was (DNS) and three pair were in SpearfishCan- Planz, D.M. Prellwitz, P.D. Skaar. NORTH heard in the Turtle Mts., N.D., June 28 yon, Black Hills, in June (DLB). DAKOTA--W.J. Berg, M.A. Bergan, G.B. (CAF). An Ovenbird nest was found in Little Betkey, F.J. Cassell, K.L. Cheney, D.W Elk Canyon, Pennington Co., S.D., June 4 SPARROWS--The recently-exploredarea Child, C.W. Corwin,,C.A. Faanes, T.A (NRW). Northern Waterthrusheswere abun- of Liberty, Hill, Blaine and Choteau counties Gatz, J.F. Kelly, D.P. Kibbe, D.L dant in the Turtle Mts., June 6 & 29 in n.c. Montana has changed the outlook on Kubischta, D.O. Lambeth, G.S. Lambeth, (GBB,CAF). A MacGillvray's was seen at sparrows.When observersare able to get into S.O. Lambeth, A.J. Lies, J.J. Masters, G I Roughlock Falls, Black Hills, S.D., June 16 National Grasslands,they find the dry-land Oliver, J.P. Oswald, B.R. Pinkowski, C.A (NJH). There were eight Yellow-breasted speciesin good numbers.A Baird's Sparrow Spurbeck, D.N. Svingen, D.W. Treasure, Chats in one mi along a stream in w. Slope was discoveredin Stillwater County, Mont., K.J. Wilson. SOUTH DAKOTA--J.L County, N.D., June 3 (DOL). which extended the range to the s.w. Baker, F.M. Baylor, D.L. Bjerke, B.L (Harpers, fide PDS). Baird's moved from Green, J.A. Hagen, W. Hall, R. Hansen, BLACKBIRDS, FINCHES--A pair of E. upland into normally wet sedgehabitat in e. J.H. Harter, N.J. Holden, K.J. Hoover, Meadowlarkswas in a wetsedge meadow in North Dakota (CAF). Sharp-taileds were D.S. McCulloh, R.D. Michael, B.M. Nord- K•dder County, N.D., June 21-22 (CAF). commonin c. and e. North Dakota thus sup- strom, R.A. Peterson, B. Rogers, G.C Three pairs of Orchard Orioles nestedat Ft. porting Stewart'stheory in BreedingBirds of Rogge, W.A. Schultze, E.M. Serf, R.C Peck at the edge of their range (CMC). Two North Dakota that the speciesreaches its Spomer, G.L. Steffen, L.L. Watters, L I W Tanagers were found June 1-6 in s.w. peak during drought years. Field Sparrows Wells, N.R. Whitney, J.E. Wilcox, L.A North Dakota and one in the Sweetgrass were found along the Sheyenne R., N.D., Williams--ESTHER M. SERR, 110-11 E. Hills, Mont., July 25 in previously which seemedto be their present n. limit Watertown St., Rapid City, S.D. 57701. unreportedareas. A Rose-breastedGrosbeak (DLK). Six o' McCown's Longspurs were pmr wasunusual at Miles City, Mont., July 5 skylarkingon Rhame Prairie, Bowman Co., (TCH); five in a mile's walk were seen in s. N.D., June 3 (DOL,SOL,GSL).

severaltimes in early June and two were seen About 2000 Cattle Egrets inhabited the SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS June 28, providingthe first summerrecord Tulsa heronry July 15. Two Cattle Egrets / Frances Williams for the county. were found in Kingman County, Kans., June 10. A Snowy Egret in Rush County, Kans, HERONS--In Hemphill County, Tex., May 18, 6 Great Blue Heron nestscontained July 23 provideda not unexpectedfirst rec- ord. Louisiana Herons nested in Kaufman The excessiveheat in the Regionduring the 13 well-grownyoung. Although no nestswere County for the third year, and one of the seasonwas well publicizedby the media but found, Green Herons summered in several the heat bothered the birders more than the Louisiana Herons discovered at E1 Paso •n widely scatteredlocalities in the Texas Pan- the springremained through June.The ageof b•rds. From Eastern Texas, David Wolf handle, and one was seenin Big Bend N.P., two juv. Yellow-crownedNight Herons d•s- wrote, "The great heat wave did not stop the Tex., July 14. A pair of Green Herons spent covered at Lincoln indicated they must have local woodland birds from breeding sucess- the summer at Chet Ager Nature Center in fully. Family groups and fledgedyoung are Lincoln and in late June an immature was beenhatched nearby, providinga first breed- concentrated along the creeks and other ing recordfor Nebraska(fide MBO). A small also present. This species was unusually sourcesof water." From north-central Texas, abundant at Tulsa. There were numerous re- colony of Yellow-crowneds in Lubbock County shifts location each year. This year •t R D. Coggeshallwrote, "My observationsin- ports of Little Blue Herons in Sarpy and dinate that the birds followed their normal Douglas counties, Neb. At least a thousand contained6 active nestsMay 3. Two pairs of Black-crowned Night Herons nested at N summertimeroutine of foraging and singing were presentat a Tulsa heronryin mid-July Platte N.W.R., Neb. A Least Bittern nest early in the day." Kelly Himmel in western and four were sightedin Big Bend N.P., July Texas wrote, "The lack of severe thunder- 28. One at Midland July 19 was the first there with 2 eggs was discoveredin Kingfisher stormswas a big plus for breedingbirds. The since 1973. County June 16. Least Bitternswere sighted w•ntering birds will be the ones to suffer, as at Fort Worth July 14 and Washington Coun- there is almost no surface water and the S.A ty, Okla., May 18 & 25. At least 12 Am. B•t- terns were presentat Quivira N.W.R., Kans, grasslandsare bare." From central Kansas, Near Fort Worth a heronry is located Scott Seltman wrote, "The birds have fared in July and an immature was seen July 16 on high groundsome distance from water well. The lack of violent stormshelped nest- and immediatelyadjacent to a residential IBISES, WATERFOWL--A singleWhite- •ng arborealspecies and ground nesterswere area. During the last days of June and faced Ibis spentthe summerat Midland. It successfulas long as they providedeggs and early July, when temperaturesreached ch•cks with shade." wasapparently healthy, as it flew strongly.A 113øF,the youngherons from the colony small group of White Ibises was presentm emigratedto the yardsof nearbyhouses GREBES THROUGH ANHINGAS--Two Kaufman County July 29. A Blaek-bellied where they clusteredabout water sprin- Whistling Duck at Quivira N.W.R., July 6, pmrs of Eared Grebeswith chickswere pres- klers and on shadedporches, seeking re- provided a second State record (R&JB) ent in El Paso County June 17. In Kingfisher lief from the heat. The presenceof 20 or Seven Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were County, Okla., 4 nests of Pied-billed Grebes 30 small white herons on someone's front contained eggs June 16 and 2 broods of seen at Dallas July 29, where the first county porch providedan amazingspectacle. record had been establishedMay 10 (WP, et ch•ckswere nearby. This speciesalso fledged While the nearestyards bore the brunt of a.). At CrescentLake N.W.R., Neb., a wild youngin OsageCounty, Okla., and Lubbock this invasion, there were severalhundred County, Tex. A pair summered in Tulsa 9 TrumpeterSwan joined the residentcaptive young herons scatteredover a square rearedmale and the pair nested.Mallards had County althoughno evidenceof nestingwas quarterof a mi. Someof the birdscould seen. One imm. and two ad. Double-crested producedducklings by the first week of May not yet fly and the mortality was high Cormorants were observed in Russell Coun- at Lubbock and a brood at Muleshoe whenthey attemptedto crossbusy streets. N.W.R., Tex., was the first nesting there •n ty, Kans., July 14. Olivaceous Cormorants Thespecies present were Cattle Egret, Lit- nestedfor the third year in Kaufman County, more than 5 years. Pintails again summered tie Blue Heron and Great Egret (RDC). Tex. A single Anhinga was sighted at Tulsa in Crosby County, Tex., in good numbers,

908 AmericanB•rds, November 1980 but no youngwere seen.In Lhbbocka N. Meade and Clark coun- Shovelerwith six ducklingswas observed July ties, Kans., but no es- I c r•av i MINN. 27. Two Ring-necked Ducks summered at timate of numbers of WYO. ' ...... Lubbock. pairs was submitted. At Muleshoe N.W.R., Tex., KITES THROUGH FALCONS--A July 4 there were 12 ad. r' ..... _• ...... Omaha ' • • ' • . Lincoln - •" White-tailed Kite was sighted in Burleson Snowy Plovers and one ß •Nor'• •att. ß • ..... County, Tex., July 12 (JY). MississippiKites chick, but the behavior of flourished in towns, golf coursesand shelter the adults led observers to belts. At least two pairs nested in E1 Paso believe more chicks or ha where they have been absentin recent years. nests were nearby. Three ' •/• • Hays- C•yenne ..... B•ttoms ßMarais de Cygn Cooper's Hawks were present in Presidio downy Piping Plover _• B•ttoms County, Tex., all summer, Big Bend, N.P., chicksran alongthe sandy ClmmaronKAHS • MO July 13 and E1 Paso July 13. Observersin Ok- shore of the Platte R., lahoma reported that Red-tailed Hawks were Saunders Co., Neb., in • ..... 1 Tulsa • hard to find, but in n. Texas several nests mid-June (TH). Three • ; OKLA.•tlllw•er • ARK. with eggs or downy young were located in migrating Piping Plovers • A•rlllo ' u. ß mid-April. A Broad-winged Hawk appeared were noted in Republic in Crosby County on the early date of July County, Kans., July 13. 28. Swainsoh'S Hawks nested in Tarrant In Presidio County, 16 ad. Mountain Plovers and • Lubbock Falls .age m • • County, Tex., for the first time and two .Dallas downy young were in the nest June 7 (RDC). five chicks were present { .... • •blle•Fo;tWorth •. LA. Swainsoh'S Hawks were missing from most June 17. At the same loca- .... e, _• • . N•cogooches w. Texas Breeding Bird Survey routes (here- tion July 21 there were 29 • ...... - : ß• •Lake Llvi•sto; after, B.B.S.). In Dallam County, Tex., a Mountain Plovers, and 16 Ferruginous Hawk nest contained two young more on a neighboring June 7. This nest had been occupied in previ- ranch (PE). Mountain ous yearsbut not last year. A Gray Hawk was Plovers were also noted carefully identified in Big .BendN.P., July 24 on B.B.S. in Hartley and (WEH). Six pairs of Black Hawks were Dallam counties, Tex. nesting in the Davis Mts., Tex., in May and During July, Am. Woodcocks were seenat 3 DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS June. Becauseof the difficulty of access,the locations near Tulsa. As usual, Long-billed --White-winged Dovesexperienced a popula- nests were not checked later to determine the Curlews were widespread in the w. plains in tion explosion in Jeff Davis and Presidio degree of success(PE). In May, a pair of July but one in Kaufman County July 2 was counties. A single White-winged Dove was Marsh Hawks was sighted in Washington unexpected (SR). An ad. and chick Spotted found in Crosby County July 11. Groove- County, Okla., and two self-sufficient young Sandpiper in Cimarron County, Okla., June billed Anis visited Midland July 11, 12 & 26. hawks were observed in the same area July 13 provided the first breeding record in the Road-killed Barn Owls were found in Meade 25. A single Marsh Hawk was present near State since 1911 (JSh). Three Sanderlings County, Kans., and Osage County, Okla. A Tulsa July 29. A Caracara's nest in Kaufman scurried along a playa shore near Lubbock very alive Barn Owl in Big Bend N.P., July 24 County held two young July 2 (SR). A Pere- July 27. A Sanderling was observed in provided one of the few summer records grine Falcon hunted in alfalfa fields w. of Douglas County, Neb., July 17 and a Buff- there. At least eight Chimney Swifts twittered Valentine, Tex., May 18 & July 18. Several breastedSandpiper was seenthere July 31. above Ogallala, Neb., May 2 (MRC). traditional Am. Kestrel nest sites in Lubbock Marbled Godwits were discovered in Staf- In the Trans-Pecos area of Texas, extreme County were unoccupied this summer, but a ford, Barton and Republic counties, Kans., drouth with consequent lack of wildflowers pair again nestedin the football stadium at during June (JS et al.). Two Am. Avocets caused hummingbirds to concentrate at Big Spring, Tex. visited Tulsa July 15 and one was at Fort feeders in towns and at ranch homes. In addi- Worth July 8. Most avocet nests in the Lub- tion to dozens of Black-chinned Humming- QUAIL THROUGH GALLINULES--A bock area were unsuccessful because. the birds, the following hummingbirdswere pres- Montezuma Quail was sighted in the Chisos playas dried in the scorching heat of late ent at Ft. Davis during July: Lucifer, Anna's, Mts., Big Bend N.P., June 23 (MW}. This June. At Quivira N.W.R., six adult and five Broad-tailed, Rufous, Calliope, Rivoli's and representedthe first observationof this spe- young Black-necked Stilts were present in Blue-throated {fide PE). A Ruby-throated cies in the park since 26 birds were released mid-July. Black-necked Stilt chicks were Hummingbird fed in an agaveblossom in Big there in 1973 in an effort to restorethe species observed at Lubbock and Midland in late Ju- Bend N.P., July 15 (V&AW). Both cy and 9 to its original home ½RL). A Virginia Rail ly and it is possiblethat the stilts which sum- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds summered in called in a marsh in Hutchinson County, mered in Randall County, Tex., also bred, Presidio County, and a Lucifer was present Tex., July 6. A late report revealed that a although no chicks were seen. An ad. July 8-16 (JM). A 9 Rufous Hummingbird tape recording of a Black Rail was made in Wilson's Phalarope with a downy chick in was trapped and banded near Jay, Okla., Hutchinson County July 1, 1979. The record- Carson County June 15 provided a first Aug. 9 lAMB). A Calliope Hummingbird ing is on depositat Texas A. & M. University breeding record for Texas (KS). visited E1 Paso July 28-30 (DB). ½RB,fide KS). This constitutedthe first rec- ord •ince 1935 for the Texas Panhandle. Pur- TERNS--A flock of 20 Forster's Terns WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWAL- ple Gallinules were seen in Oklahoma in visited Tulsa July 26. An estimated200 to 300 LOWS-Two Hairy Woodpeckers were Kingfisher County May 25 (JSh) and Cimar- Least Terns summered along the Cimarron found in Ochiltree County, Tex., June 11 and ton County June 9 (EW). A Corn. Gallinule R. in s.w. Kansas and another 100 or more one in Potter County, Tex., July 13. W. nest in Kingfisher County held 8 eggs June were at Quivira N.W.R. (JS). No estimate of Kingbirds were present in Ottawa County, 16. Three Corn. Gallinules were heard in the number of fledglingswas available. Small Okla., July 15-23. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers Hutchinson County July 6. In Kingfisher numbersof Least Terns also nestedalong the were absent from Pawnee and Rush Coun- County, 24 Am. Coot nestswere found June Platte R. in e. Nebraska (TH). But along the ties, Kans. An E. Phoebe seen during the 16. Arkansas R. near Tulsa, heavy rains in May Garza County, Tex., B.B.S. provided a first and early June submergedthe sandbarwhere record for that route. A Say's Phoebe nest PLOVERS THROUGH PHALAROPES Least Terns nested in 1979. Caspian Terns was located in Meade County, Kans., June --A high water-level was maintained at Chey- were sightednear Tulsa in early June and late 13. A pair of Say's Phoebesattempted to nest enne Bottoms W.M.A., Kans., and only five July. Good numbers of Black Terns were pre- at Crescent Lake N.W.R., but were not suc- Snowy Plovers nested there. At Quivera sent during July at severallocations, the peak cessful. Acadian Flycatchers were numerous N.W.R., there were about 60 Snowy Plover being a flock of 60 in Osage County, Okla., at Tulsa and fledged many young. Four Least nests. This species was found breeding in July 26. Flycatchers were banded in Sarpy County,

Volume 34, Number 6 909 Neb, in late July (RG). A Violet-green WARBLERS--A Black-and-white Warb- part of the Texas Panhandle but nestinghas Swallow at Muleshoe N.W.R., July 4 was ler was observed in Big Bend N.P., July 24. not been confirmed. In Pawnee County, remarkable at that date (KH, ML). Near Prothonotary Warblers attempting to nest in Kans., Seltman could find only 20 fledgling Tulsa July 27-29, 10,000 Cliff Swallows boxes in Oklahoma City fared badly. Early Dickcissels in 500 acres of alfalfa. Dickcissels swarmedover farm pondsand fields. Young nests were drowned by high water. Later disappearedfrom the Tulsa area by mid-July, fledged from 2 large colonies of Bank nests failed because of the heat. Black- while a few spent only the last 2 weeksof July Swallows in n.e. Oklahoma (PWW). Details throated Gray Warblers visited El Paso July at Midland. A o' Rufous-sided Towhee sum- will be publishedelsewhere. At least five pairs 23 & 25. A Yellow-throated Warbler fed well- mered at El Paso (KZ, JD). Grasshopper of Rough-winged Swallows nested at N. fledgedyoung at Fort Worth May 23. Louisi- Sparrows were common at Crescent Lake Platte N.W.R. ana Waterthrushes wandered in late July to N.W.R., and in the Texas Panhandle, partic- Presidio, Crosby & Lubbock counties, Big ularly the n.e. counties. Three Grasshopper Bend N.P., and Fort Worth. Common Yel- Sparrowswere found in Floyd County, Tex, Relentlessheat, day after day of 100ø tem- lowthroats summered in Crosby, Randall, June 1. A Savannah Sparrow was carefully, peratures, brought disaster to Purple Mar- Hutchinson and Midland counties. While the identified in Stafford County, Kans., July 17 tm• The young either cooked in the nesting speciesprobably breeds at all 4 locations, no (JS). Population of Cassin's Sparrowsin w boxes(wood or metal) or left the nest far too conclusive evidence was found. Texas was about 20O7oof normal, even in soon to be able to fly. Martin house owners Crosby and neighboring counties where often hosed down the boxes several times a ICTERIDS--Two c2 Bobolinks were grasslandswere lush in May and early June day in an effort to cool the interior, but in sightedin Stafford County, Kans., July 20. A Yellow-eyed Junco was well described spite of this up to 75O7oof the young were lost The E. Meadowlark is the common sum- from Big Bend N.P., June 17 (PJB, RN) from n.c. Texas to Kansas City. In w. Texas, mer meadowlark of w. Texas sandhill areas This specieshas not yet been documentedfor young martins were fledged before the ex- wheresand sage-brush, shinnery oak and tall Texas by a photograph or specimen. treme heat began. grassesgrow. It is also present about the large, mostly dry, alkaline playas, as the alka- CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OB- PHAINOPEPLAS THROUGH VIREOS line flats support a lush growth of alkali saca- SERVERS-Kansas: Amelia J. Betts, Roger --A Phainopepla in Hale County, Tex., June ton and other tall grasses.Formerly E. Mea- & Jan Boyd, Mary LouiseMyers, Jean Schul- 8 provided a new county record (DM, RM). dowlarks inhabited wet meadows which were enberg, Scott Seltman, Donald Vannoy. Ne- Most breedingbird routes showeda slight in- formed in shallow draws by a high water braska: Mark R. Collie, Ruth Green, Thomas crease in Bewick's Wrens, but Carolina table, but sinceirrigation from ground water Hoffman, Mabel B. Ott, Melba Wigg, C Wrens are still scarce. A pair of Gray Cat- has lowered the water table, this habitat no Fred Zeillemaker. Oklahoma: A.M. & F.M birds fed a fledgedyoung at Fort Worth July longer exists(KH). Baumgartner, Ella .Delap, Warren Harding, 20 At Midland, Am. Robins nested for the Elizabeth Hayes, Jim Hoffman, Delons first time in more than 10 years. First broods Isted, John G. Newell, John Shackford of E. Bluebirds in the Region fledged success- The "Baltimore" Oriole was confirmed as (JSh), Ernie Wilson, Paul W. Wilson. Texas: fully, but often later broods died in the nest- a Nacogdoches,Tex., breeding specieswhen Paul J. Baicich, Michael T. Butler, Richard lng boxesfrom heat. Bell'sVireos were found a cat brought in a barely fledgedjuvenal July Bryant, Dave Brown, R. D. Coggeshall, Jeff in all suitable habitats on most w. Texas 13 (D&MW). The Great-tailed Grackle explo- Donaldson, Pansy Espy, W. Edward Harper, B B.S.s and the Schulenbergs found fair sion in Nebraska continued as severalnesting Kelly Himmel, Greg W. Lasley, Rick numbers in s.w. Kansas. In Oklahoma the pairs were found at Grand lsland and dis- LoBello, Mark Lockwood, Ruby Mason, only report of Bell's Vireo came from Tulsa, playing birds were seen at Gibbon and N. Dorothy McCoy, Jody Miller, Ron Naveen, where an adult and two young were seenJuly Platte. A Bronzed Cowbird at Big Spring, Warren Pulich, Steve Runnels, Ken Seyffert, 27 The nest of a Yellow-throated Vireo was Tex., June 6 provided a first record there Gary Spence, John Sproul, Gene Warren, found in Osage Hills S.P., Okla., July 5. (GW, GS). Mike Warren, Vern & Ann Waters, David & Three Warbling Vireos were singingin Ochil- Mimi Wolf, James Yantis, Kevin Zimmer -- tree County, Tex., June 11. This speciesis FRINGILLIDS--Indigo Buntingsare now FRANCES WILLIAMS, 3307 Neely, Mid- not known to nest in the Texas Panhandle. recorded regularly during summer in the c. land, TX 79703.

The South Texas Region, delayed for the arrival of additional information, will be found starting on page 933

suchas this one, it is hard to assessproductiv- (RH, DM). Two Greater Scaup were also NORTHWESTERN CANADA ity of birds. On the whole, it appearedto reported from the s. Yukon in early June REGION have beennormal. The number of speciesob- (G&MW). Common Eiders with 6 nestswere / Hehnut Griinberg served was an amazing 170 despitethe fact found on sandspitsnear Herschel1., June 23 that we receivedvery few observationsfrom (MD, fide DM). A flock of 25+ Black the Northwest Territories and none from Scoters, rarely observed in the Yukon, was The extreme northwestern corner of the northwestern British Columbia this time. seen at Stokes Pt., Arctic Ocean, June 17 Region and the extreme southeastern range (AM et aL). reported most of the unusual species this LOONS THROUGH COOTS--A Yellow- A Swainsoh's Hawk, probably near a nest, summer. We have included some observa- billed Loon was observed at Herschel l., was observed in the Snake R. area, e.c. Yu- tions that belong to "no" region south and (Arctic Ocean) June 23 (RH, DM). A flock of kon July 31 (RH, DM). Gyrfalconsand Pere- southeast of the Yukon where birdwatchers 12 Eared Grebes and a Pied-billed Grebe were grineswere reported in severalareas from n saw or heard speciesalong the Alaska High- noted near km 490, Alaska Highway, n.e. to c. Yukon this summer (m.ob.). However, way between Fort St. John, British Colum- British Columbia, n.w. of their known breed- the tundra subspeciesof the PeregrineFalcon bia, and the Yukon border. We have also re- ing ranges June 16 (KAn, TG). A (Black) seems to be close to extinction in the Yukon ported some significant observations that Brant was seen on Kloo L., s.w. Yukon June Only a single female showedup at a known were made at the end of May and reached the 7 (MH, HMcL). Two nestswere found on nestingsite in the n. Yukon (DM). Regional Editor together with June and July sandspitsnear HerschelI., June 23 (MD,fide Two American Coots were noted at Gravel observations. DM). Fifty (Black) Brant as well as a Snow L., s. Yukon June 3 (DM). Two coots were June precipitation in Whitehorse was half Goose were observed at the N. Coast of the also reported from the same general area by that of normal years, while the mean temper- Yukon June23 (RH, DM). Blue-wingedTeal G&MW in early June. ature was slightly above normal. Precipita- were fairly common this summer (m.ob.). A tion and temperature in July were identical to flock of 100 Greater Scaup was seen on the SHOREBIRDS THROUGH OWLS-- the long-term averages. In a diverse Region Yukon side of the Mackenzie Delta June 21 Ruddy Turnstoneswere regularlyobserved in

910 AmericanBirds, November 1980 pairs and showedterritorial behavior in the n. Dawson May 26 (RF) British Mrs. (RF, AM et el.). Six Whimbrels for the first record in were seen at Chapman L., c. Yukon June 8 the Yukon known to (RCan) and one at Malcolm R., n. Yukon the R.E. An uncon- June 22 (RH, DM). Wandering Tattlers were firmed but not unlike- regularly observedon territory in the n. Brit- ly report of a Gray- ish Mts. (RF, AM et el., young found by headed Chickadee JMcD) and in the n. Richardson Mrs. from came from the Rich- the Dempster Hwy. to the headwaters of the ardson Mrs. (SF, fide Little Bell R. (GB, fide RF). At the head- RCan), while two waters of the Stewart R., young were found Chestnut-backed as well (HG, TS et el.). Further tattler obser- Chickadees were ob- vations came from the Snake R., (RH, DM), served at Pleasant the RichardsonMrs., (RCan) and Kluane L. Camp, B.C., July 29 (WH). Baird's Sandpiperswere fairly com- (RCan). The only Dip- mon in the n. British Mrs. (AM et el.). Two per report this summer were observed in the Richardson Mrs. near came from the n. the N.W.T. border on the Dempster Hwy., Richardson Mrs. s. of July 16 (RCan). Up to four were seenshow- McDougall Pass June •ng territorial behavior at "Margareta" L., 16 (GB, fide RF). w of Misty L., Stewart R. headwatersJuly The second 16-17 (HG, TS et el.). Bluethroat record for Canada was obtained A Short-billed Dowitcher was identified when A. Martell saw and photographedfrom closerange near Mis- one o' bird June 14 in ty L., Stewart R. headwaters at the 1300 m a shrubby gully in the level, surprisinglyfar n. of its known breed- n. foothills of the Ing range July 12 (HG, TS et el.). Another British Mrs. at observation (no details) was reported from 69ø28'N, 140ø46'W. Kloo L., s.w. Yukon, June 7 (MH, HMcL). The observation was Birdwatchersare encouragedto watch out for confirmed by R. W Sandpipersas 3 or more unconfirmedob- servationswere reported this summer, some Frisch and 5 other observers.Photographs A. Martell, J. McDonald (JMcD), C of them "doubtful" (RF, WH, AM). Moder- were taken as well. The bird sang and per- McEwen, H. McLeod (HMcL), D. Mossop, ate numbersof Buff-breastedSandpipers, ap- formed flight songs actively. A second W. Nixon, C. Osborne, D. Schuler, T parently on territory, were noted in the n. secretiveBluethroat was seen by A. Martell Sproule, M. W•irme, G. & Mrs. Williams, P British Mts. (RF, AM et el.). A Hudsonian and R. Frisch,and it was stronglysuspected Wilson.--HELMUT GR•JNBERG,Yukon Godwit was observed on the N. Coast June that this wasa female. The male stayedin the Conservation Society, 302 Steele Street, area at least until June 19. Wheatears were 10 (RF). Many Sanderlingswere encountered Whitehorse, Yukon, YIA 2C5. along creeks in the n. British Mrs., in early observedregularly in the mountainsof the n. June, and several on the N. Coast June 10-11 Yukon (RF & JK, RCan, GBficle RF). NORTHERN ROCKY with no evidenceof breeding(RF). At least four pairs of Yellow Wagtails, all on territory, and a singlebird were seenin the MOUNTAIN-INTERMOUNTAIN A Parasitic Jaeger was seenin the w. Mac- n. BritishMrs. and coastalplains June 10-15 REGION kenzie Delta (Yukon) June 21 (RH, DM), and (RF, RH & DM, AM et el.). A Magnolia several were observed at or near the N. Coast Warbler, an Ovenbird and a Rose-breasted / Thomas H. Rogers n of the British Mrs. (RF, AM et el.). Many Grosbeak were noted singingat Liard Hot- Pomarine Jaegerswere noted n. of the British springs just 60 km s. of the Yukon border Mrs. until early June (RF) and a few through- May 24 (RCan). These 3 specieshave never June in most of the Region continued the out the summer (RF, AM et el.). Glaucous been reported for the Yukon, to my knowl- pattern of cool, wet weatherthat followed the Gulls were observedregularly along the N. edge. An ad. o' Mourning Warbler was seen Mt. St. Helens explosion. July finally Coast (RH, DM, AM et el.). One was seenat and heard at Cledo R. campsite, km 536 brought summerlike weather with the last Arctic Red R., N.W.T., June 19 (RCan) and Alaska Hwy., n.e. British Columbia June 14 half hot and almost rainless. The Bozeman, an lmm. bird appearedas far s. as Charlie L., (KAn, TG) n.w. of its knownbreeding range. Montana area reported a dry summer but not km 83 Alaska Hwy., June 10 (KAn, TG). A A Harris' Sparrowwas singingat Camp- a drought like the one east Montana had. The rare Glaucous-wingedGull, an ad. bird, was bell L., lnuvik, N.W.T., June 17 (RCan). season appeared very good for birds, observedat Haines Jct., July 28 (RCan). Two pairs of Smith's Longspurswere seenin weatherwise, with abundant moisture and ex- Four Snowy Owls were noted at Herschel the BlackstoneR. uplands,Dempster Hwy. cellent vegetativegrowth, but lingering vol- canic ash took its toll in the swath northeast I , June 23 (RH, DM), and one at the upper June7 (RCan). SnowBuntings were regularly of the mountain. Stewart R., June 3 (M&PB). Two Great Gray noted in the British Mrs., as well as near the Owls were seenat the edgeof a gravelpit 3-5 N. Coast during the nestingseason (RF, AM Surveys were conducted on the east range km n.w. of Beaver Creek. et el.) and one was observed at the Yukon/ of the Cascade Mountains in Washington N.W.T. border, Dempster Hwy., June 17 Apple Lake near White Pass,a moderateash- (RCan). An ad. male gavewarning calls on a fall area, showed a 40.9% reduction in bird mountain at the 2000 m level at the Stewart speciesdiversity and a 43.7% reduction in In- PASSERIFORMES--An E. Kingbird ap- R. headwatersJuly 17 (HG) showingterritor- dividual birds, and Conrad Lake, the heavy peared as far w. as Destruction Bay, s.w. ial behavior far s. of the known breeding ashfall area, showed a 63.4% reduction in Yukon June 19 (WH). A number of Empi- range. A suspectedyoung bird was seenonly speciesand 62.5% reduction in individuals, donex observationswere reported this sum- briefly near the latter bird. compared to a non-ashfall area at Crow mer. Among these the record of two Yellow- Creek in Cougar Valley Basin(LS, W.D.G ) bellled Flycatchers stand out, one of which A July 3 trip into Lincoln and Grant coun- was seenas well, at the Mayo L. road, c. Yu- CONTRIBUTORS--K. Angermeyer ties, Washington, found no Black-necked kon July I (RCan). Two Dusky Flycatchers (KAn), K. Asquith, M. & P. Beattie, J. & L. Stilts at the pond near George, no Common were heard at Wolf Cr., WhitehorseMay 26 Brayton, G. Brunner, R. Cannings (RCan), Nighthawks, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Nor- and one at Clear Cr., e.c. Yukon June 28 by R. Carlson, M. Dennington, S. Fast, R. thern Orioles, Savannah, Vesper or Sage R Cannings who is thoroughly familiar with Frisch, T. Greenfield, W. Harms, R. Hayes, sparrows. However, herons, gulls, terns, the species.A Purple Martin made its way to M. Hoefs, L. Hume, J. Kehoe, J. Lammers, Horned Larks and Barn Swallows appeared

Volume34, Number6 911 to be doing all right. A May 18 trip into those adding to the effect of counties indicated that Poor-wills were those applied locally. At caught in the middle of the heaviest ashfail, one place someone had for two were flushed from sagebrushin two built a fire under the spots west of Odessa, indicating a migra- colony, causing the tional movement. No Poor-wills were found young in 10 neststo per- in the Spokane area subsequently(JA). ish because of absent • ! z Duck counts in Lincoln County were down parents (CHT). At Mal- 50% but were normal in relatively ash-free heur, nestingpairs drop- WILLIAMSLANE •. • ' Pend Oretile County (SZ). Observations at ped to 320 from 1979's Browne (Tower) Mountain at Spokane, 730. A Cattle Egret ap- Washington where less than 1/4 inch of ash peared at Massacre fell, indicated no significant effect on birds Rocks S.P., s.w. of Am. there, nor did the B.B.S. at Avery, Idaho, Falls, Ida., June 18 where the ash deposit apparently was a bit (WEH). A pair was at deeper (THR). Early results of surveys about the Am. Falls colony 35 miles northeast of Mt. St. Helens showed and a pair at L. Walcotl Townsend's Warblers decreasing by over may have nested(CHT). • (SPOKANEeß • K LISPELL 80%; McGiilivray's by 66%, and Wiison's by Great Egrets at Malheur about 50%. Significantdeclines in chickadees numbered 200 pairs, --•Kl•eg•A-yAKiMAELLENmR•(...... ,LEWISTON • eMISSOU•A.•Fk NELENA• and Golden-crowned Kinglets were also about half that of 1978 •l •ALLA•___ ß TNREE noted. A major crash in insect populations and 1979. The Potholes "•E' 'PENOLE•O"(.• OOZE•A• ' LIVI•T. was the suspected cause (BH-T, U.S.F.S., had 5 Great Egret nests, i BAKERe/ SALMON e• I [ '•-•1 fide N.A.S.). all apparently successful I eBEND •e PAYETTE (RF). Two Great Egrets summered in the Poca- I ,E,..j WYOMING LOONS AND GREBES--Common Loons tello, Ida. area (CHT). OREGO•;t....t*.., IDAHO were doing well in Lincoln County, Mont., Snowy Egrets were on • ...... ttsJ I where many females swam about with young the decline in s.c. Ida- on their backs. A pair was on Maligne L., ho. Some fledged at Am. Falls, the first in 3 totaled 1542, a 26% increase over 1979 and Jasper N.P., Alta., July 20 (GR) and a pair years. None was seen at island Park or Mar- 39% above the last 5 years' average. At Col- was still on Coeur d' Aiene L., in n. ida., ket L, where they formerly nested. Thin egg- umbia N.W.R., Othello, Wash., waterfowl June 18 (SGS). Spectacle L., 10 mi s.e. of shellswere not unusual (CHT). Nesting pairs numberswere low, but this was believedto be Oroville, Wash., had 2 broods of Red-necked at Malheur were up to 1978 numbers. One due at least partly to destruction of water Grebes June 20 (CWe, DP) and in the same Snowy visited the Wallown Fish Hatchery control structuresby excesswater releasein area one or two birds were on Chopaka and near Enterprise, June 4, for the first record February, although the area also received Sidley L. (GB, JD). Malheur N.W.R., Burns, for n.e. Oregon (MH). An Am. Bittern at much ash. At Malheur N.W.R. over 26,000 Ore., had a single bird June 20-July 4 (ST, that hatchery was the first seen there in 5 pairs of ducks nestedfor a good year: Red- Ref. Pets.). A pair was on Helena Valley years (FC). head at 6900 pairs, Cinnamon Teal 5500 Res., July 20 (SM). A pair of Eared Grebes White-faced ibis at Malheur looked fine pairs, Mallards 4100 pairs, and Gadwall 3300 nested for the third year in fishless Dry L., with 600 pairs, highest ever, and numbersin pairs,were the mostcommon species. By July near ForLine, Mont. (WW). Coeur d' Aiene s.c. idaho were up everywhere. An apparent- I the fall migrationwas well under way, with L. had 20-30 W. Grebes in mid-July for the ly new colony at Am. Falls had over 100 birds 34,000 Pintail and 85,000 ducks in total using secondsummer record there (SGS) and a pair (CHT). One bird at Ennis L., Mont., July 15 the Basin. The duck population in the For- was on Flathead L., in w. Montana July 10 was the first ever in summer there (PDS). fine, Mont., area was drastically below nor- (LF). The birds were flooded out at one col- mal for no apparent reason (WW). ony at Blackfoot Res., near Blackfoot, Ida., WATERFOWL--Trumpeter Swan num- Harlequin Ducks brought off broods at but managed to produce a few young. Hun- bers at Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney, Wash., Kootenai Falls and on the upper Yank R., in dreds brought off broods on nearby Am. continued to decline. They once reached an Lincoln Co., Mont., (CW) and a brood was Falls Res. (CHT). At Malheur N.W.R., all-time high of 41 there as they reproduced on the Middle Fork of the Flathead R., in about 1100 pairs were using Malheur L. under semi-captive conditions. in 1976 an n.w. Montana, in late July (DS). The alone. About 12 birds and an active nest were aerator was removed, resulting in freezeovers Methow R., Okanogan Co., Wash., provided found at Moses L., Wash., a new breeding which forced the birds to migrate S. Return- 2 sightings(GB, SB). locality (RF). ing the flock to wild and natural conditions has resulted in the decline. Probable factors VULTURES AND HAWKS--A surprising CORMORANTS AND HERONS--Dou- in the declineare the minglingof the migrants concentration of Turkey Vultures was near ble-crestedCormorants were increasing, with with flocks from other areas and casualties Murphy, Ida., where the birds fed on dead over 100 nests, on Am. Falls Res., and the from shooting, power lines, autos and even cattle (FB). An ad. While-tailed Kite was speciesseemed to be doing well at L. Walcott ingesting paper clips (DNW)! Since the spe- sighted between Mountain Home and Boise, and Mud L. in s. ida. All nests at Blackfoot cies population in N. America is estimatedat Ida., July 31 (JGH). Goshawk numbers ap- Res. were again destroyedby human interfer- 4000, it is no longer consideredin peril and peared good. Swainsoh's Hawk numbers ence. The N. Potholes colony near Moses L., there are no plans to return to an artificial were up at Malheur with 2-3 times as many Wash., had 38 of the birds including young in propagation program at Turnbull (DNW). nests found as last year. At least 27 sightings 9 nests (RF). Nesting pairs at Malheur in- Although summering waterfowl numbers occurred in other areas. An excellent concen- creasedto 180, up from 80 last year (ST, Ref. at Turnbull were about normal, nestingsuc- tration of nestingFerruginous Hawks was n. Pets.). A single Double-crested Cormorant cess was impaired by the ashfall. Goose of Enterprise, Ore., with at least 35-40 re- was at the mouth of the Coeur d' Aiene R., broods, however, appeared little affected. ported. A nest with two young was found near Harrison, Mont., July 14 (D J). The 200 Two areas searched for duck nests there in near Starbuck, Wash., June 27 (EH). Rich- pairs of Great Blue Herons at the Potholes 1979 and 1980 had totals of 14 and 6 nests re- land, Wash., Maiheur N.W.R., and Pilot had good nestingsuccess, and Black-crowned spectively,even though the searcheffort was Rock, Ore., had sightings. An imm. Bald Night Herons there numbered about 1000 greater this year. Brood surveys by airboat Eagle was sightedin Eagle Cap Wildernessin pairs (RF). The latter specieswas in trouble at June 21, 1979 revealed 28 duck and 2 goose n.e. Oregon July 28 and one was at Rimrock all s.c. idaho colonies except the one at Am. broods; replicated surveys June 18, 1980 L., Yakima Co., Wash., in July. Kootenai Falls Res. There was good evidence of DDE found only 4 duck and 1 goosebroods. Cana- N.F., Lincoln Co., Mont., had over 120 Os- in eggs, and thin shells. Band returns from da Goose production on the Snake R., be- prey nest sites and produced numerous Mer- Mexico suggestedpesticides used there were tween Marsing and Farewell Bend in s. Ida., lin sightings(CW).

912 American Birds, November 1980 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS--A 9 Spruce DOVES THROUGH OWLS--Oregon had WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWAL- Grouse with four chickswas sightedJuly 5-6 two sightings of single Band-tailed Pigeons. LOWS-The Red-headed Woodpecker may at Billy Goat Passabout 15 min. of Mazama, One near JosephJune 23 (FC) was.thesecond be establishing itself in Idaho, for 4 adults Wash., (MD, MEi) and another with two ever for n.e. Oregon, and one was found and an immature were found and more chickswas near Calispell Bog near Calispell along the Middle Fork of John Day R., Mal- matures may have been in a nest cavity, near Peak, Pend Oreille Co., Wash. (EH, AR). heur N.F., June 19 (MA). The specieshad Cathedral Pines C.G., 12 mi s. of Ketchurn The specieswas reported doing well in Koo- been seen previously at Indian Rock Look- July 29 (LR). An ad. male appeared near tenai N.F. (CW). Broodsof Blue and Ruffed out, n.w. of Bates (RH, fide MA). Another Careywood, Ida., May 29 (GD). A scattering Grouse were practically nil near Troy, Mont. one appearedalong the Grande Ronde R., in of Lewis' Woodpeckers occurred over the (KB). Renestingby upland gamebirds in the Asotin County, Wash., about 10 mi e. of Region. In Lincoln County, Mont., they ashfall areas of e. Washington appearedex- Troy, Ore., (EH) and one was sightedat Lib- shifted their ranges for up to 30 mi but ap- cellent. Pheasant survival may actually have erty L., Wash., June 2 (G&SV). A Yellow- peared to nest successfully(CW). One was at been helped by the disruption, for later billed Cuckoo was found dead in Hines, Malheur for apparently the first summer broods had much more favorable weather Ore., June 18. When the finder returned for record (ME). There were at least 3 sightings (RB, W.D.G.). Turkeysreleased in Lincoln the bird, it was gone, but fortunately he had of Williamsoh's Sapsuckersin Idaho, 3 in e County, Mont., appeared to be thriving made a very recognizable sketch of it (RM). Oregon and one in e. Washington. The spe- (CW). An ad. Yellow-billed Cuckoo hit a window at cies was "doing well" in Kootenai N.F, Missoula in July (PW--*to U. of Mont.) for Mont. (CW). A pair of White-headedWood- the third state record. A Black-billed Cuckoo peckers nested at Daggett Cr., 26 mi e of CRANES AND SHOREBIRDS--About 3 showed up at Warm R., Ida., June 18 Boise, Ida., on Rte. 21 (AL) for apparently pairs of Sandhill Cranes raised two young at (WEH). Two Flammulated Owls were heard the first breeding record for that area. The Ladd Marsh, near La Grande, Ore., (RR) and seen near Diamond L., w. of Newport, only N. Three-toed Woodpeckers sighted and a pair near Salmon, Ida., had one young Wash., June 29 (EH). In Oregon one was were a pair at Calispell Bog, Calispell Peak, (HR). Two were near Seneca, Ore., July 15 heard 7 mi w. of Bend June 30 (KV) and one Pend Oreille Co., Wash., June 29 (JA) and a (RDP) and 2-3 werein the Helenaarea during was calling from a cavity in a snag, w. of pair near a nest along the W. Fork of the the summer (SM). Single Semipalmated Starr C.G., 9 min. of Seneca June 8 (MA). Pasayten R., n.w. Okanogan County, Wash. Plovers appearedin the Nampa area June 16 Two nestsof this specieswere discoveredin (ME). Concern is being expressedthat the (BS); at Enterprise,Ore., July 22 (RDP), and Starkey Experimental Forest near Starkey, cutting of snagsfor firewood will adversely at Prineville, Ore., July 14 (KV). Snowy Ore. (EB) and one bird was seen on Spring affect woodpeckersand other cavity nesters Plovers were doing well at Malheur N.W.R., Cr., about 20 mi n.w. of La Grande July 31 An Ash-throated Flycatcher was found and one was sighted at Lower Klamath (RR). Burrowing Owls were thought to have along Dry Cr., 10 mi s. of Toppenish, Wash N W.R., Ore., July 8 (KV). Up to four Up- done fairly well in the Richland, Wash., area (EH) and two were reported at Suplee, Ore, land Sandpiperswere sightedin the Spokane (REW) and up to 20 were sighted in s.w. July 15 (RDP). An Alder Flycatcher was ex- Valley at the only breeding site in Washing- Idaho (G.E.A.S.). The species was still amined closely and its song heard at Enter- ton, during June (JA). Three of the birds holding out in the Tobacco Valley at Eureka, prise, Ore., June 21 (JE,AC). Willow Fly- were found at the other Northwest site in Mont. (CW). A single Great Gray Owl was catcherswere decidedlyscarce in the Spokane Bear Valley, near Seneca,Ore., June 7 (MA found at Warm L., Knox, Ida., July 20 (BS). area and were reported elsewhereonly from et al.), and one wasobserved in Logan Valley Two Saw-whet Owl nests in Starkey Experi- s.w. Idaho and Nile, Wash.--single birds A to the e., July 16 {fide RDP). The specieswas mental Forest suppliedthe only report for the 9 Gray Flycatcherwas collectedJune 23, 8 mi seen on the N. Fork of the Blackfoot R., s. of summer (EB). s.c. of Twisp, Wash., for the state's nor- SeeleyL., apparently the only breedingarea thernmost record (SR). Horned Larks on the w of the Continental Divide in Montana Tobacco Plains, n. of Eureka, Mont., during (AB, fide PW). A wandering individual POOR-WILLS THROUGH HUMMING- the summer were the first evidence of prob- perchedon a fencepost about 12 mi w. of El- BIRDS--A Poor-will heard repeatedlyjust n. able nesting in the Libby latilong (WW) lensburg,Wash., July 30 (REW). The Reed of Ennis L., June 21, gave the first suggestion Dead swallowswere still beingfound at Turn- Pt , Mont., B.B.S. had a record high of 12 of breeding in the Bozeman latilong bull N.W.R., in mid-June. Upland Sandpipers(WEH). Strawberry L., (PDS,WEH,SC). A gathering of 75 Corn. m the mountains s. of Prairie City, Ore., had Nighthawks was at Quincy, Wash., in July JAYS THROUGH WRENS--A Scrub Jay a Solitary SandpiperAug. 8, for apparently (SR) and nearby Winchester had 100 (DG). appearedbriefly in La Grande July 22 for the the first record in the area (BM, BSh). Twelve The only Black Swifts reported were 12 at first n.e. Oregon record (JE). A pair of Marbled Godwits were in the Nampa area Ju- Bridgeport, Wash., June 5 (MM, GBu). Black-cappedChickadees sighted in Richland ly 30 (VC) and one dropped in at Malheur Before the May 18 ashfall, White-throated July 20 and again Aug. 2 may have nested June 26. Wallowa County's first record of Swifts were nesting under Interstate 82 This is Woodley's only summer record there the specieswas of 14 at Joseph,Ore., July 13 bridges in Kittitus and Yakima counties, The W. Fork of the Pasayten R. had about 20 (FC). AmericanFalls Res. had 17 on June 18 Wash., but they were subsequentlyseen only Boreal Chickadees, one pair carrying food, in (WEH). Two Black-neckedStilts appearedat at Selah Cr. bridge. Site abandonment may early June (ME) and severalwere sightedJuly Frenchman Hills and Winchester Wasteways have been the result of the 1 in of ash (EH). 6 at Billy Goat Pass, n. of Mazama ms. Grant Co., Wash., in July (GC, TT). Unusual Black-chinned Hummingbird rec- (MD,MEi), both in Washington. A few of the ords were of a male about 10 mi w. of Oka- Boreals were noted at Ross Cr., near Bull L, nogan, Wash., June 5 (MM,BGu) and at least and in the Yaak R. valley, Lincoln Co, one pair on the s.w. flank 0f SteensMt., s. of Mont. (CW). Malheur N.W.R. had 3 Red- GULLS AND TERNS--Five Herring Malheur N.W.R., June 3 (ME). The latter breasted Nuthatches June 13 (Ref. Pers ) A Gulls were recorded at Warm L., Ida., (BS) spot also had one or more pairs of Broad- few Pygmy Nuthatcheswere noted at Libby, and the speciesappeared in Lincoln County, tailed Hummingbirds on the samedate (ME). Mont. (CW). A Brown Creeper brought six Mont., along with occasional California, Wapato, Wash., had one July 18 (Y.A.S.). young to a feeder near Lake Fork, Ida., June Ring-billed and Bonaparte's gulls (CW). An imm. Anna's Hummingbird visited a Spo- 16, for the first breeding record for that area Columbia N.W.R., Othello, Wash., had two kane feeder July 19 (JA). All hummer (EF). Bewick's Wren was again found at Bonaparte'sJuly 3 (JA) and a Franklin's ap- numbers were extremely low in the Spokane Lewis and Clark S.P., w. of Dayton, Wash , pearedat Joseph,Ore., June 1, for the first area (JA,THR). A similar situationexisted in June 27 (EH). The Ca,on Wren was noted county record (FC). Caspian Terns may be the Swan Valley near Condon, Mont., where at a new Montana site, Milligan Canyon, making a slow comebackat Blackfoot and hummingbird use of feeders was only along the Madison R., n. of Ennis (PDS, Am. Falls Res. in s. Idaho, but there is still 1/3--1/4 of previous years' (ELF). Fewer RAH,WEH). cause for concern (CHT). In the Nampa area Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds were up to 14 were sighted(VC). A Forster'sTern noted near Troy, Mont. (KB). Possibly an at the mouth of Ladd Cr., near Union, Ore., abundance of wildflowers kept them from THRUSHES THROUGH WAXWINGS-- was the county's first (JE, AC). feeders. The first breeding seasonrecords of Hermit

Volume 34, Number 6 913 Thrushes for the Coeur d' Alene latllong were County, Mont., young Brown-headedCow- Skagit County, Wash., July 17 (ME). One observations of two singing at Spy Glass birds were seen being fed by warblers, traditional McCown's Longspur site in the Peak, Coeur d' Alene N.F., July 12, and towhees, juncos, sparrows and even a Red- Bozeman area was destroyed by the planting eightsinging between Twin Cragsand Crystal breasted Nuthatch (CW)! of wheat (PDS). L , s.e. of St. Maries, July 13 (SGS). A Veery at Indian Ford C.G., n.w. of Sisters, July 6 TANAGERS THROUGH SPARROWS-- OBSERVERS CITED--James Acton, was the westernmostever for Oregon (J&JC). Act Scarlet Tanager was sightedat Canyon Merle Archie, Sid Bakke, Fred Bell, Arnold At leastfour weresinging at the colonyon the Ferry, e. of Helena, June 8 (P&RH) and one Bolle, George Brady (GB), Reade Brown, Middle Fork of John Day R., in e. Oregon washeard along the Jefferson R., w. of Three Evelyn Bull, Kay Burk, Greg Butcher (GBu), (MA). Nest boxes at Boise-CascadeC.G., Forks, Mont., the same day (PDS). A photo Gretchen Call, Jim & Judy Carlson, Frank n w of Yakima held 36 broods of Mountain of one at a Butte feeder with W. Tanagers Conley, Alan Contreras, Vera Coons, Sharon Bluebirds(Y.A.S.) and the specieswas quite was publishedby the Butte Standard June 9 Cotterell, John Danielson, Mike & Sue abundant in the Blue Mt. area of s.e. Wash- (PDS). Act Rose-breasted Grosbeak was Daugherty (M&SD), Michael Donahue ragton(EH). Their numbersappeared good along Pike Cr., Harney Co., Ore., June 4 (MD), Glen Drowns, Mark Egger (ME), In s w. Idaho (G.E.A.S.). A pair of Bohe- (TF,ME). White-winged Crossbills were Marc Eisdorfer (MEi), Joe Evanich, Lynn mian Waxwings nestedat Libby, Mont. Eggs abundant in Jasper N.P., in mid-July (GR). Farrar, Tad Finnell, Edward L. Foss, Ron were probablylaid in late Juneand the young Two Lark Buntings appeared June 26 near Friesz, Ernest Frost, Don Garrett, Golden fledged about mid-July (CW). A family Belgrade, Mont., where they are seldom Eagle Audubon Society (G.E.A.S.), Greg groupof six of this species,the fledglingsbe- recorded (WEH) and single males were Green, P. & R. Harper, W. Edward Harper, ing fed, wasfound along the W. Fork of the sighted in Idaho in the Arbon Valley in the R. A. Hays, Bill Harrington-Tweit, John G Pasayten R., July 17 (ME). Pocatello area June 10 and at Blackfoot Res., Hewston, Glen & Wanda Hoge, Robert Hud- June 28 (CHT). One was found at Twin Falls son, Mac Huff, Eugene Hunn, Don Johnson, June 12 (JR). Grasshopper Sparrows were John Johnson, Marianne Kaplan, L. Lan- VIREOS AND WARBLERS--A Red-eyed found in the vicinity of Libby and Eureka for drie, AI Larson, Sid Martin, Barbara McKln- Vireo was observed e. of Fields, Ore., June 4 the first record of probable nesting in the hey, Randy Mills, Mike Moore, National (ME,TF) and one was at Malheur N.W.R. latilong (CW,WW). The species was found Audubon Society (N.A.S.), Jack Nisbet, headquarters June I (MA,m.ob.). Umatilla s.e. of Dayton, Wash., June 27 (EH). The Richard D. Palmer, Dennis Paulson, G N W.R., Ore., had a Black-and-white Reed Point B.B.S. counted a new high of 12 Rainer, Georgia H. Ramsey, Leo Reed, Alan Warbler June 7-9 (GG). Two pairs of Ten- of the birds June 26 (WEH). In the Pocatello Richards, Hadley Roberts, Thomas H nesseeWarblers nested near Libby, Mont., area the speciesappeared to be spreading Rogers,Ron Rohweder,Sievert Rohwer, Jeff (CW) and a single bird was seen at Jasper slightly (CHT). Ruprecht, Georgia Sanderson, Brian Sharp N P., Alta., in mid-July (GR). Act Northern Three Baird's Sparrows on the Reed Point (BSh), Belle Shaw (BS), Don Skaar, P D Parula appeared at Malheur July 6 (Ref. B.B.S. added the species to the Columbus Skaar, Jim Sparks, Lee Stream, Shirley G Pers.) and a singingad. ct Magnolia Warbler latilong list and three were photographedat Sturts, Steve Thompson, Terry Thompson, was spotted in Jasper N.P., in mid-July Big L., near Columbus June 28 (WEH). Seve- C.H. Trost, Kent van Vuren, Glen & Scott (GR). Act Black-throatedGray Warbler ap- ral Gray-headed Juncos were found in Saw- Volyn, Washington Department of Game peared along the Yakima R., s. of Ellens- tooth N.F., 30 mi s. of Hanson, Ida., for the (W.D.G.), Cathy Wentworth (CWe), Winton burg, June 19 (LL). Malheur had 2 ct first record for the latilong (JR). In Jasper Weydemeyer, Donald N. White, Carl Wolf Chestnut-sided Warblers June 8-13 and act N.P., Oregon and Slate-colored Juncos were (CW), Robert E. Woodley, Philip Wright, Bay-breasted Warbler June 9 & 13 (Ref. present, the former by far the more numer- Yakima Audubon Society (Y.A.S.), Steve Pers.). A singing male of this species at ous, and Golden-crowned Sparrows were Zender. Bozeman June 12 was the state's fourth and numerous and singing at timberline in mid- Abbreviations: B.B.S., breeding bird the second for that locality (JS,PDS,SC). July (GR). SageSparrows were reported only survey; C.G., campground; Ref. Pers, Several singing ct Ovenbirds were again from s.w. Idaho (G.E.A.S.) and near refuge personnel;U.S.F.S., U.S. ForestSer- found in Cottonwood Canyon s. of Bozeman Richland (REW). A Fox Sparrow was singing vice.--THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 (PDS) and a single bird was at Malheur June near timberline on Slate Peak in extreme n.e. Maxwell Ave., Spokane, WA 99206. I (fide MA). One was seenand heard singing m the Wenas Valley n.w. of Yakima July 12 (G&WH). It was subsequentlyheard July 15, 18 & 20 (GHR). A N. Waterthrush nest was found in a bog near Philips L., Colville N.F., Stevens Co., Wash. (JN). A singing bird of this specieswas in Wright's Valley, a new location, June 19 (JA) and one was near West MOUNTAIN WEST placesremote from centersof ornithological Fork, Wash., June 21 (CWe,DP). Yellow- activity. With the vast distancesin the West, breastedChat numbersappeared to be pick- /Hugh E. Kingery finding breederswith spotty distributionIs lng up in the Spokanearea (JA), at Richland difficult. These new data raise other ques- (REW), and between Joseph and Imnaha, This hot, dry summer brought few startling tions: do these birds nest in other places we Ore., where an amazing 8-9 birds/mi were observations in the Mountain West. We did haven't explored?What elsehave we missed? found along a 20 mi stretch of road (FC). acquire new information about breeding What caused them to come into the Mountain There were severalreports of Am. Redstarts, birds from workers in poorly-known areas. West? For the last question, one column of the first in 3 years, in Union County, Ore. The environmental researchspin-off from the the chart speculatesabout possiblereasons energy boom will produce more biological data on the Mountain West, but the boom GREBES TO PELICANS -- Eared Grebes BLACKBIRDS--Bobolinks nested near itself will produce more people--and more nested in usual numbers; typical were 150 Union, Ore., after a 2 year absence.Only one pressureson the western environment. nestsat Ruby Lake N.W.R., Nev., (SB), and or two pairs were active in this, the only The study of distribution still has unex- 200 birds at Hutton Lake, N.W.R., Wyo known colony in the Grande Ronde Valley plored areas. Over the past few years Moun- (DM). At Walden, Colo., about 1000 Eared (MK,GS,JJ). Five of the birds were seen at tain West observers have turned up an im- Grebes, 7-10 days into the nesting cycle m Wallowa, Ore., July 22 (RDP) and Salmon, pressivenumber of new breeding speciesin early July, failed when irrigators drew the Ida., had sightings July 6 & 23 (HR). Six the Region. The accompanying chart, listing water out of Walden Res. Some attempted males were observed near Loomis, Wash., 44 species,details this striking information, renestingwhen the water level stabilized,but June 20 (CWe,DP) and two were along developedby many observersover the past 15 with low success(F&JJ). Western Grebes Camas Prairie w. of Springdale, Wash., in or more years. About two-thirds of thesedata nested successfullyat Bear River N.W.R, June (JA). A full-plumaged ct Great-tailed originated with amateur observers. with 1500 adults producing 400 young, at Grackle appearednear La Grande June 5 for Except for some with solid range expan- Timhath, Colo., with 200 + chicks(RAR), at Oregon'sthird record(GS et al.). In Lincoln sions, almost all these new species occur in Ordway, Colo., with 20 pairs (VT), and at

914 AmericanBirds, November 1980 Walden, with 55 adults and young (F&JJ). pairs (758 Redheads,twice the 1979 total; 630 Three WhoopingCranes from the Grays L The latter 3 areas are newly reported nesting Canvasbacks,up from last year; and 630 Cin- flock summeredat Daniel, Wyo. (BO) A sights to /lB. At Anaho Ref., Nev., White namon Teal--SB). Stillwater's production series of observations of Sandhill Cranes in n Pelicans, nestingearlier than usual, produced doubled over last year -- welcomenews from Wyoming (Jackson, Greybull, Sheridan) 1370 young, compared with 1575 last year that refuge, beleagueredin recent years by a raises speculationof possiblenesting by (MR). The White Pelicansat RiversideRes., shortage of water (MR). Monte Vista had a isolatedpairs (BR, JMc, DMi). The 10 pairs near Ft. Morgan Colo., fledged a likely good year because of a higher breeding at Ruby L. had poor successowing to poor 500 +, an excellent total (RAR, GM). population and water availability; the 8400 weather in May (SB). youngwere a 40% increaseover 1979(MTN). CORMORANTS, HERONS, IBISES- Ten pairs of Trumpeter Swans nested at SHOREBIRDS -- Newsof SnowyPlovers Bear R. reported 148 nestsof Double-crested Ruby L., and vicinity. Limited funds limited bodes well, suggesting widely scattered Cormorants, and 150 young (RV). Near aerial surveys; 10 cygnetshatched from the 3 nesting populations: 400 found in an inten- Denver, 16 of Chatfield State Park's 26 nests pairs checked, of which nine survivedto June sive survey (preliminary results) of the held 34 youngJuly 31 (HEK), and coloniesin 30 (SB). A Snow Goose visited Delta, Colo., Lahontan Valley around Stillwater W.M A, n c Colorado reportedly had good produc- in early July, presumably molting sinceit was (MR); a handful from 3 locations around tion (RAR). Sheridan had its first definite unable to fly (JRG). Wood Ducks have al- Great Salt L. (ML, LM, BBe, RV), and two breeding record (although cormorants do ways seemedrare in our Region; nestingoc- near Laramie, Wyo., July 2, at the sameloca- breedjust acrossthe Montana line), with one curred at Salt Lake City (ML), and Dayton tion as last year (WEH). Nesting in Col- nest found July 18; the same day 2 Sheridan and Ash Creek, Wyo., the latter the first 2 orado's ArkansasValley failed owing to ris- reservoirs had 105 cormorants (HD). En- nests for n.e. Wyoming and third and fourth ing water (CC), though up to 12 birds were campment, Wyo., which last year had 25 cor- for the state (MF, BS). Midway, Utah, had a observed there in July (CB, D.F.e). At morant nests, had none this year (WEH). rare midsummer pair of Ring-neckedDucks Eureka, and probably in much of e. Nevada, Those at Milton Res., near Platteville, Colo., June 29-July 6; no evidence of breeding the weather caused poor successfor Killdeer have begun to displace Great Blue Herons, (CHi). Midsummer Hooded Merganserswere young, as it did for Sandhill Cranes. May but heronries did well at Gunnison, Colo. (25 at Hutton L., Wyo., June 14 (JS, GMe) and snowswiped out the first set of eggs;the se- nests), Chatfield (92 nests), Bear R. (400 Moffat, Colo., June 22 (KC). condhatched only to faceheavy rains. By Ju- adults, 200 young), and Ruby L. (35 nests, ly, Eyre saw only two adults instead of the 1-2 young/nest). Las Vegasreported an imm. 10-12 birds of last year. Bear River's 1000 Green Heron July 24-30, possibly from a HAWKS, EAGLES -- The Lamar, Colo., adultsproduced only 200 young(RV). Five e local nestingsite (VM). Other summerGreen City Park hosted at least 25 MississippiKites Wyoming locations reported Upland Sand- Herons were found at St. George, Utah, and July 4, and 48 on July 26 (CB, D.F.e.). A pipers(Be, BK, HD); fair numbersprobably 6 locations in Colorado. One pair of Cattle Red-shoulderedHawk was at Corn Cr., near nest there. A June 25 bird was Jackson's first Egrets nested at Carson L., furnishing ap- Las Vegas, July 30 (MP). Ten Swainson's (ER). June shorebirds included Solitary parently the first Nevada nesting record Hawks lined a fence near SteamboatSprings, SandpipersJune 17 at Walden and July 7 at (MR). Near Denver, Barr L., with 2 pairs Colo., June 17 (F&JJ). On July 26 at Erie, West Creek, Colo. (D.F.e., WWB), a became Colorado's third nestingsite (BRo), Colo., a flock of Swainson's numbered Greater Yellowlegs at Walden June 18 but the total state nest count is still less than 116--one of the largest concentrations ever (F&JJ), single Least Sandpipersat Jackson 10 Two pairs of Great Egrets nested at reported to this Editor, and at a date very ear- and Sheridan June 14 & 27, and a Marbled Boulder, Colo., at the site discovered in 1972 ly for flocking (VD, ME, BH). Two observers Godwit at Walden June 19-20 (F&JJ). Bear (RAR). Ruby L., and Halleck, Nev., had 350 saw a Black Hawk at Chatfield near Denver R. reported far fewer Am. Avocets than in pairs of nesting Snowy Egrets and 2-3 June 20-21 (KK, ? BA), Colorado's first the last few years, with 10,000 adults produc- young/nest (SB). Bear River's 400 pairs pro- sightingand probably the most northeasterly ing 2000 young. SouthernNevada had its first duced 300 young, a decrease (RV). Three record of that s.w. species. A thorough nestingrecord of Am. Avocets, 2 pairs with Colorado colonies had excellent hatches searchfailed to turn it up subsequently.The young near Las Vegas (VM), and the Black- (RAR). Black-crowned Night Herons population of Golden Eagles in Utah this necked Stilt there with 2 young provided the generally nested successfully,with an old year was exceptionallyhigh, as was the rabbit first breedingrecord in severalyears (VM) heronry re-occupiedthis year at Monte Vista population (PW). Between Gunnison and Bear R. had 6000 adults, 1200 young (IS) N W.R., Colo. (MTN), and 56 seenJune 16 Blue Mesa Res., Colo., 10 active eyries were at Ogden Bay W.M.A., Utah (JN). From reported (KC). In Wyoming 11 or 12 histor- Ruby L. came a disturbing report, ical Bald Eagle eyries outside the 2 national GULLS, TERNS -- Bear R. produced though--the 30 pairs nesting on that refuge parks were occupied; 3 failed, the other 8 1000 young California Gulls from 4399 eggs suffered from thin eggshells,possibly picked produced 15 young. National park eagles in 1664 nests(RV). From RiversideRes. came up from pesticidesin Mexico. An agency reportedly had poor success(Be). In Col- 50-80 young, and Antero Res. had a good study will examine the causes(SB). White- orado one summering Bald Eagle was at hatch (RAR). Bear River's 10,000 ad. Frank- faced Ibis news improved. In 1978 all of Grand L., June 7 and two were near Kremml- lin's Gulls produced2000 young. They cruis- Nevada had 800 nests.This year, the Ruby L. ing June 14 (MM, GY). Ospreysin the Jack- ed far from the refuge, with 17 seen June 11 area had 255 + pairs, with good success--3 son/Pinedale, Wyo., area had 17 successful silently crossing a pass near Snow Basin, young/nest (SB), and Stillwater W.M.A.'s nests, fledging 34 young; 6 historical sites Utah (JN). By July 26-27, 4150 had gathered 1800 nests produced 4500 young, up from were not productive(Be). No young fledged in s.e. Colorado (D.F.e.), probably from n 1200 nests and 2500 young last year (MR). from the nest at Sheridan (HD). At Flaming plains colonies. Two Bonaparte's Gulls were Bear R. had 1000 pairs and 800 young (RV), Gorge, Utah, 6 pairs bred successfully, reported from Jackson July 6 (OH). Bear and Logan, Utah's colony had the same size equalling last year's number (PW). Only River's 150 Caspian Terns produced 115 eggs and successas last year (1500 pairs, 10% suc- Wyoming reported Merlins -- 5 nesting at- in 55 nests, fledgling count not yet available cessdue to predation -- KA). At Ogden Bay, tempts fledged 2-7 young (Be), and another 100 were present June 16 (JN). nest at Buffalo had 5 eggsMay 23, the first substantiated nesting record for n.e. Wyom- OWLS TO SWIFTS -- Utah's artificial ing (RM, BB). nest program for Barn Owls "continues to WATERFOWL -- In Utah, ducks present produce good numbers of young. In Box in nesting season doubled over last Elder and Davis counties in n. Utah, 25 of 30 year--68,549 reported June 1-15--but pro- GROUSE, CRANES -- The Sharp-tailed boxes attracted pairs and . . . 140-150 young duction did not increase .proportionately. X Sage Grouse hybrid mentioned last year were banded. Provo has a similar program High predation, high water levels, and bad (/lB 33:793) strutted this spring on a Sage through its Audubon chapter. These results weather induced nest desertion. At Bear R., Grouse lek near Sheridan and was seen dur- are comparable to those of last year" and Ruby L., duckshad only 3-4 young/nest: ing the summeras well (HD). Bobwhiteskeep (ML,PW). A ScreechOwl found with an in- Bear R., 3526 young (2459 Gadwalls, 407 popping up in odd placesthis summer, in a jured mandiblewas rehabilitatedby a vet and Redheads--RV), and at Ruby, 3400 nesting Cheyenne alley June 28-July 3 (fide MH). released at Niwot, Colo., where it had been

Volume 34, Number 6 915 Table 1. New BreedingBirds -- MouutainWest Species Directionfrom First Positive Cause of Footnotes which it came Comments Evidence Spread

A. Solid Range Expansions[Some more than 10 years] W Grebe ? Colo.: plains and mt. marshes 1949 A Cattle Egret S & E Colo.: 3-4 small colonies 1977 C Utah: 1 colony 1978 Nev.: 1 colony 1980 M•ssissippiKite SE s.e. Colo.: Cimarron & Arkansas Rivers 1971 B, C Chimney Swift E e. Colo. &s.e. Wyo. 1956 B f Blue Jay E e. Colo. & e. Wyo.; spreadingWest 1960s B g Curve-billed Thrasher S s.e. Colo., N to Fountain 1972 C Starling E Throughout 1943 C Chestnut-sided Warbler E Colo.: Front Range foothills 1968 J Orchard Oriole E e. Colo.& e. Wyo. late 1960s B g Corn. Grackle E e. Colo. & e. Wyo.; spreadingWest 1950s B g Great-tailed Grackle SW s. Nev. 1974 B, C s. Utah 1979 s. Colo. 1970 Indigo Bunting E e. Colo. 1953 B E e. Wyo. (summer recordsonly) 1968 S s. Utah (rare nestingrecords) ? S s. Nev. (suspectednesting) 1979

B. Newly found breeders, probably always present Green Heron E e. Colo. 1976 D Black-chinnedHummingbird SW e. Colo., Front Range N to Pueblo 1970 D w. Wyo.: many sightingsrecently 1979 Rivoli's Hummingbird SW Colo. mtns. 1965 D Purple Martin S w. Colo. 1979 D Orange-crownedWarbler ? Colo. mtns. 1970s D Scott's Oriole W Utah/Colo. line 1979 D,

C. Specieswith newly-found,isolated breeding sites Corn. Egret ? Boulder, Colo. 1972 B White Pelican ? Riverside Res., Colo. 1962 A Osprey ? Colo., Wyo., Utah, scatteredreservoirs 1970s A V•rginia Rail N Las Vegas,Nev. 1980 A Am. Avocet N Las Vegas, Nev. 1980 A California Gull W Colo.: 2 sites 1963 A Least Tern SE e. Colo. 1978 A Boreal Owl N Yellowstone/Grand Teton N.P.s, Wyo.; 1963 D R.M.N.P. Colo. (no nests;fledglings and numerous summer records) Black-backed Three-toed N Grand Teton N.P. 1976 U Woodpecker Black Phoebe SW Pueblo, Colo. 1972-74 U Grace's Warbler W Rye, Colo. 1978 U e Rose-breasted Grosbeak E Bonny Res., Colo. 1974 (only) B f Sheridan, Wyo. 1979 t White-winged Crossbill N YellowstoneN.P., Wyo., & Logan, Utah 1977 U

D. Likely breeders,but nest or recently fledged young not located HoodedMerganser E Colo. 1978 A SpottedOwl W w. Colo. 1978 D Great CrestedFlycatcher E n.e. Colo. 1975 B t Short-billedMarsh Wren E Julesburg,Colo. 1977-78 A t Gray Catbird E e. Nev. ca. 1975 D t, e Black-throatedGray Warbler S w. Wyo. 1980 D t, e Bay-breastedWarbler N R.M.N.P. & Florissant,Colo. 1978(only) I t N Waterthrush N Sheridan, Wyo. 1976 I t E Meadowlark E Julesburg,Colo. 1975 U t HepaticTanager SW LasAnimas Co., Colo. 1978 I t GrasshopperSparrow E Dyer, Nev. 1980 U t, e F•eldSparrow E BonnyRes., Colo., & Torrington,Wyo. 1975 U t

Key to Causes A New reservoirshave created new habitat (shoreline, seepage,and water sources) B Human settlementhas creatednew habitat (more treeshave been plantedin the citiesor propagatedalong rivers and reservoirs) C Specieswhich is spareadingand expanding D Recent fieldwork has revealed what was very likely always present I Isolated locality, severalhundred mi from other breedingpopulations J Isolatedbreeding pairs along a 150-mistretch from R.M.N.P. to ColoradoSprings U Unknown

916 American B•rds, November 1980 Footnotes e/Established in other parts of Region f/ Less than 3 nesting records prior to 1970. g/Limited prior nesting;has becomenotably more common in last 10-20 years y/Recently fledged young observed Acknowledgment: Thanks to the following for critiquing this table: BA, CC, KD, HD, CL, BO, ARP, BR, RAR found. "The whole town turned out. After Ridgway identified as a Blue-throated(JRG). WARBLERS--Warblers stayed late at the release the ladies served coffee and Eureka: Yellow-rumped to the first week •n cm,namon bread." June, Wilson's to June 9, Yellow to the last FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--All week in June; none is usually present past Colorado latilongs have now recorded May 31 (JE). Nevada's first siammerBlack- CUCKOOS--"The Year of the nestingW. Kingbirds,with a nest found this and-white Warbler was foraging and singing Cuckoo" it was (JC), for the e. part of the summerat Eagle(JM). The Cassin'sKingbird near Wells July 6 (GA). On July 17, Blue- Region. Almost every contributor in Col- nest at Hudson, with three young, gave w. winged Warblers were sighted 200 mi apart, orado and Wyoming mentioned the phe- Wyoming its first nesting record (BK). An at Lajara and Littleton, Colo. (?MLo, nomenon of the cuckoos. Yellow-billeds adaptable pair of Say's Phoebesnested on the MD)--a remarkable mid-summer date'for a nested and summered along the Front underside of a dump truck at Pueblo; each specieswith fewer than 20 Regional records Range in every community from Ft. Col- day the truck traveled at least 70 mi. The An Orange-crownedhad built a nest on the hns to Pueblo. They probably always do phoebesfledged at least one young July 15, ground at the foot of an aspen near Meeker, nest there, but rarely so visibly. The birds and others earlier (VT). Winn commented on Colo., June 15-16(JW). This providesone of even poured into the mountains, with the extensionof range by the Tree Swallow, the Region's first definite nesting records A reports or specimens from Estes Park, which has dropped d9wn to nest on the plains Magnolia Warbler was at Cheyenne June 7 Gunnison, Montrose, Ridgway, Monte around Denver and become commoner in its (OKS) and one was found dead at Golden, V•sta, and Durango (the last two pro- mountain haunts. She pointed out that the Colo., June 2 (WF). Black-throated Gray v•ding latilong records). They penetrated Tree Swallow may affect other specieswhich Warblers discovered June 14 near Lander, W to Lander and Basin, Wyo. (both new compete with them for nesting sites and Wyo., may nest in the juniper hills nearby latfiongs)and the nine or more observed possibly food; specifically, "I do think the (DN). Two ad. and three imm. Grace's at Sheridan compared with only 10 obser- Violet-greenshave had a hard time thesepast Warblers were at Rye, Colo., July 27 vations since 1966. However, in Wyom- 2 summers, and especially in 1979, when (D.F.O.). A Chestnut-sided Warbler was ing, Black-billeds prevailed, with reports Violet-greennesting trees were taken over by singingat Dyer, Nev., June 1 (?JD, CAD) A from 6 latilongs, including 3 new ones. Tree Swallows." Purple Martins nested at pair of Chestnut-sideds found July 9 near Reports came of 22 on a B.B.S. near Summit L., near Dolores, Colo. (KS) provid- Lyons, Colo., probably nested (F.A.C) Greybull, and observations in Cody, ing Colorado's secondnesting record (10 mi Late Bay-breasteds were at Dyer June 1 Moose, Lander, Hudson, Dubois, and from the first one, reported last year), and (RWe, fide JD) and Denver June 9 (HEK) Sheridan. Colorado had but one report, one was observed near Meeker, Colo., An Ovenbird ventured into the foothills at from Boulder. The species probably another possiblenesting site (JW). Evergreen, Colo., July 5 (WWB). Northern breeds across n. Wyoming, possibly in Waterthrusheswere singingat JacksonJune n e. Colorado. (Details of cuckoo counts 16 (B&WM) and, for the sixth year, at to be publishedin C.F.O. Journal). NUTHATCHES TO VIREOS--A pair of Sheridan July 10.23; the Sheridan birds have Red-breasted Nuthatches nested in Colorado not been confirmed as breeding(HD, MC) Springs, a low elevation for the species The Flammulated Owl may prove to be the (CLC). Different dens for different wrens: in most common owl in Colorado, if results Reno, House Wrens nested in Alves' yard, BLACKB1RDS--A cy Hooded Oriole from a study plot near Woodland Park prove Bewick's in Hanf's yard. Northernmost visited PahranagatValley July 1, a location typical. Reynolds plotted 36 singing Mockingbirds were a pair at Chugwater, from which it is infrequently reported (MP) posts--i.e., territorial males--in an .88 sq. Wyo., June 10 (RRo), and most elevatedwas An isolated nesting population of ScoWs m• tract! They were more common than one at 7500 ft w. of Boulder June 29 Orioles occupies400 squaremi straddlingthe robins (fide RAR). Boulder and Platoro, (H&AW). The Gray Catbird singing in the Utah/Colorado border between Bonanza and Colo., are new Flammulated sites (CB, Ruby Mts. of Elko Co., Nev., June 17 (?ph, Rangely. In the past 2 years, territorml MLo). At a previously reported site, WEH), apparently on territory but also with adults, singingmales, and juvenileshave been Powderhorn, Colo., two Flammulateds and no apparent mate, had picked a habitat found in 6 different sitesbetween Red Wash, one Pygmy Owl were calling at the sametime similar to that of a pair seen5 years ago near Utah, and Rangely, May 31-Aug. 14 (ARJ, June 14 (KC). A late report came in of a Baker, 100 mi s. (CL). The remote canyonsof BHG). They had been reported from the Boreal Owl at Jackson May 15 (fide BR). e. Nevada may support a small population of Utah sectionin 1936, but not since. This leap- Two s.w. Colorado observations of Chaetura catbirds (CL). A pair of Brown Thrashersat frogs the known nestingrange of the Scott's swifts could have been of either Chimney or Loveland, Colo., present all summer, may Oriole 300 mi e. from w. Utah and provides Vaux's: one near Platoro July 14 (MLo) and have nested (MHi). A pair of Bendire's Colorado's first nestingrecords. One pair of 3 observationsat Ridgway (JRG). Thrashers feeding a juvenile was compared Great-tailed Grackles nested at a new Col- directly with Sage Thrashers, near Bonanza, orado site, Totten Res., near Cortez (KS) HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS-- Utah May 30.June 4 (ARJ, MW). A Curve- Common Grackles now nest in the mountains Jackson had 6 or more observations of Black- billed Thrasher nest at Fountain, Colo., at Eldora, Colo., Walden (a new latilong-- chinned Hummingbirds (BR)--the only re- found June 29 (RWa) provides that species' F&JJ), Gunnison, and Dubois. ports outside their "normal range." The northernmost breeding record. The candela- seasoWsfirst Rufous Hummingbird came to bra cactus(Opuntia arborescerts)in which it Jarbidge,Nev., June 21, 6 days earlier than nestsgrows no farther n; this may limit the FINCHES, SPARROWS--Indigo Bun- last year (EB). Jefferson saw the first Col- thrasher's N expansion. A Wood Thrush was tings nested at Loveland, Colo., (FH), and orado Rufous July 5 (CH, KH), and they ar- singing at Idledale, Colo., June 21 (BP, territorial pairs graced Caliente, Nev., and rived in many Colorado mountain locations m.ob.). A Gray-cheeked Thrush reportedly Sheridan (MP, HD). Two near Jarbidge June in early July--2-3 weeks before they arrived sang from a ponderosa-cladGenessee Mt., 11 had moved fairly far N. (EB). Dickcissels •n n. Wyoming, and before a flock of 50 near Denver June 18-July 6 (JCo, RB). A returned to Sheridanafter a 3-year absence, z•pped around Tony Grove L., near Logan Cedar Waxwing was found dead July 6 at nine on June 27 was a record count (HD, July 24 (KA). Large hummingbirdsincluded 13,000 ft, near the summit of Cloud Peak in WEH). Cassin's Finches delayed their move- a female at Brighton, Utah, probably a Riv- the Cloud Peak Wilderness of n. Wyoming ment to the high country, and some even oh's (fide GK), and a male June 15 at (LHa). stayed in the valleys to nest. Family groul•s

Volume 34, Number 6 917 and flocks were reported from Dubois, Cody, July 4-11 (OKS); the speciesis regarded as an ing (19), M. Hill (MHi), Charles Hills (CHi), Salt Lake City, Glenwood Springs, Gun- uncommon migrant in Wyoming, and this F. Hoffsmith, O. Hurlburt, B. Hyde, Mark nison, and Jarbidge. On July 29, 300 had represents a new latilong record as well. At Janos, David Jasper 02), A.R. Johnson, gathered at Cedar Breaks N.M., Utah (RP). Pueblo West, Cassin's Sparrows have Frank & Jan Jnstiee, Gleb Kashin, Anne Back's Black Rosy Finch backpack this year benefited from the growth of prairie grass Keene (3), Ursula Kepler (11), Barb Kenting, (July 8-9) found a female strongly attached to and sagebrush, like the Lark Buntings; 19 K. Kittleman, Chuck Lawson, Mark Leppert a ledge with a grassy, nest-like structure, but pairs were there this summer (VT). (7) Mark Lockwood (MLo), Larry Malone, a confirmed nest remains undiscovered. T. Mangleson, J. MeGough (JMc), M. Small groups of White-winged Crossbills ABBREVIATIONS--B.B.S.:--U.S. Fish McWherter, G. Menkens (GMe), John Mer- were in Grand Teton N.P., July 26-31 & Wildlife Service Breeding Bird Survey; chant (2), B. & W. Meteer, D. Miller (DMi), (P&JW, BR). The Lark Bunting has become Latilong: 3600-square mile block formed by G. Miller, R. Mony, Vince Mowbray (3), the most common nesting species--with 300 IøN latitudes and løW longitudes; David Mozurkewich (6), M.T. Nail, D. pairs--in Pueblo West, a nascentsubdivision R.M.N.P.: Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park. Nelson, John Nelson, Bob Oakleaf (9), G. and recreational development in which no Page, R. Parkison (RPa), Richard Peake, M. grazing has occurred for 11 years (VT). On CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and Pertone, A.R. Phillips, Bill Pickslay the Sheridan B.B.S., their numbers have CITED OBSERVERS--J. Alves, B. An- (BPi--3), Judy Porrata, B. Prather, Bert risen, and on July I 1, 500 had flocked with drews, Keith Archibald (8), G. Austin, Mary Raynes (20), Warner Reeser (4), Richard Rey- 200 Vesper and 200 Lark sparrows (HD). Back, Ethlyn Barneby, B. Berry, B. Beyins nolds, J.C. Rigli, R.C. Rosche, Marguerite West of the Lark Bunting's range, at Logan (BBe), Chip Blake, Stephen Bouffard, W.W. Ross, R. Rothwell (RRo), Bob Rozinski and Randolph, Utah, 3-6 were seen June 9 & Brocknet (22), J.A. Burns, R. Butlery, C.L. (BRo), E. Russell, R.A. Ryder (5), J. Sauer, 14 and July 3 (KA); a dozen were seen bet- Campbell, C. Chase, Jean Christensen (30), O.K. Scott, Irma Sparks, Mahlon Speers, ween Lander, Dubois, and Cody June M. Collins, Kevin Cook, John Cooper (JCo), Lynn Stenzel, B. B. Stettler, Kip Stransky, C. 18-July 4 (MB). An incursion of Grasshopper Denver Field Ornithologists(D.F.O.), C.A. Swarth, Yah Trnan, Utah Div. of Wildlife Sparrows brought a string of records to e. Denel, M. Dexter, V. Dionigi, Keith Dixon, Resonrces, Ray ¾arney, P. Wagner, H. & A. Colorado and Wyoming: I I at Sheridan in Helen Downing (41), Jon Dunn, M. Esposi- Wainwright, Judy Ward, Rosie Watts July (WEH, HD), three singing males per ir- to, Clark Ewing, Lonise Excell (4), Janet (RWa), M. Webb, R. Webster (RWe), Phyllis rigated field around Casper June l-Aug. 1 Eyre, W. Finch, M. Flanagan, Foothills Aud. & Jack Wilburn, Elinor Wills, Roberta Winn, (OKS), birds near Colorado Springs June 29 Club, Elva Fox (4), B.H. Green, J.R. G. Yeager--HUGH E. KINGERY, 869 Mil- & July 15 (EW), and six seenin the Arkansas Guadagno, Carol Hack, L. Hanebury (LHa), waukee Street, Denver, Colorado, 80206. Valley July 26-27 (D.F.O.). Near Cheyenne May Hanesworth (2), I. Hanf, W.E. Harper, were at least three singing Baird's Sparrows Kathy Hawkins, Steven Hedges, Louise Her-

SOUTHWEST REGION Frigatebird of the period /Kenn Kaufman, John P. Hubbard was an immature n. of Cibola N.W.R., July 18 and Janet Witzeman (TS). A concentration of Torrid-zone temperatures prevailed, but $00-600 Cattle Egrets in there was little of avian novelty along the the Dome Valley July 7 Mexican frontier (aside from one humming- (RM, Gwen Robinson) bird, and a very good passerincthat got established a new high away). The big discoverieswere all farther count for Arizona; as in north: New Mexico had its first confirmed in- recent years, 50-60 birds stancesof breeding for Wilson's Phalarope had been present through and Savannah Sparrow, and Arizona record- June. The species may ed its first nesting ever for Hammond's well be found breeding in Flycatcher and first in the 20th century for this area. Louisiana Belted Kingfisher. Another highlight was the Herons staged an influx accumulation of lesser discoveries made dur- into the lower P.V., with ing an intensive survey of the Pecos Valley singlesat L. McMillan Ju- (herein abbreviated "P.V.") in eastern New ly I (WH), Loving July 3 Mexico. (WHet al.), and Bitter Lake N.W.R., July 26-27 (D&SH). An ad. young seen July I in the Chino Valley (CT) LOONS THROUGH HERONS--A Com. Little Blue Heron at Arlington July 15 (SB) were notable. A pair of Mexican Ducks per- Loon was at Painted Rock Dam July 26, for followed about a dozen previous Arizona sisted at L. McMillan, N.M., where noted Ju- one of Arizona's very few summer records records.A ReddishEgret visiteda golf course ly 10 & 27 (WHet al.). away from the L.C.R. (KK et al.). Also very pond near PhoenixJuly 14-18(PB,CH, ph-- Possiblyindicative of local breeding,many unusual for summer were two Horned Grebes S<); there were only 3 previous Arizona Redheads persistednear Zuni through June in partial breedingplumage at L. McMillan, records, none since 1960 (although one came 21, when the observer(AS) had to depart; N.M., June 9 (WH). Western Grebes, first close recently at Imperial Dam on the twelve were seen July 4 at Red L., on the recorded breeding in Arizona in 1973 on the L.C.R.). Arizona-New Mexico border (GR,KVR). Un- L.C.R., establisheda new nestinglocality this usual summer non-breeders included acr summer, with downy young seen July 26 at WATERFOWL--Eleven Canada Geese on Bufflehead and a pair of Lesser Scaup at Painted Rock Dam (GR). A W. Grebe seen the Pecos R., 27 mi n.e. of Roswell, N.M., Zuni June 21-22 (AS), and an eclipse- June 18 at Weatherly L., n.e.N.M. (JPH), July 24 (WH) were unexpected. A pair of plumaged Com. Goldeneye at Bitter Lake was e. of the usual summer range. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, erratic N.W.R., July 19 (WH) and July 27 (NJ). A new breeding locality for Double-crested breeders in Arizona, fledged six young at Cormorant was Abiquiu L., N.M., where 3 Tucson. Notable breeding records in New RAPTORS--At least 11 MississippiKites nests were seen June 28 and later (KP et al.); Mexico includedsingle broods of shovelersat were seen July 14 in Roswell (WH) where rising waters subsequentlydestroyed the nests Kirtland July 29 (APN), Com. Mergansersat rarely reported in recent years. The breeding {fide Ed Swenson). The species was also Medenales June 8 (C. Hundertmark), and colony at the Clovis, N.M., golf course was found nestingat Painted Rock Dam for a sec- Ruddy Ducks at Zuni June 22 (AS), while in down to about five pairs, and unaggressive ond year (GR et al.). The only Magnificent Arizona a pair of Blue-wingedTeal with four compared to the 15-20 that harassedgolfers

918 American Birds, November 1980 Whimbrel at Painted Rock Dam June 14 June 28 (KVR,TB); Arizona has only 3 docu- (S<,GR, ph--KVR) was remarkably early mented records, although a number of other (or late?), as the species is generally a rare probable reports suggestthe speciesmay be migrant in July-August and very rare in semi-regular in the Nogales region. In New spring; still notable for the number and early Mexico, notable e. records were single cr date were six near Poston, Ariz., July 4 Rufous Hummingbirds n.e. of Roswell July (MK). 18 and at Artesia July 19-31, and Broad- Becausethe spring and fall migrations of tailed Hummingbirds n.e. of Roswell June 5 Wilson's Phalarope seemto merge impercep- and s.e. of Artesia in mid-July (WHet al.). tibly during June, some of us have paid too little attention to summer occurrences. That KINGFISHERS THROUGH FLY- attitude might be altered by the June 30 CATCHERS--A BeltedKingfisher nest with discoveryof an adult with a downy young at nestlings was found in late May on Spring Bluewater L. (AM,BM,PG,TL), the first Creek, near Sedona (S. Eroslie, fide CT; recorded breeding ever for New Mexico and details to be published elsewhere).This was the Region. Coincidentally, two pairs were Arizona's first definite breeding in this cen- found June 7-8 in apparently suitable nesting tury, although suspicious summer records habitat near Springerville,Ariz. (DS). have been frequent; this year, for example, With the gradual clarification of the status one was near Portal June 7-10 (HB) and three of gull speciesin the Region, summerrecords were seen near Springerville July 7 (CH). of California Gulls are increasing. This year Kingfishers also summered in small numbers one was at L. McMillan, N.M., July 21 (MA in the P.V., from the Roswell area to Loving, et al.), and three were at Painted Rock Dam, but no nest was found (WHet al.). Ariz., July 26 (KK,DS,KVR,GR). Unseason- Red-headed Woodpeckers were unusually al single Franklin's Gulls in Arizona were at widespread and numerous in e. New Mexico: Painted Rock Dam June 14 (S< et al.) and up to 20 pairs were in the P.V., from Ft. ReddishEgret, Phoenix,Ariz., July 14, 1980. Ganado L. July 5 (GR et al.), while at L. Sumner to Artesia, with a nest found at Photo/Scott and Linda Terrill. McMillan, N.M., June records of Franklin's Artesia June 20 (WHet al.); a straggler there last year (Randy Johnson). Small Gulls and Forster's Terns were considered reached Farmington July 30 (J. Nordstrom, numbers of Marsh Hawks summered in the unusual (WH). At Bitter Lake N.W.R., fide APN). A N. Three-toed Woodpecker P.V., from Ft. Sumner s. to Loving; single where the Least Tern is a rare breeder, two was seen July 5 in the Arizona section of the adults were seen carrying food in the Artesia adults and three fledglings were seen July 19 Chuska Mrs. (GR,KVR), for a first local area June 16 & July 10 (WH). (WH). A single Least Tern near Cibola record. N.W.R., June 19-20 (RM,BW), provided An E. Kingbird at Patagonia July 13 (RS) S.A. about the seventh Arizona record and third was among the very few ever seen in s.e. Although we'd rather avoid the subject, for the L.C.R. Arizona. Cassin's Kingbirds near the prob- accumulated events demand this com- able e. breeding limits in New Mexico were ment: every year, dozensof birders search OWLS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS-- four at Seneca June 19 and one near Logan specifically for Aplomado Falcons in s.e. At least two Saw-whet Owls and a Long- June 17 (JPH). A Tropical Kingbird in the Arizona. Every year, some (including a eared Owl on Bill Williams Mt., w. of Dome Valley, Ariz., June 9 (•'RM) was pro- few competent, conscientiousobservers) Flagstaff, during the summer, established bably an overshootingmigrant, while a pair claim success.But analysis indicates that new locality records for theseuncommon and near Sierra Vista June 28 (KVR) indicated a all of thesereports are basedupon distant local species (CT). The Elf Owl has lost new probable breeding area. An E. Phoebe at views, process-of-elimination reasoning, ground at its w. limits, so it was encouraging Folsom Falls, N.M., June 20 was the second and the assumption that the species is to hear of two at the Yuma Proving Grounds recorded there, but near El Pueblo (where it "known to be present." This latter as- June 4 (G. Robinson). bred last year) none was detected June 16 sumption is completely false in Arizona's Continuing its uneven march N across (JPH); one was reported June 10 at Bosque case (although New Mexico has more re- Arizona, the Buff-collared Nightjar was del Apache N.W.R. (RLT). A Black Phoebe cent reliable records); here, to our discovered at a new locality, Aravaipa Can- at Zuni June 1-22 (AS) was n. of the usual knowledge, there has not been a docu- yon. Up to three (or more) were heard and range in New Mexico. mented record for more than seventy seenat two points in the canyon from spring Attention to difficult identifications paid years and not even a believable sighting into August (S&LM,TJ,m.ob.). A new n. off with a new breeding speciesfor Arizona, within the last forty, despite published locality for LesserNighthawk in the P.V. was a pair of Hammond's Flycatcherswith a nest claims to the contrary. 10 mi s. of Ft. Sumner, where a male was in the Chuska Mts., found July 4 (KVR,GR, taken (* to Ariz. St. Univ.) and other birds ph--S<); details will be published else- SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, TERNS--Al- observed July 9 (TH). where. Remarkable was a Coues' Flycatcher though there is justifiable concern for the Chimney Swifts again summered in Tuc- in the Dome Valley, s.w. Arizona, June 9 Snowy Plover in somequarters, it undeniably son, their only "regular" Arizona locality, (I'RM), geographically and ecologically far succeedsin exploiting temporary conditions with two or more seen during June and July removed from any breeding locale. A new here. Three pairs we•'e at Painted Rock Dam (DS,BB). In e. New Mexico, one was near L. summering area for the BeardlessFlycatcher June 14 (S<, KVR,GR), and many pairs McMillan June 3 (TH); three in Clayton June was the Portal region, where at least two were with downy young were noted there July 13 18 (JPH) were the first reported there in seenduring June and July (fide SS). and subsequently(R&JW et aL). We know of several summers, although WC had seen only one previous instance of breeding at them there in the 1970s. Eight White-throated SWALLOWS THROUGH MIMIDS-- Painted Rock (in 1974, when water-levels and Swifts near Mosquero, N.M., June 17 (JPH) Violet-greenSwallows established a first local shoreline conditions were similar) and only were near the e. limits of probable breeding. summer record in New Mexico with three one other breedinglocality in Arizona (in ar- A probable Black Swift over Lake Peak, near Mosquero June 17 (JPH). Tree Swal- tificial habitat at Willcox). At Bosque del N.M., marked the third summer of record lows, only recently found nestingin Arizona, Apache N.W.R., N.M., 15 Snowy Plovers in- there. Who will take up the challengeto find were presentin numbersagain at Lee Valley cluding a flightlessjuvenile were seen July 19 a nest? Res., White Mrs. (DS); one in the Chuska (D&SH), for the first recent breeding record. It was a generally poor summer for hum- Mts., July 4 (KVR et al.) suggestedanother A singleCorn. Snipe was again found July mingbird variety in Arizona, with no definite possiblebreeding site. 7 (GR etaL) at Springerville, Ariz., where the Beryllines or White-eareds, and single Two Blue Jays were seen June 28 at Ft. species bred historically. A Long-billed Lucifers only at Portal and Guadalupe Can- Sumner, perhaps a new breeding locality for Curlew seen June 2 at Horse L. (RLT) was w. yon. The one exception was provided by a New Mexico, and one was in Roswell July 19 of the usual summer range in New Mexico. A Plain-eapped Starthroat near Sierra Vista (WHet al.). Common Crows at n.e. limits in

Volume34, Number6 919 New Mexico were two in the easternmost Dry (Audubon's) Warbler in the lowlands at where nestingwas suspectedlast year. Proven Clmarron Valley June 19 and one near Logan Patagonia July 1 (KG). Summer straggler nesting in the state is mostly a recent June 18 (JPH). In Arizona, Clark's Nut- 9-plumaged Am. Redstartsoccurred in the phenomenon, but a specimenin breeding crackersare known to be regular residents P.V. near Roswell June 13 and Artesia July 4 conditionwas taken near Wickenburgin May only in the White and San FranciscoMrs., so (WHet aL). Near Springerville,Ariz., where 1953. Twenty Red Crossbills were seen in three in the ChuskasJuly 4 (GR et al.) and 26 the specieshas nestedpreviously, two • Am. Farmington on the odd date of June 19 on Bill Williams Mt., June 11 (CT), were Redstartswere presentduring June and July, (APN). noteworthy. A Curve-billed Thrasher near but no female was seen (BJo et al.). Erratic in breeding distribution, Lark Oatman July 30 (•RM) was n.w. of the usual Buntingswere presentin n.e. New Mexico in Arizona range, and severalCrissal Thrashers ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--Bobolinks June, including in Union County and be- n e of Roswell in June-July(WHet al.) pro- summer rarely and sporadically in the tween Las Vegas and Mosquero (JPH), a vlded additional n. records for the P.V. Region. Near Springerville,where the species male near Nageezi June 28 (GS) was w. of nestedlast year, a pair was found July 7 (RD, normal summer limits. The Savannah Spar- THRUSHES THROUGH SILKY-FLY- GR,KVR); one was reported in late June at row was confirmed as a breeding species•n CATCHERS--A probable Rufous-backed Parkview, a traditional New Mexico locality New Mexico when a nest was found June 30 Robin was reported June 3-4 in Guadalupe (KP). Five E. Meadowlarks singing near at BluewaterL., in an area supportingseveral Canyon, Ariz. (CB, tJ. Frank et al.); the Logan, N.M., June 18 (JPH) weren. of usual pairs (RB,BM,AM,TL); there have been state has only one well-supported summer areas. A scattering of extralimital Orchard summerrecords suggestive of nestingin the record. Two Veeries and three Swainson's Orioles occurred, with singles in Arizona n.c. section of the state, but this area is Thrusheswere singingon territory in July in June 14 at Theba (GR,•ST et al.) and near somewhat farther s. In New Mexico, the South Fork area near Springerville, the Nogales(DS), one at Glenwood, N.M., June Grasshopper Sparows are recorded in sum- only Arizona point whereeither is known to 30 (fide BMcK), and another earlier nearby at mer rarely only in the extreme n.e., so one summer regularly (BJo et al.). A very late Cliff (fide JE). Act Northern (Baltimore) singingnear SabinosoJune 17 and one carry- migrantSwainson's Thrush was in Phoenix Oriole, very rare in Arizona, was at Portal ing food near Albert June 18 (JPH) were June 15 (SRD). Three Townsend'sSolitaires June 4-7 (B&MS,W&SS). Single ct Scott's significant. Rufous-crowned Sparrows are noted June 7 in the Gallinas Mts., s.c. New Orioles notably far n. in New Mexico were n. rare and local in n.e. New Mexico, so note- Mexico (GS), provided a first local summer of Farmington June 13-14 (APN), near La worthy were records of 11 near Mosquero record. Liendre and near TrementinaJune 16 (JPH). June 17 and two near Folsom Falls June A Water Pipit under a lawn sprinkler near Great-tailed Grackles in new or infrequent 19-20 (JPH). Remarkable for the seasonwas Alto, s.c. New Mexico, July 2 (N J) was well areas of occurrence included one at Hart a Gray-headed Junco in Cave Creek Canyon out of rangefor the date. Also near Alto, ten Prairie aboveFlagstaff June I (DRP) and, in above Portal June 27 (KG); the bird Cedar Waxwingsseen July 3 (N J) constituted New Mexico, at least four at Ft. Sumner in displayed some characteristicsof the seden- the first local summer report. A probable 9 June (WH), three at La Plata June 15 (APN), tary s. race dorsalis, very rare at Portal even Phamopepla was reported June 10 or 11 at and one at Sandia Park June 21 (HS). Com- in winter. Albuquerque(J. & N. Dilley), well n. of usual mon Grackles are expanding and con- limits. solidatingtheir New Mexico range:they bred CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilers in In the summer's most tantalizing event, an again at Farmington (APN), and three or boldface)--Miriam Axelrod, Harrlett extremely competent observer had a brief four adults were carrying food in June at Barker, Bob Bates, Pat Beall, Robin view of a Gray Silky-Flycatcher flying with Zuni (AS). When will Arizona get a record? Bingham, Robert Bradley (RBr), Charles Phainopeplasnear Patagonia July 17. Abun- A Hepatic Tanager seenJune 17 near Mos- Brown, Tim Brush, Scott Burge, Elaine dant in parts of w. Mexico, this speciesre- quero, N.M. (JPH), was in a new area of oc- Cook, Wes Cook, Doug Danforth mains unrecorded in the United States. Al- currence.Summer Tanagers were found to be (Huachuca Mts.), William Davis, SalomeR though this individual was never relocated, numerous in the P.V., n. to Ft. Sumner (WH Demaree, Jeff Drake, Robert Dummer, John and it will not be submitted as a formal et al.). Egbert, Peter Gardner, Kimball Garrett, W record, observers clearly should keep this Edward Harper, Tom Hildebrandt, William speciesin mind henceforth. FRINGILLIDS--Evidently Indigo Bunt- Howe (Pecos Valley), Chuck Hunter, Dustin ing populationsin s.c. Arizona continueto & Sue Huntington, Betty Jackson (Globe), VIREOS, WARBLERS--Totally unex- increase;ten or more males were on territory Nick Jackson, Terry Johnson, Betty Jones pectedwas a Yellow-greenVireo at a desert near Portal this season,and a nest was found (BJo), Mark Kasprzyk, Randy Korotev, Jen oasis near Theba, Ariz., July 13-15 (GR et July 26 (W&SS). Indigos were also fairly Langham, Helen Longstreth, Tim Lord, al, ph--RW). There were about 3 previous common in the lower P.V., from Roswell to Brian Malcolm, Richard Martin (Lower Col- state records, none documentedby specimen L. McMillan (WHet al.). Varied Buntings, orado River), Arch McCallurn, Barbara or photos, all May-July in riparian zones of invading from a different direction, had McKnight (BMck), Scott & Liz Mills, Gale the extreme s.c. notable locality records with two near Portal Monson (consultant on Ariz. records), Orange-crownedWarblers are quite local during the summer (RMo,SS) and one near Robert Morse (RMo), Alan P. Nelson (Farm- as breeders in Arizona, so of interest were Sierra Vista June 28 (KVR). Southeast of ington), Robert Norton, Richard Peake, eight in the Chuska Mts., July 4-6 (GR,ST et usual areas, at least five Lazuli Buntingswere Karen Peterson, D.R. Pinkston (Flagstaff), al ), a pair at Rustler Park, Chiricahua Mts., singing near Villanueva, N.M., June 16 Larry Pyc, Gary Rosenberg, Kenneth V July 17 (RM), and the report that the species (JPH); sevenwere seenJune 15 (but not later) Rosenberg, Bert & Millie Schaughency,A1 was commonthroughout the summerat Hart s.c. of Artesia (MA). Painted Buntings were Schmierer, Greg Schmitt, Hart Schwarz, Prairie near Flagstaff (DRP). More depres- unexpectedlywidespread in the P.V., com- Todd Soddercrest, Sally Spofford (Portal), sing was the news that no Yellow Warblers mon in the s., and in small numbers n. to 10 Walter Spofford, Rich Stallcup, Doug Storz were found summeringin the P.V., where the mi s. of Ft. Sumner(WHet al.). A c• Painted (Tucson), Scott & Linda Terrill, R.L. Teuber, speciesmight havebeen expected (WHet al.); Bunting near Mesilla, N.M., July 4-7 (L. & P. Dick Todd, Carl Tomoff (Prescott), Robert status of Yellow Warblers in all riparian Hartshorne) was also notable. Witzeman, Brian Woodbridge. Abbrevia- zones of the Southwest should be monitored. Single Cassin'sFinches in peripheral areas tions: t, written details on file with New Mex- Evlncing a gradual range expansionNW, an were at Santa Fe July 24 (JPH) and Capulin ico Ornithological Society or with Arizona Olive Warbler was presentthrough the sum- Canyon, Sandia Mts., June 21 (HS). Two Bird Committee; ph, photo, *, specimen, mer on Bill Williams Mt., w. of Flagstaff; Pine Grosbeaks were feeding fledglings at L.C.R., Lower Colorado River; m.ob., many one (previously unreported) was also there SheepsCrossing, White Mts., June 7-8 (DS); observers; P.V., Pecos Valley.--KENN May-July 1979 (CT). although the speciesis resident in Arizona's KAUFMAN, 1411 East Adams, Tucson, AZ Seasonally unexpected were summer boreal zones, there has been little direct 85719; JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2016 Valle Townsend's Warblers in New Mexico, one in evidenceof breeding. Rio, Santa Fe, NM 87501; JANET WITZE- the SacramentoMts., June 19 (WH), and one Juveniles seen July 10 (CT) indicated a MAN, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ near Taos on and around June 23 (Walton third definite Arizona breeding locale for 85018. Hawk); equally odd was a Yellow-rumped Lawrence's Goldfinch: near Wickenburg,

920 American Birds, November 1980 ALASKA REGION and a c• Ring-necked Duck near Happy the third local recordin as many years,was /D.D. Gibson Valley, middle Sagavanirktok R., May 31 not the individual seen there in 1978 and (CH & DR) seems to establish a first record again in 1979. Summer1980 produced variable weather in for n. Alaska. the Region, generally wet and cool in many areas, but there were many interesting RAILS--Soras were recorded in several GULLS, TERNS, ALCIDS--Single Red- breeding and distribution records established placeson the lower Sti•ine R.. s.e.Alaska, in legged Kittiwakes were seen far at sea in the during the period. July (MR), and two were heard at Moon L., n. Gulf of Alaska on two occasions this sum- upper Tanaria R. valley (R JR), where the ruer--one at 58ø07'N 145ø00'W on June 29 HERONS--There was no record this sum- speciesmight have been expectedto occur as (PH) furnished the easternmost Alaska mer of Am. Bittern at Barnes L., Stikine R. a consequenceof the prairie drought. The record in the Pacific Ocean. Not un- (MR)--the only locality in Alaska where it discoveryof at leastthree pairsof Am. Coots precedented in the Gulf, such occurrences regularly occurs--but high water was likely with downy young at Yarger L., upper probably involve nonbreedingbirds. A few responsible.A Great Egret observedat Eagle Tanaria R. valley, July 4-5 ($GJT & MMT) Aleutian Terns were present in the Kenai- Beach, Juneau, June 22 (t and ph RHA & provided the first Alaska breedingrecord of Kasilof R. mouth area this summer,the first tFAG) provided the first Alaska record of the species. An adult feeding two downies localoccurrence in severalyears (MAM); this this heron. was seen on the 4th, and pairs with three, specieswas found common, breeding,and two, and one young were seenon the 5th. A widespreadin the Yakutat area this summer total of 13 adults was seen on the latter date. (SMP). Three Dovekies observed at close WATERFOWL--A Ross' Goose observed Ten adults and 12 young were seen at that range from a ship 5 mi off VsevidofI., Aleu- at the Canning R. delta June 13 (PDM) location July 22-24, and ten adults and at tians, July 11 ($RHD) were unprecedented, numbers among few recent Alaska records, least one young were seenat nearby Gasoline the first sighting in the Aleutians of this all summer birds on the arctic coast. L:, July23 (JLT). Elsewhere,an Am. Coot species,for which there has occurredonly "Duck [population] indices overall [in spent the summer at Potter Marsh, An- one other Regional record s. of St. Lawrence spring 1980] were the higheston record [J.G. chorage, where it was a casual visitant June I. A pair of Marbled Murrelets was observed King and B. Conant 1980, "Alaska-Yukon 22 (RA et al.) through Aug. 25 (SRJ). on Lake Aleknagik, n. of Dillingham, June Waterfowl Breeding Pair Survey, May 14- 14 (MEI). The speciesoccurs on freshwaterin June 14, 1980," U.S.F.&W.S., Juneau],with SHOREBIRDS--In general, densities of a number of localities adjacent to saltwater dabblers up 95%, divers up 42% and all regularly-breeding, common shorebirds at (and, presumably,adjacent also to breeding speciescombined up 67% from 1979, a year Barrow were down this year, some of them areas), but this occurrence may reflect of nearly average numbers. Large increases significantly(e.g., SemipalmatedSandpiper, breedingin the s. Kilbuck-KuskokwimMts., for virtually all duck specieswith spectacular Dunlin); in contrast, a few of the sporadic where the specieshas not been known at all. increases for shoveler, Pintail, Canvasback breeders(N. Phalarope, Long-billed Dowit- and Redhead...[indicatedthat Alaska again cher) bred in the highestdensities of six years' hosted] fugitives from the drought-ridden study(BJM). A Greater Yellowlegsat Barrow CUCKOOS, GOATSUCKERS--A hepatic prairie lands..." Mallards wereup 45% from June 7 {BJM) provided a first n. Corn. Cuckoo, told in this color phase 1979, 51% above the ten-year average of Alaska record, and a these surveys;Am. Wigeon up 36%, 85% Solitary Sandpiperthere above the average;shovelers up 262%, 275% June 21 (BJM,TGT) above; Pintails up 149%, 99% above; Can- provided a secondlocal vasbacksup 145%, 102% above; Redheads record, perhapsonly the up 193%, 128% above. The investigators second for the arctic ColvilleR. • '"' statedfurther, however,"Past experiencehas coastof Alaska. A pair shown that when the dabbling [duck] habitat of Surfbirds at 500 m in is choked with drought-displaceddabblers, alpine tundra near Olga production suffers. Hunters in Alaska have Bay, Kodiak, in late beendisappointed before when they have in- June (RAM), suggested terpreted inflated breeding populations to breeding on that island, mean optimum hunting." where nesting has not All of [he following waterfowl recordsare yet been substantiated. related to the phenomenon outlined above. Two breeding-plumaged ' ? . • •Tok Jct. Singlevery late c• Eur. Wigeonwere present Little Stints were at Mt. McKinley N.P., June I(KK)--a first substantiated in Alaska • %.• •' Paxson local record, at AnchorageJune 12 (KP, fide this summer--one at }•..• PalmerGlennall• RA), at Juneau June 21 (RHA), and at Old Gainbell, St. Lawrence Chevak July 6 (CMB & RAW); singlemales I., June 9 (BFK, m.ob.) Anchorage. .• ßValdez at Icy Cape in early June(WAL & SEQ) and and one at Pt. Barrow at Barrow June 15-16 (BJM) provided the June 23 (GEH & BJM). second and third n. Alaska records. Two There is only one une- pairs of Gadwall at the Canning R. delta June quivocal prior record in 7 (PDM) furnished the secondn. Alaska rec- the State. Rufous- ord. A pair of Blue-winged Teal near Gal- necked Sandpipers, braith L., July 7 (JSH & DRI-I) produceda following an impressive second n. Alaska record (see AB 33:889). spring passage in the Seventy-sixBlue-winged Teal were counted at Bering Sea, occurred as GasolineL., upper Tanana R. valley, July 23 far n. as Barrow, two on (JLT), and 50 more were seen at adjacent June 7 and one June 17 Butterfly L. the sameday (fide JLT), but on- (BJM), but therewas no evidenceof breeding from t•c s•i]ar Oriental Cuckoo •y its um ly two broods were seen. there this year. At least one ad. Dunlin with a •arred rump a•d uDpcrtafl co•erts, •as Canvasbacks were recorded as far w. as the barely-flyingjuvenile at Redoubt Bay, Cook observed at SL •au] L, •fi•flofs, J•c •6 Bering and Chukchi seas, where 100 were Inlet, July 17 (JSH & DRH) was most inter- seenat Safety Sound, near Nome June 7, and esting;only in the recentpast was the species Alaska record of a Corn. Cuckoo of t•is cob 200 were seen on marine waters near Kotze- foundbreeding on the CopperR. Delta--the or p•c. A Co•. Nighthawk at Pt. •rro• hue June 9 (King & Conant 1980). A c• Red- only other nesting location known on the Ju•c •0 (•) established t•c second m head near Galbraith L., July 9 (JSH & DRH) Alaska Pacific coast. An ad. (7 Ruff at Prud- Alaska rccurd, • •c•s to t•c •eek alter t•c numbers among very few seen in n. Alaska, hoe Bay June 18-21(CH & DR), providing first, at t•at Iocatio• Ju]• 6, •4•.

Volume 34, Number 6 921 FLYCATCHERS, THRUSHES--An E. bird, a first-year male, was observedJuly ABBREVIATIONS--•', details on file Kingbird was seenJuly 26 at Juneau (RHA), 12-13 at Potter Marsh, Anchorage,where it U.A.M.; ph., photo on file U.A.M.; m.ob., where the speciesis all-but-annual. It is only provided a first local record (SS,RA,RF, many observers. casual w. of Southeastern, however; one in DWS,]'GJT & MMT). A singing c• Brown- the Susitna R. highlands, n. of Talkeetna, Ju- headedCowbird was observedat Anchorage CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS-- ly 11 (DDG & BAC) numbers among few c. June 9 (TGT), perhapsthe samemale present R.H. Armstrong, R. Austin, C.M. Boise, Alaska records. A single Bluethroat at Bar- on the 16th (DWS et aL), a pair on June 25 B.A. Cooper, R.H. Day, R. Fowler, F.A. row June 4 and two seen on the 5th (BJM) (JCP,GJT), and two maleswere seen display- Glass, G.E. Hall, J.S. Hawkings, D.R. were regular spring visitants; one female seen ing to a female at the same location June 29 Herter, P. Hessing, C. Hohenberger, M.E. 12 mi upriver from Prudhoe Bay June 9 (CH (DWS). A juvenile cowbird following a fami- Isleib, S.R. Johnson, K. Kerrell, B.F. King, & DR) furnished a first local record. This last ly group of White-crowned Sparrowsin this W.A. Lehnhausen, R.A. Macintosh, P.D. bird was nearingthe e. limits of the breeding area July 28 (TGT) looked suspiciouslylike a Martin, B.J. McCaffery, M.A. Miller, K. range, recently found to include extreme n. first Statebreeding record, but the adult spar- Paddock, S.M. Patten, J.C. Pitcher, S.E. Yukon Territory (see Canad. Field-Nat. rows were not seen to feed the young cow- Quinlan, M. Robus, R.J. Ritchie, D. 88:85, 1974; Mu•:relet 56:5-8, 1975). bird. A Chipping Sparrow closelystudied at Rudholm, S. Scott, D.W. Sonneborn, G.J. Anchorage July 26 (]'GJT,JLT) provided the Tans, M.M. Tans, T.G. Tobish, J.L. Trapp, BLACKBIRDS, SPARROWS--Casual secondlocal record and one of very few rec- R.A. Wood.--D.D. GIBSON, University of anywhere in Alaska, a Yellow-headed Blaek- ords ever in Southcoastal Alaska as a whole. Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST An ad. and an imm. Brown Pelican were at Grays Harbor, Wash., by June 7 (G&WH) REGION and small numbers could be found along the /Bill Harrington-Tweit, Oregon coast in early June (m.ob.), almost a Philip W. Mattocks, Jr., month earlier than usual. The colony of Double-crested Cormorants in Grays Har- and Eugene S. Hunn bor, first formed last summer with 100 nests, Mount St. Helens erupted three more times has increased to 300 nests this summer (JS). during the period, sending out limited Nesting pairs of Green Herons were found amounts of ash in comparisonwith the May near Bellingham and Sultan, Wash., in June 18 eruption. This added to the thick layer (TW, ME). Adults with immatureswere seen over the northern half of the Gifford Pinehot a! Duncan (JC) and Saanich, V.I. (RS, LR, National Forest in the southern Washington fide VG), and in Seattle(DH, MDo) and Ren- Cascades and dusted additional areas of ton, Wash. (ES). A Great Egret nestwith two southwest Washington and northwest Ore- young July 12 at the N. spit of Coos Bay gon. BHT surveyed bird populations in (AM) established the first Regional nesting severalareas of heavy ashfall and found the Yellow-billed Loon, Netarts Bay, Ore., May record for this species.A single Great Egret numbers of insectivorous foragers in the 4, 1980. Photo/Owen Schmidt. (AB was at Iona I., near Vancouver, B.C., June canopy level significantly reduced from last 34:807). I I (•'DK), for the first summerrecord for that year. Seedeatersand more generalizedforag- ers showedonly minor declines,if any. breed s. of the Bering Early June was wetter and colder than Sea coast of Alaska. An usual throughout the Region, based on the Eared Grebe at the War- Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland, and renton sewageponds Ju- Medford weather stations. Thereafter in ly 26 (JG,fide HN) pro- western Washington and Oregon the weather vided the first summer was quite warm and dry. Southern British record for w. Oregon, Columbia, however, remained wetter and although the speciesis a cooler than usual, with twice the normal rain- common breeder to the fall in both months. Lost clutchesof many e. Only 7 reports of W. specieswere noted throughoutin early June, Grebes were received, with most being blamed on the almost con- and only the s. V.I. area stant rain. By mid-July secondbroods were reported more than 25 widely reported for many passefinespecies, birds. Summering W. and during August apparent third broods of Grebes have apparently Bewick's Wrens and White-crowned Spar- declined. Twenty N. rows were noted. Fulmars were found off the Queen Charlotte Is., LOONS THROUGH DUCKS--An ad. July 18 (MS, fide VG). and an imm. Corn. Loon were seenJuly 30 at None was seen on the Matheson L., on s. Vancouver I. (hereafter, July 20 pelagic trip off V.I.) (B&MMe,fide VG). Another brood was Westport, Wash. (TW, on Mir{or L., w. of CampbellR., V.I. (HT). BHT). Fulmars have Recent breeding reports for the Region are been reported off our confined to these sites. A breeding-plumaged coast every summer Yellow-billed Loon in the Queen Charlotte 1970-1978, generally in Is., July 13 (MS,GS, fide VG) furnishedthe the 100s, but they have fifth summer record for the Region in 11 been very scarcethe last years. Yellow-billed Loons are not known to 2 summers.

922 AmericanBirds, November 1980 area. The report of four ad and an (WS), were probably very late migrants Im- The latestwere singlesat Tatoosh I., Wash, Black-crowned Night Heron on the Rogue matures of both Virginia Rail and Sofa were June 13-15 (BP, M&SDe--ph) and at R, below Grant's Pass, Oregon, in late June seen during July in Seattle (ER) and in Leadbetter Pt., June 18 (RW). Nine were (D&CM) could indicate breeding in the Saanich (NL, RS). seenoffshore from WestportJuly 20 (TW et Region. at.). Five broods of Gadwall were reported at SHOREBIRDS--Downy young Black the Montlake fill, Seattle, in late June (ER). Oystercatcherswere found at Heceta Head GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS--About This is one of few breedingsites within the lighthouse,n. of Florence, Oreg., (CW), and 200 pairs of Glaucous-wingedGulls nestedon Region. Broods of Blue-wingedTeal were at Dungenessspit, Wash. (FK). Up to five downtown Seattle buildings and wharves found at the Nehalem, Oreg., sewageponds Semipalmated Plovers were present (GE, paper in prep.), and singlepairs nested June 21 (DI, JG, fide HN) and in Saanich, throughout the seasonat Iona I. (DK et al.), on pilings at Edmonds (DP) and Kingston V.I., July 26 (RS, fide VG). Broodsof either and a nest with 4 eggswas found June 3 on (EH, AR, PM), deep in Puget Sound. The Blue-winged or Cinnamon Teal were at the the w. jetty there (RP, fide WW). Several Ring-billed Gull colony in Grays Harbor has Elk R. mouth, near Port Orford, Oregon Semipalmated Plovers again defended ter- increasedannually sinceits inception in 1977 (JR, DR) and at Ocean Shores, Wash. ritory in early June at Ocean Shores This year there were 45 pairs nesting(JS) A (G&WH). These Oregon records would be (G&WH), but no signsof successfulbreeding few other Ring-billedswere seenin June and first breeding records for either teal on the were noted. A Snowy Plover was early July at Leadbetter Pt., and Siletz Bay, outer coast of that state. The N. Shoveler photographedat Sandspit, on the e. side of near Lincoln City, Oreg. (HN). An ad bred at the Montlake fill, Seattle (ER). A the Queen Charlotte Is., July 12 (MS, GS, Franklin's Gull was at Pt. No Point, n of female Ring-neckedDuck with a brood of fide VG). The 3 previous provincial records Port Gamble, Wash., June 14 (TB). There five young June 2 on Riffe Res., near Mor- were all from much farther s. Based on the are few other regional records of mid- ton, Wash., provided a rare breedingrecord position of the dark facial stripe and the summer ad. stragglers of this species. Im- for the Region (RR). Coverage of sewage tawny crown coloration, MS suggestedthat maturesappeared about on schedule,July 21 lagoonsthroughout the Regionyielded an in- the bird may have beenof a Eurasian subspe- at Roberts Bank, near Vancouver, B.C. (BK), teresting list of summering ducks: Am. cies.The Snowy Plover nestingarea on Lead- and July 22 at Clover Pt., Victoria (RS). The Wlgeon, Greater and Lesser scaup, Buf- better Pt., Wash., was posted by the only sizeable flocks of summering fiehead, and Ruddy Duck. The Ruddy bred U.S.F.&W.S. against all human intrusion Bonaparte's Gulls noted were around s. V I at the Iona I. sewageponds, B.C. (DK), at this summer. On July 9 RW noted that five Elsewhere there were dozens where there have the Everett, Wash., sewageponds (B&PE), pairs had producedfive fledgedyoung. Two been hundreds in previous summers. Black- and at Waughop L., near Tacoma (NC, fide young Snowieswere seen June 22 on the N. legged Kittiwakes also summered in com- TB). Oldsquaw summered at Lopez I., (SA) spit.of Coos Bay, Oreg. (EE). paratively small numbers this year. A few and Dungeness(FK, KG), Wash., Victoria, Four Ruddy Turnstonesat Leadbetter Pt., Heermann's Gulls came N early. One had V I., (RS, fide VG), and BoundaryBay and June 22 (HN) were probably summering, an reached the Chain Is., off Oak Bay, V.I , by Vancouver, B.C. (JWm, BK). event not previously documented in this June 11 (BH, fide VG). The Caspian Tern Region. This makes it difficult to interpret colony in Grays Harbor had about 2200 nests KITES THROUGH RAILS--There were the single Ruddy June 7 at Ocean Shores (JS), an increaseof 300 nestsover last sum- no reports of White-tailed Kites from (G&WH) and the two at DungenessSpit July mer. In addition, 500-800 pairs nested on anywhere in the Region this summer. Just 2 6 (FK, DS), which would otherwiseappear to Gunpowder I., Willapa Bay, Wash., this summersago therewere four known breeding be the latest spring departureand earliestfall summer (RW; FH, fide JS). To our knowl- pairs in Oregon, and the breedingpopulation arrival dates, respectively,for Washington. edge,this islandwas last visitedin 1977, when seemedto be increasing.There were 7 reports There were many very early, or earliest ever, only 30 nests were found. Single Caspian of Sharp-shinnedHawks, and 15 of Cooper's fall migrant arrivals. Some of these were: a Terns were n. on the e. coast of V.I., to near Hawks, including one Cooper's nest in Oak Solitary Sandpiper July 12 in Seattle (ER), Campbell R., July 3 (HT) and on the w. coast Bay, V.I. (E&AD, fide VG). Marsh Hawk two Lesser Yellowlegs June 21 at Iona I. to near Tofino June 29-30 (MS, fide VG), breeding was indicated at Ocean Shores, (DA), singlesJune 21 at S.J.C.R., (DI, JG) both at the n. limits of previous occurrence Wash., the S.J.C.R., and Fern Ridge Res., and June 27 in Seattle (ER), a Wandering The only Black Terns reported were singles•n Oregon. Otherwise, singleswere noted at 4 Tattler July7 at Oak Bay, V.I., (RS,fide VG) Seattle June 8 (BMu) and at Serpentine Fen, locations inland in w. Washington, and at the and two July 12 at Ocean Shores (DP), 40 near Vancouver, B.C., June 15 (MHa). Elk R. mouth, Oreg., where summerrecords Surfbirds July 12 at Ocean Shores (DP), A die-off of Common Murres was observ- are unusual. Osprey is generally doing well. single Semipalmated Sandpipers June 21 at ed along the n. Oregon beachesin late July "Fair numbers" were reported in the Iona I. (DA), June 29 in Seattle (DP, ER)and HN estimated that three birds/mi were wash- Willamette Valley (HN). Of 8 nestswatched June 30 on Cleland I., V.I. (MS, fide VG), ed up on each tide for over a week, with the in the Victoria area, 5 producedyoung, and 3 single Baird's SandpipersJuly 5 at Iona I. age-ratiobeing nine juvniles to one adult A of these were new nests(fide VG). Only one (RP) and July 12 in the Queen Charlotte Is. breeding-plumaged Thick-billed Murre pair nestednear Duncan, V.I., however, in (MS, fide VG), and a Stilt Sandpiper June photographed just offshore the Queen contrast to five pairs severalyears ago (JC). 20-21 at Iona I. (RP, DA). There were many Charlotte Is., July 16 (MS, fide VG) was the One Peregrineat Iona I., July 4 & 9, (CBu, more SemipaImated Sandpipers than usual first summer sighting of this speciesin the MT, DK) furnished the only report. seenthis July in Seattle. All were at the few Region. A Horned Puffin appearedagain at Three White-tailed Ptarmigan were noted continuouslymonitored freshwater ponds on Protection I., w. of Port Townsend, Wash., June 21 on Snoqualmie Peak, King Co., the Univ. of Wash. campus. Another very in late June and stayed through July (KH, Wash., at the 5500 ft level (EH, AR). This unusual Semipalmated report was of a juve- WS, FK). One had been present there in speciesis rarely reportedbetween Mts. Baker nile collectedat Ocean Shoreson the very ear- August last year. Three Horned Puffins were and Rainier. Another was seen July 27 on ly date of July 12 (DP). There were two Red seen near Flatrock and Anthony Is., in the Three Brothers Mt., Manning P.P. (DMr), Knots at Leadbetter Pt., June 22 (HN). Queen CharlottesJuly 17+ (MS, fide VG) where it is also seldomreported. Thirty Sand- A Marbled Godwit, quite rare in coastal The speciesis a regular summer visitor there hill Crane eggswere transferred from Idaho B.C., wasat EsquimaltLagoon, V.I., July 25 and has bred (Am. Birds 31:1181). to the remnant breedingpopulation at Pitt (?Jl, M&VG). Three sightings totaling 27 Meadows, near Vancouver, B.C., this sum- birds from the Washington coast were the CUCKOOS THROUGH MARTINS--The mer. Twenty-five of thesehatched and 19 had only onesreported elsewhere.Two Bar-tailed riverbottom cottonwood habitat of the survivedto late summer(fide WW). A pair of Godwits were seenon DungenessSpit June 10 Yellow-billed Cuckoo found in late July last Sandhill Cranes summered at a pond near (?WS), for the ninth record for that state. year near Sultan, Wash., was bulldozedin Santiam Pass, a short distancen. of the locale American Avocets rarely appear w. of the early July for a gravel-dredgingoperation where the first breedingrecord for w. Oregon Cascades.The bird at Lopez I., Wash., June Weekly censusesthere this year had found no was obtained last summer (CBr, fide HN). 17-18 (?SA) was the secondseen in w. Wash- cuckoos up to that time (ME). A pair of The three birds May 19-June9 on Sea I., near ington this year. After the large on-shore Hawk Owls delightedmany observersby rais- Vancouver, B.C., (m.ob., fide WW), and the flight in late May, a few Red Phalaropes ing five young in a very accessibleold burn three adults June 10 near Sequim, Wash., lingeredaIong the outer coastuntil mid-June. near Buckhorn campground, Manning P P.,

Volume 34, Number 6 923 B C (fide JTo). They were discoveredJuly 6 Sound area. DF certsusedten pairs nesting in (E&AD, fide VG). Roadkills of several hun- (SC) and were seen at least to August 10+ buildings in downtown Tacoma and Seattle, dred Evening Grosbeakswere reported in the (SH) This location is about 450 mi s. of the and eight pairs at the colony on L. Sam- Manning P.P. area in early July (DK, MDa, species'known breeding range in the Peace mamish, Wash. Further s., TL counted about GA). Thousandsof grosbeakswere gathered R district of central British Columbia. Single 50 pairs at Fern Ridge Res., and found the there, apparentlyin responseto a sprucebud- Barred Owls were heard in different areas of species"fairly common" between Bandon worm outbreak, and heavy traffic was pick- Manning P.P., June 18 (WW) and July 4 and Port Orford, Oreg. The Oregon birds ing them off the road shoulders(fide WW). A (DK). An apparently wandering ad. Barred were all nestingin snags. c• Indigo Bunting visited a feeder in Bandon, Owl was found June 6 in Discovery Park, Oreg., June 6 (GW, fide AM). A recently Seattle, but could not be found thereafter MIMIDS THROUGH ICTERIDS-- fledged Lazuli Bunting was mist-netted and (EH). Comments on the scarcity of Com. Single Mockingbirds at Tatoosh I., June releasedJuly 8 s.e. of McKenna, Wash., one Nighthawks in lowland areas in the Region 13-15 (BP, M&SDe), in Kent June 24 (DP), of the few w. Washington breeding locales continue (HN, BHT), but the speciesis still on Leadbetter Pt., July 9 (RW), and at (JWn). A single c• Cassin'sFinch was heard locally common. After the early June passage LaPush July 11-13 (GB), furnished the first- singing at Snoqualmie Pass, Wash., June 21 of migrant flocks of Black Swifts, groups of ever summer records for w. Washington. The (EH, AR). The speciesis a common breeder 1-2 dozen were seen through late June and pair at Port Orford, Oreg., was still present e. of the Cascadecrest in Washington but is July at Leadbetter Pt. (RW), Seattle (ER), thi'ough the summer (fide HN). Mock- rarely reported on the w. side. A few Red Oak Bay (RS), and Metchosin (M&VG). ingbirds have bred only once in the Region, at Crossbills were noted in July at Elk R., and Many were near breeding areas near New- Victoria in 1967. Two Veeries were heard Ju- Corvallis, Oreg. (DR, EE), where they are halem (DP) and on the upper Cowlitz R., ly 3 at the Alexandra Bridge over the Fraser unusual in summer. Elsewhere, Red Cross- Wash. (RR), and six were calling over Camp- R., about 25 min. of Hope, B.C. (WW), near bills were widespreadin small numbersin the bell R., V.I., July I (HT). A Rufous Hum- the edge of the species' breeding range. Cascadesand the lowlands of w. Washington mingbird feeding two young in Victoria July Another w. WashingtonVeery was found Ju- and British Columbia. A singleWhite-winged I (EC, fide VG) was later than usual. There ly 5 n. of Skykomish(SH). The encouraging Crossbillwas found July 29 in Manning P P were 2 more records of Costa's Humming- number of W. Bluebird reports this spring (EH). btrd m Oregon this summer. A male was pho- was not followed up. Only 2 reports were Three Lark Buutingswere found this June tographed at a feeder in Ashland June 8-14 receivedfor the summer. A pair of Mountain A male was at Riddle, Douglas Co., Oreg, (•'HN, MMo) and another male appeared Bluebirds was feeding young July 19 at June 6 (RWo--ph.,fide HN). A subad.male briefly July 31+ at the same feeder in Sunrise, Mt. Rainier N.P., a traditional at Oak Bay, V.I., June 7-8 (VGu, BG--ph, Molalla where one had been seen last year nestingarea (TB). A Ruby-crownedKinglet •-M&VG) producedthe first V.I. record. And (PL, fide HN). June 15 in Cypress P.P., W. Vancouver, a male was seenJune 21 & 23 at Fort Flagler JG notes that the population of Acorn B.C. (WW), was near the s. limit of the S.P., near Port Townsend, for the third Woodpeckersat the n. extent of their rangein species'range. An ad. Water Pipit feeding record for Washington (•'WS, KK). One the Willamette Valley at McMinnville has young July 27 at 6000 ft near McKenzie Pass Vesper Sparrow was reported 'from the locale been stable since at least 1968. Williamsoh's in Oregon's c. Cascadesmay have produced that formerly held the only population on s Sapsuckerswere feeding young at nests in the southernmostbreeding record for Oregon V.I., now part of suburbia (JTa, fide VG) mid-June near Lightning L., Manning P.P. (DA, fide HN). Details of a White WagtaiI Six mate Vesper Sparrows were found along (WW, BM, DK), at White Pass, Wash., sightingJune 4 at Harris BeachS.P., on the s. the coast of n. Curry Co., Oreg., in early (BHT), and n.e. of Ashland, Oreg. (MMo). Oregon coast (•'RT) have been submitted to June, and a family group was there in late Ju- The two n. sites are each somewhat w. of the the Oregon Records Committee. Bohemian ly (DR, TL). No other existing coastal usual habitat for this species, but have Waxwiugs feeding young July 24 just n. of breeding populations of this species are become regular outposts. Another potential Hart's Pass in the N. Cascadesof Washing- known to us. A singing c• White-crowned study area for the forms of the Yellow-bellied ton (ME) provided the secondnesting record Sparrow of the race pugetensiswas found up Sapsuckerwas indicatedby the location July for the state. the Fraser R. canyon of s. British Columbia, 12 of a "Red-breasted" near Pemberton, 85 An Ovenbird was found dead beneath a at Boston Bar, 40 min. of Hope, June 9 ml n. of Vancouver, B.C., and a "Red- window in W. Seattle June 26 (SS, specimen (WW). A pair of Golden-crowned Sparrows naped" near Duffey L., about 20 mi to the e. to U.W. Museum) for the first record for w. was seenin late May and early June at Rolley (DK, GA). A pair of N. Three-toed Wood- Wash., and only the second for the Region. Lake P.P., 35 mi e. of Vancouver, B C peckers at Blue L., s. of Crater L., Oreg., TL located five singing c• N. Waterthrushes (MHo, fide WW). Nesting was suspectedbut June 22, was very near the s. limit of the June 20-26 along CrescentCr., and the Little not proven. species'range in the Cascades(D&CM). Deschutes R., just e. of the Cascade crest in Many E. Kingbirds were w. of their usual Klamath Co., Oregon. This represents a CORRIGENDA--The Magnificent breeding areas this season. Singles were at highly isolated s.w. outlier of this species' Frigatebird at the mouth of the Rogue R, Leadbetter Pt., June 11, (RW), at River Jor- known summer range. A Yellow-breasted Oreg., July 24, 1979 (Am. Birds 33:890) has dan, VA., June 14 (HV, PB, fide VG), at Chat was seen July 12 near Vancouver, since been well documented. The several nests Dungenessin mid-June(AB, fide DS), and at Wash. (D J). At least three Am. Redstarts of Barn Swallows at Oceanside, Oreg., still Ocean Shores June 28 (G&WH). Up to eight werepresent and singing near Sultan, Wash., had large young Aug. 11, 1979, not Sept 11 were in Jericho Park, Vancouver, B.C., June June 11-30 (SA, ME). The birds were ter- (Am. Birds 34:194). The c• Bobolink near 3-17 (m.ob., fide WW). There were reportsof ritorial, bat nestingevidence was not ob- Salem June 3, 1978 (Am. Birds 32:1203), was eleven vagrant W. Kingbirds, a normal tained (ME). There is only one breeding actually seenthere June 2 (EE, HN) for the number, throughout the Region. An Ash- record for the Region (Am. Birds 24:711). sixth, not second, record for w. Oregon throated Flycatcher appeared June 15 at Three Bobolinks, rare spring vagrants, were Please delete the record of Lesser Goldfin- Jericho Park (•'D&SW) for the eighth Van- found during the first week of June: one each chesin Lincoln County, Oreg., July 28, 1977 couver record and the first outside of fall. A near Eugene, Oreg., June I (LM, fide HN & (Am. Birds 31:1182) at the request of the singing Least Flycatcher reappeared near CW), in Seattle June 2-3 (•;ER), at the mouth observers. Duncan, V.I., July 12-16 at the same site as of the Sixes R., Curry Co., Oreg., June 6 the one last year (JC). Territorial (TL, DR). Another was in N. Vancouver, CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OB- Hammond's Flycatchers were noted in B.C., July 7 (•'MDa). The seven Yellow- SERVERS, and ABBREVIATIONS, with deciduousriparian forests in w. Washington headed Blackbirds seen June 11 on Sea I., Sub-Regional Editors in boldface. David this summer (ME, EH, DP). This speciesis near Vancouver, B.C., were apparently Aldcroft (DA), Dave Anderson (DAn), Gerry usually found in primarily coniferous nesting(DK). Arisell, Scott Atkinson, A1 Bennett, Girard woodlands. Skylark habitat and numbers Bentron, Thais Bock, Peter Bricknell, continue to decline in parts of s. V.I. (JC). FINCHES AND SPARROWS--Evening Charlie Bruce (CBr), Colin Butt (CBu), Purple Martins had a good season in w. Grosbeakswere suspectedof nestingin the Sydney Charmings, Nathan Chappell, John Washington. JD reported that 21 pairs suc- lowlands in severalareas, but the only report Comer, Eric Counsell, Mark Daly (MDa), cessfully bred in nest boxes in the s. Puget of dependentyoung was in Esquimalt, V.I. Eleanore & Albert Davidson, Jack Davis,

924 American Birds. November 1980 Mark & Sue Denny (M&SDe), Michael Dona- Chris Matson (D&CM), Alan McGie, Larry Terry Wahl, Dick & Suzanne Webb, Wayne hue (MDo), Garrett Eddy, Mark Egger, Elzy McQueen, Barbara & Michael Meiklejohn Weber, Ralph Widrig (RW), Jack Williams Ehzroth, Bob & Pat Evans, Dave Fehling, (B&MMe), Marjorie Moore (MMo), Bill (JWm), George Wilson, John Wingfield Jeff Gilligan, Margaret & Vic Goodwill Mulligan (BMu), Harry Nelds, Bob Paine, (JWn), Roy Woodall (RWo), ($) = written (M&VG), Clive Goodwin, Bertha Gow, Karl DennisPaulson, Roy Phillips, Ellen Ratoosh, descriptionon file, S.J.C.R. = Southjetty of Gruebel, Vera Guernsey (VGu), Martha Alan Richards, Craig Roberts, Leila Roberts, the Columbia R., Oreg.--BILL HARRING- Harding (MHa), Bob Hay, Sue Hills, Katie Dennis Rogers, Jim Rogers, Ronnie Ryno, TON-TWEIT, 900 N. Wilson, Oly•npia, Hirsch, Glen & Wanda Hoge, Margaret Ron Satterfield, Michael Shepard, George Wash. 98506, PHILIP W. MATTOCKS; Holm (MHo), Fred Hoseat, David Hutchin- Sirk, Eugene Stairnov, Dory Smith, Jack JR., Dept. of Zoology, Univ. of Washington, son, Jean Inglis, David Irons, Don Jole, Smith, Wally Sumner, Steve Sweeney, Seattle, Wash. 98195, and EUGENE S. Brian Kautesk, Ken Knittie, Doug Kragh, JeremyTatum (JTa}, Howard Telosky, John HUNN, 1816 N. 57lb St., Seattle, Wash. FayeteeKrause, Peggy Lewis, Nancy Lovett, Toochin (JTo}, Mike Toochin, Robert Tweit, 98103. Tom Lund, David Mark (DMr), David & Hank Van Der Polt (HV), Clarice Watson,

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST with 60 on June I l (DS). Fifty-nine were summer- REGION ing off Drake's BeachJu- / Stephen A. Laymon and ly 31 (DS), a higher-than- W. David Shuford normal count. Several Red-necked • Shas a . , Grebes summered at Pt. This summerwas the coolestexperienced in Reyes(DS, JRi), but most the inland portions of the Region in many unusual was one in years. June was very cool and it was mid-July breeding plumage at before the temperaturesreached 100øF. Sew Mountain Meadows Res., veral extraordinary nesting records were es- Plumas Co., June 28-July tablished. 12 (Herman Gray, On the landbird front, notable migrant/va- Nesting occurs just n. of grant wavesoccurred along the coastMay 30- the border in Oregon, but June 2, June 18-20, and June 29-July 2. The there are no suspected waves came with high overcast/fog, as we breeding records for have come to expect, and generally calmer California. A huge colony winds, although this factor appears, at least of 3000 pairs of Eared for low altitude winds, to havemuch less pre- Grebes was nesting in an dictive value for wave days than does the oc- algae bed on Tule Lake currenceof high overcast.Although numbers N.W.R., July 13 (SL et of vagrantswere generally high, numbersand a/). They also nested at varieties of birds at Southeast Farallon Island Tulare L. Basin, Kings (hereafter, F.I.) outstripped the mainland Co., with 250 adults and more than one would expect. Clearly the 28 young in late June grounding of migrants along the coast has (JiR). Western Grebes much to do with very local weatherphenom- also nestedin Kings County with 100+ nests viding an early fall migration date. Single ena. In the interior, much information was at CorcoranIrrigation District Res., JuJy 12 MagnificentFrigatebirds were seen at F.I., Ju- added and many questionsposed as to the (JiR). In the past it wasbelieved that the only ly 16-17 (P.R.B.O.), BodegaHead June 21 breedingstatus of speciesin lesswell-known nestinglocations in the Central Valley (here- (PD) and Santa Cruz June 29 (SG). areas. after, C.V.) were at Sacramento N.W.R., Little Blue Herons nested at the Alviso her- This will be Dave Shuford's last report as and Mendota W.A. onry.Two juvenalswere seen along with one Regional Editor. JulesEvens will be taking A Laysan Albatross was observed25 mi or more that may have been Little Blue over as co-editor with the fall report. He will s.w. of Pt. Pinos, Monterey Co., July 27 Heron X SnowyEgret hybrids(SB). This rep- be handling Pigeonsthrough Sparrowsand (GMcC) for one of few summer recordsand resentsthe first confirmed, successfulnesting reportscan be sent to him at P.O. Box 59, apparently the first record for July. Four for the Region. Quite unusual was a pair at Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. pairs of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were Gray Lodge W. A., July 28-31 ('[BD, JH). All observations from Palomarin and F.I. found nesting at Talowa Rock, Del Norm This representsthe first inland sightingfor should be credited to Point ReyesBird Obser- Co., June 19 (fide GS). Fifteen Leach's the Region. Cattle Egrets nestedat Mendota vatory (hereafter, P.R.B.O.). Storm-Petrels were 20 mi off Big Sur, Mon- W.A., for the third year in a row (CP) and terey Co., July 26 (PM, DRo). This speciesis dozensof nestswere at Corcoran Res., and S. LOONS THROUGH STORM-PETRELS rarely encounteredon pelagictrips in this Re- Wilbur Flood Area (JiR). Breeding-plumaged --Many more Corn. Loons were reported gion. Black Storm-Petrelsare rarely found birds were seenat Arcata July 11 (DE) and in than are expected. The largestconcentrations before August so two on Monterey Bay June the Elkhorn Slougharea June 11-18 (PM) but were 54 on July 16 at Limantour and 76 on 7 (TC) were quite a surprise. breeding was not evident. Snowy Egret was July 28 at the same location (DS). It is not reportedto be an abundantbreeder in Kings known whether this and many of the follow- TROPICBIRDS THROUGH HERONS-- County (JiR). A breeding-plumagedBlack- ing seabird observationsactually constitute A Red-billed Tropicbird 18 mi off Yankee crowned Night Heron was found dead in the unusual occurrences or if the birds have been Pt., Monterey Co., July 26 ('[PM, '[DRo) es- snow on the e. slope of McGee Pass, Mono overlookedowing to lack of observerson the tablished the fourth regional record. Six pairs Co., July 14 at the high elevationof 11,700ft outer coast during summer. Single inland of Double-crested Cormorants nested at Cor- (HG). It was likely a cross-Sierranmigrant summeringCorn. Loons were at g Almanor, coran Irrigation District ponds (JiR). This is that was caught in a spring snowstorm. A Plumas Co., June 3 (BD) and at Iron Gate the only known nest site in the C.V. A mi- probableLeast Bittern was observed at Tahoe Res., SiskiyouCo., July 17 (SL, KC). Arctic grating flock of 12 was seen flying S over Keys, El Dorado Co., July 5 ('[JRi), an area Loons were still migrating N past Pt. Reyes Juniper L., LassenCo., June 29 (KC), pro- wherethe specieshas formerly nestedbut has

Volume 34, Number 6 925 not been observedfor many years. Nesting of Kites feedingon a local rodent outbreak w. of few June recordsfor the Region.A Willet at White-faced Ibis at Mendota W.A. was con- Clifton Court Forebay in the Delta Aug. 1 Creighton,Kings Co., June20 (JiR) provided hrmed when an adult was seenfeeding young (DE) was of interest. Ten nesting pairs of the second June record for the C.V. June 4 (CP). This is the only known nesting Goshawks were reported from w. Siskiyou A Wandering Tattler at Gualala R, in our Region in recent years. Nesting was County to L. Tahoe (m.ob.) reflecting better SonomaCo., June 7 (BP,DE) producedone also suspectedat the S. Wilbur Flood Area, coverageand reporting from mountain areas. of very few Junerecords. Early fall arrivals since at least seven birds summered there Two ad. Bald Eagleswere at Portola Val- were one at Bolinas July 12 (DS) and one at (JlR). ley, San Mateo Co., June 10 (TC, fide WB). Eureka July 13 (SJ). More N. Phalaropes This sightingwas very unusualas it occurred were reported than usual, with one at WATERFOWL--Two healthy-looking 90 mi from the nearest-knownnesting site. Pescadero Marsh June 7 (DM), three at Whistling Swans were at Lower Klamath The birds were either looking for a nestsite or Lower Klamath N.W.R., June 8 (SS), one at N W.R., to June 14+ (m.ob.). A White- wandering from an unsuccessfulnest. Marsh Sierra Marsh, Sierra Co., June 15 (B&CY) fronted Goose was at Lower Klamath Hawks also respondedto the rodent outbreak and one at Mono L., June 21 (P.R.B.O) N W.R., June 13 (SL, KC) for the only sum- at Clifton Court Forebay with 20 there Aug. Red Phalaropesmade an excellentshowing mer sighting. At least two Snow Geese, ap- I (DE). An extensivesurvey of Osprey on L. with up to five at Pt. ReyesJune 8-17 (DS), parently injured, summered at Lower Almanor revealed 25 active nestswhich pro- one at PescaderoMarsh June7 (DM) and up Klamath N.W.R. (m.ob). duced 36-40 young (DA). This number was to 1000 off Pt. Pinos July 26-27 Two Gadwall were at Muddy Hollow, Pt. double the previous nesting pair estimate for (DRo,PM,GMcC). Territorial snipe were Reyes National Seashore (hereafter, the area. found at Whitmore, ShastaCo., Jelly's Ferry P R N.S.) June 25 (DS). They are casualon Quite unusual were two Merlin sightings, Rd., Tehama Co., and Brown'sValley, Yuba the outer coast in summer. Blue-wingedTeal one in w. Siskiyou County July 8 (Steve Hod- Co., in Juneduring a Calif. F.&G. studyof were reported in much higher than usual die) and one at Chester July 9 (Don Eastes, the breedingrange of the species(fide BD) numbers from both coastal and inland loca- fide DA). Both were seen by observers The first regional interior records for tions throughout June. At Lower Klamath familiar with the speciesand lead to specula- Short-billed Dowitcher for June listed up to N W.R., over 100 were seenJune 14 and they tion about nesting within the state. Birds of seven seen at Lower Klamath N.W.R., June were found to be more numerous than Cinna- Northern California (McCaskie et al., 1979) 6-13 (SS et al.) and one at Honey Lake W.A, mon Teal that day (RE). Twenty-four were lists no records for July. June 15 (SAL,KC). Twelve Sanderlingswere sighled in Marin County (DS), four in So- at Mono L., July 7 (P.R.B.O.). The fourth noma County, two in Monterey County, 11 regional inland record for Semipalmated GROUSE THROUGH RAILS--Ruffed in the C. V., two pair at Manzanita L., Las- Sandpiperwas at Warm Springs,Mono Co , sen Volcano N.P., June 16 (DM) and over 50 Grouse were reported to be more numerous July 18 (P.R.B.O., CSw, GP, LS). One additional birds from the Great Basin than usual in the vicinity of Happy Camp, Baird's Sandpiperat Lower KlamathN.W.R (m oh.). A 9 Am. Wigeon "summered" at Siskiyou Co., with birds seen crossingroads (KV) and two at Mono L. (P.R.B.O.) both Abbott's Lagoon, P.R.N.S., providing one frequently and feeding with poultry in yards July 8 were a week earlier than the normal of our few summer records from the outer even in the middle of town (Bob Seaman). An early date. A few Dunlin normally summer coast (DS). Wood Ducks were found at 2 increasein California Quail numbersand an along the coast, but one at the S. Wilbur Great Basin locations: White Horse Flat excellentbreeding season were reported from Flood Area July 3 (JiR) establishedthe first Res , Modoc Co., June 5 (BD) and a female severallocations (MEM, LF, BD). Mountain C.V. summer record. Most unusual was an with three youngat Sierra Marsh, SierraCo., Quail also had an excellentbreeding season ad. o' Ruff, still in breeding plumage, July June 14 (B&CY). There are few Great Basin with dozensof broodsreported from both the 15-31 (Jeanne Spittier, Ken Irwin, fide nestingrecords. A female with six young at Sierras and Siskiyous (JW, TB, SL). RLeV), which providedour first record be- Pescadero Marsh, San Mateo Co., June 7 Sandhill Cranes nested at Grass L., Siski- tween March and September. (PM) was also unusual. you Co., (B&CY) for the farthest w. location in the state. Soraswere found throughoutthe Ring-neckedDucks were much more num- period at a small freshwater marsh adjacent JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS--An ad erous than previously reported. Thirty-six to Humboldt Bay (SJ). They are rarely re- Parasitic Jaeger was at Mono L., June 13 pairs were found on the Calif. F. & G. Breed- ported from coastalmarshes in summer. An (P.R.B.O., CSw) for our only inland summer ing Ground Surveyfrom SierraValley to Sur- amazingtotal of 44 territorial Black Rails was record. A first-year W. Gull was at Rio Vista, prise Valley, Modoc Co. (BD). At least seven censusedat Port Chicago Marsh, Contra SacramentoCo., Aug. 2 (DE) for one of very pairs summered at the Lava Lakes Nature Costa Co., July 8-16 (DE1), an area where few records for the C.V. California Gulls are Center and 14 were at Barnum Flat Res., they were not known to occur. In addition, at in trouble at Mono L., but new colonies were Slsklyou Co., June 15 (RE). Two females least four were heard at Olema Marsh July 30 found with 2000 pairs at Lower Klamath with broods were at Willow L., Plumas Co., (DS). N.W.R., (SL,KC) and 1000+ at Honey Lake July 9-27 (DA). Quite surprisingwas a pair at W.A. (SL,DA). An ad. Franklin's Gull was Capay Valley, Yolo Co. (TB), throughout the at Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., June 3 (PM) nemng season,three males at Auburn June 9 SHOREBIRDS--Five pairs of Black- After 2 summers with very few Bonaparte's (BBa) and a female at Muddy Hollow July 16 necked Stilts were nesting at MacArthur Gulls, hundreds were seen at coastal, valley (DS). Swamp, Shasta Co., June 8 (SL, KC), a and basin locations (m.ob.). A most amazing Over 30 pairs of Bufflehead were reported county where they had not been recordedpre- recordwas produced by a pair of Heermann's from mountain lakesin Siskiyou, Modoc and viously, even as migrants. Snowy Plover at Gulls nestingon Alcatraz I., June 17 (LCB) Lassen counties(m.ob.). This is a far greater Pajaro Dunes suffered a poor nestingseason The attempt was unsuccessful.This repre- number than normally reported but is prob- when only four young were fledged from 22 sentsthe first nestingn. of Mexico. The only ably a result of better coverage.At leastnine nests(J&RW). Most unusualwas a summer- Black-leggedKittiwake was at BodegaHead individuals were seen along the coast (DS, ing Am. Golden Plover at PescaderoMarsh July 19(DE 1). Sabine'sGulls, rarely reported DE1, DE),--more than usual. A flock of 84 May 31-July 13 (AE, DRo), and another at in summer, were off Monterey July 26 & 27 Bufflehead at Tule Lake N.W.R., June 14 Alameda S. Shore July 6 (fide SB). There with up to 11 seen (DRo,PM,GMcC). (RE) representedan amazing concentration were only two previous June records and An ad. Arctic Tern was found at the for summer. A 9 Oldsquaw at Tule Lake none for July. Black-bellied Plovers were Stockton SewagePonds June 12 ('['ED) fur- N W.R., June 16-28(SS) establishedour first found at Lower Klamath N.W.R., through- nishing our second inland record. Large inland summer record. A 9 Ruddy Duck with out the period with sevenJune 8 & 14, and 13 numbers of post-breeding Elegant Terns ar- seven young at Novato June 26 (DS) estab- on July 13 (SS, MR, RE). A Marbled Godwit rived 1-2 weeks earlier than normal, with 20 hshed the first nesting record for Marin at Lower Klamath N.W.R., June 8 (MR, RE) at Bay BridgeToll Plaza July 5 (AE) and 400 County. A 9 Red-breastedMerganser at Tule appearsto representour only inland record at Pajaro Dunes July 15 (J&RW). Unusually Lake N.W.R., June 8 (MR, RE) provided the for the first 3 weeks in June. Three Lesser high numbersof Black Terns were reported fourth inland summer record. Yellowlegsat Alameda S. ShoreJune 11 (fide from Tule Lake N.W.R. with 700 on July 13 ER) and two at Lower Klamath N.W.R., (SAL et al.) and 5500 July 26 (MR,RE). RAPTORS--A flock of 28 White-tailed June 13 (SS, SL, KC) representtwo of very Up to seven Xantus' Murrelets were seen

926 AmericanBirds, November 1980 on pelagic trips 15-20 mi off Monterey Bay July 26 & 27 (DRo,PM,GMcC). Single An- cient Murrelets, rarely seen in summer, were reportedfrom A•o Nuevo,San Mateo Co., July 18 (Bob Spahn) and Fish Rock, Men- docino Co., July 13 (fide GS). At least three pairs of Tufted Puffins summered, and pro- bably nested, at Pt. Reyes Lighthouse (JE,DS,JRi).

PIGEONS THROUGH GOATSUCK- ERS-Hundreds of Band-tailed Pigeonswere observed in Redding in June (PD,fide SAL), They are normally absent from the C.V. at that time. Ten Yellow-billed Cuckoos were reported from 4 C.V. locationsJuly 27-Aug. 13 (m.ob.), but more unusual was a coastal sighting at the Watsonville Sewage Plant, Santa Cruz Co., July 21 (SG). Two Road- runners June 27 at the S. Wilbur Flood Area, Kings Co., along with other recent sightings there and at the Hacienda Spillway (JiR) in- dicate that this speciescan still be found in LesserNighthawk, Drake's Beach,Pt. ReyesN.S., Calif., June20, 1980.Found by JulesEvens, isolated spots on the San Joaquin Valley Dave Shuford. Photo/Dick Johnson. floor. The presencein July of 14 Screech Owls at several sites in w. Siskiyou Co. (SL) small numbers (MM). A Lesser Nighthawk Nuttall's Woodpecker at Bear Valley, suggeststhey had previouslybeen overlooked coursed over Drake's Beach, P.R.N.S., June P.R.N.S., July 18&30 (DS) seemed early at a in that area. Eleven Flammulated Owls were 20 (JE, DS, SFB, tDick Johnson, tNancy locale on the immediate coast. Seventeen reported, all from the species'expected range Conzett) for one of few coastal records away Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckers were (m.ob.). Seven Great Gray Owls were report- from F.I. where they are a nearly annual seen within their normal range (m.ob.). An ed from the Yosemite area (m.ob.}. Because "spring" visitant. This year was no excep- E. Kingbird June 22 at Edgewood, Siskiyou of its small population and restrictedrange in tion, as two were there June 30 and another Co., (B&CY) and one nearby at L. Shastina the state, this specieswas officially placed on July 14. July 8 (SL,KC) were in the vicinity in which a the California EndangeredSpecies List as of pair nested during the last 3 summers. AI June 27 (fide JW). Intensive searchingpro- P.R.N.S. one was at Abandoned Ranch June duced 50 + sightingsof Spotted Owl in the w. SWIFTS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- 30 (DS) and perhapsthe same individual was Klamath N.F., Siskiyou Co., and raised the Two Black Swifts at the Pt. ReyesLighthouse at Mendoza Ranch July 2 (JP). A W. total known territories to 107 in that area July 2 (JP) were undoubtedly late migrants. Kingbird was at the lofty elevation of 8000 ft (SL). A Spotted Owl was at Soup Springs in Several Vaux's Swifts were seen June 4 near at Olinstead Pt., Yosemite N.P., July 26 the S. Warner Mtns., Modoc Co., June 29 & Johnstonville, LassenCo. (BD) and two were (JRi). Single Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, July 9 (Sharon Whisler, fide SL). This is well near Day, Modoc Co., June 8 (SL,KC). This casual stragglersto the Region, were sighted e. of the species' known range. Three Long- speciesis rare in n.e. California. An out-of- at Bodega Head July 27 (tGIoria Markowitz, eared Owls caught in nets at Akerson range Costa's Hummingbird returned to a m.ob.) and at Patrick's Point S.P., Hum- Meadow, Tnolumne Co. (JW), and one at feeder in Healdsburg, Sonoma Co., June 30 boldt Co., July 19-24 (tGS,m.ob.). A singing Willow L., Plumas Co., July 19 (DAA) were (fide DEI) after an absenceof two-and-a-half Willow Flycatcher near Wildcat Camp, notable, as they are quite rare on the w. slope months. A c• Broad-tailed Hummingbird fre- P.R.N.S., July 5 (DS, Irene Timossi) was a of the Sierra. One to two at F.I., July 20-31 quented a feeder in Palo Alto July 13-Aug. 8 very late migrant. A W. Flycatcherwas call- were at a site where they are more often (tEd Schaefer) for the second regional ing in Lee Vining Canyon, Mono Co., June detected. More notable at F.l. were single coastal record (see Addendum). A single 24-28 (MM); breedingstatus e. of the Sierra Short-eared Owls June 4 & July 16-17. A Rufous Hummingbird June 28 at Lassen crest is still uncertain. A Bank Swallow oc- •ngle Short-earedwas also seen June 29 at V.N.P. (KC) followed by 38 moving S the curred July 2 at DeChambeau Ponds, Mono Palo Alto Baylands (DES) and 1-8 were near next day (SL,KC) marked the advent of fall Co. (CSw} for one of few Mono Basin Byron, Contra Costa Co., July 31-Aug. 13 migration in the interior mountains. Thirty- records. (JF,DE). Nesting season records of this spe- five Selasphorus hummingbirds July 4 at cies have been few in recent years. A juv. SomesBar, SiskiyouCo., were thought to be CORVIDS THROUGH WAXWINGS-- Saw-whet Owl found dead July 14 on Kelso largely Allen's (SL). Displayingmales of that Four-hundred-fifty Corn. Ravens at a com- Rd., Alameda Co. (J10, on the w. edgeof the specieswere reported in that area e. to Forks munal roost at Home Bay, P.R.N.S., June 24 C.V., representsthe first summer record for of Salmon and n.e. to Horsecreekfrom Apr. (DS) was an unusual concentration. Adult the valley floor. A Saw-whet, rare in the to June (MR, fide SL). This area is e. of the Black-cappedChickadees were found feeding Sierra, was seenJune 26 at Akerson Meadow, species' known breeding range. An Anna's young June 20 at Espa Lagoon, in the ex- Tnolumne Co. (JW). Hummingbird June 8 at Day, Modoc Co. treme s.w. corner of Prairie Creek Redwoods (SL,KC) was e. of its normal range of occur- Twenty-six Poor-wills 'were found in 3 S.P., Humboldt Co., (GS), representingthe rence, and one at Crystal Cliffs, Lassen areas in w. Siskiyou Co., in June and July farthest s. immediate coastalbreeding record V.N.P., LassenCo., at 7500 ft (SL,KC} was (SL,KC). They are thought to be locally com- for California. A Mountain Chickadee June surely an up-mountain drifter. mon in clear cuts and burns (SL,KC) though 19-20on outer Pt. Reyes(JM et aL) provided they have been rarely reported from this area A pair of "Red-breasted" Sapsuckersnest- a rare coastal sighting. Chesnut-backed previously. An estimated 200+ in mid-June ing at Bear Valley, P.R.N.S. (DS,JE, Chickadees seen in Sierra, Nevada, and in Lundy Canyon, Mono Co., (MM) indi- Marisela De Santa Anna), indicated a notable Placer counties July 5-7 (DE) added to the catesjust how common they are on the e. side breeding range extensions. along the coast, growing list of recent Sierran sightings. of the Sierra. The statusof Com. Nighthawks but unfortunately the young were killed by Whether this speciesis truly increasing in has apparently changed in the Yosemite Acorn Woodpeckers June 22 (DS) shortly numbers and expanding its range in this Sierra in recent years, as they now occur in before fiedging. A pair of Downy Wood- Region or whether observer coverage has lower numbers on the e. side than they did in peckers was found bringing food to a nest been more thorough recently is unclear. the '60s and though formerly rare w. of the hole June 17 at Manzanita L., Lassen V.N.P. Single Red-breasted Nuthatches June 18 in crest prior to 1977, they are now regular in at the high elevation of 5800 ft (DM,DA). A riparian habitat at Grand I., Sacramento

Volume 34, Number 6 927 Co, (DE1) and on outer Pt. Reyes July 15 "Audubon's" Warbler July 13 at Tule Lake near MacArthur Swamp and Big L., n e (DS) were unseasonable. One-to-two ap- N.W.R. (SL) along with juvenile-plumaged Shasta Co. (SL,KC), was notable, as the parently territorial Winter Wrens July 9 (JL) birds July 22 in Golden Gate Park (LB) and speciesis believedto be a sporadicbreeder on & 26 (JRi) at Crane Flat, Yosemite N.P. at Aug. 2 in Bolinas (GP) were undoubtedly the Modoc Plateau. A 9 Orchard Oriole July 6200 ft were above the known nesting eleva- post-breeding wanderers from nearby 9 at F.I. furnished the third regional uon m thatarea. A Canpn•' Wren at 10,450 breeding populations. A Townsend's "spring" record (a July 12, 1969 record of a ft on Mt. LassenJuly 11 (DA) was well above Warbler July 17 on the N. Fork of the Ameri- hatching year bird at Palomarin was a "fall" the species'usual haunts. A Varied Thrush can R. drainage (TB) was presumablya very dispersant/migrant). The Great-tailed June 1 at Nunes Ranch, P.R.N.S. early fall migrant and representsone of very Grackle pair in S.F. attemptedbreeding, as a (DMcC,SB) was a very late migrant. A sing- few July regional records. nest was found at the foot of Van Ness Ave, mg male July 5 at Yellow Jacket Ridge n.e. of A 9 Black-throated Green Warbler, a June 20 (JM); however, the attempt failed Forks of Salmon, Siskiyou Co. (SL) was casual spring vagrant to the Region, was at This marks the first regional nesting record notable, as nesting is suspectedthough not F.I., June 18, but much more unusual was a Brown-headed Cowbirds continued to be confirmed in this county. A o' Mountain singing o' Black-throated Green Warbler seen noted throughout the L. Almanor area of the Bluebird June 20 at the Fish Docks, Pt. Reyes July 5 at Cape Mendicino, Humboldt Co. n. Sierra, with ahigh count of 125 at a feeder (JE,DS et al.) was a rare and unseasonal (RLeV, LD, Ken Irwin; and "earlier" and in Chester, Plumas Co., June 25 (DA). In coastalmigrant. The first confirmed breeding "later" Bill Clow). Though previously contrast, in the Cascades of w. Siskiyou of Blue-grayGnatcatcher for the Mono Basin unreported, presumablythe same individual County cowbirds were virtually absent, took place this summer near Lee Vining, summered at the same spot in 1979 and again presumably owing to the lack of meadows Mono Co. (David Gaines, fide MM). An ad. this year (Bill Clow). This provided the first and cattle grazing in this area of steepterrmn 9 White Wagtail observedJuly 20-31+ at the regional summering record. Six Chestnut- (SL). Male Scarlet Tanagers June 18-22 at Watsonville Sewage Plant, Santa Cruz Co. sided Warblers were sighted coastally June F.I., and at Arcata June 29-30 (•PS) provid- (Carolyn Friedrickson, fide SB, m.ob.), is 9-July 2 (m.ob.) and singleswere found in- ed the sixth and seventh regional records. undoubtedly the same bird seen there this land in Mono Co., June 13 at DeChambeau Coastally, five Rose-breasted Grosbeaks past year. The bird was still in breeding Creek (GP,CSw) and June 17 at Lundy Can- June 18-July 22 (m.ob.) were somewhat plumage and was identified racially as yon (MM). This was an above-averageshow- fewer than average for recentyears. An active M a lugens (JM). Thus two of the five ing comparedwith recentyears. Three 9 Bay- Black-headed Grosbeak nest June 24-28 •n Cahfornia records that have been identified breastedWarblers graced F.I., June 13-July 1 Lee Vining Canyon, Mono Co. (MM), racially have proved to be lugens; however and single singing males were found June 20 though long suspected, provided the first two Mexican records have proved to be at Drake's Beach, P.R.N.S. (SB et aL) and confirmation of breeding on the e. slope of M a ocularis (fide JM). Displaying Water June 30-July 4 at Arcata (PS, RLeV). A the Sierra. Coastally, sevenIndigo Buntings P•p•tswere found July 22-23 on both sidesof Blackpoll Warbler, much rarer in springthan were found June 1-July 29 (m.ob.). A o' ln- Italy Pass, elev. 12,400 ft, Fresno/Inyo coun- in fall, was at F.I., July 1. "The lsland" also digo X Lazuli Bunting was found mated to a ties (HG). First recordedbreeding in Califor- hosted five Palm Warblers June 18-July 3 (in 9 Lazuli at Edgewood, SiskiyouCo., June 27 mam 1975 (AB 29:1028), the Water Pipit's addition to three May arrivals). The total of (•SL,KC). An Evening Grosbeak June 8 near breeding range still needs clarification. Two eight compares with one or two in recent the mouth of the Gualala R., Sonoma Co Cedar Waxwings were seen July 13 at Tule "springs." This is not surprisingin light of (DE1), was late for the coastal lowlands s. of Lake N.W.R. (SL,KC); they are casualin the last fall's record flight, but is somewhat Humboldt County. Cassin's Finchs were Regmn away from the n. coast in July. anomalous in that none was found on the found to be common throughout the period mainland, despitegood coverage.Two Oven- and suspectedof breedingat 4600 ft at Aker- birds June 3 & 18-20 joined the warbler son Meadow (JW). Though this species throngs at F.1. A 9 Mourning Warbler at F.I. breeds at lower elevations farther n. in the (?P.R.B.O.), June 30 (banded)--July 1 pro- VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS--A Cascades, there are no records of nesting vided the second regional spring record. A Bell's Vireo, thought to be the e. subspecies below 7000 ft in the Yosemite area. Also at singing o' Corn. Yellowthroat July 24 at V b belli, was seen June 1 at Hovie Pt. Oasis, Akerson Meadow young Lawrence's Gold- 10,2000 ft at Honeymoon L., Inyo Co., (HG) Tule Lake N.'N.R. (tSL,KC). Although for- finches were found June 24 along with 10-15 was at a lofty elevation. A 9 Hooded Warbler merly a colnmon breeder in the C.V. adults throughout the period (JW). This is a at F.I., July 1-2 was followed by a male at (Vbpusillus) this bird representsonly the high elevation for breedingfor this speciesm Tilden Regional Park, Contra Costa Co., Ju- fifth regional record of any race in the last 20 the c. Sierra. Red Crossbillswere reported •n ly 4-26 (Lou Cooper, fide SB, m.ob.) and a years This species,too, has now been placed above average numbersfrom the w. slopeof female at Golden Gate Park July 15-30 (LB, the Sierra (m.obo). on the California Endangered SpeciesList. A m.ob.). A Wilson's Warbler July 22 at Gray Red-eyed Vireo was at F.I., June 29-30; Lodge W.A. (BD) was an early fall migrant. Green-tailed Towheeswere singingregular- spring records are somewhat more plentiful Coastally .sevenAm. Redstarts were sighted ly at 9500 ft above Warren Forks, Yosemae there than fall records.Coastally four Black- June 11-July 10 (m.ob.). In addition an Am. area June 14-15 (also June/July 1977-79)and and-white Warblers were seen June l-July 1 Redstart pair was found at the Fairhaven probably breed at that elevation(MM). A o' (mob.) and inland one was at Hovie Pt. Willows, Humboldt Co., June 31, a nest with Lark Bunting was near the Nunes Ranch, Pt Oasis June 1 (SL, KC). Coastally 11 (eight at four young was located July 29, and the Reyes June 5-6 (DS et aL) and a female was F I ) TennesseeWarblers were sighted June adults were seen feeding I-2 fledglings July near there June 15 (JH); there are only 3 l-July 16 (m.ob.) and inland in Mono County 31-Aug. 9 (Ken lrwin, fide RLeV). This previous records for the immediate coast •n singles were seen June 3 at DeChambeau representsthe secondconfirmed nesting at- spring. A Vesper Sparrow July 21-23 at F I Creek (LS) and June 28-29 at Lee Vining tempt for California and the first successful furnished only the third coastalJuly sighting Canyon (MM). Also at Lee Vining Canyon one, as the first nest, also in Humboldt Coun- Single "Oregon" Juncos June 9 in Fresno up to ten Orange-crowned Warblers were ty, produced only one Brown-headed (Mark Meyers) and throughout the period seen June 24-28, along with a singing o' Cowbird youngster(see AB 26:898). near Auburn (fide MA) were out of place Nashville Warbler June 26-27 (MM); the seasonally,being far from breedinghabitat breedingstatus of both thesespecies e. of the Two Clay-colored Sparrows were at F.I, S•erran crest is still uncertain. Ten Magnolia June 1-3 where they continue to hold a Warblers were found along the coast June ICTER1DS THROUGH SPARROWS--A monopoly on spring records. A "Gambell's" 1-July 1 (m.ob.); this is somewhat more than 9 Bobolink was at F.I., June 20. Tricolored White-crowned Sparrow near Auburn June average for "spring." A Cape May Warbler Blackbird, a rare breeder on the immediate 5-17 (MA) was a very tardy straggler. A was at the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse June 1 coast in the Region, was found nesting at Golden-crownedSparrow June 10 at the jct (DMcC), two were at Nunes Ranch, Pt. Drake's Beach, P.R.N.S., with the first ap- of Highways 203 & 395, Mono Co. (Carol Reyes June 14 (JM), and singleswere at F.I., pearanceJune 8 of the 100_+birds compris- Annable), and one lingering until July 1 •n June I & 19. A "Myrtle" Warbler June 29 at ing the colony (JM), and by July 31 adults Kensington,Contra Costa Co. (Nancy Con- F I presumablywas a vagrant from a popu- were feeding numerous fledglings (DS). A zett), were also unseasonalstragglers. Fox lation not usually found in California. An colony of 1000 pairs of TricoloredsJune 8 Sparrows June 14-15 (also June/July

928 AmericanB•rds, November 1980 1977-79) at 9500 ft above Warren Forks, area in the summerof 1979(GS) for a signifi- (DMcC), Peter Metropulos, Mabel Mires, Yosemitearea were thought to be breedingat cant breeding range expansion n. along the Joe Morlan, Dan Murphy, Winnifred Orcutt, that elevation (MM). Lincoln Sparrows coast. Gary Page, Benjamin Parmeter, John formerly bred as low as 4000 ft in Yosemite Parmeter, Chuck Peck, Point Reyes Bird but in recent years have not bred below 6000 CONTRIBUTORS--Dan Airola, Mau- Observatory, William Pursell, Jean Rich- ft (D. Gaines,. 1977, Birds of the Yosemite rine Armour, StephenBailey, BerniceBarnes mond (JRi), Mike Robbins, Don Roberson Sierra), so sightingsof territorial birds this (BBa), Ted Beedy, Laurence Binford, Bob (DRo), Elsie Roemer, Jim Royer (JiR), Don summer at 4 locales in Yosemite from 4-5000 Boekelhide, William Bousman, Courtney Schmoldt, Dave Shuford, Bob Spahn, Paul ft (MM,WB) were encouraging. Buechert (CBu), Karen Cartier, Ted Chan- Springer, Lynn Stenzel, Gary Strachan, Steve dik, Dean Cutter, Phil Detrich, Bruce Deuel, Summers, Chris Swarth (CSw), Kent Van Linda Doerf linger, Art Edwards, Ray Vuren, John and Ricky Warriner, Jon ADDENDUM--An ad. cr Broad-tailed Ekstrom, Doug Ellis (DEI), Dick Erickson, Winter, Keiko Yamane, Bob and Carol Yut- Hummingbird was seenin Santa Cruz June JulesEvens, Lynn Farrat, Jan Fischer,Steve zy. $ = documentation (written description 27, 1979 ('[Edna Vollmer) for the first Getty, Helen Green, Daphne Hatch, Joel and or photos) on file.--STEPHEN A. regional coastal record. A LeConte's Hornstein, GeorgeHugenberg, Sandy Jacob- LAYMON (Loonsthrough Alcids) P.O. Box Thrasher was observed Apr. 29, 1980 near son, Betty Kimball, Oliver J. Kolkman, 1357, Yreka, CA 96097 and W. DAVID Avenal, KingsCo. (JiR), for the first regional StephenLaymon, Bill Lenarz, Ron LeValley SHUFORD (Pigeonsthrough Sparrows) Box sighting in 20+ years. Three active Mock- (RLeV), John Lovio (JLo), Marie Mans, Guy 385, Inverness, CA 94937. ingbird nestswere found in the CrescentCity McCaskie (GMcC), Dianne McClung

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST more than eight pre- sent at the end of the REGION period. Small numbers / Guy McCaskie of Magnificent Fri- gatebirds appeared along the coast in Ju- ly, with 22 reports in- The summerseason was dry, but the heavy volving 30 birds being rains of last winter left the area with much received, and one over water, with streamsrunning and ample vege- Chula Vista, San Di- tation in the hills and mountains. ego Co., June 30 (BT) Environmental studies were conducted being the earliest. A along the coast that produced many interest- Magnificent Frigate- ing data on the status of some waterbird bird was at N.E.S.S. species,but little work was done in the moun- July 4 (AE) and four tains, and the desertwas all but ignored. were together there ß• -:-'...... ::-•.'::'"':•'":•:•::• ß '• ..• ...... ' July 19 (DP), with one LOONS, GREBES--All 3 of the regularly or two remaining occurringspecies of loons were presentalong around the Salton Sea the coast throughout the summer, with 42 through the end of the Corn. Loons, 307 Arctic Loons and 20 Red- period (GMcC), but throated Loons reported. In addition, eight one near Cuyama, Corn. Loons on L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Co., Co., during June and July (LB), one on a July 22 (JH) and small lake in Anaheim throughout the period another over Big Bear (SR), one on Baldwin L., in the San Bernar- L., in the San Bernar- dino Mts., June 21 (KGa) and another on dino Mrs., July 16 nearby L. SilverwoodJuly 31 (SG) were all (GB) were both at un- summering on inland lakes/reservoirs.Two usual localities. Arctic Loons on L. Cachuma June 6-July 23 (LRB) are the first to have summeredinland HERONS, SPOONBILLS--An ad. Little RoseateSpoonbill at the s. endof .theSalton in this Region. Three pairs of Eared Grebes Blue Heron was at N.E.S.S., July 30 (KC), Sea (hereafter S.E.S.S.) July 27+ (RHan) were at•ending nestsnear Barstow, San Ber- and another was at the Santa Ynez R. was the first to reach California since 1977, nardino Co., May 17 (PR); this specieswas estuary, Santa Barbara Co., July 23 (RW), and the first adult ever seen in California. previously unrecorded as breeding in this but of most interest was a pair near Imperial area. Both color phasesof W. Grebes(Ratti, Beach,San Diego Co., that successfullyrais- WATERFOWL--Gadwall were found Auk 96:573-586, 1979) nestedat the n. end of ed two young in a small colony of nesting nesting inland in the Antelope Valley (near the Salton Sea (hereafter, N.E.S.S.) with the egretsalong the Tijuana R. (EC); this is only Lancaster--KGa) and in the mountains of 2 phases paired as if separate species the secondtime this specieshas been found San Diego County (L. Henshaw--RHi), as (GMcC). breeding in California. Some 20+ pairs of well as at the Santa Ynez R. estuary (LB), Cattle Egrets nesting near Imperial Beach Goleta (LB), the Santa Clara R. estuary FULMARS, SHEARWATERS--A N. (GMcC) were the only ones found breeding (RW), Pt. Mugu (RW) and near Imperial Fulmar was captured on the beachat Pt. Sal, away from the vicinity of the Salton Sea. At Beach (EC) along the coast; numbers of Santa Barbara Co., July 23 (LB); this species least 3 pairs of Snowy Egrets nestednear Im- breedingGadwall appearedto be on the in- is rare in s. California waters in summer. A perial Beach (GMcC); a much larger colony crease in s. California. At least 25 Blue- New Zealand Shearwater at Pt. Mugu, Ven- in Carlsbad last summer established the first winged Teal were found along the coast of tura Co., June21 (RW) wasone of a very few occurrenceof breeding along the coast of s. Santa Barbara and Ventura counties during ever found in California waters in June. As California. Unexpected was an ad. Yellow- June and July, with one pair definitely usual, Sooty Shearwaters were the common crowned Night Heron in Imperial Beach July nesting at the Santa Clara R. estuary, Ven- shearwatersoffshore, with large numbersvis- 18-26 (GMcC., ph S.D.N.H.M.), this being tura Co. (RW); this is the first recordedoc- ible from shore n. of Los Angeles in July. the ninth record in s. California. A Least Bit- currence of nesting along the coast of s. tern in Santa Barbara June 23 (LRB) was the California. Wood Ducks were found nesting PELICANS, FRIGATEBIRDS--Brown only one found along the coast n. of Los s. to L. Cachuma, where 2 broods were seen Pelicans were first seen on the Salton Sea Angeles, but small numbers were present June 15 (LRB). A Ring-necked Duck, excep- June 21 (DP), but remainedscarce, with no along the coast of San Diego County. An ad. tionally scarcein summer, was at the Santa

Volume 34, Number 6 929 Clara R. estuary throughout the period ed during the summerperiod in s. California. ruer (GL) with birds seen entering burrows (RW), one remainednear Beaumont, River- A Dunlin at the Santa Clara R. estuaryJuly July 17-18 (AD), but not found to have lind s•deCo., during June and July (SG) and two 13+ (LRB) was unexpectedsince few occur eggs. RhinocerosAuklets are not known to more spent the summer on L. Hodges near in California betweenMay and September. nest s. of the Farallon Is. San Diego (KW). A Canvasbackremained at An ad. Stilt Sandpiperat the Santa Maria R. N E S.S. all summer(GMcC). A Bufflehead estuary June 29-30 (LB) and another in PIGEONS THROUGH HUMMING- at Pt Mugu through June 15 (RW), two at Goleta July 6-16 (LRB) were along the coast BIRDS--A Band-tailed Pigeon at the Santa N E S.S., most of June (GMcC), and another where scarce, and were exceptionally early Ynez R. estuary July 4 (LRB) was away from at S E.S.S., July 12 (GMcC), were all badly for fall migrants. any known nesting area. A White-winged worn, and clearly attempting, to summer Dove at New Cuyama, Santa Barbara Co, locally. An Oldsquawon San Diego Bay June GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS--As usual July 17 (RHay) was w. of the species'normal 25 (EC) wasundoubtedly summering locally. a few Glaucous-winged Gulls summered range. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Tecopa, White-winged Scoters were exceptionally along the coast, with eight reported in Santa Inyo Co., July 4 (JT) was the only one found numerousalong the coast,with countssuch Barbara County (LB), five in Ventura Coun- w. of the Colorado R. valley. A Long-eared as 181 off Vandenberg A.F.B., July 29-30 ty (RW) and one on San Diego Bay (GMcC). Owl at Barka Slough, Santa Barbara Co., Ju- (LB) and 54 at Pt. Mugu June 15 (RW), and Much more unusual was an imm. Herring ly 16 (RW) was in an area from which few one was inland at Salton City on the Salton Gull at the Santa Maria R. estuary July 31 have been recorded.Unexpected were up to SeaJuly 12 (DP). A Surf Scoterat SaltonCi- (RW), another near Imperial Beach June 22 12 Short-earedOwls at Harper Dry L. during ty July 19 (DP) was the only one found away (GMcC) and a third at S.E.S.S. Aug. 9 (DP), April and May, with 3 active nestsdiscovered from the coast. A Black Scoter, always rare since there are few specific records of this (PR), for nestingrecords are few for s. Cali- •n summer, was at the Santa Ynez R. estuary speciesin s. California during the summer. fornia, and this establishes the first occur- June7-18 (PL). As usuala few Red-breasted Up to five first-summer Franklin's Gulls were rence of nesting in the desert region of s.e Mergansersspent the summer inland on the regularly seen at N.E.S.S. throughout the California. Whip-poor-wills were heard call- Salton Sea, as well as along the coast with a period (GMcC); non-breeding birds have ing near Big Pine in the San Gabriel Mts h•ghcount of eightat N.E.S.S., July 12(DP). been found on the Salton Sea most summers June 15 (KGa); although there is strong evi- in recent years. Once again large numbersof dence indicating this speciesbreeds in the HAWKS--The only nesting Swainson's Bonaparte'sGulls summeredin the Region, mountains of s. California, an actual nest Hawks reported were a pair near Big Pine in with groups such as 30 at the Santa Maria R. and/or recently fledgedyoung have yet to be the Owen's Valley (RW), another pair in the estuary (LB), 22 at the Santa Clara R. estuary observed. A Chimney Swift was at Goleta Lanfair Valley of e. San Bernardino County (RW) and ten near Imperial Beach (GMcC), June 7 (EG), four were over Santa Barbara (AE), and a third pair in the Antelope Valley still present along the coast at the end of the June 9 (LRB) and at least two were around e of Lancaster(JD); it is with regret that we period, along with 20 inland near Lancaster Burbank June 3-July 15 (JD, KGa); this spe- momtor the decline of this fine species in throughout the period (JD). Of extreme in- cies is now found in s. California annually, California. A pair of Zone-tailed Hawks was terest was the presenceof two pairs of Heer- occurring in late spring, with some non- agmn present on Santa Rosa Mt., Riverside mann's Gulls attempting to nest on Shell breedersremaining through the summer.Ter- Co , during June and July (WW); two young Beach Rocks off VandenbergA.F.B. in May ritorial Costa's Hummingbirds were found were hatched in a nest, but for some reason and June (GL, AD); both pairs built nests, throughout June and July as far n. as Pt. Sal d•ed before fledging. Seven Marsh Hawk and one nest contained an egg May 27, but (LB) which is significantlyn. of the species' nests were found at Harper Dry L., San Ber- both nestshad been abandonedby July, in- recorded breeding range along the coast. Ac- nardino Co., during April and May (PR); this dicating that the attempt failed. There is no tive Allen's Hummingbird nests were found •s a cultivated area far out in the Mojave previousrecord of Heermann'sGull nesting at Marina del Rey, Los AngelesCo., May 22 Desert where breeding had previously been in California. [But seep. 926--Ed.] A Least & 24 (JJ), and a third was found in Newport unrecorded. Tern at Mitchell's Camp s. of Palo Verde Beach, Orange Co., Apr. 19 (SR), both local- June 19-20 (RM) is one of but two or three ities being outside the species' breeding SHOREBIRDS--A Black Oystercatcher at ever recorded along the Colorado River. range, but the subspeciesinvolved was not Pt Mugu July 2+ (RW) was away from Black Skimmers were scarce on the Salton determined in either case. The migratory known breeding localities. Single Am. Sea, and probably did not nest; however, form sasinnests s. to Pt. Mugu, and possibly Golden Plovers at the Santa Ynez R. estuary 30 + pairs did nest on San Diego Bay, with Malibu (Am. Birds 33:897,1979), whereasthe July 23 (RW), Goleta July 14-24 (LB), the many juveniles flying at the end of the resident race sedentarius occurs on the Chan- Santa Clara R. estuaryJuly 16 (GG) and near period.A BlackSkimmer at Pt. Mugu July nel Is., and the Palos Verdes Pen.; one form Imperial Beach July 26 (GMcC) were all fall 19 (RW), two at the Santa Clara R. estuary would appear as likely as the other. A ter- m•grants.A Whimbrel near LancasterJuly 25 June 10-14(REW) and anotherthere July 19 ritorial pair of Calliope Hummingbirds on (JD) was one of very few ever found inland (RW) were the only ones found along the Hot SpringsMt., San Diego Co., June 4-July away from the Salton Sea in fall. Eight coast n. of San Diego. 22 (PU, DWP) were a little s. of the species' Wandering Tattlers around Pt. Sal July 15 recorded breeding range. (RW) were the first fall migrants noted this ALCIDS--Common Murres were present year A Ruddy Turnstone at N.E.S.S., July along the entire coastline in July, but KINGFISHERS, WOODPECKERS-- 30 (KC) was inland. SeventeenShort-billed numbers found along the Santa Barbara and Two Belted Kingfisher nests were found •n Dow•tchersnear Lancaster July 9 (JD) were Ventura county coastline were unprece- Santa Barbara County (RW, JGre), and 20 + fall migrants, the first being noted on the dented, with counts such as 21,000 at Pt. Sal summering birds, some suspectedto be on coast about a week earlier. Migrant Surfbirds Aug. 1 (LB) and 1020 at Pt. Mugu July 19 breeding territories, were present at various appearedin n. Santa Barbara County in mid- (RW). Pigeon Guillemots were found nesting localities in the coastal lowlands, and along July (four on July 17 and 11 on July 23) on the coast of Santa Barbara County, with the w. slope of the mountains, s. to San (RW). SevenRed Knotsat S.E.S.S., July 12 10-12 pairs at Pt. Sal (LB) and 300-350 pairs Diego County; documentednesting records (DP) werethe only onesfound away from the at Pt. Arguello (GL); an immature at Pt. have been few indeed in recent years, and th•s coast. An imm. Semipalmated Sandpiper at Mugu July 19 (RW) had wandered some speciesmay be in trouble as a breeding bird the Santa Ynez R. estuary July 29-30 (RW) distance from the nearest known nesting of s. California. Three pairs of Yellow-bellied was the first identified this fall. A Baird's locality. Unexpectedwas a pair of Marbled (Red-breasted)Sapsuckers nesting on Mt. Sandpiper at the Santa Maria R. estuary, Murrelets at Pt. Sal July 15+ (AD), this Palomar (RHi) were at the s. limit of the Santa Barbara Co., June 18 (LB) and another speciesis not known to occur s. of Big Sur in species'breeding range. An ad. Williamson's there July 10 (LB) were both identified as Monterey Co. during the summer. Possibly Sapsuckeraccompanied by two juveniles on adults, three at the Santa Ynez R. estuary Ju- related to the influx of last winter were two Pine Mt., Ventura Co., July 30 (JGra) gives ly 29-30 (REW) being the first iramaturesof Ancient Murrelets near Cayucos June 23 us the first evidenceof nestingin this area of the fall. Exceptional was a Pectoral Sand- (JMc), two more at Pt. ArguelloJuly 18 (AD, California. p•pernear Betteravia,Santa BarbaraCo., Ju- JN) and another at Pt. Mugu Aug. 3 (RW). ly 21 (RW) and another at the Santa Clara R. Intriilguingis a reportof 25+ Rhinoceros FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--An E estuaryJune 29 (REW) sincefew are record- Auklets at Pt. Arguello throughout the sum- Kingbird at Tinemaha Res., in the Owens

930 American B•rds,November 1980 Valley June 6 (CA), was In an area where Gabriel Mts. during June and July (KGa); Edwards, Doug Elerath, A. Sidney England, nesting has previously been suspected. A this speciesundoubtedly breeds here in small Michael Evans, William T. Everett, Kimball nestingpair of W. Kingbirds in Goleta (LB) numbers. A pair of MacGillivray's Warblers Garrett (KGa) (co-ordinator for Los Angeles was unusualsince the speciesnormally avoids on territory at Toad SpringsCampground on County), Greg Gillson, Ken Goldman (KGo), the immediate vicinity of the coast in sum- Mt. Able June 16 (GG) and a singing male Sharon Goldwasser,Jesse Grantham (JGra), mer. A Black Phoebe at the summit of Mt. along the upper reaches of Agua Bianca Eileen Gray, Jim Greaves (JGre), Rob Pinos (8000 ft) June 4 (GG) was at an Creek, Ventura Co., June 25 (JGra) gave us Hansen (RHan), Ron Haywood (RHay), unusuallyhigh elevation for the species.Two the first evidence of nesting in this area; Roger Higson (RHi), Janet Holbrook, Eric territorial o' Willow Flycatchers along the however, this speciesis well establishedas a V. Johnson, Forrest Johnson, Jerry A Santa Margarita R. near Fallbrook, San summer resident in the San Gabriel and San Johnson, Paul Jorgensen,John P. Kelly, J F Diego Co., June 2-July 12 (SG) were the only Bernardino Mts. to the s. and e. An Am. Kilfoil, David King, Paul Lehman, Gary S ones known to remain through the summer; Redstart in Ojai, Ventura Co., June 16 Lester, Richard P. Martin (coordinator for the s. California breeding population is vir- (JGra) was a late spring straggler, but the Colorado River Valley), J. McDonald, tually extirpated. A Dusky Flycatcher on Hot another at Garey July 17-23 (RW) appeared Jim Morris, Jay W. Nelson, Dennis Parker, SpringsMt., June 3-4 (PU) and another on to be a non-breeding bird summeringlocally. Terry Polanski, David W. Povey, Sylvia J. nearby Cuyamaca Peak June 17 (CE) were at Ranney (coordinator for Orange County), Royce B. Riggan, Paul Roush, Larry R the s. extremeof the species'breeding range. BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPAR- Salata, Brad K. Schram, Arthur L. Souls, Tree Swallows have declined as a breeding ROWS--A o' Orchard Oriole near the Ozena bird in this Region, especiallyin the s. por- Hal and Nancy Spear (H & NS), Mike and Ranger Station in the Cuyama Valley of Ven- tion; hence, the successful nesting of five Carol Stalder (M & CS), Glen Stewart, tura Co., June 12 (JGra) was probablya late pairs near San Diego this summer(CE) was Margaret A. Stewart, Nathan C. Sweet, Fern spring vagrant. The Great-tailed Grackle encouraging. A pair of Barn Swallows found R. Tainter (coordinator for San Luis Oblspo found at L. Cachuma May 6 remained nesting under a freeway bridge near Lan- County), Jan Tarble, Scott and Linda Terrill through the summer (LRB). A o' Summer caster July 9 (JD) established the first (S & LT), Betsy Tetlow, Philip Unitt (coor- breeding record in the Antelope Valley, and a Tanager at Mont•'•o de Oro S.P., near dinator for San Diego County), Wesley W Morro Bay, June 3 (JFK) was a spring Weathers, Ken Weaver, Richard E. Webster pair feeding young at Leo Carillo State Beach vagrant. A o' Rose-breasted Grosbeak was July 8 (KGa) documented nestingalong the (coordinator for Ventura County), Doug seen near Lompoc, Santa Barbara Co., July coast of Los Angeles County. Purple Martins Willick. Photograph on file (ph), San Diego 21 (REW), anotherwas in Goleta July 6 (LB) still attract much attention, but less than 30 Natural History Museum (S.D.N.H.M)- and a third was in Julian, San Diego Co., Ju- pairs could be located within the Region. GUY MCCASKIE, San Diego Natnral His- ly 20-22 (F J); one or two of thesebirds are tory Mnseum, P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, found in s. California almost every summer. CHICKADEES THROUGH THRUSH- California 92112. ES--Chestnut-backed Chickadees were The only Indigo Bunting reported was a male along the upper Santa Ynez R., July 22 found to be fairly common in willow thickets (JGre). Singing Lazuli Buntings present in along the coast s. to the Santa Ynez R. valley, citrus groves around Blythe during June but absents. of there (LB), indicatingthat the Santa Ynez R. marks the s. limit of this (RPM) indicate the speciesis nestingin that area of California. One or two Green-tailed species'range today; 35 years ago (Grinnell Towhees were seen on Hot Springs Mt. dur- and Miller, Pacific Coast Avifauna 27, 1944) ing June (PU) and twelve were counted on HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION Cambria marked the s. limit for this species. CuyamacaPeak June 17 (CGE), marking the / C. John Ralph and Robert L. Pyle A Red-breastedNuthatch on Hot Springs s. limit of the species' breeding range in Mt., June 24 (DWP), was away from any California. A pair of Brown Towhees accom- known breeding locality. A pair of Winter panied by two juveniles at 6200 ft on Mt. Generally adequate rainfall through the Wrens was obviously on territory in Cam- Palomar June 29 (RHi) was exceptionally spring continued into June and July, usually brla, San Luis Obispo Co., May 21-July 31 high in the mountains. Most interestingwas a the driest months of the year. A heavy trade- (NCS), and seen carrying food (nest and singingVesper Sparrow in Lockwood Valley, wind shower at Honolulu June 15 brought young not seen); a nest seen here in 1978 Ventura Co., June 12 (JGra), for the habitat 1.10 inches(2« timesthe normal total for the (NCS) establishedthe southernmostbreeding there is suitable for nesting; however, except month), but probably had little, if any, effect locality on the coast of California, the species for their occurrence in one area in the San on birdlife. previously known to nest no farther s. than BernardinoMts., this speciesis unknown as a the Little Sur R. in Monterey County. A breedingbird s. of Tulare and Inyo counties. SHEARWATERS THROUGH BOOBIES Ca•on Wren at the Santa Ynez R. estuary Dark-eyed (Oregon) Juncosare now resident --On the historic Kalaupapa Peninsula, a July 31 (RW) had wandered some distance along the coast s. to the vicinity of Oxnard, Christmas Shearwater, extremely rare, and from the nearest known locality of regular breeding in areas supporting large stands of not known to be a breeding specieson the occurrence.A singing Hermit Thrush on Hot eucalyptus trees; in former years (Grinnell main islandswas sighted Aug. 9. It wasvocal- SpringsMt., June 24 (PU), suggesteda pair and Miller, Ioc. cit.) this speciesnested no izing while flying over the lighthouse. All may be nesting at that locality; breeding is field marks were seenby 6 people(CK et al ). undocumented s. of the San Bernardino Mts. farther s. along the coast than n. San Luis Obispo County. Sixteen Fox Sparrows were Several inland observationsof the striking A Townsend'sSolitaire on Mt. Palomar July counted on Cuyamaca Peak June 17 (CGE), White-tailed Tropicbird on Oahu at various 19 (RHi) was s. of the species' known the s. limit of the species'range. sites may signal a resurgenceof the species breedingrange in California. One pair was even observedin its spectacular CORRIGENDUM--A line was omitted courtship flight low over the trees around the VIREOS, WOOD WARBLERS--A Red- from the sentenceabout Clay-colored Spar- Governor's mansion in downtown Honolulu eyedVireo, a casualstraggler to s. California rows in s. California during the winter of in late July (C JR). The Cattle Egret continues In spring, was near Escondido, San Diego 1979-80, and it should be amended to read to turn up along the Northwest Hawanan Co., May 17 (KW). A Black-and-white "...another in Long Beach Dec. 29+ (BD), chain. One was recorded during June on Warbler near Blythe June5 (RPM) was a late one near Irvine Jan. 3-Feb. 29 (DW) and a Nihoa I., 150 mi n.w. of Kauai I. (SC, MC). springvagrant, but one at Garey, Santa Bar- fifth near Imperial Beach Nov. 25-Feb. 29+ Although still not confirming breeding on bara Co., July 17-19(RW) was believedto be (DPa)." (seeAm. Birds 34:308, 1980). Lanai, the report of 100 Dark-rumped Petrels summeringlocally. A TennesseeWarbler in the night of July 17, high in the mountainsof Coronado, San Diego Co., June 21 (EC) was CONTRIBUTORS--Carol Annable, Lanai I. (P&TC), is surely suggestive.Blue- exceptionallylate for a spring vagrant. The Larry R. Ballard, Louis Bevier (coordinator faced Boobies are not very commonly seen presenceof a NashvilleWarbler at Cortelyou for Santa Barbara County), Guy Boothby, around the main islands,so the sightingfrom Spring in the San Gabriel Mts., June 18 Kurt Campbell, Jim Coatsworth, Elizabeth Ulupau Head, O., of at least ten adults and (KGa), suggestednesting at that locality. Copper, Richard Covert, Nancy Crawford, three chicksjust offshore on Moku Manu I, Three Hermit Warblers were seen in the San Anthony DeGange, Jon Dunn, Claude G. June 28, is noteworthy.

Volume 34, Number 6 931 26 (MS); 37 Am. Hawaiian Crow (HS, D J) in cooperationwith Golden Plover June 28 state biologists(JG et al.) on the Kona coast, at Kaneohe M.C.A.S. H. They found little success,apparently ow- (RLP), along with 21 ing to infertility of the eggs... causeas yet turnstones and four undetermined.The crowsare extremelyrare, Sanderlings; 12 turn- certainly numbering no more than 200 indi- stonesat Waipio Pen., viduals. During a 6-week surveyof Nihoa I., O., July 16 (PD); and May 3 l-July 6, SC and MC found good num- 14 plover at Bellows bers of the Nihoa Finch (a Hawaiian Honey- A.F.B., O., through creeper) but fewer Nihoa Millerbirds (an Old the period (PB). On World Warbler). The finches were found to tiny Nihoa, the be at the end of their breedingseason, while ...... •'• 135-acre island in the the millerbirds were just beginning to nest...... N.W. chain, a Bristle- The Saffron Finch has been essentiallymain- thighed Curlew, 12 taining its numbers over the past few years, plovers, at least four sinceits introduction to Oahu probably in the turnstones and a '60s. About 30 were seenJuly 3 in Kapiolani Wandering Tattler Park (PD). The Pin-tailed Whydah may well were present through be nesting in the same area, as an adult male the period (SC, MC). and a youngmale were seenfeeding together July 10 & 11 (MT). GALLIFORMES THROUGH SHORE- IBISES THROUGH WEAVER FINCHES --The White-faced Ibis continues its 4-year BIRDS--On Maul !., there were reports of ISLAND ABBREVIATIONS--(H.) sojurn, spending most of its time at the Ercke!'s Francolins and Peacocks between Hawaii I., (M.) Molokai I., (O.) Oahu I. KaupoGap and U!upalakua(PBP). Boththe Waipio Pen., O., with somesightings during the period at nearby ponds (PD, RAC, RLP stateand privatepersons have made many re- CONTRIBUTORS--Phil Bruner, Rick et al.). Gulls in the winter are uncommon leasesin the past.The presemstatus of these Coleman, Mark S. Collins, Sheila Conant, enough,so the presenceof a LaughingGull, speciesis essentiallyunknown. The Endan- Peter and Tanu Connally, Peter Donaldson, gracing the windward side of Oahu at the geredHawaiian Hawk wasfound to be more John Giffin, Curt Griffin, Peggy Hodge, KanenheM.C.A.S. through the period, was common than previously suspectedon the David Jenkins,Cam Kepler, Peter L. Paton of interest(RLP, RAC). The beautiful White Hamakua coastof Hawaii !. (CG, PLP). Rel- (PLP), Peter B. Pyle (PBP), Howard Sakai, Tern continues to be seen, sometimeswith a ativelysmall territories were found to be vir- Maile Stemmermann and Michael Thomson. chick, in seeminglylarger numbers in down- tually contiguousin each gully that crosses --C. $OHN RALPH, U.S. Forest Service, town Honolulu. Sightings included a pair the sugarcane fields. There was a multitude Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, 1151 of reportsthis seasonof summeringshore- probablybreeding during the seasonat Lani- Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813, and kai (PH) and at least3 pairs amongthe trees birdsthat forsookthe pleasuresof the Arctic ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., for the sands and mudflats of Hawaii. They around the Governor's mansion (C JR). Re- Kailua, HI 96734. included ten Ruddy Turnstones(seven in searchersof endangeredforest birds with the breedingplumage) at the OahuAirport June U.S. Forest Service studied nests of the

WEST INDIES REGION (RP-R) at Lago Guayabal, Vi!!alba, Puerto St.T. A Short-billedDowitcher observed July Rico, July 18. The area was checkedagain 29 at Mangrove Lagoon, St.T., certainly /Robert L. Norton July 21 with no results. Such a sighting is un- heralded the beginningof shorebirdmigra- Although precipitation was near normal precedentedfor any speciesof Aythya in the tion for the n.e. Caribbean. Gull-billed Terns for Juneand July, pondswere dry, affording West Indies. An Osprey was noted at Krause were reported from Media Luna Cay, La little habitat for waders and ducks. However, Lagoon, St. Croix, July 2, providing yet Parguera, P.R., July 22 (RP-R). About 50 dry pond edgesprovided breeding sites for another curious summer record. birds were seen flying and 'resting' on the resident shorebirds. Above-average rainfall sand. Breeding was not confirmed. Two this springproduced excellent nest-cover for SHOREBIRDS, TERNS--Two Semipal- 'Portlandica'-plumaged Roseate Terns were Sootyterns at SabaCay. The most surprising mated Plovers were observed July 29 at the seen June 22 at Pelican Cay off St.T, indi- elements of the Summer Season were the late Mangrove Lagoon, St.T, and seven over- cating that at least a small number of non- spring and early fall migrants. summering Black-be!lied Plovers were noted breedingterns are summeringat the breeding July 2 at Ruth Cay, St.C., including one in sitesin the Virgin Islands.Two largecolonies SHEARWATERS THROUGH OS- striking breeding plumage. Four Ruddy of RoseateTerns (1600 ca.) nestedsuccessful- PREY--Audubon's Shearwater nested at Turnstoneswere also noted July 2 at Sandy ly at Leduck I., St.J., and Kalkun, St.T. Saba and Cockroach Cays. Nestlings left Pt., St.C. Among several other summer visi- Fourteen Sandwich Tern nests were counted their burrows by mid-July. About 100 shear- tant and transient shorebirds were a Whim- on Cricket Cay, St.T., July 11, but neither waterswere observedJuly 24, 18 min. of St. brel July 29 at Mangrove Lagoon, St.T.; eggsnor chickswere found on the tiny island John, U.S.V.I., feeding in mixed flocks of several spotted Sandpipers throughout the 2 weekslater. LaughingGull and Magnificent Noddy and Bridled terns roughly along the summer on St.T. and St.J.; LesserYellowlegs Frigatebird predation is suspectedon small 100 fathom isobath. A late nestling Red- (18) at Mangrove Lagoon July 29 and one at cays where small groups of 'white-backed' billed Tropicbird was banded July 11, on Sandy Pt., St.C, July 2 and three Greater terns breedintermittently. A total of 59 Least Cricket Cay, n. of St. Thomas, and summer Yellowlegsat the Mangrove Lagoon, July 29; Terns (20 fledglings) and 2 active nests were nesting of Brown Pelicans at Congo Cay, a Willet, a speciesknown to breed rarely in noted at Ruth Cay and Sandy Pt., St.C. St.J, produced24 nestlings.Fledgling Red- the Virgin Islands, observedJuly 2 at Krause looted and Masked boobies continue to re- Lagoon, St.C.; a possiblebreeding Willet was main at parentalnest sitesat Dutchcapand observedat Villa Taina, Cabo Rojo, P.R., PIGEONS THROUGH WARBLERS-- Cockroach Cays, St.T, respectively,and ac- July 31 (JC); a Pectoral Sandpiper noted at White-crownedPigeons are consideredvery company parents to roosting sites where Mangrove Lagoon, St.T, July 29; 12 Least uncommon residents in the islands e. of Puer- nesting is yet unknown at Kalkun and and three Semipalmatedsandpipers noted at to Rico. It is with great interestthat 62 White- FrenchcapCays, St.T. Very surprisingfor Krause Lagoon, St.C., July 2 and eight Semi- crownedswere countedduring 60 minutesof this season was a flock of five Lesser Scaup palmated Sandpipers at Mangrove Lagoon, observation leaving one small (2-acre)

932 American Birds, November 1980 mangrove cay in busy Benner Bay, St.T., along a freshwater stream at 200 ft elev. at ABBREVIATIONS•P.R. = Puerto Rico, June 26. Bridled Quail-Doves are increasing Fish Bay, St.J. was very early for the Virgin St.J.=St. John, St.T.=St. Thomas, in the n. Virgin Islandsand can be expectedin Islands,where it may reach the currentlimit St.C. = St. Croix. any forest type including mangrove edges. of its range. BeltedKingfisher is migratory in the West In- dies but a few remain throughout the year in ADDENDUM--Inadvertently omitted CONTRIBUTORS--All observations are the n. Antilles. A report of one July 18 (RP- from the Spring Migration report was an the author's except where noted; Darcy R) from Humacao,P.R., is the latestever for observationof six Indigo BuntingsApr. 18 Bailey, JoseColon, Raul Perez-Rivera,Ed that island. A single Stolid Flycatcherwas (DB, ER) and a late report of severalc• and 9 Roberts, David Sergeant--ROBERT L. noted in Cruz Bay, St.J, July 12. At Sandy Rose-hreastedGrosbeaks Apr. 10 from Puer- NORTON, Bureauof Fish & Wildlife, No. 86 Pt., St.C, a Barn Swallow was observed, to Plata, Dominican Republic, as well as Estate Frydenhoj, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. probablya stragglerfrom the LesserAntilles. Black-throatedBlue (c0 and Am. Redstart OO801. A Louisiana Waterthrush, seen July 26 (9) parulids(DS).

SOUTH TEXAS REGION cid, nee of parasites (RW). On July 25, 112 /Fred S. Webster, Jr. young, including some The abundant rains of May were soon fledglings, were forgottenas unusually dry andhot conditions counted. After Hur- persistedthroughout the Regionin Juneand riban, Allen, only 45 July. A large high pressuredome over Texas young were found. All causeda completestagnation of weather- nestlings were believed producingelements from mid-Juneto mid- lost as the island was July. Only minor changesoccurred before under water for a week. and after this period as high pressurewas (EP, fide KM). This was neverlong absent.Rainfall wasalmost totally the best year yet for the lackingin mostareas until late in Julywhen a resurgentBrown Pelican weak cold front moved southward. Tempera- population. Fifty-one tures were consistently above normal and young fledged on often record-breaking. One-hundred-degree Pelican I., Corpus F-plusreadings were commonplace. Not only Christi area, from at was this the hottest summer in recent years, least 21 nests, many of but extreme heat settled in about a month which had three young. earlier than usual. Twenty-three young Effects of the drought on habitat were fledged on Carroll I., an readilyapparent. Many pondsand marshesin historical nesting site all sectionsof the Region dried completely. adjacent to Aransas Grasslandsturned brown. Many trees and N.W.R. (SL). Two birds, hatchedin a neston S. Bird I. until early July (fide JW). shrubs exhibited stress. Waders and San Bernard N.W.R., Brazoria Co., repre- shot,birds were attracted to exposed sent a first successfulhatching on the upper WATERFOWL--Black- bellled Whistling shorelines,and then were forced to move on coast since 1962 (JGM). The two chickscould Ducks continueda surprisingincrease on the when all water evaporated and vegetation be seen on the nest by July 7. They subse- upper coast; one flock of about 100 was dried out. quently left the nest "and moved to a small locatedin w. Harris County (TE). A "tre- It may be assumed that earlier-nesting group of salt cedars within 10 feet of the mendous" increasein population has been specieswere able to fledgeyoung before sum- nest." About 300 Olivaceous Cormorants noted in the Eagle L. area within the past 5 mer drought set in. However, it should be summered at the s. end of Falcon L. years. A brood on the adjacent Attwater recalledthat during the springmonths, when Prairie Chicken N.W.R. provided a first most resident speciesare completing their HERONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS-- nestingrecord for the refuge. A drougfit- first nesting cycle, vegetation was still Some 20,000 individuals of various species related de.line in Mottled Duck numbers was recoveringfrom a late killing freeze which sharedPelican I. On June 13, pairs of waders notedon the refuge(WAS). This normally causedsome delay in productionof food and were counted as follows: 126 Great Blue commonspecies was "virtually absent" from cover crops. Also, many areas were still Herons, 84 Great Egrets, 75 SnowyEgrets, 56 the Rio GrandeDelta as only tidal watersre- moisture-deficient from previous seasons. Reddish Egrets, 505 Louisiana Herons, 130 mained(JA). A • Masked Duck was seenat a Blacklockreported that preliminaryinforma- Cattle Egrets, 47 Black-crowned Night roadsidepond s.w. of AransasPass July 26 tion suggesteda substantialdecline from last Herons, 93 White-faced Ibises, and 25 (J&BW). year's level in the breedingpopulations of Roseate Spoonbills (DB, KM, EP). Incuba- colonial waterbirds. Labuda, at Aransas tion was in progressand many young were HAWKS--In early July, two ad. and three N.W.R., reported a drastic reduction of being fed. Cattle Egrets got off to a late imm. White-tailed Kites were located about breedingwaterbirds because of the loss of nestingstart in Laguna Madre and all nests 15 mie. of Austin in w. Bastrop County, ob- surface water. In the Rio Grande Delta, Ar- were lost when hurricane waters AUg. 9-10 viously near a nesting site (JP, fide EK). vin observed that breeding seemed to be flooded the heronries (RW). A heronry at Aside from coastal areas and the Rio Grande spreadover a longer period of time, with ac- Eagle L., Colorado County, producesabout Valley, the only former nesting known in S. tivity at any one time lessthan in a normal 100,000 young herons and egretseach year, Texas occurred in adjacent Lee County in season. some 80% being Cattle Egrets. Shifflett 1890. Shifflett statedthat six or sevenpairs of estimated that 15-20% of this year's young MississippiKites nest each year within 15 mi GREBES, PELICANS, CORMOR- were lost from exposure,"as I observeddead of Attwater Prairie Chicken N.W.R. An in- ANTS-Least and Pied-billed grebes occur- birds hanging from every nestingperch." At cubating 9 Cooper's Hawk was found in a red in far smaller than usual numbers on the least 5 active nests of Yellow-crowned Night live oak tree near Sarita, Kenedy Co., Mar. coastas pondsdried. Most White Pelicansof Herons were found along Olmos Creek in 21 (KA, fide JA). After summersightings of the SouthBird I. colonymoved S to an adja- San Antonio (RC). The Am. Flamingomen- this speciesin previous years at Rancho Santa cent island, perhaps becauseof a high in- tioned in the springreport remainedaround Margarita, Starr Co., Arvin found an ad.

Volume 34, Number 6 933 female with a fledgling June 26. Red-tailed Hawks were found nesting near Braunig L., San Antonio in June (RC). Two pairs of White-tailed Hawks nested on the Attwater Prairie Chicken N.W.R., each fledging one bird. Three pairs of Caracaras probably nestedon the refuge (WAS).

GROUSE, RAILS--A fair reproductive season for Greater Prairie Chickens occurred at Attwater Prairie Chicken N.W.R., with 3 broods observed. Heavy rains on the refuge during mid-May limited the successof Bob- white nesting, but by the end of summer, numbers had increased "tremendously" (WAS). King Rail chicks were observedon the middleand upper coastsfrom early April to early May (CC et al.), and many juv. Clap- per Rails were noted at Rockport July I I (C & HK).

SHOREBIRDS THROUGH SKIM- Ashe-juniper woodland, habitat of the Golden-cheeked Warbler, Travis County, Tex. MERS•Wilson's Plover did well in the Photo/Greg W. Lasley. Rockport area; chicks were observedMay fishers,apparently nesting, was found along THRASHERS, THRUSHES--Long-billed 16-JuneI (CC, DNW). A post-breedingcon- the Medina R., s.w. of San Antonio, July 14 Thrashers occurred in considerably below centrationin the Rio Grande estuaryincluded (S&DH). Two Downy Woodpeckersfound in historical numbers at Welder Wildlife Ref., many juveniles; 361 birds (of all ages) were the Medina R. basin, July 8, were the first in as habitat suffered various setbacks over the there Aug. 2 (JA). Nesting successof Black- summer for Bexar County (SH, JAM). This past few seasons(GB). A pair of Am. Robins neckedStilts declined at Mitchell L., possibly Region's three Myiarchus flycatchersall sum- nestedin Corpus Christi; the three fledglings because of rising water levels in late July mered on the Sekula farm in Wilson County, died, possibly becauseof the heat (KM). A (SH). LeastTern nestson the Rockportbeach the Great Crested in riparian growth on singing Clay-colored Robin was at Bentsen- were estimated at 120-140 (BT, fide DNW); Cibolo Creek, the Wied's Crested around the Rio Grande Valley S.P., May 20 (JA). One or the high count of juvenileswas 60 (C & HK). housein tall mesquiteand large live oaks, and more Wood Thrusheswere heard in juniper- Late breeders had chicks killed and eggs the Ash-throated in more xeric, scrubby deciduouswoodland on the w. edgeof Austin smashedby motor vehicles (DNW). A large habitat to the w. (WS). Two pairs of Acadian June 12 (VE) - Aug. 2 (PE), although no colony of Least Terns and Black Skimmers Flycatcherswere presumablyon nestingter- evidenceof nestingwas found. nestedon the beachat SunsetL., near Corpus ritory at Bastrop S.P., May 25, and at least Christi. The skimmers were off to a late start, five pairs were found at Palmetto S.P., June VIREOS, WARBLERS--Two pairs of having fled a large colony at Shamrock I., I (SH). This specieshas not yet officially Bell's Vireos were present at Rockport following Memorial weekend festivities. Ill been recordedas nestingin Bastropand Gon- (C&HK). Two o' Prothonotary Warblers fortune followed the refugeesto SunsetL., as zales counties. A nest of the increasingly were found at Palmetto S.P., June I (SH, they were forced to contend with fishermen, scarce BeardlessFlycatcher was found at TH). A Swainson'sWarbler was on territory dogs, and egg-throwing children, and they Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S.P., May 24, at Bastrop S.P., May 25 (SH). Six singing were completelywiped out on the night of Ju- with at least two pairs present(JA). Golden-cheeked Warblers were found on the ly 4 as motorists thronged to a fireworks Travis Audubon Society sanctuary w. of display.Some frustratedskimmers had gone Austin on the early date of Mar. 8; only a to Pelican I., to try again, only to be washed SWALLOWS, CORVIDS--Colonies of weekbefore, a record-breakingcold spell had out by Hurricane Allen (KM). Bank Swallows, presumably of a newly lowered temperaturesto 17øF, with much discoveredMexican race, were located on the damageto vegetation.Despite any detrimen- Rio Grande near Bentsen-RioGrande Valley tal effectsto the environment,this species ap- PIGEONS THROUGH NIGHT- S.P., and in a gravel pit near La Joya, peared to be present in normal numbers. HAWKS--Arvin reported a slight increasein Hidalgo Co. (JA). This is the first reported Adultswere seen carrying food Apr. 18, and breeding numbers of Red-billed Pigeons in nestingin Hidalgo, althoughthe specieshas a pair wasfeeding three newly-fledged young the Rio Grande Delta, with a few pairs re- been recorded, rarely, in adjacent Cameron June I (GL). Four o' and two 9 Am. Red- turning to former nesting areas after an and Starr counties. Fifty Barn Swallow starts were found at Hale Ranch S.P., Fort absenceof severalyears. Three pairs bred at nestingsites, all in road culverts,were census- BendCo., June1 (KB, TE, TG, JGM). These the Anzalduas Unit of Santa Ana N.W.R., ed in late summerin s. Travis County. On Ju- birds appearedto be territorial, and it seems and threepairs at Bentsen-RioGrande Valley ly 27, at least 20 nests were still being in- probable that a nesting population exists S.P. (JA). Yellow-billedCuckoos appeared cubated(GL). At Rockport, Cliff Swallows locallyin the BrazosR. bottomlands(JGM). to be more numerous than usual in the San returned to their old nestingculvert this year, Antonio area (SH). A pair of Elf Owls again desertingthe more recent one; 405 nestswere ORIOLES, FRINGILLIDS--A Black- occupieda well-known nest hole at Bentsen- located (C&HK). At least two Cave Swallow headedOriole was seenat Welder Ref., June Rio Grande Valley S.P., but desertedin late nestswere found in a highway culvert 18 mi s. 13 (GB). A serious decline in Lichtenstein's April after continuedharrassment by birders of Carrizo Springs,Apr. 30, a new record for Oriole numbersis reflectedin the presenceof with powerful spotlightsand tape recorders Dimmit County and a S extension of the no more than two pairs at Bentsen-Rio (JA). Very few pairs of Com. Nighthawks breeding range (DEW et al.). A culvert col- GrandeValley S.P., and no more than 4 nests summered in the Mission area. Although ony of 40 birds found in n.w. LaSalle County located at Santa Ana N.W.R. (JA). The commonalong the immediate coast, this spe- also representeda new county record (GB, Great-tailed Grackle is spreadinginto resi- cies has been absent inland in the Delta in re- PS). Two young cowbirds (sp.?) were being dentialareas of Rockportas a breedingbird cent years (JA). Nesting Lesser Nighthawks fed by a Green Jay at Bentsen-Rio Grande (DNW). Dickcisselspassed up. some usual with 2 eggswere found at Mitchell L., May Valley S.P., July 6 (V & AW); orioles and nestingareas because of unsatisfactoryhabi- 11; one young was airborne on June 15 (SH). Cardinalsare more commonlyvictims of the tat conditions,but were common at Attwater Buff-bellied Hummingbirds persistedat sev- Bronzed Cowbird. Brown Jays have been Prairie Chicken N.W.R. (WAS). As far as is eral localities in Corpus Christi during the seenconsistently this year near San Ygnacio, known, no White-collared Seedeaters re- summer. Immatures were noted but no nests Zapata Co.; presumingnesting, this would be mainedat San Ygnacioto nest.Olive Spar- were found (KM). A pair of Green King- about a 50-mi range extensionNW. row numbershave decreasedconsiderably at

934 American Birds, November 1980 Welder Ref. (GB). JuvenileSeaside Sparrows SERVERS--Kenneth Able, John Arvin, Ron dieton, James G. Morgan, Emilie Payne, were seen at Rockport, July 11 (C&HK). Bisbee,Gene Blacklock,David Blankinship, John Prager, Willie Sekula, Wayne A. Shif- More than the usual number of Lark Spar- Kelly Bryan, Charles Clark, Richard Cud- fiett, Paul Speers, Bruce Thompson, Vernon rows remained to breed on Welder Ref. (GB), worth, Victor Emanuel, Peter English, Ted & Anne Waters, Robert Whistler, John & and an increase in Cassin's Sparrows was Eubanks, Jr., Tony Gallucci, Steve & Diane Barbara White, Doris N. Winship, David E. noted at Rockport (C & HK). Hanselmann, Tyrrell Harvey, Charles & Wolf.--FRED S. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 Hilde Kaigler, Ed Kutac, SteveLabuda, Jr., Sirass Drive, Austin, TX 78731. CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OB- Greg Lasley, Kay McCracken, JamesA. Mid-

Confirmation of two new species from Puerto Rico RadiiA. Perez-Rivera

N THESUMMER OF1977, while under- laris) is included among the migrant bird mm and length of wing (chord) 190.9 taking field studiesat Lake Bairoa La species of Puerto Rico because Gund- mm. 25 (Caguas), I was informed by local lach (Journal ft•Y Ornithologie, 1878: AREMIGRANT WATERFOWL for residentsof a large black hawk that had 191),reported it as observedin the Puerto Rico such as the Black Duck been observed at this locality. On July Tomas Blanco collection. Biaggi (Las (Anas rubripes) and the Hooded 23 l also saw the bird which l identified Aves de Puerto Rico, 1970 p. ! 14) com- Merganser(Lophodytes cucullatus) have as a Black (Crab) Hawk (Buteogallusan- mented that in 1968 some hunters re- been either observed or shot by local thracinus}. This record was considered ported the speciesto him. Nevertheless naturalists and hunters respectivelyin hypotheticalbyV•lez in hischecklist of not a single skin was secured for the the past five years. I am of the opinion vertebrates of Puerto Rico (Science- Museum of Biology of the University of that the overly severewinters in North Ciencia, 1977, 5. ! :30). At the suggestion Puerto Rico. America of the second half of the last of Pedro J. Claudio, I visited a friend of On December 21, 1977 I observed a decade are important factors that may t his (Jose Rivera), who had a mounted group of about five Ring-necked Ducks have caused the extreme southern move- specimenof a strangehawk. This I ex- at Lago Poncefia (Ponce). Since then ment into the Antilles of the above amined and identified as a Black (Crab) some hunters have reported to me hav- speciesof ducks. Hawk. The bird had been shot by a ing observedor shotthis s, pecies in farmer in the springof 1978 a few miles places such as the Boqueron Refuge ACKNOWLEDGMENTS from Lake Bairoa La 25. Mr. Rivera (Cabo Rojo) and the swamps of Anton I thank Jose'Riveraand JaimeGon- kindly presentedthe specimento me and Ruiz River (Humacao). January 30, zalez Azar for donating the bird skins it is now in the collection of the Museum ! 980 Jaime Gonzalez Azar shot a male at mentioned. I am particularly grateful to of Biology of the University of Puerto Humacao Swamps. Gonzalez Azar has Pedro J. Claudio for helping to obtain Rico, labeled R.P.R. 27. This bird may kindly donated the bird. to me and the the skins, and to James Bond, who of- represent a vagrant from Cuba, Trini- skin is now at the Museum of Biology of fered many useful suggestionsfor im- dad-Tobago or South America or may the University of Puerto Rico (R.P.R. proving the manuscript. have been introduced illegally on the 30). This is the first museumspecimen in --Department of Biology, Cayey Uni- island and escapedfrom captivity. Puerto Rico. Measurements were as versity College, Cayey, Puerto Rico The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya col- follows: length of bill from nares-31.5 00633.

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