The Spring Season March 1 - May 31, 1989

ATLANTIC PROVINCES REGION

Blake Maybank " BRUNSWICKSackville..Amherst"'-';"':.-'"

'•. • Vo•ille

Map Illustrations/DeniseL O'B•en

hiswas my firstreport as RegionalEditor. I was explain an apparent population rebound in some species initially concerned that the spring migration might that overwinter well north of the tropics.Many observers offer relatively little grist for the mill--autumn is typically reported increases in Winter Wren, Golden-crowned more exciting in the Maritimes. I need not have worried. Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, and Song Many trendsand tendenciesemerged among regular spe- Sparrow. cies, and there were interesting rarities. Reporting was With respect to this spring's vagrants, rarity-chasers good from , Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, and were most successful in Nova Scotia and St. Pierre et easternNewfoundland, but only fair everywhere else. Miquelon; Newfoundland birders complained of unusu- The spring weather was largely benign, with virtually ally slim pickings. And since you asked, I indeed just no major unpleasantstorms, and no repeat of the partic- missed the outstanding event of the season (see the first ular weather pattern that had brought Newfoundland's S.A. below}. But that is another story for another day... large influx of Greater Golden-Ploversin 1988. The last ABBREVIATIONS--S.P.M. = the French islands of Saint half of May was particularly pleasant,with many warm Pierre et Miquelon. sunny days owing to a southwestern flow of air: good for LOONS TO COBMOBANTS -- Of the 6 reportsof Red- the migrants,but poorfor migrantwatching. The vanguard throatedLoons, 12 at Cape Enrage,NB, Apr. 16 was a good of the warbler and flycatcher migration was therefore a number (fide HD). It was an unremarkablespring for Corn. few days ahead of schedule.For example, on May 26 in Loons, with few major concentrationsreported; 23 at Louis Nova Scotia, all the provinces'sbreeding speciesof war- Head Beach, NS, Mar. 13 (DY) was a typical count. After a biers (22) and flycatchers (seven) were heard singing, winter that saw lower numbers of grebesthan usual, it was somethingusually not possibleuntil the first week of June. good to have 52 Horned Grebes at Black Point, NS, Mar. 4, The winter just past was also relatively temperate-- with 70+ around the BlandfordPeninsula, NS, Mar. 24 (G & which, if equally true somewhat farther south, could IT). Only five reportsof 28 Red-neckedGrebes in Nova Scotia

Volume 43, Number 3 443 was less encouraging, with one a flock of 12 at Hemeon's Head Apr. 12 (DY). To quote from the autumn 1988 West Indies Regional In the "some people just live right" department was the summary: "... the Lesser Antilles may serve as the astonishingdry-land observation of a Yellow-nosed Alba- portal for trans-oceanicinvasions of African , such tross, the 3rd for Nova Scotia (FL, IM, ph.). The observers as Cattle Egret, Western Reef-Heron, Little Egret, and were strolling the beach on Seal I. after a long day's birding possiblyothers." They may indeed. This year, during May 28 when the glided in, made a few passes,and then the Region'sannual spring overshootof migrating her- left. This was likely the same bird seen by local fishermen ons, three different Little Egrets were discovered in May 24 two miles west of the island. The only Cory'sShear- Nova Scotia, doubling the previous North American water reported was one on George'sBank, NS, May 27 (Ray- (and Canadian) total. mond d'Entremont). Good numbers of the common shear- On Apr. 16, at Sambro, NS, a heron that had been waters made it into the reporting period. At Portugal Cove present since early April was identified by PM as a South, NF, May 29, there were 40 Greater, sevenSooty, and Little Egret. The bird remained until Apr. 30, and was seven Manx shearwaters (BMt, JW). Farther south there were observedclosely and well by many. In addition to its hundredsof Sootyand Greater shearwaterson George'sBank, plumes (which it retains for only a brief period of the NS, in mid-May. On the earlier date of Apr. 27, 10 Manx year, unfortunately),it differed from the similar Snowy Shearwaterswere spottedoff the n.w. coastof S.P.M. (RE). Egret asfollows: thicker bill; slightlyheavier head with Cormorants of both species continued to do well. Great more extended "chin"; lores straw-yellow, not bright Cormorants have apparently begun breeding on Green I. off yellow, fading and becomegrayer anteriorly as its stay Port Hebert, NS, for the first time (DY). progressed;upper mandible blackish-gray, with the basal% of the lower mandible medium-gray;the yellow of the feet not extending up the leg at all. In behavior it was more sedate than the Snowy, stirring the bottom I-IEI•O1VS- American Bitterns seem to be holding their by foot-shuffling;its build was more like that of a Little own in Newfoundlandwith regular,albeit scattered, sightings Blue Heron. (fide BMt). Great Blue Heronsaway from their regular haunts The head plumesclinched its identificationas a Little on the mainland and the Codroy Valley of Newfoundland Egret, but its racial origins are much more open to were one Apr. 21-23 at St. John's,NF (BMt, DP), and a very question. The of Little Egret is intricate and lost bird at GooseBay, Labrador,May 19 (MBt). There were unresolved. (A full discussion of the various races of at leastfive Great Egretsin Nova Scotiathis spring,including Egretta garzetta relative to the Sambro bird is in the one in Halifax Apr. 30-May 2 that becamea celebrity,making spring 1989 issue of Nova Scotia Birds.) The present front-pagenews in the local papersas well as a spot on the conclusion is that the Sambro individual was of the evening TV broadcasts. Eurasianrace E.g. garzetta,despite the yellow lores. There were the usual Snowy Egretsthis springas well. One On Apr. 25, PM and IM found a 2nd Little Egret at was at S.P.M. Apr. 24-May 8 (RE, ph.), with another at Mary's Round Bay, NS. It had head plumes, and the same Point, NB, May 5-7 (RW). There were 8 mainland reportsof behavior as the Sambro bird. The bird was wary, and Snowy Egret in Nova Scotia,but not all were critically sepa- not seenor photographedas well asthe former individ- rated from Little Egret, which must now be done. The 3 pairs ual. Finally, FL and JT found a 3rd bird on Bon Portage on Bon PortageI. were definitely Snowy Egrets;they were L, NS, on May 22-24. This bird associatedwith a small confirmed as breeding there last year, and thus constitute group of Snowy Egrets at a recently establishednesting Atlantic 's only breeding colony. Other expected colony.Although only one plume remained, other field spring heron-family overshootsin Nova Scotia were one Cat- marks and actions also confirmed the identification. tle Egret and three Little Blue Herons;all arrived in April. At Furthermore a report has been received from a resi- least one Little Blue Heron was also in . dent of Brier I., NS, who mentioned having seen a small white egret with 2 head plumes in the springof 1988. The previous North American recordswere of two different spring birds in Newfoundland and an over- summering bird at Cacouna, . While any or all

Every spring a very few sightingsof Snow Goosecan be expected in the Region in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.This year's invasion of Snow Geesewas unprec- edented,and is recordedhere in detail. The great ma- jority of the sightingswere from New Brunswick: from Apr. 16 to May 14, between 75 and 120 birds on the Little Egre! at Sambro, Nova Scotia, April 20, 1989. Shepody River near Riverside-Albert, 80% immature, Fourth North American record. Well illustrated here are and including two blue morph (RW, HD); a flock of 35 the two long filamentous head plumes, and the lack of at JemsegApr. 16 (fide PP); 20 at Sussex Apr. 21 (fide yellow extending up the back of the tarsus.Photograph/ HD); 34 (all immatures) at Young's Cove Apr. 21 (ST, Ian A. McLaren/VIREO. OL); 53 (all immatures) at Upper Coverdale Apr. 21, of these earlier birds could have been displaced from remaining several weeks (ST, OL); 100•- at Frog Lake Europe, it is perhaps more likely that those in Nova until May 9 (fide PP); a flock of 65 at the Turtle Creek Scotiahad flown north from the , having been Outlet near Moncton in the first week of May (RW); 14 previously displacedthere from their winter range in (all immatures)at Watersidebetween Apr. 20 and May Africa. The 1983 Western Reef-Heron at Nantucket, 14 (RW, ST); severaluncounted flecksalong the St. John MA, fits in with this pattern as well. In summary, Ian R. Valley (RW). McLaren states:"Whatever their origin, it is clear that Nova Scotia had many fewer geeseby comparison, never again can we look casuallyat small white egrets. but still many more than normal: one at Glace Bay Adds to the fun, I think." Beach Mar. 16 (Edie MacLeod); one adult with 4000 CanadaGeese at ChezzetcookInlet for the last few days

444 American Birds, Fall 1989 of March (L & PP);a flock of eight in a field near Canning &A. Apr. 10-16; one immature at EconomyMarsh Apr. 18- May 8 (FS); two to three others farther west in the Although technically the following observationoc- Minas Basin at the same time (fide FS). Finally, in curred outside the Region, it was definitely a record of Labrador where they may be more regular, three birds note. The following information is extracted from a were seen at Lake Melville May 14-15 (BMt, JW). report by Alan Longhurst of the Bedford Institute of These birds undoubtedly spilled over from the Oceanographyin Dartmouth, NS. "Greater" Snow Goose population that normally mi- "A male Hobby came aboard the Canadian research grates through Quebec, centered on Cap Tourmente. ship Barfin at 44N 41W on May 9, 1989, and remained Perhaps they were displaced by the prevailing SW 6 days with the ship at that location, about 320 miles winds in mid-April. On the other hand, the invasion eastof St.John's [NF]. It capturedLeach's Storm-Petrels may have been owing to the recent increase in this population, in which case we may experience such invasionsmore regularly in the future.

WATERFOWL- Brant are regular in a few locations in Nova Scotiain winter and spring;Little Harbour on the south shoreis a lessusual location,but a flock there built up to 355 birds by Apr. 2, with the last 80 leaving around Apr. 23 (DY). An extralimital Wood Duck was at St. John's,NF, May 24 (BMt, PL), while an early male arrived at Miquelon, S.P.M., Mar. 26 to find all the pondsstill frozen--it wandered among the housesof the village of Miquelon, and became dinner. Another Wood Duck, not knowing the fate of its predecessor, showed up on S.P.M. on May 24 (RE). Two Eurasian Green- winged Teal were at Greenwich, NS, Mar. 11-20 (m.ob.). Mallards appear to be more regular in Labrador than on the island of Newfoundland, where they are rare. Mactavish noted 5 pairs in late May on Lake Melville, near GooseBay, Labrador. The overwintering N. Shoveler at Yarmouth was last seenMar. 11 (BD, BMt). Tingley statesthat there has been a large increase in the numbers of shovelersin New Bruns- (which are larger than its normal prey) with some wick this spring, difficulty, especiallyon days when seaswere heavy. It The only Redhead reported this spring was one at Lower usedtypical falconhunting techniques,though its rapid Jemseg,NB, May 3 (HD). An impressiveflock of GreaterScaup stoopswere shallow and from no more than 200 feet. It was of 1000+ at the East River of Pictou, NS, Mar. 25 (BD, L was indifferent to approachuntil the last day of its stay, & PP). Elsewherein Nova Scotia,there were at least 12 reports when it became extremely wary and obviouslyready totalling another 500+ birds, representinga fine recovery for to departagain; we judgedthe probabilityof its reaching the Greater Scaup from previous lean springs.Good concen- land to be high. trations of Corn. Eider were of 4000 migrants at Cape St. "At rest, the wings were noticeably longer than the Mary's, NF, Apr. 16 (BMt, JW), and 12,000+ at Sambro, NS, tail, and the bird much slimmer than a small Peregrine Apr. 23 (fide L & PP). Many other reports of flocks of lesser would appear to be. This individual was very dark size suggesteda continuing recovery of Common Eider in the (perhaps of the northern race), with very prominent Region, especially in Nova Scota. The only King Eider re- black stripes (not bars) on breast and belly. Chestnut ported was a near-adult male at Cape Sable, NS, May 28 (IM, thighs were observable,but not prominent. Flight was FL). There were some goodnumbers of scotersreported from very fast, with rapid wing-beats,and the wings rela- Nova Scotia, with 4000 Black Scotersin Green Bay Mar. 4 tively longer than any North American falcon." (JohnCohrs), 1500 Surf Scotersat the same location May 17, It is surmised the bird was blown off-courseduring and scattered hundreds of White-winged Scoters from the its northward migration from Africa. But where did it shores of Cape Breton I. Only Nova Scotia reported any go from the ship? Barrow'sGoldeneyes, with 5 sightingstotalling 18 individuals. A good-sizedflock of 162 Bufflehead was at Bear River, NS, Mar. 12 (fide L & PP).

BAPTOB$ -- It was a good spring in Nova Scotia for Tur- key Vulture. with 6 sightingsof nine to 17 birds. Bald Eagles The Peregrine Falcon reintroduction program in New and N. Harriers were widely reported in Nova Scotia. A Brunswick is bearing fruit, or more precisely,fledglings. On Cooper'sHawk at Cow Bay, NS, May 18 (PM) was a goodfind the harbor bridge in Saint John one pair (banded male from for a spring otherwise unremarkable for accipiters.Rare an- Fundy N.P., wild female) have hatched at least two young.In ywhere in Nova Scotia, a Red-shoulderedHawk at Gunning Fundy, N.P. itself, the startinglocation of the reintroduction Cove May 28 (DY) was a first for the local area. Another was program,a pair had 4 eggsin their nest by May 16. The male, more timely on Mar. 23 at Petite Riviere, NS (fide IM). The arriving this year Mar. 30, is 5 years old, and was hacked at only other record was of one at Sheffield, NB, May 3 (fide Fundy N.P. The female is wild, and has been mated to the PP). At least two Golden Eagleswere sightedin remote areas male for 2 years. There is also a 3rd nest at an undisclosed of the Cape Breton Highlands,NS, in early spring (FL, BD, location in s. New Brunswick which is also successful so far. IM). Could they be breeding? There were 4 reports of non-nesting Peregrine, one each in

Volume 43, Number 3 445 Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and S.P.M. DOVES TO FLYCATCHERS -- Nova Scotia's 7th (Peregrinenesting report fide PP, BD, RW). White-winged Dove was at a feeder in DartmouthMay 18-20 From Mar. 15-Apr. 3 there was one white and one dark (m.ob.,ph.). Earlier Canadian recordswere of the southwest- Gyrfalconat St. John's,NF (m.ob.).Another (morph?)was at ern race Z. a. mearnsi, whereas the bright buffy throat and Riverview, NB, on Apr. 10 (fide HD), while the overwintering upper breast of this bird suggestedthe Caribbean race Z. a. bird at Grant Pr6, NS, was last seen Apr. 6. asiatica. Photosare being circulated for analysis. As many as 10 Snowy Owls were presentin the White Hills GROUSE TO ALCIDS--An albino Ruffed Grouse at of St. John's, NF (m.ob.). The enigmatic N. Hawk Owl was Terra Nova N.P., NF, Apr. 26 was notable (Bruce Bradbury, seen at Gander, NF, Mar. 2 (BMt). Boreal Owls have always ph.). A Wild Turkey found dead on the Trans-CanadaHwy been difficult to find and see.This spring,hard work and good eastof Fredricton,NB, was of unknown origin (fide PP). The luck paid off. In Newfoundlandthere were 2 pairsat Butterpot only known release site in New Brunswick is Grand P.P., one incubating in a nest hole in mid-May (BMt, m.ob.). Marian I. At leastfive different calling birds were tallied near Carmen- A Yellow Rail was at Amherst Pt. May 21, for one of very ville (fide RB). Another was calling at Bellevue P.P. May 23 few Nova Scotia records (BF). An Am. Coot Apr. 25 in S.P.M. (KK). Finally, a singlebird near Torbay was regularly taking was both rare and early (RE). A few Sandhill Cranes are rats and mice from around a bird feeder from early March reported every spring, and may yet be found to nest some- onward (fide RB).On the mainland, a concertedeffort in Cape where in the Region.This year two were seen in flight near Breton. NS, was productive. The following individuals were St. John's,NF, May 29 (fide BMt), while one was reported noted: one calling at Neill's Harbour Mar. 24 (BD, L & PP); near ScotchVillage, NS (fide IM). one heard and seen at Bay St. Lawrence Apr. 15 (BD, L & PP). In a tiny echo of last spring,a singleGreater Golden-Plover Early and unusual was a Com. Nighthawk at S.P.M. May 5 was at S.P.M.Apr. 25 (JD,FU). PipingPlovers are just hanging (FU, JD).The Front St. Chimney in Wolfville, NS, is home to on in Newfoundland. One, believed to be a male, was at the over 250 pairs of Chimney Swifts. The chimney, attached to traditional Cape Freels location May 20 (RB). An American an old dairy building, was due to be torn down as part of a Avocet was the shorebirdof the springin New Brunswick,at Harvey May 20-23 (fide HD). In the "if only we could have seen it" category,a wildlife officer reported a Whimbrel on Outer Cove, NF, on the remarkable date of Mar. 18. The observer simply assumed that the largesickle-billed shorebird was a Whimbrel, but his descriptioncould also apply to EurasianCurlew, or to the ß • •.•'F'• ,.', •.::.•, . ,• • Eurasian race of Whimbrel (fide BMt). It could have been equally interestingto have seenthe medium-sizedshorebird encounteredat Ferryland, NF, at the sametime. A "Eurasian" Whimbrel was seen one day only at Hartlen's Pt., NS, May 10 (FL, PM et al.), for the 6th or 7th provincial record of this race. Eight Whimbrels at S.P.M. May 15 made an unusually large flock for spring (JD, FU); they were unfortunately not identified as to race. A Marbled Godwit at Sand Pt., NS, May 26 (FL, BMy) was almost certainly the samebird seen at the White-winged Dove at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, May 18, •989. samelocation in 3 of the previous4 springs.Two Ruffs were Seventhrecord for the province. Photograph/IanA. McLaren. seenthis spring,a full breeding-plumagedmale at West Chez- zetcook, NS, May 11-13 (FL, BD et al.), and a female at Sand development project. However, persistent and polite public Point, NS, May 26 (FL, BMy). actionresulted in a decisionby the town to savethe chimney, American Woodcockswere well reported on the mainland, and make it the focus of a picnic-park dedicated to the while one displaying at Rocky Harbour, NF, Apr. 14 was memory of the renowned Nova Scotia ornithologist Robie unusual (fide RB), as well as one caught in a poacher'snet Tufts. Occasionally we win some... (and released)on S.P.M. May 8 (fide RE). A pair of Wilson's The only unusual woodpecker this spring was a Red- Phalaropeswas seen at the North Amherst Marsh, NS, May headedWoodpecker at Mary's Point, NB, May 24 (DaveChris- 26 (BMy, FL). They likely breed here, but firm evidence is tie). An extralimital E. Wood-Pewee was at S.P.M. May 31 still lacking. Indicative of the continued expansion of this (RE). species,at least five different Wilson'sPhalaropes were seen in New Brunswick (fide PP). SWALLOWS TO SHRIKES -- The bird of the springfor It was a goodspring for LaughingGull, with 5 reports:one the Region was the Common House-Martin discoveredon at Dartmouth, NS, May 10 (m.ob.);one at South Harbour, NS, S.P.M. May 26. remaining to the end of the period (RE et al.. May 13 (FL, IM); two from the Bluenoseferry May 15 (Hubert ph.). It was discoveredin a flock of Tree and Barn swallows. Hall): one at Black's Harbour, NB. May 21 (ST); and two on This was only the 3rd or 4th record for , the Grand Marian I., NB, May 22 (fide ST). The 70 overwintering others having been in Alaska. Given the amount of ocean Corn. Black-headed Gulls in St. John's,NF, had departed by traffic between Canada and Europe passingto the south of May 7 (BMt). An ad. Mew (Common) Gull in St. John's,NF, Newfoundland and S.P.M., a ship-assistcannot be ruled out. was last seen Mar. 24 {RB), after its 3rd successfuloverwin- A Purple Martin on S.P.M. May 31 (RE) pales by comparison. tering. Consideringhow regular Mew Gulls have becomein Two N. Rough-wingedSwallows stayedfor 3 weeksat Spring- Newfoundland,S.P.M.'s first was long overdue; it was seen field, near Fredricton, NB (fide PP). In Nova Scotia they are Apr. 12-13 (RE, ph.). Some 18,000 Herring Gulls (95% adult) more rare; one was seen on Brier I. May 20 (IM), while two at the St. John's, NF, dump represented a typical spring were at Bear River May 21 (BMy). A Cliff Swallow was seen migration count (BMt). At least six different Lesser Black- at Cheeseman P.P., NF, May 28 (KK). backed Gulls were reported in the Avalon Peninsula, NF Red-breastedNuthatches were breeding widely and abun- (BMt, RB), where they are definitely now routine, while dantly in s.e.New Brunswick (fide RW). Elsewherethey were another was in S.P.M. (RE). The rarest gull of the spring was merely common. Winter Wrens were up appreciably in num- the Ivory Gull at Antigonish,NS, Apr. 22-25 (fide RGBB).Far bers everywhere in the Region; the mild winter certainly from the nearestbreeding colony, a Com. Murre at Deer Arm, must have been a factor. I personallyrecorded as many as 30 NF, May 25 (Isabel Learmonth) furnished one of very few in a day. The overwintering Carolina Wren at Tusket, NS, local records. was last seen Apr. 11 (S. Bowler).

446 American Birds, Fall 1989 Of all the spemeshelped by the mfid w•nter, none has the 4th •n spnng Atlass•ng•s reveahng that Fox Sparrows respondedas well as the Golden-crownedK•nglet Through- breed frofly commonlyalong the more w•ndsweptedges of out the Region they were abundant •n appropriate habitat, the easternand southernshores of Nova Scotia(BD, BMy). with their high-pitched reedy songbeing heard everywhere (for those observerswho haven't lost the upper register).In Breeding Atlas Squareswith good coniferous forest cover, I conservativelyestimated a minimum of 100 pairs/km 2, with the true total certainly higher in some cases.This forecastsa ICTERINES, FINCHES -- It wasa fine springfor Yellow- fantastic fall flight for 1989, if breeding successis good. As headedBlackbirds, with at least 6 different reportsfrom the BMt said for all of us, "you heard it here first folks." Ruby- Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, and 3 reports from Prince crownedKinglet numbersseemed up as well; most reporters Edward Island (fide GeoffHogan). ACom. Grackle at Rocky suggestedan increase. Harbour, NF, May 24 furnished only the 3rd local record m There were rumors of at least five Varied Thrushes in the last 10 years (fide RB). Seven Orchard Orioles were •n Nova Scotia this spring, but only two were confirmed. One Nova Scotia, a very good number; six of these were from wasat Boutlier'sPt. Mar. 9-24 (m.ob.),while the 2nd was at offshore islands. In , the numbers of N a feeder in White Rock for several days in late March (R. Orioles are increasing(fide GH). The Brambling in Tusket Newell). Northern Mockingbirds may be increasingin Nova Falls, NS, stayed until at least Mar. 6. Scot•a,or perhapsthey are just being more readily discovered Although winter finches have been reported to be scarce through atlassing.There were over a dozen reports from the throughoutthe northeast,the picture is more complicatedm prownce, including several on territory. They are being re- this Region. In Newfoundland Pine Grosbeakswere fairly portedmore frequently in PrinceEdward Island as well (fide commonand widespread,but there were few reportsfrom GH) The overwintering Brown Thrasher at Winterton, NF, the mainland. Purple Finch numbers were reasonablygood was presentuntil at least mid-March (fide BMt). There were throughout.It shouldcome as no surprisethat HouseFinches 3 spnng reportsfrom Nova SCotia. are expandingin the Region,particularly in New Brunswick St John's, NF, had two or three Bohemian Waxwings in A group of seven in Mortcron, NB, Mar. 15 provided the late March (RB). After a very quiet winter for this species, highest count for s.e. New Brunswick (fide HD), and they only one N. Shrike was reported, at Lobster Cove Head, NF, have been confirmed as breeding there (fide BD). Chariot- Apr 13 (Hank Deichmann). town, PEI, hostedtwo HouseFinches in April and May (fide GH), while Nova Scotia had 8 reports of a total of 10 birds, including 2 pairs. They will soon be breeding here too, I expect. Pine Siskins were common in New Brunswick, New- foundland,and the northernhalf of Nova Scotia,moving into the southernhalf of Nova Scotiain late April. Red Crossbills were scarce everywhere. VIREOS TO SPARROWS -- Record early was a Solitary Since July/August 1988 there have been remarkable num- V•reo Mar. 29 at Tusket, NS', it could have overwintered as bers of White-winged Crossbillsthroughout the Region,es- well (fide Keith Keddy). The only unusual vireo of the spring pecially New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, central and was a Warbling Vireo at Brier I. May 22 (CS). northern Nova Scotia, and throughout Newfoundland. Th•s An overwintering Orange-crownedWarbler was at a suet was apparently owing entirely to a memorable cone-crop, feeder at Herring Cove, NS, Mar. 8, providing the first March with Black, Red, and White Spruce busting out all over record for the province (fide CS). There are few Northern Breeding activity (territorial males) and juvenile birds have Parula records for eastern Newfoundland, and most are for been detectedsteadily since last summer;the singingstopped the fall, so one at Cape FreeIs May 20 was a good find (RB). only in late April/early May. In Newfoundland the heaviest Qmte remarkable was a Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" War- nesting was from January to April, while in parts of the bler •n St. John'sMar. 24 (KK, BMt et al., ph.). It was thought mainland the crossbills.apparently have bred continuously to have overwintered. This was the 3rd Regional record, the since last August, shifting from one species of spruce to first two having been from Nova ScotJan offshore islands. another as one seed crop was depleted. It is not beyond Nova Scotia's6th Black-throated Gray Warbler was well- imagining a pair raising 3 or 4 broods in the past 9 months studrod May 19 by Peter Ross et al. on Sable Island. The One can only speculate regarding the numbers of crossbills favorable winter assisted the survival of a number of the Pine involved in this invasion, but it surely is in the tens of Warblersthat invaded the Regionlast autumn. Farthestnorth, millions. And it looks as if another goodcone crop is devel- three were seen in St. John's,.NF,until late March (m.ob.), oping. w•th one singing in the nearby White Hills Apr. 8 (RB). In Common Redpollswere not encountered in any numbers, Nova Scotia, five or more were reported from various loca- although several singing on the highlands of Cape Breton I. trans,including somein full song.Two Pine Warblers on Seal were of note.A singleHoary Redpoll(race?) was at Aquaforte, I May 29 were springovershoots (IM). NF, Mar. 24 (RB). Evening Grosbeakswere hard to come by, A number of N. Cardinals overwintered in Nova Scotia, especiallyin e. Newfoundland, With the lowest numbers in and we once again hoped for a confirmation of breeding here; years. They were not much more common elsewhere, but there has been a 10-year hiatus since the last confirmed were most likely to be encountered in rural Nova Scotia. breedingrecord. An extralimital Rose-breastedGrosbeak was at Catalina, NF, in early May (fide RB). The only Blue Gros- beak ever to have overwintered in Nova Scotia was last seen Apr 13, then in full ad. 6 plumage (Marion Graves).Only one spring arrival was noted, making for a very poor year indeed. Indigo Buntingswere similarly down in numbers, with only CONTRIBUTORS (subregional editors in boldface)-- R.G.B. Brown, RogerBurrows, Dave Curry, Brian Dalzell, Halton 6 s•ghtingsin Nova Scotia. The overwintering 9 Dickcisselat Dalzell, JoelDetcheverry, Roger Etcheberry,Bernard Forsythe, RW's feeder near Mary's Point, NB, was last seen May 13. Geoff Hogan, Ken Knowles, Fulton Lavender, Oscar LeBlanc, A Clay-colored Sparrow (a speciesthat may yet nest in Paul Linegar, Bruce Mactavish (BMt), Ian McLaren, William New Brunswick)was at Lamec, NB, May 19 (HD). A wintering Montevecchi,Linda & Peter Payzant, Peter McLeod,Peter Pierce, Fmld Sparrow made it through to at least Mar. 19 near Francis Spalding,Richard Stern, ClarenceStevens, Jim Taylor, Wolfville, NS. A Vesper Sparrow discovered Feb. 5 at She- Stuart Tingley, Gordon & Judy Tufts, Frank Urtiz-Berea, Rob pody,NB, was lastseen Mar. 5 (ST, RW, OL). A 6 Lark Bunting Walker, JohnWells, David Young.--BLAKE MAYBANK (BMy), near Kentville May 22 (JoeRobertson) was Nova Scotia's12th, Site 14A, Box 43, RR#4, Armdale, NS B3L 4J4.

Volume 43, Number 3 447 I- 7Baxter • d •State %•--L,•Park NEW ENGLAND MAINE i•'G/ rand Isle Bangor ß REGION L Champlain Macbias ß ß Burlington eDeadCreek WMA

NH VT Simon Perkins Concord ß Portsmouthß. Ouabbinjll•Newburyport • Res. • Boston MA

HartfordßCTProvidencee Plymouth ßNew Haven RI'-

he dryweather that prevailed throughout the winter Champlain,VT, were unusual (V.I.N.S.),as was the late in- continued until late March when, finally, the pattern dividual that lingered at Revere Beach,MA, through the end broke. Precipitation and temperatures, thereafter, aver- of the springseason May 31 {L. Rogers).Two singleWestern aged near normal, although in Bostonon March 28 the Grebesmade appearancesin Rye, NH, Mar. 22 (A. & B. Harper) mercury soaredto a record 81 degrees,as the winds swung and Hull, MA, Apr. 9-12 0. Cameron). solidly into the south. Predictably, those winds brought The only tubenosesreported this springwere 19 N. Fulmars with them a goodlycollection of early migrants, the most on Cox's Ledge,RI, Mar. 11 0. Magill), and "aboveaverage" conspicuousof which were scoresof Snow Geese. numbers of Sooty Shearwaters seen off Nantucket I., MA, Southernpioneer speciescontinued a general expansion during the latter half of May (B. Perkins). An ad. Am. White toward new northern frontiers. and a virtually invisible Pelican discoveredin Greenwich, CT, May 29 {L. Brinker) raptor migration was either very gradual or the hawk was photographedbefore it flew out of sight eastboundalong the Connecticut shore (more details to follow in summer "fronts"simply missedtraditional lookouts. report}. The brighteststars of the springincluded Swallow-tailed Extralimital Great Egretswere singlebirds in Franklin, VT, and Mississippikites, an intriguing Myiarchus flycatcher, Apr. 14 {P. Mullen), and another found beyondthe northern- and first state records for Mountain Bluebird, Boat-tailed most colony (Scarborough,ME) in Thomaston, ME, May 28 Grackle, and Common Chaffinch. {D. Reimer). An imm. Little Blue Heron in Wayland, MA, LOONS TO IBISES -- Forty-five Red-throatedLoons tal- Mar. 30 {RKW) was especially early, and an adult at Petit lied at SherwoodIsland S.P., Westport, CT, Mar. 3 made a Manan Pt., Steuben, ME, was far north of its range May Z9 very good count for Long Island Sound {F1V0.Single Red- {RW}. Tricolored Herons were reported from Connecticut throateds, unusual inland, were found on the Connecticut R. {two), Rhode Island (seven),and Massachusetts{eight), and a at Hinsdale, NH, Apr. 11 0C), and in Becket, MA, on the late very early Green-backedHeron appearedin Randolph, MA, date of May 13 {RL}. Apr. 10 {S. Higginbotham}.One hundred twenty-six Glossy For a speciesthat otherwiseappears to be declining,the Ibisesin Ipswich, MA, Mar. 18 {RHS)far eclipsedany other roughly 80 Pied-billed Grebes reported from Massachusetts count, and single Glossiesseemed out of place in the White and 30 from New Hampshire were encouraging. Seventy Mrs. of New Hampshire at Franconia Apr. 5 {C. Foss) and Horned Grebes were found in Boston Harbor Mar. 12 OssippeeApr. 30 {C. Boyle). Three White Ibises made their {T.A.S.L.).While Red-neckedGrebes were reportedin average way to Massachusettsthis spring. On Mar. 21, following a numbers coastally this spring, 31 at Shelburne Bay, Lake spell of heavy rains, a single adult was found feeding in a

448 American Birds, Fall 1989 floodedfield in Middleboro(T Aversa),where it was joined Black Scoters off Chariestown Beach, RI, represented the Mar 23 by a secondadult (W Drew) They both disappeared single highest scorercount; migrating Black and Surf scoters Mar 29. The 3rd, an immature, appearedbriefly in Weymouth were estimated passingPetit Manan Pt., Steuben, ME, Apr. Apr 17 (D. Breen). 25 (RW) each at a rate of about400 per hour, and the largest concentrationof White-winged Scoterswas of 1000+ off Nan- tucket Mar. 21 (MH). Noteworthy among the season'ssix Barrow's Goldeneyes was one at Essex Junction, VT (on a river that feeds into the WATERFOWL -- Always a pleasantsurprise in New Eng- southern end of Lake Champlain), Mar. 7 (T. Allen). The land, especiallyin spring, Tundra Swans were discoveredin MAS/T.A.S.L. waterfowl census of Boston Harbor Mar. 12 3 locations, all in Massachusetts:two in Pittsfield Mar. 23 included 1453 Com. Goldeneyes,2350 Bufflehead, and 1361 (RL), six in Concord Apr. 15 (M. Noland), and two in Middle- Red-breastedMergansers; 1100 Red-breastedMergansers at boro Apr. 18-19 (WRP). First found last fall in New Bedford, Monomoy I. May 9 was a high count for that date. MA, two Greater White-fronted Geese (apparently of the In keeping with the rest of the waterfowl numbers from Greenland form) and one Barnacle Goose,seen off and on interior New England, Hooded Mergansersalso appeared in either there or nearby in Rhode Island, were last reported healthy numbersthis spring.Western Massachusettsreported Mar 11 (L. Tayldr) and Apr. 7 (fi.de DE) in Kingston,RI, a total of 306 (nearly 3 times that area's 10-year average!)and respectively. Another (?) Greenland White-fronted made a New Hampshire reported roughly 220 (fide A.S.N.H.) not brief stopin Topsfield,MA, Apr. 12 (JM).With the strongSW includinga remarkableand "unprecedented"246 in one count winds Mar. 27-29 came many Snow Geese.A week prior, an on the ConnecticutRiver, at Hinsdale,Mar. 24 [JC). observercounted 476 Snowsmigrating north abovethe Con- nectlcut River, from Vernon, VT (JC), but when the main flockscame, that total paled. Apparently,most of the birds passedwell inland with singlecounts during this 3-day period RAPTORS TO TURKEY-- The raptor scenethis spring rangingfrom 1070 over Mansfield,CT (W. Burke), 1000+ over providedplenty of contrast.Although no significantmigrant Pomfret, VT (C. Wood), 5200 over Quabbin Res. in central flights were witnessed,the continued (and increasinglyfre- Massachusetts(C. Quinlin), to what must have been an amaz- quent) appearanceof kites in our Regionbuoyed hopes even ing show of "thousandsin wave after wave" passingover on the slowestdays; and the three species(Osprey, Bald Eagle, MlsmssquoiN.W.R. at the northern end of Lake Champlain, and PeregrineFalcon) that took most of the heat in the DDT VT [J Gallegos). years seem to be winning their comebackbids. Ospreyscon- The high count for Brant this springwas of 2579 in Boston tinued to increase in s.e. Massachusetts,where there are now Harbor Mar. 12 (T.A.S.L.),but it must have been fun to see 55 pairs on Martha's Vineyard (A. Ben David), and this May the 70 (rarely seen inland) Brant at Quabbin Res. May 19 (T. a pair began closingthe gap between the populations in s.e Gagnon).Small Canada Geesethought to be of the "Richard- Massachusettsand Maine when it set up shopin Marshfield son's"race were reportedfrom Grand Isle on Lake Champlain, Thanks to rigoroushacking programs, Peregrines now nest in VT, Mar. 21 (E. Henning) and from Concord,MA, Mar. 15-24 every New England state, and Bald Eagles have gained a (RAF). Eight Eurasian Green-winged Teal were identified this strongfoothold with a recently discoverednest in n. New spring:one from Connecticut,one from RhodeIsland, and six Hampshire, the first in 40 years (fide D. DeLuca), and 2 pairs from Massachusetts.Six Eurasian Wigeon records included with chicks in central Massachusetts,the first breeding this one each in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and century (fide B. Davis). three in Connecticut. Raptor migration this spring was describedas "very slow" In w. Massachusetts,Seth Kellogg described this year's and "very poor" by 2 discourageddevotees in Vermont and waterfowl flight as "great." Observers there found Wood Massachusetts, and Frank Mantlik in Connecticut "Heard of Duck, Green-wingedTeal, N. Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Gad- no noteworthy movement.... "Seth Kelloggin Granville, MA, wall, Canvasback,and Ring-necked Duck in numbers twice saw a total of 519 Broad-wingedHawks (usually the most or three times those of that area's 10-year average! High numerous migrant) in 57 hours this year, versus twice that numbersof pintails were alsoreported from New Hampshire, total in one day in 1986. The biggestday in Granvillethis and a singlecount of 80 in Sunderland,MA, was particularly year, Apr. 21, produced 117 Broad-wingeds,.and Apr. 29 noteworthy. yielded 163 at Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham,MA (E.M.H.W.) High springcounts of Canvasbacksincluded 300 in Cross As low as these numberswere, the migration was not entirely Mills Pond, RI, Mar. I (D. Kraus) and 360 in Lakeville, MA, dull. A respectabletally of 250 Am. Kestrelswas counted on Mar 11 (D.'Davis). ComparableRing-necked Duck totals in- Plum Island in Newburyp0rt, MA, Apr. 27, and a few days cluded 200 in S. Hanson, MA, Mar. 25 (WRP) and 300 at later, May 4, 115 Sharp-shifinedHawks passed the samepoint Palmyra, ME, Apr. 23 [J. Hinds); Lesser Scaup made news (E.M.H.W.). And even though few Turkey Vultures were with an intrepid individual "down East" at Petit Manan Pt., counted from designatedhawk watches,they were still found Steuben,ME, Mar. 29 (RW) and a surprisinglyhigh count of to be increasingthroughout New England. Some 367 were 435 in Falmouth,MA, Apr. 16 (•'SP].Perhaps this total should reportedin w. Massachusetts(more than twice that region's not be surprising;but not since earlier this century, when 10-yearaverage); farther north, at least75 were reportedfrom scauphunting was still popularin New Englandand "bag" New Hampshire, and 45 from Maine. Most unusual were entries were available, have we had a clear picture of the vultures out over islands in Massachusetts, where three were local scaup speciesratio. seen together over Monomoy I. May 29 (D. Reid), and 10 Common Eider numbers remained low following a poor together over the s.w. corner of Martha's Vineyard Apr. 10 showing this winter, the high count being of 10,000+ off (W. Manter). Chatham, MA, Mar. 19 (BN) in an area where totals some Cooper'sHawks also appearedto be doing well, judging by yearshave rangedinto the hundredsof thousands.King Eiders at least50 reportsfrom Massachusettsalone this spring.Still were also scarce this past winter and the only individual very uncommonin New England,an ad. Golden Eagle spent reported this spring was a female at Nahant, MA, Mar. 12 the winter at Quabbin Res. and was last reported Mar. 19 (RHS). Harlequin Ducks lingering at the usual spotsnear the (ML), and two other single Goldens were seen at Eaglet (!), southernlimit of their winter range included 38 at Martha's NH, Apr. 5 (C. Foss)and Mt. Agamenticus,ME, Mar. 27 (LP) Vineyard, MA, at least until Apr. 2 (VL), and 61 at Sachuest A Rough-leggedHawk was late leavingRockingham, VT, May Pt, RI, Mar. 28 (S. Pelizza). The Nantucket, MA, Oldsquaws 30 (WN). appearedto be just as numerousMar. 21 as they had been in But the real raptor highlightsinvolved kites. Now of annual mid-winter when 200,000 were estimated (MH). About 2300 occurrencein new England,one Am. Swallow-tailed Kite and

Volume 43, Number 3 449 four M•sslsslpplKites were reported this spring Unfortu- billed Gulls have continuedto •ncreaseThe total on May 19 nately, only one of the reports was accompaniedby details was roughly 13,000 pairs (V I.N.S.) An ad Thayer's Gull, first Had other reports included at least age and time, they might discoveredat the pier at Provincetown, MA, Jan.16, was seen have helped in sorting out any possible overlap. The Am. periodically until Mar. 5 (DL). LesserBlack-backed Gulls have Swallow-tailed put in a typically brief appearancein Truro, becomeregular along the entire New Englandcoast and are MA, May 9 (M. Tuttle), and the Mississippi Kite reports now beingdiscovered more frequently inland asmore observ- included a very early, well-described, first summer bird at ers tune in to them. Among the 11 reportedthis spring,three QuicksandPond, RI, Apr. 7 (fide DE), another the same day were found inland: Agawam,MA, Mar. 1 (H. Allen), Hadley, in Billerica, MA (K. Harte), one in Truro, MA, May i9 (C. MA, Apr. 6 (C. Withgott), and West Bridgeport,VT, May 20 Goodrich),and another in Tiverton, RI, May 21 (R. Conway). (A. Fenn). Surprisingly,more GlaucousGulls were reported The task.of finding Spruce Grouseanywhere is difficult at from inland localities (five in Massachusetts,two in New best, so locating nine in the Region in one season (five in Hampshire,and one in Vermont)than from the coast.Caspian Vermont [BB,DC], two in New Hampshire[H. & B. Janeway, Tern reports included one in Connecticut, two in Rhode L Barber],and two in Maine [GT]), was commendable!Wild Island,and five in Massachusetts.As of mid-May, 2 pa•rsof Turkeys are "rapidly becoming more common" in Lincoln, Black Skimmers had returned to nest in Orleans, MA, at the ME (J. Hamlin), have a "profound stronghold"in n.w. Con- n. limit of the species'range (S. Hecker). necticut (FM), but are probably increasingnowhere in New Two Dovekies were reported, one off Ninigret N.W.R, RI, England more rapidly than in Massachusetts.This spring's Mar. ! 2, and anotherfound deadin Orleans,MA, Apr. 24 (E total of 303 from central and e. Massachusettsrepresented a Williams).•Twenty-seven Razorbills made a goodspring total sixfold increaseover the 10-year average. on Cox's Ledge,RI, Mar. 11 (S. Haydock);and on Apr 18, three breeding-plumagedBlack Guillemots were noted off Marblehead,MA (RSH).Although guillemotshave never been RAILS TO SHOREBIRDS- At the northern limit of foundbreeding in Massachusetts,the potentialis strongsince their range in New England,four King Rails this spring(two they breed just to the north on the Isles of Shoals in New in Massachusettsand two in Connecticut) were noteworthy, Hampshire, and much of the rocky north shoreof Massachu- as was an exhausted Purple Gallinule that was captured and settsprovides adequate habitat. later releasedin Marshfield, MA, May 9 (fide D. Clapp). A Corn. Moorhen and an Am. Coot, both rare in n. Maine, were relocated in the same pond as last year in Easton May 21 (MT), and a wandering Sandhill Crane strayed far east of its normal flight path and touched down in Newbury, MA, May PARROTS TO woODPECKERS-- Monk Parakeets 21 (V. Yurkunas). continued to "thrive" in a colony of 50+ nesting birds •n Three Lesser Golden-Plovers (don't forget to check their Bridgeport,CT (FM), and they may be facing somecompeti- wing linings!)were spottedthis spring,one in Rhode Island tion in coming years, since a pair of Black-hoodedParakeets and two in Massachusetts; and two rare Wilson's Plovers were has nested for the 2nd consecutiveyear at Sherwood Island reported:one (unspecifiedsex) in Stratford, CT, May 3 (W. State Park in Westport, CT (FM). Wehtje) and a female in Westport, MA (same?), May 8-10 (•'J. Withnew, scattered outbreaks ofgypsy moths, Black-billed Hill). and Yellow-billed cuckoosenjoyed a productive spring In Two Piping Plovers in Chatham, MA, Mar. 5 (R. Prescott) Vermont, Black-billeds put on "quite a showing"(JC), while were the earliest on record in the state, and a large flock of both speciesappeared in "goodnumbers" in Connecticut,and 35 on Monomoy I., MA, Apr. 15 (BN) was probably composed in nearly twice the average numbers in w. Massachusetts mostly of migrants.Always rare inland, two Whimbrels were The last Snowy Owls reported in the Regionwere s•ngle found in South Bay, VT, Apr. 30 (DC), and another was seen birds at Logan airport Apr. 16 (N. Smith), and Provincetown, at SouthWindsor, CT, the sameday (P. Desjardins).A Whim- MA, Apr. 20 (•'K. Jones). On Nantucket I., MA, the New brel of the Eurasian race (N. p. phaeopus)was identified by England strongholdfor the species,the resident Short-eared •ts white, dowitcher-like rump on Nantucket I., MA, Apr. 23- Owl population was holding steady at roughly 20 birds (K 24 (M. Litchfield). Although this race is only a rare vagrant to Coorobs).A mid-May Whip-poor-will census of the Miles the e. coastof North America, this individual representedthe Standish forest in Plymouth, MA, yielded a healthy total of 3rd Nantucket record in about 10 years. 65 birds (G. D'Entremont). At Lincoln Hill, VT, a very early A Marbled Godwit was a nice springfind in Scarborough, Chaetura on Apr. 9, reported as a Chimney Swift (W ME, May 22 (W. Howes), as was a Western Sandpiper in Beechef),probably was, but .... coastalRhode Island the same day (fide DE). Typically, the Woodpeckersnear the northern limit of their ranges•n- Westernsfound on the e. coastin springcut northwest across cluded single Red-headed Woodpeckers at Dead Creek the continent to arctic Alaska well before they reach New W.M.A., VT, May 20 (fide V.I.N.S.), and Monroe, NH, May 29, England.A Ruff was found in RhodeIsland May 13 (S.Hemp- and Red-bellied Woodpeckers included three in c. Vermont stead), and at least four appeared in Newburyport Harbor, (fide V.I.N.S.), one in Chester, NH (A. & B. Delorey), and MA, between Apr. 17 and May 17 (v.o.). another on Monhegan I., ME (J. Schultz). Woodpeckersnear This springbrought one of the biggestCorn. Snipe showsto the southern limit of their ranges were a 9 Black-backed e Massachusettsin severalyears. Heavy rains coincidedwith Woodpeckerin Cambridge,VT, May 5 (J.Guyette), and a pa•r their passage,and large concentrationswere encountered as of Black-backedsat Island Pond, VT, May 6 (BB). they fed in flooded fields and pastures.Highest counts in- cluded50+ in BoltonApr. 4 (E. Salmela),100+ the sameday in Middleboro (RAF), 150+ in Newbury Apr. 2 (SP),and 300 in Middleboro Apr. 17 (WRP). The only notable phalarope report came from Port Clyde, ME, where on May 19, a very FLYCATCHERS TO CROWS--The first significant •mpressive1500 Redswere counted(M. Plymire, fide JD). Eastern Phoebe numbers appeared Mar. 28, when 21 were notedon Plum Island, MA. Nearly 2 monthslater, on May 23, 40 EasternKingbirds were still migrating over Plum Island, GULLS TO ALClDS- Little Gulls numbered three in as were 120 Bank Swallows (SP). Connecticut and seven in Massachusetts, and Corn. Black- A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, discovered on Martha's Vine- headed Gulls numbered two in Connecticut and eight to 12 yard, MA, May 20 (fide WRP), was still there 11 days later, in Massachusetts.According to a springnest survey at Young unlike the remarkable individual in Maine last summer, this Islandon Lake Champlain,VT, the numbersof breedingRing- bird showedno interestin nesting!A probableAsh-throated

450 AmericanBirds, Fall 1989 Flycatcher was seen briefly in Stratford, CT, May 25 by an fairly commonbreeding and "migrant"shrike in our Region, observerwith experience with the speciesfrom the South- has all but vanishedfrom New England west Found in Phragmltes, the bird was described as being sleek,slightly larger than a phoebe,with a medium-grayhead, VIREOS TO FINCHES -- A White-eyed Vireo found in pale graybreast, and a very pale, yellowishwash on the belly Westport,MA, Apr. 9 (H. D'Entremont)furnished one of the earliest state records. (FM). Unfortunately, the bird could not be relocated, but it seemsunlikely a Great CrestedFlycatcher would have been Warbler migration progressedabout as usual. In e. Massa- foragingin a stand of Phragmitesby the end of May. chusetts,the first big wave arrived May 10, when nearly 30 Another component of the diurnal migration over Plum specieswere recordedin Mt. Auburn Cemeteryin Cambridge, Island,MA, May 23 was 80 Blue Jays.Two dayslater, a flock MA--the birders'Central Park of New England.All the usual of 24 was noted in "reverse"migration flying southwestover southernspecies, including Yellow-throated, Cerulean, Pro- Klttery, Maine (LP). Migrant jay flocks are an annual, late thonotary, and Kentucky made it at least as far north as May feature in coastalNew England,and are probably com- Massachusetts;and a c•Prothonotary Warbler, found in West posedprimarily of individuals from maritime populations(T. Haven, VT, May 20 (A. Pistorius), was once seen carrying Lloyd-Evans, pets. comm.). New Hampshire cornered the nestingmaterial into a hole in a stump,but was not seenafter market on Gray Jaysthis springwith no fewer than 16 re- May 28. Amongthe "winged"warblers, the rare "Lawrence's" portedbetween Mar. 3 and May 30. Theseincluded two far hybrid was well representedby five single birds: One in southin Hancock,NH, Apr. 10 (DD). A singleFish Crow was Rhode Island (J. Osborn); one in Connecticut (L. Bevier), at the species'northeastern outpost in Portland,ME, May 13 where it was seenpaired with a 9 Blue-wingedWarbler; and (K Gammons),and another was pushingthe northern limits three in Massachusetts(J. Carlisle, WD, RKW). As exciting as m S Londonderry,VT, Apr. 13 (WN). it is to find these hybrids, their increasedfrequency could spell the end, in southern New England,for the declining "parent"species, Golden-winged Warbler. In late May at least NUTHATCHES TO SHRIKES--The extent to which five singingc• Cerulean Warblers were located around Quab- certain forest passerineswere reported this spring varied bin Res.in centralMassachusetts. For severalyears such birds enormously.However, in all likelihood, this was more a have been suspectedof breeding,but have never been con- functionof the reportingsystem than a reflectionof those firmed despitetheir having been found nestingjust to the species'migration patterns. Nuthatches, creepers, and king- south in Connecticut,and to the north in Vermont (see the lets were reportedin w. Massachusettsin record numbers. forthcomingsummer summary). Comparedto that region's 10-year average,total reported A c•Painted Bunting,found a tad too late, was picked up numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, dead on the road in Orleans,MA, May 19 (fide BN), and a Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets in- Dickcisselwas presentin Smithfield,RI, Mar. 1-Apr. 17 (fide creasedrespectively by 76%, 136%, 126%, and 159% (fide DE). Most springDickcissel records likely representoverwin- SK) terers rather than migrants, and the Rhode Island bird was SinceCarolina Wrens first beganextending their rangeinto probablyno exception.Less explicable were a Green-tailed New Englandtheir numbers,especially north of Connecticut Towhee in Southwest Harbor, ME, Apr. 27 (fide CD), an and Rhode Island, have fluctuated dramatically. During a equally rare (in spring) Lark Bunting in Orleans, MA, Apr seriesof mild winters they increasein number, and progress 28-30 (L. Brown), and a Lark Sparrowin Clinton, CT, May northward, only to be set back again by one severe winter. 27-28 (J. Zickefoose). This yearthey continuedtheir latestand mostextensive push Clay-coloredSparrows nest as far eastas upstate New York, yet A bird was found in Scarborough,ME (F. Cyr), another and iudging by a few spring sightings of singing males in one or two were noted on AppledoreI., ME, in the Isles of recent years, they may be among the Region's next new Shoals{D. Holmes),two singlebirds were located in Hillsboro breeding species.However, this spring, two single birds ov- and Hookset, NH (fide DD), and at least four birds were erwintering in Hadley, MA, until Mar. 20 (ILL)and Smithfield, reportedin Vermont, including a pair that nestedin the RI, until Apr. 30 (JO)left too early to causesuspicion. Round- ChamplainValley in Shelburne {B. Racuser). ing out the list of westernsparrows reported this springwas TheNew England outlook on the E. Bluebird'spost-DDT a Harris' Sparrowthat wintered at a feeder in Deerfield, MA, comebacklooked brighter than ever this spring,but the real last seenMar. 21 (H. Allen). BetweenMar. 18 and early April, bluebird story came from Vermont. A c•Mountain Bluebird weather conditions similar to those that produced the big was discoveredApr. 2 at Grand Isle on Lake Champlain, Hermit Thrush fallout in mid-April producedone of the biggestFox Sparrowshows in many years,Most reportscame where, to the delight of many, it remained until Apr. 8 {R. from e. Massachusetts and n. coastal Maine. Those found in Lavallee, m.ob). This was the first state record and 2nd for the Region. Incredibly, the first regional Mr. Bluebird was Massachusettsincluded up to 20-25 at severalfeeders in the capturedafter it landedaboard a researchvessel 70 miless.e. ConnecticutRiver Valley, and flocksof five to 10 throughout of Nantucket I., MA, Apr. 28, 1980! the easternhalf of the state.In Maine, too, many small flocks On Apr. 18, a deepSW wind flow suddenlymet a cold front were found, but the largest numbers were reported from draped acrossMassachusetts and grounded many Hermit "down east," where 25-50 were counted at a single feeding Thrushesin coastalMassachusetts. Reported numbers varied, station in Steuben, ME (RW)! but the two biggestreports were of 60 birds banded that A 9 Yellow-headedBlackbird was presenton Plum I., MA, morningat the MahometBird Observatory(fide M. Kasprzyk) May 15-29 (D. Chickeringet al.). A Boat-tailedGrackle found and 70 counted within an hour at Marblehead Neck (RSH). in Stratford, CT, May 14 stayed at least until May 19 (E The presenceof Varied Thrushesin New Englandoften comes Hagen). This was, apparently,only the 2nd Regionalrecord to hght only when they appear at feeders,in late fall or and first state record;somewhat surprising, since the species winter, following the first few heavy snows.With so little is a resident--albeit a scarceone--in Long Island, NY. snow this past winter, a Varied Thrush found in Eustis,ME, Mar 31 (fide JD) could have overwintered and easily been overlooked. The reportof a c•Common Chaffinch in Oxford,NH, Followinga winter in which very few were seenanywhere May 7 (BB),once again raisesa questionof origin. Byron in New England,Bohemian Waxwings put in an unexpectedly Butler pointedout, in his comprehensivereport of the late appearancein Massachusetts.Seven were foundin Sher- New Hampshireindividual, that 5 of the 8 published born Mar. I (RAF); one in Hardwick Mar. 11 (ML); and one in North American chaffinch records occurred within a Essex,very late, Apr. 22 (DL). A LoggerheadShrike was seen narrow springwindow between late March and early in Athol, MA, Apr. 6-7 (S. Price).This latter species,once a May. The samplesize is still small, but such a pattern,

Volume 43, Number 3 451 as with Garganeyfor example, stronglysuggests legiti- JeremyColeman, Diane DeLuca,Jody Despres, William Drum- mate vagrancy. This latest record, escapeor not, rep- mond, Eastern MassachusettsHawk Watch, David Emerson, resentedthe first New Hampshirerecord, and probably RichardA. Forster,Maury Hall, RichardS. Heil, Seth Kellogg, the 4th Regional record. Clearly, chaffinches will bear ReneLaubach, Vernon Laux, DavidLudlow, Mark Lynch,Frank watching in the future. For further discussion, see Mantlik, MassachusettsAudubon Society "Take a SecondLook" American Birds 34: 756, 1980. [T.A.S.L.),Jack Murray, William Norse,Jim Osborne,Wayne R. Petersen,Leon Phinney, Robert H. Stymeist,Gerard Therrien, Melvin Trombley,Vermont Institute of Natural Science,Richard CONTRIBUTORS (subregional editors in boldface) -- Au- K. Walton, Ralph Widrig.--SIMON PERKINS, Conservation De- dubonSociety of New Hampshire,Byron Butler, Dwight Cargill, partment,Massachusetts Audubon Society,Lincoln, MA 01773.

ßRadisson

: lanc-Sablon QUEBEC ßEastmain

QUEBEC Sept-lies ß Matagami ß•Chibougamau • _=" Havre-SL-Plerre' • Baie- REGION Come• * •' Gasp• ' "ßMatan.

Chicoutimi ';Rimouski ß RouynßAmos •,• Rivi•r

QuebecC• ..-'

Laurier Michel Gosselin, •; •[thien/ille Montreal Richard Yank, and Hull ß Yves Aubry •e•ke

Jean.During the past decade,the nestingpopulation of Dou- averagedarlyMarch below was normal cold, and for theas a month result, bytemperatures as much as ble-crested Cormorants tripled within the 22 coloniesof the 6øC in central Quebec. The weekend of March 18-19 St. Lawrence Estuary, and in 1987 numbered an estimated brought the first warm air massinto the Region.Precipi- 17,300 breedingpairs. Provincialwildlife managementau- tation was generally below average except for extreme thoritiesare currentlyundertaking a controversial5-year cull western Quebec, the Saguenayarea, and the Magdalen in order to reducethe populationto 10,000pairs. Islands. April weather was variable: cold, dry weather An Am. Bittern flying N over Valleyfield Mar. 19 (BB)was continued in the west, while warmer and wetter condi- record early by 6 days. As usual, a goodvariety of large tions prevailed in the east. Temperatures in May were southernwaders invaded the Region,with sightingsdistrib- above the mean, but rainy conditions prevailed in the uted on a broadeast-west front alongthe St. LawrenceValley. At least four Great Egrets ventured east of Quebec City, south during the first one-half of the month. Similar con- including one at Havre-aux-BasquesApr. 17-22 (SD, JY). A ditions south of the Region delayed the May passerine Snowy Egret was observedat Hull (YT), single Little Blue migration. When the birds did arrive, later in the month, Heronsvisited Shawinigan (YR) and Pointe-au-P•re (AB), and clear weather allowed most of them to reach their breed- an ad. TricoloredHeron was found at Bernieres(LSC et al.). ing territories without pausing at traditional stopovers. all betweenMay 19 & 26. Finally, two Cattle Egretsflew by Sainte-P•tronilleMay 6 (AGu) and a GlossyIbis pausedat Rimouski May 13-15 (DR, GGe et al.). Possiblythe first pub- lished record for the Abitibi area, a Black-crownedNight- GREBES TO IBISES -- A Western Grebe was carefully Heron was sightedMay 30 at Rouyn (JLp),well north of its identified off Saint-Ignace-de-LoyolaMay 25 (MMa et al.). The known breedingrange. 3 previous sightingsof Aechmophorusgrebes in Quebec, in- cludi.ng a previously unpublished report of three birds at Amos May 15, 1985 (AGB), were not sufficiently detailed to eliminate Clark's Grebe. An ad. American White Pelican WATERFOWL -- SingleTundra Swansgraced the Ottawa turned up at Saint-G•d•on May 8 (AH, JB)and at nearbyAlma R. at Thurso May 20 (DSHet al.) and Aylmer May 23-24 (JPA), May 12 (DS,fide JM) to provide our 2nd record from L. Saint- onemonth later than expectedfor this typicallyearly migrant.

452 AmericanBirds, Fall 1989 A total of four Greater White-fronted Geese was lower than Gulls provided few surprisesthis season,The only note- •n recent years. Two Bar-headed Geese were seen at Saint- worthy sightingscame from the St. LawrenceEstuary single Valher Apr. 13 in the company of migrating Canada Geese ad. LaughingGulls were seen at CacounaMay 20-24 (LL et (DL) Such occurrencesdeserve special attention, sincebreed- al.) and La Malbaie May 28 (CGi, MS), three Franklin's were •ng in the wild could developat any time. Single Bar-headed observedat Rivi•re-Ouelle May 28-30 (CO et al.), an ad Geesehave previouslybeen observedwith other geeseon Thayer'swas reportedfrom the Rivi•re-du-Loupferry on the arctic breeding groundsin the Northwest Territories: South- late date of Apr. 28 (DR, GGe), and a 3rd-year-LesserBlack- ampton I., 1975 (RH), and DiggesI., 1981 (IJ et al.). On Apr. 8, backedGull was identifiedat Saint-Ir•n•e May 28 (CGi, MS) two Ross' Geese were detected among the 100,000 Snows that Two Roseate Terns at Havre-aux-Maisons May 30 (PF) pro- stagedat Baie-du-Febvre(DJ), while single blue-morph Ross' vided our earliestrecord from their MagdalenIs. outpost.A were encounteredat Sainte-P•tronille Apr. 29-May 8 (JLp, winter-plumagedBlack Guillemot appearedinland at Saint- GF) and Rivi•re-Ouelle May I (CA, BDs).The only substantial G•d•on May 10-14 (AH, JB et al.) and was found dead the movement of northbound Brant to be reported was of 600 next day.Inland displacementsof this specieshave previously birdspassing over ChicoutimiMay 31 (CCr, GS,JI). A Barnacle occurredin late fall or winter. Two RingedTurtle-Doves were Gooseaccompanied Canada Geese staging at Thurso Apr. 22- reported from Laval May 24 (JPP),and one that had been May 19 (JC,m.ob.), as was the case in 1985 and 1988. visiting a feeder in Bromptonvillesince the spring of 1988 A hybrid teal (Blue-wingedx N. Shoveler?),apparently the was still there at the end of May (fide VL). same one studied at Cap-Tourmente in 1987 and 1988, was presentat the latter site Apr. 29 (RL, FH) and perhapsat Saint- G•d•on May 12-13 (GS et al.). Six Eur. Wigeon along the St. Lawrence R. represented an average seasonal total, and in- OWLS TO SHRIKES--Last winter's owl invasion ex- cluded a pair off I. desSoeurs in April [PH). A pair of Canvas- backs was unusual at Saint-G6d•on May 10-15 (CGi et al.), tended into early spring as three more N. Hawk Owls were and severalgroups of Redheadsalso lingered in areaswhere reported, a Great Gray ranged eastward to Portneuf-Station they are consideredrare migrants:over 50 were reportedfrom Mar. 24 (CM), and four BoreMswere added to the already L Saint-Jeanand nearby sitesMay 5-29 (fide GS), 23 gathered high winter total for s.w. Quebec.A BorealOwl callingat L at Cacouna May 7 (JPO, ML), a pair reached Baie-Comeau Ministuk May 17-31 provided further evidence of possible May 7-22 [YF), and 2 pairs remained at Rivi6re-H•va May 8- breeding in Laurentides P.P. (BDt, SL). Still consideredrare visitors to the North Shore, an E. Wood-Pewee was noted at 30 (SG). One is tempted to associatethese occurrenceswith poor nesting conditionsin the prairie provinces, but such Pointe-aux-OutardesMay 26 (AGs) and an E. Phoebe ap- conclusionsare best drawn from a continent-wide perspec- peared at Baie-ComeauApr. 10 (GGa). A Scissor-tailedFly- tive. Locally rare were single • Harlequin Ducks at Victoria- catcherwas reportedfrom Sainte-Luce-sur-Mer May 10 (AO), ville Apr. 16-28 (AC, MGr) and Pointe-au-Pic Mar. 25 and representingQuebec's 8th record. A N. Rough-wingedSwal- Apr 16 (CS),while eight Black Scotersat Havre-aux-Maisons low seen at PhilipsburgApr. 13 (DD) was unprecedentedly Mar 16 (SP)were early, if they had not overwinteredlocally. early, as were 10 Cliff Swallowsfound at Val-du-Lac Apr. 3 Five Ruddy Ducks at Saint-G6d6onMay 4-31 (CGi, MS et al.) (JML). included a displayingpair. Numbers elsewherewere consid- A Tufted Titmouse at PhilipsburgMay 27 (JGP)added to ered normal. the very few previousspring sightings, while a White-breasted Nuthatch at Matane Apr. 16 (CGa) furnished only the 2rid Gasp6Pen. record. At least two Blue-gray Gnatcatchersap- peared at Bic May 22 (JR)and another reached Cap-Tour- mente 2 dayslater (JPO).The highlight of the seasonwas the Region's3rd Fieldfare, which made a brief appearanceat VULTURES TO DOVES- Northerly Turkey Vulture Rimouski Apr. 8 (GGe, DR). A Wood Thrush was heard May mghtingsinvolved two birds at Alma (CGi) and one each at 29 (CCr, GS, JI) at Larouche,in easternL. Saint-Jean,where La Motte (JPu)and Bic (GP, RP, GGe), all during the period one had been present in 1984; the bird could not be relocated May 4-9. A Cooper'sHawk was well seen at Rimouski May on subsequentdays. A Brown Thrashersuccessfully wintered 24 (DR, GGe), while a seldom-detectednest of this species at Saint-Pac6me(CA), but one at Saint-Roch-de-Richelieu was located on Montreal I. Apr. 30 (PB). Valleyfield hawk- Mar. 18 (JLg)was felt to be an early migrant. Outside their watchers tallied a record-high 64 Red-shoulderedHawks, normal range were singlesat Baie-ComeauMay 12-13 (GC) while a dark-morph Red-tailed Hawk was an excellent find and Pointe-aux-Outardes May 14 (GC). The Loggerhead at the samesite Apr. 2 (MMc, BB). Shrike seemsto be maintaining its precarioustoehold in the The oddity of the seasonwas without doubt an Am. Coot province: nesting occurred at Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes this found Mar. 27 (JLD]perched in a tree on Mr. Royal! Reports spring (GO), while a lone bird was seen at Sainte-Marthe in totalling 30 Sandhill Craneswere submitted from 9 locations May (JH).Another at Rivi•re-Eternit6 May 22 (CCr, GS) was in Abitibi and Tdrniscamingue,Apr. 23-May 26, with a peak beyond the species'breeding range. of 12 birds at Val-Senneville May 3 (SG, v.o.). Away from the extreme w. Quebec stagingarea, one wandered east to Saint- Germain-de-Kamouraska Apr. 18 (AR). Very few migrant shorebirdsstrayed off coursethis season.On May 20, lone Willets pausedat La Pocati•re (CA) and Cacouna (AC), while VIREOS TO FINCHES- A Solitary Vireo closely ob- another was sightedon I. du Moine May 28 (FBo et al.), and served at Cap-Tourmente May 22 (JPO)was judged by its single Marbled Godwits stoppedat Saint-FulgenceMay 21 (JI uniform greenish head to be possibly of the far western form et al ) and Rimouski May 23 (GGe). An undocumentedreport cassinii. Rarities for the Magdalen Is. were a• Philadelphia of up to three HudsonianGodwits at Havre-aux-MaisonsMay Vireo at Cap-aux-Meules May 30 (SP)and two Black-throated 4-19 (SP) did not considerthe possibilityof vagrant Black- Blue Warblers at BassinMay 22 (RG). The only "southern" tailed Godwits;if Hudsonians,these birds were record early warblers to reach the Region this spring were a singing • and exceptional so far east in spring.Two Ruddy Turnstones Prairie Warbler at La Pocati•re May 17 (CA) and a • Hooded at Havre-aux-BasquesMay 27 (PF) were also uncommon for on Mr. Royal May 21 (FG et al.). A Wilson's Warbler at the Magdalen Is. in spring. A red-morph Ruff was photo- Longueuil May 3 (DD) tied the previous early arrival record graphedat Saint-Ignace-de-LoyolaMay 6-7 (fide MMa) and a A • Rose-breastedGrosbeak at Gasp6Mar. 9 (CCe) broke female was sightedat La Pocati6reMay 23 (CA). Record early the provincial arrival record by 3 days. Havre-aux-Maisons by 3 days was a Wilson's Phalarope seen at Baie-du-Febvre receiveda 9 Rufous-sidedTowhee May 28 (GA)and an eastern Apr 19 (MR). male May 30 (SP),for the 2rid and 3rd recordsfor the Mag-

Volume 43, Number 3 453 dalen Islands. A new site near Sainte-Famille-d'Aumond in CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- J-PArtigau, C. Au- w. Quebec hosted two Clay-colored Sparrows May 29 (GB), chu, G. Aucoin, P. Bannon, B. Barnhurst, A-G Bernier, F. Blouin while one reached Sainte-Foy the next day (ML). Quebec's {FBI},G. Bouchard,J. Bouchard,L. Bourgeois,F. Bourret {FBo},A. 10th Harris Sparrow was an excellent find at Cap-aux- Brisson, L-S Carrier, J. Chabot, C. Cormier {CCr}, A. C6t6, C. Meules May 30 (SP).An extralimital Field Sparrowwas noted Coulombe {CCe},G. Cyr, L. Cyr, D. Daigneault, J-L Desgranges,B. Desmeules(BDs}, S. Desrochers,R.L. Dubois, B. Duchesne{BDe}, at Pointe-au-P•re May 5 (AB), while a Sharp-tailedSparrow Y. Duchesne, B. Dumont (BDt}, G. Falardean. Y. Fourlxier, P. at Victoriaville May 6 (PP, JLv) was a first for this inland Fradette, C. Gagn6 {CGa}, S. Gagnon {SGg},R. Garbutt {RGr}, S. locality. A c•Bobolink was exceptionallyearly at Havre-aux- Garbutt {SGr}, J. Gaudreault, G. Gauthier {GGa}, R. Gauthier MaisonsApr. 9 (SP). Another among the notable passerine (RGu},G. Gendron (GGe},C. Girard (CGi}, A. Gosselin(AGs}, A. sightingsfrom the MagdalenIs. in late May, severalof which Gouge (AGu}, M. Gr6goire 0VIGr},F. Grenon, F. Hamel, R. Harris, were of western origin, was their first ever Yellow-headed A. Harvey. P. H6neault. J. Houghton, J. Ibarzabal, D. Jauvin, I. Blackbird, a male at Havre-Aubert May 30-21 (LC, LB). A Jones,D. Lacroix, J-M Lacroix, M. Lafieur, S. Lambert, J. Langlois female that reached Pointe-au-P•re Apr. 6 (AB) was also (]Lg},J. Lapointe (]Lp},J. Lariv6e (]Lr}, J. Lavoie (JLv},L. LeBlanc, worthy of mention, while reportsof four birds submitted by L. L6gar6, R. Lepage, V. L6tourneau. J. Maltais, C. Marcotte, M. Montreal observerswere lesssurprising. Two extralimital N. Martineau (MMa), M. Mcintosh (MMc), L. Messely, A. Ouellet, C. Orioles brightenedthe North Shore, at Pointe-aux-Outardes Ouellet, G. Ouellet, J-POuellet, J. Pageau[JPu), J-G Papineau, J. Paquin [JPn},P. Paquin, R. Pitre. S. Poirier, J-P Pratte. G. Proulx, May 21 (AGs) and TadoussacMay 25 (YD). Also along the A. Reed, M. Robert, J. Rocheleau, Y. Roussel, D. Ruest, G. Savard, North Shore, 2 new localities hosted their first House Finches: M. Savard, D. Scullion, F. Shaffer, C. Simard, D. St-Hilaire, Y. TadoussacApr. 10 (YD) and Sept-IlesMay 27 (BDeet el.) both Turcotte,J. Yanakis.--MICHEL GOSSELIN,Ornithology Section, producedsingle males, likely the vanguardfor othersto come. National Museum of Natural Sciences,P.O. Box 3443, Station D, Within the spaceof 3 days,Apr. 21-23, singleEur. Goldfinches Ottawa, ON, KIP 6P4, RICHARD YANK, 566 Chester Road, appearedat Saint-Laurentand Pointe-Claire(fide PB),Bouch- Beaconsfield, PQ, H9W 3K1, and YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wild- erville (FB1),and Chelsea (RGr, SGr). life Service, P.O. Box 10100, Sainte-Foy,PQ, GIV 4H5.

. Robert•3se•

HUDSON- DerbyHill DELAWARE NEWYORK NiagaraFalls REGION

William J. Boyle, Jr., Robert O. Paxton, and David A. Cutler

hemild, dry weather that prevailed throughout most delayed the migration of many speciesby a week or more. of the Region during the winter continued into the A freak snowstormin western New York on May 7 had a early spring, except for northern and western New York, negative impact on some early nesting species. which were cool and wet. The drought conditions threat- Although a few locales experiencedsome good waves ening the area were washed away in the abundance of of migrant songbirds(e.g., mid-May, Hawk Mountain, rainfall that started with the end of March and continued Pennsylvania [LG]; May 18-20, Kaiser-Manitou Beach through most of June. Although upstateNew York missed BandingStation, Monroe County, New York [EB]), many out on the April rains (the month was cool and dry there), observerscommented on the reasonablevariety but very the entire Region experienced the wettest May of the small numbers of birds, especiallythose that winter in the century, as many areas in the Delaware River drainage tropics. While the evidence is largely anecdotal, almost received almost three times the normal amount of precip- every birder who has observed the spring migration for itation (9.5 inches at Allentown). The cool, wet weather the past 10-20 years has the same impression--we see the hampered birding much of the time and seems to have same species,but far fewer individuals. Waterfowl were

454 American Birds, Fall 1989 foundin goodvariety, but hkewisemodest numbers, while WATERFOWL -- Greater White-fronted Goose was shoreb•rdnumbers were poor everywhere except for the w•dely reported this spring,from a pair at Green Lane Res, usual concentrationsalong the Delaware Bayshore.An Montgomery,PA, Mar. 18 (BLM,jHo, m.ob.),to •ndividualsat averagenumber of local and Regionalrarities helped to Lawrenceville,Mercer, NJ, Mar. 11 (C. Fox), alsoseen earlier enhven an unexceptional spring. in the winter, another in Salem,Nj, Apr. 2 (RK),and no fewer than eight in upstateNew York from Syracuseand Ithaca west to Iroquois N.W.R., Orleans-Genesee,with a maximum of three at BraddockBay Apr. 9. The much rarer Ross'Goose, ABBREVIATIONS--Braddock Bay = Braddock Bay State now annual in fall but unusualin spring,was alsonoted in 3 Park and vicinity, Monroe, NY; BombayHook = BombayHook differentplaces. A pair at BombayHook in early April (A Nat'l Wildlife ReL, near Smyrna, DE; Brig = Brigantine Unit, Hill, m.ob.) was not too surprising,but two at Pennelville, ForsytheNat'l Wildlife Ref., Atlantic, NJ; Dunkirk = Dunkirk Oswego,Mar. 28 (D. Crumb) and another pair at Kendall, Harbor, Chautauqua,NY; Little Creek = Little Creek Wildlife Orleans, Apr. 2 (RGS,S. Spahn) furnished outstandinglocal Area, near Dover,DE; L.I. -- LongIsland, NY; Montauk = Montauk records. Point and vicinity, Long Island, NY. Place names in italics are counties. Mostwaterfowl departed early fro m the southernparts of the Region and moved rapidly through the north. The duck migration peaked at Montezuma N.W.R., Seneca, NY, Mar 15-25, although the biggestnumbers of geesewere recorded LOONS TO IBISES -- A heavy migration of Com. Loons Apr. 12. Drake Green-wingedTeal of the Eurasiansubspecies in mid-May brought small numbers to lakes and reservoirs were noted at Brig, Mar. 25 (PBa) and at Quogue Wildlife throughout the southern half of the Region, but those sites Refuge,Suffolk, L.I., in early May (fide TWB). A hybrid c•N had fewer Red-necked Grebes than usual, mainly in April. Pintail x Am. Wigeon discoveredat Middle Creek W.M.A, Along the shore of Lake in w. Monroe, NY, where Lancaster,PA, May 12 (RMS et al.) by a big day team provided Red-necked Grebe is far more regular, a maximum concen- two for the price of one. EurasianWigeon were widely noted trahonof 215 was notedApr. 6 (KCG).Unusually late were this spring, with two in Delaware, four in New Jersey,and three at SwartswoodLake, Sussex,NJ, May 11-13 (fide GH), four in upstateNew York. and one at Bangor,Northampton, pA, May 12 (S. Boyce).An Birders in the southern part of the Region,where Redhead Eared Grebe was reported at Holgate, Ocean, NJ, Mar. 4 (B. is the rarest of the regular migrant ducks, would have been Marx), but more unusual were three at Little Buffalo S.P., impressedby the concentrationof 4000 at CanandaiguaL Perry,pA, Mar. 28 (O. Stephenson).This groupappeared on Mar. 4. Along the coast,pairs of subadultCom. Eiderslingered the 8th anniversaryof the discoveryof four (increasingto five at Rye, Westchester,NY, to Apr. 29, and at BarnegatLight to a few days later) at Lake Marburg, York, PA, about 50 mi to the end of May (v.o.).An imm. King Eider was at Cape May the south; most recordsof this speciesin the Region are of until May 3, and it or another was found at Stone Harbor, singlebirds. Cape May, May 13 (RK, DHa, W. Wander). Harlequin Ducks Pelagicbirding produced little of interest this spring. A N. left over from the big winter influx were still at Indian River Fulmar was seen35-40 mi off CapeMay on Mar. 12 (P. Guris, Inlet, DE, Mar. 15 (a pair); at BarnegatLight Mar. 13 (eleven), A Covington),six were 70 mi off Cape May on Mar. 27 (TK), at Stone Harbor Apr. 20-24 (three); at Montauk Mar: 11 and a whale-watching trip out of Montauk produced 10 on (seven);and at Lawrence, Nassua,L.I., Mar. 28 (one). More May 20 (MO). The whale-watching trip and the annual trip exciting were two females on Lake Erie at Dunkirk Harbor out of BarnegatLight, NJ, May 27 located two and one Manx Mar. 3-12, for the 9th Chautauquarecord (TM, m.ob.). Shearwaters,respectively, plus numerousSooty Shearwaters, Surf Scoter is infrequently noted inland in migration,so and a few Cory's and Greater shearwaters. three at LeaserLake, Lehigh,PA, Apr. 29 (JHo)and two at American White Pelicans staged a mini-invasion of the Wild Creek Res., Carbon, May 10 (RWt) were noteworthy Region in May. The first appeared at CanandaiguaLake, Especially late was one at the Bashakill, Sullivan, May 20 Ontario, NY, May 8-9 (fide CKM), while the 2nd passedover (JPT).A pair of Barrow'sGoldeneyes at Crown Point, Essex, BraddockBay on the 9th (JD,CC). Another was farther west on Lake Champlain, Mar. 23 was an outstandingfind (G. at Four Mile Creek S.P., Niagara, May 24 {'vV.Klabunde), Furness).No exceptionalconcentrations of merganserswere while one flying east at Greenwich Point, CT, May 29 was noted this spring, as the open water may have kept them comingfrom New York, althoughit had not been seen there dispersed. (L Brimbet et al.). In Cape May, NJ, a White Pelican was at McNamara W.M.A. May 17, (J.Ward), two were at Hereford Inlet May 29 (R. Widmer), and another at Goshen Landing May 31 (CS);others appearedin June and July. RAPTORS TO CRANES- In addition to the traditional Brown Pelicansmade an early return to CapeMay on Apr. springhawk watchesof long standing,a number of the other 5 (DWd, PK), but there were no big concentrations.A pair fall spotsare now being manned on a regular or semi-regular was acrossthe bay at Cape Henlopen,DE, May 27 (F. Buhl). basis.The top totals,as expected,came from the regularsites With the increasingwinter populationsof Great Cormorant, along the southernshore of L. Ontario, led by BraddockBay there are more lingering birds in spring, but the increase in with 43,989 raptors,followed by Derby Hill with 27,599, and reportsfrom Rockland,NY, up the Hudson River, was unex- SodusBay with 26,007; the Montclair, NJ, hawk watch, not pected.A maximum of nine, mostly adults with white flank considereda prime spring locale, totaled a record 8784. Al- patches,flew by Nyack S.P. Mar, 28, but most extraordinary though most totalswere not exceptional,impressive numbers were five flying by the Hook Mr. hawk watch on the late date of eaglesand a few rarities were detected. of May 26 (PF). With Black Vultures spreadingacross the s. part of the Few herons wandered north of their usual ranges, a few Region,their appearancein the north is not unexpected;but making it into upstateNew York. Farthest afield was a Tri- they are still consideredprime raritiesalong the shoreof Lake coloredHeron at Westporton Lake Champlain May 26, only Ontario, where sightingsare becoming annual. This spring the 2nd for Essexand the Adirondack Park (G. Carleton); individuals were seen at Webster, Monroe, Apr. 13, Point another was reportedfrom Dryden Lake, Tompkins,May 25 Breeze, Or/eans,May 19, and BraddockBay May 24. Down- (fide CKM). A Cattle Egret was at Massena,St. Lawrence,May state, there were a half-dozen reportsfrom the southerntier 6 (M Badger),while a Yellow-crownedNight-Heron near Scio, of counties,Orange, Rock/and, and Westchester,bordering the Allegany, May 11 furnishedonly the 2nd county record (L. & n. New Jerseylimit of vulture's presentbreeding range. D Burton et al.). A GlossyIbis at Navarino, Onondaga,Apr. The now-annual Am. Swallow-tailed Kite appeared at 7-8 (m.ob.) was the first for the Syracusearea in 3 years. Sandy Hook May 3 (ZK), and there were three recordsfrom

Volume 43, Number 3 455 Cape May on May 7, 21, & 28-29 (PS et al.). An early Missis- two in Delaware in April and a total of six in Cumberland, sippi Kite was alongthe Garden StateParkway at Toms River Cape May, and Atlantic, NJ, Apr. 9-May 13. Apr. 27 (ABe),but the rest of the dozen or so birds were in Except for some pelagics,phalaropes were scarce. A Wil- the Cape May area May 22 to June 11, with a maximum of son'sPhalarope at Little Creek May 5-7 was the only one in six on June 3 (CS).There were no reportsof either kite away Delaware, while just three in Cape May, May 12-22, were from coastal New Jersey. the only ones in New Jersey;New York's single report came Excellenttotals of BaldEagles were reportedfrom the hawk from Rye, Westchester,May 29. At least four Red-necked watches and there were many recordsof individuals from all Phalaropeswere in Delaware in mid to late May, two were in parts of the Region.Nesting recordstoo are on the increase, New Jerseyin mid-May, and a single was at JamaicaBay May aswill be summarizedin the summer. BraddockBay recorded 31. Red Phalaropes were onshore at Cape May (two, Mar. 8, 67 Bald Eaglesfor the spring,while Derby Hill had 49, Sodus PK, B. Glaser) and at Wildwood Crest, Cape May, Mar. 25 (V. Bay 14, and Cape May 22. At Tupper Lake on Apr. 2, Charlcie DeSanctis),while more typical numbers were 45 seen 70 mi Delehanty watched two ad. Bald Eaglesattack and disablea off CapeMay on Mar. 27 (TK} and 351 on the Montauk whale- Ring-billed Gull, only to surrender it to an immature eagle watching trip May 20 (MO). that was able to drag the gull out of the water onto the ice. Sharp-shinnedHawk numberswere unexceptionalat the JAEGERS TO ALCIDS--Jaegers were unusually scarce watches, but a nest near Beemerville, Sussex, NJ, was of this spring, with only one Pomarine and a possibleParasitic interest (SA). A Cooper'sHawk nest near Allentown, PA, noted on the BarnegatLight pelagic trip May 27 (ABr}, and a representedthe first local nestingin a decade,and there were single Parasitic 10 mi off Wildwood Apr. 21 (DWa}. Of more severalprobable nesting pairs in n.w. New Jersey,as expected, interest was a S. Polar Skua seen 70 mi off Cape May on Mar. along with a similar number of N. Goshawks.Braddock Bay had two Swainsoh's Hawks late in the season, one May 27 (FN, RGS) and another May 30 (FIN},while a Rough-legged Hawk at JakesLanding, Cape May, was so late it may have decided not to migrate (DWa). The hawk watches produced good totals of Golden Eagles,with 26 at Derby Hill, 22 at BraddockBay, and 14 at SodusBay; other reportscame from Erie (two individuals)and Tompkins. One of the outstandingfinds of the seasonwas a small group (two-three birds) of Yellow Rails discoveredat Little Creek in the wee hours of May 17 (W. Russell, DAC et al.). The birds were heard and seen by others through May 27. Another Yellow Rail was heard calling at Turkey Point, Cum- berland,Apr. 28 during a survey of Black Rail sites (DWd). Black Rails were heard there and at 4 traditional locales in Delaware, but most surprising was the report of a singing Black Rail during daylight hours at South Cape May, Apr. 30 (ABe). One or two were subsequentlyheard singingeven in the middle of the day into early June, and were occasionally seen feeding along the ponds and even walking acrossthe path. At least four King Rails were at Dragon Run, New Castle, DE, Apr. 18 (APE, JSw},one was seen at Great Swamp N.W.R., Morris, NJ (DHa), and another was in Lancaster,PA, May 10- 12 (T. Amico et al.). for only the 4th county record. Surpris- ingly, there were no reports of Purple Gallinule this spring, but there were more than the usual numbers of Sand- hill Cranes,although all reportscame from upstateNew York where the speciesis far more regular than in the s. parts of the Region.The total of 16 birds includedtwo from Erie and one from Lew/s,but the bulk (12) passedover BraddockBay, with a maximum of eight Mar. 27.

This leucistic Great Black-backed Gull at Cape May, New Jersey,photographed May 16, 1989. was presentfor sometime. Photograph/Alan Brady. SHOREBIRDS--The wet weather in late spring kept water levels high at non-tidal lakes and reservoirs,and con- 27 (TK). A LaughingGull was a goodspring find on the Ontario tributed to a poor shorebirdseason. At JamaicaBay, numbers Lakeshore at Greece, Monroe, and the now-annual ad. Frank- of mostspecies were well below average,with the exceptions lin's Gull was at nearby BraddockBay with Ring-billed Gulls, of Black-bellied Plover and Red Knot. Most of the knots were May 23 (FN). Little Gulls increasedsignificantly over recent along the Delaware Bayshore, where they were the most springs,with four in Delaware in April, four in New Jerseyin numerousof the severalspecies of shorebirdsthat peaked at May, five on Long Island in March and early April, and two 400,000 on the aerial survey May 25 (R. Clark, DWd). Lesser at Braddock Bay Apr. 3. Common Black-headed Gulls were Golden-Ploverswere scarce, with only three in New Jersey about average,however, with the wintering bird still in Wil- Mar. 29-May 15, four near Smyrna, DE, May 12 0J, JG), and mington, DE, in March, one each at Cape May and Sandy one late at Oak Beach, Suffolk, L.I., May 27 (f/de TWB). One Hood in March, and two on Long Island in March and early of the seasonal rarities was a Wilson's Plover discovered at April; more noteworthy was one at Point Breeze, Orleans, three in Delaware. The Curlews were at Kitt's Hummock May May 8 (W. Listman). 7 (PH),Little CreekMay 9 (NH), and Prime Hook N.W.R. May A Thayer's Gull was reported from the Lake Ontario shore 21 (D. Quinn). Pedricktownseems to be fading as the Ruff at Oswego,NY, Mar. 5 (M. Rusk),but white-wingedgulls were capital of the northeast;this spring there were only two, a uncommon, although a few subadults lingered at Sandy Hook male and a female, Mar. 28-Apr. 16. Elsewhere there were and Braddock Bay into May. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were

456 American Birds, Fall 1989 Short-earedsnested historically in the marshesof upper Del- aware Bay and have occasionally nested up the river at Tinicum National EnvironmentalCenter near Philadelphia. A Red-bellied Woodpecker wintered and remained until Mar. 30 at a Saranac Lake, Franklin, NY, feeder, well north of the expanding range of this southern species(S. Martin). The flycatcher family provided two of the rarities of the season,both on Long Island. A Fork-tailed Flycatcher, a probableimmature with a short tail, was seen and photo- graphed at Oak Beach, Suffolk, May 7 (D. Cartwright, ph.), but did not linger. Two weeks later, the same shrubbery thicket that was so productive last fall at Robert Moses S.P., Suffolk,harbored an apparentAsh-throated Flycatcher, a rare Adult RoseateTern at Cape May, New Jersey,June 8, 1989. vagrant in fall and unprecedentedin spring {TL}. One of three individuals first found there in mid-May. Photo- The snow of May 7 caught swallows by surprise in the graph/Alan Brady. Buffaloarea, as they were forcedto deserttheir nestingareas and forage far afield for sustenance(SWE}. A Fish Crow at BraddockBay Apr. 6 (FN} and another at nearby Greece May 7 (KCG} were part of a continuing increase in occurrence of scatteredalong the coast,as usual, but good local records the speciesalong the Lake Ontario shore as it spreadsnorth came from Lake Mohawk, Sussex,NJ, in March (SA), and in the Region.The same can be said of Corn. Raven, which is Ithaca, NY, where two were present in early March. A few spreadingsouth and away from the mountains.Singles were Royal Terns appeared along the coast in May, as is now at BraddockBay Mar. 27 and Apr. 5 (FN), for the first and 2nd expected;but a highlight of the seasonin New Jerseywas the recordsfor the hawk watch there; to the east,Derby Hill had appearanceof first one, and then up to three RoseateTerns a recordfive for the season.Ravens are regularly reportedin at SouthCape May in May (E.Bart, B. Pitney,m.ob.). Although Allegany, NY, and in the s. Catskills,and one was along the they breed on e. LongIsland, Roseateshave only rarely been Delaware River at Bushkill, Pike, PA, May 6 (B & NM}. found nestingin New Jersey.The recent annual appearance A Red-breastedNuthatch carrying food in Southampton of one of more at S. Cape May raisesthe possibilitythat they Township, Burlington, NJ, Mar. 30 was a surprise after the may nest or have nested in one of the local Common Tern poor winter showing 03. Confer}, but eight Brown-headed colonies. A Thick-billed Murre swam in to shore at Smith Nuthatches located on the Delaware Ornithological Society Point Park, Suffolk, L.I., Mar. 5 (BK et al.). springroundup, May 13, suggesteda stable population of that speciesat the northern limit of its range. Carolina Wrens continued to recover stronglyfrom their lows of a decadeago, The highlight of the seasonin Pennsylvaniawas a spreadinginto southern and central New York, but the de- consequenceof a continuingstudy on the part of Rick clining SedgeWren was representedby only 3 reports: an Wiltraut of the birdlife of Carbon County. This spring individual at Pickering Beach, Kent, DE, May 10-15 {CP, H. he made a specialeffort to monitor Beltzville Lake and Armistead}, another at Moses-Saunders Dam, St. Lawrence, two nearby reservoirsduring and after stormsto see NY, May 28 (M. Badger),and one at BraddockBay May 31 (R. what might be blown in. On May 2, the rain and easterly O'Hara}. winds brought a Black Tern, Common Tern, five Bo- EasternBluebirds were reported doing well everywhere in naparte'sGulls, and the first LaughingGull ever for the the Region,although there was someloss of youngin w. New county. A storm with strongsoutheast winds overnight York becauseof the May snowstorm.A Gray-cheekedThrush produced a Red-throated Loon (a first in spring) and a at Bombay Hook May 15 (D. Clear} and two at Rehobeth, CaspianTern on May 6. Heavy rains and easterlywinds Sussex{MVB, JRu},were lucky finds of a speciesseldom noted on May 10 put 10 Forster's Terns on the beach at in spring in Delaware. Among the Cedar Waxwings banded Beltzville and five White-winged Scoterson the lake. at Crown Point, Essex,NY, in May was a 2nd-year male whose The same day, two Surf Scoters(far less often noted tail tip was describedas burnt orange.A similar bird was seen inland) were on nearby Wild Creek Reservoir. The a few dayslater, and someintergrades were banded,including bonanza came with the northeaster of May 16, when one with a red-tipped yellow tail band {JMCP, ph.}. K. C. Wiltraut discovered two Arctic Terns flying over and Parkesof the CarnegieMuseum of Natural Historyis soliciting then perched along the shore at Beltzville Lake. Satis- information on this unusual phenomenonamong waxwings factory photographswere obtainedand a fortunate 7 (fide JMCP). other birders were able to rush to the lake and see the There were 9 reportsof N. Shrikes,all in March and all in birdsthat afternoon.They were gonethe next morning, upstate New York, except for one captured at Beltzville L. but representedthe first documentedrecord for Penn- Mar. 6 (G. Yoder, ph. RWt). There were only a half-dozen sylvaniasince 1890. Another LaughingGull was there reports of the declining LoggerheadShrike and these, too, the same day. Birders living near the larger inland were mainly in upstateNew York. Three were seenin Monroe bodies of water would do well to take note and try to in late March and early April, one at Montezuma, Apr. 22, checkthe lakesand reservoirsduring storms, especially and another in W. Potsdam,St• Lawrence,in April. The only at migration times. more southerly bird was at Oceanside,Nassau, L.I., Apr. 10 (J.Bull).

OWLS TO SHRIKES--Four Snowy Owls were still on VIREOS, WARBLERS- Philadelphia Vireos were seen LongIsland in early March, but the only other owl news of in fair numbers in the Rochester area, but were missed farther note concernedShort-eared Owl. Three Short-earedslingered eastat Syracuse.In the s. part of the Region,where the species in MontgomeryTownship, Somerset, NJ, until Apr. 27 (PR), is rare in spring,individuals were at Bethlehem, PA, on the but were not seenthereafter, dashing hopes of a local nesting. extremely early date of Apr. 19 (JE,D. Gemmel}, and at the On a more positive note, a pair of Short-eared Owls did Montelair hawk watch May 3 (EG}. There were numerous apparentlynest in a duck blind, accessibleonly by boat (to reportsof Orange-crownedWarbler from upstate New York, humans,that is) at SupawnaMeadows N.W.R., Salem, NJ (C. and a better-than-averagefive in southern areas, including Githens,WD). Although there have been no recent records, three around New York City in late April-early May {fide

Volume 43, Number 3 457 TWB) and one in Rocky Hill, Somerset,NJ, May 2 (PR et al ), A half-dozen records of Yellow-headed Blackbird was about the bird that had wintered m Eatontown, NJ, was still present average,with three in Salem,NJ, one in Easton,PA, Apr 20- in mid-March (N. Kazanfian). 27 (AK, m.ob.),one on LongIsland at SfunnecockBay, Suffolk, An "Audubon's"Yellow-rumped Warbler was in the same Apr. 11 (Me), one at Braddock Bay May 13, and one at thicket as the Ash-throated Flycatcher at Robert MosesS. P., Chittenango, Madison, NY, Apr. 17-25 (m.ob.). The only L I., May 21 (TL). Three reports of Yellow-throated Warbler Brewer'sBlackbird was one observedby many at Tifft Nature from upstate New York in May were unusual for a species Preserve, Erie, NY, Apr. 16. Two Orchard Orioles banded at normally recorded less than annually. One was at Allegany Crown Pt., Essex, NY, were local rarities near the northern S.P.,Cattaraugus, mid-month (A. Schaffner),one at Greece, limit of the breedingrange (JMCP).Following a poor winter, Monroe, May 13 (N. Miller), and another at nearby Island it was, not unexpectedly,a poor springfor northern finches. Cottage Woods May 22 (CC). A c• Yellow-throated Warbler singingat Mattituck, Suffolk, near the eastern end of Long Island, was far out of range (A. Dove), while the Yellow- throated that sings a Cerulean Warbler song returned to Ravine Lake, Somerset,NJ, Apr. 20 (SS). A half-dozen Pro- thenotary Warblers were found on Long Island this spring, EXOTICS--Among the few exoticsreported this spring including a pair of possiblebreeders at Southampton,Suffolk. was a Monk Parakeet at Pedricktown, NJ, indicating that the Worm-eating Warblers were observedin w. New York, well state authorities have not completely eliminated these escap- north of the breedingrange, with an individual at Orchard ees (RK). Park, Erie, May 16 (D. Happ), and four in the Rochester area m May. A Swainson's Warbler was reported from Lancaster, Erie, NY, May 18 (A. Bauer), for only the 4th record for w. New York. Equally rare was a probable Swainsoh'sWarbler heard singingin Belleplain State Forest, Cape May, NJ, May 14; the bird respondedto a tape recording,sang at length, and OBSERVERS (Subregional compilers in boldface)- Bob was glimpsedbriefly by a party of four. Although not well Ambrose,Robert Andrle, Scott Angus, Peter Bacinski (coastal NJ seen, the brownish back and unstreaked whitish breast, com- 260 PageAve., Lyndhurst,NJ 07071),Tom Bailey,Robert Barber bined with the other factors, appear to rule out any other (RBa),M.V. Barnhill,Alan Bennett(ABe), Irving Black (n.e NJ' possiblespecies (R. Cech,R. Machover,D. Mandell, S. Saphit). EagleRock Village, Bldg. 26, Apt. 8B, BuddLake, NJ 07828),R. J. Interestingly,another birder, unaware of the May 14 report, Blicharz (n.c. NJ: 827 PennsylvaniaAve., Trenton, NJ 08638), 4 days later heard a bird sing twice at the same spot that he Alan Brady(ABr), Elizabeth Brooks, T. W. Burke(New York Rare believed to be a Swainsoh's(RBa). BirdAlert), CarolynCass, K.L. Crowell(St. Lawrence Region, NY RD 4, Box 97, Canton,NY 13617),Ward Dasey(s.w. NJ: 29 Ark A Louisiana Waterthrush arrived at Unami Creek Valley, Road,Medford, Nj 08055),Paul DeBenedictis(Oneida Lake Basin, Montgomery, PA, on the early date of Mar. 21 (GLF). Four NY: 306 KensingtonPlace, Syracuse,NY 13110), Peter Deryen KentuckyWarblers in Monroe,NY, in May representeda good (Rockland,NY: 70 Third Ave., Nyack, NY 10960),Jeff Dodge, Jim springtotal, and one at Dewit, Onondaga, NY, May 15 was a Dewdell, A.P. Ednie (New Castleand Kent, DE: 21 N. Wells Ave, local rarity (m.ob.).The only other Kentucky noted north of Glenolden, PA 19036), S.W. Eaton (Niagara Frontier, NY: Ten traditional breeding areas was one at the Bashakill, Sullivan, Mile Rd., Allegany, NY 14706),John Ebner, Vincent Elia, Sheryl NY, May 26 (E. Treacy). Two Connecticut Warblers, ex- Forte, W.W. Frech (Sussex,DE: Carr. Rt. 3, Box 1144, Lewes, DE tremely rare anywhere in the Regionin spring,were reported 19958), G.L. Freed, Padraic French, Michael Galas, Paul Gillen, from Monroe,NY. One was at WebsterMay 6 (D & DT), while Laurie Goodrich, Jeff Gordon, Else Greenstone, K.C. Griffith the 2nd was at the local migrant trap, Island CottageWoods, (GeneseeRegion, NY: 61 Grandview Lane, Rochester,NY 14612), May 26 (m.ob.). Joe Gula, Sr. & Jr., Jerry Haag 0Ha), Greg Hanisek (n.w. NJ 4 MarnelRd., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865), David Harrison (DHa), Chuck Harten, Dan Heathcote (DHe), Norman Holgerson, Jason Horn OHo),Phyllis Hurlock, Rich Kane, Dale Karlson, Kevin Karlson, Paul Kerlinger,Zack Klyver, Arlene Koch,Tim Koebel,Bob Kurtz, JohnJanowski, Tony Lauro,Gary Lee,Jay Lehman (Susquehanna TANAGERS TO FINCHES- The only reports of Sum- Region,NY: RD 2, Box 68C, Norwich, NY 11815), Mearns Bird mer Tanagers north of their breeding grounds were a few Club, Helen Manson (LowerHudson Valley, NY: MooresMill, RD from n. New Jersey,an averagefive from the New York City 4, PleasantValley, NY 12569),C.K. Melin (FingerLakes Region, area, and one at Piermont Pier, Rockland,NY, May 9 (CH). A NY: 449 Irish Settlement Rd., Freeville, NY 13068),J.K. MerRt, Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Harmony, Warren, NY, on the Brian Mongi, Arthur Morris (AMo), B.L. Morris (e. PA: 825 Muhl- incredibly early date of Mar. 31, must have wintered at a enbergSt., Allentown,PA 18104),Brian Moscatello (BMo), Terry feeder well north of its usual range.One of the prime rarities Mosher, Bill & Naomi Murphy, Mike Newion, Frank Nicolettl, of the season was a Black-headed Grosbeak at an Elizabeth- MichaelO'Brien, Carl Perry,J.M.C. Peterson (Adirondack-Cham- town, Essex,NY, feeder May 7 (B. & I. Bailey); unlike most plain Region, NY: Discovery Farm, RD 1, Elizabethtown, NY vagrantsfrom the west, the majority of New York recordsfor 12932), Vivian Pitzrick, William Reid (n.e. PA: 73 W. Ross St, this speciesare in spring. Despite the influx of last summer Wilkes-Barre,PA 18702), RochesterBirding Association,Paul and fall, there was only a handful of reports of Dickcissels, Rodewald,J.J. Ruscica, Joe Russell (JRu), Sy Schiff (LongIsland mainly in New Jersey and the New York City area, but one 603 Mead Terrace,S. Hempstead,NY 11550),R.M. Schutsky,G.A. at LeaserLake, Lehigh, PA, May 27 (S.Smith, AK) was unusual Smith (St. Lawrence Region, NY: Box 498, Mexico, NY 13114), in spring. Steve Sobosinski,R.G. Spahn (GeneseeOrnithological Society), A Clay-colored Sparrow was singing at Amity, Allegany, Sullivan County Audubon Society,Robert Sundell, Clay Sutton, NY, May 15 (VP), and three were found in the Rochesterarea Pat Sutton,Joe Swertinski, J.P. Tramontano (Orange and Sullivan, NY: Orange Co. Community College, Middletown, NY 10940), in mid-May. A Lark Sparrow at JonesBeach, L.I., May 18 Don & Donna Traver, Steve Walter, Dave Ward (DWa), WJ provided an unusual spring record of a speciesordinarily Wayne, DaveWiedner (RWd),Rick Wiltraut (RWt),Eric Witmer, found only in fall and early winter (R. Stanford). The only AI Wellin (LongIsland: 4 MeadowLane, Rockville Center, NY reportsof Henslow'sSparrows came from their c. and w. New 11570). Many other observers(approximately 300) who sent re- York breeding areas,but even there they are seriouslydeclin- portsto us or to their Regionalcompilers could not be listed, but ing, as are Vesper Sparrow and GrasshopperSparrow (RGS). their contributionsare gratefullyackn0wledged.--WILLIAM J. A Dark-eyed Junco of one of the "Oregon" subspecieswas BOYLE,JR., 12 GlenwoodRd., Denville, NJ 07834;ROBERT O. photographedat West Ellicott, Chautauqua, Apr. 7 (RSu, L. & PAXTON, 480 Riverside Dr., Apt. 72, New York, NY 10027;and B O'Brien), and there were 2 reportsfrom New Jersey. DAVID A. CUTLER,1110 Rock Creek Dr., Wyncote,PA 19095.

458 AmericanBtrds, Fall 1989 ConowingoDa.,• ßFrederick Ba•moreT Patuxente Sandy• Point 1. ß Eastern MIDDLE W•sh,•onD.C.'X. ATLANTIC • •' •'t COAST • "%..•._.'•,.%'• DealIsland REGION -Chaflottesvrlle • •,ookout ViRGiNiA•,.,••r eLynchburg

Henry T. Armistea, ßAppoma,ox--'7'-"•"• • ' c'-F•e'•y•eT• Norf•k * V•gmiaBeach ß Martinsmile eKerr Res. • Ba•'kBayNWR

112 were seenin 1¾2hours Apr. 19 (JWT).In additionto these ret,in May,cold weatherespecially made for forwarblers. apoor passerinebut also keptmigration many Maryland counts,in Mathews,VA, Spitzer found 325 loons, birds lingering later than usual. Rainfall set a record for presumablymostly Commons,as early as Mar. 11, and Bazuin May in Baltimore, when it rained on 13 consecutivedays saw 125 Common and 90 Red-throated loons Mar. 25 and four (RFR). Reston,Virginia, had its seventh wettest May with of each speciesMay 26. Honorsfor Pied-billedGrebe high over seven inches (DFA). No doubt this adversely affected went to Simon, who counted 27 at Loch Raven Res., n. of many breedingspecies. Reporting was poor for shorebirds Baltimore, Mar. 10. The troubled Horned Grebe failed to reach and for Virginia, since the hotline reports from that state the impressive concentrationsit sometimesdoes in April, were lost in the mail. Thanks to a fine compiling job by with highsof only 350 at SwanPt., Kent,MD, Apr. 5 (JG),139 at N. Beach Apr. 14, and 150 there Apr. 7 & 16 (JLS).Red- Staszthe complete resultsof the Maryland Statewide Bird necked Grebe was reportedat 4 localitieswith one to two at Count in May were available for the first time (except for Loch Raven Apr. 7-16 (SWS) and one at Nanticoke Harbor, two delinquent counties),a treasure trove of information Wicomico,Mar. 28 (C & ES). The star grebewas an Eared at from 450 observersin 210 parties. Owing to high water N. BeachApr. 12-May 19 (JLSet aJ.,ph.). levels in many inland areas, and only average coverageof Dyke saw four Wilson'sStorm-Petrels in Cobb Bay, VA, the coast,the reports of shorebirdswere down. Warmth well back from the seasouthwest of CobbI. May 19. Out from in late March resulted in some early arrivals. Unfortu- Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, VA, 181 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, nately more problems with the mails led to incomplete two Leach's Storm-Petrels,and six Sooty Shearwaterswere receipt of weather data forms, except for March, which foundMay 27 (DFA, BP, BT, HFD et al.). A trip into the latter averaged 1.0øF above normal and 1.7 inches of precipita- area May 29 reported49 Sooty,seven Manx, 13 Greater, and tion over the norm. seven Cory's shearwaters,plus 518 Wilson's Storm-Petrels (DFA, BP et aJ.). Unprecedented counts of N. Gannets were forthcomingfrom the Marylandpart of the Bay,where usually ABBREVIATIONS--Back Bay = Back Bay Nat'l Wildlife only one to 20 are seen on the few days when they appear. Ref., VA; the Bay = ChesapeakeBay; Blackwater= Blackwater They were seenMar. 18-Apr. 16 in the Bay off Calvertwhere Nat'l Wildlife Ref., MD; C.B.B.T. = ChesapeakeBay Bridge & Stasz saw 189 on Mar. 19, 433 on Mar. 20, 40 on Mar. 21, 31 Tunnel, VA; Chinc.= ChincoteagueNat'l Wildlife Ref., VA; on Mar. 22, 29 on Mar. 28, and 36 on Apr. 8 (JLS,EB), many Craney I. = Craney Island DisposalArea, Portsmouth,VA; D.C. of these totals made in spite of winds adverseto the birds = Washington,D.C.; MD Count = Maryland StatewideBird Count of May 13. Place names in italics are counties. with the observersable to be presentonly a few hours in the morning. Completelyunprecedented for the Regionwas a flock of 15 LOONS TO IBISES- Usually no one is looking out on Am. White Pelicansreported by Gabler n. of Kiptopeke,VA, the Bay when loons reach peak numbers. This spring they Mar. 25 flying N alongthe shoreof the Bay. The more usual were, with results such as 550 Common and 20 Red-throated singleswere seen at Wallops I., VA, Mar. 22 (CRV) and Hog loonson the rather late date of Apr. 25 in the c. Bay between I., Surry, VA. May 7 (fide BT). Brown Pelicansmade a good Talbot and Calvert (PRS).Stasz achieved excellent Corn. Loon Maryland showingwith one up the PatuxentR. near Barstow totalsat N. Beach,Calvert, with 147 as early as Apr. 4, 785 on May 13 (HB,fide JLS),five at OceanCity Apr. 8 (SHD),and 18 Apr. 7, 816 the next day, 758 on Apr. 10, 387 on Apr. 14, 56 there by Reese Apr. 27. In Virginia, where small numbers on May 3, and eight as late as May 18. South of Annapolis, have beenseen through the winter the past few years,peak

Volume 43, Number 3 459 numberswere at Craney I. where Wolfe saw 162 on Apr. 24. water Mar. 25 with 380 white Snows (HTA). Late winter Small numbers were in the Chinc./Wallops I. area by late concentrations included 1508 Tundra Swans at Cove Pt. Mar. May (EMW, CRV). At C.B.B.T.,34 Great Cormorantsand 2100 12 (JLS) and 220 Brant at Wallops I. Mar. 2 (CRV). Twelve Double-crested Cormorants were seen Mar. 18 (HTA, GLA, hutchinsii Canada Geese were at Archer Pond s.e. of Rich- CCW). Great Cormorantsmade a strongMaryland showing mond, VA, Mar. 15 (HFD), a tremendous count by Regional with eight at CobbI., Chades,Mar. 12 (RFR, BD), three at N. standards.Unique was a Eur. Green-winged Teal at Chinc. BeachMar. 20 (JLS),six at SharpsI. light, Talbot, Apr. 22 (PRS, Mar. 19 (HTA, GLA, CCW). A Eur. Wigeon was at Piscataway HTA), and a very late adult at Hooper'sI., Dorchester,May 13 Creek, Prince Georges,MD, Mar. 10 (CS). (GLA, HTA, CCW, CP), the latter two recordsnew for their Top countsof divers, all in Maryland, included concentra- tions of 9000 Canvasbacksin Kent in early March (JG) and 2500 at N. Beach Mar. 19 (JLS),12,000 Lesser Scaup in Kent Mar. 2 (JG) and 3750 at N. Beach Mar. 26 (JLS),12,000 Old- squawsfrom Swan Pt.-Love Pt. Mar. 29 (JG)plus 5000 at N. BeachMar. 11 and Apr. 12 (JLS)and 4210 in the Choptank R. mouth Mar. 25 (HTA), 2800 Surf Scotersaround SharpsI. light Apr. 22 (PRS, HTA), and 4000 Com. Goldeneyes and 2500 Ruffleheads at N. Beach Mar. 11 (JLS). Rarer divers were single Com. Eiders at Little Creek, VA, May 21 (RLA) and Ocean City Apr. 8 (SHD),and five Harlequin Ducks at Ocean City Mar. 4-10 (CRV, C & ES et al.) with seven at C.B.B.T. all of March (RAA, WLA, HTA, ph.) and six at Wallops I. Mar. 2 (CRV). Single Common and King eiders were at C.B.B.T. Mar. 3 & 10 (CP, DFA). At N. Beach500 White-winged Scoterswere Immature NorthernGannet at Back Bay National WildlifeRef- seen Apr. 13 (JLS)and 400 were at Sharps I. light Apr. 22 uge,Virginia, May 13, 1989. Photograph/DavidF. Abbott. (HTA, PRS). At Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, 951 Ring-neckedDucks were counted Mar. 2. One of the respectivecounties. Interesting Double-crested Cormorant to- few Maryland breeding records for Hooded Merganser was tals were of 110 in D.C. May 7 01PH), 75 nearby in Dyke representedby a female with six downy young at Meyers Marsh,VA, Apr. 16 (EMW), 658 by HamptonRoads Bird Club Station at the junction of the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Apr. 29 in Virginia (new springcount high for there), 2637 at rivers Apr. 30 (SRi, RFR). At Back Bay/False Cape S.P., VA, Cove Pt., Calvert, MD, Apr. 16 (JLS),and 200 at Barren I., 28 Red-breastedMergansers were seen on the late date of Dorchester, MD, May 28 (GLA, CCW, HTA). May 18 (DS1. The high for RuddyDucks was of 3000 at St. Generally held to be in severe decline, Am. Bittern was Leonards Creek, Calvert, MD, Mar. 12 ILLS). repo.rtedin the highest numbers in years, such as six at Exotic speciesincluded two Ruddy Shelducksat Ruthsberg McKee-BeshersW.M.A. (HughesHollow) n.w. of D.C. Apr. Mar. 16 [JG}, one at St. Michaels Mar. 25-26 (BPo), a Com. 22-29 (RWh, DC), three at Cove Pt. Apr. 16 & 30 (JLS),and Shelduckat Piney Run P., Carroll,May 8' (RFR)with a Fal- five at Huntley Meadows County Park, Fairfax, VA, Apr. 27 cated Teal there through Apr. 26 (RFR et al.), these all in (EMW) and May 13 (EPW et al.). On the MD Count May 13 Maryland, and in Virginia a Garganeywas seen n. of Kipto- they were reportedin 7 counties,rs. only 2 in 1988 (fide JLS). peke Mar. 24-28 (HG}. At CovePt. May 20, 12 LeastBitterns were counted(JLS). The first Cattle Egretswere detectedMar. 30 in Maryland with eight at PatuxentNaval Air Station,St. Marys (KR, MB), and RAPTORS TO CRANES- For the 3rd year, Ospreysat- one at Swan Creek, Kent (JG).An early Green-backedHeron tempted breedingin D.C., and had one young in their nest was in s.e. Fairfax, VA, Apr. 4 (SE). A total of 58 Black- May 29 (DC). The first arrival was one at St. Michaels Mar. 7 crownedNight-Herons with 30 nestswas at the famousNa- (]GR).The Maryland Dept. of Natural Resourcescontinued its tional Zoo colony in D.C. on May 13 (DC). The seasonalhigh survey of Bald Eagle nests,monitoring 175 nestsof which 97 for Yellow-crownedNight-Herons was of 19 by the Hampton were occupied and 94 were active, producing 117 young (vs. RoadsBird Club Apr. 29 (f/de TK). Early were 17 GlossyIbises 135 in 1988) from 72 successfulnests in 17 counties.The most Mar. 13 in Talbot, MD (JE). productivecounties were Dorchester(36 youngfrom 19 nests), Kent (14 youngfrom 7 nests),and Charles(13 young from 11 WATERFOWL--At Hooper's I., their southern strong- nests)(GDT). The roostat Blackwater held up to 50 birds in hold on the Bay, 110 Mute Swans(and 2 nests)were found late winter and 38 were seen on the May count in this area May 28, up from 55 birdsthere May 6 & 13 (HTA, GLA, CCW). May 13, a record for that count (CP, GLA, HTA, CCW). This is a big summerstaging area for thesehuge birds. Top tallies of "Blue" Snow Geesewere of 728 at Ruthsberg,MD, S. Ao Mar. 22 with 30,000 white Snow Geese[JG) and 700 at Black- Unfortunately, uncontrolled "controlled" marsh burning on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland dam- ages many of the marsh edge hammocks that Bald Eaglesfind attractive for nestingand in fact killed the nest tree along the drive of Blackwater, which was unsuccessful for the 2nd straight year. Several other active nest trees have been burned in Dorchester within the past 10 years. Marsh burning has its virtues for wildlife managementpurposes but it seemsto be getting increasinglyout of control.It may very well rejuvenate the grassesand help a few trappers,but I doubt it does much for Bald Eagles unless it is restricted to the marshes. Mute Swan on nestat Barren Island, DorchesterCounty, Mary- land, May 28, 1989. This is virtuallythe southernlimit of the At Ft. Smallwood,s.e. of Baltimore,992 Sharp-shinnedsand species'nesting range on ChesapeakeBay Photograph/George 106 Broad-wingedswere amongthe 1203 hawks countedMay L. Armistead. 3 (DM), and 172 Sharp-shinneds,five Merlins, and 80 Am.

460 American Birds, Fall, 1989 Kestrels were there Apr. 22 (BMu). Murphy also saw 112 Sharp-shinnedsthere Apr. 23 and 191 on May 4. The Mary- land Dept. of Natural Resources monitored the state's Pere- grineFalcon breeding sites. Of 8 sites,6 had eggsthat hatched, ultimately fiedging 10 young from 5 sites (GDT), down from 16 young in 1988. Outstandingwas a Yellow Rail flushed from grassat N. Beach Mar. 26 (JLS).Season highs were 15 Black and 60 Virginiarails in Dorchester,MD, May •3, mostof theseat Elliott I. (HTA, GLA, CCW). At Poquoson,VA, n. of Norfolk, Rottenborn found one Sora, one Virginia, two King, and 25 Clapper rails May 2. At least 4 pairs of King Rails were at LaughingGull nestat Barren Island, DorchesterCounty, Mary- Huntley Meadows County Park near D.C. this spring (EPW). land,May 28, 1989. First nestingin the Marylandpart of Ches- Thirteen Sofaswere at Cove Pt. May 13 (JLS).Good Am. Coot apeakeBay in at least35 years.Photograph/George L. Arml'stead. counts were of 2000 at Piscataway Creek Mar. 10 (CS) and 328 at Loch Raven Res.Apr. 7 (SWS).The Sandhill Crane at Single Com. Black-headedGulls were reported from Chesa- Poolesville, Montgomery, MD, was present through the peake Beach,Calvert, MD, May 9 0NK) and Ft. Story Mar. 5 period,extending its stay to over one year (m.ob.). {DFA). This was an outstandingspring for Bonaparte'sGulls, especiallyso at inland bodiesof water. On the MD CountMay 13, some 549 were seen rs. only four on this count in 1988. At inland CentennialL., Columbia,MD. 250 were seenApr. SHOREBIRDS -- In spite of some outstandingindividual 2 {JFr).Czaplak recordedthe best flight ever in D.C. with 120 counts,shorebirds in many areaswere late and in low num- there Apr. 11 and May 13. At Piney Run, 35 on Apr. 20 were the most ever seen there by one observer (RFR). Five hundred bers. At Chinc., Wilds found these waders on May 19:925 Semipalmated Plovers, 176 Whimbrels, 35 White-rumped were at Back R. SewageTreatment Plant e. of BaltimoreApr. Sandpipers,4317 Dunlin, 656 Short-billed Dowitchers,three 12 {CES)and 49 were at Loch Raven Res.Apr. 14 {SWS).Lesser Black-backedGulls were reported only from D.C., Mar. 17- Stilt Sandpipers,8265 SemipalmatedSandpipers, two Black- necked Stilts, and a Red-neckedPhalarope. The Long-billed 18 and Apr. 5 {DC), at Ft. McHenry in BaltimoreMar. 6 {PW), Curlew nearby on the causeway was present at least until and at N. Beach May 27 {JLS).Semi-rare were a Glaucous Mar. 19 {RPH, HTA et ol.) and one was reported from C.B.B.T. Gull at Prince William Landfill in Virginia until Apr. 20 {KHB) Apr. 21 (DFA). Some goodearly counts,also on the Eastern and a Black-leggedKittiwake at Ft. Story Mar. 25 {DFA). Shore of Virginia, were of 205 Ruddy Turnstonesat Willis Interestingbreeding records from the BarrenI. area May 28 Wharf and 67 Greater Yellowlegs with 40 Short-billed Dow- were 7 Royal Tern nests{first breedingin the Maryland part itchers at Oyster, all on Mar. 19 (HTA, GLA, CCW). Schwab of the Bay), three LaughingGull nests {first breeding in the continued to censusthe beach at Back Bay and False Cape Maryland part of the Bay since 1954), and 23 Black Skimmer S.P., with outstandingcounts such as 1096 SanderlingsMay nests as well as these nests:one Am. Oystercatcher, 2 Willet, 18, with a record 7503 there May 24 along with 1416 Ruddy Turnstonesand 43 Whimbrels (DS, TMP), his previousSand- erling high for here being 5913 in August 1988. At Hart and Miller Is. e. of Baltimore, Ringler et ol. had some excellent countsincluding two Black-neckedStilts, 3000 Semipalmated Sandpipers,16 White-rumped Sandpipers,and one Wilson's and one Red-neckedphalarope May 28. At WallopsI., Vaughn saw 10 Wilson's and 15 Piping plovers and two Black-necked Stilts May 26. Black-necked Stilts were widely reported by Regionalstandards with two at Blackwater May 6 {RFR, HTA), a record Maryland count of 12 at Deal Island W.M.A. the sameday {CRV et al.), and from two to four in the Back Bay/ FalseCape S.P. area Apr. 22-May 28 {DS,TRW, DFA), while the two Chinc. birds were presentduring much of May {VBK, Royal Terns at North Beach,Calvert County,Maryland, April RAA, EMW). 13, 1989. Photograph/David Czaplak. A Wilson's Plover on AssateagueI., MD, May 29 provided the first state record in 4 years {JL,fide RFR). The high for 9 Herring Gull, and hundreds of Forster's Tern nests {HTA, Am. Avocet was a modest 15 at Craney I. Apr. 21 (I) & MM). GLA, CCW, ph.), all these speciesat their northern breeding Five Upland Sandpiperswere in the Lucketts area, Loudoun, limit on the Bay. CaspianTerns were widely reported during VA, May 28 {EMW) with six there in 3 locations June 5 {JBB). the first week of April in Maryland, the high count being of They are uncommon breeders here and at few other locales just 35 at Hart and Miller Is. May 28 (RFR). Royal Terns were in the Region. An extremely early Stilt Sandpiper was seen widely reported in the c. Bay in Maryland, such as 52 at N. w. of Salisbury, MD, Apr. 16 {AH), two were at False Cape Beach Apr. 14 (JLS)with 95 there May 3, and 66 were up the S.P. May 4 {SR) and six there Apr. 22 {DFA, BP), and one was Potomac at Charles, MD, May 13 (GBW et al.). Two Roseate at Blackwater May 13 {CP, HTA, GLA, CCW). An exceptional Terns were seen in Virginia, a bird at Chinc. May 19-22 (SA, rarity was a Ruff at Cove Pt. Apr. 29 {JLS).At Jug Bay up the VBK, RAA et al.) and one at Back Bay May 18 {I)S). Two Corn. Patuxent R. in Maryland, 150 Com. Snipe were found Apr. 12 Terns at Piney Run Park in Carroll, MD, May 11 were new {DMu). Perry found 13 Am. Woodcockunder adverseweather for that inland county (RFR). Rare terns included an Arctic conditions Mar. 6 on C.B.B.T. Two Wilson's Phalaropes were on May 27 (DFA et al.) and an extremely early Bridled May at Blackwater May 13 (CP, HTA et al.). 29 (DFA et al.) both well at sea out from Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. Least Terns attempted breeding at Hart and Miller Is., where a nest with 2 eggswas found May 28 (RFR), and on the roof of Sandy Bottom Elementary School at Cam- JAEGERS TO SKIMMER--Two Parasitic Jaegerswere bridge, MD, where Reese saw six adults May 20. The best seen from Ft. Story at Cape Henry, VA, May 13 (DFA, BP). A Black Tern countswere of 20 at Piney Run Park May 11 (RFR) Little Gull was at Bethel Beach, Mathews, VA, Mar. 24 {JBB). and 20 at Ocean City May 12 (MO).

Volume 43, Number 3 461 DOVES TO SHRIKES--An outstanding rarity was a Hybrid warbler reportsincluded "Brewster's" at D.C May White-winged Dove at Appleton near Elkton, Cecil,MD, Mar 11 (DC), at TolchesterBeach May 13 (JG)and in Baltimore 9-27 {PB et al., ph.} and another was at Back Bay, VA, May May 8 & 12 (BY), as well as "Lawrence's" at Hatford Glen, 18 {DSet al.}. SingleMonk Parakeetswere at HamptonRoads, Harford,MD, May 13 (fideDLK) and in Alexandria,VA, May VA, Apr. 29 (fide TK} and Patuxent Naval Air Station, MD, 14 (fideRPH). During the courseof the springRinglet encoun- Apr. 14-28 {KR,MB}. The only Short-earedOwl report was of teredboth Blue-wingedand Golden-wingedwarblers singing three at Baltimore Mar. 6 and two there Apr. 8 (PW et al.). each other's songs.The rare Orange-crownedWarbler, much Northern Saw-whet Owls were seen only at McKee-Beshers more likely to be seenduring the fall here, was seenat Dismal W M.A.n. of D.C., with two Mar. 12 (HE), and one was dead Swamp N.W.R., VA, Apr. 2 (SR) and near Baltimore at Wood- on the roadat RockHall, Kent,MD, Apr. 12 (JG).Caprimulgids lawn throughApr. 9 (JWi;present since Dec. 31). An early N seemed down to some observers. For example, on the MD Parula was at Seneca,MD, Mar. 29 (LDB). This was a good Count only 33 Whip-poor-willswere heard May 13 vs. 77 last springfor Black-throatedBlue Warblers (DFA, RAA, PZ) with year, a dramatically lower figure, even consideringthe ab- 425 seenon the MD Count May 13 rs. 81 in 1988.An example senceof totalsfrom 2 countiesat presstime this year. Ruby- of the late springwas the presenceof 2373 Yellow-rumped throatedHummingbirds were late this spring,the earliestone Warblerson the MD Count,compared with only 161last yeart in Talbot, MD, Apr. 15 (AF, fide JGR).The Rufous Humming- An early Black-throatedGreen Warbler was at Columbia, bird that overwintered at Takoma Park, MD, near the bound- MD, Apr. 8-9 (JFr). ary with D.C. was last seenApr. 12 (fide EMW). One of the few warblers that can regularly show up in Red-headedWoodpeckers seem to be continuing a modest March, a Yellow-throated was at Williamsburg, VA, on the increase with eight in Dorchester,MD, May 6 (RFR, HTA) and 27th (BT) and one on the C.B.B.T.Mar. 30 (VBK)was unusual nine in Talbot, MD, in mid-May (JGR).At Wakefield, VA, a there. Excellentcounts (of breedingbirds, presumably)were Red-cockadedWoodpecker was seenMar. 23 (WLA), and two 37 Prairie Warblers and 61 Yellow-breasted Chats in Bruns- were there Apr. 21 along route 460 (DFA). Olive-sidedFly- wick, VA, n. of the Kerr Dam (SR).A Swainsoh'sWarbler was catcherswere reported from 10 places, mostly May 20-26 in the PocomokeSwamp, MD, May 7 (J& LS) and one was at (v.o.).Some flycatchers seemed late and in low numbersthis Twilley BridgeRd., Wicomico,MD, May 9 (C & DB). This springwith a marked lowering of numberson the 1989 MD specieshas not been reliablein that statein recentyears An Count vs. 1988, as seen by these respective totals: E. Wood- early Ovenbirdwas in Gloucester,VA, Apr. 3 (TK).The first Pewee (261/709), Acadian Flycatcher (461/617), Willow Fly- LouisianaWaterthrushes were detectedin Maryland on Mar catcher (1/15), and Least Flycatcher (18/23), this in a year 26 in Charles (GBW) and Kent (JL,fide FLP). Three reportsof when the numbersof almostall speciesof birds were higher Connecticut Warblers were received. In the absence of details in 1989 for this count.An Alder Flycatcherat Huntley Mead- I have no choicebut to cashierthese. Six Mourning Warblers ows County Park, VA, May 29 was new for there (EPW et al.). were banded at Adventure Sanctuary May 21-31, with two LeastFlycatchers were more widely reportedthan usual,most May 23 at this bandingcenter near Potomac,MD (MD). This of them in mid-May. The first swallows of all six Regional was a goodspring for Wilson'sWarblers. specieswere a few days later than usual, with no excitingly Even when one considersthat there were 36 parties in early March records this year, and Purple Martins nested Baltimore on the MD Count, some of their totals are still about 10 days late owing to the cold (MKK). impressive,such as 429 Red-eyed Vireos, 144 N. Parulas, 138 A few big flightsof Blue Jayswere noticed,with 700 at N. Black-throatedBlue Warblers, 11 Wilson'sWarblers, 200 Scar- BeachApr. 27 (.ILS),and at Ft. SmallwoodMozurkewich saw let Tanagers, 69 Rose-breastedGrosbeaks, and 233 Indigo 5300 on Apr. 30 and 1090 on May 13. Following a winter in Buntings. which they were scarce,Red-breasted Nuthatches, usually singles,were seen at no more than 10 localities on widely scattereddates until mid-May. Very late was a Winter Wren at McKeldin in s. Carroll, MD, May 13 (RFR). An indication of the latenessof the migrationwas the 1989/1988 differential BUNTINGS TO FINCHES- The Painted Buntingpres- in numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglets on the May 13 MD ent all winter at Pungo,VA, near BackBay, was only reported Count, which was 114 to 17. Eastern Bluebirds continued to on Mar. 27 (RAA). Dickcisselswere seenonly at Greensboro, show up in excellent numbers,with 1246 on the MD Count Caroline,MD, May 29 (three by MN, CD), in Kent, MD, May vs. 993 last year. The thrush migration was lackluster once 13 (two, fide FLP) and at Curies Neck Farm, Henrico, VA, more. American Pipits lingered later than usual into May May 19 (BW). A late Am. Tree Sparrow was at Stevenson, with as many as 50 in Howard, MD, May 6 and three still MD, Apr. 8 (BR). Very rare in the spring, a Clay-colored there May 13 (SA); 150 were at Kerr Dam in the extreme s. Sparrowwas at Dyke Marsh, VA, May 13 (RW,fide DC). One Virginia Piedmont Mar. 26 (JB). Cedar Waxwings were in indicationof how the rainy, coolweather delayedthe depar- mediocre numbers this spring. The troubled Loggerhead ture of somemigrants was in the higher numbersof sparrow Shrike was reportedfrom only 4 localities. specieson May 13 MD Count comparedwith last year's,as shown by these respective numbers from those 2 counts' SavannahSparrow (43/88), Swamp Sparrow (69/132), White- throatedSparrow (68/774), White-crowned Sparrow (14/73), VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Many felt the warbler/passerine and Slate-coloredJunco (three/16). migration was poor, although there were someexcellent days The only Ipswich (Savannah)Sparrow report was of three and as usual the flight varied widely dependingon locality on Fisherman'sIsland N.W.R., VA, Mar. 18 (HTA, GLA, CCW) and date. The MD Count recorded about 12,000 warblers, Very late SavannahSparrows were four at Cove Pt. May 20 4000 more than last year, and the warbler flight that day was and one at N. BeachMay 18-19 {.ILS).The first Grasshopper excellentin somecounties, for example, in Dorchester,which Sparrowsighting was of one at Kinnaird'sPt., Kent,MD, Apr had the 2nd best day out of 44 May countsthere in terms of 10 (SH).A Henslow'sSparrow was at EllicottI., MD, May 20 speciesand numbers. Exceptional was a single-partylist of (LMD, HLW) where, starting last year, they have become 134 speciesin D.C. May 6, including24 warbler species(DC alarminglydifficult to find. Another (plustwo SavannahSpar- et al.). Early vireosincluded a White-eyed at JugBay Apr. 6 rows and a Dickcissel)were seenalong Rt. 625 in Campbell, in Anne Arundel, MD (SBi, CSB), a Solitary at Stevenson, VA, s. of LynchburgMay 12-13 (C & MH, PM), and by the Baltimore,Apr. 5 (fide BR), and a Yellow-throatedat Elm I. end of May there were at least three singingc• Dickcissels at near Pennyfieldalong the Potomacin Maryland Apr. 8 (MG). this site deepinto the Piedmont{J & TD). Amongthe landbirds Another White-eyed Vireo was at Waldorf, MD, Apr. 2 in strandedon the C.B.B.T.by inclementweather Mar. 6 were Charles(GJ). 64 Song, 17 Savannah, and nine Fox sparrowsplus 15 Slate-

462 AmericanBirds, Fall, 1989 colored Juncos and a Pine Warbler (CP). Too many of us, & Thelma Dalmas,L.M. Davidson,H.F. Day, BobDixon, Margaret perhaps,think of this unusual structure as a migrant trap in Donnald (Adventure Sanctuary banding station}, Chris Dorset. the fall only. Eight Lincoln's Sparrowswere banded at Ad- SamDroege, S.H. Dyke, Les Eastman, Stephen Eccles, JeffEffinger, venture Sanctuary May 2-25 with two captured on May 15 Howard Elitzak, Ethel Engle,Alice Fairbanks,J. Fales, Jane Farrell (MD). A late White-throatedSparrow was at Bellevue,Talbot, (JFr), A.J. Fletcher (Caroline, MD), R.B. Fletcher, Hans Gabler, MD, May 27 (GLA, CCW}. Mark Garland,J.S. Gottschalk, Greg Cough, James Gruber (Kent, Tiresome as it may be to say so, it is worth mentioning that MD), Patricia Gruber, Alex Hammer, Charles & Melva Hansrote, House Finches are still increasing.At Hampton Roads,VA, Margaret Hawk, Dick Hegner, M.W. Hewitt, R.P. Hilton, Steve Hitchner, Ottavio Janni, P. Jayne, George Jett, Teta Kain the springcount on Apr. 29 found 216 (TK et al.), a new high. (C.B.B.T.),D.L. Kirkwood, V.B. Kitchens,M.K. Klimkiewicz, Alicia In 9 of the past 10 years this count has topped its previous Knotts,Walter Kraus,H.E. LeGrand,John Loegering, John Lomntz record high for this species.The MD Count recorded2989 vs. (JLz),Merrill Lynch, Nancy Magnusson,Kathy Mariano, Elwood 1769 in 1988, some of this huge increase probably owing to Martin, Paul McQuarry, BrookeMeanley, Dorothy & Mike Mitch- the birds being delayed by the cool, rainy weather. House ell, Myriam Moore, Dave Mozurkewich, Dotty Mumford (DMu), Finches continue to increase in southern peninsular areas, Bill Murphy 03Mu), Marlanna Nuttie, Holly Obmcht, Mike such as Hampton Roads, which are among the last parts of O'Brien, Paul O'Brien, F.L. Parks,Brian Patteson,Carl Perry, Paul the Regionwhere they have become established.Following a Pisano, E.L Pitney (lower E. Shore of MD), Marie Plante, Bill pathetic showing this past winter, Pine Siskins curiously Porter(BPo), Kyle Rambo,J.G. Reese (Talbot, MD), Sue Ricciardi turned up at Salisbury,MD, where five were presentApr. 19, (SRi), R.S. Ridgely, R.F. Ringler (entire state of MD), Wilbur one remaining until Apr. 21 (C & DB, ph.). A flight of 960 Am. Rittenhouse, C.S. Robbins, Barbara Ross, Stephen Rottenborn, Goldfinches was witnessed at Ft. Smallwood Park, Anne Arun- Len & Jo Safioff, Don Schwab, F.R. Scott, S.W. Simon, Chris & de], MD, May 3 (DM). Eddie Slaughter,Jo Solera (Howard,MD), P.R. Spitzer,J.L. Stasz (IVIDCount & Calvert, MD), Chris Swarth, C.E. Swift, Brian Taber, J.W.Taylor, G.D. Therres,R.J. Tripician, Guy Tudor, C.R. Vaughn (lower E. Shore of MD), Robert Warfield (RWa), Pete Webb, E.P. Weigel, JoyWheeler, Ron White (RWh), H.L. Wierenga, Richard OBSERVERS- D.F. Abbott, I.W. Ailes, R.A. Anderson, R.L. Wiesler, C.P. Wilds, Jim Wilkinson (JWi), Bill Williams, Ernest Anderson,W.L. Argabrite, G.L. Armistead, Scott Atkinson, K.H. Willoughby, G.B. Wilmot, E.M. Wilson {greaterD.C. area), C.C. Bass,J.B. Bazuin, Ken Berlin, J.A. Bjerke, JeffBlalock, L.D. Bon- Witt, T.R. Wolfe, Ben Yokel, Howard Youth, Paul Zucker.-- ham, Ed Boyd,Carol & Don Broderick,Mrs. Henry Brown, Mike HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 523 E. Durham St., Philadelphia, PA Bryan,Paul Bystrak,Martha Chestem,David Czaplak {D.C.),John 19119.

'' /

Greensboroß J•rdanœ'Raleigh eGr•nv,lle SOUTHERN ATLANTIC (

HarryE.LeGrand, Jr. Winter1988-1989 report Okefenok•

hiswas a topsy-turvywinter in termsof weatherin and bitter cold spells. Overall, it was one of the more the Southeast. A surprising freak snowstorm hit the bizarre winters in recent memory. coastin mid-December.Yet, Januarywas unusually warm, Birding was again rather dull. The winter finches again with many localesin the 70s on a regular basis.February decided to remain in the North, and the long-term decline had everything but hurricanes--tornadoes, at least two in waterfowl (exceptfor Tundra Swans)continued. Feeder heavy snowstorms,temperatures in the 80s, strongwinds, watchers hope for cold temperatures and snowstormsin

Volume 43, Number 3 463 Januaryand February to make their birding worthwhile, Colleton, SC, where four were seen Jan. 15 (DF et al ) Addi- but the warm Januaryand hot-and-coldFebruary just did tional records, without reference to race, were of three at not cause birds to flock to feeders. The main highlights Savannah N.W.R., SC, Jan. 14 (CLe et al.), two at Commerce were severalpelagic species seen (live and dead)from the L., GA, Dec. 17-Feb. 26 (JP),and one in n.e. Laurens, GA, Jan North Carolina shore, including an unprecedented"inva- 22-Feb. 26 and later (TKP). In addition to a few inland records sion"of RedPhalaropes, and a surprisingarray of lingering in North Carolina, Snow Geese were also found in inland songbirdscollected for first winter specimensin South Georgianear Athens(PY), at CommerceL. (JP),and at Sweet- Carolina. water Creek S.P. (PR). Most unusual were 39 Snows m Charleston,SC, Dec. 14 (DF). Georgia'sfirst goss' Goosewas presentbeginning in late February at Lake Point Resortat LOONS TO STORKS -- The only inland record of Red- Eufaula, AL, and was noted flying acrossthe Chattahoochee throated Loon for the season was of one at Falls L., e. of R. into Georgia airspacein March (fide TM). One at Pea I, Durham, NC, Feb. 11 (ILL).Disappointingly, only three species NC, Dec. 31 (BL,ED, HL) addedto a growingnumber of recent of grebeswere encountered,with the only reportsof Red- recordsfor this site. Far south of its usual range was a Brant neckedbeing at HatterasInlet, NC, Dec. 30 (BPe)and far s. at at Patriots Pt. near Charleston Dec. 21-26 (DF, GS). Sea I., GA, Dec. 28 (HG). The only tubenosereport came from Only one Eur. Wigeonwas reported, a male at an impound- shore, as pelagic trips were almost nonexistent this winter. ment near Davis, Carteret,NC, Feb. 4-28 and later (JFet al.). StrongNE winds blew a Manx Shearwaterclose enough to Greater Scaup are rare inland in winter; thus, notable were Bodie I., NC, to be identified by PattesonFeb. 4. The Am. four at Gaston, NC, Jan. I (ML, MT, RY); one at Tryon, NC, White Pelican returned to Hatteras Inlet, NC, where it was Jan.18 (ST);three in Greene,GA, Feb. 11 (PY), with two there seen on several occasionsin January (RD, IlL, JW) and Feb- Feb. 25 (PS, PY, DSi); and a remarkable44, reportedwithout ruary (DD). One at Pea I., NC, Dec. 10 (JC, AC, DS) was details, in Monroe, GA, in January. Just the 2nd record of unusual at that site. Brown Pelicans continue to winter in Common Eider for Georgiawas furnished by a female Dec larger numbers in North Carolina each year; and as many as 17 at the s. end of St. Catherine'sI. (BW, JNi, fide AW). A year 75 were well "inland" at Chocowinity Bay Jan. 29 (RiC). ago,a mixed flock of Commonand King eiders wintered at Great Cormorantsare becomingmundane along the North Oregon Inlet, NC; however, this winter only a single 9 Com- Carolina coast, at least where an abundance of channel mark- mon appeared,and just for one day (Dec. 10--DS). Another 9 ers (for perches)are present;the best count was of 12 at Ft. Common was at Hatteras Inlet Dec. 30 (BP). Surprisingly,no F•sher(on markers)Jan. 21 (SC).Few birds are increasingin King Eiders were reported from the Region. On the other theRegion as dramatically as the Double-•restedCormorant. hand, at Oregon Inlet two Harlequin Ducks spent the entire In inland Georgia,where rare only a few yearsago, excellent winter (AC, DS, JCet al.), and a male and a femaleHarlequin counts were of 50 at Augusta Dec. 23 (AW) and 25 at L. were present Jan. 14 at Ft. Macon S.P., NC (SH). OconeeFeb. 11 (PY);one was alsofar n. at CommerceL. Dec. Rare for Georgia was an Oldsquaw Dec. 31-Jan. I at Sapelo 3-21 (JP)with anotheror the samein February (JP).Anhingas I. (BS,MH); and quite unusual was one at Saluda, NC, at the alsoseem to be increasingas breedersin much of the Region, base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dec. 17-25 (ST). Even rarer and winter reportsalso are on the rise.The bestsuch records inland than Oldsquaw was a Black Scoter at a pond near were of 18 on the AugustaCBC Dec. 23 (fide AW) and one Columbia, SC, Dec. 17 (LG). Common Goldeneyesappeared well n. at New Bern, NC, Dec. 3 (BH). inland in somewhat smaller numbers than usual, with the SingleAm. Bitternswere rare well inland in South Carolina only such record of more than two individuals being of four •n n. York Feb. 14 (HW) and at L. Wateree S.P. Jan. 14 (TK). at Plant Scherer,Monroe, GA, Feb. 4 (TJ).A notable count of Notable waders at Augustaincluded an excellent total of 39 Corn. Mergansersfor the Region, especially for Georgia,was Great EgretsDec. 23 (fide AW) and a Green-backedHeron of six at Sapelo I. Dec. 31 (MI--I).Elsewhere, Commonswere Jan.16 and Feb. 25 (AW). A Green-backedHeron in the upper reported only in inland North Carolina, with the peak a Pmdmontnear Alpharetta, GA, Jan.22 (HO, CL) was unusual. lackluster four, in Davie in February (MHa). Five Red- A White Ibis, seldom seen in winter in North Carolina away breastedMergansers Feb. 25 at L. Oconee, GA (PY), made the from the coast,was encounteredat L. Mattamuskeet Dec. 28 best inland report. (ED) throughlate January(Jw). GlossyIbis, rapidly disappear• •ng from the Regionin the breedingseason, is.infrequently seen in winter, but 31 at Darien, GA, Jan. 28 (HO, EH) made VULTURES TO CRANES--A Turkey Vulture at Pea an excellent winter total for anywhere in our area. A Wood Island N.W.R. Feb. 10 OF) was unusual, as the species•s Stork Feb. 4 at Bear Island W.M.A., SC (LG), was notable for generally absent on the Outer Banks in winter. An Osprey that state in winter. spent the winter in Laurens, GA (TKP); this was the only inland report this season.The first nesting of Bald Eagle •n WATERFOWL-- All reports of Fulvous Whistling-Duck North Carolina away from tidewater was documented from came from coastal South Carolina: eight in early December at Wake in late winter (PD, JWa,WI). The nest was attended by Magnolia Gardensnear Charleston(DF), two flying over 1-95 both adults, but the presence of young, or even eggs,was •n JasperJan. 8 (RC, CE), and two on Feb. 4 at Bear Island never verified. A count of 23 eaglesat Jordan L., Chatham, W M.A. (JB,KC, LG). Single Tundra Swans were found well NC, in December (JK et al.) was notable. Only one report of •nland near Greensboro,NC, Dec. 25 (HH), at Silver Bluff Rough-leggedHawk was made, a dark-morph bird Jan. 14 at Sanctuary,Aiken, SC, Nov. 21 (DCo), and on the SavannahR. Simpsonville, SC (PW). Always noteworthy in the Regmn, near Augustalate December to Feb. 24 (AW). Always note- single Golden Eagleswere found on the Piedmont N.W R, worthy in Georgia,one remained for about a month, last seen GA, CBC Dec. 19 (fide TJ)and at Bear Island W.M.A., SC,Jan in late January,at Darien (fide HO); and a goodcount of swans 15-21 (DF, RC, CE, GM). Rare inland in winter were single •n South Carolina was of 76 at Poco Sabo Plantation, Colleton, Peregrine Falcons at Santee N.W.R., SC, Jan. 29 (TK), Pied- Jan.16 (PN, CW). Three imm. Mute Swanswere presentDec. mont N.W.R., GA, Dec. 19 (fide TJ),and north of ,GA, 11-31 at Pine I., Santee N.W.R., SC (DF, LG). The speciesis chasingpigeons Dec. 27 (FM). not known to be resident in this area and is of hypothetical On the evening of Dec. 30, at the closeof the Cape Hatteras, status in the state. NC, CBC, Dean and Lewis decided to search for Yellow Raft Remarkably, there were five reports of Greater White- by clicking rocks at a marsh near Cape Hatteras point. To fronted Goose,with reports from each of the 3 states.Birds their surprise,and to other count birders' dismay, a Yellow believed to be of the orange-billed,Greenland race (fiaviros- Rail respondedto the clicking by walking out into a ditch, tr•s) were found near L. Mattamuskeet, NC, where three were where they observedit in a flashlight beam. This record, seenDec. 28-30 (ML, RD, DC, JN) and at PocoSabo Plantation, added to other recent records in the tidewater of that state,

464 American B•rds, Fall, 1989 •nd•catea more widespreadpopulation than prewously sus- (JF,DW, TP, ZB) A first •nland record (away from t•dewater) pected Seldom reported •n w•nter was a Purple Galhnule for the Regionof LesserBlack-backed Gull was surprisingly near Sunbury, Liberty, GA, Dec. 30 (SCa). A Sandhill Crane in Georgia(rather than North Carolina),where one was pres- at an impoundmentnear Aurora, NC, Feb. 9 (SC)was rare for ent Jan.21 through February at Macon (TI). Otherwise, Less- that state.In Georgia,where large numberspass through each ers were limited tO coastal North Carolina, with the peak spnngand fall, the northboundmigration seemed to be earlier count only of four birds. SingleBlack-legged Kittiwakes were than usual,with a surprising330 seenat Conyerson the early encounteredalong the coastof that state, and nowhere else, date of Feb. 14 (FMi), and 66 flying over Athens Feb. 7 (DS). on at least 5 occasions.Belatedly reported was a well-de- scribedCommon Tern Nov. 21 at Winston-Salem,NC (DD). A SHOREBIRDS--One of the few winter records for the few Forster'sTerns spent the winter on L. Murray at Dreher Reglonof LesserGolden-Plover was of one seen and heard Island S.P., SC (TK), and a Forster'swas unusual at Augusta calhng south of Raleigh, in a pasture with Killdeers, Dec. 11 Jan. 20 (AW). Observersin the Region usually encounter an (RH, HL). Wintering numbersof Piping Plovers continued to alcid or two somewherealong the coast in a given winter, decline. The peak count in the Beaufort,NC, area was of just however, no such reportssurfaced this season. 18 (JF);ten years ago, 50 or more plovers wintered in this area, and the CBC there at times led the country in Piping DOVES TO HUMMINGBIRDS -- Common Ground- numbers. Quite rare inland in winter were single Lesser Doves were seen on 3 occasionsnear the Fall Line in Aiken, Yellowlegsat Goldsboro,NC, Dec. 15 (ED) and at AugustaJan. SC, where the status is poorly known; two birds each were 29 (AW), with two at the latter site Feb. 11 (AW). Notable at found Jan.I at Aiken (PSt),Jan. 7 near Silver Bluff Sanctuary th•s season for the North Carolina Outer Banks was a Whi m- (DCo),and Jan.28 near Jackson(DCo). Far inland Short-eared brel Dec. 31 at Pea I. (HA, CP). A Long-billed Curlew at Ft. Owls were found along the South Carolina-North Carolina Fisher, NC, much of the winter (SC,RD ', KK) was presumably border south of Charlotte Dec. 31-Jan. I (HW, TP) and at a the same bird as seenat this locale in previous winters. Least regular site near Cordele, GA, Dec. 4 (BD, DH, NK, AWy) Sandpiperswere reported from at least 6 inland sites, with Always of interest, two N. Saw-whet Owls were reported, thebest count being of 28 on the Goldsboro CBC Dec. 17 (fide each from the North Carolina coast, where there have been ED) An excellent total of 69 Long-billed Dowitchers was a surprisingnumber of records(relative to inland locales)m presentalong the causewayat L. MattamuskeetDec. 28 (ML). recent winters. One remained most of the winter in a yard m SoA. Buxton (CP,MaL), and one was a road-kill victim at Ft. Macon S.P. Jan. 29 (SH). Amazing if correct, a veteran observer Certainly the most unusual avian phenomenonof reported a Com. Nighthawk calling overhead (but not seen] the seasonwas the apparently unprecedented (in win- near Cary, NC, on the eveningof Feb. 28. A Whip-poor-wall ter) near-shore invasion of Red Phalaropes between calling at Lugoff, SC, Feb. 2 (LG) was so early that it must Shackleford Banks and Bear I., NC, Feb. 3-5 (C.B.C.). have overwintered. At least 10,000 individuals were seen around inlets and As usual, winter hummingbirdsdeserve considerable com- •n the breakers, feeding on a particular speciesof co- ment. Most significant,perhaps, was the identification of the pepodthat normally occursfar offshore.Strong S winds 9-plumagedArchilochus found a winter agoat SurfsideBeach, for several days in late January and early February SC. The bird hasbeen identified as a Ruby-throated,the first probablypushed the copepodconcentration inshore. winter specimenfor the stateand perhapsfor the Region(WP, Red Phalaropesare fairly commonto commonin winter *C.M.). This winter, another Ruby-throatedwas collectedat offshore, but are seldom seen from shore, and even then Kingstree, SC, Dec. 10 (SPR, fide WP; *C.M.). As usual, a normally only one or two birds are observedat a time. handful of 9-plumagedArchilochus hummingbirds were at feedersin several Carteret, NC, towns (fide JF], and another JAEGERSTO ALCiDS- ThePomarine Jaeger seen in female/immature, identified as Ruby-throated, was banded late November far inland at L. Wylie, SC, was last noted Dec. at Oriental, NC, Dec. 13 (DFoy).A far inland Archi/ochuswas at a Kernersville, NC, feeder as late as Dec. 11 (fide ED). An 3 (RC, CE); this was the 2nd inland recordfor the state.A few Parasitic Jaegerswere reported on coastal North Carolina imm. • Rufous Hummingbird spent the winter at an Atlanta feeder (BT, fide TM), and othersof this age and sex wintered CBCs,but the best"jaeger" was a Great Skua found deadat near Greenville, SC (PW) and near MasonboroSound, NC, for Ft Macon S.P., NC, Jan. 10 (SH, *N.C.S.M.). There are now several confirmed state records for Great Skua, all in the much of December and January (RM, KK). A "Rufous"was w•nter season. All S. Polar Skua records for the state, conven- also reported Dec. 6 at Elizabeth City, NC (fide DFoy), but iently, have been during the warmer months, with no over- details were not received.It is encouragingto see some doc- umentation for our winter hummingbirds, in the form of lappingdates with Great Skuas. A notable count of Little Gulls was of five at Bodie I., Feb. photos,video recordings,banding/trapping for detailedstudy, and specimens. 4 (BP), the same day another Little was found at Pine Knoll Shores,NC (BO, DW, TP). The only other Little Gull for the seasonwas on the Bodie-Pea Island CBC Dec. 29 (BPo).North FLYCATCHERS TO SHRIKES-- A first Regional win- Carolina,as usual, also had the onlyCom. Black-headed Gull ter specimenof Eastern Wood-Peweewas provided by one reports:single adults near the PamlicoR. ferry landing (south collectedat Kingstree,SC, Dec. 28 (SPR,species determination s•de)Jan. 12 (SC) and at Ocean Isle Beach Feb. I (MM). Good by WP). Even though the record conclusively proves that inland totals of Bonaparte'sGulls for Georgia were of 69 at pewees really can occur in winter, the great maiority of Rum Creek W.M.A. Dec. 16 (TJ)and 59 at L. OconeeFeb. 11 previoussight records for the seasonare probablyof misiden- (PY).One wondershow rare Thayer's Gulls really are in the rifled phoebes.Both a male and a 9 Vermilion Flycatcher were East, and whether the speciesis actually increasing.Until presentin December at OkefenokeeSwamp, GA; the female several years ago, North Carolina had just one sight record, remainedat least to the end of January(fide TM). Two Purple but the state now has at least one-half dozen such records, Martins were very early at Middleton Place near Charleston, •ncluding a few photographs.This winter, single immatures SC, Jan. 10 (BK). A quarry near New Bern, NC, again was were seen 21/2mi off Atlantic Beach Dec. 18 (MT) and at a refuge for lingering swallows--a N. Rough-winged Dec. 19 landfill near Newport Feb. 3 (MT, HL, D C, RD); and an adult {JF,BH) and Jan.14 (BH) and a Barn Swallow on the first date was at the same landfill Jan. 31-Feb. 6 (JF).The 4 reports of {JF,BH). Likely a first Regionalwinter record for Bank Swal- Iceland Gull were also limited to North Carolina: Wanchese low was provided by a tardy bird Dec. 3 at Savannah N.W.R, Dec 29 (PM), Cape HatterasJan. 14 (JW,RT), Hatterasvillage SC (SCa). Calver also had a Barn Swallow with the Bank Dec. 30 (HA party), and in the Morehead City area Feb. 3-6 Swallow, and other winter Barns were noted as late as Dec. 9

Volume 43, Number 3 465 at Goldsboro,NC (ED) and as early as Feb 22 at Bear Island (RLC), for about the 4th w•nter record for that state; and W M A, SC (ML) Absent from the Atlanta area untd lust a another was a feeder visitor m s Durham, NC, Feb 27 (J & few yearsago, Fish Crowsare now being reportedin winter-- EPu). Painted Buntingswere observedat 4 coastalsites: Beau- at DeKalb Res. (FM), on the Marietta CBC (fide TM), and in fort (SCu, LH), Cape Carteret (fide BG), and Southport(JN) m Atlanta (GSc). North Carolina, and St. Catherine'sI. (AW) in Georgia. For the 2nd straightwinter, Red-breastedNuthatches were A count of 11 Bachman's Sparrows Feb. 3 at 4 sites at practicallyabsent; most CBCs missed the speciesagain. Rare SavannahRiver Plant, SC (BDu,BWa, BDa) was a goodwinter along the Georgiacoast was a White-breastedNuthatch on total. The number of Vespe• Sparrowswintering in the Re- the Sapelo Island CBC Dec. 31 (AW, VW). Brown Creepers gion, especiallyin North Carolina, is just a fraction of the were consideredto be in increasednumbers in parts of South number 20 years ago. A Vesper near Fairfield, NC, Jan 21 Carolina and Georgiawhere they are normally uncommon. (ML) would not have been noteworthy a decadeago. A Lark SedgeWrens and Marsh Wrens winter sparingly over much Sparrow was seen Dec. 29-Jan. I at Ft. Fisher (MB, RD, KK) of the inland parts of the Region,but are easily overlooked. GrasshopperSparrows probably winter over nearly all of the The best such record was of a SedgeWren seen Jan. 16-Feb. Piedmont of Georgia and South Carolina, but records are 22 in n. York, SC (TP, HW). Golden-crownedKinglet contin- dependent on purposefulsearch. Dunning, Watts, and others ued to draw raves from South Carolina and Georgiabirders, did just that, finding a few all winter near Athens, GA, and and it is now common in winter even in coastal areas. Good four at Savannah River Plant Feb. 3. Another was at a New details Were received of a Gray-cheekedThrush Dec. 17 at Bern,NC, quarry Dec. 19 (JF,BH). Le conte'sSparrows also Greenville, SC '(GC); however, as usual, no call was heard. must be found with purposefulsearch, and birders are real- Until a specimenor photosare at hand, such recordsof this izing that the speciesis not the very rare speciesonce be- species,Swainson's Thrushes, and Veeries must remain un- lieved. In North Carolina,four were found near Southport verified and open to question.A thoroughly convincingde- Dec.31 to late January(SC, KK) and two were seennear Roper scriptionof a Wood Thrush was provided;it was seenDec. 29 Dec. 27-Jan. 29 (HL et al.). Singleswere seen at Bear I., SC, near Greensboro,NC (HLi, HH). Gray Catbird recordsfrom Jan.21 (RC), on SapeloI., GA, Dec. 31 (HK), and in e. Clarke, the Piedmont after December are unusual, but Paget had GA, Jan. 8-Mar. I (BWa). s•nglebirds in Banks, GA, Feb. 5 and in Forsyth,GA, Feb. 25. There were 9 reportsof Lincoln'sSparrow, including s•x A LoggerheadShrike spent the winter along the coastat Ft. from the North Carolina CoastalPlain, where now found to F•sher,NC (KK,RD); formerly, the specieswas regularly found be regularin winter.Outside of that state,where Undoubtedly •n s.e. North Carolina. regular as well, were two near Eufaula N.W.R., GA, Feb 11 (BD), one near Sweetwater Creek S.P., GA, Jan. 29 (PR), and VIREOS, WARBLERS--A White-eyed Vireo, seldom one at SavannahN.W.R., SC, Dec. 21 (ST). The all-time Re- found in the Piedmont in winter, was encountered in the gional record count of Lapland Longspurwas upped to 84, Atlanta area Feb. 5 (PB,HG). Solitary Vireo doeswinter (and which Lynch counted (with just four Horned Larks) Dec 30 breed) to some extent in that province; one at Piedmont at a previously known site near L. Phelps, NC. Other records N W.R., GA, Feb. 26 (PS,JS) was notable.There were three in that stateincluded four at CapeHatteras Dec. 10 (LG, KC), P•edmontreports of Orange-crownedWarblers, all from the one at GoldsboroDec. 17 (HL), and five in e. EdgecombeDec. Atlanta area (fide TM), where there are numerousprevious 26 (RD). In South Carolina, where quite rare, six were at records. However, definitely out-of-seasonin that province Huntington BeachS.P. Dec. 17 (DF) and one was near A•ken were a N. Parula Dec. 16 near Raleigh (MT) and a Cape May Dec.26 (PSt).The only SnowBuntings were four that wintered Warbler Jan.24 at Winston-Salem,NC (DD). The 2nd Georgia at Cape Hatteras (m.ob.). record,and approximatelythe 6th Regionalrecord, for Black- throated Gray Warbler was furnished by one Feb. I at BLACKBIRDS TO CARDUELINE FINCHES--A • Crooked River S.P. (MR). Casual in winter was a Black- throated Green Warbler, collected at Kingstree,SC, Dec. 24 Yellow-headedBlackbird near Pine Mountain, GA, Feb. 5 (D (SPR,*C.M.); this appearsto be the first documentationfor & PMcC) was the only one reported.Brewer's Blackbirds do, the Region at this season.Prairie Warblers apparently do not indeed, winter regularly "out of range" at Open Grounds regularly winter in North Carolina, althoughthey have been Farm, Carteret, NC, as 47 were counted Feb. 3 (DC, RD), a found on many CBCs. One on Jan. 27 near Aurora (SC) was large flock wintered there last year. Other Brewer'sin the notable for its "lateness."Ovenbirds winter sparingly along Carolinas,where consideredquite rare, were in a mixed flock the coast, perhaps as far north as Buxton, NC, where the of blackbirdsin n. Mecklenburg,NC, Jan. 14 (HW) and one specieswas againfound on the CaPe HatterasCBC. However, near L. Marion, Clarendon, SC, Dec. 26 (RC). A good count the total of nine on the count (HA et al.) was a complete for Augusta was of 30 Brewer's on Jan. 14 (AW, VW, CB). shock,and a follow-up in late Januaryor February is needed Rodgerscollected an ad. 6 Orchard Oriole at KingstreeDec 24 (fide WP) for the first winter specimen and likely 2nd to determine if the species,indeed, overwinters this far north. winter record for South Carolina. An Ovenbird was also seen inland at Santee N.W.R. Dec. 26 (RC),for aboutthe 6th winter recordfor SouthCarolina. The Purple Finchesdo not normally vary in numbersgreatly only Yellow-breasted Chats reported were two near New from winter to winter, unlike the notoriously unpredictable Bern, NC, Dec. 19 (BH, JF)and one found dead in Gloucester, Pine Siskin and EveningGrosbeak. However, this winter they Carteret, NC, Feb. 28 (KP). were uncommon to rare nearly everywhere and were missed on some CBCsthat probably have never missedthem before TANAGERS, EMBERIZID FINCHES -- Oddly enough, Hopefully, there is not a continental decline. House Finches the tanager most likely in winter, the Western, went unre- are no longer newsworthyand are becomingglorified House ported,whereas Summer and Scarletwere each encountered Sparrows over much of the Region. No Red Crossbillswere once. Two Summers were seen on the CharlestonCBC (CPh reported, and the same could almost be said for Evemng party),but more unusualwas a ScarletTanager at Greensboro Grosbeaks.Fewer than five birders saw grosbeaksduring the Dec. 28-29 (HLi, HH), which still had a few red feathersin season.And Pine Siskinswere scarcelyeasier to find, asthere the axillary region. For some unknown reason,there was a were just a handful of reports.One must wonder if "all" the flurry of winter recordsof Blue Grosbeakin the early 1970s, grosbeaksand siskins were even correctly identified, a but nothingmuch had been heard from the speciesin winter thought this editor would not even consider in an invasion until this season,when there were 3 reports.The 3rd South year! Carolina winter report, and first specimen,came from Kings- tree, where an imm. male was collected Jan. 16 (SPR, fide ACKNOWLEDGMENT--J. Merrill Lynch compiled and WP). Two Blues were also seen Dec. 17 at Thomasville, GA wrote a portionof this report.

466 American B•rds, Fall, 1989 OBSERVERS--Henry Armistead, Maurice Barnhill, Jim McClure (D & PMcC), George McCoy, Mary McDowd, Paul Beatty, Clarence Belger, Patrick Brisse,Zach Bynum, Kevin Cal- McQuarry, Francis Michael {FMi), Terry Moore, Jeremy Nance, hoon, Steve Calver {SCa),Carolina Bird Club {C.B.C.),Derb Carter, JaniceNicholls {JNi), North Carolina State Museum {N.C.S.M.), Ric Carter {RiC), Robin Carter, Charleston Museum {C.M.), Dan Perry Nugent, Bob Odear, Helen Ogren, Karl Pace, John Paget, Connelly (DCo), Anson Cooke, Sam Cooper, Greg Cornwell, Jo- T.K. Patterson, Brian Patteson, Butch Pearce (BPe), Carl Perry, sephCovington, R.L. Crawford,Shirley Cuthrell, Brent Danielson Cheryl Phillips {CPh), Taylor Piephoff, Bill Portlock (13Po),Will (BDa), Ricky Davis, Eric Dean, David Disher, Phil Doerr, Bruce Post,James & Elizabeth Pullman {J& EPu), Paul Raney, Michael Dralle, Barny Dunning (13Du),Caroline Eastman,Dennis Forsythe, Resch, S.P. Rodgers,Georgann Schmalz, Doug Shadwick, Dave Dorothy Foy {DFoy),John Fussell, Betsy Gallagher,Hugh Garrett, Sibley {DSi),Glenn Smith, Peter Stangel(PSt), Betty Stewart,Joan Lex Glover, Robert Hader, Dale Hardee, Myrna Harris (MHa), Sykes, Paul Sykes, Simon Thompson,Mike Tove, Buzz Trotty, Scott Hartley, Herb Hendrickson, Bob Holmes, Milton Hopkins, RussTyndall, Heathy Walker, Charlie Walters, JeffWalters {JWa), Lois Howland, Eileen Hutcheson, Wayne Irvin, Ty Ivey, Terry Anne Waters, Vernon Waters, Bryan Watts (BWa), Brad Winn, Johnson,Tim Kalbach, Herb Kale, Jim Keighton, Nell Kirkland, Peter Worthington, David Wright, John Wright, Ann Wyand Kitty Kosh, Bruce Krucke, Carolina Lane, Harry LeGrand, C. {AWy), Peter Yawkey, Randy Yelverton.--HARRY E. LeGRAND, Leland {CLe),Bob Lewis, Henry Link {HLi), Merrill Lynch, Marcia JR.,N.C. Natural Heritage Program, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC Lyons (MaL), Mrs. Roy Mallot, Frank McCamey, Dennie & Pam 27611.

FLORIDA MEXICO REGION FLORIDA H. P. Lanõridõe

ATLANTIC Dry T, OCEAN

displacedseabirds flying north off the Palm BeachCounty intthe theDry Atlantic, Tortugas strandedonMarch boaters 9during reported asevere many storm war- coast. biers on the parade ground and on their boats.After the April and May were hot and dry May in Palm Beach storm on March 12 two parties reported "thousands"of County was the secondhottest and the third driest ever,

Volume 43, Number 3 467 with rainfall 5¾2inches below average, and rainfall in Collier County was reportedly off 81 percent. The water level at Lake Okeechobee was almost two feet below normal at the end of May. This low water caused some Snail Kites and water birds to wander to deep canals and lakes. The clear dry weather produced excellent migrating conditions, but poor conditions for observers.Very few migrants were evident on either coast, with most observ- ers generally agreeingthat this spring migration was ex- tremely poor, and Ft. DeSotonear St. Petersburgclaiming that this year was the worst migration ever. However, JohnnieJohnson reported that the migration offshorewas This White-cheekedPintail presentfor sometime at WestPalm the best in several years. On two separate days twenty Beach,Florida, and photographedApril 14, 1989, laterproved to miles off Cocoa. he counted over 413 warblers flying by bean escapeeJ?oma nearby farm. Photograph/GeorgeF. Wagner. with 33 landing on the boat. This springthe BahamaSwallow, BahamaMockingbird. valid migrant.Inquiry much later at a nearbyfarm uncovered and Bananaquit draw observersfrom afar, but the alarm- that two of this species,not pinioned,were part of a small ing news involved the striking number of Shiny Cowbirds flock of exotic waterfowl kept there, so the White-cheeked invading. Pintail seen during April and May was a kept bird that wandered regularly. The highestcount ever of N. Shovelers ABBBEVIATIONS--D.T. = Dry Tortugas; E.N.P. = Ever- in Polk was of 6050 Mar. 25 (PF). gladesNat'l Park; Ft. DeSoto= Ft. DeSotoCounty Park, Pinelias; Although 5 pairs of Black-shoulderedKites were found in Tally Div. = Tallahassee Division. n.w. BrowardMar. 18 (WG, BH), only 3 pairs stayedto build nests.At the end of May 2 pairs were still attendingnests despiteheavy smoke and nearbyfires, but there were no signs PETRELS TO WADERS--The strange features about of young. For 2 days in April at E.N.P., a Black-shouldered the Black-cappedPetrel sighting Apr. 28 (DS, •-DF, m.ob.) visitedthe site where kites nestedlast year (JCu).Seven very between Cosgrove Tower and Rebecca Shoals east of D.T. pale Red-tailed Hawks, resemblingthe so-called "Krider's" were that this deep-waterspecies was seen in shallow water form, were reportedfrom Hendry to Polk Mar. 1-16 (RT), and and in the Gulf of Mexico, only the 2nd known sightingthere. one was seen in Polk Mar. 25 {PF). At D.T. the hawk flight Three Greater Shearwatersoff CocoaApr. 28 were expected, May 7 (KK e! al.) was the best this spring with at least 30 but five SootyShearwaters there Apr. 10 were an outstanding Sharp-shinnedHawks, 12 Broad-wingedHawks, 15 Merlins, find 0J}.An impressivenumber of over 200 Audubon'sShear- and seven Peregrines.Always a good find in s. Florida, a waters were found on fiat seasin the Gulf Stream s.e. of Key calling Virginia Rail was heard at Loxahatchee N.W.R. Mar. West Apr. 26 OH et al.}, and two Apr. 29 and May 6 {BA} 50 31 (PWS).Two locationsproduced breeding confirmation of mi w. of Sanibel I. were surprising,Off BoyntonBeach Mar. Am. Coot, a rare nester in Polk, May 21 & 27 (PW). 12 after the big storm {CP}, an ad. Brown Booby flew north with 475 N. Gannets. Totalling 1267 N. Gannets in 9 days at the end of March was an unusually high number for Pinelias {RHW). On Hospital Key, D.T., the high count of Masked SHOREBIRDS TO TERNS -- At Ft. DeSotoApr. 1-8 (LA Boobieswas of 27 Apr. 29 (DF el al.}, and during late April et al.), the only Lesser Golden-Plover of the season was re- and early May {HPL, m.ob.}, three appeared to be incubating ported.Ten Piping Plovers,a very goodnumber for the s.e. there againthis year. If successful,this nestingwould be only coast,were counted at Virginia Key, Dade, Mar. 4 {Tropical the 2nd time in the continental United States. A striking AudubonSociety}. Uncommon so far north, a pair of Black- number of 4200 Am. White Pelicanswas countedin mine pits neckedStilts was attemptingto nest at Payhe'sPrairie near in Polk Mar. 25 {PF},but three at Key West Apr. 18 0AO} were GainesvilleMay 4-31 (JWe! al.}. The highestnumbers of some surprising that far south. At Rookery Bay Sanctuary, Collier, shorebirds,by species,were: 137 Am. Avocetsin Polk Apr. 15 30 Am. White Pelicans were late May 25 0M}. Although (PF},25 Solitary Sandpipersat W. Palm BeachApr. 30 (BDN, Brown Pelicans are now scarce but regular inland in s. and JG},21 White-rumped Sandpipersin e. OrangeMay 18 {CTR}, s.c. Florida, three at Gainesville May 24 {CER, LDJ} were and 205 Stilt Sandpipersin Polk Mar. 25 (PF}. A late Stilt unusual inland that far north. During April and May, for only Sandpiperwas seen May 21 (DJ}at St. Marks N.W.R. Two the 2nd time on D.T., Magnificent Frigatebirdsnested suc- Long-billedCurlews, uncommonin Tally Div., turned up at cessfully on Long Key with 40 to 50 nestlings in late May Lanark,Franklin, Mar. 28 {RW}and at Turkey Point, Franklin, (WR}. A Great Blue Heron {white form} was unusual inland Apr. 4 (JEC,RW}. Fifteen hundred Red Knotsmassed at Talbot in e. Orange May 4-6 (CTR, DWF}, and another in Sarasota Island S.P., Duval, May 2 {DP}. A Short-billed Dowitcher Bay paired with one of the blue form to raise two dark young landedon a boat25 mi e. of Port CanaveralApr. 8 (JJ,*Brevard {RTP}. Roseate Spoonbills,productive this spring, surprised Museum} and died later, and the impressivenumber of 654 inland observerswith one Mar. 23 {DWF} at Orlando Wilder- dowitchers{sp.} was reportedin Polk Mar. 25 (PF}.The only hessPark and "several"Apr. 21-23 (GW, HK} in Osceola. Wi]son's Phalarope, uncommon in spring, was reported in Polk Apr. 23 {PF, PT}. After the big March storm,two displacedjaegers {sp.} were DUCKS TO RAILS -- In a flooded field near Belle Glade, flying N with "thousands"of seabirdsoff Palm Beach Mar 12. Palm Beach,May 7 {BS,SSm), 2500 FulvousWhistling-Ducks {CP}.An imm. Com. Black-headedGull was an excellent find with 500 Mottled Ducks emphasizedthe successof the Ful- at Port Canaveral Mar. 1-2 (JJ,KB}. The all-time high count vous in this area. Finding several different pairs of Black- of LesserBlack-backed Gulls at PompanoBeach landfill to- be]lied Whistling-Ducks near Myakka River S.P. May 27 talled 27 Apr. i {PWS, WG et al.}, with only three imm. {RDG,BP} answered the questionof whether the 70 wintering plumagedbirds. A first-yearGlaucous Gull at PompanoBeach birds of this speciesmigrated out of state during the summer landfill Mar. 10-Apr. 8 (WG, BH et al.} startled observers or stayedin Florida. Thoroughlychecking registered avicul- because it was inland and so far south. At Port Canaveral an turistsand other possiblesources failed to determine whether imm. Black-laggedKittiwake showedup Mar. 8 (JJet aLL and or not the White-cheeked Pintail w. of W. Palm Beach was a another was seennear Ft. LauderdaleMar. 10 (JKM et al.}. An

468 AmericanBirds, Fall, 1989 Arctic Tern, resting in the channel between Bush and Garden SeveralBlue-winged Warblers were reported Four Golden- Keys,D T, May 5 (WG, BH, •'RDG, mob, ph MP), produced wingedWarblers, rare springmigrants, were reported one at the first sightingfor spring in the Gulf for the Florida Region Largo Apr. 27 (KN), one at Seminole near St. PetersburgApr and D.T. Off Cape Canaveral 22 mi, two RoseateTerns were 29 (IF), one at Ft. DeSoto May 2 (LH), and one at Talbot Island somewhat unusual May 16 (]J). The rare but regular Black S.P.,Duval, May 2 (DP).The only NashvilleWarbler reported Noddy was seen routinely on Bush Key, D.T., Apr. 25-May 1 this springwas at CorkscrewMar. 28 (VM, fide TB). A Yellow- (CH, m.ob.). rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 4th spring sighting for the state,tarried at LoggerheadKey, D.T., Apr. 29-May I (DF, DS, m.ob.).A 9 Black-throatedBlue Warbler was very early at DOVES TO THRUSHES--On LoggerheadKey, D.T., JacksonvilleMar. 21 (JPC).A • ProthonotaryWarbler pro- where Merlins and Peregrineswere very active, an extremely ducedby far the earliestspring record in BrevardMar. 3 nervous racing pigeon was captured and released after its and anotherwas early at TallahasseeMar. 4 (DJ).An Ovenbird band was read May I (FA et al.). Consideredrare on D.T., a was late at JacksonvilleMay 28 (JPC).A Wilson'sWarbler, a Rock Dove was spottedthere May I (HPL et al.) & 4-6 (RDG goodfind, turned up west of W. Palm BeachMar. 25 (BH) et al ). An alert, well-fed Eur. Collared-Dove visited Garden Over 300 mi south of its usual breeding range, a singing Key, D.T., Apr. 26 (HPL et al.) for only the 2nd record there. Yellow-breastedChat was found in s.e. Hendry May 27-31 (WG, BH). Many reportersmentioned the breedingsuccess of this species this season. An imm. White-crowned Pigeon overshot and stayedon Hypoluxo I., Palm Beach,Mar. 26-Apr. 18 (HPL et BANANAQUITS TO FINCHES -- The last view of the al ) The releaseof White-winged Dovesin Highlands in 1977 wintering Bananaquit near Ft. Lauderdale was recorded Mar has proven to be a successfulendeavor; 39 were countedMay 6 (EF et al.). A Blue Grosbeakat St. GeorgeIsland S.P.Apr. 1 6 near Lake Placid (RT). A Burrowing Owl provided the first (SC)provided the earliestrecord for the Tally Div. On Garden sightingfor Madison in the Tally Div., May 3 (GB, JC). Inter- Key, a 9 Rufous-sidedTowhee Apr. 24 (HPL, WB et al.) and estlngly,two Short-eared Owls were reported on the Keys: a Clay-coloredSparrow May 6 [RT et al.) each provided first wing and leg were found on Big Pine Key Apr. 24 (MG, springsightings for D.T. A GrasshopperSparrow reported in *E N P.), probably establishinga first for the lower Keys, and PascoMay 15-16 (DC) was a late migrant, but a singingbird one whole bird was at LoggerheadKey, D.T., May 5 (BH et in OsceolaMay 30 (RT) probably was of the Florida race. A ph MP). On Mar. 10 (JG)an early Com. Nighthawk called in White-crowned Sparrow, unusual in s. Florida, visited a Miami. A Chuck-will's-widow circled a boat 30 mi w. of feederat W. Palm BeachApr. 8-13 (CP);another was reported SarasotaApr. 28 (BA) for a surprise.The goodnumber of over at Talbot Island S.P.May 2 (DP);and a late bird was seennear 50 Chimney Swifts was noted at E.N.P. May 2 (BS,SSm). A TallahasseeMay 20 (BHS). A Lincoln's Sparrow, a scarce Black-chinned Hummingbird, an excellent find, visited a wintering bird but a rare migrant, was spottedat Ft. DeSoto feeder near JacksonvilleApr. 6-7 (LJ, PP et al.). At Golden very late May 29 [.lB,RC]. The only Yellow-headedBlackbird Gate, two Hairy Woodpeckers,seldom reported in Collier, was reportedat CorkscrewSwamp SanctuaryMar. 7 (DB). A were seen Mar. 12 (JD, LD). On Mar. 12 down Snake Bight, c•Brewer's Blackbird Mar. 29 (RT) in Hardee was a surprise E N P., a calling Brown-crested Flycatcher, a rare winter visitor, was spotted(MW et al.). The wintering Cassin'sKing- bird, 2nd sighting and first confirmed record for Florida, SoA. tarried until Apr. 22 (TT). The Bahama Swallow, rare in Here they come! For several years, American Birds Florida, returned to Miami again this year Mar. 30-May 31 editorsfor Florida have been prophesyingdoom for s. (mob., ph. GFW, MP). On Apr. 23 (]H, BB) and on later dates, Floridapassefines from •he impendinginvasion of par- this amorousbird dallied with Cave Swallows nesting nearby. asitic Shiny Cowbirds. The invasion is now in full Stray Cave Swallows were seen on D.T. Apr. 24-25 (HPL, DF swing. Seventeen Shiny Cowbirds were counted on et al ). Garden and LoggerheadKeys at D.T. Apr. 25, with a A calling Fish Crow, unusual on the Keys, was reported total of 25 more there Apr. 24-May 7 (m.ob.),and 10 near Key West Mar. 30-Apr. 9 (JAO, BN). A wintering Red- more May 25-28 (WR). These Tortugassightings repre- breastedNuthatch, rare at the southern edge of its wintering sentedjust a portion of the numbersstreaming into s. range,stayed late at Cedar Key to May 6 (DTF). A late Brown Florida.Rivaling the D.T. numberswere the Key West Creeper Mar. 11 (BP) produced a first for Pasco.On Apr. 22 totalsduring May, with a high of 44 birdsMay 16 (JAO). 0-JEC,•'RW) at St. GeorgeI., a Bewick's Wren provided the Florida City, Dade, had 3 pairs during April and May first sighting in 20 years in the Tally Div., and the latest. (CM, BP et al.); w. Homesteadhad one pair all spring Wintering in the same yard for 6 consecutiveyears, a House (BS,SSm); Flamingo, E.N.P., had two May 14 (BS,SSm); Wren, first banded there in 1982, hit the mist nets again at Big Coppitt Key had one Apr. 9 (BDN, JAO); and Big Nokomis,Sarasota, Mar. 11 (AS, SS).A Bahama Mockingbird, Pine Key had five May 11-31 (BS, SSm). To the north, furnishingthe 9th U.S. sighting,lingered at Cape Florida near a singing male in Delray Beach provided Palm Beach Miami Apr. 8-11 0-PB, m.ob., ph. GFW, CTR, MP). A tardy with its first sightingMay 8 (BH), and a pair furnished SwainsoWsThrush bangedinto a window at TallahasseeMay the 2nd countyrecord in s.w. Palm BeachMay 10 (JB, 18 (JEC). ER).

VIREOS, WARBLERS--Two carefully described Bell's Vireos,rare in Florida, were reportedat St. GeorgeI., Franklin, A 9 N. "Bullock's" Oriole was found Mar. 19 0-DO, JS) in Apr 11 (•'RW). This spring no Black-whiskered Vireos were E.N.P. again this year. An Australian pine, heavy with cones, seenor heard in suitable mangrovehabitat in Hillsboro, Terra fell among3 mist netsin a Nokomis,Sarasota, yard, attracting 146 Am. Goldfinches and one Pine Siskin, both scarce this Cma, and SarasotaBays, and none was at Ft. DeSoto again this year, but the Prairie Warblers were still evident in this winter, for bandingMar. 2-4 (AS, SS). area despitethe presenceof Brown-headedCowbirds (RTP). A Black-whiskeredVireo at St. GeorgeIsland S.P., Frank/in, CONTRIBUTORS (subregional editors in boldface) Fred Apr I (SC)furnished the earliest record for Tally Div. Phila- Alsop, Brooks & Lyn Atherton, JocelynBaker, Benton Bas- delphia Vireos, rare in spring, were studied at Loggerhead ham, Ted Below, Kenneth Bennet, Wes Biggs,Paul Bithorn, Key May 6 0-KK et al.); at CocoaBeach May 25 0-BE,KE), first G. Bland, D. Bruns,James E. Cavanaugh,Ron Christian, Julie springsighting for Brevard;and two at Ft. DeSotoMay 2 (LH). P. Cocke,Samuel Cole, Jim Cox, JohnCurnatt OCu),J. & L

Volume 43, Number 3 469 Douglas,Naomi Edelson,Betty & Karl Eichhorn, Everglades Ondrejko,Janice Osmond, Max Parker,Richard Paul, Dwight Nat'l Park staff, Dot T. Fagen,Paul Fellers, Davis Finch. Judy Peake,Cynthia Plockelman,Peggy Powell, Bill Pranty, Cathy Fisher, Dot W. Freeman, Emory Froelich, Chuck Geanangel, E. Reno, William Robertson,C. Ted Robinson,Ed Rosenberg, Wally George,Monica Getty, R. Dave Goodwin,Jeff Goodwin, David Sibley, Bill & (Ssm)Susan Smith, J. Smith, Annette & Debbie Grimes, J. Hallett, Chris Haney. Rob Heath, Dale Stanley Stedman. Barbara H. Stedman, Henry Stevenson, Henderson,Brian Hope, Larry Hopkins,Lin D. Jennings,John- Karen Sunderland, Paul W. Sykes, Pete Timmer, Russell nie Johnson, Lee Johnson,Dean Jue, Herb Kale, Kenn Kauf- Titus, Tadzin Trotsky,George F. Wagner,James Weimer, Rick man, H.P. Langridge, Fred Lohrer, J. McGinty, Vince Mc- West, Robert H. Westmore, Mickey Wheeler, Gordon Wol- Grath, D. Means, JamesK. Meritt, Cliff Miles, Barbara Mnsch- fram.--H.P. LANGRIDGE, 1421 W. Ocean Ave., Lantana, FL litz, Kristine Nelson, Bruce Neville, Dennis Olle, J.A. 33462.

ß Wawa ß-• Win•skß . JamesBay• • •'•.... • Coch...... %ault• St.•%•_ -Sudbury• ThunderE 7•a•tat • ONTARIO REGION LH• •_ • ONTAR,O •wa. • ....

Ron D. Weir Pete• •

e L• H•C• •ng• Rorideau Prov, park

Pt. Pelee Naf. Pa•

south in PeterboroughCounty, Tree Swallow mortality weatheromake a andsweeping the dependentgeneralizationbird migrationthatdescribes over all the of was also high as birds crammed en masseinto nest boxes Ontario seemsan impossibletask. After all, in this prov- wherethey frozeto death.At Peleeduring this cold period, ince, some 1600 kilometers separate Pelee in the south notable passagewas detectedApril 25. Some 34 House (which is on the latitude of California) and Fort Severn on Wrens, 55 Winter Wrens, 115 Hermit Thrushes, 18 Solitary the Hudson Bay coastin the north, and the same distance Vireos, 24 Nashville and 31 Black-throated Green war- lies between Cornwall in the east and Kenore in the west. blers,and 75 SwampSparrows among others were present; Despite this Gargantuanspread, birders everywhere did but then, perhaps these birds were heading southwards agree that spring was later than usual and that major again. delays occurred in the arrival of migrants. By May 15, the dam broke south of Ontario and tens of During late March, warm conditionswith a storm pro- thousandspoured into the province, many of which did pelled arrivals into the southwest and into the western not linger for long.The numberof passetinesovershooting their mid-latitudinal breeding areas in the United States end of Lake Superior,but by early April winter clamped was greatly reduced, which is expected when such cold down again and slowed migration to a trickle virtually conditionsprevail through the prime time for their move- everywhere until mid-May. Ice stormsduring April were ment. Not until the fourth week of May was the flow of thought to have affected adversely the early fiedging of migrantsback on schedule.Even then, stragglingApril owls from Kingstonto Niagara. Heavy snowfall grounded migrants were still passingthrough lookouts along the thousands of Hermit Thrushes, Fox and American Tree lower Great Lakes.Along the HudsonBay coastnear Fort sparrows,and Rusty BlackbirdsMay 5-6 at Thunder Bay, Severn, heavy snow at the end of May causedproblems where they were forced onto ploughedroads, and it also for the Snow Geese and Black-bellied Plovers that had triggeredreverse migration of Tree Swallows May 6. Far- arrived, as well as for the newly born caribou calves. ther west at Atikokan, dead Yellow-rumped Warblers Apparently the sedentaryWillow Ptarmiganthere took all were testament to the ravages of the cold. Much farther the adverse weather in stride.

470 American Birds, Fall, 1989 ABBREVIATIONS -- Pelee -- Point Pelee National Park and were two adultsat Embrun,Russell, Apr 8 (BMD, RRB,PRM) vicinity; P E Pt = Prince Edward Point, Algonquin, Presqu'fie, and singlesat Whltby Mar 27 (JJB,BH, DM, et al ), Thunder and Rondeau are provincial parks. Place names in itahcs are BayApr. 20 (R. Sein),Angus, Simcoe, Apr. 29 (TP), and Hurkett counties. in Thunder Bay District May 8 (AW). The largest flock of SnowGeese contained 260 birds at Riceville,Prescott, Apr 9 (BMD et al.). The heavy flight of Brant over Kingston and LOONS TO IBISES--The 28 Red-throatedLoons rep- Presqu'ilebegan May 13 (K.F.N., CEG), the same day flocks resenteda sharp increaseover the 1982-1988 spring average arrived alongthe JamesBay coastat Moosonee(EH, JET).An of 16, and were led by 16 in w. Hamilton Bay Apr. 2 (WSm, J. early • Blue-wingedTeal appearedat Aylmer, Elgin, Mar. 14 Cram, PW). The others were reported along L. Ontario and L. (JMHet al.) and was the only dabblerreported early. Northern Erie from Presqu'ileto LongPt. Apr. 8-May 31, with only one Shovelernumbers were up sharplyat severallocations along inland at Rideau Ferry, Leeds-Lanark, May 13 (WC, PM). the lakeshore from Kingston to Pelee. Peak flocks included Impressivemovement of Com. Loonswas also reported. The 232 at Port Rowan Apr. 5 (DAS et al.) and 148 at Pelee Mar 61 at Pelee Apr. 3 furnished an all-time spring maximum 30 (AW). It is difficult to draw an obvious link between the there (AW) and mostof the 775 feedingat P.E.Pt.Apr. 15 had prairie drought of 1988 and this increaseduring spring as moved out the following day (JHE, RDW). Some 275 were these bfrds were presumably returning to their nesting tallied flying over Long Pt. Apr. 22 (IR) and the 39 new arrivals grounds.Perhaps more pairs than usual will remain to breed at Lake-of-the-WoodsApr. 26 were concentratedin openleads within s. Ontario? along the edge of the frozen lake (SFP). The Horned Grebe The five Eur. Wigeon equalledthe annum averagesince flight was consideredpoor nearly everywhere, except in the 1979. All were singlemales, at Presqu'ileApr. 1-5 (GY et al ), P E Pt. area where 400 and 100 appearedApr. 15 & 16 respec- Wolfe I. Apr. 2 (RDW),Port Dover Apr. 19-May 13 (B. Jones tively (RDW). Red-neckedGrebe movement was strongwith et al.), TownsendMay 6 (RVT), and Port Perry May 22-30 concentrationsof 476 off 2 pointsalong Manitoulin I. Apr. 24 (fide MJB). The last bird was thought to have reappearedat (JCN),93 at Silver Islet near Thunder Bay May 4 (AGH, SO), LindsayJune 1-2 (JM,TB, DCSet al.). The Canvasbackmigra- 50 in Dyers Bay, Bruce,Apr. 15 (MP), and 36 inland at Ottawa tion was strongin e. Ontario led by the 3500 along Wolfe I May 6 (BMD). The flight of Eared Grebeswas also very strong Apr. 9 (RDW, JH) and the Redhead peak of 400 occurred and the spring birds exceededby one the 1972-1988 average nearby at Presqu'ileMar. 24 (SML). The Ring-neckedDuck for the entire year. Two were at P.E.Pt. Apr. 15 (JHE, RDW). passagemimicked that of the N. Shoveler, but was more The otherswere singlesnear CobourgApr. 1-15 (ERM), Dyers widespread. The largest single flocks were of 5000 at Bay Apr. 14 (MP), Kettle Pt. Apr. 28 (AHR), Rondeau May 10 Presqu'ile Mar. 25 (HGC) and 1450 at Port Rowan the same (PC), Pelee May 10-14 (BMC et al.), and the Essex lagoons day (DAS). LesserScaup movement was also strong,led by May 13 (HGC). Ontario'sfirst WesternGrebe in springsince the 4700 at PeleeApr. 7 (AW). The Harlequin Duck averages 1986 appearedin w. Hamilton Bay Apr. 30 (WSm et al.) to one sighting per spring, so this seasoWsthree males were provide the 6th ever local record. noteworthy.'s overwintering bird remained to Apr. 3 Great Egret numbers were up in the traditional area of the (FL), while another tarried in the Oshawa harbour Apr. 7- southwestWhere early arrivalsappeared at LongPt. Mar. 23 May 7 (fide MJB). The 2nd-year male at Atikokan Mar. 29 (JDM) and near WoodstockApr. 6 (JMH). Some 17 were furnishedonly the 2nd occurrencesince 1959 in that region reportedbeyond this range with an early bird at Presqu'ile (DHE, TJN). Noteworthy Surf Scoters in the lacklustre scorer Apr 2 (TFMB) and singlesnorth to the Ottawa area Apr. 7 passagewere the 20 at Presqu'ileApr. 30 (VM) and eight at (RVT) and May 7-10 (BK et al.), Thunder Bay Apr. 29-30 Pelee May 6 (DL). The 1100 Corn. Goldeneyesat Pelee Mar (NGE et al.), and Windy Pt., Rainy R. District, May 13-14 29represented anunusual concentration there (AW), and this ' (AW) An ad. SnowyEgret in ClarksoWsRattray Marsh May species'heavy passagethrough easternL. Ontario was accom- 23 wasjoined by an immatureMay 24 and bothwere present panied by at least one g Barrow'sat KingstonMar. 12 (RDW) until about May 27 (RY, BJ,HGC). Another adult appearedon Two of Ottawa's overwinteringBarrow's Goldeneyes lingered Cherry I. near Key Harbour, Parry Sound, June i (AJ). The to Apr. 17 (BMD). immature on Sable I., Rainy R., May 13 was only the 3rd ever for n Ontario (ph. AW). Five would be an average number for spring.The only report of the rare Little Blue Heron was of an adult at Pelee May 23 (AW). The Rattray Marsh also VULTURES TO CBANES--Several early raptors ap- hosted a Tricolored Heron Apr. 7 and May 8 (DEP, JD); the peared, including Turkey Vultures at Oshawa Mar. 21 (DVR) specieshas been averagingone sightingannually for 1969- and Sudbury Apr. 8 (JCN),Ospreys near Dorset,Hallburton, 1988 Cattle Egret numbers remained at low levels. Singles Apr. 3 (RJP)and Toronto Apr. 4 (BJ,CM, MWD), two Broad- were in the far southwest at Pelee, Pelee I., Stoney Pt., winged Hawks at Pinery P.P. Mar. 27 (AHR), and single Rondeau, and Dover Township, Kent, in the period May 1- Merlins near Owen Sound Mar. 9 (TRM) and at Aylmer Mar June 1. The others were lone birds east to Dorland Apr. 8 (J. 12 (JMH et al.). Bald Eagl'esightings continued their steady Donan) and DeserontoMay 4 (J.Lewis). The only satisfactory rise begun in the early 1980s, with 84 birds; the 17 at the report of the extremely rare Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Grimsby hawkwatch were the most ever (fide MEF). Red- came from Long Pt., where one bird tarried May 14-15 (BB). shoulderedHawks were also record high there at 1102 (fide Early Black-crownedNight-Herons were an adult at Toronto's MEF). The shotgunblasting of Red-shoulderedsat 2 nest sites e. Headland Mar. 12 (VH) and three adults at Whitby Mar. 31 near Peterboroughunderscored the need not to publicize nest (MJB).The only GlossyIbis report was of an adult in breeding locationsof raptors(WSc, DCS). Two SwainsoWsHawks were plumageat Pelee Apr. 27-May i (ph., fide AW). About two reported, raising to 12 the provincial total since 1982. One per spring have been reported in the province during the passedGrimsby May 5 (WK, PJS)and a light morph adult was 1980s. at Pelee May 16 (DKS). The Red-tailed Hawk flight was poor everywhere, probably as a result of weather factors,and the latestof five Rough-leggedHawk sightingsduring May was at WATEBFOWL-- Tundra Swanswell e. of normal range Long Pt. May 24 (JDM). The five Golden Eagleswere fewer were six each at the Murray Canal Prince Edward, Mar. 18 than the post-1980spring average of nine birds. Singleswere (HS)and AmherstI. Mar. 20 (PT, AS), and three in Algonquin at Rondeau Mar. 4 (PAW), Frontenac P.P. Mar. 19 (DSc), May 21 (DF). The 29 Greater White-fronted Geeseapproached Pinery P.P. Mar. 24-28 (AHR), SudburyApr. 20 (JCN),and on the record-setting39 in spring of 1985. The largest groups AmherstI. May 20-31 (JHEet al.). Reportsof PeregrineFalcons contained 18 birds near Smithville, Niagara, Mar. 22-Apr. 1 droppedto 17 birds,below the post-1980spring average of 23 (JVN et al.) and five at IngersollApr. 13 (DNB). The others This downward trend has been noted during autumn in

Volume 43, Number 3 471 Ontario since 1985. This spring'sbirds were in the south at double the springaverage of five. Six were noted May 12-14 Pelee, Long Pt., Grimbsy, Presqu'ile, Amherst I., Ottawa, at Rainy R. (AW), the most likely region of the province to Algonquin, and GeorgianBay IslandsN.P. The only Gyrfalcon locate the species.The other four were singlesat Rondeau notedwas the overwinteringgrey morph bird at Thunder Bay May 10 (fide KJB),Pelee May 11 (RCR et at.) & 19-21 (TP et until Apr. 15 (AGH). at.), and Blenheim until May 28 (SC). King Rails were again scarce as the only reports were of Well representedwere Ruddy Turnstoneswith a peak of singles at Long Pt. May 12-14 (fide JDM, JBM, SJM) and 650 at Pelee May 27 (GTH, F & MB) and Red Knots with a Walpole I. May 27 (SAC). The Virginia Rail in Algonquin May high of 110 at LongPt. May 22 (DJTH).Single Western Sand- I (MR), the Sofa killed by a vehicle in Oshawa Apr. 12 (GAS), pipers were at Long Pt. May 7 (DJTH et at.), Bright's Grove and the Corn. Moorhen at Pickering Apr. 19 (EP) were early May 12-18 (YRT, AHR), Rock Point P.P. May 27 (fide RFA), arrivals.The 98+ reportsof Sandhill Cranesreflected a strong and Manitoulin I. May 28 (AJ),to equal the springaverage of showing;73 of these were from sites from Minden to Mani- four. Ontario observershave noted one Baird'son average toulin I., Sudbury, and Thunder Bay, where an early arrival during the 1980s and this seasoh's sighting was from appearedApr. 16 (SO, NGE, BA), and 22 were in the southwest Presqu'ile May 4 (AGC, RDM). Two Purple Sandpiperswere at Walpole I., Pelee, Rondeau, Long Pt., Alma, Winona, and at the tip of Long Pt. May 7 (PJ)for the 3rd spring record Bronte. One pair returned to Ottawa Apr. 29-May 31 (BMD), there. The speciesis extremely rare during springin Ontario. and a single passedNewboro, Leeds,Apr. 25 (SG). The Stilt Sandpiper migration was weaker than the usual 11 sightings.Two were at Bright'sGrove May 5 (AHR), and the one at the Norwich lagoonsMay 12 (•Sk, JMH) was the first SHOBEBIBDS--Peak flocks of plovers, always greatest in spring for Oxford. Another tarried at Port Perry May 24- in the extreme southwest, were the 3000 Black-bellieds in 28 (fide MJB). Dover Township, Kent, May 27 (DFR) and 450 LesserGoldens The four Ruffs were the fewest since 1981, and half the at Blenheim May 4 (SC). Piping Plover, virtually extirpated springnormal. One femaleremained at PeleeApr. 26-28 (ph. from Ontario, made its strongestshowing since the 1970swith AW et at.). Single males were near Hagersville Apr. 27-30 sevenbirds in all. Four appearedat variousLong Pt. sitesMay (MS et at.), and at Tavistock May 4-8 for Oxford's first in springand 2nd ever (RSk,JMH). The sex was not reportedon the bird at CasselmanMay 28 (VBLet al.). Wilson'sPhalaropes continuedtheir strongshowing. Some 116 were at the Rainy R. lagoonsMay 12-13 (AW) and 30 were counted in the lagoons at Russell, Embrun, and Casselman at the e. end of the province(BMD). The eight Red-neckedPhalaropes were more than the spring average of five birds. In the north, a male was at GarsonMay 30 (•CN). Farther south,three females lingeredat Port Perry May 24-29 (DB et al.), and singlebirds appeared at Harrow May 13 (HGC), Alfred May 21 (•RH), PlantagenetMay 21 (•RH),and Ottawa May 28 (GP,LN). Early arrivals by littorals were few but included a Greater Yellowlegsat Aylmer Mar. 14 (•MH), Solitary Sandpiperat Hamilton Apr. 14 (AW, RF, WL), and SpottedSandpiper in Algonquin Apr. 28 (CC). Early White-rumped Sandpipers were inland at Carleton Place May 12 (T & FP) and north to Rainy R. May 13 (AW}. Three Dunlins in basicplumage were very early at Aylmer Mar. 28 (•MH et at.).

GULLS TO WOODPECKEBS--Following no records during all of 1988, the five LaughingGulls this springconsti- tuted an invasion for a speciesthat averagesonly two per Black-neckedStilt at Stoney Point, Ontario, late May 1989. spring.Single adults were near Aldershot May 1-3 {ph. KAM, Fourth recordfor theprovince. Photograph/Alan Wormington. FD et at.), Bronte May 10-12 {DS et at.) which was a different bird, Pelee I. May 13 {YRT), and Whitby's Cranberry marsh 6-June 2 (fide JDM), while singles were at Pelee May 10-14 May 27-June 2 {D & DD}. The one immature was reportedat (•EH et at., AGC et al.), Presqu'ile May 14-19 (DD et at.), Port Hope May 26 {ERM}. The lone Franklifts noted was at Aylmer May 17 (RS), and Sable I. near Rainy R. May 13 (AW). Long Pt. May 27 and June I {GC et at.). The 25 Little Gulls in Ontario's 2nd spring and 4th ever Black-necked Stilt ap- Oshawa'sSecond Marsh Apr. 23 were the most reported (DG peared at the Stoney Pt. lagoon May 28-31 (ph: RG, HGC e! et at.}. The only birds away from their traditional areas were at.). The specieslast occurred in 1981. at least two at Presqu'ile May 11-19 {EP et at.) and one in Willets totalled 25 birds [springaverage is 30] of which 22 first-summer plumage near Britt, Parry Sound, May 31 {AJ). were at Pelee Apr. 29-May 23 (fide AW) where nine were One Corn. Black-headedGull in first-summer plumage was present May 5 (• & CH). Singles were at Normandale May 13 seen in the Dundas marsh Apr. 16 {KAM, WL et at.), which (BMD et at.), Rondeau May 13 (KW, SC), and Bright's Grove compareswith a spring averageof four. In spite of the cold May 25-26 (DPa, AHR). One Upland Sandpiper in Algonquin spring,numbers of white-wingedgulls were sharplylower at May 8 (MR) was north of range. The Whimbrel flight was 21 Iceland and 45 Glaucousgulls. Noteworthy among these modestalong the lower Great Lakes and was led by flocks of were two ad. Icelands in summer plumage at the Marathon 280 at Bright's Grove May 26 (AHR), 230 at Toronto's e. dump May 8 & 15 {AW} and one {kumtienirace} at Port Dover HeadlandMay 22 (HGC), and 100 at Pelee May 26 (fide AW). Mar. 22 (RDM). The 25 LesserBlack-backed Gulls represented Groupsof 100 to 250 passedManitoulin I. May 23 & 24 (JCN, a further increasefor spring,and included seven at Long Pt., AJ). Six Hudsontan Godwits made a normal spring tally, one six at Pelee, four each in Ottawa and Sarnia, two in the of which was in Thunder Bay May 21-22 (NGE, BA). The Hamilton area, and singlesat Pickeringand Port Credit, all in others were at Blenheim May 24 (AW), Pelee May 27 (PAS), the period Mar. 1-May 19. The Great Black-backed Gull in and AberfoyleMay 28-29 for Wetlington's2nd ever in spring 3rd-summerplumage in Algonquin May 14 {MR} was a first (BKW, VEW, JEP).However, Marbled Godwit numbers were for the park. An early Caspian Tern appeared at Pickering

472 American Birds, Fall, 1989 and 55 Winter Wrens at Pelee Apr. 25 (AW) were noteworthy for the early date. The • Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on Great Duck I., Manitoulin I., May 22 was a rare occurrence and an over- shootfrom farther south (AJ).The vagrant Mountain Bluebird hasbecome more frequentsince 1982 and the three this spring set a record high for any season.In the north, a male was in Thunder Bay Apr. 19 (O & HO). In the south, an imm. male tarried at FlamboroughApr. 15-17, providing the first record for the Hamilton area (WSm, WY et el.), and the wintering female near Arkona was still present in early March (fide SAC). The severe snowstormat Thunder Bay May 5-6 grounded 1000+ Hermit Thrusheson a small woodedisland (BA) along with hundreds elsewhere in the area (SO et el.). Varied Thrushes lingered on Manitoulin I. to Mar. 27 (fide CTB) and near Goderich to Apr. 7 (WT). Numbers of N. Mockingbird Adult LaughingGull at Grimshy,Ontario, May 3, 1989. Photo- increasedat the edgeof and beyond the normal range. One graph/Alan Wormington. spent the period in Sudbury (OZ) and singleswere well north at Atikokan May 31 (DHE) and MoosoneeMay 22 (DPz). Birds Apr. 4 (DM) and three Arctics had arrived in Moosoneeby were at 9 sites in Kingston (K.F.N.), 5 sites in Ottawa (BMD), May 31 (JT). The two ad. Forster's Terns in Algonquin May and 4 sites within Algonquin (JSk,MR, RGT). The last of the 14 (MR) provided another new speciesfor the park and were wintering Bohemian Waxwings were 12 in the south at Pe- well north of range. terborough Mar. 12 (WM) and three in the north at Atikokan A Barn Owl was found in Elderslie Township, Bruce, in Mar. 28 (DHE). Some 19 LoggerheadShrikes were reported, December 1988, and was turned over to the Ministry of typical of the lower numbers in recent years. Natural Resources(TRM). The speciesis a vagrant in this area Early arrivalsincluded a 6 Purple Martin at AlgonquinMay of the province.Remnants of the winter's N. Hawk Owl flight 6 (RGT) and a female at Michipicotin, Algome, May 7 (AW), in the south were singles at Belleville Mar. 2 (D. Gar), Hep- SedgeWren at Bronte Apr. 30 (MJ), Ruby-crowned Kinglet at worth Mar. 11 (M. Reid), Ashton, near Ottawa, to Mar. 11 Whitby Apr. 3 (MJB), single Swainsoh's Thrushes near Strat- (fide BMD), and Algonquin Apr. 9 (RDS). A Burrowing Owl ford May 6 (MPD) and at Algonquin May 8 (JSk),and Water on Walpole I. May 27 was well studied (ph. DPa, SAC. DFR et Pipits at Oshawa May 12 (MJB), Dundas Mar. 24 (JLO), and el.), and representedthe 8th record for Ontario since 1940. Algonquin Apr. 30 (RGT). Late Boreal Owls south of the breeding range were singles near Evansville, Manitoulin I., Mar. 5 (DEB) and Amherst I. Mar. 24 (CF). Two early Corn. Nighthawks appeared at Head Lake, Victorie, May 16 (RJP),and a • Chuck-will's-widow in VIREOS, WARBLERS -- The 19 White-eyed Vireos were Presqu'ileMay 28-29 (DW, IR, MM et el.) was well north of fewer than normal. Noteworthy among them were singles range and was a first for the park. Also early was a Chimney east to Bronte May 6 {GN, KAM), Whitby May 20 & 28 {RGT, Swift passingToronto's e. Headland Apr. 15 (AJ). The only DDC el el.), Presqu'ile May 21-24 {S & JR),and P.E.Pt. May 21 Black-backedWoodpecker south of the breeding range was {RDW). The Yellow-throated Vireo in Algonquin May 19 (JSk) one in Presqu'ile to May 4 (CB). representeda rare occurrencethere. Hybrid "Brewster's" Warblerswere reportedat Pelee,Long Pt., Walsingham,Presq- u'ile, and PeterboroughMay 12-25, and the rarer form, the "Lawrence's,"was at Pelee May 10-12 {FW et el.) and Ancaster FLYCATCHERS TO SHRIKES--Reports of Acadian Flycatchers were confined to Pelee, where seven appeared May 10-27 {fide AW), and Long Pt., where six were banded May 21-26 and another heard June 3 {fide JDM). The 550 Least Flycatchers at Long Pt. May 21 made an impressive total (JMH) amongmany songbirdsgrounded there. The high- light of this season'sflycatchers was the vagrant Ash-throated Flycatcher in Toronto'sHumber Bay park May 20 {CEG,JEG et el.), Ontario's 4th ever and first in spring. One Scissor- tailed Flycatcher was at Pelee May 26 (JEF);this specieshas averagedone per springduring the 1980s.The Cave Swallow at Pelee Apr. 21 was a first for Ontario (AW) and, perhaps, long overdue. This individual was skillfully picked out of a flock of Cliff Swallows and described thoroughly. The only early Barn Swallow noted was at Turkey Point Apr. 5 (JMH, JSk).Noteworthy parids included a Boreal Chickadee at Eto- bicoke Apr. 15 {JK)and six Tufted Titmice, which were singles at St. Williams Mar. 28 (JDM et el.), Toronto during the week Apr. 15-22 {DT), and Pelee Apr. 29 (MNF), plus three in the Hamilton area May 1-31 {fide KAM). 'swintering Rock Wren remained to at least Mar. 5 (HGC). Carolina Wrens continued to build their numbers following recent warm winters. From 15 to 25 pairs nested this spring at Pelee {fide AW) and 29 others were noted from Toronto and areas to the southwest. Territorial males were e. to Presqu'ile Apr. 2-May 27 {TS et el.) and KingstonMar. 1- Male '[4udubon•" Yellow-rumpedWarbler at Point Pelee, On- May 4 {VPM, EFA). Ontario occurrences of Bewick's Wren tario, April 29, 1989. Notice theplain-faced appearance, restricted are semiannual on average,and the one at Pelee May 14 {RCR pale throat area. and broad black patcheson the chest.Photo- et el.) was the first since spring of 1986. The 34 House Wrens graph/Alan Wormington.

Volume 43, Number 3 473 May 13-20 (A. Epp). Several hundred Magnolia Warblers, as sided Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Louisiana Water- well as 220 Wilson's, were tallied at Long Pt. May 21 (JDM, thrush at Pelee Apr. 25, Apr. 25, and Mar. 28 (DEP, AW, fide JMH). The only Yellow-rumped Warbler of the western Au- AW) respectively; and Magnolia; Black-throated Blue, Black- dubon'srace was an ad. male at Pelee Apr. 29 (ph. AW, STP). and-white, and Mourning in Algonquin May 5, May 3, Apr. Yellow-throated Warbler seemed unaffected by the cold sea- 30, and May 16 (GF, RH, RGT, MR), respectively. Others son, as the 7 sightingswere typical of most springs.Five were included a single Blackburnian and Bay-breastedat Whitby at Pelee Apr. 18-May 19 (fide AW), one at Rondeau May 15 Apr. 30 and May 5 (DDC, MJB) respectively,an Am. Redstart (E & JG), and a male e. to Cherrywood May 18 for Durham's at Thunder Bay May 4 (RGo), and a Wilson's Warbler at first ever (DM). A poor flight of Prairie Warblers was noted, Burlington Apr. 28 (RC). perhapstheir having been delayedinto early June.None was

TANAGERS TO FINCHES--Summer Tanagers num- bered only three at Pelee May 9-20 (fide AW), four at sitesin Kent during May (fide KJB), and one east to P.E.Pt. May 20 (JP,DC). A Rose-breastedGrosbeak at PeterboroughApr. 18 was extraordinarily early for the cold spring (RBr). Following last summer's record invasion by Dickcisselsinto s.w. Ontario, the only reportswere of singlesat Pelee May 17 (GW et el.) & 23 (JCK,MV, AW). Clay-colored Sparrows appearedMay 22 & 25 at 2 sites within Algonquin, where the speciesis rare (MR, RGT et el.); at Pelee May 17, a bird thought to be a hybrid Clay-colored x Chipping Sparrow was present (AW, JLD et el.). Some 21 Lark Sparrowshave occurred during the past 14 springs,so this spring'slone bird at Long Pt. May 11- 12 & 15 (KE et el.) representedabout an average number. However, Lark Buntings are much rarer in any season.A male turned up near L. Opeongo,Algonquin, May 25 (JSk)for a new park record. Henslow'sSparrows numbered only three at Pelee May 4-18 (fide AW) and nine at St. Williams May 22 (DAS et el.), for the only reports.The trend in recent years is a downward slide for this species. The only Sharp-tailed Sparrows noted were three at Pelee May 16-23 (fide AW). The six Le Conte's Sparrows made a typical number, and were singlesin the Thunder Bay area May 9 & 10 (AW, NGE), Pelee I. and Rondeau May 14 (MO, fide KJB),Pelee May 16 Yellow-throatedWarbler at Point Pelee, Ontario, April 18, 1989. (RLB), and South Limestone I., Georgian Bay, May 17 (ph. One of five recordedthere during the season.Photograph/Alan DVW, AJ). The 100 Fox Sparrowstogether at Bronte Apr. 15 Wormington. (GN) represented a rare gathering, and one along the East Thames R., Oxford, May 3 was late (JMH). One White- seen at Long Pt. 0DM), but the one in the Luther marsh, crowned Sparrow (Gainbell's race) was e. of range May 8 at Wellington (MDC), was only the 2nd ever for the county. P.E.Pt., where it was banded (ph. CF). The overwintering Three Palm Warblers of the eastern yellow race were at Pelee Harris' Sparrow at Turkey Pt. was last seen at the feeder May Apr. 18 (ADO and May 13 (DMac, RDM et el.), and at Bronte 3 (RCR) and another arrived Mar. 26 in Thunder Bay, where Apr. 29-May 3 (MI, GN). it too relied upon a feeder (NGE). The only Prothonotary Warbler reported away from the The nine W. Meadowlarks were the most in any spring extreme southwest was near Cayuga May 18 (RD). The 9 since the 1970s, when the species'invasion into s. Ontario reports of Worm-eating Warbler were fewer than usual with waned. Perhaps its fortunes are about to be revitalized. This only four at Pelee May 14-22 (fide ADO and singlesat Long spring's birds were on territory at sites in Pelee, Oxford, Point P.P. May 21 0IVIH),Long Pt. May 18-31 (banded,JDM), Middlesex,Wellington, Bruce, and n.e to Oshawa and Algon- Whitby May 5-13 & 19 (FJ, LH et el.), Toronto May 2 & 6 (JL, quin. The 9 Brewer's Blackbird in Algonquin May 25 (JSk, CEG, JEG et el.), and St. Catharines May 19 (MAR). Notewor- RDS) representedanother new speciesfor the park. Others of thy Louisiana Waterthrushes were in Toronto's note were singlesat WoodstockApr. 19 (JMH) and Peterbor- Apr. 26 and May 6 (AJ, PB) and PeterboroughMay 10 (PB). ough Mar. 30 (TB). Pine Grosbeakswere last seen at Presqu'ile Kentucky Warbler sightingswere also fewer, and the only in the south Mar. 24 (fide SML) and Virginiatown in the north -one away from the extreme southwest was at Willow Beach Apr. 24 (PWR). Red Crossbillproved to be scarce with only May 21 (RL), the 2nd ever for the Port Hope-Cobourg area. 17 isolatedreports. However, its peripatetic cousin,the White- Intriguing was the detailed report on a possible 9 Mac- winged, invaded parts of extreme s. Ontario well removed Gillivray's Warbler at Port Weller May 25-31 (MEF et el.). from the boreal forests. The birds were numerous in Algon- Attempts to net the bird were unsuccessfuland the question quin until late March when all left (RGT). Coincident with of whether an aberrant 9 Mourning could fit the description this exodus, the speciesarrived in the southwest in Welling- has yet to be answered. One record is known for Ontario, a ton, Waterloo, Oxford, and Long Point Mar. 15-Apr. 4. A few specimendating from May 20, 1890.Hooded Warblers beyond pushed west into Owen Sound and Port Elgin, and south into the normal range were only five. Singleswere at Whitby May central Toronto. Peak flocks were in Oxford, where 1200 16 & 28 (KH, DDC), P.E.Pt. May 18 & 20 (YB, K.F.N.), and arrived in Wildwood Mar. 5 and many remained until late Sarnia May 21 (DFR). Seven Yellow-breasted Chats were May. Others in the Waterloo area apparently nested, as fledg- beyond normal range, with one female in Whitby May 21 lings were noted along residential streets in the city (TC). (MJB et el.). Six were at P.E.Pt. May 20-26, of which three Meanwhile, farther north in areas from Manitoulin I. to Sud- were netted and banded (K.F.N., CF). bury to Virginiatown, the speciesremained common through- Some early vireos and warblers were recorded, but these out the period without changesdetected in numbers. Large represented isolated sightings, as the main flight of most numbersof Pine Siskinsconverged on Manitoulin I., Sudbury, specieswas late by up to 14 days. Among early arrivals were and Peterboroughfor most of the season,but the specieswas a Philadelphia Vireo near Rainy R. May 13 (ADO; Chestnut- scarce elsewhere.

474 American Birds, Fall, 1989 Table 1. Hawk totals at Grimsby station,Ontario, Spring G. Cameron, V. Carley, A.G. Carpentier, P. Chapman, S. Char- 1989 bonneau,D. Cherry, T. Cheskey, B.M. Chomyshyn,S.A. Con- nop, H.G. Currie, R. Curry, W. Cutfield. J. Dales. M.P. Davis, Species 1989• 1O-year average D. & D. Dalke, F. Deiter, M.W. DeLorey, B.M. DiLabio, R. Turkey Vulture 1403 994 Dowson, D. Ducksworth, J.L. Dunn, D.H. Elder, J.H. Ellis, N.G. Osprey 36 31 Escott, K. Evans, J.E. Fagan, D. Ferguson, R. Finlayson, M.E. Bald Eagle 17 9 Foley, G. Forbes,F. Foster,M.N. Foster,C. Francis, D. Garrett N. Harrier 174 137 (DGar), D. Gascoigne(DG), R. Girardin, R. Gosling(RGo), C.E. Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, S. Graham, E. & J. Gribble, J. & C. Sharp-shinnedHawk 3532 3988 Hamilton, A.G. Harris, J.R. Harris, L. Hartwig, R. Hawkins, Cooper's Hawk 179 176 J.E.Haydon, M. Hendrick, B. Henshaw, K. Henshaw, J. Hicks, N. Goshawk 14 33 V. Higgins, G.T. Hince, J.M. Holdsworth, E. Hunter, D.J.T. Red-shouldered Hawk 1102 796 Hnssel,A. laramillo, W.R. Jarmain, B. Jefferson,M. Jennings, Broad-wingedHawk 2295 4533 F. Jerome, P. Jones,J. Kelley, B. Kelly, Kingston Field Natu- Red-tailed Hawk 2613 3053 ralists, W. Klabunde, J.C. Kricher, V.B. Ladouceur, S.M. La- SwainsoWsHawk 1 (1 in 1988) Forest, R. Lake, J. Lamey, W. Lamond, D. LePage,F. Lyonde, Rough-leggedHawk 45 66 D. MacDonald (DMac), V.P. Mackenzie, J.Martin, P.R. Martin, Golden Eagle 7 6 V. Martin, D. Maryen, W. McCord, J.D. McCracken, E.R. Am. Kestrel 131 112 McDonald, C. McEvoy, K. McKeever,K.A. McLaughlin, S.R. Merlin 4 4 McLeod, P. McManus, R.D. McRae, J.B. Miles, S.J.Miles, M. PeregrineFalcon 2 2 Mougeot, T.R. Murray. T.J. Nash, G. Naylor, L. Neily, J.C. unidentified 592 682 Nicholson, J.V. Nostrand, S. O'Donnell, M. Oldham, J.L. Olmsted, O. & H. Olynyk, D. Palezny (DPz), M. Parker, D. Total 12147 14622 Parsons(DPa), E. Pegg,J. Percy, D.E. Perks, I. & F. Perry. S.F. • (MEF et al., Mar. l-May 15, 68 days) Peruniak, S.T. Pike, T. Pirk, R.J. Pittaway, J.E. Polken, G. Pringle, B. Ralph, I. Richards, P.W. Richter, A.H. Rider, R.C. Ridout,M.A. Ridsdale,D.V. Ruch, M. Runtz, D.F. Rupert, D.C. CORRIGENDA- AB 42: 427, column 2, line 14, insert GSa Sadlet, D. Salisbury, H. Saunders, D. Schlesinger, W. Scorns for GS;AB 43: 98, column2, line 31, replacejuv. with first basic (WSc},A. Scott, G.A. Scott, J. Skevington (•Sk}, R. Skevington plumage;AB 43: 99, colurrm1, line 21, WL refersto W. Lindiey, (RSk},T. Smith, W. Smith (WSm}, R. Snyder, M. Street, R.D. not W. Lindsay. Strickland, D.K. Stuckey, P.A. Stutesman, P.J. Summerskill, D.A. Sutherland, L. Taman, J.E. Thompson, W. Thompson, SUBREGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), CONTRIBUTORS R.V. Tobel, D. Tozer, R.G. Tozer, P. Trueman, J. Turner, Y.R. (italics), AND CITED OBSERVERS--R.F. Andrle, B. Atkin- Tymstra, R. VanTwist, M. Vaughan, P. Walker, G. Wasmar, son,E.F. Avis, D.E. Bailey, M.J. Bain, J.J.Barker, D. Barry, F. K. Weaver, R.D. Weir, D.V. Weseloh, M.P. Whelan, F. Whit- & M. Barry, C. Beck, T.F.M. Beck, C.T. Bell, T. Bigg, S. & J. bread,D. White, P.A. Woodliffe,A. Wormington, B.K. Wyatt, Blaney, J.M. Bouvier, R.L. Bowles, Y. Brae, H. Bremner, B. V.E. Wyatt, G. Yaki, R. Yukich, W. Yusek, O. Zarubick, W.E. Brenner, R. Bringeman (RBr), R.R. Bronillet, D.N. Bucknell, Zufelt.--RON D. WEIR, 294 Elmwood Street, Kingston, On- K.J.Burk, P. Burke, M.D. Cadman, C. Callaghan,D.D. Calvert, tario, Canada, K7M 2Y8.

How do you find With a subscriptionto birds in America? AMERICAN BIRDS! In-depth,informative, and up-to-the minute, AmericanBirds is fascinatingreading for boththe serious amateurand professional birder. Four seasonal issues provide informationyou just can't find anywhere else! Plus, you receivethe ChristmasBird Count issue,detailing early-winter birdpopulations throughout the country. American Birds is as much a part of your birding gearas your binoculars,scope, and Yes! Pleaseenter my subscription field guides--and for 4 seasonalissues plus the in many ways specialChristmas Bird Count even more essential. issuefor only $27.50

Name Subscribe Address City Today!! State Zip Sendyour checkto: American Birds, 950 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022

Volume 43, Number 3 475 ß Pittsburgh

APPALACHIAN REGION

George A. Hall

o onewould have been surprised if the birds(and other ) had lined up two by two and started The cold wet spell in May produceda major catas- for that large boat the old man and his sons had under trophefor somespecies in someareas. Hardest hit were construction.It was a very wet season,but the weather Scarlet Tanagers.They congregatedin large numbers produced a fairly interesting spring migration. At Pitts- in low perches,some even on the ground, and were so burgh the March weather continued the mildness of the conspicuousthat many birders receivedcalls from non- winter, being slightly warmer and somewhat wetter than birders asking about those "red birds." Whether normal. April was cool and dry, and then came May. At humbed by the low temperaturesor starvedby the dearth of insects, the birds became weaker and more Pittsburgh it rained for 16 straight days and the total rainfall for the month was 6.56 inches, 3 inches above inactive as the critical period extended.Many sitting on the edgesof highwayswere unableto get out of the normal. The overall temperaturerange for the month was way of passingcars and were killed. At other places above normal, but during the period May 5-12 the rain some were found dead. Some observers remarked that was accompaniedby much cooler temperatures. There they saw more tanagersthan usual, but seemedto be was a generalsnowfall, persistent in the higher elevations, unaware of the severe stress the birds were under. This on May 7, even as far south as Elizabethton, Tennessee. situationobtained from centralWest Virginia well into Through the mild March and even the cool April the southwestern Pennsylvania. Farther south and east the northbound migration was about on time or even early. birdswere not affected,and farther north they had not There were a number of early record "first seen dates." yet arrived. In northern West Virginia, late May counts By the first of May the migration schedule was a little of tanagersshowed about normal numbers,so the cas- ahead of normal. The cold and wet period came at the ualties may have been breedersfrom farther north. time that shouldhave been the peak of the May migration, Besidesthe tanagersthe hardesthit specieswas the and many birds were grounded for several days. As a Purple Martin. Many coloniesthat had been slowly result, some migrants remained at particular areas longer recoveringfrom the disasterof June 1972 were elimi- than normal. But other areas did not see some of these nated. Oddly, in central West Virginia, while some birds. Once the cold weather abated, the migration moved colonieswere wiped out, others nearby sufferedlittle rapidly through, and by the last week in May most mi- or no mortality. Whether warblers and other migrants grants were gone. alsodied in numbers during this period is not known, At Powdermill Nature Reserve,Pennsylvania, only one althoughthere was somesuggestion that Red-eyedVi- reosmay have been hit. The West Virginia Department specieswas banded in below-averagenumbers, 24 were of Natural Resources collected some dead birds for banded in average numbers, and 27 were banded in above- autopsy,but the resultsare not yet availableOCr). average numbers (RM, RCL).

476 American Birds, Fall, 1989 ABBREVIATIONS -- B.E.S.P.= Bald EagleState Park, Centre specieswere in goodnumbers while otherswere missing(RK). Co., PA; Ch.N.F. = Chattahoochee Nat'l Forest, GA; C.F.H. = M.E. The speciesin low numbers in the south may never have left Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan Co., KY; K.C.P.P. = Kyger Creek the north during the mild winter. A storm on the night of Power Plant, Gallia Co., OH; P.N.R. = Powdermill Nature Reserve, Mar. 28-29 forced down 12 species of waterfowl at Lock Westmoreland Co., PA; P.I.S.P. = Presque Isle State Park, Erie Haven, PA (PS),and 1500 duckswere found at B.E.S.P.at that Co., PA. Place names in itolics are counties. time (MC). Some high numbers reported were 1500 Ring- neckedDucks at WoodcockL., PA, Mar. 19, 1000Lesser Scaup LOONS TO IBISES -- Red-throated Loons were at Pine at Hartstown,'PA, Mar. 25 (ML, RFL), and 150 Red-breasted Grove Furnace S.P., PA, Apr. 3 (CG}, B.E.S.P. Apr. 26 (ES} & Mergansersat ShenangoReservoir, PA, Apr. 27 (EB). 29 {HH), and Rose Valley L., PA, May 11 & 16 {SS). Common Most of the Tundra Swansapparently moved north before Loons were more numerous and more widespread than in the first of the period, since the only large flights reported recent years, and several remained in the area after June 1. were of 200 at P.I.S.P.Mar. 12 (NB) and 150 in Crawford,PA, The numbers of Horned Grebes were also greater than in Mar. 12 (RFL). A few swans remained quite late: Apr. 16 in most years, with a high count of 150 at Rose Valley L., PA, Somerset,PA (AM), and Apr. 22 in Augusta, VA (SR). Three Mar. 29 (SS}. Red-necked Grebes were at Conneaut L., PA, Mute Swanswere at Hartstown,PA, Apr. 13 (fide RFL). Two Apr. 2 (RFL), RoseValley L., PA, Apr. g (G & PS), and B.E.S.P. Greater White-fronted Geese were found at Glenwood Apr. 9 {JP et ol3. Not long ago it was a real treat to see a Swamp, WV, Mar. 4 (TI), seven were at McClintic Wildlife Double-crested Cormorant in this Region, but the species Area, WV, Mar. 10 (TI), and six were seenat MosquitoLake, continuesto explode.This spring17 locationsspread through- OH, Apr. 9 (S & AT). Snow Geesewere reported from Trout- out the Regionreported cormorants,including someflocks of ville, VA, with two "Blues"Mar. 9-21 (BK,NM) and 35 of the 40-50. white morphMar. 26 (BK);from L. Moomaw,VA, Mar. 3 (LT); American Bittern was reported from the unusually high from Newport,OH, with both colormorphs Mar. 22 (EA);and number of 8 locations.Did high water levels make them more from PymatuningL., PA, Apr. 8 (NB). At PymatuningL., PA, evident?Least Bitternswere at Hartstown, PA, Apr. 21 (RFL), Canada Goosenumbers peaked at about 8000 on Mar. 25 but Mosquito L., OH, May 13 (CB), and Austin Springs,TN, May had dwindled to fewer than 1000by May 14 (RFL).Elsewhere in the Region, introduced populationsof this speciesare approachingthe pest stage. Canvasbacks and Redheads continued to be in low num- bers.Greater Scaupis normally rare in this Regionexcept on L. Erie and someof the larger impoundments,but this year unusualnumbers appeared throughout the northern part of the Region. This was particularly noticeable in some of the mountain areas. Surf Scoterswere at P.I.S.P. Mar. 12 (NB), ChickamaugaL., TN, Apr. 22 (CB1),Twin Lakes,PA, Mar. 31 for a first local springrecord (VC), C.F.H., KY, May 5-7 (FB), and Rose Valley L., PA, May 10 (SS). White-winged Scoters were reportedfrom P.I.S.P.Mar. 12 (NB), RoseValley L., PA, Mar. 24-May 8 (SS),Warren, PA, Mar. 26 (DW), B.E.S.P.Mar. 29 (MC), and L. Somerset, PA, May 5 (AM). The duck of the seasonwas a Barrow's Goldeneyeat PymatuningL., PA, Mar. 11 (RFL).

Least Bittern at MosquitoLake, northeasternOhio, May 13. 1989. Photograph/Carole Babyak. BAPTORS TO CBANES -- The only organizedwatch of the northboundraptor flight was at TuscaroraSummit, PA, 15 (BC). The establishedGreat Blue Heron nestingcolonies in where 1311 birds were counted from Mar. 11 to May 9. The Mercer, PA, had closeto 1000 adults nesting(EB). New her- highest total counts were of 494 Broad-wingedHawks and onries were reported from Greene, PA (21 nests) (RB), and 400 Red-tailed Hawks {CG). from 2 islandson the upper Ohio R. (40 nests,24 nests)(WT). A flight of 81 Turkey Vultures leaving a roost in Centre, There continued to be more spring sightingsof Great Egrets than we have been used to. Several of these birds arrived PA, Apr. 10 was unusual for that area {JPp),and a Black somewhat early in the last third of March. A Snowy Egret Vulture was seen there Mar. 18 {J & BPp). Ospreyswere widespreadand more numerousthan in any recent year. The was at Elizabethton,TN, Apr. 15 (GW), seven were at Long Arm Dam, Adams, PA, Apr. 27 (CG), and five were at Fish- count of 192 at TuscaroraSummit was the highest spring count ever there {CG}. Ospreys nested at Kingsport,TN, for ersville, VA, Apr. 28 (YL). A Tricolored Heron at the C.F.H. Apr. 4 might have furnished the first record for Kentucky (G the 3rd year {FA) and two nestingsin e. West Virginia {CS} were no doubt the result of past "hacking"operations there. & ME). Cattle Egretswere at Middlebrook, VA, Apr. 15 and Fishersville,VA, Apr. 28 (YL); in Mason,WV. May 5 & 6 (WA); A total of 20 Bald Eagles{presumed migrants or winterers) and at Mercersburg, PA, May 14 (JW). A nesting colony of was sightedat 7 different localitiesduring the period. The Black-crownedNight-Herons near Elkton, VA, had 24 nests Tuscarora hawk watch listed four {CG}. Bald Eagles were found nesting at Mosquito L., OH {CB},and Geneva Marsh, (R.B.C.).At the usual site near Elizabethton, TN, three Yellow- crowned Night-Herons were seen Mar. 29, but they appar- PA {NB}, and a nest was found Apr. 1 in Bath, VA {LT}. The latter was the first nestingknown for the Virginia mountains. ently were not there later in the season(RK). One was pho- At this writing it is unknown as to whether the West Virginia tographedat the McClintic Wildlife Station,Mason, WV, Apr. nestingproduced young this year {CS). I (WA, MG). A GlossyIbis in Washington,TN, May 26 (BC et Northern Harriers were more common than usual in the al.) furnishedthe 2nd local record. spring. There was a poor Sharp-shinnedHawk flight at Tus- carora Summit, with only 114 counted {CG), but at P.I.S.P. 225 Sharp-shinnedswere countedin a 3-hour watch on May WATEBFOWL -- At Huntington, WV (WA), and Somerset, 16 (RSh). Elsewhere the accipiter migration came in for little PA (AM), the waterfowl flight was the best in recent years, or no comment. Northern Goshawks nested in Warren, PA while several specieswere in unusually high numbers in {fide WH}, and a nest in Pocahontas,WV, furnished the state's Crawford, PA (RFL), but in the Elizabethon, TN, area some 3rd known nesting {WT}. A N. Goshawk was also seen near

Voltune 43, Number 3 477 St. Marys, PA, Apr. 28 (LC), and four were talhed at Tuscarora supportingdetails •t seemsbest to leave them hsted as "dow- Summit during the season(CG) Red-shoulderedHawks were •tcher (sp)" •n unusually goodnumbers •n the Knoxville, TN, region (CN). No great concentrationsof gulls were reportedbut the fl•ght Rough-leggedHawks were reported from Pymatuning L., PA, of Bonaparte'sGulls was unusually heavy and widespread Mar. 25-26 (RFL), Warren, PA, with 4 sightingsMar. 4-Apr. Rare away from L. Erie, a Great Black-backedGull was seen 19 (DW), Fairbrook, PA, Mar. 25 (JPp),and Highland, VA, in Botetourt, VA, Mar. 13 (BK, NM, HT). It was a great year Mar. 11 (SR) and May 8 (LT). Seven Golden Eagles were for terns.At the risk of being cornballone might say that "one counted at the Tuscarora Summit watch (CG) but the only goodtern deservesanother" as Caspian, Common, Forster's, other recordswere from Highland, VA, Mar. 11 (SR) and Apr. and Black terns, all generally scarce in this inland Region, 19 (LT). were unusually numerous and were reported from all over The long-timesuccess of the "OperationBluebird" project the Region. Several observerscommented on seeingall four near Warren, PA, has inspired the local peopleto try a similar at one time in one place. Formerly the Forster's Tern was project for Am. Kestrel. This year 32 of the 38 boxes were consideredmost unusual in this Region,but in recent years occupied (D & BW). A Merlin was seen at Huntington, WV, sightings have increased and it now appears to be more Apr. 20 (WA) and one was seenseveral times near St. Marys, common than the Common Tern. It does appear that the PA in late April and early May (LC). Two were seen in the Forster'sis the earlier migrant of the two. short observation of an extensive flight at P.I.S.P. on May 16 (RSh).There were no reportsof Peregrinesthis season. Numbers of N. Bobwhite were up slightly at Huntington, DOVES TO WOODPECKERS- Mourning Dove popu- WV (MG), and they continuedto be foundat higher elevations lations continued to thrive in most of the Region. The only in the Ch.N.F., GA (HD). Common Moorhens were found in reports of Barn Owls came from the usual stations in Rock- Crawford, PA (RFL), Somerset,PA (AM), Turnbull, OH (CB), ingham (R.B.C.)and JohnsonCity, TN (RK). SingleLong-eared Cabell, WV (TI), and Rowan, KY (FB). Virginia Rails were Owls were reportedfrom PittsburghApr. 11 (VD) and Centre, reportedfrom Austin Springs,TN, Apr. 5-15 (BC),Centre, PA, PA, May 14 (DB). Short-earedOwls were seen on the strip- Apr. 22 (B & JPp),B.E.S.P. Apr. 26 (ES),and GlenwoodSwamp, mined areasof Clarion, PA, until at least Apr. 14. Courtship WV, May 6 (TI), while Soraswere reported from these places displayswere observedbut no nestinghad been confirmed as well as Hendersonville, NC, May 6 (R & JY), Mosquito L., (WF). Other reportscame from Vienna, WV, Mar. 27 0B) and OH, May 13 (CB), Pinto Marsh, MD, May 12 (MO), and Wood, B.E.S.P.Apr. 9 (EZ). A N. Saw-whet Owl was seen at P.I.S.P. WV, May 19 (AQ). As usual the only Sandhill Crane sightings Mar. 12 (NB), and one or two were presenton Laurel R•dge came from n. Georgia, where flocks of up to 160 were seen in near P.N.R. from Mar. 17 to the end of the period (RM et al ) the Ch.N.F. and Murray and Whitfield, Mar. 3-11 and one as CommonNighthawks were generally scarce,and this spe- late as May 22 (HD), and in Gilmer, Mar. 8 (CR). ciesmay be on a long-term decline in the Region.There is no doubt that the Whip-poor-will has almost disappearedfrom the Region. On the other hand, the Chuck-will's-widow •s moving north. Three were heard on the early date of Apr 21 SHOREBIRDS TO TERNS--Reports of the shorebird at Stuart'sDraft, VA (YL), and the specieswas heard in Wood, m•gration were mixed. Heavy rains left many shorebird sites WV (LB eta/.). The mild early spring prompted some early flooded, but flooded fields added some additional habitat, and dates for Chimney Swifts with a Mar. 10 record, two weeks there were more than the normal numbersof unusual species early, at Johnson City, TN (DL). Besides the two Rufous while the regular specieswere all in fair numbers.The only Hummingbirdsair-lifted out of e. Tennesseeas reported m Lesser Golden-Plovers reported were five at Pymatuning L., the Winter account,two additional birds turned up at feeders PA, Apr. 30 (WF, CRo), and Black-belliedPlovers were found in Chattanooga.These remained until at least Apr. 14 and at Hartstown, PA, Apr. 17 (RCL) and at B.E.S.P. May 7-11 Apr. 18 (JPa).The RufousHummingbird in Knoxville was last (MC). SemipalmatedPlovers were more commonthan usual. seenin late March (JBO). An Am. Avocet was in Franklin, TN, Apr. 22 (JPe). Until After many periodsof reporting declining numbersof Red- recently there had been few records of Willets in West Vir- headedWoodpeckers, it was heartening to note that sightings ginia, but in the past few years they have been turning up in came from 10 locationsfrom n.e. Ohio to n.w. Georgia. numbers in the Huntington area, and this year 18 were seen there May 4 (WA, MG). Other records came from K.C.P.P. Apr. 29 (WA), C.H.F., KY, May 5 (FB), Austin Springs, TN, FLYCATCHERS TO SHRIKES -- Most flycatcherswere May 5 (RK, BC), Sullivan, TN, May 9 (BC), and Rocky Gap, somewhat late in arrival, no doubt because of the absence of MD, May 12 (MO). Upland Sandpipersreturned this year to insectsin the early part of May. There were more reportsof the recoveredstrip mine areasin Clarion, PA (WF), and other Olive-sided Flycatchers than usual: JohnsonCity, TN, Apr records came from Fairfield, PA, Apr. 17 (CG) and Greene, 29 (early) (RK, BC); Troutville, VA, May 11 (BK);Highland, PA, Apr. 22 (RB). There was a report of 80 Whimbrels at VA, May 18 (LT); Montoursville, PA, May 18 (SS);Bear Mead- P I.S.P. (fide JG, no details). Ruddy Turnstoneswere seen at ows, PA, May 20 (EZ et al.); P.N.R., bandingson May 23 & 24 L Somerset, PA, May 10 for a first spring record for s.w. (RCL, RM). On May 11 a concentration of 28 E. Kingbirdsm Pennsylvania (RM), Huntington, WV, May 12 (WA), and one field was noted at Rockwood,PA (AM). A Scissor-tailed B E.S.P.May 21-28 for a 9th local record (MW). Flycatcher, rare in this Region, was seen at Norris L., TN, Dunlins and Western Sandpiperswere unusually common, Apr. 23 (GM). and the latter were reported more often than Semipalmateds. Despite the mass mortality, some Purple Martin boxes had The only report of White-rumped Sandpipercame from Kings- birds in late May. It was thought that these were first-year ton Steam Plant, TN, May 20 (JPa),and the only report of Stilt birds that had arrived after the bad weather (RB). Swallow Sandpipercame from Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery, TN, Apr. 17 speciesother than the Purple Martin did not seem to suffer (CN). A 9 Ruff was at Austin SpringsMay 10-13, for only the mortality during the cold spell. Tree Swallowsarrived some- 3rd or 4th Tennessee record (RK, m.ob.). Dowitchers were what late, but appeared to be continuing their southward reported from Austin Springs, TN, Mar. 10 (four in winter expansion.Cliff Swallow colonieswere reported from Rock- plumage about 3.5 weeks early) (RK), two at Swoope,VA, Apr. ingham, VA (R.B.C.),and for the 2nd year in Rowan,KY (FB) 28 (YL), two at K.C.P.P. Apr. 29 (WA), two at C.F.H., KY, May In Warren, PA, there were several sightingsof Corn. Ravens, 5 (FB), three at Lake Somerset,PA, May 5 (AM), one in Mason, and 2 of the 3 known nestingattempts were successful(WH) WV, May 12 (WA), and 22 (record high count) at Austin A flight of 40-50 ravens leaving a roost was observed at Springs,TN, May 15 (BC). Most of these birds were reported Blackwater Falls S.P., WV, May 12 0P). Two very low eleva- as one or the other of the two species, but without any tion sightingsof ravens came from JohnsonCity, TN, Apr 11

478 Amencan B•rds,Fall, 1989 (RK) and the PotomacR. near Lander, MD, Apr 23 (RR) at P N R. (RM, RCL) and for the first time none nested at a Carolina Wrens came through the winter in fine style in locationin Shenandoah,VA (DD).Fox and Lincoln'ssparrows the North, but once again there were no reports of Bewick's were more commonly reported than usual. There were three Wren. Marsh Wrens were found at K.C.P.P. Apr. 23 (MG), reports of strays from the west: two "Oregon" Dark-eyed Austin Springs,TN, May 5 (RK), and GlenwoodSwamp, WV, Juncoswere at a feeder in State College,PA, Apr. 9-22 (K & May 8 (WA). Golden-crowned Kinglets may have nested at JJ);a Clay-coloredSparrow was seen at RoseValley L., PA, the rather low elevation of 1350 ft at P.N.R. (RM, RCL). The May 2 (SS); and a Harris' Sparrow came to a feeder at speciesis to be expected in the future at low elevationsin Blacksville,WV, Apr. 29 to at least May 2 (RSt). conifer plantations of sufficient age. Northern Oriolesmay have sufferedsome mortality during Migrant Gray-cheeked and Swainson'sthrushes continued the May bad weather, as they disappearedfrom my yard in to be in low numbersor even'undetected at mostplaces, but Morgantown, WV (GAH). Red Crossbillswere reported only in the Knoxville region the Swainson's Thrush was fairly from the nesting location on Shenandoah Mt., VA. There commonwith 67 being counted on the County Spring Count were only 3 reportsof Pine Siskins:Cocke, TN, Apr. 8 (A & Apr. 30 (CN). In w. North Carolina, Wood Thrush was also RH), Wood,WV, Apr. 10 & 23 (LR), and one at St. Marys, PA, felt to be in reducednumbers (R & JY).Cedar Waxwingswere until May 4 (LC). American Goldfincheswere in unusually in larger than normal numbersnear Knoxville (CN), but other low numbersin n. West Virginia (GAH). EveningGrosbeaks areasdid not comment on them. The only reportsof American were reportedonly from Wood,WV, Mar. 9 (RP) and a feeder Pipits came from North Branch, MD, Mar. 19 (RR), Woodcock in Monongalia, WV (fide GAH). L., PA, Apr. I (RFL), and South Avis, PA, Apr. 21 (PP).The N. Shrike that wintered at B.E.S.P.was seen last Apr. 9, almost CONTRIBUTORS--Fred Alsop, Wendell Argabrite, Eliza- 3 weeks late (MW). Fourteen nests of LoggerheadShrikes bethArmstrong, Carole Babyak (CB), Lynn Barnhart, John Bazuin, RalphBell, JohnBenedetti (JB), Clyde Blum (CB1),George Breid- were under observationwithin 20-30 miles of Harrisonburg, ing,Edward Brucker, Nancy Brundage, Fred Busroe,Dave Butler, VA (KF). There were only 3 reports from the Elizabethton- JamesCampbell (JC), Linda Christenson,Morton Claster, Virginia JohnsonCity area of Tennessee(RK). Other reportscame from Cronenberghe,Brian Cross,Jim Crum (JCr),David Davis,Harriett Highland (LT, SR), Augusta (YL), and Rockbridge (RS) in DiGioia, Nancy Dorset,Vicky Dziadosz,Gary Elan, Mary Elan, Virginia, and Morgan, WV (SR). JeanetteEsker, Kathleen Finnegan,Dot Freeman, Walter Fye, Carl Garner,Steven Grado, LeJay Graffious, Mike Griffith,Joe Grom, Harry Henderson,John Heninger,William Highhouse, WARBLERS- The warbler flight produced somewhat AudreyHoff, Ron Hoff, Tom Igou, Jennings Jones, Katharine Jones, more unanimity than usual. Most placesagreed that numbers Barry Kinzie, Rick Knight, David Kyler, YuLee Larner, Mary Leberman,Robert C. Leberman,Ronald F. Leberman,Dick Lura, were on the low side but that variety of specieswas very Anthony Marich, GeorgeMcKinney, NorwoodMiddleton, Robert good Those species that arrive before the first of May were Mulvihill, CharlesNicholson, Mike O'Brien,J.B. Owen, Johnny somewhat early, while those that came after the bad weather Parks(JPa), Parker Peer, BeckyPeplinski (BPp), John Peplinskl settled in were late. There were 2 groundingsof very large (JPp),Jim Peters(JPe), Reba Pfalzgraf, James Phillips (JP),Robert number of birds reported:Rock fish Gap,VA, Apr. 28-29 when Ringlet, RockinghamBird Club, Lorraine Rollefson,Carl Rowe 21 specieswere seen (SR),and YoughioghenyReservoir, MD, (CRo), Stephen Rottenborn,Christopher Rustay (CR), Richard May 13 (LG), while several placesreported extensive ground- Schlabach(RSh), Glenna Schwalbe, Paul Schwalbe,Ruth Snyder ings for the full week of May 5-13. As usual the numbers of (RS),Edgar Spalding, Stanley Stahl, Anne Stamm,Craig Stihler, each speciesvaried from place to place, but most observers Ruth Strosnider (RSt), Leonard Teuber, A1 Thomas, Shirley agreed that Yellow Warblers were unusually numerous. Thomas,William Tollin, Harry Turner,Jeffrey Walck, Gary Wal- There were no reports that warblers suffered any great mor- lace,Nelson Walters, Beth Watts, Don Watts, Merrill Wood,Jerry tahty during the bad weather spell,but this would be difficult Young,Ruth Young, Zielinski.--GEORGE A. HALL, P.O. to establish for them. Box 6045, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506- Three Orange-crowned Warblers (rare in spring) were 6O45. banded at P.N.R., May 14 & 17 (RM, RCL), and one was seen in Morgan, TN, Apr. 23 (Jc). Magnolia Warblers appeared to be nesting in the Ligonier Valley, PA (RCL, RM). Yellow- throated Warblers continued their northward advance with reports from State College, PA, Apr. 24 (DK), near St. Marys, PA, May 17 (LC), and Montoursville, PA, May 24 to end of period (SS). A Swainson's Warbler (2nd local record) was banded at P.N.R. May 9 and remained there until May 19 (RCL, RM). Two other southern species occurring farther north than usual were Kentucky Warbler at Montoursville, PA, May 15 (SS)and three reportsof Worm-eatingWarblers near Williamsport, PA (PS).Both the "Brewster's"and "Law- rence's"hybrids were banded at P.N.R. (RM, RCL) and a "Brewster's"Warbler was seen in Rockingham, VA, May 20 (R B.C.). A strangely marked Northern Parula(?) singing a "double"song May 24 at Tygart Lake S.P.,WV (JP),once again raised thoughtsof the phantom hybrid "Sutton'sWarbler

GROSBEAKS TO FINCHES--Instead of all passing through in a day or two, Rose-breastedGrosbeaks remained throughthe cold wet spelland so producedmore sightings than usual.Blue Grosbeaks were reportedfrom Swoope, VA, Apr 28 (YL), Middle River, VA, May 6 (RS), and Wood, WV, May I (RP). The only Dickcissel sighting came from Wood, WV, May 5 (NW). The sparrow flights were about normal, although Song Sparrowwas the only bird banded in below-averagenumbers

Volume 43, Number 3 479 ß Bird, FieldCar[

ANIEKILAN glKlOb

LOCATION(S) Field Card North American Birds Birds.The +•- cardOœNortg

Year

Month cordbird si•h•. Day Yougo a•eld o- -' •U•gseach Time Weather • competition Temp. Wind Z TOTAL Looth Red-throated On&$•.$O perset Arctic ofJIve Pacific Goremot1 Cards,postpaid. ¾©llow,-billed

Grebe, Least Pied-billed Horrid Red-neoked OrderYoursToday!!!! Eared WeStern •larl('• I AII3atross, Black-looted Fulmar•Northern "I Petrel,Black-capped I •ømed •lrnericanBirdsFiekir,.•_•. Shearwater, Pink-looted I Flesh-looted Plea••mer••nd me • •t, Greater I ($6.•0•r caa •t ••ird • • Fi•laß Caras (s)of Buller's I Total enclOsea • o c•ds,$ Pøstpma.) .

Bleck-ventedManx I Audubon's I New e I I Vo&• •22 I

I Cit•, •• I ß AgassizNWR

Grand Marals Feltonß PraineßItasca StatePark 'r•"u • •i• WESTERN MINNESOTADu,uth.f•_._•.,• "--- • •- MilleLacs L c• • •CrexMeadows GREAT LAKES REGION nne•11sß P ,. er

Rochester•, • •e La Crosse • • • Midland- ß Blue MoundsS.E • H...... WR [ • Musk•onPo.H ...... h ß GrandR•ids

David J. Powell

Pring1989 was much more typically spring than the regular speciesof warblers were seen at Park Point. Fog last two years, with cool wet weather predominating again produced another impressive fallout at Whitefish through the period. As is the norm, the weather in Min- Point Bird Observatory in Michigan on May 31, with nesota was more variable and generally colder, particu- hundreds of birds present. Interestingly, many of the birds larly in March when temperaturesat the beginningof the were out on the beach and in the grass.Imagine, if you month were as low as 42 degreesbelow zero in the north. will, Swainson'sThrushes, Blackpoll Warblers, and Con- Blizzards hit Minnesota in early March, with up to a foot necticut Warblers walking in the grassand sand on the of snow in southern and central areas,and again on March beach. The few fortunate observers to be at Whitefish 14, which was followed by more sub-zero temperatures in Point that day were treated to an amazing collection of northern Minnesota. Weather in Michigan and Wisconsin birds, including 13 Connecticuts, 28 Yellow-bellied Fly- was much more normal, with alternating cold and warm catchers, 27 Alder Flycatchers, and 200 Swainsoh's spells,but generally cooler than normal. April was typical Thrushes. for the Region, with varying cold and warm days, but Rarities were few throughout the Region, with a West- generally cooler than normal, and much cooler than the ern Tanager in Michigan (if acceptedby the Michigan Bird last several years. Snow remained in the woods in the RecordsCommittee, it would be the first for the state) the northern parts of the Region into mid-May. May was only truly outstanding bird. definitely cooler and wetter than normal, with a brief return of winter weather May 5-6 throughout the Region, ABBREVIATIONS--W.P.B.O. = Whitefish Point Bird Ob- when light snowfell even in the southernparts. Minnesota servatory, MI: P.M. : Pt. Mouillee State Game Area, Monroe was drier and warmer than the other two states, bringing County, MI: S.G.A. • State Game Area; W.M.A. • Wildlife Man- fears of a return to last summer's drought conditions. agementArea. Place names in italics are counties. As has become regular in the last few years, the migra- tion was quite sparsethroughout the Region.Is it just our LOONS TO IBISES -- Red-throated Loons were observed memory making things better than they really were as we in record numbers at W.P.B.O., with 279 tallied during the look back, or are there really fewer birds and fewer good period Apr. 25-May 30 and a peak of 45 May 17 (staff).Red- throateds are much less common in Minnesota than in the migrationdays? Minnesota birders had a surprisinglygood other 2 statesin the Region,so one in Duluth (MH) and two movement March 24-27, when the weather got into the in Cook (AB, BL, S & OL) were more than normal. Inland 70s in the south and migrants flooded in, even into the sightingsof Red-throatedswere in Midland, MI, and Adams, north where conditions were still essentially winterlike. Dane, and Sawyer,WI. Michigan's4th recordof Pacific/Arctic Nothing notable happened thereafter until mid-May, Loonwas furnishedby one on the incredible loon day of May when scattered locales throughout the Region found lo- 17 at W.P.B.O.(LD). In addition to the abovenoted loons, 1463 cally goodnumbers of migrants.May 19 producedthe only Corn.Loons were observedat W.P.B.O.May 17 (staff),part of Regionwide good fallout, but this was only a one-day the record 9526 observedthere during the season.Whitefish event, with clearing skies on May 20 allowing everything Point has long been known as a hawk migration spot, but I to move on northward. In Duluth, fog and rain produced feel it is vastly underappreciatedas a waterfowl migration the bestlocal movement in years,with Eckert commenting location.Red-necked Grebes were seen at their customaryL. that it was the most thrushes he had ever seen, and all 26 Superior and L. Michigan locations, with 276 at W.P.B.O.

Volume 43, Number 3 481 during the seasonrepresenting fewer than the last 3 years Michigan and Wisconsin, numbers of ducks seemed to be High countsof Red-neckedswere of 49 Apr 28 at Superior higher than in recent years, an encouragingsign after last (RJ) and 39 on May 17 at W.P.B.O. (staff). The only Eared summer'sdrought. A EurasianWigeon was found Apr. 12-13 Grebe reported was one May 20-27 in Dane, WI (SR, A & SS at the Freeland, Saginaw,MI, sewageponds (KK). Harlequin et al.). Western Grebeswere e. of normal at Burnett,WI, May Ducks were found in both Michigan and Minnesota: the 11 (JH) and three on May 13 at Wausau, WI (DB). A Clark's wintering male at Duluth was joined by a female May 25 Grebe was found May 22 at Moorhead, MN (L & CF). While (m.ob.),but hopesfor a first Minnesota nestingwere dashed controversyas to the status of this speciesstill rages,it is when they disappearedin early June;single Harlequins were evident that it is rare/regular in Minnesota, not accidental. found Mar. 30 (RS)and May 6-16 (KM, TS, PU) at St. Joseph, American White Pelicans were e. of normal in all 3 states, Berrien.All three scoterswere reportedfrom all 3 states,with with more than normal in e. Minnesota, one in Michigan, and Minnesota having more than usual from inland (away from 5 reports(34 birds) in Wisconsin. L. Superior)locations, Wisconsin having a fair migrationbut Bitternsof both specieshave becomeincreasingly scarce in with only a few Blacks,and Michigan alsohaving only a few Michigan, particularly the Least. American Bitterns were Blacks; but W.P.B.O. observers found a record number of reported from 9 locations, certainly not encouraging,but White-wingeds, with 394 on May 22 and 1867 for the season much better than the Least Bittern, which was reported from (staff).A 2nd-yearc• Barrow's Goldeneye was presentMay 27- only one place in the state prior to June. A Great Egret May 30 at Grand Portage,Cook, MN (AB, BL et al.); this speciesis 19 at W.P.B.O. (LD, RP et al.) was north of normal. Snowy only casualin the Regionat any time, and is seldomreported Egretswere reported from one Michigan and 3 Wisconsin in spring. locations,slightly better than average.The only Little Blue Northern Goshawks were quite scarce, as would be ex- Heron reportedwas one May 18 at Metrobeach,Macomb, MI pected, since the speciesis in the low ebb of its cycle. One (DL, LB). Tricolored Herons lingered in both Michigan and lingered until May 23 in Olmsted (B & SE), late for s. Minne- Minnesota, with one May 4-20 at Minneapolis (TH, m.ob.), sota. Three nests and a territorial female were found s of and one at the mouth of the Tahquemenon River, Chippewa, normal in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, in Gratiot, Midland, MI (GHu, WS, m.ob.).Cattle Egretswere found at 4 Michigan and Wexford.Swainsoh's Hawks were found Apr. 19 (TL, JK), and 2 Wisconsinsites, but were only dependablein the Green May 3 (LG, PT), and May 17 (JBet al.). at W.P.B.O.,and May Bay area, where there were' six to 10. A pair of Yellow- 23 at Crex Meadows W.M.A., WI (A & SS), about normal for crowned Night-Herons was seen again on the Sugar R., Rock, the e. portionof the Region.East of where they are normally WI, beginningMay 14 (RH, JD et al.). Another was at Racine, seen (and only rare/regular there) was a FerruginousHawk WI, May 6-7 (JD).A breeding-plumagedGlossy Ibis was at May 10 in Dodge,MN (B & SE). Rough-leggedHawks lingered P M. May 19 into June (PC, m.ob.)., for one of the few ibises into mid-May in both Michigan and Wisconsin,not early June identified to speciesin Michigan. like last year. Away from W.P.B.O., Golden Eagleswere seen at 2 Michigan and 2 Wisconsinsites, comprising eight indwld- uals. Merlins have becomeconsiderably more commonin the Region in recent years, and the trend continued with the WATERFOWL, RAPTORS- Tundra Swans were seen record 82 at W.P.B.O. (Table 1) and 8 other sightingsat 7 in goodnumbers for springin the SaginawBay, MI, area, with locationsin Michigan. PeregrineFalcons are alsodoing better 8000 seen Mar. 24 (RW). Greater White-fronted Geese were in the Region;this spring'ssightings were from 11 Minnesota seen in above-averagenumbers in e. Minnesota, particularly locations(including a returning nestingpair at PalisadeHead, in the s.e. quarter of the state. White-fronteds were also Lake).and 5 Michigan sites. Two Gyrfalconswere seen, one reportedfrom 4 Michigansites, comprising 23 birds,slightly at W.P.B.O. Apr. 15 (TL, LC, PT, CB), and one Mar. 30-Apr 2 more than averagefor the spring.An unprecedentedseven at Alma, WI (RB). Two Prairie Falconswere found in Minne- Ross' Geese were seen in Minnesota: one Mar. 31-Apr. 1 in sota,one May 18 in Clay (S & DM) and one e. of normal May Fallmore(G & MD); two Apr. 2 in Cottonwood(KE); three Apr. 5 in Olmsted(JBo). 17 at Rice Lake S.P. (RG, AMP); and one in late May at Thief Lake W.M.A. (m.ob.).This speciesis only casualin Minnesota, but would probably turn out to be regular if it was an easier identification and/or there were more observersin w. Min- RAILS TO PHALAROPES -- Yellow Rails were found at nesota.A most cooperativeBrant was at the Tahquemenon 4 Michigan and 2 Wisconsinlocations, above average.King River mouth, Chippewa, MI, Apr. 26-May 23 (SM, EH, ASp, Rails were found in Monroe and Berrien, MI, and Columbia, mob.). Another was seen at W.P.B.O. May 4 (LG). In both Dane, and Dodge,WI, decent numbersfor this scarcespecies

Table 1. Spring Hawk Totals at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory,Michigan. First Last Total Peak Status Date Date Count Count Date Turkey Vulture L Apr. 8 May 31 67 7 May 17 Osprey H Apr. 15 May 30 201 18 May 1, 3 Bald Eagle R Mar. 24 May 26 81 8 Mar. 27 Northern Harrier T Apr. 3 May 30 250 17 May 16 Sharp-shinned Hawk L Mar. 27 May 30 8283 940 May 18 Cooper'sHawk H Mar. 27 May 23 83 12 Apr. 16 Northern Goshawk VL Mar. 15 May 29 46 4 Mar. 26 Red-shouldered Hawk T Mar. 24 May 30 26 4 Apr. 6 Broad-wingedHawk H Apr. 19 May 30 4317 656 May 13 Red-tailed Hawk VL Mar. 24 May 30 692 91 Apr. 26 Rough-leggedHawk VL Mar. 27 May 22 426 46 Apr. 21 Golden Eagle R Mar. 15 May 16 35 5 Mar. 29 American Kestrel T Mar. 27 May 29 314 24 Apr. 14, 25 Merlin R Mar. 17 May 31 82 6 May 3 PeregrineFalcon H May 1 May 26 29 4 May 26 Status(relative to average):VL--very low; L--low; T--typical; H--high; R--record.

482 AmericanBxrds, Fall 1989 M•ch•gan observerswere treated to the best shoreb•rd•ng •n LARIDS -- Jaegernumbers th•s spnng were down from the recent years at P M They are trying to return the area to the last couple of springs One Parasitic,May 17 at W P B O (TL, marshesthat were found there •n prewous years. To do th•s, LD), and s•ngleumdent•fied laegersMay 27 & 28 at W.P.B O they are drawing down a large impoundment this year and (staff) were the only reports. Laughing Gulls were widely wfil do an even larger one next year. This had produced the dispersedthroughout the Region, and in better than average best shorebird habitat in Michigan in many years, and the numbers:singles May 5, 26, & 31 at St. Joseph,Berrien, MI future promisesmore of the same.Semipalmated Plovers were (RS, KM), May 18 & 21 at W.P.B.O. (RP, JK, TL, JG, PC, MP), found in excellent numbers at P.M.: 250 May 18; 350 May 19; May 19 at Milwaukee (JD),and May 21 at New Buffalo,Berrien 280 May 23 (PC et al.). The Piping Plover picture remained (WB);five May 27 at Whitewater W.M.A., MN (AMP, BJ);and bleak in the Region, with once utilized beachesnow empty, two May 28 at Duluth (JGr).Franklin's Gulls were reported although Minnesota observershad more than in recent years. from 2 Michigan and 5 Wisconsin locations. The Regional S•ngleson 8 dates in May at W.P.B.O. (staff) and one May 27 perceptionsof birds are quite variable. An example of this •s at Tawas Point S.P., MI (RP), were the only reports for Mich- Little Gull, of which Wisconsin observers found a few at igan, although at least a coupleof other pairs are known along Manitowoc during May, and one at Racine May 6 (JD), and the shore of L. Superior. Away from their Lake of the Woods commentedthat they are harder to find alongL. Michigan •n breeding area (8 pairs this year), Piping Plovers have been recent years, not like the "old days;"while one May 10 and lust casual in Minnesota, so one May 10 in Nobles (RG), and two May 18 at W.P.B.O. (JR, RP, LD, JK), and one May 26 at two May 18-19 at Duluth (KE et al.) were encouraging. Wis- P.M. (PC, DP, RW) were considered more than average •n consinsightings remained low, with one May 7 in Racine (JD Michigan. Thayer's Gulls were well represented,with three et al ), and two May 10-11, one May 17, and none thereafter in Michigan, one in Minnesota, and two in Wisconsin.Single at Long Island, Ashland (DV), the only reports. An impressive Iceland Gulls were found at 3 Michigan locations: Mar. 25 at 450 Black-bellied Plovers were at P.M. May 18 (RPu, PC, GH). the Muskegon Wastewater System (PC, JG);May 7 at Benton Harbor (WB); and May 10 at W.P.B.O. (LD), certainly a good American Avocets staged a good migration in Wisconsin, showingfor spring.A GlaucousGull remained to the remark- w•th reports from 4 locations:nine at Grassy L., Columbia, ably late date of June 2 at Superior (RJ). The increasingly Apr 22 (DT et al.); 16 at Milwaukee Apr. 30 (RGu, JD); two found LesserBlack-backed Gull was sighted twice, May 6 at May 26 in Chippewa (JP);and one May 26 in Bayfield (LS). A Winona, MN (BF et al.), only the 6th for Minnesota and the Greater Yellowlegs Mar. 20 in Jefferson,WI (KEH), was early. first in spring, and May 6 at the Erie Gun Club, Monroe, MI Wfilets were plentiful in both Michigan and Wisconsin,with (JG,RPu). A 2nd-year Black-leggedKittiwake was found Apr reportsfrom 4 Michigan and 10 Wisconsinlocations, ranging 20 at Bemidji, MN (DJ), for only the 3rd spring record for from late April through May. One Apr. 2 in Nobles, MN (KE Minnesata. Both Common and Caspian terns were qmte et al) was the 2nd-earliest ever for Minnesota. Whimbrels scarce at W.P.B.O. this spring (staff). The only Arctic Tern of presented a mixed picture with Wisconsin observersnoting a the seasonwas one May 6 at Manitowoc (DT). very poor migration, with the largest single group only 13, and Michigan observershaving an excellent migration, with hundreds seen in several locations:650 May 22, and 320 May CUCKOOS TO WOODPECKERS -- Black-billed Cuckoos 26 at P.M. (PC, RPu, RW, DP); 500 May 27 at W.P.B.O. (staff). were up in numbers along with a tent caterpillar infestation Wh•mbrels are certainly more common in the eastern part of in Minnesota, but Yellow-billed Cuckoos were no more com- the Region, as they are quite rare along the west coast of mon than normal in Minnesota, and were quite scarce m M•ch•gan but quite regular, sometimesabundant, along the Michigan. An E. Screech-Owl found dead Mar. 15 in Delta, east coast of Michigan. Additionally, their migration is the MI (CT), was the first for Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After most concentrated of any of the shorebirds, as evidenced by last winter's noninvasion,a surprisingnumber of Snowy Owls the date range of this year's movement, May 18-30. were seen, three reported in Michigan and six in Wisconsin, with birds lingering into late April in both states.Burrowing Hudsonian Godwits were somewhat later and poorer in Owls are barely regular in the extreme w. part of the Region, numbers this year in Wisconsin, with sightingsfrom May 4- so a pair in Rock, MN (m.ob.), and one in Polk, MN (fide KH) 27 and a maximum count of 10. Only one was sighted in were about normal. The winter invasion of Great Gray Owls M•ch•gan, May 26 at P.M. (PC, RW, DP). Marbled Godwits into s. Minnesota and Wisconsinleft behind a couple of birds, were found at 3 Michigan and 4 Wisconsin locations, maxi- as one was seen Mar. 22 in Anoka, MN (JHz), one was found mum 11 on May 6 & 7 at P.M. (RPu, KO). An impressive 1200 dead at La CrosseMar. 24 (G & JR), and at least five remained Ruddy Turnstones were at Manitowoc May 25 (CS). Red Knots in Douglas,WI, with one still present Apr. 8 (LS, RJ et al ) were scarce in Wisconsin, with only a few along L. Michigan While there was no invasion in Michigan last winter, a record the last third of May, but were in good numbers in Michigan, 14 were seen at W.P.B.O. this spring (staff). Long-earedOwls w•th 32 May 20, 72 May 23, and 12 May 26 at P.M. (PC et al.). were scarcein Michigan, where 13 at W.P.B.O. for the season Sem•palmatedSandpipers built to goodnumbers at P.M., with was considerably below normal. Sixteen Boreal Owls were 1000 there May 26 (PC, DP, RW). There were 4 sightingsof banded at W.P.B.O. (staff), a typical total, but far below last the rare-in-spring Western Sandpiper:two May 5-7 in Mid- year's. Two Boreals were found dead in Wisconsin: Mar. 8 m land, MI (RW, TW) and singles May 19 in Taylor, WI (PR), Portage and Mar. 19 in Douglas (fide LS), suggestingthat there May 23 in Burnett, WI (A & SS), and May 28 in Green Bay may have been a small invasion into Wisconsin which went (DT) White-rumped Sandpiperswere seen in good numbers undetectedlast winter. A BorealOwl May 14 at Grand Rapids, •n both Michigan and Wisconsin,with 50-t-at several Wiscon- Itasca, MN, may have been a leftover from last winter's sin locations.Single Baird's Sandpiperswere reported at Eau invasion,or might have been a nestingbird, as it was just s.w Clmre, WI, Apr. 17 (JP)and W.P.B.O. May 25 (LD, JK).Dunlin of their known range; in their "known" range, owl surveyors were seenin exceptionalnumbers in Michigan, with 4 reports found 25 in Lake, MN, down from last year's 53, but other of 2000 or more birds, maximum 7000 May 18 at P.M. (PC, surveyorsreportedly found more in Cook,although the num- GH) Stilt Sandpipers were more common than usual this bers are not yet known. The Polk, WI, Chuck-will's-widow spr•ng, with reports from several Wisconsin locations and 6 returned May 17 (JHu), for the 4th consecutive year at th•s M•ch•gan locations,maximum six on May 26 at Nayanquing location.An excellent migrationof Ruby-throatedHumming- S GA., Bay, MI (DP, PC). Four Long-billed Dowitchers were birds took place May 18 & 19 at Tawas Point S.P.,/osco, MI, found May 9 at the Erie Gun Club, Monroe, MI (PC), and with 100+ seen each day (RW et al.). Black-backed Wood- s•ngle Long-billedswere seen May 12 & 23 at P.M. (PC, JG, peckers were reported from 3 Wisconsin and 4 Michigan GH) Red-necked Phalaropes were seen at 2 Michigan and 2 locations, about normal, but the report of 19 on Mar. I at a W•sconsin locations. burn in Delta, MI (GN), was very intriguing.

Volume 43, Number 3 483 FLYCATCHERS TO THRUSHES -- As part of the excel- This provides further evidence that W P B O is not lust for lent May 31 movement at W P.B.O, 18 Yellow-belhed, 27 hawks, but •s goodfor a w•de variety of species.A Golden- Alder, and 15 Least flycatchers were counted by W.P.B.O. w•nged Warbler May 30 •n Chippewa, MI (TL), was n of staff.Acadian Flycatchersare apparentlyslowly spreadingin normal. An Orange-crownedWarbler Apr. 22 in Rock, WI from the s.e. corner of Minnesota in recent years;they were (DT), was early. The most impressive event of the May 19 reported from Winona, Scott, and Hennepin this spring. A fallout in Duluth was the 12 Black-throated Blue Warblers, Western Kingbird was east of normal in Green, WI, May 27 easily the most ever seen in Minnesota in one day; normally, (DT). EasternKingbirds made a goodshowing in Berrien,MI, this speciesis a rare migrant, with only a handful of lone May 14 when Booth counted 115. Horned Larks were quite individuals seen in a season. Reinoehl was treated to an scarceat W.P.B.O.,with only 28 for the season(staff). Abun- exceptionally colorful sight May 16 at the Lost Nation S.G A, dance is all relative; 2988 Blue Jays during the period at Hillsdale, MI, when he had 25 Blackburnian Warblers. Yel- W P.B.O. was consideredto be a very low total (staff).Black- low-throated Warblers were seen in excellent numbers in bfiled Magpiesare extendingtheir rangefrom n.w. Minnesota Michigan, with 14 found May 26 along the S. Branch Galien to the n.e. part, where they may regularlybreed in n. Airkin R., Berrien (DE), and one or two in late May in Hillsdale (JR). and adjacent s.e. St. Louis; two nests were found in Airkin In Wisconsin, a pair was found along the Sugar R., Rock, •n th•s spring {fide WN). mid-May, with four territorial males found later in the month Both Black-cappedand Boreal chickadeeswere less com- (m.ob.).One of last year's Kirtland's Warblers returned to •ts mon than normal this springat W.P.B.O., with only 10 Boreals site in Douglas,WI, May 21 (LS, RJ).Minnesota had only •ts seen,way below normal. With the relatively mild weather of 4th Prairie Warbler, when a male was found May 13 •n the last couple of winters, it was thought that the Carolina Hennepin (SC);unfortunately, the bird, the first since 1975, Wren would make a comeback in the Region, and it has; could not be relocatedlater in the day. A Prairie Warbler was Michigan observersfound at least 16 birds spread over 10 n. of normal May 20 at W.P.B.O. (JG),and one was presentat locations, and Wisconsin birders found 10 at 6 locations. Even its site in Ozaukee, WI, from May 16 (m.ob.), where it has Minnesota, where Carolina Wrens are only casual, got into been found in 3 of the last 4 years. Other Prairies were found the act, with the overwinteringbird in Anoka, remaininginto in Allegan, MI (DE),and Rock,WI (SR).Worm-eating Warblers m•d-May (m.ob.).A daredevil Blue-gray Gnatcatcherwas at were back to their usual site in Sauk, WI, with two pmrs W P.B.O.at the early date of Apr. 17 (staff).Gnatcatchers have present. Single migrant overshootWorm-eatings were at the alsobeen expandingin Minnesotain recent years;this spring "lost peninsula," Monroe, MI, May 12 (JG, PC, RPu) and at they were found w. to Noblesand Rock, and n. to Otter Tail Metrobeach, Macomb, MI, May 21 (DL et al.). Kentucky War- and Duluth, where one May 5 (MH) furnished only the 3rd blers were found in select wooded ravines in s. Wisconsin as local record. A • Mountain Bluebird was well east of normal usual, but 25+ territorial males in WyalusingS.P., Grant (DT, May 28 in Waukeasha,WI (DT). More normal were birds Mar. A & SS) were most impressive. By contrast, Michigan had 25 in Brown, MN, and Apr. I at Blue Mounds S.P. Catharus only one report, one May 11-12 at Ann Arbor (RW). Yellow- thrusheswere generallyquite scarcethroughout the Region, breasted Chats were seen in decent numbers in Wisconsin, but locally good numbers were seen in Duluth May 19 (KE) with 6 reporting counties,but were less common than usual and W.P.B.O. May 31 (200 Swainson's). in Michigan.

TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- The only SummerTanager MIMIDS TO WARBLERS--Northern Mockingbirds reported was a male May 22 in Berrien, MI (KM). Scarlet were surprisinglycommon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Tanagerswere generally scarce in Michigan, but Booth had w•th eight seen during May at W.P.B.O. (staff),and at least a 100 on May 14 in Berrien. A Western Tanagerwas seen and couple more near the mouth of the Tahquemenon River, photographedby many at a Rochester,MN, feederMay 7-11. about 16 mi s. of W.P.B.O.. Mockingbirdswere also reported Much more exciting was a female Western Tanager banded from Berrien and/osco, MI, and Racine and Waupaca, WI. and photographedat Vermillion Pt., Chippewa, MI, May 23 Brown Thrashers successfullyoverwintered at Kalamazoo, (TA, JK, RU, PRo); if acceptedby the Michigan Bird Records MI (JG, RA} and La Crosse, WI (FL}. American Pipits were Committee,it would be the first acceptedfor the state.More scarceat W.P.B.O.this spring,with only 165 noted during the N. Cardinalswere presentin the winter in n. Minnesota,and season(staff). Michigan's fifth Sprague'sPipit was foundMay a few were still presentin the springat Bemidji, Airkin, and 29 at the ShiawasseeRiver S.G.A., Saginaw, by Oklahoma Grand Marais. One was n. of normal at Marquette, MI, Mar b•rders (JL, JM, ER, PS} who were returning from having 11 (NI). Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were in short supply at v•sited the Kirtland's Warbler area in the n.c. part of Michi- W.P.B.O., where only seven were seen during the period, but gan's Lower Peninsula. One has to wonder how often rare 115 on May 14 in Berrien,MI (WB),hardly constitutesscarcity birds are seen by out-of-statebirders and never reported. A An ad. male Black-headedGrosbeak was foundMay 6 at O L scatteringof Bohemian Waxwings were seen in n. Michigan Kipp S.P., MN (TH); the speciesis only casual in Minnesota. and Wisconsin in March and early April, but they were not Another casualbird for Minnesota,an ad. male Lazuli Bunting very common;largest group: 85 Mar. 23 in Douglas,WI (LS}. was found May 14 at a Becker feeder (BW). After last year's LoggerheadShrikes continued to strugglein the Region,with epic numbers,only a few Dickcisselsshowed up this spring, only 5 sightingsin Wisconsin,including a possiblenesting in and they were late. St Croix, and 5 sightingsin Michigan, with a confirmed An Am. Tree Sparrow at Pt. La Barbe, Mackinaw, MI, May nestingat the Allegan S.G.A., where they have nested suc- 22 (JG) was late. Lark Sparrows were at the usual nesting cessfully for the last several years. White-eyed Vireos were locationsin Wisconsin.Single Lark Sparrowswere at W.P B O seenin goodnumbers, with reportsfrom 6 Michigan, 2 Wis- May 3-6, 25-29, & 31 (staff, m.ob.), where they are qmte consin, and 2 Minnesota sites. Most interesting were the irregular. Lark Buntings were east of normal May 5-6 (a report of 10 singing males in Hillsdale, MI (JR},one n. of male) in Price, WI (JW), May 19-21 (a male) at W.P.B.O (JR, normal at Tawas Point S.P.,MI, May 20 (M & JH},and the two m.ob.), and May 20 (a female) about 3 miles s. of W.P B O. •n Minnesota, where they are only casual:May 13 in Olmsted (TSm, TL, BP), only the 6th or 7th for Michigan. A migrant Le (m.ob.}and May 28 far to the n.w. in Clay (L & CF}. Bell's Conte's Sparrow was found May 20 at SaugatuckDunes S.P., V•reoswere seen at their normals s. Michigan and s. Wiscon- Allegan, MI (DK);it is almostunknown in migrationin Mich- sin sites. igan. Sharp-tailed Sparrows were found at Powell Marsh, The May 31 fallout at W.P.B.O. producedamong others 20 Vilas, WI, during the last third of May (m.ob.),and one was Chestnut-sided,30 Magnolia, 150 Blackpoll, 13 Connecticut, found May 31 at Crex Meadow W.M.A. (JH), where they are 50 Wilson's, and 50 Canada warblers and 70 Am. Redstarts. normally more common,but the habitat was poor this year

484 American Bards,Fall 1989 An impressive 290 Fox Sparrows were found Mar. 29 in at W.P.B.O., with 2877 seenduring the period (staf0.Common Shawano,WI (MP). White-crowned Sparrowswere less com- Redpolls lingered later than normal in both Michigan and mon than usual at W.P.B.O., where only 191 were counted Wisconsin, with the last birds seen May 13 at Superior (RJ) instead of the usual hundreds (staff). A male Chestnut-col- and May 14 at W.P.B.O. (staf0. Hoary Redpollswere seen lared Longspur emerginginto breeding plumage was found Mar. 24 and Apr. 4 at W.P.B.O. (staf0 and Apr. 18-19 at Mar. 6 in Fond du Lac, WI (MEW); if acceptedby the Wiscon- Superior (RJ).Pine Siskinswere scarcethroughout Michigan sin Bird Records Committee it would be one of the few for and Wisconsin,but the real story was the scarcityof Evening the state. Another Chestnut-collaredLongspur, this one May Grosbeaksin the two states, where they were hard to find 27 at Silver Bay, Lake, MN, May 27 (AB, BL), was probably even at always dependablespots. At W.P.B.O., only 479 were the first ever on Minnesota'sNorth Shore,and only the third seen during the period, as compared to several thousand in eastof the prairie counties. normal years. Western Meadowlarksremained scarcein Michigan, with reportsfrom only 5 counties.Yellow-headed Blackbirds were CONTRIBUTORS--(I wish to thank the many individuals seen in reduced numbers at Nayanquing S.G.A., Bay, MI, who submitted recordsfor this summary. The nature of this owing to habitat destruction(TW). Booth had an impressive summaryprecludes listing every individual who sent in reports; 500 Northern Orioles wing by him along the L. Michigan, therefore,only thoseindividuals with cited recordsare listed). Berrien, MI, shore May 14. Ray Adams, Tom Allen, Rod Bahr, Leon Beitz, Dan Belter, Jim Pine Grosbeakswere very scarcein Michigan and Wiscon- Berkelman,Chip Blake, A1 Bolduc,larry Bonkoski[IBo), Walter sin, with only four seenduring the period at W.P.B.O. (staff). Booth,Lee Carson,Phil Chu, Gordon & Mary lo Dathe, Jerry Purple Finches were also below average during migration in DeBoer,Louie Dombrowski,Kim Eckert (Minnesota),Bob & Steve both Michigan and Wisconsin.The one finch that seems to Ekblad, Dave Evers, Laurence & Carol Falk, Bruce Fall, Ray alwaysbe reportedon the upswingis HouseFinch, and this Glassel,Leonard Graf, Jim Granlund, Janet Green [lGr), Ronald springwas no exception.In Michigan, they have becomeso Gutshow(RGu), Karen Etter Hale, Katie Haws, Mike Hendrickson, commonthat observersrarely comment on them anymore. In Tony Hertzel, Geoff Hill, Jim Hoetier, Randy Hoffman, Everett Wisconsin,they are continuing to expand, and have become Horton, JamesHowitz [lHz), Mark & JoanieHubinger, JoeHudick, very easyto find in earlier establishedlocales. In Minnesota, GeorgeHutchinson (GHu}, Nick Ilnicky, BobJanssen, Doug John- they nested at Winona and Mankato; have become rare but son, RobbyeJohnson, Kevin Kane,Joe Kaplan, Doug Klein, Dick regular at feeders in the s.e. quarter of the state; a pair was Leasure,Fred Lesher,Tony Leukering,Bill Litkey,Jo Loyd, Sandy found in Dawson, Lac Qui Parle in the s.w. part of the state; & Orvis Lunke, Stanley Marcus, JuaniraMartin, Steve & Diane Millard, Kip Miller, Ginny Nash, Warren Nelson, Karl Overman, and lone individuals were found at feeders in n. Minnesota, Mark Peterson, Bob Petit, Marlene Planck, Rod Planck, Anne at Aitkin (WN, secondlocal record) and Duluth (KE,first local Marie Plunkett, lanine Polk, David Powell (Michigan),Robert record). A few Red Crossbillswere seen in Wisconsin,with Putman (P,Pu), JackReinoehl, Elaine Renning,Gary & JeanRi- 100 seen during the period at W.P.B.O. (staf0, and scattered chset, Paul Risch, Paul Roose (PRo), Sam Robbins, Pat Seibert, sightingsof five to sevenin other Upper Peninsulaareas, more Larry Semo, A1 & Sue Shea, Roy Smith, Charles Sontag,A1 than usual for Michigan. There were also a few widely scat- Spaulding(ASp), Tim Smart (TSm), Tom Steele,Warren Studley, tered sightingsof White-winged Crossbills,even into s. Wis- CharlotteTaylor, Daryl Tessen(Wisconsin), Paul Thompson,Pat consin. However, observers at W.P.B.O. had a bonanza, with Underwood,Russ Utych, Dick Verch, Terry Walsh, Ron Weeks, 87 on Apr. 22 and 430 during the period, very high totals. Mary Ellen Whitty, Jim Willman, W.P.B.O. staff, Bill Wyatt.- Surprisingly,good numbers of Common Redpollswere seen DAVID J. POWELL, 217 Montrose, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

IOWA MIDDLE- Chicago Toledo ß " Oavenpod Michigan Ottawa ß SaylorvtlleRes. City Ft.ß NWR ß DeSoto WESTERN ß Des Moines Wayne NWR ILLINOIS OHIO

ßPeoria INDIANA Columbusß PRAIRIE ß SquawCreek NWR ßOayton ßSpringfield I•dianapolis eCincmnat• S,•anLake NWR Muscatatuckß REGION NWR KansasCity St. Louis RendL• Evansville ßLouisville ß Lexingtonß Crab Orchard MISSOURI NWR KENTUCKY Ballard L Cumber/and, Bruce G. Peterjohn MingoNWRß WMA

Volume 43, Number 3 485 hisseason continued a series of atypical spring migra- tions. Only March approached "normal" patterns of weather and bird movements.The first two weeks of April were unseasonablycool, reducing migration to a trickle. However, a warming trend during the last ten days of the month produced the most sustainedpassage of migrant birds for the entire season.May's weather was quite un- usual. A high pressure system centered over the Great Lakeswas responsiblefor unusually cold weather through the 13th, including a freak snow storm extending from northeastern Iowa to northern Ohio May 6-7. Observa- tions of hummingbirds, warblers, and other insectivores foragingamong snow-covered trees were not unusual dur- ing this storm. This weather pattern changed abruptly, and the hurried passageof most migrant passerineswas accomplishedbetween May 14-25. Only small numbers of migrants remained into June. Precipitation varied considerably from state to state. American White Pelicans at Eagle Creek Park, Indiana, April Iowa, northern Missouri, and portions of northern Illinois 4, 1989. Photograph/Michael Ray Brown. remained gripped in last year's drought, receiving less than 12 inches of moisture during the first five months of spring visitors east of the MississippiR., three pelicanslin- the year. In contrast, the eastern states were inundated; geredat C.J.Brown Res.,OH, Apr. 4-25 (DO, m.ob.), two were for example, Cleveland received 9+ inches of rain during noted at EagleCreek Res.,IN, Apr. 5 (m.ob.,ph.), and singles May. appearedin Porter,IN, Apr. 18 (BH) and Clinton L., IL, May As usual, perceptionsof this spring'smigration varied 8-21 (MD, RP). As Double-crestedCormorants continue to increase, flocks of 30-60 are no longer unusual. This year's from locality to locality, although most observersconsid- largestconcentrations included 210-665 in the w. states,300 ered it to be a decidedly lackluster season.The passerine alongL. Erie, 205in n.e.Ohio in PortageApr. 26 (LR),a record migration was particularly dreadful in many areas with high w. Kentuckycount of 350 in Fulton May 3 (BP),450 at only a few localities experiencing "normal" numbers. MississippiR. Dam 18, IL, Apr. 18 (MBa), and 170-250 at 2 Flightsof migrantsongbirds were local phenomenaduring other Illinois locations. April 20-25 and May 14-20, but even these flights were Numbers of heronswere generally disappointing.An ex- relatively small when compared with the past few years. ceptionwas Am. Bittern, which produced60+ reports.Least Movements of waterfowl and shorebirds were spotty. In Bitterns did not fare as well, and were detected at fewer than Kentucky, heavy rainfall inundated the transient lakes in 20 locations.Great Egretsstaged a noticeablemovement into Warren County for the first time in many years, producing Indiana and n.e. Illinois, producingflocks of 23 at Willow a number of remarkable records. This pattern was not Slough W.M.A., IN, Apr. 22 (WW, fide TKe), 22 in Lake, IN, repeated elsewhere, especially in states still affected by May 27 (KBet al.), and 21 in DuPage,IL, May 8 (m.ob.).Early drought, where habitats for these birds were limited. De- SnowyEgrets returned to HorseshoeL., IL, Mar. 18 (G & TBa) spite a shortageof expected migrants, exceptional rarities and Caruthersville,MO, Mar. 22 (BR). The expectedsmall were discoveredin every state, providing the only excite- numbers residedat traditional breedinglocations, while five ment in an otherwise dull season. extralimital sightingswere fewer than normal for recent years. The 35 Little Blue Herons at Caruthersville, MO, Mar. 22 (BR)were early. The speciesstaged a small movementinto ABBREVIATIONS Spfid.= Springfield,IL; S.C.R. = Squaw Indianawhere 9 reportspeaked with six in GibsonMay 8 (KB Creek Nat'l Wildlife Ref., MO: O.W.R. = Ottawa Nat'l Wildlife et al.). Only four otherextralimital Little Blueswere reported Ref., OH; Say. Res. • Saylorville Res., IA. Italicized place names from the other states. A Tricolored Heron returned to L. are counties. Calumet, IL, Apr. 29 (JL,CMo) while one in Logan, OH, May 6 ('•NM et al.) provided Ohio's 4th record away from L. Erie. LOONS TO IBISES -- Noteworthy during spring, single Another Tricolored Heron briefly visited Cone Marsh Apr. Red-throatedLoons were satisfactorilyidentified at Pleasant 29 ('tTK},furnishing a first recordfor Iowa. Cattle Egretsalso Hill Res., OH, Apr. 8 (BPj, MG) and Spfid., Apr. 13 (•-DBo), returnedto Caruthersville,MO, by Mar. 22.Their populations while two were at L. Manawa, IA, Apr. 27-30 ('•TB, m.ob.). remainedstable in s.e.Missouri and w. Kentuckybut declined Even more remarkablewas a basic-plumagedPacific Loon at elsewhere.The largestIllinois flock was composedof 25, and L. DecaturApr. 19 (RSa,'•m.ob.) for a first documentedspring no more than two appearedalong w. Lake Erie. A small influx record for Illinois. The 259 Corn. Loonsat L. Lemon, IN, Apr. into Indiana produced 13 reports with a maximum of 20 at 2 (DW) made an unusually large springconcentration. Normal Minnehaha W.M.A on Apr. 29 (MB}.There were only 11 other numberselsewhere peaked with 52 in Ohio. Grebesnoticea- extralimital sightingsfrom the other states.Other early her- bly declined, the largest flocks totalled 57 Pied-billeds in onsincluded Green-backed Herons at Grayson,KY, Apr. 1 Missouri and 66 Horneds in Ohio. Late Horned Grebes lin- (KC} and Carbondale,IL, Apr. 3 (JHr},and a Black-crowned geredat Woodburn,IN, throughMay 19 (Haw) and in Warren, Night-Heron at Louisville Mar. 14 (DP}. The 27+ reportsof KY, until May 31 (BP). It was a poor year for Red-necked Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were above average;one in Grebeswith the only report from Strom L., IA, Apr. 14 (DB). Palo Alto May 6 (fide JD} was exceptional for n.w. Iowa. In the w. states, Eared Grebes peaked with nine in Iowa. Accidentalanywhere east of the MississippiR., a White-faced Normal springnumbers for Illinois consistedof a maximum Ibis was carefully describedfrom Gibson,IN, May 10-11 (J-SJ, of three Eareds at 3 locations.Single Eareds in Warren Apr. DJ}.The only other Plegadlsibis was an unidentified individ- 30 and May 14 ('•BP,DP) establishedtwo of very few accept- ual in Ohio. ably documentedsightings •rom Kentucky. Rare but regular spring migrants through w. Iowa, as many as three Western Grebeswere detectedat 4 lakes Apr. 18-23. WATERFOWL--Tundra Swans staged a poor flight A typical passageof Am. White Pelicans through w. Iowa acrossthe n. states. The largest concentration totalled 150 and n.w. Missouri peaked with flocks of 140-665. Casual near Lansing,IA, Mar. 24 (MH). The passageof GreaterWhite-

486 American Birds,Fall 1989 fronted Geesewas very good.They were widely reported in A flock of 100 Greater Scaup at Mississippi R. Dam 13, IA, the w. states with a maximum of 850 at Riverton W.M.A., IA, Mar. 13 (PP) was unusual away from the Great Lakes. Late Mar. 16 (SD, PH), and a late migrant until May 24 at Spirit L., Greater Scaup were singlesat S.C.R. May 11 (DE et al.), New IA (fide DH). At least 10 Illinois sightingspeaked with 50 at L., IA, May 19 (SD),and Cook,IL, May 29 (JN).Holdovers from Clear L. on Mar. 18 (LA). A flock of 19 in Warren Mar. 19- this winter's flight, as many as three Harlequin Ducks were Apr. I (BPet al.) was exceptionalfor Kentucky,while groups noted at Cleveland through Mar. 25 (m.ob.), one appeared at of four to six were reportedfrom singlelocations in Ohio and Michigan City, IN, Mar. 10 (KBet al.), and up to four remained Indiana. A typical Snow Gooseflight included two late mi- through Apr. 28 at Chicago(m.ob.) where one was remarkably grantsat C.J. Brown Res., OH, May 20 (DO). Small numbers late June 7 (•'JPo).An average Oldsquaw flight included a of Ross' Geese are becoming regular migrants through c. maximum of 50 on L. Michigan and three or fewer at 10 Illinois, with sightingsfrom 6 locationsof up to five geese inland locations. Our rarest spring scarers,single Blacks were Mar. 4-21. Expectednumbers were detectedin the w. states, reported from Spfid., Apr. 3 (DBo),Say. Res., IA, Apr. 8-9 (BE, as late as May 7 at S.C.R. (DE). ßm.ob.), Evanston, IL, Apr. 15 (EW), and Clay, MO, Apr. 17 The puddle duck migration was unimpressive.Unusual (•-JE).Surf Scotersappeared in unusual numbers. Inland re- numberslingered into May, especiallyin Warren, KY, where portswere of four at Ft. Wayne, IN, Apr. 9 (TY), Ohio pairs at Green-wingedTeal, N. Shoveler, Gadwall, and Am. Wigeon Killdeer Res. May 8 (BPj) and New London Res. May 11 (VF), were still presentMay 31 (BP). Cinnamon Teal stagedtheir one at Spfid. Apr. 23 (DBo),and one at the IPL ponds,IA, May bestflight since 1986. In the w. states,where they are rare 11-19 (SD, m.ob.). Along the Great Lakes, as many as three but regular spring migrants, there were four reports in Iowa Surfs on L. Erie and one at Chicago included one through and one in Missourithrough May 19-21 at Lylah's Marsh, IA May 27 at Lorain, OH (LR). It was a fairly good spring for (MH). Exceptionaleast of the MississippiR., a CinnamonTeal White-winged Scarerswith a maximum of 12 along L. Erie in Warren, KY, Apr. 23-24 (•-BP)furnished that state's3rd and nine inland sightings.One lingered at Toledo through June3 (MA). Other late ducks included two Cam. Goldeneyes at Spfid. May 20 (DBo), a Buffiehead in Warren, KY, May 31 (BP), a Cam. Merganser at L. Decatur, IL, May 29 (MD), and five Ruddy Ducks in Warren, KY, May 31.

HAWKS TO CRANES -- The Indiana Dunes recorded its bestspring hawk flight, a result of increasedcoverage as well as more hawks. A total of 2987 individuals was loggedduring 52 days, including record high seasonal counts of 110 N. Harriers, 418 Sharp-shinneds, 67 Cooper's, 95 Red-shoul- dereds,1230 Red-taileds,and 117 Am. Kestrels(CF, BS et al.). Similar numbers were not detected elsewhere, especially Cinnamon Teal drake (with Blue-winged Teal) in Wayne alongw. Lake Erie where the flight was poor. County,Ohio, April 14, 1989. Sixth staterecord. Photograph/ An early Osprey at Caeser Creek Res., OH, Mar. 9 (JS) Mary Gustarson. presageda goodflight, peaking with 11 in Lake, OH, Apr. 30 (LR, RH). The only extralimital MississippiKite was reported from Cook, IL, June 5 (CW). Bald Eagle numbers continued to slowly improve in every state. The largest daily flights of record, while one in Wayne Apr. 9-15 (RRo, •-m.ob.)and two Sharp-shinnedHawks totalled 178 in Lake, OH, Apr. 30 (LR, in Ottawa Apr. 14 (JP,•-VF) establishedOhio's 6th and 7th RH) and 66 at BuschW.M.A., MO, Apr. 23 (JZ). As expected, N. Goshawkswere scarce with a total of only six reports from acceptablesightings. Diving duck concentrationswere very locally distributed. Indiana and Illinois. The Broad-winged Hawk movement was Canvasbackspeaked with 4000 at MississippiR. Dam 19, IA, unimpressive. The largest flights totalled 400 at Busch Mar. 12 (RCe) and 1000-2600 in Ohio and Illinois. One in W.M.A., MO, Apr. 23 (JZ), 200 at Algona, IA, Apr. 24 (MK), Clinton,IL, May 29 (KM) was late, aswas a Ring-neckedDuck 170 at Ames, IA, Apr. 23 (PM), and 160 in Lake, OH, Apr. 30 in Warren, KY, May 21 (BP). (LR, RH). An early Swainsoh'sHawk returned to Jefferson, MO, Mar. 18 (MP). The expected small numbers appearedin the w. states and n. Illinois. Most remarkable was a Swain- A c• Aythya duck with a somewhat pendant tuft son's Hawk near Murray May 5 (•'MM), for Kentucky's 2rid visited the Cleveland lakefront Apr. 2-5 (•'J & DHo, record. Among the Red-tailed Hawks passing the Indiana m.ob., ph.). The dark gray scaled back, reduced tuft, Dunes, IN, Apr. 23 was a well-described "Harlan's" (•'KB,BS). and other charaeteristics indicated this individual was The last Rough-leggedHawk was detectedin c. Ohio May 8. a Tufted Duck x scauphybrid. While its reducedblack A total of eight Golden Eaglesightings was normal for recent nail on the bill, eye color and associationwith a flock years. Both Merlins and PeregrineFalcons were reportedin of LesserScaup suggested it was produce.d by a Tufted expected numbers. Wintering Prairie Falcons were last re- Duck x Lesser Scaup pair, such hybrids have never corded in Iowa Mar. I and Kentucky Mar. 27. been definitively recorded in the wild and a positive Numbers of rails were disappointing,no doubt a result of identification is not possible from photographs (Eric last yeaifs drought. There were three reports of Yellow Rail's Gillham, pers.comm.). While hybridsbetween Aythya in. Iowa, three in Illinois, and one in Missouri, representing ducks are seldom reported from North America, such above-averagenumbers of this secretive species.The only hybrids have been known in Europe for many years Black Rail was flushed while mowing an alfalfa field in (seeGillham et al., 1966,Wildfowl Trust Annual Report Vermilion, IL, May 30 (•'JSm).King Rails remained scarce, 17: 49-65). Observersshould recognizethe possibility producinga total of nine records.Earliest migrants were a of these hybrids, and base their identificationsof rare Virginia Rail at Binder L., MO, Mar. 19 (AC) and Sara at ducks on all characteristicsof the species. Louisville Mar. 25 (LRa, KC). Peak numbers of both species were 20-30. The unpredictable Purple Gallinule made two

Volume 43, Number 3 487 appearances,with an unprecedented six in Montgomery, OH, L. Michigan locations, their most noteworthy reports were Mar. 18 (RY, NM, ph.) and one in Cass,MO, Apr. 25-May 15 from inland sites. Casual migrants through Missouri, nine (JGa,EJ et al.). American Cootspeaked with 5000 in Kentucky, were discoveredat Swan L. May 20 (MGo). A Whimbrel at where small numbers remained through May 31 in Ohio and Swan Lake W.M.A. (May 3 (BP, ph.) provided only the 3rd Warren. Along their traditional migration corridor, Sandhill sighting for Kentucky. Hudsonian Godwits passedthrough Cranes were most conspicuousMar. 10-19. Elsewhere, 11 Iowa and Missouri in respectablenumbers, including flocks reportswere received from w. and n.e. Ohio, with a maximum of 55 at Big Lake S.P., MO, May 7 (DE) and 41 at Riverton of 25 near Dayton, while five or fewer cranes appeared at 9 W.M.A., IA, May 19 (SD, RS). Five or fewer were also detected Iowa locations.The last migrant was reported May 21 in Iowa. at 3 Illinois locations. The earliest Marbled Godwit returned to Iowa Apr. 7 and the seasonproduced a total of 13 records SHOREBIRDS- Lesser Golden-Plovers returned to Mis- from every state except Missouri. The flock of 25 in Clinton, souri by Mar. 17, but sizable concentrations developed only IL, Apr. 22 (KM) was unprecedented, while four in Warren in Illinois where 1000-3000+ appeared at several sites. A Apr. 29 (BP et at.) were casual visitors to Kentucky. The casual spring visitor to n.w. Missouri, a Snowy Plover was wintering Ruddy Turnstone at Lorain, OH, was last observed discoveredat Big Lake S.P. Apr. 20 (DE). Accidental elsewhere Mar. 12. in the Region, Indiana's 3rd Snowy Plover obligingly re- Expected small numbers of Western Sandpipers passed mained in Gibson Apr. 23-26 (•-CM, JC, m.ob.). Two early through Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Casualspring migrants Semipalmated Plovers returned to Pacific Junction, IA, Apr. elsewhere,three were identified in Warren, KY, Apr. 30 (BP, 9 (DR). The largest flocks totalled 55-85 in Missouri, Ken- ph.) and one in Wayne. OH, May 16 (•-DKet al.). Reportsof tucky, and s.w. Indiana. Piping Plovers appeared in their best 2000 White-rumped Sandpipersat Riverton W.M.A., IA, May numbers of this decade, beginning with an early arrival at 19 (SD,RS), 350+ at Big Lake S.P., MO, May 21 (MR), and 55+ Browning L., MO, Apr. 4 (L & RG). They were reported from in Warren, KY, May 25 (BP)were noteworthy for thosestates. 6 locations in Iowa, 3 in Illinois including four at Waukegan The earliest Baird's Sandpiper returned to Riverton W.M.A., Apr. 30 (ASt el al.), and 2 sites in Missouri, and one plover IA, Mar. 16 (SD, PH) and the largestflock in the w. stateswas was at Huron, OH, May 13 (•-ESet at.). of 205+ at BigLake S.P.,MO, Apr. 20 (DE).Pectoral Sandpipers Black-necked Stilts made their 3rd appearance in the last were mostplentiful in Illinois where 1000-3500+ gatheredin 4 springs.Two stilts in Gibson May 7-14 (+CM, DCo, m.ob., Clinton Apr. 10-19 (KM). A Dunlin at Deer Creek Res., OH, ph.) furnished the first acceptable record for Indiana. In Ohio, Mar. 19 (DO) was decidedlyearly, while 43 in Mercer May 23 a stilt at O.W.R., May 22-23, (•-JHw, JSh, m.ob., ph.) was (fide FL) constituteda large flock for Kentucky. Small num- rumored to have been present elsewhere along w. Lake Erie bers of Stilt Sandpipersappeared in every state except Ohio, with maxima of 28 in Iowa and 13 in Warren, KY, May 20 (BP).A Ruff in Mercer Apr. 1. (tFL, WKe) establishedKentuc- ky's 3rd record. The only other Ruff detectedwas at Minne- haha W.M.A., IN, Apr. 29 (tMB). Except for 102 Short-billedDowitchers in Boone,KY, May 13 (LM), their flight was unremarkable. The earliest Long- billed Dowitcher returned to Spfid. Mar. 29 (DBo).An excep- tional flight producedflocks of 74 at Spfid.May 6 (DBo),50 at S.C.R. May 7 (DE), 27 at Riverton W.M.A., IA, Apr. 29 (SD, PH), and 22 in Warren, KY, Apr. 29 (BP eta/.). The 200 Corn. Snipe in Butler Apr. 7 (NK, JSt)were unusual in s.w. Ohio. A Wilson'sPhalarope at Spring Valley W.M.A., OH, Apr. 15 (CMa) was early. They peaked with 100-200 in the w. states and five or fewer at scattered sites in the other states. Red- necked Phalaropes appeared at 6 locations with a maximum of four near Decatur, IL, May 15-16 (RSaet at.). One at Warren May 20-23 (BP, GB, ph.) establisheda first springrecord for Kentucky.

GULLS, TERNS--Laughing Gulls returned to normal with 3 sightingsalong the Great Lakes plus three or fewer at Black-neckedStilt at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio, a total of 6 inland locationsin Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. May 23, 1989. Third Ohio record.Photograph/Mary Gustarson. The earliestFranklin's Gull returned to L. Barkley, KY, Mar. 4 (DIN].The speciespeaked at 75-130 in the w. statesand 112 earlier in the month. The 11 sightingsof Am. Avocets were at Rice Lake Conservation Area, IL, May 14 (LA). Small normal. The largest flocks totalled 40 at L. Manawa, IA, Apr. numbersappeared at 17 other siteseast of the MississippiR. 18 (BPa), 32 in Gibson, IN, Apr. 30 (DJ), and 31 in Fulton, IL, An accidental visitor away from the Great Lakes, an imm. Apr. 30 (LA). Six avocets at Barren River L., Apr. 29 (WK et Little Gull visited Gibson,IN, Apr. 22-29 (DJ,•-m.ob.). Single al.) were unusual in Kentucky. Early Solitary Sandpipers Little Gulls at Waukegan, IL, May 22 ON) and Huron, OH, returned to 2 Illinois sites Apr. i while 66 at Riverton W.M.A., May 27 (TL) were rare late spring migrants on the Great IA, Apr. 29 (SD, PH) represented a goodspring total. A banner Lakes.Indiana's wintering Corn. Black-headedGull in Gibson spring for Willets began with an early migrant at Little Wall was last observedMar. 11. Unprecedentednumbers of Bona- L., IA, Apr. 3 0D) and peaked with a noticeable flight Apr. parte's Gulls congregatedon the w. Kentucky lakes during 24-May 5. Flocks of 43 in Warren (BP et al.) and 40 at Barren April, including 5000-10,000 at the nocturnal roost on Ken- River L. 0Wi, AS et al.) Apr. 29 were unprecedented for tucky L. Apr. 13 (BP).The wintering California Gull at Cleve- Kentucky. Other large flocks included 45 in Gibson,IN, Apr. land remainedthrough Mar. 12, while the onlyspring migrant 16-29 (m.ob.), 45 at Woodburn, IN, May 5 (Haw), 31 at Wau- was studied at Smithville L., MO, May 7 0-MR et al.). Winter- kegan, IL, Apr. 30 (KH), and 23-26 at 3 other locations in ing Thayer's Gulls remained through Mar. 4-5 in w. Ken- Illinois and Iowa. tucky, Apr. 6 at Lorain, OH (VF), and May 6 at Cook,IL ON). SpottedSandpipers peaked with 68 at Headlands S.P., OH, The imm. Iceland Gull at Michigan City Apr. 8 0-KB, CF) May 5 (VF). Scattered Upland Sandpiperreports peaked with provided one of few records for Indiana. Small numbers also 10 in n.e. Ohio. While single Whimbrels were observed at 2 remained at Cleveland through April 1.

488 AmericanBirds, Fall 1989 LesserBlack-backed Gulls appeared at 5 L. Erie locations 12 at Coralville Res., IA [IF, TK). Casually detected in Ken- through Apr. 29. Inland individuals were limited to the win- tucky, an injured N. Saw-whet Owl was discoveredin Lyon tering bird in Gibson,IN, through Mar. 5 and an immature at Mar. 18 (MGu). Only scattered individuals were recorded in Spfid. Apr. 8 (.[DBo). A maximum of eight Glaucous Gulls passagethrough the n. states. Chuck-will's-widows were re- visitedseveral L. Erie locationsthrough Apr. 1. Small numbers ported only from establishedsummering locations.Except for alsoremained in Iowa through Mar. 25 and at Michigan City, an early migrant in Newton, MO, Mar. 29 (LC), Whip-poor- IN, Apr. 25 (SB). A Great-Black-backedGull at L. Rockwell, wills elicited few comments. The earliest Chimney Swift OH, Mar. 13 (LR, ph.) was unexpected away from the Great returned to Murphysboro, IL, Apr. 1 (KM) but their numbers Lakes.An apparentGreat Black-backedx Herring Gull hybrid were generally low. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were was carefully studied at Avon L., OH. Mar. 19 (.[VF). Two scarce in many areas. Black-leggedKittiwakes were noted at Cleveland through A Lewis' Woodpecker was studied near Gainesville, MO, May 6 (.[BJet aT.), representing a 2nd state record. Yellow- bellled Sapsuckernumbers improved, peakingwith 12-19 in Illinois and Indiana. A late migrant lingered in Columbus, OH, through May 16 [MG). A small population of Red-cock- aded Woodpeckerssurvives in s. Kentucky, as indicated by two at Cumberland Falls S.P. May 7 (JEt). The flycatcher migration drew mixed comments.Some appearedduring the last week of April, but the bulk of their movement occurred after May 15. An Olive-sided Flycatcher at Decatur, IL, Apr. 28 (MD) was exceptionally early. Alder Flycatchers staged a large movement through c. Iowa May 25-27, producing 14 in Greene May 26 (SD) and 12 at Backbone S.P. May 27 (AF). Similar numbers were not apparent elsewhere. A Willow Flycatcher in Shelby, IL, Apr. 25 (KF) was very early, as were Great Crested Flycatchers in Grayson, KY, Apr. 3 (KC) and Hardin, IA, Apr. 21 (DC). Western Kingbirds were restricted to Iowa and Missouri. An E. Kingbird returned to Oldham, KY, Apr. 7 (DP). Extralimital Scissor-tailedFlycatchers ap- peared at Kettleson HogsbackW.M.A., IA, Apr. 25 (fide DH) and near Petersburg, IL, June 6 (-[DS).

Black-leggedKittiwake in first-year plumage at Cleveland, SWALLOWS TO SHRIKES -- The first swallows arrived Ohio, March 11, 1989. Photograph/LarryRosche. fairly early but their peak movementswere on time. A Purple Mar. 14. Very unusual away from L. Erie during spring, a Martin in Mills Mar. 23 (DR, RR) was early for Iowa. Tree kittiwake was observedat Alton, MO-IL, Apr. 15 (-[BRoetaT.). Swallows peaked with 5000 estimated in Union, IL, Apr. 8 The wintering Sabine'sGull at Cleveland was intermittently (KM) and 3500 at L. Lemon, IN, Apr. I (CK). A N. Rough- observedthrough Apr. 11. It then took up residenceMay 7- winged Swallow in Pulaski, KY, Mar. 22 (JEt)was early, but a Bank Swallow at the same location and date was remarkable. 31 at Lorain, where it becameOhio's first summeringSabine's Gull. Other noteworthy swallow concentrationswere of 1260 Banks CaspianTerns peaked with 280 at Clear L., IA, May 8 (JH. in Massac, IL, May 6 (DRo) and 590 Cliffs in Shelby, IL, May DB), a record high count for that state. Similar concentrations 6 (KF). An early Barn Swallow appeared in Taney, MO, Mar. did not develop elsewhere.A Sandwich Tern was carefully 12 (JHy). Few Red-breastedNuthatches passedthrough the described from Waukegan Apr. 26 (-[LB), furnishing a first Regionthis spring.Brown Creeperswere plentiful in Ohio, as record for Illinois and the Region. Common Terns were most evidenced by 45 at Cleveland Apr. 30 (VF). Late migrants plentiful along L. Michigan where the largest flock totalled were noted in the n. states through May 14-21. 790+ at Waukegan May 14 (EW). Only small numbers ap- In Missouri, Bewick's Wrens are "doing well" in the south- peared in other locations.Forster's Terns returned to L. Erie west but are very locally distributed elsewhere. Scattered by Apr. 2. Their numbers continue to increase;a flight of 1396 reports included at least five in St. Clair and two in Cedar Forster's at Monroe Res., IN, May 13 (-[LS, TT) easily repre- during May (MR, TE) and individuals north to Howard (CR), sentedthe largestinland concentrationever recorded in this Columbia (BG), and St. Louis. Very few Bewick's Wrens re- Region.Formerly rare along c. Lake Erie, 200 Forster'sgath- main in the other states, where this spring's sightings con- ered at Lorain May 7 (J & DHo). Eight or fewer Least Terns sistedof Kentucky singlesat Madisonville Apr. 26 (JHa) and were encountered along the lower Mississippi R. and in w. Hart May 13 (MS). two territorial males in Adams, OH (BL), Iowa. Extralimital Leasts were restricted to 3 c. Illinois loca- and Illinois reports from Monroe May 6 (RGo) and Makanda tions north to Fulton June1-2 (LA). The Black Tern migration May 21 (DRo).Winter Wren numbers improved slightly, peak- was most conspicuousin the w. states with 350 at Ventura ing with 22 along L. Erie. Late migrants tarried along both Marsh, IA, May 28 (SD) and flocks of 100-200 at 3 other Great Lakes until May 17-19. Both Sedge Wrens and Marsh locations.East of the MississippiR., the largest concentrations Wrens were relatively scarce. The kinglet migration was were of 130 at Rice Lake Conservation Area, IL, May 14 (LA) impressive. Concentrations of 50-81 Gotden-crowneds ap- and 90+ in Warren, KY, May 26 (GB, fide BP). peared in Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, while migrants lingered through May 17 at Chicago (HR) and May 18 at Columbus, CUCKOOS TO FLYCATCHERS--A Black-billed Cuc- OH (MG) and Cleveland (fide VF). Ruby-crowneds peaked koo in Warren, IA, Apr. 23 (AJ) was very early, but was the with 180 at Cleveland Apr. 30 (VF) and tarried until May 27- forerunnerof a mediocrecuckoo migration in most areas.The 29 in Illinois and Iowa. few Barn Owls reported were mostly near known nesting Accidental visitors to Iowa, up to seven Mountain Blue- areas. Single Snowy Owls were last reported from Iowa and birds at Lake Anita S.P. Mar. 7-24 were thought to have Illinois Mar. 20-23. The expected small numbers of Long- overwintered (-[RM, m.ob.). Another was discovered in Palo eared Owls were detected in the n. states and Missouri. Alto, IA, Mar. 19 (-[ET). The Catharus thrush migration was Following last winter's flight, Short-eared Owls were widely poor for the 4th consecutive spring. Concentrations of 30 encounteredwith 25 remaining in Ohio, KY, Apr. 4 (KC). Most Veeries along L. Erie, 35-55 Swainson'sin Illinois and Indiana, departedby late April but migrants were noted through May and 25-45 Hermits along both Great Lakes were not typical,

Volume 43, Number 3 489 as most observersreported only scattered individuals Win- As has been the pattern for the past few years,the sparrow tering Varied Thrushes remained through Mar 27 at West- migration was rather poor Bachman's Sparrow reports con- lake, OH, and Apr. 21 at Des Moines, IA. An early Gray sisted of one sighting in s.w. Missouri and two in Calloway, Catbird at Iowa City, IA, Apr. 2 (JH1)might have overwintered. KY, May 6 (JEr),their last strongholdsin this Region.An Am A typical American Pipit migration included a late migrant Tree Sparrow in Ottawa, OH, May I (VF) was late. It was a in Warren, KY, May 14 (BP). Cedar Waxwings exhibited a good spring for Clay-colored Sparrows, with seven reports typical bimodalmigration. March migrantswere locally dis- from Illinois plus singlesat Beverly Shores,IN, May 26 (KBet tributed. Their 2nd movement began in late April, such as al:), Tuscarawas,OH, May 1-3 (•'L & SScet al.), and Headlands 1500 wax-wings at Louisville Apr. 23 (DN), but was not Beach S.P., OH, May 14 (LR et al.) & 18 (•'J & DHo). Most evident along the Great Lakes until mid-May. At least eight noteworthy was Kentucky's 2nd Clay-colored Sparrow at N Shrikes remained into March in the n. states, as late'as Louisville May 17 (•'BP, •'BM). Savannah Sparrows peaked Apr. 2 in Lake, IL (JN).Loggerhead Shrikes were slightlymore with 45 at Chicago,while GrasshopperSparrows were noted evident at the n. edge of the Region, with one report from in small numbers, except for 50+ residing on the extensive n w. Indiana and a maximum of five at 5 c. and n. Illinois strip mines in Ohio, KY (KC et al.). Generally overlooked locations. during migration, Henslow's Sparrows were detected at 6 locationsin Illinois and single sites along the Great Lakes in Indiana and Ohio. Expected numbers of Le Conte's Sparrows VIREOS, WARBLERS- Except for a few early arrivals passedthrough Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. A better than and local flights,the migration of both groupswas lackluster. averageshowing of Sharp-tailedSparrows consisted of singles Early vireos included a White-eyed in Taney, MO, Apr. 2 at 3 Great Lakes locationsMay 14-26 and inland at Clinton (PMa, JHy), a Solitary at Quail Hollow S.P., OH, Mar. 30 (BB), L., IL, May 15-21 (RC), Warren, KY, May 20 (BP et al.), and and a Warbling in Taney, MO, Apr. 12 [PMa). A singing Snake Creek Marsh, IA, May 21-25 (RM et al.). Philadelphia Vireo in Randolph, IL, June 11 (DRo) was very Fox Sparrowsstaged a goodmovement, peaking with 70+ late. An early Blue-wingedWarbler returned to Grayson,KY, at Chicago Mar. 27-Apr. 2 (JL, CMo) and 17-40+ at other Mar. 27 (KC), while singles in Algona May 10 [MK) and locations. A late migrant tarried at Cleveland May 17 (J & CherokeeMay 20 (DB)were unexpectedin n.w. Iowa. Migrant DHo). Early Lincoln's Sparrows were one at W. Des Moines, Golden-winged Warblers were most'plentiful in Illinois, where nine to 12 were recorded from 3 locations. Tennessees IA, Mar. 26 (E & EA) and three near Pomona,IL, Apr. 8 (KM) White-throated Sparrows appeared in low numbers, except returned early, by Apr. 17 in Hopkins,KY (JHa),and Apr. 21- for 600 at Chicago Apr. 25 (JL, CMo). The only Harris' Spar- 23 in Illinois and Iowa, but their numbers were generally low. rows to appear east of the Mississippi R. were singles at 4 Yellow Warblers were locally plentiful, producingconcentra- Illinois sitesMay 4-13. Lapland Longspurswere plentiful only tions of 115-166 in Indiana and Ohio. Early Magnolia and in I0wa, where 5000 congregatednear Ames May 17 (SD) and Cape May warblerswere noted at Schell-OsageW.M.A., MO, 3000 in SiouxMar. 19 (JV).Small numbers elsewhereincluded Apr. 21 (JGa,EJ). Yellow-rumped Warblers appearedin good numbers, such as 500-1000+ in Indiana and Illinois. Other 25 late migrantsnear Willow SloughW.M.A., IN, May 13 (KB et al.). Smith'sLongspurs were locally distributedin Iowa and early warblers were a BlackburnJan at Roaring River S.P., Illinois, where the largestflocks totalled 300 near Cone Marsh, MO, Apr. 9 [L & RG) and Yellow-throated at Giant City S.P., IA, Apr. 1-7 (JF, m.ob.) and 250 in Knox, IL, Apr. 6 (MBa, IL, Mar. 29 (DRo).Pine Warblerswere representedby early m.ob.).Snow Buntingslingered along both Great Lakes until arrivalsin Grayson,KY, Mar. 5 (KC) and Roanoke,IN, Mar. Mar. 27-31. 16 (JM), a late migrant at Euclid, OH, May 28 (LR, VF), and fair numbers in between these dates. Flocksof 35-100+ Bobolinksat 4 locationswere noteworthy in Kentucky. Similar numbers appearedin other states.An The few n. sightingsof Prairie Warblers included one at early Yellow-headed Blackbird at Pokagon S.P., IN, Mar 23 Yellow River S.F. May 30 (SD); it is a casual visitor to s.e. (FW) was followedby above-averagenumbers, such as 229 at Iowa. Good numbers of Palm Warblers peaked with 106-150 S.C.R. May 7 (DE) and 22 at L. Calumet, IL, May 20 (WM) along both Great Lakes. Both Bay-breastedand Blackpoll Extralimital singleswere reported from Marais Temps Clair warblers appearedin most statesApr. 26-29. An impressive W.M.A., MO, Apr. 28 (m.ob.), Barberton, OH, May 3 [JWe), 47 Black-and-white Warblers were counted in Lake, IL, May and Fulton, IL, May 13-14 (LA). The most noteworthyBrew- 6 (JN et al.). Early Am. Redstartsreturned to Missouri and er's Blackbird sightingswere of up to 20+ in Warren, KY, Illinois by Apr. 19. It was a goodyear for ProthonotaryWar- Mar. 25-Apr. 10 (BP). Great-tailed Grackles may have been blers, beginning with an early arrival at Killbuck Marsh affected by the drought in Iowa and n. Missouri. The only W.M.A., OH, Apr. 9 (BG1),and including n.w. Iowa sightings reportsthis springwere of Iowa singlesat Lamoni May 12 (JG) in Dickinson and O'Brien where they are quite rare. Swain- and Lakin SloughMay 25 (SD). son'sWarblers were detected only at traditional locationsin Given the dearth of winter finches this season, two Pine Missouri, Kentucky, and s. Illinois. The earliest Louisiana Waterthrushes returned to Illinois and Missouri Mar. 25-26. Grosbeaksat Decorah, IA, Mar. 27-28 (•'D & ARo) were un- expected. Only Purple Finches were widely encounteredas Opororniswarblers were encounteredin their expectedsmall scattered individuals and small flocks. House Finch numbers numbers,while Wilson's and Canada warblers were plentiful continue to improve in the w. states, with reports from 16 only along both Great Lakes. Iowa counties and at least 5 locations in Missouri west to St Josephand Springfield. Only two Com. Redpolls were re- TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- The expected small num- ported during March. Pine Siskins were very scarce, with bers of Summer Tanagers overflew their normal breeding fewer than 10 reports from the n. states.Evening Grosbeaks range, appearing north to Mason City, IA, May 4-5 (CN, JW). were nonexistent, except for single reports from Kentucky Early Rose-breastedGrosbeaks included six in Grayson,KY, and Ilfinois. Apr. 4 (KC) and one at Dayton Apr. 17-19 (C & BBe). A strong movement producedmaxima of 100 at HeadlandsS.P., OH, May 14 (LR) and 94 near L. Waveland, IN, May 13 (AB). A CONTRIBUTORS--(Subregional editors are in boldface, Black-headedGrosbeak at Spfid.Apr. 28 ('•DBo)furnished one please send reportsto them.)--M. Anderson, E. & E. Armstrong, of very few acceptablespring recordsfor this Region.An L. Augustine,S. Bagby,B. Ball (BB),G. & T. Barker(G & TBa),M extralimital Blue Grosbeak appeared in Lucas, OH, May 36 Baum (MBa),C. & B. Berry (C & BBe),D. Bierman(DB), L. Binford, ('•MA). The 20+ counted in St. Clair and Cedar May 8 (MR, G. Boggs,D. Bohlen(DBo), T. Bray (TB), K. Brock,M. Brown (MB), TE) were representative of their improved numbers in w. Alan Brunet (Indiana), J. Campbell, R. Cecil (RCe), R. Chapel Missouri.An impressive325 Indigo Buntingswere countedin (RC), L. Childers, K. Clay, D. Collins (DCo), D. Conrads(DC), A Calloway, KY, May 6. Contreras, M. Deaton, J. Dinsmore, Steve Dinsmore (Iowa), D

490 American B•rds, Fall 1989 Easterla,T. Easterla, J. Eldridge {]E), J. Elmore gel), B. Engebret- R. Palmer, B. Palmer-Ball (BP), D. Parker, Bruce Peterjohn (BPj} sen, J.Erwin {]Er), V. Fazio, C. Fields, A. Fix, K. Forcum, J. Fuller, {Ohio), M. Peters, P. Petersen,J. Pogacnik{]P}, J. Pollock {]Po},L. J. Garrett {]Ga), L. & R. Galloway (L & RG), J. Gillaspey {]G), B. Rauth (LRa), B. Reeves{BR}, Mark Robbins {Missouri},D. Robin- Glick {BGI), R. Goetz (RGo), B. Goodge (BG), M. Goodman (MGo), son (DRo},R. Roe (RRo), D. & A. Rohm (D & ARo), L. Rosche(LR}, M. Guess(MGu), M. Gustarson(MG), B. Hailer, J. Hancock {]Ha), D. Rose(DR), R. Rose {RR), B. Rowe {BRo),C. Royal, H. Rylaars- R. Harmikman, J. Hansen {]H), K. Hanson, J. Hardt {]Hr), D. Harr dam, R. Sandburg(RSa), E. Schlabach,L. & S. Schlabach{L & SSc), {DH), M. Hartogh, J. Haw {Haw), J. Hayes [JHy), P. Hertzel, J. & D. J. Sherwood{]Sh), J. Shrader {]S),R. Silcock {RS),J. Smith {]Sm), Hoffman {] & DHo), J. Hollis {]HI), J. Howard {]Hw), S. Jackson,B. B. Squires, Anne Stamm {AS) {Kentucky), J. Stenger {]St), D. Jacobs,A. Johnson,E. Johnson,D. Jones,R. Jones,C. Keller, N. Stephenson,L. Sterrenburg(LS), A. Stokie {ASt), M. Sturgeon,T. Keller, T. Keller (TKe), W. Kemper (WKe), M. Kenne, T. Kent (TK), Taylor, E. Thelen, J. Van Dyk, J. Walter, Eric Walters {Illinois},J. W. Kingsolver(WK), D. Kline, J. Landing, T. LePage,F. Loetscher, Wert {]We}, C. Wescott, D. Whitehead, R. Widner, J. Williams B. Lurid, P. Mahnkey (PMa), W. Marcisz, P. Martsthing (PM), C. {]Wi}, F. Wooley, W. Wright, R. Yocum, T. Young, J. Ziebol. In Mathena (CMa), K. McMullen, L. McNeely, M. Miller, C. Mills addition, many personswho could not be individually acknowl- (CM), C. Monday (CMo), B. Monroe, J. Moore, N. Moore, R. Myers, edgedsubmitted notes to the subregionalreports.--BRUCE G. J. Neal, C. Nelson, D. Noonan, D. Overacker, B. Padelford (BPa), PETERJOHN, 105-K E. Ticonderoga Dr., Westervi!!e, OH 430111.

ß Cross Creeks NWR ß Na•h•lle ß Ree/foot L ß Fayette',qlle • Duck R. Unit TENNESSEE

ß Ft. Smflh ß Memphis ARKANSAS Wheeler• ß Little Rock ß Sardis L CENTRAL SOUTHERN LeM,/woodWhiteRiverNWR MISSISSIPPI ßBirmingham REGION • NoxubeeNWRß • •l•ShreveportßMonroe• J / ALABAMeA

Thomas A. Imhof

CameronPal • • •' • '•***• GULFOFMEXICO •r•,•d • '•/•e

hisyear April and May were rather rainy, and trans- presentfor severaldays. A big thunderstormthe night of Gulf migrantswere often commonon the coast.Major April 19-20 groundedmore birds and gaveJudy Toups the falloutswere on April 10-11, April 19-20, and April 29 to best thrush movement in a long time--100 at Ansley, May 1. The migrationwas generallyconsidered very good, Mississippi,plus vireosand warblers.And so,enough birds certainly better than usual--but of course,good for the were at Fort Morgan for Bob Sargent and friends (MGS, viewer, not the participant. On the Gulf Coast in fair MO, SO, TI) to band 700 birds of 54 speciesApril 14-22. weather in spring,migrant birds are nowhere to be seen, This included 100 White-eyed Vireos, 69 Hooded War- but in bad weather they are everywhere and in high blers, 47 Ruby-throatedHummingbirds, four Swainsoh's plumage, and everyone sees an abundance of birds, and Warblers, a Black-throated Blue Warbler, and a Black- saysthat the migration was good! whiskered Vireo. Long-distanceoverwater journeys are BobDuncan in Pensacolasaid the migration on Alabama very stressful,as seenby the concavestomachs, depleted and Florida coastswas "great. Quite a change from pre- fat deposits,severe weight loss, and other evidence of vious three years ... enough frontal activity and rain to exhaustion witnessed by banders. An estimated 40% of bring birds down." March 22-23 had a heavy, early fall- the 700 birdsbanded at Fort Morganwere in this condition out with birds lingering through March 25. Some early (RRS).This was checked out on the 77 banded April 19- recordswere made in this period (OF). Rain on April 5 21 (TAI, GMI, JMI), of which 31 (or 40.3%) fell below the producedno fallout, but on April 10, rain most of the day rangeof weightsgiven by JohnDunning, Jr. (WesternBird and a 25 mph northeastto north-northeastwind produced BandingAssociation Monograph No. 1, May 1984).All but a major fallout that day and the next, with many birds one of many Wood Thrushes were in poor shape. Two

Volume 43, Number 3 491 Yellow-bfiled Cuckoosweighed 39.6 and 41.6 grams (nor- eight were seen Apr 25 and five May 2 at Seaman Rd mal -- 50.0-84 6) Of three Worm-eating Warblers (all < Lagoons,Jackson, MS (JAT, PL, SF) normal = 12.1-15.2), the lighest, 10.3 grams, died in the A Sooty Shearwater, seen Mar. 4 flying out of Mobile Bay hand exhausted.None of the 47 Ruby-throated Humming- at Fort Morgan (RAD, OEF), might have been the samebird birds was below the normal 2.4-4.8 grams. seen Mar. 22 flying along the beach at Long BeachHarbor, Another front April 29 to May i was noted as far east as MS (JRP,GM, CC, MB), or the unidentified shearwaterseen Cape San Blas, where 13 species of warblers and eight at Fort PickensMar. 5 (RAD, LD), but the one seenat Ruth- erfordBeach, Cameron, Apr. 23 (SWC)was probablyan Au- other migrantswere seen on May 1 (FAP), and as far west dubon's. Off Pensacola •50 mi two Greater Shearwaters were as Cameron Parish, Louisiana, where 88 Bay-breasted seen May 27 (KW) and 30 Wilson's Storm-PetrelsMay 27 & Warblers were counted (KVR). On April 29 in Cameron, 28 (KW). Another Wilson'sStorm-Petrel was noted 12-15 ml 804 birds were tallied, and on April 30, 694 (SWC, DLD). s.e. of South Pass,LA, May 29 (DPM, BMM, RDP, DBM). On Inland, this stormy May produced several migrants that Mar. 20-24, 150 adult and immature N. Canners were seen are not seen every year. close to the mainland of Harrison and Hancock, MS (JT, The Mississippi coast migration was reported by Judy m.o.b.). In Cameron, LA, the maximum seen was 14 on Mar Toups as "just right, a series of fronts that served to keep 13 on Holly Beach (RJB).In good numbers were 200 Brown the birding from falling into any big slumps, and it was PelicansMar. 12 at Fort Walton Beach (DW) and 495 Am very satisfyingright up through early May. Shorebirding White Pelicansin Lonoke,AR, Apr. 6 (JRW).The latter species was fair/good." waswidespread, but in flocksonly on the coastand in Arkan- Steve Cardiff and Donna Dirtmann reported the migra- sas.Double-crested Cormorants occurred in biggerflocks than tion in Louisiana "pretty average" with some observers usual, and Olivaceous Cormorants were found farther inland calling it "dull" and "lacklustre," but the evidence indi- in Calcasieu,LA, Apr. 30 (KVR, m.o.b.) and Vermilion, LA, catesa goodone! Steve describedfallouts on April 9, 22- May 29 (SWC). 23, and 29-30, plus May 7-8 and 19-20-21. Bitterns are usually noteworthy becausethey are hard to Inland the migration was reported good in the Tennes- see: Americans were reported from P.R.M. on Mar. 30 (CC, see Valley and around Birminghamwith rainy, unsettled GM); Memphisand Lake, TN, four birdsApr. 16-May I (VBR, weather and many warblers in evidence. David Vogt re- JRW, WGC); and an early one at C.F.H. Mar. 25 (WF, fide ported that most observersin the Nashville area felt that MM1). Nine Least Bitternswere reported Apr. 21-May 11 in Arkansas(B & PL), Mississippi(MFH, TSc), and Tennessee th•s seasonwas the "best for migration in several years. (WGS). Early for n.w. Arkansaswere Great Egret Mar 26 Warblers, thrushes, vireos, and songbirdsin general were (MM1) and Snowy Egret Apr. I (JWa,fide MM1). These species presentin large numbersand for a goodpart of the period. joined Little Blue Heron and Cattle Egret to establishin Many winter residents ... lingered unusually late into nearby Washington their first known Arkansas Ozarks nest- May." Drought that had plagued many areas last year ing. Little Bluesin the colonytallied at 591 blue adultsand affected only the coastat first, but then all areas received 42 patchy white second-yearbirds, the highestnumber of the moderate to substantialrainfall complete with flash-flood speciesfor the ArkansasOzarks (JCN).At least 7 Mississippi watches. and Louisianareports of GlossyIbises Mar. 23-Apr. 29 men- Bob Duncan, standing at Fort Morgan with Owen Fang tioned the brown eye (CC, RJB,L.O.S., m.ob.). Near Holm- on April 10 in the rain seeingthe birds struggle againsta wood, Calcasieu,May 21, 33 RoseateSpoonbills were counted 25 mph north-northeastwind, was thinking, "For those of (DLD, SWC, m.ob.). us distressedabout tropical deforestationand its effect on North American migrants, it was heartening to see so WATERFOWL -- Six Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks on L many ScarletTanagers and Orchard Orioles make it back Millwood Apr. 30-May 12 were the first in springand 4th for again.Thousands of birds passedthrough that day and we the lake and Arkansas(CMi, m.ob.).Seven reports from Ver- were only witnessinga small part of a migration which milion and Cameron included 70+ at LacassineN.W.R. Apr took place on a broad front, for... Ft. Pickens had a major 28 (DBC, L.O.S.). One tame bird at Arkabutla L., Tate, MS, movement as well." May 25 (TS, MH) was judged an escape.Fulvous Whisthng- Ducks have been occurringregularly on Blakely I., Mobfie (GDJ, m.ob.); but in Kiln, Hancock, MS, one on May 2 fur- nishedonly the 4th coastalrecord (JT, GM, CC, JRP);one at ABBREVIATIONS -- A.O.S. = Alabama OrnithologicalSoci- Lakeland Farm, Perry, AL, Mar. 4-18 (LM, CWS, m.ob.] was ety; C.F.H. = Centerton Fish Hatchery, Benton, AR; L.O.S. = only the 4th >200 miles inland; and two at Venice Apr 9 Louisiana Ornithological Society; P.R.M. = Pascagoula River providedonly the 3rd recordfor s.e. Louisiana(NN, m.ob). Marsh;* = specimento L.S.U.Museum of Natural Sciences;B.B.S. Yet an Apr. 8 censusin Lafayette,Vermilion, Acadia, and Jeff = BreedingBird Survey.Place names in italics are parishes(in Davistallied 3260birds (KVR, m.ob.). Highest among4 reports Louisiana)or counties. of GreaterWhite-fronted Geese e. of the Mississippithis year was 219 in Panola, MS, Mar. 12 (G & SKI. Snow Geesepeaked at 4000 near Shreveport Mar. 6 (CL, JMB]. A Ross' Gooseat LOONS TO IBISES- Two Red-throated Loons Mar. 8 Eufaula N.W.R., AL, Feb. 17-Apr. 2 (GA, HK, GDJ,m.ob.) was at Muscle Shoals,AL (ALM, ADM), furnishedthe 4th record thoroughly identified and photographed;two near Arkadel- m the TennesseeValley since 1980. One in basic plumage phia, AR, Mar. 11 were new locally (CMi, DHa, WGr); and 11 was just n. of Petit Bols I., MS, Mar. 25 (CCC, MF, AD). This were counted on the ground near Shreveport Mar. 4 (CL, year, rainy periods brought many loons and grebesto some JMB). Many reports of Canada Geese indicate local breeding deep inland lakes, even in late May: Com. Loonspeaked at of resident flocksthroughout. 14 on Porter L., Jefferson,Mar. 25 (TAI, MJO), and on June 6 Two drake Cinnamon Teal were in Arkadelphia Mar. 11- at Guntersville, AL, three in basic plumage were recorded 22 (DHa, m.ob.), and reports of at least three drakes were (TAI, JCR). Pied-billed Grebes fed three young near Luna, received from Madison and Cameronduring April (HM, RB, Chicot, AR, May 16 (DRS), and eight were in P.R.M. May 29 PL, m.ob.).A late Redheadwas in Columbus,MS, May 4 (TS) (MFH). Twenty Horned Grebeswere on L. Ouachita, Garland, The last of the Greater Scaupthat wintered on L. Atalanta, AR, Mar. 17 (H & MP). On Porter L., Eared Grebeswere seen Benton,AR, were two males Mar. 10 and one Mar. 18 0VIM1] 5 times Feb. 21-Mar. 25, with a maximum of three on Mar. But on Mar. 20, some 12,000 Lesser(mostly) Scaup lingered 16 (TAI, m.o.b.);one was on RobcoL., Memphis, Mar. 25 (BBC, coastallyin Harrison, MS {JAT,CD, LJ),and 475--a respecta- LCC); four were on Blakely I., Mobile, Apr. 17 (GDJ, DGJ); ble number inland--were in Octibbeha Mar. 21 (TS}. An

492 Amencan Birds, Fall 1989 Oldsquawwas at Holly Beach Apr 30 (RS, MW) Five Black Millwood May 10-11 were the first locally (CMi) Six Marbled Scoterswere at Ft. Prokens,FL, Mar. 19 (RAD); one was at Godwitswere a goodnumber for Apr 19 at Gulf Shores,AL Waveland, MS, Mar. 23 (JT); and five were at Holly Beach (GDJ,DGJ). At Blakely I. on Apr. 22, 1700 W. Sandpiperswere Apr 29-30 (DM, m.ob.). Five Surfs were at Bellefontaine tallied (GDJ,A.O.S.). Baird's Sandpiper reportswere at C.F.H BeachMar. 24 (TS), and in Cameron they built up to a peak on Apr. 8 & 30 and May 27 (MM1); Apr. 10 at Bay St. Louis, of 10 on Apr. 30 (KVR, m.ob.).A White-wingedScoter, present MS (JT, m.ob.); and May 13-15 in Lawrence, TN (DJS).An all winter, remained on Octibbeha County L. until Mar. 5 early PectoralSandpiper was in Lauderdale,AL, Mar. 4 (GNP), (TS), and another remained on Porter L. Feb. 2-Mar. 10 (LNT, and a peak of 1241 was reached on Apr. 8 in Louisiana rice TAI). Ruffleheadnumbers reached 100 on Mar. 5 in Octibbeha country (KVR, m.ob.). Two Purple Sandpipers remained in (TS). Two broodstotalling nine Hooded Merganserswere at Gulfport, MS, from Dec. 2, 1988, until May 2 (JT, m.ob.);one NoxubeeN.W.R. Apr. 20 (TS);and a broodof three youngwas at Cameron Jetties seen off and on since Dec. 17, 1988, was seen May 16 near Luna, Chicot, AR (DRS). Late 9 Corn. last seenthere on Apr. 2 (JN, TM). Peak Stilt Sandpipercount Merganserswere reported from Ocean Springs,MS, Mar. 4-8 in the ricefields was of 1600 Apr. 29 (KVR, m.ob.). Two Buff- (CC,JRP, SM) and five from Waterloo,AL, Mar. 12 (GDJ). breastedSandpipers in Jackson,MS, Mar. 23 were the earliest for the coast (CC, GM, SMi). In ricefield counts,Long-billed HAWKS--Five Am. Swallow-tailed Kites were reported Dowitchers reached a high of 6295 on Apr. 8, and dowitchers from Escambiaand Okaloosa, FL (no dates or observers-- (mostly Short-billeds)peaked at 5800+ on Apr. 29 (KVR, CLK); eight were notedMar. 29 in Hancock,MS (CC, JRP, m.ob.).A late Corn.Snipe was at Muscle ShoalsMay 13 (GDJ). SM); and one was seenwith a Mississippiand a Black-shoul- Wilson's Phalaropeswere reported on the coastthrough May dered on May 2 at Pearlington (JAT, JRP, CC, GM). Other 2 at P.R.M. (CD, JT) and May 7 at Muscle Shoals(GDJ). MississippiKites were one on a nest in JacksonApr. 25 (CC, JRP},and at Vicksburg29 countedon 8 of 12 daysApr. 8-May JAEGERS TO HUMMINGBIRDS- On Apr. 23 off Holly 5 (JTB).Other Black-shoulderedKites were one to two Mar. Beach, two Pomarine Jaegerswere seen and well described 1-Apr. 5 in Hancockand one near Egan,Acadia, May 1 (KR). (PL, CM, m.ob.} and at Rutherford Beach six jaegers were This lastkite is provingto occurin winter, with 4 of Alabama's seen too far away to identify (SWC, DAD). But on May 28 a last 5 recordsbeing for the period Nov. 5-Jan. 15. A pair of Pomafine Jaeger was at Rutherford Beach (*DLD, SWC) Bald Eaglesin Lauderdale,AL, in attendancefrom Feb. 12, Laughing Gulls are now found more often inland, usually in abandoned2 eggsabout May I (P & DK, GNP, JiP, JoP};eggs Louisiana within 100 miles of the Gulf, this year 764 birds are to be analysed(JMy). A very late N. Harrier was at Mud (KVR); in the same area were 19 Franklin's Gulls, and one L, DeSoto, MS, May 13 (JW). was at Sardis Dam, MS, Mar. 7 (GK). Our friend "ale one- A total of 2274 Broad-wingedHawks was counted Mar. 19- foot" was last seen May 16 in downtown Pensacolaby RAD, Apr 8 in E. Baton Rouge (PMK, CF). A maximum of 23 who decided to compile a brief history. Probably a female, Swainson'sHawks was seen at Gum Cove, Calcasieu (KR); she lost her foot to fishing line when first seen as an adult in one was at BenLomond, Sevier, AR, Apr. 6 (CMi); and another, 1977, is now at least 15 years old! She has been called a Lesser well studied and described,was late at the oppositeend of Black-backedGull, a hybrid LesserBlack-backed x Herring the Regionat CapeSan Blas,FL, May 1 (FAP).A weekly road Gull, and a Western Gull; no amount of photographyor count of Red-tailed Hawks on 1-20 in n.e. Louisiana averaged argument seems to solve the problem. She has been seen 20 3 birds/trip Jan.19-Mar. 7, and 4.8/trip Mar. 14-Apr. 11, mostly in downtown Pensacola,annually between Apr. 10 total 186; the count showed a drop the 2nd week in March, and Dec. 21, once on Feb. 5, and for the last few years in as in 1988 (JTB).In E. BatonRouge a record78 for the season company of an ad. Herring Gull. (nine on Mar. 30} were tallied (PMK, CF, JK}.A Golden Eagle An imm. Lesser Black-backedGull, rare in spring, was was at CrossCreeks N.W.R., TN, Mar. 1 (TJW).Merlins were noted in Cameron (* SWC, DLD) May 20. Immature Great reported13 times, 10 from the coast.Peregrine Falcons were Black-backedGulls were seen at E. Jetty, Cameron, Apr. 28 seenApr. 20 on DauphinI. (VBF),Apr. 22 on BlakelyI. (GDJ, {DM, m.ob.); Little Dauphin I. May 2 (JHo):and Rutherford m oh.),Apr. 28-29 at Holly Beach,Cameron (L.O.S.), May 1 at Beach, Cameron, May 8. In Vermilion ricefields, Gull-billed Fort Morgan (ALM, ADM), May 2 at Kiln, MS (GM, m.ob.), Terns were noted on 6 datesFeb. 26-Apr. 8 with a maximum and inland at Sardis L., MS, May 1 (GK, VT) and Magazine of 28 on Mar. 11; on L. Seminole, FL-GA, on May 21 two Mt, Logan, AR, May 20 (TS). possiblybreeding were seen (TI, M & MG). On May 29 about 15-20 mi s. of S. Pass,off Plaquemines,LA, six to 10 Bridled CRANES TO SHOREBIRDS -- Five reportsof Sandhill Terns and one Sooty were seen (DM, m.ob.). A Least Tern Cranes from Tennessee included 47-48 on Mar. 10-12 in May 22 and three more May 30 at SardisDam establishedthe Macedonia,Putnam (RWS) and a late one'Apr. 24 in German- 3rd consecutive year there after none the prior 23 (WMD, town, Shelby(MG). A shorebirdcensus in 34 party-hoursApr. GK). 8 in Jeff. Davis, Acadia, and Vermilion, LA (KVR, m.ob.) The Inca Dove was still reported from the vicinity of Lake yielded164,524 birds of 24 species!A high of 10 PipingPlovers Charles,LA, Apr. 23 and later (RSB,KVR). Two Groove-billed wascounted Apr. 4 in Cameron(RJB). The bestcount of Lesser Anis were seen at Reserve Mar. 24 (RS) and one was at Ft Golden-Ploverswas of 1656 Apr. 8 in the ricefields,and the PickensApr. 4 (CT, RR). Early Black-billed Cuckooswere at latestbird May 28 in Cameron(KVR). American Oystercatch- Biloxi Apr. 16 (P & LD, JT) and 400 min. in Lauderdale, AL, ers are rare between Mobile and AppalachicolaBays, so one Apr. 24 (PK). One was present in Oxford, MS, May 15-20 Apr. 24-27 in downtown Pensacola(RAD) was notable. Also (WMD). Two Barn Owl nestsnear Stuttgart,AR, had four 6- notable was a pair at P.R.M., in the first Mississippinesting week-old chicks (banded)Mar. 17 and three 6-week-oldsMar. attempt, May 13 (TS), and one on E. Jetty, Cameron,Apr. 23 24, and showeda high proportionof bird prey (KY, SY, TM) (DLD).A Black-neckedStilt was at HolidayIsle, Okaloosa,FL, Two Burrowing Owls were found on Grand Isle Apr. 2 (BMM, Mar. 20 (BKe},and three were at PensacolaBeach Apr. 4-18 RDP, GC). Short-eared Owls were noted in Mississippiin (RAD).An Am. Avocet was at L. Hamilton, Garland, AR, May Quitman Mar. 12 (G & SK) and OktibbehaMar. 18 (TS]. A N 20 (W & PL). Saw-whet Owl was found on Mud I., Memphis, Mar. 2, taken LesserYellowlegs hit a maximum of 364 Apr. 3 in Quitman, to the zoo, treated, and released(KMa). MS (GK). A Solitary Sandpiper at Baton Rouge Mar. 8 (KR) The last of two ad. Buff-bellied Hummingbirds remained was early, and a Spotted at L. Yalobousha,MS, Mar. 3 was at a Bay St. Louis, MS, feeder from Nov. 1988 to Apr. 12 (LS) even earlier (GK). Latest on the coast were four Upland after being banded (RRS);an adult remained at a New Orleans Sandpipersat BayouCasotte Airport, Jackson,MS, May 2 (JT, feeder Oct. 20 to about Mar. 15 (DM). Newly arriving Ruby- GM, CC, JRP).The biggestflock of HudsonJanGodwits for throateds were noted in E. Baton Rouge Mar. 5 (DF, CF] & 15 Arkansas was of 35 at C.F.H. May 9 ClCN), and seven at L. (PMK). A 9 Black-chinnedwas in E. Baton RougeNov. 26-

Volume 43, Number 3 493 Mar 17 (PMK,BW) BobSargent reported banding 15 winter- springearliest or latest ever or in largestnumbers. A Blue- lngRufous Hummingbirds in Floridaand Mississippi and five wingedWarbler was seenMar 24 at BellefontalneBeach, MS in Alabama;three more were reportedwintering in Or/eans (TS),and 12 were countedApr. 10 at Ansley(JT, m.ob.) A d and E. BatonRouge (DM, KVR, PMK, BW). A • Anna's Hum- "Lawrence's"Warbler was in Cameron,LA, Apr. 22 (GNP, mingbird,present through the winter, moltedinto ad. plu- DP),and a "Brewster's"was there Apr. 29 (DLD).A Golden- magefor positiveidentification Mar. 1-9 in E. BatonRouge, wingedWarbler was bandedon E. Ship I. Apr. 9 (FM, AK, LA (PMK, RBH, ph, DBC). TSi);and in Washington,AR, birdswere seenApr. 29 and May 7 & 14 (JWa,MM1, TulsaAudubon Society). A Tennessee FLYCATHERS TO THRUSHES--A Least Flycatcher Warblerwas on DauphinI. Mar. 23 (THo), and one was in discoveredat CameronMar. I (*SWC)had probably wintered Washington,AR, May 25 (MM1).An Orange-crownedWarbler locally.A late Ash-throatedFlycatcher was on DauphinI. in Washington,AR, was alsolate May 14 (MM1).Nashville Apr. 22 (RRS,MGS, TI). A Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher was Warblerswere at Hot Springs,AR, Apr. 2 (B& PL);at Montrose, seenand photographed well May 11 in HolleymanSanctuary, Baldwin,Apr. 9 (VF);and in Washington,AR, May 16 (MM1) Johnson'sBayou, Cameron, LA (DPa,GB, CAB). Western King- An early Chestnut-sidedWarbler was nettedon E. Ship I b•rdswere reported from Arkadelphia, AR, Apr. 25 (DHa)and Apr. 9 (FM) and a late one seenin E. JettyWoods May 28 DauphinI. May 2 (JHo).Two Scissor-tailedFlycatchers seen (KVR,RTB). Cape May Warblerswere banded at Fort Morgan near Florencein May (fide GNP) and on June 12-13 (DP) Apr. 16 and E. Ship I. Apr. 20 (RRS,FM, m.ob.),and one was suggestedAlabama breeding, not as yet proven, although at Fayetteville, AR, May 11. several times hinted. Black-throatedBlue Warblers were banded at FortMorgan An unprecedentedMar. 31 BankSwallow at L. Washington, Apr. 16 and E. Ship I. Apr. 30 (RRS,FM, m.ob.),and were the earliestever for Arkansas,was supportednot only by notedin LouisianaMar. 31 in Ft. JacksonWoods (DM, RJ) and excellentdetails (MM1) but by three more early birds at May 21 & 28 in Cameron (DLD, SWC, RTB). A Cerulean Noxubee N.W.R. on Apr. I (MFH, TS). A Cliff Swallow at Warbler was at VicksburgMay i (JTB).American Redstart C F.H. Mar. 18 was alsothe earliestever for Arkansas(MM1). seemsto be droppingalarmingly; on the PlattenbergB B S, This swallowis expandingits nestingrange, especially in the W.Feliciana, May 27,only one bird was noted vs. 13 last year Tennessee Valley of Alabama, and it now also nests in 3 (PMK, MR). On Mar. 26 a ProthonotaryWarbler was at Nox- coastalMississippi locations (fide JT).A Cave Swallow at Fort ubeeN.W.R. (MFH, RD, DI). A pairof Worm-eatingWarblers MorganApr. 20 (GF, PB) made the 3rd year in Alabama since wasseen May 27 on the PlattenbergB.B.S., feeding recently- 1984, all in April. Two Barn Swallows Feb. 26 in Iberville fledgedyoung (PMK, MR). Early Swainson'sWarblers were in (KVR, DS) were earliest ever for Louisiana. BirminghamApr. 3--still presentJune 9--and in Benton,AR, The BrownCreeper continued to occupyits breedingarea Apr. 26 (JWa).The only ConnecticutWarbler was May 19 at in w. Tennessee,with one at Wolf R., Fayette,Apr. 25, and Macedonia,Putnam, TN (RWS).The earliestof 12 Mourmng anotherat ReelfootL. May 26 (BF). Bewick'sWrens were Warblerswas Apr. 19 at Memphis(VR), the latestMay 19 at foundthis springin 3 placesin Rutherfordand Williamson, Nashville(TJW). Wilson's Warbler was noted about 10 times, TN (DFV, ALH, TJW) with a fledglingMay 21 in Nolensville as a departingwinter bird in Louisianaand as a migrantin (DFV).Unusual in springfor n. Mississippi,a SedgeWren was Mississippi,between Mar. 4 in Calcasieu(RJB) and May 16 at near Oxford May 3 and a Marsh Wren was below Grenada SardisN.W.R. (WMD). Dam May 5 (WMD). After exceptional numbers this winter and even occurringin hardwoods,Golden-crowned Kinglets seemedto disappearearly; nevertheless,three were still found TANAGEBS TO FINCHES--A singingad. d Western in Lowndes,MS, Apr. 9 (TS).Ruby-crowned Kinglets followed Tanagerwas seenand describedwell from SmithL., Cullman, smt with late birds near Oxford, MS, one May 10 and two AL, Apr. 30 (B & AB); of 15 recordsfor the state,this was the May 16 (G & SK), and at CraggieHope, Cheatham,TN, May 3rd inland in spring. One Black-headedGrosbeak was at 13 (DFV). The thrush flush through Ansley, MS, Apr. 20 VicksburgFeb. 24-Apr. 25 (HMo, m.ob.),and two were at produced 70 Veeries, 20 Swainson's,and 40 Woods, with 15 Gum Springs,Clark, AR, Mar. 5-14 (LB, WG, m.ob.).A c• Gray-cheekedsat GulfportMay 5 (JT,m.ob.). PaintedBunting was in Lowndes,MS, Apr. 30 (MFH,TS). Ten Bachman'sSparrows were singing in Bradley,Scott, and Ash- VIREOS, WARBLERS--The 236 White-eyed Vireos ley, AR, as early as Mar. 14 (WMS,RSt, JN, MV), and •n bandedon E. Ship I., MS (FM, AK, TSi) comparedwith 92 Mississippiat NoxubeeN.W.R. and at Osborn,Oktibbeha, in therethe previousyear (timeperiod?) and 100Apr. 14-22 at a new andunusual habitat: "black belt prairieland dominated Fort Morgan (RRS, TAI). Solitary Vireo summer records at by e. red cedarwith a scatteringof pinesrather than typical Cheaha Mr. and Clay, Jefferson,AL, in 1988 and 1989 lend pine woods" (TS, MH). In Arkansas, seven Rufous-crowned supportto its probablebreeding in Alabama,and probably Sparrowswere reported from Mr. Magazine and Mr. Nebo alsoin Arkansas,where birds were seen on May 20 in Wash- with three territorial malesfrom a new territory near Mt •ngtonat GregoryPark and L. Washington(MM1). An early Nebo,Mar. 11 throughMay 18 (WMS,MV, TS).A fiedghng Solitarywas in Rutherford,TN, Mar. 27 (TJW),and a late one wasobserved on Mr. NeboMay 6 (WMS,JN). Five Sharp- was in Cameron on May 11 (DP, CB, ph.). The Yellow-throated tailedSparrows remained very late at Cameronuntil May 20 Vireo was definitely more commonthis year with an early (DLD, SWC). Two Harris' Sparrowswere seen s. of Arkadel- b•rdMar. 19 in Lowndes,MS (TS),a peakof 20 on Apr. 20 in phia Mar. 6 (H & MP). In Memphisone to eight Smlth's Ansley(JT), and singing birds widespread. An earlyPhiladel- Longspurswere seenMar. 2-Apr. 16 (JRW,EJR). phia Vireo was on Dauphin I. Apr. 6 (MFF); and one at The maximum among5 reportsof Yellow-headedBlack- V•cksbUrgMay 3 (JTB)was in an areaand time when migrants birdsfrom Arkansas and Louisiana was of 14 Apr.30 at Gum are very scarce.Peak Philadelphias in Cameron were the 15 Cove,Calcasieu (KVR, m.ob.). Also seen Apr. 30 was a very and25 listedon Apr. 29 & 30 (SWC,DLD, m.ob.).On Apr. 20 late RustyBlackbird at RobcoL., Shelby,TN (BBC,LCC) a peak of 150 Red-eyedVireos was tallied at Ansley (JT, BronzedCowbirds were seenoften in Hancock,MS, and on mob.). A Black-whiskeredVireo carefullybanded, measured, May 13 a pair wasseen near Lakeshore in courtship(TS). The and weighedApr. 18 at Fort Morgan(RRS, MGS) resembled ShinyCowbird has given this Region a doublewhammy! On the GreaterAntillean nominaterace, not the more likely rainy May I near Cape San Blas, FL, a male was seen and Floridian barbatulus(RAD, TAI). Another Black-whiskered carefullyidentified feedingnear Brown-headedson roadside Vireo bandedApr. 22 on E. ShipI. (FM, AK, TSi) furnished lawn (FAP).On May 20 & 21 at Port Fourchon,LA, another the 5th recordfor Mississippi;and anotherwas on GrandIsle, male,first for thatstate, was found alone (CS, PW, CK, m.ob ), LA, Apr. 8 (BMM, CS, A & GS). anotherwas foundJune 4 & 6 in Cameron(SWC). A bird Becauseof the weather, many warblerswere recordedthis reportedfrom CameronApr. 29 as an imm. • Hooded Oriole

494 AmericanBirds, Fall 1989 (DM, ph. BMM, RDP, m.ob.).would provide the 2nd Louisiana Gustin,Robert B. Hamilton,Donald & DoloresHarrington. Stanley and Regionalrecord if acceptedby the state recordscommit- Heath, Lucille Hendrick, Ann Hettish, Malcolm F. Hodges,Tim tee. Holmes, Nellie Hughes, Thomas A. Imhof, Gina M. Imhof, John House Finches have gotten as far south as Pensacola,where M. Imhof, Danny Ingold, Debbie G. Jackson,Greg D. Jackson, one was singing from a palm May 22 (RAD); Mobile, where JeromeA Jackson,Lucy Jacobsen,Richard Jeffers,Brian Kelly, 10-12 have been present 3 years (AD); and Jonesboro,AR, Cecil Kersting,Curtis L. Kingsbery,Helen Kitfinger,Paul & Donna where one was singing on the A.S.U. campus Apr. 5 (NL). Kitfie, Joe Kleiman, Shannon & Gene Knight, Norman Lavers, Pine Siskinswere rare and local with 20ñ in March at a Clay, LarryLeClaire, Paul Lehman,Becky Lester, Bill & PaulaLisowsky, AL, feeder (RRS, MGS) and one in Malvern Apr. 6-9 (H & C. Lyon, Dennis Magee, Curtis Marantz, Peter P. Marra, Knox Martin, J. McBride, Paul McKenzie (PMK), John & Maxine Mc- MP). South of Crosserr,Ashley, AR, 25 Red Crossbillswere in Whorter, Lane Merchant, Sharon Milligan, Charles Mills, Mike 5 groupson Apr. 22, mostly juveniles following adults and Mitchell, TheresaMitchell, Mike Mlodinow (MM1), Frank Moore, begging(WMS, MV). The only EveningGrosbeak reported was Hal Moore, Tonic Moorman, Gerry Morgan, Tim Moser, D.C. one May 12 at Radnor L., Davidson, TN (ATT). Moyer, D. Brady Muth, David P. Muth, B. Mac Myers, Joseph Myers (JMy), JosephC. Neal, Norton Nelkin, Paul & Nancy L. Newfield, JaniceNicholls, Phyllis Nofziger. James Norman, Oley, Mike & Tom Olsen, J. Brent Ortego, Michael J. & SusanneOwen, CONTRIBUTORS (Sectional editors in boldface)-- Max & Helen Parker, D.N. Pashley,Dee & Don Patterson,JoRee Mildred Allhands. GussieAmett, Mickey Baker, Fred Barry, John Pennell, James Pfeiffer, G. Ned Piper, Jim Piper, John Piper, T. Battalio,Robby J. Baron,J.M. Bates,Esther Beckham,Richard Frederick A. Pratt, R. Dan Purrington, J. Van Reinsen, Ernie J. & Elizabeth Bello, Paul Blevins,Bill & Anna Bowden,Christopher Resting, Virginia B. Reynolds, Charliene Roeruer, John C. Rolen, BrantIcy, Bill Bremser, Lois Brewer, George Broussard, Julia Gary Rosenberg,Kenneth V. Rosenberg,Hubert & Nellie Ross, Broyles,Robb T. Bruinfield, Bill & Patty Burson, Murrell Butler, Robert R. & Martha G. Sargent, Terence Schiefer, Lydia Schutz, Charles Butterworth, Steven W. Cardiff, Chita Cassibry, Hilda J.Sevenair, William M. Shepherd,Ralph Shields,Damien J. Sire- Canlish,Ben B. & Lula C. Coffey, Margaret Copeland,Gay Craft, beck, Richard J. Simmers, Ann Simon, Don R. Simons, Ted Si- D. Bruce Crider, W.G. Criswell, Catherine Cummings,W. Marvin mons, A1 & Gwen Sinalley, Curtis Sorrels,Ronald Stein, Ralph Davis,Ann Delchamps,Charley Delmas,Robin Densmore, Donna Steinauer, Henry M. Stevenson,Doug Storz, C. William Summer- L. Dittmann. Dan Drennan. Alice Duchette. Robert A. Duncan. our, Mark Swan, Eleanor Talley. Ann T. Tarbell, Phil Tetlow, Lucy Duncan, Scot Duncan, William Duncan. Pete & Linda LynnesN. Thompson,Vic Theobald,Ralph & Mary Tiller, Judy Dunne, Christina & Andrew Eastman.Don Eastman,James Fah- A. Toups, Pat Trueroper, David F. Vogt, Michael Verser, Evelyn nestock,Doris Falkenheimer. Owen Fang.Chuck Feerick.Warren Wadsworth, Gill Waldbauer, Martha Waldron. Betty Walker, Fields, Shawneen Finnegan, Gene Fleming, Mary F. Floyd. Bill Phillip Wallace,Jim Wampler, Don Ware, Shirley Wayland, Mel- Fontenot, Mike Forbes, Bob Ford, Jenny Fort, Paul H. Franklin, vin Weber, Richard Webster, Marge Williams, Jeff R. Wilson, CharlesFreyling, Venetia B. Friend, Murray Gardler. RosaLee& Terry J. Witt, Kenneth Wright, K. Yaich, S. Yaich.--THOMAS A. Charles Gardner, Mary & Marion Gray, Wanda Green, Dale W. IMHOF, 1036 Pike Road, Birmingham, AL 35218.

PRAIRIE PROVINCES

REGION Wcod BuffaloNat. Park . L Athabasca• Churchill a Ft.McMurray© Bernie Gollop .:. ALBERTA/• • / -• •ge {{J•,Nat Pa• /SAS•TCH•AN

:':•..• / Thes 'L BanffN•. Park

¾. S•k•n • Mount•n L RidingM •. -Calg•Sw•C•nt :??.• •#•s• -R•i.a Oak O•dW• L.•um • WA.,•

archtemperatures were 2 to4øC below normal, and southern Saskatchewanwere about normal, but they were the southern half of the Region received only 50- 2øC above in southern Manitoba. Precipitation was above 75% of usual precipitation. For the most part, April tem- normal for most of the southern part of the Region,up to peraturesranged from average to 2øC above average, but 200% in south-central Saskatchewarl Based on aerial sur- most of the area experienced 25-75% normal precipita- veys of the same area, wetlands were down 54% (com- tion. During May, temperaturesin southern Alberta and pared to 1988) in Alberta, down 19% in Saskatchewan,

Volume 43, Number 3 495 and up 31% In Manitoba (U S F W S, C.W S ) partridge (SaskatchewanWlldhfe Branch) A posmbleBlack Migration was one to two weeks late and there were no Rail was flushed underfoot at Oak Hammock Marsh May 22, major movements of passerines.The most prominent small razeand black wings were noted (jrv•ne Gardner). The wave was in ReginaMay 12, involvingthe arrival or peak specieshas not been reportedpreviously from Manitoba nor numbers of 17 species. confirmed in Canada. American Coots were about half as common as last year in the s. half of the Prairie Provinces (U.S.F.W.S., C.W.S.). At Good Spirit L. they peaked at 2000 LOONS TO WATERFOWL--Southern Manitoba re- birds May 7 (W & JA). Nineteen confirmedgroups totalling 46 cordedits 3rd spring record of Red-throatedLoon with two WhoopingCranes (the same number as last year) were re- on Natalie L. near Seven SistersFalls (RT, DF), and also its ported; all were in Saskatchewan.Five birds in 2 groups largestconcentration ever of Corn.Loons (at least180) on the remained near Eyebrow and Cudworth to the end of the nearby Winnipeg R. May 6 (PT). Horned Grebesnumbered period (Brian Johns). 1400 and Red-neckedGrebes 80 on the samelake May 3 (PT). On Little Manitou L., Watrous, SK, Burke Korol found 500+ SHOREBIRDS TO OWLS--Eight Black-necked Stilts Eared and 1000+ Western grebesMay 6. Clark's Grebe was were found near Calgary Apr. 23; one pair stayed to breed, reported only from Wascana L., Regina, where there were and producetwo young May 31, possiblyAlberta's 2nd brood two May 3, one of which may have been mated with a W. (John & Marion Steeves, RD). Saskatchewan's6th Black- Grebe;only one was seen May 29 (RKr, TH, FB). necked Stilt record was furnished by a pair that stayed near Great Egretsinvaded s. Manitoba with 27---birds reported, Bradwell, SK, through the last part of May (Craig & Lorriene 3 to 4 times the usual numbers;included was a flock of four Salisbury).A flock of 30_+Whimbrels seen near Beaverlodge migratingApr. 15 (GH, Calvin Cuthbert, RKo).The only other May 21 was large for Alberta (JoanKerr). Red-neckedPhal- Great Egret was in residential Moose Jaw May 1-8 (LK). aropespeaked at 3000_+birds on Good Spirit L. June 2 (W & Southern Manitoba's 10th and 11th Snowy.Egrets for this JA). There were reportsof singleLong-tailed Jaegers at N•v- decadewere found at St. Adolphe and Oak Hammock Marsh erville, MB (8th spring record) Apr. 14 (Ron Dueck) and •n May 4 & 20, respectively(Wayne Capri, GH, RT). There was ReginaApr. 22 (FS). a singleat BuffaloPound L., SK, May 23, and two at Calgary A flying LaughingGull, Saskatchewan's2nd, was well seen May 21 (SW, Catherine Letkemann,Richard Clarke, m.ob.). and describedin Regina May 19 (FB). A Mew Gull was an The first confirmed identification of GlossyIbis for Manitoba Alberta rarity near Didsbury (Darrell Hutchinson). Lone was made May 24-26 at Oak Hammock Marsh (Martin Siep- Thayer'sGulls were describedat ReginaApr. 5 and Winnipeg man, RT, Gord Grieef). May 29; the speciesis accidentalin the southof both provinces Two Trumpeter Swanswere beyondnormal range Apr. 29 (TH, RKo). Alberta's first LesserBlack-backed Gull was pho- n of Regina (FB). In the Pierson,MR, area, Greater White- tographedin Calgary Apr. 9 & 19 (JohnThompson, m.ob) frontedGeese migrated through in much larger numbersthan Most, if not all, of a flock of 10 terns were Arctics May 20 usual--8000-10,000 comparedto 2000/(Ralph Wang). There near Seven SistersFalls, a large number for the s. half of th•s were an estimated 25,000 Snow Geese near Tregarva, SK, Apr. Region(DF, RKo, PT). A birder familiar with the species•n 18 (FB).There was an apparentlyreliable report of a flock of Californiareported a GreaterRoadrunner crossing a road near 30/Brant flying NW over SaskatoonMay 8; previouslythere PoplarPoint, MR, Apr. 22 (Bill Thiessen).[This is remarkably had been fewer than 11 records of single birds and one of far out of range, and the record must representan escaped mght (JohnBond). There was a significantincrease in Canada pet--K.K.] Short-earedOwls were apparentlyup in Alberta Geesein the s. half of the Region,but a small decreasewas and Saskatchewanbut down in Manitoba (JS,BG, RKo). recorded in Manitoba. For our 11 most numerous speciesof ducks surveyed south of 54ø latitude, a significantincrease SWIFTS TO FINCHES--Two Chimney Swifts were comparedto last year was recordedfor N. Pintail; decreases accidentals among 800 swallows over Wascana L., Regina, for Green-winged Teal, Am. Wigeon, Redhead,.and Lesser May 25 (RKr, TH). Also on May 25,150+ Tree, 50 _+Barn, and Scaup; and little change in Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, N. 10_+Bank swallowswere feedingon and over a lawn in cold Shoveler,Gadwall, Canvasback,and Ruddy Duck (U.S.F.W.S., weather at Good Spirit L. (W & JA). What may have been C W.S.). Canada's 2nd (and was Manitoba's first) Scrub Jay came to light in March. It appearedregularly from before Christmas until about Feb. 15 at a feeder in Fisher Branch, 120 km n of S. do Winnipeg; good photographs were taken (Gerry Rosset, Dianne Gard). A pair of Com. Ravenswas nestingon an old On Apr. 15, Manitoba'slargest raptor migration ever railway bridge near downtown Winnipeg Mar. 9, a first for was documented. More than 3500 birds flew NW along the city (JackDubois). White-breasted Nuthatches nested in the Pembina River Valley, s.w. of Morden. Included Weyburn, SK, a little west of its publishedbreeding range, •n were: 109 Sharp-shinnedHawks, 46 Cooper'sHawks, 1988 and 1989; this year four birds were seen at 3 holes Mar 3000-+ Red-tailed Hawks, and six Golden Eagles (AS, 20 (NP). The thrush migrationwas consideredpoor. American DF, m.ob.). Migrating in the same area Apr. 2 were 73 Robinspeaked at Good Spirit L. Apr. 21-26, when 100-200 Bald Eagles(AS, GG). Reports indicate this may be a were seen daily (W & JA). American Pipits were noted for regular occurrencein this valley. their total absencein s. Manitoba (RKo). Manitoba's first Prothonotary Warbler was studied and describedat Delta May 17 (SpencerSealy). Scarlet Tanager •s accidentalwest of the e. edgeof Saskatchewan,but one spent RAPTORS TO CRANES -- A concentrationof 20 Rough- May 13-15 on Regina'sLegislative Grounds (TH, FS). Two N leggedHawks with Red-tailedswas found near Regina Apr. Cardinals apparently overwintered in Manitoba: a male at 15 {John Nelson). An estimated 18 pairs of Merlins were Stonewall was last seen Mar. 24 and a female at East St. Paul nestingin Regina(Paul James). was seenuntil Apr. 4 (A. Boyer,R. Reeves).A major wave of Ruffed Grousewere at their highest numbers in years in s. Chipping and Clay-colored sparrowsoccurred in Regina May Manitoba{RKo, m.ob.)--as were Wild Turkeys in the Pembina 11-12 when flocks of 50-150 were noted (TH). Both species River Valley, with 42 reported Apr. 8 & 9 {A & DS, Doug were common in mixed flocks around SaskatoonMay 11-13 Barry). In Saskatchewan,Ruffed Grouse populations were (BG).Lark Buntingsmoved a little farther north than usual •n about the same as in 1988, but Gray Partridge,Ring-necked goodnumbers in Saskatchewan--Lumsden,Moose Jaw, and Pheasant,and Sharp-tailedGrouse were down 40-50% from SpringValley (TH, SW, FlossieBogdan). High countsfor other last year, which had been the highest in recent years for the speciesin the province were: 1000+ McCown's Longspurs

496 American Birds, Fall 1989 Apr. 21 in the Consularea (Carol Bjorklund);1000+ Yellow- CONTRIBUTORS (Subregional compilers in boldface)- headedBlackbirds daily May 7-13 at BuffaloPound L. (SW); William & JoyceAnaka, Frank Brazier, Canadian Wildlife Serv- 200+ Corn. Gracklesdaily Apr. 23-29 in Weyburn (NP); and ice, Herb Copland,Ross Dickson, Dennis Fast, Bernie Gollop, flocks of 50-75 Purple Finches at cottage feeders in Duck Trevor Herriot, GeorgeHolland, Robert Kreba, Rudy Koes,Leith Mountain P.P. Apr. 22 (TH). With fewer than 10 previous Knight, Nick Postey,AI & Dorothy Schritt, Frank Switzer, Peter records,Manitoba had a 6 House Finch at a Winnipeg feeder Taylor, RussTkachuk, United StatesFish and Wildlife Service, May 14 (R. & R. Nero, Robert Parsons). Sheinn Wait.--BERNIE GOLLOP, 2202 York Ave., Saskatoon, SK, S7J 1J1.

I

ß Shelby Medicine Lake NWR ß UpperSouns •'[ ß Bowdoin NWR NWR '• t•lyerNWR 1 • NORTHGrand Forks NORTHERN •:•_• DAKOTA •(.•arrisonDam Arrowwood • NWR GREAT rea,Falls.Lew,•UownONTANA • Fargo TewaukonNW•R PLAINS Heetanger B•marck- REGION Waubay NWR ß ahe

Gordon Berkey : ?.•. Rapd City DAKOTA Sioux Falls Black Hiils ß Lacreek NWR Yankt%n

1

n contrastto the pervasive heat and drought of last year, Hailstone N.W.R., MT, in 1987 (WR). An early Am. White the weather was quite variable over the Region this Pelican arrived Mar. 24 at Ft. Peck, MT (CC), and six flying spring.Eastern Montana and extreme western North Da- north along the frozen Red River at Grand Forks Apr. 2 (DL) kota had above normal precipitation, and wetlands and set an early county record; in neither case was the species reservoirswere in good condition. Central North Dakota seen again for some time. The increasing number of spring looked green after several light showers, but wetlands sightings of Great Egret in North Dakota seems to indicate remained very low and subsoilmoisture was practically nestingsomewhere in the state. The 25 White-faced Ibisesin nonexistent; southern South Dakota also remained ex- Brown, SD (JCS),made an outstandingcount for that area. Two Trumpeter Swans in s.e. Todd, SD, Apr. 15 were tremely dry. The easternDakotas had near normal precip- apparently territorial, but could not be found May 20 (RR); itation. While someobservers were hopeful that the severe three Trumpeters were photographedat a pond near Slim drought was over, the Region has had drought cycles Buttes,SD (D & CG). Greater White-fronted Geesein Hamlin lasting longer than a decade in the past, and we might May 18 (BKH) were the latest ever in South Dakota. A total expect severalmore years of below normal precipitation. of 123 neck-banded Snow Geese was found at Freezeout L., There was no particular pattern to the migration. While MT, this spring;most had been banded in the w. Canadian periodsof strongsoutherly winds broughtnumerous early arctic, Wrangel I. in the USSR, and in n. Alaska. Three very arrivals, small numbers of individuals were usually in- rare blue morph Ross'Geese were also at Freezeout L. Apr. volved and the majority of birds seemedto move late. 9-18 (MS);Ross' peaked at 1500 Apr. 17 at BentonLake N.W.R. (KD). LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- A rare Red-throated Loon Duck migration in North Dakota began late and was com- at AngosturaRes., SD, May 7 (RR) was well described.Nine pressedinto a short time interval; most specieswere greatly Com. Loonsin McLeon,ND, Apr. 29 representeda recordhigh reduced in numbers, and water levels for nestingranged from count for the state. Horned Grebe arrived very early in Ston- marginal to poor. Cinnamon Teal arrived on the early date of ley, SD, Mar. 27 {BKH}.The broodof Eared Grebesin Burleigh Mar. 28 at Benton L. (RP). A & Barrow's Goldeneyeat Long May 29 and the arrival of Clark's Grebe in McLeon Apr. 19 Lake N.W.R., ND, Mar. 28 (MR) was the 9th for the state. A {RH) were the earliest ever for North Dakota. A late report Red-breastedMerganser on Mar. 24 was the earliest ever at was received of a successful nesting of Clark's Grebe at Ft. Peck, MT (CC).

Volume 43, Number 3 497 RAPTORS TO CRANES--Winter-killed fish attracted Saw-whet Owl calhng in the Missouri R breaks at the w end large concentrationsof Bald Eagles at several locations, in- of C M RussellN W R, MT, was thought to be neshng(LM) cluding a peak count of 36 adults and 58 lmmatures at Bow- A Corn. Poorwallcalhng at Sawyer May 7 furrushedthe first doin N.W.R. Apr. 2 (KS); the large proportion of immatures Ward record (GB). Twenty-five Belted Kingfishers were was consistentwith that reported by others, and indicates countedin 15 mi alongthe ForestR. in Grand ForksApr 30 how well the speciesis doing. Two active Bald Eagle nests (DL). Wintering Red-bellied Woodpeckersremained until were alongthe Missouri R. in North Dakota (BS).Several high Mar. 30 at Minor, May 4 at Hettinger, and May 12 'at Fargo, raptor countswere reported,probably becausethe late spring ND. A sapsuckerat FargoApr. 26 (RichardPost) had a black and poor soaringconditions concentrated birds and increased crown,white throat,and black on the breast,but a photograph v•sibility. Sharp-shinnedHawks were more numerous at Ft. clearly indicates Yellow-bellied rather than Williamson's, a Peck and in Ward, ND, with a high of 13 in Ward Apr. 2. A• secondsapsucker at New Town, ND, May I (BCH) described kettle of 20 or more Broad-wingedHawks was in Day, SD, as having a white throat and no red on the head was also Apr. 23 (DS), and there were far more reports than normal in thought to be a Yellow-bellied [Female Yellow-belliedsdo w North Dakota. Spring kettles of Swainson's Hawk are occasionallylack all red on the crown--KK]. infrequently reported,so the 350 birds in Fall River, SD, May A peak of 20 Alder Flycatcherswas at Minor May 30 A 7 (RR) were of interest. The 900 Red-tailed Hawks in Ward Say's Phoebe at New Town, ND, Apr. 5 (BCH) and a W Apr. 2 seta newhigh countfor North Dakota;included were Kingbird at L. Ilo Apr. 27 (DB) were very early. The Violet- 20 dark-morph westerns (REM). A total of 162 Am. Kestrels green Swallow in Meade, SD, Apr. 16 (EM) tied the earliest was counted in 300 mi between Lewistown and Big Lake, MT, ever. Northern Rough-wingedSwallows were early at Herrin- Apr. 30 (LM). In the rare category, two Red-shouldered ger Apr. 21 and in Ward Apr. 22, but the specieswas not seen Hawks at Fargo Mar. 27 (GN) and a single in Grand Forks until May 21 at Ft. Peck. The Cliff Swallow at J. Clark Salyer Apr. 5-15 (EF) raised the total North Dakota recordsto 11. A N.W.R. Apr. 22 (RM) was the earliest ever for North Dakota Gyrfalcon that wintered at Garrison Dam, ND,'was last seen The only Clark's Nutcracker reportedfrom South Dakotawas Mar. 19, and another was at Benton Lake N.W.R. Mar. 10 one in Custer Apr. 13 (DW). (SM). Gray Partridge numberswere good,but they were noted as not pairing until March at Ft. Peck and Minor, several weeks CREEPER TO WARBLERS -- A high count of 10 Brown later than normal. The descriptionof two Willow Ptarmigan Creepers was in Grand Forks Apr. 25. Sedge Wren arered in Grand Forks Mar. 31 was sketchy (WS), but the speciesis early Apr. 30 in Moody, SD (DR). The 4th Blue-gray Gnat- the only white grouselikely to occur in North Dakota; this catcher for North Dakota was at FargoMay 16-17 (RO), th•s would be the 5th record if accepted.The Whooping Crane in speciesset an earliest arrival date of Apr. 28 in Minnehaha, Grand Forks, ND, Apr. 5 (EF) was the state's earliest by two SD (MSS) and was also early Apr. 30 in Moody. Eastern daysand coincidedwith early arrivals of severalother species Bluebird numbers continued to increase in the Dakotas, and following strongsouth winds. birds are encounteredmuch more frequently in natural situ- ations in addition to using nesting boxes. A pair was at a SHOREBIRDS--Given the water conditions, one might nesting box at the western edge of the species'range in Montana's Bear Paw Mrs., June 3 (HM). The Townsend's have expected shorebird concentrations in a few favored Solitaire at Rolla May 16 (PH) tied the latest ever for North locations, but migration was spotty at best and numbers of Dakota. Thrush numbers were quite low; Gray-cheekedsat most species disappointing. Five Black-bellied Plovers in Ft. Peck May 13 (CC) and in Fall River May 14 (RAP) were m Ward Apr. 22 were extremely early. Piping Plover set an areaswhere they are rare. Five Water Pipitsat GascoyneRes earliest state date of Apr. 11 in Yankton, SD (WH), and was May 31 (D & CG) set a new latest North Dakota date by 8 also early in Westby, MT, Apr. 14 (TN); the species was days. Earliest vireo dates for South Dakota were the Bell's making heavy use of exposedshoreline of L. Sakakawea in May 9 in Moody (DR) and the Yellow-throatedApr. 30 in Day North Dakota, where many of the alkali lakes normally used (DS). The peak of 30 Red-eyedVireos in Minot May 30 was for nesting are completely dry. A Black-necked Stilt was at representativeof the late groundingof migrants. Lake Ilo N.W.R., ND, May 23 (MG) and two were at Lostwood In contrast to the past several years, a few observersre- N W.R. (RKM). Sightingsof the speciesare becoming more ported good numbers of warblers. There were significant frequent in the state, and nestingis a distinct possibility. groundingsin the Dakotas May 11-16 and Minor as late as A peak count of 1000 Lesser Yellowlegs in Grand Forks, May 30. Golden-wingedWarbler reportswere of one at Grand ND, May 8 set a new state high. Whimbrels were seen in all Forks May 12, two at Fargo May 16, and one in Day May 14 3 states, including two n.w. of Billings May 18 (WR) and The earliest ever Nashville Warbler for South Dakota was m singlesin Jackson,SD, May 20 (RAP, PS, LR) and at Fargoand Minnehaha Apr. 29 (MSS). Three N. Parulas were seen in Grand Forks May 27 (GN, DL). A peak of 50 Hudsonian Fargo May 13 (D & DW) and a late one was singingin Mlnot Godwits was noted Apr. 22 and a Marbled Godwit was early May 30 (GB). A daily peak of 100 Yellow Warblers was Apr. 8 in Minnehaha, SD (MSS). Baird's Sandpiper arrived obtained in Ward May 13. There are fewer than 20 recordsof early Mar. 21 in Roberts,SD. The peak of 2000 Semipalmated MagnoliaWarbler for Montana, so three at Westby May 22 Sandpipersin McLean,ND, May 26 (LO) was the highestever (TN) and one at Choteau May 31 (MS) were of interest A for the state. Five W. Sandpiperswere in Sheridan, ND, May Cape May Warbler at BowdoinN.W.R. May 31 through June 3 (MN). Pectoral Sandpiperspeaked at 300 in Grant, SD, Apr. 2 (JS,DP) provided a new latilong record and only the 4th for 29 and 475 in McHenry, ND, May 7. Stilt Sandpiperspeaked Montana. Another Gape May was unusual at Lostwood at several hundred at Westby, MT, May 20. N.W.R., ND, May 21 (RKM). A warbler fallout in Day, SD, May 13 included five Black-throated Greens and six Black- GULLS TO CORVIDS -- A peak of 2000 Ring-billed Gulls burnians (DS). A 6 Pine Warbler was at Grand Forks Apr 22 was in Minnehaha Mar. 28. An imm. Thayer's Gull, rare in (DL), the earliest ever for North Dakota, while the Palm spring, was at Ft. Peck Mar. 26; a Caspian Tern at Ft. Peck Warbler at Fargo Apr. 25 tied the previous earliest date A Apr. 14 was early, and at least 100 pairs were nesting on an BlackpollWarbler at Minot Apr. 24 was an earliest ever for •sland there later in the season (CC). A peak of 220 Com. North Dakota, but the late peak of 40 on May 30 was perhaps Terns was in McLean, ND, April 29. An E. Screech-Owl was more surprising(GB); more Blackpollsthan normal were seen at Billings, MT, Apr. 6 (WR). Once again few reportsof Long- at Ft. Peck, MT, but very few were seen in e. North Dakota cared and Short-caredowls were received;while Long-eareds ProthonotaryWarblers were presentin Brookings,S D, May are quite inconspicuous,the small number of reportsof Short- 14 & 20 (NH, RK}. A 6 MacGillivray's Warbler in Hettinger, eareds certainly indicates very low numbers present. A N. ND, May 26-31 (D & GG) was a goodfind.

498 Amencan Birds, Fall 1989 TOWHEES TO FINCHES--Two Rufous-sided Tow- hees were the first ever of the eastern race for the Minot, ND, area May 13. A Rose-breastedGrosbeak was rather far west Orchard Orioles continue to do well and expand to near Chester, MT, May 20 (HM). A total of 1500 Am. Tree the northwest in our Region; there were more at Ft. Sparrowswere seen in Ward Apr. 2, with over 1000 in a 3- Peck this spring than ever before (CC). While some acreweedy field at Upper SourisN.W.R. A peak count of 200 observers to the south of us note a drastic decline in Clay-coloredSparrows was a new state high at BismarckMay this species and blame it on cowbirds, the Northern 11 (RH). A Brewer's Sparrow in Fall River Apr. 23 (RAP) set Great Plains has thriving populationsof both Orchard an early state arrival date. Lark Buntingsmade another strong Orioles and cowbirds.Perhaps the population center is showingin Montana and mostof North Dakota, even though shifting northward for some reason, while total num- many areas were much more lush than the previous spring. bersof the speciesremain basicallyunchanged. Wide- A new spring peak of 20 Swamp Sparrows for North Dakota spreadshelter belts have certainly played a role in the was in Grand Forks Apr. 29. Despite these good totals, num- species'success here, but it may be more difficult to bersof mostsparrows were generallylow, and severalspecies explain why they are declining to the south. arrived late and departed early. White-throated and Harris' sparrowswere particularly scarce,and Carlsonsaw no Harris' at Ft. Peck. A "Gray-headed" Junco was photographed at BowdoinN.W.R., MT, May 10 (KS).Lapland Longspurspeaked OBSERVERS (area compilers in boldface)- MONTANA: at 20,000 in McHenry, ND, Mar. 31. A Bobolink at Ashley, Charles Carlson, Kristi DuBois, Larry Malone, Harriet Marble, ND, Apr. 19 was very early (DMR). A snowstorm grounded StephenMartin, Ted Nordhagen,Robert Pearson,Dwain Prell- large numbers of W. Meadowlarks in Grand Forks Apr. 1, witz, William Roney, Mark Schwitters, Jim & Karen Stutzman.-- when 20 to 30 could be found perchedin singlesmall isolated NORTH DAKOTA: Gordon Berkey, Donald Bozovsky,Eve Free- trees. berg, Mike Grabow, Carolyn & David Griffiths, Phyllis Hart, A late Pine Grosbeak at Grand Forks Apr. 20 (MW) Randy Hill, Bernice C. Houser. David Lambeth, Ron E. Martin, was ironic, consideringthat it was the only observationin Robert K. Murphy, Gary Nielsen, Mike North, Robert O'Connor, North Dakota this season.The first confirmed nesting of Lew Oring, Michael Rabenberg, Donna M. Rieckmarm, Brian House Finch for South Dakota was obtained in Fall River Stotts, William Sheridan, Diane & Dennis Wiesenborn,Mary Woutat.--SOUTH DAKOTA: Willis Hall, Bruce K. Harris, Nelda May 28. They were also seen in e. South Dakota in Deuel, Holden, Ross Kindermann, Ernest Miller, Richard A. Peterson, Brookings,and Minnehaha, and may be breeding in the Dan Reinking, Linda Riner, Richard Rosche.Dennis Skadsen, latter 2 counties. Thus the state is simultaneously being Mark S. Skadsen, Paul Springer, Jerry C. Stanford, Duane We- invaded by the natural populationfrom the west and the ber.--GORDON BERKEY, Division of Science, Minot State Uni- introducedpopulation from the east. versity, Minot, ND 58701.

-Chadron ßValentine NWR •,Scottsbluff NEBRASKA •.._. eCrescent LakeNWR • Lake McConaughy

SOUTHERN - ,•_.•

GREAT PLAINS Kirw•n NWRe

Manhattane REGION Hays.KANSAS .Xopeka .CheyenneBoltoms -'• FlinlHdls. ßM

Wichita

eClmarron Nat. Grasslancl JosephA. Grzybowski ßBlack Mesa GreatSaltPlains. NWR (•Tulsa

ßWichtte Mountains NWR ©ForlSilt BrokenBow Tishommgo Res.e ß NWR

Volume 43, Number 3 499 t rainedin Oklahoma, but drought conditions continued Arnwng earlywas a White-facedIbis Apr 2 m Canadian,OK m central and westernporhons of Kansasand Nebraska. (MO) Even as the rains come, we may still measure these Both Tundra and Trumpeter swans,one of each,were stdl drought effectsfor years to come. This report implies an presentMar. 18 in Marais desCygnes, Linn, KS (LM). Reports impact on nesting marsh birds and migrating shorebirds. of Ross'Geese included one in Sarpy,NE, Mar. 23 (BJR),one Waterfowl also seemed scarce with what appeared to be Mar. 25 (LM, MM) and Apr. 2 (DB,BF) in Osage,KS, and three fewer than the normal number of reports of late departing Mar. 27 in Cimarron, OK (MO). Cinnamon Teal were observed and possiblynesting species. eastto Tulsa,OK (JWet al.), Apr. 15 and Knox,NE (MB, EB), Fewer extralimital warblers appearedin western por- Apr. 16. Amonglate departingducks were an OldsquawApr tions of the Region. I had a hard time seeing Least Fly- 16-20 in Riley, KS (TTC et al.), and a Corn.Goldeneye May 9 in Sarpy, NE (BJR).Overall, however, reports of waterfowl catchers this spring in central and western Oklahoma. seemedsparse. Could this specieshave passedthrough a "black hole" in Ospreyswere still presentin Mayes,OK, May 25 (JMet al ), its fall migration, losing many individuals? Are other and Cherry,NE, May 28 (AG). A Black-shoulderedKite was specieswindowing these bottlenecks to survival as they observedalong 1-35 in Love, OK, May 27 (BF).Quite a find cross drought-stricken areas? I think I now understand was a nestof Bald Eaglesdiscovered during April in Douglas, why we saw almost no White-rumped Sandpipers and KS,by KansasWildlife and Parkspersonnel (fide LM). Th•s •s Swainson'sThrushes in Oklahoma during the fall. the firstnesting record of this speciesin Kansas.A N. Goshawk Perhapsalso artifactsof the droughtare potential shifts wasreported from Dawes,NE, Apr. 21 (MB, EB).Always rare m the ranges of some western specieseast. There were on the westernedge of the Region,Broad-winged Hawks were more reports of Common Poorwills, and speciessuch as noted Apr. 23 in Keith and Apr. 29 in Sheridan,NE (RCR, Rufous-crownedSparrows and Rock Wrens seemed com- DJR).On the oppositeedge of the Region,a migrantGolden moner at some eastern fringe localities in their range. Eagle Apr. 25 in Coffey, KS (LM, MM), representeda rare While difficult to evaluate from subjective observations, occurrencefor e. Kansas.Ten Peregrines,but only four Mer- the drought may form an interesting focus for future lins, were reportedduring the period. speculationand discussion. The annual springquestion: "How were the warblers?" The usual answer: "Pretty good"to "pretty bad." In west- ern portions of the Region, it's a good season if you can mention them in your report. This year: not mentioned. In the central strip, who knows what a wave is? Not this year. In the eastern strip, it was best on May 14 in Tulsa. RAILS TO TERNS--A King Rail was seen at Quiwra In eastern Kansas, Lloyd Moore thought it was good. In N.W.R., KS, May 7 (PJ,SS). A Virginia Rail was reportedfrom Omaha this year--no fronts, so no warblers to speak of. Tulsa May 5 (JW,TM). More unusual was an undocumented reportof two Virginia Rails Mar. 10 at Sequoyah,OK. The only reports of Piping Plovers received were of one Apr. 15 in Osage,KS (SC,LM), one Apr. 17 (JT)and one May As a critical and saddeningresult of the prolonged 7 (BP,LP) in Sarpy, NE, and one at Quivira N.W.R., Stafford, drought conditions in central Kansas,Cheyenne Bot- KS, May 6 (PJ)& 7 (SS, DS). Was this low number of reported tomsWildlife ManagementArea dried up (!!) this spring, migrants also an artifact of the drought?Three Mountain and Quivira Nat'l Wildlife Refugefared only slightly Plovers at Quivira Apr. 21 (TTC) were east of the usual better. These are major islands of habitat for marsh occurrences.A Mountain Plover was also noted Apr. 21 m speciessuch as rails, and major stagingareas for shor- Keith, NE (RCR). Black-neckedStilts were reported Apr 17 ebirds,particularly White-rumpedand Baird'ssandpi- from Sheridan,NE (RS,SD), the only known recent breeding pers,Long-billed Dowitchers, HudsonJan Godwits, and locality in the state. S•vere droughthere may affect their Stilt Sandpipers(see last year's Spring Report in AB breedingthis year. One Black-neckedStilt was alsonoted m 42:455).While shorebirdswere noted in somenumbers Canadian, OK, May 20 (RJ). on the dry fiats at Cheyenne Bottoms,populations of Whimbrelshave been more commonlyreported in recent someof thesespecies may have passedthrough a severe years.This year, one was observedMay 14 in Texas,OK (BG, bottleneck of stress,and may deserve more reporting RP), four were seen May 16 in Canadian, OK (JGN),and two attentionin the future. Breedingrails at thesesites will more were noted in Cherry, NE (MB, GL), May 20. Two of likely not survive the seasonif drought relief does not these reports were notably west in the Region. Slightly east occur,or if they do not move on and locatebetter areas. of normal occurrences,a Long-billedCurlew was found at RoseLake, Canadian, OK, Apr. 13 (JGN). Godwits were more common than usual in e. Nebraska LOONS TO RAPTORS--Most unusual, but well stud- with 43 Hudsoniansreported Apr. 16 (TB), and again May 7/ •ed, was a Red-throated Loon in basic plumage Apr. 29 at (BP,LP), and 14 MarbledsApr. 10 (BJR)in Sarpy.A Dunhn Smith Lake, Sheridan,NE (RCR,DJR). A very high count was noted in Sarpy, NE, on the confoundingdates of Apr. 5-9 made of 120 Com. Loonson Lake Tenkiller, Sequoyah,OK, (BJR)was either a very early migrant, or possiblya wintering Mar. 30 (JM,JN). A W. Grebe observedApr. 24-30 in Sarpy, bird. The first Wilson'sPhalaropes were observedin Cana- NE (BJRet al.), and one May 1-4 at Oklahoma (ST, MO et al.) dian, OK, Mar. 31 (MO), an early arrival date for this species were the easternmostreported this season. A Red-neckedPhalarope Apr. 29-May 6 in Sarpy,NE (JTet Jim Woodard estimated 4000-5000 Am. White Pelicans in al.), was eastof the main migration corridorin the Region about45 groupsflying over him, probablyto a roostsite, on A Little 6ull in first winter plumage at Manhattan, Rdey, the eveningof Apr. 9 in Grady, OK. An OlivaceousCormorant, KS, May 17-19 (TTC et al.) may have been the most eventful rare but becomingmore regularin Kansas,was reportedfrom sightingfor the season.The LesserBlack-backed 6ull at Lake CoffeyApr. 20 (RF). Flocksof 19 and 12 Anhingaswere noted Hefner, Oklahoma, was last observedMar. 10 (fide JGN) A alongthe Little River in McCurtain,OK (BH).This speciesis GlaucousGull lingered Mar. 19 in Lancaster,NE (TB). The of sporadicoccurrence in e. Oklahoma. Black-leggedKittiwake at Lake Overholser, Oklahoma, re- Three reportsof four Am. Bitterns were received. Should mained until Mar. 19 (fide JGN). And, last and "Least"here, we be finding more?A Little Blue Heron May 13 in Keith, NE a LeastTern notedMar. 11 in Tulsa(E & KH) was exceptionally (RCR), was outside its normal range limits for the Region. (!) early.

500 Amencan Btrds,Fall 1989 DOVES TO VIREOS -- Black-balled Cuckoos, rare •n the Chestnut-collared LongspursMay 29 •n Keya Paha, NE (AG), Regmn,were reported from 3 locales A N Saw-whet Owl could md•cate breeding at th•s h•stoncal nesting Iocahty was heard calling in Sioux, NE, Apr. 21 (MR, EB). Fifteen or more Chestnut-collareds were noted in Holt, NE, Perhapsan artifact of drier conditionsin recentyears, Com. one county to the southeast,through the end of the season Poorwill reports seemed to be more common in s.w. Okla- (MR). homa, with breeding documented in the Wichita Mountains Great-tailed Grackles pushed westward this seasonalong N W R., Comanche, OK (L & IM). Poorwills were also noted the North Platte in Nebraskato Morrill (RCR, DJR).At least 3 east to Carter, OK, during late May (possiblybreeding). In reporters from central Oklahoma and south-central Kansas addition, one bird was captured Mar. 25 in Oklahoma (fide had difficulty in locating Orchard Orioles, and believe th•s JGN), and one was found dead in a residential portion of speciesto have seriouslydeclined there in the past 10 years Norman on Apr. 25 (SSh). Furthermore, one was noted in House Finches were reported at only one new locality th•s Pawnee,e. Nebraska,Apr. 25-26 (DR, BJR),and Poorwills and season--Knox, NE (MB)--but most recently reported sites Wh•p-poor-willswere calling at the same locale in Knox, e. continued to record them! A White-winged Crossbill, very Nebraska (MR, LR). rare in the Region, coming to a feeder in Madison, NE, was In Morrill, NE, two to three White-throated Swifts were present for almost the entire month of May (JO). A not-so- notedMay 12 (RCR).This is somewhatsouth of currently commonCommon Redpoll was observedMar. 7 comingto a known breedinglocalities in the very n.w. corner of the state. feeder in Omaha (TB). Pine Siskins were scarce. A wood-peweewith the songpattern of an Eastern,but the tone quality of a Western, was documentedin Cherry, NE, COBBIGENDA -- The captionunder the photo of the Black- leggedKittiwake for the 1988Spring Migration Report (AB 42:455) May 21 (RCR, DJR). An Acadian Flycatcher in Carter, OK, is incorrect.The captionshould read: First-winterBlack-legged May 27 was west of most known breedinglocalities in Okla- Kittiwake at Kaw Dam, Osage-Kaw,OK, March 27, 1988. Photo/ homa. Mary Gustafson. Tree Swallowsnested again in Sequoyah,OK, the southern- mostlocality for the Region(JM et al.). Cliff Swallowsarrived CITED OBSERVERS (area editors boldfaced)--KAN- early in Grady, OK, with four noted Mar. 11 (JDT). A Brown SAS--David Bryan, Ted T. Cable, Steve Crawford, Robert Fisher, CreeperMay 31 in FontenelleForest, Sarpy, NE was believed Pete Janzen, Dan Kilby, Jane Leo, Mike McHugh (MM), Lloyd to be nesting(BP). A CanyonWren was locatedin Blaine, OK, Moore, Diane Seltman,Scott Seltman. NEBRASKA--Tanya Bray, May 6 (and later; JAG)for one of very few scatteredbreeding Ellen Brogie, Mark Brogie, Steve Dinsmore, Alan Grenon, Gary Iocahties of the species in n.w. Oklahoma. A Winter Wren Lingle, Joan O'Keefe, Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, Larry hngered until Apr. 13 in Tulsa (SM). A Golden-crowned Roper, Dorothy J. Rosche,Richard C. Rosche, B.J. Rose, Doug Krugletobserved Apr. 9 in Adair, OK, was alsolate in depart- Rose,Ross Silcock, Jerry Toll. OKLAHOMA--Fred & Maurgar•te Baumgartner, Jeff Cox, Brush Freeman, Bonnie Gall, Gunnar mg (MMI). Guinan,Elizabeth & KennethHayes, Berlin Heck, JamesC. Hoff- Four reportsof Veery were received from eastern portions man, Dee Isted, Rick Jones,Jo Loyd, JohnKennington, J. Martin, of the Region.Swainson's Thrushes were noted on the early Louis & JanetMcGee, Jeri McMahon, SteveMetz, Terry Mitchell, m•grationdates of Apr. 6 (JW)& 9 (JMaet al.) in Tulsa. A Sage Mike Mlodinov (MM1),John G. Newell, JimmieNorman, Mitchell Thrasher lingered until Apr. 27 in Cimarron, OK (JS). Oliphant,Randy Porter, John Shackford, Steve Shore (SSh), Steve Black-cappedVireos still maintained an outpostpopulation Thompson,Jack D. Tyler, Ken Wire, Jim Woodard.--JOSEPHA. •n Blaine, OK, with five or six males observed(JAG). However, GRZYBOWSKI, 1701 Lenox, Norman, OK 73069. they could no longer be found at the Methodist Canyon site m Canadian, and they were found at only one other location outsideof the Wichita Mountains (in s.w. Oklahoma).

WARBLERS TO FINCHES -- A c•Golden-winged War- bler was banded May 13 in Delaware, OK (F & MB, GG). Two othersof this rare specieswere reportedin n.e. Kansas(fide LM) Magnolia Warblers were present in Wichita, KS, May 12-17 (PI), the westernmostreported this season.A Yellow- rumped Warbler lingered May 27 in Delaware, OK (GG, IC). A Palm Warbler was noted in far western Oklahoma in 90 and counting C•marronApr. 28 (JS).A Worm-eatingWmbler, a rare migrant, Join in the celebration of was reported in Tulsa May I (DI, ICH). National AudubonSociety's A Yellow-throated Warbler gatheringnesting material in Sarpy, NE, May 4 provided the first evidenceof breeding at 90th Christmas Bird Count. th•s site (JT).Nesting Cerulean Warblers are extremely hard Wear an American Birds' to locate,but they are still presentat one locality in Delaware, OK (JN et al.). Two migrant Ceruleanswere noted in Linn, KS "90 and counting" (DH) A LouisianaWaterthrush was observedin Adair, OK, sweatshirt or t-shirt Mar 19 (MMI), an early arrival date, and one was heard stagingMar. 31 at the Wichita MountainsN.W.R., Comanche, on you Christmas Bird Count. OK, the very western limit of their range (JAG). Bothshirts are madeof high quality Very rare in the easterntwo-thirds of the Region,a Western Tanagerwas observedApr. 24 in Johnston,KS (JL).A Lazuli fabric so you can count Bunting at Wichita, KS (fide DK), was the easternmostre- on them feeling as great ported this season. Almost unreported in n.e. Oklahoma, a Rufous-crowned as they look. Turn to Sparrowwas noted at the Fort GibsonDam, Cherokee,during page399 to order yourstoday! March (JCH, JM et al.). A Sharp-tailed Sparrow Apr. 15 in Osage,KS (LM, SC), furnished one of very few spring records for the Region. A Harris' Sparrow May 31 in Stafford, KS (TTC), was very late. Sparrowslingering in Tulsa included two Fox Sparrows Apr. 8 (TM), eight Song Sparrows May 6 (m oh.), and one Swamp Sparrow May 6 (KW, IK). Two c•

Volume43, Number 3 501 1989 A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF MEXICO 1989 by ErnestP. Edwards- Second Edition 870 Mexicanbirds illustrated, including300 species net pictured in any other Mexican field guide. Distribution,description, habitat, abundance, for each species;English name, Spanishname, and scientificname. 45 colorplates and one black-and-white plate of Mexicanbirds by Murrell Butler,one color plate by JohnP. O'Neill; 27 of the platesare new for this edition. x + 118 pages,47 plates, two maps. Hard-coverand papercover versions are sewed. Clothbound$23.50, paper$19.50. Also Edwards'sguide to bird-finding- Finding Birds in Mexico (2-vol. set, 1968 and 1985) $25.50. If youorder the bird-finding-guide set andeither field guidetogether, subtract $3 fromthe total oountil Jan. 1, 1990. Pleaseprepay, and add$2 handling($3 outsidethe U.S.) to all orders. Ernest P. Edwards Box AQ Sweet Briar, VA 24595 Phone:(804) 381-5442

-Amarillo ß Buffalo Lake NWR

ßMuleshoe NWR •Nichitaß Hagerman NWR ß Lubbock Falls

Fort Worth

TEXAS ß El Paso REGION Angelo • Waco- • •

ß RiO• ßSan Anto Greg W. Lasley and Chuck Sexton

PaA •

hereseemed to be no even keel this spring. The season when flowering locust and fruit trees budded out early was characterized by extremes in weather and arian and then were frozen back. It was very wet and turbulent occurrences,even more than we anticipate in Texas. in north-central Texas. March had ice and snow, and May The Panhandle and South Plains saw snow in March had excessive r0infall. The "sleet-weekend" of March 4-7 and April, and wildly gyrating temperatures. These seri- caused many home feeders to be inundated with birds. ously impacted resourcesfor migrant warblers and vireos This freeze dropped a goodvariety of waterfowl onto Lake

502 American Birds, Fall, 1989 Sam Rayburn. A tornado on May 4 was blamed for several County area. Coveragewas intense along the coastand in the avian fatalities in the PossumKingdom Lake area, but the Lower Rio GrandeValley, as is normal for spring.Our state- same systemcontributed to "one of the best migrationsin wide reportingnetwork for this columnhas increasedvastly years"in the Dallas area. May 3-5 saw exceptionally good in the last few years.This is both gratifyingand scaryto us. fallouts in the Dallas and Nacogdochesareas, with other We apologizeto our many contributorsand our diligent and good showingsin Dallas May 12-14 and May 18. Dallas talented sub-regionaleditors, only a fraction of whose mate- exceededits annual rainfall averageby mid-June,suffer- rial can be incorporatedhere. ing someof their worst floodingin 30 years.In East Texas, while 1988 brought drought and desolation, early 1989 generatedrain, rain, and more rain. The rains in Houston, ABBREVIATIONS -- G.M.N.P. = GuadalupeMountains Nat'l as in Dallas, surpassedannual totals before the summer Park;L.R.G.V. = Lower Rio GrandeValley; T.B.R.C. = Texas Bird had even set in. Predictably, numerous migrants were RecordsCommittee; T.C.W.C. = Texas CooperativeWildlife Col- groundedby thesefrontal systemsand the torrential rains lection(Texas A & M Univ.); U.T.C. = Upper Texas Coast.Place on severaloccasions. A mid-April front groundedmigrants namesin italics are counties.The following are shortenednames alongthe entire coast.Good coverage of key areason April for respective state or national parks, national wildlife refuges, 15 showedsubstantially different setsof migrantsdropping etc.: Aransas,Artwater, Bentsen,Big Bend, Hagerman,Hueco out in different locations, the details of which are too Tanks, Kickapoo,Laguna Atascosa,Muleshoe, Santa Ana, and voluminous for this column. At the Sabal Palm Grove in Welder. Cameron County, the migration was "consistentlygood" Apr. 12-May 13, with observersreporting an average of over 14 speciesof warblers on any given day (maximum 21 speciesApril 16). The "monsoon" of May 18 halted LOONS TO IBISES- The Arctic/Pacific Loon in Gal- Empidonax flycatchers along the JeffersonCounty coast- vestonreported in winter lingereduntil Apr. 8 (JBu).Three line. Cam. Loons, rare in the Trans-Pecos,were sighted at Red In central Texas, which shared in some but not all of Bluff L., Loving, Mar. 10 (AW). CommonLoons often dally in the rains, even heavy stormson May 12-14 producedonly Texas coastalwaters through May (TE). Four in Angelina May 9, however, were noteworthy in lingering at an inland loca- a modest fallout. Fred Webster pronounced it the worst tion (SL),as were two at L. Tanglewood,Randall, May 28-29 migration he'd seen in 33 years, although other opinions (TCa, TJ). Least Grebeswere absentin the Kingsville area all were slightly kinder. Don't expect further reports of spring,an unusualsituation (N & PP), but a lone Least Grebe Barred Owl or Red-shouldered Hawk from the Brackett- in Austin May 9-18 (JCarl,GL, CJo)provided the first spring ville area for some time: a massive tornado May 16 vir- record ever for that location. A count of 13 Horned Grebes on tually wiped out the ancient pecan and live oak groves L. Meredith, Hutchinsonand Moore, Mar. 5 (AW) was a high along Las Maras Creek there. Corpus Christi saw nearly number for the area, and one near Lubbock Apr. 12 (CSt) twice its normal rainfall in April, with a few goodground- furnishedan unusual record.Two Clark's Grebes,clearly a ings, but that was surrounded by dry months (including regular winter visitor to W. Texas, were among the Westerns their hottest May ever) so severe drought conditionscon- at L. Balmorhea Mar. 1-May 3 (ML, AW). A Band-rumped tinued there and over much of south Texas. Farther to Storm-Petrel was found dead on the Mustang I. beach May the south, at Kingsville, March temperaturesranged from 14 (TA, *T.C.W.C.), representingthe 5th Texas record if freezing on the 8th to 104øF on the 31st. The Trans-Pecos acceptedby the T.B.R.C.Probably the mostexciting rarity of was generally hot and dry. El Pasohit the century mark the seasonwas the imm. Red-billed Tropicbird found in a in mid-May, the earliest ever for the city. Sunny clear residential yard in Zapata following a rainstorm Apr. 29. days devoid of any substantial weather patterns resulted Wildlife rehabilitatorNancy Umphresobtained the bird May in one of the poorestpasserine migrations in recent mem- 1 and spent3 weekstrying to keep it alive, but unfortunately, ory in that area, althoughthere were surprisingreports of it died May 23 (*T.C.W.C.). The only other Texas record of the specieswas of a bird found in a Houstonbackyard in Nov. diversefallouts in Big Bend, of all places.Perhaps the only 1985. region of the state that reported about "average" rainfall, American White Pelicans were widely reported from and an "average"migration, was San Angelo,which local Reeves,Pecos, and Hudspethduring the period with an im- observersadmit is little to brag about in that warbler-poor area. On a statewide basis, we saw many species arriving exceptionally early. Prominent among these were shore- birds showing up in early March to mid-April (especially Wilson's Phalaropes),and a variety of landbirds moving into the state March 8-17. An American Swallow-tailed Kite at Attwater in February was the most notable early bird. Late lingering waterbirds were again a topic of note but perhapsnot of the same magnitude as similar trends in recent years.

COVERAGE -- While Seyffertbemoaned a lack of observ- ers and reportsthat left him at a lossto draw conclusionsfor the Panhandle, Zimmer said the season was saved in the Trans-Pecosby unusually intensive coverage, especially in Big Bend, and a resultant (or causative?)good selectionof This Red-billedTropicbird, the secondfor Texas,fell into a vagrants.Kinney and other observerscontinued to round out Zapata backyard on April 29, 1989. Photograph/Nancy the county lists for the heretofore underbirded Van Zandt Umphres.

Volume 43, Number 3 503 presslvecount of 210 at Imperial Res Mar 12 (AW) Also new locations Some of the more Interesting localities in- noteworthy were two late individuals at Ft. HancockMay 6 cluded Jefferson, Chambers, McLennan, Llano, Kendall, (BZ). The Palmers counted an impressive2000 Am. White Milam, Reeves,and E1 Paso (m.ob.). Two of the six Tundra Pelicansover Baffin Bay Apr. 15. By the end of the period 500 Swans reported in the winter in Lynn were present through pairs of Brown Pelicansappeared to be preparingto nest on Apr. 9 (GJ,WO, JQ, DS). Free-flying geese(as opposedto the PelicanI. in CorpusChristi Bay, with another200 or sobirds lame birds that traditionally summer at severallocations) at seen loafingat various U.T.C. and lower LagunaMadre loca- Attwater included a flock of 80 Greater White-fronted Geese hons(JG). Forty-two Double-crested Cormorants near Takoka, Apr. 15 (JD),and 18 imm. Snow Geeseand two Canada Geese Lynn,Apr. 2 (GJ,WO) madethe highestnumber ever recorded May 13 (DMu, RDP). Spring recordsof Greater White-fronted Geese in the Panhandle are rare, so reports of 20 at L. Rlta Blanca Mar. 6 (AW) and one near Lubbock Mar. 8 (LMK, m.ob.) were noteworthy. A few Snow Geeselingered into May S.A. in E1 Paso and Nacogdoches.The 12 Ross' Geese at L. Rlta Over the pastdecade N. Gannetshave beenreported Blanca Mar. 6 (AW) representeda new Hartley record and with increasing frequency in winter along the Texas one on White River L., Crosby, Mar. 14 (ML) was unusual coast,especially the U.T.C. Yet, as Eubanksremarked, Probablewild Muscovy Ducks included one photographedon observers were totally unprepared for this spring's the Tigre Grande arm of Falcon L. in Zapata Mar. 16 (MD, wholesale Sulid invasion. The largest concentrations MHo), and 2 pairs flying along the Rio Grande near Rancho were reported alongthe Jeffersoncoastline in the 30-mi Santa Margarita, Starr, May I (DR). stretchbetween High Island and SabinePass. Eubanks Wood Ducks seem on the rise in w. Texas but single males and Morgan observed325 N. Gannetsthere Mar. 26, at G.M.N.P. Mar. 9 (AW) and Big Bend May 2 (JD) were still with 270 still present in the same area Apr. 1. All of noteworthy.A pair of WoodDucks at L. Tanglewood,Randall, thesebirds flew parallel with the shore in a steadyNE through the end of the seasonraised thoughts about possible streamtoward Louisiana (TE). Other notableN. Gannet nesting (TJ); the species was last reported nesting in that records included a total of about 60 seen Mar. 22-29 county 45 years ago (KS). Elsewhere, two Wood Ducks on L between Matagorda and Freeport (MDe, JC, m.ob.). Rita Blanca Mar. 6 (AW) provided a new Hartley record, and Masked Boobiesassociated with this passagewere seen a pair in LubbockMay 6 (L.E.A.S.)was consideredaccidental alongBolivar Pen., Mar. 31 (GC), and in JeffersonApr. A pair of Mottled Ducks at Austin May 14 (LBu) was out of i (four by JM, 23 by DD). Most unexpected were the place. Arvin observedtwo "Mexican" Ducks at McAllen Apr reports of Brown Booby, a speciesheretofore docu- 22-23, a bit downriver from usual haunts. Three Cinnamon mented in Texas only 8 times. Brown Booby reports Teal in Fannin Apr. 19 (TGo) represented a new county included one at the Matagorda jetty Mar. 15 (JMu), one record. Wolf reported a raft of 950 Ring-necked Ducks on L at S. Padre I., Mar. 27 (MDe), a staggering 170 seen in Sam Rayburn Mar. 5, a gathering no doubt associatedwith GalvestonMar. 31 (GC), and two sightingsfrom the the late cold front of that date. A Ring-neckedDuck May 17- RolloverPass area Apr. I (four by DD, one by LA, PG). 19 at Rockportwas the latest recordedin that area by 22 days Readers should remember that, as with all Texas Re- (CC). Over 12,000 scaup were seen moving NE along the view Species,the Brown Boobyrecords reported in this Jeffersoncoast Mar. 26 (TE, JM), the largest number seen on column should be consideredtentative pending their the U.T.C. in over a decade. This observation lends credence acceptanceby the T.B.R.C. to speculation that scaup that once wintered in immense numbers in GalvestonBay may now be migrating to waters farther south (TE). A late Greater Scaup was on Mustang I Apr. 22 (CC). at one time on the Texas South Plains (KS). Reportsof Oliva- There was an above-averagenumber of spring Oldsquaw ceous Cormorants in the Trans-Pecos continued to increase reports including one at Rockport Mar. 8-April 10 (CC, E & with sightingsthis springin E1 Paso,Reeves, and Hudspeth NA), one at AransasMar. 13 (C & JMc),and one at L. Meredith, (BZ, JSt•,ML). Hutchinson,May 2-9 (WP, FC). The L. Meredith bird had a NestingLeast Bitterns were found in Dallas May 17 (JPe) fish hook in its bill, an impediment that may have accounted for the 2nd year in a row. A Snowy Egret, perched in a for the bird remaining so late. Noteworthy was a Surf Scoter madronetree! near the ranger'sresidence Apr. 9, provided a at L. BalmorheaMay I (WL, PS), one of very few recordsm first (and quite unexpected)record for G.M.N.P. (MaF). A that area of Texas. A gathering of 52 Corn. Goldeneyesat L Tricolored Heron at McKinney, Collin, May 17 (KSt) was out Meredith Mar. 5 (AW) was an extraordinary number for so of placeand out of season,and two Tricoloredsin SanAngelo late in the season(KS). A pair of Red-breastedMergansers duringlate April providedonly the 4th Conchovalley record reported during the winter near Lubbock was seenagain Mar (DT). Accompanyingthe Mar. 26 seabirdmovement in Jeffer- 11 (CSt). The c•Masked Duck reported from Brazoria N.W R son were thousandsof herons and egrets migrating "north." Apr.. 26 (•'AD, SCo) could not be relocated. The flocks appeared to orient visually with the coastline, rarely strayingfarther than a few hundred meters from the shore in their NE flight. A total of 75-100 Black-crowned RAPTORS -- Ospreyswere reported to be nestingagain at Night-Herons recorded in Lubbock May 6 (L.E.A.S.) set a Sam Rayburn Res. in East Texas (fide JEc).American Swal- record for that area. Over 75 White Ibises, a high count low-tailed Kites, once abundant breeders in southeast Texas, anywhere in inland East Texas, remained in Nacogdoches have not nestedin the state in decades.Beginning Mar 29, Apr. 8-May 18 (DF). A Glossy Ibis appearedin Galveston numerous observers followed the exploits of an apparent Apr. 22 (•'J& WR), with anotherfound feedingin a smallpond nesting pair of kites near Hampshire, Jefferson(WG et al ) near the Port Bolivar LighthouseApr. 29 (•'BBe,RE, TE, JM). Although the kites were observedat various times courting, copulating, and gathering nest material, the nest itself could WATERFOWL -- One of the most notable discoveries of not be located. Local residents commented that the "scissor- the season in n.c. Texas was the sighting of six Fulvous tailed hawks" had summered locally for several years. Whistling-Ducksat L. Tawakoni Apr. 30 (RK, JN). This was a A Black-shoulderedKite found at Plano May 13 (BG, PB, first record for Rains and only about the 6th for that region SC) provided a first Collin record; another near Eden in (CH). Also participatingin the Mar. 26 waterbirdflight along Concho Apr. 13 (DT et al.) provided the first record for the the coastin Jeffersonwere 250 FulvousWhistling-Ducks (TE, Concho Valley. Also unusual were two inland East Texas JM). Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks continued to explore the reportsof Black-shouldereds:one in Angelina Mar. 2 and one outer limits of their known range and again showed up in in FreestoneApr. 13 (BO). A count of 1262 MississippiKites

504 American Birds, Fall, 1989 South Pease R., Cottle, May 29, the first nest reported from that region since 1954. Single Cooper'sHawks, whose status Undoubtedly the event of the seasonwas the nesting in n.c. Texas is poorly known (CH), were observed on the late of a • Gray Hawk with a • Red-shoulderedHawk near dates of May 27-28 (RK) in 2 Van Zand! locations,leading to Castolonin Big Bend.Various observers watched either speculationof nestingin that area. A report of a N. Goshawk a Gray Hawk or a Red-shoulderedHawk (which was in Brazoria Mar. 23 (MDe) is under review by the T.B.R.C. as often misidentified as an imm. Gray) at a nest there is another report at BentsenApr. 16 (KBar, DMy). There are through April and there was a good deal of lively currently only 4 accepted records of this speciesin Texas, discussionand confusion among birders about which one of which is a specimen.To our knowledge this species specieswas nesting where. In early May, various ob- has never been photographedin Texas despitethe 50 or more servers saw the Red-shouldered incubating and the sight reports (without documentation) over the past 100 years. Gray flying overhead calling (JA, GL, ph, LA, PG). A juv. Gray Hawk at Big Bend's Rio Grande Village enter- Finally, suspicionsof a mixed pair were confirmedMay tained observersMay 17-22 as it beggedfood from the adult 18 when Purringtonand Muth observedthe Gray Hawk in conspicuouslocations (DM, JSp,JGe). The Broad-winged deliver a lizard to the nest where it was acceptedby Hawk migration was certainly obvious in s. Texas Mar. 24- the Red-shouldered.One downy chick was clearly vis- Apr. 15 (Table 1), but not as spectacular as last spring. No ible peekingover the edgeof the nest. On May 22 & 24 maior Broad-wingedflights were observedin East Texas this Gee watched this odd couple standing shoulder to season.The best kettle of Broad-wingedHawks in n.c. Texas shoulder at the edge of the nest in what he felt was an contained a "pitiful" 10 birds over Van Zand! Apr. 6 (RK). attempt to shade the eggsor young from the sun. By Hailer reportedfewer Broad-wingedsat Hagermanthis season the last few days of May it was apparent that the pair than in the past few years, and virtually none was noted in had deserted the nest (fide BBo) and that the young Iohnson (CE). Yet Broad-wingedswere again detected later bird(s) had not survived. This hybridization is almost than normal and in increased numbers west of their docu- certainly unprecedented. mented breeding range. was tallied Mar. 24-Apr. 15 through s. Texas with 496 at Swainsoh'sHawks were commonly seen in the Kingsville KingsvilleApr. 11 the largestflock reported(fide JEc).An- area Mar. 25-May 19 (N & PP), but the largest concentration other 400 MississippiKites were seen over Harlingen Apr. 20 was of only 400 birds Apr. 15. O'Neil reports that Swainson's (OC). As many as 40 pairs of MississippiKites were reported Hawks were much in evidence around Falfurrias the 3rd to be nesting in residential areas of San Angelo (DT). Bald week of April when virtually every fence pole in the area had Eagleswere noted at their traditional nest near Tivoli this a Swainson'son it. The 19 Swainson'sHawks in Nacogdoches springafter not beingseen there for severalyears. Two adults Apr. 10 tripled the area'sprevious one-day high count (DW). and one immature were seen there Mar. 18-19 (D & RM). In n.c. Texas the best figure musteredfor Swainson'swas 77 Elsewhere, Bald Eaglessuccessfully nested on Toledo Bend observedApr. 6 near Canton, Van Zandt (RK). Seventy-five Res. (two eagletsfledged, fide RH), but failed on L. Conroe migrant Swainsoh'swere seen feeding in a freshly burned (DP). field near PecosMay I (PS). We are obviously missing the Seyffert flushed a • Cooper'sHawk from a nest along the major movements of this speciesin spring. Twenty White- tailed Hawks worked over a burning field near Fulfurrias Mar. 2 (AO). These concentrationsof White-taileds (which we have reported on in previous seasons)are somewhat unpredictable,but spectacular.A Zone-tailed Hawk nestwas discoveredon the Devil's R. in Val Verde in April (KB et al.) for a first documented county record. Up to two Ferruginous Hawks lingered until May 18 in Kleberg (N & PP, AO). The Ferruginous Hawk that wintered in Nacogdochesremained throughMar. 19 (MW). This was a first recordof a Ferruginous Hawk staying the entire winter in the pineywoods(DW). A Rough-leggedHawk in Matagorda Mar. 23 was unusual (MDe). Concentrationsof up to 33 Crested Caracaraswere noted near a chicken farm at Ricardo (fide N & PP). Past roadside countsof Am. Kestrelshave shown a pronounced movement through the Panhandle during the last week of March and the first week of April (KS). This year the phenomenon was further reinforced when 100+ were seen in the Palo Duro Canyon vicinity Mar. 30 (F & JE).With the releaseprogram at LagunaAtascosa in full swing,the statusof "wild" Aplomado Falconsin Texas is probably doomedto remain unknown. An AplomadoFalcon was seenchasing a Wilson's Phalaropenear the Port of Brownsville May 2 (MF) and another was seen near the same location May 7 (AM). Federal researchers banded 127 Peregrine Falconson S. Padre I. Apr. 10-May 18, and reported an unofficial total of 1000 seen there during the period (fide JEc).Interesting Prairie Falcon reports included one in Tom Green in early March (fide DT), one in Calhoun Mar. 5 (RU), one at Roma Mar. 31 (MD), and one Apr. 23 & 30 in Kleberg(N & PP).

Ad•t Red-sho•dered Hawk on the nest that it shared with a Gray Hawk at Big Bend National Park, Texas, May 3, •989. Photograph/Peter Gottschling.

Volume 43, Number 3 505 Table 1. Major Broad-wingedHawk Movements,Texas, A group of 40+ Black-necked Stilts Apr. 9 in Lynn near Spring 1989 Lubbock{L, S, & DM} was an extraordinarygathering for that area. Eubanksand Morgan, joined Apr. 29 by Behrstockand Date No. of Location Observer/ Ellis, conductedtheir traditional shorebirdsurveys along the hawks Reporter U.T.C. High counts included 647 Semipalmated Plovers and Mar. 24 4032 Kleberg JEc 1279 Pectoral SandpipersApr. 29, 690 Whimbrels and 4000 Mar. 27 6671 K!eberg JEc Long-billed Dowitchers May 6, and 305 Hudsonian Godwits, Mar. 28 5000 Harlingen OC 2540 Ruddy Turnstones,725 Red Knots, 5000 Sanderlings, Mar. 29 1434 Santa Ana fide JEc 2870 White-rumped Sandpipers,5000 Dunlins, and 655 Stilt Mar. 29 2500 Kleberg fide JEc Sandpipers May 13. In n.c. Texas, Haynie remarked that Mar. 30 5000 Corpus Christi JG "Overall, however, the shorebird migration was poorer than Apr. 7 8000 Kleberg HS last year if not poorer than the last several. Very high lake Apr. 12 1088 Hidalgo fide JEc levels offering litfie or no exposedshoreline were blamed for Apr. 15 10000 Duval AO the low totalsin many areas."Hallet's careful and frequent Apr. 15 6000 Kleberg N & PP censusingof shorebirdsthis seasonat Hagermanfound West- ern and Least sandpipersin higher numbers than last year while White-rumped, Baird's, Pectoral and Stilt sandpipers were all down. Lower's Long-billedCurlew in NacogdochesMar. 11 rep- resentedonly the 2nd county record and the first for spring. RAILS TO SHOREBIRDS -- A Yellow Rail carefully de- Three Hudsonian Godwits at Midland May 6-9 provided only scribedfrom CrotonSprings in Big Bend Mar. 27 (B & CL} was the 2nd recent record there {FW}, and 23 at Waco May 12 an accidental speciesin w. Texas. A calling King Rail was at {JMu}made an unusual local record. In n.c. Texas, Hudsonian L. Meredith Mar. 12 {KS},for the first record from that area Godwit numberspeaked at 14 birdsin Ft. Worth May 10 0WS, earlier than May, at a location where there was evidenceof DMy} and 32 at Hagerman May 11 {KH}. Marbled Godwits in nesting in 1987. A Virginia Rail was in El Paso May 21 {JSp} small numbers showed up in Austin, Ft. Worth, Hagerman, where the speciesis not known to breed, and an imm. Virginia Midland, L. Balmorhea, and El PasoApr. 8-May 13. Up to 75 Rail at Muleshoe Apr. 24 {DC1}raised speculationof possible White-rumped Sandpipersat Midland May 11-20 {FW} made nesting there. Grantham reported that "Purple Gallinnles the largest number in that area since 1976. Three Baird's stagedtheir usual drop-insin CorpusChristi this spring."He Sandpipersforaged along the bank of the Rio Grande May 3 recordedfive birds picked up in backyardsthere, each asso- at Hot Springsin Big Bend {GL, BQ et al.}, where the species ciated with a swimmingpool. "The last bird I picked up was on May 30 after spending a day in a jacuzzi. When these migrants arrive in Corpus Christi they must literally fold up their wings,close their eyes,and drop into whatever they are over at the time." ACom. Moorhen discovered May 14 in Cleburne constitutedonly the first or 2nd record for Johnson {CE}. By far, the vast majority of Sandhill Cranes passed through n.c. Texas Mar. 11-12 with some reports lasting throughMar. 17. There was an isolatedreport of 50 Sandhills Apr. 12 in Hunt {GI-I}, and a few Sandhills remained on GalvestonI. until Apr 17 (fide TE}. Grantham reported that Mar. 21 was the major grounding day of grasslandshorebird specieson the c. coast. He had reports of thousandsof LesserGolden-Plovers and Pectoral and Upland sandpiperswith hundreds of Baird's Sandpipers at CorpusChristi Naval Air Station that day. Grantham also remarked that he had the opportunity to handle several injured Upland Sandpipersduring the springand found each extremely thin and underweight. "During the peak of their migration it was very dry, the ground was parched and cracked and there was literally no green vegetation."He felt than many of these grasslandmigrants were not able to find food in that area. A major rainstorm Mar. 27 dropped 350 LesserGolden-Plovers into Nacogdoches{SL, MW}, and a cold Mountain Plover at nest in left Davis County, Texas, May 6, front Apr. 9 brought an additional 150. Although not impres- 1989. Photograph/Mark Lockwood. sive by coastal standards, these are noteworthy concentra- tions for the woodlands of East Texas {TE}. Forty Lesser is consideredaccidental. Over 500 Long-billedDowitchers fed Golden-Ploversin a flooded field near Ft. Worth Apr. 4 0WS, along the edgesof a playa at Midland Apr. 23 (FW), and at DMy} was an unusually high number for that area, as were least 75 were still present May 20. Williams commented that 30 at L. Tawakoni Mar. 19 {RK} where they are not normally never before had so many dowitchersstayed so long in that seen. Three pairs of Snowy Plovers were at the McAllen area. Wilson's Phalaropespeaked at 1000 individuals at the sewage ponds Apr. 22-23 where the specieshas nested for Lewisville sewage ponds in Denton May 6 (KL), and 850 several years {JA}.Bartels counted 24 Piping Plovers along a individuals at San Antonio'sMitchell L. May 13 (WS). 7-mi stretchof MustangI. duringmid-April, and a lone Piping was inland at McAllen Apr. 29 (OC}. Mountain Plover is a JAEGERS TO TERNS-- Small numbers of jaegers{pre- very rare springmigrant in East Texas and the report of 150+ dominantly Pomafine} regularly winter along the U.T.C., but seen in a Matagorda paddyfield Mar. 13-23 (C & JMc, MDe) migrations typically passwithout a discernible movement {at bogglesthe imagination. A flock of 11 Mountain Plovers near leastfrom shore}.The jaegerflight alongthe Jeffersoncoasfiine CorsicanaMar. 26 was an exciting find as well (AVet al.). A in late March and early April therefore stood out in both its territorial pair of Mountain Plovers was observedw. of Ft. magnitude and diversity. While driving the stretch between Davis May 3 (JD), and a nest with 2 eggswas photographed Sabine Pass and High I. on Mar. 26, three Pomatines, nine there May 6 0VIL). Parasitics,and seven jaegers {sp.}were tallied 0M, TE}. Re-

506 American Birds,Fall, 1989 turmng to the same area Apr 1, Morgan recorded an addi- Elsewhere, n c Texas had 4 reports of Black-b•lleds May 2- tional Pomarme and four Paras•t•cs An umndent•fied laeger 14 (mob, fide CH), and on the U T C Eubanks reported that (probably Pomarme) was seen May 27 at the Port Aransas Black-bfileds were particularly common during the first week letty (A & MC). of May. Groove-billed Anis seemed to arrive late in the A Laughing Gull on L. Conroe May 9 provided the 3rd L.R.G.V. with just a few seen until the last week of May when Walker record (KM, DaC, BO). Bandingreturns have shown they began to arrive in numbers, a month behind their typical that LaughingGulls fledged from Galvestoncolonies migrate schedule (M & RF, N & PP, m.ob.). to the w. coast of Mexico and Central America for their first A W. Screech-Owl at Kickapoo May 18 (KB, DT, RDa) winter (fide TE). However, the emigration of these gulls and probably representeda first for Kinney. FerruginousPygmy- the subsequentreturn trip are normally maskedby the large Owls were more conspicuous this season than usual. At resident population. Therefore, the 30,000 Laughing Gulls Falcon Dam we can confirm at least four ad. owls (one pmr between Sabine Passand High Island May 13, with over 80% nesting)in early May (M & RF) with someunconfirmed reports m first-year plumage, offered a rare opportunity to see this of up to seven individuals present in the area. Elf Owls were m•gratory movement in progress(TE, JM). Franklin's Gulls reported throughout the season in scattered L.R.G.V. loca- seemed to be more abundant than usual on the c. coast as tions,but more noteworthy were severalreports of the species well as inland at Midland (E & NA, FW, m.ob.). By far the outside their previously known range. Up to seven calling Elf most exciting find of the seasonin n.c. Texas had to be the Owls were located in the Devil's River State Natural Area, breedingplumaged Common Black-headedGull discovered Val Verde, Apr. 21-22 (BAi, CS, KB et al.) and we alsolearned Mar i (J'AW) and reported again Mar. 3 (JWS et al.) at L. that several Elf Owls had been observed in this same area m Arhngton, Tarrant. The sightingconstituted the 2nd accepted April 1988 (C & TPa). Another Elf Owl observedat Kickapoo Texas record. A Bonaparte'sGull Apr. 14 in Midland (RMS) May 18 (ph. KB, DT, RDa) was an exciting find. The above prowdedthe 2nd springrecord there (fide FW). A 3rd-winter records were firsts for Val Verde and Kinney. We received a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Rio Grande at San Ygnacio, convincing report last year, which we did not include in th•s Zapata, Apr. 8 (BZ, RB) representedone of very few Texas column, of a calling Elf Owl near Sonora, Sutton, Apr. 19, recordsaway from the immediate coast.Glaucous Gull, a rare 1988 (BMc) which subsequently could not be relocated. In but regularU.T.C. winter visitor, appearedat severallocations light of the 1989 records, we want to bring up the 1988 report, th•s spring, including San Luis Pass Mar. 4 (LA, PG, BR), with apologies to McKnight! Whether these recent Elf Owl JeffersonApr. 8 (BO, RH), and Bolivar Fiats Apr. 15-May 6 reports represent a range expansion or merely more obser- (ph JM, TE, m.ob.). There was speculation that all these vations in an under-birded area of Texas remains to be seen reports(as well as last winter's in the Freeportarea) could The only Long-eared Owl reported in the Panhandle th•s pertain to the samewandering bird in first-winter plumage. seasonwas one at Muleshoe Mar. 15-30 (DC1),and one was A tern May 7 at L. Balmorhea (JA, CBe) was probably an in w. Harris Mar. 12 (RU) for one of few recent U.T.C. reports Elegant,but distanceand viewing conditionsdid not allow A Pauraque calling at Del Rio Apr. 30 and later (VH) was for a positive identification. There are currently 2 accepted notable for that area. records of this West Coast tern in Texas, one of them at L. A well-out-of-rangeBlue-throated Hummingbird was at Sea Balmorhea.A Least Tern was carefully describedin E1 Paso Rim Apr. 29 (DP), representing only the 2nd record for the May 28 (JSp),for only the 3rd area record. A Least Tern in U.T.C. A Black-chinned Hummingbird at Angelina Mar. 28 M•dland Apr. 15 (DK, RMS, m.ob.) was the first in that area was only the 2nd for that area (NB). A Broad-tailed Hum- for 10 years (FW). A Sooty Tern, a rare but regular breeder mingbird May 5-10 in San Marcos (Dill, BWeb) provided a on the central and lower coast,wandered N to Galveston Apr. rare Austin-area record. A bird fitting the description of an 5 (BDa). The Black Tern passageon the U.T.C. peaked May ad. • Allen's Hummingbird was at Kingsville Feb. 20-Mar. 7 13 w•th 1200 seen in Jefferson (TE, JM). In n.c. Texas a (HS), but without tail feather measurements,etc., we are not concentrationof 200 Black Terns at a Dallas lake May 17 (JPe) able to confirm records of this species in Texas. Wandering was considered unusually large. Elsewhere, a Black Tern Ringed Kingfisherswere again seen in the Edwards Plateau found dead near Abilene in Taylor May 13 (KSo, fide BH) region, well away from the Rio Grande. The first report was prowdeda rare local record.In Midland, the speciesseems to of a male seen Mar. 19 on the w. fork of the Frio R., 17 mi n get more uncommon each year (FW). of Leakey, in Real (BuA, fide VE). Another male was seen Apr. 28 at Kerrville (JD) and yet another (or the same?)was reported May 21 & 28 along the Guadalupe R. near Comfort DOVES TO WOODPECKERS--White-winged Doves (fide E & SW). A Green Kingfisher on the San Gabriel R., near continuedto spreadacross Texas this season.Notable records Georgetown,Mar. 19 (fide TMc) was rare at this n. edgeof •ts includedsingles at 2 Ft. Worth locations(JSt, B & CHol), and range. 2 pairs(one pair nesting)at Midland (JMe).At leasttwo White- The most exciting woodpecker report of the seasonwas of t•pped Doveswere again in Falfurrias (AO), and another was a Lewis' Woodpecker at Muleshoe May 9-13 (NT, BLi, ph., at nearby Kingsville through the spring (N & PP) for the first JSn,DS, DC1,m.ob.). This well-documentedbird represented Kleberg record. A White-tipped Dove was calling in Corpus the latest the species has been recorded in Texas. A Red- Christi Apr. 26 (JG,VEet al.) and five were observedin Live headed Woodpecker at Comfort Apr. 12 (ES) was out of place, Oak Apr. 30 (J & SH). We are uncertain if we are seeing a on the U.T.C., Eubanks reported that the specieswandered range expansionor an increasingpopulation of a formerly into the coastalhiatus with one at High Island Apr. 14-20 (JD, rarer species.Green Parakeet flocks of up to 40 birds were PL, m.ob.) and one on Bolivar Pen. Apr. 22 (RU). An Acorn seen regularly in the McAllen area through March, but only Woodpeckerin Kerrville Apr. 28 (ESc)was at a locationwhere scatteredreports of three to seven individualswere reported the species is sporadically seen, and a Red-bellied Wood- there later (SWe, m.ob.).Arvin noted severalpairs in McAllen pecker at Abilene Apr. 22 (LB1,fide BHu) was w. of its regular Apr 23. Up to nine Green Parakeetsare now probablyresident range. A Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerat Corpus Christi to May m Harlingen (OC). Red-crownedParrots and Green Parakeets 5 (CC) was the latest ever by 19 days there, and a Hairy are almost never seen in winter at Sabal Palm Grove near Woodpeckerinvestigating a tree hole in DickensApr. 22 (CA) Brownsville, but this spring both were seen regularly and led to speculationof possiblenesting in that area (fide KS). seemedto be seeking nesting sites in the nearby dead palms left from the December 1983 freeze (M & RF). Black-billed Cuckoos outnumbered Yellow-billeds at sev- FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A wood-pewee (sp.) m eral locations this season. At the Palm Grove 10 or more Lubbock Mar. 29 (MY) was extremely early, not normally Black-billedswere tallied Apr. 12-13 compared to only two reportedthere before late April (fide KS). The torrential rains Yellow-billeds, a reversal of the typical situation (M & RF). that flooded the U.T.C. May 18 grounded large numbers of

Volume 43, Number 3 507 flycatchers, particularly Empidonax. On that date Morgan and Eubanksrecorded the following between High Island and Sabine Pass:80 E. Wood-Pewees,three Yellow-bellied, eight Acadian, three calling Alder, one calling Willow, 23 Traill's, and two LeastFlycatchers, and eight unidentified Empidonax. A Willow Flycatcher was identified by songin Midland May 26 (FW), and seven Alder Flycatchers were heard and tape recorded May 14-16 in Austin (JA). A late Least Flycatcher was netted at Driftwood near Austin June 2 (DCo). Dusky Flycatcherswere particularly common in Big Bend during late April and early May (JD,JA, GL, m.ob.). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher netted and banded at Kickapoo (KB) May 11 was unusual for that area, w. of its typical migration range. A Black Phoebe near Conway, Carson,Mar. 30 0e & JE)furnished not only a new county record, but one of very few Panhandle observations(fide KS). Elsewhere, a Black Phoebe below Falcon Dam May 30 (A & MC) was unexpected; there had been severalwinter reportsthere. The Palmersand Grantham both reported that Ash-throatedFlycatchers far outnumbered Great Crested and Brown-crested flycatchers on the coastal bend this seasonand wondered how much effect the drought may have had on this unusual speciescomposition. Two pairs Cave Swallowsnesting at Sea Rim State Park on the Upper of Brown-crestedFlycatchers on the Devil's River in Vol Verde Texas Coast,May 13, 1989. Photograph/JohnBaird. Apr. 21-22 (CS el al.) were at the n.w. limit of their range. A Great Kiskadee near High Island May 7 {BBeet al.) was by Cave Swallows. They do not report any case where Cave only the 7th for the U.T.C. Great Kiskadeesrange w. along Swallows have been pushed out completely, but they noted the Rio Grande to Del Rio, but a kiskadee netted at Kickapoo Cliff Swallows this seasonin several locations where they Apr. 29 (KB) was at an unexpected location on the Edwards were entirely absentthe past several years. Plateau. A Couch's/Tropical Kingbird, rare at any seasonon the U.T.C., made a brief appearanceApr. 22 in Galveston(J & CROWS TO SHRIKES-- Mexican Crows have wintered WR). After a fall record at the same location, a Thick-billed in the Brownsville area for 20 years, but this spring the Kingbird was discoveredat CottonwoodCampground in Big Farmers noticed that several lingered into May and they Bend Apr. 12 (WM) and seen regularly through the period beganto suspecta nestingattempt. On May 7 Moorhousesaw (ph. PG, ML, GL). The bird was extremely territorial and by one carrying a stick to an abandonedchemical plant near the late in the seasonseveral observersreported that a 2nd and Port of Brownsville and on May 13 it was determined that 4 possiblya 3rd bird were present and nestingwas suspected. nestswere being built at the structure on an I-beam 50-70 A W. Kingbird arrived early in Houston Mar. 30 (JeP},and feet off the ground {M & RF, AM}. "Black-crested"Titmice one in NacogdochesMay 30, the areo's4th springrecord, was stop short of Tarrant, occurring in the counties west and also the latest ever (D & MW). The Rose-throated Becard south, so one studied Apr. 22 at L. Benbrookmay represent reported during the winter season at Bentsen was seen the first solidrecord for that area {CH). An extraordinaryfind through at least Mar. 30 (MDe). was a nestingpair of White-breastedNuthatches near Miami, Many Purple Martins apparently perishedin an. Texas ice Roberts,Apr. 25-May 10 (F & JE, ph. to T.P.R.F.). This repre- storm Mar. 4-7, but at least some survived. Valentine reported sents a first nesting record for the Panhandle, where the on five birds that huddled in one compartment of his martin specieshas only occasionallybeen recordedin summer {KS}. housefor 2 days and nightsthat somehowsurvived. A month SeveralMountain Bluebirdsnear Spur,Dickens, May 6 {KR} later, a late cold snap Apr. 10-14 on the coastalbend took its were extremely late, as mostare gonefrom that area by early toll of martins (JG)with many found dead from starvation.By April {KS}.On the U.T.C. the thrush movement overall could the end of the seasonGrantham reported many martins in be termed fair, with Gray-cheekedThrushes present in good Corpus Christi were abandoningnests (some with young) numbers(TE}. The rains of Apr. 30 groundedover 150 at High owing to a lack of insectsin that area. A Bank Swallow colony Island {Mall}. Swainson'sThrushes were more common than with about 40 birds was found at a gravel pit near the Rio normal in n.c. Texas this spring and were reported in very Grande in Del Rio May 5 (GL, BQ, m.ob.). It is now known high numbersduring the first half of May at severallocations that this colony has been present for several years at this {RR,GK}. Clay-coloredRobins remained at Bentsenall period location, but not reported here before; there are fewer than and there were a few reportsof individuals seen at Anzalduas 10 known nestingrecords for the state. and Santa Ana. A Varied Thrush was described from Cotton- Cliff Swallow is a very rare breeder in far e. Texas, so the wood Campground in Big Bend Apr. 12 {D & MSh) and was colony at Sea Rim, Jefferson,should be considereda signifi- later seen by another observerat the same location Apr. 14 cant range expansion. The slow eastward march of Cliff {LD}.Pending acceptance by the T.B.R.C.this would represent Swallow, however, doesnot compare to the blitzkrieg of the aboutthe 6th Texasrecord. A BrownThrasher in DogCanyon, Cave Swallow (TE). Cave Swallows continued their invasion G.M.N.P., May 9 and a Long-billedThrasher at the Old Ranch of the Texas coast,with 2 pairs found nesting with Cliff and in Big Bend during April and May {m.ob.}each providedrare Barn swallows at Sea Rim Apr. 24 (JCa, BS, ph. WG, JB, TE). park records.At least 2 pairs of Long-billedThrashers were Eubanks reported that the birds appearedto be of the south- again present at Midland (FW), and a Long-billed at Victoria western race (asopposed to the darker Caribbean race). Cave May 20 (D & RM) was a little out of its regular range as was a Swallows were reported to have "taken over" the Concho singingCurve-billed Thrasher near Palacios,Matngorda, Apr. Valley (DT), where it is reportedthat 95% of the buffy-rumped 23 (StW). Phainopeplasseemed to be poppingup out-of-range swallows are now Cave Swallows, and the speciescontinues all over the state in recent months. Recordsthis spring in- to inch toward Austin with two noted in Coldwell and three cluded one at Meridian S.P., Parker, Apr. 16 {RPa} for the seen in Gonzales during the period (BF). There is evidence northeasternmostrecord for Texas;one at Kickapoo,Kinney, from the Palmersin Klebergand from O'Neil's work in Brooks, May 10 (KB), and two near Sonora,Sutton, May 17 (RDa, DT). Webb, and Duval that Cliff Swallows are reclaiming at least A well-described N. Shrike was seen near Texline, Do!lain, someof their nestingniches that had largely been pre-empted Mar. 6 (TAW) and another very late individual was at Mineral

508 American Birds, Fall, 1989 Wells S P, Parker, Mar 19 (q'CH) Following a similar occur- unusual MacGllhvray's Warbler records included one in rence last year, a pair of LoggerheadShrikes was attending Houston(where Eubanksreports it is a rare but Increasingly three recently-fledgedyoung near Alamo May 19 (BWe) for a regular U.T.C. migrant) Apr. 15 (D & EM), and another at the very rare L.R.G.V. nestingrecord. Sabal Palm Grove May 5 (M & RF). We received 2 well describedreports of Gray-crowned Yellowthroat this season. VIREOS, WARBLERS--Bell's Vireo numbers seemed The first was at Santa Ana Mar. 8 (DP);the few other reports better than last year in n.c. Texas with birds reported in we receivedfrom that area were not convincing.The 2nd was several areas where they had not been seen in years (CH). at the Palm Grove in Cameron where the Farmers discovered One Bell's Vireo was at Cleburne May 21, the first in 9 years a singing male May 21 (thought to possibly be the same at that location (CE). Bell's Vireos, rare migrants and breeders individual that was there in spring 1988) (ph. BrMc, MK). A in the pineywoods,sang in a small clearcutnear Nacogdoches HoodedWarbler discoveredMar. 29 in Campbell,Hunt, rep- May 27-29 (D & MW, SL). Single Yellow-throated Vireos at resenteda 2nd county record (MWh). Big Bend May 2 (JD) and in G.M.N.P. May 25 (JD, MaF) were out-of-range.Red-eyed Vireos apparentlypoured through the TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- Hundreds of Summer and L.R G.V. Apr. 12-13; over 1000 were seen at the Palm Grove Scarlet tanagersin about equal numbersmoved through the alone (M & RF). A pair of Yellow-green Vireos was discovered Palm Grove Apr. 12-13 (M & RF), but on the coastal bend, at Laguna AtascosaMay 25 (q'MF,TP) near the site where Grantham noted that ScarletTanagers were much more com- they nestedlast summer. Others were reported without de- mon than usual and in many casesoutnumbered Summers tails at Santa Ana. A Black-headedGrosbeak in JohnsonMay 14 (CE) was a first The rains associatedwith the cold front of Apr. 14-15 for that county. An extremely early 6 Lazuli Bunting was groundedmassive numbers of migrantsalong the entire Texas carefully studied Mar. 11 at Palo Duro Canyon (MN), the coast A Blue-winged Warbler at Lubbock May 6 (GJ)repre- earliest ever for that area by 44 days (KS). Elsewhere, Lazuh sentedonly about the 3rd record for the Panhandle (KS).We Buntingsmade news with an incredible 5 sightingsin n c received more reports of "Lawrence's"Warblers this season Texas: two in Tarrant May 5 (WC) and May 13 (GK), two at than ever before. One was in JeffersonApr. 16 (MA, SG), three Hagerman May 9 and perhaps a different one May 13 (BG, were in Galvestonthe same date (BH et al.), one was at High PB), and another in Collin (fide WPu). Closerto central Texas Island Apr. 19 (JD,PL et al.), one was at AransasApr. 20 (fide a Lazuli Bunting Apr. 23 in Wilson (WS) was noteworthy, and BJ), and one was at Dallas May 5 (DCr, CSn). Tennessee eight seen Apr. 30 at Utley (near Austin) and another nine Warblers were the most common migrants through much of there May I (BF) were unprecedented. A pair of Varied the L R.G.V. during the season(OC, m.ob.), while at Midland, Buntings at Lost Maples Apr. 23-30 (fide JMa, m.ob.) was e a TennesseeWarbler May 6 (AWe) was considereda rarity of their normal range, and one at Rancho Santa Margarita (FW) Eastward wandering Virginia's Warblers were reported Apr. 26 (JA) was among few recent reports from that area from JeffersonApr. 15 (GC) and Houston Apr. 26 (PDH, SS). SingingIndigo Buntings in Alpine Apr. 29 (ML) and in Hud- Lucy's Warblers arrived at Big Bend's Cottonwood Camp- spethMay 13 (JSp)were noteworthy for thoseareas. ground area Apr. 15 (ML) and by early May the area was Dickcisselswere abundant and widely distributed this sea- "crawling with territorial, singing birds." Other territorial sonwith a significantpush through s. and e. Texasnoted Apr birdswere found Apr. 29 and May 29 in Hudspeth(JSp), where 23-May 6. Noteworthy observationsof migrant Dickcissels breedinghad previouslynot been known to occur.The Trop- included flocks of 300 seen Apr. 23 in Kleberg (N & PP), 1000 ical Parula at Corpus Christi from last fall and winter was Apr. 25 in Victoria (D & RM), 550 on the U.T.C. Apr. 29 (TE, still presentMar. 11 (ph. JG). JM, BBe, RE), 1000 in Victoria May 2 (D & RM), and 1200 on We were intrigued by a well-describedreport of an apparent the U.T.C. May 6 (TE, JM). The most impressiveDickcissel imm plumaged Chestnut-sidedWarbler in Lubbock Mar. 17 report, however, occurred well inland when a staggering (DS) Besidesthe unusual plumage, the date is more than a 10,000 were counted during an all day outing May I in Hunt, month earlier than the early known date for that area. A Rains, and Van Zandt (RK, JN). Olive Sparrows are seldom Magnolia Warbler in Big Bend May 2 (CBe) was rare that far reported from the Del Rio area, so five there May 5 (GL, BQ west We belatedly report a very well describedCape May et al.) were of note. An Olive Sparrow May 14 near Aransas Warbler from Big Bend seen May 3, 1988, also well out of (fide BJ)represented only the 3rd record for the refuge area range(Jail). Other significantwarbler recordsfrom the Trans- A Green-tailed Towhee Apr. 14-27 was an unexpectedvisitor Pecos included a Hermit Warbler at Boot Springs Apr. 22 to Kingsville (N & PP, CC). Six to 10 White-collared Seedeaters (ML), an Ovenbird at Rio Grande Village May 17 (DMu), a remained in San Ygnacio through the period. dead Kentucky Warbler at Alpine.May 13 (fide ML), a Worm- Botteri's Sparrowswere more common than usual along eating Warbler at Big Bend during early May (TCo, RKo), a N. the lower coastbetween BocaChica and LagunaAtascosa (M Waterthrush at Hueco Tanks May 6 (BZ), and single Hooded & RF). At Aransas, a singing Botteri's May 24-27 (BJ, TS) Warblers at Big Bend Apr. 30 (JD)and at Hueco Tanks May 6 representeda first refuge record. Quite late in Lubbock Apr (BZ) A Black-throatedGray Warbler in Walker Apr. 27 (BO) 14 were eight Am. Tree Sparrows(MN), a speciesnormally was e of its range as was a Townsend's Warbler at Hearne in gone from the Panhandle area by late March. Clay-colored RobertsonMar. 13 (JY).Although Golden-cheekedWarblers Sparrows were reported to be more common than normal were still numerous in vast cedar breaks in far w. Travis, the acrossmost of the state. Two Black-throatedSparrows, the specieswas conspicuouslysparse or missing from several first to reach Cooke, were discoverednear the new L. Ray tracts closerto Austin. Separatingeffects of urban influences Roberts reservoir n. of Denton May 2 (fide WPu). Amazing from recent droughty weather or other forcesis difficult (CS). was a flock of 5000 Lark Buntings near Falfurrias on the late In other areasof the Golden-cheekedWarbler's range, observ- date of Mar. 23 (AO). A very late, lone Lark Bunting in ers felt they were in slightly lower than normal numbers breedingplumage was in Allen, Collin, May 8 (RR). Incredible (m.ob.). were four Baird's Sparrows near Valentine in JeffDavis Apr Unusual records of Blackpoll Warblers included one in 15 (q'PL,SFin). This is a specieswhose wintering range in Dallas May 5 (BG, PB), one in Lubbock May 12 (AWF), one at Texas is poorly known, and very few well documented rec- Muleshoe May 13 (AWF, DS), and one in NacogdochesMay ords exist for the state. ALe Conte's Sparrow at Driftwood 18 (MW). A Swainsoh's Warbler in Midland Apr. 18 (JMe, May 4 (DCo, CS) provided a very late Austin record. First mob ) entertained observersby visiting a lawn sprinkler and park recordsfor both Chestnut-collaredand McCown's long- provided only the 2nd record for that area (fide FW). A spurswere establishedMar. 5 at G.M.N.P. (Mill, MaF). MacGillivray's Warbler netted at the Palm Grove Mar. 16 Good numbers of Bobolinks drifted west into East Texas (fide M & RF) could have been a locally wintering bird. Other this season.Wolf termed it the Bobolink's"best showing in at

Volume 43, Number 3 509 least 5 years at Nacogdoches"Observers there found Bobol- Krzywonskl, Ed Kutac, Brenda & Cliff Ladd, Greg Lambeth inks May 5-8 m 4 different fields with a h•gh of 15 seenMay (GLam),Greg Lasley, Paul Lehman, Wmmfred Lenmhan,Barry 5 (SL, D & MW). Graber saw a group of 10-12 Bobolinks at Linnet (BL1),Llano EstacadoAudubon Society(L.E.A.S.), Keith Sea Rim May 6, two were at High Island May 3 (BW), and a Lockhart,Mark Lockwood,Sue Lower, J. Merrill Lynch, Wlllem lone bird was at Corpus Christi Apr. 22 (JD, A & MC). In n.c. Maane, Tim Mabe (TIM), Donna & Ed Maddox, Lisa,Shannon, & Texas, Bobolinks made news when two showed up in Hunt DesireeManley, Judy Mason (JMa),Terry Maxwell, Claire & Jim (T•M), a flock of 25 appeared at Paris, Lamar, May 7 (MP et McAllister,Tom McCuller (TMc), BradMcKinney (BMc), Barbara al ), and 20 more were seenat Seagoville,Dallas, May 15 (fide McKnight (BMc),Don & Ruthie Melton, BobMenton, Joan Memtt (JMe),Henry Miller, KenMoore, Arnold Moorhouse, Jim Morgan, WPu). One does not normally think of W. Meadowlarks as Ernest& Kay Mueller, JohnMuldrow (JMu),David Muth (DMu), eating other birds, but during the early March ice storm in Don Myers (DMy), Michael Nickell, Julius Nussbaum, Andy Ft Worth, several were seen to feed on dead juncos and O'Neil, WolfgangOesterreich, Ollie Olsen, Brent Ortego,John goldfincheshaving first attacked the former (RDC). A colony Pace,Nancy & Paul Palmer,Carol & Ted Parker(C & TPa),Robert of Great-tailed Grackles,very rare in the Pineywoodsregion, Parker(RPa), Jerry Patrick (JeP), Mike Patterson,Dick Payne,Jim was discovered in Upshur this season(FWillis). Elsewhere, a Peterson(JPe), Wes Phillips, Tom Pincelli, CharlesPotter, Warren Great-tailed Grackle in G.M.N.P., May 12 was of note (MaF) Pulich(WPu), R. Dan Purrington,Joan Quebe, Bob Quinn, Midge as was a Bronzed Cowbird near McNary May 12 (JSp).Arvin Randolph,Ross Rasmussen, Roger Reisch (RRe), David Rice, Bob and others note that the Hooded Oriole appearsto be making Righter,Jan & Will Risser,Jeff Rouse, Kent Rylander,Larry Sail, a comebackin the L.R.G.V.; JA noted about 20 pairs between Harry Sanders,Mark Scheurman, Ed Schlabach,Steve Schultz, Kingsvilleand FalconDam during April. An Audubon'sOriole BobSchwartz, Peter Scott, Rosemary Scott, Jean Segerstrom (JSe), m Bandera May 20 (E & NA) was well n. of its range, but two Willie Sekula, Jeff Selleck (JSel),Chuck Sexton, Ken Seyffert m McMullen Apr. 12 were a little closerto home. (Panhandle:2206 S. Lipscomb, Amarillo, TX 79•09),Don & Martha A Purple Finch in E1 Paso Mar. 11 (ML) provided a rare Shearer(D & MSh), J.W.Sifford, Chris Snook(CSn), John Snyder record; it is usually only an accidental fall visitor there (fide (JSn),Kay Soper (KSo),John Sproul (JSp),June Stacey(JSt), Tom BZ). The Com. Redpoll at Glen Rose from the winter was last Stehn, Ken Steigman(KSt), Darleen Stevens,Elton Stilwell, Cliff seen Mar. I (ph. AW). LesserGoldfinches rarely wander into Stogner(CSt), B. Stone(BSt), Rose Marie Stortz,Jack Sunder (JSu), n c. Texas, but one was carefully documented Mar. 18 near Delbert Tarter, Kent Taylor, Neil Tennyson, Mike Thomasson, Nancy Umphres,Richard Uzar, Allen Valentine, BridgettWebb L Grapevine in Denton (JCu,fide WPu). Two Evening Gros- (BWeb),Fred S. Webster,Sally Weeks (SWe), Egon & SueWieden- beaks in G.M.N.P. Mar. 15 (RRe) and one in Walker Apr. 1 feld, Alien Wemple (AWe), Bert Wessling(BWe), Winnie Wester, (DP) were the only reports of the season. Matt White (MWh), Bret Whitney, DougWilliams (DWi), Frances Williams, Steve Williams (StW), FrancesWillis (FWillis), John Wilson,Scott Wilson, David & Mimi Wolf, Dick Woolheater(DlW), Alan Wormington,Meiling Yang, Jim Yantis, Barry Zimmer CORRIGENDUM -- The Ash-throated Flycatcher at Victoria (Trans-Pecos:6720 Heartstone Ct., E1 Paso, TX 79924), Kewn Aug. 30-Sept. 22, •988 (AB 43:131) should be correctedto.read Zimmer.--GREG W. LASLEY, 305 Loganberry Ct., Austin, TX Brown-crested Flycatcher. 78745, and CHUCK SEXTON, 101 E. 54th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS (Subre- gional editors in boldface) -- PeggyAcord, Bruce Aird (BAi), Lynne Aldrich, Tony Amos, Carl Anderson,Ben Archer, Burl Armstrong(BuA), Eddie & Nina Arnold,Keith Arnold,John Arvin, M•ke Austin, JohnBaird, Kenneth Baker (KBa),Ken Barrett (KBar), SharonBartels, Les & Lorraine Bartlett, BobBehrstock (BBe), Chris Benesh(CBe), Peter Billingham,Nancy Bird, Lorie Black (LB1), Mark Black, Bruce & Tam Boardman, Cynthia Bond (CBo), Jean Booziotis,Bill Bourbon (BBo),Rick Bowers,Hugh Brown, Lillian Brown, Kelly Bryan, Bill Bryson (BBr),John Buckman (JBu),Law- rence Buford (LBu), Frank Bumgardner, Chuck & Dorthe Burris, Charles Butterworth, Fern Cain, Jerry Caraviotis (JCa), Taylor 90 and counting Carlisle (TCa), Jerry Carlman (JCarl),Oscar Carmona, Don Clapp Join in the celebration of (DC1), Charlie Clark, Gary Clark, Jim Clark, R.D. Coggeshall, Sherry Collins (SCo), Don Connell (DCo), Dawn Conway (DaC), National Audubon Society's Arlie & Mel Cooksey,Troy Corman (TCo), Charles Crabtree, D. 90th Christmas Bird Count. Croall (DCr), Sam Crowe, Jane Cuming (JCu),Wesley Cureton, Lee Daniel, BarbaraDarr (BDa),David Dauphin, JaneDavidowski Wear an American Birds' (JDa),Billie & Ray Davis, Marvin Davis, RossDawkins (RDa),Mike Denny (MDe), Ric Derdeyn, Arch Dillard, Jon Dunn, Charles "90 and counting" Easley, John Economidy (JEc),Randi Ellis, Fred & Jan Elston, sweatshirt or t-shirt Victor Emanuel, Pansy Espy, Ted Eubanks, Jr. (East Texas: 270• Amherst, Houston, TX 77005), Mike & Rose Farmer, Shawneen on you Christmas Bird Count. Fmnegan (SFin), Dean Fisher, Sam Fitton, Mark Flippo (MaF), Ada Ware Foster,Brush Freeman, Ned Fritz, Tom Garner, Hugh Bothshirts are madeof high quality Garnett, Steve Gast, Tim Gates (TGa), John Gee (JGe), Brian fabric so you can count Gibbons,Luther C. Goldman, Tim Gollob (TGo), Larry Gorbet, Peter Gottschling,William Graber III, JesseGrantham, Karl Hailer, on them feeling as great George Harmon, Vern Hayes, Carl Haynie (North Central Texas: as they look. Turn to 737 Meadow Crest, Azle, TX 76020), Matt Heindel (Mall), Mitch Heindel (Mill), Dick Heller, Rhandy Helton, Dick Henderson page399 to order yours today! (D•H),Malcolm Hodges(MHo), Helen Hoffman,James Holdsworth (Jail), Bob & Carolyn Holland (B & CHol), Joan& Scott Holt, Bob Honig, P.D. Hulce, Bill Hunt (BHu), Joe Ideker, Thomas Jervey (TJe), Cheryl Johnson(Clo), Tom Johnson,Greg Joiner, Barry Jones,Charles & Pat Jones,Lois Marie Keeton,Greg Keiran, Donna Kelly, RichardKinney, RamsayKoury (RKo),Jim Kowlton,Mike

510 American Birds, Fall, 1989 I I

PrinceGeOrge %'•:.

ßWilliams •ake.

BRITISH '" COLUMBIA NORTHERN ROCKY .. ••.:.J 'Ki•, Orn•k.Ko•{•na, NWR. ':..•:...... MOUNTAIN- ..??" .•?, Nat. TON •-•o.. INTERMOUNTAIN G U / d'Alene•?•; Yaki•. Kenn-wick '-:•:• •, . REGION ' ß Lewiston.'• ß Missoui• • ';':: •;• •J •:•,.MONTANA,.

- 'Bend OREGON

Thomas H. Rogers

singlebirds were seenMay I on McArthur L., Boundary,ID weatherftera very turnedcold moreFebruary seasonable,andearlyalthough March, mostlythe (PH, SHS), and at Sunnysideon Pend Oreille L., Bonner, ID cooland very wet, helpingto relieve the winter's dryness. (EC).A Double-crestedCormorant was alsosighted May I at April was mostly warm and somewhat dry. May again Sunnyside(EC). These birds were startingto arrive at Colum- turned cool and wet in most areas. The migration time- bia N.W.R. Apr. 17 (WRR).Lind Coulee,Grant, WA, had three table, insofar as observers commented, showed no con- Clark's GrebesMay 13 (BT), and Metcalf N.W.R., Stevensville, sistentdeviation from the normal, probably reflecting the MT, and C.J.Strike Res., Owyhee, ID, each had one (DH, AL, great diversity of the Region.Mild weather in late March JS). at Fortine, Montana, speededup the duck migration, but American Bitterns were observedthroughout the winter at Columbia N.W.R. Single Great Egrets were noted at Kootenai thawing of ponds at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, N.W.R. (RDC);at Market Lake W.M.A., Roberts,ID [SP);at BonnersFerry, Idaho, was several weeks late. Waterfowl SiphonPond, Pocatello, ID (CHT); and at St. Maries Gun Club find diving birdswere late and many land birds were early ponds,Benewah, ID (JP,DP). Snowy and Cattle egretswere at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge,Oregon. The Salmon, reported for the Rupert, ID, vicinity (WHS). Two Green- Idaho, area and the Lewiston, Idaho/Clarkston, Washing- backedHerons appeared at CascadeLocks, OR, Apr. 22 (DA, ton area reported some record early arrivals but no cor- DL) and another was at Mosier, OR, the next day (DL). One relation with weather was offered for these latter areas. was sighted near Thorp, WA, May 18 (DPa, TS) and one was Water conditions appeared good in most areas for the alongthe Clark Fork R. just w. of Missoula,MT, May 19 (CM). approachingsummer. It looked like a very goodnesting season in store for Black- crowned Night-Herons at Malheur N.W.R. Silcott I. on the LOONS TO IBISES--Common Loons were appearing Snake R. w of Clarkston, WA, had an adult in breeding in the Region as early as March 24. A pair was nesting on plumage Apr. 2 (CG). An ad. night-heron at Thompson L., Murphy L. near Fortine, MT (WW), and a pair was nestingon Kootenai, ID, May 31 was the latilong's 2rid (SHS). A record WenatcheeL., Chelan,WA (RO).A vagrantRed-necked Grebe 3500pairs of White-faced Ibiseswere estimatedfor the Harney appeared at Rowena, OR, Apr. 2 (DL). Three pairs of Red- Basin around Malheur, and a colony of 50 pairs, the first on necked Grebes arrived at Bull L., s.e. of Fortine (WW). Only record, was found at Summer Lake, OR (MS). three appearedat KootenaiN.W.R., BonnersFerry, ID (LDN). A singlebird at the Yakima R. delta, Richland, WA, May 9 & WATERFOWL--The largest concentration of Tundra 15 made Woodley'sfirst springrecord there. Swans, numbering 900-t-, was along Crab Cr. e. of Wilson The first spring migrant Am. White Pelicans at Malheur Creek, WA, Mar. 3 (BT). About 300 Trumpeter Swans were N.W.R., Harney, OR, were reportedMar. 18. About 1600 pairs presentin the Red Rock LakesN.W.R. area, Lima, MT. Nest were usingthe nestingislands there. A few pelicansappeared numberswere down a bit there. Two Trumpeters frequenting in the vicinity of Columbia N.W.R., Othello, WA. One was a lake n.w. of Kamloops,BC, were suspectedof nesting(RRH). sighted at Ninepipe N.W.R., Charlo, MT, May 13 (VV) and Four of the birds still persistedat Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney,

Volume 43, Number 3 511 WA At Malheur only 2 Trumpeter nests had been located (CC, CM•, MS) Two were noted at Bend (TC) and three at and the spnngcensus revealed only 19 b•rds Their numbers Emmett, ID (ST) Black-neckedStfits were nesting at Colum- have been declining there in recent years, presumably be- bia N.W.R. (WRR). They were also seen near George, WA causeof a shortageof winter food during severe cold spells. (BT); at the Yakima R. delta (REW);Reardan, WA (HV), Em- Three Trumpetersappeared on a pond at Plaza, WA, Mar. 13 mett, ID (ST); and Bruneau, ID (AL). An Am. Avocet was (CG) and one at Columbia N.W.R. in late March (WRR). found near DouglasL. in the s. Okanagan Valley, BC, about Deer Flat N.W.R., Nampa, ID, counted 300 Greater White- Apr. 15 (RM), and the Kelowna,BC, vicinity had a copulat•ng fronted Geese and 400 Snow Geese Mar. 9 (NS). Seventy of pair at Robert L. (RC) and another pair at Alki L. (WCW), both the former at Tranquille, BC, made an unusually large num- May 21. ber there (SR).Notable was a Snow Gooseat KamloopsMar. The first Willet for Deschutewas recorded at Bend May 16 26 (RR).Some 2500 Ross'Geese were sightednear Hines, OR, (TC). An astounding24 Whimbrels were reportedat Malheur Apr. 13 (CR).Two appearedat SunnysideMay I (EC).A Brant N.W.R. May 20-21 (m.ob.,fide GI). One Whimbrel showedup was reported at Abert L., Lake, OR, in late May (CC). An at Revelstoke, BC, May 24 (WD, DPo). Two Long-billed Cur- apparent Wood Duck x Cinnamon Teal hybrid male was lews were seen at Kootenai N.W.R. Nesting by Long-bfileds photographedand sketched in May at Warm Springs,MT. has been confirmed in n. Boundary, ID (LDN). Eight Marbled The nest box being occupied by its supposedmate is being Godwits appeared at Summer L. Apr. 27 and one showed up watched (DS, KS). A "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal was s. of Burns May 3 (CMi). One was sighted at RevelstokeMay s•ghtedin the Hines area Apr. 13 (CR). A hybrid r• Blue- 24 and a Red Knot was there the next day (WD, DP). Summer w•nged x Cinnamon Teal was reported Apr. 22-23 at the L. had a Red Knot Apr. 27 (CMi, MS) and a SanderlingMay 4 Frenchman Hills-DodsonRoad junction, Grant, WA (DPa). A (CC). One Sanderling was at Tranquille Apr. 27 (RR). S•ngle scatteringof EurasianWigeons was reported,with a notable Semipalmated Sandpiperswere observed at 2 spots in the "many" at Ninepipe N.W.R. (PD, PLW). Four Greater Scaup Okanagan Valley, BC (RC). An impressive 6000 Least Sand- at SummerL. (MA), one at Anna Res., Lake, OR (MS), and pipers visited north Abert L., Lake, OR, Apr. 27 (MA). Bmrd's one at Boardman,OR (PM, LW), all in March, were unusual, Sandpiper, rare in the Region in spring, numbered 10 at as were 16 Oldsquaw on KamloopsL., BC, Apr. 13 (SR). Two Malheur Apr. 22 (JB,CMi) and one was at Summer L. May 7 Harlequin Ducks were seen s.w. of Hood River, OR, Apr. 22 (SS,PS, TM, AM). The only PectoralSandpipers reported were for a rare springsighting (DA, DL). Surf Scoterspeaked at 30 20 around KamloopsMay 13 (RRH). North Abert L. hosted at Tranquille, BC, the first week of May (SR) for the only 300+ Dunlin Apr. 27 (MA) and a few were noted at Malheur report. Five female and one • Red-breastedMergansers were Tranquille had two Mar. 27-Apr. 9 (SR) and SeparationL. m •dentified at KootenaiN.W.R. Apr. 26 for the first record there the Kamloops area had seven May 13-15 (RRH). One photo- (LDN). graphed at Ft. BoiseW.M.A., Canyon, ID, was a vagrant (CK). Bend had a Short-billed Dowitcher Apr. 30 (TC). A Franklin's Gull appeared at Coeur d' Alene L. Apr 30 VULTURES TO CRANES--A Turkey Vulture over (DJ)and one at Swan L., Vernon, BC, May 21 was noteworthy Hampton Slough, Columbia N.W.R., May 3 was unusual (RC). Mann's L., Lewiston,ID, had a vagrant Bonaparte'sGull (WRR).An Ospreylingered near Malheur headquartersApr. May 4 (C.B.). Summer Lake had a Herring Gull Mar. 4 (AA, 21-May 30 (m.ob.) and one was sighted to the south in the MA) and two adults of the species were sighted both near BlitzenValley May 27 (fide GI). One was reportedfrom Anna Ellensburg(PMa, BT) and at Vantage, WA, Mar. 11 (BT) One Res. May 11 (MS). A Black-shoulderedKite was reportedat Herring Gull was sighted at Clarkston Apr. 6 (CV) and s•x Gloyd Seepsn. of Moses Lake, WA, Apr. 23 (SV, JV). Bald were at the Orofino, ID, sewageponds Apr. 11 (CV, OM, MK) Eagle numbers in the Harney Basin peaked at 160 Mar. 20- Two at Brown's L. s.e. of Ovando, MT, in April made the 21 (GI). Thirty-six were feeding on a cow carcassnear Kam- latilong's first record (PH, JM, PLW). Hood River, OR, had a loopsMar. 29 (SR).The pair at KootenaiN.W.R. began incu- report of Thayer's Gull Apr. 4 (DA, JE), and one was sighted bating around Mar. 23 and hatched one young Apr. 24, two at Hayden L., ID, Mar. 20 (PH). Hood River's 3rd Western Gull weeks later than last year. Two other nests around Bonners was at Hood River May 20. It was being harassedby a Glau- Ferry were unsuccessful(LDN). Five sightingseach of Merlin cous-winged Gull (DA). A first-year Glaucous-winged ap- and PeregrineFalcon were reported. peared at VantageMar. 11 (BT) and one lingered at the Yakima SageGrouse males at 2 leks at Foster Flats near Malheur delta until the very late date, for there, of Mar. 10 (REW) totalled 50 in mid-April (CR). Five leks at Hart Mt. National Alki L. had one May 21 (GD). Two imm. Glaucous Gulls Antelope Refuge,OR, totalled up to 94 males (BP).Three Sage frequented Coeur d' Alene's landfill Mar. 18 (JP,DP). Grouseoccupied a lek along Highway 395 at Izee Road s. of A few Caspian Terns were noted at Ft. Boise W.M.A and JohnDay, OR, Mar. 24 (PS).In n.e. Oregon, 14 Wild Turkeys Indian Creek Res. May 6 (ST). Hood River was visited by a were observedon Troy grade and 38 on Lost Prairie between Com. Tern May 20 (DA, DL) and Clarkstonhad sevenForster's Troy and Flora (PS).The specieswas reported near Fernan L., Terns May 25 (CV). Coeur d' Alene, ID (fide SHS) and in the Yakima R. canyon area n. of Yakima, WA (EH). A major push of 7000-10,000 Sandhill Cranespassed Kam- loopsApr. 23, for the largest single-day count on record for PIGEONS TO HUMMINGBIRDS--More Band-tafied that area (SR). St. Andrews, WA, had 1200 Apr. 21 (PMa). Pigeonsthan usual, 25, were sightednear Hood River May 20 Unexpectedwas the speciesat Sunriver and Bend, OR (DD, (DL). The Birds of Prey Natural Area had two Barn Owls May CMi), and at Prairie, ID (AL). Some were in the BlackfootR. 20 (AL) and one was sightedApr. 16 on Bateman I. near the valley e. of Missoula, along with a Whooping Crane, in mid- Yakima delta, where nestingis suspected(REW). At least 30 April (PD). A Whooper also appeared at Red Rock Lakes Flammulated Owls were found in the Kamloops area in May N W.R. at about the same time (fide PLW). (RRH et al.) and at least three were noted at Blewett Passw of Wenatchee, WA, May 12-13 (PMa, JK, PS, CV). One was at SHOREBIRDS TO TERNS- Up to four Black-bellied Buckhorn Springsin the Blue Mts., n.e. OR, May 28 (PS) The Ploversappeared at Summer L. in April (Crawford, CC, CCh, mountains e. of St. Ignatius, MT, furnished a sighting of a CMi, MS) and one was sighted at Flagtaft L. n. of Plush, OR, Great Gray Owl (EB).Two N. Saw-whet Owls were sightedat May 14 (DS, BS).The specieswas also noted at Indian Creek Deer Flat N.W.R., Nampa, ID (AL, ST). In Washington one was Res. e. of Boise,ID (CS).Kamloops had a LesserGolden-Plover calling along the San Poll R. s. of Republic Mar. 12; five were May 13 (ASu, RRH). Up to a dozen Snowy Ploverswere seen heard at Blewett Pass May 14 (BT), and the specieswas at SummerL. Apr. 27 (CMi). About 250 SemipalmatedPlovers suspectedof nesting at Rose Cr. Preserve n. of Pullman (JP, were countedthere during a springshorebird census Apr. 27 DP).

512 American B•rds, Fall, 1989 Two White-throated Swifts 4 m• w of Coeur d' Alene were Sparrowsappeared at Hart Mt Nahonal Antelope Refuge(DS, lablong firsts (RB) Malheur N W R had three Vaux's Swifts BS), one was noted at EllensburgMar 4 (BT), and Summer L May 13 (fide GI). One near Pocatello May 13 was highly had one Apr. 11 (MS). In Idaho single birds were at Cherry unusual (CHT). A White-throated Swift was sighted at the SpringsMay 5 (DSt, BF) and in Swan Valley, Bonneville(ES), Barry Ranch e. of Adel, OR, May 30 (MA). A Black-chinned the sameday. A White-throatedSparrow was found alongthe Hummingbird at Mitchell, OR, Apr. 29 was well w. of its Frenchman Hills road s.w. of MosesLake, WA, Apr. 14 (GH, normal range (PM, LW). A Costa'sHummingbird was noted WH), and Malheur had one May 20 (MD). A Harris' Sparrow at CottonwoodCreek, s. of Fields, OR, May 20 (DSw). A Broad- that wintered near Culdesacwas still there Apr. 28 (m.ob.) tinled Hummingbird visited a feeder near Culdesac,ID, May One was sighted at Richland Apr. 19 after the specieswas 12 for that area's first report since 1980 (KB, CV). absentsince December(REW). A Chestnut-collaredLongspur at Fortine, MT, was the first there since 1936 (WW). A 6 Bobolink was singing at Plush, OR, May 28 (MA) WOODPECKERS TO PIPITS--Unusual were Lewis' Tamarack Ridge w. of Cataldo had 25 on May 26 (SW). Most Woodpeckersnear Vantage, WA (BT), at Columbia N.W.R. surprisingwas the discoveryof a colonyof TricoloredBlack- (WRR), and near Cataldo,ID (SW). An Acorn Woodpeckerat birds near Hermiston,OR, far north of their previouslyknown Summer L. May 27-28 made a rare sighting(fide CMi). Winter breeding range (PM, LW). Common Grackles continue to R•dge, w. of Summer Lake, had a Red-breastedSapsucker expandtheir rangeinto w. Montana.They have occurredat Apr 2 (FZ). White-headed Woodpecker was sighted along Dixon for several years (DT, PD, PLW), at Missoulathe last 2 DaggettCreek n.e. of BoiseApr. 9 (CS).Crawford Caves, Pend years (PMc), at Deer Lodge(DS), and at Ravalli this year (JM) Oredle,WA, provideda sightingof a Three-toedWoodpecker Two were apparentlynesting in Aberdeen,ID (DB),and some May 21 (JP,DP), and two Black-backedWoodpeckers were were reported in Georgetown,ID (fide CHT). A "Baltimore" seen near Blewett PassMay 13 (JK,PS, CV). N. Oriole was reported at Kalispell, MT, June I (fide Marcy A surprising100+. W. Wood-Peweeswere groundedby a Bishop).Purple Fincheswere reportedfor the Hayden L., ID, rmnstorm May 27 at Tranquille (SR). An Ash-throated Fly- vicinity (KB, PH). A flock of 15-t- of these birds was found catcherwas found at Cherry Springss. of PocatelloMay 21 along upper Taneum Creek s. of Cle Elum, WA, May 21 (BT) and June I (DSt, BF). An Alder Flycatcher was singing on and five were notedat Cle Elum May 12 (EH). An out-of-place territory at Malheur N.W.R. May 28 (TC, JG).Least Flycatch- Red Crossbillwas reported at Fields May 27 (SG). ers were reportedas regular in the BitterrootValley, Ravalli, MT (DH), and a sighting was reported for Red Rock Lakes N W R. (CDM). Singlebirds were found at 2 different spotsat ADDENDUM- Some2000 Oldsquawwere on GreenL. near Malheur May 29 (TC, JG;JE, HN). A vagrant Gray Flycatcher 70 Mile House, BC, in April, 1988 (RM). was describedat Turnbull N.W.R. Apr. 22 (HV). Some of this specieswere back in the Oliver-Summerland, BC, area by May 20 (RC). A nest of the specieswas found near Summer- OBSERVERS CITED (Subregionaleditors in boldface)- land (ILR). A real rarity was a Black Phoebe describedat Kevin Aanerud, Dave Anderson,Anne & Merle Archie, J. Barss, Clear L., Yakima, WA, May 21-26 (GG, EH, AS, BT, GW, SRa). EugeneBecks, Karna Boarders,Ken Burden, Dave Burrup, Rich- A Say'sPhoebe was in HoodRiver Apr. 4; the speciesis a rare ard Cannings,Canyon Birders (C.B.), Chris Carey, Earl Chapin, m•grant there (DA, JE). Two Purple Martins were seen near C. Christianson(CCh), John Coykendall, Tom Crabtree, Wayne CascadeLocks, OR, Apr. 30 and May 20 (DA). Two to three Daikow, Dave Danley, Gary Davidson,Rich Del Carlo (RDC), M Bew•ck's Wrens were found in s. Wasco, OR, May 21 (DA, Denny, Pat Dolan, Joe Evanich, Brad Fiero, Charlene Gaiser, DL) On Mar. 26 a Marsh Wren was at The Dalles, OR, where GeorgeGerdts, Jeff Gilligan, S. Grew, B. Griffin, Denver Holt, Glen •t •s rare (DL). & Wanda Hoge, Rick R. Howie, Peg Hughes,Peter Hunt (PHu), The only Sage Thrashers reported were one near Baker, Gary Ivey, Don Johnson,John Knowler, Claire Kofoed,Merlene OR, Mar. 25 (PS, TW) and one at Indian Creek Res. May 20 Koliner, A1 Larson,T. Leskiw, Donna Lustboll,Jeff Marks, Phil (AL) A Plain Titmousewas sightednear Hart Mr., Plush, OR, Mattocks(PMa), T. & A. Mickel,Opal Mcintyre, Pudy McLaughlin May 28 (MA). A N. Mockingbird was found near Frenchglen (PMc), Rick McKelvey, Charles Miller, Craig Miller (CMi), Carl May 27 (PM, LW). A Sprague'sPipit remained for sometime D. Mitchell, Pat Muller (PM), Larry D. Napier, Harry Nehls,C. & at Bean L., s. of Augusta, MT (JM, SRe, CP). M. O'Leary, Ruth Ortiz-Torres, Chris Paige, Deanna & Jeff Pal- mer, Susan Patta, Dennis Paulson (DPa), Doug Powell (DPo), Bill Pyle, Wm. R. Radke,Scott Ray (SRa),Sue Reel (SRe),Ralph Ritcey, WARBLERS TO FINCHES--A Tennessee Warbler at Craig Roberts, Syd Roberts (SR), I. Laurie Rockwell, Tom Saddle Mt. N.W.R., Grant, WA, was the first for that area Schooley,W.H. Shillington,Jack Smith, JeanSmith (JSm),Nettie Smoot,Dan Stephens(DSt), Andy Stepniewski,Kalmar Stevenson, (WRR, JC).Singles of the specieswere reportedat 2 localities Beth & David St. George,Martin St. Louis,Don Stoecker(DS), Eric at Malheur May 28 (PM, LW, TL). A Black-throated Gray Stone, Shirley H. Sturts, Paul Sullivan, Priscilla & Steve Sum- Warbler was found along the Owyhee bluebird trail in the mers, Allison Summerville (ASu), D. Swanson (DSw), Colleen Owyhee Mrs. of s.w. Idaho May 30 (AL), and two were at Page Sweeney, Charles H. Trost, Dave Truchel, Scott Tuthill, Bill SpringsMay 21 (MD). A Hermit Warbler was seen s. of Mr. Tweit, Hank Vail, CaroleVande Voorde, Virginia Vincent, George Rammr N.P. May 14 (JK,PS, CV). Abert L. had a Palm Warbler Walter, Wayne C. Weber, Linda Weiland, SusanWeller, Winton m late May (CCh). A • Black-and-white Warbler was near Weydemeyer,Tom Winters,Robert E. Woodley,Philip L. Wright, Hart Mr. May 28 (MA) and three May sightingswere made at Fred Zeillemaker.--THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell, Malheur (CO, MO, TW, m.ob.). One reported at Red Rock Spokane,WA 99206. Lakes N.W.R. was new to the refuge list (fide CDM). A N. Waterthrush was banded at Cherry SpringsMay 13 (DSt) and one was found at Medicine L., e. of Harrison, ID (SW). A parr of Rose-breastedGrosbeaks appeared 5 mi w. of Helena May 29 (JS)and a female was seen at Malheur head- quartersMay 28 (JE,HN). The latter place alsohad a • Indigo Bunting May 29 (TC, JG). A Lark Sparrow was noted at Kamloops May 13 (RRH, RR). At least one Black-throated Sparrowhad returned to Wanapum S.P.,Vantage, by May 30 (KA) Eastern Oregon's2nd Lark Bunting was spotted near PrincetonMay 28 (BG).A Baird'sSparrow was sightedat Bean L s of Augusta, MT (JM, SRe, CP). A few Golden-crowned

Volume 43, Number 3 513 ,_; •6•_e•. Sundance •.... •ø•'•c•son.•?'•x•Y?wYO MING

MOUNTAIN •'• BearRiver ßRock Sp•n• ..c•Ye• e WEST REGION SaEC•. L a ke.,•-- ' VernalCOLORADO RenoNEVADA Lahontan Lund ß Valley

Hugh E. Kingery 'tZ] p• LasVegeas

Pringmigration seemed early, diverse, and orderly, ABBREVIATIONS--'[ = Written description on file with with a good variety of shorebirdsand warblers. Wyo- RegionalEditor; :[ = Written descriptionon file with, and subject ming had three to five new speciesfor its state list--four to approval of, state or local records committee; # = no written of them warblers--and Nevada had one. Colorado re- descriptionreceived;/st lat = first record for the latilong; I.P.S.C. = Indian Peaks, CO, Spring Count; L/L/B/L = Longmont/Lyons/ cordedone first and one secondnesting species. Berthoud/Lovelandarea, CO, usingFoothills Audubon Club rec- The Regionreported 384 species,for the second-highest ords. Place names in italics are counties. count in the past dozen years. Colorado and Wyoming recorded the highest speciescounts yet, 349 in Colorado LOONS TO IBISES--A big contingent of 321 and 279 in Wyoming; Nevada and Utah had 256 and 246 Loonsat Walker L., NV, Apr. 9, pluscounts of 40 from Flaming respectively. GorgeNat'] Recr.Area, UT, and from Big Horn, WY, helped The Mountain West rarely sees fallouts of birds like to swell the Regionaltotal to 525--four times the average those that spice birding on the Texas coast, but a wet spring totals of the last 3 years. The proportion of C]ark's snowstormon April 30 produced such an event at Chat- Grebesto Western Grebes at Riverton, WY, reached 50/50, field State Park (D.F.O.). As snow fell during the morning, far more Clark's than elsewherein the Region.At Anaho Island N.W.R., 2400 Am. White Pelicans attempted to nest, observerssaw few birds, but when the storm broke up at but most abandonedthe attempt by May 31, with only 480 noon, birds seemedto fall from the sky. The trees had so nests on June 2; apparently the lake simply doesn't have many birds, the trip leadersthought more observerswould enoughfish to feed the young{TB, LN). have added 10 more species to the 96 found that day. Most of Stillwater N.W.R.'s Great Blue Herons abandoned Tallies included 7000 Violet-green and Tree swallows, 350 nesting,apparently Owingto lack of food. A Little Blue Heron robins, 195 American Pipits, 240 Yellow-rumped War- prowled a muddy pond near A]cova, WY, Apr. 26 for a 5th blers,110 Chippingand 62 Vespersparrows, and 15 species staterecord (*SF). A pair of Little Bluesreturned to last year's of shorebirds. nest site at Monte Vista N.W.R., CO {RS,E & ]R).,Cattle Egrets continuedto rangeinto new areas;one perched on a window sill at the Black Butte coal mine near Rock Springs,WY (FL). A Green-backedHeron at Pueblo was carrying nestingmate- rial in May--a prelude,perhaps, to Colorado'ssecond nesting ACKNOWLEDGMENTS record{D]). A Yellow-crownedNight-Heron stoppedat Sev- erance,CO, May 14 {KM). Two GlossyIbises permitted com- My thanks to Jean Van Loan for parisonwith White-facedin Weld, May 7-9 {•-BP, m.ob.),for designing a computer program for Colorado's3rd record. Carson L, NV, sported 4395 White- postingthe voluminous recordscon- facedIbises May 16 {ST, TB, LD), and a healthy 300 stopped at Bear River Flats, UT, May 13 {JP).Observers in Colorado tributed by Mountain West observers. saw fewer than usual exceptin the San Luis Valley. WATEBFOWL, BAPTOBS--As western wildlife ref- uges like Stillwater and Alamosa/Monte Vista suffer from water shortages,industrial ponds {power plants such as

514 American Birds, Fall, 1989 Bridger, WY, and Rawhide, CO, and oil refineries such as Yants Puddle, WY) attract more waterfowl. Stillwater had poor nesting;Alamosa reported total nestson the May transect up 26% from 1988--perhaps becausenesting was timed one to 2 weeks ahead of normal. The fires did not discourageone pair of Trumpeter Swans in Yellowstone:a pair whose nest on [he Madison R. had burned over (adults and cygnetssurvived) returned to the nestthis year (JZ).The Trumpeter at Puebloduring the winter remained until Mar. 12; then Mar. 23 one appearedat Long- mont, 135 mi north, and stayed through June 11 (•-BP). A Greater White-fronted Goosestopped at Yellowstone May 20 ($JZ).Minersville, UT, hosted 1100 Snow GeeseMar. 29, the highestnumber ever recordedin s. Utah (SH).As usual,Snows visited Colorado'sArkansas Valley reservoirs,in flocks esti- mated at 2000-3000 Mar. 5-Apr. 11. Even though Coloradans PipingPlover at Healy Reservoir,northeast of Buffalo, Wyoming, view Canada Geeseas pesky residents,some populationsof May 13, 1989. Photograph/EstherMcWilliams. this speciesstill migrate, as witnessedby the 3000 that passed over Cheyenne. WY. Mar. •0-13. Wyoming documented its 7th and 8th Eurasian Wigeons, at CasperApr. 15 and YellowstoneMay 20 (•'SF,J & VH, •'JZ). Coloradoreported three from Denver, Longmont,and Weld. successfulbreeding (JE).A pair of Piping Plovers May 15 at Two Surf Scotersstayed at Sheridan Apr. 30-May 18 (•'ET et Cheraw, CO, seemed to be courting (MJ); Coloradohas had al.). The Hooded Merganser at Muddy Gap, WY, provided a no nestingrecords in 50 years.Another Piping Plover visited 1st Lat (SF), and a female at Rawhide May 31 had remained Sheridan May 13 (•'BJ). Surveys counted 405 Black-necked very late (RAR). Stilts Apr. 30 at Ogden,UT (JP,JN), and 372 at Fish Springs Ospreyshad nestsat L. Tahoe (2) and Stillwater, NV, where May 24 (JE).The first youngstilts appeared here May 29, but one young hatched. Bald Eaglesmade nestingnews: 2 pairs LasVegas had youngfirst, May 10 (MC). Ogden'ssurvey Apr. in s.e. Utah, 2 nestsat Sheridan, WY, and one pair with two 30 tallied 1693 Am. Avocetsand 194 Willets. A small colony youngat Barr L. that providedregular newsreports to Denver of Upland Sandpiperswas found May 24-25 n. of the Arick- media. Reportsof Broad-wingedHawks went up, with 21 in aree R. near ldalia, CO (HEIr. e. Colorado,two at Cheyenne, and Yellowstone'sfirst May 2 Sheridancounted the mostWhimbrels--32 on May 12-13 (•'TM). Wheeler reported a decline in nesting Swainson's (HD, K & MH) but Denver counteda record 12 on its May 13- Hawks in n.e. Colorado.Rough-legged Hawks began to move 14 springcount (D.F.O.). One at Reno Apr. 30-May 2 probably north in March but observers found late ones near ldalia, CO, furnishedthe first n.w. Nevada record (•'DBo,HJ, ph.), and May 5 (BRi) and at Stillwater May 15 (TB). Observersreported another stoppedat Overton, NV, May 6 (BE). 1st La! Whim- 13 Merlins, triple last spring, and 40+ Peregrines,perhaps a brelsstopped at Farsonand Lander,WY (•'SF),and the Region signof increasinghealth for that species. reported 20 others. Webster found five HudsonJanGodwits S•-•OBEBIBDS -- On a shorebirdsurvey Apr. 21-23, Still- May 2 in Weld, two of which stayedthrough May 4: another water biologistscounted 110,518 shorebirdsin the Lahontan stoppedat Cheraw May 14 (•'MJ).The only Red Knot was at Valley, toppedby 39,284 dowitchers,23,962 Leastand 12,313 Johnstown,CO, May 13 (JH). The drying up of Cheyenne Western sandpipers,11,136 Dunlins, and 13,719 other small Bottoms,KS, did not drive White-rumpedSandpipers west to Colorado--the state had only its usual complementof scat- tered reportsthe last week in May, the highest25 in Weld, 25 at Pueblo,and 44 at Red Lion W.M.A. near Julesburg.A very tired Baird'sSandpiper hit Las VegasMay 6 (MC). Stilt Sand- piper reportsdeclined from last year, and observersreported only two Short-billed Dowitchers,from Las Vegasand Weld. Rock Springshad 2500 Red-neckedPhalaropes May 16 (FL), tops in the Region this spring. GULLS TO CUCKOOS--Franklin's Gulls continued their springtime increases in Wyoming and Colorado: 85 at Rock Springsat the May 22 peak, 150 May 16 at Sheridan, 568 counted through the spring at L/L/B/L, and 650 May 7 at Rawhide. Bonaparte'sGulls moved sparingly through the Region,with groupsof 18-25 at Overton, NV, Fish Springs, UT, and Ft. Collins in April, and 100 at Loveland, CO, Apr. 16, as well as smaller numbers elsewhere. California Gulls had 1000nests at AnahoIsland N.W.R., NV. Coloradoreported Sanderling(with WesternSandpiper) at StillwaterPoint Reser- two Glaucous-winged Gulls, for its 2nd and 3rd records:a voir near Fallon, Nevada,May 14, 1989. Photograph/TimBow- first-year bird at JulesburgMar. 31 (•-JR) and a 2hal-winter man. bird at Denver Apr. 11-16 (JR, •-MJ). On Apr. 10 Himmel reported a 3rd-year Great Black-backed Gull near Eaton and shorebirds,plus 7990 Am. Avocets. Clearly this water-short on Apr. 22 Janosfound a "macho," first-year Great Black- major shorebird stopever needs nationwide attention from backed Gull near Las Animas, CO, for Colorado's 7th and 8th birdwatchers for it and its shorebirdsto survive. (SeeAudubon records, the 4th and 5th in 2 years. Nov. 1988, p. 14.) Observersfound more CaspianTerns this spring.Ne- Except for the Stillwater count of 323, the Region reported vada reported six, including birds at Reno and L. Tahoe. few Black-belliedPlovers. Two LesserGolden-Plovers ap- Utah and Wyoming had their usual contingentincluding peared:one at Greeley,CO, Apr. 16 (BP)and one at Las Vegas an early one at Minersville Mar. 29. Colorado, which May 5 (MC. BE et al.). Fish SpringsN.W.R., UT, reported 88 rarely sees them, reported 17, including seven at Grand Snowy PloversMay 24; the first youngon May 21 suggested Jct. and one at Colorado City. Four Least Terns graced

Volume 43, Number 3 515 appears that Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are increasing in the Region. On May 29 Luke counted 40 at Dutch John, UT. A pair was nest-buildingMay 9-13 s.w. of Denver (D.F.O., T.B.) and BreedingBird Atlas workers found 2 nestss.e. of the city later in May (T.B., D.M.H.H., 1st Lat). Atlas workers found 5 pairs of nestingE. Bluebirdson 2 mi of the Arickaree R. near Idalia, CO, all feedingyoung May 9- 10 (HEK). To the north, other pairs nestedat Iliff and Crook, on the S. Platte R. (WH, DL). Observers reported 11 Veeries and four Gray-cheeked Thrushes in e. Colorado. In Yellow- stone on May 29 a migrant wave of 66 Swainsoh'sThrushes flew by Schreierin a few minutes,in Montana but headedup the Gardiner R. to Wyoming. A Wood Thrush stayed at Rye, CO, Apr. 28-May 5 0MHu, fide DS). Even though Merchant claimed he was seeingAm. Robins"everywhere except swim- Glaucous-wingedGull at CherryCreek Reservoir, Colorado, April ming in the water," the I.P.S.C. count of robins droppedto 13, 1989. Photograph/LarrySanders. 2.6/hour from an averageof 5.2. Varied Thrushesmade spring stopoversat Jackson,WY, May 7 (RWI) and Denver May 13 Sundance,WY, Apr. 23-May 2 (]A), and two visitedGrand (RB).Brown Thrashersvisited Ruby Valley, NV, Apr. 21 (CB) Jct. May 14-15 (TRL, CD, RLa, 1st 1at). A White-winged and Cody, WY, May 20-23 (LP, 1st Lat). The only Bohemian Dove was at Wetmore May 7 (TPM). The Yellow-billed Waxwing flocks were reported from Yellowstone and Cody Cuckoo at Browns Park N.W.R., CO, May 28 provided a Mar. 12-Apr. 6. 1st Lat record (CD). Doesvolume lend credibility? Brief reportsof Bell's Vireos, all based on plumage and none mentioning the presumably OWLS TO CROWS--An owl survey turned up E. characteristictail-wagging, came from 4 new sites:Cheyenne Screech-Owlsin Wheatland, Albany, and Worland, WY, the Apr. 26 and May 5 (TD & RP, no state records); Stillwater latter surprisinglyfar west (SF). A Great Gray Owl showed N.W.R. May 24 (TTB, no n. Nevada records);and n.w. and n.e. up in a Lander,WY, yard Mar. 24 (SFn,SF). Coloradoobserv- Denver (-H'WL,HEK, both 1st Lat); and one old site--Pueblo ers followed a Boreal Owl nest on Cameron Pass;courtship May 31 (VT, 2nd Lat). A Philadelphia Vireo stoppedat Chey- occupiedApril, the male broughtfood to the female on the enne May 20 (•'•'RP, /st Lat). nest on Apr. 25, and the adults were feeding young by May 21. The Rawinskis found a Boreal at Summitville in s.c. Colorado Mar. 24. WARBLERS-- Warbler migration seemed pretty good-- At Springdale,UT, hummingbirdsarrived in typical awe- 37 specieswere reported. The Denver Spring Count tallied some numbers--1075 Black-chinneds May 30 setting a new 562 warblers of 13 species, including 279 Yellow-rumpeds peak (]G).Colorado's list lacksRuby-throated Hummingbird; May 13-14, swampingthe previoushigh of 164. the one at CrookMay 16 will correctthat omissionif approved Most remarkable were two new warblers for Wyoming. by the state recordscommittee (-H'BP,-H'JP, 'H-JC). Las Vegas First, Brinkerhoff found a Red-faced Warbler in Green River. had Anna's HummingbirdsMar. 29 and Apr. 2 and later, and A skeptical Luke confirmed the identification. Subsequently one appearedat Reno Apri. 29 0-EK).Broad-taileds arrived a 14 observerssaw the bird, which stayed Apr. 29-May 3 in a week early in Colorado: Apr. 17 at Evergreen, Apr. 20 at residentialarea with Siberian Elm, box elder, and crabapple Eagle, and Apr. 21 at McCoy. Utah reported two Lewis' trees {tFL, tSF et al.}. Two weeks later, a Yellow-throated Woodpeckers,at CentralMay 5 (SH)and Fish SpringsApr. 30 Warbler showedup in residentialRock Springs,among large and May 29-30 (TJE, 1st Lat). Woodpeckershave not yet coniferousand deciduoustrees {•-•FL, J & VH). respondedto the Yellowstonefires--the park reportedonly Dependingon decisionsof its new recordscommittee, Wy- one Three-toed all springand no Black-backeds. oming also had either first or 2nd recordsof two other war- An E. Wood-Peweereturned May 23 to the sametree grove blers. Lebsackdiscovered a Kentucky Warbler at Cheyenne's near Denver where one had spentlast August (JKet al.). Howe High Plains ResearchStation on May 16 {TFIe,WV}, and Luke on May 30 discovereda pair of Great Crested Flycatchers describedwell a Mourning Warbler at Fontanelle May 27. building a nest at Crook,for Colorado's2nd breedingrecord Rare Regional warblers included the following, one bird in 2 years. More than the usual Scissor-tailedFlycatchers each: Blue-winged Warbler at Lyons, CO, May 5 0-JP,•'AM, wandered north, with two in the Denver area Apr. 27-May BP);Golden-wingeds at Bonny Res.,CO, May 12-15 (DBr) and 14 (D.F.O.) and one at Rawhide for the 4th year, May 29 Denver May 18-19 0MKW);Magnolias at Fontanelle, WY (TFL), (RAR). After the fallout from Denver's Apr. 30 snowstorm, and Cheyenne 0-FLe); a Hermit Warbler at Salt Lake City the D.F.O. Spring Count May 13-14 also had impressive Apr. 29 (THS, ES, ph., 4th state record);a Yellow-throated at numbers of swallows: 4633 Trees, 5467 Violet-greens, 4404 Loveland, CO (tAM); a Palm Warbler at Cheyenne Apr. 29- Cliffs, and 957 Barns. A Yellow-billed Magpie showed up at May 4 (•-FLe) and five in e. Colorado including the first Fallon, NV, May 13 for a surprisingnew state record (TLD). Coloradoone thought to be of the e. race (TASi);a Mourning An Am. Crow wandered acrossthe desertto Fish SpringsMay Warbler at Sterling May 21 (•'•'JR);and a Canada Warbler at Bonny May 21 (DBr). •-7f•.• 1st La! 0E). • Other warblers of note, all in May: in Colorado, six Ten- WRENS TO VIREOS- After ff•pate of fall and winter nessees,two N. Parulas, nine Chestnut-sideds including one sightings,an alert Denver bird watcher on May 21 discovered at Monte Vista 0-E & JR, 1stLat), three Magnolias,five Black- Colorado'sfirst nesting Carolina Wrens; they fledged two throated Blues, six Townsend's--unusual in spring, two young (MP, ph.; nest and one dead hatchling to D.M.N.H.). Black-throated Greens, a Blackburnian, a Bay-breasted,only Coloradoreports persisted, with other Carolinasobserved in three Blackpolls,20 Black-and-whites--a high number. two 2 other Denver locations and Weld. The 20 Bewick's Wrens Worm-eatings, 34 N. Waterthrushes--also a high number, May 20 at Rock Springs evidenced a surprising Wyoming and two Hoodeds.Wyoming had six Tennessees,three Virgin- population(FL). A SedgeWren sangMay 6 from a willow carr ia's, one Chestnut-sided, a Black-throated Gray at Cody, a near Nederland, CO (•'•'BP, 1st Lat). The I.P.S.C. tallied 227 Black-and-white, one Am. Redstart at Rock Springs,and two Ruby-crownedKinglets, 3.3/party-hour, three times the pre- N. Waterthrushes.Utah reported a rare N. Waterthrush;Las vioushigh count. They may have arrived in the high country Vegashad one too, along with an Ovenbird and six Black- early, and started to nest early. From reports in 2 areas, it and-white Warblers.

516 American Birds, Fall, 1989 TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- Summer Tanagersstopped •n the mountruns,and strayshke one at La Junta,CO, Apr briefly at Cody, WY, May 22 (WDo, 2nd Lat), Denver, Boulder, 22 (PL) and Yellowstone'sfirst m 5 years--four on May 30 and Prew•tt Res., and Scarlet Tanagers were seen at Chey- (•'BS). enne, Crook, and Bonny. Northern Cardinals included one at Sedgwick, CO, May 21 and a territorial but unenthusiastic EXOTICS-- Chapter 5: The Red-backedBuzzard and her singerat Idalia May 24 and later (HEK). Killpack banded 345 Swainsoh'sHawk consort returned to Gunnison, CO, Mar. 15, Lazuli Buntingsat Ogden, comparedwith 475 last year. Four 2-3 weeks before the rest of the valley's nestingSwainsoh's Indigo Buntings appeared May 18 at Salida (H.R.A.S.). Jackson Apparentlyshe alsoreturned early last year (DR, RM). The 2 had •ts first Dickcissel May 8 (#BR). Nevada counted its 2nd early arrival datesmight imply that this pair doesnot winter Cassin's Sparrow May 31-June 4, seen by California birders in Argentina with other Swainson's, or at least does not looking for rarities; its skylarking song confirmed it (•-SEF, migrate with them. MPa). Field Sparrows sang on territory at Julesburg,Crook, and Idalia; Colorado has no confirmed nesting records. A CORRIGENDUM-- Coloradoadded Piping Plover, not Snowy Black-throatedSparrow sang from a densethicket in a Long- Plover,to its EndangeredSpecies list (AB42(5): 1322.) mont, CO, yard May 9 (•-JAm).Breeding Black-chinned Spar- rows reportedlydropped by 5070around Las Vegas(J & MC). COMPILERS (in boldface),CONTRIBUTORS (in italics), The Sheridan Spring Count tallied 240 Lark Sparrows, up and CITED OBSERVERS -- JeanAdams, Aiken Audubon So- from a previoushigh of 110 (B.H.A.S.).Lark Buntingsstrayed ciety,J. Amoroso (JAm), Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, Mary Back (6 observers),Lu Bainbridge,Curt Baughman,Big Horn to Las VegasApr. 18, Bear L., UT, May 21 (two--JP), and Rock Audubon Society,D. Boardman,Nelson Boschen,Tim Bowman, SprmgsMay 15 (three--RSt). A late Golden-crownedSparrow ShirleyBoyce, R. Breckon,D. Bridges(DBr), LuRae Brinkerhoff, was at Denver Apr. 11 (DN). SpringHarris' Sparrowsincluded W.W. Brocknet (29), Alex & Gillian Brown (40), Diane Brown, a late one at Dubois, WY, Apr. 3 (MB). Killpack banded 146 Jerry Cairo, Marilyn Colyer (MCo), Jack Coss,Jim & Marian Dark-eyedJuncos this spring,up from 36 a year ago. Cressman(18), Denver Field Ornithologists,Denver Museum of A late Rusty Blackbird was at Denver Mar. 19 (D.F.O.). NaturalHistory, Coen Dexter, Keith Dixon (10),W. Dolezal,Helen Wyoming recorded its first Great-tailed Grackle, a female Downing(49), L. Dubuc,Joseph Engle, M. Elzey (ME1),B. Evans, found at Cheyenne May 13 (•-RAR). Ogden saw its first one MargaretEwing, S. Findholt (SFn),S.E. Finnegan,Sam Fitton, May 14 (ME1, 1st Lat) and they continued to spread in s. DaveHallock, May Hanesworth(30), J. Harrison, Phil Hayes(20), Colorado,with dozensat Ft. Garland and Walsenburg.The Heart of the RockiesAudubon Society, Steve Hedges, J. & V colony at St. George,UT, declined by 5070 becauseof a loss Herold,J. Himmell (JHi), M. Hull (MHu),K. & M. Humphris,Mark of nesting habitat. Fish Springs reported one to five Com. Janos,David Jensen(DJe), B. Johnson,Dave Johnson,H. Judd,J GracklesApr. 30-May 19 (JE).Flocks of Brown-headedCow- Kellner, Ursula Kepler (24), Merlin Killpack,Edward Kurtz, R b•rds doubled at Las Vegas; known victims included Blue- Lambeth(RLa), Dave Leatherman(10), F. Lebsack(FLe), Rich gray Gnatcatcherand Gray Vireo (J& MC). Levad, PeggyLocke, Forrest Luke, K. Manci, David Martin, T Red Crossbillsblanketed the Colorado high country. The McEnany,R.G. McKinney, Ann Means (32), Jack Merchant (4), White-winged Crossbillsseen carrying nesting material Mar. Ron Meyer, Pat Monaco,Larry Neel, D. Nelson, JohnNelson, Paul 2 on Cameron Pass,CO, did not reveal their nestingsite; they Opler (10),M. Patten (MPa),R. Person,Jim Peters(4), Norma Peterson,M. Poole,L. Potts,Bill Prather,John Prather (JPr),D remain on the list of Colorado breeding species for which Radovich,John & ElizabethRawinski, Bert Raynes (21), Jack breedinghas not quite been proved. Pine Siskinsalso stayed Reddall,B. Righter(BRi), J.C. Rigti, R.A. Ryder,Rick Schnader- m the high country;138 bandedat Ogdencf. 518 in 1988, 101 beck, B. Schreier, ScottSeltman, D. Seltman (DSe), A. Siegler at L/L/B/L cf. 474, and only three on D.F.O. field trips. (ASi), David Silverman (22), Arnold Smith, Ella Sorensen,R Exceptions:Fremont, CO, with daily flocks at Florence and Steenberg,E. Tappenden, Tuesday Birders, W. Vrooman, M K every other day at Penrose(NP, RWa); GlenwoodSprings, CO, Waddington,R. Wallen (RW1),Rosie Watts (RWa), Brian Wheeler, and Sheridan, WY. Evening Grosbeaksdisplayed similar er- Roberta Winn, Joe Zarki (11). --HUGH E. KINGERY, 889 Mil- ratic distribution:scarce on the ColoradoFront Range,regular waukee Street, Denver, CO 80206.

Celebrate the CBC!

This.year marks the NationalAudubon Society's 90th ChristmasBird Count. You canjoin the celebrationin styleby wearingan AmericanBirds commemorative sweatshirtor t-shirt. Both are made of high-qualityfabric so you can count on them feelingas great as they look. In threebright colors of red,green, and white, they'refestive enough to wearstraight through the holidays--andinto the newyear! Turnto page399 to orderyours 'today.

Voltune 43, Number 3 517 SOUTHWEST GranCanyon/ .Farmington•:•!:•;:•:•':•"Clayton. REGION A Ganado c•...... -..!?;'.-'& '•:;... Albuquerque,fl ßTu cu m •:- Pres•:ott•:. / -: '-Y:: . •";%•;•,:..Sprnervl]l ß NE'VV MEXICO ) ParkerDam Arizona Phoenixs .....•-';"'-'-'•f•[•A• !•[••-..

'Yuma Pa,n•RockDam Gary H. Rosenbergand . David Stejskal '-- t';T•son•'eW•SilverC••Cruces Carls•N•. Pa• ' -"e ' •SiermVisa

zona this spring.If recordssuch as these are to be taken Pringto asmigration a non-migration; inArizona the breedingismore birdstypically all arrivereferred on seriously, or even reviewed in the first place, they must their nesting grounds,like clockwork, but we never see be accompaniedby documentationworthy of an outstand- much in the way of northbound migrants passingthrough ing record for the United States. It is unfortunate that the state. Not even during spells of adverse weather con- possiblycorrect sightingsof such rare speciesmay not be ditious,usually excellent for the groundingof migrantsin accepted owing to the complacency of those reporting other parts of the country, do we see more than a trickle them. of warblers and thrushes heading for the North. This ABBBEVlATIONS--A.B.C. = Arizona Bird Committee; springwas an exceptionto the norm with severalobserv- B.T.A. = Boyce Thompson Arboretum, near Superior; L.C.R. = ers reporting higher than normal numbers of migrant Lower Colorado River; S.P.R. = San Pedro River; S.T.P. = Sewage species such as Olive-sided Flycatcher, Swainson's Treatment Plant. Place names in italics are counties. Thrush, and several speciesof warblers. Kenn Kaufman reportedthe closestthing to a "wave" of migrants he has LOONS TO WATERFOWL--Common Loon, an un- seenduring his many springsin Arizona during May 10- common transient away from the L.C.R. and larger lakes 16, coincidingwith a rare wet, cool, period atypical for throughoutthe state,was foundin 3 localitiesthis spring:one this time of year. Although actual numbersof "grounded" along the Central Arizona Project aqueduct near BouseApr. migrants remained very low (after all, this is the West), 10 (J.Call); one on the Hopi Indian Reservationat Cow Springs they were still higher than what we have come to expect Lake Apr. 29 (CL); and a late individual at Dead Horse Ranch during a typical spring. S.P., Verde River, May 20 (LH et al.). An ad. Western Grebe Another event that we have come to expect in Arizona with two young at Cow SpringsLake provided yet another is the reportingof rarities from our neighborto the south, nesting locality for this speciesaway from its usual haunts Mexico, by the many birders that passthrough our state around the state. during springand summer. The inclusionin current field American White Pelican is a regular spring transient throughout Arizona, usually in small groups,but a flock of guidesof Mexican straysfor which there are no more than about 500 at Many Farms L. Apr. 6 (CL) representedone of a few North American records has inevitably created the the largestconcentrations of this speciesever recordedin the illusion that these species are to be "expected" when state.More unusualfor springwere 2 reportsof Brown Peli- birding in southeasternArizona. It is difficult to sift can: one at Gila Farms Pond s. of Phoenix May 10 (fide SG), through the many reports,many of which are from out- and another at Alamo L. May 13 (RF, RN). This speciesis of-state birders, when the reporting of such rarities is not moreregular as a wandererfrom Mexico duringlate summer taken very seriously. This spring the report of a Slate- and fall. The high count this year for OlivaceousCormorant throated Redstart,a speciesfor which there are only two at L. Patagonia(where regular) was of 13 birds Mar. 11 (KK, or three documented North American records, was sub- LHK). Unexpectedwas an adult bird at a pond on the upper mitted with just the barestof written details--not readily S.P.R.e. of Sierra Vista Apr. 20 (DK). identifiable to family, let alone species.The same was true After the Great Blue Heron rookery s. of St. David, upper of yet another report of Eared Trogon from southern Ari- S.P.R.,failed last year (havingbeen discoveredonly 3 years

518 American Birds, Fall, 1989 before),•t was reassunngto find •t active th•s spnng w•th at SnowyPlover was at SnyderH•11 S T P •n TucsonApr 21 (W least s•x adults present throughout the period (DK) An ad Clark) and another was at W•llcox Apr 22 (DJ) Numbersat L•ttle Blue Heron at Cow SpringsL. Apr. 29 (CL) furnished Willcox increasedto six by mid-May (DS),but probablyrep- only the 2nd record, the first in spring,for northern Arizona. resentedmigrants (they have nestedat this locality in the Very unusual in springwere two Tricolored Herons in south- past) as none was seen there May 24 (GR). The shorebird of ern Arizona this year: one was at P.R.D. May 24 (KG), and the seasonwas an Upland Sandpiper at BuenosAires N.W R another was photographed at Willcox May 27 (tDP et al., ph. May 9 (•D. Sibley);incredibly, this was the first springrecord H Clarke).Cattle Egretshave becomealmost regular in north- in southeasternArizona since May 1887. Very unusual •n ern Arizona in recentyears, with mostof the reportsoccurring Arizonain springwere two reportsof Sanderling:one Apr. 21 •n fall, but one at Kayenta Apr. 20 and another at Tuba City at Tucson (W. Clark), and another May 16 at Willcox (KK, May 6 (CL) provided 2 of the few springrecords for that part RBo). Unusually high numbers of Baird's Sandpiperswere of the state. reportedfrom s. Arizona this springbetween mid-April and A Ross' Goose at Many Farms L. Apr. 6 (CL) was not mid-May, with a high count of twelve reported from Tucson unprecedentedand this speciesmay eventually be found to Apr. 12 (W. Clark); high numberssuch as theseare unprece- be a rare but regular transient through this part of Arizona. dented in the state in spring.Interesting was a Corn. Snipe The Oldsquaw found during the winter seasonat the Gila "winnowing"at BabocomariRanch, w. of Sierra Vista, Apr Farms Pond remained there throughout the period. A 9 Surf 12 and againApr. 25 (BH, S. Skagen);this specieshas not been Scoter at Many Farms L. May 27-28 (CL, DS et al.) provided known to nest in southeasternArizona. Large concentrations only the 2nd record for Apache, and the latest spring record of Red-neckedPhalaropes in springwithin the state are un- for the state. A first for n.e. Arizona was a c• Barrow's Gold- usual, so a group of 100+ May 17 along the ColoradoRiver, eneye at Kayenta Mar. 10 (CL); there are very few records Grand Canyon N.P..,was noteworthy (TG, B. Brown). w•th•n the state away from the L.C.R. Also extremely rare in Thirty-nine Franklin's Gullswere seenthroughout the state n Arizona was a group of four Hooded Mergansers at the (exceptin the northeast)between Apr. 20 and May 12, w•th PeabodyMine, Black Mesa, Mar. 20 [CL); it is surprisinghow a high count of 10 at Willcox Apr. 30 (JSet al.). An imm few recordsthere are from this part of the state, considering Herring Gull reportedat Willcox Apr. 9 (DJ)was quite unex- how regular this speciesis in southern Arizona in fall and pectedaway from the L.C.R.;we feel that HerringGulls away winter. from the L.C.R., especiallyin spring,are sufficientlyunusual to warrant full documentation.Unprecedented was an ad. Black-leggedKittiwake at Willcox Apr. 30-May 2 (•JS,ph. E RAPTORS TO TERNS--The only Black-shouldered Froelich et al.), providing what was probably the first true K•tereported this springwas one n. of CordesJct. Apr. I (B. spring record for the state. Seeminglyout of range was a Taubert, G. Lollman) providing yet another record for Yava- CaspianTern at Tuba City May 4 (S. Studebaker);this repre- pro,which appearsto be the northwesternlimit of this species' sented only the 3rd record for northeast Arizona. Common expandedrange within Arizona. An ad. MississippiKite seen Tern, a very sparsespring transient in Arizona, was reported flying north s. of CharlestonMay 11 (DK) provided one of the more frequently than usual with one subadultat Martinez L, few migrant recordsof this speciesfrom the upper S.P.R.,or L.C.R., Apr. 28 (TC, RK), one at Tucson Apr. 30 (WR), one anywherewithin Arizona. Surprisingly,another was reported adult at Cibola N.W.R. Apr. 29-30 (TC, RK), and another the same day at Tucson (B. Tweit). A late 6 N. Harrier was subadultat Many FarmsL. May 27 (DS, CL). seennear ElfridaMay 14 (KK).A Corn.Black-Hawk Apr. 6- 26 (presumablythe sameindividual throughout)at the South- west Research Station near Portal was a real surprise; this DOVES TO WOODPECKERS--Three Band-tailed P•- specieswas formerly more widespread in southeasternAri- geonsat the B.T.A. May 6 (CT) were at an unusually low zona and now is exceedinglyrare as a breeder south of central elevationfor the season.Out of range was a White-winged Arizona. One at California Gulch May 30 was extremely late Dove at PrescottMay 25 (CT). A calling Yellow-billed Cuckoo for a migrant and well west of historicalnesting areas (JK).A alongSonoita Creek, Patagonia,May 4 (BH) furnished one of Harris'Hawk foundnear Wenden,n.e. of Vicksburg,May õ the earliest spring records ever for the state. This species (M McKinnon)was west of its normalbreeding range. Two typicallyarrives on the breedinggrounds in Arizona during adult and one imm. Swainson's Hawks near the town of the first week of June. Western Screech-Owl is a sparse Queen Creek, s.e. of Phoenix, May 30-June 6 (DS, C. Thomp- resident(?) in Apache, thus one found at Canyon del Muerto, son)were toolate for migrantsand may havebeen attempting near Chinle, May 19 (CL) was of note. A calling N. Pygmy- to summer locally. A late Rough-leggedHawk was reported Owl (single-notevariety) was found out of habitat at Keams from Hart Prairie, San Francisco Peaks, Apr. 17 (E. & E. CanYon May 28 (CL). Northern Saw-whet Owl was agmn Gardner).Also very late was a 9 Merlin hunting Cliff Swallows presentin the Chiricahua Mts. this springwith calling indi- (successfully,we might add) along the Gila River, near Saf- vidualsheard at Rustler Park May 8 (TC, RK) and in Pinery ford, May 11 (TC, B. Maynard); this probablyrepresented the Canyon May 24 (JK).More unusual was one at SonselaButtes, latest spring record for the state. Chuska Mts., Apr. 17 (CL) where this specieshas not been V•rginia Rail is a known breeder in northern Arizona and known to nest. along the Colorado River, and has been suspectedof nesting Buff-collaredNightjars arrived early this year with the first •n marshes near St. David and the San Bernardino Ranch, e. sightingscoming from Florida Wash May 2 (KK et al.) when of Douglas.This year nestingwas documentedat the Empire- two or three individualswere present.This specieswas found CmnegaRanch n.e. of Sonoita when an adult was accom- at 4 other localitiesthis spring(all previouslyknown areasof pained by a chick Apr. 30 and again May 19 (tB. Johnson). occurrence):two present at Catalina S.P. beginningMay 10 Downy young were also seen at the Nogales drive-in ponds (KK et al.); two at CaliforniaGulch May 11 (RBoet al.); three •n April (Steve & Ruth Russell).These representthe first at GuadalupeCanyon May 18 (M. Lockwood);and an uncon- confirmednestings of this speciesin southeasternArizona. A firmed report from Aravaipa Canyon,where this specieshas Sofa seen May 21 along the ColoradoRiver, Grand Canyon been known to occurfor severalyears. A Chimney Swift was N P., furnishedonly a 2nd local record. seen well flying at eye level with a group of swallows e. of A LesserGolden-Plover in basicplumage (presumably P. d. Sierra Vista, upper S.P.R.,May 16 ('•DS). dommica) was reported from Willcox Apr. 29 (R. Dotrance); A 6 Broad-billedHummingbird at GlobeMar. 7 and another th•s species is exceedingly rare in the state, especially in there Apr. 15-17 (B. & C. McKusick)were slightly northeast spnng, and considering the upcoming split between P. d. of their normal breeding range. A mini-invasion of White- dominica and P. d. fulva, it becomesincreasingly important eared Hummingbird occurred this spring, with four being to document each and every sighting of golden-plover.A found:one away from feedersalong South Fork, Cave Creek

Volume 43, Number 3 519 Canyon,May 5 (RM), one male reported from RamseyCanyon the w•nter seasonwere reportedthrough Apr 10 (mob) A May 16 (K Carns), a male photographedat Cave Creek Ranch, Gray Catbird, extremely rare w•th•n the state away from •ts Portal, May 24 and later (GR, ph. R. Behrstock), and another nestinggrounds in the White Mts., was reportedfrom the Salt male found at a feeder at the CoronadoN.M. (J.Epler). Violet- River Canyon Apr. 24 (R. Cannings).A N. Mockingbird on crowned Hummingbirdsreturned again this year to Sonoita Black Mesa Mar. 14 (CL) was at a higher elevationthan usual Creek, s.w. of Patagonia, with two seen on the Circle Z for n. Arizona. Two Brown Thrasherswere reportedth•s property May 17-19 (DS et al.). More unusual was one found spring,one near HerefordApr. 8 (E. Froelich)and a very late on the early date of Apr. 3 at Green Valley (JK). Lucifer individual at the B.T.A. May 29-30 (CST). Hummingbird was found again at Portal beginning Apr. 6 The most tantalizing bird-event of the seasoninvolved an (SSp). Noteworthy, but not unprecedented, was a male at a extremely well-describedad. c• Red-throatedPipit May 2 at feeder in Sonoita during May (J. Church et al.). A c• Costa's the Snyder Hill S.T.P., Tucson (JH). The bird was studied at Hummingbirdcoming to a feeder in the Village of Oak Creek closerange in the companyof American Pipits,but unfortu- May 11 (A. Thornburg) was well north of the species'normal nately couldnot be relocatedfor confirmation.This species' breedingrange in Arizona, but two males closeto the Utah occurrence in Arizona, as well as the interior West in the border, s.w. of Pipe SpringsN.M., Apr. 13 (TC), and another spring season, are completely without precedent. Red- male s. of St. George,UT, at Clay Springs,were more surpris- throated Pipit has been found in winter in western Mexico, ing, but not unprecedentedin this part of the country. Usually and it is not beyondthe realm of possibilitythat an individual qmte scarcein spring,Calliope Hummingbirds were reported migratednorth with AmericanPipits. Unfortunately, no pho- •n small numbersat most of the feeding stationsthroughout tograph was obtained. The last of last winter's Northern southeastArizona during the middle 2 weeks of May (m.ob.). Shrike invasionto be seenwas on Black MesaMar. 27 (CL) RufousHummingbird is considereda casual springmigrant A pair of Bell's Vireos was present in a suburbanPhoemx north of the Phoenix area within Arizona, so one at Globe yard May 6 throughthe end of the period (D. Todd)and may Mar. 11 (J.J.Spencer), another one there Mar. 27 (B. & C. have been nesting;this speciesis thoughtto be pretty much McKusick), and one near SedonaMar. 30 (VG) were notewor- an obligateriparian speciesand not very adaptableto subur- thy. Green Kingfisherprobably nested again alongthe upper ban habitats.Two Yellow-throatedVireos, rare in spring•n S P.R. (althoughno nest was found yet this year) with one to southernArizona, were reportedthis season:one was seen•n two individuals present from Mar. 9 through the end of the Cave Creek CanyonMay 3 (iT. Beck),and a singingmale was period (DK). More unusual was one alongSonoita Cr. on the seenalong South Fork of the Little ColoradoR., w. of Spnn- C•rcle Z property Apr. 7, again there on Apr. 13 (BH), and gerville,May 27 (tCB).The only Red-eyedVireo reportedth•s another down in SycamoreCanyon Apr. 27 (J.Paton). An ad. springwas one at Madera Canyon May 4 (fide L. Collister) 9 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerwas seen along South Fork, Cave Creek Canyon, May 13 (DS et al.); this date is late for any speciesof sapsuckerin southern Arizona. WARBLERS TO FINCHES--A singing c• Tennessee Warbler at South Fork, Cave Creek Canyon,May 13 (DS et al.) was the only one reportedthis spring.More unusualwas FLYCATCHERS TO VIREOS--A new breeding area a Chestnut-sidedWarbler at Madera Canyon May 23 (J appearsto have been establishedfor N. Beardless-Tyrannulet White). A singingc• Magnolia Warbler 4 min. of Fairbank, w•th at least 2 pairs present in the Portal area throughout the upper S.P.R.,May 24 (tDK) may have provided only the 2nd spring (RM). A Greater Pewee s. of Fairbank, upper S.P.R., springrecord for Arizona. Two Black-and-white Warblers and Apr. 18 (BH) was at an unusually low elevation; this species five Am. Redstartswere reported from around the state th•s •s virtually never recordedaway from its normal nestingareas spring.The Worm-eating Warbler present in a Tempe yard w•thin Arizona during spring migration. A single Buff- sincelast Novemberwas last seenMar. 18 (KG);this record breastedFlycatcher at the Florida CanyonWork Camp,Santa representsthe first truly wintering individual for Arizona R•ta Mrs., Apr. 30 (R. Balda) was well north and west of this Eight N. Waterthrusheswere seen around the state, all be- species'main nesting area within the state in the Huachuca tween May 3 & 9 (m.ob.). A singingc• Kentucky Warbler was Mts. Historically, Buff-breasted'sbreeding range within Ari- in Carr Canyon, Huachuca Mrs., May 22 (*DP); most of zona was more widespread and included areas in the Santa zona'srecords for this speciesare of singingmales from May R•ta Mrs. Also at a particularly low elevation, and out of and June.Similarly, many of the Hooded Warbler recordsfor preferred habitat, were three Dusky-capped Flycatchers southernArizona have occurredin late spring.This year one throughoutthe period 3 mi w. of Fairbank along the upper was at the B.T.A. May 8 (SG), and another was in a Tempe S P.R. A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher seen w. of DouglasApr. 19 yard May 27 (KG). (J.Davis) representedthe earliest springreport (by one day!) Pyrrhuloxias were seen this spring in 2 areasoutside thmr for this species.A first for the upper S.P.R was a singingc• normal breeding areas in the state; one was well north at Rose-throatedBecard 3 min. of Fairbank June 2 (DK); there Yarnell, n.e. of Wickenburg,Mar. 22 (BD, PB), and a singing are very few becard records in Arizona away from their male was west of its normal range at JoseJuan Tank, Cabeza known nestingareas. Prieta N.W.R., Mar. 30-31 (GM). Historically, this specieshas Ten Purple Martins at Ganado L. May 27 (DS, SG) were undergone temporary range expansionsto the north, and well away from known nestingareas in the state;19 had been west, that seem to include the areas mentioned above. The seen at this locality on virtually the same date in 1979. only Rose-breastedGrosbeak of the spring was a male at Unexpected was a single Steller's Jay at a very low elevation Keams Canyon May 28 (CL). •n n.w. Tucson May I (GM). A Gray-breasted Jay n.w. of Two Abert's Towhees found along Cave Creek about one Strawberry Mar. 19 (TC) was a bit north of its breeding range mile downstreamfrom PortalMar. 29 (RM) may have repre- below the Mogollon Rim. A Black-billed Magpie at Prescott sentedlingering winter visitors, as this specieshas not been Apr. 19 (A. Boyce) was well south of areas of normal occur- known to breed in that part of the state. A late Swamp rence within Arizona and probably was an escapedindivid- Sparrow was reported from Willcox Apr. 22 (DJ);most of ual A single Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 min. of Fairbank, Arizona's wintering population leaves by early April. Four along the upper S.P.R., Mar. 2 (DK) was at an unusually low White-throatedSparrows were reportedfrom aroundthe state elevation and could have wintered locally. this spring; one at Cameron, n. of Flagstaff,May 21 (CL) A well-describedVeery from 3 min. of Fairbank, upper representedone of the latest spring recordsfor the state A S P R., May 25 (DK) is pending review by the A.B.C. and singleMcCown's Longspur one mile n. of Hereford,upper would provide only the secondrecord in Arizona away from S.P.R., Apr. 10 (DK) was away from this species' normal •ts •solatedbreeding population in the White Mts. The two wintering areas within Arizona and may have been a north- Rufous-backedRobins present in the Patagoniaarea during bound migrant. Two Chestnut-collaredLongspurs on Black

520 AmericanB•rds, Fall, 1989 Mesa, near Kayenta, Mar 30 (CL) were alsoaway from known Great Blue Herons were occupyingnest sites in s Eddy in wintering areas for this species early March, while other nestingherons there included up to An exciting find was a Bobohnkat Black Mesa May 17 (CL), 400 Snowy Egrets and 500 Black-crowned N•ght-Herons by providing the first local record of this very sparse spring Apr. 27 (SW). Night-herons were again nesting near Espafiola, migrant. A singing• Bobolink at Springerville May 28 (RBr, with 30-32 active nests counted May 25 (CR). About 30 Great CK) was of more interest,as this specieshas twice been known Blueswere observedin a cormorantnesting colony in upper to nest in the White Mrs. region of northeasternArizona. Ten Caballo L. in the period, including one heron that appeared singing Western Meadowlarks at Buenos Aires N.W.R. May to be incubating (C.S. Wells, fide W. Pulich). Counts of up to 10 (DS,GR) were southand west of usual nestingareas within 30 Cattle Egrets were recorded in the Socorro area Apr. 4- Arizona. A • Great-tailed Grackle at Tule Well, Cabeza Prieta May 29 (JH et al.), with a few birds also at Bitter Lake N.W R N.W.R, was a local firsL but not a great surprise as this (SB et al.), the Cliff-Mangas Springs area (RF et al.), Percha specieshas demonstratedthe ability to spreadlike wildfire Dam in Sierra (PJ),near Mesilla (LS, EW), and at Rattlesnake throughout the Southwest. The Streak-backed Oriole that Springe (fide PC). Notable were single Tricolored Herons at returned to a Green Valley feeder for the 2nd winter in a row BosqueN.W.R. May 2 (PM) and near Loving May 7 (SW), as was last seen Apr. 25. A Red Crossbillat the B.T.A. Apr. 24 were two to four Little Blues at Bitter Lake N.W.R. (SB et al ), (JJ Spencer)was at a surprisinglylow elevation for the state. near Socorro(GH), and s. of San Marcial (JH et al.) Apr. 16- This species was successfulnesting in at least 2 areas in May 23. Early were a few White-faced Ibisesat BosqueN.W R Arizona this spring;six adults, with six young, were seenon Mar. 6 (RT) and near Tularosa Mar. 10-12 (G. Smith et al ), Black Mesa Mar. 10 (CL), and two adults, with two young, with all other reports in April and May (v.o.). were at Bear Canyon, Santa Catalina Mrs., May 12 (DS et al.). Up to 15 Greater White-fronted Geese were at Bosque N.W.R. Mar. 6-Apr. 14 (RT et al.). Late Snow Geese included CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilers in boldface)- Charles one at Farmington May 13 (AN et al.) and three at Bosque Babbitt,Pat Beall, JerryBock, Rick Bowers(RBo), Robert Bradley N.W.R. May 23 (fide PM), while also notable were up to 16 (RBr),John Coons (Flagstaff],Troy Corman, Doug Danforth, Bix Demaree, Russell Duerkson,Rich Furgueson,Steve Ganley, Tom near Clayton through Apr. 17 (WC). About 240 birds in a flock Gatz, Virginia Gillmore, Alma Green (Verde Valley), Kathy Gros- of 350-400 "white" geeseat BosqueN.W.R. Mar. 10 were Ross' chupf, Liz Hatcher, Jack Holloway (Tucson),Bill Howe, Betty Geese(PJ, JS), while late were seven Snowsthere May 13-14 Jackson(Globe), Dan Jones,Chuck Kangas,Kenn Kaufman,Lynn (MH). Four Canada Geeseon the Chama R. below E1 Vado L H Kaufman, Jeff Kingery, Barb Koenig, Ramsay Koury, Dave May 13-14 (CR) were presumably from the stockingprogram Krueper (SierraVista], Chuck LaRue, Charmion McKusick, Scott in the area. "Stocked"populations had produced goslingsby Mdls, Gale Monson, Robert Morse (Portal], Robert Norton, Dave May 6 at Bitter Lake N.W.R. (SW) and May 22 at La Joya Pearson,Will Russell,John Saba, Walter & Sally Spofford,Bill S.G.R. OH, J. Vaught). A male, apparent Cinnamon x Blue- Sutton, Bob Thomen, Carl S. Tomoff (Prescott),Greer Warren, winged Teal at Bosque N.W.R. Mar. 21-Apr. 25 (PM) may Janet Witzeman (Phoenix].--GARY H. ROSENBERG, 5441 N. have been the same as was there last spring. Rarer ducks Swan Rd., Apt. 313, Tucson, AZ 85718; DAVID STEJSKAL,4130 included a probable6 Eurasian Wigeon at L. Avalon, Eddy, W. Boca Raton, Phoenix, AZ 85023. Mar. 25 (PJ,JS); up to four possibleGreater Scaup at La Joya S.G.R. Mar. 30 (PJ,JS) and Bear Canyon L., Grant, Apr. 22 (RF); and four Red-breastedMergansers at Evans L., Grant, Mar. 21 (RF). A pair of Ospreyswas reportedly nestingin upper Elephant NEW MEXICO Butte L. (J.Koons, fide RF), but this record needs confirmation A Black-shoulderedKite was at RattlesnakeSprings Apr. 14 (C. Cook et al.), and late N. Harriers included singles at Mangas Springs May 14 (RF), Espafiola May 21 (BL et al ), Zuni May 26 (DC), and near TularosaMay 27 (J& NH). Other John P. Hubbard noteworthy raptors included a Corn. Black-Hawk at Albu- querque May 17 (W. Howe, fide M. Sifuentes) and a Harris' Hawk at BosqueN.W.R. Mar. 10-11 and Apr. 4 (PJet al.). The earliest acceptablereports of Swainson'sHawks were of sin- glese. of CarlsbadMar. 28 (SW) and near Nutt, Luna, Mar. 30 ABBREVIATIONS--Bosque N.W.R. = Bosquedel Apache Nat'l Wildlife Ref.;P.O. Canyon = PostOffice Canyon, Peloncillo (PS}. Mts, S.G.R. = State Game Refuge.Place names in italics are counties. TURKEY TO SWIFTS -- A presumedWild Turkey near LOONS TO RAPTORS -- A loon at L. McMillan Mar. 25 San JonMay i4 (ph. SW) was well e. of the known range and was reported as a Red-throated Loon (BZ et al.), but at a probably the result of an introduction. The introduced popu- quarter-miledistance and in winter plumagethe identity of lation at BosqueN.W.R. continued to prosper,with a high of the bird is opento question.'About 20 pairsof Clark'sGrebes 59 on Mar. 6 (RT); two birds s. of San Marcial May 24 (JH) and six of Westerns were in the Rio Grande s. of San Marcial were probably from that population. The only reports of the May 23-24 (JH et al.). Other noteworthy reportsincluded 12 flock introduced in the RattlesnakeSprings area were of one Clark's and four Westernsat Maxwell N.W.R. May 30-31 (PS) to two birds Apr. 14 and May 18 (fide PC). North of the usual and up to three Clark's in the Pecosbasin from Las Vegas to range was a Com. Moorhen at Clayton L. Apr. 15 (A. Krehblel, L McMillan Mar. 25-May 14 (BZ et al.). Moderate numbers fide WC). Late were single Sandhill Cranes at BosqueN.W R of Am. White Pelicans followed the usual southeast-north- Apr. 4 (PM) and near Las Cruces Apr. 22 (B. & H. Harrison), west corridor in the period Mar. 1-May 5 (v.o.), with periph- plus three at Las Vegas N.W.R. Apr. 2 (CR). The latest eral occurrencesincluding a bird at Morgan L., San Juan, Whooper was one at BosqueN.W.R. Mar. 4 (PM). Mar 26 and 16 there Apr. 16 (AN et al.), eight at Maxwell Nine Black-bellied Ploverswere at Bitter Lake N.W.R. May N W.R. May 30-31 (PS),and up to 55 in the Alamogordoarea 6 (PJ,JS). Two Snowy Plovers at Laguna Plata, Lea, Mar. 28 Mar 24-May 3 (J. Talley et al.). Also noteworthy were 30+ were at a new locality for the species,while the earliest one over the MagdalenaMts. Apr. 8 and 55 over the San Mateos of the springwas Mar. 9 at Laguna Grande in Eddy (SW)--, Apr 14 (PJet al.). Double-crestedCormorants were nestings. where the first young were seen May 6 (PJ,JS). Twenty-seven of San Marcial May 23 (JH),while migrantsincluded one to SemipalmatedPlovers were reported, with eight at Bosque two at Zuni Mar. 22 and Apr. 14 (DC) and one presumablyof N.W.R. Mar. 18 (PB, RT) being very early. A Piping Plover at this speciesat Snow L., Catron, May 12 (PJ). Bitter Lake N.W.R. May 6 (SW) representedonly the 4th report

Volume 43, Number 3 521 for the state A Mt Plover near Hatch Apr 22 (BO) was •n an whale even more notable,•f correct,was a s•ngingb•rd thought area where the species•s •nfrequent Early at BosqueN W R. to be an Eastern Wood-Pewee at Boone's Draw, Roosevelt, were Black-necked Stilts, Am. Avocets, and Long-billed Cur- May 5-6 (MH). Vocal Empidonax flycatchersincluded one to lews on or by Mar. 6; Baird's SandpipersMar. 18 (PB, RT); two Willows on the Zuni ReservationMay 14 and later (DC, and Stilt SandpiperMar. 21 and Solitary SandpiperMar. 31 JT), three Hammond'sin Big Water Canyon in the Zuni Mrs (J Taylor). Notable were single Whimbrels at Bluewater L. May 28 [IT), and a Gray in the Magdalena Mrs. May 4 (JBet May 25 (AS, JT), BosqueRefuge Apr. 29 (PJ),and Bitter Lake al.). Westerly was an E. Phoebe near Redrock Mar. 24 (RF), N W.R. May 4 (ph. PJ, JS); a White-rumped Sandpiper at while another was near Villaneuva in mid-May (PS et al ) ChicosaL., Harding, May 14 (PS et al.) and another at Bitter Highly unusual was a Great Kiskadee at Clayton May 13-14 Lake N.W.R. May 8 (MH); one to three SemipalmatedSand- and perhapsearlier (G. Cook, WC), for perhapsthe 3rd state p•persat BosqueN.W.R. (MH), Bitter Lake N.W.R. (PJet al.), record. Early were an Ash-throated Flycatcher near Carlsbad and Holloman L. (MH) May 4-13, plus at [,as VegasN.W.R. Mar. 30 (W. Dunmire,SW) and singleCassin's Kingbirds •n Apr. 15 & 30 (CR et al.); up to eight or nine Dunlins at Bosque the Peloncillo Mrs. Mar. 18-19 (SOW) and near RedrockMar. N W.R. Mar. 30-Apr. 25 (JB et al.) and Laguna Grande Apr. 31 (PS). Northerly were individual Scissor-tailedFlycatchers 13 (SW); two calling Short-billed Dowitchers at Bitter Lake near Nara Visa (BO et al.), Elida (SW), and at Bitter Lake N W.R. May 8 (MH); and an early phalaropeat Holloman L., N.W.R. (SB et al.) May 6-14. Otero,Mar. 30 (LS,EW). Moderatenumbers of Wilson'sPhal- An estimated 27,000 Violet-green Swallows were present aropesmoved through the statebeginning in early April (v.o.), below Navajo Dam Apr. 26 (JB,W. Black)for one of the highest while the only Red-neckedswere two at Holloman L. May 10 counts ever for the state. Twenty Bank Swallows were at a (ph. MH). new nesting area near Alcalde May 21, after the old site at Franklin's Gulls were alsofairly numerous and widespread San Juan Pueblo was destroyedby constructionactivities (BL in the same period, with notable reports including one at et al.). The high count of Cave Swallows at CarlsbadCaverns FarmingtonMay 13 (AN et al.), five near Tierra Amarilla May N.P. was 3000 as of May 8 (SW).Twenty-two Barn Swallow 12 (CR), and up to 14 at Zuni Apr. 23-29 (DC). One to three nestswere countedn. of RodeoMay 17 (RF), an area where California Gulls were at Zuni May 29 [IT), near Bernalillo the speciesa very local breeder. Blue Jayswere common •n May 18 & 20 (MH), BosqueN.W.R. Apr. 9-10 (CR et al.), and Carlsbad in the period (SW), whereas only a few migrants Caballo L. Mar. 10 (PJ,JS), while late Ring-billedsincluded were reported at Clayton (WC). Peripheral Pinyon Jays •n- severalnear EspafiolaMay 21 (BL et al.) and in the Cliff area cluded about 20 near GlenwoodMar. 2 (JH et al.) and 10 near May 18 (RF et al.). Unusual were two Caspian Terns at Cliff May 6 (RF et al.). Four to five Clark's Nutcrackerswere Bluewater L. May 25 (AS, JT), a Common Tern at Holloman present along the Chama R. between E1 Vado and Abiqmu L May 10 (MH), and a Least Tern at BosqueN.W.R. May 15 lakes May 12-14 (CR) and in the Zuni Mrs. Apr. 8 (DC). An (R Edens et al.), while early were five Forster'sTerns at Am. Crow nest producedyoung at MangasSprings (RF); other BosqueRefuge Apr. 9 (SW). recordsincluded 14 birds at Farmington May 13 (AN et al ) A Ringed Turtle-Dove was at Las Cruces through May 9, and 200 at Bosque'N.W.R. Mar. 11 (PB, RT). Three Verd•n where there were also records dating from spring 1988 (LS). nests were found near Malaga, where the speciesis more VagrantWhite-winged Doves were one to t•vo in W. Albu- numerous than anywhere else in Eddy (SW). Four Red- querque Apr. 25 (R. Tomlinson),Monticello in the Sandia breasted Nuthatches and 17 Am. Dippers--plus 2 dipper Mrs. May 30-31 (HS), and along Cherry Creek in the Pinos nests--were along the Chama R. below E1 Vado L. May 12- Altos Mrs. May 24 (MH), while early were birds at Mangas 14 (CR). SpringsMar. 6 (RF) and RedrockMar. 28 (AF). Populationsof Late Marsh Wrens were singlesat Mangas SpringsMay 18 the specieselsewhere and of the Inca Dove appearedstable, (RF) and Zuni May 29 (DC). Westerly were one to two E although Inca numbers in Socorro and Alamogordo were Bluebirdsat Watrous May 12 (P. Snider et al.) and near Chff sparse(v.o.). Early was a fledglingMourning Dove at Carlsbad May 6 (RF et al.), while easterly were three or four Mountran Mar. 21 (G. Duran, SW). Unusual was a Com. Ground-Dove Bluebirds near Bell L. Mar. 25 (PJ, JS). A Varied Thrush at RattlesnakeSprings Apr. 30 (BO), while very early was a persistedat Carlsbadthrough Mar. 12 (SW), and a Swainson's Yellow-billed Cuckoonear Virden May 4 (SOW). An Elf Owl Thrush was at Zuni May 29-30 (DC, JT). A concentrationof •n Water Canyon in the Magdalena Mrs. Apr. 29 (CB) was at 50 Sage Thrasherswas at BosqueN.W.R. Apr. 6 (BO et al ), the n. periphery of the species'range, while a new southerly while westerly were singleBrown Thrashers at Glenwood•n occurrence for Boreal Owl was one at 10,800 ft in the Pecos the period (BM), Percha Dam Mar. 30 (PJ), and Las Cruces WildernessApr. 15 (D. Stahleckeret al.). Well north of the Mar. 11 (G. Ewing, fide EW). Cedar Waxwings occurredstate- usual range was a 9 LesserNighthawk at Zuni May 26 (JT). wide but sparselyin the period Apr. 7-May 24 (v.o.). Periph- Unusual was a Whip-poor-will in P.O. Canyon Apr. 1-10 (RS), eral Phainopeplasincluded one to three in the Socorroarea while northerly were 10 in the Magdalena and San Mateo Mar. 27-May 23 (JSet al.), three at Glenwood May 12 (PJ), Mrs. May 19-20 (PJet al.). Westerly was a Chimney Swift at and one in Carlsbad Caverns N.P. May 15 (fide PC). Gray AlbuquerqueApr. 20 (LG),while early White-throatedSwifts Vireo reports included up to four birds at Zuni May 14 & 31 were in the Sandia Mrs. Mar. 9 (HS), Bandelier Nat'l. Mon. (DC, JT) and several in the Glenwood area Apr. 21 and later Mar. 13 (PS),and Zuni Mar. 18 (DC). Also early was a c•Broad- (D. McKnight). Very unusual for springwere singlePhiladel- billed Hummingbird in Guadalupe Canyon Mar. 20 (SOW), phia Vireos at Boone'sDraw May 6 (MH) and Rattlesnake while unusual for springwere singlec• Rufous Hummingbirds Springs May I (ML). Other notable vireos were an eastern- at PleasantonMar. 29 and earlier (BM et al.) and P.O. Canyon type Solitary at Boone'sDraw May 6, a Yellow-throated Vireo Apr. 7-14 (RS) and a c• Calliope Hummingbird at Silver City at Clovis Apr. 28 (ph. MH), and a Red-eyed Vireo at Rattle- May 28-31 (RF). The first c•Lucifer Hummingbirdarrived in snake SpringsMay 1 (ML). P O. Canyon Mar. 24 and a female Apr. 3, with up to 10 birds presentby the end of the period (RS). Easterly was a c•Broad- tailed Hummingbird at Bell L., Lea, May 6 (PJ,JS). WARBLERS TO FINCHES- RattlesnakeSprings "cor- nered the market" asa locality for rarer warblersin the period, including a Golden-wingedWarbler Apr. 19, TennesseeWar- WOODPECKERS TO VIREOS-- Easterly were several blers Apr. 20 (MF) and May 13 (LG), Chestnut-sidedWarbler Lewis' Woodpeckersat Clayton Mar. 23 (WC) and a Red- May 16 (DK et al.), Yellow-throated Warbler Apr. 24 (S.Fitton naped Sapsucker near Caprock, Chaves, Apr. 15 (C. Davis, et al.), and the state's2nd modern-dayCerulean Warbler Apr. LG), while westerlywas an imm. Yellow-belliedSapsucker at 19 (SW). Closebehind was Boone'sDraw, with the highlights Silver City Mar. 2 (D & MZ). A Greater Pewee in Guadalupe including a Golden-winged Warbler, Black-throated Green CanyonMay 7-8 (SOW)may havebeen a first for that locality, Warbler, and Bay-breastedWarbler May 6-7 (MH). Other

522 American B•rds, Fall 1989 reportsof rarer species•ncluded Chestnut-s•dedat Albuquer- 10-19 at the same place where presentin 1988 (WW), plus que May 24 (CB), two Black-throatedBlues at Clows May 1- one at SocorroMay 10 and later (PI), up to four at Truth or 6 (ph. MH), Blackpoll at PerchaDam Apr. 30 (CJ),single Black- Consequencesbeginning Apr. 29 (D. Miller), one or two at and-white Warblers near Cliff May 6 and Pinos Altos May 10 PerchaDam May 7 (CR et al.), and one at MangasSprings (RF et al.), Worm-eatingWarbler at AlbuquerqueMay 15 (ph. May 14-15 (RF). Unusual were two Orchard Orioles near P & Z. Doherty, fide G. Vickrey), Ovenbird at Roswell May 8 Clayton May 8 (WS) and a Hooded Oriole at Las Cruces Mar (MH), and Kentucky Warbler at Los Alamos Apr. 26 (CJ).Also 19-Apr. 5 (LS et al.). Notable near Redrock were one or two notable were a Hermit Warbler (rare in spring) in the San HoodedsMar. 24 and a pair of Bullock's (N.) Orioles Mar. 25 Mateo Mts. Apr. 29 (PJ),Am. Redstart at AlamogordoMay 10 (AF), and at RattlesnakeSprings a HoodedMay 5-6 (ML) and (KJ),four N. Waterthrushes in the Gila Valley May 6 (RF et a c•Baltimore (N.) Oriole May 16 (DK). al ), and Red-facedWarbler near Virden May 5 (SOW). A pair Cassin'sFinches were generally sparse and confined to of Painted Redstartshad already fledged young s. of Mule montane areas,although the birds were common in Waterfall Creek, Grant, May 18 (SOW), and the specieswas reported Canyon in the Sandia Mrs. (HS); other notable records •n- w•thout details in BandelJerNat'l. Mon. May 21 (fide CJ). cludedseveral at Chama May 10-31 (LS),up to eight in the Unusual were a Scarlet Tanager at House, Quay, May 12 (ph. Zuni Mrs. s. of Gallup May 20 & 27 (DC, IT), and six at SW), Hepatic Tanager alongthe Rio Grande e. of San Antonio AlamogordoMar. 2 (WW). Two family groupsof Red Crossbills May 14 (MH), and two to three Summer Tanagersnear Clay- were in the Zuni Mrs. May 20 (DC, IT); the only other reports ton May 17 (WC) and at Boone'sDraw May 7 (ph. MH). were of four birds in the lemez Mrs. near La Cueva Apr. 20 At leastone pair of N. Cardinalswas at RattlesnakeSprings (F. Crisler, M. Swain) and eight at Zuni Apr. 30 (DC). Pine Mar 9-May 5 (PC et al.) and a Pyrrhuloxia was in the Gila Siskinswere commonat Zuni in March and April, but the Valley May 6 (RF et al.). The only Rose-breastedGrosbeaks scatteredsubmontane reports elsewhere involved only small outsidethe southeastwere singlesat Farmington May 13 (AN numbers of birds. Lesser Goldfinches were common at Zum et al.) and near San Antonio May 14 (MH). Indigo Bunting in the period (DC) but almost unreportedelsewhere (v.o), reportsincluded two birds at FarmingtonMay 13 (AN et al.) while Am. Goldfincheswere somewhatmore widespread and and singlesin the MagdalenaMrs. Apr. 24 (GH), near Carri- numerous (v.o.). Evening Grosbeakswere common in Water- zozo May 29, and the Virden area May 19 (SOW), while a fall Canyon in the Sandia Mrs. in March and April (HS), and Vaned Bunting was reportedat RattlesnakeSprings Apr. 17 two were reported in the range May 23 (PS).Elsewhere, there (fide PC). A Brown Towhee during the period in Los Alamos were mainly scattered reports from in and near the northern (M Bunker, fide BL) at 7400 ft, was high. Cassin'sSparrows mountains (v.o.), plus up to 12 birds in the Zuni Mrs. Apr 8 again appeared at Zuni, with up to three May 16-17 (DC); & 30 (DC), one at Albuquerque Mar. 30 OH), and several in elsewhere, early singing birds included one to three s. of the SacramentoMts. May 13 (SB et al.). Silver City Mar. 5 (D & MZ), at RattlesnakeSprings Mar. 9 CORRIGENDA -- The frigatebirdat L. McMillan waspresent (PS,fide SW), and near RodeoMar. 11 (RF). Early were two throughOct. 12 (AB 43:149,1989), the Black-belliedWhistling- Ch•ppingSparrows at SantaFe Mar. 25-26 (JH),while unusual Duckwas at L. Carlsbadrather than L. McMillan (loc.cit.), and was a Field Sparrow n.e. of Clayton May 1 (WC). Black- the reportof up to 50 Lewis'Woodpeckers per day over Capillo ch•nned Sparrows were singing s. of Mule Creek Mar. 1 Peakshould have read a total of 53 birdsin the periodSept. 4- (SOW), in the Sandia Mts. Mar. 24 (HS), and near Carrizozo Oct. 3--with the peak of 31 on Sept. 17 (AB 43:150). Mar 30 (SW);also, a bird was gatheringnest material in the MagdalenaMts. Apr. 8 (G. Beck, PJ).The first Vesper Sparrow CITED OBSERVERS -- Pat Basham,Sherry Bixler, Charles Black,James Black, David Cleary,Wes Cook, Phyllis Cremoninl, at Zuni was Mar. 25 (DC), while very early were two Lark Ralph Fisher, Jr., Mark Flippo, Alton Ford, Larry Gorbet, Mitch Sparrowsat BosqueN.W.R. Mar. 11 (PB, RT). Lark Buntings Heindel,Gaff Hodge,John Hubbard, Joe & Nancy Hutto, Stephen were generally numerous in the east and south from mid- Ingraham,Pat Insley,Kay & RobertJenness, Carlyn Jervis, Phihp April throughmid-May (v.o.),with northwesterlyoccurrences Johnson,David Krueper, Burton Lewis, Mark Lockwood,Barbara including one to two at FarmingtonMay 13 (AN et al.) and McKnight,Peggy Mitchusson, Alan Nelson,Bruce Ostyn, Chris- near Gallup Apr. 20 (SI et al.); alsonotable were five at High topher Rustay, A1 Schmierer, Robert Scholes,Lorraine Schulte, Rolls, Otero, May 6 (WW). The earliest Savannah Sparrows Hart Schwarz,John Shipman, Paul Steel,Ross Teuber, John Tro- were at Zuni Mar. 5 (DC), and three GrasshopperSparrows chet, William Wells, Steve West, Sartor O. Williams III, Eleanor were singingat Las VegasN.W.R. May 20 (CR). Unusual was Wootten,Barry Zimmer, Dale & Marian Zimmerman.--JOHN P. a s•ngingLe Conte'sSparrow at the Waldrop rest stop in a HUBBARD, 2016 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, NM 87501. plains area near CaprockApr. 13 (JB).Swamp Sparrowswere present in moderate numbers in the usual areas (v.o.), and other reports included one to two at Las Vegas N.W.R. Apr. 30 (PI, CR), near Gallup Apr. 29 (SI), Zuni May 31 (DC), and the Cliff-Mangas Springs area Mar. 7-May 18 (RF et al.). Single Golden-crownedSparrows were at Santa Fe Apr. 26 (CR) and BosqueN.W.R. Mar. 30 and Apr. 6 (JBet al.) and a Harris' Sparrow was near Socorro Apr. 22 (RT). Notable were at least six Chestnut-collaredLongspurs at Zunl Mar. 5 (DC) and a Bobolink near Gallup May 12 (SI et al ) Peripheral Great-tailed Grackles included one or two in the w. foothillsof the Sandia Mrs. Apr. 26 (HS) and at Queen •n the GuadalupeMts. (SW). Other reportsincluded up to six at Zuni in the period, 30 near San Rafael May 12 (DC), and small numbersin the Gila Valley vicinity as early as Mar. 21 (RF et al.). Unusual was a Corn. Grackle at Glenwood Mar. 1 (JH),while also notable were five at Farmington May 13 (AN et al ) and one to two at Zuni Mar. 1-May 3 (DC). The species continued to increase at Carlsbad, with one carrying food there May 22 (SW). A local first was furnished by two 9 Bronzed Cowbirds in the Roswell area May 7-8 (ph. MH), •nd•catinga continued northerly/easterly spreadof the spe- cies•n the state.Also notablewas a bird at AlamogordoMay

Volume 43, Number 3 523 ALASKA •%: .:•:•. Seward Pen.

REGION Fairbanks o• ALASKA

T. G. Tobish, Jr., and M. E. Isleib

S.A. ncethe winter period's "Omega Block" dissipated in February, warm and relatively dry weather domi- The March 24th, 1989Exxon Valdez oil spillin Prince nated Alaska south of the BrooksRange. April was espe- William Sound has caused the direct loss of uncounta- cially warm as temperaturesranged above averagestate- ble thousandsof birds.By early July, cleanupcrews and wide. Notable was the infrequencyof recordedovernight biologistshad recoveredover 28,000 bird carcasses,a frostsafter mid-month south of the Yukon River valley. small fraction of the total killed. Oiled and dead birds Such conditionsallowed for a thrust of early migrantsin were found in an area between central Prince William goodnumbers into all regionsof the state, but a seriesof Sound,the KodiakArchipelago, and the s. coastof the widespread cold fronts slowed northward migration for AlaskaPeninsula. Wintering and residentloons, grebes, most of early May. Storm tracks within the North Pacific- diving ducks, cormorants,shorebirds, and alcids were covered by some variant of the 11 million gallons of Bering Sea low were unusual, and followed the pattern crude oil. Fortunately, the vast majority of the millions from the winter seasonthat carried systemsnortheastward of migrant waterfowl and shorebirdstypically overfly out of the central or easternAleutians up the Bering Sea the spill areas.Although at this writing it is too early to coast.This weather pattern no doubt contributed to a wild assesspopulation damages to the variousspecies hit, it showingof Asiatic formsat the Pribilofsin mid-May. The is clear that Yellow-billed Loons,Barrow's Goldeneyes, Asiatic componentof migrantsin the western and central Bald Eagles,and CommonMurres may have been very Aleutians was poorly represented both in numbers and hard hit. Biologistsconsidered that the 81 Yellow-billed diversity as that area was basically storm-free after early Loons recovered,as of late May, representedat most May. Snowpack over the Seward Peninsula and around only 10% of the total number lost. Such a loss could Kotzebue Sound, especially near the coast, was record representa significantpercentage of the Alaska popu- deep. This certainly concentratedmigrants both at Nome lation. There were coincidentally 3 other significantoil and Kotzebue, where observers also found more than spills in the state after January 1989, one each in She- normal numbers of interestingAsiatic species.Four spe- likof Strait, at Adak I., and at St. Paul I. cies were added to the Alaska list this season, three from Attu Island and one from St. Lawrence Island. Details on dominantly in the coastalfringe from s. Japanto the Philip- these records will be published elsewhere. One of these, pines, Micronesia, and the Papuan region. Rufous Turtle-Dove, had been substantiatedin Alaska by Very rare in s.e.Alaska and seenfor the 2nd time at Juneau three previousrecords, but all were filed as having ques- was an Emperor Goose present on the Mendenhall wetlands tionable origin. Apr. 13-24 (MEI et al.). A male and two 9 Garganeyswere at Attu I. May 15-24 (m.ob.)while a singledrake appearedat St. GREBES TO DUCKS -- The only reports of Pied-billed Paul I.'s Webster L. May 21 (•'ILJ,RAS). The Nome area's 2nd Grebe were of singlesat Mitkof I. May 26 (PJW) and at the documentedGarganey was foundMay 30 just westof the city Juneauairport May 14-18 (DM). This season'shigh count of (•'MJA). There are very few Garganey records in the Bering Western Grebe, s.e. of Mitkof I., was about average at 352 on Sea away from the w. Aleutians. Cinnamon Teal made a fine Apr. 22 (PJW).More than a little surprisingwas a 9-plumaged showing.Earliest was a drake near PetersburgApr. 21 (PJW). ChineseLittle Bittern (Ixobrychussinensis) at Attu I. May 17- Walsh figured that up to seven individuals, including a flock 21 (MEIet al., SK, DWS, ph.). This small e. Palearctic bittern of four on May 6, were present in the Petersburg area this breedsnorth to the s. Kuriles and migratesand winters pre- season;the latest there was a drake May 14. Another (•

524 American Birds, Fall 1989 Cinnamon Teal remained at Anchorage'sPotter Marsh May SoAo 2-15 (HCE et al) for a 3rd local record. Gadwall numbers declined quickly this spring at Kodiak I., from the record In early May, local fishermen alerted State and Fed- winter numbers there (q.v.); the highest spring count was of eral biologists that shorebirds had amassed into un- 550 Mar. 30 from the island's road system (RAM). Gadwalls countableflocks on the n. side of Montague I. at the s. entrance to Prince William Sound. These birds were appearedin the e. Interior, where casual,at Delta (four Apr. 29, DDG, JJ),and the spring peak at Anchorage reached an apparentlyfeeding on recently-spawnedPacific herring above-average16+ May 2 (RLS, TGT). Eurasian Wigeon were roe. Although oiled roe and surface oil sheenswere in widespreadas usualthis season;mainland and Gulf of Alaska the area, the shorebirdsfed on unexposedroe. After coastindividuals arrived with North American congenersin biologistsground-truthed a boat-basedsurvey of Rocky mid to late April, while Aleutian and Bering Sea individuals and Zaikof Bayson n. MontagueI. May 3, they made a arrived in mid-May. Observersrecorded individuals from the conservative tally of 17,700 Surfbirds and 10,100 Black Interior at Fairbanks (where casual) with three May 2 (JA); Turnstones (PDM, DWN et at.). These flocks quickly from 4 s.c.Alaska locales(maximum 10 for a new record high dissipatedand by May 10 only 2500 Surfbirds and 3400 at Kodiak I., Apr. 20, RAM), from the c. and w. Aleutians Black Turnstones remained. The numbers of May 3 (maximum 12 at Attu I. May 21), and from the Bering Sea, at certainly representedsignificant percentagesof each Nome, Gambell, and the Pribilof Is. where a flock of 60 birds species'world populations.Although there are no com- at St Paul I. May 17 constituteda new state high count. prehensive counts of Black Turnstone from within its Unusual at Gambell was a • Com. Pochard, found dead range, this total from Prince William Sound likely con- June 6 (EH, *MEI), for a first St. Lawrence I. record. Tufted stituted at least half of that species'entire population. Ducks also ventured into the n. Bering Sea, where the species It is clear that the Sound provides an abundant food is casual. A pair on snowmelt pondsnear Kotzebue May 23- source and critical habitat for migrant Surfbirds and 26 (E & JRet al.) furnisheda first local record,and a drake at Black Turnstones.And it is these bays on n. Montague Nome May 22-31 (WINGS) was also unusual. I. where a significant portion of the Sound's herring spawn between mid-April and mid-May. Further de- tails of this phenomenonwill be publishedelsewhere. HAWKS TO TERNS -- Attu I.'s adult White-tailed Eagle still survives alone in Temnac Valley, seen again this spring at intervals in May and June (m.ob.). An Apr. 15 Swainson's Hawk in Fairbanks(DRK) was at the early end of the species' Black Turnstonewhere the samebird frequentedSalt Lagoon arrival time in the Interior. Most interesting was a Merlin at May 14-16 and May 31-June3 (RAS,ILJ). It remainsa mystery Gambell June 2-3 (•'PEL, JLD), that observers described as why Black Turnstone doesnot show up, at least casually, on having warm buffy tones both on the dorsum and towards the Bering Sea islandssince it breeds to the Bering Sea coast the vent. We know of no prior St. Lawrence I. record for locally from the Yukon R. Delta to the Seward Peninsula. At Merlin. least two Great Knots were reported this season,one each Shorebirdmigration was, save for a handful of extralimital from the Nome R. mouth May 30-June 3 (MJA) and from or noteworthy reports, extremely dull. Poor numbers of Gambell May 22 (FourPts).These 2 areas are clearly the best nearly all normal migrant specieswere recorded away from sites to find Great Knot. For the first time since the early traditionalimportant staging areas, and severalregular Asiatic 1970s,we received no reportsof Rufous-neckedStint in the migrants went unrecorded from the w. Aleutians. Asiatic Aleutians, where the specieshad been annual since the first specieswere well represented,however, in Bering Sea areas Aleutian record in 1971. Jonesand Sundstromprovided ex- where most are uncommon or casual. The only Common cellent detailsof a Little Stint at St. Paul I. May 19 and three Greenshankreport came from Attu, where two were seen Long-toedStints May 21 (ILJ,RAS). Both speciesare casualin between May 21 & 28 (WM et el.). A mostly basic-plumaged the Pribilofs.We now have 6 substantiatedspring recordsof Greater Yellowlegs at PetersburgMar. 19 (PJW)was likely a Little Stint from the Region. wanderer from a northerly wintering site rather than an early The season'sonly Ring-billed Gull reports came from Ko- spring arrival. Although there are no winter records for the diak I. May 22 (5th island record,•'RAM) and Cordova,where Region, the normal spring arrival for s.e. Alaska areas is the two adults were present May 12-19 (RF). A pair of Caspian 2nd week of April. LesserYellowlegs made record-early ar- Terns appeared near Cordova, record early for the Region, rivals at PetersburgApr. 6 (PJW) and at Anchorage Apr. 15 Apr. 27 (DWN, SES). Singleswere found throughout the w (TGT, RLS).For the first time ever, the peak Wood Sandpiper CopperR. Delta, where the speciesapparently bred last sum- movement centered in the s.e. Bering Sea, where observers mer. CommonTerns were widespread,reported from Attu I. at St Paul I. tallied 70+, including a flock of 57, May 18 (ILJ). (May 25-June 11, maximum two, m.ob.), St. Paul I. (one May The Seward Peninsula's3rd springand 4th ever Wood Sand- 20-28, ILJ,RAS), and Gambell (up to two May 23-31, FourPts, piper was a single near Nome May 26 (BGP, MG, ph.). WINGS). Observersat Nome May 30 had leisurely looks at a Common Sandpiper(GM, JLD et el.) that provided mainland Alaska's first record. Up to four Com. Sandpipers,maximum three DOVES TO WRENS- A flighty Rufous Turtle-Dove May 18, were at St. Paul and St. GeorgeIs. May 17-24 ('tlLJ, (Streptopetiaorientalis) bounded about canyonsand gullies at RAS). The BeringSea's first SpottedSandpiper was one at St. Attu I. May 20-June 12 (SW, SK et at.). This furnished Alaska's Paul I. May 31 ('tTBF). Single Terek Sandpiperswere located 4th report. Single birds that landed wet and exhausted on at GambellJune 6-7 (MJA, FourPts)and at Nome May 29-30 fishingvessels, one s. of Agattu and anotheroff the Pribilofs, (BGP,MG, GM). The Nome bird provided the Seward Penin- and anotherat St. Paul I. accountedfor the 3 previousAlaska sula's first record. Up to five Upland Sandpipersat Noorvik reports,which had been consideredof equivocalorigin. Both just inland from the Kobuk R. mouth May 25 (•'JW)were major shipping lanes and commercial fishing fleets are gen- likely forced to the coast by record snowpackcover; the erally centered 350-500 km south of Attu, and shipboard speciesreaches its w. limits of breedingin the Regionfarther observers have never seen captive landbirds aboard such inland up the KobukR. A Little Curlew (Numeniusminutus) vesselsin the N. Pacific.There are observationsof passerines that flew in off the BeringSea and landedat GambellJune 7- and even shorebirdslanding on vesselsin the N. Pacific and 8 was astonishing(VENT, •'KK ph.). This curlew breedsnorth S. BeringSea, but we have no report of individualsstaying on and east in n.e. Asia only to the w. Kolyma R. drainagesbut vesselsfor more than a brief period.By plumagethis individ- it doeswinter in Australia.This providedAlaska's first record. ual was apparently of the highly migratory nominate race St. Paul I. also was the site of the Bering Sea islands' 3rd orientalis, which wanders widely in migration west of its

Volume 43, Number 3 525 orientalis, which wanders widely in migration west of its WINGS, ph) and St Paul I, where observersw•tnessed a rangeto W Europe Sincethis dovearrived at Attu with other fallout of 22 birds in a singleflock May 17 (ILJ,RAS) Bram- migrants (including two other first Alaska records) during bling recordsin the BeringSea, where the speciesis casual passageof a seriesof lows that originatedover the s. Sea of north of the c. and w. Aleutians,had previouslyonly twice Okhotsk, and given the details of previous reports and the included more than single birds. A bright c• Common Rose- backgroundinformation on the species'extralimital propen- finch at CambellJune 10 (•'KK,•'PEL), furnished the 5th spring sity, we have no reasonto discountits origin or wild occur- record for St. Lawrence I. Elsewhere, a 9 Com. Rosefinch was rence. The 3 previous Alaska recordsare currently being found at Attu June 8-9 (TGT, TLS). reevaluated.Details on this and the previousrecords will be Northern finch populationswere essentiallyunrecorded or publishedelsewhere. rare and local (crossbills),or dispersedin below-averagenum- Western Screech-Owlreports came from Gustavus(three bers (redpolls,Pine Siskin). There was a handful of isolated calling Apr. 24 to late May, BBP), where the speciesreaches reportsof small flocksof White-wingedCrossbills from the w its northern known limits in the Region.Up to five N. Pygmy- BrooksRange. Small numbersdid begin to enter.the Region Owls on Mitkof I. Mar. 18-May 18 (PJW)provided the highest at the period'sclose. Redpoll populations remained near av- number ever for this area, where the speciesbred last sum- erage throughout the Region, as they have for the past 3 mer. The seasoh'sonly Barred Owl respondedto a tape May summers. i on Mitkof I. (PJW). Flycatchers were generally early Oriental Greenfinchesappeared in the w. Aleutians this throughout the Region, and several speciesarrived record season,at Attu with two May 22-24 (TGT, NSP),and at nearby early; at Petersburga Western Flycatcher Apr. 30 (PJW)was Alaid I. with two June I (fide GVB). Oriental Greenfinch the state's earliest ever, and at Anchorage an Olive-sided remainsa casualspring and fall migrant from the w. Aleutians FlycatcherMay 2 (DFD) was early for Upper Cook Inlet by 6 only. Early arriving birders were treated to a brilliant c• days.A dark-plumagedBank Swallow at Attu June7-10 (TGT) Eurasian Bullfinch at Cambell May 26-30 (DOH, PEL, ph) furnished a 5th springreport for the w. Aleutians and likely There are now 4 springrecords for the Region,3 of which are was Palearctic (Riparia riparia ijimae). The two Girdwood from Cambell. The Pribilofs' 2nd (and first in spring) Haw- Valley Chestnut-backedChickadees remained all seasonnear finch was found near East Landing June 3 (•'TBF, RM, SC, the feeder that had attracted them in winter (q.v., DM). As a GH). Elsewhere,Attu birderswere actually able to leisurely result of the past winter's Januarycold, Macintoshfelt that study the three Hawfinchesthat arrived there June 9 (TGT, upwards of 90% of the easternportion of Kodiak'sWinter TLS), and one was reported from Buldir I. June 5 (fide GVB) Wren population perished. Since January only five or six Hawfinchesare apparentlyannual in springin the w. Aleu- individuals could be found (RAM). tians, where the specieshas been recorded in 9 of the last 14 years,especially at Attu where they key in on Siberian Moun- MUSCICAPIDS TO ICTERINES-- A flash of color in tain Ash bushes. the willow thickets of Henderson Valley at Attu surprised birders May 20-21 (DWS, ph., et al.) when Alaska's first CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- J.Algier, M.J. Aus- NarcissusFlycatcher (Ficedulanarcissina) perched up. This tin, W. Butler, G.V. Byrd, S. Caroil,D.F. Delap,J.L. Dunn, H C gaudy e. Asian flycatcher is a common forest breeder to n. Eames, R. Fairall, T.B. Feltnet, Four Points Nature Tours (B Japanand the s. Kurile Is. Extralimital Hermit Thrusheswere Hallerr and C.J. Hainey et el.), D.D. Gibson, M. Gustarson,K noted at St. Paul, where one near Salt LagoonMay 30 (•-ILJ) Hanson, G. Harmon, E. Hase, D.O. Hill, J. Jolis, I.L. Jones,K was a first for the Pribilofs, and at Cambell, where casual in Kaufman, J.G. King, D.R. Klein, S. Komito, p.E. Lehman, R A spring,with singlesMay 30 and June5 (WINGS). For the first Macintosh, R. Marrus, P.D. Martin, G. McCaskie, D. McKay, D time since 1975, EyebrowedThrush went unrecorded from McKnight,W. Mueller, D.W. Norton,B.P. Paige,B.C. Peterlohn, N.S. Proctor,E. & J. Robb,T.L. Savaloja,S.E. Sennet, R.L. Scher, the Region.A c•Black-backed Wagtail was describedMay 31- D.W. Sonneborn, R.A. Sundstrom, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours June I [•'PEL) from Cambell, where the speciesis casual in (K. Kaufmanet al.), P.J.Walsh, J. Watters,R. Williams,WINGS spring. Single Bohemian Waxwings were found at Adak I. (J.L.Dunn and D. Sibley et el.), S. Wulkowicz.All details (•'), May 17 (fide GVB) and at Attu May 20-25 (JJ,DDG). There is photographs(ph.], and specimens(*) referencedhere are on file one previousAttu record, and these representthe 3rd Aleu- at University of Alaska Museum. --T. G. TOBISH, Jr., 2510 tian report. The Attu bird was collected and was definitely Foraker Drive, Anchorage,AK 99517;M. E. ISLEIB,9229 Emily not North American pallidiceps. Interesting Parulid reports Way, Juneau, AK 99801. came from Sitka, where a Blackpoll Warbler and a singing Com.Yellowthroat were foundMay 28 (KH). Bothspecies are casual in the S.E. Archipelago. Noteworthy was a singing Townsend's Warbler in taiga at Denali N.P. June 6 (BGP,MG). This locale is west of the species'known breeding limits, which are in the Fairbanks area to the north and in the w. Talkeetna Mts. foothills to the south. The Juneauarea's latest Harris' Sparrowwas reportedApr. 28 (RW).Rustic Buntings were poorlyrepresented and arrived late in the w. Aleutians; earliest (and maximum) was one May 31 at Nizki I. (fide GVB). Up to sevenRustic Buntings at St Paul I. May 17-June 2 (RAS, ILJ) made a new Pribilof Is. high count; this bunting is at best casual in the Pribilofs. Common Reed Bunting made a good showing at Attu where an ad. male and two females were located May 25 and May 28-June i respectively(TGT, TLS), for the Region's5th record. A singingRed-winged Blackbird was beyond the n. limits of the species'range in the upper Tanana R. valley at Ohtig Lake, 40 mi eastof Ft. Yukon, June 1 (JGK,WB). The species is casual in n. Alaska. FRINGILLIDS-- For the first time, observers documented the occurrence of all five of the Alaska list's Old World finches in the Regionin one season.Brambling reportsaway from the Aleutians, where the specieswas on time in very low num- bers, came from Cambell, four birds May 28-June 3 (FourPts,

526 American B•rds, Fall 1989 '• BRITISCOLBI/' NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST '• ,.. •n ,• • _Bellingham REGION • •/[ct•S•JuanIs. '• •r•.•seattle PACIFIC•ys,• •,vm,,• HI TON

Bill Tweit and Steve Heinl • •Po•d M• H• ß

YaqumaBay ß Corvallis

ß Eugene

co• By ORECO

ß Medford

The only documentedreport of Clark's Grebe was of two at .effectt wasona rather both breedingstormy spring,and migratory which mayspecies. have All had three an OceanShores May 12 ('•G & WH). months were wetter than normal. In the northern half of There were 2 pelagictrips off Westport,WA, Apr. 9 and the Region,March beganwith snowstorms,and then con- May 7 (TW),and TT wasstationed on a boatoff Oregonduring tinued with rain on all but four days. The rains tapered April and May. Countsof Black-footedAlbatross ranged from off after the first week of April, the rest of the month was nine on Apr. 9 to 75 on May 7, which are normal numbers. slightlywarmer than average.Mid and late May saw more NorthernFnlmars were almostnonexistent. The only report stormy periods. was of two May 7. Apparentlynone was seenin April, when The shorebirdmigration was lackluster, with lower than they still shouldhave been presentin winteringnumbers. usual numbers of most of the regular migrants and all of Pink-footedShearwaters were not reporteduntil May 7, when the scarcer 'eastern' migrants such as stilts, avocets,and one Flesh-footedShearwater was also found.Sooty Shear- waterswere foundin the low thousandsoff both Oregonand Baird's and Pectoral sandpipers.There were more than Washingtonduring April and May. Small numbers(35) of the usual numbersof someof the interior passerinesthat Short-tailedShearwaters were with the Sootiesoff Washing- are casualmigrants on the west side: Say'sPhoebe, Town- ton Apr. 9. Two Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were seen off He- send's Solitaire, Mountain Bluebird, LoggerheadShrike, ceta Head, OR, Apr. 16. None was found off Washingtonin Lark Sparrow, and Black-throatedSparrow. April, and 26 were seenMay 7. The only Leach'sStorm-Petrel The summary of sightingsfrom Vancouver Island was was one seen inland near Salem, OR, May 26 (Glen Linde- not available in time for inclusionin this report. man), for one of very few inland records unrelated to fall ABBREVIATIONS -- R.S. = Ranger Station;S.J.C.R. = south storms. jetty of the Columbia R., OR; V.I. = Vancouver I., BC; W.R.A. = Wildlife Recreation Area. The northward movementof Brown Pelicanswas strong and early. Pelicanswere at Yaquina Bay, OR, Apr. 19 (f/de LOONS TO HERONS-- A late spring migration of Pa- DFa) and at OceanShores Apr. 25 (THas).By May 30, 120 cific Loon was noted at Florence,OR, May 20 (300+ in V2 were countedin GraysHarbor (Dan Guy, Max Zahn, fide JS), hour) (SH)and at OceanShores, WA, May 26 (10 per minute) certainlythe largestspring count ever for Washington.Aside (G & WH). Such is not noted every year. There was only one from106 Great Egrets in the CoquilleEstuary, OR, Apr. 1 (SH, report of Yellow-billed Loon, for the lowest spring total in DFi), there were only 3 reportsof Great Egretsthis spring. years, one at Yaquina Bay, OR, Mar. 18-23 (Dave & Mary The Coquilleestuary concentration had dissipatedby the end Copeland,Jack Corbett). Three reportsof Red-neckedGrebe of April. Black-crownedNight-Herons were noted at 2 loca- alongthe Oregoncoast May 5-13 were unusuallylate, as the tions,both areaswhere breedingis possible.Two were at last sightingsare usually in late April. Some or all of the 800 Finley N.W.R. May 17 (KM) and three were at Reifel Ref., BC, W. Grebeson BellinghamBay, WA, May 25 (TW) may have May 8 (J1),with one remaining at Reifel until the end of the remained to summer in that area, an occasional occurrence. month.

Volume 43, Number 3 527 WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- A Black-belhedWh•sthng- numbersof these two speciesshould positively correlate, but Duck at Vancouver, WA, from late Aprfi through the end of •n most springsthey seem to There were tone golden-plover May (Tony Fuchs,JS, •'GW) was not toe-chppedand showed reports,four from Oregonand five from Washington.One was no other signsof captivity. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service identified as fulva (DP) and two in Washingtonwere called has no records of this speciesin captivity in ei.ther Oregon or dominica. There is only one previous Regional report of Washington.This was the first report of this speciesin Wash- dominicain the spring(AB 41: 479).Until the springstatus of ragton, and now the Records Committee must wrestle with the two golden-ploversis betterunderstood, all springreports theories about the bird's origin. The last of the wintering of dominica should be documented. Two Black-necked Stfits Trumpeter Swans in the Puget Sound area and Willamette near Ashland, OR, Apr. 20 (Ray Skibby) were the only ones Valley appear to have left in mid-March. The 20 Trumpeters reported. This was the 2nd consecutivespring of small num- at Reifel I., BC, Mar. 31 (jI) and one Apr. 9 and May 21 at bersin w. Oregonof this sporadicspring invader to the Region Saanich,V.I. (J.B.Tatum] were the last reported. Observations Seven Am. Avocets, another sporadicinvader, made an av- of migratory groupsof Greater White-fronted Geeseincluded erage showing. Greater Yellowlegs numbers were normal, 700 over Toketee R.S., OR, Apr. 17 (DFi) and 800 at S.J.C.R. with flocksof 100+ reportedthroughout the Regionin Aprfi May 9 (HN). The latter number was unusually large for a Both LesserYellowlegs and Solitary Sandpipers,scarce regu- coastallocale. The two Emperor Geesethat wintered on Coos lar spring migrants, were noted in average numbers. Rela- Bay, OR, until Apr. 9 (m.ob.) were the only ones reported; no tively large flocks of 350 Whimbrels near Tillamook May 5 m•grants were noted. (Craig Roberts) and 200 at Yaquina Bay May 6 (SJ) were Wood Ducks are plentiful in the ColumbiaR. bottomlands, illustrative of the good numbers on the Oregon coast, but but 120 at Scappoose,OR, Mar. 22 (NH) made a large number Whimbrels were almost unreported elsewhere. for such an early date. Three Eur. Green-wingedTeal, a lower The largest number of Red Knots reported was only 200 than average number, were reported this spring. The last along southern Grays Harbor, WA, Apr. 23 (GW), and only were Apr. 9 at both Lummi Flats, Whotcom, WA (Jim Duere- five were noted in Oregon. From one to three Semipalmated reel) and Reifel I., BC (RTo et ol.). A • N. Shoveler with 10 Sandpiperswere reported in the Vancouver, BC, area from chicks at Fort StevensS.P., Clatsop,May 3 (HN) represented Apr. 30 to May 18, and none was reported elsewhere. The W a very unusualbreeding record for w. Oregonas well as being Sandpiperpeak countswere of 15,000at Bandon,OR, Apr 28 early. Hybrid Eurasian x American Wigcon were reported (DFi), 12,000 at Nisqually N.W.R., WA, Apr. 30 (RTh), and from Seattle through Mar. 18 (EH, Bob Sundstrom), Vancou- 10,000 at Reifel I., BC, Apr. 27 (JI). These reflect the usual ver, BC, Mar. 10 (Jostvon der Linde), and Surrey, BC, Apr. 17 timing and numbers for these locations. Only two Bmrd's (H & JM). Most Eur. Wigconleft by mid-April, but a male May Sandpipers,rare springmigrants, were noted. One Apr. 30 at 27 at Auburn, WA (TB), was the latest ever for the Region. Iona I., BC (MPr), was typical of their timing in the Region, Three Tufted Duck reportswere averagefor spring,with only but the other at Olympia, WA, May 14 (BT) was late. E•ght the ad. male at Kerby, Josephine,OR, Mar. 11 (•'JGi)being Pectoral Sandpiperswere reported from Apr. 15 to May 21, well documented. somewhat fewer than average.A 6 Ruff at Reifel I., BC, Apr The bulk of the Turkey Vulture migration in s.w. Oregon 8-14 (•-MPr,JI) provided the 2nd springrecord for the Region, occurredMar. 28 through Apr. i (Eric Sutterberg,SH). North both from the Vancouverarea. The reportedflocks of Short- of the southernWillamette Valley, migration did not progress billed Dowitcher, an abundant spring migrant, were also until after Apr. 10 (HN). The only migratory group noted in small. About 5000 at Grays Harbor Apr. 23 (GW) and 200 at Washington was at Port Townsend Apr. i (DP), and only Bandon, OR, Apr. 28 (DFi) were the largest flocks reported s•ngleswere noted in mainland . After the Numbers of Wilson's Phalaropes,another sporadic visitant very largenumbers of Black-shoulderedKites reported during from the east, were much lower than in most years. Red- the winter, the springcounts tapered off quickly. Small num- necked Phalaropeswere unusually conspicuousalong the bersremained throughoutthe springat Raymond,WA (m.ob.), outer coast during May. Counts of hundreds came from all Nehalem Meadows, OR (m.ob.), and at Talent and Denman coastal locations from May 7 to May 26. One in alternate W.R.A., both in Jackson,OR (MM, Otis Swisher). Breedingis plumage on Yaquina Bay Mar. 11 (BB)was very early. Despite possibleat all 4 sites. A single kite on the Skagit Flats, WA, this heavy onshoremovement, only the typical small numbers Apr. i (•' Hal Opperman) furnished the northernmost record were noted inland. The only Red Phalarope reports were of for the Regionand was only 45 miles south of Canada.Reports one at BaskettSlough N.W.R., OR, Mar. 10 (RG) and 100 seen of both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper'shawks were much scar- 20 mi off Heceta Head, OR, May 4 (TT). None was seen on cer than average, but this may have been an artifact of pelagictrips off Westporton Apr. 9 or May 7 (TW). reporting. Red-shoulderedHawks were reported 3 times in Oregon north of their regular haunts in the Brookings/Harborarea, LARIDS, ALCIDS- Very small numbers of Pomanne which has become typical for this expanding species. A Jaegers,fewer than 10 each trip, were seenin April and May Swainson'sHawk at Randle, Lewis,WA, May 15 (THas, Kevin off Westport (TW). Six ParasiticJaegers seen off the Oregon Aanerud, Paul Cozens)provided a very rare spring record for coast Apr. 15 (TT) were quite early. They may have been the Region. The latest Rough-leggedHawks were singleson associatedwith a pelagic movement of Bonaparte's Gulls Apr. 16 at Carlton, OR (JJ)and at Surrey, BC (JackWilliams). noted the next day. Otherwise, small numbers of Paras•t•cs All other reports were from March. The 16 reports of Pere- were noted during May off the S.J.C.R.and Grays Harbor, as grines were about half the average for the spring season. is normal. An ad. Little Gull off Point No Point, Kitsap, WA, Merlin numbers seemed to be average. The last Gyrfalcon Mar. 10-12 & 24 (VN, m.ob., ph.) furnished the 9th Regional reportswere Mar. 12 in n.w. Washington(Joe TerLouw, fide springrecord. Over 7000 Bonaparte'sGulls off Point No Pmnt TB) and Mar. 22 in the Vancouver, BC, area (MPr). Apr. 6 (VN) made the largestmigratory group noted. A m•gra- tory movement was also noted 20 mi off the Oregon coast Apr. 16, when 500 were seen headed north (TT). There were RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- The first Soraswere noted Apr. 4 reports of GlaucousGulls, a lower than average number, 6 at Finley N.W.R., OR (RG), Apr. 14 at Ridgefield N.W.R., with the last noted Apr. 26 at Vancouver, BC (MPr). An WA (Robert & GeorgiaRamsey), and Apr. 9 at Pitt Meadows, apparent first-year Iceland Gull photographedat Port Ange- BC (Dan Bastaja).Nehls reported smaller than normal num- les, Clallam, Mar. 20 (EH, VN, ph. FS) may have providedthe bers of Black-belliedPlover on the Oregoncoast throughout first record for Washington. If not a pure kumlieni, the b•rd the period, and no large flockswere reportedelsewhere. The was probably a hybrid Thayer's x Kumlien's. This was the spring Lesser Golden-Plover flight seemed smaller than av- first Regional record for an Iceland type since 1987, when a erage as well. There is no ready explanation why spring possibleindividual was seen in Oregon, and 1984 to 1985,

528 American Bn:ds,Fall 1989 western Oregon. There are also over 5 British Columbia records. Calliope Hummingbirds are rare vagrants from the interior in the Vancouver, BC, area. Singleswere seen there Apr. 21-26 (RTo, m.ob.) and May 6 at Reifel I. (lI). The major wave of Rufous Hummingbirds was noted during the first third of April in the Willamette Valley and the Puget Trough (HN, SH, EH, RTh). A Lewis' Woodpecker at Kalaloch, Jefferson,WA, Apr. 29 (TH} may have provided a first county record; they are espe- cially rare on the outer coast.Red-naped Sapsuckerrecords included one in Vancouver, BC, Apr. 21-23 {'tMPr, 'tWayne Weber}, a window kill Apr. 10 in Seattle {fide PM, *U.W. Burke Museum} and two on Mary's Peak in the coast range of Benton, OR, Apr. 8-9 (RG}. Also on Mary's Peak were a 9 Williamson's SapsuckerMar. 23 {'tRG}and a male Apr. 8 ('tA1 McGie}. Williamsoh's are very rare in the Region, while a few Red-naped occur away from their breeding range on the CascadeCrest annually.

FLYCATCHERS TO SWALLOWS-- Except for the phoebes,flycatcher migration was on time and unremarkable. Olive-sided Flycatchers were first reported Apr. 20 in Van- This gull in Clallam County, Washington,on March 20, 1989, was believedto be a (Kurnlien's) Iceland Gull, and if soit would couver, BC (DT), with most of the 23 other sightingsin May. The first W. Wood-Peweewas also reported from Vancouver, probably representthe first state record. Photograph/Fred BC, Apr. 30 (JL, RTo). First arrival dates for Hammond's Sharpe. Flycatcher were Apr. 15 in Oregon (lJ),Apr. 21 in Washington (FS), and Apr. 19 in British Columbia (DT). No migratory when several were found in the Vancouver, BC, area. movements of Hammond's were noted. No Dusky Flycatchers Black-leggedKittiwakes were virtually unreported this were reported from the n. Willamette Valley, where a few spring.Only two were reportedfrom Oregon,both in March spring vagrantshave been found each of the past few years. at Bandon (DFi). Singles were noted along the Washington A Gray Flycatcher, a rarity anywhere in the Region, was in coast,except for Apr. 9 when 50 were seen at GraysHarbor Ashland, OR, Apr. 13 (MM). The first Western Flycatchers (TW). Only one Sabine'sGull was noted off Westport May 7 were noted Apr. 11 in Oregon (JJ),Apr. 13 in Washington (Jack (TW); this was alsoa very low number. At least 1000 Common Davis), and Apr. 17 in British Columbia (H & JM). Again, no Terns in the Grays Harbor channel May 6-14 (DP, G & WH, migratory concentrations were reported. An Eastern Phoebe BT) made a very large concentrationfor spring. The only at Reifel I., BC, May 13 (•Dale lensen,•Gerry Ansell) furnished other sighting was of 12 at S.J.C.R.May 16 (PP). As with the first record for the Region, although the speciesbreeds in Sabine'sGulls, Arctic Terns were also very scarce on the May n.e. British Columbia. There were nine Say's Phoebe reports, 7 pelagictrip off Westport,with only two seen (TW). Three an exceptional number, from Washington, with the latest on Forster'sTerns at Fern RidgeRes., OR, May 16 (SH) and single Apr. 7 (THas), and five more in Oregon north of their regular Black Terns Apr. 30 and May 24 in Snohomish, WA (THas, range in the southern valleys. Even in the Rogue valley the Terri Spencer)represented the only reports of the 'eastern' seven reportsin March were well above the averagenumber. terns. Common Murres, Cassin's Auklets, and Tufted Puffins There were 10 reports of Western Kingbirdsin Oregon north were in low numbers on the April and May pelagic trips off of their usual breeding range, seven from Washington, and Westport (TW), but RhinocerosAuklets were in normal num- three from the Vancouver, BC, area. This was average or bers. The oil spill last December off Grays Harbor may have somewhat below average. been the cause of this discrepancy,as tourres and Cassin's Breeding Horned Larks have almost disappearedfrom the Auklets were found dead in much larger numbers than were Puget Trough and the Willamette Valley. This spring, 2 pairs Rhino Auklets. were apparently breeding on Ft. Lewis, WA (GW), a pair was seen at Baskett Slough N.W.R., OR, May 6 (fide BB), and a OWLS TO WOODPECKERS -- The last Snowy Owl re- singing bird was near Silverton, Marion, OR, May 13 (BB). port, after the poorestwinter flight in decades,was of one Purple Martins appearedon schedule,with the first sightings seen at Richmond, BC (JL),Mar. 17. A Burrowing Owl was at in mid-April. One at Reifel I., BC, May 18 (lI) furnished the Tenmile on the Oregon coast Apr. 10 (fide DFa) for a very first well-documented record for the Vancouver area since rare coastalrecord. A Barred Owl at Latch Mr. May 8 provided 1979. Formerly, they occurred there regularly. Tree and Vi- a first record for Multnomah, OR (Dave Irons, PP). The seasoh's olet-green swallow migration did not appear to be adversely first Corn. Poorwill was found in the Rogue R. valley Apr. 19 affected by the inclement weather. Very early N. Rough- (HS). North of there poorwills are accidental, so two in Eu- winged Swallows included one at Toketee, Douglas, OR, Mar. gene, OR, Apr. 30 (Bob Bender) and one in Portland May 6 12 (DFi), one at Willamina, Polk, OR, Mar. 17 (RG), and four (Owen Schmidt)were noteworthy. Black Swifts were first Mar. 21 at Auburn, King, WA (lGa). There were six reports of reportedMay 10 (RTo) in British Columbia, but most of the Bank Swallow May 6-30: three from Vancouver, BC (MPr, JI), reportscame after May 22. Vaux's Swifts were reported in two from Washington (DP, RTh), and one from Oregon (SJ). only moderate numbers, with the main movement seeming This was a few more than usual of this interior species for to be a few days late. spring. A Cliff Swallow in Yamhill, OR (fide BB), Mar. 8 was An ad. c• Black-chinned Hummingbird at a Corvallis, OR, very early, but otherwise they were normal or later than their feeder May 20 (Elizabeth MacDonald) was a rare find for usual end of March arrival. Barn Swallows appearedto arrive westernOregon. An Anna's Hummingbirdnest was found in on time, beginningMar. 25. Seattle Apr. 8 (RTh). Actual nest reports of this speciesare still scarce.A c• Costa's Hummingbird reported at Shelton, CORVIDS TO SHRIKES--Odd corvids included two Mason,Apr. 14 (Andrew & Shirley Beelick)would, if accepted, Black-billed Magpiesat Boring, Clackamas,OR, Apr. 30 (Dor- provide the first record for Washington. A c• Costa'sHum- othy Fagher) and a Blue Jay reported Apr. 2 on Whidbey I., mingbirdat a Roseburg,Douglas, feeder Apr. 27 to the end of WA (Don Cannell), that had apparently been in the vicinity the period (Gwynn Black, m.ob.) furnished the 9th record for for 2 months. Peak Bushtit nest building time in the Seattle

Volume 43, Number 3 529 area this springwas 3 weeks later than •n 1988 (M•ke Dona- at Salem, OR (Don Pederson),Apr 8 at Ft Lewis, WA (GW), hue) CanyonWrens were reportedfrom 3 new locationsin and Apr 16 at Redel I, BC (JI),their typical arrival pattern Douglasin the s. OregonCascades (DF•, Ron Maertz). it is VesperSparrows also arrived on schedule:Apr. 1 at 2 Oregon likely that small numbersof this eastsidespecies have been locales (JJ,Paul Sherrell). Singlesat Surrey, Apr. 10 (JM) and breedingunnoticed in the areafor sometime. The RockWren another in Vancouver May 19 (MPr) were amongfew records that wintered at Vancouver, BC, was last seen Mar. 18 (DT et for the s.w. British Columbia area. Lark Sparrows at Newton al ). Migrant Rock Wrenswere noted in Oregonnear Eugene Hill, Lincoln, OR, May 21 (JanetLamberson), Point No Point, May 2 (SH)and at CorvallisMay 5 (Merlin Eltzroth).The first Kitsap, WA, May 22 (•'VN), and Finley N.W.R., OR, May 28 HouseWrens appeared,as usual, before Apr. 15 in Oregon (KM) representedunusually late datesfor this casualmigrant and after that date in Washington. A Black-throatedSparrow at Seattle May 19-20 (•'THas,•'RTh) There were 175 W. Bluebird pairs on Ft. Lewis, WA, this providedthe 7th w. Washingtonrecord. A SageSparrow was spring,compared with 220 and 160 in the last 2 years,respec- seen near Ashland, OR, Mar. 31 (MM). In w. Oregon, the Sage tively (GW). The successof the first nesting was mixed, Sparrowis rarer than the Black-throated,even thoughBlack- probablybecause of the poorweather in May. ThirteenMoun- throatedsare much scarcerthan Sagein the interior. tain Bluebirdswere reportedduring March throughApr. 13, Savannah Sparrow movement was noted Apr. 29 on the somewhatabove averagenumbers. The number of Town- Washington coast (G & WH) and May 7 at Seattle (EH) send'sSolitaires reported was alsoabove average. There were GrasshopperSparrows returned to their Eagle Point, Jackson, 32 sightingsthrough Apr. 16. Very early Swainson'sThrushes OR, colony by May 5 (HS); this isolated colony is at least 3 were foundApr. 21 in Vancouver,BC (DT, RTo),and the next years old. Large numbers of Golden-crownedand Fox spar- day in Coos, OR (Larry Thornburgh)• Otherwise, they ap- rows were noted in migration on the Washington coastApr pearedMay 5-9 throughout the region. Migratory movements 29 & 30 (G & WH, JGa). The timing of the movement was were heard May 9 & 10 in the Willamette Valley (SH, Dennis normal, but both specieswere unusually conspicuous,per- Rogers)and May 26 in the s. OregonCascades (DFi). The only haps concentratedby poorweather. The only LaplandLong- N Mockingbird observations were four in Oregon (Steve spur reportswere of four at Ocean Shores,WA, Apr. 28-30 Ominski,Durrel Kappan,Norm Barrett).A SageThrasher in (JGa)and a very late bird on the Lane, OR, coastMay 24 (Ruth Seattle May 11 (•'Paul Murtaugh) provided the 2nd King Warren). The Rustic Bunting that wintered at Kent, WA, was record.The last N. Shrike reportswere Mar. 19 in Washington last seen Apr. 9 (JGa).Snow Buntings were noted Mar. 26 at at the SkagitR. delta (Dave Baker)and Apr. 10 in the Fraser Port Angeles, WA (Tom Plath) and also May 7 on Mr. Hood, R delta, BC (JI).Four LoggerheadShrike reportswere more OR (GL, Tom Staudt). The latter record was unusually late than usual. Shrikes were seen in Vancouver, BC, Apr. 8 (Bill and furnishedone of very few springrecords in the Cascades Lamond),in Seattle Apr. 10 (•'THas),at Yaquina Head, OR, One Tricolored Blackbirdreturned to an old colonysite •n Mar. 22 (KathyLiska), and in the DouglasCascades, OR, May the Portland area Apr. 1. A new colony was found in N 8 (DFi). Portland Apr. 29 (JGi, m.ob.), with as many as 12 males present. Thirty-eight Yellow-headed Blackbirds were re- portedaway from their Scatteredbreeding locales. Northern VIREOS TO FINCHES--Both Solitary and Warbling Orioles were first reported from Oregon in mid-April and vireos were on time, in the first and secondhalves of April, then in early May in Washington and British Columbia A respectively.Red-eyed Vireos are very rare on the outer coast; singing6 "Baltimore" N. Oriole was in Woodburn, Marlon, two were at Airport Heights, Coos,OR, May 27 (Ben Fawver). OR, May 29 and later (•'BB).Red Crossbillswere numerousin The first wave of Orange-crownedWarblers was Apr. 7 in the San Juan Is., WA (TH). Sparse numbers were reported Oregonand s.w.Washington (SH, BT), andthe first individuals from other parts of western Washington(G & WH, TW) and were reportedin British Columbiathe day after. Succeeding the s. Oregon Cascades (DFi), and they were unreported waves were noted in Oregon Apr. 16 (SH) and along the elsewhere.The few Pine Siskinand EveningGrosbeak reports Washingtoncoast Apr. 29 (G & WH). Yellow, Black-throated indicated unremarkable numbers. Gray, and MacGillivray's warblers and Corn. Yellowthroats arrived on time, and no migratory concentrationsof these INITIALED OBSERVERS (Subregional editors in bold- specieswere reported.However, the Wilson'sWarbler migra- face)- Barb Bellin,Thais Bock,Darrel Faxon (DFa),David Fix (DFi), Roy Gerig,John Gatchet (JGa), Jeff Gilligan (JGi),Tom Hahn, tion was unusually prominent this spring.One at Grants Pass, Todd Hass (THas), Glen & Wanda Hoge, Eugene Hunn, John OR, Mar. 22 (Jim Miller) was very early. Otherwise the first Ireland, SteveJaggers, Jim Johnson,Doug Kragh, GerardLfihe, arrivalswere on time in early April in Oregonand late April John Luce, Hue & Jo Aim MacKenzie, Phil Mattocks, Kathy in Washingtonand S' British Columbia. A largecoastal move- Merrifield, Marjorie Moore, Harry Nehls, Vic Nelson,Mike Pat- ment was noted at Astoria, OR (MPa), and Grays Harbor, WA terson,Dennis Paulson, Phil Pickering,Michael Price, Howard (G & WH), Apr. 29-30. In the PugetTrough and in the moun- Sands,Fred Sharpe, Jeff Skriletz, Terry Thompson,Rob Thorn tains, Wilson'smigration was still going strongat the end of (RTh), Rick Toochin (RTo), Danny Tyson, Terry Wahl, George May, when 150 were seen at Reifel I., BC (JI), 40 were in Walter.--BILL TWEIT, P.O. Box 1271, Olympia, WA 98507, and DiscoveryPark, Seattle (RTh), and numbers were moving in STEVE HEINL, 1094 Monroe, Eugene,OR 97402. the DouglasCascades, OR (DFi). The rare warblersthis season were all in Oregon.A c•Chestnut-sided Warbler in Portland May 17 (JoeEvanich) was the 7th for w. Oregon,a Yellow- throated Warbler at Airport Heights, Coos, May 27 (Barb Griffin)furnished the 2nd staterecord, and c• Black-and-white Warblers were in Eugene Feb. 26 to Apr. 8 (Bruce Ostyn, mob.) and Thornton Creek, Lincoln, May 24 (DFa). Western Tanagerswere on time in late April. Late move- ments were noted in Portland May 20-25 (GL) and in the Douglasfoothills May 25 (DFi). The first Black-headedGros- beakwas in Ashland,OR, Apr. 18 (HS),and other first arrival dates were in the last third of April. Lazuli Bunting arrival was in mid-April on their breedinggrounds in s. Oregonand in May at their scattered breeding locales in the Cascade foothills. Extralimital birds were noted at 2 locations on the n. Oregoncoast (MPa, DFa) and in Seattle and Bellingham (RTh,TW). FirstChipping Sparrow arrival dateswere Apr. 3

530 American B•rds, Fall 1989 Pt. St. George ß Crescent Cit ßYreka KlamathBasin =:•-•'-. refuges ,•,•.•: WarnerMis '•'

HumboldtBay' Arcata -Eureka -Reddin MIDDLE L Almanor HoneyI• PACIFIC COAST (•Sacramento REGION '•:-i{:•"-O•Valleyrefuges CALIFORNIA PACIFIC '-:'-.:[; OCEAN ';:•.•anta Rosa •cramento

Richard A. Erickson, -Stockton Stephen F. Bailey, and David G. Yee Farallon •)San Joaquin FantaCruz • Valleyrefuges ½::3 K•ngsCanyon::. NatPark !?•. ßSalinas Fresno- '•;!•q•?('•!::.•'"-'•-.' SequoiaNat?'l•"•'l•::•.....'• • ßBerkeley San ß Oakland

ß Hayword

PaloA•o

heseason's highlights came from offshore waters. The the likelihood of ship passageinto S.F. Bay is always suspect, following pelagicaccounts may be the tip of an iceberg there are now enough records far inland southeast of our in the Region'snewest frontier. Late winter rains helped Region to suggestthat this albatrosscan arrive anywhere on the state's drought condition, but waterfowl nesting in its own. In more usual habitats were Laysan Albatrosses28 someareas still suffered owing to low water levels. Shore- mi w. of Afio Nuevo Pt., San Mateo, Apr. 2 (RSTh), at Cordell bird censusesthroughout the state continued to educate Bank, Marin, Apr. 21 (J. McClung), and 85 and 75 mi w.s.w. us on the status and distribution of many species.Migra- of Pt. ReyesApr. 29 (SFB et al.). tion began early for many landbird species,and a surpris- An imm. Brown Pelican at Chesbro Res., Santa Clara May 27-June I (E. Curtis) was inland almost without seasonal ing number of record early arrival dateswere established. precedentin our Region. The vagrant seasongot off to a very slow start in May. We are grateful to Kurt F. Campbell for compiling the landbird reports for Erickson'sanalysis. ABBREVIATIONS--C.A.S. = California Academy of Sci- ences; C.B.R.C. = California Bird Records Committee; C.C.R.S. = Coyote Creek Riparian banding Station, Santa Clara; C.V. = Central Valley; Cyn. = Canyon;F.I. = SoutheastFarallon Island; S.F. = San Francisco;ph. = photo on file with RegionalEditors. All records from F.I. should be credited to Point Reyes Bird Observatory (P.R.B.O.}.Place names in italics are counties.

GREBES TO PELICANS- A Red-necked Grebe at Ran- cho Murieta L., Sacramento, Apr. 29-30 (JCP, DJo) and a Clark's Grebe at F.I. Mar. 28 were considered local rarities. A Laysan Albatrosspicked up in a back yard in Santa Clara Cook's Petrel 85 miles southwest of Point Reyes, California, Mar. 29 was releasedat SantaCruz {fide N. Yatsko).Although April 29, 1989. Photograph/StephenF. Bailey.

Volume 43, Number 3 531 S.A. Basin's2nd nesting of Black-crowned Night-Herons was ob- servedat Mono L. May 21 (ES).For the 3rd consecutivespring Thanksto the mostgenerous sponsorship and partic- White-faced Ibis made a strong showing, although pale in ipation of Richard D. Spight of Point ReyesBird Ob- comparisonto last year's invasion. Notables included one at servatory, a 2-day research cruise over deep ocean Mono L. Apr. 23 (M. Prather), 21 flying N pastAfio Nuevo Pt., waters up to 90 mi offshorefrom Pt. Reyes,Marin, to San Mateo, May 8 (GJS),up to 50 in the south S.F. Bay area Pt. Arena, Mendocino,Apr. 29-30 clarified severalrays- May 4-16 (SAL, PJM, MJM et al.), and 50+ in the Arcata area of Humboldt May 7-13 (R. Wilson, FJB). Two Fulvous Whistling-Ducksat Mendora W.M.A., Fresno, May 18 (BED)provided only our 2nd sightingin 4 years. Ross' Gooseput in its customaryshowing along the coastwith three "white" migrants observedMar. 11-Apr. 30. But it is those gorgeous"blues" that really excite white-geesewatchers. Sin- gleblue morphRoss' Geese were observedat Ash Cr. Wildlife Area, Lassen,Mar. 19 (4-ph.D. Klein, WDS, A. Doffman) and Tule Lake N.W.R., Siskiyou, Mar. 29 (RE). Inland Brant were at Mono L. Apr. 29 (J.Jehl) and May 9-10 (ES,m.ob.). The healthy rains of MarchkApril helped the state to en- dure its 3rd straight drought year. These rains were able to raise the water level in many areas of the state to the point where overall breeding pairs of waterfowl were up 54% over last year (fide BED).However, someareas continued to suffer, notably in Monterey (DR) and at Modoc N.W.R. (ECkB). At the latter locale, waterfowl pair counts were at an all-time low, especiallyamong Mallards and N. Pintails. In sortingout the Eurasiansfrom the Americansthere were the following: two coastal Eur. Green-winged Teal during April; an apparent Am. x Eur. Green-wingedTeal at s. Hum- Murphy'sPetrel 85 milessouthwest of PointReyes, Cal- boldt Bay Apr. 23 (RLeV); 15 Eur. Wigeon, including a male ifornia,April 29, 1989.Photograph/Stephen F. Bailey. at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Siskiyou,on the very late date of teries of the N. Pacific Gyre's little-known avifauna. May 14 (RE). Again, apparentBlue-winged x CinnamonTeal This expedition documented Pterodroma petrels in hybrids were observed: at Modesto's sewage ponds, Stanis- largenumbers and eliminateddoubt about the identity laus, Mar. 5-21 (ERC, •-HMR) and Stockton'ssewage ponds and abundanceof two species.One of the 98 Murphy's Mar. 3-17 (•-DGY).Ten thousand N. Shovelersin Sunnyvale, Petrelsbecame California's first specimen(*C.A.S.), and Santa Clara, Apr. I (PJM)made an impressiveconcentration. many otherswere identifiably photographed(4-ph. PP, The pair of wintering Tufted Ducksat S.F.'sold SutroBaths ßph. SFB,•-DGY). (For discussion see the relatedfeature remained until Mar. 27 (•-SFB,m.ob.). An imm. King Eider article in this issue.)The 113 Cook's Petrels were ap- was the princeof PompohioState Beach, San Mateo, Apr. 29- parently all true Cook's,with both Masatierraand Py- May 7 (•-MLR, •-m.ob.).Two Buffieheadsat Mono L. May 24 croft's petrels clearly eliminated by close looks and provided only the 2nd May record for Mono (PJM). There photographsof many birds, and all the more distant were 4 recordsof inland Red-breastedMergansers Apr. 28- birds appearingidentical to the closerones in flight, May 19. shape,color, and molt (4-ph.PP, 4-ph.SFB, •-DGY). Prior to this expeditionthe only definiteCook's for California RAPTORS--The imm. Broad-winged Hawk at the S.F. was the specimenfrom SantaCruz Nov. 17, 1983.The Presidiowas last reported Mar. 7 (J. Clark). The well-known closestMurphy's Petrel was 32 mi s.w. of Pt. Reyes(the pair of Swainsoh'sHawks at Oak Grove RegionalPark, San same area as the closestHorned Puffin, see below), but Joaquin,finally abandonedtheir traditional nest site owing to the Cook's Petrels dropped out at 52 mi s.w. of Pt. unrestrainedhuman pressures,but a pair of Red-tailedHawks Reyes.Unexpectedly, three Murphy's Petrelsand seven raised a trio of nestlings atop Candlestick Park's stadium more birds that were almost certainly Murphy's were lights; "people,bright lights, and the hum of megavoltsob- foundonly 16 mi n.w. of Fort Bragg,Mendocino May 6 viously didn't bother this pair of [S.F.] Giants fans" (both (KFCet al.). On Apr. 29-30 the daytimeoffshore ranges DGY). Another or the same CrestedCaracara appeared, this of two storm-petrelswere illuminating. All 90 Leach's time followinga tractor near Fort Dick, Del Norte, Apr. 28-30 were over the deep oceanfloor beyondthe continental (RSTr, ADB. •-LPL, •-GSL et al.). As expected, this bird gener- slopeat least 65 mi offshore,but the 43 Ashy Storm- ated the usual discussionsregarding escapefrom a falconer Petrelswere sparserover these waters and denser over versusweather patterns that looked "like a perfect vehicle to the lower slopeto 40 mi offshore(SFB e! al.). deliver our Caracarafrom Siskiyou."The latter bird in Shasta Valley was last reportedMar. 26 (RE,MFRb), sothis may have been the same bird. EGRETS TO WATERFOWL- Santa Clara's Little Blue Heron sagacontinued: the Snowy Egret x Little Blue Heron PHEASANT TO SHOREBIRDS--A pair of Ring- at Charleston Slough remained until Mar. 24 (WGB, A. neckedPheasants on the highly urbanizedS.F. peninsula near Walther) while an ad. Little Blue at the Alviso heronry Apr. Belmont,San Mateo, during April was felt to be the last wild 23 (PLN)preceded another adult and a calicobird there May pair left in the county (PJM,RSTh). Three Black Rails were 16 (MJM). An adult at CharlestonSlough May 28-June 3 (J. again found on Bacon I., San Joaquin,Apr. 20-22 (DGY). A Hintermeister)was probablyone of the Alviso birds. These pair of Clapper Rails at SteinbergerSlough, San Mateo, Apr. all appearedto be birds cited from last summer/fall. Addi- 15 "may be [the] last in this area" (PJM).Virginia Rail was tionally,Siskiyou's 3rd was an adult at LowerKlamath N.W.R. finally confirmedbreeding in Monterey when an adult with Apr. 23 (•-RE,MFRo). up to three chickswas observedat the Carmel R. mouth May We have only a handful of Cattle Egret recordsfrom our 27-31 (H. Osborn, DR). A Cam. Moorhen at F.I. May 13-18 Great Basinregions, so one at Crowley L., Mono, Apr. 23 (M. provided a 2nd island record, while a Sandhill Crane at Prather),five at Mono L. Apr. 22-23 (fide ES),and anotherat Bolinas Lagoon,Marin, May 12 (Kid) was a coastalrarity in MonoL. May 23 (PJM)constituted quite a passage.The Mono addition to being late.

532 American Birds, Fall 1989 Known w•ntenng LesserGolden-Plovers totalbrig about 30 OWLS TO FLYCATCHERS--A Spotted Owl on the birds of the race fulva were last seen Mar 30-May 13 Two American R •n Fmr Oaks Apr. 19-May 26 (M & J P•erce,ph hundred eighty-six SemipalmatedPlovers at Mono L. Apr. WEH et al.) was apparently first seen •n m•d-February (G 22-23 (fide ES)gave an indicationhow strongtheir movement MacWilliams). There are two previous C.V. records from •s throughthe GreatBasin. The attemptof Black-neckedStilt Chicoand one from MercedN.W.•R., but nonefor Sacramento to colonize the Humboldt Bay area has for some unknown The Howland Hill (De/Norte) Barred Owl was heard Feb. 22- reasoncome to a sudden halt, as the only sightingwas of two Apr. 8 (ADB, JAR)for the 8th consecutiveyear there. An out- at s Humboldt Bay Apr. 22 (E. Nelson).A concentrationof of-placeLesser Nighthawk found near Petaluma,Sonoma, •n 250-300 Am. Avocets along a stretch of the Sacramento R., late April later died in a bird rescuecenter (fide DN). Shasta,Mar. 28 (fide BY) was noteworthy,as they are consid- A swift at F.I. May 15 was reportedas "probablya Chimney" ered rare there. and one at Pt. ReyesMay 30 was reportedas definitely that An almost unbelievable 1564 Greater Yellowlegs were tal- species(RS). Lassen's 3rd recordedBlack-chinned Humming- hed during Mono Lake's springshorebird count Apr. 22-23 bird was a male at Susanville May 20-21 (TDM). A 5 Broad- (fide ES). This was far and away the highestconcentration tailed Hummingbird at Tom's Place,Mono, Apr. 9 (ñCDH) was ever recordedin the Region,and came from an area where record early for the Region; last year's San Jose bird was the former peak count was 23! The departuredate for Stan- capturedApr. 15, not Mar. 15 as published.The captureof 98 islaus'wintering Ruddy Turnstoneand Sanderlingwas Mar. Rufous Hummingbirds Mar. 26-June 5 at C.C.R.S., with 18 22 (ERC).An additional inland Ruddy Turnstone was at the bandedApr. 5 alone, givesan indication of how commonth•s Stocktonsewage ponds Apr. 5 (DGY).Reports of sevenBaird's speciescan be as a migrant through our area. One at Tom's Sandpipersfrom 5 localeswere received,spanning Mar. 29- PlaceApr. 28 (ñCDH)was unusual in Mono in spring.Nineteen May 6. They are always very rare in spring. Rarer still in Allen's Hummingbirds banded at C.C.R.S. Apr. 26-June 5 spring,single Pectoral Sandpipers were seenat MossLanding, were judged to be dispersingbirds becauseof an 18-day gap Monterey (county's first for spring),May 13 (ñRAR, fRoM et in recordsprior to that (fide WGB). al ) and Lower Klamath N.W.R., Siskiyou,May 19 (ñRE). Red-naped Sapsuckerswere found at Ed Levin County Park, Santa Clara, Apr. 2-9 (JMSet al.) and Tom's Place Apr 15 (ñCDH);the speciesis noteworthy anywhere in the Region JAEGERS TO ALCIDS--The Apr. 29-30 offshoreex- away from the extreme northwest. A 5 Williamsoh's Sap- peditioncounted 85 PomarineJaegers, all overthe deepocean sucker near Summit Valley (ca. 5000') Apr. 16 (JAR,J. Salyer) floor (SFBet al.), reflectingtheir more strictly offshoremigra- providedDe/Norte's 2rid record. Although the habitat seems tmn m springversus the fall passagewhich often bringsmany suitable for nesting,this and all previous recordsfrom north- b•rds within range of ordinary pelagictrips. A S. Polar Skua westernmostCalifornia may only pertain to migrants and over SoquelCanyon, Monterey Bay, Mar. 19 (RT) made one wintering birds. Pileated Woodpeckerswere found again out- of very few March records. side their expected range with one at Table Mt., Santa Clara, Both imm. Franklin's Gulls were at the Stockton sewage Mar. 31 (P. Gongdon) and one at Mt. Diablo, Contra Costa, ponds the wintering first-yearbird through Mar. 20 (DGY, May 7 (RJR). EDG) and a very worn 2-year bird Apr. 18-May 4 (DGY). Four An Olive-sided Flycatcher at Ft. Cronkhite, Marin, Mar. 31 ad Franklin's appeared:one at L. Talawa, De/Norte, Apr. 22 (MLR) was the Region's earliest..ever, although there are a (ADB) and three at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Siskiyou,May 14 number of recordsfor the first week of April. Another re- (RE). The ad. Little Gull remained at the Stockton sewage ported 3 weeks earlier is disregardedlacking full documen- pondsto Apr. 2 (m.ob.,Ed Hall). A breedingplumaged Heer- tation, as are 2 April Willow Flycatcher reports. A massive mann's Gull at Mono L. May 24-25 (PJM,ph. ES) represented wave of migrant flycatchers grounded at Mono L. by high a first recordfor California's Great Basindistrict. Had it joined winds May 23-25 included: 11 Olive-sideds, 70+ W. Wood- CahforniaGulls migratingfrom the Gulf of California?An ad. Pewees, 37 Willows, nine Hammond's, five Duskies, 10 Grays, Glaucous-wingedGull at the Yreka dump Mar. 17-18 (MFRb) and three Westerns(PJM). The high number of Willows com- was a Siskiyourarity. Reportsof nine to 11 GlaucousGulls pared to the other Empidonaxis indicativeof their very late included both known and suspectedholdovers from winter migration. For the 3rd consecutive year, Stanislaus's Del as well as new birds. Hundreds of Black-leggedKittiwakes Puerto Canyon hosted the season's first Hammond's Fly- were offshoreSan Mateo Feb. 2-Apr. 2 (BS,PJM, RSTh),but catcher, but this year's was record early on Mar. 25 (ñHMR) only modest numbers appeared elsewhere. A 2rid-summer Two or three Hammond'sin GreenValley Apr. 8 (ñJCL,ñMBG) Sabme's Gull at Lower Klamath N.W.R. May 14 (ñRE) was and one in Cold Canyon Apr. 15 (DOM) were thought to S•sk•you'sfirst for springand 3rd overall. provide the first recordsfor Solano;at Modesto on Apr. 30, a Two juv. CaspianTerns beggingfrom adults at Pescadero Gray Flycatcher was an overdue first for Stanislaus(ñHMR) Beach,San Mateo, Apr. 9 (RSTh) promptedthe apt question Cassin'sKingbirds maintained their marginal presencein our "When and where did these birds breed?" A few Elegant Region. Three w. of Shirttail Canyon, Pinnacles N.M., Mon- Terns again returned in April, with the first being three terey, Mar. 17 (J.Shipley) had been present since late Febru- passingPt. Lobos,Monterey, Apr. 9 (DR). Three Black Terns ary, and one at Hospital Canyon Apr. 22 was the first in San were found coastallyMay 4-30. Joaquin in 5 years (DGY). A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher added substantially to the Pt. Reyes landscapeMay 28 (fL. Silver, M. Hersh).

SoAo The Apr. 29-30 expeditionto the offshorewaters of MAGPIES TO WARBLERS -- Two Black-billed Magpies the N. Pacific Gym recorded 136 Horned Puffins (PP, near Coyote,Santa Clara, Mar. 21 (ñJ.Glass) were problematic SFBet al.). All of theseplus the four imm. Tufted Puffins Birds as far south as Contra Costahave been consideredpart were on deepocean water, farther offshorethan any of of a pattern of genuinevagrants, in n.w. California primarily the Common Murres, nearly all of the Cassin'sAuklets, and in fall/winter almost exclusively. The speciesis common and most of the Rhinoceros Auklets. The last three in captivity, however, and numerousother recordsthrough- speciesoccurred over the continental slope and in- out the statehave been dismissedas escapees.Two birds th•s creasedupwards toward the edge of the continental far south, out of season,and so close to a major urban area shelf (SFB,DGY et al.). Nevertheless,one Horned Puffin are best added to the latter group. was found only 16 mi n.w. of Fort Bragg,Mendocino, A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at Fairhaven, Humboldt, May 22 May 6 (KFC et al.). (GSL) was late for a coastal vagrant. Three previous spring recordsfrom F.I. span Apr. 17-May 3 and one this year was

Volume 43, Number 3 533 seen Apr 14-17 A Townsend's Sohtmre on Pt Reyes May 31 Bottoms(JCS et al ) One at F I May 15.-17was more expected (RS) was even farther out of synchrony, and representedour A stagingBrewer's Sparrow at Moss Beach, San Mateo, May latest coastalrecord ever. A N. Mockingbird s•ng•ngat Hoopa, 31 (BS) was late and provided the only coastal report th•s Humboldt, May 15-18 (RAE, GSL) was in an area where season.Apparently Stanislaus'first Black-chinnedSparrow nestingmight be expected.Except for a small population at was singingalong the Santa Clara boundarynear Mississipp• CrescentCity, however, mockersare primarily scarcewinter L. May 28 (HMR). As has becomeexpected, two or three Lark wsitors/migrantsin n.w. California with few summer records. Buntingswere at the Sutte• Buttes,Sutter, Apr. 2-16 (BED, A SageThrasher at Hospital Canyon Apr. 1 was, surprisingly, PBS,WA). "Pairs"of SavannahSparrows in CholameValley, only San Joaquin'ssecond (DGY). One on Scott Road, Sacra- s.e. Monterey, in April and birds present throughout the mento, Mar. 4 (DJo)and one at Hayward Regional Shoreline periodwere believedto indicatelocal nesting(DR). This area May 14 (RJR)were also local rarities. The wintering Brown is almostequadistant between the rangesof the coast-hugging Thrasher at F.I. was last seen May 4. racealaudinus (= bryanti) and the high desertrace nevaden- A TennesseeWarbler in S.F. Mar. 4-Apr. 19 (ASH et al.) s/s, however, so much more conclusive evidence is needed to was our latest ever for a wintering bird. A migrant at Mono verify suchan extraordinaryrange extension. L County Park May 13-14 (ABtt) was the only other report. While hiking in Henry W. Coe S.P. and adjacent San Felipe Ranch, Santa Clara, on May 7, JY and AL estimated they encountered 15 warbler flocks of approximately 100 birds GrasshopperSparrows again inspired much discus- each. Orange-crownedand Wilson's Warblers were present sion. One at Gazelle Flats Mar. 10 (•-RE)"defies ready but Townsend's and Hermits were most noticeable. They explanation,"as other springSiskiyou records are from estimated 500-1000 Townsend's and 75-150 Hermits were May (MFRb). The bird almost certainly did not winter present. Never before in many years there had they seen such atthis cold site. A singingmale found at Pt.Saint George numbers. Indeed, large April/May flocks of warblers have May 18 was where two to three apparently had been been noted previously in the Coast Ranges,primarily on Mt. early in the month and remained into summer (C J. D•ablo, but these estimates exceed all other reports known to Ralph, JCS,•-GSL et al.). It was consideredoverdue as a us Whereas other concentrationshave been in oak woodland/ first recordfor Del Norte.Up to four "probablynesting" savannah, these birds were in chaparral as well as oaks. at Brown'sValley Apr. 13-June 15 were apparentlythe A singing6 Prairie Warbler in urban S.F. Mar. 12 (ph. J. first ever for Yuba aswell (PBS),and a singingbird near McCormick, ASH) furnished a most unusual record. Presum- Nice Apr. 28 was said to be the first record for Lake m ably the bird had wintered somewhere nearby. Wintering over 20 years (JRW, JPM). Just as Marin did earlier m Palm Warblers were last reported Mar. 12 at F.I., Mar. 24 at the decade,Santa Clara is now experiencinga surgem the Carmel R. mouth, Monterey (J.Hughes), and Mar. 31 in reportsof GrasshopperSparrows as a result of its breed- Eureka (BED).An alternate-plumagedbird at L. Merced, S.F., ing bird atlasproject. Of 126 birds found (also5 nests), Apr. 25 (A. Gaguine) was late enough to be considered a 71 were in the vicinity of Sargentalone Apr. 15 and 35 springmigrant. The last of the known wintering Black-and- were near Coyote Apr. 25-28 (both DLSu). And m white Warblers Apr. 17 in S.F. (MLR) was only one day prior Monterey,significant differences exist betweenthe tim- to the first of the springmigrants: Apr. 18-20 at F.I.; Apr. 23 ing of nestingon the coast and inland (DR et al.). At at Palomarin;May 20 on the w. shore of Mono L. (fide ES). leastsix singingmales in CholameValley Mar. 28-Apr W•ntering Am. Redstartswere last seenMar. 18 in Pescadero, 16 were absent by May 25 when the vegetation had San Mateo (D. Keller), and Apr. 25 in S.F. (S. Cox). A singing becomedesiccated. Yet "dozens"were singingon the s N Waterthrushat Honey Lake W.A. May 28 (•-TDM)provided Big Sur coastin early June. Last year sparrowsdid not a "long overdue" first county record and no doubt brought arrive at somewell-worked sitesin n.w. Monterey until specialsatisfaction to this veteran Lassenbirder. An estimated June, and similarly late arrivals have been noted m 130 Wilson'sWarblers accompanied the groundedflycatchers Marin and elsewhere previously. Is it possiblethat th•s at Mono L. May 23-25 (PJM). and some of the other more irregular sparrowscould nest early in drier areas and move on to nest a 2nd time in the same season at more mesic sites, as has been TANAGERS TO SPARROWS--An ad. 6 W. Tanager suggestedfor Phainopeplas? s•ngingnear Truckee in Placer Mar. 22 (KVV, KaVV) is hard to classify.At nearly 6000' the location seemsunlikely for overwintering,but the date is weeks early for a springarrival. The degree to which extralimital wintering birds, or even Wintering Harris' Sparrows were last seen in S.F. Mar 20 common wintering birds, begin to wander late in the season (fide HG, JM) and Lee Vining, Mono, Apr. 12 (ES), and a •s poorly known. The imm. 6 Rose-breastedGrosbeak in singingmale was foundin the Arcata BottomsApr. 25 (GSL) Berkeley was last seen Mar. 14 (fide HG, JM). Additional A "Slate-colored"Junco at Pt. Reyes May 20 (DSg)fit the males were at Lafayette,Contra Costa,Apr. 30 (M. Grissette) pattern set by easternvagrants. The wintering "Gray-headed" and Pt. ReyesMay 19 (RS). A singingBlack-headed Grosbeak Juncoin McKinleyville was last seen Mar. 28 (RLeV). The near Mustang Peak, Stanislaus/SantaClara, Mar. 20 (HMR) only Lapland Longspurreported was one near Ft. Dick Mar furnished one of our earliest records ever. Blue Grosbeaks are 26, where up to 60 had been seen in winter (ADB). always unusual on our coast; a male was at E1 Granada, San Mateo, Apr. 27 (BS) and a female at Pt. Reyes May 19 (RS). BLACKBIRDS TO FRINGILLIDS--Tricolored Black- Record-earlyfor the Regionwas a Lazuli Bunting on Arroyo birds are currently receiving considerable attention, and Mocho, s.e. of Livermore, Apr. 4 (LJP,HG, DSi). Another was rightlyso. At least11 colonieswere notedin thoroughreports at E1 Granada by Apr. 7 (BS). Indigo Buntings were s. of' from Sacramento,Santa Clara, and Monterey (TDM, WGB, M•lford May 4 (Lassen's2nd--D. Fuller), at C.C.R.S.May 23- DR). Amongother concernsis this species'occasionally fickle 26, and at Mono L. County Park May 29 (MFRb). nestingbehavior. A colonyof 600 at CaleroDam, Santa Clara, Single Green-tailed Towhees on Mr. Diablo, Contra Costa, Apr. 21 was reducedgo a few birdsApr. 28 and all were gone May 4 (J.Edgar) and C.C.R.S. May 24 were noteworthy as the by Apr. 30 (DLSu).San Francisco'spair of Great-tailedGrac- speciesis rarely seen in migration anywhere in the Region. kleswas seenat leastMar. 10-Apr. 17 (fide HG, JM).A grackle Another wandering Brown Towhee was at McKinleyville, at Mono L. County Park May 10-14 was identified as both a Humboldt,Apr. 23 (P. Stebbins).Two Clay-coloredSparrows Great-tailedand a Common(fide ES, HG, JM). The latter •s a were found on the mainland, where almost unknown in C.B.R.C.review speciesso the committeewill ultimately pass spring: Apr. 23 at San Jose(S. Perry) and Apr. 30 at Arcata judgmenton the record.

534 AmencanBirds, Fall 1989 The (• Orchard Oriole wintering in Pacific Grove began CITED CONTRIBUTORS (subregional editors in bold- singingjust prior to its departure Apr. 4 (BJW).California face)- Wait Anderson,Stephen F. Bailey,Alan D. Barron,An- winteringbirds like this are thoughtto be the sourceof early thony Battiste,E. Clark Bloom(ECkB}, William G. Bousman,Fred springrecords such asthe 9 Orchard Oriole in CrescentCity J. Broerman, SusanBrown, Eric R. Caine, California Academy of Mar. 31 (ADB) and the imm. male in Westhaven,Humboldt, Sciences,Kurt F. Campbell,Josiah Clark, Emelie Curtis, Bruce E. Apr. 7 (GSL,LPL). The earliestreported western orioles were Deuel, Ann Dorfman, Ray Ekstrom, Richard A. Erickson,Mark both in Santa Clara: a Hooded in Los Altos Mar. 10 (PLN) and Fenner, Ron H. Gerstenberg, Edward D. Greaves, Helen Green, a Northern "Bullock's" in Los Gatos Mar. 16 (MFe). Marguerite B. Gross,Ed Hall, Keith Hansen,Charlotte D. Harbe- son, W. Edward Harper, Jan Hintermeister, Alan S. Hopkins, Purple Finches were very scarcein San Joaquinthrough JosephJeld, David Johnson(DJo), Debbie Klein, Amy Lauterbach, the winter but up to 18 were at Lodi L. Mar. 22-29 with one StephenA. Laymon, Nick Lemon, Robin Leong(RbL), Gary S. still present Apr. 19 (DGY). This specieswas "unusually Lester, Lauren P. Lester, Ronald LeValley (RLeV), John C. Lovio, abundant" in w. Marin this spring with nestingeven evident MichaelJ. Mammoser, Timothy D. Manoils,Roger Marlow (RoM), at isolated"vagrant traps" on outer Pt. Reyes(RS). A nest in JamesP. Matzinger, John McClung, Peter J. Metropulos, Joseph Green Valley May 24 {T. Jenkins,•MBG, MFRi) was thought Morlan, Don Munson (DOM), Dan Nelson, Eric Nelson, Paul L. to furnish the first confirmed breeding in Solano,though not Noble, Hadley Osborn, Benjamin D. Parmeter, June C. Persson, unexpected.Adult Red Crossbillsfeeding young at Lincoln Lina Jane Prairie, Mike Prather, Peter Pyle, Harold M. Reeve, Park, S.F., in late May (ASH) were in an area where nesting Jean M. Richmond, Robert J. Richmond, Michael F. Rippey has taken place for several years. Lawrence's Goldfinches (MFRi), Michael F. Robbins (MFRb), Don Roberson,James A. were especiallynumerous in the CoastRanges s. of S.F. Bay Rooney, Mary Louise Rosegay,Ruth A. Rudesill, Peter B. Sands, this spring(m.ob.). In s. Monterey they were "very common" Barry Sauppe,Dianne Sierra (DSi}, Daniel Singer (DSg),W. David with "lots of confirmed nesting evidence" (DR) and in San Shuford. Jean-Marie Spoalman, Rich Stallcup, John C. Sterling, Antonio Valley, Santa Clara, about 10 times as many were Gary J. Strachan, Emilie Strauss, David L. Suddjian (DLSu), presentas last year (WGB et al.). Richard Ternullo, Ronald S. Thorn (RSTh}, Richard S. Tryon (RSTr},Karen Van Vuren (KaVV), Kent Van Vuren. Alan Walther, EXOTIC SPECIES- A flock of Red-crowned Parrots Brian J. Weed, Jerry R. White, R. Wilson, Nick Yatsko, David G. (now up to 11 birds)present in PacificGrove since 1983"again Yee, JamesYurchenko, Bob Yutzy. Many more contributorswere brokeup, presumablyto nest,during the spring"(DR). Reports not specificallycited; all are appreciated.--STEPHEN F. BAILEY of exotics such as this are actively sought by us, as well as (grebesthrough pelicans,raptors, jaegers through alcids),Dept. the Introduced Bird Subcommittee of the C.B.R.C. of Ornithology & Mammalogy, Calif. Academy of Sciences, CORRIGENDUM-- The commentsconcerning W. Kingbirds Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118; DAVID G. YEE at F.I. in last spring'sreport (AB 42:479}should be disregarded; (egretsthrough waterfowl, pheasantthrough shorebirds),2930 this specieshas been recordedthere many timesin springand is Driftwood PI. #39, Stockton, CA 95207; RICHARD A. ERICKSON routine in fall. (owls through fringillids), Box 523, Bayside,CA 95524.

'=:';'•otty's Castle ß.';5. '• ß '•.- •-•:' FurnaceCreek •:- Ranch - SOUTHERN - eMorro Bay CALIFORNIA PACIFIC COAST ,. Oceano Santa-•;.•:•:•;-Maria -•z•:.' ß•kersfield•,- '•- Californ•C•ß ß Harper Lake u•• :•. REGION

• • '•alibu ßMorongo Valey

' -Hu•ington ';•"'• BI h Guy McCaskie .. B•ch .. • • e

• • -San Diego•"• N- ,m.ri•Oam

Creek Ranch May 20 (MAP) and 150 Wilson's Warblers in reryRegionfew withstorms wellpushed below south thefrom averageAlaska, rainfall.leaving Most the California City May 13 (MAP). springmigrants moved through the Regiona little later than normal, with large numbers of some landbirds still ABBREVIATIONS -- F.C.R. = Furnace Creek Ranch in Death pushingthrough the Regionin mid-May, as indicated by Valley, Inyo Co.;N.E.S.S. = north end of the SaltonSea, Riverside such concentrations as 100 Yellow Warblers at Furnace Co.; S.B.C.M. = San Bernardino County Museum; S.C.R.E. = Santa

Volume 43, Number 3 535 Clara R•ver Estuary near Ventura, Ventura Co, S D N H M • San Ob•spoApr 14 (MH) and at NESS Apr 15 (MAP) were a D•egoNatural H•story Museum, S E S S • south end of the Salton httle late As usual a few Brant appearedon the SaltonSea in Sea, Imperial County. Place names in italics are counties. As April, with 200 at N.E.S.S.Apr. 23 (MAP); four on L. Palmdale virtually all rarities found in s. California are seen by numerous near Palmdale,Los Angeles,Mar. 25 (MTH) were the only observers,only the observerinitially identifyingthe bird is in- ones found away from the Salton Sea. A (• Eurasian Green- cluded. Documentation is on file with the California Bird Records winged Teal was presentin Carpinteria,Santa Barbara,Mar Committee (c/o Don Roberson, 282 Grove Acre, Pacific Grove, 31-Apr. 16 (BA1) and another was seen at S.E.S.S.Apr 17 CA 93950) for all rarities listed in this report, and recordssub- mitted without documentationare not published. (RSt), this form being a very rare but regular stragglerto California.The latestof the wintering Eur. Wigeonwas one at the mouth of the SanDiego R. Apr. i (MBS).An Oldsquaw LOONS TO STORKS-- A winter-plumaged Red- in Santa Barbara Apr. 2 (SEF) was the latest reported this throated Loon, exceptionally rare far inland, was at Desert spring.Two Black Scotersoff E1 Segundo,Los Angeles,Mar Center, Riverside,May 20 (KR). A Pacific Loon on L. Isabella, 16 (JKA),one off Newport BeachMar. 25 (CH), and another Kern, Mar. 4 (MOC) had probably spent the winter on this off CrystalCove S.P., Orange, Apr. 16 (MTH) were the only large inland body of water, and was the only one reported onesfound in the Region.Seventeen Surf Scoterswere found •nland. ACom. Loon inland at Desert Center May 20 (KR) at various points around the Salton Sea Apr. 15 (MAP) w•th and another near China Lake, Kern, May 28 (MTH) were late at least 10 individuals still present at the end of the period, and at unusual localities. Six Horned Grebes at S.E.S.S.Apr. but one in Ridgecrest,Kern, Apr. 22 (DVB) and another in the 23 (RMcK) were undoubtedly spring migrants moving north- Fremont Valley, Kern, May 19-24 (JWi) were the only two ward from the Gulf of California, and another in breeding found inland away from the Salton Sea. A White-w•nged plumage on Diaz L., Inyo, Apr. 2 (JD)was also clearly on the Scorerat N.E.S.S.Apr. 15 (MAP) was still present at the end move. of the period,and up to 9000along the coastoff Vandenberg A Black-lootedAlbatross 14 mi s.w. of Newport BeachMay A.F.B. in early March (KH) made an exceptionalconcentrahon 30 (JS1)was one of a very few ever sighted off Orange, and for s. California.A HoodedMerganser in the FremontValley another 3 mi off San Diego May 20 (JO'B)was exceptionally May 24 (MTH) was exceptionally late. close to shore. A Laysan Albatross at 33ø10'N-121ø10'W on A first-summerMississippi Kite in Huntington BeachJune Apr. 26 (BR) was the closestto shore of three encountered off 5-11 (JP)was the first to be found in Orange, and one of a s. California during a scientificsurvey between Apr. 16 & 30. very few ever found along the coast of California. A N A N. Fulmar about 90 mi s.w. of Pt. Conception, Santa Bar- Goshawkon Pine Mr., Ventura,Apr. 21 (RJM)was in an area bara, Apr. 27 (BR) was the only one encountered during 2 where this speciesmay eventually be found nesting.Swam- weeks at sea off s. California, clearly showing that virtually son's Hawks may have been on the move earlier than usual all present during the winter had departed by this time. A asindicated by the presenceof nine near E1Centro, Imperial, Murphy's Petrel was at 33ø10'-121ø30'W on Apr. 26 (BR) and Mar. 4 (GMcC) and two more near Escondido,San Diego,Mar another was at 34ø00'N-123ø10'W on Apr. 29 (BR), adding to 5 (JSc),with small numbersfound scatteredthroughout the the ever-increasingnumber of sightings of this speciesoff Region during April, including six along the coast near San California. A dark Pterodroma showing white shafts on the Diego Apr. 4 (GMcC) and a flock of 30 near Lost Hills, Kern, upper sides of the primaries at 32ø10'N-123ø30'W on Apr. 25 Apr. 9 (GMcC); an exceptionally late bird on the Carnzo (BR)was felt to be a dark morph KermadecPetrel (Pterodroma Plain, SanLuis Obispo, June 3 (GPS)may have beenattempt- neglecta),indicating observersfortunate enoughto spendtime ing to summer. A Ferruginous Hawk over the Carrizo Plain far off our coast should keep an open mind as to what may May 21 (GPS) was exceptionally late, and a Rough-legged be occurringin these waters. Fourteen Cook's Petrels in the Hawk at Oasis,Mono, Apr. I (GMcC) was the latestthis year area of 32ø00'N-123ø00'W Apr. 24-25 (BR) were in an area Two Merlins in Ojai, Ventura, Apr. 14 (RJM) and a pale b•rd where this speciesundoubtedly occurs regularly. A Sooty of the interior race richardsoniiat N.E.S.S. Apr. 15 (MAP) Shearwater flying acrossInterstate 10 near Indio, Riverside, were all quite late for s. California. Apr. 28 (PLN, DSS) must have been a startling sight; it was A bird flushed from Salicornia marsh in Upper Newport only the 3rd ever found inland in California, the other two Bay Apr. 12 (HEC) was identified as a Yellow Rail but could having been on the nearby Salton Sea. A Fork-tailed Storm- never be refound despitemuch searching;this specieshas Petrel, very rare in s. California waters, was at 32ø15'N- beenfound on only 5 or 6 occasionsin s. California,although 121ø50'W on Apr. 24 (BR). one of these was a bird collectedat this locality on Dec 12, Two Brown Pelicansat the N.E.S.S.Apr. 15 (MAP) and eight 1896 (Condor 13:108, 1911). A Sofa in California City, Kern, at various points around the Salton Sea Apr. 29 (MAP) had May 15 (MAP) and anotherat StovepipeWells in Death Valley, probably spent the winter on the Salton Sea. An imm. Mag- Inyo, May 29 (MAP) were at unusual localities. nificent Frigatebird over Upper Newport Bay, Orange, Apr. 20 (BeF), and what may well have been the same bird pho- tographed off San Diego Apr. 23 (BAr), was most unusual SHOREBIRDS-- A flock of 120 Black-bellied Plovers near consideringthe time of year. At least six Little Blue Herons Lancaster,Los Angeles, Apr. 8 (MTH) was a large number for were present around San Diego throughout the period (EC) such an area. A Lesser Golden-Plover believed to be of the but the specieswent unreported from elsewhere in the Re- Pacificform fulva at S.E.S.S.Apr. 23 (NW) was inland, and a gion. A Tricolored Heron photographed at S.E.S.S.Apr. 17 fulva at the SantaMaria R. mouth May 21 (BS)was the only (RSt)was one of a very few ever found in that area.The imm. migrantof that form reportedfrom alongthe coast,although ReddishEgret initially found at the mouth of the San Diego eightwinteringfulva were still presentin SealBeach, Orange, R. Nov. 20 was still present at the end of the period (BoF)and May 2 (NBB).A BlackOystercatcher in Goleta,Santa Barbara, appeared to be attempting to summer. The ad. Yellow- Apr. 10 (HK) was at an unusual locality. A stunningSpotted crowned Night-Heron present in La Jolla and on nearby San Redshankphotographed near OceansideMay 19-23 (ED)was Elijo Lagoon,San Diego, off and on since October of 1981 was the 5th ever found in California. Since Solitary Sandp•pers presentwith nestingBlack-crowned Night-Herons in La Jolla are quite rare in spring,four together at Desert Center Apr after Apr. 26 (GS).Two Wood Storks,very rare away from the 12 (PEL),one at Galileo Hills, Kern, Apr. 22 (RSa),and another S.E.S.S.,near Escondido,San Diego, after May 31 (NC) ap- on Nacimento L., San Luis Obispo,Apr. 16-22 (TB) were of peared to be attempting to nest. interest. A Wandering Tattler, very rare to casual inland, was at Salton City, Imperial, May 14 (KR), and another was at the WATERFOWL TO RAILS--A flock of 25 Greater same place May 28 (AME). White-fronted Geeseat Pt. Mugu, Ventura, Mar. 15 (RJM)was Ninety-eight Whimbrels near Chino, San Bernardino,Apr a large number for the coast, and single birds in San Luis 9 (MAP) and 1500 near LancasterApr. 27 (NBB) were large

536 American B•rds,Fall 1989 Tern in San Diego Mar. 19 (GMcC) had probably wintered nearby, since the date is almost a month earlier than normal for the first of the spring migrants. An Arctic Tern, casual inland, was near China Lake June 3-4 (MTH) and two more were near Lancaster June 10 (RRV). A Least Tern near Lan- caster May 20 (EK) was one of very few indeed to be found inland away from the Salton Sea. Two Black Skimmers on n. VandenbergA.F.B. May 17 (KH) were the northernmostto be found this spring.

DOVES TO WOODPECKERS- A White-winged Dove, most unusual along the coast in spring, was at San Elijo Lagoon,San Diego, May 19 (RP) and another was near Santa Barbara May 27 (SB);one in RidgecrestMay 8 (DM) was a little to the n.w. of the species'normal range. An Inca Dove that spent the winter at F.C.R. was last seen there Apr. 2 (GMcC). A migrant Yellow-billed Cuckoowas encounteredin Solitary Sandpiper at Galileo Hill, California, April 22, 1989. Yucca Valley, San Bernardino, June 3 (DRW) and one in the Photograph/RickSaval. Prado Basin, Riverside, May 29 (LRH) was the first to arrive at this known nesting locality. A Flammulated Owl on Big Pine Mt. Apr. 21 (JSc) was the first to be found in Santa Barbara. The presenceof a Short-eared Owl near Morro Bay concentrations for such areas. The only Ruddy Turnstones May 23 (PMcK) suggestedthe bird might be nestinglocally. reported from inland were 11 found by 2 parties surveying Five Corn. Nighthawks over Big Pine, Inyo, May 20 (GMcC) shorebirds on the Salton Sea Apr. 23 (RMcK) and four more gave us the earliest date for springarrival of this speciesin s. in Salton City May 14 (KR). Three Black Turnstones, much California. rarer inland than the previous species,were at N.E.S.S. Apr. A Black Swift near Imperial Beach May 14 (RT), six over 23 (MAP) along with one more at Salton City the same day Newbury Park, Ventura, May 13 (KLG), one over Santa Bar- (CMcG). Five Surfbirds, also exceptionally rare inland, were bara May 13 (DPe), and another over Goleta May 14 (HPR) at N.E.S.S.Apr. 23 (MAP). Red Knots reached peak numbers were the only spring migrantsreported this year. A Chimney on the Salton Sea on Apr. 23 when 582 were counted by 4 Swift was at F.C.R. May 24 (JD),and a recently-dead one was parties surveying shorebirds;one at N.E.S.S. May 27 (GMcC) was a little late. found at Deep Springs, Inyo, May 27 (SEF, *S.B.C.M.). A (• Black-chinnedHummingbird near Santa BarbaraMar. 19 OH) Single Sanderlingson Edwards A.F.B. Apr. 22 0MTH) and was unusually early for the coast. Calliope Hummingbirds near China Lake, Kern, May 7 (DVB), and two more near were more numerousthan usual along the coast,as indicated Lancaster May 11 [JKA), were the only ones found inland by the presenceof 15 on Pt. Loma, San Diego, Apr. 30 (JO); away from the Salton Sea. The only Semipalmated Sandpipers single birds at F.C.R. May 14 (MAP) and at Harper Dry Lake reported this spring were one in the Fremont Valley May 19 May 24 (KB) were late and at unusual localities. The Red- 0MTH) and another near Lancaster May 7 (MAP). An excep- headed Woodpeckerfound in Goleta Sept. 14 was last seen tionally early Baird's Sandpiper, casual in spring, was near Apr. 23 0EL). An Acorn Woodpecker in the Fremont Valley Lancaster Mar. 3 (KLG) and another was at S.C.R.E. Apr. 30 June2-3 0W) was far from its normal range. (JSR).Two Pectoral Sandpipers,equally rare in sprin& were in Irvine Apr. 16 (BED), and additional birds were at Malibu FLYCATCHERS TO SHRIKES-- A W. Wood-Pewee at Lagoon,Los Angeles, Mar. 7 (BE), the S.C.R.E. Apr. 7 (RJM), Whale Rock Res., San Luis Obispo, Apr. 8 (GPS)was a little and at nearby Pt. Mugu Apr. 9 (REW). Concentrationsof 3413 early, and the bulk of these birds passedthrough the Region Short-billed Dowitchers on the Salton Sea and 90 at Harper in late May as indicated by countssuch as 70-• at Harper Dry Dry Lake, San Bernardino,on Apr. 23 (RMcK, EAC) were high numbers for inland localities, and indicated this to be the Lake May 24 (EAC) and 250 at OasisJune 3 (MAP). A Willow Flycatcher in the Prado Basin May 4 (DRW) was a bird peak time for the spring movement through s. California. returning to a known nesting locality; however, the bulk of this species appear much later, this being the commonly SKUAS TO SKIMMER -- A S. Polar Skua, regular in s. encountered Empidonax at desert oasesin very late May and California waters in late May, was 23 mi west of Oceanside early June, with 42 still present in e. Kern June 10 (MTH). An May 21 (JO'B).A Laughing Gull near Imperial Beach May 25 E. Phoebe, most unusual in spring, was well describedfrom (NW) was along the coastwhere the speciesis only a casual Agua Caliente Springs in e. San Diego Apr. 18 (D & MH). A • straggler,and two at S.E.S.S.May 27 (GMcC) were early for Vermilion Flycatcher in Puma Valley, San Diego, Apr. 14 this area. Up to 15 Franklin's Gulls near Lancaster Apr. 30- (DR),a male at Holiday L. in the AntelopeValley, LosAngeles, May 15 (RCR) representedan unusually large concentration Mar. 26-Apr. 2 (KLG), and another male at Harper Dry Lake for anywhere in California, but up to eight near China Lake May 24 (GH) were all at unusual localities.A Tropical King- between Apr. 13 & 30 (DVB), another there June 4 (MTH), two bird, casual in spring and accidental in the interior, was at more at S.E.S.S. Apr. 29 (PLN), one at Bolsa Chica, Orange, F.C.R.May 28-29 (GT) for the first recordfor this well-worked May 14 (MW), and another photographedin Goleta May 10 oasis.As expected a few E. Kingbirds appeared along the e. (AB) were also reported during the period. Two ad. Heer- border of the Region as indicated by single birds at F.C.R. mann's Gulls, very rare to casualinland, were off Salton City May 29 (TEW) and June 3 (REW), another near China Lake May 28 (RMcK). A first-summer-plumagedThayer's Gull at June 3-4 (MTH), and a 4th near Niland, Imperial, June 3 N.E.S.S. Apr. 15 (MAP) was the only one to be found inland. [RMcK), and one was along the coast in Fountain Valley, Three Sabine's Gulls, casual to accidental inland in spring, Orange, June 12 (JP).A Purple Martin on Edwards A.F.B. Mar. were near Lancaster Apr. 21 (BE). 25 (MTH) was early, and single individuals at Harper Dry Up to five Gull-billed Terns were presentafter Apr. 7 on s. Lake May 24 (GH), Galileo Hills May 6 (MOC), over the San Diego Bay (EC), where the specieshas nested each of the Fremont Valley May 23 (MTH), and at F.C.R. June 3 (BED) past 2 summers. A Caspian Tern at F.C.R. May 28 (MAP) was were all at unusual localities. Fifty Bank Swallows near Lan- at an unusual locality. An Elegant Tern, only the 4th ever to casterApr. 26 (KLG) representedan exceptionally large num- be found inland in s. California, was foraging with a mixed ber for anywhere in s. California. flock of gulls and terns off Salton City May 28 (RMcK). A Corn. A Winter Wren in Nine Mile Canyon, Inyo, Mar. 17 (DVB)

Volume 43, Number 3 537 was •n an area where the species•s consideredrare A Town- and a male near Imperial Beach June 1 (PJ),another male in send'sSohtmre •n Placenta Canyon, LosAngeles, Apr 19 (BE) Huntington BeachJune 18 (BED),and a 3rd male at S C R E was at an unusual locality. Swainson's Thrushes pushed May 21 (RJM)were alongthe coastwhere consideredvagrants throughthe Regionin large numbersduring the first half of Sixteen Rose-breastedGrosbeaks at variousplaces within the May as indicated by such concentrations as 50 in Morongo Regionbetween May 18 and June4 were closeto the expected Valley, San Bernardino,May 8 (EAC). A Wrentit, normally number,as were the 23 IndigO Buntings between May 13 and consideredtotally resident,was outsidethe species'known June 3. Five Brewer's Sparrowsin Orange between Apr 6 & rangein MorongoValley Mar. 11 (CMcG).A BrownThrasher, 19 (DRW, BED, JP)were unusual, since this speciesis excep- a casual stragglerto California, was in Mojave, Kern, May 13- tionally rare along the coastin spring.A Swamp Sparrow •n 14 (MTH) and another was seen briefly in MorongoValley California City May 19 (RSa) was a late vagrant. A White- May 7(KR).A Bendire'sThrasher found in the ChocolateMrs., throated Sparrow that spent the winter in Los Osos,San Lms R•verside,Feb. 14 (RMcK)was probablya springmigrant Obispo,remained through the late date of May 10 (M & PC), consideringhow early this speciesis knownto move,and a and a late vagrantwas in JawboneCanyon, Kern, May 23 territorial male in JoshuaTree N.M., Riverside, after Apr. 22 (BED). A Harris' Sparrow at Deep SpringsApr. I (GMcC) had (LRH) was near the western edge of the species' known probablywintered locally, and anotherin CaliforniaCity Apr breedingrange. An American Pipit on EdwardsA.F.B. May 30 (RSa) was considereda migrant. Four Chestnut-collared 27 (DVB) was late. The N. Shrike presentat China Lake since Longspurspresent in the FremontValley Mar. 11 (MTH) were Dec. 9was last seenMar. 14 (RH). consideredto be part of the flock found here in November The only Bobolinksfound this springwere singlefemales WOOD WARBLERS- A Tennessee Warbler in Goleta at Scotty'sCastle and at F.C.R.on June3 (MAP), and a male Mar. 27 (TEW) had probablyspent the winter locally, and 17 at China Lake the sameday (MTH). A c•Tricolored Blackbird were encountered at various localities within the Region at F.C.R. May 25 (NBB) was one of a very few ever found in betweenMay 26 andJune 11 for a higher•thannormal num- this area of California. Two Great-tailed Grackles at S.C R E ber.A Lucy'sWarbler, most unusual along the coastin spring, Apr. 2-16 (JSR),one in Goleta May 20 (MAH), and another •n was in Goleta Mar. 11-17 (TEW), and another at about 4000 Oceanothroughout the period (TME) were along the n. coast ft on the e. slope of the San Bernardino Mrs. above Pioneer of the Region where still consideredrare. Two Bronzed Cow- Town Apr. 22 (DRW) was at a most unusual location. Only birds had returned by May 27 to Brawley, Imperial (GMcC), four N. Parulas were reported with three around Santa Bar- where the speciesnow appears to be regular in very small bara in May and another on Pt. Loma June 1-4 (DPa). Three numbers in summer. A c• Orchard Oriole visited a feeder •n Chestnut-sided Warblers, rare but regular spring vagrants, 'Puma Valley Apr. 30 (FSA) and a female was present •n were found with one at California City June3 (RSa),another Huntington Beach May 27-30 (LRH), there being only a few at ButterbredtSprings, Kern, June 3-4 (MTH),and the 3rd at recordsof springvagrants in s. California.A singleRed Cross- Oasis,Mono, June4 (MAP). A 9 Black-throatedBlue Warbler, bill in Yucca Valley Mar. 11 (CMcG) and two in Califorma only the 3rd ever to be found in s. California in spring, was City May 26 (JWi)were the only onesreported away from the •n Mojave, Kern,May 27 (BED),and a singingmale was present mountains. An Evening Grosbeakin California City Apr 29 •n Irvine June 12 (RRV). (AC) was the only one found in the Region. A Yellow-rumped(Myrtle) Warbler in MorongoValley May 31 (EAC) was late, as were 19 Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warblersat OasisJune 3 (MAP).A singingc• Black-throated Green Warbler at OasisJune 4 (BED) was only the 9th to be ADDENDA -- A reportof a Leach'sStorm-Petrel found inland found in springin s. California.The c•Pine Warbler foundin in E1Cajon, San Diego,Sept. 19, 1988 (*S.D.N.H.M.) has only lust Yorba Linda, Orange, Jan. 14 was still presentApr. 2 (MTH). cometo light. A Palm Warbler at Morro Bay Mar. 31 (TME), four more in Goletaduring April (RPH,HPR, BM), anotherin Huntington BeachMar. 26 (DRW), and three in the San Diegoarea during CONTRIBUTORS (county coordinators in boldface)- March (JWa,B &.IM, DH) had all probablywintered locally, JonathanK. Alderfer, BrooksAllen (BAll, Bob Archer (BAr), but one photographedat Corn Springsin e. RiversideApr. 8 FrancesS. Armstrong,Suzanne Barrymore, Kelly Bennion,Allyn (HC) was undoubtedlya migrant. A Bay-breastedWarbler, a Bissell,David V. Blue, N. Bruce Broadbooks,Tom Bronstad,Eu- speciesbecoming increasingly scarce as a stragglerto Califor- geneA. Cardiff (San Bernardino),Mark O. Chichester(Kern), ma, was in the FremontValley June10 (MTH). A c•Blackpoll Henry E. Childs,Nancy Christianson,Herbert Clarke, Elizabeth Warbler, a casualspring straggler to California, was at F.C.R. Copper(San Diego), Michael & PeggyCraig (M & PC), Art Cupples, May 27 (MAP). Brian E. Daniels, Earl Dore, JonDunn, Tom M. Edell (San Lms EighteenBlack-and-white Warblers during May were close Obispo),Alan M. Eisner, BarbaraElliott, ShawneenE. Finnegan, to the expected number, but 16 Am. Redstartsduring the Beth Flint (BeF), Bob Florand (BoF), Kimball L. Garrett (Los same period were certainly far fewer than normal. Eight Angeles),Rick Hallowell, Michael Hanson,Joan Herdie, Don & Ovenbirds were found in the n.e. portion of the Region be- Marjorie Hastings(D & MH), Loren R. Hays, Gjon Hazard, Matt T tween May 15 and June 3, and one more was along the coast Heindel, Diana Herron, Ron P. Hirst, Mark A. Holmgren, Ken on Pt. Loma May 13 (DPa). The only N. Waterthrushesen- Hollinga, Charles Hood, Paul Jorgensen,Everett King, Harold countered this spring were single birds at Barker Dam in Kirker, Paul E. Lehman, Joan E. Lentz (Santa Barbara), Betty & Joshua Tree N.M. May 6 (TEW) and near Helendale, San Ida Mazin (B & IM), Chet McGaugh,Robert McKernan (RMcK) Bernardino, May 14 (MAP), and at F.C.R. May 24 (JD) in the (Riverside),Peggy McKie, BarbaraMillerr, Don Moore, Randy J interior, and in Huntington Beach May 3 (JP)and in nearby Moore, Paul L. Noble, John O'Brien, Jerry Oldenettel, Denms Parker (DPa), Michael A. Patten, Robert Patton, Dale Pearson Anaheim Hills June 2 (DRW) along the coast.A c• Kentucky (DPe),Jim Pike, Kurt Radimaker,Hugh P. Ranson,David Rawl- Warbler, a rare stragglerto California, was at Butterbredt ings,Jim S. Royer (Ventura),R.C. Ruffing, Bob Russell, Rick Saval Springs May 19-21 (JWi). Three c• Hooded Warblers were (RSa),John Schmitt, Brad Schram,Joe Slater, GregoryP. Smith, encounteredthis springwith one that came aboarda research GeorgeSnyder, Don S. Staites,Rich Stallcup (RSt), Mary Beth vesseloff San DiegoApr. 17 (BR),another at F.C.R. May 20 Stowe, Gerry Tolman, Richard Tristle, Richard R. Veit, Jody (BED),and the 3rd near Orange,Orange, June12-18 (DRW). Vennema,John Walters (JWa),Nils Warhock,Richard E. Webster, Miles Wheeler, DouglasR. Willick (Orange),John Wilson 0-W•), TANAGERS TO FINCHES- A 9 Summer Tanager in Tom E. Wurster. An additional 50_+ observers who could not be Oceano,San Luis Obispo,Mar. 26-28 (.IV)had probably win- individuallyacknowledged submitted reports this season.--GUY tered locally; a migrant female at Scotty's Castle in Death McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, Valley May 20 (GMcC) was north of the species'normal range, P.O. Box 1390, San Diego,CA 92112.

538 American B•rds, Fall 1989 HAWAIIAN MOLOK •' ISLANDS REGION

Robert L. Pyle

ainfallcontinued above monthly normals in March lingham this year comparedto 92 last year. At Pacific Missile and April, but slackenedoff a bit in May. Cumulative Range, 146 were banded this year (JM}. precipitationamounts for 1989 throughspring were still above normal at 29 of 32 reporting stations. Unusually PROCELLARIIDS, STORM-PETRELS--Larger num- large numbers of seabirdsappeared in near-shorewaters bersof seabirdsthan expectedwere seenfrom a boatbetween off the northern main islands during three days in mid- Kaua'i and Ni'ihau Apr. 15 {DP}, from a boat between O'ahu April. Hearing several Hawaiian Crows ('Alala) on the and Moloka'i Apr. 16 (JE},and alsofrom shoreoff J.C.N.W.R. annual spring survey was very good news indeed, but Apr. 17 (PD). All observerscommented independently on the started a heated controversyover whether or not to try to large numbers.High winds and squallsduring the preceding capture them. several days may have been factors.Very few were found on a return visit to the J.C.N.W.R.spot Apr. 20 {PD}.Most of the ABBREVIATIONS--H. = Hawai'i I.: K. = Kaua'i I.; M. = birds were Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, with some Newell's Maui I.; O. = O'ahu I.; BPBM = prefix for B. P. BishopMuseum Shearwaters,Sooty Terns, boobies,noddies, and a few other specimencatalog numbers; J.C.N.W.R. = JamesCampbell Nat'l species.Almost all were speciesbreeding on nearby islands. Wildlife Ref., O'ahu; K.M.C.A.S. = Kane'ohe Marine Corps Air More than 1000 Wedge-tailedswere recordedon the trip off Station, O'ahu; K.P.N.W.R. = Kilauea Point Nat'l Wildlife Ref., Kaua'i Apr. 15 (DP}. This is notwithstanding a recent erro- Kaua'i. neous statement in American Birds {42:1225}that a certain photographrepresented just the 2nd record of Wedge-tailed ALBATROSSES--A flurry of sightingsof Black-looted Shearwaterfor the United States[Sorry, my mistake--K.K.]. Albatrosses this season included birds seen from shore off A (Hawaiian}Dark-rumped Petrel {Endangered}was picked O'ahu, and also from boats several miles off of Kaua'i and in up Apr. 29 in the spring shearwaterfallout on Kaua'i, and Moloka'i Channel. At least six and probably more were seen later banded and released {TT}. Two were seen from a boat at seanear Nihoa I. Apr. 4-5. but none near Kaua'i or Ni'ihau off Port Allen, K., May 5, and three more were seen the Apr. 3 (PD).One on the groundat PacificMissile Range, K., following afternoon off Makahu'ena Pt., K. {DP}. These were was banded and releasedApr. 9 (JM).Black-footeds are rarely further indicationsof a small breedingpopulation of this rare reportedaround the main islands,although they breedcom- specieson Kaua'i.Twelve largePterodroma sp. thought to be monly in the N.W. Hawaiian Is. JuanFernandez Petrels were seenoff J.C.N.W.R.Apr. 17 {PD}, LaysanAlbatross, on the other hand, continuedto flourish and three birds also thought to be Juanswere recordedon a on Kaua'i and O'ahu. Althoughall of this year'schicks at the boat trip May 5 off Port Allen (DP}. This speciesis apparently K.P.N.W.R. colony were lost in a disaster (see last season's widespreadin the subtropicalPacific when not at its breeding report},13 chicks from the colony at Pacific Missile Range, islands in the southern hemisphere. A Bonin Petrel, presum- K., were removed to See Life Park, O., as were two others ably found on an O'ahu beach, was brought alive to Sea Life hatchedat University of Hawaii from eggsfound unattended Park Mar. 3, where it died Mar. 11 (IK) and becamea specimen at K.M.C.A.S. (JM). All 15 chicks were successfullyraised, in the collection of Hawaii Div. of Forestry & Wildlife {AE}. banded, and released(IK). The albatrossesare a nuisanceto Bonins breed in the N.W. Hawaiian Is., but the specieshas operationsat PacificMissile Range and at Dillinghamairstrip been recordedin the main islandsonly once before in recent on O'ahu. Efforts of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture memory. Damage Control Unit to discouragethe albatrossesat Dil- This seasonbrought reports of two more Band-rumped lingham seem to be having some effect, as 75% of the birds Storm-Petrel sightings {enigmatic in Hawaii, see AB 43:172}. caught for the first time and color banded were not seen One was spottedamong the other seabirdsin the Moloka'i again. Only 57 birds were caught and color banded at Dil- Channel Apr. 16 {JE},and one was caughtaboard the cruise

Volume 43, Number 3 539 Although casual sightingsof Red-vented Bulbuls on other New• Armored,waterproof islandsare increasing,they are not yet known to be definitely establishedanywhere except on O'ahu, where they are abun- COMPACT AUDUBON dant. After circulation of a poster this spring by Animal Model #825 Damage Control unit of U. S. Department of Agriculture, In additionto its internationallyfamous Audubonbinocular, Swift introduces the 'Cor•- citizens reported this pest speciesin at least 8 widespread pactAudubon'. Rootpdsms; a field of view of 420 test at 1,000 localities on Kaua'i. None of these reports have yet been yards;closeIocusing capability of t3 feet;5inch confirmed. A Red-vented Bulbul was also reported Apr. 18 at, height;and light weight ot 21 ouncesmake the •, CompactAudubon an ideal glassfor the bird of all places,Kaho'olawe (fide AE), the small barren island w. watcher-- orany outdoor enthusiast. Its tour-lensocular system, magenta tully of Maui used as a bombing target. ,•,•,,• coatedoptics, with multi-coating onthe ocular and objectivelens, give a highresolving power result- Two pairs and four individual Maui Parrotbills were re- ingin anespecially bright image even under the corded in the Hanawi area of Haleakala Mt., M., May 18-20 mostdemanding of lightconditions. (RF). A male and a probablefemale of the super-rareNuku 7 x 35 CF, R.L.E. 45.0 - List Price: $565.00 - OurPrice: $316.25 FOR OUR CATALOG AND DISCOUNT PRICE LIST ON A pu'u were observed there May 19, and "lots" of Crested COMPLETE LINE OF SPORTING OPTICS, CALL (518) 664-2011 Honeycreepers('Akohekohe) were seen,but none of the very OR WRITE TO: rare Po'ouli (RF). All four speciesare Endangered. Optics Headquarters for

B I R D I N G POA BOX6,v,,,Zo, 44eSAB;pdorWt,a;hrptlcs HalFmoon, NY 12065Inc.

During the annual Hawaiian Crow ('Alala) survey Apr. 13, at least two and perhaps four different birds were heard in a tract not •dequately covered in past ship INDEPENDENCEat sea Apr. 27. It was identified. surveys. No 'Alala (critically Endangered) had been banded, and released in Nawiliwili Harbor, K., the next day seen anywhere during the 1987 or 1988 springsurveys, (TT). More than 12 storm-petrelswith white rumpsseen from and fewer than 10 are thought to remain in the wild. shore200 m off J.C.N.W.R.Apr. 17 were judgedto be probably The captive flock at Olinda, M., successfullyproduced Leach's(PD). Leach's Storm-Petrels are regularwinter visitors one chick last year and one chick this year, bringing to the central Pacific, although seldom reported in Hawaiian the captive population to 10 individuals. Both chicks waters. Seeingany storm-petrelsaround the main Hawaiian were from the same pair, the only pair in the captive Is. is a rare event. flock that has bred successfully.This pair is a mother mated to her son. All but one of the other birds in the GEESE TO TERNS-- The 3 known nests of Hawaiian captiveflock are closelyrelated to thesetwo. Thus, the Goose(Nene, Endangered) in Kipu Kai, K., this winter each need is desperatefor more genetic diversity if captive producedthree young.One brooddisappeared, but the other propagationis to succeed. six goslingswere believedto have fledgedsuccessfully (TF). Finding the wild birds on April survey immediately On Maui, a citizen sighteda pair of Nene in a field in Kula set off a heated controversyover whether or not to try (_fideCN), well down the slopeof HaleakalaMt. from the to capture them for the captive flock. There are many species'normal haunts near the summit. Inside Haleakala parallelsbetween the 'Alala and the California Condor Crater at Paliku Cabin,a rangerreported a pair of Nene with lAB 40:527, and 41:492). The 'Alala's future, already two goslingsabout 2 weeksold Mar. 18 (fide CN). A total of bleak indeed, will be irretrievably doomed unlessgov- 16 Nene in 4 separategroups flying past Pu'uanahulu,H., ernment biologists and private landowners immedi- Apr. 30 (DP) madea high count for that fairly low elevation. ately begin working together to rescue this species. All were encouragingsigns of successboth in reproductionin the wild and in existence at lower elevations, which some believe may have been its preferred ancestralrange before Polynesianman arrived. A Hawaiian Hawk ('Io, Endangered)was observedcatching In Hakalau N.W.R., H., this spring 10 nests of the Endan- and eatinga Tiwi at Hakal•auN.W.R., H., Mar. 26 (JL).Al- geredHawai'i 'Akepa were found, with the first youngfiedg- though 'Io must have subsistedentirely on birds before rats ing Apr. 20 (JL). Nests of 'Elepaio, 'Oma'o, Hawai'i Creeper came to Hawaii with the early Polynesians,observations of (Endangered)and 'Akiapola'au(Endangered) were alsofound them feedingon birds are rarely reported now. Also this in Hakalau during March and April (JL).A family group of springnear Mountain View, H., a 'Io was observedcatching a five 'Akiapola'au was reported at Kulani Center, H., May 1 rat and eatingit in an ohia tree outsidea cabin window (DS). (DP), and on Kaua'i a nest of the Kaua'i 'Akepa was found A Greater Yellowlegs, a rare stragglerto Hawaii, was seen May 4 alongPihea Trail (DP). at Ki'i Ponds,J.C.N.W.R., May 3 in near breeding plumage An imm. • House Sparrow found on Sand I., Midway, Apr. (AE). It may have been the samebird as seenthere last fall. 10 may have reached there by military cargo plane or ship Another rare straggler,a Whimbrel, was observedcarefully (BT, fide CR). Lavender Waxbills were recorded on Na La'au near J.C.N.W.R.Apr. 17 & 20 (PD). A Bar-tailed Godwit seen Trail at Diamond Head, O., Mar. 10 (three, MS) and Apr. 15 & regularlyat Kure Atoll during May was found freshly dead 29 (seven,AE). Although regular there a decadeor two ago, May 15 OH) and appearedto be of the Europeanrace lappon- they are infrequently reportednow. Lavendersseemed to be ica (AE, BPBM 178068). increasingthis springin suburbanareas around Kailua-Kona, OWLS TO SPARROWS--A Barn Owl roosting on sea H. (fide RD). Ten Java Sparrowsat Lihue Airport, K., Apr. 2 cliffsat KalaupapaPeninsula, Moloka'i, Mar. 5 (RLP)and one (PB) confirmed their continuing presencein that area. harassedby small birds along Na La'au Trail, O., Mar. 10 (MS) CONTRIBUTORS--Joan Aidem, Joe Bailey, Phil Bruner, both representedinteresting daytime locality records.(Ha- GeorgeCarpenter, Reggie David, Peter Donaldson,Glenn Dyck, waiian) Short-earedOwls (Pueo) were seen and heard court- FernDuvall, Bruce Eilerts, John Engbring, Andrew Engilis, Robert ship-callingdeep in the Alaka'i Wilderness,K., in mid-morn- Fleischer,Tom Harvey, JohnHenderson, Ingrid Kang, JaanLep- ing Mar. 16. An owl pellet found nearby containingmostly son,Brien Meilleur, JimMurphy, CathleenNatividad, DougPratt, red 'Apapane feathers was probably from a Pueo (AE). A Thane Pratt, CraigRowland, SusanSchenck, Donna Sellers,Mike Short-eared Owl at Midway Atoll May 7-10 (BE) may have Street, Tom Teller, Quentin Tomich, Breck Tyler.--ROBERT L. been an Asiatic stragglerrather than a Pueo. PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, HI 96734.

540 American Birds, Fall, 1989 Old Favorite Haunted Woods Wildlife Birdhouse nowjoined by a newface TOURS J•e of the Pirate FlexiblePlastic Easily •ORNON-$MOKEI• . f Attaches to Tree! Onl• SI0.50 eaeh Tanzania. Seychelles and Kenya (Postpaid) WiTH DOUG AND GAIL CHEESEMAN OutsideUSA add $2.00 JUNE,9.8 - JULY 9.8, $5800. plus air SD Customers add 4% sales tax Kenya wn• •m•v STEVENSON Send ler Our JUN• 25 - JULY 16. $3550, plus air Catalogof Unusual Savanna Wildlife Sarfari BirdingSupplies & Gifts KEMPF'S JULY t 4- AUGUST 3. $3 t00 plus at• P.O, Box 504 Amazon Basin and Galapages Woonsocket,SD 57385 MARCH t 1-51, $2925, plus air ClIEESEMANS ECOLOGY SAFARIS 20800 Fdttr•dge Road ß Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 741-5350 or 867-157 t

WEST INDIES REGION

Robert L. Norton

A report (RR) on 's aerial insectivores--Golden normalainfall forat Cruzthe spring Bay, St.period John, was Unitedabout States15% Virginabove Swallow, Cave Swallow, Antillean Palm Swift, and Antil- Islands.March rainfall was 57% aboveaverage, and April's lean Nighthawk--suggests that their populations are de- was 55% above. May--generally the fourth-wettest clining. The long-term effects of Hurricane Gilbert may month, but without rainfall for the first three weeks this have some bearing on the abundance and distribution of year--was 25% below average in rainfall. These condi- severalspecies there. Jamaica'sGosse Bird Club is report- tions suggesteda goodseabird nesting season, with ample edly making an effort to monitor the status of resident nutrients inshore for the fish, and dry nesting areas for species;perhaps local groupsthroughout the Region could terns and gulls. However, nearly three inches of rain fell employ the Breeding Bird Census and Christmas Bird on May 30 and 31, potentially flooding sandbars and Count methods of American Birds. wiping out nests on rocky cliffs. RoseateTerns apparently ABBREVIATIONS--B.V.I. = British Virgin Islands; P.R. = made a major shift in nesting location this year, ignoring ; U.S.V.I. = United States Virgin Islands. previously used sites in the United States Virgin Islands STORKS TO TERNS--The mangrove swamp at Fal- and favoring sites in the British Virgin Islands. This sug- mouth, Jamaica,yielded observationsof a Wood Stork May 7 geststhe need for international cooperation in any recov- and a "Great White" Heron May 8 {RR). Three West Indian ery plan for this federally listed species. Whistling-Duckswere seenat the spectacularHumacao Ref-

Volume 43, Number 3 541 Guadeloupe'sendemic woodpeckerappears to be locally common,as indicatedby the reportof 13 GuadeloupeWood- peckers noted May 4 (CF). A single Cliff Swallow at Marti- nique May 7 (CF, CH) was late for the LesserAntilles. One of the mostcritically endangeredWest Indian birdsis the White- breastedThrasher, which occursin extremely limited habi- tats on only 2 islands, Martinique and St. Lucia. On Marti- nique, two were seen May 7 at Caravelle de PresqueIsle in an area not visited by RW and RLN in fall 1988. Three were Travel with a purpose. Search out seen in northeasternSt. Lucia Apr. 27 and May 3 in isolated, plants and animals,birds and flowers.In- but threatened,riparian habitat (RLN). vestigateart and antiquities.Study rain for- A Gray-cheekedThrush mist-nettedMay 4 (JW)provided ests, mountains and tundra, seashores, only the 4th record for Puerto Rico. A first for that island was lakes.andswamps. With Questers you have a Yellow-throatedVireo observedMar. 31 (JW,OD). A Puerto time to photograph,absorb, reflect.Your guide is a naturalist,tour parties are small, Rican Vireo seen at closerange Apr. I near Lejasbeach, e of accommodations first-class. San Juan, P.R., furnished one of the few reports from the Our current Directory of Worldwide easternpart of the island.Sightings of Golden-wingedWarbler Nature Tours describes 37 tours •o the from the P.R. Bank seem to be increasing;one was seen in Americas,Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania March in the Luquillo Mrs. of the CaribbeanNat'l Forest,P.R and Australasia.Among them are Alaska, Galapagos, Patagonia, Iceland, Spain, (OD, fide JW).A singingc• Black-throated Green Warbler May Scotland, Japan, Bhutan, China, 23 (JW,AC) providedthe latest springrecord for PuertoRico Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia, New A Corn.Yellowthroat at Trafalgar Valley, Dominica,Mar 24 Zealand,Hawaii and the ,• U.S.S.R. (RW) was not a first there, but was one of the few reported for the LesserAntilles. Six N. Orioleswere notedroosting in Learnaboutthem alk mangrovesat Punta Pitahaya, near Cabo Rojo, P.R., Apr 1 Sendfor (RLN, RW); also seen coming to roost there were about 35 QuestersWorld Yellow-shouldered Blackbirds and four individuals of their principalnemesis, the Shiny Cowbird (RW, V.I.A.S.). name

address

city slate z•p ADDENDUM--A late report from Vieques, P.R., during 257 Park Ave. South NewDe.,. York,AB NY 10010 QUESTERS last winter was highlighted by a Double-crestedCormorant (212)673-3120 Worldwide Nature Tours Jan.15 & 18 and a GrasshopperSparrow Jan. 17 (DG). Two major additionsto Puerto Rico'swinter birdlife were repre- sentedby a Forster'sTern at MayaguezHarbor Feb. 20 and a carefullystudied Philadelphia Vireo at SalinasFeb. 22 (AL) uge, P.R., Mar. 29 (RW, FS), for one of the few reports from A major report on a guided trip to western Feb. 5-10 the PuertoRico region;42 (35 adults,seven immatures) noted (GEW, ARK) was received too late to be included in the winter at BarbudaMay 19 (FS, RW) representedone of the largest report. Becauseso little is heard from Cuba, it seemsworth- single-day counts for this threatened West Indian endemic. while to print a selection(Regional Editor's choice) from the Single Merlins (possiblythe same bird) on Dominica were 140 speciesrecorded: 10 Reddish Egrets (eight dark, two noted Mar. 24 at Trafalgar Valley and Mar. 26 at Anse de May white) and at least five Wood Storksat La Safina Feb. 7; three (RW). A Peregrine Falcon was seen north of Canefield, Dom- Snail Kites at Treasure Lake Feb. 9; one ad. Gundlach's Hawk lnica, Mar. 25 (RW) and another was at Humacao Refuge, near Los Canales Feb. 5; single Peregrine Falconsat 3 loca- P R., Mar. 29 (RW, FS). tions; two Sandhill Cranes of the Cuban subspeciesat La One Red Knot and three Sanderlingswere seen at Lejas Salina Feb. 7; Cuban Parrotsseen fairly commonlyin groups beaches,e. of San Juan, P.R., Apr. 3 (RLN, RW). A carefully of four to five; five Bare-leggedOwls at BermejasFeb. 5; one studied2nd-year Ring-billed Gull in very worn plumagewas to two Stygian Owls each night; at least six Cuban Green a habitue of the Beef Island airport, B.V.I., during the last Woodpeckers, at various sites; at least two Fernandlna's week of May (RLN, TL) for the latest springrecord from the Woodpeckersat BermejasFeb. 5; two male ZapataWrens at Region.A May 29 count of RoseateTerns in the British Virgin Santo Tomas Feb. 8; three Blue-winged Warblers at various Islandsfound higher numbers than in previousyears (RLN). sites,suggesting winter residency rather than transient status, An estimated650 pairs were noted from the Seal Dog Cays one 9 Summer Tanager at Los Canales Feb. 6; at least five south to Dead Chest Island. Average clutch size at one colony Zapata Sparrowsat Santo Tomas Feb. 8; one Cuban Grassquit was 1.48, high for May in the Virgin Islands,suggesting that at Bermejas Feb. 5; large numbers of Tawny-shouldered nestinghad started slightly ahead of schedule. Blackbirds at Playa Guira; and two to 10 Cuban Blackbirds at Playa Larga. PIGEONS TO FINCHES--Six Puerto Rican Plain Pi- geons, a species of special concern, were seen at Cidra on Apr. 2 (RW, V.I.A.S.). Dominica's endemic parrots were seen in notable numbers at Syndicate EstateMar. 24 and May 6, CONTRIBUTORS (Subregional editors in boldface)- "El with 15 Red-necked Parrots and three to six Imperial Parrots Chino,"Alex Cruz, OscarDiaz, Thelma Douglas,Craig Faanes, (RW, CF, CH), perhaps testimony to the recovery efforts PegFisher, Dot Fradley, Orlando Garrido,Daphne Gemmill, Chris underway there. A White-tailed Nightjar was notedMay 8 on Haney, Roy & Lois Johnson,Allan R. Keith, Arturo Kirkconnell, Martinique (CF, CH), its only outpost in the Caribbean. Sev- Anthony Lauro, Terrance Louis, Velma & Bob Pullen, Richard eral Puerto Rican Nightjars were seen in the Guanica Forest Ryan, Phyllis & Fred Sladen, Sr. Ricardo, Sr. Rogelio,Virgin on the eveningof Mar. 31 (RW, V.I.A.S.) and one roostingbird IslandsAudubon Society, George E. Wallace, Ro Wauer, Jean& was seen there Apr. I (RLN et al.). A locality where this Gerry Whitman, Caryl Wolf, JosephWunderle.--ROBERT L. nightjar may be heard is alongthe coastupland of the Copa- NORTON, Box 860, National Parks Trust, Ministry of Natural marina Hotel (RLN). Resources,Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

542 American B•rds, Fall 1989