The Winter Seasons December 1, 1976-February 28, 1977

The Winter Season December 1, 1976-February 28, 1977

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION againpreviously open ground. All in all a harshwinter for birds /Peter D. Vickery and birders. Despite the severe weather an impressivenumber of birds This Winter Season report marks a milestone for the highlightthe Winter Seasonreport. Especiallynoteworthy Northeastern Maritime Region. After some nine years Davis birds includea Ross'Gull and many Ivory Gulls in Newfound- Finch has retired as editor. His careful thought has graced land, an Ivory Gull in Massachusetts,an unprecedented thesepages with concisionand insight.Few peoplehave been alcid flightin southernNew England,a minimumof four Great Gray Owls in the region, no less than eight Gyrfalcons, a Hooded Warbler on a Nova Scotia CBC and a McCown's Longspur in Massachusetts. Unfortunatelythis report is preparedwith only partial refer- C ence to Christmas Bird Count material, essential for the Winter Seasonreport. Deadline pressures(to which I shall strive to adhere) and the changein editors compoundedthis problem. Especiallyin relationto hawks,gulls, alcids and sparrowsbe sureto consultthe 1976Christmas Bird Counts.Despite these varioushandicaps coverage of the regionwas excellentwith all statesand provinces except Prince Edward Island reporting observations.

so familiar with the entire region.From Newburyportto the Tantramarre Marshes to L'Anse-aux-Meadows at the northern tip of Newfoundland,Davis hastraveled, studyingthe ecology and avifauna of each area. It will be some time before anyone else mastersin suchdetail but with suchbroad understanding the region'sbirds, their habits and their movements. It was with some misgivingsthat I acceptedDavis's sug- Peter D. Vickery, new NortheasternMaritime Regional Editor. gestionto edit the NortheasternMaritime Region.To follow Photo/Barbara Vickery. his efforts seemed at best a foolish undertaking. But I did accept and now we--you as contributors and I as editor-- mustwork to establisha new connection.With time I expect LOONS, GREBES, TUBENOSES--Common Loon num- to improvemy knowledgeof the region'sgeography and hope bers appeared considerablylower than usual this winter, to meet manyof you in person.I hope you will be patientwith Perhaps associated with this phenomenon, Red-throated (and alert me to) my mistakes and that you will contribute Loons were scarce along the Maine coast and were thought information and suggestionsso that these blunders and omis- to be in smaller-than-averagenumbers elsewhere in the region. sionsbecome fewer as each seasonpasses. I stronglysolicit The season'sonly Eared Grebe was discoveredoff Cape your observationsand thoughts. Bear with me; Davis is a Sable I., N.S., Jan. 7 (BS,LS, fide PRD). Perhapswithout difficult editor to follow. precedent in the region, was the enormousassemblage of A cold winter followeda colderthan averagefall. Exceptfor 500+ Horned Grebes off Barnstable, Mass., Dec. 12 (RP,fide the phenomenalsparrow and Hermit Thrush numbers,it was B.O.E.M.). Peakingin February, Red-neckedGrebes concen- not surprisingto note fewer semi-hardy birds lingeringin the tratedalong the New Englandcoast in extraordinarynumbers. region. December and January temperaturesremained below The actual total no doubt being several times greater, a freezing for extendedperiods; high winds and frequent snow- minimum of 762 was counted from 11 large flocks off the storms exacerbated the situation. In northern Maine some Massachusetts coast, the largest flocks including l l0 at areasregistered snow depths of six feet or more. How then Cohasset Feb. 27 (RRV) and 80+ off Provincetown Feb. 20 could such extraordinary numbers of sparrows survive? (RRV et al.). At least134 birds of thisspecies, totaled from just February easedtO normal temperatures, with sunnydays and six flocks, were foundin New Hampshire.In Maine a single little precipitation.March producedseveral heavy snowstorms flock of 185Red-necked Grebes seenoff Reid S. P., Sagadahoc along the Massachusettsand Maine coastlinescovering once Co., eclipsed all known concenl•ationsand was almost cer-

304 AmericanBirds, May 1977 tatnlya regionalhigh (PKD). Countsof 100+ birdsoccurred in Canvasbacks from Warren, N.H., Feb. 22, and a single bird the Eastport-Campobelloarea (fide WCT). Rare in winter in in Laconia Feb. 24 were likely early migrants(SG). The species n Newfoundland, a single Red-necked Grebe was shot off being rare in the Marltimes, of note were seven Canvasbacks L'Anse-aux-Meadowsin late December (Job Anderson, bones seen in Cole Harbor, N.S., Dec. 5, a single bird wintenng in confirmed A.M.N.H., fide DWF). the area (EC, fide PRD). The region'sonly reportedBarrow's A Pted-billed Grebe found in Orono, Me., Jan. 14 was Goldeneye concentration included 30+ birds at Dalhousie, apparentlythe latest, northernmostbird in the region (fide N.B., in late November (DSC). Fifteen Barrow's in Nova WCT, PDV). Scotia were more than usual. In the same province small Two N. Fulmars were seen from Nantucket Shoals Dec. 15 numbersare now regularthrough the winter at Pugwash(SIT) & 22 (JML, fide B.O.E.M.). At First Encounter Beach, The regionaltotal of 91 Harlequin Ducks includedthe regular Eastham, Mass., a flight of some 300+ fulmars occurred concentration,peaking at 11, at Magnolia, Mass. (fde RPE) Jan 8 (CAG, BN). Fulmars in the North East Channel num- In Nova Scotia 17 Harlequins occurred on the Port Hebert bered 1200Jan. 24 and off George's Bank some3000 birds were CBC, with eight on the Broad Cove CBC, and eight found at counted Jan. 26 (K. Powers, fide B.O.E.M.). Five fulmars Cherry Hill Feb. 27 (PRH, ELM, fide PRD). Poor weather off EasthamFeb. 11 (CAG, BN) and a singlebird off Cox's conditionsprevented the censusof the region's highestcon- Ledge, R.I., Feb. 19 were the only other birds reportedfrom centrationof Harlequins aroundIsle au Haut, Me. A low figure the New England coast. Late lingeringCory's Shearwaters of only 22 King Eiderswas reportedfrom New Englandduring off Cape Cod included six at BarnstableDec. 5 (WRP, fide the winter season.A singleRuddy Duck in Louisbourg, N S , B O E M.) and a single bird from the same location Dec. 16 Dec. 11 was noteworthyfor the Marltimes (DP, fide PRD) (R Pease,fide B.O.E.M.). A singleGreater Shearwaterwas HAWKS, EAGLES--CBC information being only ran- seenoff George'sBank Feb. 8 (M.B.O. staff,fide B.O.E.M.). domly available, no accurate, comparativefigures of winter GANNETS, CORMORANTS, HERONS--Of special note hawk populationscan be tabulated.Goshawks, Rough-legged wasa stnglemisdirected Gannet, some 2 mi. inlandnear Boston Hawks and Merlins were widely reported and appeared Dec 28 (D. Horn,fide B.O.E.M.). Thought to be a first record presentin at leastaverage numbers. Troubling to this observer for the Connecticut River Valley, a Great Cormorant was is the persistentlyhigh number of wintering Cooper's Hawks observed at Sunderland, Mass., Jan. 9 (AR, fide SK). Late reported, a minimum of eight or nine from Massachusetts,at Double-crestedCormorants, possibly wintering birds, oc- least five from New Hampshire, "many at feeders" in s curred as far n. as New Hampshire, one found at Webster Maine, and three from Rhode Island. Aside from an lmm Jan 20 and two in ConcordJan. 22 (DJH,fide HWP). Clearly a Coopefts at Eastham and an ad. male at Louisbourg, N S , result of the cold weather, fewer herons remained in the region. none of the birds were aged or describedand most should be Espectally unusual was the Green Heron at East Orleans, viewed with somedegree of suspicion.Full detailsaccompany- Mass , Dec. 19 (CAG, DJH, WWH). ing winter Cooper's sightingswould be gratefully appreciated WATERFOWL--The cold fall and winter did not appear to There is no doubt the deep snowsand generally harsh winter have a dramatic effect on the CBC totals available for study. conditions brought greater Accipiter numbers to feeding But the unremittingsubfreezing weather in Januaryclosed any stations--but whether so many of these birds are Cooper's freshwaterareas that remainedopen and coveredmany salt- remainsopen to question. water tnletsand bays. Not surprisinglythe waterfowlpopula- Twenty-two Red-tailedHawks on the Wolfville CBC was a tton decreasedsignificantly. remarkableconcentration for the area (RDL). The only Golden Twenty WhistlingSwans in Plymouth,N.H., Feb. 9-10 Eagle in the region was a bird shot on Cape Breton, N S wereunusually early migrants farther n. thanusual (v.o.,fide (fide RDL). In Maine a Bald Eagle survey conductedby the SG) Especiallynoteworthy was a "Richardson's"Canada University of Maine tallied some 150 eagleswintering in the Goose dtscoveredin Orleans, Mass., Jan. 26 through February state with at least 29 (24 adults, 5 immatures)on the Penob- (M Holland,WRPetal.).DistributedwidelyfromNovaScotia scot R. Bob Lamberton estimated82 (53 adult, 28 immature, 1 and New Brunswick to Massachusetts and Rhode Island, unspecified)wintering in Nova Scotia. Elsewherein the region Brant wintered in larger-than-averagenumbers along the up to seven birds, including three immatures, wintered in coast Largeconcentrations included an impressive7487 (not Essex, Conn. (fide PJD) and a maximum of only five eaglesat necessarilyall winteringbirds) on the Cape Cod CBC, 320 at Quabbin,Mass. wasfewer than in previouswinters. Wintering Squantum,Mass., Jan. I and 700 there Feb. 26-27 (fide Ospreyreports quite rightly draw suspiciousattention. A bird B O E M.), 1000 in Boune, Mass., Feb. 12 (fide B.O.E.M.) identified as an Osprey at St. John, N.B., Jan. 25, seen in a and 82 tn Narragansett,R.I., Jan. 24 (fide CW). Farther n. rainstorm, appears questionable. A legitimate, early Osprey 150+ Brant were seenoff Portland, Me., in late December(fide appearedat Old Saybrook, Conn., mid-February (v.o , fide WG0, while David Christiereported "small numbers"from PJD). New Brunswickand, in Nova Scotia, 13 Brant were found on Perhaps the severe winter had an impact on Gyrfalcons the Wolfville CBC. Two Snow Geese in Saco, Me., Feb. 12- becauseno less than eight birds were reported. A white-phase 13 were apparentlyrecord early arrivals for that state (Les bird appeared at Salisbury Beach Dec. 15 and was seen Eastman,fide WGi). In Concord,N.H., a "Blue" Goosefound periodicallythrough February (Dr. Bryant et mult. al , fide Jan 16 remained in the area for a month (HE, fide HWP). RRV). Elsewhere,a dark-phasebird was observedat Orleans The regton'sonly "Common" Teal was locatedin Matunuck, BeachDec. 19 (CG), a singleGyrfalcon was seenin Nackawlc, R I , Feb. 25-27 (JC, DW,fide CW). In New Englanda total N.B., in late December (fide DSC), and a white Gyr was seen of etghtEur. Wigeonwere presentduring the winter with six in Rye, N.H., Feb. 5 (RB,fide HWP). Rare in Connecticut, m Massachusetts and two in Rhode Island. In Nova Scotia a a white-phase Gyrfalcon frequented New Haven harbor Jan singleEur. Wigeonwas found in LouisbourgDec. 9-12 (RTB). 30-Feb. 11 (m.ob.). A single Gyrfalcon at Crescent Beach, Rare for the Maritimes, a singleRedhead was seenat Argyle N.S., Feb. 18 was the only bird reported from that province Sound, N.S., Feb. 22 (CRKA, fide PRD). For the second (CJC, LAC, fide PRD). Finally, only two Gyrfalcons were consecutiveyear Canvasbackswintered along the Connecticut observednear L'Anse-aux-Meadows,Newfoundland (BMact) R nearAgawam, Mass., a maximumof 33 countedin Febrnary Consideringthe area's abundant Willow Ptarmigan numbers (SK) Especiallyunusual for Mainewere the threedrakes that this figure appeared inexplicably low. Well north of the wintered on the Sheepscot R near Wlscasset (BT) Three blrd's normal range, an ad Peregrine Falcon was seen at

Volume 31, Number 3 305 point blank range in Orono, Me., Jan. 4 & 13 (ED), the Dunfin at Seabrook, N.H., Feb. 5 (RB,fide HWP) and the "moustache" being clearly visible. Reliable winter sightings single Red Phalaropeat Eastham Dec. 19 (WB et al., fide of Peregrinesin Maine are very rare and perhaps without B.O.E.M.). precedent.Some 30 mi. n. of Orono a secondad. Peregrine SKUAS, GULLS--Two skuas, thought to be Great Skuas, (perhaps the same bird) was seen along the PenobscotR., were seen off the South Nantucket Shoals Jan. 30 (fide RPE). Feb. 18, feeding,apparently, on a flock of Corn. Goldeneyes A new CBC record of 290 Glaucous Gulls was reported from (PDV). An early Peregrinewas observedat Port Williams. the St. Anthony CBC Dec. 31. Elsewherewhite-winged gulls N.S., Feb. 26 (GB,fide RDL). appearedin goodnumbers with a high of 90 Iceland Gulls in GALLIFORMES, CRANES, RAILS--The severe ice the Salisbury--Plum I. area Feb. 19and 75 at Cape Ann (fide storm that paralyzeds. Maine and parts of Massachusettsin RPE}. [n Lincoln, Me., a Glaucousx Herring Gull hybrid Januaryapparently had a very seriousimpact on the Ruffed was identifiedand photographedJan. 8 (PDV). Noted features Grousepopulation. Frank Gramlich, U.S.F. & W.S. estimated were the bird's large size (equal to Glaucous), conspicuously a possible 80% mortality linked direcfiy to ice conditions long bill, light mantle, pale blue irides and dark, but not (fide PAC). The samefactors were probablyresponsible for the black, primaries.The bird also showed a poorly definedtail low numbers of Ruffed Grouse seen in Massachusetts band.A secondgull, well describedand thought to have beena (B.O.E.M.). Willow Ptarmiganwere unusuallycommon along Glaucous x Herring hybrid, was closely observedat Revere, the n. peninsulaof Newfoundland,flocks up to 25 beingfre- Mass., Feb. 19 (SZ). The Lesser Black-backed Gull of quently seen(BMact). Indicative of ptarmiganabundance, the Digby, N.S. wintered for it's eighth consecutive year at it's St. AnthonyCBC recordedan unprecedented26, andthe Gros favorite sewer outlet. A second Lesser Black-backed Gull was Morne CBC 15. New to the CBCs in the region and e. North found in Orleans Feb. 25 (fide RPE). There was some con- America, five RockPtarmigans were found on the Gros Morne fusionabout a possibleThayer's Gull at EasternPt., Glouces- CBC Dec. 29 (PRH et al.). Chukarsare apparentlydoing well ter. The bird, described as being "slightly smaller and with in the Greenwich, Conn. area, 26 being found on the CBC a smaller bill than Herring Gull--a manfie exactly the same there. Further investigationby John Southerrevealed at least color (as Herring)--wingtips strongly patterned gray and six broods, some with as many as 16 chicks, successfully white (NC)," was first identified as Thayer's on the hasis of reared last summer. Althoughthe reasonfor their spontaneous brown specklediris and mantle color, but was later correctly appearancein 1975remains unknown, it is clear that Chukars identified as a dark Kumlien's Gull. Note that Kumlien's can benefitfrom the winter feedingprovided by local residents.A sometimesshow black wingtips and brown speckledirides. single Chukar, origin unknown, was seen on the State House Thayer's showsa perceptiblydarker manfie (see Gosselin,M. stepson the Boston CBC. and David, N. 1975. Am. Birds 29:1059-1066). Black-headed In Nova Scotia, the Gray Partridgepopulation seemed in Gulls were reported from at least seven Massachusettsloca- good conditionwith some 100+ individualsfound in the Grand tions with a high count of i i at their traditional location Pr•-Canningarea. A previouslyunrecorded population of 30+ at Watchemoket Cove, R.I., Mar. 19 (RAC, VL). A late birds was located near Great Village, N.S. (FH, FS, fide Laughing Gull was seen in Chatham, Mass., Dec. 19 (VL, RDL). The seasoh's four Sandhill Cranes occurred in Con- fide B.O.E.M.). Little Gulls were reported from Cox's Ledge, cord, N.H., Dec. 12 (KD. fide HWP), at Northampton, R.I., and Gloucester, Newburyport, Nantucket and Long Conn., Dec. 19 (Ed Morrier,fide SK), on the Halifax (east) [., Mass. CBC, and a subadult was found in Bridgewater, Mass., Jan. 20-22 (fide B.O.E.M.). Quite possibly the New Hampshire and Massachusetts cranes are the same individual as the Saco, Me., bird reported in the Autumn Season. Picturesof any of thesebirds that could confirmor refute this possibilitywould be appreciated.Constituting only the secondCanadian CBC record, a Clapper Rail was found on the Broad Cove, N.S. CBC, first found at the samelocality on last year's CBC (RDL). Six Virginia Rails on the Halifax (east)CBC was an unusually high total for the Maritimes. A single Corn. Gallinule on Nantucket Feb. 18-21 was notably early (EFA•. Two Am. Coots at Laconia, N.H., Jan. 12 were apparentwinterers, a single bird being seen there Feb. 27 (SG,fide HWP). A single coot at Sebago, Me., in mid-February was one of oaly a very few February recordsfor that state (RA). SHOREBIRDS--Late-lingering shorebirdsincluded single SemipalmatedHovers at LouisbourgDec. 9 (RTB), Halifax (east) CBC Dec. 18, and NarragansettDec. 24 (DLK, ST, fide CW). Two GreaterYellowlegs were seenon the Nauset Ross' Gull (winterplumaged ad.), first easternNorth Ameri- CBC and extraordinarily late were two LesserYellowlegs at can specimen.Fogo L, Nfid., Dec. 18, 1976. Photo/PeterD. Eastham, Mass., Dec. 25-31 (D. McNair, fide B.O.E.M.). Vickery. A Least Sandpiperwas apparentlycritically identified on the Port Hebert CBC Dec. 26. A singleWhite-rumped Sandpiper The season'sonly Ivory Gull in New Englandwas an im- occurred at Nauset Dec. 4 (CG, BN). Extremely late was an mature found by L. Crowfoot et al. at Rockport, Mass., Dec. Ereunetes sandpiper on the Eastham CBC Dec. 19 and a 10-Jan. 10. Ten Ivory Gulls on the L'Anse-aux-Meadows. reputedSemipalmated Sandpiper in Chatham, Mass., Jan. 30 Nfld., CBC is most certainly a count high for the species.At seemed nearly inconceivable (fide RPE). Impressively high that same location Bruce Mctavish reported 60 Ivory Gulls Sanderlingcounts totaled 1153 on the Cape Cod CBC and 575 Jan. 20. That night the barometerdropped to 27.76 (a New- on the Revere CBC. On Cape Breton three Sanderlingsat foundlandlow), 20 in. of snow fell and NE winds gustedto 76 LouisbourgJan. 16-20 were apparentlywintering birds and as mph. The following day Bruce counted 153 Ivory Gulls and suchwere quite extraordinary (RTB). Noteworthywere the 45 estimated 350-400 (ratio: 2 adult to I immature) in the area.

306 American Birds, May 1977 From Black Tickle, Labr., 200+ "ice partridge" were reported man) times that figure. These totals bring to mind the 1974 during the same period, no doubt a result of the same Brier I. CBC when 20,000+ gale-swept Thick-billeds were massiveweather system (GJJ). On Feb. 7 some133 Ivory Gulls seen flying from the Bay of Fundy (Am. Birds 28:613). High passedL'Anse-anx-Meadows heading into a 50 mphNE wind. counts off the Massachusetts coast included 450+ Thick-bil- These figuresrepresent a regionalhigh for Am. Birds, and leds off Rockporl Dec. 16, 2300 off Rockport Dec. 17, 3000+ accordingto local residentsthis was the largestnumber seen off Eastham Dec. 18. 1560 on the Cape Cod CBC Dec. 19, in more than 20 years. 1500 from Eastham Jan_8 and finally 4000+ off Provincetown Jan. 16. In Connecticut, a single Thick-billed Murre easily studiedat Niantic Dec. 24 would in any other winter be a very SoAo rare oCCurrence.But this winter it was not surprisingto learn Undoubtedly the rarest gull of the season is the of a Thick-billed picked up on the Connecticut Turnpike near winter-plumaged,adult Ross'Gull shot by local gun- Darien Dec. 31 (fide TB)! ners off Fogo I., Nfid., Dec. 18 (JEM). This repre- There is little doubt thai the four major AIcid flights were sents the second regional occurrence and only the weather-related.A large NE storm struck the s. New England second North American record of this speciesout of coast Dec. 17 and the Jan. 8 peak resulted from 60+ mph NE Arctic waters. It is the first specimen for e. North winds. The Jan. 16 and Feb. 12 peaks were registeredin brisk America (spec. to N.M.C.), the bird being in a healthy N or NE winds. It should be noted that during these flights condition (manducatus: DWF. JEM. BMact, JP. SIT, both species were usually observed together. But what is PDV). It is especiallyinteresting to notethis Ross'Gull equally clear is the fact that the very large number of Razor- havingappeared within just two yearsof the renowned bills and Thick-billed Murres wintering along the Cape were Newburyport gull. Might we reasonablyexpect others not simplystorm-driven birds. Apparentlytheir presencewa.s in the near future? Equally significant,the bird's pres- associatedwith the large squid population that had attracted ence off the coast of Newfoundland lends added sup- so many shearwatersand jaegers in the fall. Blair Nikula noted port to the belief that the Newburyport gull was a that quite possibly another food item, as yet undetermined, northern European stray and not a transcontinental was partially responsible for attracting and sustaining the wanderer. largeAlcid population.Without suchan abundantfood supply the weather-related flights undoubtedly would not have lingered. By contrastfew Corn. Murres were notedfrom coastalareas. The Argo Merchant oil spill apparentlyhad a devastatingef- fect on Corn. Murres offshore, large numbersbeing washedup "hopelessly oiled on the outer cape and island beaches" (RRV). Few Thick-billeds were reported oiled. Veit pointed out that this disparity indicated the exclusively coastal distribution of the Thick-billed Murres. Of special note was the single, oiled Corn. Murre rescued in Narragansett, R.I., Jan. 9 (RAC, DLK, D. Rusillo,fide CW). Comparedwith recent years Dovekiesappeared in good numbers. Although on the Cape they were termed "practically non-existent"(BN), with only a few scatteredbirds present, in Rhode Island 23 were countedoff Pt. Judith Dec. 23 (ST, fide CW). Farther n., there were 19 on the Portland and 57 on the Eastport CBCs and a combinedtotal of 95 on the Halifax CBCs. Hundredswere reportedflying through the Grand and Petite Passages,N.S.. Dec. 22, severe weather Davis Finch (foreground)and Stu TingIcy consumingmorsels conditionsprecluding a more aCCurateestimate (EM). Black of Ross' Gull with appropriate solemnities, Dec. 28, 1976. Guillemotsunusually far s. included a single bird off Cox's Photo/Peter D. Vickery. Ledge Feb. 26 and Mar. 12 (CW et al.), while ten guillemots wintered near Provincetown(BN). Eight Puffins were seen at Eastham Jan. 8 (CG, BN). ALClDS--Beginning in late December the Massachusetts coast experiencedan unprecedentedAlcid flight. Razorbills OWLS, WOODPECKERS--Barn Owls were well repre- and Thick-billed Murres occurred by the thousands.The sented in the region, predictably in Connecticut, Rhode numberof Razorbillscounted is figuredroughly at 2800 birds, Island and Massachusetts. At least five Barn Owls were lo- the actual number probably several times that figure. The cated in Connecticutwith two each in Bridgeportand Darien major movement was first noted Dec. 16 when 185+ Razor- and a singlebird in Lordship.Rhode Island totaledsix owls, bills were counted at Rockport (RRV et al.). Other major includingfour on the Block I. CBC and two wintering in counts included 400+ at Eastham Jan. 8 (CAG, BN), 500+ Middletown. The three Massachusetts Barn Owls came from passedOrleans Jan. 15 (WRP), 800+ flying past Provincetown the QuincyCBC, the Milton CBC and from BostonDec. 12 Jan. 16 (RRV) and 500+ noted from North Beach on the same (BM,fide B.O.E.M.). Fromall accountsthe SnowyOwl flight day (WRP). Finally, 250+ were seen at North Beach Feb. 12 this winter was one of the poorest in recent years. The New (WRP). Apparently associatedwith the weather conditions England total was a slim 28-30 birds with no more than that produced the large flight in December were the large eightSnowies in Massachusetts,perhaps four in New Hamp- Razorbill countsfrom points along the Bay of Fundy in Nova shire,seven or eightin Maine and two or three in Connecticut. Scotia. The Brier I. CBC recorded 368 Razorbills Dec. 20 and Surprisingly,no Snowy Owls were reportedfrom the Nova the Kingston CBC counted 34, Dec. 19. Scotia--New Brunswick border area, Stu Tingley noting the Incredibly, Thick-billedMurres registeredeven largernum- completeabsence of theseowls as beinga real surprise.The bers. A rough figure, to be considered a strict minimum, region'sonly Hawk Owlsoccurred in Maine, one presentnear totaled 13,990 Thick-billeds. No doubt, the actual total was Ashland Dec. 28-Mar. 26 (R. Coffin et al.), the second, ap-

Volume 31, Number 3 307 parentlymigrating N, wasfound in Brewerfor oneday only theonly one seen in Januaryoccurred in BridgewaterJan. 10 Mar. 25 (MLu). 02deRPE). The only other phoebe was seen at Sharon,Conn., Jan.26 (AG). An earlymigrant was found in Bantam,Conn., SoAo Feb. 19 02deAG). In Massachusetts,Gray Jayss. of their breedingrange included two in LittletonJan. 19, one in By- A smallflight of Great Gray Owls. includingfour field Dec. 23-24 and a singlebird at W. QuabbinDec. 16. positively identifiedindividuals, and at least two un- The northernmostTufted Titmouse in the regionwintered in substantiatedpossibilities, was noted. All were seen New Castle, Me. 02de BC). The 502 Tufted Titmice on the betweenearly December and late January. Of thethree Concord,Massachusetts CBC. wascertainly an impressive in Maine,the earliest, farthest north, was present three number.Equally impressive was the single House Wren identi- weeksto late December near Ashland (R. Coffinet al.), fiedon the BostonCBC, being the onlybird of thisspecies the second in a wooded area near Orono in late De- recorded for the period. Only two Carolina Wrens were cember(fide RO), the last along the coastat Bass reportedn. of Massachusetts,both occurred in Bangor,Me. HarborJan. 19-23 (S. Griefsonet al., ph.).A single One frequenteda feederDec. 3-Feb. 7, representingone of GreatGray Owl appeared in Andover,Mass., Jan. 5-6 a very few winter recordsfor c. Maine (BC et al.). The (EC, WD, JK et al., photographed).Unless openly secondbird, thought to be a different individual, was identi- visiblein a field,these handsome birds are generally fied on the Bangor CBC. difficult to locate. It might be noted that this is not THRUSHES, WAXWlNGS--A singleVaried Thrushwas usuallya diurnalowl, thebird frequenting open areas found in Warren, Me., Jan. I-Feb. 14 (JKi), while a male and huntingduring the day onlywhen "food stressed" of this speciesremained at Pound Ridge, Conn., Jan. 16 (pers. comm.Michael Collins, Univ. of Manitoba). throughthe period(MBM et mult. al.). In Nova Scotiatwo, GrayOwls, apparently having disappeared, may often and possibly three Varied Thrushes were discovered at be locatedin adjacentwood lots. Perhaps if onetried feeders.A malepresent Jan. 12-Feb. 19 was photographed locatingthese owls by lookingin woodedsections, at SouthMaitland, Hants Co., for a firstconfirmed provincial employinga tape recorderat night,the likelihoodof record(EM et al.,fide PRD). A secondmale was presentat findingthem would increase. The Ashland owl, present NorthRange Feb. 5 throughthe period(LD et al.,fide PRD). threeweeks, was only occasionally visible in anopen A third bird, unconfirmed,was reputedly seen in Halifax. Re- field, for the mostpart remainingwell secludedin a wood. markable,considering the cold fall were the numberof Hermit Thrusheslingering in the region. Comparedto last year'sflight the BohemianWaxwing in- cursionwas smallerand, exceptfor a handfulof birds,was limited to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Maine. In New Brunswick, David Christie mentioned "moderate numbers." with flocksup to 50 birds,occurring in eightor nine locations, mostlyin January.At leastseven small flocks occurred in Maine, the largestnumbering 13 birdsin PortlandFeb. 12 (PMcG,fide WGi) and 15 at their traditional location in Oak- land Feb. I (PDV). In Nova Scotia,scattered numbers, the largestbeing 21 birds at Pictou Dec. 8, were found at seven differentlocations 02de PRD). Farther southtwo Bohemian Waxwings were seen on the Concord, MassachusettsCBC. with singlebirds at Williamburgand Leverett02de SK). A solitaryindividual was found on Nantucketin mid-February. This latterbird was observed "drinking from a puddlein the roadand a few secondslater washit by a passingtruck. This is the firstdefinite record for theisland" (EFA). If stillidenti- fiable!A singleimm. CedarWaxwing was seenfar n. of its usualwinter rangein Pembroke,Maine in the secondweek of January (SBa). Great Gray Owl, Bass Harbor, Me., Jan. 23. 1977. Photo/ Stanley O. Grierson. LATE WARBLERS--Latewarblers included a Blackpoll in Lockeport,N.S., Dec.3 (EF,fidePRD), single Ovenbirds A roostof 12Long-eared Owls was found in Darien,Conn., on the Worcesterand Cape Cod CBCs, two Corn. Yellow- Jan. 22 (FWM et al.); six birds were located in New Haven throatsat Agawam,Mass., Dec. 18 (SK), four on the Cape 02de FWM). Short-eared Owls were considered well below CodCBC and a singlebird on Block I., Dec.19 (SRD). Only normalthroughout the s. part of the region.Despite the cold eightYellow-breasted Chats were reported in the region. weatherthree Corn. Flickers wintered successfully in Maine, Certainlythe mostextraordinary CBC bird was the Hooded two on Mount Desert[. (v.o.,fide WCT), one bird observed Warbleron the Halifax(wes0 CBC Dec. 27 (BenDoane et periodicallyin Gatdiner(FB, fide PAC). At least ten Red- MO. This constitutesthe first CanadianCBC recordand most bellled Woodpeckers occurred from Massachusettsnorth. certainlythe first regionalCBC occurrence.A d Wilson's Eight were locatedin Massachusettsand two frequented Warblerwas easilyidentified in Green Hills, R.I., Dec. 2 feedersin Maine (seeAutumn Season), the northernmostin (DW , fide CW). Winterportuntil Dec. 6 (PDV). Onlynine Red-headed Wood- ICTERIDS, FRINGILLIDS--The only Yellow-headed peckerswere reported in the region.Well southof the bird's Blackbirdswere two birdsfrom Maine (21 in regionin Fall usualrange, a N. Three-toedWoodpecker was seenon the Season).One was seen count period on Vinalhaven I., andthe Greenfield, Mass. CBC. secondbird was shot in ReadfieldJan. 24 02dePAC). Three FLYCATCHERSTHROUGH WRENS--At leasteight E. "Bullock's"Orioles occurred, a male in West Hartford, Phoebes were found in Massachusettsin late December but Conn.,Dec. 25-Feb. 6 (FWM et mult.al., ph.La singlebird

308 AmeiicanBirds, May 1977 was seenin Portsmouth,N.H., Dec. 2 (fide HWP), and in New Brunswick a d "Bullock's" Oriole was recognizably photo- Certainly The bird of the seasonwas the McCown's graphedin Martinon Nov. 20-2t, providinga first confirmed Longspurdiscovered by Wayne Petersonnear Bridge- provincialrecord for this subspecies(C J, ES, fide DSC). In water, Mass., Jan. 9. Found amonga flock of some 50 Nova Scotia, two Brewer's Blackbirds, one identifiably Lapland Longspurs,studied, photographed,admired photographed,provided the first confirmedrecord for that by many and finally banded, the bird remained in the provinceand only the seconddocumented sighting for the re- area until Feb. 3. The mostconspicuous feature noted gion, the first havingbeen photographed in Truro, Mass.this was the bird's small size and the short tail with pastfall. The first Nova Scotiabird wasdiscovered in Locke- white outer edges, giving the tail the appearanceof port Jan. 3-23 by GeorgePerry, ph. confirmedby Eric Mills the "characteristicinverted black T" (WRP). This is and Ian McLaren (fide PRD). A secondBrewer's Blackbird, thought to be the first modern record e. of Illinois and a male, was seenin EconomyFeb. 13(F. Spalding,fidePRD). is most certainly the first confirmedregional record Cardinals continue to do well in New Brunswick and Nova There is a previous record of a McCown's Longspur Scotia and appear to be stronglyexpanding their numbers purchasedin the Boston Market in t877, but there in s and c. Maine. A late • Rose-breasted Grosbeak was are legitimatedoubts that the specimencould possibly discovered in Hudson, Mass., Dec. t9; the bird apparently have come from anywhere in New England (WRP) succumbingto the cold weather, was found dead Jan. 4 (SF, About this McCown's Longspur, let it be said, there fide B O.E.M.). A d Black-headedGrosbeak was seenfor one is no doubt. Fascinating,though not really surprising, day by one personin Windsor, Conn., Jan. 22 and could not is the frequent discovery of such rarities in areas that be relocated(fide PJD). The season'stotal of 13 Dickcissels, offer an unusually large food supply. In the same field excludingCBC information,was unusuallylow. One Green- were large numbers of crows, Mourning Doves, Horned tinled Towhee occurred this winter on the Wenham, Massa- Larks, meadowlarks,juncos, Tree Sparrows,Lapland chusetts CBC. Longspursand later, a Sandhill Crane. WINTER FINCHES--Aside from the very large number of Purple Finches and the good population of Am. Gold- finchespresent the winter flight was not impressivefor the s part of New England. In Newfoundland, in late December SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldfaceitalic), Contributors and early January,Pine Grosbeaks, Com. Redpollsand White- (boldface), Observers and other abbreviations--Dennis J winged Crossbills(not a singleRed Crossbill) were abundant, Abbott III, Paul Adamus, CharlesR. K. Allen, Job Anderson, the St Anthony CBC recordingnew count highsfor all three Richard Anderson, Edith F. Andrews, Wallace Bailey, Sld species. No doubt these birds respondedto the enormous Bahrt (SBa), Fern Bennett, Doris Bova, George Boyd, R cone, seedand Mountain Ash berry crop that existed on the n. Bradley, Dr. Bryant, Tom Burke, Roger T. Burrows, Bart peninsula.Near L'Anse-aux-Meadows,Bruce Mactavish re- Cadbury, David S. Christie, Nancy Clayton, Bayard Cobb, ported millionsof redpolls,the skiessometimes darkened by Rosemary Coffin, Chris J. Cohrs, Lise A. Cohrs, Thomas the numbers. Nova Scotia reported more Pine Grosbeaks Collins, Robert A. Conway, Eric Cooke, Rena Cote, Peter A (ca 300) than usual, few redpolls and fair numbersof both Cross,Florence Cyr, Louise Daley, Edward Danforth, Andrew speciesof crossbill(fide PRD). New Brunswick recordedvery Dasinger, Bruce Dasinger, Steven Dasinger, Paul J. Des- few redpollsand manywhite-winged Crossbills in the Tobique jardins, Ben Doane, Fred W. Dobson, PhyllisR. Dobson,Paul Valley (fide DSC). In n. Maine, Pine Grosbeaks, White- K. Donahue, Susan R. Drennan, William Drummond, K wingedCrossbills and Pine Siskinsoccurred in goodnumbers Dyment, Kimball C. Elkins, William S. Emerson, Ruth P (PDV) and in New Hampshire some 20 Red Crossbillswere Emery,H. Everett, Norman Famous,Richard L. Ferren, Davis seen in Plymouth Dec. 1-16 (fide HWP). W. Finch, Emerson Fiske, Sharon Ford, Richard A. Forster, Sylvia J. Fullerton, Arthur Gingert, William Ginn (WG0, SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, BUNTINGS--The fall and Susan A. Gonzales, Carl A. Goodrich III, Celia Gorman, early winter were remarkable for the number and variety of Frank Gramlich, Stan Grierson, D. J. Harrer, Michael Har- sparrows that lingered in the region. From St. Anthony, wood, Vera H. Hebert, Bartlett Hendricks, Frank Hennessey, Nfld, south, extraordinary numbers of white-throated W. W. Herrington, M. Holland, Peter R. Hope, Gordon J. Sparrowswere noted. Consideringthe weather, such large Johnson,Cecil Johnston,J. Kellogg,Seth Kellogg, John Kinney numbers were somethingof a surprise. Evidently the suc- (JKi), Douglas L. Kraus, RobertD. Lamberton, Vernon Laux, cessful 1976 breeding season and the abundant, generally JamesM. Loughlin, Michael Lucey (MLu), BruceMactavlsh, snow-freefood supplywere more importantfactors than the Frank W. Mantlik, John E. Maunder, Pat McGowan, Ian cold By late Januarythe extendedsub-freezing temperatures McLaren, Melvin H. McNeil[ Eric L. Mills, Edward Morner, and the snow cover combinedto reduce the sparrowpopula- B. Morrissey, Mary Beth Murphy, Blair Nikula, Robert L tion to normal levels. Norton, Ray Owens, Helen W. Parker, Douglas Pearl, Robert An "Ipswich" Sparrow,some 4V2 mi. from the coast,near Pease, George D. Perry, Wayne R. Peterson,Elizabeth W Middle Porter's Lake, N.S., Jan. 9 was noteworthy as a winter Phinney, John Piatt, K. Powers, Noble S. Proctor, Alan bird, but the real surprisewas the bird's inland location Richards, Chandler Robbins Jr., Sally Rooney,Nellie Ross, (IMcL, fide PRD). Only two GrasshopperSparrows were Frank J. Sandford, G. Savoy, Beverly Smith, Evan Smith, seen m January, the first at N. Wellfleet, Mass., Jan. 2 & 5 Locke Smith, JohnSouther, Francis Spalding, Robert Squires, (D McNair, fide B.O.E.M.) and the second,even more un- SusanStappets, Robert H. Stymeist, Bob Thomson, Stuart I. usual, at Southport,Me., Dec. 18-Jan. 9 (BT). Ten Seaside Tingley, CharlesTodd, William C. Townsend,Scott Tsagarakis, Sparrowson the Nauset CBC was an especiallyhigh total. Richard R. Veit, Peter D. Vickery, Dallas Wait, Charles Two "Oregon" Juncosvisited feeding stations in Rhode Island Wood, Soheil Zendah, JosephZeranski, A.M.N.H., American and a singlejunco of this subspeciesfrequented a feeder in Museum of Natural History, B.O.E.M., Bird Observer of Nova Scotia. Also in Nova Scotiaa singleField Sparrowwas Eastern Massachusetts,M.B.O., Mahomet Bird Observatory, noted in Petite Riviere Dec. 31 (FWD et al.,fide PRD). An N.M.C., National Museum of Canada, v.o., various ob- unusuallyhigh numberof White-crownedSparrows wintered servers, ph., photographed--PETER D. VICKERY, Box 14, m Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Lincoln Center, Maine 04458.

Volume 31, Number 3 309 QUl•BECREGION sometimeswinters in s. Qu6bec(as at St-Hyacinthein 1974-75) /Normand David and Michel Gosselin Spruce Grouse are common residents in Laurentides Park but are almost never reported in winter, so six seenthere Dec 30 December and January were rather cold; snowfalls were (MG) are noteworthy. A wounded Ruddy Turnstone was found below average in southwesternareas but very high in the at Rigaud Dec. 1 (GH), providingthe latestrecord in the Prov- eastern parts of the Province. These were not extreme condi- ince. Three Corn. Snipe were found near an unfrozen creek at tions and certainly cannot alone explain the generally low CharlesbourgFeb. 12-27 (PL et al.). Thesebirds reportedly numbersof winter visitors,but they were severeenough to pre- spentthe winter there, as they probably did in 1964 when they vent wintering attempts of many half-hardy birds. February werealso noted at QuebecCity in February. was warmer than average but did not trigger any early waterfowl movement. GULLS THROUGH OWLS -- A large influx of gulls was noted at C&e Ste-CatherineDec. 11-16; although most had left by Dec. 18. The Montr6al CBC recordedits highestfigures ever on that day: 69 Glaucous, 64 Iceland, 691 Great Black-backed, 4509 Herring and two Thayer's Gulls. The Beauharnois'Lesser Black-backedGull waslast seenDec. 18 (CL) and Black-legged Kittiwake Dec. 4 (BB). First suspectedDec. 11 (YC), the presenceof an Ivory Gull at C•te Ste-Catherine was confirmed Dec. 16 (BB,MM); three birds were presentFeb. 7 (YC), and one last seenFeb. 12 (BB, m.ob.). Since eight out of the 20 Mourning Doves ever reportedfrom s.w. Quebecin January and Februarywere in 1977,the recentincrease of corn acreage (as already noted for Ontario in AB 30:713) is certainly partly responsible,many of the birds being observedat corn cribs Snowy Owls were scarce but all three "northern owls" were noted in s. Qu6bec:two Hawk Owls were in the Hull area this season(fide RMP), and one in LaurentidesPark Dec. 12 (PL), a Great Gray Owl was at St-AugustinJan. 4 (FHa), and Boreal Owls were at Latertigre Nov. 25 - Dec. 12 (NB), L6vis Dec 12 GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- A Red-necked (JFR), SherbrookeDec. 23 (PB), OrsainvilleDec. 31 (fide DL) Grebe caught alive at Ste-Anne de Beaupr6Feb. 2, and brought and St-Josephde la Rive Jan. 6 (fide HM). to the Qu6becZoological Garden (fide DL) was only a second February occurrencein the Province, the previousbird also sent WOODPECKERS THROUGH WRENS -- A Corn. Flicker to the ZoologicalGarden, from L. St-Jean,Feb,. 16, 1948.A at Melocheville, Feb. 12 (BB), was not totally unexpected lingering Great Blue Heron was found at Bromont Dec. 5 (fide Good numbers of N. Three-toed Woodpeckers contrasted with JL), two Redheadsat Lachine, Feb. 15 (MM) were probably the virtual absenceof Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckers very early migrants,but the only previoussuccessful wintering An E. Phoebe intermittently visited a Candiac feeder, near was also from L. St-Louis. New for the Montr6al CBC was a Montreal, Dec. 24 - Jan. 7 (fide MA); to our knowledgeit was a Rmg-neckedDuck at Laval, Dec. 18 (ND); another at St- first provincial winter occurrence.The populations of Blue Hyacmthe, Jan. 3 (DC), was the latest provincial record. Jays, Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches Approximately 165 Common and six Barrow's Goldeneyes were high but they did not show any sign of southwardmove- were reported Feb. 5, from D6gelis, a Gasp6 inland locale ment. In St. Lambert, a House Wren found its way into a living (JPL), curiouslyparalleled by one Barrow's and 150 Common room throughthe chimneyDec. 20; it was releasedbut not seen Goldeneyesat Cbte Ste-CatherineFeb. 11 (M J). Little is known subsequently(SJH); it is by far our latest record. Two Winter of wintering eiders in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; scanty figures Wrens were discovered in a mature hemlock stand at Mirabel came from Ste-Anne des Monts, 600 Common and two King Feb. 19 (ND). Despiteits namethis wren is only casualhere in Dec 7 (JMC); and Perc6, 56 CommonJan. 12 and four King winter, and as a matter of fact we know of only six previous Jan 21 (LL). The outstanding bird of the season was a recordsfor Januaryand Febfriary. Carolina Wrens showedup 9-plumagedSinew observedby B. Barnhurstand M. Mcintosh again this winter: one at Hudson until Jan. 17 (fide JW), and at C6te Ste-Catherine, Dec. 11; their description stressedthe another at Montr6al-Nord, Feb. 28 (M J). rust-coloredhead with large white cheekpatches extending on MIMIDS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A Mockingbird was at the throat, white wing patches, small size and small bill. Ch•teauguay, Dec. 18 (MM); another bird in Charlesbourgdid Unfortunately the bird was not located afterwards, despite an not survive the severeweather conditions of January. These intensive search. A 1967 Montr6al sighting was published in records are indicative of the species' winter status: over the AFN 21:400, but H. Ouellet later learned that a captive bird years many birds lingered into the first week of January but hadescaped locally shortly before this sighting. very few winteredsuccessfully. A Brown Thrasher appearedat a Pierrefondsfeeder at the beginningof the seasonand was not RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Lingeringhawks seenafter Feb. 1 (fide MM). There is only one previous similar includeda Sharp-shinnedat SherbrookeJan. 23-30 (PB); a record, a bird found dead at a Montr6al feeder Feb. 4, 1937 A Red-shoulderedHawk near CaughnawagaFeb. 20 (MA) was well-describedsinging Townsend's Solitaire was turned up at probably an early migrant, but the only successfulwintering in Sherbrooke,Jan. 23 - Feb. 9 (PB); this is the fourth provincial the province was at nearby Candiac in 1961-62. A white Gyr- occurrence,all since1968 (we are still without any specimenor falconwas seen at closerange, and heardcalling (!), at Lantier photographicevidence). Both waxwingswere uncommon, but Feb 4 (LD); a similar bird was reported from Montr6al the there was a flock of 200 Bohemians in Laurentides Park Dec following day (PB). PeregrineFalcons at Ste-Annede Bellevue, 29 (MG). The only warbler of the seasonwas, of course, Dec 12, (where released)and Nuns' I., Jan. 9 & 23 (FHi) were Yellow-rumped,seen at Hull Dec. 13 (MB). The most notable winter occurrences in Montr6al, where none have wintered icterids includedsingle Rusty Blackbirdsat Granby Dec 18 since 1952. Similarly, a Merlin was seenat St-Hyacinthe Dec. (JL), CharlesbourgDec. 27 (MD), Neufchatel Jan. 1 (SL), 16 (DC); despitethe doubtsexpressed in AB 27:164, this species three at St-Louis de GonzagueFeb. 12 (MG), and singleCorn

310 American Birds, May 1977 Grackles at Pointe-au-P•re Feb. 8-19, and Rimouski Feb. 26 Apr. I. Although quite uncommon, many Lapland Longspur (.l.Larivte), apparently first winter recordsin that region. reportswere receivedincluding a flock of 13 in Senneville, Jan. 14 (P. Bannon), and 20 near St-Louis de Gonzagae, Feb. 12 FRINGILLIDS -- Only 12 Cardinals were reported in the (ND). greater Montrtal area, including sevenin Hudson (fide JW) and a pair at Hemmingford (fide RC). Evening Grosbeaks NOTE -- Since the publication of a Ruffed Grouse record appeared in average numbers, but Purple Finches increasedas from Fort Chimo, doubts have been expressedregarding its the seasonprogressed. In the Hull area however, they were seen validity; this record is thus better disregardeduntil substantia- in huge numbersthroughout the season;the Hull-Ottawa CBC tion is available (seeA B 30:816). recordedan all-time high, with 99% of the birds in Qutbec (fide RMP). On the other hand, Corn. Redpolls were extremely CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- M. Ainley, B. scarce. Figures of the Club des Ornithologues du Qudbec Barnhurst, P. Boily, N. Breton, M. Brigham, Y. Cardinal, R. recordedthem on only 6.2% of the ratings, which is about one- Cayouette (Qutbec City Area: 8185 Av. du Zoo, Orsainville, third as frequently as in the past three winters, and almost half P.Q.), J. Chabot, J. M. Cttt, D. Cyr, M. Darveau, L. Des- as frequently as in 1972-73, a generally "very poor" redpoll granges, F. Hamel (FHa), S. J. Hills, F. Hilton (FHi), G. winter on this side of the continent (seeAB 27:580). Feedersin Huot, M. 3ulien, C. Lacroix, L. Lagueux, P. Lane, J. P. Lebel, Hudson attracted a Rafous-sidedTowhee until early February, 3. Legris, S. Lemieux, D. Lever, M. Mclntosh (Montrtal Area: and a Field Sparrow through the end of the season(fide JW); 136 Millhaven Av., Pointe-Claire, P.Q.), H. Mead, R. M. there are six previous February occurrencesof the towbee, but PouIIn (Hull Area: 161 Thistledown Court, Ottawa, Ont.), 3. only one of the sparrow. A Swamp Sparrow at Caaghnawaga F. Rancourt, J. Wright. -- NORMAND DAVID, Centre de Dec. 18 (JC), is a rather uncommon. Godfrey (1966, The Birds RecherchesEcologtques de Montrtal, 4101 Sherbrooke Est, of Canada) stated it is occasionalin winter in s.w. Qutbec; Montrtal, P.Q. and MICHEL GOSSELIN, 6151 Henri- however we do not know of any record between Jan. 3 and BourassaEst No. 107, MontrtaI-Nord, P.Q.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION the city had zero or below weather three days in a row. The / P. A. Buckley, Robert O. Paxton and restof the monthwas hardly better: on 2J daysthe temperature David A. Cutler never topped 32øF. While snow was not excessivein either New York or Philadelphia, the extreme cold precluded the This was the winter to end all winters, certainly the worst usual melting. At Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania, for example, in recent memory, and, according to the U.S. Weather the frost depth was 40 inchesrs. a normal 12 inches.In both Bureau, the worst since records have been kept--almost New York and Philadelphia the "January thaw" just barely 200 years. In New York City, the day's highduring the month caughtthe tail end of February. Literally the icing on the cake of January only twice exceeded the normal average daily was a series of ice storms atop the snow which effectively temperature; February was hardly any better, with the mean removed the marshes,fields and woods from use by ground- temperature only 22.1øF, some 10.1øF lower than normal. A foraging birds. Coupled with the fleezing of virtually all very warm spellin late February amelioratedconditions some- freshwater, and for the first time in living memory of vast what. Philadelphia,the other end of the region'saxis, hardly reaches of salt water, practically all groups of birds save fared better. It was the coldest winter in the 177 years of pelagicswere demonstrablyaffected. On Long Island, Great record-keepingthere, with the mercurybottoming out at -4øF South Bay froze so thoroughly that the only hard clam Jan. 17. This was the nadir of what has come to be called the production north of the Outer Banks of North Carolina was Three Bad Days in January,when for the first time in 78 years that provided by clammers who drove onto the ice in their cars, cut holes with power saws and then tonged from the surface.Ice solidlyfilled Gardiner's Bay suchthat it mighthave been possible to walk the five miles to Gardiner's Island. Farther south, BarnegatBay froze for the first time in 30 years. At normally maritime-mild Cape May, Choate reported that 85.6% of January'shours were below fleezing. being so continuously from January 14 to 23. At Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge(N.W.R.), the shallow, freshwater pools(each about one mile square) were frozen over by January I, and the ice reached a thickness of 16 inches by the end of the month. Most of the marshes, leads and sounds in southern New Jersey were so thoroughly iced over as to preclude avian use exceptpossibly by scavenginggulls. And at Bivalve, on Dela- ware Bay, Kunkle reported that gulls, starving by virtue of shutdownof the clam and oyster shuckinghouses, were constantly on hand wherever there was open water in order to steal food from the diving ducks. Comments on weather-inducedmortality were ubiquitous. but especial thanks must go to observersin southernNew Jersey,Delaware and Pennsylvania,who providedthe bulk of the material summarized below. Most of the weather-relatedbird mortalitymaking the news- papersconcerned Brant, to some extent on Long Island but especiallyin southernNew Jersey.It will be sometime before

Volume31, Number3 311 fact is sorted out from impression,error from misinterpre- to the unfortunatejuxtaposition of a severe winter and the tation, and short-termfrom long-termimpacts, so what is re- currently high prices being paid for fox pelts. He also com- ported here must be consideredtentative. It is clear, though, mentedon the numbersof Sharp-shinnedsand kestrelscoming that Brant were exceptionallyimpacted by frozen bays, and to feederswhen songbirdswere scarcein the fieldsand woods, that almostto the end, they resistedartificial feed, preferring many others made the same observation. In one bizarre to root for Zostera, Ulva or lawn grass where available. incident "a frightenedfamily called the boroughpolice when Many dead Brant were found, and many otherswere seenin a Red-tail (?) came into their yard, frightened her and moribund condition. Barnhill reported birds along the median [her] children, also the dog, and the policeman shot the b•rd strip of Route 14 in Delaware "so weak that they appeared It was on top of a rat and eating it!" unable even to stand, but were lying on their bellies eating Landbird mortality was also widely commentedon, and what grassthey couldreach. We also saw Brant in a yard in some was inferred from the disappearanceat feeders of es- Rehobotheating food thrown out for them (corn?)." Dorothy pecially monitored goodies (e.g. the New Jersey Painted Foy reportedan estimated2500 Brant, 400 Black Ducks and Bunting). In the Princeton, N.J., area, Blicharz reported 300 miscellaneous waterfowl dead in the 20 miles between feeder maintainers' comments of birds "missing toes, legs, Beach Haven and BarnegatInlets. Similar accounts,although tail or wing feathers, etc. and [which] hobbled around their generallylacking figures, were receivedof conditionson Great feeders in an attempt at survival." In northern New Jersey South Bay, ShinnecockBay and other areas of Long Island. Starlings were reported dropping dead from under bridge Widelypublicized attempts were made to supplythe birdswith roosts (R.N.J.B.). From the Philadelphia area, Grantham supposedlyirresistible cracked corn. With very, very few noted that "over-wintering water and marsh dependent ceptlons, the Brant refused the corn while pigeons, various speciesobviously took a heavy beating this year. Yellow- ducks, crows, etc., prospered. throats were all wiped out. Weak and starving kingfishers Eventually, in late January, the Long Island and southern and Great Blue Herons were reported (and recovered when New Jersey Brant disappeared.Jeremiads were written about possible) in early January. I have several reports of Great the death of thousands, but the data are simply not there. Blues found dead around small frozen farm ponds in mid- Two pieces of information are contradictory, but each is ob- January." He also noted that "a friend who takes in injured viously correctin its own right. The New York State Depart- birds had a good 'species list' this year, for raptors brought ment of Environmental Conservation autopsied a number of in injured or starving.Great Horned and ScreechOwls, and emaciatedBrant from Long Island, and determinedtheir cause Red-taileds, Red-shouldereds and kestrels were his common of death to have been starvation;21 examinedby the American species."Grantham also noted the behaviorof EasternBlue- Museum of Natural History had totally empty crops and birds in an area he monitors closely, where one cold night stomachs.Per contra, an unknown number picked up dead some 16 attempted to pack into one nestbox for roosting or moribund and examined by the State of Delaware were He commentedthat most were locally banded, indicatingthey found in most cases to have been poisoned by lead shot-- had not yet made southboundhardship movements. thereby stressingthem to the point where they were unable It should be noted that massive feeding efforts aimed not to cope with the winter pressures. The impact of these only at waterfowl and feeding stations but also open field findingshas been to cause Delaware to reverse its negative specieskept alive many birds that would have otherwiseper- positionon steel shot for huntingwithin its borders. Finally, ished. The value of these efforts to the gene pools of the too many Brant disappearedtoo rapidly with no trace to have affected specieswe will leave to the reader to ponder. We will died in the BrigantineN.W.R. area the counteddropped from concludeby pointingout the need to monitor closely over the some20,000 to 15 in about a month. Clearly, the birds moved next few seasonsthe breedingpopulations of severalspecies out, southward, to points as yet unknown. Careful counts likely to have been impacted by the winter's weather Chief over the next few winters, as well as Arctic breedingground among them would be: Brant, Black Duck, Am. Kestrel, Am surveysthis summer,should tell the true tale. Woodcock, Barn Owl, Screech Owl, Carolina Wren, Hermit Other waterfowl beside Brant were hit, inland as well as Thrush and Eastern Bluebird. coastally. Ray Blicharz reported the death by freezing of Weather aside, it was a mixed winter. Winter fincheswere waterfowl on the large pond maintained by the Squibb all but absent, there were no especial irruptions of boreal companyin Lawrenceville,N.J., and this scenewas repeated species, and feeder rarities were about average, despite the many times over throughoutthe region. And on western Long weather. The woods and marshes, late in the winter, were Island, as well as along the Delaware River and Delaware virtually devoid of birds, and daily species lists at that time Bay, as if the weather were not enough, birds had to contend were sparse indeed unless one wandered onto one of the few with a series of massive oil spills. Any birds not already active patches of open water or a well-stocked teeder Out- stressedbeyond endurancesuccumbed when oiled, and many standingrarities this seasonwere: Brown Pelican, Black Brant, of the dead waterfowl in southern New Jersey were, in Broad-wingedHawk, SandhillCrane, a white-rumpedcurlew addmon to starving, badly oiled. It was a grim winter for (sp.?), "Great" Skuas, Sabine's Gull, Burrowing Owl, waterfowl: the Blue-wingedTeal were the smart ones. BohemianWaxwing, Blue Grosbeak,Painted Bunting, Green- For the first time in the short history of this region, many tailed Towhee and Golden-crowned Sparrow. contributors commented on the incidence of road-killed LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Coastal observers uni- owls--attributed to the birdshaving been struck by carswhile formly commentedon the virtual absenceof Red-throated attempting to catch or scavengeprey from roads when all Loons. But near Allentown, Pa., one landed on a stretch of fields and woods were snow- and ice-covered. Screech Owls, 1-95 and was unable to take off (Jim Harden). In nearby Barn Owls and American Kestrels were most frequently men- OrangeCounty, N.Y. at about the same time, at least two tloned.Others reported abnormal behavior by raptors,such as: Horned Grebes performed similar aeronautical maneuvers two incidents of Am. Kestrels attemptingto kill pheasants; (fide JT). The causativeagent in these cases is suspected a Red-shoulderedHawk coming to a feeder for a month and to be the freezeup of Great Lakes and other inland waters a half (early January through late February) to eat suet; The only Eared Grebe was at Sea Girt, N.J., Dec. 3 (R Conn two othersreported kestrels doing the same.At Hawk Moun- et al.). Red-neckedGrebe, a disasterspecies in this region tain, Nagy remarked on the increased incidence of trap- since at least the 1950s,staged a remarkable spring invasion, caught raptors (especiallyRed-taileds) this winter, relating it presaged (?) by above-normal numbers this winter, w•th

312 American Birds, May 1977 maxima of five at Montauk Feb. 19 (m.ob.), similm'numbers 17,280 Nov. 16 (R.N.J.B.); any effects of the "Olympic along the Delawm'eR. (GH), and widely scatteredsingles Games" oil spill on Ruddies were masked (or mitigated) by and pairsalong the entire coast(m.ob.). severeicing of the river, forcing birds away from the area Northern Fulmm'reports are keepingpace with, or exceed- RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES--Despite the seventy lng, increasedoffshore winter work. Maxima this seasonin- of the winter, Turkey Vultures overwintered in almost un- cluded 27 on Mar. 5 in the Hudson Canyon area (D.V.O.C. precedentednumbers, even as far north as DutchessCounty trip), 30 in shelf water between Baltimoreand Hudson N.Y. (R.T.W.B.C.) and 120 at a roost near Princeton, N J CanyonsFeb. 5 (RAR), and 100 with the Polishfishing fleet was amazing(RB). In addition, observersreported adults 75 miles e. of Sea Isle City, N.J., Jan. 16-18 (TK). returningin late Januaryand early February,to the very n end Except for the fishingfleet count, these are pale ghosts of the region.Black Vulturesbehaved similarly, with a truly •ndeedof the GeorgesBanks countsthis winter (see p. 305), astonishing94 at three s. Lancaster County, Pa. roosts (per but only ten years ago even one or two would have been J. Meritt). Bald Eagles were thinly scattered, with two sub- astoundingand possiblydisbelieved. adults from early Janum'y to mid-February in Woodlawn Certainly astonishingin view of January'sweather was an Cemetery in the Bronx (J. Capodilupo). Single Golden •mm BrownPelican at Lily L., CapeMay Jan.26-28 (at least; Eagles remainedfor all or part of the winter at Brigantine Dick Bew) and subsequentlyfound dead in mid-March by N.W.R., Hawk Mr., C.R.S.P. and four New Jersey lo- Keith Seagets, who tracked down the occurrence. More cales. Goshawks were widely reported even to the outer Great Cormorantsthan usualwere reported,with maxima of reaches of the coast, and continue to be a backyard/b•rd 40 at Rye, N.Y., Feb. 5 (M.F.N.) and "2-3 dozen" at feeder predator--a role formerly filled by Cooper's Hawk, a Barnegat Inlet Feb. 26 (MH). Unsurprisingly, only one speciesunreported this winter in this region, By contrast, Double-crested was reported overwintering this year (at Sharp-shinnedswere widely reported, especiallyat feeders Barnegat), reversinga recent trend. One thousandGunners Supposedlyunknown in winter (the writers have never seen were estimated with the Polish fishing fleet 75 mi. off Sea one at that season),a Broad-wingedHawk from Indian L , Isle C•ty, N.J., Jan. 16-18 (TK). Observerswere also uniform Dutchess Co., N.Y., Jan. 30 (A. Gingert et al.) was excep- m commentingon the few attempted heron overwinterings. tionally well-described*,the observershonestly noting they Even expectedGreat Bluesand Black-crownedNights were "were not aware of any russet on the breast" during "full ven- all but absent. Single Green Herons were at Bombay Hook tral views [that] were quick but clear." We believe it to have N W R. in mid-December (J. Citron), and on the Glenolden, beenproperly identified nonetheless. At leasteight Merlins were Pa CBC: one Snowy was on the Captree CBC, a Little Blue reportedfrom Long Island, and a surprisingtwo in December was a surpriseon the Boonton, N.J. CBC (Wade Wander, from OrangeCounty, N.Y. (JT), but not otherwisenoted The Ted Proctor), as was a Yellow-crowned Night on the season'sonly PeregrineFalcons were singlesat Freeport,L I , Bm'negat CBC Jan. 2. Feb. 4 (C. Win'd)and Bayside,N.J., Feb. 16 (R.N.J.B.) WATERFOWL--Freshwater waterfowl were driven to Wild Turkeys were reportedas increasingin n.e. Pennsyl- the bays by extreme icing, and in turn bay fowl were vania (WR), near Stissing Mt., Dutchess Co., N Y forced to the ocean, or simply moved away when things (R.T.W.B.C.), reached a new high of 53 on Gardiner's I got especially bad in January. However, reports of the (Montauk CBC), but are barely holding their own (five) at demiseof the mid-Atlantic Brant population,may have been C.R.S.P. Exceedingly rare in winter, Sofas were nonetheless greatly exaggerated.The small flock of Whistling Swans reportedon the N. NassauCBC Dec. 26 (2) and from Stiss•ng, recentlyoverwintering on e. LongIsland remained this yem', DutchessCo., Dec. 27-29 (Thelma Haight). Virginias are more but no countsof the increasingBrigantine N.W.R. flock were normal in winter, thus six at Lawrenceville, N.J. in December available. Late October Snow Goose flocks peaked there at (RB). Fourteen Corn. Gallinules in the H.M. on the Lower 50,000 birds, many if not most remainingfor at least some of Hudson CBC probably wintered as did some 13 in the Trenton the winter; the Heislerville G.M.A. flock on Delaware Bay Marshes (RB); only a few other singles were noted in New was estimatedat 20,000 birds in late October, but no figures Jersey.A late (-lingering?) Black Rail at SandyHook Nov were found for the Dennis Creek G.M.A. flock (if separate 27 (R.N.J.B.) was yet another in the growing list of w•nter fromthose at Heislerville).A BlackBrant was at BrigantineI. reports for this obscure bird. One of the better winter finds throughmost of December,but exact dates were not avail- was the SandhillCrane first heard by Quickmireat Fairton, able(Fred Hamer,JAk et al.). In keepingwith the weather, CumberlandCo., N.J., Dec. 18and subsequently seen by many few Eur. Wigeon or Blue-wingedTeal were seen. Lm'ge num- observersand photographed**until aboutJan. 11. bers of Redheads were reported from s. of Long Island, SHOREBIRDS--American Oystercatchersapparently re- doubtlessfrozen out inland; 500+ were in Barnegat Bay Feb. turned with warm weather about Feb. 26, having been seen 19, w•th RK estimating"thousands instead of hundreds'• in thatday at BarnegatInlet (MH) andat StoneHarbor (three) by New Jerseythis winter, and 34 winteredon a partiallyopen Seagets.On the other end of the season, 22 Am. GoldenPlovers lake nearAllentown, Pa. (R. Wiltraut).The Bm'row'sGolden- werestill at J.F.K. Airporton LongIsland Dec. 7 (Richards) eye at SharkRiver, N.J., has becomeso routine(this is its Unusualnumbers of RuddyTurnstones for a difficultwinter e•ghthseason there) that its arrival(Dec. 8) and departure(to were 17 on the N. NassauCBC, 32 at Orient Pt., L.I., Jan 16 end of period)were barely noted. But a male at almost- (R. Kelly et al.) and 150on the Longport,N.J. sodbanks frozen Shinnecock Bay, L.I., Feb. 4-12 was well-docu- Feb. 5 (JDDL AmericanWoodcock were widely reported, mented (JA, THD et mult. al.). In like manner the Tri- especiallyon CBCs,but no countstopped the 100+found by boro Bridge (East River) Tufted Duck was also m'ound this S. R. Lawrence along the sidesof the Garden State Parkway w•nter, its sixth at least, but the only dateswe have are Dec. in Cape May Dec. 31. He estimatedthat severaltimes that 6-Feb. 6 (JoseMachado et al.). What appearedto be a mated numbermay have been present between Great Egg Harbor and pmr was seenonly on Feb. 9 on JeromeRes., Bronx (W. CapeMay, some25 miles.Sixty Corn.Snipe at the Trenton Sedwltz).Eiders were scarcethis winter, and virtually the only Mm'shesthe sameday (RB) were at a traditionalwinter s•te Harlequins,totalling some 8-13, were alongthe New Jersey High Purple Sandpipercounts on inlet jetties were 175 shore A majorscoter concentration, 60,000+, wasat Montauk Dec. 14 at Ocean City, N.J. (JAk) and 200 Jan. 1 at Indian Pt, Feb. 12(ROP), 90%White-wingeds, 10% Surfs and a few RiverInlet (M. Barnhill).The normal few Mm'bled Godw•t sin- Blacks.A Delaware R. RuddyDuck maximumthis winter was glesin Delawarewere toppedby four on the LakehurstCBC

Volume31, Number3 313 A Lesser Yellowlegs Feb. 28 at Port Mercer, N.J. (Mary of this species' true abundance than the single numbers Doscher)might have winterednot far to the south. gleanedby most CBCs. Few Snowy Owls were reported just In a class by itself, unfortunately, was a white-rumped three on Long Island, one on Staten 1., and one from s curlew seen Dec. 27 at Brookhaven, L.I. by P. Puleston et New Jersey. A pair of Barn Owls in Pittston, N.J had al and again on Dec. 31 at Moriches Inlet by Raynor. While eggs in February (Dave Buchholz). clearly one of the European curlews, just which one is uncertain, since the observersdid not especiallyrecord either presence/absenceof head striping, or overall body size. In Clearly the seasoWs most exciting rarity was the vtew of the presenceof a EuraslanCurlew on Cape Cod last BurrowingOwl found by T. RodneyGardner Dec. 27 at fall, and the now almost annual occurrence of individuals of Cedar Beach on the Jones Beach strip, L.I. Photo- the white-rumped,European races of Whimbrel, the species graphed and examined closely by PAB, THD et parv must remain unresolved. al.), it appearedweak and chilled. The next morning it was easily captured alive by the Richards. Although SKUAS, GULLS, TERNS, ALCIDS--"Great" Skuas of emaciated, it took proffered mealworms and crickets, indeterminatespecies were seen from shipsas follows: four and soon regainedits vitality. It was comparedwith on Feb. 4 between38ø3TN and 38ø52'Nin shelf waters (RAR), the A.M.N.H. seriesby John Farrand who determined five on Mar. 5 at Hudson Canyon (D.V.O.C.) and 20 Jan. it to be Athene cuniculariafloridaria, the supposedly 16-18 with the Polishfishing fleet 75 miles e. of Sea Isle City, sedentaryFlorida race, as several of us had suspected N J (TK). In view of earlier comments in this column on It was returned to Florida by air a short time later H-D Region skuas (AB 30:936, 1976), readers are referred to and released at Hypoluxo I. colony. Subsequent •n- a paper by Finn Salomonsencomparing Stercorarius (=Cath- vestigation showed that a Burrowing Owl had been aracta) skua andS. maccormicki,and reportingthe first Green- found at that same location Oct. 27, 1976 by Steve land occurrenceof the latter form (Dansk. orn. Foren. Tidsskr. Kriss but failing to relocate it, he did not report It 70 81-89, 1976). We predict that most, but possibly not all, The adjacent Cedar Beach golf course provides ex- w•nter skuaswill be the nominateskua, and most, possibly cellent habitat where the one could have easily re- all, late spring, summer and early fall skuas will be mac- mained undetected for two months. cormJcki. Startling as the occurrence of the Florida race in Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were widely distributed coast- N.Y. might seem. this form has occurred extra- ally, with even a few up along the Hudson R., a maximum limitally before, as closeas the Outer Banksof North for the latter species was 25-30 on the H.M., Feb. 6 Carolina (Sykes, Auk 91: 636-37, 1974). The species (D Roche). For the first time in recent memor,y,no Lesser has even occurredpreviously on Long Island, an in- Black-backed Gulls were seen on the H.M., but an obliging dividualofhypugaea, the migratorywestern U.S. race, adult remained in Sea Cliff harbor, L.I. from November to at having been taken at WesthamptonOct. 27, 1950 by least Jan. 6 (BS et al.), a sub-adult was at Sagaponack, Cooley. Several earlier writers, unaware of the spe- L I , Feb. 27 (JA) and an immature was seen offshore by cies' proclivity to wander, and ignoring the high RAR Feb. 5 at ca. 38ø26'N, 73ø30'W in shelf waters. Some migratorynature of (at least !) hypugaea, erroneously 15,000+ Black-leggedKittiwakes were with the Polish fleet consideredextralimital birds to be merely escapedcap- Jan 16-18 off s. New Jersey (TK). Little and Black- tives. But a quick survey of selectedreferences indi- headedGulls were thinly scattered,mostly on Long Island and cates Burrowing Owl has occurred as far from its nor- •n n New Jersey. Totally unexpectedin a flock of Bona- mal range as Missouri, Minnesota (twice), Wisconsin parte's Gulls at Fire Island Inlet Dec. 4 was an imm. Sabine's (twice), Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario (thrice), Gull, studied at length by AJL, B. Dieterich and R. Kelly. Quebec, New Hampshire, Massachusetts (twice), One •s drawn to the conclusion that this bird has increased Rhode Island, New York (thrice), Virginia, North markedly in our regionin the last 10 years. The SandyHook Carolina (twice), South Carolina (twice), and Georgia CBC reported a Forster's Tern, Dec. 18, one of few recent Moreover, while most specimenshave beenhypugaea, w•nter records in the New York City region, and a Royal Tern floridaria has been taken in New York, North Carolina, Jan 2 at BarnegatInlet was one of the latest for New Jersey. Alabamaand Cuba (where breedingis now suspected) The massive, unprecedentedlarge-alcid invasion in Massa- and is believedto have occurred in Georgia and South chusettsthis winter (see p. 307) was barely registeredsouth Carolina. of Rhode Island. A few small groupsof Razorbillswere seen Thus, (1) BurrowingOwl is clearly a vagrantspecies, from shore at Montauk Pt., with one surge to 38 on Jan. 23 and unlessstrong evidence to the contrary is adduced, (THD et al.). Only two were seen in New Jersey, one dead extralimital individuals should be presumed wild; (2) at Cape May Pt.,.Jan. 19 (Choate) and another near Avon on the subspeciescannot be taken for granted, so addi- and off duringJanuary (P. William Smith). Aside from a single tional specimensare in order; and (3) despiteSykes' Common captured exhausted at inland Brookhaven Nat'l allegations(op. cit.) for assistedpassage, based on two Labs, L.I. on Jan. 8 (Richardson and Rackett), the only at sea captures plus many coastal occurrences, these murres were in New Jersey: two Commonsat Holgate Feb. 5 data merely supportthe usual pattern of extralim•tal (Hmtt) and a Thick-billed at Cape May Pt., Dec. 26 (JAk, vagrantson the U.S. East Coast: they are frequently JDD) A single Black Guillemot was at Cox's Ledge Feb. 26 blown offshoreand they are more likely to occur and (CW), and Common Puffins were also seen only offshore: to be detected coastally than inland. five on Feb. 4 in shelf waters at ca. 38ø51'N, 73ø07'W (RAR), and one Mar. 5 at Hudson Canyon (D.V.O.C.). The only Again despitethe harsh winter, there were more reportsthan Dovekies were six from the Cape May ferry Feb. 26 (JDD). usual of Red-headedWoodpeckers, and frequently of b•rds OWLS, WOODPECKERS--With the fervor of zealots, overwintering; this was true even as far north as Dutchess nocturnal CBC-ers in Pennsylvaniarecorded extraordinary County, N.Y. Red-bellied also was widely reported th•s numbers of Screech Owls again this year: Bucks County winter. WR enumeratedthree from n.e. Pennsylvania,where topped the list at 145, followed by West Chester with 113 he previously had observed only one, and two on remote and Glenolden with 95. These are doubtless more indicative Gatdiner's I. were the first in the 55-year history of the

314 AmericanBirds, May 1977 Montauk CBC. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers also defied the Wander). Very few orioles were reported at feeders, w•th weather, and a total of 19 was seen on the five Delaware only one surviving to January and another to Feb. 2 (R.N J B ) CBCs J. T. Linehan, an experienced U.S.F.&W.S. blackbird FLYCATCHERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS--Eastern biologist, reports that the early February buildup of •ctend Phoebe was the surprise of regional CBCs: counts that flocks in the lower Delaware Valley in Delaware far ex- never before had them did this year, and on some, num- ceededanything in his 23 years' experience.He figuresthat bers were phenomenal.For example, the Captree CBC on "at least two-thirdsof the peak numberswere presentdunng L I countednine, a numberthat would have been unbelievable the four weeks from Feb. 7 to Mar. 7." His estimate of the had •t not been eclipsedby 14 on the N. NassauCBC! Later peak figure was "somewhere between 100 and 400 million," a surwval was dubious at best this winter. ACom. Raven truly staggeringnumber. Linehan attributes this concentration spentthe winterfollowing 1-287 between Boonton and Somer- to birds escapingthe especiallysevere weather inland, pos- vdle, N.J., and it was subsequentlydetermined this has been sibly coupledwith an abnormalbuildup of coastalbirds nor- gmng on for the last two winters. Coupled with some recent mally returning northward at this time of year. We present b•rds seeminglyinvestigating likely habitatnear the Delaware his figures and comments for the record, without passing Water Gap, we would not be surprisedto find ravenonce again judgment on their accuracy. It seems safe to say there were breedingin New Jersey; it already does so in nearby Pennsyl- more blackbirdsthan usual in Delaware in February 1977 vama Major Com. Crow roostscontaining 8000 and 7000, re- FRINGILLIDS--An ad. c3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at spect•velywere located at New Hyde Park,N.Y. by Don and a Babylon, L.I., feeder Dec. 14-21 (F. File et al.), and New Beth Nickerson, and at Ramsey, N.J. (R.N.J.B.). Also of note Jersey's tenth (or so) Black-headed Grosbeak was also an •s the •ncreasingand overwinteringpopulation of Fish Crows ad. male that overwintered at a Bernardsville feeder (Gal- •n the same areas, and 44 on the Montauk CBC was unheard braith, RK, Art Panzer**). This was presumablythe sameb•rd of the bird had been seen previouslyonly six times with a that overwintered at that feeder in 1975-76, unknown until maximum of five. A •2 Varied Thrush was at a feeder in now. The New York area's first mid-winter Blue Grosbeak PoundRidge, N.Y., Jan. 16-late February(Mary Beth Murphy was at a Freeport, L.I., feeder Jan. 7-13 (A. Dignan) et al ), and a male photographedduring its stay at a Millers- Two speciesof buntingwere at regionalfeeders this w•nter burg, Pa., feederJan. 8-18 by Ned Smith providedthe fourth as well: an Indigo Dec. 8-Jan. 14 in Drumore, Pa, Pennsylvania record. Spectacular numbers of Hermit (R. M. Schutsky)and an ad. d' PaintedBunting in Lebanon, Thrushesappeared on regionalCBCs, with some sample 1975/ N.J. from ? until Jan. 17, at which time it was presumed 1976 counts by states being: New Jersey, 119 vs. 266 and "done in" by the extreme cold or a cat (V. Abraitys, GH Pennsylvania: 33 vs. 165. Three on the Orange County, N.Y., et al.). This representsonly the secondNew Jersey record CBC were a first, and a shadow of the 41 on the N. Nassau and one of few in the region. Dickcissels were widely but CBC thinly spread,possibly more than in recent winters;one over- Surelyone of the fanciestpasserines in the regionthis winter winteredin the field in Unionville, Pa., where it was suspected was New Jersey's fourth Bohemian Waxwing at Ringwood. of breeding (C.A. Conway). Long Island's first Green-taded Found by Tom Halliwell Feb. 6, it remained there, eating Towbee was at a Wading River feeder Dec. 8-Feb. 21 (R bemes, until at least Mar. 5 (m.ob.), and was photographed Adamo et al.) and recognizablephotos were taken by THD •n color. Shrikes of both specieswere widely reported for Both crossbills, Pine Grosbeak and Pine Siskin were all but the first time in many years, although Loggerheadsurvival absent, with only occasionalsingles or small flocks. Everang after January is unreported.Three were presentat Bombay Grosbeaksfollow their own piper, so were presentin normal Hook N.W.R. throughDecember (DAC). A Solitary Vireo in but certainly not overwhelming numbers. Over 200 Purple a m•xed chickadee-kingletflock at Princeton, N.J., Dec. I (M. Finches were reported in February from Dutchess County, & P Taylor) was unusualbut not unprecedented;neither were N.Y. (R.T.W.B.C.); Kane notes that it is increasingas a a Black-and-whiteWarbler photographedat EssexFells, N.J., breederin New Jerseyin recentyears, and althoughstill scarce Dec 27 (J. and G. Toffic*) one at a Princeton feeder alongthe coast, it is the commonwinter finch inland. Counts to Dec 24, nor a few Pines, two Orange-crownedsand a chat of 40-50 at his Bernardsville feeder are typical, and •n coastalNew Jersey. But a Nashville Jan. 2 at Bridgeport, its preference is for both feeders and woods with tulip trees N J (J Miller and G. Hitchnet) was eyebrow-raising,although predominating. also not unprecedentedin winter. A N. Waterthrushon the If N.J. countsare indicative,Ipswich Sparrow bears watch- N Nassau CBC Dec. 26 (J. Doran) was amazingly not that ing. Possibly owing to severe weather, it wa.sdrastically re- count'sfirst. Normal coastalpopulations of Myrtle (Yellow- duced in three of its favored coastal locations, where rumped) Warblers were reported severelydepressed by late more normal counts of 10-15 were replaced by 3-4 (JAk) February, following the harsh winter, although bayberries The only Grasshopper Sparrow was Jan. 10 at Great Kills, were not especially scarce. StatenI. ( J. Stoneck),and the only Dark-eyed(Oregon) Junco Despite being at or near the n. end of their range, Boat- was one at Lawrenceville, N.J., where it is to say the least tinled Grackles were found in exceptional numbers at two regular ("this was the 20th Princetonarea record since 1945" locations this winter: 300 were on the Marmora N.J., CBC, RB). White-crowned Sparrows were also paradoxically and an astonishing3000 were countedat Little Creek N.W.R., numerousthis terrible winter, with many birds overwintenng Del, by J. C. Miller. The normalarea populationat this time successfully, usually at feeders. A count of 33 on the M•ddle- of year is about 50 individuals. The Bombay Hook N.W.R. town, Del. CBC suggeststhat last year was not a fluke flock of Brewer's Blackbirds peaked at about 24 on Dec. 19 White-crownedswintered as far north as DutchessCounty, (J Lehmann), but of especialnote were three seenFeb. 14- OrangeCounty (.IT), and even five at Forty Fort, Pa. (WR) 15 at Cape May (Chris and Mike Danzenbaker, JAk), and No Harris' were found, but the Golden-crownedSparrow, now a male seenrepeatedly but neverphotographed, Nov. 30-Jan. adult, returned to the Reeves' feeder in Boonton, N J , •n 6 at Allentown, Pa. (Mark Collie). One describedin detail and November1976 and was still presentat the closeof the perrod, photographedat Morttank in November proved on careful in- despiterepeated attacks by a LoggerheadShrike and a Sharp- spectlonof the photos to have been a Rusty (THD et mult. shinnedHawk (m.ob.). White-throatedSparrows were re- dolor al.). Late Bobolinks were at Port Washington, L.I., ported "well above average" in Dutchessand OrangeCos , Nov 2 (BS) and Assunpink G.M.A., N.J., Nov. 16 (Wade butdown in n.e. Pennsylvania(WR). ThreeLincoln's Sparrows

Volume 31, Number 3 315 were found, one at a Blairstown, N.J. feeder Dec. 8-9 OBSERVERS--(subregional compilersin boldface):James (F. Wolfarth), one on the Montauk CBC at Springs Dec. Akers, Jim Ash, Raymond Blicharz, David A. Cutler (s. 18 (AJL, Brook Lauro, F. File), and one at Hamburg, Pa., the N.J., s.e. Penna., Del.; see below), John D. Danzenbaker, last few days of December (M. Broun et al.). The largest Thomas H. Davis (s.e.N.Y., Long Island: 94-46 85th Road, aggregationof Snow Buntingswas againreported inland, some Woodhaven, Queens, N.Y. 10421), Greg Hanisek, Mike 2000 from mid-Januaryto mid-Februaryat Harveys L., Pa., Hanisian, Richard Kane (n. N.J.: New Jersey Audubon (Johnson). Lapland Longspurs were down from previous Society, SchermanWildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 693, Ber- years. with no noteworthy aggregations. nardsville. N.J. 07924), Anthony J. Laura, Tim Koebel, Wil- UNCONFIRMED REPORTS--We have received a num- liam Reid (n.e. Pennsylvania: 73 West Ross Street, Wilkes- ber of reports of birds we believe might have been correctly Barre, Penna. 18702), Richard A. Rowlett, Don Smith, identified. However, the reports could not be accepted at Barbara Spencer, John Tramontano (Orange Co., N.Y.: present inasmuchas we either have not seen full descriptions BiologyDept.. OrangeCo. CommunityCollege, Middletown, eliminatingall other species,or, the report, completein other N.Y. 19940),and Charles Wood; C.R.S.P. (Connetquot River respects, lacked a recognizdale photograph in the case of State Park), D.V.O.C. (Delaware Valley OrnithologicalClub), certain specieswe have already discussedin this column. Each G.M.A. (Game ManagementArea), H.M. (Hackensack Mead- of these reports will be fully re-evaluated if we are provided ows). M.F.N. (Mianus Field Notes: Rye, N.Y.-Greenwich, the missingdata by the observers. In this category this winter Conn. area), N.W.R. (National Wildlife Refuge), R.N.J.B. are: Arctic Loon: Dec., Del.; Franklin's Gull: Jan., N.J.; (Recordsof Ne•v JerseyBirds), R.T.W.B.C. (Ralph T. Water- Thayer's Gull: Jan., N.J.; Mew Gull: Dec., N.J.; Wood man Bird Club: DutchessCo., N.Y.);* detaileddescription Thrush: Dec., Dutchess Co., N.Y., Dec., Pa.; Swainson's examinedand accepted;** identificationverified by photosex- Thrush: two in Jan., Pa., one in Jan., N.J.; Gray-cheeked aminedby writers.--P.A. BUCKLEY, NorthAtlantic Regional Thrush: Jan., Dutchess Co., N.Y., Dec., N.J.; and Rose- Office,National Park Service,15 State St., Boston,Mass. 02109, breasted Grosbeak: Jan., N.J. ROBERT O. PAXTON, 560 RiversideDrive, Apt. 12K, New EXOTICS--Two Rose-ringed Parakeets were found in York, N.Y. 10027, and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Purchase,N.Y., Dec. 19, possiblyoffshoots from the (present Drive, Wyneote, Penna. 19095. status unknown) colony near the N.Y. Botanical Gardens in the Bronx.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION /F. R. Scott

After a series of six winters of above-normal temperaturesin this region, it has only been natural that many active field observers have wondered what would happen if a really cold winter came along. This year they found out. Preceded by a cold fall, both December and January recorded below-normal temperatures, with January experiencing record or near- record low mean temperaturesat most stations. At Richmond, Virginia, for example, January averaged 12.2øF, below the long-term average. The exceptional cold spell actually lasted from December 21 to February 9 with very few above-normal days in between. of recentyears. But it wasthe Januaryfreeze that reallyhit hard, After a brief respitein mid-February,the freezefinally broke and many birds either movedout or disappeared,presumably for good the last week in February, bringingFebruary's tem- dead, particularlyground-feeding species. Reports of observed perature meanto near normal. At Richmond. in fact, it was the mortalitywere many. particularlywaterfowl. but there were first month since the previous June that temperatures had many reports of passetinesfound dead, an unusual situation averaged above the mean. sincemost small dead birds are quicklydiscovered and removed Precipitationin the regionwas well belownormal, keeping by scavengers.Field trips taken from mid-January to mid- snowfallbelow what it mightotherwise have been. What did fall. Februarywere far differentfrom the CBCs.The last fewdays of however,remained a long time, exceptin extremesoutheastern February were witnessto the first obviousnortbward movement Virginia, and inland and northern areas had a snow cover, of birds,especially geese and swans. toppedwith an icelayer, that lastedfrom threeto fi•e weeks. The effectsof all of thison birdswere monumental. Although LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Loons and Horned the Christmas Bird Counts {hereafter, CBCs) came before the Grebeswere in goodnumbers along the coastduring December full effects of the midwinter freeze were felt, the below-normal but were virtually nonexistentin late Januaryand February. fall and early winter had left few fall-migrationstragglers althoughapparent transient loons began to showup towardthe behind, and mostCBCs had speciestotals well below their best end of the latter month.Five Red-neckedGrebes at Back Bay

316 American Birds, May 1977 N W R., Va., Dec. 29 (EL & HL) were an excellent winter count Mute Swanscontinued their increasein the regionwith 70 at here, and an unusualearly flight of thesebirds appearedinland St. MichaelsDec. 19 {fideJR) and41 at ChincoteagueRet, Dec in February,first showingup Feb. 18 at both Baltimore(JAS) 28 (PWS et al. ). Canada Geesewintered successfullyin numbers and near Washington(PJB). There weremany reports of one to on the upper Piedmontof Virginia with peak countsot 2889 six b•rds in the Baltimore area, and peak countshere were 17 on nearGordonsville, Orange Co., Dec. 27 (HLG et al.) and 1000at Feb 19 and 12 on Feb. 26 (RFR et al.). There were also many Green Spring,Louisa Co., Feb. 2 0BB). The wintering"Blue" observationson the Potomac R. below Washington with a max- Goosepopulation at PresquileN.W.R., near Hopewell,Va was lmum of five Feb. 26 (LT). Even more unusual were three at about 375; they were accompaniedby 26 white Snow Geese Kerr Res., Va., Feb. 18 & 26 (PEM, RMC, CE), one of the few (HCO et aL). The previouslyreported White-fronted Goose Piedmontrecords of this species.An Eared Grebe was found at winteredsuccessfully at Green Spring, Va. (JBB).With this b•rd Ocean City, Md., Dec. 29 (WR et al.). The only early winter were three possiblehybrids, apparently the same birds that pelagictrip reported,off Ocean City Dec. 5, producedone appearedhere the previouswinter and whichwere thought at Fulmar and ten Greater Shearwaters,among others (LKM et that time to be imm. White-t¾onteds.Another apparentWhite- al) The two imm. Great Cormorantspreviously reported at fronted X Canada hybrid also wintered here, but th•s b•rd CraneyI., Portsmouth,Va. remainedat leastto Jan. 10 (DLH), associated with a flock of Canada Geese. A d Eurasian Green- and oneimmature and one adult werenoted off and on alongthe wingedTeal was noted at Warren, Albemarle Co., Va., Dec 19 ChesapeakeBay Bridge-Tunnel,Va. from late Decemberto (RSM), and two differentWhite-winged Scoters were found near mid-February(DLH, RHP, PWS et al.). Another immature was Richmond Jan. 29 - Feb. 6 (CRB, WCF & FRS). Inland at Kerr seenat ChincoteagueN.W.R., Va., Dec. 28 (DFA). A Double- Res., Carter found two OldsquawsFeb. 26. Two Harlequin crested Cormorant at Ft. Belvoir, Va., Jan. 2 (CPW) was unusual Ducksappeared at OceanCity first on Jan. 22 (RFR et al ), and so far inland in midwinter. up to seven, a record Virginia count, wintered along the HERONS -- Herons and egrets were a mixed bag on the ChesapeakeBay Bridge-Tunnel(MH, VH e! al.), mostot them CBCs On the whole,they werein moderatenumbers with a few appearingin mid-January.Both Com. and King Eiderswintered record high counts. Great Blue Herons were highly variable, again at OceanCity (MLH, SJM et al.), and the maximum count somecounts having unusuallylow numbersand othershaving of Kings alongthe Bridge-Tunnelwas eight on Dec. 28 (JHD & largeconcentrations. Among the latter were280 at Little Creek, TD). Virginia Beach,Va., Dec. 31 (PWS et al.) and 165 inland at Ft. The warm spell of late Februarytriggered some northward Belvo•r,Va., Jan. 2 (JMA et al.). Green Heronswere reported on movementof waterfowl. The first migrant Whistling Swans,a only two coastalCBCs, and the only Cattle Egret report was of flock of 165, were noted at S.P.S.P., Feb. 27, and the first 13 near Back Bay N.W.R., Dec. 29 {fide PWS). No Yellow- migrant Canada Geese were seen here Feb. 24 (HLW). Many crownedNight Heronswere reported,and an Am. Bittern at flocks of Canada Geesewere seenor heard movingN over the SandyPoint S.P., Md. (below S.P.S.P.)Jan. 8 (HLW) was con- Lynchburg, Va. area Feb. 26-27 (RMC e! al.), an tinusual sideredabnormal for this upper ChesapeakeBay locality.Dur- occurrence here. ing the Januaryfreeze most heronsand egretsleft the Chin- coteaguearea, leaving only a fewGreat Blues(LKM). SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Early freezesto the north sent HAWKS THROUGH RAILS -- Goshawkswere reported •n waterfowlsouth somewhatearlier than in recentyears, giving five localities during the winter, and Coopefts Hawks were many CBCs excellentcounts of many speciesin late December, clearlymore evidentthis year than in any recentwinter. But •t although at St. Michaels, Md., Reesethought waterfowl were wasthe Sharp-shinnedHawk that reallytook the spotlight,with "alarminglylow" Dec. 19. With the Januaryfreeze, there was a severalCBCs reporting record counts, the bestof whichwas 56 heavymovement of waterfowlsouth along the coast and away at CapeCharles, Va., Dec. 27 (HTA et al. ). Many of thesehawks from frozen inland rivers and lakes. One result of this was an took up winter residenceat feeding stations,thus assuring increasein somediving ducks in the riversand bays in the s. part themselvesof a plentiful food supply. Reports of increased of the region,especially Redheads and Canvasbacks.Redheads, numbersof this speciescame from all parts of the region,and in fact, appearedin the Richmond-Hopewellarea in record Reesefound five deadon highwaysin the St. Michaelsarea dur- numbersduring February, with severalcounts of over50 birdsin ing Januaryand February.On the ChincoteagueCBC Dec 28, two different places(FRS, MLW). At Craney I., the peak where 31 were recorded, ten were found in an otherwisefairly Redhead count was 250 Feb. 12 (DLH). Waterfowl that desolatestretch of AssateagueI., giving some indication that remained in frozen areas faced starvation,and mortality was migrationwas possiblystill in progress(FRS). Unusualroland high, althoughdabbling ducks and geeseseemed to survivebet- Rough-leggedHawks included one in Amherst County, Va, ter than divingducks. Reese personally collected 18 deadWhis- Dec. 31 (TD) and anothernear Hopewell Jan. 23 - Feb. 5 (CRB & thng Swansin the St. Michaels area from mid-Januaryto mid- FRS), and the peak coastal count seemedto be 13 in s Dor- February,and there was a particularlyhigh die-off of diving chesterCounty, Md., Dec. 31 {fideCSR). An imm. GoldenEagle ducks at S.P.S.P. (HLW). In most areas the dead waterfowl were winteredagain at BlackwaterN.W.R., Md. (HLW et al.), and an frozeninto the ice and remainedquite visible for a longtime. adult was seen near Easton, Md,, Feb. 5 in a funnel with both The effectof the cold weatheron Brant wasvery noticeable. Blackand Turkey Vulturesand threeRed-tailed Hawks (JR) A On n AssateagueI., Md. large flocks(100-500) were noted mov- Merlin at Warren, Va., Dec. 19 (KL) was an unusual inland find ing S Jan. 8-19 (SHD), and at Wallops I., Va., Vaughn estimated Vaughn was astonishedto see a Sandhill Crane flying S on 10,000, mostlymoving S Jan. 17. Finding their usual food sup- WallopsI. at 2:30 p.m., Jan. 17. This was quite possiblythe pliesfrozen over, Brant moved to dryland in January,feeding on samebird last seenthe previousday at about 5:15 p.m near roadsides,median strips, and even front yardsin OceanCity and Bridgeton,N.J. (AEC), about100 mi. north.The cranetook up Chlncoteague(SHD, LKM et al.), and Vaughn even found a residenceon the mainlandnear Wallopsand remainedat least flock•n a cornfieldin W. OceanCity, a quartermile inland. On to Feb. 18 •'de LKM). Sofaswere found in severalareas during Wallops I., they fed on the grassyareas around the rocket the earlypart of the winter,including one near Hopewell Dec 18 launchingpads and roads, barely movingfor oncomingcars (DLH) and three at S.P.S.P., Dec. 26 •'de HLW), but both these (CRV), Mortality at Chincoteaguewas very heavy(DLH, BWK andVirginia Rails seemed to disappearfrom S.P.S.P.dunng the & LKM), presumablydue to starvation,but at Ocean City the cold snap(HLW). A Black Rall was carefullystudied at Little greatestmortality seemed to be from cars(SHD). Creek, Va., Dec. 31 (WFR).

Volume 31, Number 3 317 SHOREBIRDS -- Wintering shorebirdswere in reasonably at least five different Icelands in the Baltimore area (RFR et al. ) good numbersalong the coast, althoughin nowherenear the and three off ocean City Feb. 5 (MLH et al.). The highlight of excellent numbers of the previous winter. What evidenceis this last trip was a first-yearjuvenile Thayer's Gull, whichwas availableseems to indicatethat they survivedthe Januaryfreeze well photographed(AB and others).Details of this observation well. Good countsof Am. Woodcockincluded 103 in the Cape are expectedto be publishedlater. Needlessto say,this is a first Charlesarea Dec. 27 (PAD et al. ) and 38 at OceanCity Dec. 29 recordfor this regionand undoubtedlythe farthestsouth obser- (CSR et al.). Four Whimbrel were found near Wachapreague, vation on the East Coast. Two different Lesser Black-backed Va., Dec. 19 (CRV et al.), and one was observedat Ocean City Gulls were noted off and one in the Little Creek area (WWF, Dec. 29 (RARet al.), the first Maryland winter record. In the DLH, PWS et al.), and two different oneswere also presentin Chincoteaguearea, two were presentduring much of February Baltimore after mid-January(RFR, JAS et al.). Another was (JBB, SHT & CRV). A Spotted Sandpiper was seen near reportedat Dyke Marsh, Va., Feb. 26 (JMA & RJA). Sykesand Mathews,Va., Jan.4 (MP), and apparentlymigrant Lesser others estimated a record 32,000 Ring-billed Gulls at Little Yellowlegsappeared very early, one at Laurel,Md., Feb.26 (DB) Creek Dec. 31, whereason the same day only 2• could be found and two near Hopewell Feb. 27 (FRS). Least Sandpipers in s. Dorchester Co., Md., the lowest CBC total here since 1948 occurredinland againnear Hopewellwith a countof 25 on Dec. {fide CSR). Bonaparte'sGulls werein surprisinglygood numbers 18 (WCF et al.). and Duulin appeared inland with two at during the early part of the winter; CBC totals included1010 at S.P.S.P., Jan. 4-6 (HLW) and one at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax Co., Cape Charles Dec. 27 (HTA et al.), 202 at Ocean City Dec. 29 Va., Jan. 23 (OEF). At Gloucester Point, Va., where Duulin are (CSR et al. ), and 1500 at Little Creek Dec. 31 (PWS et al. ). Com- not usualin winter,a few appearedJan. 12 and peakedat 86 on mon Terns werereported twice, three at Back Bay N.W.R., Dec. Jan. 20, after which they disappeared(MLW0. The only winter- 29 (PWSetal.) and two at LynnhavenInlet, Va., Dec. 31 (MRBL ing Marbled Godwitsreported were at Chincoteague,where the Seven Black Skimmers at Fisherman I., Va., Dec. 31 (MRB) was high count was23 on Dec. 28 (PAD et al. ). The recordfall num- the onlyreport of this species;they were missed here on the CBC bers of Am. Avocetsat Craney I., Va. had decreasedto 350 by four daysearlier. Razorbillswere found twice, one at Back Bay Dec. 5 (WWF), and about250 winteredhere. They disappeared N.W.R., Dec. 29 (RLA et al.) and 18 off OceanCity Feb. 5 (MLH only during the hard freeze in mid-Januarybut returned after- et al.). Outstandingwas a Corn. Murre at Ocean City Dec. 29, a ward (DLH). Elsewherethere was only one report, a singlebird first record for Maryland. The bird was well seen by many at ChincnteagueRef., Dec. 28 (JHD & TD). observersand photographedby Rowlett.

PHALAROPE$ THROUGH ALCIDS -- The pelagictrip off OWLS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Five owling parties on OceanCity Dec. S yieldeda hostof interestingbirds, including the LynchburgCBC managedto total 220 ScreechOwls Dec. 18 110 Red Phalaropes,two Skuas,ten Pomarine,six Parasitic,and (JHD, PEM et al.), and a Snowy Owl was found in n. Amherst 11 unidentifiedjaegers (RAR, LKM et al.). The onlyother jaeger County, Va., Jan. 13 (RC). M. A. Byrd located a number of reports were from Back Bay N.W.R., Dec. 29, where three previouslyunknown colonies of Red-cockadedWoodpeckers in Pomarine and two Parasitic Jaegerswere found (RLA, HL & s.c. Virginia, and at one of these,near Wakefield, an amazing PWS). As ice began to form over the upper ChesapeakeBay in concentration of 23 birds was found Dec. 31 (LB, LRB & MRB), early January,immense numbers of gulls beganto concentrate by far a recordcount fur the state. Eastern Phoebesvirtually off S.P.S.P. Wierenga estimated 10,000 Jan. 4 and 20,000 Jan. disappearedfrom most of the region during the Januaryfreeze, 8-9. Most were Herrings and Ring-billeds,of course,but there but Horned Larks seemedto comethrough surprisinglywell, at were at least 300 Great Black-backedsand 82 Bonaparte's, leastin c. Virginia, oftenfrequenting barnyards where there was among others, Jan. 8. Record numbers of white-wingedgulls some bare ground (JBB et al.). The Black-cappedChickadee were reported in the region, with Glaucous Gulls in four previouslyreported near Lynchburgwintered up to Feb. 18 and localitiesand IcelandGulls in at leastseven. Among these were was joined by a secondbird Jan. 9 (MRB). It was the virtually

Juvenile (lst yr.) Thayet•s Gull 20 roll. E. of Ocean City, Same gull showing dark upperwing and tail band--char- Md., Feb. 5, 1977. Note light underwing lining. Photo/Alan acteristic primary markings. Photo/Alan Brady. Brady.

318 AmericanBirds, May 1977 unanimousagreement by observersthat the specieshit hardest R. M. Car•er, Ray Chandler, A. E. Conway, L H. Dalmas, by the January freeze was the Carolina Wren. with mortality Thelma Dalmas, A. B. Davenport, Pring Davenport, P. A. estimatesranging to above80% in the n. and w. parts of the DuMont, S. H. Dyke, Caroline Eastman. O. E. Fang, K. M. region.Apparently birds aroundfeeding stations survived rather Fielder, W. W. Fogleman, Fred Ford, W. C. Foster, H. L. well, but in many woodlandareas they werethought to be wiped Goldstick, Virginia Hank, Mozelle Henkel, C. F. Hills, M. L out. Unusual was a Varied Thrush photographednear Char- Hoffman, D. L. Hughes, B. W. Keelan, Carrie Kirpatrick, lottesville Jan. 16 (MS, ABD & PD), the latter the second record Kenneth Lawless, Edmund LeGrand, Harry LeGrand, B. A. for Virginia. There were severalrecord or near-recordHermit Lurid, L. K. Malone, E. T. McKnight, P. E. McOuarry. S. J. Thrush countson the CBCs.Among thesewere 54 at Ft. Belvoir, Mele, R. S. Merkel, M. A. Nichols, H. C. Olson. R. H. Peake, Va., Jan. 2 (JMA et aL), 60 at LynchburgDec. lg (KMF et al.), Mary Pulley,Peter Pyle, Jan Reese,R. F. Ringler, C. S. Robbins, and 102 at Ocean City Dec. 29 (CSR et al.). Reports on E. W. F. Rountrey. R. A. Rowlett, William R•sell, J. A. Stasz, Bluebirds were mixed. They seemedto survive the winter sat- Michael Stelling, Phil Stoddard,P. W. Sykes,Leonard Teuber, isfactorilyin someareas, but severalobservers found dead birds S. H. Thomas,C. R. Vaughn,M. L. Wass,H. L. Wierenga,C. P. in nestboxes used for roosting(RC et aL). McKnight, in fact, Wilds -- F. R. SCOTT, 115 Kennondale Lane, Richmond, Va. found 15 dead birds in four nest boxesin Stafford County, Va., 23226. March 3. As comparedto the last two winters, kingletswere in low numbers at the onset of winter and virtually disappeared during the cold snap(CRB, DB et al.). Amongthe few unusual SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION birds that lingeredinto early winter were single Solitary Vireos /Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. near Lynchburg Dec. 18 (PEM) and at Little Creek Dec. 31 (WFR), a Black-and-whiteWarbler at Back Bay Dec. 29 (FCB et aL), and a Bay-breastedWarbler, complete with a chestnut The winter of 1976-77in the SouthernAtlantic CoastRegion streakon its right side,at Suffolk.Va., Dec. 11-12(DLH). Pine was the coldeston record at many, if not most, weather stations. Warblershad arrivedand werein songin many parts of Virginia Decemberwas colder than normal, January was much colder by Feb. 27 (OEF et aL ). than normal,and the first half of Februaryalso registered below normal temperatures.Only after mid-February did the weather BLACKBIRDS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- A Yellow- moderate. For a week in mid-January,temperatures remained headed Blackbird was seen near Vienna, Va., Dec. 29 (BAL), belowor at the freezingpoint over much of North Carolina and and another wasfound near OceanCity the sameday (TA). The Piedmont of South Carolina and Georgia. January averaged survivalrate of winteringN. Oriolesis unknownfor mostof the 10-15øFbelow normal at mostplaces, and later in the month region,but up to five werestill presentin NewportNews, Va. in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, completelyfroze over! Many late winter (JB). EveningGrosbeaks were generallyuncommon pondsand small lakesfroze over during this period;others were until early January,when large numbersmoved into many parts keptopen by waterfowl.Precipitation during the winterwas nor- of the region,and PurpleFinches were quite common in par•sof mal to below normal, and only one moderatesnowfall occurred. Virginia. Otherwise,nor•bern finches were in poornumbers with The subfreezingtemperatures were responsiblefor making both Pine Siskinsand Red Crossbillsquite scarce.A flock of 30 this winter one of the poorestfor birding in manyyears. Land- Red Crossbillsnear Wakefield, Va., Dec. 26 CIHD & TD) was by birding was especiallydreary, and this "dullness"was com- far the bestreport of the winter, and Sykesreported a bird of this poundedby the near absenceof winter finches. There were two speciessinging its full songat ChincoteagueRef., Dec. 28. Four noticeableperiods of arian declinein the region.Some species. Dickcisselswith a flock of House Sparrows were found at particularlymarsh birds, werein low numberson the Christmas Easton, Md., Jan. 15 (FF), and House Finches continued their Bird Counts (hereafter CBSs). American Bitterns, both marsh increase in the region with numerous record CBC counts wrens,and SeasideSparrows seemed to be difficult to find on the including231 at St. Michaels, Md., Dec. 19 (JR et al.). The CBCs,but whetherthe scarcitywas due to mortalityor emigra- Ocean City CBC totaled 35 "Ipswich" SparrowsDec. 29 (fide tion is not known.The secondand mostcritical decline began CSR), and a late Lark Sparrowwas at Back Bay N.W.R., Dec. 4 withthe severecold of mid-Januaryand continuedthrough Feb- (WWF et al.). Nichols watched a "White-winged" Junco at ruary. Heronsand egretswere in low numbersalong the coast Gloucester,Va. at lengthDec. 25, possiblythe samebird he had after mid-January,as were certain speciesof shorebirdsand found here exactlytwo yearsbefore. One to two SnowBuntings larids.Throughout the•region small insect-feeding birds were hit were found inland near Hopewell in January (CRB & MLW), hard, and warblersand kingletswere especially affected. and up to three Lapland Longspursat Green SpringJan. 16-18 (SHT, JBB et aL)) were an almostunique record for Piedmont Virginia. A secondSmlth's Longspur was found in late Decem- / ./-,1 ber wRh the one previouslyreported on n. AssateagueI.. Md. (RAR et al.), and both were still presentJan. 16 when several } TE.., ,,"1 -, '-- :;?.7t.... photographswere taken (MLH, PP & PS). As in November, thesebirds were associating with about55 LaplandLongspurs.

ADDENDUM -- The Swainson'sWarbler reported last May and early June at Great Falls, Va. apparentlywas last seenand heard singingJuly 3 (MB & CK), lendingsome credence to the idea that the bird may havebeen nesting. although the presence of a second bird was never confirmed. GA. •v• CONTRIBUTORS -- D. F. Abbott, J. M. Abbott, R. J. Abbott, R. L. Anderson, Tom Andres, H. T. Armistead, P. J. Baicick, J. B. Bazuin, C. R. Blem, L. R. Boatwright, Louise Boatwright,M. R. Boatwright,Alan Brady,Martin Brandwein, JerryBrittingham, F. C. Burford, M. A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak,

Volume 31, Number 3 319 THE KINGLET DISASTER -- Ruby-crowned and Golden- Jerseyto Virginia after mid-Januarywas undoubtedly the reason crownedKinglets are usuallytwo of the mostabundant winter for theseunusual numbers here, probablythe highestsince the speciesin the region.However, the severecold in mid-January eelgrassblight severaldecades ago. Three ad. White-fronted essentiallywiped out bothspecies (perhaps 90-95% vanished), Geese at Santee N.W.R. near L. Marion, S.C., Jan. 24 were most particularlyin the Piedmontsection. A number of observers unusual (B & LL). Lynch found four ad. SnowGeese (two of each mentionedthat both specieswere very scarce from mid-January colorphase) on a pondnear Garysburg,N.C., Jan.8, and Ricky to the end of the period,and censusdata collectedby LeGrand Davis also had four (all white) on Masonboro I., N.C., Jan 31 over the past three yearsdramatically documents this disaster. FulvousWhistling Ducks "invaded" e. North Carohna 35 He averaged21 Golden-crownedsand 31 Ruby-crownedson four wereat PeaI., Dec. 18 (TS), and sevenat CapeHatteras Jan 13 mid-winter censusesin 1975, 13 Golden-crownedsand 27 Ruby- (JH).The coldweather was apparently responsible for a surpris- crowneds in 1976, and one Golden-crowned and two Ruby- ing numberof ducksvisiting the Ft. Fisherarea of the s North crowneds in 1977! There is no doubt that this disaster is a case of Carolina coastafter mid-January.Most unusualthere were850 mortalityand not emigration,as the springmigration of kinglets Gadwallsand 3500 Am. WigeonsJan. 27 (RD). Three Pintads (at least at Clemson, South Carolina) has been negligible were found at Seaforth, N.C., Dec. 6 (JOP, ET), and three Blue- throughlate March, as this report is beingwritten. Observers wingedTeals were late in n. Wake County, N.C., Dec. 4 (RJH, throughouteastern North America should pay close attention to TH). Georgia'sfirst CinnamonTeal was a male at AugustaJan populationsof thesespecies to learnthe extentof the mortality 22 (V & AW). The brilliant cinnamon color of the head and and the ability of the speciesto recoverfollowing the breeding breastand the verydark tail werenoted. The later appearanceof season a hybrid teal (thoughtto be a CinnamonX Blue-winged)at the SPECIES IN ABOVE-NORMAL NUMBERS -- Generally, samepond confuses matters, but two non-Blue-wingedsin early waterfowl were in somewhat above-normal numbers in coastal March may have been the Cinnamon and the hybrid. A Eur North Carolina,but mixedreports came from other partsof the Wigconwas at HuntingtonBeach S.P., Feb. 5 (PN). Countsof region The freezing over of Pamlico Sound causeda local 3000 Redheadsand 3475 Canvasbacksat Pea I. N.W.R., Dec 9, increasein waterfowlin nearbyfresh and brackishwater refuges wereexcellent (TS). Greater Scaupsare rare inland duringthe -- Mattamuskeetand Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges. winter; thus of interest were a male at L. Greenwood Dec 3 Other speciesin conspicuouslyhigh numbersthis winter were (B & LL) and three (onemale) near Townville, S.C., Jan. 5-8 (HL, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers,Horned Larks, American Robins, SG). Common Goldeneyesseemed to be more numerous on Hermit Thrushes, and House Finches. Blackbirds also seemed to inland lakes and ponds this winter than previously.Besides be in excessivelyhigh numbers this winter. singlesseen during the periodnear Folkston(RK), Pendleton, S.C. (HL, SG), and L. Greenwood(B & LL), notablecounts were LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- A count of 21 Com. Loons at five at Winston-Salem, N.C., Jan. 13 (RS et al. ), sevenat Toccoa, L Murray in c. SouthCarolina Jan. 8 (BL) was excellentfor an Ga., Dec. 1-3 (JR,fide RSt), and 12 at RoanokeRapids L, Jan 2 inland location, and the five Red-throatedLoons at Roanoke & 8 (JML). ThreeOldsquaws near ClemsonDec. 13 providedthe Rapids,N.C., on the samedate may be an inland recordcount secondrecord for the locality (HL). for the region (JML). Single Red-neekedGrebes were found A d Harlequin Duck was observedat Radio I., near More- inland at L. Greenwood,S.C., Feb. 21-27 (B & LL), and on the headCity Dec. 11 (HH), and presumablythe samebird wasseen coastat Buxton,N.C., Jan. 27 (PS,BH) and HuntingtonBeach nearbyDec. 26-27 (BHe). A secondHarlequin was seenat Bull S P, S C., Feb. 5 (PP, PL, PN). Truly remarkablewas a countof I., S.C., Dec. 27 (HM); less than one-half dozen records exist for 1457 Horned Grebesat L. Murray, includinga flock of 1400 each state. On Dec. 4 a Com. Eider was found at Pea I. (TS), and brrds, Jan. 8 (BL). Two W. Grebeswere seenat Wrightsville another (same bird?) was at nearby Oregon Inlet, Dec 30 Beach,N.C., Dec. 18 on the Wilmington CBC (BD, LD, PR, (Bodie-PeaIs. CBC). Very unusualwas a Surf Scotercollected at DE) A Brown Pelicanwas unusuallyfar "inland" at tidewater L. Wheelernear Raleighby David Lee in mid-DecemberThis is New Bern,N.C., whereit wasseen in flight Dec. 31 (JF).Another the rarestscoter on inland lakes in the region,and the winter at OregonInlet, N.C., Jan. 26 (PS, BH) wasn. of its winter range. seasoilnature of this record is also noteworthy.Another species A Green Heron was late at SumterCounty, Ga., Dec. 21 (GM), of waterfowlin above-normalnumbers was the Com. Mergan- whereasa Cattle Egretwas unusual for midwinterat Morehead set:one appeared at ClemsonFeb. 4-5: (SG,HL), twowere at Ft City, N.C., Feb. 14 (JF).Notable numbers of Cattle Egretswere Fisher,Jan. 27 (RD), sevenwere at HuntingtonBeach S.P, Feb seen•n s. Georgiathis winter; 102 in LowndesCounty, Dec. 25 5-10 (PP), 11 were at Roanoke Rapids, Jan. 8 (JML), and a (JB),and as many as nine duringJanuary and Februaryin the remarkable 22 were at L. Greenwood Feb. 3 (B & LL). Over 90% Folkston area (RK). An Am. Bittern found dead at Raleigh, of thebirds reported were females. Noteworthy inland reports of N C, in early February(JC), provideda rare winter recordfor Red-breastedMergansers were sevenat Rocky Mount, N C, the Piedmont sectionof the region. Even though nearly all Dec. 2 (LF), and 33 at L. Murray, Jan.8 (B & LL). speciesof waderswere in reducednumbers at MoreheadCity, Fussell noted that White Ibises remained in normal numbers, RAPTORS -- vultures are very rarely seen on the North eventhough the speciesis at then. borderof itswinter range. Carolina Outer Banks, so singleTurkey Vulturesat Cape Hat- WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swanswere reportedfrom sev- teras, Dec. 3 & 17 were of interest(JH). Impressiveroosts of eral widelyscattered locations away from their normal rangein Black Vultures were found at two Piedmont localities: 69 on n e North Carolina. One was at Okefenokee N.W.R., Ga., Dec. electricpower poles Dec. 18 nearL. Greenwood(B & LL), and50 6 (RB, fide EC), five wereat L. GreenwoodDec. 10 (B & LL),two (with 30 Turkey Vultures) in n. Orange County, N.C., Dec 19 at Beaufort,N.C., Dec. 21 (JF, BM, RD), and singleswere at (JHCo).Fussell observed a Swallow-tailedKite on the amazingly HuntingtonBeach S.P., Jan. 21 (PP) and SanteeN.W.R., S.C., earlydate of Feb. 27 at Ft. Macon, N.C. This locationis well n e Feb 15-19 (DF). A major highlightof the severewinter wasthe of the breedingrange (extending n. to the SanteeR. in South remarkable midseason movement of Brant into coastal North Carolina)and approximatelythree weeksearly even for the Carolina, where the speciesis usually uncommon.As many as Santee.More unusual was a MississippiKite in February(no 100 wereseen both at OregonInlet Jan. 27 (PS, BH) and More- date supplied),seen briefly in flight at OcconeecheeNeck in n head City mid-Januarythrough February (m.ob.), 125 were at North Carolina, where the specieshas been seen on several PamllcoCounty Feb. 3-5 (JF,JMa), and a peakof 1650 notedat previousoccasions in springand summer(LF). The kite had a PeaI, Feb. 15 (NFW). The freezingup of coastalbays from New swallow-likeflight, triangularblack patch at the end of the

320 American Birds, May 1977 wings,unbarred tail from beneath,and especiallya light-colored Robert Teulingssuggested in his Am. Birds report. A pelagic trading edge of the wing. Winter sightingsof Sharp-shinned trip off North Carolinathis winter (no specificdetails received) Hawks haveincreased noticeably in the regionover the past sev- produceda small group of white-wingedgulls, and birderscol- eral years, and a handful of birders mentionedthat this winter lecteda "large" and a "small" gull, believingthey had a Glau- saw the highestnumber in many years. Whether this increase cousand an Iceland. Even in the hand, the gulls' identitieswere was due to the cold weather,increase in hawk populations,or uncertain,and they were sentto Washingtonfor positive•den- s•mply observerincrease is not known, though the situation tiffcation. Both gulls were Glaucous!Apparently, birders are bearsmonitoring in upcomingyears. placingtoo muchemphasis on overallsize and winglength, and Despite the very cold weather, only two reports of Rough- not enough emphasison bill color and shape. In the wnter's leggedHawks were received -- individualsat BeaverdamRes. in opinion, the short and dark bill of the imm. Iceland should n Wake Co., N.C., Feb. 5-15 (BLa, TH) and at Occoneechee separatethat speciesfrom the Glaucous,which has a long and Neck near Halifax, N.C., Feb. 3 (LF). An imm. Golden Eagle at thick, flesh-coloredbill with a black tip in the immature stages Pungo N.W.R. in e. North Carolina Jan. 21, was an excellent Herring Gulls showeda great increasein numbersat Clemson find (RK et al., fide JCF). Inland reportsof Bald Eaglesin winter this season,with a peak of 75, Feb. 12 (HL). LaughingGulls are fairly rare; thusnoteworthy were one at Pinehurst,N.C., Jan. formerly quite rare in mid-winter on the North Carolina coast, 21 {fide JHC) and an immature near Raleigh Jan. 21-25, feeding havebeen increasingsteadily as winter residentsover the past on carcasses of ducks frozen to the ice of L. Wheeler (TLQ et few years.It is significantthat small numbersremained all w•n- al ) Merlins are also very rare at inland localitiesin winter. ter at Morehead City despitethe severeweather (JF), and Fussell Single birds were observedat Columbus, Ga., Jan. 6 (JM), alsohad 16 at tidewaterPamlico County, N.C., Feb. 3. A Laugh- Augusta, Ga., Feb. 12 (V & AW), and Pendleton,S.C., Feb. 11 ing Gull with a black headJan. 16 in inland Georgiaat DeSoto (SG, HL). (SP, JM) was astounding.Bob and Lisa Lewis, who spent con- CRANES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- An ad. Sandhill siderabletime scanningL. Greenwoodthis winter, had a peak Bonaparte'sGull count of 250 Dec. 3; other good inland totals Crane was seen at Eufaula N.W.R., Ga., along the Alabama were 22 at L. Surf near Vass, N.C., Dec. 14 (JHC) and 21 at border, on the surprisingdate of Jan. 29 (SP). A King Rail seen Roanoke Rapids L., Jan. 1 (JML). A Forster's Tern was an near RaleighFeb. 11 (JC, RBe, BW) and a Virginia Rail near unusualinland visitor at a pond in SeminoleCounty, Ga, Dec Atlanta Dec. 26 (J & PC, BG) werenotable; rails are rarelyfound 28 (SP). The only alcid reportedwas the Razorbill; individuals •n the Piedmont at this season.Baker et al. saw a Purple werefound dead Jan. 16 at HuntingtonBeach S.P. (JEC) and Galhnulein ThomasCounty, Ga., Dec. 19, a rare winter species Jan. 18 on BogueI., N.C. (KL, fide FPB). It is unfortunatethat anywherein the region. Hudick was fortunate to find both a birdersdid not take advantageof the extremelycold weather to Long-balledCurlew and a Whimbrel togetherat HatterasVil- make pelagictrips in searchof alcidsand other oceanicspecies, lage, N C., Dec. 11-17, and anotherWhimbrel was at Morehead however,offshore fishing in winter in this regionis apparently City Feb. 11 (MS). An unusualinland recordwas an individual poorand availableboats at this seasonseem difficult to find and Spotted Sandpiper at DeSoto, Ga., Jan. 16 (SP, JM), and an schedulefor trips. •mpresstvecount of 325 Red Knots was made at Cape Hatteras, Dec 2 (JH). At least 40 Purple Sandpiperswere seenat Ft. OWLS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- Wendell Smith Moulttie, Sullivan'sI., S.C., Jan.23 (B & LL), a veryhigh count heard a Long-earedOwl at North Wilkesboro, N.C., Jan 27, for the region. presumablythe samebird he has heard there overthe past sev- The most remarkableshorebird sighting of the winter was eral winters. Short-earedOwls are quite rare away from the that of a Pectoral Sandplper that spent the frigid winter near coastin the region;noteworthy were at leasttwo all winter at the Townvalle in n.w. South Carolina. LeGrand found the bird in weed-coveredbed of the new BeaverdamRes. n. of Raleigh Decemberand it was observedon six other datesin January and (m.ob.).One wasfound shotFeb. 19 and was givento the N C February.This is onlythe secondwinter recordfor the state,and Museum of Natural History (JML). Saw-whetOwls were seenon •t probablyrepresents one of the few documentedinstances of two occasionsat Atlanta: one Dec. 19, 26, and Jan. 5 (JG et al ), th•s speciesspending the entire winter in the United States.A and another at Wally Dreyfoos'home Jan. 21. A growing LeastSandpiper also wintered with the Pectoral,affording excel- bodyof evidenceover the past decadeindicates that Whip-poor- lent s•ze comparisons.American Avocetswinter in the region wills may winter regularlyalong North Carolina'ss. coast Th•s essentmllyonly at Bodie-PeaIs., N.C., and SouthI., S.C.; there- winter two birds were seen on a road at Gloucester, Carteret Co, fore,a groupof 18 at Ft. Johnsonnear Charleston, Mar. 1-5 (DF Dec. 1 (A & JP). There werethree reports of unidentifiedhum- et al ) was an exciting find. mingbirds:one at CoreCreek, N.C., in early December(JE), one on BogueBank, N.C., Dec. 22 {fide JF), and a 9 Archtlochus GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- What must surelyrepresent seenalive Jan. 2-7 and found dead Jan. 14 in Mt. Pleasant, S C a recordcount of gullsfor the regionwas the 150,000estimated (GH). The latter bird was sent to the U.S. Nat'l Museum for at Cape Hatteras Feb. 16 (JH). Hudick was able to pick outfour identification. Presumablythe South Carolina bird was a Ruby- Glaucous Gulls and one Iceland Gull from the flock that date. throated,but no suchassumption should be made aboutthe two He alsofound a Glaucousthere Jan. 15, and one of eachspecies in North Carolina, which had its first sight record of a on Jan 19. All the white-wingedgulls were immature, as was a Selasphorushummingbird ( 9 sp?)this fall. Glaucouson PawleysI., S.C., Jan. 23 (B & LL). There has been considerablecontroversy over the separationof Glaucousand LARKS THROUGH WRENS -- The severe weather was the IcelandGulls in the field in this region.There are a numberof probablecause of bringing recordnumbers of Horned Larks s•ghtrecords of Icelandsfor both Carolinas,including several into the n. part of the region.Approximately 80 wereseen near photographs,but as yet there are no specimens(there is a spec- Anderson,S.C., Feb. 5 (PAW, CW, KW), 100 at nearbyPendle- imen for Georgia).Last winter a white-wingedgull of uncertain ton Feb. 19 (HL), 150 at alsonearby Townville Jan. 8 (SG, HL), •dentltywas found dead at MoreheadCity (seeAB 30:707)and 200 Dec. 31 near Windsor,N.C. (JML), 250 near Palmyra, N C, later wasconfirmed as a Glaucous,while anothergull seennear Mar. 9 (JML), and an astounding1162 on the RoanokeRapids, Aurora, N.C. (ibid.) was originallyidentified as an Iceland. How- N.C., CBC Jan. 2! Two Tree Swallowswere very late at Augusta ever, LeGrand and Gauthreaux, who are familiar with both spe- Dec. 11 (V & AW), and the speciesspent Dec. 19 - at leastFeb cies,have examined slidesof the gull taken by Paul Faulk and 10 at a pondin ThomasCounty, Ga., peakingat 100 on Feb 9 have concluded without doubt that the bird was a Glaucous, as (LN,fide RLC). Overthree weeksearly wasa Barn SwallowFeb

Volume 31, Number 3 321 25 at Clemson(HL, PF). Purple Martins usuallyarrive in the land Longspursand were rewardedfor their efforts: peak counts region in February, but remarkable were birds arriving at were three near Pendleton Feb. 26, and 10 near Townville Jan. 8. Georgetown,S.C., Jan. 20 (SC), and at Waycross,Ga., Jan. 24 Snow Buntingswere in very small numbersalong the coast: (EC). Five observerssaw a Bewick'sWren at Pendergrass,Ga., however,one seen on three datesduring the winter at the Yerkes Jan. 9; the speciesis becoming more and more scarce at all Primate Field Station in Lawrenceville,Ga., was noteworthy seasonswith eachpassing year. OV, DC). MIMIDS THROUGH WARBLERS -- A Gray Catbird was a OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS -- W. Wilson Baker, goodfind at ColumusFeb. 10 (BMa). The speciesis seenfairly FrancisP. Belcik, Rick Betton(RBe), John Bracey,Ronald Bns- frequentlyon PiedmontCBCs in the region,but it seemsthat bee,I. H. Carter III, Jack and PhyllisCarusos, C. Ceilfuss,John mostare just late lingerersand not winter residents,since Jan- E. Cely, Dennis Chickazawa,J. H. Caman ClHCo), John Con- uary through March recordsfor that sectionare quite rare. A hers, Robert L. Crawford, Sam Crayton, EugeneCypert, Betty Blue-grayGnatcatcher was netted at ClemsonDec. 14 (VN), per- Davis, Lloyd Davis, Ricky Davis, Wally Dreyfoos, Dot Earle, haps the same individual that spent the entire 1975-76 winter JudyEubanks, Edmund Farear, Paul Faulk, JohnC. Fields, Lou there. Hudick found a White-eyedVireo n. of its winter rangeat Fink, Dennis Forsythe,John Fussell,Sidney Gauthreaux, Bob CapeHatteras Jan. 20. SingleSolitary Vireos were noteworthy at Gilbert, Joe Greenberg,Henry Haberyan, Robert I. Hader, G. Durham, N.C., Jan. 13 {IHo) and at ClemsonJan. 21 {HL, PF). Hannahan,Bill Hetler (BHe), JohnHorn (lHo), RoyceHough, The specieshas beenincreasing on CBCsin c. North Carolina Tom Howard, JoeFludick, Bill Hudson,Steve Jones, Ralph Keel over the past few winters,and Raleigh reportedfive on its CBC (RKe), Richard Kuetzi, Louise Lacoss(LLa), Pete Laurie, Bill Dec. 19. Two Black-and-white Warblers were late in Greenwood Lazar (BLa), Ken Leber, David Lee, Harry LeGrand, Bob Lewis, S.P., S.C., Dec. 12 {B & LL), as was an Orange-crownedWar- Lisa Lewis, Charles Lincoln, J. Merrill Lynch, Charles Martin, bler. Dec. 24, at RoanokeRapids (JML). A BlackburnInnWar- Jim Martin (JMa), Bill Matheny (BMa), Gall Menk, JamesMil- bler waswell seenJan. 29, at Hunting I., S.C. (AT, VS, CAW); ler, Holland Mills, Bill Moffitt, Leon Neel, Val Nolan, Perry this appearsto representthe first winter recordfor the state. Nugent, Sam Pate, Jeff Petite (JPe), AIIyn and JoAnne Powell, Clemson's first winter record for Yellow-breasted Chat was of Pat Probst,James O. Pullman, T. L Quay, Pete Roberts,John oneat LeGrand'shome Dec. I and againJan. 8 {SG,HL). Robbins, Peter Scott, Mary Simpson, Florence Slifer, Tom BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES -- A flock of 25 Brew- Smith, Vivian Smith, Wendell P. Smith, Ramona Snavely, er's Blackbirds Feb. 17 just n.e. of Folkston {RK) was note- RandyStringer (RSt), Adair Tedards,Elizabeth Teulings, Joel worthy;other reportswere three females in ThomasCounty {no Volpi, Charlotte Waggett, Kathy Waggett, Phillip A. Waggett, date -- RLC, SJ), three Dec. 18 at Magnolia Gardens near Bob Walton, Vernon and Anne Waters, Caroline Watson Charleston{EF, CO. and one female at Raleigh Feb. 19 {GW). (CAW), Gail Whitehurst, N. F. Williamson Jr. -- HARRY E. Single Summer Tanagerswere most unusualfor the winter LeGRAND, JR., Department of Zoology, ClemsonUniversity, season-- a male on the Charleston CBC, Jan. 2 {PN), and a Clemson, S.C. 29631. 9-plumagedbird twomi. s. of Folkston,Feb. I {RK). Evenmore exciting was a Black-headed Grosbeak at Florence Slifer's PLEASE NOTE -- Contributors should continue to send their feeder at Summerville,S.C., for severalweeks in January and seasonalreports to Robert P. TeaRings.Route 2, Box 154, February.An ad. d PaintedBunting was present at a feederjust ChapelHill, N.C. 27514. w. of MoreheadCity Dec. 25 to the end of the period{fide JF). This marks the third consecutivewinter that the specieshas been seenin this area. A d Dickcisselwas a goodfind at Columbus FLORIDA REGION Feb. 14 {BMa). Evening Grosbeakswere scarce nearly everywhere in the regionduring the CBC period, but in Januaryand /Henry M. Stevenson February a small influx was noted in the n. half of North Carolina. Nonetheless,it was clearly an off-yearfor the species. The obviousdanger of attemptingto characterizethe winter of House Finches,as might be expected,wintered in record num- 1976-77is that more spacemight be devotedto weatherthan to bers in the Carolinas,but just how much of the increasewas due to the cold weather,as comparedwith its rangeexpansion, is not CENTRALSOUTHERN •7" REGION• • known at present. Approximately300 roosted this winter at ..... •-~ -- -.• rTALLAHASSEE Raleigh's Rose Garden {TLQ), a record regionalcount, and a t 1.1_ DIVISION ,• SouthCarolina record55 birds werefound in a weedyfield with Tallahassee' • .... •' •. JohnRiver Am. Goldfinchesnear PendletonJan. 16 {SG,HL). The species '• /'• LiveOaz penetratedas far s. and s.w.as Morehead City; Aiken, S.C.; East Point, Ga; and Columbus.There were unconfirmedreports of singleCorn. Redpolls at feedersat Durhamand Charleston.Pine Siskinswere practicallynon-existent throughout the region, althoughthere were a few widelyscattered reports. The only Red Crossbillsighting other than on CBCswas a group of four birds at Winston-SalemDec. 26 {RH). A Lark Sparrowwas at a feeder at Hilton Head I., S.C., Jan. 12 - Mar. 14 (LLa), as was one at Morehead City all winter {CL,fide JF). Only one report of Tree Sparrowswas received(other than on CBCs) -- two birds near Duluth, Ga., Feb. 4 {IPe). This specieswinters in moderate numbersover muchof Virginia, and it seemsunusual that the speciesdid not penetrateinto the region as a result of the severelycold weather. White-crowned Sparrow numbers were up in several Coastal Plain localities, and one was unusual at 1 FLORIDA[ •"•'•1 X..': ':::1 Folkston Jan. 27 {RK). Gauthreaux and LeGrand carefully examinedHoened Lark flocks in n.w. South Carolina for Lap-

322 American Birds, May 1977 b•rds Yet somefacts are necessaryto explainthe effectsof the row.The presenceon this list of the Hermit Thrush and Yellow- severe winter on bird life. The "cold" statistics show that tem- rumped Warbler, both of which havesuffered in someprevious peraturedeficiencies were recorded in everymonth from Octo- winters,may be relatedto a heaviercrop of wild fruit this winter ber throughJanuary (and probablyFebruary also) at all eight -- a resourceprobably not extensivelyused by thosespecies that sampleweather stations scattered throughout the region.These decreasedsharply. deficiencieswere small in south Florida until January, when LOONS. GREBES AND SHEARWATERS -- Illustrative of freezes reached the Miami area and snow fell there and in the a marked die-off of Com. Loons on Florida's East Coast were Bahamas!The periodof October-Januarywas the coldestin the countsof 18 dead and 17 "sick or injured" birds in Palm Beach historyof the National Weather Servicein parts of north Flor- County Dec. 12-30 (HPL), and 13 dead at New Smyrna Beach ida, with accumulatedtemperature deficits of 24.5øF at Apa- Feb. 11 (RDB); Edscorn considered the numbers low in the lachicolaand 23.2ø at Tallahassee;the monthof Januarywas the Tampa area. Rare in the Gull a Red-throated Loon was seenat second-coldest on record and the coldest since 1940. Alligator Pt., Dec. 5 (JHH). A Red-neckedGrebe 10 mi off Althoughcomparative data are not at hand, the weekof Jan- Melbourne Jan. 5 (JJ & DH), extendsthe number of Florida uary 17-23 may have been the coldeston record in this part of recordswithout a specimenor photographto about 30. Single the state, with daily minima in the teensor low 20's for the first Eared Grebes were at the St. PetersburgBayway December - six days Also most unusualfor Florida was its two snowfalls. Feb. 21 (Karl Thompson,LH), and the Merritt Island N.W R , Oddly, much of central Florida got more snowthe first time Dec. 28 (RDB & DH). Two shearwaterspecies were found dead (Jan 19) than north Florida, someremaining on the groundfor on the East Coast: a Cory'sat Veto BeachDec. 9 (AB; *U S F ), two days at Lakeland (JBE). A few of the unusualresponses of and singleAudubon's near Ft. PierceDec. 11 (AB, *U.S.F.), and somebirds to the severecold included:arboreal species such as in Palm BeachCounty Dec. 13 (GH & HPL). A live Audubon's Ruby-crownedKinglets (m.ob.) and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers Shearwater was seen off Ft. Pierce Dec. 27 (JL & BI) and one (JBE)feeding constantly on the ground(Edscorn supposed they photographedoff CanaveralJan. 23 (RDB, PWS et al., rarely were looking for frozen insectsthat had fallen from the trees); seen after December). A Manx Shearwater 10 mi. off Cocoa gulls(JBE) and White Pelicans(HWK) feedingon fish killed by Beach Jan. 9 (RDB, HD, PWS et aL), was one of the few ever the extremecold; an EasternPhoebe eating a small anole(JJC); identified in Florida waters. and Pine Warblerseating smallseeds from my feeder. In examiningmy field data for quantitativeevidence of arian PELECANIFORMS -- Unusual inland records were those of decreasesaround Tallahassee,it was necessaryto comparethis 11 White Pelicans near Lake Placid Nov. 27, and one near Palm- winter'sfrequencies (birds per hour)with two othersets of data: dale Jan. 3, and a Brown Pelicannear SebringDec. 11 (all by (1) the averagefrequencies for the samemonths (December - Fred Lohrer).Brown Pelicans were nesting on Marco I., by Feb February)during 1946-74,and (2) the averagesfor thesemonths 3 -- about a month early (TB). A Blue-facedBooby was ancoun- In 1975-76,since the coveragehad been extensivelyrevised in tered off Ft. Pierce Dec. 27 0L & BI), and about 80 Gannets off September 1975. The necessityfor this double evidenceof Canaveral Feb. 19 (RDB, AL et aL). Three East Coast localities decreasesprobably reduced the numberof speciesincluded in had Great Cormorants: two at New Symrna Beach Feb. 20-22 the lists that follow. Whenever the evidence was limited to either (onephotographed; MCB, RDB et aL), two at Port Everglades of the subdivisions of the Tallahassee Division, this fact was Dec. 19 - Feb. 28 (WG, Brian Hope, photographedWJB), and indicatedby the letter "L" (LeonCo.) or "C" (coastalcounties). one at Old Rhoads Key, BiscayneBay Feb. 27 0im & Marlyn Althoughsubnormal temperatures began in the fall, onlytwo Kushlan).Anhingas are rare on the Florida Keys, but singles speciesshowed statistical evidence of unusuallylow frequencies were at Boca Chica Dec. 1 & 16 (MB), and Stock I., Feb 16 throughoutthe period--theCattle Egret and HouseWren (C). (TW); a colony in ConservationArea 3A (Broward Co.?) had The more commonpattern wasthat of normal or, more often, youngin the nestby Feb. 3, despitethe cold(JCO). increased frequenciesin early winter, followed by sharp WADING BIRDS -- Northerly winter recordswere made for decreasesby late Januaryor February. Sincemost of thesespe- LeastBittern at GainesvilleJan. 23 (RR), and RoseateSpoonbill cieshave winter rangesextending well north of Florida, it seems at McKay Bay (Tampa) in late December(Lainbeths). After likely that the earlycold sentincreased numbers into this state, building nestsand laying eggsat CorkscrewSanctuary, Wood but the more severecold of Januarydecimated them, although Storks abandonedtheir efforts, partially owing to high water somemay havemigrated still farther south.•pecies showing this levelsin s: Florida -- a result of a veryrainy "dry" season,with patternof abundancewere: Ground Dove, BeltedKingfisher, rains in November.December, January and also partially pre- Tree Swallow(C), House Wren (L), Blue-grayGnatcatcher (L), sumablyowing to cold; othersin s. Florida did not evenbegin Ruby-crownedKinglet, WaterPipit (L), LoggerheadShrike (L), (JCO, TB); two were somewhatout of place at Big Pine Key Black-and-whiteWarbler, Orange-crownedWarbler, and Com- about Jan. 17-18 (the Nathaniel Lawfences). Also unusual on the mon Yellowthroat.Gall Menk, who participatedin the coverage Keyswere single Glossy Ibises (same bird?) at Key West Jan 10 of the Leon County areas, also censused11 other areasthere (FTH) and Feb. 14 (TW). Six Am. Flamingoeswere seen on mud each month. To the extent that these specieswere well rep- flatsadjacent to ChapmanField, s. DadeCo., Feb. 26 OK). resentedon his areas,his data agreedwith mine for all species (those underscored)except the Yellow-rumped Warbler, for WATERFOWL -- Possiblyfor the first time on record,single which he also recorded a decrease. It should be added that the Whistling Swans appeared at four localities in the Florida winteringpopulations of severalother specieshave been rel- Region:near St. Marks Light Dec. 3 (Hal Beether),McKay Bay ativelylow in north Florida for severalyears, but there was no Dec. 14 (Glen Woolfenden)- 2S (m.ob.),Tarpon SpringsJan 29 evidenceof further decreasesthis winter; this group includes - Feb. 28 (F. H. Park, Ted Curtis); and JacksonvilleJan 11 mostspecies of dabblingducks, Turkey Vulture (L), Black Vul- (PeggyPowell, VMM); obviously,the St. Marks bird may have ture, Eastern Bluebird (L), Palm Warbler, and Red-winged moved to one of the other localities. Eleven Snow Geese (blue Blackbird. Finally, it must be admitted that the severityof the phase)were unusually far southat Ft. LauderdaleJan. 18 (WJB), winter brought somegains, sincethe followingspecies occurred as was a FulvousWhistling-Duck at Stock I., Dec. 6 (TW), and In excessivenumbers in the Tallahassee Division, and some threethere Dec. 11 (FTH). Mottled Ducksare not yet knownto ranged farther south in the state than usual: Hermit Thrush, winterin the TallahasseeDivision, but four wereon St. George Yellow-rumpedWarbler (exceptas notedabove), Purple Finch I., as late as Dec. 4 0MS et aLL SingleGreen-winged Teal (L), Dark-eyedJunco, White-throated Sparrow, and Fox Spar- reachedthe Keys at Stock I., Feb. 11 (TW), and Summerland

Volume 31, Number 3 323 Key Feb. 24 & Mar. 2 (MB); a male on Paynes Prairie near monthan formerly supposed, and they werereported off both Gainesville Feb. 26 - Mar. 2 had the field marks ofA. c. crecca coastsagain this winter. In addition, two Pomatineswere found (JHH) A d Cinnamon Teal again appeared in Everglades dead on beachesin Palm Beach County Dee. 12-15 (HPL), and National Park (below E.N.P.) Feb. 2 (Robt. McKeon). Large an unidentified jaeger was seen far up Tampa Bay Jan 20 numbersfor the speciesand localitywere 400 Canvasbacksnear (Chuck Turner). Although few Florida records have been AuburndaleFeb. 5 (JBE,CG, JRSet al. ), and 250 Greater Seaup documentedfor Long-tailedJaeger, two werereported 22 ml off m Old Tampa BayJan. 22 (JMS & BonnieCarter). At leastfive Canaveral Dec. 24 (JJ). Florida's third record of skua was Oldsquawswere reported:St. Marks Light Dec. 24 • Jan. 26 established5 mi. s.e. of St. AugustineFeb. 23 (Grier Ralston), (mob ), St. PetersburgNovember - Jan 14 (LH), Tampa Dec. 28 after numerousjaegers had been seen.His descriptionwas con- • Jan I (Lambeths),Merritt Island N.W.R., Dec. 5-22 (Karl and vincing,but gave no clue as to whetherit may have been C Betty Eichhorn et al.); and Melbourne Feb. 10 (Don Devitt et maccormicki (seeAB 30:936). al ) A 9 HarlequinDuck was at SebastianInlet Dec. 31 (John GULLS -- GlaucousGulls were reportedfrom at least three De Marco), and at Port Canaveral Jan. 2-8 (Leo and Ruth Gal• localitieson theEast Coast, where they are becoming regular (off loway, m.ob.); photosshowed both to be "the samebird" •'de Melbourne and Canaveral, and at New Smyrna Beach), but a RDB) Extremelyrare on the Gulf Coastwas a female at Capriva recordpresumed to be from the West Coast(Colony Cove Dec I, Feb. 1548 (J.O.L. Roberts,photo, V. Gray). The surprising 1-31, Mr. and Mrs. Tourtelotte)was not accompaniedby suffi- total of 9 Masked Ducks at Loxahatchee N.W.R., Feb. 12-20 cient details. The Iceland Gull, somewhat more unusual, was (Fred Heath, PWS et al.), led to speculationthat they may be seen at New Smyrna Beach Feb. 8-10 (RDB et al), Port preparingto nestthere. Canaveral Feb. 19 (PWS), and Ft. Pierce Feb. 10 (John Tread- DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY -- A Black Vulture near Rock way, MCB). But the seasoh'sprize was a tentativelyindentified Harbor Dec. 9 (Nancy Paul), added to the small number of Thayer's Gull at Poncede Leon Inlet (New Smyrna Beach) Feb recordson the Keys. A Swallow-tailedKite appearedat Fla- 8-13 (RDB, JBE, Simon Perkins et al.); Barber's photograph mrngo on the early date of Feb. 21 (PWS). A northerly winter (copy T.T.R.S.) has been examined by Neal Smith and Davis recordof Broad-wingedHawk, thoughtto be accurate,was of an Finch, who do not absolutelyconcur, and will be sent to Earl adult seennear Port Tampa Feb. 20 (Lambeths).Other unusual Godfrey.Barber alsophotographed a Franklin'sGull at Cocoa recordsfor the LowerKeys were singleRed-tailed Hawks Dec. Dec. 1. Adult LesserBlack-backed Gulls were at New Smyrna 20 and Feb. 9 (MB) and Swainsoh's Hawks Dec. 30 and Feb. 4 Beach Feb. 8-10 (RDB et al.), Port Canaveral Dec. 15-27 (JJ, (MB) SingleRough-legged Hawks (same bird?) were at Cocoa DH), and Key West Jan. 18 (FTH). Two imm. Black-legged Dec 27 (DH), and Merritt Island N.W.R., Dec. 28 (Helen Kittiwakes were seenoff Canaveral Feb. 19 (RDB, PWS et al ) Crmckshank);one was on PaynesPrairie Feb. 26 (JJC& JEH). TERNS AND ALCIDS -- A RoseateTern founddead on Key Two lmm. Bald Eagleswere in the neston CudjoeKey Feb. 28 West Dec. 6, becameFlorida's first winterspecimen (J. P May, (MB), an unknownnumber of youngin a nest at Jacksonville FTH, TW; *E.N.P.). Also unusual in winter was a Bridled Tern Feb 27 (MCD); and pairs of adultsat nestsnear OrangePark found dead, beyondsalvaging, in Palm BeachCounty Dec 13 Feb 17 (MCD), and St. Marks Light throughout the period (GH & HPL). Florida's third Razorbill record was of a btrd (mob ). A mostencouraging aspect of this species'population approachedvery closely8 mi. off CanaveralJan. 4 (JJ), and a dynamics was the unprecedentedpresence of at least five Dovekieseen 16 mi. off that coastlineJan. 15 (JJ)was one of very m•matures, December to early February near St. Marks Light fewever reported in Floridalater than December. (mob ). A GoldenEagle was photographed near Myakka River PIGEONS, DOVES AND PARAKEETS -- An extrahmltal S P, Dec. 4 (ST et al. ). white-crownedPigeon was found deadnear Homestead Feb 13 RAILS AND GALLINULES -- A Yellow Rail was examined (JF; *E.N.P.?). The astoundingestimate of 1140 White-winged at closerange, both at restand in flight, near St. AugustineJan. Dovesnear Davie Jan. 23 (Boltes, Ted Hendrickson), not to men- 28 (Caroline Coleman), and a Sora at Stock I., Feb. 23 (TW), tion a mere 18 at nearby BoyntonBeach Jan. 25 (PWS et al ), may havebeen an early migrant.At leastone Purple Gallinule mustsurely represent years of successfulbreeding somewhere m remained throughoutthe winter at Wakulla Springs(m.ob.) -- s. Florida; four were at Key West Dec. 6 (FTH). Another range a rather rare event -- as did one in Gainesville (Jennet Burr). A expansionwith increasewas shown by an estimated150 Budge- downy young Corn. Gallinule was on ConservationArea 2 rigarsat VeniceDec. 6 (MMS), and a Canary-wingedParakeet (BrowardCo.) on the verylate date of Dec. 13 (PWS). at Port Charlotte Jan. 7 (MMS) is believed to be the first ever SHOREBIRDS -- An Am. Golden Plover was late at Mullet recorded in s.w. Florida. Key Dec. 3 (ST eta/.), and one wintered (to Feb. 14) on the ANIS AND OWLS -- A Groove-billed Ani was farther s than Wakulla Countycoast (RLC & SteveJones). Although rare in usualat an unspecifiedlocality in PineliasCounty Dec. 23 - Jan winter, at leastfour SolitarySandpipers were reportedat Lox- 26 (Lainbethset al., photo RDB). From oneto three remainedat abatcheeN.W.R., Dec. 31 - Feb. 28 (WG, HPL, PWS). Perhaps St. Marks until Dec. 31 (m.ob.), and two werejust e. of Car- also attempting to winter was a Pectoral Sandpiper at rabelle Dec. 3 (HMS). Northerly recordsof Smooth-billedAm Gainesville Dec. 7 (Barbara Muschlitz) and 12 (JEH). Other camefrom PineliasCounty and New SmyrnaBeach Feb. 12 (AL, local rarities were a Purple Sandpiperat Venice Nov. 23 - Dec. HPL, PWS et al.). Short-cared Owl recordswere one dead at St 24 (mob.), and a Long-billedDowitcher at L. Jackson,Leon Co., Marks Light Jan. 15 (Noel Warner; *T.T.R.S.); one near East Dee 9 (HMS). A concentrationof 3000Willets at FlamingoFeb. Point Dec. 4 (REM, PMR); one on PaynesPrairie (first for 26 (AL, PWS), may haveincluded some driven S by the cold. Alachua County) Feb. 1 (Steve Nesbitt); and one to two at Other high numberswere 200 Stilt Sandpipers,and up to ten TampaDec. 15 - Jan.8 (LA, Lainbethset al.). winteringBlackmecked Stilts near McKay Bay in late December NIGHTJARS AND FLYCATCHERS -- A singingChuck- (Lainbeths, m.ob.). Unusual were three Am. Avocets at Key will's-widow at Lakeland Feb. 25, was consideredby the West Dec. 6-11 (FTH, TW et al.). Unprecedentednumbers of observer(JBE) to be on time despitethe cold. AnotherLogger- phalaropeswere seen 1045 mi. off CanaveralJan. 23; of the head Kingbird was seenby many at Islamorado Dec. 1-17, and a total 850-900, about 400 were Reds, 36 Northerns, and the rest Gray Kingbirdwas late at Key West Dec. 12 (TW). Alwaysrare unidentified (RDB, JJet al. ). in Leon County,a W. Kingbird was also very late e. of Talla- JAEGERS AND SKUAS -- The increasingfrequency of off- hasseeDec. 10 (Mrs. Kellogg Hunt). A Wled•s CrestedFly. shoresearches in recentyears has shown jaegers to be morecom- cateherwas carefullystudied at MahoganyHammock (E N P ),

324 American Birds, May 1977 Feb. 16 (HelenKittinger), and a Vermilion Flycatcherwas seen the Cocoa area {fide RDB). However,the only Pine Siskins Jan. 19 as far s. as Stuart (Louise Sherward). An E. Wood Pewee reportedwere three at a Jacksonvillefeeder Jan. 22 - Feb. 28 wasseen regularly in Miami from Feb. 9 (JK). (VMM). There were no unequivocalrecords of EveningGros- LARKS AND SWALLOWS -- An estimate of 500.000 Tree beaks.The Tampa area had the unusualexperience of hosting Swallows 15 mi. w. of Vero Beach was made Dec. 3 (PWS), but four or five winteringLe Conte'sSparrows (m.ob.); Boynton bylate winter the numbers in theTampa area were said to below Beachhad three Clay-colored Sparrows Jan. 8 (GH, HPL, PWS). (JBEet al.). Apparentlythe speciesfared much better this winter A Field Sparrowwas trapped and bandedas far s. as Ft. Pierce than in the disastrouswinter of 1939-40.Sykes reported a late Dec. 4 (HWK). Numbersof Dark-eyedJuncos reached c. Florida Barn Swallow 15 mi. w. of Vern Beach Dec. 2, and three at Loxa- this winter (m.ob.), and one exceededthe species'previously- hatcheeN.W.R., Dec. 4. A Purple Martin at SummerlandKey known limits by appearing at Noname Key ca. Feb. 1-26 Feb. 4 (MB), provedthe earliest record for the Lower Keys. (DeborahHess, MB). White-crownedSparrows again wintered at several sites near Tallahassee(GEM, HMS, JMS), and four Three Horned Larks at New Smyrna Beach Feb. 9 (Mrs. John Payneet al.), maybe the remnantof a flockof fivephotographed were in three Alachua County areas (JJC, JHH, RR). Some by Barberlast fall, who statesthat his picturesshow the birds rangedmuch farther s., at leastfour winteringin the Tampa area (DL, m.ob.), two near AuburndaleFeb. 5 {JBE,CG, JRS), belongedto the racealpestris. and onewas trapped and bandedat Veto BeachFeb. 10(Harold NUTHATCHES THROUGH PIPITS -- Red-breasted Nut- Wilson).Even the Fox Sparrowreached c. Floridathis year, with hatcheswere occasionally seen in inland n. Florida,but oddly singlebirds reported from TitusvilleJan. 18 (RDB). CocoaDec. therewere no reportsfor the islands;one at Jacksonvillein 27 (DH, BobBrown), and nearTampa Jan. 30 (LA, m.ob.). January(Sam Grimes) was unusual. A Swainson'sThrush at HorseshoeBeach Dec. 12 (JBE. PJF).provided the latestrecord INITIALED CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface) -- for the TallahasseeDiv. Golden-crownedKinglets were more Lynn Atherton,AI Bartleson,Margaret Brown,Maggie C. Bow- numerousthan in recentyears in n. Florida, and a few reachedc. man, Robert D. Barber, Ted Below, Win. J. Bolte, Jack ]. Con- Florida, but the latter werenot seenafter the extremecold (JBE). nor, Robt. L. Crawford, Mary C. Davidson,]ohn B. Edscorn, One of the features of the winter was the penetration of the JonnieFisk. Paul J. Fellers.Charles Geanangel, Wally George, FloridaKeys by numbersof Water Pipits,where the specieshad Dennis Hammond, FrancesT. Hames, Gloria Hunter, JamesE. previouslybeen accidental. Five were on PlantationKey Feb. 2 Horner, John H. Hintermister,Larry Hopkins, Marie Hughes, (O.M. Dunning),two on SugarloafKey Feb. 26 (observer?),two Bill Ihle, Johnnie Johnson,Herbert W. Kale I1, Jim King, A1 on StockI., Jan. 22 (TW), and 18 at Key West Feb. 2 (TW). The Liberman,David Lambeth.H. P. Langridge,Jim Loftin, Gail E. Sprague'sPipit on St. Georgecauseway remained to Dec. 11 Menk, Robert. E. Maurer, Vlrglnla M. Markgraf, John C. {JMS,m.ob.); three on LoxahatcheeN.W.R., Jan. 30 (Boltes), Ogden,P.M. Righter,Robt. Repenning,Jas. M. Stevenson,Jas. constitutedonly the secondrecord so far s. in Florida. R. Stewart,Malcolm M. Simons,Paul W. SykesJr., Mark Traf- WARBLERS -- Northerlyrecordg of Magnolia Warblers ton, Stu TingIcy,Thurlow Weed. OTHER ABBREVIATIONS camefrom PineliasCounty, two Jan. 13 (MH), and one Lake- AND SYMBOLS -- E.N.P., EvergladesNat'l Park; T.T.R.S., land, in December(PJF). The occurrenceof single Yellow- Tall TimbersResearch Station; U.S.F., Univ. of SouthFlorida; rumpedWarblers 10-20 mi. off CanaveralJan. 8 & 23 (RDB, JJ * collectedspecimen. --HENRY M. STEVENSON, Tall et al.), supplementthe evidenceof mid-wintermigration Timbers ResearchStation, Rt. 1, Box 160, Tallahassee,Florida obtainedover the yearsfrom the WCTV tower in Leon County. 32303. A Black-throatedGray Warbler wason MahoganyHammock in mid-February(WG et al.), and a Black-throatedGreen was as ONTARIO REGION far n. as Mullet Key Jan.15-26 (Marie Hughes,m. ob.). An early /C!ive E. Goodwin Louisiana Waterthrushwas at PaynesPrairie Feb. 27 (Per Kaijser).A Yellow-breastedChat felled by WCTV towerDec. 17 (RLC) wasof the e. race,I. v. virens(M. Ralph Browning).A The cold, cheerlessfall was succeededin southernOntario by HoodedWarbler at St. GeorgeI., Dec. 4 (JMS),was the latest the worstwinter in a century.December and Januaryhad week known to the Tallahassee Div. (*T.T.R.S.). Wilson's Warblers also fell victim to the severewinter; one near East Pt., Dec. 4 (REM & PMR), was not seenagain, and one near Tallahassee until Jan. 11 (Tom Morrill) fed on the groundwith its wings danglingon that cold day and wasnot seenagain: two seen throughDecember near Lakeland (PJF, JBE, Woolfenden et al.) and one at Goulds Nov. 16 - Jan. 12 {,IF), may have suffered similar fates. ICTERIDS, TANAGERS AND BUNTINGS -- Two Yellow- iARIO Moosonee QUE. headedBlackbirds were seenin Pinelias County late December- INipJgon Hearst Cochr•ane

Feb. 10 (m.ob.),and oneat OchopeeFeb. 20-21(MT). From six • Kirklondß % to 18 Brewer'sBlackbirds were in Pinelias County Jan. 7 - Feb. 28(LH. m.ob.), Tampa had +100 Rusty Blackbirds Jan. I (DL). Anotherlarge concentration was 5000 Brown-headed Cowbirds near Gretna (Gadsden Co.) Feb. 4 (HMS). A Stripe-headed Tanagerwas at Miami Feb. 13 & 20 (MT); singleSummer Port Kingston • Tanagersat Ft. LauderdaleJan. 4 (WG),and Gainesville Dec. 27 • MY. {JeanDooney) and Jan. 22 (Winifred& Philip Gaddis).Single Indigo(Jan. 4-16) and Painted(Jan. 17 & 18)Buntings visited a feeder as far n. as Jacksonville(Julia CockeL Cliff CARDUELINE FINCHES AND SPARROWS -- A con- Sarnita PA. gregationof 80 PurpleFinches at TallahasseeJan. 2 (GEM),was OHIO • impressive,and the specieswas present "in recordnumbers" in

Volume31, Number3 325 after weekwhen the temperaturenever rose above the fleezing Scaup Feb. 22 and a BuffieheadFeb. 27 (DCS). A 9 Barrow's point Lake Erie frozecompletely and Lake Ontario was60 per- Goldeneyeat Courtright,Jan. 1 & 8, waswell described(DR et centfrozen before the longcold spell ended in earlyFebruary. a/.). In addition to two Harlequin Ducks in the Toronto area The seasonorganized itself neatly around the new reporting (m.ob.),there were birds at Presqu'ileDec. 5 (GC et al ), and schedulein the south,although northerners pointed out that the Hamilton from Dec. 2 (RF, AWetal.). end of Februarystill meansanother month of winter for them. King Eider is the usual eider on the Great Lakes, and a few Scatteredearly arrivals appeared in February,even though there usually appear in late fall and early winter: this year was no wasno exceptionallywarm spellto movemigrants in largenum- exception with birds at Hamilton Dec. 12 (GWN, WS), bers By February27 movementhad evenreached Virginiatown, Presqu'ilein early December(DCS et al.) and one picked up wherea Red-wingedBlackbird appeared (PWR). deadon Wolfe I., Dec. 19 (FC). Anothereider at PresquhleDec The early fall had movedout many of the half-hardywinter- 12 wasin a transitionalplumage and was probably a Common ers, althougha few remained around to provideinterest to the (GC, DM). Another bird of this speciescaused excitement at early winter scene.As usual, the ChristmasBird Counts(CBCs) Guelph: however,it was wing-taggedand probablyoriginated tell this storywell, and their data will not be noted further here from a nearbywaterfowl collection. Two White-wingedScoters unlessthey haveparticular significance. By mid-Januarymany at TobermoreyDec. 30 (JWJ) and a Ruddy Duck at Ingersoll of thesebirds had vanished,but a surprisingnumber survived Dec. 10 (LM) were noteworthy,as was AlgonquinPark's first throughoutthe periodif adequatefood and shelterwere avail- winter Corn. Merganser Jan. 1 (RS et aL). The two Hooded able Their numbers were smaller than usual, however, and the MerganserX Com. Goldeneyehybrids reappeared on the St cold weatherdid nothingto bring more northernspecies south. Clair R. for the 10th and 6th successiveyears respectively Both It wasnot onlythe coldest,but oneof the dullestwinters in many were identified on the basis of plumagesintermediate between years malesof thesetwo species,and a femalethere this year was LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- The last Com. Loon thoughtto be a hybrid as well (DR et al.). [For a future article on hybrid waterfowl, photographsof all such specimensare reportswere from Vaughan Twp., Dec. 18 (GB) and a bird shot earnestlysolicited.--Ed.]. at Presqu'ileDec. 12 (DM, GC). Two Pied-billedGrebes were still at Port Severn Dec. 31 (TL et al.) and a Red-necked Grebe HAWKS, EAGLES -- Goshawkswere widespread,partic- at Nanticoketo Jan.9 on perhapsthe onlystretch of openwater ularly in the early winter: typical numberswere at least six in on L Erie (RC, JH).Individtlals of thisspecies were picked up in Decemberat Kingston(RDW) and three recordsat At•kokan a parking lot in Glen Williams Jan. 16 (HA), a gas stationin (SP). At Ottawa there wereup to sevenseen in a day {fide RAF) Ottawa Feb. 2, and anotherthere the next day in a woodlot. As usual, Cooper'sand Sharp-shinnedHawks were reported in Their final winter grebewas a Horned, this time in a schoolyard small numbers,and exactlyone-half of the sightings(28) were Feb 10 (RAF). Grebesseem subject to thesefatal aberrationsin Cooper's.Either relativelymore Cooper'stend to winter in our late winter.Great Blue Heronslingered until mid-January;e.g., region, or people are misidentifying Goshawks and Sharp- there were 19 reportsin the area n.w. of Toronto (GB). shinneds.It was a bonanza Red-tailed year, with excellent numbersin the s. and w.: in King and VaughanTwps. countsof SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Mute Swans continue to 50-60/daywere usual(AD, GB), but therewere only two sight- increasealong L. Ontario: a total of at least 18 was recorded ings at Ottawa (RAF). The pure white bird in Vaughan reap- between Oshawa and Burlington over the period (m.ob.). Four peared for yet another year (RA) and a semi-albinowas at Whistling Swanswere seenin KingstonDec. 16, and the same area had 2000 Canada Geese on Wolfe I. until late December AlvinstonFeb. 22; it had a few brownflecks and a very pale red tail (JRC). At Cedar Springs 46 Red-taileds were counted (RDW). The residentgoose flocks further east,along the Greater migrating Dec. 7 (PDP). The southwestalso had the highest Toronto waterfront, continuedtheir steadyincrease and Canada numbersof winteringRed-shouldered Hawks; approximately 13 was one of the few waterfowlspecies to recordhigher numbers in all were seen there, with scattered birds e. to Kingston on this yeaifsJanuary inventory (T.O.C.). There waseven a pair Rough-leggedHawks concentratedin traditional areas n of at CoboconkJan. 9 - Feb. 6 (BP, DB); and a flock of 47 at Blair Torontoand near Kingston.The Torontohigh wasJan. 14 with Feb 20, may have been very early migrants (CAC, JC). Peter- 42 birds around Malton Airport (JAM), and there was a similar boroughhad a Blue Goose,unusual there in any season,during number on Amherst I. in December.The usual Kingstoncover- February(DCS). Mallard is anotherspecies that seemedto sur- age of Amherst became impossiblelater due to heavyice and vivethe winter in thesou. th withsupport from "handouts", and snow-cloggedroads fit'de RDW). this year birdswere north to Sault Ste. Marie, wherethere were Two Golden Eagleswere in AlgonquinP.P., Feb. 21 (TR) 24 in mid-January(EE); 62 at Bartie werethe mostever there in feedingon wolf kills and six Bald Eagleswere reportedover the winter (CH, CJM). Early migrants at Turkey Pt., Feb. 27 included12 Pintail and a pair of WoodDucks (RC, GBr). Inger- period,plus those on the CBCs.One of veryfew winter Osprey records was a bird at Melbourne Dec. 5 (WGG). This was not a soll had a winteringWood Duck Jan. 17 - Feb. I (DBu). Gyrfaleonyear. The only one reportedwas at Palgravein the Redhead numbers continued high in the region: 120 at first week of February(DS). A Prairie Falconon the Long Pt KingstonFeb. 12 were consideredmigrants (RDW) but there CBC would be the first Ontario confirmedsight record (there were1500 the sameday on the St. Clair R. The heavyice on the havebeen a numberof reportedsightings by singleobservers), lakesmay haveconcentrated ducks on this waterway,as there but a bird had escapedfrom captivitysome time earlierand so were also 3500 Canvasbacksthere in late December,and up to this record is also questionable.There were at least three 2500 Com. Goldeneyes(DR et al. ). Goldeneyeswill winter as far Merlins in the Thunder Bay area •fide KD) and three reported north as there is open water, and this year there were 18 at elsewhere,plus CBC sightings.The onlyPeregrines were seen on Atikokan Jan. 18 (SP), and 53 off Manitoulin I., Feb. 19 (DF, CBCs. CB), the latter flock seenfrom the air, with eight Corn. Mer- gansetsand 50 Oldsquaw-- amongthe few signsof birdlife in GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Bobwhite con- the Sudbury-Manitoulin region over the period! Among the tinues to be reported from the n. Toronto ravines, where some assortmentof stragglersin the early winter was an unusual were released five years ago (CEG), and a Chukar was seen number of Ring-neckedDucks. Birds at London(WRJ), Port Dec. 25 at Newmarket adjacent to a Conservation area where Carling (GW), and Coboconk(DB, BP) were probablypresent releasesalso occurred a few years ago (fide GB). There were throughout Early Peterborougharrivals included two Lesser many early winter reports of Killdeer and Com Snipe the

326 American Birds, May 1977 northernmost Killdeer was at Wiarton Dec. 25 (JWJ) but snipe (JW, m.ob.). The latter were presumablymigrating, sincethey were n. to Gore Bay Dec. 1 (RR) and Tehkummah Feb. 27 were not in the area previouslyand left shortly afterwards (GG) Woodstockhad four snipeDec. 28 (WDK) and Munster WOODPECKERS THROUGH LARKS -- Red-belhed three Feb. 6 (DCS). Six Purple Sandpipersat Hamilton Dec. 12 Woodpeckersreached a new high for the province, at least for (GWN, WS) was a good number, and at Niagara Falls Jan. 15 the period for which figures have been available. There were 17 two were seendisappearing down into a hole under an ice shelf in the southwest(fide AHK), and28 in the Londonarea (WRJ), and did not teemerge(AW, BW). including six at Alvinston Feb. 22 (JRC). Two to five birds are establishedin the area betweenCayuga and Caledonia (RC, GULLS -- Winter gull movements tend to be difficult to AW et al.) and further e. there were two on Wolfe I in interpret. This year it seemedprobable that many gulls would December (K.F.N.), and one at Hart L., Dec. 23 - Jan 17 move out, just as many waterfowl moved out during the heavy (RD). Two Red-headedWoodpeckers at Honey Harbour from freeze in January. However, although gulls did disappear at Jan. 10 (DAS), and one at Ottawa Dec. 20 (RAF) were also Marathon in eary January(NGE) the birds that forage n. from noteworthy. Three-toed Woodpeckers were scarce; even at L Ontario into King and Vaughan Twps. vanishedby Dec. 18, Ottawa most of the birds on the CBC were in Qu6bec. Horned but reappearedbetween Jan. 22 & 29 (GB). At Niagara someof Larks were widespread in small flocks, with _+4000in Kent the late fall rarities lingeredwell into December,but the huge County, Dec. 27, and movements from Feb. 13 when 44 were numbersof birdsthere reduced rapidly (m.ob.). Gull numbers seenat Bartie (CJM). were low throughout, with Ring-billeds exceptionallyscarce. In the southwest,where _+3000Herring Gulls were on the St. Clair CROWS THROUGH WRENS -- A Gray Jay was at Napa- R , with six Great Black-backeds,Ring-billeds were "virtually nee Jan. 27-30 (JHs). Both Blue Jaysand Com. Crows were in absent" (fide AHK). White-winged gulls were in generally exceptional numbers, even for recent years. Again, the CBCs low-to-averagenumbers on L. Ontario, but in good numbersin should tell this story better, but the birds were n.e. to Algon- Hamilton (CBC) and farther west and north. The Marathon quin P.P., and unlike the pattern usuallyfollowed by Blue Jays GlaucousGull high was 20 on Dec. 19 (NGE), there were five at in many areas, did not move out in January. A count of 20 Owen Sound Dec. 27 (JWJ), and up to 13 on the St. Clair R. Com. Ravens at Cyprus L., Dec. 30 (JWJ) reflects the expan- (mob ). However, e. of Hamilton, Kingston's five Feb. 6 sion of this specieson the Bruce Peninsula. The only Black- (K F N.) was the most recorded,and there was one in Ottawa billed Magpie was at Crozier Jan. 25 (GP). Most of s. Ontario Feb 6 (BD). lceland Gulls followed a similar pattern, with an found Black-capped Chickadees scarce or wholly absent, Ottawa bird Feb. 2 (RMP), two Kingstonreports, and a provin- although there was somemovement in January; Boreals were in cial high of four on the St. Clair R. A Black-leggedKittiwake good numbersin Algonquin P.P. and at Marathon (RT, NGE) was at Hamilton Jan. 2 (KMcL, PW). and apparently moved no farther. There were at least four Tufted Titmice in Kent and Lambton Cos., but a bird at Clin- DOVES THROUGH OWLS -- A Rock Dove at Marathon ton Feb. 25 was quite unexpected(G & SC). Other speciesin Feb 6 was inexplicable: none have been there in any season good numbersin the n. parts of their winter rangesincluded over the past few years (NGE). An exceptionto the general both nuthatchesand Brown Creepers. Noteworthy were two scarcity of birds was Mourning Dove, the commonestbird at creepersin Pukaskwa N.P., Dec. 8 (SB-N) and Red-breasted many feedersin the south. Twenty years ago winter Mourning Nuthatchesat Swastika(LC, fide WG) and Thunder Bay (EK) Doves in Ontario were somethingto get excited about, but this The winter did not help the diminishedCarolina Wren popula- year they wintered n. to Meaford and Owen Sound (m.ob.). tion much: a bird at a Havelock feedervanished in late January Snowy Owls were scarcebut widespread, and Long-earedsand (GC) and one at Tillsonburg was found dead Jan. 26, 100 yds Short-eareds were present in small numbers in most of their from the point of its originalsighting a year earlier(WM) Only usual winter roosts. It did not seem to be an exceptional owl eight were reported from the southwest,their main stronghold year In retrospect,however, it was an unusuallygood year for in the province. some owl species. Screech and Great Horned Owls were MIMIDS, THRUSHES -- Mockingbirds provided their thought to be in above-averagenumbers in many localities; the usual scattering of reports from across the south province southwest, better organized for statisticsthan the rest of the American Robins were in exceptionalnumbers in Hamilton and province, had 70 and 30 reports respectivelyof these two spe- Toronto, but birds were more scattered outside these urban cies, excludingthe CBC total (fide AHK). The young from the areas.They were seenn. to Marathon Dec. 19 (NGE). Just one November Barn Owl nest at Kingston starved to death in ¾aried Thrush is noteworthy but this year there were two at December, but at least one young from a secondnesting was Dundas from Dec. 11 (BR, HM, m.ob.) and Vaughan Twp still ahve at the end of the period (RDW). from Jan. 22 (DT et al.). Hermit Thrush is anotherspecies that Four Hawk Owl reports representthe best movement of this has been wintering in increasingnumbers: this year there were speciesin s. Ontario since the winter of 1970-71: there were birds e. and n. to Ottawa and Barrie, and one even spentthe birds at PetawawaJan. 12 to mid-February(JB), Honey Har- winter unnoticedbut in daily view of hundredsof people,in the bour Dec. 19 - Feb. 27 (DAS et al.), SelbyDec. 16 - Jan. 21 (JP, central courtyard of the Ontario Government offices in fide AEB), and Oshawafrom the CBC on (m.ob.). The o•)ly downtown Toronto (CEG)! The record numbers of Golden- Great Gray Owl wasa bird at Long Lac Feb. 9 (SP); but Boreal crowned Kinglets in Algonquin P.P., reflected in the CBC, Owls were down in good numbers, although nothing approach- continued throughout the period. Late Ruby-crowned Kruglets ing the invasion of 1968-69. There were three n. Toronto werein BowmanvilleDec. 8 (PB) and two in TillsonburgDec reportsfrom early Januaryto Feb. 19 (HT, AG), the weirdest, 10 (WM). a bird sitting on the windowsillof an apartment building (fide For the secondsuccessive year BohemianWaxwings moved MDK) One Borealwas at Ottawa, Dec. 1 & 19 (BB) and a bird into the province, although the flight was much smaller than from Midland was treated by the Owl RehabilitationResearch last winter's. Small flocks occurredat Thunder Bay and Fort Foundation Dec. 20 (KMcK). In the north one was found dead Frances(KD, GP) and in the south reports ranged from scat- at FrenchL., Dec. 27 (SP) and anotherin MacGregorTwp., teredflocks at Ottawa w. to 60 at OxendenDec. 23 (JWJ), with Feb 20; a birdhad been seen ¬ mi. awaythe previous day (JHe). 16 at PrinceEdward Pt.,Jan. 2 (HQ, RBS, RDW), 13 at Sud- Ten Saw-whetOwls were recorded, in additi9n to six at Ottawa, bury Dec. 2-3 (WRL) and several scattered sightings in the last week of January and up to eight at Claireville Feb. 19 between. The major area of abundancewas Marathon with

Volume 31, Number 3 327 100+ Dec.4 and flocks of _+20birds throughout(NGE): we can trysidethe flockswere enormous. Over a dozenreports exceeded only speculatewhether this concentration coincided with the 1000 birds, and reports of flocks into the hundredswere received only observer in hundreds of square miles, but it seems from acrossthe south, although the specieswas absent from unhkely. The N. Shrike flight was one of, if not the heaviest Thunder Bay. The fitting climaxto this invasioncame just out- ever recorded. The birds peaked in December, when G. Bennett side the period, Mar. 5, when an enormousNE movementof at estimated one shrike per every two hours afield in the Toronto least 10,000 birds was seen at Thornton between 9:30 a m and area, and tapered off in January with most of the birds moving 4:00 p.m. (AD). out tn late February. The CBCs should provide a picture of the peak movement. CORRIGENDUM -- The sectionon wrens in Algonquin Park in the summer issue 64//30: 950) should read: There was a WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS -- Surprisinglylarge numbers HouseWren in AlgonquinP.P., and a dummynest June 13 rep- of Yellow-rumped Warblers were reported along the lower resentedthe first suggestionof breedingthere sincethe 1940s Great Lakes, but most vanished by early January. Two Short-billedMarsh Wrens weresinging in four Park locations Yellow-headed Blackbirds were reported from Cambridge at (RT, DSt). the end of December and at least one was present to Jan. 23 (RPg, PE, m.ob.). There were two Red-winged Blackbirdsand SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface) CONTRIBUTORS two Corn. Gracklesthroughout at Atikokan (SP), with grackles (italic) AND OBSERVERS -- R. Addison, H. Ardal, H H alsoat Sault Ste. Marie Jan. 12 (EE), Marathon Dec. 19 (NGE) Axtell, B. Barrett, D. Barry, A. E. Bell, C. Bell, G. Bennett, J and one at Algonquin was the first in winter there (JS, RP e! Bouvier, P. Bridges, G. Bryant (GBr), D. Bucknell (DBu), S al) In the south blackbirds were fewer than usual but there Bundrup-Nielsen,C. A. Campbell, J. Campbell, G. Carpentler, were still peaks of 300 grackles at Pt. Pelee and 1200 Red- J. R. Cartwright, G. & S. Castle,L. Chartre, F. Cooke, D Cot- wtngedsat Rondeau (fide AHK). In some areas Brown-headed bridge, R. Curry, A.Dawe, R. Dawe, K. Denis, B. Dilab•o, P Cowbirds out-numbered these two species,and in Port Hope Eagles,E. Elligsen,N. G. Escott, D. Ferguson,R. Finlayson, they were commonerthan Starlings at somefeeders (ERM). R. A. FoxaII, G. Garrette, W. Gettie, W. G. Girling, C. E Good- FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Cardinals in Ottawa were win, A. Gray, J. Hanna, C. Harris, J. Hebden (JHe), J. Hender- reducedto one-halftheir 1975-76numbers OCideRAF) but there shot (JHs), W. R. Jarmain, J. W. Johnson, A. H. Kelley, were as many as nine at some feedersin Peterborough(DCS), Kingston Field Naturalists (K.F.N.), M.D. Kirk, E. Knowles, wherea Rose-breastedGrosbeak was photographed Dec. 4-21 W. D. Kragh, LdeK. Lawrence, T. Letson, W.R. Lowe, C. J. (DM) It was the dullest winter finch year in at least a decade, MacFayden, F. Maclntyre, J. A. Mason, W. McCord, E R althoughthe revisedseason end eliminatesconsideration of late McDonald, K. MeKeever(KMcK), K. McLaughlin(KMcL), D winter movements.Some did developbut at the time of writing McRae, L. Moon, H. Morgan,J. Mountjoy,multiple observers they have only been quite light. Evening Grosbeakswere (m.ob.), D. Murray (DMu), l. Nicholson,G. W. North, G Park, unusuallyscarce for recentyears, although there weremoderate B. Parker, J. Percy,S. Perunlak, H. Petty, R. Pickering(RPg), R numberst¾om mid-January in the e. of the region,and by the Pittaway, R. M. Poulin, P. D. Pratt, H. QuillJam, T. Regan, B end of February Ottawa and Swastika were using words like Reid, P. W. Richter, D. Rupert, R. Rusk D.C. Sadler, D "abundant" and "invasion". Typically such movementsprog- Salisbury,J. Simpson,R. Simpson,W. Smith, R. B. Stewart, resswestwards. Only Algonquinfound Pine Grosbeakscom- D. A. Sutherland,H. Taylor, Toronto OrnithologicalClub mon, the birdswere scattered in smallnumbers or whollyabsent (T.O.C.), R. Tozer, D. Troy, P. Walker, J. Wallace(JWa),R. D. overthe restof the region.Redpolls, siskins and both crossbills Weir, G. White, J. White, A. Wormington,B. Wylie. -- CLIVE were scarceeverywhere. Only Purple Finches and Am. Gold- E. GOODWIN, 11 Westbank Crest., Weston, Ontario, Canada finches provided much relief, the latter with their typically M9P 1S4. unevenpattern of abundancein someareas and virtual absence elsewhere.Purple Fincheswere again mostcommon in the east: Ottawa foundthem veryabundant after the turn of the year, and NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN REGION K•ngstonhad a large influx in late January.The birds thinned out westwardsto moderatenumbers at Peterboroughand there /Douglas P. Kibbe was only one report from the southwest. A Rufous-sided Towhee at Fort Erie was identified as the Considering the national attention the Northeast's w•nter montanusrace of the spottedtowhee (HHA et al.), one of the weather received,a synopsismay hardly be necessaryhere Last verytew Ontario records of the westernraces. A Harris' Sparrow fall's record cold was merely a precursorto one of the coldest was at Melbourne Jan. 28 - Feb. 28 (DMu, m.ob.). A few of the and snowiestwinters on record, as an unrelentingjet stream manywintering sparrow reports are worthlisting either because continued to channel frigid weather throughout the region of the numbers of birds involved or their distance north. Either Consider the stressimposed upon wintering birds by the follow- way they indicatethe extent of this phenomenon.Noteworthy ing weather conditions: sixty-six straight days of snow numbersincluded three SavannahSparrows at RondeauDec. 27 (Rochester); fifty consecutive days of below freezing tem- OCtdeAHK) and 20 SwampSparrows around Hamilton Jan. 1 peratures(Adirondack Mountains); and a cumulative total of (RC et al.). Northerlyrecords included a White-crownedSpar- 180+ inchesof snowby the closeof the period (Buffalo) Lake row at Thunder Bay to Jan. 5 (KD), a SongSparrow in Algon- Champlain was frozen over by January 14, the earliestdate in qmn P.P. throughout (E. Kuiack, RP et aL) and two at over eighty years. Marathon Dec. 19 with a White-throatedSparrow (NGE). Two With snow drifts blocking most roads, birders were forced to Whtte-throatedsand a Dark-eyedJunco also spent the period at watch feeders; but with natural food abundant in many areas, P•m•siBay (LdeKL). feeder watching was less than outstanding. Mortality among Lapland Longspurs were unusually common: instead of southern colonists (e.g., Carolina Wren, Mockingbird) was odd birds in Snow Bunting flocks there were groupsof 10-20 suspectedbut confirmed deathswere limited to northern winter longspursalone, and at Ottawa there were up to 28 at one residents(i.e., Black-cappedChickadee, Tree Sparrow) and it feeder[fide RAF). SnowBunting is anotherspecies not asso- will be some time before the true impact of the most severe ciated with feedersin our regionbut this year they werevisiting winter of this century can be ascertained. feedersfrom Englehart (JWa) to Bolton (DC), and in the court- The jet stream'sfailure to revertto its usual positionover the

328 American B•rds, May 1977 Great Lakes caused displacement of more than a series of western storms Nearly a dozen western speciesappeared in the region this w•nter, clearly a reflectionof aber- rant weather patterns. LOONS THROUGH WATER- FOWL--The incredible cold froze nearly all bodiesof water and made waterbird-watching a sport for fanatics. As open water disappeared the number of reports of grounded grebes increased and Red-neckeds,Horneds, and Pied- bdleds were found ashore. Several birds found late in the period probablyrepresent early northboundmigrants unable to find risburg CBC were the only noteworthy falcons reported this open water. A singleEared Grebe foundon L. Champlain's winter. North West Bay in mid-Decemberprior to freeze-up (fide Diligent searching at Island Pond produced two Spruce H P A S.) wasjust oneof a hostof westernstragglers sighted Grouse(LNM), the first ever found on a Vermont CBC The In the regionthis winter. Perhapsthe mostincredible record Turkey continuesto expandits range in Vermont following its was that of a Fulmar reportedly (no details) found in weak- re-establishmentless than ten years ago. The birds appearedto ened condition in a Bennington, Vt. parking lot Dec. 4 be thrivingon a bumperacorn crop early this winter and there (fide HT). Althoughthe first recordfor Vermont, it was the were few reportsuntil in January deepsnows forced them into secondregional winter record in the past three years for this fieldsto forage. There were numeroussightings in e.c. Vermont highly pelagicspecies. and the specieshas alreadybeen recorded north of the border in Numerous reports of Great Blue Herons unsuccessfully Qu6bec, indicating that dispersalhas already occurred con- attempting to winter came as no surprise. It seemsremarkable siderablynorth of its historicnatural range. Another introduc- however,that the onesuccessful attempt occurred in Arlington, tion, Gray Partridge, was reported from Hamilton County, Vt (ftde NS). It's often beensaid that birds are good indicators N.Y. (TC) and Grand Isle, Vt. (B & GG), the latter is the first of environmentalquality but can fishing along the Battenkill winter report from Vermont in severalyears. really be that good? SHOREBIRDS THROUGH GULLS -- It seems incredible Despite winter's severity,geese started north en massethe that any marshor shorebirdswould have attemptedto winter in third week of Februaryafter a break appearedin winter'shold the region; however,two Virginia Rails were watchedforaging on the region. Exceptional mid-winter waterfowl sightings along the ice at Mendon Ponds Jan. 8 (G.O.S.), Killdeer were included:three Brant at IrondequoitBay Jan. 11 (J & TM); and reported every month (although probably none survived the over 1800 Mallards at Brighton, N.Y., Jan. 9 (BP), the latter winter within the region), and two Com. Snipe lingeredinto equahngthe previousmid-winter high count. HarlequinDucks December.Four Purple Sandpipersand a Dunlin again fre- were in two locations near Rochester; a female at Pt. Breeze quented Niagara Falls in January, at least one Purple being Dec 13 (CP, AS), and a male whichpermitted close approach, present the third week of February (fide B.O.S.); a Red at Greecethroughout February (m.ob.). A singleBarrow's Phalaropeloitered in BraddockBay Dec. 4-9 (WL et al.). Goldeneye was seen on L. Ontario at Oswego in mid-January Prolongedcold and extensiveice buildup on the Great Lakes (ftde JG). Two eider specieswere also found by Rochester are frequentlycited as prerequisitesto fine 'white-winged'gull observers; Common Eiders at Braddock Bay Dec. 18, and watching. Gull enthusiasts couldn't have asked for 'better' Sodus Bay Feb. 12-19, and a sub-adult d King Dec. 19 at weather but the gulls failed to recognize their cue, a dozen Greece(fide R.B .A.). Glaucousand six Icelandsin the vicinity of the Robert Moses Power Dam on the St. Lawrence R. (fide TC) being the best HAWKS THROUGH GALLIFORMES -- The appearance regional tally. Other notable larids included: an imm. Lesser of two Turkey Vultures on the Ferrisburg, Vt. CBC Dec. 18 Black-backedGull at Buffalo Dec. 10 - Jan. 1 (fide B.O S ), marked the first winter occurrencefor the state. The question two Franklin'sGulls at Buffalo Dec. 10 (DF); anotherJan 2 that immediatelyposes itself is: "Why thiswinter?" Goshawks on the St. LawrenceR. (TC), an extraordinarylocation for the with over 20, led all accipitersightings followed by about 15 second New York January record; an ad. Black-leggedKlt- reportseach of Cooper'sand Sharp-shinneds.This is a con- tiwake at Olcott Dec. 12 (DF); and, on Jan. 9, Little Gulls at siderabledecline in reportedsightings for the latter two species, SodusBay (R.B.A. & G.O.S.) and Lewiston(B.O.S.). Received a fact perhapsrelated to a scarcityof feederbirds, especially too late for inclusion in the fall report was a record of a finches,this winter. The albino Red-tailedHawk at Lima, N.Y. LaughingGull at E1Dorado Shores Sept. 11 (TC,fide LC) was sightedagain (fide R.B.A.). A Jan. 1 report of a Red- shoulderedHawk in Ithaca (fide JG, WB) tops two Osprey OWLS THROUGH CORVIDS -- Vermont Screech Owl sightings,in Ithaca Dec. 5 (JG) and WestportDec. 2 & 24 (fide reportshit a new high, with birds at Burlington(BG et al ), H P A S.). Bothspecies are extremelyrare in the regionduring Grand Isle and Benson{fide AG). In w. New York, wherethe the winter. Although72 Rough-leggedHawks were tallied on ScreechOwl is the mostabundant (though certainly not the most the Watertown CBC, there were no other reports of concentra- frequentlyreported) raptor, 53 wererecorded on a singleCBC, tions, not even from the lake plains. Five ad. and one imm. 25 of themby a singlepair of observers.Snowy Owl reportswere Bald Eagleswere reported.Unconfirmed rumors of a Golden few and far between,less than ten being noted.Two lone Long- Eagle m the Arlington, Vt. area persistedthroughout the period eared Owl reportsundoubtedly reflect the inaccessibilityof and anotherbird was reportedlyseen in WestminsterWest (fide winterroost habitat rather than owlscarcity. Weather hampered DC) A southboundgray-phase Gyrfalcon which passedlow a programto erectartificial nests for thisspecies in pineplanta- over Winhall Jan 31 (WN) and a Merlin identifiedon the Fer- tionson the L. Ontario plains;however, over 25 structureshave

Volume 31, Number 3 329 beenplaced in known Long-caredwinter roosts.Most observers FerrisburgCBC (at leastone is thoughtto have overwintered found Short-caredOwls in shortsupply, perhaps because the successfully-- AP); single"Myrtles", EssexCounty, N Y, Jan birds had all convergedalong Nations Road in Avon wherean 3 (fide H.P.A.S.) and Putney,Vt., Jan. 27 (HP, fide LM), an immensecongregation of +-52 birds must have presentedan Orange-crownedWarbler closelyobserved in a pine plantation awe-inspiringsight. Reports of sevenwintering Saw-whet Owls, Jan. 8 at MendonPonds along with 25-30 "Myrtles" (CP, RC), includingfive from Vermont,point up the deplorabledearth of both previousupstate New York winter recordswere associated informationon the residentialstatus of the region'ssmallest owl. with feeders;a very late NashvilleWarbler, Dec. 15 outsidean Whetherthe breedingpopulation remains with usyear 'roundis Elmira kitchen window (WH); two late December Palm War- just oneof a hostof questions. blers, w. New York; and a Com. Yellowthroat which dined at a Why Nations Road shouldbe so attractiveto both owls and Brighton,N.Y. feederin earlyDecember (J & ND,fide G 0 S )

Red-headedWoodpeckers is a bit obscure,but eightof the latter ICTERIDS AND FRINGILLIDS -- Western blackbirds and werepresent there ]an. 3 (] & AF). Red-headedsfrequently go sparrowswere unusuallywell representedin the region th•s unrecordedduring this season;however, this year six other winter. A pair of Yellow-headedBlaekblrds photographed at a localitiesalso yieldedbirds. A singlec• Black-backedin Bear Chili feeder (GL) providedthe fourth regional winter record, Swamp,in Wolcott,Vt., Feb. 7 (LNM), and a Northernon the while a Brewer'sBlackbird was reportedat a Clifton Springs Island Pond CBC were the only Three-toed Woodpeckers feederthrough mid-January (JW). The latter is still veryrare in reported.The number of Red-belliedWoodpecker reports was the regionalthough it has been recordedwith increasingfre- downslightly although the speciescontinued its increasein the quencyin the Eastin recentyears. Rusty Blackbirds attempted Ithaca area (fide]G). Justreceived is a recordof a W. Kingbird to overwinterat numerouslocations in both statesalthough only at Ghent, N.Y., Oct. 4-9 (fide GS). An E. Phoebeon the Fer- a few in extreme w. New York are known to have been suc- risburgCBC was only the third Vermont winter record.Another cessful. A "Baltimore" Oriole visited a Livonia, N.Y feeder wasin Ithaca Dec. 19 (fide WB). In addition to the Island Pond Dec. 21-24 (HM, fide G.O.S.) before disappearing,while a CBC, wherethey are regular,Gray Jaysappeared at Norwich Rose-breastedGrosbeak attended one in Brighton Dec 5-12 and Bethel,Vt. CommonRavens were sighted on overone-half (J & ND, fide G.O.S.).A d Black-headedGrosbeak reportedly of Vermont's CBCs, a phenomenal increasefor a speciesfirst [nodetails] appeared at a SouthBarre, Vt. feederFeb. 1 (JNP, tallied on a Vermont countonly ten yearsago. The largestcon- fide MM). If correct this would constitutethe secondsight centrationnoted this winter, 26, at the Londonderrydump Dec. recordfor the state.The Cuba L. Dickcisselreported this fall 21 (AG, DPK), set a localhigh count. continuedthrough most of the winter (ASc). PurpleFinches were the only finch to invadethe regionthts CHICKADEES THROUGH WARBLERS -- Although winter. They were particularly abundant in the vicinity of L Black-cappedChickadees, through their scarcity at feeders,gave Champlain, 1000+ tallied on the Saranac L. CBC and 800+ evidenceof havingmoved south in numbers,Boreals remained banded in Elizabethtown(H.P.A.S.). With the exceptionof a closeto their breeding groundsthis year. Red-breastedNut- flock of about200 at the Underhill dump Feb. 1 (PL), Pine hatcheswere present in the Green and Adirondack Mts. in Siskinsdeserted Vermont where they aboundedduring the fall unprecedentednumbers. Saranac Lake observerstallied 311 on American Goldfincheswere very scarceregionally. Crossbills theirCBC. In areaslacking good cone crops the specieswas dif- were evenmore scarce,with only a handful of sightings,all m ficult to find and even in concentrationareas, feeder-watchers either Vermont or the Adirondacks.Two very late Savannah notedno appreciableincrease, a fact whichclearly demonstrates Sparrowswere reported; Dec. 5 at Pt. Peninsular(TC) andJan 1 the Red-breasted'sreliance on naturalfood supplies.A small in Brattleboro, constitutingthe secondwinter record for Ver- marsh near BellowsFalls yieldedVermont's second wintering mont,the first beingrecorded in 1%3. A feederin Winhall sur- Long-billedMarsh Wren Dec. 20. Althoughseveral contributors rounded by boreal forest seemsan unlikely site for Vermont's expressedconcern that our southerncolonists (i.e., Carolina first winterHenslow's Sparrow but one appearedthere Dec 7 Wren, Mockingbird,Cardinal) may have beendealt a serious (WN). The bird, obviouslyin weakenedcondition, probably suc- setbackby the weather,preliminary indications are that all three cumbedshortly thereafter. survivedin surprisingnumbers. The latter two speciesare now AlthoughChipping Sparrows are amongthe leastlikely of our well establishedin Qu6bec,although still absentin someof our mountainous areas. regionallybreeding sparrows to overwinter,a trio at a Saranac L. feederthroughout the period(fide H.P.A.S.) wasat just oneof Six or possiblyseven species of thrusheswere reported, an three locationsreporting them this winter. Westernfrmgllhds astonishingtotal for the most severewinter in memory. Pre- vacationingin New York this winter includedtwo "Oregon" sumablyowing to an excellentberry crop, Hermit Thrusheswere Juncos,a Lark SparrowDec. 3-12 at a Clifton Springsfeeder foundin exceptionalnumbers, and reportedfrom over24 loca- (JW), and an imm. Harris' Sparrowat a Camillusfeeder Feb 28 tions Vermont'sfirst winteringVeery was closelyobserved by (m.ob.,fide JG). Despitehuge snow drifts whichmade viewing twosharp-eyed observers in WoodstockDec. 3 (MH, SL). This is difficult, excellentnumbers of Snow Buntings were reported the region'ssecond adequately documented winter report. A c• Central New York had the largestflocks (2-5000 birds)but even Varied Thrushfrequented a St. Johnsville,N.Y. feederJan. 7-16 mountainousareas of Vermont yielded numerous sightings (DA) This Pacificnorthwest species has a historyof 30+ winter Only moderatenumbers of Lapland Longspurs(up to 75) were appearancesin New York, nearly all of them at feeders.Just found accompanyingthe buntings,although 20+ near Addison receivedis a report of a Wheatear at Ravena,N.Y., Sept. 22 (WS,fide AP) wasone of the highesttallies ever reported from (RG, AVZ, fide GS), two daysprior to this fall's previously Vermont. recordedCayuga County bird. A possibleMountain Bluebird in NewarkJan. 15 (fide WB) wouldbe New York's second,if cor- CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND CITED OBSERVERS rect Inview of the occurrenceof numerousother western strays, -- AlleganyCounty Bird Club (A.C.B.C.),R. Andrle, D. Ayres, the reportof onlyone small flock of BohemianWaxwings, on the W. Benning,E. Brooks,Buffalo Ornithological Society (B O S ), 1000Island CBC, is surprising. D. Burton, L. Burton, T. Carrolan,L. Chamberlaine,D. Clark, NorthernShrikes staged a stronginvasion with over a hun- R. Clark, J. Dilley, N. Dilley, J. Forness(JFo), M. Forness(MFo), dred reports, nearly 70% of them from the Rochester area. A. Foster,J. Foster,D. Freeland,Genesee Ornithological Society Although the weather certainly seemed ill-suited for wood (G.O.S.), B. Gianetti, G. Gianetti, L Gibson, A. Goshell, R warblers,five specieswere recordedincluding' 14 "Myrtles", Guthrie, High PeaksAudubon Society (H P A S ), M Holland,

330 AmericanBirds, May 1977 W. Howard, W. Kibbe, S. Laughlin, P. Ledlie, G. Leighty, W. birds presentat their feederswas lower than in previousyears. Listman, H. Madden, L. N. Metcalf, M. Metcalf, J. McNctt, T. This was partly but not entirelybecause more peoplewere feed- McNctt, L. Mullcn, W. Norse, F. Oatman, H. Parreit, B. Pcr- ing birds. As winter went on populationsdid decrease,but rigo, C. Perrlgo, J. N. Pertin, J. M. Peterson, A. Pistorlus, whetherfrom emigration or mortality is difficult to assess.There Rochester Birding Association(R.B.A.), A. Scott (ASc), W. were, however,many reportsof dead birds found and the disap- Scott, A. Shca, N. Simson, G. Snell, B. Spahn, C. Spies, R. pearanceof such non-migratorybirds as the Carolina Wren Sundell, H. Toolan, A. Van Zant, Vermont Institute of Natural mustbe largelydue to mortality. Science (V.I.N.S.), J. Walters -- DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, Box Raptorshad a hard time feedingin the fields and forestsand 422, SaxtonsRiver, Vermont 05154. there were many reportsof Cooper'sand Sharp-shinnedHawks feedingon the congregationsof birdsat feeders.There wasalso somemortality of theserapiers from striking windowsduring their attacks. In somecases it was evidentthat the dwindling APPALACHIAN REGION numbersof small birds at feederswas directly related to preda- /George A. Hall tion. One of the hardest-hit specieswas the ScreechOwl. At Pittsburghthere weremany reportsof ScreechOwls goingdown chimneys(after Starlings?)and at CarnegieMuseum of Natural We had winter. Oh, yeswe had winter. After severalvery mild Historya numberof deadowls were brought in. Somemay have wintersthe 1976-77season produced a long, bitterly cold win- been road-kills but all were emaciated (KP). There was even a ter. Most stationsreported the coldestwinter sincethe start of report of a ScreechOwl attackingGuinea Hens. At Knoxville a record-keepingby the Weather Bureau. Places in the north deadowl wasfound frozen to an iron gate (JBO).The Eastern Bluebird suffered some mortality and numbers declined also from emigration. The full effect on this specieswill not be evidentuntil the nestingpopulation is measured.The hardesthit of all wasthe Carolina Wren. Normallythere is a rather tenuous ß• Pittsburgh line acrosssouthwestern Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh, north of whichthe Carolina Wren populationsare periodically 1! OH,:)Wheeling/d- •! cumbedar•I' • •-•'•'t r ' ß :JND / /, ß •_-•z-"-'_•--r:ß •. " eliminatedin a coldwinter and southof whichthey surviveevery - ..:. :/ year. As a result of the past few mild winters there were large populationsnorth of this line. This year populationswere more w.v^. "mL,,'?/ than decimatedwell south of this line. At Morgantown I have heard no Carolina Wrens sinceearly January. At Charlestona record total of 183 was listed on the Christmas Bird Count but by late Februaryone observercould find none(NG). Even as far . -= ...... southas Knoxvillethe populationsdeclined drastically (JBO). At T'*:•----• idol/,' ßElizahelicon •"• PresqueIsle, Pa., there are normally from 100-400 Yellow- ß: :•::/ Knoxvillee..•-"•..J Ash•V•e: rumpod Warblers present on the peninsuladuring the winter. This year the ChristmasBird Count (hereafter,CBC) December 18 listed 106, but that number had dropped to 20 by mid- January and none could be found by the end of January (DSn). AI:A. ß,rT't''"'•.,. •-• •d :•::$:C :',. Other species that were adversely affected were Eastern Meadowlarksand Belted Kingfishers. Despite the cold winter there was essentiallyno influx of experiencedsix consecutiveweeks of sub-freezingtemperatures "northern" speciesthis year, and by the end of February the during which time the ground was heavilysnow-covered and earlymigrants were appearing approximately on time. almostall bodiesof water includingthe Ohio and Susquehanna riverswove solidly frozen. To the southtemperatares wove also LOONS, GREBES, CORMORANTS -- Red-throated Loons subnormal.but not for solong, and therewas little snow.At the wereseen at PresqueIsle, Pa., Dec. 11 & 12 (DSn, JGS,SS), but PittsburghWeather Station the three monthsshowed an acco- Corn. Loonscontinued to be scarce.One of the more interesting mu]atedtotal of 757 day-degreesdeficiency in temperature.Prc- featuresof the winterwas the appearanceof Red-neckedGrebes. cipitatinn was generallydeficient abe. At Edinbore, Pa., there There werethree reportsfrom c. Pennsylvania:Mackeyville Feb. was an official total snowfall of 146 inches. The cold weather 6 0V), StateCollege Feb. 19 (MW) andone frozen into a pondat started in the autumn, and while Decemberwas slightlycolder Mifflinburg Feb. 19 (PS). At Erie Pa., they were presentFeb. than normal, January was very cold. Temperaturesbegan to 12-28, with as many as six seenat once (DSn). There were a moderate in February which was mild in the south and by the numberof reports(Pittsburgh -- PH, Ligonier,Pa. -- RCL, and endof the periodeven the northhad thawed out. Lewisburg,W.Va. -- COH) of Horned Grebes stranded by EFFECT OF THE WEATHER ON THE BIRDLIFE -- The forced landings far from water. Double-crestedCormorants were reportedfrom the Ohio R. near E. Liverpool,O. (NL) and effects of this rigorousweather may well bc evident in the WataugaL., Tenn.(ESc, GS). bird]ire for a long time, and i,deed all of them may not be evidentthis spring. Despite the cold of Novemberand early HERONS AND WATERFOWL -- Great Blue Herons were December, many places had very successfulChristmas Bird reportedthroughout the regionin Decemberin unprecedented Counts. Both Clarksvillc, Pa., and Charleston, W. Va. (NG) numbers. At Charleston 11, a new record, were listed on the reportedmany spedcsat recordnumbers but at Pittsburghthe CBC. Most of theseprobably departedwith the advent of the iota] count of individua]s was down from 23,000 in 1975 to cold weather, but there was a report of three found dead at 15,000 (PH). Once the ground becamesnow covered the situa- Harrisonburg,Va. (MP). Black-crownedNight Herons were tion changeddrastiea]]y. As in no recentwinter, birds tendedto found at Knoxville Jan. 2 (JT), McKees Rocks, Pa., Feb. 8 bc concentratedat feeding stations.In part, this observation (DWo), and downtownWaynesboro, Va. in late February(RS). may have been made becausebad road conditionsprevented In Decemberbefore the final freeze-upthere had been good bird trips farther afield. Many observersfelt that the number of numbersof waterfowlin the regionand mostCBCs showed rep-

Volume 31, Number 3 331 resentativelists, but mostof thesebirds later departed.However, beenliving in the wild at Waynesboro,Va., sincethe autumn of in a fewplaces where patches of openwater remained there were 1975 was seenas late asJan. 15, but not after that (RS). some fine concentrations,of both numbersand species.Of OWLS AND WOODPECKERS -- Besidesthe mortality of specialinterest were the smallflocks of CanadaGeese wintering ScreechOwls noted above there were severalreports of road- at Chester, W.Va. (NL) and Marietta, O. (JS). The Linesville, killed Barn and BarredOwls. Thesetoo wereprobably weak- Pa, CBC reported 9000 Canadasat PymatuningL. Refuge ened by starvationand may have been more desperatein their (RFL) Geesewere seen flying S at Leeper,Pa., Jan. 19 (LC), and attemptsto feed than usual. SnowyOwls are seldomseen south by the end of Februarynorthbound flocks were widely reported. of n. Ohio and n. Pennsylvaniabut this year therewere reports Snow Geese were reported from Pymatuning L., Pa., Jan. 18 from Bald EagleMt., Pa., Jan. 16 (MW), WestmorelandCounty, (RFL) and Marlinton, W.Va., Jan. 19 (NG). A few Whistling Pa., Feb. 5 (PH), and Ronceverte, W.Va., Feb. 5 fit'de COH) Swanswere present in the regionin late Decemberand migrants Saw-whetOwls were reportedon the Linesville,Pa. CBC (RFL) weremoving N at Pymatuning Feb. 27 (RFL). A Mute Swan was and at BurningSpring, W.Va., Feb. 9 (DW). seennear Irvine, Pa., Dec. 3-6 (WH). All three speciesof scoter Red-headedWoodpeckers were more abundantthan normal werereported from PresqueIsle and Erie, Pa. (DSn) and White- in e. Kentucky(PA) and a numberof singlesightings came from winged Scoterswere seenat Marietta, O., Feb. 2-23 (JS), at Car- variousplaces. The small colonyof Red-belliedWoodpeckers at vlns Cove Res., Va., Jan. 29 (JP) and one was found dead at Warren, Pa., well n. of the usualrange apparently survived the Wheeling, W.Va., Feb. 16 (GP). The duck of the seasonwas an winter (WH). The Hairy Woodpeckercontinues to decline and add King Eider at Erie Feb. 2 (DSn, SS).In late Februarythere perhapsshould rate inclusionon the "Blue List". At Pittsburgh was an unusuallyheavy flight of Com. Mergansersthroughout the number of Hairies and Downies recorded on the CBC was the region,with reportsfrom asfar s. as BooneL., Tenn., where the lowestin sevenyears (PH). theyare uncommon(DL). SWALLOWS AND CORVIDS -- Purple Martins arrived at RAPTORS --Both speciesof vulture (perhaps4:1 Blacks) Knoxville Feb. 25, rather early (JBO), but were unreported winterednear Lewisburg,W.Va. (COH), but a Turkey Vulture elsewhere.We havebeen noting the modestrange expansion and roost m Shenandoah N.P. was abandoned this year (DC). increasednumbers of Com. Ravensn. of the strongholdin the Reportsof Goshawkscame from Erie County,Pa. (DSn),Clarks- WestVirginia mountains and indicativeof this werethe 12 listed ville, Pa. (RB), six reportsfrom the Pittsburghregion (PH), on the Garrett Co., Md. CBC (FP). Blue Jayswere generallyin Leeper, Pa. (LC), Irvine, Pa. (RR), Harrisonburg,Va. (tbund goodnumbers, e.g., 276 on the Lock Haven, Pa. CBC (PS) but dead - KF), and Boone L., Tenn. (PR). Red-tailed Hawks were were consideredto be in low numbers at Pittsburgh (PH) and at normallynumerous at most placesand did not seemto suffer PowdermillNature Reserve,Pa. (RCL). A Black-billed Magpie from the weather.The Am. Kestrelappeared to declinesome- was reported twice near Roanoke, Va., Dec. 16 & 18 and has what but emigrationmay havebeen responsible. Rough-legged beenpresent there for severalyears (BK). Are thesebirds related Hawks were more commonin the n. than they had been in recent to the somewhatnebulous reports that have come in recentyears yearsand werereported as far s. as BotetourtCounty, Va. (BO) from n. West Virginia and w. Maryland? and Lmville, N.C. (JW). Bald Eagleswere reported from Presque CHICKADEES AND NUTHATCHES -- There had been no Isle, Pa. (DSn), Pymatuning,Pa., the nestingsite at Conneaut great fall flight of Black-cappedChickadees this year and so Marsh, Pa. (RFL), Selingrove, Pa. (SSt), Seneca L., O. (JS), winteringnumbers were not unusuallylarge. However the Black- BerkeleyCounty, W.Va. (CM), CarversCove Res., Va. (BK), and cappedcontinues to encroachon the n. limit of the rangeof the one was found dead in Garrett County, Md. (FP). A Golden CarolinaChickadee, e.g., onlyBlack-cappeds came to my teeder Eagle wasseen at State College,Pa., Dec. 26 (MW) and one was at Morgantownthis winterwhere a fewyears ago only Carolinas shot at Renovo, Pa., in early February (PS). occurred,and at E. Liverpool,O., Black-cappedsout-numbered Carolinas 2:1 (NL) a relatively new situation. White-breasted GALLINACEOUS BIRDS AND SHOREBIRDS -- At New- Nuthatcheshave made a modestrecovery from their low num- comerstown,O., dead Bobwhite were found (ES), but the Ruffed bersof the pastfew years. Red-breasted Nuthatches were rather Grouse, which had been in low numbers in much of the region scarceat mostplaces but 46 on the CharlestonCBC wasa record apparentlymade it throughthe winterwithout excessive mortal- high (NG). Brown-headedNuthatches have been found at a new lty All those reporters who mentionedTurkeys felt that this location (the fourth) near Asheville, N.C. (RRu) and 12 were specteshad sufferedlittle loss. listed on the Dalton, Ga. CBC (AH). As wasto be expectedthere were few winteringKilldeer in the WRENS, MIMIDS AND THRUSHES -- Winter Wrens were regionbut oncethe snowmelted in late Februarythey werepres- somewhat more common to the s. than is usual, e.g., Toccoa, ent m normal numbersat the normal times. CommonSnipe win- Ga. (RSt), and a House Wren on the Roanoke, Va. CBC, Dec 18 tered at Toccoa,Ga., with a high count of 15 (RSt) and were wasmost unusual (GSt & CMa). Mockingbirdsgenerally sur- found at Butler, Pa. (CB) the first Pittsburgh.recordon the CBC vived the winter in good shape in the more northern parts of (PH) and were found on the Lewisburg,W.Va. CBC (COH). their range, and they werereported from Warren, Pa. (BH) and American Woodcockarrived in late February in normal num- Garrett County, Md. (FP), the former n. of the usual limit and bers A PurpleSandpiper was at PresqueIsle, Pa., Dec. 6 (SS). the latter at a higherelevation than usual. More than the usual GULLS, DOVES AND PARROTS -- Bonaparte'sGulls were number of Brown Thrasherswere reportedin Decemberand found at Dalton, Ga., Dec. 3 (HD), only the third record for that one,at least,at Keyset,W.Va. madeit throughthe winter(HS) region As usualthe Erie County,Pa., locationreported the fan- There wereflocks of robinsthroughout the southernpart of the clef gulls; Great Black-backed:up to 99 presentall season region, even at high elevations.This year theseflocks, some (DSn), Glaucous: six sightings with as many as three birds quite large, which occur somewhereevery year, were more (DSn), and Iceland: two records, Dec. 18 (DSn) and Jan. 18 (SS). evidentthan usualas they congregated in placeswhere there was A GlaucousGull wasalso reported from Selingrove,Pa., Feb. 15 bare ground. A Wood Thrush at Radford, Va., Dec. 17-25 was (SSt) most unusual (JM). Hermit Thrushes were more common than The Charleston CBC listed 183 Mourning Doves (NG), a usual this winter. recordhigh, and other stationsalso reported good numbers of KINGLETS, WAXWINGS AND SHRIKES -- Golden- dovesearly in the season.This specieswas known to have suf- crownedKinglets were unusually abundant during the seasonin fered some predation loss at feeders A Budgerigarwhich had the north with a record 70 on the Charleston CBC (NG) and 120

332 American Birds, May 1977 (third highest)on the PittsburghCBC (PH). On the other hand from the TennesseeMts., where they are permanent residents, theywere in subnormalnumbers at Knoxville(JBO). There were and from Botetourt County, Va. (BK). moreRuby-crowned Kinglets in the regionthan is usualfor win- Tree Sparrowswere common in most places and were found ter. There did not seemto be any great concentrationsof Cedar as far s. as Knoxville, Elizabethton (third local record), and Waxwingssuch as haveoccurred in somewinters in the pastat Sullivan County, Tenn. (JBo.GE, TF). and Dalton, Ga. (HW- manyplaces. There werea few sizable numbers,e.g., 58 on the photographed).The speciesis only on the hypotheticallist for Clarksville,Pa. CBC (RB), but mostplaces reported very few or Georgia. Song Sparrowswere thought to be three times as none. Northern Shrikes were reported from Erie Counly, Pa.; numerousas normal in winter at Lewisburg,W.Va. (COH) and eightsightings before Jan. 20 (DSn), Irvine, Pa., Jan. 1 (RR), and White-throated Sparrowsremained abundant throughout the on the PendletonCounty, W.Va. CBC (GP). north. Snow Buntings were normally abundant in the n. and PIPITS, VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- The only report of were found as far s. as Ligonier, Pa. (RCL) and Charleston, Water Pipit camefrom Waynesboro,Va., Feb. 23 (RS). At least W.Va. (AS). The only reportsof Lapland Longspurscame from four Solitary Vireos were found near Roanoke, Va., in early near Lock Haven, Pa. where there were two different sightings December,and one bird was seen there Feb. 12. This species Jan. 2 & 9 (PS). wintered there in the winter of 1975-76 also (BK). In December Yellow-rumped Warblers were widespreadin CONTRIBUTORS -- Pierre Aliaire. Richard Almy, William the regionbut werenot particularlynumerous. Numbers dwin- Bartofo, Ralph Bell, Charles Bier, George Breiding, Lois Cal- dled as the winter progressed.A few Pine Warblers wintered lahan, Dennis Carter (DC), Mary Clench, Dollie Cox, Harriett near Toccoa, Ga. (RSt) and a Palm Warbler was found at Avis, DiGJoia, Kenneth Dubke, Glen Eller, Thomas Enwright, Pa., Dec. 25 (JV). More unusuaI were Corn. Yellowthroat, at Kathleen Finnegan, Thomas Finucane, Beth Gilbert. Davison Knoxville, Feb. 21 (KD) and Ovenbird, at Watauga L., Tenn., Grove, Norris Gluck, Scott Hall, Anne Hamilton, C. O. Handley, Dec. 15 (LH). Lee Herndon, Paul Hess, Roger and Margaret Higbee (RMH), William Highhouse,Bill Hill, George Hurley (GH), Barry Kin- ICTERIDS AND TANAGERS -- At Charleston the subur- zie, Nevada Laitsch, YuLee Larner, Betty Leary, Robert C. ban feederswere inundated with Corn. Grackles during January Leberman, Ronald F. Leberman, Dick Lura, Carole Massart (GH). The heavysnow cover forced the birds from some large (CMa), Clark Miller (CM), Pat Murphy, John Murray, Bill rural rooststo abandonfeeding in the fieldsand seekfood in Opengari, J. B. Owen, John Pancake, Kenneth Parkes, Marie town. There was mortalily of E. Meadowlarksnoted in some Pettit (MP), Glen Phillips, Margery Plymire, Frank Preston, places, and in early March the populationsseemed low. Was FrancesPope (FP), Peter Range,Ron Rieder (RR), Robert Rine, therefairly heavymortality farther south?This specieswould be Robert Ruiz (RRu), Ed Schell (ESc), Paul Schwalbe, Harriet particularly vulnerable to long periods of snow-icecovered Sheetz,Ellis Shimp. Anne Shreve,Merit Skaggs.Donald Snyder fields. By the end of February Corn. Grackles and Red-winged (DSn), Ruth Snyder, Stanley Stahl (SSt), Jerie Stewart, Randy Blackbirdshad arrived at mostplaces on time and in near nor- Stringer (RSt), George Stubbs (GSt), James Stull (JGS), Sam mal numbers. Brewer's Blackbirds were reported from Edinq Stull (SS), Glenn Swofford, James Tanner, James Vancroon, boro, Pa., Dec. 5 (DSn) and near the Tri-Cities Airport, Bristol- James Warner. Forrest Watkins, David White (DW), Harry Kingsport, Tenn., Jan. 8-28 (GE). The Summer Tanager White, Cora Williams, Dave Wolford (DWo), Merrill reported from State College, Pa. in late fall was presentto at Wood -- GEORGE A. HALL, Department of Chemistry,West least Dec. 13 (MW). Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506. FRINGILLIDS -- Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (both females) were found at Washington,Pa., Dec. 5 and thereafter (RMH) and at Fairview, N.C., Dec. 18 (SH). Dickcisselswere reported from Staunton, Va., (YL) and from Marietta, O., Feb. 13 (PM). WESTERN GREAT LAKES There was essentiallyno invasionthis year of the "northern /Robert B. Janssen finches".Even the now usual EveningGrosbeak was essentially If you arc like I am and read American Birds from cover to missingfrom the areauntil late January.A fewplaces managed cover,you will no doubt be tired of hearing about the terrible to list somesmall numbers on the CBCsbut generallythe species winter weather when you reach this region. In spite of this, I was absent. In late January and early February small flocks mustrepeat -- the winterof 1976-1977was the worston record. beganto appearat mostplaces and by theend of theperiod they werewidespread in the northand presentat a fewplaces in the south. but the numberswere much lower than customary.Purple •-• A R I 0 Fincheswere quite spotty in distributionwith some places 0 reportingmany fewer than normal. On theother hand the House Finch continues to boom where it has been known for several years.At lnwood,W.Va. 96 had beenbanded before late Jan- uary(CM). At Morgantownthey were first notedsinging on the day in mid-January when the lowest temperatureswere registered (GAH). Eighly-three were listed on the Pendleton County,W. Va., CBC (GP). They continueto be foundin new locations:Dalton, Ga., Jan. 25 (first Iocal record,fourth Georgia record); JohnsonCily, Tenn., Jan. 14 (first local record) and Elizabethton,Tenn., Feb. 19 (GE). There were three reportsof Corn.Redpolls: Allegheny County, Pa., Jan. I (CB), Linesville, Pa.,Jan. 2 (BL), and Asheville, N.C., Dec. 17 (TE). There were IOWA only a few scatteredreports of Pine Siskins,all in very small ND. OH10 numbers,but Am. Goldfincheswere abundant throughoutthe northernpart of the region.Many peoplehave started to put out All acrossthe region. Decemberand Januarywere extremely thistle seed at feeders and this has served to attract large cold. The cold started in early December, especiallyin Min- numbersof goldfinches.The onlyreports of RedCrossbills came nesota and Wisconsin. A record low of -13'F was recorded in

Volume 31, Number 3 333 Minneapolison December2. As the seasonprogressed, one cold LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- ACom. Loon lingeredon spellfollowed another, and the coldbecame more intense. From L. Superior near Duluth until Dec. 19 and one was on the mid-January,continuing to the end of the month, low tem- Detroit R., Wayne Co., Jan. 20-22, only the secondJanuary peraturerecords were set acrossthe region.Temperatures were record for the area. Two Red-throated Loons were found on the in the -30 øto -50 ørange, especially in northernMinnesota and Milwaukee CBC Dec. 18. The only Red-neckedGrebe records Wisconsin.With theselow temperatures,high windswere expe- camefrom MuskegonDec. 24, WayneFeb. 19, and OttawaFeb rienced In Minneapolison January27, shortlyafter sunset,the 27, Cos.Horned Grebes were reported from threestations along temperaturewas -17 ø with a 40 mile-per-hourwind. This the Detroit R. and upper L. Erie, Oakland Co., throughlate equalleda -71 ø wind chill reading.At the same time, in the February.One wasalso seen Jan. 22 in OttawaCounty. A White northernpart of the state, wind chill factorswere in the 40 øto Pelican attempted to winter at Big Stone N.W.R., Mlnn -90 ørange! (hereafter,B.S.R.), but wasfound dead Dec. 11. Up to 160Great In early February,the cold began to abate, and by February Blue Herons were counted in Monroe County Dec. 18 and 30 10 it startedto warm acrossthe whole region. This welcome werestill presentat the end of January.A Black-crownedNight warmingtrend lasted until the end of theperiod. Heron stayedfor severaldays in mid-Januaryin Ottawa County After experiencingthe worst drought in historyduring the and 18-22 were reported at varioustimes during the period at previoussummer and tall, normal to abovenormal (which isn't the mouth of the Detroit R., Wayne Co. much in the winter) precipitationfell in Minnesota.Most of Wisconsinexperienced below normal moisture.Of course,our WATERFOWL -- Mute Swans were recorded in Milwaukee precipitation during this period is snow, and Michigan was and BayfieldCos., and severalareas in Michigan.Whistling deluged.In someareas, a seasoWstotal of over 150 incheswas Swanswere present at B.S.R., Dec. 12-26 and one spent the recorded. As a final note on the weather, to show the contrast winter at the power plant in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co. Single from beginningto end of the period,on February21 the tem- birds successfullywintered in Green Bay and LaCrosse,Wise peraturewas 51 ø in Minneapolisfor the warmesttemperature in The peak populationof CanadaGeese at SilverL., Rochester, three months.Two dayslater, overone-half inch of rain fell, for Minn. was 20,000 Dec. 18, this number was down to 10,000 Feb the wettestday sincelast August. In Madison, Wisconsin, it was 9. Wisconsinreported fewer wintering ducks. However, in the wettestday sinceMay 15, 1976! southernregions of all three states,small numbersof Gadwall, What effect theseweather conditions had on birds will prob- Pintail, Green-wingedTeal, Am. Wigeon,Wood Duck, Redhead ably never be known. However, the majority of observers and Canvasbackwere found where openwater persistedMost reportedit as one of the poorestseasons on record. There were observersreported a scarcityof Oldsquaws;few werereported more reportsof "no birds", "nothinginteresting", "where are on the Great Lakes and numberswere exceptionallylow One the birds?"and "mostbirds disappeared after the intensecold" bird was seenfar out of range Jan. 3., on the MississippiR, in than this writer has ever received.By late January,a number of St. Paul. Two HarlequinDucks were seen on L. Superiornear unusualwintering species (Chipping Sparrow, Car61ina Wren, Duluth Dec. 6, and another was seen near Milwaukee Jan 25 Townsend'sSolitaire, tbr example)had disappeared,probably Two King Eiders were carefullyidentified at the mouth of a as a result of the cold. It was not a year for winter finches, as stream,Macomb County Dec. 18 (BP). White-wingedand Black most observersreported an almost total lack of these species. Scoters were recorded in small numbers near Milwaukee and in This madefor a verydrab winterfor feederwatchers. BenzieCounty, during early December. The White-wingedSco- In spiteof all thenegative aspects of the season,when the total rer wasreported as scarcein MonroeCounty. Up to 250 Ruddy list was put together, it wasn't too bad. A number of very Duckswere seen at GrosseIle, Mich. duringFebruary. unusualspecies were able to over-winter.It wasgenerally a good year for SnowyOwls in Minnesota and Wisconsinand one of the RAPTORS -- A Turkey Vulture was in MacombCounty Dec bestyears for NorthernShrikes in the sametwo states. 12, onlythe third winter recordfor the species.Goshawks were The highlights of the seasonwere most certainly, for Min- scarceacross the wholeregion with onlythree reports from Min- nesota,the Ivory Gull, the southwardmovement of Gray Jays, nesota,six on WisconsinCBCs, three in BenzieCounty and tbur excellentnumbers of NorthernShrikes, the first winteringLark other scatteredreports from Michigan. Encouragingwere the Bunting,and, on the negativeside, the lack of winterfinches. In numerousreports of Red-tailed Hawks. Red-shoulderedHawks Wisconsina first winteringPectoral Sandpiper, the surprising were also reportedin good numbersin Michigan; they were numbersof Black-backedThree-toed Woodpeckers and North- recorded on nine Wisconsin CBCs and there was a definite ern Shrikes, and again, a finchlesswinter. Michigan reported increasein sightingstoward the end of the periodin Minnesota two King Eiders,encouraging numbers of Red-tailedand Red- Rough-leggedHawk numbers were down as compared w•th shoulderedHawks, eight Virginia Rails, a Townsend'sSolitaire otherwinters all acrossthe regionwith onlyscattered individuals and a first winterOrange-crowned Warbler. reported. An interesting environmentalstudy is being conducted in Golden Eagleswere reported from five localitiesin Minnesota northeastern Minnesota (St. Louis and Lake Counties) on a 500 with up to three at Whitewater S.P., Winona Co. One was squaremile tract wherefuture copper-nickelmining is being reported at Crex Meadow N.W.R., Wisc. Bald Eagles were proposed.This studyincludes bird surveys,a breedingcensus in recordedon 21 WisconsinCBCs with high countsof 25, 50 and summerand this winter, a completesurvey of the winter birds. 71. This specieswas reportedfrom ten localitiesin Minnesota Thesesurveys have done a greatdeal to increaseour knowledge witha highcount of 15 in WabashaCounty. Marsh Hawk num- of birdsin the areaand hopefullywill be of valuein reducingthe berswere encouraging with ten Michigan birds and recordsfrom negativeeffects of miningactivities on bird life. sevenWisconsin CBCs. The specieswas absent from Minnesota Statesin whichthe countynames appearing in this report are until late Februarywhen a few early migrantsbegan to appear located Miehlgan -- Benzie, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, A Merlin was presentin BenzieCounty Feb. 1. Excellentnum- Oakland, Ottawa, Wayne; Minnesota -- Aitkin, Anoka, bersof Am. Kestrelswere seen in Minnesotaand Michiganwith Beltrami, Cook, Crow Wing, Houston, Lac Qui Parle, Lake, 212 on fiveMichigan CBCs. Lyon, Olmsted,Otter Tail, Roseau,St. Louis,Wabash& Wilkin, Winona; Wisconsin -- Barron, Bayfield, Chippewa, Door, GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- After going Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Sawyer, Wal- unreportedfor a numberof months,Spruce Grouse finally put worth in an appearancein Minnesota,with reportsfrom four counties

334 American Birds, May 1977 with up to five birds in Roseauand Lake Cos. Ruffed Grouse eight in Michigan and on nine WisconsinCBCs. A surprising werereported in •ood numbersacross their range in Minnesota. minimum of six Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckerswas Up to 25 Greater Prairie Chickenswere seen frequently through- recordedin Wisconsinand the specieswas well representedin out the periodon the RothsayWildlife Area, Wilkin Co. Several Minnesota. Northern Three-toeds were reported from four winteringBobwhite coveys were locatedin HoustonCounty. It localities in Lake and St. Louis Cos., early January - late was thoughtprior to theseobervations that the specieshad all February. but disappearedfrom the state. Ring-neckedPheasant numbers Of specialinterest in Minnesotawas the southwardand west- continuedto decline in Minnesota,and the extremecold prob- ward movementof Gray Jaysinto the prairie and s. woodlandsof ably helped to reduce the populationeven further. A single the state. For the first time ever, birds were recorded in the Twin Chukar wasseen Jan. 23 at Ely, St. LouisCo. Can this be the last Cities area. Observersspeculated that the extremedrought and remainingbird from the introductionsthat took placein the '30s fires in the boreal forest in the fall drove the birds south Black- and '40s? In contrast to the pheasant,the Gray Partridge is billed Magpieswere reported only from Minnesotaand numbers thriving acrossits rangein Minnesota.The introducedTurkey is wereconsiderably smaller than in previouswinters. No explana- also expanding and increasingin Winona and Houston Cos. tion is immediatelyavailable. Boreal Chickadees were obvious in Eight Virginia Rails were recordedon the Oakland Co. CBC. n. Minnesotaand recordeda high of 18 in SawyerCounty Feb Killdeers were recorded on six Wisconsin CBCs but none were 19. The Tufted Titmouseappears to be in troublein the region, found in Minnesota or Michigan. Common Snipe were on 14 therewere only two reportsfrom Minnesota,none from Wiscon- Wisconsin CBCs, seven in Minnesota and in at least two areas in sin, and very low numbersreported from Michigan. Carolina Michigan.Most unusualwas a PectoralSandpiper in company Wren reports came from three Michigan localities. Two were with Corn.Snipe and Killdeers at LaCrosse,Wise., Dec. 18 (FL). reportedfrom Racineand one eachfrom Grant, Milwaukee and GULLS -- Up to five GlaucousGulls were at Grand Marais, Olmsted Cos., and another Minnesota bird stayed at the feeder CookCo., Dec. 19. This specieswas recorded on threeWisconsin of Dr. W. J. Breckenridgemid-October - lateJanuary. The latter CBCs,one in Racine County,Feb. 13, and two in Milwaukee in bird was fed hamburgerscraps daily and was providedwith a late February. Five immatures and two adults were on the lower heatingpad underits feedingtray to keepits feet from freezing Detroit R. and L. Erie throughoutthe period. The only Iceland These efforts seemedto no avail, as the bird disappearedJan 28 Gulls werein Wisconsin,one in Door Countyduring December whenthe temperaturereached -32 ø. A Long-billedMarsh Wren (RL), one in Milwaukee harbor Dec. 27 (IF) and another there wasin the Monroe Countymarshes Dec. 18. Feb 25 (EE). About 15 Great Black-backed Gulls spent the MOCKINGBIRDS THROUGH WARBLERS -- There were winter on L. Erie, Monroe Co., and three on L. St. Clair, no MinnesotaMockingbird reports, but there were six reports Macomb Co. Herring Gulls were at their lowestnumbers ever from Michigan, and three from Wisconsin. Brown Thrashers along the North Shore of L. Superior, early January - mid- were recorded on seven Wisconsin CBCs. The Varied Thrush February (JCG). A few Bonaparte's Gulls remained in Mil- again was well representedin Minnesota early in the season waukee and Kenosha during December. The best bird of the There weresingle birds at two localitiesin Duluth in December seasonfor Minnesotawas an Ivory Gull that appearedin Grand and single birds were in three localities near St. Paul in Marais Dec. 1 at the beginningof the herringfishing season and December and January. Two birds were at a feeder in suburban remained until Dec. 21 (DGW). This providedthe sixth state MinneapolisDec. 3. There weresingle birds in Chippewaand recordand the first documentedby photograph. Door Cos.,throughout January and February. Hermit Thrushes OWLS -- The only Barn Owl record came from the Oakland were recorded in early December in Michigan and one at the Co CBC. SnowyOwls did not invadethe regionin as large num- same time in Wisconsin. Nineteen E. Bluebirds were at four sta- bersas someexpected, but theywere present in goodnumbers tions in Michigan and there were two reportsduring December acrossthe whole region. Minnesota recordedindividuals from from Wisconsin.The Townsend'sSolitaire, alwaysunusual in Duluth to the s.w.corner of the state.They were recorded on ten this region, was in Fergus Falls, Minn., mid-December - late WisconsinCBCs and were found throughoutJanuary and Feb- January(GO) and suburbanMinneapolis Dec. 18 (PF), one even ruary in 12 counties.Michigan reportedvery low numbersof got as far e. as Frankfort, Mich., and remained Jan. 24 • Feb 1 Snowy Owls. No Hawk Owls were reported in the region. (AM). Individual Great Gray Owlswere reported in Aitkin and Roseau Three Ruby-crownedKinglets, rare in winter, were in s e Cos Long-earedOwls were on six WisconsinCBCs, three Min- Michigan and singlebirds were in Milwaukee and Walworth nesota localities and in two Michigan counties. Short-eared Cos.Bohemian Waxwings were well representedin Wisconsin Owls were more common than usual, with 16-28 in Macomb and Minnesotawith a maximum countof 200 in Duluth in early County and up to 16 during Januaryand Februaryin four Wis- December.It was a great seasonregionally for N. Shrikes and consincounties. In five Minnesotacounties, the specieswas was our only "invasion" speciesthis winter. Many observers recordedwith a high of sevenJan. 1 in Wilkin County. During reported individuals harassing birds at feeders. They were February there were at least three Boreal Owls in Minnesota. recordedon 48 WisconsinCBCs and over 25 countylocalities in Onewas seen in SilverBay, Lake Co., anotherwas found dead in Minnesota.Loggerhead Shrikes were carefully identified in Lyon Duluth and anotherwas found dead along the Sawbill Trail, County Dec. 18 and Macomb County Dec. 5. The first winter CookCo. Saw-whetOwls were scarce, with onlytwo reportsfrom recordfor Orange-crownedWarbler for Michigan and probably Wisconsinand one from CrowWing County. the region,was one at GrosseIle Dec. 5 (AK). Yellow-rumped WOODPECKERS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Pileated Wood- Warblerswere present in unheardof numbersin Michiganwith peckers seemed much more common in Minnesota; many 20 at GrosseIle Dec. 26 and 27 other birds in smallergroups observersfelt that this was owing to increaseddead trees There weresingle birds in Wisconsin;Richland CountyDec 19, resultingfrom Dutch Elm diseaseravages. Red-bellied Wood- Barron CountyDec. 24 and Grant CountyDec. 31. One bird remained at a Duluth feeder Dec. 11-25. peckerscontinued to increasein Michigan, with a total of 64 observationsduring the period.Red-headed Woodpeckers were BLACKBIRDS -- Wisconsinreported unusual numbers of unusuallycommon across southern parts of the region,with 42 Red-wingedBlackbirds and Corn. Grackles and lesser numbers on WisconsinCBCs, 38 observationsin Michiganplus 62 on the of RustyBlackbirds and Brown-headedCowbirds. On the other Detroit CBC. Yellow-belliedSapsuckers, unusual regionally in hand, observersin Michigan reportedthese •pecies in much winter, tallied -- one, in MinneapolisDec 1 - Jan 19, up to smallernumbers than usual,and Minnesotaobservers reported

Volume 31, Number 3 335 scatteredsightings of thesespecies with onelarge concentration of 4S0 Red-wingedsat Carlos Avery Refuge, Anoka Co.. Abbreviationsfrequently used: ad.: adult, Am.: Amer- throughoutthe period. ican, C: Celsius, Cr.: Creek, Com.: Common, Co.: FRINGILLIDS -- It was the general opinion of almost every County, Cos.: Counties, et el.: and others, E.: Eastern observerthat this was one of the poorestwinter finch yearson (bird name), Eur.: European, Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit, record.Feeder watchers were disappointedthat there were few, fide: reported by, F. & W.S.: Fish & Wildlife Service, if any, EveningGrosbeaks, Purple Finches,Com. Redpolls,Pine Ft.: Fort, imm.: immature, 1.: lsland, Is.: Islands, lsles, Siskins or crossbills to brighten a drab, tough winter. The Jct.: Junction, L.: Lake, m.ob.: many observers, Mt.: Mountain, Mts.: Mountains, N.: Northern (bird name), highestcount of Evening Grosbeakswas 16S Dec. 18 in Crow Par.: Parish, Pen.: Peninsula, P.P.: Provincial Park, Pt.: Wing County. During Januaryand February the few that were Point, not Port, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, Ref.: seendwindled even further. Purple Finchesfollowed about the Refuge, Res.: Reservoir, not Reservation, R.: River, samepattern. Pine Grosbeakswere found in fair numbersacross S.P.: StatePark, sp.: species. spp.: species plural, ssp.: n. Minnesotaand Wisconsinbut not nearlyas commonas usual. subspecies,Twp.: Township, W.: Western (bird name), It was definitely not a redpoll year. Only scatteredsmall flocks W.M.A.: Wildlife Management Area, v.o.: various ob- were reported acrossMinnesota and Wisconsin.The largest servers,N,S,W,E,: direction of motion, n., s., w., e.,: flock reportedwas 100+ in Otter Tail CountyFeb. 19. This flock direction of location, 6: male, 9: female, 0: imm. or containedtwo Hoary Redpolls.A Hoary Redpoll was seen in female, *: specimen,ph.: photographed,t: docu- Barron CountyDec. 26. A mostinteresting sighting was a House mented, ft: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, km: kilometers. Finch in Madison, Wise., Feb. 19 (RK). Red Crossbills were Authors may also abbreviate often-cited locations. reported on only three WisconsinCBCs and White-wingeds on only two. These two specieswere almost entirely absent from Minnesota; however,in Benzie County both specieswere well representedand up in numbersfrom lastyear. Rufous-sidedTowhec was reportedon four WisconsinCBCs MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION and 16 were counted on Michigan CBCs. Of interest was a towheeof the spottedwestern race that spentthe entireperiod in /Vernon M. Kleen a northernsuburb of Minneapolis.One of the highlightsof the winter in Minnesota was a Lark Bunting at a Winona feeder Coldand wintrydefinitely sums up this winter;in fact, it was mid-Novemberthrough the period.This provideda first winter the coldestwinter ever recorded.Late Decemberthrough mid- record for the state, and possiblythe region. The bird roosted Februarywas so cold that muchof the regionnever experienced with a flock of 2S0 HouseSparrows and survived-30 ø readings above freezing temperatures al all. The average February in January(R J). It seemsthat everywinter numbers of wintering temperatureranged as low as 26•F below normal (Cleveland) sparrowsincrease: a SavannahSparrow was in Monroe County and therewas continuous snow cover throughout. Dee. 26. two Vesper Sparrowswere on the Madison CBC, Dec. 18, Tree Sparrowswere lesscommon regionally than previously, and a Chlpplng Sparrow, the first verified winter recordfor Min- nesota, attempted to winter at a feeder n. of St. Paul, but was last seenJan 4. Field Sparrowswere on two WisconsinCBCs and one in Ozaukec Countyremained until late February.This specieshas been reportedmuch more frequentlyin winter in the past few years in Michigan. Harris' Sparrowssuccessfully wintered in Ottawa County and were recorded(one each) on two [ ...... "' MinnesotaCBCs, from Lac Qui Parle CountyDec. I - Feb. 3, in Minneapolis and Rochester. There were 12 White-crowned Sparrowson the Monroe CountyCBC. White-throatedSparrows winteredfarther n. than usual in Minnesotawith singlebirds in Cook, Beltrami, and Otter Tail Cos.Again this winter a flock of 20 White-throatedswintered in downtownMinneapolis. They were recorded on 20 Wisconsin CBCs and 45 individuals were Bird populations suffered. but those m•t afroted were •ound-feedin8 spedcs • csp•ially 8ailinaccousbirds recorded on the Monroe County CBC. Fox Sparrows were on seven Wisconsin CBCs and were recorded in five localities in spa•s, and tho• dependent on m•rsh• and •en water -- herons,ducks, kinsQshers,etc. Ma•y birds were able to move Minnesota during December and January. Swamp Sparrows farther south,but more. and many unsucc•s•lly. a•empt• to appearedon 14 WisconsinCBCs and large numberswere in the cope with the client. M•y co•espondcnts found •d L. Erie marshes, Monroe Co. One CBC in the area recorded 31 reportedd•d and dyin8 birds, not o•ly don8 red,sides (which birds. Snow Buntingswere in good numbersin Minnesotaand in many •eas were the only open areas) but at or near bird many large flocks of up to 1000 birds were seenin Wisconsin. fce•ers.Had the no•heru finchescome south (•nd wch•e and The specieswas scarce across most of Michigan. assumethat the no•hcru fo• supplywas adequate) bird feede• CONTRIBUTORS -- A total of 180 observe• contributed to would have been hishly sucee•l; however,as it was, •ly the this report: 7S from Minnesota,57 from Wisconsinand 48 from normal w•ter specieswere encountered a•d without •c benefit Michigan. Listed below are the Regional Editors, plus those of •e•ers many of them would h•ve succumbed.Such was the individualswhose initials are usedin the text: Eric Epstein,Jim c•e for the Carolin• Wren -- the one speciesmost ob•i•sly Frank, Pepper Fuller, Janet C. Green, Robert Janssen(Minn.), affectedby this harsh season. Alice Kelley (s.c. Mich.), Randy Korotov, Fred Lesher, Roy Iowa birdershad more to cheer•t than thosein any othec Lukes,Alan Marble (BenzieCo., Mich.), Gary Omes, B. Pinaw- state becauseof SnowyOwl •d No•hcrn Shrike invasions ski, JamesPonshair (w.c. Mich.), Daryl Tessen(Wise.), Dick and the •dition •threc or four other top-notchhot-line birds. Gulls Gloria Wachtler. ROBERT B. JANSSEN, 14321 Prlnee Place, were the b•t birds around the major l•kcs a•d rivers. Power Minnetonka, Minnesota SS343. pl•ts with coolin8lakes were found •ttr•c•vc by larsc concert-

336 Volume 31, Number 3 trationsof ducksas thoselakes provided the onlyopen water in area (JM). A few Wood Ducks winteredsuccessfully. An excel- the region.However, most of the regionexperienced one of the lent number of diving ducks wintered on L. Erie near three dullestwinters, birdwise, in many years. Clevelandpower plant outflows;by mid-February there was a Since this season included the Christmas Bird Counts massiveconcentration (M, OD). Over 2000 Redheadswere pres- (hereafter CBC) most records from those counts have not been ent there Feb. 26 (M). Regionalconcentrations of Canvasbacks repeated;however, a few exceptionalobservations which may included:406,000 at Hamilton, II1. in mid-December{ftde GA), otherwisebe missedby the readership,have been included. 8500 at the Oregon,O. powerplant Jan. 17 (LV, JF); 2000 at Since all extraordinarysight recordsmust be thoroughly ClevelandFeb. 26 (M); 1000 at Rend L., I11.,Dec. 18 (MM) and documented at the time of observation, the ability of our 20 at ChicagoDec. 20 (C). Nine Greater Scaupwere identified at observersand the data qualityfor thesereports has continued to Louisville Dec. 19 (S, JCr). improve.We have noted great improvementsin Iowa now that Sea ducks were very scarcein the Clevelandarea; only thm NicholasHalmi is servingas sub-regionaleditor there. A total of numbersof Oldsquaw,White-winged Scoters and Black Scoters 51 documentations(not countingthose submitted on CBCs)was were noted. Over 300 Oldsquawwere resting on L. Michigan receivedthis season:Illinois, 23; Ohio, 10; Iowa, 7; Kentucky, 7; near Zion, I11.,Jan. 25 (C); one winteredat Springfield(H) and Missouri, 3; and Indiana, 1. All documentedrecords are another was presentnear Cedar Rapids, Ia., Dec. 10 - Jan 2 denotedby an asterisk(*). Specimensare denotedby a dagger (TS). The one-daytotal of 3000 White-wingedScoters between (?) Recordswhich were not satisfactorilydocumented appear in Evanstonand Illinois Beach S.P., II1. was noteworthyfor early the UNCORROBORATED REPORTS section. February(GR); at least600 (320of whichwere at Evanston)were EXOTICS -- A Mute Swanwintered at Tiffin, O. (JK); one or foundon L. MichiganJan. 24 (C); four werepresent at Oregon, O., Jan. 19 (LV, JF). Large numbers of Com. Mergansers twowere present at Louisville,Ky., Feb. 12-13(*MB, *m.ob.); andone, previously unreported, has been present near Murphys- appearedat Clevelandalter Feb. 6 (M); the highestestimate boro,II1. for four years(*m.ob.). prior to that was4500 Feb. 6 (M). GREBES AND HERONS -- A "flock" of five Red-necked VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES AND FALCONS -- A Tur- Grebeswas observedat Wilmette, I11., Feb. 16 (B, GR). Most key Vulture, too earlyfor a migrant, wasfound at Magee Marsh, Great Blue Heronsdisappeared; however 15 werestill presentat O., Jan. 30 and one appearedat Ottawa N.W.R., O., Feb 6, st the Oregonpower plant in LucasCo., O., Jan.19 (LV, JF);and may havebeen the sameindividual (LV). A few Goshawkswere 12 near Louisville in late December {fide S); a migrant had reported; somewere trapped and banded or kept for falconry returnedto Springfield,I11. by Feb. 17 (H). purposes.Only scatteredreports of Sharp-shinnedHawks were received.Only five Cooper'sHawks were reportedincluding the SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS -- Single Whistling Swans fifth winter recordfor Chicago{fide C). SingleRed-shouldered werereported from L. Barkley,Ky., Jan. 20 & Feb. 5 (ER) and Hawks were reportedfrom Ashland, Mo., Feb. 12 (JRa) and Henderson,Ky., Jan. 18 (RDo). Dundee,III., Feb. 14 (RM). Rough-leggedHawks were sporadm and only reported in moderate numbers and uneven dtsmbu- tion; in some cases,the specieswould appear, disappear and Migrant CanadaGeese were still movingS in late then reappearwithin a locality. Decemberand earlyJanuary. The s. Illinoisand w. Ken- tucky winteringpopulation estimate was 406,000 -- an increaseof over25% from past winters."An estimated The Feb. 5 "One Day Eagle Count" coordinatedby 2000 birds died of lead poisoningrecently at Union Elton Fawksshowed only 820 Bald Eagles(three adults Countyand HorseshoeL. StateRefuges (Illinois). There one immature) along the MississippiR. comparedto is no previousrecord of leadpoisoning at eitherrefuge. Because all the dead birds were adults, it is being 1012 last year and 1147in 1972;however, the eagleswere less active and had moved farther inland in search of assumedby the 111.Dept. of Conservationauthorities that the lead was collectedover a long period of time. food, makingthem more difficult to find on count day, last year, warm weatherstimulated the birds to head N Severewinter conditionsin s. Illinois this year subjected early thereby producing lower-than-expectedtotals, geeseto unusualstress and lowered the birds'resistance therefore,since low totalswere obtained for the past two to disease.... During much of the winter, geesewere years,we cannotcompare these results realistically when unable to obtain green browsebecause of heavysnow the counts were made on more "normal" count days cover,and werefed cornby refugepersonnel. Tests show Eaglescounted away from the river included106 from that a diet solelyof cornaggravates lead poisoning prob- the three s. Illinois refuges; 41 in Kentucky and 53 •n lems,while green browse lessens the effects of eatinglead Missouri. In addition, 19 Golden Eagles (ten in Ken- shot.Biologists suspect that the birds may havepicked tucky)were reported on CountDay (m.ob.). up the lead shot on frozen groundwhile searchingfor grit.... Under current proposals,lead shot would be allowedat the Union and HorseshoeL. shootingareas, A Gyrfalconwas trapped, photographedand retained •n s but biologistsare nowre-assessing that decision.... The Tazewell County, I11. for falcom'y purposes (RJ). The only deadgeese were buried to preventBald Eagles from eat- Peregrine Falcon documentedoccurred in St. Charles County, xngthem and becomingcontaminated." (Outdoor High- Mo., Jan. 24 (*PS). Only one, Alexander County, I11., Dec 29 hghts,Ill. Dept. of Conservation). (*MM, DKm), of the five Merlins reported was documented Evidence indicated that Am. Kestrels were more common than usual this winter. SeventeenWhite-fronted Geesewere noted at the Ballard Co., Ky ConservationArea in late December(JM); twowere present GALLIFORMS, CRANES AND SHOREBIRDS -- Both at Henderson,Ky., Dec.30 (RDo)and one at UnionCo. Refuge, Bobwhiteand Ring-neckedPheasant populations suffered heavy Ill the sameday (MH); two werereported from Princeton,Ia., lossesthis winter. There was a notable range expansionwit- Jan 22 {fideP) and 50 from SquawCreek Ref., Mo. (hereafter nessedfor the Turkey in Iowa; severalbirds wereregularly found S C R ), Feb. 21 (R). A peak of 10,000 SnowGeese was reached in the morningroosting in treesnext to the highways. of M•ddle duringthe heightof the wintercold spell at the BallardCo., Ky. Amana {fide N). The time lapsefrom the last southboundto the

Volume31, Number3 337 first northboundflight of SandhfilCranes over Louisvillewas Decorahfeeder Oct. 30 - mid-February(BW, *m.ob., photos) barelytwo months -- 45 birdsDec. 18 (fideS) and 12 on Feb.25 Therewas no reported invasion of Black-cappedChickadees this (BP-B)The occurrence of a SpottedSandpiper at Dubuque,Ia., year. A BorealChlekadee spent all winter at a Des Moines,Ia Dec 7 - Jan.4 (*JRo, PH), wasnoteworthy and the first winter feeder(photos, *m.ob.). There were only a few Red-breasted record for the state. Two LesserYellowlegs had arrived at Nuthatchesaround this winter; however,the bestobservation Springfieldby Feb.25 (H). OneLeast Sandpiper was present on wasof a PygmyNuthatch at a Des Moines,Ia. feeder(first state a MississippiR. sandbarin AlexanderCounty, Ill., Dec. 29 record)from early Janaury through the endof theperiod (LE, (*MM, DKm). *N, *m.ob.). GULLS -- Laridswere the notableexception to the otherwise WRENS, MIMIDS AND THRUSHES -- As would be dull season.A greatinflux of gullsappeared at Clevelandin late expected,the harsh winter was detrimental to the Carolina Wren January(M, OD). At leastseven Glaucous Gulls, including one population;most birds did not surviveand thosewhich did, lived adult, wereobserved at Calumet,Ill., Feb. 9 (C, B, GR); lesser in verysheltered areas and had the useof qualitybird feeding numberswere reported there regularly in Januaryand February stations;the greatestloss apparently occurred during the late- (*mob ); fourwere noted at Peoria,Ill., Jan.2 (DBi);from one January storms. One Short-billed Marsh Wren survived at to eightoccurred in the Clevelandarea from lateJanuary to late Springfielduntil at least Dec. 19 (*H). Small numbersof Mock- February (JHo, M, OD, m.ob.), and one was documentedfor ingbirdswere distributed around the n. partsof theregion and LoresvilleJan. 14 & 15 (*BP-B).There were five Chicagoarea BrownThrashers successfully wintered in severalareas, includ- recordsof Iceland Gulls (fideB, *m.ob.) one as late as Feb. 22 at ing two birds near St. Charles,Ii1., whichdid not cometo feeders Calumet(C, GR, K); fromone to threewere also present in the (K). AmericanRobins were also quite common, especially dur- Clevelandarea late January - late February(JHo, Met al.). ingthe early part of the season; some survived through the worst The Clevelandconcentration of gullsincluded up to 135Great conditions.Four Varied Thrusheswere reported:Emmet Black-backedGulls Jan. 25 (CW); singleswere noted at County,Ia., Nov.28 (*BM); Brussels,I11., Dec. 19 (*A); South Calumet, I11., Feb. 5-22 (*m.ob.) but the three observedthere Bend,Ind., Dec. 26-31 (*JB, DBu); and Savanna,Ill., Jan 20-22 Feb 9 was unprecedentedfor Illinois (C, m.ob.). The occurrence (*ML). One HermitThrush lingered at Clevelanduntil at least of LesserBlack-backed Gulls around Cleveland was exciting; it Dec. 23 (M). WinteringE. Bluebirdsseemed to survivefairly is possiblethat three differentindividuals were observedJan. 20 well. The only Townsend'sSolitaires reported were from the (*JHo) - Feb. 20 (*JT, m.ob.).Thayer's Gulls werealso note- west:one at Hamburg,Ia., Dec. 17 (IG) andone at Clyde,Mo, worthythis winter; although it is possiblethat otherindividuals Dec. 31 - Feb. 5 (R et al. ). of th•sspecies were around, many birds reported as Thayer's WAXWINGS, SHRIKES AND WARBLERS -- Two Bohe- were later provedto be somethingelse; valid recordsincluded mianWaxwings were reported from Fonda, Ia., Dec.2 (ftde singlesat SpringfieldDec. 5 (*H); ChicagoDec. 12 (*B, GR) and GB); singleswere found at Maryville,Mo., Dec. 18 (•-E)and St Feb 19 (*B); and alongthe MississippiR., UnionCounty, IlL, LouisJan. 30 (*TeB). CedarWaxwings were generally found Dec 30 (*H). Twoimm. Black-leggedKittiwakes were found at onlyin smallbut scatteredflocks around the region. There was St LoresJan. 7 & 8 (R et al.); oneor twoimmatures were present an excellentinflux of N. Shrikes;individuals reached as far s as at Loram, O., Jan. 9 - early February (M, m.ob.); an adult was Maryville,Mo. (two),Jan. 31 - Feb. 5 (TiB, •-E)and in Vermilion notedat Fulton,I11., Feb. 19 (*BSh).An ad. Little Gull spent County,Ill., Feb.21 (*MCa); 47 werereported in Iowa(again, no most of Decemberaround Cleveland(M, JHo). referenceto duplication),several in n.w. Illinois,three different individualsin the Chicagoarea; several from n.w.Ohio andone DOVES, OWLSAND WOODPECKERS-- MourningDoves apparentlyhad a goodwinter despite the poorweather; many at Tiffen,O., Dec.24 (JK).There also seemed to bea fairlygood numberof LoggerheadShrikes around, farther n. than usual were noted at feedersand in areas farther n. than usual. A Barn Owl was heard at S.C.R., Jan. 2 (E, R) and anotherwas seen at TheDec. 15 occurrence ofa NashvilleWarbler at Champaign, Ill. (*DF) wasunusual; another was reported from Louisville, Murphysboro,I11., Jan. 26 (*MT). The greatestinvasion of Ky.,Jan. 1 & 5 (*BP-B).Amazingly, a fewMyrtle Warblers sur- SnowyOwls in 50years was widespread across Iowa; in response to newspaperrequests, 191 birds werereported from 74 of the 99 vivedat variouslocations in the n. part of the region.A N Waterthrushwas teetering along a pathat theLincoln Park Zoo counties(unfortunately, no mentionwas made on howmany of (Chicago)Jan. 30 (*GN,fide C). thebirds were reported more than once or howmany were pos- siblyIncorrectly identified -- i.e.,some birds reported as Snowy BLACKBIRDS AND FRINGILLIDS -- Blackbird roosts Owlselsewhere proved to be Red-tailedHawks facing the inex- were normal again this year; however,the lack of national periencedobserver); the invasionspilled over into w. Missouri, publicitykept publicemotion down and thereforeno major but was not widespreadregion-wide as only three birds were problemswere encountered; only one roost (at Sesser,Ill ) was foundin Illinois,one in Ohio andtwo in Kentucky.Fair num- treatedwith tergitol that I know of and it was not that effective bersof Short-earedand Long-cared Owls were reported. Single Fairlylarge roosts for Iowawere reported from Cedar Rapids Saw-whetOwls were noted at S.C.R., Dec. 23 & 29 (R); at Vir- and Davenport-- mostly Red-wingedBlackbirds; however, glma,Ill, Dec. 24 (JCa);at Tiffen, O., Jan.9 (JK); a couplein exact roost-sizes were not mentioned. A Yellow-headed Iowaduring January (fide N); MageeMarsh, O., Feb. 18 •'de Blackbirdappeared at Frankfurt,Ky., Feb.6 (*RB).Everang LV) andCleveland Feb. 22-28 (M). Oneof themost exciting and Grosbeaksand mostother northern finches were practically locallysignificant Chicago-area winter records was that of the nonexistentin the region;the only exceptionswere Purple PfieatedWoodpecker Jan. 6 & 7 (fide C); the specieswas Finchesin moderatenumbers regionwide, Corn. Redpolls in very reportedat twonew Iowa locations •'de N) andwas reported for smallflocks in lateJanuary and early February -- includingtwo the first time on the Tiffen, Ohio, CBC (JK). Red-headed Louisvillelocations Feb. 6-16 (JPa, MR), andPine Siskins gen- Woodpeckersexperienced a good winter in Iowa comparedto erallyin smallflocks widely scattered in the n. throughmid- the pasttwo years. February. AmericanGoldfinches were unusually numerous and readily FLYCATCHERS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- Three E. accepted"thistle" at feeders.The onlyRed Crossbills reported Phoebesattempted wintering in Kentuckyand anotherin s. werefive in NodawayCounty, Mo., Dec.31 (R); about30 at L Ilhno•s, all were reportedon CBCs. The first Iowa recordof a Jacomo(Kansas City), Mo., Dec. 5-19 (JG, photos);a few in GrayJay was obtained when a birdwas found regularly visiting a Iowa;and fourat the GreenRiver Conservation Area, Ill., Feb

338 AmericanBirds, May 1977 21 (BSh).The winteringnumber of Harris' Sparrowsin Iowa was Bacon. (TeB) Terry Barker. (TiB) Timothy Barksdale, (DBi) reportedas slightlyhigher than other recentyears. A Lincoln's Dale Birkenholz. Gladys Black. Mike Brown, Woodward Sparrowwas still presentat SpringfieldDec. 19 (*H). Lapland Brown,(DBu) Dorthy and JohnBuck, (GBu) Gene Burns,Elaine Longspurswere reported as scarcein n.w. Missouri,but ranged Burstatte,(JCa) Jack Calhoun, (MCa) Marilyn Campbell, LICo) in the thousandsin Iowa and n. Illinois: fairly large flocks John Cole, (MCo) Marcus Cope, OCr) Joseph Croft, Owen occurredthroughout the winter over much of Illinois and four Davies, (RDe) Rich DeCoster. S. T. Dillon, (RDo) Ronald Dod- werereported from LouisvilleJan. S - Feb. 2 (BP-B).Snow Bunt- son, Herb Dorow, {JEI) JackieElmore, Mrs. LawrenceEly, LIEr) ings were alsoabundant this winter; over S000 were found at JoeErwin, Elton Fawks. Darlene Friedman, Jim Fry, JoannGar- Arlington,O.. Jan.26 (RP) and manyremained there into early rett, Iona Getscher. William Goedge, LIHm) Jim Humpson, February; more southernreports includedone at Maryville, {JHa) James Hancock, Wayne Harness, Leroy Harrison, Paul Mo., Dec. S (Eet aL); one at Louisville Dec. 19 (CR et aL); and Heathcote, OHo) James Hoffman, Michael Homoya, Barry sevenat Springfieldduring mid-Januaey(H); the specieswas Howard, Russell Jackson, Charles Keller (Indiana), Wendall and found all overIowa, but mostlyin groupsof a few birds or small Virginia Kingsolver, (DKm) Daniel Klerr, (DKI) Dennis and flocksduring Decemberand January. Vernon Kline, Jean Knoblaugh, (DKo) Darwin Koenig, Margaret Lehmann,Bob Moats, Robert Montgomery,Michael UNCORROBORATED REPORTS -- Peregrine Falcon, Morrison, Dean Mosman, JamesMoynahan, Greg Neise,Mike Niagara, Ky., Jan. 26 (RDo); Broad-wingedHawk, Clifton, Ill., NewIon, Michael Ochman. David Osborne (s. Ohio), (BP-B) Jan. 16 (*MO); Black-leggedKittiwake, Princeton,la., Jan. 22- Brainard Palmer-Ball, LIPa) John Parrish, (CAP) Carolyn Peet, 23 {fide P); TennesseeWarbler, LouisvilleJan. 2 & S (*BP-B); (C1P)Clell Peterson,Richard Phillips, {JPo)Janice Polk, LIRa) and Lark Sparrow,Davenport, Ia., Feb. S {fide P). Jime Ratheft, Edwin Ray, Margaret Riddle, Mrs. Charles CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sectional Editors' names in boldface Robertson, LIRo) James Rooks, Gerald Rosenband, Charlotte type; contributorsare requestedto sendtheir reportsto these Scott, (LSe) Lillian Serbousek.Ross Silcock, (BSh) Betty and editors). Major contributors(A) Richard Anderson,(B) Larry Harry Shaw, Tom Shires, David Smith. James Smith, (LaS) Baleh (n. Ill.), (C) Charles Clark, (E) David Easterla, (H) H. LawrenceSmith, PhoebeSnetsinger, (BSt) Bruce Stehling, Kit David Bohlen,(K) Vernon Kleen (s. ILL),(L) Floyd Lawhon,(M) Struthers,Jerry Talkington. Michael Tove, Laurel Van Camp(n. William Klamm, (N) Nlebolzs Halmi (la.), (P) Peter Petersen, Ohio), Bill Walker, Clint Ward. Elinor and Ed Wilson. -- (R) Mark Robbins (Mo.), (S) Anne Stamm (Ky.), (W) Arthur VERNON M. KLEEN, Div. of Wildlife Resources,Illinois Dep• Wiseman; other observersinclude: George Arthur, Randy of Conservation,Springfield, Illlnols 62706.

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION would probably have revealedmore about winter populations /Robert B. Hamilton than the traditional Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter CBC). The specificCBCs mentionedin this report were held in the following states: Tenn.; Reelfoot Lake. Miss.; Noxubee N.W.R., Jackson Courtly. This winterwas one of the coldeston record.Contrary to what WashingtonCounty (south), Grenada, Southern Hancock County, Haities- one might have expected,boreal specieswere not especially burg, Sardis Lake. Ark.; Arkadelphia, Lake Millwood, Pine Bluff, Tex- arkana, White River N.W.R., Fort Smith, Little Rock, Lake Georgia-Pacific, abundantin the region. There was apparentlya Tree Sparrow Jonesboro,La.; Sabine N.W.R., Pine Prairie, Alcha Salaya Basin, Baton invasioninto the northernpart of the region.On theother hand, Rouge, Natchitoches. New Orleans, Reserve, Johnson's Bayou, Venice, manyspecies which habitually overwinter in thewarmer, coastal Monroe, Lafayene, Shreveport. parts of the regionobviously did not survivein numbers.For GREBES THROUGH IBISES --The Red-necked Grebe was found for the second consecutive winter and the third Louisiana record on the Sabine N.W.R. CBC (RN & HDP). One near Fin- ley's I., Morgan Co.. Ala.. Jan. 14 was the third local and seventh state record; two were there Jan. 16 & Feb. 2 (DCH). Horned Grebeswere apparentlymore commonthan usualin the n. parts of the region. In Arkansas192 were recordedon CBCs this year; c•. 87 in 1975 and 74 in 1974. They were unusually common at Clear L., Natchitoches Par., where 20-30 wintered (CV). Three on the NoxubeeCBC was an all-time high and one at Miller's Ferry, Wilcox Co., Ala., Feb. 26 (PFC) was one of a few Alabama inland coastal plain records. Bob Newman reported them lacking at L. Pontchartrain where they are usuallycommon. Fared Grebeswere also unusuallycommon at Clear L., where 10-15 wintered (CV). Unusual location records includedthree at Hattiesburg,Miss. sewageponds Dec. 31 (LG & JI); one at Sardis L., Miss., Dec. 22 (MD); one at Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Dec. 28 (RD) and one at Portland, Fla., Jan. 22 (SSt): one was reported on the Arkadelphia CBC (MxP). A W. Grebe, rare in Louisiana,was reported on Holly Beach. Cam- eron Par., Feb. 20-21 (BCr, JWE, GaG. TSS, JRS); two others werenearby Feb. 21 (JRS). instance,in late winter it was almostimpossible to find a Loui- Wldte Pelicanswere reported for the first time in winteron the siana Heron alongthe Louisianacoast. Somepresumably cold- Reelfoot Lake CBC. One was at L. Chicot, Chicot Co., Ark., Jan. hardy spedes,i.e., Ruby-crownedKinglet, were very difficult to 24; there are no previousArkansas January or Februaryrecords. find in late winter. This phenomenonmay have been more An ad. Blue-facedBooby was seenat an oil rig approximately widespreadthan detected; most comparable data are for the 120 km. s. of Sabine R., Dec. 4.11 & 14 (BO) for the first winter Christmas Bird Count period and many populations had not Louisiana record. No Gannet reports were submitted. Double- been affected by then. A censusat the end of the winter season crestedCormorants showed no particulardistribution; numbers

Volume 31, Number 3 339 werehigh at somelocations; 100 at Clear L., NatchltochesPar. as m recent years but sevenwere found for the first time on the (CV) and low at others: one at Noxubee N.W.R., Miss. (WCW). Grenada CBC. The 18 at Sardis L., Miss., Jan. 23 was a large Anhmgaswere reported at severalscattered localities; one on the number (MD, BBC, WCW). Oldsquawswere widely scattered Lake Millwood CBC, one on the JacksonCounty CBC, sevenon one female at Lonoke, Ark., Dec. 17 (EdH & HH); three "so the Pine Prairie CBC, and at leastfour winteredat Durango I., many are rarely seen" (RN), were found at n. L. Pontchartram Tensas Par. (RNo). Jan. 1 (R & MN, EH & SH); four wereseen flying offshore near SingleGreen Heronswere reportedon the Pine Bluff and the Biloxi, Miss., Jan. 30 (WCW) and 50 wereseen there Mar 7, five Atchafalaya Basin CBCs; one was reported at University L., were seen at Old Swan L., near Decatur, LimestoneCo, Ala, Baton Rouge Feb. 1 (JPO). The individual Little Blue Herons Feb. 26 (DCH). found in Santa RosaCounty, Fla., Jan. 21 (SSt)and Feb. 19 (SSt, A pair of White-winged Scoterswas seen at Holly Beach, BSt, AS) were the third and fourth n.w. Florida winter records. Cameron Par., Nov. 14 (R & MN); 12 were seenJan. 22 at the w Four ReddishEgrets were reported on the SabineN.W.R. CBC; end of Horn I. in Mississippiwaters(JMV & SAW). From 2-5 also one reported at Alabama Pt., Baldwin Co., Ala. (PFC). were near Decatur, LimestoneCo., Ala. mid-January- Feb 26 Great Egretswere reported in unusualnumbers around Baton (DCH, HK, m.ob.) -- the latest inland Alabama record Surf Rouge(KZ et al.). There was a total of 15 reportedon Arkansas Scoterswere also especially common this winter:one was on Sar- CBCs(none last year).On the other hand, numberswere excep- dis L. early November - Dec. 22 (MD & DS) and 20 on the tionally low on the Louisiana coastduring late winter. Snowy SabineN.W.R. CBC. Thirty-four were identifiedFeb. 21 near Egrets and Louisiana Herons were also especiallycommon Holly Beach,Cameron Par.; 66 scorersp. wereseen flying off- around Baton Rouge(KZ et al.), but the latter was virtually shore (JRS). One was at St. Joe S.P., Fla., Dec. 4 (RD) Two absent along the coast(RN): in fact I observedmore Reddish Black Scoters were seen on the Sabine N.W.R. CBC. Three were Egrets than LouisianaHerons on the Louisianacoast during present at Sardis L., Miss. early November- at least Dec 22 severalwinter trips. All four dark ibisesfound at Venice, Pla- (MD, DS). A flock of five Dec. 31 (GJ) winteredat Dauphin I, quemines Par., Jan. 30 were Glossies(RN, MN, SH). White Ala. ACom. Merganser was reported Nov. 6 at L. Millwood, Ibises were reported on the Baton Rouge CBC. The six at Ark. (CM); live were seen at L. Oktibbeha, near Starkville, Eutaula N.W.R., Ala., Dec. 30 /GJ) was the first inland Miss., Jan. 21 (WCW) and six at Sardis L., Miss., Jan 23 Alabama winter record; an immature was there Feb. 17 (BO). (WCW). A maximumof 150was in Alabamain late Januaryand early February•/•'de TI). WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swans were reported much more commonlythis winter. In Louisianaan immature was at HAWKS, CRANES -- An almost unprecedentedWhite- Little Chenier, Cameron Par., Dec. 14 (AWC, fide JRS), three tailed Kite was reportedon the Texarkana CBC (JL, FS, ML & were at Esther, Vermilion Par., Dec. 17 (TH), two were near RLG). A total of four Sharp-shinnedHawks were reported on Meeker, RapidesPar., Dec. 24 (GAB), one was at Baton Rouge ArkansasCBCs -- the same number as last year for this Blue Jan 14 (BCr) and two were at Clear L., NatchitochesPar. in List species.One wasseen Dec. 16 at NorthwesternState Umv, Januaryand February(HW, PCu, BS). The sevenreported (five Natural History Area, Natchitoches,(CV); one was observedat adults and 2 immatures)near Foley, Baldwin Co., Dec. 14-17 FontainbleauS.P., St. Tammany Par., Feb. 19 (RN, MN & SH) (PFC, LA, WT, LRT) is the third Alabama coastal record. The and one was at L. Eufaula, Ala., Feb. 26 (BO & SJ). In n w one at St. Joe S.P., Dec. 9 (WB) was only the fifth n.w. Florida Florida nine were seen(SSt, RD, ChK & AS) which is more than occurrence. An immature was at Noxubee N.W.R., Dec. 16 - in recent winters. Most contributors did not comment on Jan 22 (JAJ& JS)and onewas at L. Millwood, HempsteadCo., Cooper'sHawk, anotherBlue Listedspecies. In Louisianaand Ark, Jan. 8 (EdH, HH, HP, MxP, CM). The cold weather Mississippiapproximately the same number were observedon pushedCanada Geesefarther S than usual. At the Morganza CBCsthis year as last, but in Arkansasonly two werereported Spillway,La., 46 wereseen Jan. 18 and five on Jan.30 (DWG). cf six last year; the only additionalrecord was one at Eunice,St Four were near LaHayes' L., EvangelinePar., Dec. 24 (HG & Landry Par., Jan. 8 (HG). There were fewer Red-shouldered JT) The 25 found on the Noxubee N.W.R. CBC were considered Hawks(96) reported on LouisianaCBCs this winter than m 1976 manybut 1200were present in early February(JAJ). At Yazoo (123)but there were more reportedon Arkansasand Mississippi N W R., Miss., 600 were present Feb. 27 lEA). In Tennessee, CBCs (66 in 1976, 53 in 1975). flocks of up to 2000 each -- apparentlyretreating from frozen Two Broad-wingedHawks werereported on the New Orleans northernlakes -- wereseen in late Januaryand early February CBC and one was reportedon the ReserveCBC. SingleSwain- (BBC). White-frontedGeese were alsopresent in more locations son'sHawks were reportedat CalhounCounty, Ark., Dec 1 than usual. On the NatchitochesCBC 28 were seen(MM & SO) (HHS & KLS) and at Willow I., Cameron Par., Dec. 19 (RN & and were in the area in January.A flock of 100 was presentat BCr). Rough-leggedHawk was more abundantthan usual with MorganzaSpillway, La., Jan.30 to the end of period(DWG). On onenear Mobile,Ala., Dec. 15 (BWi & JWi). Tom Imhofreports the Washington County (south), CBC 11 were seen. Also in the speciesnow occurs annually in Alabama. It is seldom Mississippiwas one at NoxubeeN.W.R., Dec. 19. Four were reportedin Mississippi.so one seenat SardisL., Jan. 15 (MD) presentat L. Eufaula, Ala., Feb. 15 - end of the period(BO). was noteworthy.One was in Miller County,Ark., Jan. 8 (EdH, The eight FulvousWhistling Ducks at LaHayesL., Evangeline HH, HP & MxP) and one was near Harrisburg, PoinsettCo, Par, Feb. 19 (HG were apparentlyspring migrants.Mallards Ark., Jan. 7 (KS). Three were reportedfrom Louisiana:one m were especiallyabundant in the s. sectionof the region this Baton Rouge Dec. 20, one near Cameron Jan. 16, and one at winter.The 118,478reported on the WashingtonCounty (south) Johnson'sBayou Feb. 22 (R & MN, AF, BCr). Two Golden CBC wasten timesthe total of lastyear. Black Duckswere also Eagleswere found at SpringBayou, Plantation, Madison Par, more common than usual with 63 on Sardis L., Miss., Jan. 23 Jan. 29 (RN, MN & SH). Another Louisiana bird was found near (MD, BBC, WCW). The two Blue-wingedTeal at UniversityL., Hayes,Cameron Par., Dec. 15 (ES & TJC). One of this unusual Baton Rouge Dec. 19 (BB & KZ) were the first local December specieswas at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., Jan. 27 - Feb. 5 (WCD, records.Canvasback, a Blue List species,was reportedto be DCH & DH) and one was in Clark County, Ala. (TIv) An aboutas commonas usual.The largestnumber was 1600 on the immature was at L. Millwood, Nov. 19 (CM). Another immature WashingtonCounty (south) CBC. The 43 GreaterScaup at L. was at NoxubeeN.W.R., Dec. 18 - Jan. 29 (JAJ,JS & BC) The Mtilwood, Ark., Feb. 27 (MxP, HP & CM) wassurprising for an Bald Eagle seemsto be holding its own, at least wintering inland location.Common Goldeneyes were not reportedas often regionally.The ArkansasGame and Fish Commissioncounted

340 AmericanBirds, May 1977 128 Bald and Golden Eagles Jan. 3-7. An immature was at platformapproximately 120 km s. of SabineR., La., Dec. 12, the WapanoccaN.W.R., Turrell, Ark., Jan. 22 (RJ)& 23 (JG).It is two Parasiticswere also seen Dec. 13 & 14 (BO). A jaegersp was veryuncommon there but could be expectedthis year in view of found on the L. Millwood CBC. Glaucous Gulls occurred at the fi:eezingof the lakesto the north. In Louisianathere were WheelerN.W.R., Dec. 23 - Feb. 20. The maximum reportedwas manymore eagle reports than usual,well over100. Eight active six on Jan. 16 (GJ, DCH, m.ob.). -- this is the first Alabama nestsfledged at leastfive young(RAy). An immaturewas seen at inland record.A first year bird wasseen at SabineN.W.R, Feb Sardis L., Jan. 12 (MD) and an immature was at Noxubee, 22 (RN & BCr). The recent increase in Great Black-backed Gull N W R, from at least Dec. 18 - Jan. 29 (JAJ,BC & MC). In Loui- records continues this winter with the second inland Alabama siana, an immature was seenat the Mandeville waterfront Jan. 1 record near Decatur Jan. 1 where two were seen (DCH) At (RN, MN, SH & EH) and three wintered at Clear L., Natch- Destin, Fla., onewas seen Dec. 19 (RD, TM & SS), Jan. 12 (RD) itochesPar. (CV). At Wheeler N.W.R., two were seenregularly and Jan. 22 (RD & LD). The Herring Gull was more common and possiblyas many as five were present-- perhapsfleeing than usualon the Little Rock CBC and throughoutthe winter at frozenReelfoot L. (fideTI). Clear L., NatchitochesPar., where30-40were seen together with Marsh Hawk numbers were about the same this year in 30-40 of the also unusuallycommon Ring-billed Gull (CV) A Arkansas as last (115 on 1976 CBCs and 108 in 1975); in Loui- LaughingGull, rare in Arkansas,was atL. Millwood Dec. 4 (HH siana, however,there were twice as many in 1976 (98) as in 1975 et al. ). A Franklin's Gull was also at L. Millwood Oct. 3 - Nov 28 (49) SingleOspreys were reported on the Jacksonand Hancock (JL, CM & HP); one was seen on the Hattiesburg CBC A Cos, L Millwood, and White River N.W.R. CBCs. Individuals Bonaparte'sGull was in Oktibbeha County Dec. 5 (WCW), one were also seenat Gatcon Pt., Santa Rosa Co., Fla., Dec. 11 (EL was alsofound on the NoxubeeN.W.R. CBC. Black-leggedKit- & SL), Deer Pt., Lake, Bay Co., Fla., Dec. 31 & Jan. I (SSt,BS & tiwakes were found offshore, 120 km s. of Sabine R., La., Dec 1, MGr), and at L. Eufaula, Ala., Jan. 23 (130& SJ).Two Peregrine and 25-28 (BO) with a maximum of four Dec. 26. A Sabine's Falcons were reported on the Johnson'sBayou CBC and one Gull, a speciesreported only oncepreviously fi-om Louisiana, each on the Sabine N.W.R., Hancock and Hattiesburg CBCs. wasreported at the ferry in CameronDec. 8 (AWC,fide JRS) A Other individuals were seen Dec. 21 in Vermilion Par. (PES); Forster'sTern was seenat L. Eufaula, Ala., Feb. 12 & 15 (BO) Januaryin PlaqueminesPar. near Ft. Jackson(RN, MN & SH); and Feb. 5 in Lee County,Ala. (BO). Merlins were observed DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS -- Up to six Ground more frequentlyin n.w. Florida whereat least four wintered Doveswere found near Morganza, La., in Januaryand February (SSt,BS, RD, CDu & DD). This specieswas alsoreported on the (DWG). Three were in n.w. Louisiana near Robson in Caddo Fort Smith and Venice CBCs. Sandhill Cranes again wintered Par., Jan. 15 ORS & JK); eight were in Richland Par., Dec 26 near Cheneyville,Rapides Par.; highestcount reportedwas 21 (GL), and three were seenon the AtchafalayaBasin CBC Ron on Jan 9 (RN, MN, SH & EH). One was also at L. Eufaula, Ala., Steinreports them rare in Reserve,La., an area of formerabun- Feb 13-26and two werepresent Feb. 19 (130& SJ). dance. Usuallyrare in winter, two wereseen on the Hattiesburg SHOREBIRDS, JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS -- The Am. CBC (NP). Bob Newmanreports that the Groove-billedAm was Golden Plover, found at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., Dec. 18 (DCr, apparentlyabsent in s. Louisianain late winter; the specieswas HE, CD & ALM) was the latest ever for Alabama; one near presentin late fall and earlywinter but did not endurethe severe Welsh, Jeft•rson Davis Par., Feb. 21 (RN, MN, BCr & AF) was weather.Two BurrowingOwls were reportedon the Sabine apparentlyLouisiana's earliest spring migrant ever. A wintering N.W.R. CBC. One wasseen near Mamou, EvangelinePar., Nov bird was found on the ResetweCBC (MWe). Ruddy Turnstones 18 - Dec. 30 (HG & CGu). One was reportedfrom c. Louisiana at Pensacola,Fla., Dec. 11 (CK) & 18 (CK, KB & MNo) were the Jan. 27 (PW). The Long-earedOwl may be more commonthan first December records;the Feb. 19 occurrence(MLMa & GG) reportedin our area; the only two recordsfrom Arkansaswere of was only the third February record. The Am. Woodcockwas birds founddead: one in Prairie CountyDec. 13 (GGr & DRH) morecommon than usual-- at leastin the s. part of the region and one in Craighead County Nov. 2 (KS). One wasfound (ChW, -- F Chandlerreported the largestwinter populationin more LW & PWi) (EBr) in Birmingham Dec. 24 - Jan. 2 and one was than 30 yearsin s. Baldwin County,Ala. There were35 reported heard calling near L. Eufaula Jan. 23 (BO); there are only three on the New OrleansCBC. The Long-billedCurlew, rare inland, recordsfor Alabama since 1909 (TI). was reported at Morganza Spillway, La., Nov. 8 (DWG); one SingleShort-eared Owls were found on the Monroe and Pine seen at Pensacola Dec. 29 was the first n.w. Florida winter Prairie CBCs. Seven were flushed from undisturbed native record and only fifth recordever there. Greater Yellowlegswere prairie near Stuttgart, Ark., Feb. 10 & 19 (WMS et al.); another migratinglate at Greenville,Miss.; ten wereseen Dec. 1 and two was found in similar habitat in Slovak, Ark., Feb. 17 (WMS) on Dec 4 (EA). Two were presenton the WashingtonCounty One was at L. Eufaula, Feb. 15-26 (BO). Both Saw-whet Owls (south)CBC. A yellowlegssp. was found on the PineBluff CBC. reportedthis year werefound in unfortunatecircumstances one, The PurpleSandpiper occurred for the first time in Arkansas the secondMississippi occurrence ever, was found injured in whenone was found on the w. bank of the MississippiR. in Crit- Jackson,Nov. 12 (fide WmT); and one found dead near Har- tendon Co., Nov. 29 & 30 (fide EdH). One was also found at risburg,Ark., Nov. 22 (KS) was the first record sincerecord- Destin, Fla., Jan. 6 (RD), 8 (SSt), 13 (RD); there is only one keepingbegan in 1963 (fide ELH). A SnowyOwl apparently previousrecord. The PectoralSandpiper was reportedon the wintered in Shreveport,La. and was last seenFeb. 21 (HJ, JRS et JacksonCounty CBC; one was found at Mandeville lakefront al.). Feb 19 (RN, MN, SH). Four Least Sandpipersendured at least The severeweather was apparently responsible for the paucity the first part of thiscold winter and were found on the PineBluff of hummingbird records this winter. Two Rufous Humming- CBC The 150 at Greenville,Miss., Dec, 1-28 (EA) was a large birds wintered at Pensacola, Fla. (EB); one wintered at New number as were the 25 Dunlin that accompaniedthem. Five Orleans until at least Dec. 26 (RRa); and a Black-thinned Itum- Dunhn were also at L. Eufaula, Ala., Jan. 23 and 35 were there mlngblrd wintered at New Orleans (ELe, RN et al. ). The failure Feb 27 (130 & SJ). The Marbled Godwit, consideredcasual in to find Red-cockadedWoodpeckers on the Lake Georgia-Pacific n w Florida was found at St. Joe S.P., Dec. 4. A Red Phalarope CBC is verydisturbing; the bird wasformerly reasonably abun- was found at L. Millwood Oct. 10 - Nov, 3 (JL, CM, HP & MxP). dant there. Red-headedWoodpeckers were apparently more dif- A phalaropesp. was found in Sabine N.W.R. during the CBC ficult to find this year than last at mostplaces but there wasan period obvious increase on the Noxubee N.W.R. CBC. The Scissor- A Pomafine and two ParasiticJaegers were identified at an oil tailed Flycatcherat New Hope, Ark, Nov 3 (CM) was appar-

Volume 31, Number 3 341 entlya late migrant.Three VermilionFlycatchers spent the flint Cottondale, Fla., Dec. 18 (BSt, SSt) was the first n.w. Florida part of the winterat L. Jackson,Washington Co., Miss.(EA); winter record. they were not seenafter Dec. 26. Individuals were seenon the A Yellow-headed Blackbird occurred at Metairie, La., Jan 30 Hattiesburgand Johnson'sBayou CBCs. At leastpresent until (DPM). The largest concentrationof Red-wingedBlackbirds Jan 19 were three at Magnolia Springs,Ala., (PFC). Horned reportedon CBCswas 2,300,000 at Little Rock, Ark. Therewere Larksgot at leastas far southas EvangelinePar. where60 were approximatelythe usualnumbers of scatteredN. Oriole records seen near Mamou and 40 near Reddell Dec. 30 (HG & DHF). an ad. d "Baltimore" at New Orleans Jan. 23 (RN, MN, DCr, The two Tree Swallowsat WheelerN.W.R. (DCo) registeredthe SH & ELe),another at BatonRouge Jan. 30 (DV). A "Bullock's" earliestlocal spring record. Rough-winged Swallows were found wasin BatonRouge from Feb. 14 - endof the period(RS) A 9 on the Johnson'sBayou and JacksonCounty CBCs. Late were "Baltimore" was at Memphis Feb. 5 - end of the period (EC) A the 33 at ChicotS.P., EvangelinePar., Dec. 7 (130);one was at d "Bullock's" was at a feederin Pensacola,Fla., Dec. 1 - Jan 14 Gulf Shores, AIa., Dec. 31 (GJ). Barn Swallows were found on (JM). It did not survivethe extremelycold winter. The Great- the Reserveand LafayetteCBCs as well as the JacksonCounty tailed Grackle,a specieswhich until recentlywas not knownto CBC Sevenvery late individualswere at ChicotS.P. Dec. 7 (BO). winter in the region winteredin Arkansas.A total of 32 was NUTHATCHES THROUGH VIREOS -- Tom Imhof found on the Texarkana CBC. The high CBC report for Com reportedfair numbersof Red-breastedNuthatches in Alabama. Grackleswas 2,100,000 at Jonesboro,Ark. and the high Brown- The numbers on Arkansas CBCs were normal. There were two headed Cowbird count was 4,022,125 at Pine Prairie, La The fewerreports from Louisianaand Mississippi.White-breasted U.S. F. & W. S. surveyed50 blackbird roostsin Louisiana and Nuthatches were found farther south than usual: two were on the found an estimated785 million birds. The largestroost was 12- SouthernHancock County and the Baton RougeCBCs. There 15 million in w. Carroll Par. (RAy). A SummerTanager was were 28 Bewick'sWrens reportedon Arkansasand Mississippi foundon the ShreveportCBC. A male was at Mariana, Fla, CBCsthis year and only20 last; this Blue-Listedspecies appears Dec. 1 & 21 and Jan. 17 (EW,fide MGr). This wasthe third con- to be holdingits own.A WoodThrush was found on the Sabine secutive winter at the same feeder. One was also seen near N W R. CBC and one wasfound near Mandeville,St. Tammany Morganza, La., Jan. 11 & 19 (DWG). Par, Jan. 1 (RN & SH). Some E. Bluebirds drifted to the coast this year. On the Johnson'sBayou CBC onewas found and one FINCHES -- A feeder near Morganza, La. was visited by a occurredduring the Sabine N.W.R. CBC count period. Blue- Rose-breasted Grosbeak Dec. 6 (DWG). A Black-headed Gros- gray Gnatcatcherswere more difficult to find than last year. In beak was near Kosciusko,Miss. early Jan. - at least Feb 12 (JS, the ten LouisianaCBCs held both years272 were reportedin RW, WCW et al.). The Blne Grosbeak found at St. Joe S P, 1975 and 125 in 1976. In addition, Bob Newmanreported that Dec. 5 (RD & LD) was the secondn.w. Florida December record numbers were drastically reduced in s. Louisiana during the and the third Floridawinter record. Indigo Buntingswere found later part of winter. There were more Ruby-crownedKinglets on severalLouisiana CBCs: three on AtchafalayaBasin, two on reportedon CBCs from Louisianathis year than last but fewer Reserve, and two on Venice. One stayed at a feeder in Baton from Arkansas.Sprague's Pipit was apparentlymore common Rougeafter Feb. 14 (RS). EveningGrosbeaks apparently did not than usualat the Natchitoches,La., airport (fide CV). The one wanderextensively into theregion this winter. It wasseen during near Wade's Landing, LimestoneCo., Ala., was a first local the CBC countperiod at Arkadelphia,Ark. A Dickcisselwas record and the eighteenthAlabama winter record (DCH). One found on the JacksonCounty'CBC. A female wintered at New was seen in Jackson County, Miss., Dec. 18 (LG) and one was Iberia, La. after Jan. 8 (MJM) and two males and females seenon the AtchafalayaBasin CBC. As usual Cedar Waxwings winteredin Baton Rougeafter Jan. 23 (RBH). One waspresent arrived in numbers in late winter. The numbers of White-eyed at another feeder 6 mi. from those Feb. 11 (RN & BCr) A ½ Vireos were much lower on the ten Louisiana CBCs which were House Finch wintered from Jan. 27 at a feeder in Decatur, held m both 1975 and 1976 -- 51 in 1975 and 14 in 1976. Morgan Co., Ala. (MB, TI et al.). The bird was photographed, WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- A Black-and- therebyremoving this speciesfrom the Alabama Hypothetical whiteWarbler was reported on the ReserveCBC and five on the List. The numbersof PurpleFinches apparently were about the VeniceCBC. The one at Baton RougeFeb. 27 (BCr) may have same this winter as last; Pine Siskins were rather rare this been an early migrant. A ProthonotaryWarbler was found on winter. Only about half as many were reportedon Arkansas the JacksonCounty CBC. Orange-crownedWarblers were noted CBCs this winter; last winter was not a good siskin year They in northernMississippi this winter:one at LeRoyPercy S.P. all werefound on both the Natchitochesand ShreveportCBCs this winter (EA); one on the Sardis Lake CBC; and one on the Nox- year. Four at ChoctawL., near Ackerman Dec. 5 (WCW) were ubeeN.W.R. CBC. A possibleNashville Warbler was reported the only onesreported from Mississippi.There werea few scat- on the ShreveportCBC. A Yellow Warbler• extremelyrare in tered recordsnear Birmingham(TI) and somewere reported winter, was found on the JacksonCounty CBC (WG). Almost near Nashville Dec. 6 (SF & WFt). The Red Crossbill occurred unbelievable,a Magnolia Warbler was reportedon both the for the first time in the TennesseeValley of Alabama this winter JacksonCounty (CW and JFr), and Southern Hancock County 1-8 werenear Decatur, Morgan Co., Jan. 19-24(DCH). Fivewere CBCs. For the first time ever, a Cape May Warbler winteredin found on the Lake Georgia-PacificCBC. One, possiblytwo Alabama.One wasseen Dec. 1 & 3 in Birminghamand 10 mi. Green-tailed Towheesencountered at Belle-fontaine Pt., on the from there Jan. 1-9 (HHT, LM & JP). The only "Audubon's" JacksonCounty CBC (JI &StP) is the first Missssippirecord rolm of Yellow-rumped Warbler reported this winter was at GrasshopperSparrows were found this winter on the Hatties- Gulfport,Miss., from mid-February- endof the period (JTo).In burg CBC and in CameronPar., Jan. 16 (RN & BCr). Therewas the Mississippidelta regionfour Pine Warblers were found on a surprisingnumber of Le Conte'sSparrow reports this winter the WashingtonCounty (south) CBC. An Ovenbirdwas reported -- perhapsmore of our observersare eheckingits specialized on the AtchafalayaBasin CBC. A N. Waterthrushwas found on habitat. Two were found on the NoxubeeN.W.R. CBC; sevenon the ReserveCBC and a waterthrushsp. wasfound on the Venice the SardisLake CBC; and one on the GrenadaCBC. There were CBC A Hooded Warbler was reported near Morganza, La., 14 at L. Eufaula,N.W.R.,AIa., approximatelyDec. 30 (GJ),one Dec 24 (DWG). A d Wilson•s Warbler was banded at Ft. was near Little Rock, Pulaski Co., Ark., Jan. 8 and three were Morgan, Ala., Nov. 11 (TI); this is first November Alabama reportedFeb. 21 (WMS). At Natchitoches,La., 3-4 were seen record. A first Alabama December record resulted from the throughoutthe winter(CV). Observershave obviously discovered observation of two at Mobile Dee 2 (JLD) A female found at how to find Sharp-lailedSparrows in somecoastal habitats 120

342 American Birds, May 1977 were found at Shell I., Bay Co., Fla., Dec. I (BSt) and 94 were Fayden.Don Manning, Gina Manning, Mark Martin, Mary Lou reportedon the SabineN.W.R. CBC. The Pink-sidedrace of the Mattis (MLMa), JosieMetzger, Ann L Miller, Charles Mills, Dark-eyedJunco was found Jan. 8 at Little Rock, Pulaski Co., Michael J. Musumeche, David P. Muth, Marcella Newman. Ark. (WMS). The cold winter obviouslyaffected Tree Sparrows; Robert Newman (Louisiana), Robert Noble (RNo), Mini Nonkes there were records from the northern part of our region. In (MNo), John P. O'Neill, Brent Ortego, Steve Osborne, Helen Arkansas, observerscommented on large numbers and the Parker, Max Parker (MxP), James Peevy, Steve Peterson(StP), southern extent of some of the records: i.e., 25 near Conway, Nell Powers,H. DouglasPratt, PulaskiCounty Audubon Soci- Faulkner Co., Jan. 15 (DJM); ten were found near Holla Bend ety, Robert W. Pyle, Robert Raither (RRa), Robed R. Reid, N.W.R., Yell Co., Jan. 15 (EdH, HH, HP & MxP); the previous David Allen Rowland, Buzz Salard, James Sanders, T. S. observersfound 20 in White County and 50 near Pangburn, Schulenberg,Peter E. Scott. William M. Shepherd.Alan Shep- CleburneCo., Jan. 22; a southerlyrecord was the one at Calion pard, H. H. Shugart, K. Luvois Shugart. Edward Smith. Mrs. L., Union Co., Jan. 23 and there were six more in Union County Ray Smith, Sam Smiths, Fern Snow, Gee Spencer, Barbara Jan. 25 (HHS & KLS); one was 6 mi. s. of Lonoke, Lonoke Co., Stedman (BSt), Steve Stedman (SSt), J. R. Stewart, Gayle Jan. 31 (EdH & HH); the seven at Little Rock Feb. 21 (WMS) Strickland (GSt). Keith Sutton, Mr. and Mrs. Dana Swan, were the latest reported. In Tennessee,a flock of 20 was found at Water Tatum, JamesTaulman, TennesseeOrnithological Soci- ReelfootL., Dec. 18 (BBC & LC); up to 11 were at Penal Farm, ety, H. H. Thigpen,Lib R. Toenes,Judy Toups (JTo), William ShelbyCo., Dec. 21 - Jan. 18 (T.O.S.); ten werein MemphisJan. Turcotle (WmT), Jacob M. Valentine, David Valenziano, 20 (LC, HID, MW & JF); and one was at Hatehie N.W.R., Feb. Charles Viers, Cile Waite. Martha Waldron. Harold Wales. 12 (T.O.S.). All Mississippirecords were from near SardisL.: Paul Wallace, ElizabethWatson, Melvin Weber (MWe), Wayne one on Jan. 15 (MD & LC); six on Jan. 22 (MD); and two on Jan. C. Weber, Ray Weeks, Ted Weems, Tom Whitley (TWh), 23 (LC). In Alabama from 3-20 were in the vicinity of Decatur RichardWhittington (RWh), ChanceWillingham (ChW), Leroy Feb. 12-28 (MB, RRR, HF, JF et aL) and one was at a feeder in Willingham.Page Willingham (PWi), BeverlyWinn (BWi), John Jasper,Jan. 20, 29, Feb. 2, 4-6, 8 (DAR). A Clay-coloredSpar- Winn (JWi), SidneyA. Woodson,Kathleen Zinn. -- ROBERT row was found at Arkadelphia, Ark., Dec. 17; it is the only B. HAMILTON, Schoolof Forestry,Louisiana State University, December record. An imm. Harris' Sparrow was found with a Baton Rouge, La. 70803. flock of White-crownedSparrows at Sardis L. Jan. 15 (MD). Eight werefound on the NoxubeeCBC. The cold winterappar- ently forced Fox Sparrowsto the Mississippicoast where they NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS rarely occur:two were at Gulf L Nat'l SeashoreFeb 20 (WCW, /Esther M. Serr RWP); 6+ wereat samelocation and ten wereat OceanSprings Feb. 29 (WCW). A Lincoln's Sparrow accompaniedWhite- The winter seasonthroughout the entireregion was very dry. throated Sparrowsat a feeder in Gulf Breeze,Fla., Feb. 3 - end Howeverchances for a normal springare very good as moisture of period (BSt, SSt). The individual at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., usually comesfrom heavy, wet snow in March and April. The Feb. 28 (DCo) was the first local Februaryrecord and the one at provinces enjoyed the mildest winter since 1929-30 when farm- Eufaula Feb. 6 (Be) was unusual.The 70 Lapland Longspursat ers picked rocks in February. Some were doing just that this Stuttgart airport, Prairie Co., Ark., Feb. 19 (WMS) was con- season.La Ronge, Saskatchewan,nearly 56øN, one February sidered low. On the other hand, the 23 on the Lake Millwood day, had temperatureswarmer than those recorded in Florida CBC; the 2-35 at Penal Farm, Memphis, Jan. 4-18 (T.O.S.); the the sameday. The statesin the region had a cold January but 12 at Memphis Jan. 20 (LC, HID, MW & JF); and the 30 at Tur- winter was otherwise milder than usual. Birds seemed scarce re11, Ark., Jan. 22 (RJ) were all considered unusual. Sixteen but the weatherwas warm enoughfor them to staynorth. Smith'sLongspurs at Stuttgartairport Feb. 19 (P.C.A.S.)were the onlyones reported.

CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Ed Alexander, Lois Archer, Ray Aycock (RAy), Emilie Bach, Wilson Baker, ! i SASKi! /v•ANi Kate Beck, Bernard Berry, Mr. and Mrs. Greg A. Brian, Mark ,/ ALTA. i ! •oy Brown, Ed Bruchac (EBr), Mrs. Ed Carpenter, P. Fairly Chandler,Terry J. Clement,Ben B. CoffeyIt. (w. Tennessee), Lula Coffey,A. W. Cook, Dwight Cooley(DCo), BruceCrider (BCr), Dick Crittenden(DCr), Bill Cross,Murray Cross,Peyton Cunningham(PCu), W. C. Davis, Marvin Davis, Helen Dinkel- spiel (HID), Ft. J. L. Dom, Charles Duncan, Lucy Duncan, y Robert Duncan, Carol Dunham (CDu), Dave Dunham, Howard Einspahr,J. W. Eley,Arnold Feldman,Jesse Feldman, Harriet Findley,John Findley(IFi), Sally Fintel, William Fintel (WFt), Dennis H. Fentenet (DHF), Jean Freeman (JFr), Rosa Lee Gard- •' ' •o•u- •/. Ft Pec• ?" Tower• ner, Warren Garrett, Goldwyn Gary, Larry Gates, Gary Graham (GAG), G. Graves (GGr), Jim Graves, Mary Gray • J j •aubOy Si•x (MGr), Charles Guillory (CGu), Harland Guillory, Dale W. 0 • .%-• • ..... s.• p- e . ,Falb Austin,Douglas Hagan, Edith Halberg(EdH) (Arkansas),Henry Halberg, Robert B. Hamilton, Earl L Hanebrink, Tommy / t .,ow Hazleton, Ellie Heath, Stanley Heath, D.C. Hulse, David R. [ ' * ...... Ot Hunter (DRH), Thomas Imhof (Alabama), Tim Ivy (TIv), John ' I ..... I • Y Izral, Greg Jackson,J. A. Jackson,Horace Jeter, David M. John- LOONS, S•DS -- A •ellow•illd Loon, the second son, Steve Johnson, Russell Jones, Chas Kahn (ChK), Joe Ken- occurrence in •o y•rs, foun• alive in • roadsida ditch Nov. edy, Curtls 1Ongsbery(Florida), Helen Kittinger, Ellen LeBlanc 22, was rel•sed in t•e Inglewood Bled S•ctu•ry, (ELe), Eric Lefstad, Sandra Lefstad, Gary Lester. Steve Listen. whereit fed on ttom. It was •issed J•.. I• a.• hopefully Jack Logan, Michelle Logan, Travis McClendon, Lloyd Mac- condnuedits migration(RB). One Corn. Loon wasat Ft. •k,

Volume 31, Number 3 343 Mont., Dec. 20 (CMC). Trumpeter Swans under management and another flock of 53 Dec. 21 - Jan. 18, at Calgary (MB). at Lacreek N.W.R., Martin, S.D., were estimated at 150. Ten Twelve c• Turkeys were seen in Garfield County, Mont., Feb. died of various causesduring the winter. 20 (ETH et al.) and 14 were at the Fish Hatchery, Rapid City, Feb. 19. GEESE, DUCKS -- The warm weather and lack of snow allowed many waterfowl to remain north. All areas had some JAEGERS, GULLS -- A Pomarine Jaeger was captured in of the regular wintering waterfowl species;probably the most Prince Albert N.P., Sask., Dec. 30 (M. Syroteuk -- specimen spectacular area was the Cold River, w.c. Saskatchewan, to the National Museum of Ottawa). Dr. Earl Godfrey iden- located above 54øN; 30 mi. of which remained completelyopen tified it as an imm. female. It weighed356.9 grams and is the during the winter. Totals of 100 Com. Goldeneyes,40 Mallards secondspecimen for Saskatchewan(fide WCH). and one Com. Merganser survived the winter there. One Bar- An ad. Great Black-backed Gull was the find of the winter row's Goldeneye wintered at Ft. Peck (CMC), 12 were in the seasonJan. 6-20 at Ft. Peck. It is possibly the farthest west tailwaters of the Garrison Dam, N.D., Feb. 9-10 (DGD), and observation, a first for Montana, and a first for the Northern threewere at Calgary Dec. 6 - Jan. 23 (RB). Also at Calgary was Great Plains Region (CMC). Photos show it with Glaucous and one Black Duck Jan. 24 - Feb. 7 (HP, DD). Herring Gulls. Gavin's Pt., S.D. also had Glaucous and Her- HAWKS, EAGLES -- Twelve Goshawk sightingsspanned ring Gulls and at Gardiner Dam near Cutbank, Sask., there was the provinces and e. Montana. Three Sharp-shinned Hawks one Glaucous (/MRS). were reported; two at Rapid City, S.D. (EMS, NW} and one OWLS -- There are 18 owl speciesrecorded in North Amer- Jan. 29 at Regina (TB). Single Cooper's Hawks were seen Jan. rica. This region recordedten of that total this shortenedwinter 26 at Eastend, Sask., where it roosted in a machine shed (MG, season. If March had been included, Burrowing Owl might TD) and Jan. 29 at Storgis, S.D. (NW). A fair number of have beenback but Hawk Owls, often seenhere in winter, were Rough-leggedHawks finally returnedto s. South Dakota after absent this year. Barn Owls are seen in other seasons. Total only occasionalsightings the last five years. Field trips out of known owl species recorded for the region then is 13. The Rapid City averagedthree sightingseach. Nine in s. Malta, Snowy Owl was the most common this winter but reachedonly Mont., Dec. 19 (MA) and eight in s.w. Saskatchewan were average numbers -- an estimated total of 175. One caught a counted during the period (JJW, GJW). Single Ferruginous muskrat which was forced to the surface by water over the ice Hawks were noted at Lacreek N.W.R., Dec. 19, and Garfield Feb. 4 at Indian Head, Sask. (MS). At the w. end of the region, County, Mont., Feb. 20 (HCet al.). one was seen at Benton Lake N.W.R., Black Eagle, Mont. South Dakota reported 65 Golden Eagles. In e. Custer {LSI. Anotherwas seen almost daily. Jan. 1 - Feb. 15 at Reliance. County, S.D., ten were caught in a coyote trapline. The birds S.D., whereit sat on its favorite fencepost and wasvisible trom were released quickly apparently unharmed (fide BN). At the s. edgeof town(WT). Great Hornedsreported totaled abou! Fillmore, Sask., Dec. 20 one was seenchasing a fox (FB). Food 50 with four nests -- one Feb. 26 at Frontier, Sask. OJW); sourcesfor Goldens at Fl. Peck were primarily Mallards and anotherFeb. 13 at Calgary, and in Montana Feb. 20 in Petro- secondarily rabbits. Their hunting methods were quite different leum County(RAH et al. ) and at BowdoinN.W.R. Short-cared from those of falcons and they were observed pirating from numberswere probably highest since winter 1971-72with a total falcons (CMC). A total of 71 Bald Eagleswas observedin areas of 39 reportedthroughout the region(RFK, WN). Six wintered near reservoirs in s. South Dakota. A January censusof Bald in the Qu'AppelleValley near Craven,Sask. (BL). Additionally Eagles in s.c. Montana showed66 adults and 20 immatures. A therewere three sightings plus a specimenfrom the CandleL., February check indicated that the birds over-wintered in the Sask., area Feb. 21-23. same areas where they were counted in January (THi). Bald Eagles do not approach Goldens in hunting ability but will also pirate kills from falcons. They do quite well scavengingdead ducks along the Missouri R., below Ft. Peck (CMC). Gyrfalcons, Prairie and PeregrineFalcons, and Merlins were present in most states and provinces. Several reporters have surpresseddates, numbers and locations, as trappers have been seen in their vicinities. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- Eight species of the Order Galliformes were reported this winter season. One Spruce Grouse was seen Dec. 28 at Caroline, Alta. (JM). It was unusual that none were seen in the forested area of Saskatch- ewan. Ruffed Grouse numbers remained high in forested areas of the provinces and probably were at the peak of their cycle Boreal Owl, Portage-la-Prairie, Man., Jan. 30, 1977. Photo/R. (EKH, LH, WJA et aLL In someplaces in Saskatchewanthere W. Knapton. was destruction of large tracts of aspen (SL). Many Ruffed Grouse were in Manitoba's boreal forest (DAS, MC, DB). Five S.A. Willow Ptarmigan were seennear Big Sandy L., Hanson Lake Rd., Sask. Sharp-taileds were generally down in the region; Midnight, March 13, Prince Albert, Sask.... "We however, 125 were in Gregory County, S.D., and 400 wintered just returned from 'owling' in the north woods. Suc- at Bowdoin N.W.R., Mont. At Kindersley. Sask., parcels of ceededin calling up two Great Gray Owls tonight. Both Sharp-tailed Grouse habitat -- the roadside ditches-- are suc- birds refused to answer my calls but came to the road- cumbingto the plow (JMH). Severalgroups of ten SageGrouse side to seewho the stranger was and they flew back and wintered at Eastend, Sask. Pheasants seemed to be on the forth around us trying to figure out what the monstrous upswingin s.w. Saskatchewanand wintered in other parts of thing was that was calling like a Great Gray. One flew the region. Gray Partridge definitely increased but have not within ten feet and we couldn't even hear a sound -- recovered to their highs of the early 70s. In Stutsman County, just total silence. So graceful and huge and not even a N.D., 106 were observedJan. 13 in two hours (JL, DS). There whisperwhile flying." (WCH, SL). was a flock of 51 Gray Partridge Dec. 5 at Langdon, Alta. (EB)

344 American Birds, May 1977 Assessmentof the Great Grays numbers and trends is dif- SHRIKES, BLACKBIRDS -- Northern Shrikes were ficult but current researchshould soon shedmore light (RWK). reportedfrom all areasin fair numbers.South Dakota reporters Four Screech Owls were seen in South Dakota. One roosted in a averagedtwo in their respectiveareas (KFH) and the specieswas flicker house in Burke; another in a tree hole near the cattle well representedin s. Manitoba. Six Rusty Blackbirds were feed lot at Fairburn, and one eachat Hurley (CB) and in Yank- observedin late Decemberin Lyleton, Man. (RJW). One was ton County. A Saw-whet was in J. Clark Salyer N.W.R., N.D. found at Moose Jaw Feb. 12-13 and another at N. Semans, in December(GD); anotherat CalgaryJan. 11 (.IT) and a fresh Sask., in February (PK, WCH). A few other blackbird species specimenwas found in WinnipegFeb. I (fide HWRC). A Long- winteredregionwide owing to the mild weather. eared was unusualDec. 31 at CypressHills, Sask. (WER). Two Barred Owls were observedFeb. 17, at Valley City and Dec. 18 GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Evening and at Fargo,N.D. (RM, EA). A PygmyOwl wasat CalgaryJan. 29 Pine Grosbeaks were common in their usual places. Purple (PS) A very tame Boreal Owl was at a farm near Portage-la- Finchesaveraged 16 at a Bismarck.N.D. feeder(RR). A flock of Prairie, Man. allowedobservers to photographit as closeas one 25 Red Crossbillswas presentthroughout the period at Rapid foot Jan 30 (CC et al. ). City (HS). Gray-crownedRosy Fincheswere most numerousin WOODPECKERS -- Various parts of the regionreported an South Dakota and Saskatchewanwhere they even frequented averageof three Com. Flickers,all at feeders,but at Saskatoon farmyards(RAW, SJ, HM). A daily averageof 30 Tree Sparrows Jan 22-29 there were 29 sightings(PON). Three Pileatedswere was at a Rapid City feederthroughout the period (BLG) It is observed in the forest of n. Saskatchewan and six were usualto have a few Harris' Sparrowsremain eachwinter The observedacross s. Manitoba (NM). Red-belliedWoodpeckers mild weather was probably the reason a few White-throateds are becoming common in s.e. South Dakota (KJH), but werealso reported (RQ). LaplandLongspurs occurred in small unusual were three Red-headeds that wintered in Missouri R. numbers--the biggestflock was 80, Dec. 20 near Hope, N D woods, Yankton, S.D. One Yellow-belliedSapsucker remained (DK). A fewSnow Buntings were reported regionwide. A few extra lines this time allow me to add that C. Stuart until Dec. 2 at Saskatoon and one was at Sioux Falls, S.D. in January(KE). Hairy Woodpeckersaveraged three and Down- Houston, former NGP editor, became the editor of the "Journal les averagedfour at most feeders.A Hairy bandedApril 14, of the CanadianAssociation of Radiologists"in 1976. 1965 was re-trapped Feb. 20, 1977 in s. Brookings County CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface) -- ALBERTA -- (NH) Black-backedThree-toeds were seenin s. Saskatchewan E. Brown, L. Butot, M. Butot, Rudy Butat, Daphne Denton (BCG, GA). A Black-backedwas found in burnedblack spruce (DD), J. Duncan, B. Fisher, A. Mazurek, J. Minty• Harold Pinel, bog at Pinawa, Man. (PT et al.) and one wasnoted at Winnipeg PeterSherrington, A. Stiles(AS), A. Slater(ACS), J. Thompson, Dec 3 (PH). A pair was seenFeb. 20 in the Black Hills, S.D. G. Wagner (GW). MANITOBA -- Dan Busby, Mike Collins, (RM) Herb Copland, Calvin Cuthbert (CC), Phil Horch, Richard CORVIDS -- Gray Jays cameout of the Saskatchewanfor- Knapton (RWK), Rudolf Koes (RFK), Nancy Murdock, Don est and were also in evidence in s. Manitoba. The Blue Jay is Sexton(DAS), PeterTaylor, Ralph Wang (RJW). MONTANA still establishing itself in e. Montana and two Stellar's Jays -- Mike Aderhold, Chuck Carlson (CMC), Helen Carlson from the west were seenat Billings (KBH). Black-billed Mag- (HWC), Bebe Fitzgerald,John Foster(JRF), Eve Hays (ETH), pieswere fewereverywhere except for 200 at BowdninN.W.R. Ray Hays (RAH), Kathryn Hicks (KBH), Tom Hinz (TH0, where they probably utilized a hole in the intake canal to catch Harriet Marble, Lyle Stemmerman. NORTH DAKOTA -- fish (JRF). Common Ravens finally came out of hiding with ElizabethAnderson, Gordon Betkey(GBB), GeorgeDevan, Don 100 at Nipawin and 400 at La Ronge, Sask. Elevenwere seenin Disbro (DGD), Don Kubischta, Iohn Lokemoen, Ronald Man- the area w. of Calgary (GW, AM). Common Crows were scarce son. Erling Podoll, RebeccaQuanrud, Robert Randall, Irving everywhere.In the Bull Mountains near Billings 150 Pition Jays Rostad,Dave Sharp (DS), Robert Stewart. SASKATCHEWAN were found (BF et al.). Numbers were unusually low in the -- Wm. & JoyceAnaka (WJA), Gary Anweiler, Tom Bevertdge, Black Hills. FlossieBogdan (FB), Tom Donald, Bob Godwin (BCG), M•ke CHICKADEES. NUTHATCHES -- The Black-capped,Bor- Gollop,Jean Harris 0MH), Wayne Harris (WGH), Laura Hoyte, eal and Mountain Chickadees were normal in numbers. A ElizabethHubbard (EKH), John Hubbard (JHu), Sig Jordeim, Tufted Titmousewas present Jan. 23 at Yankton(J. Wilcox,fide Edith Kern, Patricia Kern, Bob Kreba Sheila Lamont, Bob WH) This is probably the eighth sightingsince 1924. White- Luterbach, William Niven, Patricia O'Neil, Christine Pike, breastedNuthatches averaged two at mostfeeders and the Red- Wayne Renaud(WER), Dave W. Robinson,A. Smith (ARS), breastedsaveraged three. An exceptional60 Red-breastedswere Mary Skinner,Janet and Jack Wilkinson (JJW), Guy Wapple found in CypressHills, Sask.,Dec. 31. Four Pygmysremained at (GJW). SOUTH DAKOTA -- Adelaide Brodsky. Gilbert feedersthroughout the periodnear Rapid City (AB, DAD). Pho- Blankespoor(GWB), Carol Breen,Darnelle Dunn (DAD), Kim tographsof a nuthatchtaken at SiouxFalls at 1500 fl. during Eckert, Norma Eckmann, Bonnie Green (BLG), Kent Hall Decemberare still beingstudied with no decisionas to whether (KFH), Willis Hall (WH), June Hatter 0HH), Richard Hill it wasa Pygmyor Brown-headed(GWB, KE). FiveBrown Creep- (RLH), Karolyn Hoover(KJH). Nelda Holden, Alfred Hinds, erswere at Upper SourisN.W.R., Dec. 20 (IR). A Winter Wren Robert Johnson,Richard Michael, JocelynMortimer 0LM), wasseen Jan. 24 alongthe JamesR., Jamestown,N.D. (RS). Ernest Miller, Barney Nordstrom, Helen Schweigert,Esther Serf, Galen Steffen, Walt Thietje, Irma Weyler, Nat Whitney, THRUSHES, WAXWINGS -- A Varied Thrush was photo- Richard Wilt (RAW). -- ESTHER M. SERR, 615 - 8th St., graphedat feedersDec. 26 - Feb.24 at Sturgis,S.D. •fideEM). Rapid City, SouthDakota 57701. An unusuallymarked concentration of Am. Robinswintered at Rapid City (NW). Mountain Bluebirdsarrived as expectedFeb. 19~21m the Black Hills area (Ada Smith, NE). Flocksof Bohe- mian Waxwingstotaling 2260, were in Rapid City after several years'absence. How many were countedmore than once?A 78th Audubon Chrislmas Bird Count flock of 50 was presentDec. 9 - Feb. 13 at a Perkins County, Dec. 17, 1977-Jan. 2, 1978 S D farmyard (AH). North Dakota and Saskatchewanalso had See notice on page 386 goodnumbers. The Dakotashad increasednumbers of Cedar Waxwings(IW, JHH, RJ,RLH).

Volume 31, Number 3 345 SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION winteringpopulation of Anhingasin MontgomeryCounty com- /Frances Williams prised19 birds. HERONS, IBISES -- An early Great Blue Heron returnedto Lakes, pondsand riverswere frozen for weeksin Nebraska, Linn County, Kans., Feb. 21. Little Blue Herons and Cattle Kansasand northernOklahoma and wereeither dry or at a very Egrets had returned to the Ft. Worth heronry by the end of low levelin southernOklahoma and Texas.Wintering waterfowl February. Several Louisiana Herons spent the winter at werescarce. Cold, drought,and an over-abundanceof Starlings SteinhagenL. betweenTyler and JasperCos., Tex. (RA), and a equaleda lowwintering population of nativepassetines. The fall single individualspent Decemberon the Trinity R. where it weedand berrycrop was miniscule and the remainsof the sum- forms the Walker-Trinity County Line (KBB). SeveralAm Bit- terns locatedon Texas CBCs could not be found in January A ! s.oAK. White-facedIbis remainedthrough December on the Tnmty R WATERFOWL -- A WhistlingSwan appeared in Lancaster County, Nebr., Feb. 27, one juvenile remained in Wyandotte County, Kans., Nov. 27 - Dec. 9 and one was at CheyenneBot- toms N.W.R., Kans. at the end of the period.Normally most ! ß peafir ce CanadaGeese spend the winteron variousrefuges, but this year Denver m Manha.an & / small groupswere scatteredthroughout the region. The goose mostseparated from his fellowswas one in MariscalCanyon on I v. II il MO. I the Rio Grande, Big BendN.P., Dec. 27. White-frontedGeese in LubbockJan. 22 provideda new countyrecord. A Ross'Goose -- J Wichit• I GrandLakel was discoveredat El PasoDec. 19 (KJZ, m.ob.). Accordingto Lin Risner, Black Ducks winter regularlyin verysmall numbers at Lake-o'-the-pines.Very earlyBlue-winged Teal werecaptured I Amarillo! •.•'•'•,, Muskøge•e .,'•.LakeI at Hagerman N.W.R. during Mallard banding operatransin '"['"" '"'['"" " I '.'b• city mid-February.Wood Duckswere observed at scattered1ocaht•es from LancasterCounty south to Waco, Tex. Severalcontributors [ De.to. •o.m.... iL----"l noted that numbers of dabbling ducks were down, but that d•v- I I , Dallas ing ducks were more numerous than usual. There were an m.-,--/ . , estimated150 Greater Scaup at Lake-o'-the-pinesFeb. 5 (CDF) CommonGoldeneyes were presentin exceptionalnumbers at manylocalities, with a peak of 400 at Tulsa in earlyJanuary The onlyOldsquaw north of Texaswas discovered at Milford Res.near Junction City, Kans.,during February (BLS). In Texas thisspecies was recorded at Lake-o'-the-pinesand in Clay,Coke and Midland Cos.A White-wingedScoter was seen at Marais de mer cropwas soon consumed by the Starlings.F. M. Baumgart- CygneRef., Kans.,Feb. 22 (LM). In Texasthis species was noted ner reportedthe effectsof extremecold in an area of 600 acresin at Waxahachie(GG), Dallas (MRo), Lake-o'-the-pinesand Sam northeasternOklahoma which he censusedregularly. He found RayburnRes. (LR, CDF). A Surf Scoterwas at Lake-o'-the-pines an unusually large number of dead birds, and Eastern Phoebe, Feb. 5 (CDF). Hooded Merganserswere reportedat nine local- Carolina Wren, Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets and ities where they are consideredrare visitors and there were Yellow-rumpedWarblers completely disappeared from the area. exceptionalnumbers of Com. Mergansers throughout the Exceptfor SnowyOwls, NorthernShrikes and Tree Sparrows, region. the expectedincursion of northernspecies did not occur. VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS -- A Turkey Vulture LOONS, GREBES -- Almostevery lake on the plainshad a wassighted at TopekaDec. 18, a verylate date(OR) and 17 in few w•nteringCorn. Loons,but only at Lake-o'-the-pinesin e. ComancheCounty, Okla., Feb. 22 were early. In Pale Pinto Texas could as many as 100 be observedin a day. Red-throated County, Tex., 100 Black Vultures were roostingat Possum Loonswere reported at OklahomaCity Dec. 18 (JGNet al.) and KingdomDam in late November(KN). A White-tailed Kite was Balmorhea L, Reeves Co., Tex., Dec. 19 (FW et al.). Horned seen Feb. 15 in Brazes County, Tex. (RDS). It was not a Grebeswintered throughout the e. two-thirdsof Texasbut were Goshawkwinter. Three were reported on KansasCBCs, one in abundantonly at Lake-o'-the-pines,where 200 were present Feb. LancasterCounty, Nebr., in Januaryand onein GrimesCounty, 5 Eared Grebesare muchmore widespread than Horneds,but Tex., Jan. 25. "Harlan's" Hawks and melanistie Red-taded are rarely presentin large numbers.A flock comprising200 Hawks were unusually numerous. Red-shoulderedHawks were birds in Tarrant County,Tex., Feb. 5 wasunusual. The only reported by only three contributors.Rough-legged Hawks, reports of W. Grebes were at Lubbock, Tex. Pied-billed Grebes whichhad arrivedearly and in goodnumbers during the fall, remained in Kansas during the ChristmasBird Counts (here- were scarce.In w. Texas FerruginousHawks were abundant, after, CBCs)but did not remainthrough January. Grebes of any evenoutnumbering Red-taileds six to one in someareas. Golden kind were scarce in Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. Eagles were common in s.w. Oklahoma and Texas but did not strayeastward as theydid a year ago. Bald Eagleswere again PELICANS THROUGH ANHINGAS -- Single White Pel- commonat most reservoirsof the plains. In the Tulsa area two icans were found in Coffey County, Kans., Dec. 12, Junction Bald Eagleswith wingmarkers were found to havebeen marked City, Kans., Dec. 19 and Martin County, Tex., Dec. 19. Five in n. Minnesotaand Saskatchewan.Only three Ospreyswere lingeredat HagermanN.W.R., Tex., throughoutDecember. By reported.Caracaras were sighted in Falls County,Tex., Dec 31 Feb 3 they were moving N again. A concentrationof 150 (MRa) and BosqueCounty, Tex., Feb. 12 (WP). Double-crestedCormorants was present in ComalCounty, Tex., Therewere eight records of PrairieFalcons from Osage,Lyon, Dec 9 (E & KM), anda fewlingered in Montgomeryand Cowley Chaseand CoffeyCos., Kans. A PeregrineFalcon at Tulsa Feb Cos, Kans. until late December.Single birds appearedin 24 wasthe first at the locality since1972 (HE, EH). Otherswere Crosbyand HudspethCos., Tex. in Januaryand February.The reportedat Waxahachie(GG) and CrosbyCounty, Tex (KH),

346 AmericanBirds, May 1977 both in December.Single Merlins were seenin 15 localities,an unusuallyhigh number. Most of thesewere sightedrepeatedly throughthe season.

RAILS THROUGH TERNS -- Virginia Rails were present all winter at two locations in Tom Green County, Tex. The observersspeculated that the birds have alwayswintered there but havebeen overlooked. A Virginia Rail wassighted at Junc- tion City, Kans., Dec. 19 (JZ). Four Corn. Gallinules were sightedin Walker County,Tex., Dec. 22 (KBB) and one wasin Midland Jan.22 (m.ob.).There werefewer records of wintering shorebirdsthan in many years. Mountain Ploverswere seen in Tom Green Countyduring January(TM, CCW). The only Am. Woodcockreported was in Tarrant County, Tex., Dec. 4 (R & KJ). Severalobservers noted that the onlyCorn. Snipe they could Snowy Owl at Oklahoma City, Nov. 15, 197f-Feb. 28, 1977. find were in areas where sewageeffluent kept rivers open. Photo/Wesley Isaacs. Dunlins winteredat Hagerman N.W.R. WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- The popula- A jaeger tentativelyidentified as a Parasitic was presentin Coffey County, Kans.. Dec. 23 (E & HR. JP). One to three tion of Red-headedWoodpeckers was low in Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, but there were more reports than ever in Con- GlaucousGulls remainedat Oklahoma City Dec. 13 to the end of the period(JS, m.ob.).An unusuallylarge numberof gulls cho, Tom Green and Irion Cos.,Tex. A Lewis'Woodpecker at Midland Dec. 31 until the end of the period provideda second were present at Lubbock durtng December and January. In county record (TSJ, m.ob.). Yellow-belliedSapsuckers were additionto the usualRing-billeds, there were about 20 Herring reported at Bellevue, Nebr., Dec. 18 & Jan. 2 {fide MW), Gulls. This speciesalso wintered at Waco. At least 400-500 Leawood, Kans., Dec. 7 - Jan. 5 (KB) and wintered at Lubbock Bonaparte's Gulls were present in early February at both and Odessa,Tex. Downy Woodpeckerswere presentin many Lake-o'-the-pines and Sam Rayburn Res. There were an parksand cemeteriesin w. Texas.Red-cockaded Woodpeckers estimated500-600 Forster'sTerns on L. Rayburn throughout wereseen near Glendale,Trinity Co., Tex. wherea pair nested January and early February. A Royal Tern found dead at L. last summer(TGa). A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher near Nacog- Somerville, Burleson Co., Tex., Feb. 12 provided the first dochesDec. 18 was very late (DD). An E. Phoebein Comanche documentedinland record for Texas (KA). Caspian Terns wintered on four lakes in e. Texas. County,Okla., Feb. 17 was probablyan early migrantrather than a winteringbird, as wasone at El PasoFeb. 19. Vermilion Flycatchersare rare but regular winter residentsthroughout DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- A pair of mostof the pinewoodsore. Texas. Ground Doveswas observednear Nacogdoches,Tex.. Feb. 9 By the last week in FebruaryRough-winged Swallows were (CDF). Inca Doves were present at Sweetwater,Lubbock, presentthrough much of w. Texas. They are normallynot so Wichita Countyand Big Bend N.P. Roadrunnerswere reported common until mid-March. The annual "when did the martins at Kingman and Pratt, Kans. in December and were more arrive?" questionwas answeredby Ray Jochetzat Huntsville, numerousthan usualin PayneCounty, Okla. and Waco, Tex. Tex. who recorded one Jan. 26. Owls were much in the news.A nest containingfive young Barn Owls ready to fledge was found in Fannin County, Tex., CORVIDS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- A flock of five Dec. 1 {fide CRB). At Lewisville,Tex. a Barn Owl nest dis- Scrub Jaysspent the winter in Dodge City, Kans. (JC). This coveredNov. 30 held five owletsnearly ready to leave and five speciesis becominga regularwinter resident in the ChisosMts., smaller ones (WP). Several Barn Owls were located in n.e. Big BendN.P. (PS).A PinyonJay spent the winterat a feederin Oklahomawhere the speciesis rarely seen. Pratt, Kans. (LT, m.ob.). Bushtitswere reported in Morton The Snowy Owl which arrived in Oklahoma City Nov. 15 County, Kans., Dec. 31 (NaJ, DT). White-breasted Nuthatches stayeduntil February25. WesleyIsaacs kept a daily watch on wanderedinto w. Texasat severallocalities where they are nor- the owl and wasable to notifyvisiting birders of its whereabouts mally absent.Although Red-breastedNuthatches were not as at almost any moment. Other Snowy Owls in Oklahoma commonin the region as they were during the fall migration, includedone n. of Perry during January(m.ob.) and one in theywere present throughout and onewas photographed as far ComancheCounty Feb. 28 (MM et al.). Snowieswere recorded in s. as Bryan, Tex. Kansas at 12 localities, and at several of these there was more WRENS THROUGH PIPITS -- Winter Wrens were numer- than one. The only SnowyOwls reported in Nebraskawere in ousin Kansasbut the only otherreport camefrom Big Bend Saundersand DouglasCos., but surelythere were more. N.P. All wrens except the Carolina Wren were absent at Bar- The large flight of Long-earedOwls was also newsworthy. tlesville,Okla. CarolinaWrens spent December in Ellis County, Approximately40 occupieda roostin Irion County,Tex., Jan. 3, Kans. and in Lubbock,where the speciesis a rare visitor.Cactus the numbergradually dwindling until therewere only 15 at the Wrens in Real and Comal Cos., Tex. were east of their usual end of the period(TM). Otherswere locatedfrom Lincolnand range.Long-billed Marsh Wrenswere present in Kansasand e. Omaha s. and w. to El Paso and Midland. Short-cared Owls Texasthrough December, but there was no evidencethat they were also abundant. Dry lake bottoms are especiallyfavored spentthe remainderof the winter in thoselocalities. The only localitiesfor thesebirds and the largestconcentrations reported report of Short-billed Marsh Wrens came from Tom Green were at OologahRes. near Claremore,Okla. and O. C. Fisher CountyFeb. 6 (TM). A Rock Wren was seennear KansasCity Res. near San Angelo, Tex. There were other records from Dec. 26 (STP). Omaha and Lincoln s. to Tarrant and Wichita Cos., Tex. BrownThrashers wintered at Lincolnand LyonCounty. One Poor-willsat Big Bend N.P. during Februarywere not as whichwas wintering in EllisCounty, Kans., died in lateJanuary. remarkable as one at Pratt, Kans., Dec. 23 (NeI, MS). For the A SageThrasher was observed in JacksonCounty, Kans., Jan. 31 first time in severalyears hummingbirds did not winter on the (JAu). Contributors in Nebraska and Kansas lamented the lack plains.The only recordwas provided by a Black-chinnedHum- of Am. Robins,stating that therewere the fewestin memory.If mingbirdat LubbockJan. 5-16 (M & KA, KR). the birderscould have visited c. and w. Texasthey would have

Volume 31, Number3 347 seen where their robins went. A flock of 50,000 roosted near seenin PayneCounty and Kerrville. Purple Fincheswere abun- Kerrville and the birds were commoneven in the dry washesof dant in the e. two-thirds of the region and there were scattered w Texas. A Varied Thrush came to a feeder at Shawnee, Kans., recordsin the west. Cassin'sFinches were sightedin Big Bend Jan 16 - Feb. 27 (JAy, m.ob.). Eastern Bluebirds wintered in N.P., Dec. 29 & Feb. 23. A Corn. Redpollvisited a feederat good numbersfrom the Texas Panhandleto El Paso and were BellevueDec. 25. No contributorreported more than oneor two also common in the Athens - Palestine area of e. Texas. Moun- Pine Siskinsand mostsaid the specieswas absent.A few Red tain Bluebirdswere reportedat Goodland,Kans., Comanche Crossbillswere seen in Ellis County irregularly through the County, Okla., Grayson, Medina, Kerr and Real Cos., Tex. periodand a smallflock appeared in OmahaFeb. 15.A White- Townsend's Solitaireswandered eastward to Bellevue, Omaha, wingedCrossbill which visited a feeder in Tulsa Dec. 22 - Jan 26 Emporia, Norman and Real County,but were scarcein the w. wasphotographed (J & JW, m.ob.). portionof the region.The onlySprague's Pipits reported were in Le Conte'sSparrows were recorded from Lincolnto Big Bend Tom Green Countyin Januaryand February.They stayedin an N.P. duringthe CBCs.The onlyB,aird's Sparrow reported was •n eight-acrefield of grass which was completelysurrounded by Irion CountyFeb. 7 (CCW). Ely's commentthat Dark-eyedJun- plowedground. How Mr. Wiedenfeldfound them originallyis a coswere "either unusually common or unusuallyconspicuous" mystery,but he successfullyshowed the elusivebirds to many appliedto the wholeregion. A Gray-headedJunco* was noted in v•s•tingbirders. Nacogdochesin early February (CDF) and one remained •n WAXWINGS THROUGH STARLINGS -- Like Am. Odessathroughout the period(BE). Tree Sparrowswere abundant in Kansas, Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle and n. Texas Robins,Cedar Waxwingsgathered by the thousandsin c. and w. Texas, leavingobservers farther north searchingin vain. But by A singleTree Sparrowwas found at Lake-o'-thepines Jan 16 early Februarysmall flocksof waxwingswere making their way (DW). Harris' Sparrowswere common and widespread in Texas N The only BohemianWaxwings sighted were in Ellis County, but scarcenorthward. The Golden-crownedSparrow reported •n Amarillo in the fall was last seen Jan. 1. White-throated and Fox Kans Northern Shrikes were seen at Lincoln, Omaha, Okla- homa City, Kenton, Okla., Palo Duro Canyon and Midland, Sparrowswere unusuallycommon in w. Texas evenas far s as Tex LoggerheadShrikes wintered as far n. as Lincoln and Big BendN.P. Lincoln'sSparrows were abundant as usualdur- Omaha. ingthe CBCsbut almostdisappeared from the regionin January Hordes of Starlingsgathered in huge rooststhroughout the and February.Swamp Sparrowswintered from Lincoln to El Paso and southward. regmn Hundered of thousandsof these nuisancebirds vora- ciouslydepleted the countrysideof seedsand berries,making a LaplandLongspurs were unusually abundant from Lincolns bad winter even harder on native species.If conservationist to n. Texas.Smith's Longspurs were present as usualat Dallas groupscould devise a way to eliminateStarlings from the coun- and Norman, and Tulsa observersreported that flocks of try theywould save millions of our nativebirds. Smith'sLongspurs comprising 50-200 birds could frequently be found on burned fields in n. Tulsa County. McCown's Long- VIREOS THROUGH TANAGERS -- A Hutton's Vireo spurswere reported only in w. Texasand at Dallas. appearanceon the Rio Grande in Big Bend N.P., Feb. 24 (AW, A small flock of Snow Buntings was seenin BellevueDec 16 BW) wasapparently the first time the specieshas been found in •ide MW) and three were in LancasterCounty, Nebr., Jan 30 desertriparian vegetationat this park. Only oneGray Vireo was (DG). The only Snow Buntings reported in Kansaswere at reportedin thepark duringthe period. A SolitaryVireo was seen Milford Res., Feb. 13 (BLS). in BosqueCounty, Tex., Feb. 12 (WP). This speciesis often reportedon TexasCBCs, but it rarelyremains through January. CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OBSERVERS -- The populationof Yellow-rumpedWarblers was much below Nebraska: Daryl Giblin, Melba Wigg, 10 additionalobservers normal in Kansas. A Bay-breastedWarbler was sighted in Kansas:John Ault, (JAu),James Ayres (JAy),Karen Beck, Joan Comal County,Tex., Dec. 9 (E & KM) and one was photo- Challans,Charles A. Ely, Nanette Johnson(NaJ), Neil Johnson graphedin OklahomaCity Dec. 19 (JS).The identificationof the (NeJ),Dorothy Laird, Bob LaShelle(BLS), Earl McHugh, Lloyd latter was confirmedby GeorgeM. Sutton.Observers wondered Moore, Mary Louise Myers, SebastianT. Patti, Joe Plummer, if a LouisianaWaterthrush* in Walker CountyFeb. 5 was a Orville Rice, Ed & Helen Ryan, Jean H. Schulenberg,Marvin wintering bird or early migrant (KBB, RM). Yellow-headed Schwilling,Dwight Tanner, Larry Tiemann, JohnZimmerman, Blackbirdswere noted at Dallas Dec. 16 (CP) and Feb. 2 (BV). A 18 additionalobservers. Oklahoma: Fred M. Baumgartner,Pat group of five orioleswas seenin the ChisosMts., Dec. 30. They Bergey,Ella Delap, Hazel Ekholm, ElizabethHayes, Delorls were not identified, but Scott's is the only oriole species Isted, Janet M. McGee, Mike Morgan, John G. Newell, John previouslyrecorded in Big BendN.P., in winter. A "Baltimore" Shackford, June & James Wilson, 20 additional observers Oriole was seen in NacogdochesDec. 18 (R&CR). Great-tailed Texas:Peggy Acord, Max & KathleenAddison, Robert Ander- Grackles wintered in numbers in Palo Pinto and Tom Green son, Keith Arnold, Charles R. Brown, Lillian M. Brown, Kelly Cos This is a veryrecent range expansion. Rusty Blackbirds B. Bryan, YvonneDaniel, David Deuel, CharlesW. Easley,Bill were presentin Ellis County, Kans. and Arnett, Okla. and were Edwards,Charles D. Fisher, Tony Gallucci (TGa), Gayla Gat- more numerousthan usual at Lincoln and JohnsonCounty, ling, Karl W. Hailer, Kelly Himmel, Bill Hunt, Ron & Kathy Kans An ad. c• SummerTanager was seen at a feeder in Johnson,T. S. Jones,Margaret Mason, R. F. & J. H. Mason, NacogdochesJan. 25-26 (CDF). Terry Maxwell,Ralph Moldenhauer,Ernest & Kay Mueller, K FRINGILLIDS -- A Pyrrhuloxiafound on Oklahoma'sBlack Nanney, C. Potter, Warren Pulich, Midge Randolph (MRa), Mesa Dec. 28 & Jan. 1 was photographed(STP). There were Robert & Cathy Reeves, Lin Risner, Margaret Roddy (MRo), many Pyrrhuloxiasn. of their usualrange in w. Texas and one Kent Rylander,Peter Scott, R. DouglasSlack, LayfetteStan- was seen in Kerr County a little farther east than normal. A kewitz, Betty Vernon, C. C. Wiedenfeld,David Wolfe, Alan Black-headed Grosbeak visited a feeder at Waco Feb. 7-22 (¾D) Wormington,Brian Wylie, Jim Yantis, Kevin J. Zimmer, 83 and another was seen at Ingram, Tex., Dec. 21 & 22 (RF & additionalobservers. -- FRANCES WILLIAMS, 3307 Neely, JHM) A Varied Buntingwas locatedin the ChisosMts. during Midland, TX 79703. December. A Dickcissel came to a feeder in Sherman, Tex., Jan. 17 (fide KWH). The expectedinvasion of EveningGrosbeaks did not occur. A flock comprising 18 birds was seen irregularly throughthe periodin Ellis County,Kans. and singlebirds were

348 American Birds, May 1977 SOUTH TEXAS REGION WATERFOWL -- An estimated 36,000 White-fronted Geese /Fred S. Webster, Jr. were noted at Warren L., near Houston Dec. 16 (TBF, ER). Numberswere far abovenormal at CorpusChristi (KM). A flock The unusuallycold and wet conditionsof fall continued until of 11 at Austin Jan. 23 ½MAMI apparentlywas migrating; this mid-Februarywhen temperaturesmoderated quickly and rain- was a first Januaryrecord for the locality. In w. Harris County fall ceased.This dramatic changeoccurred as the mid-Pacific 125,000 Snow Geesewere reported Dec. 31 (DTD, TLE), and high, whichhad dominatedcontinental weather patterns abnor- numberswere reported good on the c. coast. Some 25 Black- mally late into fall and winter, finally lost its influence.Although bellied Whistling Ducks were reportedwintering at Manor L., BrazotiaCo. •ide MJ); this specieswas not knownon the upper coast until recentyears. The status of eight FulvousWhistling Ducksseen in the surf off High 1.. Feb. 27 (AW. BW) is puz- zling. This speciesis frequentlyseen offshore in migration, but when birds occur in winter they are expected in fresh water. Populationsof Pintails were down along the coast as more inland watering places were available. but N. Shovelersfed in Aransas Bay all winter as the water was fresbenedby abundant rains. Wood Ducks were more common than usual on the c. coast. A count of 45 was made in flooded creek bottoms at San Antonio Jan. 12 (DW). Canvasbackswere in good numbes at Cove, where 600 were seenJan. 30 (DTD & ]D), and at Rockport(DNW). The count was up at Laguna AtascosaN.W.R. with 10,000 estimated (GAUl. LesserScaup numberswere the best in years at Rock- port (DNW), and the 50,000 reportedat Cove Feb. 5 (DTD & TLE) was a start toward reachingthe tremendousroLmbets of years past. Oldsquaw. always rare, were seen more frequently than usualalong fife coast;five off High I., Feb. 27 (AW, BW) is noteworthy.Excellent scorercounts in the surf off the upper winter temperaturesaveraged well belownormal, tbe rapid suc- coast indicated either an increasein these speciesor in surf- eessionof cold frontsavefled prolong• cold s•11s. The trupieal watchers.Surf and Black Scoterswere the most common by far; Rio Grande •lta esea•d major damage to voge•tion. Rain- at least 100 of each were counted off Gilchrist, Bolivar Pen., fall, generally nodal or above nodal, was well-spaced Dec. 22 (DTD, TLE). Althoughnumbers had droppedsharply throughoutthe •ri•. Coastalareas were waterlogged much o• by February,87 Surf and 31 Black Scoterswere counted off the the season.Native food cropswere good, and inability of farmers beach from High I. to Sabine PassMar. I (AW, BW). A d to plow soggycropland left many stubblefields available. Per- Masked Duck in transition plumage was at Santa Aria N.W.R., sistentlywet •nditions alteredtbe usua•distribution patterns of Jan. 5 (DF). waterfowl,shorebirds and drylandsp•ies in manylocalities. HAWKS, EAGLES -- A probable9 Hook-billedKite was seenat Santa Aria N.W.R., ]an. 26 OHM & RFM). Ferruginous LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS -- Three Red- Hawks were seen occasionallyalong the coast and were fairly throated Loonswere found off Texas City Dike Dec. 20 and were regular on S. Padre I. An ad. Corn. Black Hawk was seen seen well into February. As many as five Horned Grebes were betweenFalcon Dam and Roma in February (JCAetal.); the lat- seenin the Cove area through the winter (DTD & JD). Brown ter locality was the sceneof a nesting attempt last summer. An Pelicans returned to the Rockport waterfront after a 20-year imm. Bald Eagle was seenat Laguna AtascosaN.W.R. in early absence,being seen daily from Feb. 7 (NCO); by season'send December (GAUl, and two immatures were seen s.c. of Austin one immature and three adult birds were observed (DNW). One Feb. 7 (ELS).As many as seveneagles could be found at Warren was seenat Sabinejetty, JeffersonCo., Mar. 2 (AWl. Belatedly, L. on a singleday this winter. we report a Blue-lootedBooby observed and photographedon the S. Padre I. beachOct. 5 (TF, fide JCA), a first Texas record CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- The WhoopingCrane popula- for this strictly PacificCoast species.The regular occurrenceof tion at Aransas N.W.R. stood at 69, of which 12 were young Gannetsat the Freeportjetties led Feltherto surmisethat, "It is birds; the previoushigh count was 59 in 1971 (BH). Mountain very probable that the Gannet is in the Gulf throughout the Plover were found near New Braunfels, Comal Co.. in a field of winter everyyear. but strongE and N windsseem to make them youngoats in late November(DW) but apparentlydid not hug the lee shore..." Jetty-watching,despite discomfortsin remain throughthe winter. Two Purple Sandpiperswere found winter, has capturedthe imaginationsof Texas birders.Eleven at the Freeportjetties early in the season.A flock of 250 Marbled Gannets were seen offshore between High I. and Sabine Pass Godwitswintered at Rockport(DNW), and as manyas 250 Am. Mar. I (AW. BW). Two imm. birdswere sighted off S. PadreI. Avocetswere seen around Nueces Bay during the season(KM). in January,and an adult, freshlydeceased, wes pickedup from JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS -- Three Parasitic Jaegerswere the beachJan. 23 0CA). Three MagnificentFrigatebirds made reportedoff High I., Feb. 27 (AW, BW), and an adult wasseen an unusualwinter appearanceat GooseIsland S. P., Rockport harryingterns over the surf at S. PadreI., Dec. 12 0CA, SB). A area Jan. 15 (WLDW et al. ). Glaucous Gull wintered around Bolivar Flats, Galveston; as in pastsightings here, this was a second-yearbird {fideTBF). Since STORKS, IBISES -- A Wood Storkwas a surprisewinter vis- the widely-beralded"Iceland Gull" collectedat Port Aransasin itor in w. Harris County, Jan. 16 0E & TLE). White-facedIbis March 1976 was subsequentlyidentified as a Thayer's Gull, numberswere good on the c. coastand southward,and one wes Texasbirders are becomingmore wary of strangegulls and more seen inland at San Antonio Jan. 16 0AM). An excellent count of proneto research.What wasthought to be a first winterIceland 500 White Ibises was made in the marshes near Cove Feb. 5 Gull frequentedthe S Padre I. beach from the date of its (DTD, TLE). A flock of 75 near Corpus Christi in January discovery.Jan. 12 (SB). Photographsare beingstudied 0CA). A included 90% imm. birds (KM). "white" gull first seenat the Quintanajetty, FreeportJan. 25

Volume 31, Number 3 349 Brownand Long-billedThrashers were absent from O'Neil's territory at Falfurrias. American Robins were in above-normal numbersalmost everywhere.A roostw. of Austin was thought to contain hundreds of thousands. Near record numbers were reported at San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Blue-grayGnat- catchersand both kinglet specieswere recorded in below-normal numbersgenerally. Cedar Waxwingnumbers were good in the w. half of the region. Starlingswere plentiful on the c. coastand in recordnumbers at Falfurrias but apparentlydown from normal on the uppercoast. VIREOS, WARBLERS -- SolitaryVireos, usually fairly common, and all warblers except the Yellow-rumped,were below normal in the Rio Grande Delta (JCA). Orange-crownedWar- Black-leggedKittiwake, Texas City Dike, Tex., Feb. 28, 1977. blers were down throughoutthe Region. A d Tropical Parula Photo/Alan Wormington. was observedat Santa Ana N.W.R., Jan. 2 (LK. JW). and a singing male discoveredat BrownsvilleFeb. 6 lingeredthrough the (MA, MJ et al.), also remained through the season.This was season(JCA, SB). Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were in generallythought to be an imm. IcelandGull until localbirders goodsupply throughout the regionbut especiallyabundant on soughtthe opinionsof personsfamiliar with the species.That the c. coast.Black-throated Gray Warblerswere conspicuously identificationwas ruled out and albino Herring Gull suggested absent from the Rio Grande Delta. At San Antonio a Pine War- with somereservations {fide TLE). Two fully ad. LesserBlack- bler Feb. 13 (JAM), and an Ovenbird Jan. 21 (SH) were unusual. backedGulls, at locationsten mi. apart, wereobserved and pho- Apparentlyseveral Louisiana Waterthrushes wintered in man- tographedon S. Padre I., Jan. 22 (JCA). An unusuallylarge groveswamps near the mouthof the Rio Grande0CA, SB). numberof Herring Gulls wason S. Padre I. beachthe sameday. Bonaparte'sGulls were unusuallycommon on the lower coast BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- A roostat CorpusChristi (JCA). At least four Black-leggedKittiwakes appearedon the accommodated more than one and one-half million blackbirds, uppercoast; one very approachable individual took up residence mostlyRed-wingeds (KM). CommonGrackles, usually confined at TexasCity Dike •de TLE}. SandwichTerns. usuallycommon to the e. half of Texas, spreadSW to SanAntonio (JAM) and in winter, apparentlywithdrew completely from the lower coast Alice (ROA) in considerablenumbers. This specieswas abun- (JCA). dant at San Antonio at the turn of the century but the steady DOVES THROUGH NIGHTHAWKS -- A small number of northwardmarch of the Great-tailedGrackle provided too much competition.A W. Tanagcr was seenal San Antonio Dec. 29 White-winged Doveswintered n. to San Antonio and Corpus (HD et al. ), and a SummerTanager at High l., Jan. 15 (JGM). Christi. The Groove-billedAni populationat CorpusChristi was above normal {KM). A Long-caredOwl was observedat Austin FRING1LL1DS-- A d Black-headedGrosbeak frequented a Feb. ! 2 {REC). A singleCom. Nighthawk was seenat different feeder at Mission, Hidalgo Co. (HR). One was seen in the locations in Austin Dec. ! & 18 and Feb. 9 OAT, BM et al.); Rockportarea Feb. 4 (CJet al.), and severalreports came from these recordsare inexplicable,especially during an unusually the uppercoast. This was a goodwinter for Purple Fincheson cold fall and winter. the upper coast and westwardto San Antonio. The invasion HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- At spilledS into BeeCounty where this species is unusual(AHG). A least three Black-chinnedHummingbirds occurred regularly at d Cassin'sFinch was carefully identifiedin companywith Pur- Houston.In CorpusChristi, a stunned9 hummingbirdwas ple Finchesat Austin Feb. 17 (ELS).Very few Pine Siskinswere examined in hand and released Feb. 4; it was identified as an reportedin the region, and Am. Goldfinchnumbers were below Allen's Hummingbirdafter careful attentionwas givento the normal in most areas, KarnesCounty beingan exception(WS). tail feathers (TL. KM). Green Kingfisherscontinue to appear Rufous-sidedTowhees were notablyhigh at San Antonio (DW). beyondthcir usuallimits. Femaleswere seen on the MissionR. Lark Buntingswere scarcein deep S. Texasafter a goodseason at RefugioJan. 22 (DTD & JD), on the San MarcosR. at San last year (JCA);possibly owing to too muchmoisture. Savannah, Marcos Feb. 22 (ML, BV), and on the Nueces R. near Corpus Lark, Clay-colored,and Lincoln's Sparrowswere generallyin Christi ]an. 7 (KM). Severalsightings were made in variousparts fewer than normal numbers,while Vesper,Harris', and White- of Travis County (CWE, ElS et aLL Red-headedWoodpeckers throated Sparrowswere generallyin goodnumbers. For most were in above-normal numbers from Wilson County to the c. sparrowspecies, shortages were particularly acute on the c. coast coast. An ad. c• Williamson's Sapsuckerwas seen in Austin's and in deep S. Texas. An excellentpopulation of Longspurswas OakwoodCemetery Feb. 9-22 (MAM et al.). The only previous found in the New Braunfels area. On Nov. 27 an estimated 375+ observationfor Travis County -- also a male -- was made at the McCown's,25+ Lapland, and 100 Chestnut-collaredLongspurs same site Oct. 5, 1963. were seenin a field of young oats (MH, DW). On Jan. 10 the FLYCATCHERS, JAYS, CROWS -- Tropical Kingbirds countin grain stubblefields was 200+ McCown's,85+ Lapland, deserted the Rio Grande Delta this season (JCA). This was and 245+ Chestnut-collared(MB. MH, DW). Lapland Long- definitelya Blue Jaywinter, following a heavyfall invasion.They spurswere again plentiful in w. Harris Countyrice fields;a high weremost conspicuous on the c. coast,but apparentlyventured count of 700 was made Dec. 31 (DTD, JE & TLE),. j little farther south than Corpus Christi. Mexican Crows were CORRIGENDA: Identification of the Anous speciestern presentin flocksup to 500 in the Brownsvillearea (JCA). foundon PadreI. (AB 29:!004 and 30:97)as a BlackNoddy on VERDINS THROUGH STARLINGS -- Verdin numbers the basisof photographicevidence was challenged (AB 30:26). seemed low at San Antonio and no winter nests were found We thank Gerald J. Oreel and Henry M. Stevensonfor construc- (JAM). This and other brushcountry species are steadilylosing livecomments in favorof NoddyTern. Anousstolidus. The sup- ground as land clearingcontinues. House Wrens were down posedAllen's Hummingbird photographedin Houston (AB generallyexcept on the uppercoast. Bewick's Wrens were "quite 30:741)cannot be positively identified, according to Keith A. low" at Falfurrias (AWO). One was seen at Cove Dec. 23 (DTD Arnold, Chairman, Bird RecordsCommittee, Texas Ornitholog- & JD), an unusualrecord for the upper coast. Gray Catbirds, ical Society. •

350 AmericanBirds, May 1977 CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Richard O. the Whitehorse area and the Yukon at large. The average Albert, MargaretAnderson, John C. Arvin, SteveBenn, Mike December temperatures were - 11.5øC (+ 11.3•F) [the long- Braun,Ralph E. Clearman,David T. Dauphin,Jan Dauphin, term average is -15.8øC (+3.6øF)]. In January the difference Harry Diakoff, Gladys S. Donohue,Charles W. Easley,Janet became more drastic. Average temperatures were -7 7øC Eubanks, Ted L. Eubanks, Jr., T. B. Feltner, Tracy Fleming, (+18.1øF) [-18.9øC (-2.0øF)]. Relatively high temperatures DarleneFriedman, Mrs. A. H. Geiselbrecht,Steve Hawkins, Bill prevailed in February, with an averageof 2.8øC (+27 0øF) Hawthorne, Mimi Hoppe, Charlotte Johnson,Margaret Jones, [-13.2øC (+8.2øF)], while March temperatureswere close to Lura Kammholz, Edward A. Kutac, Maurine Lee, Travis Low- normal, averaging -6.7øC (+ 19.9øF) [-7.7øC (+ 18.1øF)] man, J H. Mason, R. F. Mason, Mary Anne McClendon,Kay To most it seemed to be a dry winter while the amount McCracken,Bill Meriwether,James A. Middleton, JamesG. of precipitationwas actually slightly higher than normal Morgan,Norma C. Oates,A. W. O'Neil,Hank Robison,Elaine However, as there were frequent warm periods and the Robinson,Gene Sankey,Willie Sekula, Elton I. Stilwell, James temperaturesrose to above freezing every month, no heavy A Tucker, George A. Unland, Bettye Vernon, Josephine snow cover could develop. The temperature rose to +5 7øC Walker, DorisN. Winship,W. L. D. Winship,David Wolf, Alan (+42.3øF) in December, +9.0øC (+46.2øF) in January, Wormington,Brian Wylie. -- FRED S. WEBSTER,JR., 4926 +6.2øC (+43.2øF) in February, and +4.5øC (+40.1øF) tn StrassDrive, Austin, Texas78731. March. The coldest temperature in Whitehorse during the entire winter was only -27.6øC (-17.7øF), which was recorded one day in December. No major cold spells occurred Precipitation in northern parts of the Yukon (north of NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION Dawson City) was significantlyabove normal, while in some /Helmut Gr/inberg areas of southwesternYukon, the precipitationwas clearly below normal. Most reports received are from observers As most of the birds encountered in the Yukon leave the in the Whitehorse area, with a few isolated notes from area during the grim winter season, so also do the birders other parts of the region. who might otherwise be keeping track of them. Despite httle participationand few observers,we submitthis report WATERFOWL--Sixteen swans were observed flying S becauseit has been an unusual winter, which is partly over Johnson'sCrossing Dec. 4 (PD). It is assumedthat these reflected in the birds that were observed during this season. were Whistling Swans. Large portions of the Yukon R The winter 1976-77 was the warmest winter on record in remained open this winter; therefore it is not surprising that Mallards were seen near Carcrossall winter, although infrequently (DM). Common Goldeneyes stayed for the winter. Five were reportedJan. 29 (D&GM) and a few Feb 26 (HG). One •2 Com. Merganser was observed Jan. 24 & 29 (HG), and two others were on the Yukon R. in Whtte- horse Jan. 29 (D&GM). HAWKS, FALCONS--Several reportsof diurnalbirds of prey were received. A Goshawkwas at the DempsterHwy , Feb. 1 (DM) and a Gyrfalcon was at Milepost 50 on the DempsterHwy., Feb. 3 (DM). Golden Eagleswere observed infrequently this winter in the s. Yukon (DM). Several were seenapparently migrating Mar. 30 (DM). A Marsh Hawk was seen near Whitehorse Nov. 30 (DN). GROUSE AND PTARMIGAN--Spruce Grouse seems to be the most commonwoodland species around Whitehorse There were five reports from Whitehorse throughout the whole winter (HG) and one from the Haines Rd., s of Dezedeash (HG). At least four Ruffed Grouse overwintered in one specific area near Whitehorse. They were seen prior to Dec. 1 (HG), Jan. 28-29 (HG), and agatn after Mar. 31, in the same location (HG, PM). Ruffed Grouse were also reported from the Dempster Itwy., Feb 3 (DM). Ptarmigan reports were scarce this year, as no reports were received from Kluane Park. Both Rock and Willow Ptarmigans were observed on the Dempster Hwy, Feb. 1-3 (DM). PIGEONS, OWLS--About 100 Rock Doves were observed in Whitehorse throughoutthe winter, eventually decreastng to -+50 (DM). Great Horned Owls apparently overwinter tn the Yukon, but are not easily observed and are usually overlooked until they start to call. The first reported was near Whitehorse Feb. 10 (HG). Nine more observattons were noted in February and March (HG). An unusual observationof a Short-earedOwl was reported from Hmnes Jct., Dec. 21 (HG), and one was seen near WhitehorseNov 30 (DN). WOODPECKERS--The mostcommon woodpecker m the region is the N. Three-toed. It was observed several t•mes in each of the winter months,26 times by one observer(HG)

Volume 31, Number 3 351 and an unstated number of times by another (KB). The (HG). Snow Buntingswere observed in Whitehorse through- Black-backedThree-toed Woodpeckeris apparentlypresent in out the winter, with a large influx beginningapproximately certain locations during the winter (KB), although no Mar. 20 (DM). Flocks of -+200 birds were seen in White- definite dates of observations were reported. The status of horse Mar. 24 (HG). the Hairy Woodpecker is still unclear. Does it overwinter? Do some individuals migrate?There is only one report avail- INITIALED OBSERVERS--Kate Bennett, Phil Davignon, able: one male was seen near Whitehorse Mar. 12 in an area Helmut GRinberg, Pat Lister, Grant Lortie, Hector MacKen- where it had not been present in previous months (HG). zie, Paul Mantle, Dave Mossop, Grace Mossop, Dan Now- LARKS, SWALLOWS--While Horned Larks migrate lan.--HELMUT GRIJNBERG,General Delivery, Whitehorse, through the Whitehorse area in normal years, a few seemed Yukon YIA 3S7 Canada. Please send spring migration in- to have stayed and survived last winter. Two were reported formationand any commentsabout this report to the above address. Nov. 30 (DN), and migratinglarks were observed until Dec. 17 (DM). One female was seen in that same location Jan. 29 (DM). A dead Violet-green Swallow was found in Whitehorse NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN - near the NCPC power dam Feb. 25 (HM). Although game INTERMOUNTAIN REGION branch biologists determined that it died several months /Thomas H. Rogers earlier, it is interesting to note that it apparently missed the southward migration. CORVIDS--Three speciesin this family were seen every The region'swinter was almostuniformly mild and closeto month during the winter. The Gray Jay was as common as the driest on record. The valleys and slopeswell up into the usual. The Black-billed Magpie was found in specific loca- mountains,were snow free practicallyall winter.However, most tions throughoutthe winter (KB, HG, DM), numberingup reportersdescribed a dearthof bird life and speculatedthat lack to three birds in a given area. In one of these areas a Black billed Magpie was singing Mar. 30 (HG). Common Ravens were concentratedin Whitehorse, particularly at the dump, where up to 460 individuals were seen Jan. 31 (D&GM). But cotut•s A_•& _• . ] ravens were also observed in areas a few miles away from % ""2'•.,.dr ,,,.,, ] town, perhaps in greater numbers than in colder winters (HG. KB), and as far away as the Dempster Hwy., Feb. 2-3 (DM). CHICKADEES, DIPPER--The most common chickadee in the city in winter is the Black-capped. It was common at feeders until the end of January (DM). But it was also found away from the city more frequently than usual. In one area 4 mi. n.e. of Whitehorse, up to three Black-cappeds were observed on 35 different days Jan. 27-Mar. 31 (HG). Also, 10 mi. s. of Whitehorse, they were seen regularly (KB). The Boreal Chickadee is sometimes found at feeders in the city, but mainly in forested areas. It is probably ' I LtWISTON 'HELENA• the species most commonly encountered in the woods. It was noted on 57 different days throughout the winter by • •E IlLtEl 'PENBLE•0NL% BOZEMA['LIVING•T• one observer alone (HG). Dippers were more common than in colder winters, probably owing to many open rivers and eBEN•LHE• RLAK) e PAYETT[ creeks. There are reports of observations for every month of the winter (HG, D&GM). O GO[JREF.• { IDAHO WYOMING L •, ...... I I I WAXWINGS, STARLINGS--Bohemian Waxwings ,. /-•- • • , • I stayed throughout the winter in Whitehorse, in flocks of up of sn• made fo• •sy to get. keepingbirds widelydispe•ed to 50 birds. The first was reported Jan. 9 (PL). From March and allowingnorthern birds, particularlythe finches,to remain l0 onwards, waxwings were seen 2 mi. from Whitehorse in at high• latitudesand in the mountains.•zens of semi-hardy flocks of +-120 individuals (HG). For the first time, Starlings specieslingered late or wintered,and •rly spring arrivalswere overwintered in Whitehorse. Two were seen Dec. 6 (GL), and ma•y. Lak• •nd reservoirswere low and numerouspo•ds and they were observed in Whitehorse every month of the winter ma•h• completelydry. (DM) with a maximum of 12 birds (HG). Maybe this hardy Old World speciesis beginningto spread into yet another LOONS, GREB• • On SwanL., in L•e Co., Mont. single area. Corn. Loonslingered until Dec. 6 and were on Flathead L, Jan. GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, BUNTINGS--Pioe Grosbeaks 29 & Feb. 1 (F.A.S.). Th• winter• in small numbs on Okan- were observed in small numbers in many areas throughout agan L.. B.C. A Red-neckedGre• was at Yellow Bay, Flathead the winter (KB, HG, DM), with large numbers in loose L., •. 16 & Jan. 3 •S). SingleHorned Grebesapparently flocks migrating N near Whitehorse from mid-March on wint• on Flathead L. and possiblyon Swan and Bi•root (HG). Redpollswere seenin smallflocks throughout the winter Lakes in n.w. MonOna (F.A.S.) and on Coeur d' Alene L., Ida. (HG, DM), increasingnumbers migratingN near Whitehorse (sGS). An •red Grebesta•ed as late as Dec. 18 near •mers, during the last half of March (HG, DM). Most of the red- Mont. (F.A.S.),and Hayden L, Ida. had•o Dec. 12(SGS). polls were not positively identified as to species. It is assumed, however, that the great majority were Commons. PELICANS THROUGH HERONS • A Whi• Pelican,prob- A reporl of a Hoary Redpoll came from the Dempster Hwy., ably sick, and a Double•rested Cormorant were at Minido• Feb. 3 (DM). Crossbills were scarce this winter with only •.W.R., Rupert,Ida., Jan.5 (WHS). A Great E•et winteredin three reports of a few White-wingeds Jan. 29, Feb. 4-5 the farmlandsnear •wden, Wash.(DL). The Hampa,Ida. area

352 American Birds, May 1977 had Black-crownedNight Herons up to Dec. 27 (G.E.A.S.) and "down significantly"(GH). High count in the Pocatello,Ida one was at Rupert Jan. 18 (WHS). An Am. Bittern at Toppenish area Feb. 5 was 38, about one-half of which were immature This N W R, Yakima Co., Wash., Feb. 21 wasextremely early (EH). is about one-half the normal number (CHT). Single Gyrfalcons weresighted in twolocalities in e. Washington.Southern Idaho WATERFOWL -- The mid-winter tri-state Trumpeter Swan seemedto have good numbersof Prairie Falconsbut reports surveyaround Red Rock Lakes N.W.R., Mont., Feb. 9 revealed elsewherewere rather sparse. Only tbur Peregrine Falcon 839 adults and 178 cygnets, up 40% over last winter. In s.e. sightingscame in, all (butone in Oregon),from BritishColum- Idaho 26 Trumpetersappeared wearing orange neck collars that bia. SingleMerlins weresighted at 16 localitiesscattered over had been attached in 1976 at Grande Prairie, Alta. Two Trum- the region.American Kestrelswintered in large numbersm s peterswere on VaseuxL., s. of Penticton,B.C., Jan. 29 (SRC).At Idahoand sparingly at severalother localities. Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney,Wash. the birds peakedat 30 in early December.Freezing of lakesat Malheur N.W.R., Burns,Ore., GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- The mild, almost snowlesswin- in Januarycaused Trumpeter numbers to drop to 17 and Can- ter apparentlymade it easyfor this group.Two Sharp-tafied ada Goose numbers to 546. However, McNary N.W.R., Bur- Grousewere seenin the FlatheadValley near Somers,Mont, bank, Wash. had nearly800 Canadasin late January,increasing Feb. 2, wherethe speciesapparently is scarce(F.A.S.). The only to over40,000 in February.Approximately 500 wereon Sprague other report was from Idaho: 12 at Nampa. SageGrouse were L near Sprague,Wash., Feb. 27 and ToppenishN.W.R., Wash. repotted at Rupert, Ida. and s. of Creston,Wash. Up to 30 had a s•milar number Feb. 15. The Nampa area had 6700 Dec. 5 Mountain Quail appearedin the Nampa area (G.E.A.S.) The and ColumbiaN.W.R., Othello, Wash., peakedat 4200 in Feb- Turkeypopulation on BozemanPass, e. of Bozeman,Mont was ruary A White-frontedGoose was believedto havewintered at persisting.The only other recordwas of a male heard 5 mi n e Richland, Wash. (REW). of Lyle, Wash. (EH). The Idaho Fish and Game Dept. counted48,000 ducks and CRANES THROUGH COOTS -- Two Sandhill Cranesspent 14,000 Canada Geese on Am. Fall Res., s. Ida., Jan. 10-11. Peak Februaryin a field n.e. of Corvallis,Mont. (RS), and the species duck numbers at Columbia N.W.R. were 53,000 in December, returnedto Malheur N.W.R. by Feb. 13, eight daysearlier than downfrom 94,000 a year agobut Mallards reached57,000 on the last year. The Nampa area had a Virginia Rail Dec 30 Columbia R. in McNary N.W.R., Jan. 25 and Deer Flat N.W.R., (G.E.A.S.), one was heard at ToppenishN.W.R., Dec. 21 (EH), Nampa, had over402,000 of this species.At Malheur N.W.R. and one was at a pond near Toppenish,Wash., Feb. 15 (ZB) the January freeze drove most ducks out. Kootenai N.W.R., SeveralSofas were seen during late Decemberand earlyJanuary Bonnets Ferry, Ida. had 18-24,000 Mallards comparedto the at Salmon,Ida. (HBR). Wintering Am. Coot numbersat Colum- normalwinter population of 50! A Black Duck appearedat Liv- bia N.W.R., Othello, Wash. were less than one-third of what ingston, Mont. in January (HC, BFi). A Eur. Wigcon was theywere last winter. observedon several dates at Kennewick, Wash., Dec. 19 - Feb. 12 (CCo, REW). A few N. Shovelerslingered in the Nampa area SHOREBIRDS THROUGH GULLS -- In Idaho three until Dec. 27 and Lewiston, Ida. had five Jan. 8. Toppenish SpottedSandpipers persisted until Dec. 18 at Nampa (G.E A S ) Creek had two in late December. Wood Duck numbers at Deer and onewas still at SalmonJan. 16 (HBR)! A Greater Yellowlegs Flat N W.R., Nampareached 200 in January,and abouteight lingered at Nampa until Jan. 18 (G.E.A.S.) and one was found wintered near Vernon, B.C. Okanagan Landing near Vernon, Dec. 25 near Springfield,Ida. (CHT). A LeastSandpiper stayed B C hadan OldsquawJan. 15 anda d HarlequinDuck was on at the Yakima R. delta near Richland Dec. 4 - Feb. 23 and about the OkanaganR., s. of VaseuxL., Dec. 31 (SRC).A d Surf 30 Dunlin also winteredthere (REW). A second-yearGlaucous Scorer on Swan L. near Vernon Dec. 26 was most unusual (JG). Gull was at the Coeur d' Alene city dump from at leastJan 29 - A few RuddyDucks appeared on the ClearwaterR., nearLewis- Feb. 5 (BW, JA et al.) and an adult and two immatures were ton and small numberslingered on OkanaganL. up to mid- found on Banks L., Grant Co., Wash., Feb. 20 (SH, DP, MP) January.Rupert reported one Jan. 21. Two Red-breastedMer- An adult was flushed from a Columbia R. island at Richland gansetsappeared at Salmon,Ida., Dec.31 (HBR). Dec. 11 (EH & REW). A gull believed to be a second-year IcelandGull wasobserved at lengthand photographedJan 29- VULTURES, HAWKS -- Two Turkey Vultures near Madras, 30 and Feb. 5 at the Coeurd' Alene dump (BW, WH, ER, JR, Ore, Jan. 19 were remarkablyearly (CS) and the Ellensburg, THR & RW). An ad. Glaucous-wingedGull was along the Wash area had two Feb. 23 and four the next day (Y.A.S.). At Columbia R., at Alderdale, Wash., Dec. 30 (EH) and one was least 14 widely scattered reports of Goshawk sightingswere carefullyidentified Dec. 28 at Summerland,B.C. The speciesis received. A few localities recorded Cooper's Hawk. In s.c. veryrare at any seasonin interior British Columbia(DC & RC & Washington,mostly around Toppenish N.W.R., 42 days'observ- SC). Two ad. Thayer's Gulls were identified at Coeur d' Alene ing yielded 14 sightings(EH) and the birds regularlypicked off dump Feb. 19-21 (DP, JA, BW). songbirdsat feedersin Missoula, Mont. (SF). A dark-phase Swamson'sHawk was carefully observedDec. 18 near Wenat- DOVES THROUGH OWLS -- Two Mourning Doveswere chee,Wash. (N.C.A.S.), and one wasreported at WenasL., Feb. seennear Ennis, Mont., Dec. 20 (CVD, LM, SMa & RAH) and 26 (Y A.S.). Rough-leggedHawk numbers were low in most onewas e. of BozemanJan. 29 (JK). Twelvewere found alongthe 1ocaht•esbut appearednormal at Salmon,Ida. and "hundreds" Flathead R. near Kalispell, Mont., Jan. 17 (BR) and Libby, were reported in the Rupert, Ida. area (WHS). Ferruginous Mont. had up to 27 (EE & RE). Twenty-fivewere still at Rupert Hawks made remarkable winter appearancesin five localities: at Christmas(WHS) and Nampa alsohad largenumbers then one w of Blackfoot, Ida., Dec. 16 (CHT); in the Rupert, Ida. (G.E.A.S.). Barn Owls were sightedat Lewiston,Rupert and area (WHS); at Tumalo, Ore., Jan. 30 (JJ);one near Sheridan, Nampa, Ida., at Asotin, Walla Walla and ToppenishN W R, Mont, Jan. 28 (TSB, CSu), and one in Helena (ChristmasBird Wash., and at Umatilla, Ore. A ScreechOwl at Sheridan, Mont Count) inmid-January wasn•teworthy (JVB & TSB).A fewSnowy Owls Bureau of Land Management Bald Eagle counts for Wolf appearedin e. Washingtonfrom Spokaneto Davenport The Lodge Bay, Coeur d' Alene L. showeda rise in numbers from OkanaganValley of British Columbiahad only two records,one sevenDec. 3 to a peak of 73 (67 ad., six imm.) Dec. 29, then a at VernonDec. 30 (JTF) and oneat TranquilleJan. 2 (JAn) One drop to sevenFeb. 23 (JLi). The mid-winterU.S.F. & W.S. cen- at BozemanDec. 22 - Jan. 4 was more unusual(HH, SCo, JF), susfrom ColumbiaFalls to Polsonand NinepipeN.W.R., Pablo Feb. 6 oneappeared 25 mi. s.e.of Fortine,Mont. (WW); and one and w to Thompson Falls in n.w. Montana found only 16, spentDecember and Januaryin PleasantValley, 35 mi w of

Volume 31, Number 3 353 Kahspell,Mont. (BF). Only Canadareported the Hawk Owl; one CBC had 24. In BritishColumbia one was at NicholsonFeb 20 at Edgewatern. of RadiumHot Springs,B.C., Feb. 21 (FK), one (RRH), singleswere at twofeeders regularly in Kimberley(PM, e of Skookumchuck,B.C. (fide MVW), and one in Turner MVW), threewintered at Revelstoke(JW), and Nelsonhad three Valley in the mountainsw. of Calgary. Alta. (MRL). The mild Dec. 26 (AH, DH, VR). BlueJays also appeared at Walla Walla winter found several Burrowing Owls at Toppenish N.W.R. and remained to the end of February (SM) and one was seen m wherethey stayedin holesin the banks of Marian Drain, the Richlandperiodically Nov. 27 - Jan.22 (LL, REW). At Spokane main irrigationdrain there,or livedin smallpipes emptying into up to ten frequenteda feederquite regularly at the w. baseof it (EH, Y.A.S). Two wereat Rupert until Christmas(WHS) and BrowneMr. from fall throughthe winter period (JR, THR et onestayed at Pocatellountil at leastDec. 18 (CHT). Besidesfour al.).One in Helena overwinteredand was frequentlyseen at a reportsof Barred Owls from s. British Columbiaone was noted feeder(AS). ACom. Crow in Golden,B.C., Feb. 13, one in Field, four mi. e. of Pullman, Wash., Nov. 26 - Dec. 17 (JWW) and one B.C., Feb. 22 and a few at Briseo,B.C., Feb. 15, if overwintering, wassighted in GlacierN.P., Mont. (JDe,CM, NP, RT). The only would have been the first recorded (RRH). Mountain areas Great Gray Owl reportedwas one perchedon a telephonepole reportedmoderate numbers of Clark'sNutcrackers, 25 wasthe along the highwayw. of Kalispell, Mont., Dec. 2 (BF). Short- largestgroup, at BrowneMr., Feb.12. A MountainChickadee at earedOwls appeared scarce or rare in mostlocalities. However, RichlandJan. 23 wasvery unusual (EH). TwelveCom. Bushtits ToppenishN.W.R. had perhapssix (EH), and a smallgrassland werepositively identified in theBlue Mrs. just e. of WallaWalla near Vernon, B.C. had about eight wintering (JG). A singleof Dec. 18 (MC, KK, JWo). The only otherswere ten at Alderdale, the rarely observedBoreal Owl was photographednear RossL., Wash.,Dec. 1 (EH). A PygmyNuthatch at Sheridan,Mont, Jan Yoho N.P., B.C., Dec. 8 (DHo) and anotherwas observedfrom 4 was the first ever for that area (JVB, TSB). A Winter Wren at 15 ft in daylightin the ChumstickValley n. of Leavenworth, Nicholson,B.C., Feb. 26 wasextremely early. It is believedthat Wash, Jan. 6 (LG et al.). The only Saw-whetOwls were one at the specieshas never wintered there (RRH). A Bewick'sWren Orondo, Wash., Jan. 4 (PC & HO) and one freshly dead in a wintered one mi. n. of Asotin, Wash. and made the second barn m West Richland, Wash., Jan. 26 or 27 (JD). record for that area (JWW). The specieswintered at Walla Walla in numbers somewhatlower than seenin summer (KK) A HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- One c• and Rock Wren washeard alongAlder Creekin e. Klickitat Co, one 9 Anna's Hummingbirdswere at a Yakima feederDec. 4 Wash., Dec. 30 & Mar. 4 (EH) and onewintered at Naramata, (CSL)and thespecies was reported again there Feb. 13 (Y.A.S.). B.C. where winter records are few (JL). One was at Asotm, One m West WenatcheeJan. 5 wasprobably of this species(LG). Wash., Jan. 25 (JWW). More surprisingwas an imm. male at a Spokanefeeder from Jan 10 (JA, JR et al. ) for that city's secondrecord - the first in THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- American Robins winter An ad. female Anna's Hummingbird at a Lewiston winteredsparingly, in contrastto lastwinter's hordes. A Varied feeder Nov. 20 - Dec. 17 was Idaho's first (EMc, JWW, JWo). In Thrush appearednear Arrow Rock Res., e. of Boise Feb 18 Brmsh Columbia an adult and an immature were at Kelowna at (EC). The only Hermit Thrush sightingswere in February,one m least to December's end (RY) and two iramatures were at Pen- Richland, Wash. (REW) and one in Hermiston, Ore. (CCo) ticton Jan. 21 (SRC). A Red-headedWoodpecker was seen in the Three Mountain Bluebirds at Minidoka N.W.R., Feb. 16 were Nampa area Dec. 30 (SRu). A Yellow-belliedSapsucker stayed the earliest on record there (WHS) and also were the earliest m Rupert until Feb. 4 (WHS). Belatedlyreported were two regionally.Golden-crowned Kinglets, normally rare in winterm Whlte-headed Woodpeckersnear Lakeside, Mont., Oct. 26 the Yoho-Nicholsonarea, were seena number of times during (EGR). A N. Three-toedWoodpecker was observed at Bitterroot the period(RRH), presumablyheld by mild conditions.Water L, Mont., Dec. 15 (BF) and four sightings•Vere made in the Pipitswere feeding along the edgeof the iceon the Yakima R at Yoho N.P.-Nicholson area (RRH). About 100 Lewis' Wood- Richland Jan. 10-14 (EM). Five at Sunflyer, Ore. were also peckerswintered at Ft. SimcoeS.P., Yakima Co., Wash. (EH). unusual (JB). The Nampa area had rather large numbers m Say'sPhoebes apparently wintered for the first time on recordat December (G.E.A.S.). The Bozeman and Gardiner, Mont areas Pentlcton;two werethere Dec. 27-28 and Feb. 18 & 23 (SRC). seemedto have the biggestconcentration of Bohemian Wax- One was found near WenatcheeJan. 24. (PC) and Toppenish wings; some other areas had averageor lower numbers, hkely N W R. had one Dec. 18 & Jan. 3 (EH). The specieshad related to rather large numbers in the Yoho-Golden-upper returnedto Malheur N.W.R., Feb. 15 (cf Mar. 9, 1976)and one Columbia R. Valley. Ten Cedar Waxwingswere still at Nichol- was near Genesee,Ida., Feb. 17 (DLH) and one or two were in son,B.C., Dec. 24 (fide FK). In additionto the usualN. Shrikes, the Lewiston-Clarkstonarea Feb. 26-27 (EMc). Ten Violet-green severalreports of winteringLoggerhead Shrikes came in One Swallowsover the SpokaneR. belowSpokane (WH) and along was at Asotin, Wash., Dec. 18 - Jan. 25 for that area's first the ColumbiaR., w. of Quincy,Wash. (N.C.A.S.)both Feb. 26 winter record(JWW). ToppenishN.W.R. had one Dec. 9 & 21 werethe earliestever. Two of this speciesand oneTree Swallow and Alderdale, Wash. had two Jan. 4 (EH). Columbia N W R alongthe ColumbiaR. at BeverlyFeb. 20 werethe earliestever reportedone Jan. 18 (DB). In Idahotwo were reported at Salmon for e Washingtonby eight days (SH, DP, MP). Richlandhad Dec. 31 (HBR) and at Nampa therewere two Dec. 18 and one tour or five over the Yakima R. on the unusuallyearly date of Feb. 21 (G.E.A.S.). Feb 26 (EM). WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- Orange- JAYS THROUGH WRENS -- The Blue Jay invasionwas crowned Warblers overwintered at Richland in small numbers impressive.The specieswas noted in the Bozemanarea Dec. 26 (EM, EMi) and Hermiston,Ore. had oneJan. 10 (CCo). One or (BRu, JRu, SR), at nearbyBelgrade Feb. 12-13, and five reg- two were at Nampa on three datesDec. 17 - Jan. 1, and one ularly October through February in Sheridan, Mont. (JVB, founddead was preserved as a specimen(BS). Most surprising TSB) Anothersizable group was reported to havewintered in was a Nashville Warbler at a Pullman feeder Dec. 23 on, for e Twin Bridges,Mont. One stayedthrough the winter in Hamil- Washington'sfirst winter record(lOB & JWW). A Yellow- ton, Mont., and othersin the samevalley at Lick Creek Camp- rumped(Myrtle) Warbler at VernonDec. 23 wasthe firstm win- ground(fide RS). The Nampa,Ida. areareported a countedhigh ter there (PS). Two N. Waterthrusheson the PocatelloCBC were of 18 on Feb. 21 but at least twice that number were believed remarkable. present(JH) and the birds appearedconsistently at Lewiston Western Meadowlarkswere two weeks early at Kimberley, (DK) Six were seen7 mi. e. of Moscow, Ida., Dec. 15 and one at B.C. (MVW) and Feb. 19 was a very early date for Coeur d'Alene the same location Dec. 20 & Jan. 3 (DLH). The Pullman-Moscow (SGS). Bozemanhad one Januaryrecord (PDS) and four were

354 American Birds, May 1977 near Kalispcllin mid-January(F.A.S.). Only ToppenishN.W.R. 27 (CCo). White-throatedSparrows were reportedalong Rattle- reportedwintering Yellow-headedBlackbirds. two Dec. 7 and snakeCreek at Missoula(AB). A few Fox Sparrowsapparently oneJan. 22 & 27 (EH). A late Rusly Blackbirdwas at Nicholson, wintered in the Yakima area; the Ahtanum area had three Dec. B.C., Dec. 5-13 (FK), the only locality reportingthe species.A 9 (ZB), and ToppenishN.W.R. had singlesJan. 15 & 29 (EH). Brewer's Blackbird was at Colton, Wash., Jan. 22 OWW). Small Single Lincoln's Sparrowswere found at ToppenishN.W.R.. numbers of Brown-headedCowbirds were regular with large Dec. 14 and SunnysideGame RangeJan. 16 (EH). Only Rupert flocksof Red-wingedand Brewer'sBlackbirds all winter at Top- reported Lapland Longspurs,a few in late December (WHS). penishN.W.R. (EH). Apparentlyvery few SnowBuntings made it belowthe Canadian border. Most of the sightings,involving very moderatenumbers, FINCHES -- Evening Grosbeakswere unreported from e. werein the Glacier-YohoN.P. area,with an additionalsighting Oregon,were very sparseor absentin e. Washingtonand the at Kelowna. Okanaganof BritishColumbia but seemedmore nearly normal elsewhere. However, moderate numbers were in the Golden, B.C. area and up to 60 frequenteda feeder at Invermere, B.C. Sup- OBSERVERS CITED -- UA) James Acton, (JAn) Jerry posedlymost of the birds stayedat higher altitudesor in the Ansdl. Arnold Bolle. Ladd Bjorneby. Jay Bowerman, Dave northerlyparts of the region.One 9 PurpleFinch was reported Brown, J.V. & T.S. Burns, I. O. Buss, Zelia Butler, Dick & Rob at Wiley City near Yakima Dec. 12 (EH). Wintering Cassin's Cannings,(SC) Sid Cannings,(SRC) SteveR. Cannings,Helen Fincheswere practically nonexistent.Bozeman had its first Carlson,Erwin Carson, Phil Cheney,Mark Conwell,(CCo) Craig winter record for the House Finch, with seven at a feeder in Cotder, (SCo) Sharon Cotterell. C. V. Davis, 0D) Jeff Dawson, December and January (EHa, CH). Pine Grosbeaks went vir- ODe) Jerry DcSanto, Esther & Ray Endcrs, (BF) Barbara Fen- tually unseenin the valleys.A few winteredin Bozemanand at ner, John Fisher, (BFi) Bebe Fitzgerald, Flathead Audubon Bigfork,a few wereseen in the Yoho-Nicholsonarea and a few Society,Jack T. Fowle, SidneyFrisscll, Golden Eagle Audubon winteredat approximately6000 ft. in Mt. RevelstokeN.P., B.C. Society,Larry Goodhew,James Grant, Gary Hagedom, Warren UW). Jim Grant stronglysuspected an actual scarcityof the Hall, Camille Harper, (EHa) Ed Harper, Harry Hausser,R. A. birds for he found none in the mountains at 4000-6000 ft. near Hays, James Heckathorn, Sue Hills, David L. Holick. (DHo) Vernon. The only other localityreporting them was BumpingL. Dennis Horwood, Ann Howe, (DH) Dick Howe, R. R. Howie. in the mountains w. of Yakima: one bird Dec. 14 (IL). Gray- (EH) Eugene Hunn, Julie Johnson,Jim Kamp, Dwight Kilgore, crowned Rosy Finches seemed concentrated mostly in the FrancesKing, Ken Knitfie, C. S. Ladley, Don Lee, Lillian Leg- Revclstoke-Glacier-Yoho N.P. area and in the Gatdiner- gett, M. R. Lein. (JL) Jay Lewis, ULi) Joe Lint, Isabelle Lynn, Bozeman area. At Gardiner +2000 were in one flock Jan. 18 PeggyMacPherson, (EMc) Ed McVicker, (SMa) Sid Martin, (JQ).The samelocality had 24 Black RosyFinches Dec. 19 (JQ) (EMi) Ed Miller, Cindy Mish, (EM) Elisabeth Moore, Louis and Pocatellohad two Dec. 18 (CHT). Two Hoary Redpolls were Moos, (SM) Shirley Muse, North Central Audubon Society. with Corn. Redpollsat NicholsonJan. 16-21 (FK, RRH). Prac- Howard Oswood, Nancy Paul. Dennis Paulson, Mike Perrone, ticallyall the Corn.Redpolls appeared to havestayed in Canada; JoyceQueckborner, Ed Reynolds.(JR) Jan Reynolds,Hadley B. good numbersappeared around Mt. Revelstoke(JW) and Yoho Roberts, Vera Robinson, (SR) Sam Rogers, T. H. Rogers, (BR) N.P. (RRH). Pine Siskinreports were sparse; the birds may have Betty Rose, E. Gail Royer, (SRu) Sybil Rudiscll, (BRu) Bob winteredin northern and mountain areas for they appearedin Rumely, (JRu) John Rumely, Ann Scoffrid, Belle Shaw, W. H. Yoho N. P., Feb. 17 for that area's first winter record and Shillington, P. D. Skaar, (CS) Christy Steck, Shirley G. Sturts, increasedin numbers all month (RRH). Twenty Am. Gold- Dan Sullivan, (CSu) Charles Sundstrom, Ruby Sutherland, Pat finchesat RevelstokeJan. 1 suppliedthe first winter record in Swift, Rick Trembath, C. H. Trost, John W. Weber, Winton that area UW). Red Crossbillsapparently stayed in the moun- Weydemeyer,Bart Whelton. Mildred V. White, Robert Wilson. tains for the mostpart. Around Revelstokethey were abundant (JWo) Jim Wolcott, Robert E. Woodley, (JW) John Woods, all winter at 3000 - 4000 ft. UW). In the mountains around Yakima Audubon Society,Robin Yellowlees.-- THOMAS H. Wenatchce,Wash. the populationwas still high (PC). White- ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell, Spokane,WA 99206. wingedCrossbills were found mostlyin the Yoho-Nicholsonarea and were singingand carrying nest material in Mt. Revelstoke N.P. at 4000 ft., Feb. 23 (JW). Otherwisethe specieswas seen MOUNTAIN WEST onlyat Pocatello,a singlebird Dec. 18 (CHT). /Hugh E. Kingery SPARROWS -- Wintering Rufous-sided Towhces were exceedinglyscarce or absentfrom most localities.The Yakima Droughtheadlined this year's Mountain West winter, skewing area seemedto have the most; a feeder near Moxee had six at a its bird distribution somewhat. The region suffered from feederall winter. Spokanerecorded a veryearly one Feb. 23 (JR). A few SavannahSparrows wintered at Walla Walla (KK) and -,. onewas found on SunnysideGame Range near Yakima Jan. 16 (EH). SageSparrows were sightedon Yakima Indian Reserva- tion and at Hanford Atomic Energy Res. in late February (ZB & •' I -- • % w,o•,• L---- EH). At least two Dark-eyed Juncoswere at Golden through Januaryand were not usingfeeders and two were at Invermere Feb. 8 (RRH). Four Tree Sparrowson Yakima Indian Reserva- tion, Feb. 27 wereconsidered noteworthy (Y.A.S.). Nampa had ChippingSparrows as late as Dec. 27 (G.E.A.S.) and one was '• UTAH I COLORADO with White-crownedSparrows at Toppenish N.W.R., Dec. 21 • NEVADA • • *eBANe I (EH). A few Harris' Sparrowswintered. Of specialnote were two near KalispellFeb. 15 (BR) and one at a feederin that city (LB). A White-crownedSparrow was found along the Flathead R. near KalispellDec. 23 (BR). A few Golden-crownedSparrows werewintering in the brushyfoothills of Yakima and Klickitat Cos.,Wash. and one showedup at Umatilla N.W.R., Ore., Feb.

Volume 31, Number 3 355 snowpacksand snowfallsrunning only 20-75 per centof normal. Jackson, Wyo., and Flaming Gorge Res., Utah, all had 1-2 Poor food crops,both in the grasslandsand the conifer forests, winter, and 12 appearedat Verdi, Nev., Feb. 27 (JA). further disruptednormal patterns.An occasionaldust storm WATERFOWL -- In n.e. Coloradowintering ducks declined, presagedspring on the plains. Sheridan, Wyoming, was a happy with about80 percent of lastyear's numbers (C.D.W.). Alamosa exceptionwith record January snowsand normal mountain Ref. froze solid,and Monte Vista's populationdropped to 8- snowpacks. 10,000ducks, mostly Mallards, about half of lastyear's popula- Somebirds respondedto the droughtby winteringnorth of tion (MN). The Utah refugessupported even lower numbers, their usual limits: shorebirds in Nevada, Eastern Bluebirds in with the populationatFarmington Bay 15 per centof lastyear easternColorado, Mountain Bluebirds in easternUtah, Com- (TP). BearRiver wintered less than 500 ducksand geese(RK) monGrackles in northernColorado, and White-crowned Spar- Migrationbegan in earlyFebruary with a fewducks at Kanab rowsin Sheridan.A cormorantwintered at Boulder,Colorado, a and Cedar City, 1500at Vernal Feb. 1, and on Feb. 13, 3000 Pin- BrownThrasher at Ogden,Utah, a Yellow-rumpedWarbler in tails and 1000 Mallards arrived at Bear River. Humboldt Lander,Wyoming and a Green-tailedTowhee in Ridgway,Col- W.M.A., near Ely, Nev., recordedthe largestoverwintering orado. Roundingout the pattern were a few late fall records, population,with 4500 Mallards and 4200 Pintails Jan. 4 (NS) especiallyin Utah. Earlymigrants like hummingbirds,swallows, Pahranagat had 3000-3200 ducks through the winter (RV) andwarblers arrived in southernNevada, and bitterns, a Gray Stillwater Ref., Nev., continuesits slowdeath, with the waterfowl Catbird, and SageThrashers in Colorado.Yet, from the north populationdown drastically as wateracreage plummets to 20 came dozens of Glaucous Gulls, thousands of Bohemian Wax- per cent of maximum (LCH). wings,and threedozen Barrow's Goldeneyes to oneof Nevada's GROUSE, CRANES, RAILS --A Blue Grousewandered into desertreservoirs; and autumn'sMountain Chickadee dispersal Cody,Wyo., Dec. 4, perhapsbecause it couldfind no water m from the mountains continued. the mountains(UK). SageGrouse had begundancing by early LOONS TO HERONS -- As with last year, Nevada had five Februaryat Toponas,Colo. Sheridan'sobservations increased Arctic Loon records: three at L. Mohave Dec. 2 (SP) and two substantiallyfor Turkeys,pheasants, and Gray Partridges, there Feb. 14 (VM). Similarly, a Horned Grebe wintered at perhapsassisted by the heavysnows in n.e. Wyomingmoving Boulder, Colo. Also as with last year, about 5000 Eared Grebes them to more convenientobservation sites. Five Whooping and a similar number of W. Grebes wintered at L. Mohave. Craneshad arrivedin the SanLuis Valley,Colo., by Feb 28, Unlike last year, grebenumbers dropped at L. Mead: the high four at Monte Vista Ref. and one s. of Alamosa(MN). At Lund, count of 150 Eareds Dec. 30 (VM) was only one-sixth of last Nev.,650 Sandhillshad arrived by Feb. 24 andabout 120 passed year's high, and the 3000 Westernscounted in January halved throughPahranagat in February.Virginia Rails werediscovered last year's peak. A few Eareds moved N early, with two at winteringin twomarshes at Kanab,which had only one previous Logan, Utah, in early January and two at Kanab, Utah, Feb. winterrecord (SH); a Sorastayed there Dec. 11 - Jan. 13 (SH), 21 At Vernal, Utah, 200 W. Grebesstayed until mid-December for the first winter record. Colorado had a late Sora at Pueblo (MP); Barr L., near Denver, had three Dec. 7 (BA), and at Long- Dec.20 (A & EB)and an early one Feb. 6 at Boulder(FH). montone stayed until Dec. 18 (F.A.C.).One to four winteredat SHOREBIRDS -- Shorebirds(except Killdeer and snipe) Boulder(DBB). Dubois,Wyo., evenhad a lingeringPied-billed rarely winler anywherein the Mountain West, but somedid this Grebe until Dec. 20 (MB). One Double-crested Cormorant year. A few Killdeer even spent the seasonfar north at w•ntered at Boulder, and 15-20 wintered on L. Mead. Nevada Yellowstoneand Jackson.Davis Dam had 4-6 SpottedSand- had moreegrets than in a usualwinter: one Cattle Egret Dec. 5- pipersJan. 4-12 (VM) and Renohad oneJan. 26 (FR). Davisalso 13 at L. Mohave(CL); a Great Egret at Logandaleand a Snowy had a late PectoralSandpiper Dec. 14, and 35-79 wintering Egret at OvertonJan. 20 (VM). At FarmingtonBay, Utah, 3-5 Least Sandpipers(VM). At Ft. Mohavewere 90 LeastsJan 20, Black-crownedNight Heronswintered (TP). AmericanBitterns and 2-4 apparently wintered at Las Vegas. Other Nevada stayedinto Decemberat Pahranagatand to Dec. 2 at Vernal shorebirdsincluded: one Dunlin at Las Vegas Dec. 4 (VM), five (TRS).On Feb. 6 earlybitterns showed up at Boulderand Bear Long-billedDowitchers at Davis Dam Jan. 5 (VM), and five W River Ref. (FH, RK). Nevada had its first winter record of Sandpipersat Ft. Mohave Jan. 20 (CL). Most remarkable Whlte-thced Ibis, with three at Fallon Jan. 4 (NS). though, were two Am. AvocetsDec. 15 and one Jan. 31 at Farm- ingtonBay Ref., Utah (TP). SWANS, DUCKS -- TrumpeterSwans in n.w. Wyoming JAEGERS, GULLS -- A ParasiticJaeger, found Dec. 12 on totaled138, an apparentincrease (SS). Canada Geese thrived in the pre-CBC-countat Denver, had left by the following week n e Coloradowith a Januarypopulation of 55,503 (C.D.W.). (TG). Coloradoenjoyed a recordinflux of GlaucousGulls, with More than usualSnow Geese spread through the region in mid- 40-50 observationsDec. 5 - Mar. 5 by variousobservers In n e winter, with 13 winteringin Grand Jct., Colo. (DG), and oneat Colorado (PM et al.). Colorado has no records of black-backed Las Vegas (VM); January recordsat Boulder and Ft. Collins, Overton(VM) andLogandale, Nev. (PLu),and February records gulls-- exceptfor a mysteriousadult whichstayed with Ring- at Reno, Davis Dam, and Cody, Wyo. (UK). With 200 Snow billeds and Herrings at DenverDec. 13-27 (m.ob.). Sized like a Geese at Schurz, Nev., Jan. 2, were four Ross' Geese, all LesserBlack-backed, it lacked severaldiagnostic features, it photographed(BPr). Many ducksarrived 2-4 weeksearlier than may havebeen an intergrade,a dark-backedHerring Gull, or a usual, i.e., CinnamonTeals -- at Logan in early Januaryand LesserBlack-backed. Boulder County, Colo., had 66 January LongmontFeb. 5; yet at FarmingtonBay they arrivedlate, with observationsof Herring Gulls, comparedwith 20 in January, only20 by Feb. 28, comparedwith 1000 lastyear by the same 1976 (DBB), and at Denver, Herrings sometimesoutnumbered Ring-billedsin February(CK). Kanab had its first Herring Gull date. Barrow's Goldeneyesagain moved S to Davis Dam in numbers,with 16-39 counted there Dec. 14 - Feb. 27 (CL, VM). record, Feb. 10 (SH). Nevadahad moreOldsquaws winter than everbefore, with 3-5 OWLS, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- Four Barn Owl presentat both Davis Dam and L. Mohave all winter (SP, vM). records-- Bear R. in December,Bonny Res., Colo., Dec 31, Colorado reported only one Oldsquaw, at Longmont Dec. 4-6 LoganJan. 29, and Fallon, Nev., Feb. 1 --were more than usual (PM, MM). Only White-wingedsstretched the fall scoterinflux Despitethe 1-3 SnowyOwls at Bonny all winter (MM, CBC), into December, with one at Longmont Dec. 4-7 (PM, BA) and onlytwo others'were reported: one near Denver Dec. 12 - Jan 26 one at Boulder Dec. 23 (RB). Many more Hooded Mergansers (m.ob.) and one at LoganDec. 1 (DF). More PygmyOwls were wintered than previously. Boulder, Grand Jct., s. Nevada, seenthis year: 12 in Colorado(plus CBCs), one at LoganDec 14,

356 American Birds, May 1977 and one at Moose, Wyo. (date?).Burrowing Owls emergedin December at L. Mohave Dec. I (SP) and Bear R., Dec. 23 (RK). Southern Nevada had numbers of White-throated Swifts all winter, from Logandaleto the ColoradoR. belowL. Mead, the latter flockshaving up to 250 in January.Nevada reported three kinds of hummingbirds--even one wouldbe noteworthy.Mow- bray had a Black-chinnedat Davis Dam Jan. 4, and several moved through L. Mohave in late February (SP). A Costa's arrived at L. Mohave Feb. 14 and stayed,feeding on creosote brush and ocotillo nectar (SP). Finally a large one, possibly Rivoli's, zoomedby Red Rock CanyonFeb. 2 (CL). WOODPECKERS, PHOEBES -- Althoughtwo observersin the Coloradomountains complained of fewerCorn. Flickers, the CBC averagesindicated .79/party hour.the sameas in 1976and as high as any in fiveyears. Red-bellied Woodpeckers wintered at Bonny as usual (MM), and one wintered at Boulder (FH), a mostunusual event. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers did not winterat Kanab, whichthey usuallydo. althoughone did winter at Salt Lake City. As with flickers, two observersnoted a scarcityof Brown Thrasher, Ogden, Utah, Nov. 7, 1976-Mar. 28, 1977. Hairy Woodpeckers, but the CBC totals did not reflect this. Photographed and banded by Merlin L. Killpack. CBCs alsorecorded Downy Woodpeckers in averagenumbers. Boulderagain found N. Three-toedWoodpeckers -- fiveon the CBCs.House Wrens had begunsinging in the Renoarea by Feb. CBC and five Feb. 26-30; the pine beetleattacks on ponderosa 10 0A). RockWrens wintered at Pueblo,Colo., perhaps for the pinesreceive credit for this influx. A few Say'sPhoebes wintered first time, perhapsdiscovered for the first time (JL). at Davis(usual) and at Kanab(not usual, SH). The firstmigrants reached Reno Feb. 15. THRASHERS, THRUSHES -- A remarkableGray Catbird LARKS, SWALLOWS -- In n. Wyoming Horned Larks appearedin Ft. Collins, Colo., Feb. 27 (LR). Odgen'sBrown seemedscarce; e.g., Sheridanobserved only 39, one-tenthof last Thrasher wintered (MK; see Am. Birds 31:204), and a Curve- year'snumber. Yet in Eureka, Nev., the flocksclose to the Eyres' billed Thrasher wintered at Florence, Colo. (JL), w. of Pueblo housewere five times largerthan usual. Nevadahad a poorwild where it has previouslyoccurred. Sage Thrashersbegan food crop, while n.e. Wyoming had heavy snowsthis year. migrating early, with mid-February records in Nevada, Baca Nevada recordedthree swallowspecies this winter: six Violet- County(LW), and Ft. Morgan, Colo. (JCR). AmericanRobins greensat Davis Dam Feb. 27 (VM): 2-3000 Trees wintered at winteredin unusualnumbers in the Coloradopiedmont and DavisDam, noneof whichwere seen Feb. 9, but whichbuilt up plains,also in s.c. Wyoming,n.e. Utah, and Salt Lake City. At to 50,000 by Feb. 27 (VM), one arrived at Reno Feb. 4 (FR); ten Kanab, wherethey were common last winter, they wereseldom Rough-wingedswere at Hoover Dam Dec. 2 (CL, SP) and four at seen.They began migratory movementsin February, with a few Davis Dec. 14 (VM), plus 100+ northboundat Davis Feb. 27 in Rawlins, Wyo., and a noticeable movement in Sheridan (VM). beginning Feb. 20. Single Varied Thrushes occurred in Chey- JAYS -- Blue Jayscontinue their colonizationwestward, with enne(HHS), Denver (JC), and Colorado Springs(MS). An out- wintering birds at Cody, Logan, and Salt Lake City, and one at of-seasonHermit Thrush was banded in Ogden Dec. 31 (MK). FlamingGorge Res., Utah, in mid-November.CBC numbersof EasternBluebirds wintered at Bonny(MM) and Pueblo(JL), and Steller's Jays dropped for the fifth year, mostly becauseof one visitedBoulder Dec. 10 (MJ). By Februarymigrating W. declines in several Colorado foothills counts. A few visited Bluebirds had reached Hotchkiss, Colo., and Reno, a month or Cheyenne.In Ogden, Utah, though,they wereabundant; the 38 soearly. Mountain Bluebirds even wintered in n.e.Utah -- Dag- banded representeda fraction of those present,the most seen gett and DuchesneCos. (MP). They began an early migration, there in 15 years(MK). ScrubJays apparently moved out of the with mid-Januarybirds at Ft. Collinsand Hotchkiss,and early mesas into the valleys in w. Colorado and the Black-billed highaltitude records at Evergreen,Tolland, and Aspen,Colo., Magpieswhich moved into Kanab in the fall remainedthere into in mid-February. January.A White-neckedRaven strayedW to Ridgway,Colo., Dec. 21-22 (JRG).Common Crows flocked more commonly than GNATCATCHERS TO BLACKBIRDS -- Perry found a usual, with flocks of 50-300 throughoutthe region, from Sher- Blue-grayGnatcatcher at Flaming Gorge Jan. 27. Bohemian idan (HD, MW) s. to the c. Colorado mountains and w. to Waxwingsinvaded in force;every reporting location in Wyom- Logan. ing and Coloradofrom the piedmontw. to Ridgwayand Grant CHICKADEES, WRENS -- Black-capped Chickadees Jet., reported severalhundred to thousands,as did the Wasatch increasedtheir party-hourtotals on CBCs (1.34) while Moun- Front from Salt Lake City north. Few occurredout on the Col- tains were average(1.54), but the numbersdo not reflect the oradoplains, s. Utah, or Nevada,except for 15 at BoulderCity unusual distribution of the Mountains. Their fall invasion of in February(RG). A few Cedar Waxwingsaccompanied the valleysand plains continuedinto the winter throughoutCol- abundant Bohemians. The region's usual scattered winter orado, Wyoming, and Utah. CBC totals suggestthat the Yellow-rumpedWarblers were joined by s. Nevadareports of foothillspopulations scattered out into the low country.White- two other species.Two dozenOrange-crowneds occurred there breastedNuthatches also moved onto the plainsand valleysin in Decemberand January.A Black-throatedBlue visitedLas Coloradoand Wyoming. Among the usual scatteredRed- VegasDec. 26 - Jan. 15 (VM, GS, CH). Yellow-rumpedswin- breastedNuthatch reports was one in BoulderCity, Nev., Feb. tered at Lander, Wyo. (HC). Boulder(PW). Bonny(PM. MM), 26 (PL). SeveralColorado observers reported more Brown and Reno(JA). Mowbray described a majorwintering ground at Creepersthan usual, from Baca County Feb. 20 (LW) to Davis Dam, "everybush alive with them in January."Lawson Alamosa(JAr) to ColoradoSprings. F.A.C. surveyedDippers on counted at least 200 there Jan. 20. A Yellow-headed Blackbird the St. Vrain River and founda populationabout half that of winteredat Longmont(DA), and they arrivedearly at Fallon severalyears ago, a reductionalso reflected on recentLongmont Feb. 20 and Grand Jet., Feb. 27. Three Corn. Grackles wintered

Volume 31, Number 3 357 in Longmont(DA) and one winteredin Ft. Collins(RAR). R. L. Darnell, Helen Downing (14), David Easterla, Margaret Sheridan had 28 December records-- after none last year. Ewing, Janet Eyre, Dave Factor, Foothills Audubon Club, Ft. Collins Audubon Society, David Galinat (5), Tom Gatz, Steve FINCHES -- A Cardinalapparently wintered at Bonny(PM, Gniadek, RussGrater, Anne Grier, J. R. Guadagno, Freeman MM). Ryderhas confirmedthe recentPurple Finch recordsof e. Hall, May Hanesworth (14), StevenHedges (5), LouiseHering Coloradoby collectingthe third specimenin three years (the (28), Cliff HimreeL L. C. Howard, R. L. Howard, Carl Jacob- fourth statespecimen) in Ft. Collins;he alsobanded four Jan.8 - son, Mark Janos, Chuck Kangas (12), Gleb Kashin, Wait Feb. 27. Other reportsincluded three at Baca CountyFeb. 20 Kelley, Ursula Kepler (5), Merlin Killpack, Urling Kingery (LW): two Jan. 21 (MM) and one Jan. 29 (PM) at Bonny; two (UKi), Rod Krey, Chuck Lawson (35), Jerry ligon (4), Polly winteringat Sheridan;one Jan. 20 at Lander(HC); and three Long,Reid Lowrance, Paul Lucas (PLu), Jack Merchant, David Feb. 14 at Cody (UK). After Christmas,good numbers of Cas- Michael (5), Mike Moulton (10), Pete Moulton, M. V. sin'sFinches appeared in someColorado piedmont cities, as well Mowbray (VM), Mel Nail, Michael Perry (4), Bill Payne, Skip as at Sheridanand Logan. Rosyfinches apparently found good Prange, Bill Principe (BPr), Tim Procan, Bert Raynes (6), bare-ground feeding areas high in the mountains, for few Warner Reeser (5), Lee Richards, J. C. Rigli, Larry Ryell, patronizedfeeders until the stormsof late February. The only R. A. Ryder, Fred Ryser, Norm Saake, Ann Schimpf (14), Corn.Redpolls seen were December records in n. Wyomingand H. H. Scott, Peter Scott, T. R. Seager, SusanSindt, Gene Sipe, Logan, Utah (Dec. 27, LR), and four Feb. 10 at Ft. Collins Kimberly Smith, Mahlon Speers, Phil Tetlow, Richard Voss, (WK). Pine Siskinsbecame common where snow did not cover Malcolm Wallop, Lois Webster, Pal Wheat, Elinor Wills, their food sources,in a strip from Cheyenneto Boulder and w. Mitchell Wyss (MWy). -- HUGH E. KINGERY, 859 to Grand Jct., and Logan. At Ft. Collins a banding index Milwaukee St., Denver, Colo. 80206. calculation indicated 3000 in one section of town (RAR). Red Crossbills continue scarce, except for frequency in Logan. The only others-- groupsof three -- appearedin Ft. Collins Jan. 6 SOUTHWEST REGION (F.C.A.S.) and a Denverstreet puddle Feb. 9 (UKi). The small band of White-winged Crossbillsfrom last fall wintered in /JanetWitzeman, John P. Hubbardand Cheyenne(CC, LC, AG). SingleGreen-tailed and Rufous-sided Kenn Kaufman Towbees spent the winter at a snowy Ridgway feeder (JRG). Rufous-sidedswere quite scarcethroughout the region. Thedivergence in temperature abnormalities noted in latefall continuedinto the winter season. In general, temperatures SPARROWS -- Flocks of Black-throated Sparrowsbegan migratingin Februaryin s. Nevada(VM, CL). SageSparrows averagedbelow normal in New Mexicoand abovenormal in Arizona,more or lessin keepingwith thiswinter's continental seemedscarce all winter in s. Nevada (VM) although two had reached LovelockFeb. 5 (JA) and 30 were in Reno Feb. 25 {JA). patternof Eastvs. West. The effects of this on the avian populations were lessobvious than might have been supposed.The Juncocounts on the CBCsdeclined significantly, with 4.8/party warm weatherin Arizona was thoughtto have figured in the hour comparedwith an averageover the previousthree years of 5.8. Reesersuggested that they dispersedfrom the feeders becauseof the open•4nter and lackof snowon the ground.Tree N•v.• .•..,o uYA• ! c&•. I Sparrownumbers seemed normal according to CBC averages; - ._ ' ..... howeverthe openwinter also scatteredthem, judging by the dozen which winteredin normallysnow-covered Silverthorne, Colo. (HEK), and one far south at Kanab Dec. 11. Snowy Sheridan had one-half its usual counts. Harris' Sparrowsmay haveretracted a little, with only oneNevada record and one Nov. 11 at ArchesN.P., Utah (MWy), a first recordfor that isolated desertsplendor. White-crowned Sparrows scattered in Nevada sothat fewerwere seen; only in s. Utah -- Kanaband Cedar City -- and c. Nevada -- Reno and Winnemucca -- were they plentiful. Colorado had its usual complementof White-throated Sparrows,and singles were reported from Lander Jan. 20 (HC), LoganDec. 18 - Jan.4 (KS),and Las Vegas all g6nter(VM). An earlyChestnut-collared Longspur reached Baca County Feb. 19 I k •V-• - * • •"•" '%_ J•'.•l (LWL Wyominglacked its usual Snow Buntings, but onedrifted S to Castle Rock, Colo., Jan. 24 (CK). CORRIGENDA -- Colorado did not produce 949 White- tin•ng of s•eral shorebirdspecies; but the mostnotable of faced Ibises last summer; rather 23 young fledged in the San these,a verylate Snowy•er, wasrivaled by an equallytardy LuisValley, about one-fourth of theeggs laid (30:983).Correct individual in N•' Mexico. Perhaps more clearly tempem•re- thesedates: Am. Golden Plover at Ordway to May 2 (30:870) related w•e the •sser Ni•thawks that remaineduntil late and Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Bart L. to July 24-25 Decemberat scattered•in• in •uthe• A•zona. (30:983).On the 1975Fort CollinsCBC, 4 GreatBlue Herons S•eral northernspecies staged movementsinto the region, came out as Green Herons (30:540). notably Northern Shake, BohemianWa•ing and Wint• CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OBSERVERS Wren.No blanketexplanation, cer•inly no met•rologicalone, --NevadaState Editor: please send all Nevadareports to Chuck was available to ac•u nt for these diverse incursions. Lawson,Box 5475, Las Vegas, Nev. 89102 (35 contributors). In contemplatingthe fact that New M•ico had the majority David Alles (16), ]essle Alves (10), Bob Andrews, D. K. of theNor•ern Shakere•s andthe vast majori• of theBohe- Arhart. JudyArmagast (JAr), Mary Back, RobbyBacon, D. L. mian Waxwings,it is well to reme•er the elevationaldif- Blackstone,Adam & Ed Blatnik, Ted Bodner, D. Bruce Bosley, ferencesbetween the states:on average,New Mexicois higher W. W. Broclmer(22), C. L. Campbell,Helen Carlson,L. Clapp, (and thus colder) than Arizona. North cen•al N• M•ico is a Theo Colburn,C. Colgin,Colo. Div. of Wildlife, JohnCooper, highand mountainousarea continuous •6• the highmassif of

358 AmericanBirds, May 1977 the Rockies,and moreoverthere are birdersliving in this section progressed,with highcounts of 16 on Dec. 14, 33 on Jan. 12, and of the state. By contrast, a large percentage of Arizona 45 on Feb. 6; however,the earlier countsmay havebeen incom- (includingthe centersof birdingactivity at Phoenixand Tucson) pleteowing to the extensivedaily movements of the flock This lies at lower elevationsthan the lowestpoint in New Mexico. was alsothe third winter for Oldsquawat Davis Dam: a pair was Becauseof these differences,the winter status(both perceived presentin December,three were noted Jan. 5 (VM) and onewas and actual)of manyspecies differs substantially between the two still there Jan. 12. One of the two Surf Scoters found in Novem- states The effectof this far outweighsany additionaldifferences ber at Evans L., s.w.N. Mex., remained until Dec. 19 (DAZ, imposedby this winter'stemperature pattern. MZ). RAPTORS -- No large winter concenlrationsof Bald Eagles LOONS, GREBES -- Two Com. Loonsapparently were pres- werereported from the reservoirsof n. New Mexicowhere such ent throughthe winteron Parker CanyonL., s.e. Ariz. (m.ob.); havebeen frequent during the last two winters; instead, the birds the speciesis veryrare in mid-winteraway from the Colorado seemedto be more widely distributed than usual, including s to RiverValley. A LeastGrebe was found n. of NogalesDec. 16-23 the Gila Valley, Caballo L., and the s. end of the Guadalupe (#RNd, D. Brotzet al.); and anotherwas at QuitobaquitoPond, Mts.; and in Arizona, to Tucson and Parker Canyon L. A stray Organ Pipe CactusNat'l Mon., from at leastNov. 11 - Apr. 3 was in the Peloncillo Mrs., s.w.N. Mex., Dec. 4 (D. Hunt, fide (Terry Peterset aL). We later heardrumors that therehad been RAF). At least five were in the Prescott area, and eleven were

CORMORANTS THROUGH IBISES -- There are few win- reportedin the LowerColorado Valley (hereafterLCV) between ter records for Olivaceous Cormorant in New Mexico. An Topockand Yuma. Ospreysare rare in winterin NewMexico, so one n. of Truth individual was at Bosquedel Apache N.W.R. during the period (RLT, GZ); and an adult and two iramatures were at Las or ConsequencesDec. 28 (RLT) and anothernear Las Cruces Jan. 14 (C. & L. Wahl) were notable. Reports of Merlins were CrucesMar. 5-8 (WHB, W. Piltz). It appearsthat both Oliva- fairly widespread,and numberedabout ten in New Mexico, 12 in ceous and Double-crested Cormorants have been present at Arizona, and two in Sonora. These totals are comparable to Patagonia L., more or less continuously since February 1976 thoseof most recentyears. (fide DSz). Although numbers fluctuated throughout the winter, both specieswere presentin notable numbers at times; CRANES -- Six WhoopingCranes, the progenyof two years five OhvaceousJan. 22 (DD, BY, JBI) and 20 Double-cresteds of the Gray's Lake foster-parentexperiment, wintered suc- (with four Olivaceous) Feb. 4 (DSz, GG) may be the largest cessfullyin the c. Rio GrandeValley of New Mexico.Their N concentrations of either speciesever recorded in s.e. Arizona. migrationbegan in mid-February,with the lastbird movingout Up to four Double-crestedsalso remained through the period at beforethe end of the month; at last word, at least five of them Phoenix, where the speciesis very rare in winter. had beenaccounted for asmigrants in Colorado. A Great Egret was at NogalesNov. 30 - Jan. 12 (PW et aL), Numbers of Sandhill Cranes wintering in the Willcox Playa and five were presentin the Phoenixarea during Januaryand area of s.e. Arizona seem to have been gradually building up February;the specieshas generallybeen quite rare in winter duringthe lastfew years.Less than onethousand were counted away from the Colorado Valley and PicachoRes. Two White- there in winter 1970; this season,surveys by the Arizona Game faced Ibises, rare in winter in Arizona, were present through & FishDept. and others counted 3800-4000 birds in the aream the period at Cibola N.W.R. (KVR, GC). February,and there was an unconfirmedreport of evengreater numbers in December (BH, BR et al.). In the LCV, 1500 Sand- WATERFOWL -- A swanwas reportedlypresent on Bear hills winteredin a relativelysmall area s. of Parker (KVR et al ), Canyon Res., e. of Silver City, for about a month before being andup to 350 wereon the CibolaN.W.R. in December,decreas- illegally shot about Feb. 23. When the salvagedspecimen was ing to 50 in February(GC). During a nine day aerialsurvey m broughtto DAZ, it provedto be an ad. TrumpeterSwan -- the January,by Rod Drewienof the U.S.F. & W.S., 30,000 Sand- first definite recordfor New Mexico. (One was supposedlycol- hills were counted in Chihuahua, Mex.; somewere found as far lectednear Las CrucesNovember 1931, but the specimencannot s. as Durango(fide BR). be locatedfor confirmation.)More Whistling Swansthan usual SHOREBIRDS, GULLS -- Two Piping Plovers were found reached the region, with reports in New Mexico from near n. of Puerto Pefiasco, Senora Feb. 2-3 and again Mar. 26 (KK Columbus,Las Cruces,and Alamogordo,and singlesin Arizona near Yuma, Parker, Many Farms, and Phoenix; 11 were at et al.); photos, RAW), this is the third winter in which the RooseveltL., Dec. 11-13 (fide SRD) and four wereat Topock specieshas been found here, the only locality of record In w Marsh Dec. 16 (KVR). Mexico. Single Snowy Plovers lingered to Dec. 28 at Laguna Grande, s.e.N. Mex. (SW), and to Dec. 31 at Willcos (GM, An apparentimm. "Blue" Goosewas with Canadasnear EW), exceptionallylate dates.Although small flocks of Moun- Espanola,N. Mex., Dec. 30 (EE); there are veryfew recordsof tain Plovers regularly winter in w. Arizona, the few localities in this form in the Southwestaway from the Bosqueand Bitter which they are found vary from year to year. This winter, Lake Refugeareas. Three Wood Ducks were at B.W. Delta in flocks were reported during February and March from s of Januaryand February(KVR), and one was near NogalesFeb. 18-23 (D. Hatch, DSCetal.). Parker(KVR, AH), w. of Tonopah(AH), andw. of Gila Bend B•rdsof the MexicanDuck typeare nowrare n. of the Bosque (DSz, et al. ). A first-year Glaucous-wingedGull was at Puerto Pefiasco, area in New Mexico, so it is worth notingthe captureand band- Son., Feb. 2-3 (KK, JW, RAW); the specieshas been found to mg of three (among1109 typicalMallards) duringJanuary and be regularin small numbersin the n. Gulf of California as far s Februaryat Belen(TZ). The onlysolid record of Greater Seaup as Guaymas. Arizona's third winter record of Heermann's Gull m Arizonaduring the periodwas one collected s. of ParkerJan. was one found Jan. 29 (CM) at Nogales, where one had 5 (BA) occurred last February. There are now more than a dozen Two d Barrow'sGoldeneyes were reported shot near Bloom- records of this speciesin Arizona, all but one within the last field, n w. N. Mex., Dec. 27. Belatedly,we haveword of a male decade. and probablefemale taken in that area Jan. 4, 197S,and pre- servedas mountedspecimens (Stan Boyer,fide JPH); the latter PIGEONS THROUGH NIGHTJARS -- Remarkable, and representthe first verifiedrecord for New Mexico.Meanwhile, without any precedentknown to us, was the winteringof up to the flock of Barrow's at Davis Dam, Ariz.-Nev., returned for its 400 Band-tailed Pigeonsin the Prescottregion (CST et al) third winter Numbersthere seemedto build up as the season Previous Arizona winter records had been few, and confined to

Volume31, Number3 359 the southeast.This amazing concentrationpossibly reflects the (KVR, GC). Exceptfor oneor twoprevious records, there is no mtidnessof the season;it alsoprovides unexpected support for historyof the occurrenceof thisspecies in the LCV! theA O. U. Check-list'smysterious claim that thespecies winters The Black-cappedChickadee previously reported at TeecNos at Prescott! Nineteen near Luna, w. N. Mex., Jan. 12 (TJ) were Pos, Ariz., was still present Feb. 5. One of the Mountain alsounusual; the speciesis rare and only occasionalin winter in Chickadees found in the B.W. Delta in November remained New Mexico. throughthe winter (KVR); there had beenno previousrecords Continuingits advanceup the ColoradoRiver Valley, the Inca for the LCV. Also a first for that area was a Bridled Titmouse m Dove has reachedBullhead City, Ariz., whereit wasfound to be the B.W. Delta from Feb. 17 into March (JSB,fide KVR, * to common in February (KK, T&SP, DSz); a Nevada nesting A.S.U.). This bird wasscarcely 10 mi. from California, for which would appear to be imminent. PygmyOwls occasionallymove state there is no record of the species.A flock of ten Bushtits downslopein winter, and singleswere found at relatively low found10 mi. n. of Ehrenberg,Ariz., Feb. 25-27(AH), apparently elevations this seasonat Santa Fe Dec. 19 and Feb. 10 (JE) and representsthe southernmostrecord for the LCV. near Cliff Dec. 18 (AZ). WARBLERS -- Lucy's Warblers are generally difficult to There was a remarkablelingering of LesserNighthawks in find in Arizona after the end of August,but last autumn they Arizona, with the species appearing on CBCs at Phoenix, remainedlater than usualat severalpoints (Sept. 21 in the LCV, Parker, and Tucson. Another was seen s. of Phoenix in late KVR; Sept. 25 at Phoenix, ST; Oct. 9 at Nogales, TP, DSz) December(SB); a nighthawkprobably of this specieswas in Tuc- However, one at Phoenix Dec. 18 (#KK, BJo) producedthe sonJan. 12-18 (MN, AL); and one to three were near the Arizona state's latest acceptablerecord by a considerablemargin A border of Blythe, Calif., Jan. 31 - Feb. I (KVR, JD, AH). Unlike Townsend's Warbler at Portal Dec. 30 (#BJo) was the first winter our Corn. Nighthawkswhich migrate to South America, the record that far east in Arizona, and was also unusual at that Lessersonly withdraw into Mexico in winter, and a few may elevation.Hermit Warblers are very rare in Arizona after mid- overwinterin Arizona in mild yearssuch as this one. Oct9ber, but individualswere reported at three locationsnear HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS -- Anna's Hum- Phoenix Dec. 12 (RAW), Dec. 18 (AG), and Jan. 31 (W mingbirdis the commonwintering hummer of Phoenixand Tuc- Donagho). son, but it is still uncommon farther east; one arrived in A Chestnut-sided Warbler was near Phoenix Dec 17-27 Herelord,s.e. Ariz., Jan. 30 (JB1),and onein RamseyCanyon in (#KK, DSz, ST). Arizona has three previous"winter" records, early February(C&JP). A very early d Broad-tailedHumming- all Decemberto early January,all (includingthis one) bestcon- bird returnedto RamseyCanyon Feb. 9 (C&JP, B&CY). A d sideredlate fall occurrences.Single Am. Redstartswere noted Rufous Hummingbird at the same place Feb. 26 (C&JP, Dec. 21 at Tucson (DSz), Dec. 29 at Phoenix (SB, ST, AG), and B&CY) was also early, and notable sincespring migration of Jan. 2 n. of Yuma (#DT). A banded Painted Redstart returned to this speciesis mainlyup the w. desertsof Arizona. For the first winter at Portal feedersfor its third, possiblyfourth, season time m several years no hummingbirdsremained past mid- (SSp0. November, at feedersin Portal; however, a single Rivoli's seen ICTERIDS -- For the third consecutive winter, a Scott's at feedersin Madera Canyon, Ariz. in mid-January, was appar- Oriole spentthe periodat feedersnear SilverCity. Undoubtedly ently wintering there (fide SSpf). thiswas the samebird as in the t•,o previousyears, as it haspro- Five to six "Yellow-shafted"Flickers were presentthrough gressedfrom immatureto subadultto thisyear's ad. d plumage the periodin the B.W. Delta (KVR), an area wherethis form has (O'Byrnes,fideDAZ). The RustyBlackbird is thoughtto be very not been know to winter before.Two Red-headedWoodpeckers rare in Arizona; this winter two were reportedon the Nogales wereat RoswellDec. 18 (MW), and oneor two werein Albuquer- CBC Dec. 26 (SB, RN) and one was minutelydescribed from a que during January•'de DDL); the speciesis infrequentin ranch s. of Willcox Feb. 5-14 (#BJo,#MH, #DSz, #B&CY) The winter.Something of a flight of Lewis'Woodpeckers occurred in few previollsrecords of this speciesin Arizona have been of New Mexico, with numbersup in the Rio Grande Valley s. to solitary birds, but the latter bird was associatedwith Red- Corrales(RLT) and peripheralrecords in the San Juan Valley wingedsand Brewer's;obviously, Rusties occurring in mixed (APN) and near Silver City (BJH, DAZ). A DownyWoodpecker blackbird flocks could be easilyoverlooked. A Corn. Grackle was at Socorro Feb. 20-24 (PB) was unusual. at Socorro,N. Mex., Jan. 22 (WS). The speciesis consideredto FLYCATCHERS -- A Myiarchus carefully studied near be casual in winter in the state. Evans L., s.w.N. Mex., Dec. 18 (DAZ, MZ) may have been a KINGLETS THROUGH VIREOS -- Fall 1976 saw a major Nuttmg's Flycatcher; detailed notes on the tail pattern and movementof Golden-crownedKinglets into the region'slow- vocahzationsstrongly support this identification. The only lands,(see A.B. 31:209).In the last few yearsthese flights of previousU.S. record of this Middle American speciesinvolves northern Golden-crowneds into the s.w. deserts have been one collectednear RooseveltL., Ariz., Jan. 8, 1952. phenomenaof autumn,with mostdisappearing after December, The E. Phoebe, a scarcewinter visitant in Arizona, made a but this winter a numberof the birds lingeredin Arizona two goodshowing this year. One was at PicachoRes., Dec. 9 (VM); weren. of EhrenbergJan. 7 (CE), threewere at Cibola N W R, two were on the Santa Catalina Mrs. CBC and one each on the Jan. 12-14 (KVR, CE, JSB): and at Phoenix and Parker a few Sedonaand NogalesCBCs; one was near PhoenixDec. 19 (BB); actuallyoverwintered for the first recordedtime, with somepres- and one found in the B.W. Delta in November remained until ent in stands of tall tamarisks into March (ST, KVR, mob ) mid-February,at whichtime it wassinging and activelychasing Also in New Mexico,at leastthree were still presentMar 5 in away Black Phoebes(KVR). An Empidonax (Dusky or Ham- the Rio Grande Valley near Las Cruces(WHB). Two found Jan mond's) at Glenwood, s.w.N. Mex., Dec. 30 (JPH) represented 22 alongthe Rio Magdalenanear San Ignacio, Son. (KK, TP, only the secondlocal winter record. A Coues' Flycatcherwas DSz, R&JW) werenotable, as there are very few recordsof the presentin residentialTucson Dec. 22 to at least Mar. I (KK et speciesfor Sonoraor elsewherein n.w. Mexico. al ), m recentyears individuals have attempted to winter almost Arizona's first Bohemian Waxwings since 1969 were found annually in either the Phoenixor Tucsonareas. A Vermilion this winter at Katherine'sLanding, L. Mohave (KK, ST et al ) Flycatchernear Cliff', N. Mex., Feb. 20-22 (BJH) was definitely The flock numberedten on Jan. 12, increasedto 14 by Jan 30, earlyfor that locality. but by Feb. 6 all of the waxwings(and all the local pyracantha CORVIDS, PARIDS -- Remarkable was the wintering of a berries)had disappeared.These birds were evidentlypart of a flock of 500-600 Com Crows on the Cibola N W R, s w Ariz movementwhich produceda notable flight in the Santa Fe -

360 American Birds, May 1977 Espanola- Los Alamosarea of n.c. New Mexico. Hundredswere N. Mex., Jan. 1S(APN) wasunusual, although there are several presentin this area from Decemberthrough February (m.ob.), previousrecords at nearbyAngel Peak. with 485 countedin LosAlamos County Feb. 16 (fide LH) and a Predictionsfor a Lawrence'sGoldfinch flight to the region, h•gh of 600 in Tesuque(BI). Cedar Waxwingswere virtually basedon a supposedpattern of one flight everytwo w•nters, absentfrom the lowlandsof Arizona this winter, but there were failed to be borne out, and the specieswas evenscarcer than last morethan usual around Flagstaff and Prescott (JH, CST). year. The veryfew that did arrive weremainly in the Santa Cruz If sucha low-densityvisitor as the N. Shrikecan stage a spec- Valleyors. Arizona,as appears to be usualin non-flightyears It tacular invasion,it happenedthis winter.The flight wasmost was, however, an excellent year for Am. Goldfinches The evidentin New Mexico,where prior to thiswinter 52 recordshad specieswas commonin extremen.e. Arizona and locally •n the accumulated since 1846; this seasonadded at least another 25 Chino Valley, n. of Prescott; small flocks were scattered reportsto the roster.Arizona had 14 reports,more than in any throughoutthe LCV, the Phoenix region, s.e. Arizona, and the previouswinter. In someareas they were practicallycommon: MagdalenaValley of n. Sonora. six werefound in the vicinityof Chama, N. Mex., Feb. 5 (JPH, RedCrossbills were common all winterin pinesin thePrescott GS),and at leastfour were in theDoney Park areanear Flagstaff region, and on Mar. 12 CST observeda juvenal bird there, for muchof the winter(RPB et al.). Southernmostreports, all of accompaniedby adults,which must have been hatchedlocally singlebirds, were at LovingDec. 28 (SW), Reserve,N. Mex., Jan. during the winter. The only lowland reportsof the entire season 1 (JPH), and Portal Dec. 30 (RAW, #JW). Most unusualwas a were one in the B.W. Delta Nov. 17 (AH), and two at Parker Dec SolitaryVireo (plumbeusform) at Las CrucesDec. 17 (#WHB). 20 (KK), and oneat Tucsonin mid-December(fide MC).

WRENS THROUGH THRUSHES -- The Winter Wren was Two Tree Sparrowswere seen s. of Parker Feb. 11 (KVR) -- apparentlyrepresenting the first recordfor the Arizona portion formerly consideredrare in Arizona, but this statusmay be due of the LCV; this rare winter visitorhas been recordedonly occa- for revision.The winter of 1974-75 produced six records,the sionallyin n. and n.e. Arizona. In New Mexico the species 1975-76season produced eight records;and in this past fall- appearedto be morecommon than usual,with recordsw. to the winter season,more than 25 individualswere reliablyreported SanJuan Valley (APN et aL) and s. to BosqueJan. 2 (CHet al ), virtuallystatewide. Many of theseappeared on CBCs,but out- Roswell Dec. 18 (BS et aL), and the Carlsbad area Feb. 26-28 side the count circlesthe specieswas deemedfairly commonin (GS). ChippingSparrows seemed more numerousthan usual•n Oak Creek Canyon(JH) and on the San FranciscoPeaks (RPB). In the B.W. Delta some 5-6 individuals were staked-out all their areas of regular winter occurrencein s. New Mexico, unusualrecords farther north wereeight at FarmingtonDec 18 winter, and KVR extrapolatedthere might be as many as 15-20 birds/100 acres in suitable habitat there. New Mexico had at (APN et al. ) and oneat EspanolaDec. 26 (BL). least four Winter Wrens during December, including two at This wasa very goodwinter for the lesscommon Zonotrtchtas Santa Fe (BI, RSd), one at Roswell (MW), and one at Glenwood in the Southwest:for the White-throatedSparrow it wasthe btg- (JPH) A House Wren at Pleasanton,s.w.N. Mex., Jan. 7-10 (L. gestflight on record,at leastin Arizona. Our recordsof Whtte- Sumner)represented the first winter record for that area. The throatedsare far too many to enumerateindividually, but we speciesis uncommonin the state in winter, since it usually maysum them up asfollows -- for New Mexico:at least25 were prefersto winter at lowerelevations. reported, including 11 near GlenwoodDec. 30 (JPH et al ), for A report of three Gray Catbirdsat RattlesnakeSprings, N. Arizona:no lessthan 62 individualsreported during the latefall Mex, Feb. 26 (GS) was most unusual in date and in number of andwinter, virtually statewise except for the extremenortheast, individuals.Single Brown Thrashers were found in two locations for Sonora: 13 near Cibuta and two near San Ignacio, Rio near Tucson Oct. 24 (PM) and Dee. 9 - Feb. 24 (banded, CC). MagdalenaValley, Jan, 22 (TP, KK et al.). Harris' Sparrows This wasreported to be a goodyear for SageThrashers through- were also in good numbers,more than 20 being found in the out s e Arizona, particularlyat Portal and in the Avra Valley, region;the focusof the flight wason extremen.w. NewMextco - and numberswere also up in the Carlsbadarea (JC) and near n.e. Arizona,with ten at FarmingtonDec. 18 (APN et aL) and Silver City (DAZ). One at Glenwood,N. Mex., Dec. 30 (JPH) was three at Teec Nos Pos Feb. 5 (KK, T&SP, DSz). Golden- the first localwinter record.The speciesarrived suddenly in the crownedSparrows in Arizona numbered seven(in addition to Parker region in mid-January and remained common in the four reportedduring the fall), with threein the LCV, twoat mmletoe-infestedareas there through March; KVR termed it Tucson,one at Phoenix,and one on the n. edgeof the stateat locally the "second most abundant frugivore" (after Phaino- Fredonia Dec. 25-30 (BL, fide SHe). In New Mexico, where the pepla)during that time. speciesis rare, an adult wasat TesuqueJan. 10 to at leastmid- American Robins were noticeably scarce in the lowlands of February(BI). Arizona, but were found in good numbersaround Flagstaff It may be worth noting that this good White-throatedseason (RPB) and other high elevationareas of the state. "Thousands" alsoapparently brought many Dark-eyed(Slate-col.) Juneos A in the SilverCity area werethe largestnumbers DAZ could ever total of 33 appearedon ArizonaCBCs; unfortunately, this form recall wintering there. Only four Rufous-backedRobins were seemsnot to be noticed or reported very much except on the reported during the period, all in the Tucson area. Eastern counts. Fox Sparrowsmay have been slightly more common Bluebirds were recorded for the second consecutive winter at Las thanusual this winter. About 20 werereported in Arizona;six at Cruces,where two were seenDec. 18 (BP et aL); the speciesis RattlesnakeSprings Feb. 26 (GS) wasa high concentrationfor stall rare in s.c. New Mexico. New Mexico. The regularoccurrence of SwampSparrows in s.c.Arizona is FRINGILLIDS -- At Globe,Ariz., wherethe Pyrrhuloxiais a now well-established,and this seasonwas no exceptionto the rare straggler,a malewas present Dec. 30 - Feb.4 (SHa),and a pattern, with more than 20 reportedduring the late fall and femaleremained from Jan. 7 throughthe endof theperiod (BJa). winter. However,the extensionof this plenfitudeto the LCV ts A well-described d Dickcissel visited a feeder s.w. of Tucson new information, sinceBirds of Ariz. treated the speciesas Feb 15 (#J.Ambrose). There is onlyone previous winter record "casual" there. Two were in the B.W. Delta Nov. 14-15, more for Arizona,also at Tucson.At SandiaCrest above Albuquer- than ten otherswere found in variouslocations during Decem- que, where rosy finchesare irregular, a flock of 40 birds ber, and by winter's end KVR rated it "fairly common in (includingd Blacksand Gray-crowneds) was present Dec. 18-20 marshesalong the [Colorado]and at beaverponds along the Ball (RLT et al ) A singleBrown-capped Rosy Finch at Farmington, Williams River"

Volume 31, Number 3 361 Wilson, Robert A. Witzeman, Bob & Carol Yutzy, Huachucas; Gary Zahm, Tom Zapatka, Allan Zimmerman, Dale A. Zim- In recent years, reliable records of McCown's merman, s.w. New Mexico; Marian Zimmerman. Abbrevia- Longspursin the Southwesthave been few, and have tions: Birds of Ariz.: Phillips, Marshall and Monson 1964, The involved few individuals. so we were astonished to find Birds of Arizona, University of Arizona Press. Tucson; LCV, 250 of them e. of Cananea, Sonora, Jan. 23 (KK, TP, LowerColorado Valley; m.ob., many observers;*, specimen;#, DSz, R&JW) -- barely 30 mi. s. of the Arizona border. writtendetails on file with New Mexico OrnithologicalSociety or The key to the McCown's abundanceseemed to be the with Arizona Bird Committee; CBC, Christmas Bird Count. -- desperatelyovergrazed condition of the rangelandthere. JANET WlTZEMAN, 4619 E. Areadla Lane, Phoenix, Ariz. and we subsequentlyfound the speciesin Arizona by 85018; JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2097 Camino Lado, Santa Fe, N. searchingovergrazed pasture near Elgin, whereup to 50 Mex. 87501; KENN KAUFMAN, 2713 S. Martinson, Wichita, were present in early March (DSz, KK et al.). As Kaus. 67217. previouslynoted by JPH in New Mexico,the tail-patterns emphasizedin the field guidesproved to be of little aid in distinguishingthis speciesfrom the Chestnut-collared Longspur. More helpful marks were the McCown's ALASKA REGION larger size, larger bill, appearanceof a broader wing- /Daniel D. Gibson base in flight, and generallyplain, pale appearanceof the plumage,sometimes with somechestnut retained in The Alaska winter was elsewhere in 1976-77. R was warm-- the wing-coverts(although we have neverseen a good all winter--without even brief periods of very cold weather illustration of this plumage).Among severalcalls of the in most parts of the state (e.g., at Fairbanks the lowest McCown's, most distinctive was a ringing "pink" or temperature during the period was -24øF, December 3, and "poik," similar to the Blue Grosbeak'scommon call- record high temperatureswere recorded six times, maximum note. Prospectivesearchers should note also that the +45øF, January 24; at Anchorage January extremes were McCown's tended not to mix freely with the Chestnut- +49øF and + 14øF).It was the only winter since records were collareds(as they sometimesdo at waterholes),being first kept (1915) that Fairbanks did not see thirty below; and found more often in homogeneousgroups or in flocks with Horned Larks.

Even more of a rarity in Arizona is the Lapland Longspur, with only a handful of recordsknown. One near PhoenixDec. 17 & 18 (#KK, R&JW, BJo; calls tape-recorded)was the first record for that area. Another, a breeding-plumagedmale, was found s. of Parker Mar. 12 (AH, KC), for the third record in the LCV.

CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface)-- Bertin Anderson, lone Arnold, Russell P. Balda, William H. Baltosser, Pat Basham, Robert Bates (RBa), Jim S. Bays USB), Jori Bealer (JBI),Robert Bradley (RBr), JeanBraley, Winston W. Brockher, Bonnie Burch, Scott Burge, Eddie Chalif, Jim Cheek (JCh), David S. Christie,Sue Clark, KathleenConinc, George Constan- tiao, Charles Corchran, Jndi Corrie, Jim & Marian Cressman, Doug Danforth, Bill Davis, Dot DeLollis (DDL), Salome R. Demaree, Jeff Drake, John Egbert, Carolyn Engel, Ellen • •:'.-•.•_• •OLF.OF ALASKA Espinoza, Ralph A. Fisher, Alan Gast, Keith Geizentanner, Sarah Greenwood,Grace Gregg, Lee Grim, Murray Hansen, Sallie Harris (SHa), Lorraine Hartshorne, Bruce J. Hayward, SteveHedges (SHe), Bob HernbrndeJr. (BH), RobertHerabrade • • PACIFICOCEAN Sr., Alton Higglos, Lower Colo. R.; John Hildebrand, Chuck Hundertmark, Catherine & Ralph lewin, Bill Isaacs, Betty not i• the Nnfio• Weather Servicc's •yc• history in the Jackson(BJa), Terry Johnson,Betty Jones(BJo), Diana King, •c•on had Anchor•c f•cd to scc subzero tcmpcramres Don Lainre, Mike Lange, Vernon Laux, Burton Lewis, Ann Janus. On the Pacific Coast •st of the •cutians it was Lloyd, Helen Longstreth, Blaine Lunceford, Charles Meaker, very w•m (•.•., at Cordova t•peratures •i• not drop bdow Patty Meyers, Scott Mills, Gale Mouson,consultant on Arizona +25øF), with hi• winds •nd driving r•n ch•actcrisfic records;Jane Moore, Vince Mowbray,Larry Murphy, Alan P. of much of the period. • the •cutian Islands, the wintot Nelson, Marilyn Norden, Rod Norden (RNd), Robert Norton was mi]•cr than usu•, with less snow, an• few storms with (RNt), Ted & Susan Parker, Carrol & Joan Peabody, Bill Prin- strong win•s. Even i• no•hcrn Alas•, noah of the Brooks eipe. Mark Robbins.Bill Roe, Ken V. Rosenberg,Lower Colo. Range, it w• gcnc•ly warm, •lthough tcmpcra•res below R.; Greg Schmitt, Robert Scholes, Barnet Schrank, Rick -40øF were sccn in Fcb•. Precipitatio• was Schroeder(RSd), John Shipley, Carol Sh•yock, Phil Schultz, •-nor• in most •: in south coas• and southeastern Kim Spitier,Shirley Spifler, Sally Spofford (SSpt), Portal; David Alaska most of it was r•n. Stejskal.William Stone,Doug Storz (DSz). Tucson:Scott Ter- G•EBES•Two W. Orebosat •or•ov• Jan. 2 (•1 rill, RossL. Teuber, Dick Todd, Carl S. Tomoff, Prescott;Jolan w•c • sccofid ccr•in south co•s• Alaska record, thc first Trnan, Van Trnan, Phil Walters, Doug Wells, Steve West, in winter: at I•st one bird rcmdnod throughJ•nu•y and Marjorie Williams, Ed Willis, Ron Wilson, Russ & Marion

362 American Birds, May 1977 SWANS, GEESE--The only recordof WhooperSwan this OWLS--Hawk Owls were absent from the interior all winter was of one at Adak L, Jan. 26 (JLM & GWE). An winter. Indeed the only reportsduring the period were of one lmm White-fronted Goose at Amchitka 1., Oct. 20-Jan. 4 on Jan. 8 at Kalsin Bay, Kodiak (RAM & MMM), where the (GEH et al.), was only the seconds.w. Alaska winter record species is rare any time, and one at Cordova in early of the species; the first was of a first-year bird in a family January (MEI). The only Great Gray Owl report was of one in group of Emperor Geese, and the Amchitka bird may have Kasilof Feb. 15 (DBM). Boreal Owls were apparently present arrived there in a similar manner. in good numbers all winter on the Kenai Pen. (DBM, CH, MAM) and in the interior (RM, TGT, R]-tD et al) At DUCKS--A new state high count of Gadwall was 250 at least four Saw-whet Owls were present at Farm I., at the Red L, Kodiak I., in mid-December (RNT). A flock of 20+ Stikine R. mouth through the end of December (SOM), when Eur Wigcon at Amchitka in early January(GEH) was a new the local microtine rodent population crashed and the birds winter high. Only two Canvasbackswintered this year at Adak dispersed. (GVB, JLM), the only regular wintering locality known in Alaska, but there were first local winter recordsof the species NUTHATCHES, THRUSHES, STARLINGS--Red- elsewhere: two males at Narrow Cape, Kodiak Jan. 8 (RAM breasted Nuthatches were scarce at Kodiak (RAM), on & MMM); singlemales at Eyak L., Cordovafrom Feb. 10 on the Kenai Pen. (CH, HF), and at Anchorage (DFD et al ), (MEI & REI), and on Farm I., at the Stikine R. mouth Feb. but they were not mentionedby observersfarther e. in south 26 (SOM). Three c3' Ring-necked Ducks on Buskin L., coastal or s.e. Alaska. American Robins were more common Kodiak Dec. 26 (RAM & MMM) were the first winter than usualat Juneau(RBW); singlebirds wintered at Cordova record w. of s.e. Alaska. As they have been in recent winters (MEI) and Anchorage (DFD), and one wintered as far n as past, Lesser Scanp were newsworthy at Cordova, where at Fairbanks (CDA), where the speciesis casual at that season least three spent the winter (MEI), and at Kodiak, where A Townsend'sSolitaire present in a Fairbanks subdivisionfrom about ten were present all period (RAM, JLT); but a c3'Lesser Dec. 20 on (FGH, BK et al.) was a first Alaska winter record Scaupcarefully studiedat ConstantineHarbor, Amchitka all Distinctly rare in south coastal Alaska, Starlings were re- winter (GEH, GVB), was a first Aleutian recordof the species cordedwith one at Cordovafrom early Januaryon (MEI), and at any season. A few Tufted Ducks were seen at irregular one at Homer Dec. 19-20 (MAM, DBM & CH). intervals at Amchitka and Adak during the period; an ad. c3'Tufted Duck with nine Greater Scaup at Dutch Harbor, FRINGILLIDS--RedpoIls were scarceall winter in interior Unalaska I., Feb. 28 (DBM) was a first eastern Aleutian (DDG et al.) and in south coastal Alaska (RAM, MEI) record, the first one reported between Adak and Cordova. and absent in the Southeast (RBW, FAG). Red Crossbills A flock of 20 Ruddy Ducksat WrangellJan. 27 (JH,fide SOM) were absent; White-winged Crossbills were all-but-absent followed several reports in late fall in the same area. The Pine Siskins were scarce at the w. end of the range, at spectes is casual in s.e. Alaska. Hooded Mergansers were Kodiak (RAM, JLT), and in the Southeast(RBW, FAG), but more numerous than usual in Cordova, where five were seen several flocks (e.g., the CBC total of 106, Jan. 2) were all winter (MEI); an ad. male near Red L., Kodiak Jan. 12 & 19 present all winter in the Cordova area (MEI). (RNT & HBD) was a first for that island. A Savannah Sparrow that stayed about a housing area at Ft. Wainwright, Fairbanks, throughout the period (CDA, HAWKS, FALCONS--Rare winter visitants, Sharp- DDG & GVB) was a first Alaska winter record. Dark-eyed shinned Hawks were widely recorded in south coastal Juncos were numerous through mid-winter in Southeast Alaska during the winter: single birds on the Anchorage (RBW, FAG), in the North Gulf Coast-Prince William (DFD et al.), Homer (DBM & CH), and Cordova (MEI & Sound area of south coastal Alaska (MEI), at Anchorage REI) CBCs, and one at Kodiak Feb. 26 (RAM & MMM). (DFD et al.), Homer (MAM), and Kodiak (RAM, WED, Most unusual were a Red-tailed Hawk at Homer Dec. 17 or JLT); one bird as far w. as Amchitka from Feb. 5 on (GEH, 18 (DBM & CH, fide MAM) and at least one that over- GVB) was a third Aleutian Is. record, the second in winter wintered at Farm I., at the Stikine R. mouth (SOM). Marsh (AB: 29, 730). Juncos are almost annual hangers-on at Hawks which winter irregularly along the Pacific Coast, were Fairbanks feeders, even in the most severe winters It is recordedat intervals on Kodiak with one at Womens Bay Dec. peculiarthen that, in this very warm winter, none was present 23 (RAM & MMM) and one at Red L., Feb. 17 (RNT & there'in 1976-77. Two Harris' Sparrows were present at HBD), and several were present all winter at the Stikine R. Auke Bay, Juneau until Feb. I I (RBW). Tree and White- mouth (SOM). One Merlin was seen at Middle Bay, Kodiak crowned Sparrows were recorded from Juneau (RBW) to Jan 29 (RAM & MMM), and up to two Am. Kestrels Cordova (CBC), Anchorage (CBC), Homer (MAM), and Ko- overwtntered at Farm I., at the Stikine R. mouth (SOM). diak (CBC), the former more numerous than the latter Golden-crownedSparrows (at least eight individuals) were SHOREBIRDS, GULLS--Eleven Killdeer on the Juneau reported only at Kodiak (RAM et al.). A Lincoln's Spar- CBC Dec. 18 (DRC et al.) was a new winter high count for row at KodiakDec. 23 (RAM), wasthe secondwinter record a species that does not winter in the state annually. A for Kodiak and the state (AB: 30, 755). Very rare in winter, SpottedSandpiper and four N. Phalaropesat Cordova Jan. LaplandLongspurs were recordedduring the period at Homer 2 (MEI & REI) were, respectively,second and first mid- includingone with Snow Buntingsduring CBC week (DBM winter records for Alaska. At least three Corn. Snipe over- & CH) and a small flock at Hartney Bay near Cordova wintered at both Juneau (FAG) and Red L., Kodiak (RNT in late February (REI). & HBD), where they are probably regular. A maximum count of 1500-2000 Rock Sandpipers at Homer Feb. 16 CONTRIBUTORS, OBSERVERS--C. David Allen, G (MAM et al.) was another new winter high count. The Vernon Byrd, David R. Cline, Robert H. Day, David F Ring-billedGull at Homer at the end of the fall period (q.v.) DeLap, Harry B. Dodge, William E. Donaldson, Glenn W was presentthere at least throughFeb. 16 (DBM). Never be- Elison, Helen Fisher, Frank A. Glass, George E. Hall, fore certainly recorded in mid-winter in the Region, up to Colleen Handel, Freda G. Hering, Jeff Hughes, M E seven Bonaparte's Gulls were present all winter at Cordova "Pete" Isleib, Ruth E. Isleib, Brina Kessel, Stephen O (MEI), and at Homer, one on Dec. 2 & 3 (RAM & MMM) MacDonald, Molly M. Macintosh, Richard A. Macintosh, and Dec 19 (MAM) John L Martin, David B McDonald, Rosa Meehan, Mary

Volume 31, Number 3 363 A. Miller, R. Nelle Terpening, Theodore G. Tobish, John Grebes were counted at Whidbey I., Wash. (TW). On two L. Trapp, Ralph B. Williams; CBC, ChristmasBird Count. separate cruises off the Washington and Oregon coasts, Jan. 7-13 and 29-30, Terry Wahl saw up to seven Black- CORR1GENDUM--The E. Kingbird near Delta Junction footed Albatrosses on four different dates and single Lay- last fall was seen Sept. 29 not Sept. 21. san Albatrosses off the Washington coast Jan. 29 and off the Oregon coast Jan. 30. A few N. Fulmars were off POSTSCRIPT--Readers will note that Vern Byrd, having Washington, Jan. 7-13, and large numbers were feeding just moved to eastern Washington, is no longer an Alaska off Cape Blanco, Oreg., Jan. 30 (TW); 23 birds of this Region co-editor. All of us interested in Alaska's birds hope species were seen on LaPerouse Bank, off Vancouver 1., that he returns, bringing back all of the enthusiasmand Feb. 13 (MS, fide VG). Four Sooty Shearwaters were expertisethat we have enjoyedand learnedfrom in the las• off Grays Harbor, Wash., Jan. 11, and six were seen off nine years.--DANIEL D. GIBSON, University Mnsenm, Uni- the coast Jan. 29 (TW). On Jan. 11 a single Short-tailed versityof Alaska, Fairbanks,Alaska 99701. Shearwater was observed out of Grays Harbor and another was found off s. Oregon Jan. 30 (TW). A dead Leach's Storm-Petrel was picked up on a golf course at Metchosin, Vancouver 1., Feb. 22 {fide VG). NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION Single Green Herons were found at various dates in /John B. Croweli, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls January at Olympia (G&WH, BH-T), at Sunset Beach, Clatsop Co., Oreg., and at Tillamook (DDS). Numbers of Precipitation in the Pacific Northwest from November Cattle Egrets in the region were at record levels, with six through February was at record low levels. Mid-January at Coos Bay, up to a dozen in Tillamook County, Oreg., brought colder-than-normaltemperatures to the Region for single birds at Ocosta. Grays Harbor County, at Queets in more than a week. A number of shorebird species were Washington, and at Port Alberni, B.C.; a lone bird reached found at unprecedenteddates and places, while certain Cape Scott Light Station on the n.w. tip of Vancouver I., expected winter resident predator speciesdid not appear in Dec. 28 (D&LW, fide VG)! At Sauvie 1., n.w. of Portland, the numbers they had in recent past years. Wandering Oreg., up to 20 Great Egrets were found in January and finches were comparatively unrecorded. For a more com- February, while concurrently a half dozen were resident at plete overview of the Northern Pacific Coast Region's winter birdlife, reference to the Region's Christmas Bird Tillamook Bay. SingleGreat Egretsalso were noted at Lead- better Pt., Willaim Bay, Wash., Dec. 18 (EP, fide PM) and Counts (CBCs) should be made, as those records are, for at Bay Center a few miles acrossthe bay. Feb. 4 (BH-T). the most part. omitted from the soason's summary which follows. A Snowy Egret was at Coos Bay Dec. 12 to the end of the report period (AC, BF et al.). More than a dozen Black- crowned Night Herons remained in n. Portland all winter (HN); several birds also were seen in Seattle Dec. 26-Jan. 8 •,ALBERTA {fide PM), and one was observed at Salem, Oreg., Jan. 13 (TC). There were eight sightings of Am. Bitterns from w. Washington and n.w. Oregon Dec. I1-Feb. 15. A Least Bittern was seen repeatedly until mid-February at Medford (JH, MM).

WATERFOWL--Up to 85 Whistling Swans were noted in four localities on s. Vancouver I. at various times during the season (RWC, VE, fide VG, JCo); small flocks were reported winteringin the Columbia R. bottomsn.w. of Port- land. Approximately 200 Whistling Swans were at the mouth of the Siuslaw R., near Florence, Oreg., Feb. 2 (CB), and twelve were at Nehalem, Oreg., Jan. 29 (JBC). Trumpeter Swans were more reported than ever before, with two reports of up to 120 individuals in January from Skagit County, Wash., being the peak concentrations;up to 60 were noted near Campbell R., B.C., Dec. 28 {fide HT) and 28 were recorded near Barnfield, B.C., Dec. 10 (KT, fide VG); other observations of up to five individuals were made from a number of localities on Vancouver I., from around Puget Sound, and from Sauvie I., on the Columbia R. 'Hundreds' of Brant were at Dungeness, Wash., Jan. 6 (KG, fide DS); 350 were at Tillamook Bay, Jan. 29 (JBC). An ad. Emperor Goose was seen at Ocean Shores, Wash. in flight but at LOONS, GREBES, PELAGICS, HERONS--Six Yellow- close range Dec. 18 (DHn, fide PM). Single White-fronted billed Loons were found in the region during the report Geese wintered at Grants Pass, Oreg. (S&PS} and at a spot 10 period; two from s.e. Vancouver I., two from Puget mi. n. of Gold Beach, Oreg. (WHo); one was seenat Dunge- Sound, one from Ocean Shores, Wash., and one from nessin mid-January(KG,fide DS), anotherwas at Ridgefield Yaquina Bay, Oreg., the latter bird observedonly Jan. 22. N.W.R., Feb. 5 (JBC et al.}, up to three individuals were On Feb. 26 there were 1300 Aretic Loons at Active in the vicinity of Victoria, B.C., Jan. 26-Feb. 19 (VG, RS), Pass in the Gulf Is., B.C. Red-throated Loons were little and three were at SomenosL., Vancouver, I., Feb. 24 (JCo). reported and deemed to be scarce by observers who Approximately 200 Snow Geese spent the winter at Sauvie I. commented. At Cordova Spit, Saanich, B.C., Feb. 5 there and the nearby Ridgefield N.W.R.; two individuals were on were 127 Red-neckedGrebes (VG, RS). On Dec. I I, 60 Eared Greater Chain I., n.e. of Victoria, Dec. 18 (RWC,fide VG}.

364 American Birds, May 1977 Gadwall were reported (aside from CBCs) at five different Prairie Falcons spent much of the winter at Sanvie I , near localitiesin w. Washington,s. VancouverI., andn.w. Oregon Corvallis, and n. of Medford. Surprisingly,one was seen on in numbers of up to thirteen. Two c3 Eurasian Green- the coast at the mouth of the Pistol R., Curry Co., Oreg , winged Teals were observed at Somenos L. and at Co- Jan. 31 (WHo). About 20 Peregrines were recorded from a wichan Bay, Jan. 7-Feb. 10 (JCo et al.); one was found at dozen differentlocalities during the report period; the same Sanvie I., Dec. 16 (TC). The 180 Green-wingedTeal at statement summarizes the season's status for Merlins. On Dec Duncan, B.C., Jan. 15 (RS, fide VG) was a high concen- 16 there were still two SandhillCranes at RidgefieldN W R , tration for that locality and date. A c3Blue-winged Teal was and 21 were observedat SauvieI. nearbyDec. 19 (JG et al ) notedat RidgefieldN.W.R., Dec. 16(TC, JG), and a c3Cinna- VirginiaRails were recordedup to six at a time in December, mon Teal was found at Sauvie I., Dec. 11 & 19 (JG et al.). the mostfavored localitiesbeing Bellevue, Seattle, VashonI , European Wigeon were found in small numbers as far s. as and Ocean Shores(fide PM), while on CortesI., B C , 14 Delake, Lincoln Co., Oreg., with an estimated15 individuals birdswere countedDec. 13 (AD,fide VG). SingleSofas were wintering in the vicinity of Victoria. Northern Shovelers reportedfrom four different w. Washingtonlocations up to were found in numbersof up to 100 at several places in w. mid-January. Oregon during Januaryand February (HN et al.). A flock of 220 Wood Ducks at Grants Pass, Feb. 5 (SS) was note- SHOREBIRDS--The 29 SemipalmatedPlovers at Aber- worthy; 14 were foundat Duncan,B.C., Feb. 15(VG). Up to deen, Wash., Feb. 19 (G&WH) were decidedly out of the four Redheadswere on a pond near Cape Meares, Tilla- ordinary.An Am. GoldenPlover in full breedingplumage, mook Co., Oreg., after mid-January(JBC et al.), and up to seen initially at Tillamook Bay on the CBC, was still there five werefound through the winter at Saanich,B.C. (VG et al.). Dec. 23 (DDS). Concentrationsof 232 Black-bellied Plovers Ring-neckedDucks were in good numbersat many favored at TillamookBay, Jan. 23 (DF), and 275 at the s. jetty of the localitieson s. VancouverI., in w. Washington,and in n.w. Columbia R., Jan. 29 (DF, HN) were unusual, as were 56 at Oregon during the winter. In late December 1500 Barrow's Saanich,Jan. 5 (LR,fide VG). Up to five Whimbrelswere Goldeneye were at Nanaimo, B.C. (JCo); 500 were at seen one or more times during the winter season from Olympia, Wash., Jan. 3 (fide G&WH). Up to 200 Oldsquaw Saanich, Victoria, Ocean Shores, Tillamook, and Yaqmna spentthe winter at Victoria(VG); therewere 36 at Dungeness Bay. A WanderingTattler was well seen at Ocean Shoreson Bay, Jan. 6 (KG,fide DS), but otherwisea few were reported the surprisingdate of Feb. 26 (DH, AR). Willets were present for Eld Inlet, in s. Puget Sound (BE, fide G&WH), and at favored places in the region in record numbersfor any singlebirds were notedat SeattleJan. 22 (DP,fide PM) and at season;up to 24 were at North R., Willapa Bay, during mid- Westport, Wash., Feb. 4 (TW). There were 170 Hooded February (RE, BW, G&WH), 25 were at Yaquina Bay Jan Mergansersat SaanichFeb. 28, where 400 Com. Mergansers 23 (TC), and ten were at Coos Bay for the CBC. Greater had been concentratedJan. 16 (VG). Yellowlegs,too, were presentin surprisingwinter numbers, centeredprimarily in the s. Straits of Georgia and Puget RAPTORS, CRANES, RAILS--A lone Turkey Vulture Sound,the 34 at Victoriafor the CBC beingthe top count,but was spotted at Medford, Oreg., Jan. 20 (MM, fide JH), 20 s. of Courtenay, B.C., Dec. 19(fide HT) and the 15 at Sid- another was at Seattle Jan. 22 (SP, fide PM), and two were ney, B.C., Feb. 19 (RS, fide VG) also being noteworthy seen the same day at Aurora, Oreg. (TC, JG). Nine White- There were five reports of Lesser Yellowlegs, involving tailed Kites winteredat FinleyN.W.R., s. of Corvallis,Oreg.; singlebirds except for four at Ocean Shores,Dec. 19 on the an adultof this specieswas found 9 mi. e. of Bandon,Oreg., Grays Harbor CBC. Twenty-twoRed Knots were presentat Jan 22 (JCs). Goshawkswere reportedsighted four times at Coos Bay from late December-Jan. 13 (AC, SG). three localities,Sharp-shinned Hawks were notedat a score On Jan. 17 there were 66 Rock Sandpipers at Race of places with an estimated 30 individuals involved, and Rocks near Victoria (MS et al.,fide VG). From Dec 9-25 Cooper'sHawks werefound at about15 places with up to 20 five Short-billedDowitchers were present at Cowichan Bay, lndimdualsinvolved, all exclusiveof CBCs. Rough-legged Vancouver I. (JCo et al.); a dozen birds of this species were found at Turner, near Salem,Oreg., Feb. 25 (TC). There Hawks were very locallycommon at timesduring the season, w•th seven on each date at Portland Int'l Airport, Dec. 1 were 45 Long-billedDowitchers at Westport,Wash., Dec 18 (DF), at WillapaBay, and Ilwaco, Wash., Feb. 4 (BH-T), and (LB, BH-T); up to 17 individualswere seen at the s. jetty of at RidgefieldN.W.R., Feb. 5 (JBC et al.). the Columbia R., and at five other locations on Puget Soundand the Strait of Georgia,mostly in February. Marbled One or two GoldenEagles were seenon s. VancouverI. on Godwits also were present at some localities in surprising severaldates, near Rockport,Skagit Co., Wash., in the Cas- numbers, the 22 at Ocosta, near Westport, Wash., Dec 30 cades, and at Medford, at one time or another during the being the largestconcentration (DP,fide PM); a dozen were report period. A Golden Eagle was picked up near dead, at Willapa Bay, Feb. 13 (RE, BW) while other placeswhere apparentlyfrom starvation, at L. Cowichan, Vancouver I., the specieswas noted were Tillamook and Coos Bay. Jan 2 weighingjust three pounds;by Feb. 28 the bird was up to nine pounds and ready to be released(JCo). Up to GULLS, ALCIDS, OWLS--Nine Glaucous Gulls were 700 Bald Eagles were present at Seymour I., B.C., in mid- seen at as many different localitiesfrom Campbell R , s to February (GP,fide HT), and 352 were reported at the mouth Portlandand Otter Rock, Lincoln Co., Oreg. at varioustimes of the HarrisonR., mainlandBritish Columbia, Jan. 19 (RWC duringthe winter. Terry Wahl reportsthe Herring Gull to have et al, fide VG); the species was seen often on s. Van- been the predominantgull well offshorefrom Washington couver1., in Skagitand Whatcom Cos., Wash.,around Puget and Oregon during January. More than the usual scattered Sound, along the Columbia R. below Portland, and on the few wintering California and Ring-billed Gulls were present n w Oregon coast, adding up to the largest wintering this winter in w. Oregon. On Dec. 4, 600 Bonaparte'sGulls numbers in a long time. A Marsh Hawk at Oyster R., were at Active Pass in the Gulf Is. (MS, fide VG) with 73 Vancouver I., Jan. 3, is said to be the "first confirmed in Hart Strait Dec. 23 (RWC et al., fide VG). Black- winter recordfor the CampbellR. area" (HT). Four Ospreys leggedKittiwakes were observedto be fairly well distributed were seenin Washingtonand Oregon--one in December,the off the coast in January, with particular concentrations off others in February. Reports of three Gyrfalcons were re- s. Oregon at the end of the month (TW); 200 were at the s ceived, two from Washingtonand one from Oregon Single jetty of the Columbia R, Feb 24 (MSm), while small

Volume 31, Number 3 365 numbers were recorded at six other localities, including two et al.). Red-breastedNuthatches were little remarked upon, at ScogginsValley Park, near Forest Grove, Oreg., Feb. 28 and seemto have been present in relatively low numbersthis (fide HN). winter. Twelve Long-billed Marsh Wrens at Sauvie I , Feb Large numbers of Corn. Murres were noted well offshore 19 (DF, DI) and 30-40 at the s. jetty of the Columbia m January, particularly opposite Grays Harbor and Gold R., Feb. 24 (MSm et al.) were evidently newly arrived, Beach, Oreg. (TW). Small numbers of Marbled Murrelets since such numbers had not been recorded earlier in the winter were m the Victoria area all winter (VG). Up to 375 Ancient from theselocations. A Mockingbirdwas at Sea I., s. of Van- Murrelets were in the vicinity of Victoria in the latter half couver, through December (WJfide BK); one appeared m of December(VG); 40 were observedat SaanichFeb. 5 (fide Portlandin mid-Januaryand remained for the restof the winter VG) Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets were found in scattered (MK, HN et al.). Observerswere generallyagreed that Am places over the edge of the continentalshelf off Washington Robins were virtually absentfrom w. Oregonin Januaryand m January,and a few Cassin'sAuklets were noted off s. Ore- the first half of February, while Varied Thrushes were little gon at the end of the month (TW). On Jan. 9 a single noted anywherein the region, with frequentcomment upon Horned Puffin was identified 70 mi. off the Washington their absence. Between 25-100 W. Bluebirds were present coast (TW). Small numbers of Tufted Puffins were observed Feb. 15-17 at Metchosin, Vancouver I. (JR,fide VG); the total there Jan. 7-13, and one was seen off s. Oregon Jan. 30 (TW). of 49 on the Dallas, Oregon CBC was noteworthy.A Town- A few Snowy Owls were to be found in the region's most send's Solitaire at Tillamook Jan. 23 was the only one re- favored localities for this species--the flats from the Fraser cordedfor the report period (DF, DI). R delta s. to Seattle--after mid-December; individuals were WAXWINGS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS--Cedar Wax- also recorded at Leadbetter Pt., Jan. 29, and at Coos Bay wing flocks were noted in Olympia until mid-January,but Dec 18 (AM,fide AC). There were eight records of Pygmy thereafterwere sporadic(BH-T); they were absentfrom Port- Owls from w. Whatcornand Skagit Cos., Wash., during the land until February.In Port Angeles,Wash., 50 CedarWax- winter (TW). Single Burrowing Owls were found at the s. wings were seen Jan. 19 (KG, fide DS). Northern Shrikes jetty of the Columbia R., Feb. 24 & 26 (MSm, HN et al.) were present only in small numbers, being seen at Camp- and at Ocean ShoresDec. 19 & 30 and Jan. 9 (DP, D&RWo, bell R., Victoria, and Dungenesson repeatedoccasions, at fide PM); the sameindividual could have been involved in all RidgefieldN.W.R. and at Vancouver, Wash., twice, and once the sightings.Short-eared Owls were reported in small num- at Westham I., s. of Vancouver, B.C., and at Tillamook bers from w. Washington during the winter, but several Up to a halfmillion Starlings were roosting at Gresham,Oreg, observers characterized those numbers as better than the last Feb. 24 (DDS et al.). Single Orange-crownedWarblers two years. One or two Saw-whet Owls were noted at Vic- were noted at Saanich Dec. 14, at Esquimalt Jan. 6, and at toria and at Seattle on several dates in December and in Victoria Feb. 13 (fide vG). A Black-throated Gray Warbler early February. was seen at Hoquiam, Wash., Dec. 19 (EH, fide PM) On the samedate, a 5 Townsend'sWarbler was on Hornby I, HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH THRUSHES--Anna's s. of Courtenay,B.C. (WF, JL, fide HT); other individuals Hummingbirds were again recorded in surprising winterof this specieswere recordedin the Seattlearea until Jan 4, seasonnumbers; six wintered at Campbell River, B.C. feeders and on a number of CBCs. A Palm Warbler, first found on (HT et aLL three were at Maple Bay near Duncan (JCo), up the CBC, was subsequentlyseen Dec. 30, Jan. 6 & Feb 26 to a half dozen or more were noted at one time or another at Ocean Shores (fide PM); another was seen repeatedly m Victoria and in Saanich(VG et al.), and there were "good at ScogginsValley Park, near ForestGrove, Oreg., after being numbers" at Bellingham(TW); one was at Bellevue, Wash., first found Jan. 15 (HN et al.). Two Wilson's Warblers for a month starting in mid-December, and single birds were were seen at Bellevue, Wash., Dec. 11 (TWe,fide PM) and recorded at Garibaldi, Oreg., Jan. 23 (DF) and at Portland two were also recordedon the Coos Bay CBC. Feb 8 (ES). Two W. Meadowlarks were observedat Campbell R, Dec The only report for Lewis' Woodpecker was of five in- 12, one was there Jan. 3 and again Feb. 24 for the "first dlwduals at Ashland, Oreg., Feb. 13 (DDS). Two Black confirmed winter records for the area" (HT); Feb. 12 there Phoebeswere foundalong the ApplegateR., near Ruch, Jack- were 22 W. Meadowlarks at Saanich, whefe almostthat many son Co., Oreg., Feb. 13 & 19 (DDS, TC, JG, MSm). Sixty had been seen Feb. 9 (VG et al.). A 5 Yellow-headed Skylarks were found at American Camp on San Juan Blackbird was at Saanich, Dec. 4-5 (RS et al., fide VG) Wash, Jan. 1-2 (LA, fide PM) and 50 were observed A • Hooded Oriole cameto hummingbirdfeeders at Depoe at Saanich Dec. 28 (VG et al.). There were 25 Horned Larks Bay, Oreg., Dec. 1-29 and was photographedrepeatedly (RB, at the s. jetty of the ColumbiaR., Feb. 24 (HN et al.); one TC et al.). An adult • N. Oriole was seen at Central Pt, was at Victoria Dec. 18-27 (VG et al.). Violet-greenSwallows Oreg., Dec. 11; presumablythe same bird re-appearedthere, were seen at Sauvie I. and at Saanich, Feb. 19, while Tree Feb. 2-20 (Lois Smith,fide SS). A • Rusty Blackbird was Swallows were noted back in the region Jan. 29 when one discovered at Duncan, B.C., Dec. 30 (vG). There were six was seen near Grants Pass (PS), with observationsbeing sightingsof one or two Brown-headedCowbirds at Vancouver, made as far n. as Vancouver I. and n. Washington by mid- Saanich,Seattle and Olympia; ten individualswere at Ridge- February. A Blue Jay appeared at Victoria Jan. 21-22 and field N.W.R., Jan. 30 (DDS). Feb 5 (VG et al.); one was at Duncan through the winter, GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, SPARROWS--Evening Gros- and one was seen at Finley N.W.R., in Oregon Feb. 26 beaks and Red Crossbills were totally absent from much of (SJ) Two Blue Jayswere seenrepeatedly at L. Vancouver, the region this winter except for low numberson s Van- w of Vancouver, Wash., and two others came regularly to couver I., and from Bellinghams. to Olympia. Purple Finches feeders in Washougal, 25 mi. farther e. through much of the were scarce everywhere. February I at Paradise in Mt winter (AA, JG et al.). A Scrub Jay frequented a feeder Rainier N.P., 18 Pine Grosbeaks were found (BH-T) at Chehaiis, Wash., from late December through January Large numbers of Pine Siskins were reported only from (KB, S&ER,fide PM). Single Black-billed Magpies were seen Dungenesswhere they were present all winter (DS) A at Seattle, Dec. 13, Feb. 8 & 21 (EG, GK, B&PEv,fide PM) Lesser Goldfinchwas recorded at RidgefieldN.W.R., Dec 16 and at Des Moines, Wash., Jan. 14 (KS,fide PM). (TC, DF, JG). Six Brown Towhees were counted at Med• Two Plain Titmice were found at Medford Feb 19 (JG ford Feb 19 (JG et al) Up to four Savannah Sparrows

366 American Birds, May 1977 were found at Ocean Shores Jan. 3 & 17 (G&WH) and at Campbell, Jim Collins (JCs). John Cromer (JCo), Alan Con- Seattle Feb. I I (GUV et al.,fide PM). Lone Tree Sparrows treras, Tom Crabtree, John B. Crowell, Jr., Dave DeSante, were at Saanich Nov. 28-Jan. 22 (VG et al.) and at Coos Adrian Dorst, Ruby Egbert. Doris Erickson, Vol Eshleman, Bay in late December (AC). Several Chipping Sparrows Betty Estes, Bob & Pat Evans (B&PEv), Ben Fawver, W. wintered at or near Medford (SS, JG et al.). The only report Fitzpatrick,David Fix, EugeneGerzenstein, Jeff Gilligan,Vic for Harris' Sparrow was one at Coos Bay in late December & MargaretGoodwill, Sayre Greenfield, Karl Greubel,Dudley (AC). Single White-throated Sparrows turned up at Saanich P. Harrington(DHn), Bill Harrington-Tweit,Dave Hayward, Dec. 14-15 (RMG, V&MG et aLL at Ocean Shores Dec. JosephHicks, Wayne Hoffman(WHo), Glen & WandaHoge, 18 (LB, BH-T, fide PM), and at Fife near Tacoma Jan. 16 Eugene Hunn, David Irons, Stewart Janes, Winnie Johnson, (DE, fide PM). Lincoln's Sparrows were recorded at five Brian Kautesk, Grace Kent, Mark Koninendyke, J. Lunum. different localities at one time or another during the season. R. Mackenzie-Grieve, Phil Mattocks, Alan McGie, Merle Up to 22 Lapland Longspurswere found on Greater Chain McGraw, Harry Nehls, G. Palmer, Dennis Paulson, Evelyn I., near Victoria Dec. 18-31 (RWC et al.,fide VG); eight Peaslee, Stella Porubov, Sam & Erma Rich, Alan Richards, were at Ocean Shores Feb. 26 (DH, AR, fide PM). Snow Leila Roberts, John Royle, Ron Satterfield, Emile Schoffelen. Buntingswere said to be "very scarce" at Bellinghamthis Kathleen Seekins, Michael Shepard, Doris Smith, Mark Smith winter; singlebirds were seen at the s. jetty of the Columbia (MSm), Steve & Priscilla Summers, Keith Taylor, Howard R., Feb. 14 & 26 (MSm, HN et al.), and at Ocean Shores Telosky, Gus Van Vliet, Terry Wahl, Don & Linda Weeden, Feb. 26, but 21 were at Leadbetter Pt., Feb. 8 (DH). Tom Weir (TWe), Burr Williams, Doug & Robin Wood (D&RWo).--JOHN B. CROWELL, JR., 1185Hallinan Circle, OBSERVERS--Linda Anchondo, Art Arp, Range Bayer, Lake Oswego,Oregon 97034 and HARRY B. NEHLS, 2736 Laurence Binford, Charles Bruce, Ken Brunner, R. Wayne S.E. 20th Avenue,Portland, Oregon97202.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION Mild conditionsresulted in a number of late records, espe- /Jon Winter and Dick Erickson cially in areas normally subject to freezing (see Table I). An especially impressive array of warblers was present. Many The drought was again blamed for a number of abnormal speciesbegan reproductiveactivity early and were well under events. Reduced water in the Central Valley (below, C.V.) way by the end of the period. concentrated water birds along rivers in many areas and All records from the Farallon Islands (below, F.I.) should may have resulted in the exceptional number of geesefound be credited to Point Reyes Bird Observatory (below along the coast. Lack of suitable habitat restricted the P.R.B.O.). number of American Bitterns at Los Bonoswhere they were far below normal. Similarly a lack of fresh water around LOONS THROUGH IBISES--A Yellow-billed Loon at San FranciscoBay (below, S.F. Bay) apparentlyresulted in Grant L., Mono Co., Dec. 8-26 (DAG*,TH*) was photo- a local displacement of Long-billed Dowitchers to the bay graphedand well describedfor California's first inland record. shore at Alameda. Further evidence of salt water intrusion in One on the Nevada side of L. Tahoe is the only other upper San Francisco Bay comes from numerous reports of inland U.S. record (West. Birds 6: 7-20). More expected Marbled Godwits there and a SemipalmatedPlover at Benicia was one at Princeton Harbor Feb. 19-Mar. 19 (M. Ozaki, December 9. At Calaveras State Park Mountain Quail were J. Dunn, m.o.b.). About 2000 Arctic Loons counted flying able to remain at higher elevations because of reduced N past Bolinas Jan. 6 (P.R.B.O.) was unusual. One was snow cover. at June L., Mono Co., Nov. 21-Dec. 8 (DAG et al.}. and a Red-throated Loon was also there on the former date (fide DAG). At least 30 oiled W. Grebes were found along Marin County beaches following an oil spill on S.F. Bay Feb. 10 (P.R.B.O.}. Black-footed Albatrosses were reported in normally low numbers but more birders saw the Laysan Albatross this winter than ever before. Singleswere at the Cordelle Banks, (off Pt. Reyes) in February (fide CP) and on Monterey Bay Jan. 8 (F.A.S.), Jan. 9 (P.S.G.) and Feb. 13 (G.G.A.S.). Northern Fulmars were seen in moderate numbers to about mid-Januarywith few seen thereafter. The Sooty Shearwater is our only regular winter shearwater, yet this year six specieswere seen. Pink-looted Shear- waters were reported as follows: 1-2 at the Cordelle Banks Jan. 15 (C.F.O.), one at the F.I., Feb. 28 (BL), numerous sightingson Monterey Bay including 12 there Feb. 13, when they outnumbered all other species (G.G.A.S.). Exceptional were single Flesh-looted Shearwaters seen on Monterey Bay Jan. 8 (RH*, KH, F.A.S.) and Jan. 23 (JM, TC, G.G.A.S.). The only previous winter record is of one collected on Mon- terey Bay Feb. 27, 1907 by the legendary Rollo H. Beck. Another rarity, New Zealand Shearwater (unrecorded in winterprior to 1976),was on Monterey Bay Jan.9 (JL, P.S.G.). Short-tailed Shearwaters were identified twice: 2-3 on Mon- terey Bay Jan. 9 (P.S.G.) and I-3 at the Cordelle Banks

Volume 31, Number 3 367 Jan 15 (C.F.O.). As many as three Manx Shearwaters were in the delta (especiallyon the Rindge Tract, San Joaquin Co ) seen off Monterey throughout the period, which is unusual. in mid-February (Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game, HLC) The An Ashy Storm-Petrelon Bolinas Lagoon Feb. 21 (P.R.B.O., population of Aleutian Canada Geese (B.C. leucoparela) •s DS*) was certainly unexpected.Several more in heavy seas apparently larger than previously known, since 1400 were off Monterey Feb. 28 (G. Moffat) were the only other storm- reportedat Los Banos Wildlife Area in February (fide RH), petrels reported. and others were found wintering in the Sacramento Valley (RS et al.). Inland Black Brant were found at Tule L., Dec Table 1. Late Records from the Great Basin and Mountains 3-12 (fide MT) and at Black Butte Res., Glenn-Tehama Co , Jan. 26 (SAL). A first record for the F.I. was the imm. Snow Nttm- Ob- Goose there Dec. l-Jan. 20. Out-of-range Ross' Geese in- Species Date ber Place servers cluded one at L. Almanor Dec. 28 (SAL), one found dead on s. Humboldt Bay Jan. 2 (fide DRu), one at Bodega Bay White Pelican 12-5 I Fall River Mills SAL Jan. 29 (BDP et al.) and two at Clifton Court Forebay, Contra 12-8 I Grant Res., DAG Costa Co., Feb. 4 (DE). Mono Co. An apparent d' Gadwall x Pintail hybrid was seenat the Palo Double- 12-5 3 Fall River Mills SAL Alto Yacht Harbor Feb. 17 (RS, W. Russell). Individual crested 1-19 2 Iron Gate Res. fide MT Green-winged(Eur.) Teal were seen at Bolinas Lagoon Jan Cormorant Siskiyou Co. 22-28 (J&RW et al.) and at Arcata in February qide DRu) The Cinnamon Teal is one of our earliest spring migrants Gadwall 12-19 I S. Lake Tahoe WS Nonetheless, two at S. Lake Tahoe Feb. 17 (WS), one m 12-28 198 L. Almanor .fide SAL Shasta Valley and six more at Tule L., Feb. 20 (fide MT) Cinnamon 12-18 7 Shasta Valley fide MT were all considered early for these areas. Only five out of Teal 24 Eur. Wigeon reported were found inland. Hybrids w•th Sandhill 12-19 5 Gazelle fide MT Am. Wigeonwere again noted with singlemales in San Fran- Crane cisco Jan. 3 (RS), and at Gray Lodge Jan. 28 (BED). Another interestinghybrid was the d' Ring-neckedDuck x scaupsp at Vlrglma Rail 12-19 I S. Lake Tahoe WS L. Merritt, Oakland Jan. 15 to the end of the period (H. Con- Greater 12-19 4 near Gazelle fide MT non et al.). The bird reported as a Ring-neckedx Tufted Duck Yellowlegs in Am. Birds 31:217 and in previous years was present on Rodeo Lagoon throughoutthe period (m.ob.). This bird has Common 12-19 I S. Lake Tahoe WS been the subjectof controversy in the past and it now appears Snlpe that Greater Scaupheritage may be involvedas well. The pair Longsbilled 12-19 2 near Grenada .fide MT of pure Tufted Duckswas on L. Merritt to Dec. 12(m.ob) and Dowitcher then vanished. The male reappeared Jan. 22 and remmned into March. With the bird gone from L. Merritt, probably Western the same d' Tufted Duck was found nearby on Oakland's Sandpiper 12-18 2 L. Almanor fide SAL inner harbor Mar. 19 (fide JM) and may explain the earher DunIra 12-19 4 L. Shastina fide MT absence on L. Merritt. Yet another male was present on 12-28 6 L. Almanor fide SAL Richardson's Bay Dec. 20-Feb. 6 (T. Olsen, m.ob.). A c2 Barrow's Goldeneyeat the F.I., Jan. I representsthe only Brown Pelicans remained in numbers in our area later than island record. Up to seven Oldsquaws at Princeton Harbor usual evidenced in CBC data. They were seen as late as Jan. throughoutthe period(PM, m.ob.) was a goodconcentration 2 at Humboldt Bay (DE), to the end of January at Bodega The (3' Harlequin Duck reported in Am. Birds 31: 217, on Bay and S.F. Bay (DS, SFB et al.) and throughoutthe period S.F. Bay at Belvedere was present throughout the period at Monterey (AE, SFB et al.). The inland appearanceof two (m.ob.). Impressiveconcentrations of Com. Merganserswere of our most strictlymarine specieswere the biggestevents of 1034at L. Almanor Dec. 28 (SAL et al.) and 1200at Bravo L , the season. An imm. Brandt's Cormorant (banded on the F.I.) Woodlake Dec. 29-Feb. 2 (RAB, JLi). Three pairs of Red- breasted Mergansers at Sacramento Feb. 24 (fide BK) were was caught near Fowler, Fresno Co., Mar. 13 following two days of strong NW winds (fide RH*) and an ad. Pelagic the•only onesreported inland. Cormorant was photographed at Silver L., Mono Co., Dec. White-tailed Kites remained at Honey L. throughoutthe 8 (DAG*). The former bird, found more than 15 mi. from the period with as many as five there Feb. 19 (SAL, SS). An ad nearest river, is not easily explained. it was healthy and Goshawk at Gray Lodge Dec. 20 (BED) was out-of-range A released at Carmel Mar. 17. The latter bird, e. of the Sierra pair in coastal n. Mendocino County was calling and ex- nearly 200 mi. from the ocean, is beyond all explanation. hibiting territorial behavior throughout February (DAG) S•n- Twenty-seven Green Herons reported from the coast was a gle Red-shoulderedHawks near Grenada Feb. 3-6 (fide MT), very high count. Inland they are more common but 25 counted at Honey L. to at least Feb. 19 (SAL et al.) and at S. Lake along a 4-mi. stretch of the American R., in Sacramento Tahoe Feb. 4-7 (WS) were all in areas reported in Am. Birds Jan 5 (fide BK) was exceptional. Most notable among 31:217-18. Another immature was in Round Valley, Inyo Co , 100 Cattle Egrets reported was a flock of 25 near Delhi, Dec. 7 (DAG). An imm. Broad-wingedHawk was seen •n Merced Co., Jan I (SS) and one feeding among sea lions Monterey Dec. 27-31 (fide DR.). Rough-leggedHawks were at the Cliff House in San Francisco in late December (fide generallyreported as scarceexcept in the Great Basinand on DRo) Least Bitterns were reportedfrom both Gray Lodge and the n. coast where 46 were recorded on the Centerville Beach Sacramento N.W.R. (fide BED, MT). More than 60 White- CBC Jan. 2. Ferruginous Hawks were present in fairly good faced Ibises were reported from the Los Banos area Feb. 12 numberswith one reported in Am. Birds 31:218 still present (TC et al.). at Cape MendocinoFeb. 3 (CH). The Klamath Basinhas long been known as awinter stronghold of Bald Eagles. On Feb 16 WATERFOWL AND RAPTORS--Hundreds of Whistling an estimated minimum population of 498 was obtained by a Swans were found dead from avian maleria or fowl cholera coordinatedeffort of federalagencies (fide MT) Ospreyswere

368 American B•rds, May 1977 found in good numbers, especially on the coast, with no less thereare no previousJanuary or Februaryrecords for the U.S. than eight found on the Pt. Reyes CBC. (GMcC pers. corn.). One at Bolinas Lagoon Dec. 12 (JW) nearly equals the region's previous latest date. GROUSE THROUGH JAEGERS--The only Ruffed Grouse reported was at Denny, Trinity Co., Dec. 5 (fide Dru). A pair of California Quail at 6800 ft at Soda Springs, Nevada Co., Jan. 8 (JH) was unexpected. Six Virginia Rails and one Sofa at Lewiston L., Trinity Co., Dec. 20 {SAL) were at an interestinglocality. Black Rails were again reportedfrom Kehoe Marsh, Marin Co., and Benicia with another seen at Tubbs I., Sonoma Co., Feb. 14 (fide CP). Christmas Bird Count data and further observationsindicate a higher number of Snowy Plovers than usual wintered along the c. coast this year. As many as 11 out-of-place Mountain Plovers were near Alviso Dec. 27-Jan. 22 (m.ob.). Twelve Am. Golden Plovers from coastal Humboldt. Marin, San Mateo, and Monterey Cos., are less than we have grown accustomed to. A Willet s. of SacramentoFeb. 19 (fide BK) providedone of very few recent winter recordsfor the SacramentoValley. Elegant Tern, Princeton Harbor, Calif Jan. 25, 1977. An amazing 850 Red Knots at Alameda Jan. 20 (fide ER) First Janua• U.S. record. PhotolP. J. Metropulos. appear to be the largest number ever recorded in the region! Rock Sandpiperswere reported from Humboldt Bay, Bodega Head, Princeton Harbor, and near Bean Hollow State Beach. The Ruff at Pacific Grove remained there throughoutthe pe- A special effbrt was made to obtain all records of riod and is now generally believed to be a female {m.ob.). A Herring and Thayer's Gulls in an attempt to clarify healthy N. Phalarope at Moss Landing Feb. 6 (PM) provided their status' in the region. The distribution of the one of few regionalwinter records. Red Phalaropeswere pres- Thayer's Gull is still unclear and it appearsthat a sub- ent in fair numbersto mid-Decemberwith I 0-1:5 off' Monterey stantial portion of the population winters here. Some Jan. 8 & 9 (F.^. S., P.S.G.), and one at the Cordelle Banks Jan. idea of its status can be seen by totaling the in- 1:5(RS, C.F.O.) the last seen. dividualsfrom all reportsand dividing by the numberof From Sonoma County south, Pomafine Jaegers were re- reports to obtain an average number per report as portedin excellentnumbers this year. Twenty at the Cordelle shown in Table 2. Despite the table, both speciesare Banks Jan. 1:5 (C.F.O.) and 30 off' Monterey Feb. 13 considerably more common offshore than on the coast, (G.G.^.S.) were the highestcounts. ^ single Parasitic Jaeger since many observationsof "zero" birds on the coast was on Monterey Bay Jan. 9 (P.S.G.). are not includedin the averages.The numbersfor S.F. Bay are especially high because of considerableob- GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS--Fifteen Glancous Gulls servation at refuse sites. Figure 3 shows high counts were reported:nine from S.F. Bay, five from coastalMarin, at various points around S.F. Bay. It appears that SanMateo, and Monterey Cos., andone inlandnear Knightsen these speciesare present in greatest numbers only in Feb. 27 (DE,* SM). Most interestingfinds were two adults: the absenceofW. Gulls. The Humboldt Bay and Berke- one on Tomales Bay Dec. 12 (RS* et al.), and the other near ley dumps both hold very small numbers of Herring Milpitas at the Newby I. dump Mar. 8 (SM, DE*). There is and Thayer's Gulls, yet abound with W. Gulls. On the one previously published record of an adult in California coastW. Gulls are abundantyet decline rather rapidly (Am. Birds 28:688, another corrected in Calif. Birds 2:14), offshore where the other species begin to increase in but still none of a third-year bird. Observerswere requested number. One hundred Herring Gulls at Wilder Beach, to report all birds believed to be Glaucous-wingedx W. Gull Santa Cruz Co., in early January (TB), 90 at San Gre- intergradesthis winter and as a result we received 21 reports gorio Beach, San Mateo Co., Feb. 16 (PM) and 373 on of approximately :50birds. A recurrent comment was that the the Point Reyes CBC Dec. 18, 60 Thayer's Gulls at L. plumageof many ad. intergradesrather resemblesthat of ad. Merced, San Francisco Feb. 8 (PM) and 450 at Thayer's Gulls. Immaturesare less readily identified. RichardsoWsBay Jan. I (SM) are exceptions. The What could possibly have been a single imm. Franklin's latter concentration was possibly in response to a Gull on S.F. Bay generated reports from Pt. Richmond super-abundance of natural food there. Glaucous- Jan. 9-19 (iN. Bo.yajian et al.), the San Leandro dump winged Gulls appear not to restrict the Herring and Jan. 23 (SFB), and at Belvedere Feb. 9 (fide JM). Bonaparte's Thayer's Gulls as all three species are common at Gulls were found inland with an amazing 222 on the Clear the Martinez and San Leandro dumps. Lake CBC Dec. 19, one at Sacramento N.W.R., Feb. 11 It is interesting that all inland reports of Thayer's (fide BK) and 2-8 at Shadow Cliffs Park, Alameda Co., to Gulls came from the area around S.F. Bay and the Feb. 12 (AE). Heermann's Gulls at Monterey throughout the delta, as far away as Napa, Livermore, Sacramento, period are probably normal (m.ob.). An imm. Black-legged Folsom Dam, and finally L. Tahoe. Is it possiblethat Kittiwake at the Martinez marina Feb. 27 (SM, DE) was far all (or most) of these birds come down the coast and from the ocean.Off•hore they were generallyreported in good spreadinland via S.F. Bay? Perhapsnot surprisingly numbers with a maximum of 1000+ at the Cordelle Banks our inland records of Glaucous Gull show the same pat- Jan. 1:5(C.F.O.). tern. Herring Gulls were not reported in the Great Two unMentified terns (probably Forster's) seen on the Basin until Feb. 20 at Tule L., when an increase in Clear Lake CBC Dec. 19 are significant.On the coast at the California and Ring-billed Gulls was noted as well n. limit of their winter range, Forster's Terns were reported (fide MT). Herring Gulls are at bestcasual in the Basin in greater-than-normalnumbers in both Marin and Sonoma in the winter and the Thayer's Gull is presently un- Cos. (DS, BDP et al.). An Elegant Tern at Princeton recorded there in winter. Harbor Dec. 17-,lan. 2:5 (PM* et al.) was unprecedented;

Volume 31, Number 3 369 Table 2. Herring and Thayer'sGulls/report (see text) winter in the C.V. (JH). This speciesappears to be dechmng over most of its range in the region. Herring Thayer's

Offshore 51 5 On Jan. 29 while driving e. over Donner Pass in the Outer Coast 45 6 Sierras,Dan Guthrie picked up 18 dead Saw-whetand S F. Bay & Delta 181 122 four dead Screech Owls along the highway on the Inland 53 5 w. slope at the 3500-6500 ft level. Judging by the condition of the specimensGuthrie stated that the birds might have been dead as long as two weeks. All the birds appeared to have been hit by cars. He further estimatedthat there may have been as many 30 dead Table 3. High Countsof Herring and Thayer's Gulls: S.F. owls alongthe highwaywhen birds lying dead alongthe Bay Area westbound lanes were tallied. This is indeed a remarkable observation. Saw-whets are rarely noted in the Herring Thayer's Sierras and numbers of this magnitude are rather startling. Some speciesof owls, i.e. Elf Owls, have Holland Tract* 900 2-27 600 2-27 been noted as migrating (or wintering)in flocks and Contra Costa Co. (SM, DE) (SM, DE) since some Saw-whets from the north winter in Cal- Mallard Res.** 300 2-27 75 2-27 ifornia Guthrie's birds may have been part of such a (SM, DE) (SM, DE) flock. The reason for so many falling victim to cars remainsa mystery. Martinez Dump 800 2-27 200 2-27 (SM, DE) (SM, DE) Novato Dump ? 50+ 2-24 Approximately100-150 White-throatedSwifts were found (JW, DS) wintering in "breather holes" in a bridge near Sailor Bar, SacramentoCo., (fide BK). The Costa'sx Anna's Humming- R•chardson'sBay ? 450 1-1 bird hybrid reportedfrom Oakland in the fall issueremmned (SM) at its feeder until Dec. 27 (JM). The temperate winter Berkeley Dump I 1-29 20 1-30 weathermay have encouraged Rufous Hummingbirds to return (SFB) (SFB) early. At least two maleswere seenat BodegaBay Dec 22- Alameda Dump 5 12-19 10 12-q9 late January (H. Corey et al.). Anna's Hummingbirdswere (JM) (JM) noted as down in numbers in the Sutter Buttes area owing to lack of flowers resulting from drought conditions(BED) San Leandro Dump 800 1-15 550 1-23 Pileated Woodpeckerswere reported in excellent numbers (DE) (SFB) with a total of 11 birds submitted from both the coast and L Chabot, Oakland** 300 12-14 550 12-14 the Sierrafoothills. Springville,Tulare Co., appearsto be the (SM) (SM) Acorn Woodpeckercapital of the world. On the Springmfle CBC at least 727 were reported which more than doubles Turk I. Dump 650 11-20 267 I-2 last yeaifs count, then the highestin the country(fide RAB) Union City (SM) (SFB) A Williamson'sSapsucker seen at Butte MeadowsJan. 18was Newby I. Dump 800 3-8 150 3-8 the first ever recorded in Butte County (SAL et al.). Th•s near Milpitas (SM, DE) (SM, DE) speciestends to be more common on the e. slope of the n Calaveras Res.** 550 12-9 0 and c. Sierras. Nuttall's Woodpeckers staged a virtual invasion of Marin County this year. At least 13 were seen on (SM) (SM, DE) the Pt. ReyesCBC Dec. 18 (fide DS, RS) while 14 more were seenin variousparts of the county over the winter period *Ptg farm. This speciestends to be more commonin the dryer interior ** Major roosting areas for the Martinez, San Leandro, and oak-woodlands and seems to shun the wetter coastal oaks The Newby I. dumps respectively. drought may have played a role in directing this invasion toward the coast.

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH PARIDS--Two Tropical A Thick-billed Murre at the mouth of the Eel R., Humboldt Kingbirds wintered in San Francisco at L. Merced and Co , Jan. 3 (S. Harris*) representsthe first California record Golden Gate Park (m.ob.). Both were still present at the end away from Monterey Bay. Very rare in winter, Xantus' Mur- of the period. Quite rare in winter, a W. Kingbird was found relets were found repeatedly in Monterey Bay with at least on W. Butte Rd., near the Sutter Buttes Dec. 5 (JRi). A W seven seenFeb. 20 (W.F.O.). Marbled and Ancient Murrelets Flycatcher seen on the Chico CBC Dec. 19 registeredonly and Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets were all reported in the fifth winter record for the region (AC). Tree, Violet-green what seems to be normal numbers. A Horned Puffin was and Barn Swallows appear to have returned to the region photographedat the F.I., Mar. 18 & 19 and a Tufted Puffin earlier than normal with a few probably overwintering. Two was seen off Bodega Bay Jan. 15 (TC, C.F.O.). differentScrub Jays were seengathering nesting material Feb 17at Dog I., Tehama Co., and at Concord(SAL, DE), at least PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS--Great Horned a month early. Yellow-billed Magpie records for Sisk•you and Pygmy Owls were reported in good numbersalong the Countycontinue to mountas anotherwas photographedFeb coast by several observers. Spotted Owls were reported in 5 just e. of Grenada (fide MT, MR). This speciesmay be typical numbersmostly from areasnear the coast. Blue-listed expandingits range N. Most interestingwas the observation Burrowing Owls were noted as being "harder to find" this on the Pt. Reyes CBC of a Corn. Raven catchingand eating

370 AmericanBirds, May 1977 a small shorebird at Limantour Spit Dec. 18 (JRe). The shore- have been the same individual seen here in late November bird must have been asleep to have been caught by the slow- (FN, FBe). Another found at Tilden Park, Contra Costa Co , movingraven! Chestnut-backed Chickadees were found in two in late November was last seen Dec. 4 (fide DRo). A very additionalE1 Dorado County locations,at L. Walton andjust late Bay-breastedWarbler was seen at the Carmel R. mouth below Georgetown(WS). Both observationsconsisted of 10-+ Dec. 12 (D. Dittmann,fide DRo). birds each. This speciesis continuingto expandits rangeS The Prairie Warbler seen last fall at Sharp Park, San Mateo into the Sierra, but breedinghas yet to be firmly established. Co., was last seenDec. 5 (JM) while anotherwas found In late Perhapssome enterprisingobserver will documentthe first November at Arcata and was seen by several observers breedingrecord for the Sierraand confirmwhat we have long Dec. 4 (DRu). These are the first and secondwinter records suspected.For a more completediscussion of this problem for the region. Five Palm Warblers, all froin the coast from see Crase (Am. Birds 30:673-675). Ferndale to Asilomar Dec. 1-Feb. 20, were reported (mob ) A N. Waterthrush at ReddingDec. 14 & 15 was the first ever NUTHATCHES THROUGH WAXWINGS ,Unseasonable found in Tehama Co. (PD*, SAL et al.). This speciesis rarely weather allowed Winter Wrens to remain at high Sierra loca- ever found inland, and is very rare in winter. A Wllson's tions throughmuch of the winter period. One was seenJan. 4 Warbler found near Springville Dec. 12-31 is the first Tulare near Little Norway, El Dorado Co., at an elevationof 6800 County record for winter (fide RAB). Two Am. Redstarts ft (WS), and two more at 6400 ft. in Holey Meadow, Tulare were reported: one at the Pajaro R., Santa Cruz Co., Jan 1, Co , Dec. 22 (RAB). An unusuallyhigh count for CationWrens (PM) and an ad. male that apparentlyreturned for the second was tallied on the Peace Valley CBC Dec. 23 when 50 were consecutivewinter just n. of Sebastopolin mid-Decemberand found(fide BED). The Bendire'sThrasher reported in the fall remained to at least Jan. 29 (BDP, m.ob.). issuespent its secondwinter in Courtlandand startedsinging in mid-February (m.ob.). Sage Thrashers returned to the BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPARROWS--Three Brown- Klamath L. Basin early, where 12+ were seen at Laird's headed Cowbirds at Standish, Lassen Co., Dec. 30 were of Landing Feb. 17 (MT). Another was found at Lindsay, interestas this speciesis rare in the Great Basinin winter (DE) Tulare Co., Dec. 18 where there is only one other winter record (fide RAB). Several observersnoted that Am. Robins were down in numbers all winter. Comparisonof some CBC data from previousyears indicatedthat the populationswere A very odd assortment of migrants showed up at down by as much as 80-90% in many parts of the region. Younger's Lagoon, Santa Cruz Dec. 4-11. First to Temperate weather in the Pacific Northwest might have en- arrive was an Indigo Bunting Dec. 4-11, followed by a couragedrobins to remain farther n. this winter. Dickcisseland a Tree Sparrow Dec. 7, and finally a As usual, Blue-gray Gnatcatcherswere reported wintering Rusty Blackbird Dec. 11-17. The area was beingvery in small numbers. Two were found at the Carmel R. mouth, closely watched during this time so apparently the and single birds were seen s. of Livermore and at Clear L. grants all arrived shortly before they were discovered Highlands (m.ob.). Following last winter's invasion, Bo- The Indigo Bunting was only the third ever recorded hemianWaxwings made a small reappearancethis winter: 18 in the region in winter; the Dickcissel was the second were seen on the Lake Almanor CBC Dec. 29 (P. Laymon), winter record for the region. The Rusty Blackbird is five were seen near Bray, Siskiyou Co., Feb. 20 (fide MT) quite rare on the coast particularly in December. Tree and 15 appearedat S. Lake Tahoe Dec. 28 (fide WS). Cedar Sparrows are casual on the coast in fall but are con- Waxwings, like robins, were noted as being very low in num- siderably rarer in winter. Since most coastal records bers throughout the period. for Tree Sparrowsin winter are of birdsthat remained SHRIKES THROUGH WARBLERS--A total of 13 N. in the area of discovery for some time, the Younger Shrikes was found at two coastal and nine inland locations. Lagoonbird was probablya late fall migrant;it was not This is an above-average count. Most unusual was the pres- seen again after Dec. 7. Further, since the Indigo ence of a singingSolitary Vireo Dec. 24 at the Calaveras Big Bunting,Dickcissel, and RustyBlackbird can hardlybe consideredwintering birds in the region and the fact Trees (4700 ft) (MK). Another was found on the Monterey CBC Dec. 28. Three Blacksand-white Warblers were found that the Tree Sparrowwas probablya migrantwould suggestthat this flock was a very late "fall" wave of wintering Dec. 14-Jan. 18 with single birds at the Carmel R. vagrants--mostremarkable! Contributors: (TB*, DP*, mouth, Inverness and Dog I., Tehama Co. (m.ob.). This spe- RM, PM et al.) cies appearsto winter in the region in small numbersnearly every year. Much rarer in winter were two Tennessee Warblers. Single birds were at Pt. Reyes Station Dec. 18- Feb 26 (JL, SLu, m.ob.) and at the Carmel R. mouth Dec. 11 Three winteringW. Tanagerswere reported;two from the (RS, LCB, DE, BDP et al.). Several observerscommented coast and one inland Jan. 8-Feb. 27. A single q)Rose-breasted that Orange-crowned Warblers were heard singing actively in Grosbeak was seen in Pt. Reyes Station Dec. 18 (JL, SLu, mid-February which is about a month ahead of their normal m.ob.). Two c• Evening Grosbeaks at Inverness Dec. 18 and singingtime. A total of four Nashville Warblers wintered at several in the East Bay area in February (fide DR.) were three coastallocalities which is about normal. A singleYellow the only onesfound near the coastthis winter (RS et al ) A Warbler seen on the Peace Valley CBC Dec. 23 was the only c• Pine Grosbeak seen at Lava Beds Nat'l Mon. Jan. 11 was one reported (RS). One of the Cape May Warblers that win- quite interestingsince there is only one other recordfor the tered at Santa Cruz last winter apparently returned and put Great Basin (PD*). A single Gray-crowned Rosy Finch seen in a brief appearanceJan. 15 but was never seen again after on SummitPark Rd., LassenN.P., Dec. 7 (SAL) was partic- that date (W. Greene). A single Black-throatedGray Warbler ularly interestingsince the bird is rare in Shasta County and on Inverness Ridge, Marin Co., Dec. 1 was the only one little is known of its status there (see Johnson, R. E 1975 reported(DS). At least six Hermit Warblers, all on the coast Auk 92:586-589). Red Crossbillswere reported in four loca- from Marin CountyDec. 3-Feb. 18, were reported(DS, BSo, tions near the coast, the largest flock of which comprised 125 RS) A Chestnut-sidedWarbler at the Carmel R. mouth Jan. 3 birds on Mt. Tamalpais Jan. 1 (NS). A flock of eight birds was the region's first in winter (W Palsson*) This bird may that included two in juvenile plumage was seen at L Mary,

Volume 31, Number 3 371 Mono Co., Dec. 7 (DAG). Two interestingGreen-tailed Tow- SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION hee recordswere submitted:one 5 mi. n. of Knight's Landing, /Guy McCaskie Yolo Co., Jan. 16 appears to be the first winter record for the Sacramento Valley (G. Howe*), and another at June This winter was exceptionally mild and dry with prolonged L., Mono Co., Dec. 8 was the first winter record from the periods of clear, sunny weather, but we did not experience Great Basin (DAG). A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was seen, sub- the extreme drought conditions prevalent in Northern sequently banded and photographedat Belinas Lagoon Feb. California. This mild wealher could have made it possible 4-6 (JE, BSo*}. for many species, normally found only as •ummer visitors, to have wintered. However, this did not appear to be the Vesper Sparrows were reported in fewer-than-normalnum- case, and we had only an average number of wintering fly- bers. The most interestingrecord was of a single bird at Red- catchers, vireos, warblers, orioles and tanagers in the region. ding Jan. 2; they are rare this far north in winter (SAL). A Sage The presence of nighthawks and calling Poor-wills may be Sparrow 5 mi. n. of Branscomb,Mendocino Co., Feb. 13 was attributed directly to the weather. in a location that shouldbe watchedfor p6ssiblebreeding; this species'status n. of Marin County on the coast needsclarifica- tion. Most unusual was the presence of a Black-throated Sparrow at Kaweah L., Tulare Co., Feb. 13-Mar. 12 (RAB*, m.ob.). This makes the secondwinter record for the region. Rare along the Coast. a Gray-headedJunco was seen at Pt. Reyes Station Mar. 2 (JE*). In addition to the Tree Spar- ß.{• ,••'t. ' 'l row mentioned earlier, a single bird was seen on the Peace Valley CBC Dec. 23 (RS, BED et al.). A Clay-colored Sparrowin Pt. ReyesStation Dec. 18represented only the third winter regionalrecord (JL, SLu). Harris' Sparrowswere seen in fewer-than-normal numbers. An imm. bird that wintered in Porterville Nov. 15-Feb. 28 was the first ever found in Tulare County (RAB, C. Gunderson*). A bird that appeared to be a melanistic Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen on Mines Rd., near Livermore Feb. 20 (AE). It was described as having very dark brown underpartswith black wingsand tail. White- throated Sparrowswere reportedin normal numbersregion- ally. A Fox Sparrow of one of the rusty e. races wintered at a feeder in Oakland Jan. 4-Feb. 18 (RS, JLu et al.). At ..... least 14 Swamp Sparrowswere reportedDec. 5-Feb. 5 with Mountain sp•ies such as chickad•s, nuthatches, finch• nearly all found on or near the coast; two were seen in the and siskinswere quite sc•ce in the lowlands,although s•l C.V. (m.ob.). Three Lapland Longspurswere found alongthe num•rs were to • found in coastal Santa Barbra County. coast from Ferndale, Humboldt Co., to Halfmoon Bay This could • al•buted to tbe fact that virtually no snow fell Dec. 4-Jan. 5 (PM, TS,fide RS, DS). in tbe local mountains, thus m•ing conditions there less harsh than usual. However. more than the no•al number of CORRIGENDUM--The E. Kingbird reported in Am. Bird Brown Creepers was reported from lowland Io•lities, and 30:1000 was seen July I l, not July I. humors of Golden-crownedKinglets remain• much higher than usual after last fall's influx. CONTRIBUTORS--Maurine Armour, StephenF. Bailey, American Robins and Cedar Waxwings were more sc•ce BerniceBarnes, Robert A. Barnes,Florence Bennett (FBe), than noted in any winter during the past twenty ye•s LaurenceC. Binford, Tony Bledsee(TB), Tim Bowles (TBi), even though there appeared to be plenty of berries to hold California Field Ornithologists,Ted Chandik, Howard L. them had they ever •rived. Possibly the mild conditions to Cogswell, Allegra Collister (ACe), Alan Craig (AC), Phil ß e north permittedboth speciesto winter farther north than Detrich, Bruce E. Deuel, Art Edwards, Dick Erickson, Jules usual. Evens, Lynn Fartar, Fresno Audubon Society, David A. A few r•ties were found, includJ• Cafifo•ia's first doca- Gaines,Golden Gate AudubonSociety, L. W. Gralapp,Keith ment• Anhinga, a Broad-billed Hummi•bird, a Common Hansen, Rob Hansen, Tom Heindel, Craig Hohenberger,Joel Grackle •d a winteri• Ovenbird and Dickcissel. Hornstein, Greg Howe, Margaret Keith, Betty Kimball, Barb Klasson (BKI), Oliver J. Kolkmann, StephenA. Laymen, Bill LOONS, GREBES•A Red-throaled L•n in El Monte, Lenarz, Ron Le Valley, John Lindsay (JLi), John Luther, Los Angeles Co., Jan. 20 (GSS) was unusual, bet there •e Susanne Luther (SLu), Eugene Makishima, many observers, now a number nf records from I•es in the coastal lowlands Guy McCaskie, Peter Metropules, Scott Moorhouse, Randall thou• the species remains an accidental stra•ler e. of the Morgan, Joe Morlan, Fran Nelson, Pacific Seabird Group, mountains. A Red-necked Gre• was at Imperial Beach, San Wayne Palsson, Dennis Parker, Benjamin D. Parmeter, •ego Co., M•. 14 (FS), and appe•s to be only the second Carmen Patterson, Point Reyes Bird Observalory, William acceptable record from this f• s. on the Pacific Coast. M. Putsell, Jack Reinoehl (JRe), Bob Richmond, Jean Rich- Ho•ed Grebes continue to use some of the larger inland I•es mond (JRi), Michael Rippey, Don Roberson (DRo), Elsie for wintering with up to 40 found on L. •chu•, Santa Roemet, Dave Rudholm (DRu), Tom Schulenberg, Dave Shu- Barbara Co., throughoutthe peri• (PL), four on Legg L., ford, Bruce Sorrie (BSo), Rich Stallcup, Nick Story, Steve in El Monte Jan. 20 (GSS), one on L. Pe•is, Riverside Co., Summers,Wally Sumner,Michael Taylor, John& Ricky War- Jan 15 (EAC, SC) and one on L. •tthews, Riverside Co., riner, Western Field Ornithologists(formerly CFO), Jon Feb. 27 (EAC, SC); this s•cies was formerly consideredac- Winter, *means descriptionor photo on file.--JON WINTER, cidental inland. A count nf 205,• E•ed Grebes on the 1277 Yulupa Ave. #2, Santa Rosa, CA. 95405 and DICK •lton Sea duri• an ae•a] census in late Feb• (DV• ERICKSON, 770 Brannan Pl., Concord, CA. 94518. indicatesthe impedance of this area as a winteri• Io•lity

372 American Birds, May 1977 for the species.Western Grebes were found to be in virtually An Oldsquaw spent the winter at Bolsa Chica, Orange Co all stages of breeding activity on Sweetwater Res., in San (JA, LJ), one was at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co., Jan. 19 (JD), Diego, when the area was visited Feb. 5 (GMcC); somewere and another was on San Diego Bay Mar. 8-14 (R&EC), this Anfull nuptial display, somewere sittingon nests,some were speciesis alwaysscarce in S. California. Over 80 White-winged attendingnewly hatchedyoung, while otherswere accompany- Scoters were counted around San Miguel, Santa Rosa and lng fully grown young. Santa Cruz Is., Jan 19 (LJ) but were virtually nonexistent elsewhere along the coast. Two Black Scoters, a species that FULMARS, SHEARWATERS--Northern Fulmars were rare An S. California waters this winter with one seen from has become decidedly rare along the S. California coast An recent years, were off Goleta Mar. 2 (PL), one was at Marina Goleta Pt., near Santa BarbaraJan. 6 (PL) beingthe only one del Rey Dec. 12 (BB), and another was on San Diego Bay reported Pink-lootedShearwaters are normallyrare in this Mar. 8-21 (R&EC). Much more unusual was an region at this time of the year so one seenfrom Goleta Pt., c• Black Scoter at S.E.S.S., Jan 29-Feb. 11 accompanied Mar 1 (PL) was unexpected.Sooty Shearwatersappeared by an ad. male, Feb. 9-27 (DVT, EAC, R&EC); there dsbut to be more scarce than normal with very few reported. Manx one verified record for inland California. A few Hooded Shearwaterswere relatively common along the coast through- Merganserswere present along the coast as usual with up to outthe periodwith thegreatest numbers off' San Diego County. three at Santee near San Diego most of the winter (WTE, ANHINGAS, FRIGATEB1RDS--A 9 Anhingadiscovered PU) being the farthest south. Common Mergansersmay be on on Sweetwater Res., Feb. 4 (WTE) was still present at the the increaseas a wintering bird of the larger inland freshwater end of the period;the bird was photographed(p. S.D.N.H.M.) lakes, for some sizeable groups were reported including 300 and constitutes the first documented record for California, on Big Bear L. in January and February (JRG), and 200 on though one was seen near Imperial Dam on the ColoradoR. Los Serranos L., near Pomona most of the winter (GSS) by Allan Brooks Feb. 9, 1913(Condor 15:182,1913). An imm. KITES, HAWKS, FALCONS--Two White-tailed Kites MagnificentFrigatebird near PismoBeach, San Luis Obispo near Mecca, Riverside Co., Dec. 28 (HLC) were somewhat Co, Feb. 16 (M. Hansen, B. Jones,fide AS) was most outside their normal range as was an ad. Red-shouldered unusual since there are virtually no winter records of this Hawk near Big Pine in the Owens Valley Jan. 20 (TH) An speciesAn California. imm. Broad-wingedHawk in San Diego Dec. 14 (JD) was the HERONS, IBISES--A few Cattle Egrets were found along only one found this winter. The only Rough-leggedHawks the coast as is now expected, but two near the Edmonston reported were two at the Edmonston Pump Station at the Pump Station, Kern Co., Dec. 22 (SS) and two near Bishop, extreme s. end of the San Joaquin Valley Jan. I (SS), one Inyo Co, Nov. 14 (DGa) were more noteworthy. Two near Lakeview, Riverside Co., all winter (EAC, SC), one Louisiana Herons at Imperial Beach all winter (PU, WTE) around L. Henshaw, San Diego Co., Jan. 22-Mar 20 wereapparently the onlybirds of thisspecies present this year. (WTE, R&EC), one at L. Cuyamaca Mar. 3 (WTE, R&EC), Over 100 White-faced Ibises were at the s. end of the Salton and two around S.E.S.S. most of the winter (DVT). Fer- Sea (hereafter, S.E.S.S.), Jan. 8 (DVT), and a flock of about ruginous Hawks were reported throughout the region, but 35 spentthe winter aroundOceanside, San Diego Co. (GMcC, 15 around L. Henshaw during January was an unusual GSS), th•s specieshas been decliningin numbersin recent concentration. Bald Eagles may have been more numerous years than usual with concentrationsof up to 17 on Big Bear L , SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS--Up to 36 Whistling Swans and up to 20 on L. Matthews being the largest groups, but presenton TinnemahaRes. in the OwensValley all winter smaller flocks and scattered individuals were found at other (TH), and up to four in San Luis Obispo Dec. 1-Feb. 15 localities includingone or two on Santa Rosa 1. in January (FRT), were all in areasof normaloccurrence; however, one (LJ, GH), five on L. Henshaw Jan. 22 (WTE) and three at at S E S S., Dec. 3 (DVT) was quite far south.A Ross' Goose S.E.S.S., Jan. 5 (DVT). At least ten Peregrine Falcons were in Goleta, SantaBarbara Co., Feb. 6-16 (PL, BS), and another reported,indicating that a few still winter in the region. Only found on L. Miramar near San Diego Feb. 26, and still present six Merlins were reported; this speciesis much more scarce Mar 16 (CGE, JD), had probably both wintered locally; this today than a decade ago. speciesds a rare wanderer to the coast of S. California CRANES, RAILS--The only Sandhill Cranes in the region despite the fact that fair numberswinter at S.E.S.S. Two were up to 3000 on the Carrizo Plain and another 100 near FulvousWhistling Ducks at S.E.S.S., Dec. 29 (DVT), andfour Brawley throughoutthe winter. A Black Rail was well seen more at nearby Finney/Ramer L., Dec. 30 (DVT) were un- on Newport Bay Dec. 18 (R&MW); this speciesis now very expectedsince the speciesis exceedinglyrare in winter. A rare in the coastal marshes of S. California. d' Eurasian Green-winged Teal was photographedat Carpinteria,Santa BarbaraCo., Feb. 25-26 (WBD, GH) OYSTERCATCHERS, PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS--The and another was on Legg L., in El Monte Jan. 22-Feb. 15 Anacapa I., Am. Oystercatcher was still present Mar 6 (J&DM), thisrace is a casualwanderer to S. California.Three (R&EC). A flock of 14 Am. Golden Plover on San Clemente Eur Wlgeonswere found, with one on Newport Bay, Orange I., Dec. 8-9 (LJ) was unexpected since one in Goleta, Co , all winter (LS, R&MW), another near Oceanside,San Santa Barbara Co., all winter (PL), two or three around Diego Co., all winter (GMcC) and the third at S.E.S.S., during Marina del Rey, Los Angeles Co., in December and Jan- Decemberand January(DVT). A few Wood Ducks were pres- uary (BB, J&DM) and one in Imperial Beach, San Diego Co , ent throughoutmost of the region with a flock of 21 on L. Dec. 18-19 were the only others reported; only the Marina Sherwood, Ventura Co., Dec. 24 (SS) being the largest del Rey birds were identified asfulva. The only Stilt Sand- group pipersfound this winterwere onenear Brawley, Imperial Co , The d' Tufted Duck remained on L. Sherwood to the end Jan. 23 (R&EC) and three there Feb. 13 (WTE). Two Dunhn of January(LB, GSS). Canvasbacksappeared more numerous at Owens L., lnyo Co., Dec. 12 (TH) were at an unusual than usual with up to 800 present on Big Bear L. in the San locality for that time of the year. Red Phalaropesremmned Bernardino Mts., during December (JRG) and 2500 at along the coast in decreasing numbers through December S E S S , Feb. 10 (DVT). A c• Harlequin Duck was present after the November influx, with one near Imperial Beach Jan near Cambria, San Luis Obispo Co., throughoutthe period 2 (WTE) and another in Goleta Jan. 7 (PL) being the last (FRT, LB), this dswithin the species'normal winter range reported As usual a flock of about 60 N Phalaropesspent

Volume 31, Number 3 373 the winter on the saltworksevaporation ponds at the s. end of in e. San Diego Co., Jan. 16-Feb. 10 (JB, JD) was only the San Diego Bay (GMcC); this appearsto be the only locality seventh to be found in California. •n North America where the speciesregularly winters. Unusual WOODPECKERS-- Only three "Yellow-shafted" Fhckers were six Wilson's Phalaropes at the s. end of San Diego were reportedwith one on Santa Cruz I., Feb. ll-Mar 4 Bay all winter (GMcC); this speciesis casual in California (JA), one at L. SherwoodJan. 9 (LB), and the other near dunng the winter. Brawley Feb. 27 (GMcC); it is amazing how interest m a JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS--Only five "species" wanes once it is lumped. An Acorn Woodpecker PomarineJaegers were reported,indicating fewer than normal at the Mr. Whitney Fish Hatchery near Lone Pine Dec 12 were off the coast this winter. Single Parasitic Jaegers to the end of the period (TH) was well outside its normal were seen from Goleta Jan. 6 and Feb. 4 (PL), and three were range. Lewis' Woodpeckers were again scarcein the region, at the mouth of Mission Bay in San Diego Feb. 24 (R&EC) but single birds did find their way s. to Mesa Grande and •ndmatingthat a few were presentalong the coast duringthe Santa Ysabel in the mountains of San Diego Co., in January period. The only GlaucousGulls, rare but regularwinter visi- (WTE). A •2 Williamsoh's Sapsucker on Figueroa Mt, tors to the coast of S. California, were one in Goleta Jan. 7 Santa Barbara Co., Dec. 5 (BS) appeared to be somewhat (JD, PL) and another at McGrath S.P., Ventura Co., Jan. 27- w. of its normal range; two on Mt. Palomar Mar. 20 (R&EC) Feb 22 (LB). A yellow-legged W. Gull (L. livens) was at and another in the Cuyamaca Mts. of San Diego Co., Mar 3 S E S.S., Feb. 18 (CGE); this form is very rare on the Salton (R&EC) were at the s. extreme of their range. One or two Sea outsidethe period from late June to early September.A Downy Woodpeckerswere near Oceanside,San DiegoCo , Thayer's Gull, scarceinland, was at the n. end of the Salton all winter(JB, JD); thisis the southernmostlocality of normal Sea (hereafter, N.E.S.S.) Feb. 27 (LJ). A Mew Gull, also occurrence in California. scarceinland, was in RiversideDec. 22 (EAC, SC) and another FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--Three Tropical K•ng- was at N.E.S.S., Jan. I5 (KG). An ad. LaughingGull, a casual birds were in Goleta Dec. 23-Jan. 10 (PL, GH) and a fourth straggler to the coast at any time of the year, was near was present there Feb. 7-Mar. 8 (PL, BS); .althoughth•s Imperial Beach Dec. 28 (DP). An imm. Franklin's Gull spent speciesis a regular visitor to the Coast during October and the entire period at Malibu, Los AngelesCo., (GSS, JD); this Novemberit still remainsvery rare in winter. Rather starthng speciesis very rare in California during the winter. A flock of was the presenceof three Ash-throatedFlycatchers w•th one up to 30 Bonaparte'sGulls at S.E.S.S. throughoutthe period in Santa Barbara Jan. 2-5 (PL, GH), another in Gardena was unexpectedsince the speciesis normally very rare away Jan. 12-28 (JA) and the third near San Diego Feb. 6 (WTE), from the coastin winter. Four CaspianTerns remainingaround there are very few documentedwinter coastalrecords An E the Santa Barbara / Goleta area through late January (PL) Phoebe was seen off and on at San Elijo Lagoon, San D•ego were quite far n. for mid-winter.What was probablythe same Co., Dec. 5-Feb. 6 (JB) and another was at Santee,San D•ego Black Tern was seen at two different localities along the San Co., Jan. 12-Mar. 9 (WTE); one or two of thesebirds are found D•ego shorelineDec. 31 (RLP) and Jan. 3 (WTE); this species in California every winter. A Hammond's/Dusky Flycatcher •s most unusual at this time of the year in California. Black was seenat Morongo Valley Jan. 15 (EAC, SC) and another Skimmers remained around S.E.S.S. into December with two was in Riverside throughout February (EAC, SC), e•ther stfil present Dec. 20 (DVT), and seven or eight remained speciesis very rare in California in winter and much care- at the s. end of San Diego Bay throughoutthe period. fully documentedwork must be done to determinejust which ALCIDS--Common Murres were fairly numerous off- of these two is the more likely. Only six Vermihon Fly- shore with counts of 150 off Oxnard Mar. 7 (GMcC), and 60 catcherswere reportedfrom alongthe coast,but one of these from shore in Goleta Mar. 2 (PL) being reported. An Ancient was a male, in Goleta Feb. 7 (PL) at the extreme n hm•t Murrelet, scarce in S. California waters, was seen from of its recorded range in California. Goleta Dec. 13 (PL), two were seen from Pt. Dume, Los Two Violet-green Swallows near San Diego Feb 5 (JD) Angeles Co., Mar. 2 (JD) and another was in King Harbor, appearedto be the first noted this spring.Two Bank Swallows Los Angeles Co., Jan. 1 (TH). at S.E.S.S., Dec. 23 (GSS) were unexpectedsince the species PIGEONS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS--One or two is rarely noted in winter. Small numbers of Rough-w•nged White-winged Doves were present at Agua Caliente in the Swallowswintered in the s.e. portionof the regionas appears desert portion of e. San Diego County throughout the pe- to be normal; one at Malibu Dec. 19 (LJ) is best treated as a riod, this speciesis now foundwintering regularly in very small winteringbird, whereasanother in OceansideFeb. 6 (GMcC) numbersevery year in this area. Unexplainablewas a White- was probably a new spring arrival. A Barn Swallow, qmte w•nged Dove seen flying in from the ocean off Goleta Mar. 2 rare in winter, was near Port Hueneme, Ventura Co , Jan (PL) A wintering roost of Long-earedOwls was found on the 27 (LB). Anza-Borrego Desert of e. San Diego Co., in January (CGE) CREEPERS THROUGH SHRIKES--Some Brown and one was seen on Santa Barbara 1., Jan. 20 (LJ). The Creepers evidently moved into the lowlands, as indicated by resident Saw-whet Owls on Santa Cruz I., were actively a few around Santa Barbara all winter (PL), one on Santa calhngby Mar. 4 (JA). Poor-willswere heardcalling through- Cruz I., Mar. 5-6 (JA), one near Malibu Jan. 27 (GSS) and out the winter aroundSan Luis Obispo(FRT), one was heard two at N.E.S.S., Jan. 29 (GSS). Winter Wrens pusheda httle near RedlandsDec. 27 & Jan. 1 (MP), and a few were audible farther s. than normal with one near Julian in the mountains around Del Mar just n. of San Diego during February and of San Diego Co., Jan. 18 (CGE) and two at S.E.S.S, Dec March (JB); this winter activity was probablybrought about 20 (KG). A Sage Thrasher in Colton Dec. 30 (MP) was at an by the exceptionallymild conditions.Three LesserNight- unusuallocality for that time of the year. The only Varied hawks were seen in Blythe along the Colorado R., Jan. 31 Thrushesreported were four in the hills above SantaBarbara and one was there Feb. I (KR); winter sightingsare few all winter (PL, BS) and one on Mt. Palomar, San Diego Co , indeed. The presenceof 25-30 Vaux's Swifts near Ocean- Mar. 11 (FS). A Townsend's Solitaire on Pt. Loma m San s•de, San Diego Co., Jan. 7 (BED) and Mar. 15 (JD) indicates Diego Dec. 9 (WTE) was most probably a late fall m•grant that a small flock wintered locally. A c• Allen's Hummingbird Golden-crownedKinglets declined in numbers dunng De- •n Goleta during Decemberand January(PL) and another male cember, but were presentthroughout much of the region all •n San Diego Dec. 14-18 (JD) were probablyboth of the race winter; some of the more significantsightings included s•x stfil sedentariusA c• Broad-billedHummingbird at Agua Caliente on Mt Palomar Mar 20 (R&EC) and one at Finney L,

374 American Blrds, May 1977 Imperial Co., Jan. 30 (EAC, SC). A flock of about 120 the speciesis now well establishedin the ColoradoR. Valley BohemtanWaxwings near Valyermo, on the n. sideof the San with small numbers regularly reaching the Imperial Valley Gabriel Mts., Feb. 6 (KG) came as a real surprisesince Cedar around S.E.S.S. A c3Corn. Grackle was present in Carlsbad, Waxwingswere virtually nonexistentin the regionthis winter; San Diego Co., Feb. 9-Mar. 26 (R&EC, PU); this was only these birds remained in the area feeding on mistletoe well the fifth to be found in California. tnto March. An imm. N. Shrike at Tinnemaha Res., in the As usual a few W. Tanagers were found wintering around Owens Valley Jan. 23 (TH) was the only one reported. flowering eucalyptus,with at least four in Goleta (PL), one in Riverside(EAC, SC) and two or three in San Diego (GMcC) VIREOS, WARBLERS--A Solitary Vireo was present The & Scarlet Tanager banded in San Luis Obispo Nov in Riverside all winter (EAC, SC) and another was at 27 remained in the area through Dec. 13 (FRT) and another Agua Caliente in e. San Diego Co., Jan. 22-Feb. 10 (JD); male was well seen in Goleta Nov. 12 (SIR). A c2 Hepatic one or two of these birds are found in California every Tanager found in Oceanside Jan. I was still present Feb 6 winter A Warbling Vireo, decidedlyrare in Californiaduring (GMcC) and undoubtedly wintered locally; there are only a winter, was in Pasadena throughout January and February handful of winter records of this speciesfrom along the coast (GSS), and another was found in RiversideFeb. 24 (DMM); of California. The only SummerTanagers reported were two one in San Diego Dec. 14-18 (JD) is best treated as a late fall on the Palos Verdes Pen., Dec. 28 (D&BH) and one in San mtgrant. Diego Dec. 23 (WTE); a few are normally presentevery winter A Black-and-white Warbler, always rare in winter, was near Morro Bay Jan. 15(D&CA). A NashvilleWarbler was present FINCHES, SPARROWS--Four Rose-breasted Grosbeaks tn Pasadenaall winter (GSS) and another was near Pt. Mugu were seen during December with a female in Santa Barbara Jan 22 (KG); a few are found in s. California every winter. Dec. 7 (LJ), a male near Malibu Dec. 12 (GVH), another A Vlrgtnia's Warbler in Goleta Dec. 7 (PL) was undoubtedly male in Sierra Madre of Los Angeles Dec. 25 (GSS) and a a late fall migrant. A Yellow Warbler in Goleta all winter (PL) male capturedby a cat in San Diego Dec. 13 (CL). A & Dtck- and another at McGrath S.P., Jan. 19 (JD) were of special cissel was the star attraction of a feeder in Los Osos, San Lms interestsince the speciesis decidedlyrare along the coast at Obispo Co., Jan. 26 to at least Mar. 27 (FRT); there is only this season; two or three at S.E.S.S. during January (KG, one other record of this species wintering in California GMcC) were in an area where small numbersregularly winter. Six Red Crossbills on Mr. San Gorgunio Dec. 26 (MP) and A Black-throated Gray Warbler in Goleta and two more in another in Morongo Valley Feb. 24 (EAC, SC) were the only Rtverstde all winter (PL, MP, EAC) were the only ones re- onesreported. A Green-tailedTowhee near Brawley, Imperial ported A rather late Black-throated Green Warbler was in Co., Feb. 27 (GMcC) was at an interestinglocality for that Goleta Dec. 6 (BS) and an even later individual was at time of the year. A Lark Bunting, always rare in Cahforma N E S S., Dec. 23 (JA); both were fall migrants. The only during the winter months, was at Sweetwater Res, San wtntenng Hermit Warblers were two in Santa Barbara Dec. Diego Feb. 5-8 (WTE). 27-Jan 13 (PL) and another in Goleta Dec. 14-Jan. 14 (PL). A few "large-billed sparrows" regularly winter around A Palm Warbler spent the entire winter in Goleta (PL, BS) S.E.S.S. and ten were counted there Jan. 23 (EAC, SC), this but two more there on Dec. 7 (PL, BS) and another on Santa well-marked form of the SavannahSparrow apparently moves Cruz I, Dec. 21 (LJ) were all fall migrants. An Ovenbird n. into this area after having nestedin the Gulf of Califorma tn Riverside Feb. 12-Mar. 14 (DGr, SC) was only the second ever known to winter in California. A N. Waterthrush was Two GrasshopperSparrows at Sweetwater Res., San Diego Feb. 6 (WTE, PL) were of extreme interest since there are near Malibu all winter (GSS) and another near Imperial Beach very few winter records for California. Two Sharp-taded Dec 5-18 (GMcC) probably wintered locally; one or two are Sparrows were still at Upper Newport Bay Mar. 6 (PL) now being found each winter in S. California. As usual a few where they undoubtedlyspent the winter. Two Gray-headed Wdson's Warblers spent the winter in the region with six Juncos in Big Pine Dec. 8 (TH) and another at Oasis Jan lndtvlduals being reported. One or two Am. Redstarts were 16 (TH) were all in an area from which no previous wtnter seen aroundS.E.S.S., throughoutthe period; small numbers records exist; this speciesoccurs regularly in small numbers are known to winter regularly in this area. The Painted throughoutthe mountainsof S. California every winter with Redstart found in Coronado, San Diego Co., Nov. 21 was a few in the lowlands e. of the mountains. Six Harris' stdl present Dec. 25 (R&EC) but not seen thereafter. Sparrows were found in the n.e. part of the region dunng ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS--Reports of December, one was in Kelso, Mar. 6 (EAC, SC), one spent Hooded Orioles included three or four in Santa Barbara the entire winter in Goleta (GH, PL), another was in nearby dunng January and February (GH), a male in Encino, Los Summerland Dec. 7-8 (GH), one was at Morongo Valley Angeles Co., all winter (GSS), and another in Laguna Jan. 1 (MP) and single birds were found on Santa Barbara Beach, Orange Co., Jan. 7 (JAJ); this appearsto be an aver- I., Jan. 20 (LJ) and on San Clemente I., Dec. 9 (LJ), about age number for the winter period. A d Scott's Oriole was an averagenumber of reports for a winter season.About 15 seen tn Morongo Valley Feb. 24 (EAC, SC); this speciesis White-throatedSparrows wei•e reported. Along the coast dectdedly rare in California during the winter. The only singleSwamp Sparrowswere at Morro Bay Jan. 15 (D&CA), "Baltimore" Orioles reported were a male in Goleta Feb. 7 Goleta Jan. 2-Feb. 13 (LJ, PL), Fillmore Dec. 28 (PL), San (PL) and a female in San Diego Dec. 14-18 (JD). About Elijo Lagoon Dec. 10 (PU) and Sweetwater Res., Feb 6 15 "Bullock's" Orioles were found along the coast; small (WTE); in addition six were found around S.E.S.S., Jan 16 numbers regularly winter around feeders and in flowering (KG). This speciesoccurs regularly in small numbers,but is eucalyptus.A Rusty Blackbird at Oasis, Mono Co., Dec. 5 quite secretive and easily overlooked. (CH) and another at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley The only Lapland Longspur reported was one on Santa Dec 4 (CH) were clearly fall migrants,and in an area where Rosa I., Jan. 27 (LJ). Most interesting were reports of smallnumbers occur duringmigration; one in Goleta Jan. 2- Chestnut-collaredLongspurs. A flock of 20 at Baldwtn L, Mar 3 (PL) clearly wintered and establishesone of the few Dec. 17-20 (JRG) may have been presentlocally since mtd- documented wintering records for California. A 9 Great- October, but one at L. Henshaw Jan. 9 (GMcC) and 25 near tatled Grackle at Sweetwater Res., in San Diego Feb. 5-6 Oceanside Feb. 6 (PL, BS) along with the 75 found on the (WTE, JD) was the first to be found on the coast of California, Orange County CBC Dec 26 (PU) would suggestsome may

Volume 31, Number 3 375 winter in suitable areas of s.w. California. Small flocks somelanding on shore.This is only the secondyear that the found in March 1968 (Aud. Field Notes 22:480) and 1969 specieshas indicatedpotential for breedingon any of the main (Aud. Field Notes 23:523) support this suggestion. islands,except Niihan. On Niihau, a private island, four were seenfrom a helicopter,apparently on territory Jan. 14 (CFZ). CORRIGENDUM--A noteworthy record that has just Here, their presenceis apparentlya regular occurrence(Tr), come to light is that of a South Polar Skua captured alive althoughpreviously unreported. A PelagleCormorant represent- on the beach in Imperial Beach, San Diego Co., Nov. 23. ing the secondstate record, was seen on SandI. Lagoon,Midway 1975 (JA--specimen at Long Beach St. Univ.); this is an Jan. 8 by personsfamiliar with the speciesin Alaska (BH, BS). exceptionally late date for this species to be found in WATERFOWL -- Wintering waterfowl reached all-time California, and provides us with the only specimen-sup- highs in the Hawaii Division of Fish and Game (hereafter, ported record in S. California. FLD. F. & G) semi-annual census Jan. 13. Totals for all the main CONTRIBUTORS--Don & Caroline Adams (D&CA), Jon islands included 1829 Pintails and 1413 N. Shovelers(RLW), Atwood, Larry Ballard, Bruce Broadbrooks, John Butler, which are about 10 per cent aboveprevious highs. At least ten Eugene A. Cardiff, Steven Cardiff, Howard L. Cogswell, other migrant specieswere found in what observerstermed "one Robert & Elizabeth Copper (R&EC), Bruce E. Deuel, William of the best winters for waterfowlin recent years." A single B. Drew, Jon Dunn, Claude G. Edwards, William T. Everett, Canada Goose (probably taverneri, possiblyparvipes)wintered Dave Garber (DGa), Kimball Garrett, John R. Gustafson, Dick or• Waiakea Pond, Island of Hawaii (JMS, CPR, CJR). A 9 Green (DGr), Gerald V. Haigh, Tom Heindel, Don & Bonny GarganeyTeal, one of the few recordsfor the state, was closely Hoechlin (D&BH), Craig Hohenberger, Gerrie Human, studied at Hanalei N.W.R., Kanai, for a week and was last seen Jerome A. Johnson, Lee Jones, Gilbert King, Paul Lehman, Dee. I (CFZ). With onlyabout five previousstate records, a pair Clifford Lyons, Doug M. Morton, Jess & Donna Morton of Blue-wingedTeal appearedat Hanalei N.W.R.. Jan. 27 and (J&DM), Michael Pertone, Robert L. Pitman, David Povey, remainedthrough March (CFZ). Another was seenJan. 13 at Ken Rosenberg, Stephen I. Rothstein, Luis Santaella, Fritz Honokohan, Hawaii (EFK). One of the first records for the state Scheider, Brad Schram, Arnold Small, G. Shumway Surfel, was a d CinnamonTeal, first reportedin October(CFZ) and Steve Summers,Fern R. Tainter, Don V. Tiller, Philip Unitt, remaininguntil at leastDec. 28 at Hanalei N.W.R. (BG). Russell & Marion Wilson (R&MW), San Diego Natural Fewerthan a dozenrecords of Ring-neckedDuck existedfor History Museum (S.D.N.H.M.), p: photo on file.--GUY the state until this season when more than 20 individuals were McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, recorded:five at Waiakea Pond (CJR, CPR, JMS) through the San Diego, California. period; four at Puu Ka Ele Res., near Kilauea, Kanai Dee. 18 - at least Jan. 13 (CFZ, DY0; six on Morita Res., Kanai Jan. 13 (CFZ); one on Punamano Pond, Oahu Jan. 13 (PS, BG) - Feb. 6 (RLP): and five to six on Kahana Pond, Mani Dec. 22 (CJR, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION CPR) - Feb. 8 (BG, CFZ). A pair of GreaterScaup frequented /C. JohnRalph and Robert L. Pyle Waiakea Pond, Hawaii with a pair of LesserScaup all season, offeringexcellent comparisons to aid in the identificationof this The 1976-77winter was the dricst in the 31-yearrecord of veryinfrequent migrant (CFZ, JMS, CJR, CPIO. On Jan. 30 a d rainfallat the Honoluluairport. The coldfronts that usually Tufted Duck also appeared on Waiakea Pond (JMS). All bring 75 per centof the yeaifsrainfall mostlydissipated before previousrecords in the state havebeen from Midway and Kure reachingthe islands.Several record high temperatureswere set Atolls.It remainedthroughout the season(CJR, CPR). A group duringthe season.Significantly higher counts of many water- of six HoodedMcrgansers, first found Dec. 4 (PO), frequented birds may havebeen owingto the concentratingeffect of the the pondsat KaneoheMarine CorpsAir Station,Oahu through drought,although the increasednumbers of the endangered the season(TAB, RLP). Three more were sightedJan. 13 at HawaiianCoot may indicate a significantcomeback. Kehena Res., Hawaii (EFK). HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- An Osprey was presenton Kealia Pond,Maul Augustthrough the winterseason (MLU, BG, CFZ). One of the few records for Pere- grine Falconoccurred on the Aica Trail just on time for the Hon- olulu CBC Dee. 19 (FGH, OB). Presumablythe sameindividual •,.• ''" LANAI(• MAUl was seenthe followingday at Makapuu, Oahu (JG), and again Jan. 19 at Pearl Harbor (RL). The populationof the endangered Am. (Hawaiian)Coot on Kanai remainedhigh, at nearly2000, since the normal migration to Niihau for nesting had not occurredby scason'send. The birds may have been aware of the unfavorableconditions on Niihau causedby the droughtsince 1100 of these were on Waita Res., Kanai (TT, CFZ). On Jan. 13, 2330were counted statewide (RLW, H.D.F. & G), toppinglast yeaifsprevious high of 956. About 10-15 per cent of the cootsat Hanalei N.W.R., Kanai and at Waipio Pen., Oahu have red While a few introducedspecies continued to declinein num- frontalshields, perhaps indicating an incursionof the mainland bers,several experienced a rapid populationincrease, and four race (CFZ, CJR). With lessthan six previousrecords, a Killdeer wererecorded in unprecedentednumbers during the season. was at a reservoirnear Omaopio, Maul Jan. 13 (MLU, EA), and another present all seasonon the Waipio Pen., Oahu (RLP, GREBES THROUGH CORMORANTS -- A singleHorned H.A.S.). A Willet, one of the few ever recorded, was discovered on Mani and commuted between Kanaha and Kealia Ponds Grebe, the first Hawaii record,was found near the mouth of the Wailua R.,KauaiDec. 26 (SLL) and againJan. 8 (GY). Laysan throughat leastFeb. 8 (CFZ, BG). Albatrosseswere present this winter at Kilauea Pt., Kanai with a JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- The usual concentration singlebird Dec. 8 and up to six throughoutthe period(CFZ), of PomafineJaegers frequented the sewageoutfall area off Sand

376 American Birds, May 1977 I., Oahuthrough the winter,but reachedan extraordinarycount of more than S00 birds Jan. 9 (WMO, RLP, H.A.S.). Hawaii is normallygull-less with perhaps one or twosightings in anywin- ter. This seasonabout 1S individuals were observedon the various islands,including Glaucous, Glaucous-winged, Herring, California,Ring-billed, Franklin's (or Laughing),and Bona- parte's(RL, m.ob.). I ! I I BABBLERS THROUGH OLD WORLD WARBLERS -- I The formerly-abundantRed-billed Leiothrix {Japanese Hill I Robin)has become quite scarce on Oahuas many H.A.S. field I I tripscould find no morethan oneor two.This introduced I I speciesis stilllocally common on Mauiand Hawaii. The Red- I I whiskeredBulbul has had a populationexplosion in the past I I year,with 77 seenon the HonoluluCBC, up fromthe previous I high of sevenin 1968! Observersreported large numbers I throughoutManoa Valley, Oahu (SC, RLP, CJR).The Red- I I ventedBulbul has also increasedin numbers,with the Honolulu I QUESTERS I CBCtallying 4S3, morethan doublelast year's212, and nine I I timesthe previous high in 1972.The species was reported for the WORLD OF I first time on the n. end of the island at Laie Jan. 27 (PLB, RJS). I The introducedDyal Thrashwas seen at WaimeaPark, Oahu I NATURE I Jan.22 (EW, MW). The specieshas not beenreported since I I 1967,but a remnantpopulation may persist. The Japanese Bush I TOURS I Warbler hasincreased in numbersthroughout Oahu, e.g., 40 I I observedon the PoamohoTrail, Feb. 4, cf previousyears' "Nature tour" hasa definitemeaning when I counts of no more than six (ILLS,MC). I I youtravel with Questers,the onlyprofes- I sional travel companyspecializing exdu- HONEYCREEPERS-- In the last 20 yearsonly about 40 Iiwi I sively in nature tours. I havebeen reported from Oahu,thus a reportof about25 in I Our approachis to provideyou with the I Deeemberduring a surveyat 3000 ft., near Kaala Mt., was I broadestpossible opportunity of experienc- I wricoroenews (RJS, MC, RW, JJ).A bird with the field marksof I ingfor yourself the natural history and cul- I a femaleof the hithertopresumed extinct Oahu race of the ture of eacharea we explore.With the lead- Akepawas very carefully observed Dec. 14 at 2350ft. on the I ershipof an accompanyingnaturalist, we I Scholfield-WaikaneTrail (PUS,MC). The Volcano CBC Jan. 2 I searchout the plants and animals, birds, and I flowers...rain forests, mountains, and countedgood numbers of endangeredspecies, but the starper- I tundra... seashore,lakes, and swamps. We I formerswere 100 HawaiiAkepa (LK et al.), mostlyon Keauhou I also study the architecture,archaeology, I Ranch. I museum collections,temples, and customs I I of the people. I PLOCEIDAE THROUGH FRINGILLIDS -- The popula- The currentDirectory of WorldwideNa- tions of Lavender Fire-finchesand Red-cheekedCordon-bleu at I ture Tours describes33 tours, varying in I Diamond Head are estimated to be at least 30 - SOindividuals I lengthfrom 4 to 36 days,to virtuallyevery I each0W), and may be established.The Black-headedMunia I part of the world. Includedare Mexico, I Guatemala, Hawaii, Alaska, India, Ecuador hasspread away from Pearl Harbor, with flocks reported IS mi. I I inlandduring the season(RJS, MC), and severalindividuals and Galapagos,Migratory Grey Whales-- foundon the windwardside of the KoolauRange at Laie, Oahu I Baja,Iceland, and MilfordTrack. Tour par- I I ties are small, the pace leisurely, and I (PLB,DGB). The JavaSparrow also seems to berapidly increas- itineraries unusual. ing.Tlle Honolulu CBC recorded 231 cf. theprevious high of 4S I Call or write Questersor seeyour Travel I lastyear. Many flocks of mostly young birds have been recorded I Agentloday for your free copy of theDirec- I in ManoaValley (C JR, SC,RLP). Three nests of Yellow-fronted I tory of WorldwideNature Tours. I Canarywere found this winter near Diamond Head, Oahu (AJB, CJR,CPR), and youngwere fledged. This is the first positive I I breedingrecord for the state. I I I I OBSERVERS -- Edwin Andrade, Andrew ]. Berger, Delwin I I G. Berrett,Phillip L. Bruner,Timothy A. Burr, OmerBussen, I I Mark Collins,Sheila Conant, Hawaii Divisionof Fish & Game, Questers Tours I Brent Giezentanner, J. Good, Brian Hawkes, Francis G. AND TRAVEL, INC. Howarth, James Jacobi. Laurence Katahira, D. Kawahara, I ErnestF. Kosaka,Eugene Kridler, Roy Larsen, Steven L. Lind- Dept.AB-577,257 Park Avenue South New York, N.Y. 10010 ø(212) 673-3120 I say,W. MichaelOrd, PaulOpler, Carol P. Ralph,Bryan Sage, I Palmer Sekora, J. Michael Scott, Robert J. Shallenberger, Hawaii Audubon Society,Thomas Teller, Meyer L. Ueoka, Ronald L. Walker, John Walters, Edwin Warner, Marian War- net, RichardWarshauer, David H. Woodside,Gustav Yagi, and C. Fred Ziellemaker. -- C. ]OHN RALPH, Institute of Paelfie IslandsForestry, 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813,and ROBERTL. PYLE, 741N. KalaheoAve., Kailua, HI 96734. Volume31, Number 3 377