The Winter Season December 1, 1986-February 28, 1987

CONTINENTAL SURVEY

The Winter Season

December1, 1986-February28, 1987

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION

Blair Nikula

arelytude, inis thisthere Region, extensive one uniformitythat spans overin the10 øweather of lati- through a season.This winter was an exception:it was an old-fashioned winter from one end of the Region to the other, a season that was at least as memorable for its weather as its birds. December was innocuousenough; although wet, temperatureswere generally above average (+1.8øFin Boston)and only in northernmostareas did snow beginto accumulate.The tide turned in January,however, as temperaturesdropped and storm after storm barreled up the coast, each dropping snow progressivelyfarther south until by month's end even extreme southeastern coastal sections were buried under near-record levels of the white stuff. February was very dry, but below-normal ATœANT'iC temperatureskept the solid snow cover intact and fresh water frozen tight through the end of the period. OCEAN While attempts to discern the weather's effects on the wintering avifauna are, inevitably, speculative,the effect on birders was clear: snowshovelingreplaced birding as the predominant weekend activity. In Newfoundland, "mountains" of snow reduced birding activity during the last one-half of the seasonto feeder watching. The seasonwas not without its avian highlights.Snowy or limiting prey availability. Notable, although less im- Owls (appropriately)inundated the Regionand raptorsin pressive,incursions were stagedby Northern Shrike, Bo- general were conspicuouseverywhere, perhaps in part hemian Waxwing, Pine Siskin, and redpolls.On the down owing to the effectof the deepsnow in concentratingprey, sidewere virtually all seabirds,in particularthose species

Volume41, Number2 253 that have capltahzed on the abundance of sand launce and a single bird was at Chnton, Mass, Dec 14-27 (MLy) (Ammodytessp.) over the pastdecade, a prey Item that has The largestconcentrations of CanadaGeese came from oppo- undergonesharp declines recently off New England.A va- site ends of the Region:5000+ at ChezzetcookMarsh, N S, riety of sparrowsnormally comprisea significantcompo- Jan. 17 (fide LPMP) and 8000+ in n.w. Connecticutduring nent of the wintering landbird populationfrom Nova Scotia December (DR). southwardbut these ground-feedingspecies, which likely A total of sevenGreen-winged Teal and two N. Pintail in would havebeen significantly impacted by the heavysnow NovaScotia during the periodwere the northernmostreported cover, were scarce to absent throughout the Region, long A ½ Blue-wingedTeal was reported, without details, from before the serious weather arrived. Wells, Me., Feb. 14 (fide WCT). Seven Eur. Wigeon, all In s New England (three in Massachusetts,two in Rhode Island, A diversearray of rarities punctuatedthe season,par- and two-plusin Connecticut)were fewer than normal,but 450 ticularly in the northern one-half of the Region,including: Am. Wigeon at WatchemoketCove, R.I., Jan.31 and 70 Gadwall TuftedDuck, multiple(!)Purple Gallinules, Ross' Gull, Ivory in Newport, R.I., Feb. 28 were exceptional winter concentra- Gulls, Royal Tern, Say's Phoebe, multiple Scissor-tailed tions. Following several poor years, Redhead numbers seem Flycatchers,two Townsend'sSolitaires, Harris' Sparrow, to be reboundingin s. New Englandwith up to 40 reportedin and Boat-tailed Grackle. Rhode Island and a maximum of 157 on Nantucket I. (fide Timely reportswere receivedfrom all areasexcept New RHS) this season.A ½ Tufted Duck was present in Harbour Hampshire;my thanks to the many observerswho sent in Grace, Nfid., Dec. 16-Jan.8 (BMt, DS et al.). their reportspromptly. Keep it up! ChristmasBird Count CommonEider numbersseemed low throughoutthe Region data have not been included in this summary. and even an estimateof 25,000+ off MonomoyI., Dec. 7 (BN) was not exceptionalfor that locale.King Eiderswere scattered at their typical coastallocations from Rhode Island to Nova Scotia, but in low to average numbers. However, a total of ABBREVIATIONS -- S.P.M. = The French islands of St. Plerre 100+ in s.e. Newfoundlandduring the period was considered et Miquelon. about 5 times the normal number. Mactavish reported that there is goodevidence that hundredsof King Eidersroutinely winter in remote,rarely-birded sections of n.e. Newfoundland Harlequin Duckscontinued their recentincrease at Sachuest LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Pacific(/Arctic) Loons, Pt., R.I., where a maximum of 60 Dec. 27 (fide DLE) was a carefullydescribed, were foundin Branch,Nfid., Dec. 21 ('•BMt phenomenalconcentration at the s. limit of the species'normal eta/.) andPlymouth, Mass., Jan. 20-29 ('•SDet al.). EaredGrebes winter range.A peakof nine onNantucket I. duringthe period were seenat New Haven, Conn., Jan.6 (DS eta/.) and Guilford, (fide RHS)was alsonoteworthy. A singleHarlequin at Fundy Conn.,Feb. 2 (NP).Horned Grebes seem to be recoveringslowly N.P. (fide DSC) establisheda first for the park and a rare Bay from their populationebb in the late 1970s.Good numbers in of Fundy occurrence.Estimates of 500+ Black,800+ Surf, and Maine includeda countof 260 in AcadiaN.P., Jan.18 (B. Mi- 1000+ White-winged scotersin Nantucket Sound Jan.3 (RHS) lardo);a total of 93 reportedin NovaScotia during the period were rather typical totalsfrom that traditional wintering lo- was double last year's total (LPMP); and countsof 32 and 22 cation. The center of Barrow's Goldeneyeabundance in the at Quabbin,Mass., Dec. 28 and Jan.15, respectively,were ex- Regionseems to be on Prince Edward Island, where countsof ceptionaland late inland totals (T. Gagnon).At least 97 Red- 40 at West River Dec. 14 and 30 at CocagneBridge Feb 23 necked Grebesin Nova Scotiawere alsoup over last year, but (BED) far exceededany elsewhere,although at the s. edgeof otherwisethe speciesseemed rather scarcewith countsof 60 the Region12 on Nantucket Jan.4 (GWG) were alsonotewor- at Acadia N.P., in February (NF) and 23 at Nantucket, Mass., thy. Inland, two Barrow'swere in Northampton, Mass.,where Dec. 28 (ML) the only reportsof any note. The venerableW. one was shot Dec. 5 and one seenDec. 21 (fide SK). Grebe returned to Reid S.P., Me., for the 10th consecutive winter and was last reportedFeb. I (fide WCT). There were no lingering shearwatersreported and N. Ful- marswere virtually unrecordedas well, owingat leastin part RAPTORS -- Small numbersof Turkey Vultures are now to a lack of offshoretrips during the period.The onlypelagic wintering regularly in Connecticutand Rhode Island. In the report receivedwas from George'sBank where three fulmars latter state, a total of 27 was reportedduring December,four Jan. 17 (RSD'E)seemed a paltry number for that date and lo- to five in January,and eight in February,while 35 were noted cation, and the only other sightingfor the specieswas of "a at a roost in Voluntown, Conn., Feb. 15 (DLE). The northern- few" from the St. Pierre-Fortune,Nfid., ferry Feb. 2 (AD). mostvultures were singlesin S. Portland,Me., Dec. 2 and Bath, NorthernGannets failed to appearin the spectacularconcen- Me., Mar. 1 (fide WCT). BaldEagles were widely reportedfrom trations found in recent years; the only numbers of note both interior and coastallocations. In Jonesport,Me., large were on Nantucket where up to 2100 were present during quantitiesof dead Atlantic herring discardedby a bait dealer December(ML). attractedup to 38 eagles(as well as10,000-15,000 gulls) during Double-crestedCormorants again were reportedwell into the winter (NF) and the annual eaglecensus in Januaryturned mid-winter;of 10+ Januarysightings, the northernmostbirds up 43 birds in Massachusettsand 33 in Connecticut. were four in WoodsHarbor, N.S., Jan.3 and one at Yarmouth The proliferationof bird-feedershas benefited not only seed- Harbour, N.S., Jan. 29 (fide RGBB),and the maximum was 14 eatersbut seed-eatereaters as well: Sharp-shinnedHawks have in Cambridge,Mass., Jan. 2 (RHS).However, no Februaryre- increasedsubstantially as winterers throughout the Region portswere received(cf. 18 and 12 in Februarythe last2 years). Around St. John's,Nfid., this winter, Sharp-shinnedswere "the Hardy Am. Bitternswere found at Quonochontaug,R.I., Feb. talk of the town," and the speciesdrew commentsfrom many 2 (fide DLE) and Stratford,Conn., Feb. 27 (DV). Great Egrets other areasas well. On Cape Cod the vast majority of winter lingeredthrough Dec. 29 in Middletown,R.I. (fide DLE) and Sharp-shinnedsare adults--is this true throughoutthe Region? throughJan. 7 in E. Falmouth,Mass. (S. Wiedeman). Northern Goshawkswere well-representedalso. In St. John's up to 12 couldbe foundhunting rats at duskat the localdump (BMt) and there were severalbirds seen in s.e.coastal sections of the Regionwhere the speciesis normally quite rare. WATERFOWL -- A Tundra Swan was in Monroe, Conn., Red-shoulderedHawks are rare but regular winterers in s Feb.22 (NP)and a GreaterWhite-fronted Goose was present New Englandand this year sevento eight were reported(cf throughJan. 3 in Clinton, Mass.(MLy). Six Snow Geesewere 12 last year), one each in Connecticutand Rhode Island and in R.I., at WakefieldDec. 11 andTiverton Dec. 20 (fide DLE), five to six in Massachusetts.Rough-legged Hawks were found

254 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 throughout the Region,but only •n Rhode Island and Massa- son,was a Red Phalaropein Winthrop, Mass, Jan 16 (SD) chusettswere numbers consideredabove average.The only Single ]aegersat Pt. Judith, R.I., Dec. 3 & 9 were •dentlfied GoldenEagles were two at Quabbin Res.,Mass., during the as Pomarine and Parasitic, respectively (fide DLE). annual eaglesurvey Jan.17, and one in Essex,Conn., Jan. 24- Feb 28 (NP). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- No Laughing Gulls were Merlins, once virtually unknown as winterers in the north- reported, and the only Little Gulls were two in Maine in early east,are now routinelyencountered in small numbersalong December, and January reports of two in Rhode Island and the coastas far n. asNewfoundland; a Regionwidetotal of 25+ singlesin Massachusettsand Connecticut. Numbers of Corn th•s seasonis about averageby recent standards.A few win- Black-headedGulls were averageto somewhat below; a Re- teringPeregrine Falcons are now expectedalso, and this year's gionwide total of 146+ included a below-normal 70 or so at total of 14+ Regionwidewas the highestin recent history. the traditional Newfoundland sites (BMt). An ad. Mew Gull Gyrfalconsmade token, and in mostcases brief, appearances wintered again in St. John's,Nfid. (BMt), an adult was at Bel- from Newfoundlandto RhodeIsland. In Newfoundland,six or levue Beach, Nfid., Dec. 30 (BMt), and a bird of unspecified more were presentin the L'Anse-aux-meadows/St.Anthony age was in Dartmouth, N.S., Feb. 16 (FLL). The only Thayer's area but the specieswas unreportedfrom elsewhere in the Gulls for which details were received were a first-winter bird province(BMt). Farther south,single birds were seenat Grand on Nantucket Jan.1-4 (ML et al.) and anotherfirst-winter bird Pre,N.S., Jan. 1 (fideIAM), Mary'sPt., N.B., Feb. 8 (DSC),Acadia at Jonesport,Me., Feb. 17 (NF). Largeconcentrations of Iceland N P, Feb. 6 (W. Frazier, fide WCT), Monomoy I., Dec. 7 (BN), Gulls were againnoted on the w. coastof Newfoundlandwith and SakonnetPt., R.I., Dec. 20 and Jan.10 (RAC, DLE). 6000 at Corner Brook Dec. 27 and 5000 at Parson's Pond Dec RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- A ClapperRail in S. Dartmouth, 29 (BM), but farther s. in the Regionnumbers were rather low Mass.,Dec. 20 (T. Raymond)was apparentlyunique this season. SingleLesser Black-backed Gulls, all adults,were reportedfrom 7 locations in Massachusetts.The only others were in New- foundlandwhere adultswere in St. John'sthrough the period SoAo (BMt) and Rocky Harbour Dec. 13-31 and Jan. 27; the bird on Is there a reasonableexplanation for the erratic,often- the latter date was thought to be of the nominate race, L. f suicidal wanderingsundertaken by Purple Gallinules? fuscus(BM). Five individuals appearedthis winter, all in January. Black-leggedKittiwakes, like mostfish-eaters, were generally The first two were a bird that struck a window in Halifax, found in numbers far below those of recent years. Although N.S.,Jan. 3 (fide IAM) and a "near-adult"picked up alive thousandswere presentoff the e. shore of Cape Cod in early- in St. John's,Nfid., Jan. 4 that later died (BMt). A 2nd mid December, they disappearedsoon thereafter and were influx consfstedof a bird pickedup alive in Cherryfield, virtually absentthe remainderof the season,the one exception Me., Jan. 23 (C. Richmond) that survived, an immature being a count of 500 in Provincetown, Mass., Jan. 18 (WRP) p•ckedup alive in the snowat CollegeBridge, N.B., Jan. Offshore, 300+ kittiwakes were estimated on George'sBank 24 (fide DSC), and a dead adult found in Lamoline,Nfid., Jan.16 (RSD'E).Some birds were alreadyback on their nesting on an unknown datein late January(fide BMt). A similar cliffs at Cape Miquelon, S.P.M., Feb. 22 (AD). A Ross' Gull, •nvasion, involving seven birds, occurred during the apparently in first-winter plumage, was seen by several ob- winter of 1978-1979(AB 33:264). Then, as this year, there servers at Canso, N.S., Dec. 1-4 (D. Codling et al.) but was seemedto be 2 distinct impulses of birds, each imme- missedby many others. An Ivory Gull attracted a crowd to diatelyfollowing the passageof very stronglow-pressure Monhegan I., Me., from late December into February (fide systemsof southerlyorigins. While this may explain the WCT) and another made a very brief appearancein Ports- meansby which the birds were transportedto this area, mouth, N.H., in January.In Newfoundland, Ivory Gulls were •t fails to answerthe questionof how or why they were reported only from L'Anse-aux-meadows:one Dec. 13, 19 in caughtup in thesemid-winter stormsin the first place. late December,and 14 Jan.12 (D. Anderson,fide BMt), all seen Where were they going at this season?Is there some from the observer'skitchen window(!) during NE gales. geneticdisorder responsible for the chronic,all-seasons Perhapsthe mostremarkable record of the winter was of an vagrancyexhibited by this species?For now, let's just exhausted, banded Royal Tern picked up on the roadsidein statethat it was another "flight year" for Purple Gallin- Middletown, R.I., Jan.27, following the passageof a stronglow ules and leave it at that! pressuresystem. The bird later expired and was taken to the Norman Bird Sanctuary (fide DLE). This apparently was the first winter record for the speciesin the Region. Notably late shorebirdsincluded an Am. Oystercatcherin Alcidswere reported mostly inones and twos with a very Madison, Conn., Feb. 8 (fide DV), 'for the Region'sfirst mid- few exceptions.A significantmovement of Dovekieswas de- winter record; a Semipalmated Plover in Kingston,R.I., Dec. tected on the n.w. corner of St. Pierre Dec. 17, when 5-minute 27 (fide DLE); a Willet in Rockland,Me., Jan.1 (fide WCT); a counts of 138 and 150 birds were made; however, no estimate Red Knot at Mary's Pt., N.S., in early December(DSC, fide of the total number of birds involved was offered (RE, AD) BED); a Least Sandpipercarefully and closelyidentified in Twenty-five Dovekies were on Brown's Bank Jan. 15 (RSD'E) Wells,Me., Jan.16 (tJ.Lortie); single White-rumped Sandpipers Counts of 100+ Thick-billed Murres on Brier I., N.S., Dec. 23 in Acoaxet, Mass., Dec. 6 (WRP) and Harbour Grace, Nfid., (ELM) and 125 Razorbillsin Provincetown,Mass., Jan. 18 (WRP) Dec 17 (fide BMt); a PectoralSandpiper in "weakened con- were the only concentrationsnoted for thosespecies. dlt•on" at Lower West Pubnico,N.S., Dec. 6-8 (fide FS); two Long-billedDowitchers in Hyannisport,Mass., in early De- DOVES THROUGH OWLS -- Goodnumbers of Mourning cember,one of which remained throughJan. 4 (SCet al.); and Doveswere presentin New Brunswick,while in Nova Scotia a dowitchersp. in Weekapaug,R.I., Jan.29 (fide DLE). A total the speciesgenerated mixed impressions.Eleven Monk Par- of s•x Killdeer in RhodeIsland during Januaryhad, not sur- akeets were counted at the colony in Warwick, R.I., Jan. 14 prisingly, dwindled to one vigorous individual in February (fide DLE). (fide DLE). A Ruddy Turnstone in Charlottetown Harbor, P.E.I., The Regionalstronghold for Com. Barn-Owl is on Martha's through Dec. 27 was said to furnish a first winter record for Vineyard, where a nest box program undertaken by the Felix the province and to be attributable to the hot water outflow Neck Wildlife Sanctuaryover the last few years has led to a from a power plant (BED). substantialincrease in the island's population. However, this Seventy-fiveSanderlings at The Hawk, N.S., Dec. 28 (fide winter's heavy snowsapparently took their toll of the species, FS)provided a goodcount at the n. edgeof the species'winter as at least eight dead or dying owls were brought in to the range.Most unusual, although not unprecedentedat this sea- sanctuary (fide R. Prescott).

Volume 41, Number 2 255 all holdoversfrom November: one on Nantucket I. through Snowy Owls stagedone of their biggestinvasions in Dec. 7 (ML), two in Bangor,Me., Dec. 5, one of which remained many years. It is impossibleeven 1oguess the number through Dec. 13 (•de WCT), and one on Grand Manan I. of individualsinvolved, for in thoselocations where they through Dec. 5, where two had been presentin the latter one- were most numerous, numbers seemed to fluctuate con- half of November (BED). siderably throughout the season.Away from the con- CommonRavens continued to increasein s.w. New England; centration points, single birds would show up only to up to 27/day were found in n.w. Connecticut(DR) and a sea- disappeara few dayslater--there were very few "stake- sonal total of 61+ in w. Massachusetts(SK) was the highest outs". The most detailed picture came from LoganAir- yet in that area. The Eur. Jackdawwas still present on Nan- port in Boston,an area that annually seemsto host the tucket Dec.8 (F. Bouchard).In what was decidedlynot a flight largestnumbers of Snowiesin the Region,where Norm year, singleBoreal Chickadees in Killingsworth,Conn., Feb. 2 Smith has been banding the speciesfor 6 years. From (NP) and Windsor, Mass., Dec. 7-Feb. 28 (H. Allen), and two late November through early April he banded 43 indi- in Oakham,Mass., in late January(•de RAF), were noteworthy. viduals, more than the last 5 years combined, and saw Small numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches were scattered severalothers. Curiously, virtually all of the birdsduring throughout the Region. the first one-half of the winter were immatures, whereas Carolina Wrens were in near-record numbers in s. New a number of adults passedthrough from late February England, the most robust of which visited a feeder in York on. In Newfoundland, scoresof Snowieswere present Harbor, Me., into February (B. Grace. ph.). Historically, this during Decemberbut they had largely disappearedby specieshas been decimatedby winters of heavy, persistent late February, perhaps becausethe heavy snow cover snowcover, so it will be interestingto seehow the population made their prey scarceor unavailable. The impression has fared. Very few lingering Winter Wrens or Marsh Wrens one getsis of a highly mobile populationof birds con- were found, although two of the former specieswere noted in tinuously drifting S, immatures first, followed by the Agawam, Mass., on the late date of Feb. I (•de SK). Golden- more northerly wintering adults(see Kerlinger and Lein, crowned Kinglets were present in good, although unexcep- 1986, Oruis Scan. 17:1-7) toward the end of the period. tional, numbersthroughout most of the Region. THRUSHES THROUGH SIIBIKES -- Single Varied Thrushes were present throughout the period at Mactquac, N.B. (•de DSC),from Dec. 6 through the period at Port Clyde, Clearly,the factorsthat determineincursions of SnowyOwls Me. (•de WCT), Jan.24-Mar. 2 in Dedham,Mass. (•de RAF), are unrelatedto thosedetermining the movementsof other n. and Jan. 26-28 in Tewksbury, Mass. (•de RAF). Last year's owls,as the other specieswere all but absentfrom the Region remarkable turdid flight (Eurasian and American) in New- this winter. The only N. Hawk-Owls were an obligingindi- foundland failed to repeat itself; indeed, Am. Robins were vidual in Salisbury,N.B., from mid-Decemberthrough early nearly absentin that province this season(BMt) and were in February(v.o., •de DSC)and one reportedwithout detailsfrom short supplyelsewhere in the Regionas well. A Townsend's Atkinson,Me., Jan. I (•de WCT). No convincingreports of Solitaire was in Blauche,N.S., Jan.10 (•de JSC),and another Great Gray Owls were received, although a bird in St. Croix in Port Clyde,Me., on unspecifieddates in January(•de WCT). Cove,N.S., Dec.8 was thoughtto havebeen correctly identified as this species(•de IAM). A bird "back for the 3rd winter" in Dover,Me. (•de WCT)is quiteremarkable. Short-earedOwls were againwidely reportedin coastalareas from Nova Scotiato Rhode Island, and one in PortugalCove South, Nfid., Dec. 17 (BMt) furnished a very rare winter occurrencein that province. A total of 12 dead or dying small owlsin Newfoundlandduring the seasonincluded four Boreals, two N. Saw-whets,and six unidentified,although most of the latterwere identified,by non-birders,as Boreals also (•de BMt). A BorealOwl photographedat Little Deer I., Me., Jan.18 [L. & B. Billings) was the only one reported s. of Newfoundland. NorthernSaw-whet Owls were well reportedthroughout the Region.On GrandManan I., fivewere heardin 15 owlingstops Dec.29 (BED),and up to 10 deadbirds were recoveredin Maine, primarily late in the period. WOODPECKERS THROUGH KINGLETS -- For the 2nd consecutivewinter only one Red-headedWoodpecker was reported,a bird in Connecticutduring December.Red-bellied Woodpeckers,on the other hand, continuedin goodnumbers in s. New England,and singlebirds throughoutthe periodin Machias,Me. (NF), and Halifax, N.S. (•de IAM), were among the northernmostever in the Region.Yellow-bellied Sapsuck- ers,now rare but regularwinterers in s.w. New England,were foundin w. Massachusetts(one), Rhode Island (two), and Con- necticut(20+). BothBlack-backed and Three-toedwoodpeck- ers apparentlystayed home this winter, althoughseveral of the latter in New Brunswick were considered more than average (DSC). Early winter flycatchersusually consist of an occasionallin- geringE. Phoebeor W. Kingbird,both of which were lacking this year.However, they were replacedby two rarer species, bothmost unusual at this season.A Say'sPhoebe was present in Economy,N.S., Dec. 28-Jan. 9 (SIT et at., •de BED) for a 6th Townsend'sSolitaire at Port Clyde, Me., Feb. 2, 1987. Photo/ provincialrecord. Four Scissor-tailed Flyc•_ tchers were found, ChristopherLewey.

256 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 For somereason, wintering (or at leastlingering) Water Pipits A Lincoln's Sparrow found in Montague, Mass., Dec. 28 are more regular in Nova Scotia than elsewhere. This year, (M. Fairbrother, fide SK) was reported to have survived the four were in Wolfeville Dec. 10, and ten at a traditional site winter, althoughno detailswere received.Only three Swamp in Lower West PubnicoDec. 15 had dwindled to one by Feb. Sparrowsin Nova Scotia was a very low total and indicative 17 (fide JSC).Elsewhere, single pipits were noted on St. Pierre of that species'paucity throughout the Region.White-throated Dec. 24 (AD) and at Westport,Mass., Dec. 6 (WRP),and a total Sparrowswere alsoconspicuously scarce almost everywhere. of four was in Rhode Island during December (fide DLE). White-crowned Sparrows were in Seabright, N.S., in mid- It was anotherbig year for BohemianWaxwings. Around St. February (fide DAC) and in 4 locationsin w. Massachusetts John's,Nfld., small numberswere presentuntil early February (fide SK). The rarest of this family was the Harris' Sparrow when an influx, involving several flocks of 40-80 birds each, on Nantucket I., presentfrom November through the period occurred(BMt). Largenumbers were found throughoutPrince Edward Island,New Brunswick,and Nova Scotia,although in the latter province,where countsof up to 200 birds were reported, the specieswas thought to have been lessnumerous than last year (JSC). Bohemianswere also widely recorded throughoutMaine with up to 700-t-estimated in the Bangor area, the traditional nucleusof the species'wintering rangein the northeast. Southermost records were of a flock of seven birdson Cape Cod at Truro Feb. 28 (SCet al.), one in Concord, Mass.,Dec. 9 (R. Walton), and a total of 27-t-in w. Massachu- setts,mostly in February (fide SK). Cedar Waxwing numbers during the winter typically correlatestrongly with robin numbers and this seasonwas no exception: they were generally few and far between and were vastly outnumbered by Bohe- mians from Maine northward. Northern Shrikes appeared in good numbers, particularly from w. Massachusettsnorthward (e.g. 26-t- reports in Nova Scotia, 41 in Maine, and 18 in w. Massachusetts),while more modestnumbers were scatteredacross s. New England.A Log- gerheadShrike was a very rare find at Fresh Pond, R.I., Dec. 15 (fide DLE).

WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS- November's chill must have driven most lingeringwarblers S for, despite the mild conditionsin December,very few of this family were found. Four Orange-crownedWarblers in Decemberand three in Januarywere all in Massachusetts.Single Nashville Warblers were in Nahant, Mass.,Dec. 6-14 ( J. Cumming et al.) and St. John's,Nfld., Dec. 2 (the only warbler in that provinceduring the period---BMt), and a Black-throatedBlue Warbler was an unusual find in Lincoln, Mass., Dec. 11 (H. Roddis). Yellow- rumped Warblers were scarcerthan they have been in many, many years,a paltry seasonaltotal of five in Nova Scotiabeing Adult Harris' Sparrowon Nantucket I., Mass.,December 1986. representative.The northernmostPine Warblers were two in Photo/Marcia Litchfield. Fredericton,N.B., throughJan. 31 (DSC)and a singlein Halifax, N.S.,Dec. 14 (DAC).The mostremarkable warbler of the season (ML et al.). Dark-eyed Juncos,normally amongthe most com- was an Ovenbird, watched for 15 minutes in Halifax, N.S., Jan. mon of this family during the winter, were perhapsthe most 27 (P. Duval, fide DAC). Very late, and misguided, were two striking in their scarcity and were nearly absent from some Yellow-breastedChats reportedlypresent at Sullivan's Pond, areas.An "Oregon" Juncowas noted in N. Kinston,R.I., Jan. N.S., through at least Jan.21 (fide DAC), while in Massachu- 7-1o (fide DLE). setts,one was found alive in a snowbankin BostonJan. 19 (B. The Grand Pr• area of Nova Scotiahad 250 Lapland Long- Zaremba) and one struck a window on Nantucket I., Jan. 20 spursFeb. 7 and up to 1500 Snow Buntingsduring the same (L. Loring). period (fide DAC). Above-averageconcentrations of Snow SingleRose-breasted Grosbeaks were reported,without de- Buntings were reported elsewhere as well, particularly in tails, from Gaspereau,N.S., Feb. 7 and Cherry Hill, N.S., Feb. Maine and New Brunswick, and at feeders,perhaps a result 10 (fide DAC), and an IndigoBunting lingered on Grand Manan of the heavy snowsconcentrating the birds. I. throughDec. 4 (fide BED).The only Dickcisselswere found Among the more optimistic E. Meadowlarks were singles in Dartmouth, N.S., Dec. 4 (fide DAC) and throughoutthe pe- found on Grand Manan I., Dec. 29, thought to provide a first riod in Orleans, Mass. (M. O'Connor et al.). winter recordfor the i•land (fide BED),at Conrad'sBeach, Followinga dismalfall migration,it was not surprisingthat N.S., throughearly January,and one at a feederin W. Clifford, wintering sparrowswere remarkablyscarce. The northernmost N.S., Jan. 22-26 that met its demise in the talons of a Sharp- Chipping Sparrowswere in Nova Scotia where there were 5 shinnedHawk (fide DAC). Yellow-headedBlackbirds were re- reportstotalling six birds, mostly in Decemberbut one that ported from Agawam, Mass.,Jan. 17-Feb. 20 (fide SK), and an survivedat a feeder through Feb. 21 (fide DAC). VesperSpar- unspecifiedlocation in Connecticut,Feb. 25 (NP). Lingering rowswere againpresent in RhodeIsland where five were found Rusty Blackbirds included 36-t- in Marshfield, Mass., Dec. 19 in December, with four still present at Matunuck Jan. 3, and (J.Hassett), 17 in Sunderland, Mass.,Dec. 21 (A. Richards), two three at Card Pond Feb. 21 (fide DLE). A Lark Sparrow in in New Hartford, Conn., Dec. 21 & 28 (DR), and six in Clyde Westport,Conn., Dec. 18-Jan. 14 (T. Rochovanski)was unique River, N.S.,Jan. 30 (fide DAC). Boat-tailedGrackles maintained this season.A Sharp-tailed Sparrow photographedat The a presencein the Regionwith two in West Haven, Conn., Jan. Hawk, N.S., Jan.18 appearedto be of the bright midwestern I (NP). The northernmost N. Orioles were in Nova Scotia at race,nelsoni (IAM), a race that seemsto be a rare but regular Greenwich, Dec. 10-Jan. 5-t-, Halifax Dec. 21-Jan. 13, Dart- migrant in the northeast. mouth through Jan. 18, and Glace Bay Jan. 16-21 (fide DAC).

Volume41, Number 2 257 FINCHES -- Pine Grosbeakswere scatteredthroughout the cident with an influx of redpollsin late January,and in Maine Regionas far s. asMassachusetts, but only in Maine were they siskinswere mostnumerous inland while redpollswere found saidto have been numerous(WCT). Once againPurple Finches primarily alongthe coast(WCT), the suggestionbeing that red- were very scarceeverywhere. Single House Finches in St. John pollswere perhapsout-competing siskins. A siskinin the caf- and Moncton, N.B., during December were the easternmost eteria of the ferry "Bluenose"several miles off the coast of yet in the province (BED).Both crossbillswere generallyfew Nova ScotiaJan. 6 (fide DAC) presumablyfailed to find thistle and far between,although a slightinflux of Red Crossbillswas on the menu. AlthoughAm. Goldfinchesdrew few comments, detectedin s. New Englandduring the latter one-half of the their numbersseemed generally low. EveningGrosbeaks were season. scatteredthroughout the Regionbut it was decidedlyan off In mostareas, Corn. Redpolls were the most commonfinches year for the species. throughoutthe period.Although numberswere unexceptional in Newfoundland, both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia re- ADDENDUM -- ACom. Barn-Owl was presentin Aylesford, portedthem as numerouswith a pronouncedincrease in late N.S.,from sometime in Septemberto Nov. 1, 1986{fide IAM}, pro- January.In RoqueBluffs, Me., Dec. 3, a remarkable2000 red- riding a 6th provincialrecord. pollswere estimatedpassing in a 45-minute period(fide WCT). Farther s., they were "superabundant"in n. Connecticut(DR), SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS, CONTRIBUTORS AND OB- but along the s. coast of New England only small scattered SERVERS- R.G.B. Brown, David S. Christie, Sally Clifton, J. flockswere noted.Hoary Redpollswere widely reported---and, ShirleyCohrs, Robert A. Conway,David A. Cuttle, BrianE. Dalzell, it is hoped,all carefully identified.A total of 16+ individuals Glen D'Entremont, Raymond S. D'Entremont, Alan Desbrosse, was distributedamong Newfoundland (two), Nova Scotia(four), SteveDinsmore, David L. Emerson,Roger Etcheberry, Norm Fa- New Brunswick (one),Maine (five), and Massachusetts(five- mous,Richard A. Forster,George W. Gove,Seth Kellog,Fulton L. plus),and all but three were after mid-January. Lavender,Marcia Litchfield,Mark Lynch {MLy), Ian A. Maclaren, Pine Siskinswere found everywherebut in highly variable BruceMacravish {BMt}, Blake Maybank, Eric L. Mills, L.P.M. Pay- numbers. They were scarce to absent in Newfoundland but zant,Wayne R. Petersen,Noble Proctor, David Rosgen, David Sib- numerous during December and early January from New ley, FrancisSpaulding, Robert H. Stymeist,Stuart I. Tingley,Wil- Brunswickand Nova Scotiato n. Connecticut.Curiously, these liam C. Townsend, Dennis Varza.--BLAIR NIKULA, 23 Atwood areasall reporteda declinein siskinnumbers apparently coin- Lane, Chatham, MA 02633.

QUEBEC REGION

Michel Gosselin,Richard Yank, and Yves Aubry

ollowingabove-norma]sixconsecutive temperatures months returnedof coldto the weather, Region during Decemberand January.Only northern Quebecand the Gulf of St. Lawrence continued to record below-normal readings.February was also slightly warmer than the mean, with the exception of extreme southern Quebec. Precipi- tation was below averagein almost all areas this winter. GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL--A Pied-billed Grebe seenat Victoriaville Feb. 22+ (•de MBt) was probably a very early migrant, while singleRed-necked Grebes at Hull Jan.6 {BD)and I. desSoeurs Jan. 18 (PBa)were unusually late. A number of Great Blue Herons lingered in s. Quebec; lone birds remainedat Campbell's-Bay(TB), Senneville (•de PBa}, Sherbrooke(GGr et al.), Trois-Rivibres(•de YA), Beauport(SB), Orsainville, and Stoneham (JT) Dec. 27-Jan. 8. The relatively mild temperaturesalso led to a numberof waterfowlsightings notable for their extreme dates. A flock of 30_+ Snow Geese flew over Sainte-Foyon the early date of Feb. 21 (SC). Out- standingWood Duck sightingsconsisted of a female at D6gelis 450+ were off Baie-des Rochers Dec. 7 (JMC) and 600+ re- Jan. 2 (JPL},a male at Squatec Feb. 21 (DR, GGe), and a male mained all winter at Baie-Comeau (•de GCy). Also unusual that wintered on the Ch•teauguay R. (PBa). Two Mallards were single8 HoodedMergansers at the latter site Dec. 6-Jan. wintered at D6gelis{•de DR), a rare occurrencein the Lower 4 (GCy) and at D•gelis throughoutthe period (•de DR), and St. Lawrence,and a N. Shovelerwas late at Ch•teauguayDec. three 8 Ruddy Ducksat Saint-JeanDec. 7 (PBa). 13 (FH}. A • Ring-neckedDuck off I. Perrot providedthe first overwintering record for the province, and also unusual was VULTURES THROUGH ALCIDS- A Turkey Vulture a LesserScaup at the same site unti! Jan. 24 (PBa).The Gulf wandered to BarachoisDec. 5 (FA, bde PPo). Approximately of St. Lawrencesupports important winter populationsof sev- 2 dozenBald Eaglesightings were submittedthis season;half eral sea ducks, as illustrated by the 10,000_+Com. Eiders and of these came from the N. Shore, and may indicate more ac- 150_+King Eiderscounted off I. fi la Chasse,Mingan Is., Jan. curately the size of the wintering populationnow that there 10 & 15 respectively(MGu). An imm. Harlequin Duck was is better coverageof that area. Exceptionalwinter Accipiter presentat LaSalleFeb. /-Mar. 5 (PPe,PBa, m.ob.)---thefirst reportsincluded an ad. Sharp-shinnedHawk at RimouskiJan. in the Montreal area since 1978--and a 2nd bird (o) showed 17 (MGo},and ad. • Cooper'sHawks studiedat a Chicoutimi up at the samelocation Feb. 19 (FH). Impressivenumbers of feeder Dec. 4 (MBu}, Victoriaville Jan. 10 (BB, MM et al.}, and Barrow's Goldeneyesfrequented the St. Lawrence Estuary: SherbrookeFeb. 7 {FS}.Noteworthy were fiveRed-tailed Hawks

258 American Birds, Summer 1987 at Chicoutimi until Jan. 30 (fide CC), as no mid-winter records the previousday. Crossings aboard the Matane ferry produced previouslyexisted for this speciesin the Saguenay.Thirteen 30_+ Dovekies and at least three Thick-billed Murres Dec. 6- Gyrfalconswere reportedthis season,the bestshowing in sev- 7 (ET, JPO et al.), and a displacedRazorbill was a surprising eral years for this raptor. find off Dorval, Montreal I., Feb. 1-2 (BB, MM), providing the Two Gray Partridgeswere beyondthe e. limit of their known first February record for the Region. range at Saint-Louis-de-KamouraskaFeb. 8 (JPO, ML), and DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Twelve Mourn- Wild Turkeys continued to be found in the vicinity of Hem- mingford,where 20_+were encounteredJan. 18 {MGr,fide PBa), ing Dovessuccessfully overwintered at a Rimouskifeeder {RP}, while a lone male spent the winter near Huntingdon (GCa, while substantial numbers were again present in s. Quebec fide PBa).A Corn. Moorhen survived the winter at a waterfowl this winter. Reportsfrom the N. Shoresuggested a local move- feedingstation in L6ry (AL, m.ob.)--an unprecedentedevent ment of Great Horned Owls, which may correlate with low for the province. Lesssurprising were the one to five Purple rodentpopulations. In additionto four birds found injured or dead, one chased a cat in Forestville and another was shot Sandpipersfound on the Mingan Is., Dec. 22-Feb. 20 (MGu), and a Corn.Snipe that againoverwintered at Beauport(CV). after having attackedtwo residentsof Franquelin {fide GCy}. SingleCorn. Black-headedGulls, rare but regular in w. Que- Snowy Owls wintered across s. Quebec in above-average bec, turned up at C6te-Sainte-CatherineDec. 13 (RY) and Ayl- numbers, again suggestinga shortageof prey farther north. ruer Dec. 20 and Jan. 2 (IJ, JD), while an ad. Mew Gull was Other owls found s. of their breedingrange included N. Hawk- describedat BeauharnoisDec. 7 (PPe)to provide Quebec's6th Owls at Rigaud (RS,WG}, Les Cadres{ JLC},Aylmer { JD),and record. Notable was a Ring-billed Gull that was seen at L'Isle- Jonquibre(NB et ul.), a Great Gray Owl at Aylmer Jan.17 (DSH, Verte during the first week of February (JPO, ML), as past JLIV0,and Boreal Owls at I. des Soeurs (FH), Matane (LR), La wintering recordswere all from the Montreal area. The first- Malbaie (JMC, LM), and Forestville (JFi). A Belted Kingfisher winter Thayer's Gull previously reported at Rimouski in at Magog Feb. 7 (ISP, EC, GD) furnished a rare mid-winter November was sighted again Feb. 3 (GGe, DR), an adult seen record. Adult Red-headed Woodpeckerswere found at Var- at Baie-ComeauFeb. 8 (SM, GCy, AG) may have been the same ennes Dec. 21 (JFa) and Cap Tourmente Feb. 19+ (fide SL), bird found at nearbyHauterive in November,and anotheradult while a • Red-belliedWoodpecker wintered at L. Saint-Joseph, was identified at Beauharnois Jan. 17 (BB, MM). Portneuf Co. (DB, m.ob.). The Red-bellied Woodpeckersre- corded last fall at Buckingham (MD) and Chicoutimi (RI) apparently wintered with success.

First-winter Thayer's Gull at Bimouski. Que., December 1986. Photo/G. Gendron.

The 1986 edition (seepage 336 this issue)of The Birds of Canada (Godfrey,Nat. Mus. Can.) is the first among the recent textbooksto considerThayer's Gull as con- specificwith Iceland Gull--giving in to the idea that the Female Red-belliedWoodpecker at its sourceof supportat Chi- highly variable Kumlien's Gull is but a hybrid swarm coutimi, Que., February 1987. Photo/C.Couture-Imbeau. between the two. The situation is far from being fully understood,however, and for field purposesthe three WRENS THROUGH FINCHES -- A Carolina Wren spent taxa (Thayer's, Kumlien's, and Iceland) remain useful the seasonat Aylmer (HK}, adding to the numerous sightings labels. Their usefulnesscan only stem from the care of last fall. Quebec's 11th Townsend's Solitaire ventured to that goesinto correct field identification.Knowing the Rimouski Jan. 7 (RP). The Gasp6Peninsula was the only area exact distributionpattern of the phenotypesis essential to report Am. Robins in good numbers (fide LD), and worthy to understandingthe nature and current evolution of of mentionwere singleN. Mockingbirdsat Rimouskiuntil Jan. the relationship involved. The attention devoted to 24 (DR, GGe) and Chicoutimi Jan. 17-30 (RD, CT et al.). The Thayer's Gull in recent years needs to be maintained, only warbler to be reportedthis seasonwas an imm. Yellow- and it would be worthwhile to pay similar attention to rumped Warbler at Rimouski Jan. 1-5 {DR, GGe). Extralimital the presenceof nominate Iceland Gull in our Regions. emberizinesincluded a e N. Cardinal that successfullywin- Iceland Gull is a relatively sedentaryGreenland form, tered at Deschambeault(fide PC), e Rufous-sidedTowhees of while Thayer's Gull, a larger, darker bird, seemsbetter the e. race at Caplan Nov. 11-13 (LP) and Baie-Comeau until adaptedto long-distancemigrations {and the bleaching Jan.25 (LG, GCy), and, finally, a Field Sparrowthat frequented effect of California beaches}.Kumlien's Gull, being in- a feeder in Rivibre-du-Loup until Jan.õ (YT}. An imm. Sharp- termediatein all aspects,is a medium-rangemigrant. tailed Sparrow was present at Rimouski until Dec. 25 (GGe), shattering the previous late departure record by more than 2 months.An ad. White-throatedSparrow overwintered at Saint- Magogwas visited by two LesserBlack-backed Gulls: a 3rd- Narcisse-de-Rimouski{RB). year bird Nov. 30 and an adult Dec. ? (PBo).Record late by 8 Amongwintering blackbirdswere singleRed-winged Black- dayswas a Black-leggedKittiwake at Pointe-au-PbreJan. 10 birds at Caplan Dec. 20-Feb. 17 (LP), Rouyn (JL), and Sainte- (GGe, DR), but truly astonishingwere the 2500_+tallied there Blandine (fide DR). Vagrant Yellow-headed Blackbirds again

Volume 41, Number 2 259 appearedat Saint-Etienne-de Beauharnoiswith a male there EXOTICS--A Monk Parakeet was seen at Saint-Robert Dec. 1 (GM) and a female Dec 12-Jan 11 (PBa,m oh.).In ad- until Jan I (fide PM) and another was at Laval m mid-winter dition, a pair was seenat nearby L•ry with the male success- (fide PG). At leasttwo Eur. Goldfinchesvisited Montreal area fully wintering (AL). Quebec'sfirst substantiatedrecord of feeders (at Cartierville and Repentigny) during the period Brewer'sBlackbird was finally providedby a femalethat came (fide ND). to a Victoriavillefeeder Dec. 28-Mar. 17 (JP,m.ob., ph.). Less remarkably, a total of eight Com. Gracklesoverwintered in CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS- B. Asselin, F As- the Rimouskiarea (fide DR) and at leastone at Rouyn(JL). A selin,Y. Aubry,P. Bannon(PBa), B. Barnhurst,T. Beck,R. B61anger, • N. Oriole at Montreal Dec. 25-Jan. 15 (KT, ET) was excep- P. Boily (PBo),M. Boisvert(MBt), D. Bolduc,M. Boudreau(MBu), tional, as few Januaryrecords exist for the Region. S. Bou16,N. Breton,P. Caron,G. Carrigan(GCa), E. Charbonneau, Feederssustained pairs of House Finchesin QuebecCity J-LCharbonneau, C. Cormlet, J-M C6t•, S. C6t6,G. Cyr (GCy),D. (BA, m.ob.)and Rivi•re-du-Loup (YT) throughoutthe season, Dallaire, M. David, N. David, L. Desjardins,B. DiLabio,R. Dromn, at the n. edgeof the species'range. The n. finch invasion was J.Dubois, G. Dumoulin,J. Favreau (JFa), J. Fiset (JFi), G. Gendron essentiallya repeat of last winter. Pine Grosbeaksarrived in (GGe),L. Gervais,P. Gingras,A. Gosselin,M. Gosselin(MGo), M goodnumbers, but Purple Finches were almost absent.Red Greet (MGr), G. Groulx(GGr), W. Grubeft,M. Guillemette(MGu), Crossbillswere reportedmore often than White-winged, and F. Hilton, R. Imbeau,I. Jones,H. Kruidener,S. Labont6,M. Lafieur, Com. Redpollswere again numerous. Pine Siskinsand Am. J.Lapointe, J-P Lebel, A. Leduc,V. Lbtourneau,J-L Martel, S Mar- Goldfincheswere abundantin s. Quebec,while EveningGros- tin, M. Mcintosh, P. Messier, L. Moisan, G. Murphy, J-P Ouellet, beaksmade a poor showing. J. Paquin,P. Perreault(PPe), R. Pitre, L. Poirier,P. Poulin (PPo), L. Ruelland, D. Ruest,R. Sauv•, C. Savignac,F. Shaffer,D St- SoA. Hilaire, I. St-Pierre,Y. Th6bault, K. Thorpe, C. Tremblay,E Tull, In a seriesof recent papers,Dickerman (Kingbird36: J. Turgeon, C. Vachon, R. Yank.--MICHEL GOSSELIN,Orni- 73-78,127-134, American Birdsthis issue,page 188) has thology,National Museumof Natural Sciences,Ottawa, Ont. K1A pointedout that the nestingRed Crossbillsof the North- OM8(note change of address),RICHARD YANK, 566Chester Road, Beaconsfield,Que. H9W 3K1, and YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wild- eastbelong to clearly different subspecies:one group.of life Service,P.O. Box 10100,Sainte-Foy, Que. GIV 4H5. subspecies(neogaea and percna) has females that are grayer,especially on the throat, while in the small-billed subspeciesminor, females are yellow-green all over. Stray birdsof other subspeciescould alsooccur, but seem to be very rare. It must be notedthat three full species of "red" crossbillsare now recognizedin Europe (cur- virostro,scotica, and pytyopsittacus).Although it is much too soonto advocatefull speciesstatus for someof the North American "subspecies",it would be useful if ob- serverscould differentiate between them in their reports (securingroad-killed specimens is an excellentway to do this). As far as specimenevidence is concerned,the two forms seem to be widely distributed in s. Quebec, but much remainsto be learnedregarding their behavior and ecology.This is an area where American Birds can clearly lead the way, with its capacity for continent- wide follow-up of crossbillmovements.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION

William J. Boyle, Jr., Robert O. Paxton, windsand west to eastweather patterns from late Septem- and David A. Cutler ber into December contributed to the dearth of birds em- anating from Canada and the northwest. Nevertheless, therewere quite a few noteworthystrays and vagrants, the A otherwisewarm,wetnormal December winterwas weatherthe only fordeviation the Regionfromas most unusual being an Azure Gallinule of uncertain a whole.Observers in the southernpart would surely argue provenance and the Region's second Hammond's Fly- with that evaluation,however, as they gotthe brunt of the catcher. winter snowfall.Delaware and southernNew Jerseyhad four major stormsin January and February that dumped ABBREVIATIONS--Bombay Hook = Bombay Hook Nat'l a total of 54 inches on CumberlandCounty, New Jersey, Wildlife Ref.,near Smyrna,Del.; Brig = BrigantineUnit, Edwin B which averagesonly 18 inches a year; easternLong Island ForsytheNat'l Wildlife Ref.,Atlantic Co.,N.J.; J.B.W.R. = Jamaica also got more than its usual allotment. BayWildlife Refuge,New York City;L.I. = LongIsland, N.Y., CBC Subregionalcompiler Blicharz characterized the season = Christmas Bird Count. Place names in italics are counties as a "Silent Winter," and many observersshared those views. Exceptfor an influx of siskinsand redpolls,passer- LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Numbers of Red-throated ines were mostly in short supply--hardly enoughto feed Loonswere forceddown by ice stormsin w. New JerseyDec the Sharp-shinnedHawks that hauntedso many feeders. 3-4 and again in e. PennsylvaniaDec. 11, when one attacked Perhaps,as Blicharz suggests, the lack of strongnorthwest a man in Palmerton, Carbon, who thought it was a duck and

260 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 NY i Conn

Common Loon at Manasquan Inlet, N.J., ]an. 25, 1987. This City bird apparently survived the seasondespite its extreme bill deformity. Photo/SergeLafrance.

tried to pick it up. Loons were well representedon coastal CBCs, but thinned out thereafter. Pied-billed Grebes were generally scarceaway from the New York City area, but six at Augustine Creek, Kent, Del., Jan. 4 were thought to have benefitted from a phragmitescontrol program (APE, JF). Ducks were,at their usual locationssuch as Montauk (10), Ori- Virtually all of the 30 or soRed-necked Grebes encountered ent Pt., L.I. (nine), and BarnegatLight (up to eight), plus a few were found in December;one at Belvidere, Warren, N.J., Feb. scatteredsites on Long Island. 3 (FT), and four at Indian River Inlet, Del., Feb. 4 (WWF) were A • Barrow'sGoldeneye was at L. Montauk, L.I., Dec. 6 (JRe), exceptions.The only Eared Grebe of the seasonwas at Jones but mostinteresting was the appearanceof two drakesin New Inlet, L.I., Feb. 13 (SW). A Greater Shearwater found dead at Jerseyon the sameday, Feb. 22. One (FIR)was at the traditional JonesBeach, L.I., Dec. 15 (JRe)provided a recordlate date for Shark R. Estuarysite, where a • Barrow'swintered for 15 years the speciesin New York. from 1970-1984; could it be the same bird returning after a 2- The expandingGreat Cormorant populationwas well rep- year absence,or just a new one joining its cousinsat what is resentedas far s. as Cape Henlopen, Del., where 2 dozen win- obviously a very hospitablespot for goldeneyes.The 2nd Bar- tered (WWF), and up the Delaware R. at Philadelphia, with 10 row'swas located 20 mi farther s. on BarnegatBay (AB);neither present Feb. 14 (P. & P. Weiricks); more unusual was an im- was seen again during the period, although the Shark River mature inland at Mercer County Park, N.J., to Dec. 19 (RJB, bird put in a brief appearancein mid-March.Some spectacular SH). The ever-increasingnumbers of wintering Double-crested concentrationsof Corn.Mergansers were highlightedby tallies Cormorantswere reflected by a count of 31 on the flockland, of 4000 at Old Tappan Res.,Bergen, N.J., Dec. 10 (KK), and an N.Y., CBC, with two still present in January (PDe). incredible 12,000 on the S. Lancaster County, Pa., CBC Dec. Elevenreports of AmericanBittern from coastalNew Jersey 21 (RMS). Equally impressivewere the 15,000 Red-breasted during the seasonwere well aboverecent winters, but no other Mergansersat Montauk Dec. 11 (JRe). individuals of this seriouslydeclining specieswere detected Five Decemberreports of Osprey (4 with excellent details) elsewhere.Great Blue Heronswere abundantand widespread, probably reflected the mild fall weather and the recovering but the big February snow in Delaware causednumerous ca- population;the latest was at a reservoir along the PassaicR. sualties;some hunger-stressed birds reacted slowly and were in Short Hills, Essex,N.J., Dec. 27 (RR).Bald Eaglereports were struck by cars,while othersstarved. A Catfie Egret in Salem, againtoo many to enumerate,and camefrom all partsof the N.J., showed up on 2 different CBCs. Region; a pair all seasonat Wanaque Res., Passaic,N.J., was in a new wintering area. Most of the wintering hawks and WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- Tundra Swans took advarf- falconswere alsowell represented,especially the Accipiters. tage of much open water to winter in good numbers;flocks Many compilersagain noted the abundanceof Sharp-shinned numbering in the hundreds were reported from several sites and Cooper'shawks and even a few N. Goshawks(two in Del- in the s.one-half of the Region,while the main winteringflock aware) raiding bird feeders.In noting how commonand per- of Snow Geesewas again at Bombay Hook with ca. 65,000. sistent the Sharp-shinneds are, contributor Hartmann ex- The two Greater White-fronted Geese noted in the fall at pressedthe suspicionsof many in asking, "Are we inadver- Moorestown, N.J., were seen again on New Years Day (W. tenfly increasingtheir populationby keepingalive thosewho Dasey),and a Green-wingedTeal of the Eurasian subspecies would normallynot make it, ff it were not for the concentration found on the S. NassauCounty CBC (LongIsland), Jan. 4, re- of prey at our feeders." mainedfor at leasta week. EurasianWigeon were abouton a A detailed descriptionof a Buteo seen hunting near Hum- par with recent winters: three in New Jersey,one in West- reelstown,Dauphin, Pa., Feb. 10 stronglysuggests imm. Fer- chester,N.Y., and about 10 on LongIsland. ruginousHawk (G. Wertz); unfortunately, the bird could not The 8 Tufted Duck returned for a 5th year to the Central be relocatedlater for confirmation.Golden Eagle reportsin- Park Res.,New York City, Dec. 2 (SSaet al.), but was not seen cluded several in s. New York, six in New Jersey,and one there after the Lower HudsonCBC; it reportedlymoved to the wintering near Kempton, Berks, Pa. ([,G). A gray-phaseGyr- East River. Eiders were again plentiful at Montauk, L.I., with falcon was seen for about 10 minutes perched on a post in maxima of 185 CommonsJan. 19 and 14 KingsDec. 6. Only a CapeMay Feb. 28 (RBa),but the raptorhighlight of the season few were reportedin Decemberand Januaryfrom traditional was the Gyr found at Pine Plains, Dutchess,N.Y., Jan. 9 (N. spotsfarther s. in New Jersey,and nonein Delaware.Harlequin Pell, m.ob.).This cooperativeindividual was seenperched and

Volume 41, Number 2 261 hunting the fields of the surrounding farmland for 2 months A Th•ck-b•lled Murre was p•ckedup •n the medmn strip of B•rderswho searchedfor •t saw many other raptors,•nclud•ng US l near Bethany Beach, Del,Mar 2 byaMr Putre and Golden Eagle. taken to a rehabilitation center. Although it appeared to be healthy, an attempt to releaseit the next day proved frmtless when the bird swam out 100 yards, then headed for shore It RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- A Yellow Rail picked was recaptured and taken to the Delaware Museum. This was up dead at JakesLanding, Cape May, Jan.26 (J. Garrison)must the state'sfirst on-shorerecord for the species.A Black Gufi- have been wintering;like the equally elusiveBlack Rail, which lemot was at Montauk Dec. 7 (Great S. Bay Audubon), where has alsobeen found in the Regionat this season,its wintering there have been a few recordsin recentyears, but much more range is incompletely known. remarkable was one observed under excellent conditions •n ManasquanInlet, Ocean,N.J., Dec. 27 (J. Springer,N. Eickman) This bird, for which there are fewer than one-half dozen re- SoAo liable reportsfor the state,was describedin impeccabledetafis The season's most unusual and controversial visitor right down to the orange-red feet, which were visible as •t was not seen alive by anyone except, perhaps,T.C. the dove repeatedly at 40 yards. cat (New York Times, Feb. 13, 1987). It was an Azure Gallinule found dead in a Ft. Salonga,Long Island, backyard by T.C.'s owner, Angela Wright (who protests OWLS THRO UGH RAVENS -- It was an excellent w•nter the cat's innocence). Although the Rallidae are well for owls of all usual species,with the ever-popularSnowy Owl known for their wanderingtendencies, this specieshas topping the list of attractions.Other than one dozen Snowles no previousrecord of strayingfrom its normal range in in New Jerseyand about eight on Long Island, there were a n. South America. Hopefully, an investigationby the couple of brief sightingsin Pennsylvania, and a cooperative N.Y. State Avian RecordsCommittee will provide more individual that spent the entire winter near the entrance to information (* to Am. Mus. of Natural History). Bombay Hook, to the delight of hundreds of birders. Long- eared and Short-earedowls were reported in numbers from a variety of locations, and even N. Saw-whet Owls were easmr to comeby than in recent years.A maximum of sevendifferent An imm. Purple Gallinule was found deadin CapeMay Jan. Saw-whetswas found in the Thorofare,Gloucester, N.J., groves 24 (J & DD), and an adult wandered around the basementof this winter (EM); one at J.B.W.R.,however, was disturbed by a Brooklynfactory for a few daysuntil being caughtJan. 27 an inconsiderate photographercutting branches for a better (fide H. Richard). The color-bandedSandhill Crane noted at picture and never returned.Reflecting the variety of the season, Cape May in the fall stayeduntil Jan.20; it was fearedto be a Freed found six speciesof owls practically in his backyard at wctim of the heavy snowstorm of Jan. 22, but was later seen Green Lane Res., Montgomery, Pa. (GLF). •n Maryland. It had been banded in March 1985, and came from the upper midwest breedingpopulation. Another, un- banded,Sandhill Crane was at ManningtonMarsh, Salem, Jan. SoAo 22 (OJ,EM); it reappearedin March and stayed for weeks. An Empidonaxflycatcher found on the BombayHook SemipalmatedPlovers, ordinarily very rare in winter, were CBCin DelawareDec. 21 wasobserved at lengthby Keith noted at 5 different spots.A total of five birds appearedon 3 Russell et al. as it fed on flying insects. After careful CBCs (2 in New Jersey,one in Queens), but more surprising considerationof its field marks, including tail-flicking were individualsat ShinnecockInlet, L.I., Jan.9 (PGi)and Cape habits, they decided it was probably a Hammond's Fly- May Jan.25 (J & DD). American Oystercatchersagain wintered catcher. Mark Robbinsof the PhiladelphiaAcademy of on coastalLong Island and New Jersey,and two W. Sandpipers Natural Sciences searched the area on the 24th and suc- remained at Pt. Lookout,L.I., throughoutthe season(SW). A ceeded in relocating the bird in the rain and cold. He crippled ad. Hudsonian Godwit remained at Rye, N.Y., for heard the bird call and observedits wing- and tail-flick- about 4 weeks to Dec. 21, but could not be located on the CBC. ing habits.Although it had appearedhealthy on the first An oiled Red Phalarope at Cape Henlopen Dec. 26 was an occasion,Robbins found it moribund and on the verge unusualseasonal and Delawarefind (PL, S. Finnegan). of starving.Because of this he was able to capture it and preservethe specimen.Comparison with museum skins JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Little Gulls were scarce confirmedthe identificationas a Hammond'sFlycatcher, again,but somewhatincreased over last year. ShinnecockInlet the 2nd specimenfor the Regionand apparentlythe 3rd had one to two in early December, while another was at Pt. in the northeast (KR, D. & B. Cadbury, T. Serrano; * to LookoutJan. 25 (fide TWB). In New Jersey,one was in the Delaware Museum of Natural History). In addition, an L•bertyState Park areafor the Lower HudsonCBC and on Jan. Empidonaxflycatcher at AssunpinkW.M.A., N.J.,in De- 1 (DF),and the lastof the seasonwas in CapeMay Jan.17 (fide cember 1983 was tentatively identified (probablycor- rectly) as a Hammond's. PS).The 9 reportsof Com. Black-headedGull came from Long Island (1), New York City (2), and coastalNew Jersey(6), as usual. White-wingedgulls were scarce,again reflecting the situation Although E. Phoebesare regularly reported on a few CBCs, to the north of us, althougha late February influx of birds they seldom make it into the new year. Consequently, one at returningN broughta flurry of reportsto the New Jerseycoast. Waterloo.Sussex, N.J., Jan. 18 (JZ), one at ManningtonMarsh, LesserBlack-backed Gull, on the other hand, was everywhere, Salem, N.J., Jan. 25 (C & PS), and even more remarkable ones w•th at least 30 individualsreported and many othersunre- in Dutchess,N.Y., Jan.25 (J & KM) and Northampton, Pa., Feb portedfrom Sussex,Del., to Rye, N.Y. A remarkable 12 on the 21 (SB)were noteworthy.A W. Kingbird at HigbeeBeach, Cape Lower Bucks County, Pa., CBC was the only concentration May, Jan. 4-11 was similarly unexpected (BMo, PG et al) other than a few at the HackensackMeadowlands, N.J. Common Ravens continue to be detected outside their ex- The gull of the season,however, was the 2nd-winter Ross' panding breeding range. One.at Hawk Mt., Pa., in December Gull at L. Montaukfor 30 minutesDec. 11 (JRe).Unfortunately, (LG) and singles along the upper Susquehannain Wyoming the bird couldnot be relocatedand this single-observer sighting and Bradfordcounties (WR) were not unexpected,but one at wfil not qualify for the official New York State list, but the Polkville, Warren, N.J., Dec. 31 (WW) and two at Pine Plains, carefuland thoroughly detailed description is completelycon- N.Y., discovered by a Gyrfalcon watcher (D. Rosgen),were wncing. farther afield.

262 AmericanB•rds, Summer 1987 WRENS THROUGH FINCHES- Single Sedge Wrens for its considerablylarger (than Common's) size and overall were found on the Cape May and Marmora CBCs,and a pair whitish aspect,was presentin Amema, NortheastTownship, was at Turkey Pt., Cumberland,N.J., Jan. 9 {RM}.A Blue-gray N.Y., Jan. 24-Feb. 7 (LesLine, Marshall Case).Evening Gros- Gnatcatcherat Cinnaminson,Burlington, N.J.,Dec. 9 was seen beaks were locally common in some areas and missing in againin earlyJanuary {J. Taylor); others were on the C. Suffolk, others. L I, and S. LancasterCounty, Pa., CBCs.Two Varied Thrushes, both apparentlyfirst-winter males, were foundin New Jersey; EXOTICS -- Amongthe alien visitorsthat were mostlikely the first visited an Absecon, Atlantic, feeder for 2 weeks from not genuine vagrantswere a Greylag Gooseat Cape Henlopen Jan 26 {K. Tompkins,m.ob., ph. SLa),while the 2rid was seen (WWF), a Yellow-headedParrot on the Cumberland,N.J., CBC, for only a few minutes at Whittingham W.M.A., Sussex and a DesertFinch [Rhodopechysobsoleta) at a Woodbine,N.J., (ph TH). feeder in February (PK, KW). It was another goodwinter for N. Shrikes, with at least five OBSERVERS(Subregional compilers in boldface)- Peter in New York, seven in New Jersey,and two in Pennsylvania. Bacinski (PBa) (coastalNJ: 511 ProspectPlace, Lyndhurst, NJ LoggerheadShrikes were found on one Pennsylvaniaand 2 07071), RobertBarber (RBa),M.V. Barnhill, Irving Black (n.e. NJ New JerseyCBCs, but the only other reportwas of an individual EagleRock Village, Bldg. 26, Apt. 8B,Budd Lake, NJ 07828),Mark at Bonhamtown, Middlesex, N.J., Feb. 16 (RD). Blauer,R.J. Blicharz (n.c. NJ: 827 PennsylvaniaAve., Trenton,NJ A Solitary Vireo at RogersRefuge, Princeton, Dec. 1 was 08638),Steve Boyce, Alan Brady,Jim Brett, Paul Buckley,T.W. very late (R. Wright), but even more so was one on the Cape Burke (s.e.NY: 234 HighlandAve., Rye, NY 10580),Jack Coimor, May CBC.In spiteof a mid-Decembercold snap, there was an Dale Dancis, Peter Deryen (PDe, Rockland, NY: 70 Third Ave, interestingvariety of late warblers,some lingering well into Nyack,NY 10960),Joe DiCostanzo, Rich Ditch,Jim & DebbieDow- the new year. There was the usual scattering of Orange- dell, Peter Dunne, JohnEbner, A.P. Ednie (New Castleand Kent, crownedWarblers on LongIsland and coastalNew JerseyCBCs, DE: 21 N. Wells Ave., Glenolden,PA 19036),Bill & Sally Fintel, but totally withoutprecedent was the presenceof three Cape G.A. Franchois, W.W. Frech (Sussex,DE: Cam Rt. 3, Box 1144, May Warblersin New Jerseyin late Decemberand January. Lewes,DE 19958),G.L. Freed, David Freeland,John Freiberg, Paul Gillen (PGi),Laurie Goodrich,Ron Grubb,Paul Guris,Jerry Haag, One Cape May hit a window at Grover'sMill, Mercer, Dec. 27, SaulHait, Tom Halliwell, Greg Hanisek {n.w. NJ:RD 3, Box 263, but recoveredafter 20 minutesand flew off (M & PT); another Phillipsburg,NJ 08865),David Harrison,Dorothy Hartmann, Otto was well seenon the BarnegatCBC, but most remarkable was Heck, G.K. Hess,Phyllis Hutlock, OscarJoyce, Rich Kane, Dale & one that frequenteda yard in Magnolia,Burlington, from mid- Kevin Karlson,Paul Kosten,Serge LaFrance (SLa), Steve Lawrence, Decemberto the end of January,feeding on the sapof a maple CharlesLeck, Paul Lehman, Tony Leukering {L.I., NY: American tree (A. Neville, JKM). Equally unusual, a 8 Black-throated Birds,950 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022),Ken Little, Edward Blue Warbler spent the entire day of December 24 in a Roo- Manners, RobertMaurer, J. & K. McDermott, J.K. Meritt (s.w. NJ sevelt,Monmouth, N.J., yard, but.was not seenthereafter (M. 809 SaratogaTerrace, Turnersville, NJ 08012), Brad Merritt, Arthur Berlinrut). Morris, B.L. Morris (e. PA: 825 Muhlenberg St., Allentown, PA Among the numerous Pine Warblers located on CBCs, the 18104),Brian Moscatello(BMo), Bill & Naomi Murphy, D.M. Niles, most unusual was at S.E. Bradford, Pa., Dec. 26 (H. Barnes,L. Michael O'Brien, Ed Patten, Jack Peachey, Eleanor Pink, Paul Hoefner); one wintered at a Vincentown, Burlington,N.J., Quintas,Jack Reddall (JRe), William Reid (n.e.PA: 73W. RossSt, feederfor the 2nd year in a row (D. Jones).An Ovenbird,pos- Wilkes-Barre,PA 18702),Hart Rufe,J.J. Ruscica, J.W. Russell, Keith sibly injured, discoveredin RiversidePark, Manhattan, on the Russell,Richard Ryan, Starr Saphit (SSa),R.M. Schutsky,Brad Lower Hudson CBC, remained for over a week. Silfies, Jana Skolnicki, Steve Smith, Steve Sobosinski,Esther & A bright yellow Dickcisselat Lum's Pond S.P., Del., Jan.4 StartSpeck, Joe Swertinski, Clay & Pat Sutton,M. & P. Taylor, Fred was the only reportof the season.A Lark Sparrowwas at Pine Tetlow, J.P. Tramontano (Orange and Sullivan, NY: Orange Co CommunityCollege, Middletown, NY 10940),Marion Van Wagner, Water Farm, Rehobeth,Del., Dec. 27-Jan. 10, and another vis- JohnWalsh (L.I., NY: c/o American Birds),Steve Walter, Wade ited an Eastport,L.I., feeder from Jan. 27 to the end of the Wander, Dave Ward, R.T. Waterman Bird Club (Dutchess,NY), period (S. Vakay, fide JJR).The Cape May CBC produceda W.J. Wayne, David Weesner,Karen Williams, Rick Wiltraut, Jim well-describedLe Conte'sSparrow at ReedsBeach, Dec. 28, Zamos.--WILLIAM J. BOYLE,JR., 12 GlenwoodRd., Denville, NJ which was relocated2 days later (tRBa);this was only about 07834; ROBERT O. PAXTON, 460 Riverside Dr., Apt. 72, New the 4th state record. A Lincoln's Sparrow was discoveredat York, NY 10027; and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Dr., Woodbine,Cape May, Jan.26 (PK, KW). Wyncote, PA 19095. Four Yellow-headed Blackbirds were attracted to feeders in February, mostly after snowstorms,one each in Daretown, Salem, N.J. (D. Skinner), Riverhead, L.I. (fide JJR),Newport, Del (A. Bailey),and Dublin, Del. (A. Summers).Seven Brewer's Blackbirdswere at the traditional site on the BombayHook CBC, while individual males were at Trap Pond,Sussex, Del., Dec 20 (R. West) and a Chester,Pa., feeder Feb. 15 (PH). An impressive1000 Boat-tailedGrackles at Absecon,N.J., Feb. 19 reflectedthe growingpopulation (S. Harty). A 9 N. Oriole of the Bullock'ssubspecies was studiedby a groupat Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Jan. 24 (J. & M. Yrizarry et al.). CommonRedpoll and Pine Siskinstaged a major invasion of the Regionthis season, but otherwinter fincheswere poorly represented.Single Red Crossbillson 3 New JerseyCBCs were the only ones noted, while White-winged Crossbillreports consistedof 22 at Hawk Mr., Dec. I (LG),one on the S. Nassau, L I, CBC,and 2 unconfirmedsightings in CapeMay in January. CommonRedpolls were abundantand widespreadin the n. one-halfof the Regionand even reachedDelaware in numbers for the first time since 1977, including one at a Lewes,Sussex, feederall February(WWF). Feeder watchers searching through the flocksspotted apparent Hoary Redpollsat Kendall, Mid- dlesex,N.J., Feb. 14 (CL), and two at Lake Hauto, Carbon,Pa., alsoin February(B. Schaffer). A Hoary Redpoll,conspicuous

Volume 41, Number 2 263 MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Henry T. Armistead

February,xceptforsomethis washeavy not asnowfalls severe winter. inlate DecemberJanuary andav- eraged1.2øF above normal, with an excessof 1.53 inches of rain, and was snowless. Thus conditions for the CBCs were good.January was mild except for the last one-third of the month, when there was a quite strong cold spell combinedwith heavy snowsin mostareas on the 22nd and again on the 25th and 26th. January temperatures were 0.6ø below normal with an excessof 3.09 inchesof precipitation. February averaged1.3 ø below the norm, with precipitation also below normal by almost one-half inch, althoughthere was a big snow February 22-23. It was a goodwinter for most piscivorousbirds, eagles, northern irruptive species(especially owls), and bluebirds, althoughthe spatteringof recordsfor the northern finches was highly hit or miss dependingon the species.As usual reportsof most heronsand shorebirdswere minimal with mostrecords coming from the Virginia coast. ABBREVIATIONS -- Assat.= AssateagueI., Md.; Bait. = Bal- timore, Md.: the Bay = ChesapeakeBay; C.B.B.T. = Chesapeake icanslingered into mid-Januaryin s.e. Virginia, suchas one Bay Bridgeand Tunnel, Va.; Chinc. = ChincoteagueNat'l Wildlife at Fish. I., Dec. 7 (SR},three at Virginia Beach Dec. 6 (VK), 10 Ref., Va.; Craney = Craney Island DisposalArea, Portsmouth,Va.; at CapeHenry Jan.2 and three there Jan.10 (GH),and five at D.C. = Washington,D.C.; Fish. I. = Fisherman'sIsland Nat'l Wildlife Ft. StoryJan. 24 (BP}.Completely unexpected were oneat Swift Ref.,Va.; Susq.= the SusquehannaRiver, Md., in the vicinity of Creek Res.,n. of Richmond,Va., Dec. 31-Jan. 6 (BD et al.} and ConowingoDam. Place names in italics are counties. an adult in n. Maryland along the Susq.,Dec. 20-22 (RKF, LOONS THROUGH HERONS- A Red-throated Loon at FDA, ph.}. ChesapeakeBeach, Calvert, Md., Dec.26 was unusualfor the Great Cormorant continues to winter in numbers that are upperBay in winter ( ILS, RFR).Excellent local countswere maximal for the Region, such as 28 Dec. 30 {BP},23 Jan. 17 of 49 Pied-billed Grebesat D.C., Dec. 20 (JB et al.) and 20 at (GH)and 31 Jan. 24 {DFA,BP} at C.B.B.T.,with 18at Pt.Lookout, Loch Raven Res., n. of Bait., Jan. 14 (SS), while zero on the Md., Jan.4 (fide RFR},and smaller, yet recordnumbers of four BackBay, Va., CBC Dec.28 were indicativeof the continuing at OceanCity CBCand nine at CapeCharles CBC. Small num- abysmalconditions for bay waterbirdsthere (PWS et al.). bersof Double-crestedCormorants lingered on the upper Bay HornedGrebe continued in low numbers,although CBC counts in Maryland throughDecember at BrandonShores, Chesa- of 382 at Chinc. and 175 at Cape Charles,plus 200 at Craney peakeBeach, and Bait. {RFR et al.}but asusual large numbers Feb.20 (CZ),were at leasta stepin the right direction.Always were foundonly at the mouth of the Bay in Virginia,such as scarcehere, Red-neckedGrebe was reportedfrom 6 localities, CBC totals of 197 at Cape Charles,542 at Newport News, and the mostinteresting record being of three at Loch RavenJan. 1034 at Little Creek (TK, PWS et al.}. 1 (SS).Nine N. Gannetsoff CrisfieldDec. 30 (RFR, HLW) and Aside from the CBCs the most remarkable heron count was two off Annapolis]an. 4 (EB)were mostunusual for the upper at Deal I., Md., Dec. 26 with 59 Black-crownedNights, 63 Tri- Bay in winter and firstsfor theserespective Maryland CBCs. co]oreds,and two Little Blues,plus five Am. Bitterns{MO, JO}. At Cheriton,Va., Gablet saw an Am. White Pelicanflying over Deal Island is one of the most bird-rich salt marshes in the Rt. 13 Feb. 4. More to be expectedwere one to two at Chinc. state. A Great Egret at Nokesville, Va., Dec. 19 was unusual (BP,C & DB) and one at variousVirginia Beachlocations such for the Piedmont (KHB, RAA}. Unique was a Cattle Egret near as Owl Creek and LynnhavenInlet (GH, HCI), thesepresent OceanCity Dec. 29 (CSR}in the n. PocomokeSwamp. At the throughJanuary and February.Small numbersof BrownPel- CapeCharles CBC, totals of 52 Little Blue and 76 Tricolored heronswere far aboveaverage Dec. 27 (BPk,PWS et al.}. Great Blue Herons were in excellent numbers on some CBCs with 71 at Salisbury,Md. (CRV), 186 in D.C. (JB et al.), and 244 at Little Creek, Va. (PWS et al.), most of these record or near- record counts; 100 were at Susq., Dec. 7 (RFR, SRi). Over 50 had already returnedto their colonyat MasonNeck N.W.R., Va., by Feb. 23 (DAD). An imm. Yellow-crownedNight-Heron was reportedfrom Norfolk Dec. 31 (NB). WATERFOWL -- Lastyear's drought apparently forced out mostof the Chinc. Mute Swanswith only two there for the CBC (fide JWD), perhapsaccounting for the three at Cape Charles Dec. 27 (C & DB) and two at Cedar I., Va., Dec. 21 (HTA). Two GreaterWhite-fronted Geese were in Gaithersburg, Md., Feb. 22 (LD), three were at Curies Neck, Henrico, Va., Jan. 30 (FD), one was at Chuckatuck,Va., Dec. 19 (BP), and one was at JugBay, Md., Feb. 8 (AS). Snow Geesecontinued to winter in the central area of the Regionin huge numbers Adult BrownPelican among gulls at ConowingoDam, Md., Dec. with 16,027on the Ocean City CBC (CSRet al.) and 32,316 on 22, 1986. Photo/RobertFraunfelter. the Denton CBC, Caroline, Md. (AJF)with a fine total of 1900

264 American Birds, Summer 1987 blue forms at the s DorchesterCBC Dec 31 (CSR et al) At they are attracted by remains d•scardedby chicken farmers, CapeCharles a Ross'Goose was seen at W•sePt., Feb. 22 (HTA, prevmusCBC totals for this site beingof 18 m 1984 and 20 m GLA, MS, CW), only the 3rd or 4th reportfor Virginia. 1985. Fourteen on the CBC at D.C., Dec. 20 were the best since Conditionsare sobad at BackBay that seriousconsideration 1951 (JB).An astounding57 were at Ft. BelvoirCBC s. of D.C, has been given to the deliberateintroduction of exotic plants, Jan. 3, their best total since 1985 (33) and 1953 (31; JMA). In includingHydrilla, or the creationof an inlet to the sea.Witness this same area at Mason Neck N.W.R., an estimated67 eagles theseanemic numbers on the CBCDec. 28:four Green-winged wintered(50 imm.)including about 34 bandedindividuals from Teal, sevenGadwall, one Am. Wigeon,three Buffleheads,and New York, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey,and Pennsylvania 50 Ruddy Ducks, plus two Am. Coots. (DAD). The JanuaryBay area eaglesurvey found 345 eagles•n UnusualMaryland Piedmont winter recordswere of a Green- 10 major areas(167 imm.) such as 37 at AberdeenProving wangedTeal at Thurmont, Frederick,and nine at Piney Run, Ground, Md., 29 at Blackwater N.W.R., Md., and 73 on the Carroll, Jan. 15, plus a N. Pintail at Piney Run Jan. I (RFR). RappahannockR., Va., with an estimated 50-100 additional Many waterfowl were in record or near-record numbers in birds in the greater Bay area (JMA, MAB). A record 10 were the Balt. area Dec. 28, with 115 N. Shovelers,85 Gadwall, 8975 on the CBC at Chinc., Dec. 29 (JWD et al.). As Bald Eagles Canvasbacks,2545 Lesser Scaup, 929 Red-breastedMergansers, continue to increaseas well as shift their areasof concentration, and 8072 Ruddy Ducks,the majority of these in the large im- area birders are becomingincreasingly sophisticated in iden- poundedspoil area of Hart and Miller Is. (RFR,JLS). Eurasian tifying individual birds and eliminating duplicatesightings W•geonmales were at Sunken Meadows,Surry, Va., late De- Sharp-shinnedHawks were in goodnumbers on many CBCs cemberto January(HCI, EMW, RAA, JWD),at Fish. I., Va. Dec. with 24 each at D.C. and Cape Charles. Northern Goshawk 27-Feb. 21 (RLA, GLA, BP),and OceanCity, Md., Dec.29 (GLA, was reportedfrom at least8 locationsfrom late Decemberon, CW, DCt). Canvasbackswere in goodnumbers, for recentyears with, as is usual with this species,really good descriptions at least,on the Bay with a record10,218 on the Crisfield,Md., lacking for all birds. But many of thesewere probablyvalid, CBCDec. 30 in companywith 1731 RuddyDucks (HLW, RFR). indicating a strong winter for them by Regional standards The samemay be saidfor Ruddy Duckswith 5000 on Back R., Rough-leggedHawks stageda moderate incursion, the best e. of Balt., Jan.13 (WK) and 4000 at BrandonShores, Md., Dec. numbers as usual being in marshy s. Dorchester,Md., with 19 I (RFR).It is encouragingto see thesetwo beleaguredspecies on the CBC Dec. 31 (EMW, CSR et al.). Up to three Golden bouncingback a little bit. Eagles wintered here at Blackwater N.W.R. (GI et al.) with At Loch Raven Res.,n. of Balt., 320 Ring-neckedDucks were another bird in Kent Jan. 26 (FLP), where one (plus 28 Bald counted Dec. 29 (SS).The sole Corn. Eider report was of one Eagles)was alsoseen on the CBCDec. 21 (JGet al.). Interesting at Little Creek, Va., Dec. 31 (fide PWS) but one to two ad. • Merlin reportsincluded one at inland Nokesville, Va., on the King Eiders were at Fish. I., Dec. 27-Jan. 31 (BW, RLA, HTA PiedmontDec. 28 (fide KHB), one at Patuxent W.R.C., Laurel, et al.) and a femalewas at Chinc., Dec. 28 (DFA), where this Md., haunting feedersFeb. 17-Mar. 5 (MKK), and two at the speciesis rare. A • Harlequin Duck was unusual up the Bay National PressBldg., D.C., Feb.4 (fide EMW). Merlins in winter a b•t at Hampton, Va., Dec. 26 to early February (BP, PM), a are scarceaway from the coastand shouldbe documented.At femalewas at Smith I., Va., Dec. 27 (DCt),and up to one male the Redskins-Ramsplayoff game in D.C., Dec. 28, a Peregrine and four femaleswere at C.B.B.T.throughout the winter (SR, Falcon flew into the stadium at dusk and landed on one of the VK, D & MM, HK, HCI). The peak Hooded Merganser report goalposts (PMk)! Six RuffedGrouse at Deer Creek, Harford, was of 381 at Little Creek CBC Dec. 31 (PWS et al.) and Red- Md., Dec. 27 were new for this county (fide DK). breastedMergansers were in excellentnumbers in s.e.Virginia Winter western shore rails are always of interest; a King w•th a record 2421 on the Cape CharlesCBC, 2100 on the Back Rail, 11 Virginias,and eightSoras were at FishingCreek Marsh, Bay CBC, and 5000 at Virginia BeachJan. 24 (BP). Calvert, Md., Dec. 26 (RFR, JLS,SD), while 10 Virginias were at Bait., Dec. 28 (fide RFR). Unusual was a Corn.Moorhen at RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES -- Trans-Baymovements BigMill Pond,Worcester, in coastalMaryland Jan.29 (C & DB) of vultures are seldomreported but Harris saw45 Turkey Vul- Excellent Am. Cootcounts were of 3610 (previoushigh 733 in turesat CapeHenry, Va., Dec. 13 apparentlycoming over from 1985) on the Ft. Belvoir, Va., CBC Jan.3 (JMA et al.) and 400 the E. Shore. Ospreyswere seen in at least 7 areas in late at Loch RavenRes., Dec. 20 (SS).A rarity was a Sandhill Crane Decemberand earlyJanuary including 3 spotsnear D.C, mostly reportedfrom Kent I., QueenAnne's, Md., about Feb. 18 (RL) on CBCs,a completelyunprecedented situation; but the first springbird was not seen until Mar. 3 at Newport News (D & SHOREBIRDS -- For only the 2nd winter regularshorebird MM}, the occasionalstray February birds not being seen this countswere made in the Cape Charles area at ThornsCreek year. Bald Eaglescontinue to surpriseus. At Crisfield44 were (BPk, HTA, GLA, CW et al.) with resultscomparable to last seenDec. 30 (CRV}at a roostarea (unknown4 yearsago} where year's (see Table 1). These trips depend on the vagaries of

Table1. Sl•orebirdsat Thoms Creek, Mockhorn Island, Va., Winter 1986-1987

Dec. 10 Dec. 27 Feb. I Feb. 21 Mar. 15

Black-bellied Plover x a 296 175 260 260 American Oystercatcher 65 123 90 20 25 Willet 120 113 110 110 90 Whimbrel 3 5 1 Marbled Godwit 18 40 60 69 50

Ruddy Turnstone x 15 12 12 10 Red Knot 3 1 Western Sandpiper x 10 35 20 470 Dunlin 5000 7000 3500 5000 4200 dowitcher(sp.) b x 6 70 15 40

x = speciespresent but not censused. bMa]ority believed to be Short-billedDowitchers. Numerous birds calling or seen well enough to be identified on latter four dates were all Short-billeds.

Volume 41, Number 2 265 ' AmericanOystercatchers atMockhorn Flats, Va., Dec. 10, 1986. Photo/Bill Portlock. weather, watermen, and tides, and the widely and wildly tered at Ocean City, a relatively recent phenomenon,with 12 ranging counts are due to these variables as much as actual there Jan.25 (WIO, 17 Feb. 28 (EMW), and 28 on the CBC Dec. changesin the numbersof birds, althougha certain stability 29. Notable far up the Bay was a Greater Yellowlegs at Ft. of wintering populationscan be assumed.At any rate, asduring McHenry in Bait., Jan.11-Feb. 16 (RFR),and 22 were at Cris- the previouswinter, godwits,dowitchers, Willets, Whimbrels, field CBC Dec. 30 (CRV). At Stumpy L., Virginia Beach, 25 and knots apparently overwintered again. When these birds LesserYellowlegs Dec. 14 made a notabletally (GH). On Jan. are all concentratedtogether at high tide, tame and vocal, it 14 Portlock spotted 24 dowitchers (sp.) at Dameron Marsh, is exciting to drift amongthem in a rented skow in this wild, Northumberland, Va., an isolated area on the w. shore of the remote saltmarsh. Willets, dowitchers, and Marbled Godwits Bay oppositeTangier I. At BackBay CBC Dec. 28, 1565 Sand- also overwintered in the Chinc. area in small numbers (C & erIingswere estimated (PWS et al.). Good countswere of 75 DB) and the CBC there, always excellent for shorebirds,pro- Corn. Snipe at JugBay on the upper Patuxent R., Md., Jan. 3 duced three SemipalmatedPlovers, 702 Am. Oystercatchers, (RFR,SRi) and 85 Am. Woodcockalong a one-mi transectJan. three Willets, 12 Marbled Godwits, seven Red Knots, four Least 29 at EasternShore of Virginia N.W.R. (LH) with 30 there Jan. Sandpipers,and 12 dowitchers (fide JWD) Dec. 28. Two Semi- 31 (HTA, GLA). Winter woodcockoften do not appearin that palmated Plovers near Crisfield were notable for the central area in big numbersuntil forceddown by severeweather well Bay Dec. 30 (HLW, RFR). American Oystercatchers overwin- after New Year's.

Marbled Godwits(and one Wilier) at Mockhorn Flats, Va., Dec. 10, 1986. Photo/Bill Portlock.

266 American Birds, Summer 1987 JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- One Pomarineand one Parasiticjaeger were reportedfrom Ft. Story, Cape Henry, Va., Jan. 17 {BP,PM}. Very unusual inland, an ad. LaughingGull was at the Spotsylvania,Va., mall Jan. 24 after a big snow storm{MRB}. Laughings were rather widespreadin early winter on upper Bay areassuch as 38 on the CBC at Bait., Dec. 28, 15 in Calvert, Md., Jan.2 { JLS},and four at the Bowie, Md., landfill Dec. 28 {EM}.Yet they were curiouslylow at the mouth of the Bay where sometimesmany hundreds can be found at this time of year, with but four at Newport News CBC Dec. 20 {TK et al.}, a more respectable303 at Little Creek CBC Dec. 31 {PWS et al.}, but only two at Back Bay CBC Dec. 28 {PWS et al.}. Up to five {two ad., three imm.} Little Gulls were at Ocean City Feb. 7-8 {BDx,BY, ED}.The only Com. Black-headedGull seen was at Back R. SewageTreatment Plant e. of Balt., Feb. 14 {HKt et al.}. Off Calvert Cliffs, Calvert, Md., 400 Bonaparte's Gulls Jan.24 furnished a goodcount for the central Bay {SD}. Gulls massedagain on the lower Susq.,Md., with an estimated 20,000 Herring Gulls Feb. 13 {EB}.Other gull highlightshere Snowy Owl at Hopewell, Va., Dec. 20, 1986. Photo/Bill Portlock. were two imm. Icelands and three ad. Lesser Black-backeds Feb. 14 {MSG}, the Icelands seen again Feb. 21 {LD}. Iceland at Chinc., Dec. 13 and Feb. 5 (C & DB). Most of these evoked Gulls were reportedfrom 5 placeswith an immature at Prince media coverageand various"photo opportunities"and taken William landfill, Va., Jan. 12-24 {together with two Lesser together representeda superior "invasion" by Regional stan- Black-backed Gulls Jan. 12 and an imm. Glaucous Gull Feb. dards.Another was reported in the Ocean City, Md., area in 7-10--MRB, BP), an immature at C.B.B.T., Dec. 6 & 27 and late December, details lacking. Long-earedOwls also made a Jan. 31 {SR, BP, HTA, GLA}, and an immature in D.C., Feb. 28 very goodshowing with reportsfrom at least 8 locationsin- {DC}.One was at the Bowie,Md., dump from Decemberto Feb. cluding two at the National Arboretum in D.C., Feb. 16-Mar. 14 (EM). 1 (where there was also a N. Saw-whet Owl Feb. 16-Mar. 6-- Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue to turn up in many DC) and one at Back R., e. of Bait., Feb. 14 (HKt), plus up to places.One at the mouth of TuckahoeCreek was new for Car- six on the Triadelphia, Md., CBC (fide RFR). Northern Saw- oline, Md., Dec. 21 {SG} and another at Reichs Ford landfill whet Owls were rather widely reportedon the CBCsplus two was new for Frederick, Md., Jan. 15 {RFR}.One at Myrtle I., at McKee-BeshersW.M.A., Montgomery, Md., Jan. 8-Feb. 26 Va., Dec. 27 was the first for the CapeCharles CBC {BPk}.Good (MSG) and two on Assat. I., Md., Feb. 8 (WK, HLW). Short- counts were of five at C.B.B.T., Dec. 6 {SR},four in D.C., Feb. earedOwls, which perhapsI shouldnot lump with the "south- 14 {DC}, three on CBC at Balt., Dec. 28, three on Triadelphia ern" owls since many of them are indeed birds from the Arctic Res., Md., CBC Dec. 27 {fide RFR}, eight at Little Creek CBC tundra, stageda moderate flight with 10 on the s. Dorchester, Dec. 31 {PWS et al.}, and two at ChesapeakeBeach. Calvert, Md., CBC Dec. 31 and three at Dameron Marsh, Va., Jan. 14 Md., Dec. 25-Jan. 25 {WKr}. One inland at Chancellor landfill (BPk), plus six at Nokesville Dec. 28 (KHB). s. of FredericksburgFeb. 2 & 4 was of interest {MRB} in the Belted Kingfisherwas in high numbers on many CBCs,in Virginia Piedmont.Glaucous Gulls included immaturesat Al- spite of concernby many over its apparent decline; 71 were pha Ridge landfill, Howard, and one at ReichsFord, both Jan. at Newport News Dec. 20 (TK et al.) plus 44 in D.C. the same 15 {RFR},and one at ChesapeakeBeach Jan. 24-25 0NKr}, these day (JB et al.). Three Red-cockadedWoodpeckers were re- all in Maryland. A record 359 Great Black-backedGulls were portedfrom Wakefield,Va., Jan.25 (BP).Eastern Phoebes were on the CBC at D.C., Dec. 20 {JB et al.} with 255 there Feb. 19 in higher numbersthan usual on most CBCswhere they are {DC} plus 111 at inland Howard, Md., Jan. 31 {JS}. Some 39 usually expectedspecies. A genuine rarity, although the 3rd Great Black-backeds at inland Nokesville, Prince William, Va., verified record for this CBC, was an Ash-throatedFlycatcher CBC of Dec. 28 along with three LesserBlack-backeds were at CapeCharles Dec. 27 (JO, MO, ph.), for aboutthe 7th or 8th remarkable {KHB et al.}. Clearly the two black-backedgulls Virginia record. As usua/ the most impressive numbers of are still in an expansivephase. Horned Larks came from Piedmont areas, such as 592 at An ad. Black-leggedKittiwake was at C.B.B.T.,Feb. 16 {HK} Nokesville, Va., Dec. 28 {KI-IBet al.) and 400 at New Design but only 20 were seenby the pelagictrip off Ocean City Feb. Rd., Frederick, Md., Jan.12 (MO), but 329 at Cape Charles CBC Dec. 27 set a record for there. One Tree Swallow was at Assat. 14 {HLW et al.}. Eight Black Skimmers were at Lynnhaven Inlet, Virginia Beach,Dec. 31 {fide PWS} and some were later I., Feb. 8 (WK, HLW), an interesting date and number. Ten seenthere Jan.10-17 {GH,HCI). This is often the only Regional Fish Crows far inland at Kerr Res., Va., were notable for that spotwhere they are seenin winter. Royal Terns were seeno• location Feb. 22 (JML), and other high counts were on CBCs 3 greaterNorfolk area CBCswith one lingeringuntil Jan.10 at Crisfield(2380), Salisbury (2208), and Dorchester(2550), with at CapeHenry {GH}.An extremely late Com. Tern was reported 1587 at Ft. Belvoir and 294 at inland Nokesville. This species from Calvert, Md., Dec. 10 { JLS}.The Ocean City pelagictrip is the scourgeof colonial waterbirds. of Feb. 14 turned up two Dovekiesand aboutsix Atlantic Puf- Red-breastedNuthatches were in goodnumbers this winter fins {WK, HLW}, mostof thesein Virginia waters. with high countson many CBCs,although this was not true for coastal counts. Carolina Wrens seemed to survive the winter DOVES THROUGH SHRIKES -- Mourning Doves were snowssatisfactorily {v.o.); the BreedingBird Surveys will tell in very high numberson many of the Virginia CBCssuch as us for certain. Eleven Marsh Wrens at Fishing Creek Marsh 1262 at Newport News, 1003 at Ft. Belvoir, and 1100+ at Dec. 26 furnished an excellent winter count for the w. shore Wachapreague.All five "southern" owls were found at Elliott (SD,JLS, RFR). In addition to, one is tempted to say, the usual Island Rd., Dorchester,Md., Feb. 8 {MSG} and a Com. Barn- Blue-grayGnatcatchers seen on the CBCsone was presentat Owl was at seldom-visitedWatts I., Va., Dec. 17 {BPk}.This Susq.from about Thanksgivingto Jan. 17 (RMS, EB, RFR, SD, was an excellent winter for the three other owl species,the ph.) and two were at Richmond Jan.6 (fide PB). EasternBlue- "northern"ones. Single Snowy Owls were in Virginiaat Hope- bird numberscontinue to swell with optimumcounts on many well Dec. 15-Jan. 23 {BPk,FRS, BP, HCI + 150___others, ph.}, CBCs,the perennial best comingfrom Mathews, Va., as usual at Crystal City, Arlington, Dec. 18 atop a 15-story building with 453 there Jan.4 (MP et al.), but with especiallygood counts {RAA, KLK, EMW et al., ph.}, at Richmond Feb. 14 {PB,LKR, on the Delmarva PeninsulaCBCs. A rarity was a Varied Thrush ph., somechance it was the sameas the Hopewell bird}, and in Bethesda,Md., at a feeder Feb. 1 (SABet al., ph.). American

Volume 41, Number 2 267 Robinsand Cedar Waxwings were in low to moderatenumbers A • Yellow-headed Blackbird was at R•smgSun, Md, Dec. 28 comparedwith their b•g numbersthe prewouswinter (v.o.). (HF, fide RFR) An imm. N. Shrike was at Normans, Kent I., Md., Jan. 5 (RF, Purple Fincheswere in very low numbersthis winter but fide EMW), its presencein this Regionextremely unusual. the crimsontide of House Finches rolls on (seeTable 2). Num- bers of Purple Finchesare much more cyclical than thoseof HouseFinches so this table is relatively meaninglessfor them VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES- Two White-eyedVireos exceptto showtheir relativeabundance for the 6 yearscharted were on the CapeCharles CBC Dec. 27 (BP,GG, FS),and Sol- However, the sheer biomass of House Finches, even consid- itary Vireos were reportedfrom at least 6 places,two of them, eringthat the table is not gearedto party-hours,is overwhelm- gratifyingly,after the CBCperiod: one at NorthwestR. Park, ing and showsno signsof leveling off. Many HouseFinches Chesapeake,Va., Jan.15 (GMW) and oneat VirginiaBeach Jan. hesitate to come S prior to severe weather, so even more are 16 (HCI). An Orange-crownedWarbler was at Hopewell, Va., sometimespresent after the CBCs. For example: the Cape Dec. 20-Jan. 15 (fide PB). Outstandingwarblers were a N. Pa- Charles CBC, with 56 observers,reported 110 House Finches, rula at Little Creek, Va., Dec. 31 (NB), threeCape May Warblers the speciesbeing seen by 5 parties.Two observerscruising m D.C., Dec..20 (DC, GG, ph.), two Prairie Warblersat Chinc., throughthis area in a car Feb. 1 found a singleflock of 110 on Dec. 28 (CPW, TF), and two Black-and-whiteWarblers at Cape phonewires in the middle of an agriculturalarea far from the Charles Dec. 27 (MO, PD, one ph.). A Dickcisselin Howard, nearest town or houses (GLA, HTA). Eleven Red Crossbillsat Md., Jan.31 furnishedthe only report (JS).Outstanding CBC Ft. Belvoir, Va., Jan. 3 (DFA) and a White-winged Crossbillat totals of Chipping Sparrowswere of 105 at Salisburyand 83 a Denton, Md., feederFeb. 19 & 21 (RJ,fide AJF)furnished the at Chinc. An ad. Lark Sparrow was discoveredat a private only reportsfor thesetwo species.Common Redpolls in small club in Anne Arundel, Md., at Crownsville and stayedJan. 30- numberswere widely reportedfrom late Januaryon with van- Mar. 5, for a new countyrecord (MB, EM, ph.).At CapeCharles, guard individuals at Sandy Point S.P., Md., Dec. 6 (DM, fide 37 Savannah (Ipswich) SparrowsDec. 27 on Smith, Myrtle, EMW), Cedar I., Va., Dec. 21 (HTA), and at sea 20 mi e of and Fish. Is. surpassedthe previousCBC all-time high count Virginia BeachJan. 25 on a Dutch fishingvessel (WM). A group (BPk,HTA et al.), but were not that surprisingconsidering that of 40 was at Ellicott City, Md., Jan.31 (PO,fide EMW) and one 3 barrier islands with a total of about 15 mi of beach were was banded at Patuxent W.R.C., Md., Feb. I (MKK, DB). An- involved.Fox Sparrowscontinued in very low numberswith other early bird was at a feeder at GibsonI., Md., for about a 13 CBCs,all with high numbersof participants,reporting only week through Jan.4 (BC,fide RFR). Pine Siskinsalso became zero to three birds. Several observerscommented on the high common following the same schedulewith small numberson numbersof Dark-eyed (Slate-colored)Juncos. Several unusu- most CBCs building up to big numbers in some places (e g., ally high countsof LaplandLongspur were reportedincluding Lynchburg, Va., fide MM). They invaded Patuxent W.R C 25 at New DesignRd., Frederick, Md., Jan. 12 (MO), nine at during February with over 1000 banded there plus one pre- Nokesville, Va., Jan. 2 (KHB), and 35 at Craney Dec. 30 plus viously banded in Missouri last April (MKK). Evening Gros- 12 there Jan.7 (NB) and three at Lucketts,Va., Dec. 13 (EMW). beaks were scarce all winter (v.o.).

Table2. ComparativeAbundance of HouseFinch and PurpleFinch on SelectedChristmas Bird Counts: 1988, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961 year: 1986 1981 1976 1971 1966 1961

CBC HF PF HF PF HF PF HF PF HF PF HF PF

MD L. Kent Co. 343 7 112 4 421 4 37 14 28 11 VA Lynchburg 508 126 596 195 84 135 15 399 2 7 VA Nokesville 607 11 ...... MD Salisbury 381 22 239 2 63 21 8 4 9 I -- -- MD Denton 330 10 276 5 51 3 18 16 2

MD Baltimore 404 92 4 70 31 195 70 101 88 -- -- MD Port Tobacco 74 13 19 14 -- -•- ...... MD S. Dorchester 136 2 6 36 2 2 2 9 MD Ocean City 409 6 57 11 122 18 64 14 I 26 1 MD Crisfield 339 I 344 24 9 9 I 25 ....

DC Wash.,D.C. 747 21 515 36 321' 58 97 174 32 10 40 VA Ft. Belvoir 504 47 153 56 19 80 16 72 5 3 10 VA Mathews 326 1 14 3 23 19 .... VA Chincoteague 260 17 142 6 13 39 29 I 4 VA Cape Charles 110 20 55 14 18 21 7 31 3 -- --

VA Newport News 186 5 97 2 I 9 I 5 1 VA Little Creek 111 13 85 4 39 65 4 94 6 3 VA Back Bay 26 I I 5 35 92 6 TOTALS PF 321 402 553 1056 164 77 TOTALS HF 5801 2785 1270 462 176 0

HF PF HF PF HF PF HF PF HF PF HF PF

--means CBC not in existence that year. Comments:Note that HouseFinches are still relatively uncommonin someremote areas in the extremesouth of the Regionor towardsthe end of peninsular or isolatedmarshy regionssuch as Back Bay, Little Creek, Cape Charles, S. DorchesterCounty and Port Tobacco.Note their recent increasein some other areas such as Mathews and Newport News.

268 American Birds, Summer 1987 OBSERVERS -- D.F. Abbott, J.M. Abbott, Margaret Abbott, Ja- M.K. Klimkiewicz, Wayne Klockner, Walter Kraus (WKr), Harry net Anderson, R.A. Anderson, R.L. Anderson, G.L. Armistead, F.D. Krueger, Paul Lehman, Roland Lirapert, J.M. Lynch, Wendy Mal- Aulthouse,Marty Barron,K.H. Bass,Paul Bedell,John Bjerke, Eirik pass,Elwood Martin, Paul McQuarry, Dorothy & Mike Mitchell. Biota, L.D. Bonham, M.R. Boatwright, S.A. Briggs,Ned Brinkley, Paul Mocko (Plvlk), Myriam Moore, David Mozurkewich, John Chandra & Doug Bruce,J.H. Buckalew, Esther Burns (EBs),M.A. O'Brien, Paul O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Peter Osenton(POs), F.L. Byrd,Danny Bystrak,Benjamin Cadwalader, Daniel Cristol(DCt), Parks,Brian Patteson.E.D. Peacock,Carl Perry, Bill Portlock(BPk), David Czaplak, Lynn Davidson, Fenton Day, Ed DeMoll, D.A. Mary Pulley, J.G. Reese, GeorgeReiger, Sue Ricciardi (SRi), R.F. Dewhurst, J.W. Dillard, Bob Dixon (BDx), Sam Droege, Paul Ringler, C.S. Robbins, L.K. Rodman, Stephen Rottenborn, Deb DuMont, Bob Duncan, Stephen Eccles,Ethel Engle, Tad Finnell, Rudis,R.R. Runkles,Keith Russell.R.M. Schutsky,F.R. Scott.Carol A.J. Fletcher, R.B. Fletcher, Harold Fogleman,Robert FolkeL Jen Scudder, Frank Shaft, Matt Sharp, Wayne Sieck, Steve Simon, Jo Folts, R.F. Fraunfelter, Paul Fritz, Hans Gabler, M.S. Garland, Steve Solere, Ann Stone, J.L. Stasz, P.W. Sykes, R.J. Tripician, C.R. Goodbread, J.S. Gottschalk, Greg Gough, James Gruber, George Vaughn,H.L. Wierenga.C.P. Wilds, Bill Williams. G.M. Williamson, Harris, Robert Hilton, Lou Hines, GregoryInskip, H.C. Irving, Ot- G.B. Wilmot, E.M. Wilson, Chris Witt, Ben Yokel, CharlesZiegen- tavio Janni, GeorgeJett, Alice Jones,Ruth Jones,Hank Kaestner fus.--HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 523 E. Durham Street, Philadel- (HKt),Teta Kain, ICL. Kirkpatrick,Dennis Kirkwood, Val Kitchens, phia, PA 19119.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Harry E. LeGrand, Jr.

usual,hewinter butin rainfallthe Southeast was quitewas heavy,somewhat especially milderin thanJan- uary. The Drought of 1986 was certainly a memory of the past when reservoirsin North Carolina reached 12 to 20 feet above normal levels in later winter. Portions of the western Piedmont had ten or more inches of snow in mid- January,but the most damagingweather (at least to veg- etation) was a sleet storm on February 16-17 that dumped six or more inches of pellets in many areas;it took a week for the sleet to completelymelt. Many observerscommented on the enormouswild food crop and complainedthat this was the reasonthat birds just would not cometo their feeders.The Drought of 1986 was certainly responsiblefor the heavy volume of flowers on trees and shrubsthat later led to the heavy acorn, nut, and berry crops.Winter fincheswere not particularly numerous in early winter but by February were widespread. Waterfowl numbers were somewhat lower than normal, but the overall decline in the breedingpopulations is certainly at least partly responsible;the Canada Goosepop- ulations are especiallydepleted. The snow and ice storms Grebes,and the one report of Western Grebe,from Kerr Res., apparently did not causesevere hardships because of the N.C.,was poorly documented. Lee continued his pelagic studies excellentfood crop, but severalobservers noted birds killed by making a handful of trips out of OregonInlet, N.C. In ad- as they foraged along road edges, often the only places dition to a small number of the expectedBlack-capped Petrels, where the foodwas not covered.The highlightsof the sea- he had Manx Shearwaters on 4 trips Dec. 20-Feb. 25, with an apparentRegional record 15+ Feb. 14. The first mid-winter son were a mystery gull and several rare gulls, as well as Audubon's Shearwaters for the state were two (one collected) flycatchers.The Snowy Owl invasionin the Eastdid reach Jan.21 (DL). Truly amazingwere the 351 Wilson's Storm-Pe- the Region, barely, and pelagic trips off North Carolina trels seen in those waters on a CBC Dec. 20 (DL, BOet al.); again provided notable records,although thesewere of lin- this specieshad never previouslybeen reportedon any con- geringspecies north of their expectedranges (such as storm- tinental CBC. Lee was also able to detect one, and possibly petrels) rather than longed-forNorthern speciessouth of three, Leach's Storm-Petrel(s) among the Wilson's; until last theirs (such as puffins, murres, and skuas). winter, there were no North Carolina winter recordsfor any storm-petrels. ABBREVIATIONS -- Place names in italics are counties. There were justtwo reportsof Am. White Pelicans:one again all winter at Charleston(DF) and anotherJan. 2 near Sapelo LOONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS -- A goodflight of 200 I., Ga. (TKP,JC, CB). The BrownPelican continues to increase Red-throated Loonswas seen flying S at Tybee I., Ga., Jan.30 asa winterer in North Carolina,and the specieswas frequently {DS}.The elusiveRed-necked Grebe was encounteredtwice-- seen as far "inland" as New Bern in late February (BH). Great three at Ft. Fisher, N.C., Jan. 3 {RD} and one at Charleston, Cormorantsalso have shown an upward trend in that state S.C.,Feb. 18 (DF).Unfortunately, there were no reportsof Eared and were seenat 6 coastalsites from OregonInlet to Southport,

Volume41, Number2 269 where, for the 2nd stratghtw•nter, about 14 b•rdshave been Much was learned about Yellow Rail behawor, habitat, and found alongthe lower Cape Fear R. (BBet al.). distribution •n North Carohna this season.And 2 parties ac- The Am. Bittern, a Blue-listedspecies, has shown a distinct tually found the speciesin a purposefulsearch; nearly all pre- decline in wintering numbersin recent years near the coast. viousrecords were the result of serendipity!Fussell and Nance A few were notableinland, where not regular--singlesat Au- figured that the extremely high tides and heavy rains Jan 1 gusta,Ga., all winter (AW), at Greenville,S.C., Dec. 21 (JB),at would force rails onto high groundat North R. near Beaufort, A•ken, S.C.,Dec. 24 (JA), and in n.w. Oconee,Ga., Jan. 23 (PS). and such was the case,as they saw two Yellows (plus three Cattle Egretswere reported at a number of inland sites in Clappers,two Soras,and 25 Virginias,but no Blacks).Even Georgia,including Decatur, Seminole, Ben Hill, and Bibb (fide more significantin locationand habitat was a seriesof 3 sight- TM, TI); whereas a count of 11 near Currituck, N.C., Jan. 2 ingsof singleYellows, including one shot by a huntermistaking (BL)was notablein that state.Likewise, Green-backed Herons it for a N. Bobwhite,Jan. 17-Feb. 16, in weedy fieldswell inland were encountered at 4 Piedmont sites. A Greater Flamingo a few miles n.e. of L. Mattamuskeet (FA, KR, ML). The b•rd spent the winter at Pamlico Pt., N.C. (PJC). flushedFeb. 16 required 28 man-hoursof field walking (fide ML)! Fussellwas able to elicit callingby BlackRails on CBCs at previouslyknown year round sitesat Wancheseand North WATERFOWL -- The only report of FulvousWhistling- R. in North Carolina. A King Rail was unusual near Roswell, Duck came from one of its favored locales, Savannah N.W.R., Ga., Jan. 10 (JS). The Sandhill Crane at Augustain fall was S C., where 10 were present Feb. 7 (RWL). A rarity for the last seen Dec. 6 (fide AW). Atlanta, Ga., vicinity was a Tundra Swan flying overPeachtree A very goodcount of the federallythreatened Piping Plover C•ty L., Dec. 12 (O & JK). Two Greater White-fronted Geese was of 35+ at HuntingtonBeach S.P., Jan. 5 (JEC).Notable •n each were at L. Mattamuskeet, N.C., Feb. 8 (BH, JF) and L. inland Georgiain winter were two earlyLesser Yellowlegs in Hartwell near Clemson,S.C., Feb. 15 (lB et al.). Snow Geese ClaytonFeb. 22 (PB)and singleSpotted Sandpipers at Augusta are rare away from n.e.North Carolina,and thus notable were Dec. 6 and Jan.17 (AW, VW), Carrolton Dec. 7 (NK), and Fair- one Dec. 21 near Townville, S.C. (JB),another Jan. 31-Feb. 1 burn Feb. 7 (PB, HG). A midwinter Whimbrel Jan. 24 at Pea at Croft S.P.,S.C. (MC), and two at L. Lanier, Ga., from fall to I., N.C. (HL,WI) wasnotable, but just a singleLong-billed Cur- Jan. 10 (JP). lew was reported--one most of the winter at Ft. Fisher, N C The only puddleducks of note were a Blue-wingedTeal far (JN, DW), perhapsthe same individual that wintered there roland near Roswell,Ga., Jan.29 (NJ)and a • Eur. Wigeonnear last year. Sanderlingsalmost never occur inland in winter, the North R. in Carteret,N.C., Dec. 21 (BH)that was likely the despitetheir abundancealong the coast;thus, of interestwas same bird that was there a year ago. Although it was not a one ]an. 6 at Sumter,S.C. (LG,ED). A SemipalmatedSandpiper cold winter, both eiders and Harlequin Duck were encoun- was studiedin detail by Fussellat Cape HatterasPoint Dec 2, tered. The Com. Eiders were females--one at Huntington a very late date. The mild weather allowedlarger numbers of BeachS.P., S.C., Dec. 5 into February (LG, PN, m.ob.)and one LeastSandpipers to overwinterinland than usual,with good at Cape Hatteras Point, N.C., Jan. 22 (JF); whereas the sole totals of 75-100 near Dublin, Ga., Jan. 31-Feb. 8 (TKP), 65 at K•ngEider reportwas from Beaufort,N.C., a femaleseen Dec. Sumter Jan. 6 (LG, ED), 20-50 all winter at New Bern, N C 21 (MT). A • HarlequinDuck was shotby a hunter duringthe (BH), and 49 at AugustaJan. 17 (AW). A PectoralSandp•per winter near Pamlico Pt., N.C. (fide TT); this is not the first lingeredto Dec. 4 at L. Lanier, Ga. (JP),whereas a more hardy ttme a Harlequinhas been taken in this mannerin that state. Dunlin remained in Forsyth,Ga., through the end of January Oldsquawswere found inland only in North Carolina, with (JP).A tally of 35 Long-billedDowitchersat EagleI. near nine at RoanokeRapids L., Jan.3 (ML, KL) and one in Forsyth mington,N.C., Jan.8 (KK) was excellent for that area. W•th Jan.26-Feb. 5 (GT et al.). Impressivenumbers of scoterswere each passingwinter it becomesmore evident that the Red tallied on the Charleston CBC, including 450 Surfs (fide SC); Phalaropeis the most commonwinter pelagicspecies off the anotherSurf was very rare inland in Clayton, Ga., Dec. 6 (PM, Region'scoast. Lee's trips off OregonInlet generallyyielded TM, HG, PB). The best of the usual handful of inland Com. triple digits each time with a peak of 525 Dec. 20 (DL, Be, Goldeneyeswere two birds at Rum Cr. Wildlife Management m.ob.).Other recordswere of 52 off Morehead City, N.C., Feb Area, Ga., Jan.27 (TJ)and 3 recordsfor the Atlanta area (fide 14 (HL, JN) and one found dead on the beach at Avon, N C , TM). The mild winter must have been the main factor in the Dec. 5 (JF). excellent numbersof HoodedMergansers on many CBCs,including 205 at Marietta, Ga. (fide TM) and 225 at Southern Pines, N.C. (TH, fide JHC). Common Mergansers,a goodba- JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS- An excellent tally of rometer of winter weather severity, were predictablyscarce, eight jaegerswas noted on the Bodie-PeaI. CBC Dec. 29 (fide although15 were at RoanokeRapids L., their favoriteRegional PS);four were identified as Pomarines,two as Parasitics,and locale, Feb. I (ML, RY). two were unidentified.The only other jaegerswere seenon a pelagictrip off JekyllI., Ga.,Feb. 28--one Pomafineand three Parasitics(TM et al.); it is a rare trip in which Parasiticsout- HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- There were more number Pomatines. Bonaparte'sGulls were encountered3 s•ghtingsof Ospreysthan normal, with birds far inland at Au- timesin the Atlanta area,where surprisinglythey are not seen gustaDec. 6 and Jan.2 (AW, VW) and Dublin, Ga., ]an. 10 (HG each winter. The best inland count was of 300 at L. Wateree, et al.). One of just a few recent nestingsof Bald Eaglesfor S.C., Feb. 10 (LG). Georgia involved an active nest this winter at Rum Creek Althoughthere were likely no more raritiesat CapeHatteras W M.A. (TJ et al.). Unfortunately, the nest toppled into L. Ju- than usual, the fact that the gull flocks received thorough hette and the nesting thus failed. Elsewhere, eagle numbers weekly coverageby Fussellthrough March made it appearto continue to increase,and the Midwinter Survey in North Car; be a true bonanzaof rarities. An ad. Thayer's Gull, furnishing ohna tallied a record29 birds (fide THe). Quite a surprisewas the 3rd sightrecord for the state,was present]an. 18 (JF, JW), an ad. N. Goshawkseen in residentialRaleigh, N.C., Dec. 9 and single ad. Icelands--apparently different birds--were (DC). The description for a Rough-leggedHawk near Rocky there Jan.25 (JF, JN)and Feb. I (]F, JW).Lesser Black-backed Mount, N.C., Dec. 1 (FE)was reasonablyconvincing; as usual, Gulls were mundane at the cape, and are no longer a target a coupleof other reportswith shaky detailswere not accepted. speciesfor manybirders at thatsite. Fussell found no Glaucous A Merlin was seen at Columbia, S.C., ]an. 15 (BM) and the Gulls there until March, but he did encounter17 Black-legged samebird or anotherwas noted the next day 3 mi away (BM). Kittiwakesat the capeDec. 2 immediatelyafter a storm.The More notablewas a PeregrineFalcon, eating a Rock Dove, at SpringSeason report will contain numeroushighlights from Reidsville,N.C., Dec. 6 (fide JG). Cape Hatteras Point.

270 American Birds, Summer 1987 S.Ao Emp•donax,thought to be a Least, was near Southport,N C., Th•s was the most excitingwinter for gull watching Jan. 3 (JN, JH). Undoubtedly the best-stud•edSay's Phoebe in severalyears, but unfortunatelyit was more exciting ever for the Region was Georgia's 3rd, in n.e. Laurens, Dec than really necessary.Forsythe found a very strange 27-Feb. 8 (TKP et al.). WesternKingbirds lingered as usualat "mystery" gull at a sewagetreatment plant near Folly a few coastalsites; two were near Grandy, N.C., Jan.2 (BL), Beach,S.C., Feb. 17. The gawky-lookingbird, with very one was somewhatinland at Gull Rock in Hyde, N.C., Dec. 28 long yellow-orangelegs, yellow-orange bill with black (JF), and one surprisinglylingered all winter at SapeloI., Ga, ring and red tip, and otherpuzzling marks brought bird- having first been seenJan. 2 (TKP, MO et al.). Probablya first ers from many parts of the country to the Charleston in winter for North Carolina was a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher area, once word got out that the bird was a probable Dec. 25-Jan. 4 in n. Duplin (MH, RD et al.). Seldom seen on Gray-headed Gull, never before recorded in North the SouthCarolina coast were two HornedLarks at Huntington America. Somewho saw it agreedthat it was a Gray- BeachS.P., Dec. 5 (LG).Although they winter in small numbers headed, others were so perplexedby the field marks in s. Florida, Northern Rough-wingedSwallows have essen- that they simply could not identify it, whereas others tially clearedout of our areaby August.Perhaps the first winter saidit definitelywas not a Gray-headed.It is surprising record in over 10 years for the Regionwas of two Dec. 22 and to me that no onewho sawit insistedthat it wasa hybrid, four in the followingweek at New Bern,N.C. (BH).These birds althoughthe descriptionsprovided to Tove and myself were at a quarry alongwith Tree Swallowsand rare-in-winter seemedto indicatea hybrid hoodedX non-hoodedspe- Barn Swallows,with a peak of eight Barnsin late December cies. Finally, in mid-March, Post collected the bird and one remainingthrough Feb. I (BH). Other Barnswere at (*N.M.N.H.) and saidthat the bird was definitelya hy- L. MattamuskeetDec. 28 (BL)and near Georgetown,S.C., Dec brid-most likely LaughingX Herring,although Laugh- 6 (LG). mg X Ring-billedis a possibility.The National Museum staffis studyingthe gull to make a final determination, CROWS THROUGH WARBLERS--Fish Crows were ff possibleat all, asit is unlike anythingat the museum. presentin much largernumbers than usualnear the Fall Line Birdersshould be cautionedabout jumping to premature in Halifax, N.C. (ML}. Red-breastedNuthatches stayed to the conclusionsabout unusual-looking gulls; birders in the north this winter; they were difficult to find, althoughmany East are not accustomedto such mystery gullsbecause CBCs did manage to find a very few individuals. Blue-gray little hybridizationoccurs here. From now on,I suspect Gnatcatchersappeared at 4 Piedmont sites--JordanL., N.C, (and hope) that the possibilityof hybridization will be Greenville, S.C., and Pendergrass and Atlanta, Ga. Golden- consideredmore stronglythan simply trying to call a crownedKinglets were widely regardedby birders in the s bird whateverspecies most closely resembles the gull part of the Region,where not usually common,as being much in question. more numerous than normal. On the other hand, the ice storms in late Februarymay have causeda major kill of Ruby-crowned OtherIceland Gulls were seen at Hatteras,N.C., villageDec. Kinglets.A • N. Parula was very late at Sapelo I., Jan. 3 (CB}, 30 (JF) and at HuntingtonBeach S.P., S.C., Jan.24 (PW, GC). whereascompletely out of seasonwas North Carolina'sfirst LesserBlack-backed Gull reportswere limited to coastalNorth winter record of Yellow Warbler, one studied at closerange Carolina,and the solereport of GlaucousGull wasat Wanchese, at L. MattamuskeetFeb. 8 (JF, BH}. SeveralYellow-throated N C., Jan. 24 (JN). Kittiwakes were found on just 2 of Lee's Warblerswere againfound on the CapeHatteras CBC (HL, PS, pelagictrips, with a peak of 29 Jan.9. There were 2 sightings GW},and others farther inland than usualwere at Orangeburg, of alcids,both unidentifiedRazorbill/murre birds from coastal S.C.,Jan. 21 (LG}and Dublin all winter (TKP}.A PrairieWarbler New Hanover,N.C., Dec. 20 (fide FN) and Jan.31 (MT, HL). on the Peachtree City Lake CBC Dec. 20 (CF, MO} was very rare for n. Georgia,and another was at L. SeminoleDec. 11- DOVESTHROUGH SWALLOWS -- The small flurry of 14 (PR}in that state'ss.w. corner. The 2nd-bestwarbler of the Corn. Ground-Dovereports for the Augusta area continued, period was a Wilson'sJan. 10-17 in Forsyth,Ga. (JP},for one w•th two seennear Silver Bluff Sanctuary,S.C., Jan. 18 (DCo). of just several state winter records. The rumors of a Snowy Owl invasionin the Northeast came true in this Region;North Carolina'sfirst Snowy Owl in 13+ TANAGEBS THROUGH FINCHES--Sibley heard a years appearedat Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore(Avon and calling Summer Tanager Feb. I at St. Catherines I., Ga. The BodieI.) in late December(fide MaL). As birdersscoured the soleW. Tanagerof the seasonwas a feederbird in the Winston- Outer Banksfor this elusivebird, it or another appearedon Salem,N.C., areaDec. 10-Feb. 17 (ME, m.ob.}.A Blue Grosbeak Run Hill--a large sanddune--at Kill Devil Hills Jan.9 (SAC, at Sapelo I., Jan. 2 (TKP, JC} was quite unusual, as was an ph ). Althoughthey probablywinter regularlyin eachstate in Indigo Buntingat Ft. FisherJan. 3 (JF). A o Painted Bunting the Region,Long-eared Owls are seldomreported. Not only was noteworthy away from a feeder near Greenfield L. in Wil- was one road-killedLong-eared found near Oak City, N.C., mington Jan. 21 (KK}. The lone Am. Tree Sparrow report, at Jan 14 (FW),but Williamshad the goodfortune (or misfortune?) JordanL., Jan.4 (KKn}was believableand conceivable,which of finding a road-killedN. Saw-whetOwl the sameday near could not be said for over half of the reportsreceived over the W•nton. Hummingbirdsmake news every winter now. Two years.Perhaps because of the slightlywarmer than usualtem- Selasphorus,thought to be RufousH.ummingbirds--a female peratures this season,Chipping Sparrows were remarkably and an imm. male--were at a New Bernfeeder all winter (JD, commonon many CBCs.A Clay-coloredSparrow Dec. 28 near BH, RB, DFoy, RF), for about the 6th North Carolina record. Fairfield, N.C. (RD, EDe} providedabout the 4th statewinter Reportsof Archilochushummingbirds involved two birds each record. The secretiveLincoln's Sparrow was seen at least 3• at 2 locationsin Carteret,N.C. (IF, RM). Regionalbirders are times,all in the North CarolinaCoastal Plain, where the species shll awaiting an ad. $ Archilochusor a specimenin winter, or winters in many locales.New siteswere Weldon Dec. 7 (ML} any tangibleevidence that thesebirds are anythingother than and FayettevilleJan. 6 (PJC}.Winter recordsof White-crowned Ruby-throateds(i.e., Black-chinneds).Two Red-cockaded Sparroware very spottybelow the Fall Line, mainly alongthe Woodpeckersnear the RockyMount-Wilson, N.C., airportFeb. coast; quite notable were three near the Savannah R. in 21 (RD) were at a new location,and in a pecangrove at that! Hampton,S.C., Jan. 16 (RC, LG}. LaplandLongspurs again re- Remarkably,there were 3 reportsof Empidonaxflycatchers, turnedto the CharlotteMotor Speedway near Harrisburg, N.C: all with thoroughdetails. Apparently the first winter records a few were seenin early December(fide DR}.Snow Buntings for North Carolinaand Georgiawere of LeastFlycatchers seen were reportedonly from the extreme n. coastof North Carolina, and heardcalling ("whit" note)near Lake Landing, Hyde, N.C., where 28 were countedDec. 31 filL, RD, MT, BL} and 19 were Dec. 28 (HL) and at Ft. PulaskiN.M., Ga.,Jan. 29 (DS).A silent there Feb. 26 ( JF,CM}, all within 5 mi of the Virginia border.

Volume 41, Number 2 271 A Brewer's Blackbird ]an. 1-3 at a sewagetreatment plant OBSERVERS- JeannineAngerman, Fred Annand, JohnBat- in Winston-Salem(HH, PC, ]Cu) was a goodfind in North Car- son,Clarence Belger, Rich Boyd,Patrick Brisse,Bill Brokaw,Dick olina. All in all, Winter 1986-1987 was a decent one for winter Brown, Matthew Campbeli, Derb Carter. J.H. Carter III, Robin finches. Pine Siskins were not common in December on most Carter,J.E. Cely, SteveCompton, Dan Connelly(DCo), Jack Cooper, CBCs,but numberssteadily increasedand by February they SamCooper (SAC), Greg Cornwell, P.J. Crutchfield, Jim Culbertson were fairly common or common in most areas, except in the (JCu),Pat Culbertson,Evelyn Dabbs,Ricky Davis,Eric Dean (EDe), s. part of the Region.Evening Grosbeaks were quite spottyin Mr. & Mrs. John Dunn III, Frank Enders, Mary Ericksen, Craig December and January but picked up in abundance by Feb- Faanes, Dennis Forsythe, Dorothy Foy (DFoy), Roger Foy, Iris ruary. They tended to be more common in the lower Coastal Fulcher, JohnFussell. Hugh Garrett, Lex Glover, Julia Gunn, John Plain than in the upper Piedmont,a trend that has revealed Hardwick, Marie Harper, Tom Henson (THe), Bob Holmes, Hop Hopkins,Tom Howard,Wayne Irvin, Ty Ivey, Eric Johnson,Nanette itseft on several other occasionsin past winters. Beeause of Johnson,Terry Johnson,Oscar & June Kiplinger, Nell Kirkland, the wild foodcrop, most of thesefinches showed little interest Ken Knapp (KKn),Kitty Kosh,Dave Lee, Harry LeGrand,Bob Lewis, in feeders until late in the season. Red Crossbills remained in R.W. Loftin, Karen Lynch, Merrill Lynch, Marcia Lyons (MaL), the Far North or the Appalachiansfor the umpteenth straight Bruce Mack, Rosemary Markham, Chris Marsh, Peggy Moore, winter: yet, a 9 White-winged Crossbillat a Huntersville, N.C., Terry Moore,Jeremy Nance, National Museurn of Natural History, feeder during a snowstorm Feb. 16-17 (EJ,f•de DB) was an FrancesNeedham, Perry Nugent, Mark Oberle, Bob Odear, John excellent (and enviable)find. One might have expecteda few Paget,T.K. Patterson,Will Post,Paul Raney,Ken Read,Dave Sibley, Com. Redpollsamong the hordesof goldfinchesand Pine Sis- Jay Stolar,Paul Sykes,Mike Tore, Gray Tuttle, Tommy Tuttle, kins, but there was just one report;it could not be confirmed Anne Waters, Vernon Waters, Floyd Williams, Gary Wiliiamson, by experiencedbirders. PeteWorthington, David Wright, JohnWright, RandyYelverton.-- HARRY E. LeGRAND, JR., 331 Yadkin Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609.

FLORIDA REGION

John C. Ogden CENTRALSOUTHERN REGION -• k: •-• ...... -I---- -{ •-TALLAHASSEE _e•, ATt.At',ITIC heFlorida,winter withof1986-1987 a complete wasabsence wet and of majorwarm throughoutcold fronts. For the TallahasseeDivision, Henry Stevensonconsidered the winter "without a doubt one of our warmest and cloudiest."Amazingly, Tallahasseehad only a singlenight with below-freezing temperatures.At the other end of the peninsula, Bill Robertsoncommented that the Everglades during January-February looked more like mid-summer, A•ligotor]l ':Cedar J/ -- J Orlando,uu •Merr•tt• Is. water levels were so high. Presumably in responseto such goings-on,winter spar- I • I • Melbourne rows and fincheswere scarce.Area editorsthroughout the Regioncommented one way or another on the small num- Anna Maria• _ i I ß o c kl e• l bers or outright absence of Hermit Thrushes, Golden- Saraso•a'• bebrlng'•'•L.Q•e•chebee crownedKinglets, White-throated, Song, and Fox sparrows, GUlF::DEMEXICO eort M • • Dark-eyed Juncos,and finches. Interestingly, no compen- satory trend for increasednumbers of overwintering neo- •r:•screw awamp-L Lauderdale•': M - . WILDLIFE tropical specieswas clearly evident. A few unusual war- biers, and more northerly wintering tanagersand Painted Buntings (see speciesaccounts), were about the only bal- ancing reports. :1I ' •: l: , DryTortugas g•y •,•-•Flamingo Frequentrainfalls throughout the normal dry seasonhad IJ FLnR.DA• I I : Big• PineWestS' Key • '•Upper ':X•'•' Keys a major and unfortunate impact on wading birds in south Florida'sinterior wetlands.Water levels were sohigh, and often risingrather than falling, that the tremendousnumber of waders (mostly egretsand ibis) that usually concentrate in the Evergladesand Big Cypressregions were mostly ab- ABBREVIATIONS- A.B,S. = Archbold BiologicalStation; sent throughout the winter period. Nesting coloniesthat E.N.P. = EvergladesNat'l Park; F.S.M. = Florida State Museum; form in late winter-early spring in southern Florida were U.S.F. = University of South Florida. alsoimpacted, with very few waders in the traditional colony sites through late March (see Roseate Spoonbill and LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Although it was Wood Stork). not a record year for loon mortality such as occurred during Finally, the Florida peninsula again demonstrated its the winter of 1982-1983, 30 dead Com. Loons were found on disregard for the standard four seasonsconcept. As you beachesof Levy County through the period (LLA). While loons read the following speciesaccounts, you will encounter are far less common in those waters than are cormorants and migrantsgoing both north and south,passing over the heads mergansers,more deadloons were found than all other species of wintering and nesting populations,all during the tra- combined.A high count of 53 Com. Loonswas made from the ditional December-to-February"winter" period. Gandy Bridge, Old Tampa Bay, Dec. 19 (RTP). Extremely rare

272 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 was one Western Grebe stud•ed carefully as •t swam off the Jan 21 (FEL) Both one Great White Heron and two Reddish Lake Worth P•er Dec 2/HPL, TT) Both observersconsidered Egrets (2nd w•nter record for Wakulla County) occurred th•s bird to be the formerly dark-phaseAechmophorus occi- throughoutthe periodat St.Marks Refuge (CSG). A surprisingly deatalis, becausethe dark on the head extended "well below high count of 756 GlossyIbises was at Clear SpringsMines, where the eye would be". Polk Co., Dec. 6 (PJF,CG). Detailsare lackingas I write, but MaskedBoobies were reportedto be makinganother nesting attempt on HospitalKey, WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- The first FulvousWhistling- Dry Tortugas,Feb. 15 (JRL).Over 1000 N. Gannetspassed S Ducksin Alachua County in 10 yearswere six at PaynesPrairie at Ward's Bank, near Jacksonville,Dec. 8 IRHC). Severalgan- and L. KanapahaDec. 21 (JHH, TEO), and 30 at the latter site nets were off the Venice Fishing Pier, SarasotaCo, Dec. 28 Dec. 25 (THK). Four Snow Geese(3 "blue") were on St. George and Jan.2 (LB,m.ob.): one founddead on VeniceBeach Feb. I., Dec. 16 (CM), and 16 total (all white Dwere at 2 locations 16 had a piece of cheeseclothin its throat. Area editorsin near Lake Wales Jan.19 (HF). Unusually high countswere of Venice,Naples, and the Keysreported larger than usualnum- 2000 Green-winged Teal Jan. 12 and 1250 Shovelersand 5300 bers of Am. White Pelicans,including 1500 in the Rookery Ruddy DucksFeb. 7 (CG,PJF) at Clear SpringsMine. Following Bayarea, Collier Co, Dec.12 (THB,LRI, 16 at the Dry Tortugas last winter's invasion by Black Scoters,the only report th•s Dec. I (DOL),and 11 over Key West Jan.2 (JO). On the other year was of 12 at St. Marks Light Jan.11 (BSc).Among the rare hand, Brown Pelican numbers in s. Florida were low, perhaps specieswere one Eur. Wigeon at St. Marks Ligh•tJan. 9-28 owingto the warm winter. A seriesof censusesin the Naples (JEC, CSG),an imm. • Common Eider at several coastalBro- area revealed25 percentfewer Brown Pelicanscompared to ward County locations,Nov. 15 throughthe period (GH, BH), a 13-yearmean (THB).Possibly providing evidence of a late and Corn.Mergansers, both females,one at Venice BeachDec (?)flight of BrownPelicans into the upperFlorida Keys were 28-31 (LB, m.ob.)and one at TallahasseeFeb. 3 (JEC). 2 well-formedflocks (40 birdstotal) headedSW overPlantation Suggestionsof mid-winter flightsof Turkey Vulturesin the Key Dec. 28 I JCOI.A GreatCormorant was at the W. Delray Florida Keys were 100 over Key West Dec. 17 (JO) and 75 sewagetreatment planL Palm BeachCo., Feb.22 throughthe headedS at PlantationKey Jan.2 (JCO).Two MississippiKites, one adult and one immature, which I understand were not end of the month (HPL, BH). included in the fall seasonalreport becauseof a lack of sup- COLONIAL WADING BIRDS -- porting detailsat that time, have now been abundantlydoc- umented. The kites were first seen near Watson's Hammock, SoAo Big Pine Key, MonroeCo., Nov. 7, and remainedthrough the This winter was one of the worst on recordfor nesting winter periodon BigPine (onceon nearbyMiddle Torch Key, of wading birds in s. Florida, continuing a pattern we TW, JK,MBr, m.ob.).Mississippi Kites are extremelyrare in s have seen for the past several years, where almost all Florida at any season,and do not normally winter anywhere nestingspecies show annual declines. Each year we hear in the United States. Most often when seen, these two were excuses(too weL too dry, etc.) but it must be remem- togethersoaring and wheelingover woodson Big Pine. Both bered that "normal" as a weather event is more theo- light and dark phaseShort-tailed Hawks were over Key West reticalthan real. The point is that "normal"seasons were during the winter, Dec. 17 and Jan.18 (JO), and on Big Pine )ustas elusivedecades ago, yet wadersonce nested in Key throughout the period (PB, MBr, JK). Among the rarities mostyears. The bigpicture, as has been said many times, were one Swainson'sHawk at Clewiston Feb. 18 (BM), two •sthat with the combinationof wetland feedinghabitats GoldenEagles near St. Marks Light, at least one of which was already lost forever and the serious mismanagement observedDec. 10 through the period (JEC, CSG, RMW), and (fromthe waders'point of view) of the remainingwet- one CrestedCaracara, unusually far n. near Otter Creek, Levy lands,we are watchingthe total collapseof a s. Florida Co., Feb. 8 (DTF, ORF).A bumper cropof sevennestling Bald wading bird populationthat once numberedin the Eagleswas censusedat St. Marks Refuge,Feb. 28 (CSG).In- hundredsof thousands.If as many as 500 total pairs suc- cludedin the falcon departmentwas one unseasonableMerhn cessfullynest in the Everglades-BigCypress region dur- at the Dry Tortugas Feb. 4 (DOL). Peregrineswere reported ing this winter-springseason, I will be amazed. from many coastalor near-coastallocations, including one at the Dry TortugasDec. 16, Jan.24, and Feb. 12 (DOL), one to two in downtownTampa throughout February (DW), and one Two specieswere of specialconcern in the 1986-1987 winter. far to the n. at St. Marks Light Feb. 11 (CSG). RoseateSpoonbills, which have not in the recent pastbeen included on the list of troubled species,may now be joining CRANES THROUGH TERNS- Two Sandhill Cranes, that unenviable category!The number of spoonbillsnesting extremely late fall migrantsif not wintering, were at Medart, •n Florida Bay during the last 2-3 years has been about one- Wakulla Co., Dec. 30 (DCB).What may have been the south- half the number that nested there during the mid-late 1970s ernmost nesting of Am. Woodcockin Florida occurred at (GP).This winter saw an almostcomplete reproductive failure CorkscrewSwamp Sanctuary, Collier Co. (SE).One displaying when about450 pairsabandoned active nestsfollowing heavy adult wasseen and heardrepeatedly during January, followed rmnsand high winds in late Decemberand early January,and by the discoveryof one adult with two downy youngFeb. 26 about the samenumber of pairs (renesting?)again abandoned near the boardwalk.Apparently several visitors photographed a late nesting during March following more rain (GP, RBj). the family group,but copiesof the photosreceived so far at Whether this recentdecline by spoonbillsis relatedto the water Corkscreware only of the adult. Early returningBlack-necked managementproblem, or is a more immediate responseto the Stiltswere one near JewfishCreek, Monroe Co., Jan. 30 (JCO), recent spate of cold or wet winters, is a questionas yet un- one at Clear SpringMines, Polk Co., Feb. 7 (PJF),and one e answered. As for Wood Storks, none successfullynested in of SarasotaFeb. 15 (CS).Parasitic Jaegers close inshore in the e•ther E.N.P. or the Big Cypress.The only stork colony that Keyswere two offW. SummerlandKey Nov. 30 (MBr, PB),and formed, about 150 pairs at Cuthbert I, in mid-February, was two near Middle Butternut Key, Florida Bay, Jan. 14 (RBo). abandonedby the end of March (WBR, SJe).Perhaps related A gull consideredto be a Thayer's, at a sewagetreatment to the storks' failure in s. Florida, the earliest-ever arrival in plant near TallahasseeDec. 16, was well photographed(HMS, the TallahasseeDiv. was of five storksnear St. Marks Light JEC);if the photosconfirm the identificationthis will become Feb 26 (MSR). the first Tallahassee Div. record. Lesser Black-backed Gulls Elsewhere, a "Great White" Heron, mated with a "blue" showed up in record numbers along the e. coast throughout b•rd, was carryingnesting material at Terra Ceia Bird Key, the period. The high count was of 11 Jan. 3 at the Pompano Manatee Co., Dec. 30 (RTP). Another Great White made an Beachlandfill (HPL, m.ob.). Others were at the Lantana Dump unexpectedlanding at the A.B.S.parking lot, HighlandsCo., (high count four, Feb. 19, HPL), one at Ft. Pierce (HD, WD),

Volume 41, Number 2 273 and one at New Smyrna Beach Jan 3 (CW, SW) Much more TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- Perhaps•nfluenced unusual was one Lesser Black-backed at Tallahassee Dec 16 by our m•Id w•nter, one Summer Tanager was as far n as (HMS, JEC),for about the 5th Divisional record. Great Black- Gainesville,Jan. 13 and Feb. I (PSF),where only about two backed Gulls were reportedfrom a wide scatter of locations, have previously been found in winter. Possiblyin the same with the more noteworthy being one on PaynesPrairie Jan. categorywas one well-described • ScarletTanager on the U S F 17, the first for Alachua County(LA), and one at Dry Tortugas campusFeb. 7 (KJM).A late fall migrant Blue Grosbeakap- Dec. 15 (DOL). The high count of Great Black-backedswas of pearedon the Dry TortugasDec. 10 (DOL).Much higherthan 10 at the Pompanolan•dfill Feb. 15 (fide HPL).A CaspianTern usualnumbers of PaintedBuntings wintered in centralFlorida, •n Tallahassee Feb. 6 was one of few found there in winter includinga maximum of 12 at severalfeeders in Winter Haven (JEC,HMS). SootyTerns first landed on Bush Key, Dry Tor- throughoutthe period (MG), and one near Sebring,where they tugas,on the early date of Feb. 27 (DOL). are rare in winter, Jan.10 (SJo).The rare but secretiveLincoln's Sparrow was also near Sebring,one on Jan. 8 (SJo).Several ALCIDS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS- If ever there long-time observersin Tallahasseewere "tippalled" at the scarcity of White-throated Sparrows.Where usually seen •n was a winter when alcids would not be expected,the warm numbersat localbird feeders,this winter eithersingles or none winter of 1986-1987 was it. So instead, we had an unprece- were found (HMS, JEC,BSt). A White-crownedSparrow, rare dented three species,two of which were firstsfor the state!It in the s. peninsula, was at Delray, palm Beach Co., Feb. 22- all beganwith an Atlantic Puffin foundalive but in poorcon- 26 (HPL, GSH); two otherswere in Winter Haven, Feb. 25 (JP). d•tion by a lifeguard (JoeBridges) on n. JupiterI., Martin Co., A locally unprecedentedhigh count of 12 Yellow-headed Dec. 6; it died the next day in a Stuart veterinarian's office. Blackbirds,in one flock, was at Bartow Feb. 24 (DM). Next to arrive was a Razorbill, alsoalive and beached, at Miami .The puzzlingperegrinations of Com.Grackles in the Florida Beach,and picked up by anothercurious lifeguard (Bill Dor- Keysmay not be generallyknown. Grackles are common per- ney), Dec. 16. It too was taken to a local vet, where it died Dec. manent residents on the adjacent mainland (Dade County), 23. The puffin was new for Florida; both specimenswent to and nest abundantly throughoutthe Keys.Yet each October, the F.S.M. If that wasn't enough,the near impossibleoccurred essentiallyall leavethe Keysin a strongNE flight to the ma•n- when a Marbled Murrelet was found freshly deadon the beach land. Grackles return to the Keys by early March, with the at HoneymoonI., Pinelias Co., Dec. 29 (WH). Words fail me for forerunnersarriving in late February.This winter, the first •n this n. Pacificspecies! Needless to say,it too was a Florida first. the upper Keys was one flying SW over Plantation Key Feb. The specimen went to U.S.F. 15 (JCO),and one very early in the lower Keys,at Summerland A Streptopeliadove, identified as Ringed Turtle-Dove (ri- Key, Jan.29 (MBr). Although an occasionalgrackle remains, soria),was at a new location,Skinner Lake, Putnam Co., Dec. why almostall removethemselves for 3-4 monthsis a mystery 11 (SPC).The 3rd record of a Smooth-billedAni for Alachua Unusualon the s.e.Florida coast almost anytime, but especially County was providedby one at PaynesPrairie Dec. 21 (JHH). in winter, was one imm. • Orchard Oriole at the Delray sewage Althoughwinter nestingby owlsin our latitudesis well known, treatmentplant Feb. 22 (AW, PSW).As for winter finches,Pur- precisedates and locationsare not abundantin the literature. ple Finches were scarce,with only a very few reportedfrom ACom. Barn-Owl nestling estimatedto be 3 weeks old was Tallahassee(HMS), OrangePark, Clay Co. (MC), and Gaines- found in a barn near Lake Placid Jan. 27 (FEL). A pair of E. ville (RDR).Likewise, Pine Siskinsappeared only in the north- Screech-Owlson Plantation Key, Monroe Co., laid during the ernmostcounties, a few in Tallahassee(DY) and Jacksonwile first week in February; four chicks fledged between 23-25 (fide PP), and the only EveningGrosbeaks were six at Orange March (MBi). The 4th TallahasseeDiv. recordof a Burrowing Park Feb. 13 (MC). Owl, on St. GeorgesI., Nov. 1-Feb. 10 (fide HMS), like the 3 before, occurred in fall-winter and at a coastal location. As many as six Short-eared Owls were at Zellwood, Nov. 24 CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS (area editors in bold- throughthe winter (SH, m.ob.),an unusually high number for face) -- LaurenceL. Alexander,Susan Allen, Lyn Atherton, Ted anywherein Florida.Rufous Hummingbirds appeared at 2 lo- H. Below,Maryanne Biggat (MBi), Robin Bjork (RBj), L. Bobb,Reed cations,one at Tallahasseethrough the period (DY), and one Bowman (RBo),Marge Brown (MBr), PageBrown, Dana C. Bryan, •n Gainesville,Feb. 9-28 (DTF). J.E.Cavanagh, Steve P. Christman,Roger H. Clark,Julie P. Cocke, Mary Cole,Helen Dowling, William Dowling,Susan Elfers, Patricia S. Fabrick,Dorothy T. Fagan,Osee R. Fagan,Paul J.Fellers, Davis FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS--The big Finch, Hike Fitzgerald, Chuck Geanangel,Medea Geanangel, newsfrom the n. peninsulawas furnishedby an Ash-throated Culver S. Giddon, Gary Hampton, John H. Hintermister, Wayne Flycatcher at ImesonIndustrial Park in n. Jacksonville,Dec. Hoffman,Brian Hope,Scot Hopkins, Gloria S. Hunter, Su Jewell 12-Feb. I (RKR, m.ob.). It was the first for n.e. Florida, and (SJe),Stuart Johnston (SJo), Timothy H. Keitt,Jeff Kingery, Howard one of the few encounteredin the peninsula.The Ash-throated P. Langridge,Debbie O. Liggett,Jay R. Liggett,Fred E. Lohrer, was apparently well photographed(fide PP). Great Crested KevinJ. McGowan, Kick Marzolf, C. Maxwell,Brian Millsap, John C. Ogden,Timothy E. O'Meara,Joe Ondrejko, Richard T. Paul, Flycatcherswere seenon many datesthroughout the period JanePerry, GeorgePowell, PeggyPowell, M.S. Reeves,Larry R•o- at A.B.S.,Highland Co., where they normally do not winter pelle, William B. Robertson,Ronald D. Robinson,Rex K. Rown, (FEL, DRS). What may have been an unusually early spring BrendaScott (BSc), David R. Smith,Catherine Spurr, Henry M. arrivalwas one Gray Kingbird at MahoganyHammock, E.N.P., Stevenson,Betsy Stoutamire (BSt), Karen Sunderland,Tadz•u Feb. 27 (DF, SA). Purple Martins returned to central Florida Trotsky,Ann Weinrich,Philip S. Weinrich,David White, Rob•n by Januarywith an early high count of 25 over A.B.S.,Jan. 5 M. Will, Tom Wilmers, ChaunceyWood, Sara Wood, David Yon -- (DRS),and the first of the seasonat L. Alfred, Polk Co.,Jan. 19 JOHNC. OGDEN,National AudubonSociety, 115 Indian Mound (fide PJF).Most unusual anywhere in Florida in mid-winter Trail, Tavernier, FL 33070. wasone NashvilleWarbler, well describedby the observer,at M•canopy,Alachua Co., Jan.24 (THK). Both a N. Parula and two Black-throatedGreen Warblers were as far n. asJackson- wile. The Parulaoccurred throughout the period and the Black- throatedGreens Feb. 1-17 (JPC).The rarestby far, andperhaps the first in winter in the n. peninsula,was one Chestnut-sided Warbler, alsoat Jacksonville,Dec. 25-28 (HPL,ph. JamesOil- mann). A late fall flight of warblers depositedone Black- throated Green Warbler and one Black-throated Blue Warbler at the Dry Tortugas,Dec. I (DOL).

274 American B•rds,Summer 1987 ONTARIO REGION

Ron D. Weir *Wawa C'PeMHa re• bserverswest, Ottawafrom Jamesin the Bayeastin and the Pointnorth, PeleeKenora National inthe LakepSl•PeriørG•gama JAMEyS Park in the southmarvelled at the unusually mild winter, extensiveareas of open water, and substantiallyless than normal snowfall. Their accounts were laden with late de- KenoraL.Nipigon partures,unusual overwintering waterfowl and passerines, Marie Sud.bury theWoods and low attendance at feeders, which were lifelines for many songbirdswhen the few cold snapsdid occur.There was no evidence that actual winter songbirdpopulations ttAIgonquin were lower, but apparently they were widely dispersed Parry. t PP _•' exploiting the available food left exposedby the lack of 'Sound • - '•'- snow.

Strongshowings were made by Snowy Owl, Short-eared HURON L. Simcoe Owl, PineSiskin, and redpolls.The reboundto higherpop- L. Cor• ,gh ulation levels of Red-bullied Woodpecker and Carolina Port Kingston•.•' Wren, both at the northerly edgeof their range in southern MarshLuther Ho.p_e,•Wolfe Is. Ontario,fortunately coincided with this easywinter. Again, Kettle Waterloo./.a•ronto - •'Prince - Point Edward numbersof Barrow'sGoldeneye, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and House Finch have risen as their status continues to *London •NiagaraFalls L ONTARIO Clif,•b•--•Hawk • F change. The overwintering Eastern Phoebe and Indigo ort Erie .• • . _ Long Point ß Bunting,and the Northern Shrike feedingregularly on suet, '•f,• RondeauPP - Poin[ Pelee contributedto the senseof a strangeand atypical winter. NP EERIE

ABBREVIATIONS -- Pelee = Pt. Pelee National Park and vicinity. Place names in italics denote counties. WATERFOWL--One hundred Tundra Swans, a high number, overwinteredin the Long Pt. marsh (L.P.B.O.).For the 6th successivewinter a Mute Swan returned to W. Guilford, Hallburton,Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (RPi). Observerscounting waterfowl LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Single Red-throated in Essex,Kent, and Lambton Jan.6 tallied 36 Snow Geese,22,119 Loonstarried at Hamilton Dec. 13 (KAM), Wolfe I., Dec. 21 Canadas,and three Brant,rare in winter anywherein Ontario (GV, RDW), and Toronto'se. Headland(BDP). Another near (PAW). Three other Brant were in Sarnia to Jan. 25, one re- M•ssissippiLake, Lanark, Dec. 13 was found alive on a road maining to Feb. 28 (SAC).Overwintering Wood Ducksnum- (BMD). A Corn. Loon at Peterboroughoverwintered success- bered two in Hamilton (fideKAM) and one in Guelph (RVT et fully in the OtonabeeR. (DCS),and late for localewere loons al.). A femalein AlgonquinP.P., Dec. 6-Jan.5 provideda first- at MichipicotenHarbour, L. Superior,Dec. 20 (ERA, EF), Long everwinter record(DSt, RGT), and one at LongPt., Jan.11 was Sault,Stormont, Jan. 9 (BMD),and NiagaraFalls Jan. 11 (KJR). that area's first ever in January (GP). A female appeared at A lone Pied-billed Grebe lingered at Long Pt., Dec. 1-Feb. 28 Wheatleyharbour Feb. 3-15 (AW et al.). A Green-wingedTeal for a firstFebruary record (L.P.B.O.), and singles were in Sarnia successfullysurvived the winter in Sudburyand the sevenat to Jan.18 (DFR),St. ThomasJan. 24 (RH), and PeleeJan. 20- Manitoulin I., Feb. 28 presumablyalso overwintered(JCN). 31 (AW, WL et al.). Late HornedGrebes were two at Oakville Late Blue-wingedswere a female at Bowmanville'sSecond Jan 4 (KAM)and one at BathJan. 27 (KC).Some 15 Red-neckeds Marsh Dec. 27-29 (DJMet al.) and a male in SudburyJan. 4- occurred Dec. 7-Jan. 6 at Port Rowan, Manitoulin I., Prince 31,furnishing a firstwinter recordthere (RP, JGL). The • hybrid Edward Pt., Wolfe I., Peterborough,Aldershot, and Ottawa. Blue-wingedTeal X N. Shovelernoted at Hamilton in the au- The bird at Kettle Pt., Feb. i (AHR) was thoughtto have been tumn reportstayed to Dec.6 (WL, KAM). NoteworthyN. Shov- an early arrival. An Eared Grebe at TobermoryJan. 2 was ex- elers, rare in winter, were a male at Whitby Dec. 1-Feb. 28 tremely late (IF). (MJB,HK et al.), 14 at Hamilton during January (fide KAM), As the breedingpopulation of Double-crestedCormorants and singlesat Port DoverJan. 3 (HB)and KingsvilleFeb. 5 (JL) continues to rise on the lower Great Lakes, more late autumn The Am. Wigeon in Ottawa Dec. 24-Jan. 17 was also unusual and winter occurrencesare beingnoted. Five were in e. Ham- (TFMB, RJ). fiton Bay Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (fide KAM) and another was at Numbersof northboundmigrants arrived on the lower Great Wheatley to Dec. 13 (AW, KO). A cormorantat KingstonDec. LakesFeb. 26-28 and included 85 and 600 Canvasbacksplus 21 was flying too far away to identify to species(GV, RDW). 250 and 600 Redheadsat Ivy Lea and Long Pt., respectively Greater than usual numbers of Great Blue Herons overwin- ( JHE,RDW, L.P.B.O.). Late Ring-necked Ducks were singles at tered,to include12 sightingsaround Owen Sound(fide GMB), WiartonDec. 21-31 (JWJ),Whitby Dec.30 (fide MJB),Hamilton three at Port Hope-Cobourg(ERM), and 22 at Holiday Beach in January(KAM et al.), and the LongPt. areaJan. 10 & 31 (TS, P.P, Feb.11 (GTH).Record numbers for recentyears of Black- TW). A LesserScaup nearby at Turkey Pt., Feb.2 wasrare for crownedNight-Herons were sighted.Several overwintered in winter (GEW).An ad. • King Eider impressedobservers at N•- e Hamilton Bay where nine occurredDec. 6 (WL, KAM) and agara-on-the-LakeDec. 1-Feb. 28 (GBeet al.) and was joined e•ght Jan. I (RC et al.). Two and one were at St. Catharines for one day by a female Jan. 31 (GBe).An imm. male at the Dec. 21 and Dec. 28-Jan. I (fide MEF & AGC), respectively. Torontowaterfront Dec. 31 wasdescribed nicely by the ob- An adult appearedat Erieau Dec. 1-Jan.17 (KJB),and the im- servers(BDR, MLT). Six HarlequinDucks were reported,one mature at Niagara-on-the-LakeFeb. 3 was unable to fly (ND). morethan the 9-yearwinter average.Single males were along Anotherimmatureremained in CambridgeDec. 21-Jan. 10 (TC, Toronto'swaterfront Dec. 7-Feb. 28 (HGC,BDP), Mississauga PW, wwj. Jan.3 (ph. TS), and Sarnia Feb. 7 (DFR).Single females were

Volme 41, Number 2 275 (SAC), and the 44 in w. Elgin Dec 27 made an impressivecon- centration (WRJ). A Sharp-shinned Hawk in Algonquin P.P., Feb. 21 furnished the park's 3rd winter record (RGT, GY). The 15 Cooper'sHawks overwintering in Essexwere noteworthy (GTH), and provided half the total sightingsfor the province. Red-shonlderedHawks at SaubleBeach Feb. 20 (MP) and Chaf- feys Locks,Leeds, Feb. 28 were evidently springarrivals (FP). Single dark phased Red-taileds were at Holiday Beach P.P., Dec. 10 (BE, CT), Bronte Jan. 12 (WL et al.), and Paris Feb. 19- 21 (AW et al.). Noteworthy numbers of buteos were the 79 Red-tailedsand 104 Rough-leggedsin w. Elgin Dec. 27 (fide WRJ). Rough-leggedswere also in record numbers at Sarnia (fide SAC). The 11 Golden Eagleswere double winter's usual number and followed last autumn's record flight. Six were from the n. at Sudbury, Wawa, Cochrane,and Sault Ste. Marie, while the five in the s. were at Long Pt., Pefferlaw, and the Peterborough area. Nine Merlins marked a return to usual numbers. Four were in Toronto Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (BDP), and singles were at PeterboroughDec. 1-Feb. 28 (DCS),Leamington Dec. 22 (DAW, MJO),Amherst I., Dec. 23 (AS et al.), GoderichFeb. 1 (WT), and Male King Eider at Niagara-on-the-Lake,Ont., Jan. 17, 1987. Long Pt., Feb. 28 (DS et al.). Several were thought to have Photo/Tim Sabo. overwintered in Thunder Bay (NGE). SinglePeregrine Falcons totallingnine birdswere at Whitby Dec. 18 0VIJB),St. Catharines Dec. 21-Feb. 25 (MEF), Long Pt., Dec. 27 (TS), Toronto Dec. 28 at Sarnia Dec. 6 (DFR), Presqu'ile P.P., Dec. 21 (AGC, RS), and (BDP), Ottawa Dec. 28-29 (BMD et al.), JoycevilleJan. 8 (MH), Pelee Jan.25 (AW), the last one thought to have been the same KingstonFeb. 5 (FA), Winona Jan. 11 (MEF et al.), and Peter- individual ason Nov. 7 last.The lone Surf Scoterat Burlington boroughJan. 24-Feb. 15 (RPa,WS). Two Gyrfalconsremained Jan. 18 provided one of very few January records(WL, KAM) in Ottawa Dec. 11-Feb. 12 (BMD et al.) and singleswere in the and a • White-winged inland at Ottawa Jan. 5-11 was only Sandhill to Wildfield area, Peel, from December to late Feb- their 3rd ever in winter (DFB et al.). Overwintering Hooded ruary (fide GMB), Sault Ste. Marie Jan. 15-Feb. 16 (TDM), Merganserswere two at Long Pt. (L.P.B.O.)plus singles at Presqu'ileP.P., Dec. 21 (AGC), near QueenstonFeb: 14 (TW), Whitby and Manotick 0MJBet al., BMD et al.). A record late and PetroglyphsP.P., Feb. 22 (fide GMB). These seven were date was set by a Red-breasted Merganser at Manitoulin I., above averagenumbers. Jan.18 (CTB).Ruddy Ducks were in greatlyincreased numbers. Six Virginia Rail reports were atypical of Ontario's normal Some 22 were in e. Hamilton Bay Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (fide KAM), winters. One was calling at ShrewsburyDec. 21 (AW) and in- 21 in w. E/gin Dec. 27 (fide WRJ), 12 at Blenheim Dec I (AW), dividuals were at PeleeDec. 22 and Jan.17 (PBet al.), Ingersoll 10 in Essex,Kent, and Lambton Jan. 6 (PAW), and singlesat Dec. 28 (DBu), Burlington Feb. 14-16 (LG et al.), and Long Pt., SarniaDec. 13-Jan.15 (SAC,DFR) and Turkey Pt. Feb. 13 (TW). Feb. 15 (JBM et al.). ACom. Moorhen was still in Mississauga's Rattray marsh Jan.17-18 (GC, HK), and an Am. Coot at Long S.A. Pt., Jan. 10 was that area's latest ever (TS). A Sandhill Crane at Pelee Dec. 22-Jan. 9 was found by 3 independent parties The 21+ reportsof Barmw's Goldeneyewere unprecedented,and comparedwith the 15-year winter average (ph. GTH, PDP et al., KO et al.). A Spotted Sandpiper on a of only three. The previous maximum was nine last Burlingtonbeach Dec. 13-Jan. 18 (KAM et al.) was an extreme winter. It is debatable whether this increase reflects a rarity for winter. Other tardy sandpiperswere a White-rumped in RondeauP.P., Nov. 27-Dec. 1 (PAW), a Pectoralat Toronto's real change in the wintering population in Ontario or an improvement in observers'ability to searchmethod- Humber R. mouth Dec. 1 (HK et al.), three Purpleson the rocks ically and identify the Barrow's. Perhapsit is a combi- aboveNiagara Falls Jan. 17 (JBM),plus six thereFeb. 17 (HHA), nation of both. Three imm. males and two ad. females a Dunlin there Dec. 13-24 (RFA et al.), and singleAm. Wood- were in Ottawa Dec. 1-Feb. 28, and upriver at Cotham cocksat Pelee Dec. 13 (JEP) and Windsor Dec. 15 (MB). I., Renfrew,two ad. malesand one ad. female were present Dec. 20 (BMD et al.). Another ad. male swam in the GULLS, OI4rLS -- The last of autumn's Franklin's Gulls was Gull R. rapids near Minden Dec. 20-21 (DB et al.). One at NiagaraFalls Dec. 1 (GBe).Noteworthy high countsof Little of two females at Fort Erie Jan. 17 was photographed Gulls were of 22 and 15 at Niagara-on-the-Lake Jan. 22 and (TS) and an imm. male appearedat the Lambton gen- Feb. 10, respectively(GBe), and the only other occurrences eratingstation, St. Clair R., Jan.25 (DFR).The big surprise away from the Niagara region were of three at Leamington came at the Cornwall dam where at least nine different Dec. 10 (AW), 26 at Long Pt., Dec. 20 (fide GEW), and one in Barrow's fed below the dam and around Cornwall I. Toronto Feb. 6 (AR). Three Com. Black-headedGulls consti- There were four males and two females presentFeb. 6, tuted a strongshowing, given their 14 duringthe past23 win- and one male and five females Feb. 27 (BMD et al.). ters up to 1985-1986. Single adults were at Ottawa Dec. 21- Jan.3, only the area's 2nd ever (ph. IJ et al.), Niagara Falls Jan. I and Feb. 10 (AGC, RS, GBe),and at Port Credit from mid- VULTURES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS--Late Turkey Januaryto Feb. 20 (fide GMB, BDP). Some 10,000 Bonaparte's Vultures were singlesat KingstonDec. 20 (GY, AEB) and West- Gulls, a remarkable number, were still along the Niagara R., port Dec. 23 (B & PM), but the bird at Port RyerseFeb. 16 (GH) Jan. 28 (fide RFA), and 410 at Wheatley Jan.4 mostly disap- was a spring migrant. Single Ospreyslingered at Bridgeport, peared,leaving at leasteight to overwinter (AW). Twenty were Waterloo-Wellington,Dec. 8 (LN) and Fonthill, Niagara, Dec. tallied along the Detroit R., Jan. 13 (JL). In a normal winter, 21 (JB et al.). One of the very few mid-winter Ospreysin On- none is seenpast early January.The lone Ring-billed Gull ex- tario was at Fawn I., Lambton,Feb. 2 (SAC).The 67 BaldEagles ploiting the unfrozen n. channel along Manitonlin I., Jan. 18 throughoutthe s. comparedwith the 58 of last winter. At least was a record late bird (CTB). Unusually large concentrations 10 different birds wintered in the Peterboroughregion (fide of Ring-billeds for late dates were the 6500 at Erieau Jan. 4 DCS).Near recordnumbers of N. Harrierswintered nearSarnia (KJB)and 4000 at Long Pt., Jan. 5-7 (L.P.B.O.}.A mixed flock

276 American Birds, Summer 1987 Common Black-headed Gull at Port Credit, Ont., Feb. 2, 1987. Photo/TimSabo.

with HerringGulls numbering 8000 were moving W pastHol- iday BeachP.P., Jan. 17 (BE).The sevenreports of Thayer's Gullsrepresented usual numbers. Iceland Gulls numbered only 30, fewer than usual, and they were distributedevenly across the south. The 208+ Glaucous Gulls were more than usual, andpeak tallies were of 50 at OttawaJan. 15 (BMD)and 30 in the Whitby area Jan. 3-8 (EP, MJB). LesserBlack-backed Gulls continued their gradual increase in numbersduring all seasons.The eightthis winter were above their averageof six duringthe past4 winters.One adult was regularat NiagaraFalls Dec. 6-Jan. 17 (AGCet al.).The others included an adult and immature at the Sarnia dump Dec. 7 (DFR,SAC), one at Port DoverDec. 11 (TW), an adult and immaturein the Whitby areaJan. 7-27 & Jan.3-8 respectively (EP,MJB et al.), an adult in e. HamiltonBay Jan. 22 (DG),and a singleat LongPt., Feb.8 for a firstFebruary record there (GEW,BC). Impressive concentrations of GreatBlack-backeds were noted as their winter numbers continue to rise. There were an unprecedented250+ at LongPt., Jan.3 (TW, MKM), Northern Hawk-Owl at Orono, Ont., Jan. 5, 1987. Photo/Tim 219 at Wheatley Jan. 11 (AW), 220 near GananoqueJan. 2 Sabo. (K.F.N.),140 at OttawaJan. 15 (BMD),and 100 along the Rideau canal at WashburnJan. I (K.F.N.),Their spreadhas alsooc- curred inland, where up to 44 visitedthe Orillia dump Dec. WOODPECKERS THROUGH WRENS- Out of season 1-Jan. 16 (RLB). Red-headedWoodpeckers included one at Orillia Dec.21-Jan. SnowyOwls stagedtheir strongestflight since1982-1983. 16, which was joinedby a 2nd bird Jan.2 (RS,RLB), and one The birds were distributed widely and in uniform numbers at AmherstI., Jan.17 (FA, EG).Red-bellieds prospered in the from Atikokan and Thunder Bay e. to Sudbury,Ottawa, and mild conditionsand their 67+ recordsmarked a big increase. throughoutthe south.Light snowcover and mild conditions Some38 were in the countiesbordering L. Erie, six in Niagara, aided their survival,and only four were admittedto the Owl and about 10 from Clarkson e. to Oshawa. Seven others were Research Rehabilitation Foundation, Vineland, for treatment n. to Clinton,Campbellford, Peterborough, and HepworthDec. of injuries(KMcK). Three N. Hawk-Owlss. of rangeappeared 1-Feb.28 (m.ob.)and Georgian Bay Islands N.P., Feb. 16 (•de near Orono, Durham. Dec. 17-Feb. 28 gVVB,JMR), Pembroke RKP).Extralimital were three e. to PrinceEdward Pt., Dec.20 fromlate December to Jan.30 (MF, JMB),and Almonte, Lanark, andthree in KingstonDec. 1-21 (K.F.N.).The spinofffrom the Dec. 26 (RG).In the n., three turned up at 3 sitesin Quetico irruptionof Three-toed Woodpeckers last autumn was detected P.P.,Jan. 16-20 (•de SFP).Only two GreatGrays were noted only in e. Ontario,where six appearedin AlonquinP.P., Jan. out of range,at KingstonDec. 8 (TP) and KaladarJan. 4 (AC). 3, the first of any numberssince 1981-1982 (RGT), Pembroke Within range,three overwintered in Moosoneeand five were where they outnumberedthe Black-backeds(•de GMB), found between Winisk and Fort Severn (AMM). Over 20 Long- KingstonJan. 17 (SO),and Petroglyphs P.P., Jan. 31 (•de DCS). eared Owls spentpart of the winter at a Torontosite until Irrupting Black-backedsreached Norwood Nov. 29 (SO), relentlesschasing by somebirders forced them to disperse(•de Buckhorn Dec. 6 (SO), Orillia sites Dec. 17-Jan. 20 (WEZ), GMB). Two roostsin Essexheld 10 and four Long-eareds LornhardyDec. 29 (WC),Flinton Feb. 21 (VPM,RDW), and Ivy throughthe winter (GTH).After Christmas,a majorinflux of LeaFeb. 28 (RDW).Numbers of winteringN. Flickerswere up Short-earedOwls all alongthe lower GreatLakes from Kingston sharply in e. Ontario. to Amherstburgresulted in some impressiveconcentrations. The abnormallywarm weather encouragedan Eastern Overwinteringwere about 100 between Selkirk and Dunnville Phoebeto remain at Pelee Dec. 22-Feb. 14 (PDP et al.), where (GEW),40 eachnear Stevensville, Niagara (MW) and London a Tree Swallowlingered to Dec. 22 (NPCet al.). GrayJays were (PAR,DAM), up to 30 at Hamilton (•de KAM), 25 at Cottam commonall winter at Atikokan, highestnumbers in 25 years (GTH), and 25 at Blenheim(KJB). Inland there were five at (•de SFP),Thunder Bay (NGE), Wawa (JHA),and SaultSte. WaterlooDec. 5-13 (SRIOand 14 at KincardineJan. 4-31 (TRM). Marie (TDM), and more numerousthan usual at Sudbury SingleBoreal Owls surfaced late in the periodat BronteJan. (JCN).Out of rangebirds were two eachat WestmeathDec. 11 (MWJet al.), ManitoulinI., Feb.15-28, founddead on the 14 (KD)and Petawawa Dec. 23 (JA),four eachat Gravenhurst- lastdate (CTB), Toronto Feb. 22-28 (HGCet al.),and Baillieboro Bracebridgeand PetroglyphsP.P., Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (RLB,DCS), Feb.28 (WS).Another was seen hunting at a grainelevator in andsingles in KingTownship, Toronto, Dec. 7 (LW)and Cyprus Thunder Bay Feb. 27 (JFo). L., Bruce,Dec. 18 (TRM). One Black-billedMagpie found the

Volume41, Number 2 277 regimento its liking at the Kenoradump Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (SAM) The others were males at Berford L., Bruce peninsula, Dec. and another was found e. to Schreiber on L. Superior Feb. 21-Jan. 22 (TRM) and in N. York, metropolitan Toronto, Jan. 2 (DI). 11-Feb. 14 (J & BN et at.). Single Gray Catbirdswere at Mis- Black-cappedChickadees were present in higher numbers sissaugaDec. 1-15 (fide GMB), St. Catharines Dec. 21 (AB), than normal through the extreme southwest. The remainder KingstonDec. 26 for a latestever record(P & NN), and Holiday of last fall's irruption of Boreal Chickadeesinto the s. included Beach P.P., Jan. 31 (BE). Eight Brown Thrashers were a re- two at Pembroke Dec. 13 (KG), four at Long Pt., Dec. 20-Feb. spectablenumber for winter and frequented feeders in Pem- 28 (GEW), one in EssexDec. 20 (GTH), 10 at Gravenhurst Dec. broke Dec. 1-Feb. 23 (CM), Smiths Falls Dec. 9-Feb. 28 (GW), 21 (RLB), 304- in Petroglyphs P.P. in the period (DEC), and Georginanear Pefferlaw where two different birds appeared three near Harrowsmith Jan. 17 (VPM). The only Tufted Tit- Jan.8-Feb. 28 (DH, DW) and Jan.13-Feb. 28 (FF), Pelee Dec. mouse sightingswere of two at Niagara-on-the-Lake Jan. 1- 22-Jan.4 (PDP et at.), Toronto in Decemberand January(fide Feb. 28 (GBe) and six on Walpole I., Feb. 2 (SAC). The 334- GMB), Winona during January(B|, JO), and North Bay Jan. reportsof CarolinaWrens are over 3 times their 5-year winter 4 (BR). maximum. As usual, most were in the extreme s.w., where Late Water Pipits were singlesat Pelee Dec. 13 (AW, KO), 254-wintered. Four and two spentthe period in the Toronto and Long Pt., Dec. 20 and Feb. 14 (TS). Others included six and Hamilton areas respectively.One turned up at a Peter- and four on the TorontoIslands Dec. 28 and Jan.6 respectively boroughfeeder Feb. 9 (JD) and another remained at an Ottawa (HK) and six at Erieau Jan.2 (BE).The BohemianWaxwing feeder Dec. 13-Feb. 6 (fide BMD). Late Marsh Wrens tarried flight was againheavy from the Lakeheadto Sudburythrough at Kingstonand Presqu'ileP.P., Dec. 21 (RDW, AGC, RS) and Parry Sound,Muskoka, n. Gray-Bruce,and n. Simcoeto Ottawa those in the s.w. included 37 at Long Pt., Dec. 20, where five and Kingston.The only birds reported s.w. of theseareas were were still presentFeb. 28 (GEW),three at ShrewsburyDec. 21 singlesat Whitby Jan.30 and Feb. 8 (JF1,MJB) and four singles (AW, MWJ), and one each at Pelee Dec. 22 (KO) and Kleinburg in Toronto Dec. 28-Feb. 3 (fide BJ3P).High numbers of N. Jan. 1 (GMB). Shrikes were noted nearly everywhere and one resourceful bird fed regularly on suet hanging from a feeder line in Vir- KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS- A Ruby-crowned giniatown, Timiskaming, Jan. 17-26 (PWR). Each time it fed, Kinglet appearedat Pelee Jan. 29 and Feb. 21 (GTH, TS) and it thumped its wings as it beat the lump of suet, perhapsto a Blue-gray Gnatcatcherlingered there Dec. 1-29 (WBo).East- maintain balance or to subdueits prey! An Orange-crowned ern Bluebirdsoverwintered successfully near Oakville (PVD) Warbler on GardenI., Kingston,Dec. 19 was the latest ever for and Long Pt. (GEW), and one at Portland, Leeds,Feb. 28 was that areaand possiblyfor the province(DV & LW). A 8 Nashville apparentlya springarrival (fide MH). The Townsend'sSolitaire Warbler tarried to Dec. 6 at Whitby (DR,JFa). An ad. 8 Yellow- reported last autumn in Clarkson'sRattray Marsh was still rumped,auduboni race, was at PeleeJan. 13-31 and may have presentFeb. 28 (fide KAM). More than the normal numbers been the same individual as seen there last Nov. 10 (GMA, of Am. Robins overwintered, and their usual mid-winter influx at Pelee failed to occur as birds had no need to withdraw WBo et at.). The last of 11 sightingsof Com. Yellowthroatswas of a male at La Salle Jan. 2 (JL). southwards. Farthest n. to overwinter was one in Thunder Bay Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (NGE). Three Varied Thrushes were reported,half the species'average number for the past10 winters. BUNTINGS THROUGH ORIOLES -- One 8 Indigo Bun- One remained at a Sudbury feederDec. 1-Feb. 28 (HBa,JCN). ting overwintered at Birch Beach, 50 km e. of Thunder Bay, Dec. 20-Feb. 28 (ph. WZ) having successfullyweathered the cold snapof -40øC in late January.Winter recordsof this species are extremely rare anywhere in Ontario. Two Dickcissels provided the first winter records since 1984-1985. One con- sortedwith HouseSparrows at a Scarboroughfeeder Dec. '12- Jan.31 (fide BDP) and the other, an imm. male, appearedin- termittentlyat a Guelphfeeder from Januaryto Feb. 28 (RVT, BKW). The 11+ records of Rufous-sidedTowhees were well up over their normal numbers and all were in the southwest. A flockof 11 ChippingSparrows in EssexDec. 20 wasa surprise (PEP).Other out-of seasonsightings were of two at Leamington Dec. 22 (MWT), and singlesat Niagara-on-the-LakeDec. 28 (DG), Pickering during Januaryand February (DM), and Long Pt., Feb. 26-28 (VF), for only the 2nd mid-winter record ever in that area. SavannahSparrows were up in numbers in early winter as singlestarried at Langton in the Long Pt. area Jan. 11 (GEW) and at Pelee to Jan. 25 (AW et at.). A very late Lin- coln'swas in EssexDec. 20 (GTH, SDi). In the far n., a hardy White-throated Sparrow survived at a Moose Factory feeder Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (M.R.N.). Three Dark-eyed Juncoswere in Ver- milion Bay through the period (SRM) and another turned up at a Moosoneefeeder Feb. 16 (RPI). Blackbirdsoverwintered successfullyat feederswell n. of their normal locations.Red-wingeds numbered 100 at Thunder Bay (NGE) and eight at Moosonee(AMM) through the period. Single 8 Yellow-headedswere at LansdowneDec. 28 (WC), well e. of range in any season,and at Pelee Feb. 20-21 TS). One Rusty Blackbird at a Matachewan feeder survived the period (LT) and another appearedsuddenly in Espanola Feb. 1 (CGB).The 13 Brewer'sBlackbirds were unprecedented for winter. One was in Sudbury Jan.4 (JCN) and five at the Schreiber dump e. of Thunder Bay were thought to have overwintered (NGE, AH). In the s.w., two males were at Shrews- Townsend's Solitaire at Rattray Marsh, Mississauga,Ont., Jan. bury Dec. 21 (MWJ, AW), followed by singlesat Wallacetown, 26, 1987. Photo/Tim Sabo. Dec. 27, West Lorne Dec. 27, and London Jan. 25 (fide WRJ).

278 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 One remained at an Etobicokefeeder Dec. 23-Jan.29 Loh.,fide EXOTICS--Ringed Turtle-Doves overwintered at a Pe- BDP, AGC), and another on Wolfe I., Dec. 21 provided the first terboroughfeeder (DCS) and another turned up at a Waterloo winter recordfor the Kingstonarea (JP,MA). Duringthe season feeder Feb. 8 (HH). Single Eur. Goldfincheswere in LaSalle Com. Grackles were in Moosonce(AMM), Matachewan (LT), near Windsor Feb. 25 (JL) and Waterloo Mar. 8 (MS). Kenora (SRM), and Thunder Bay, at least 36 birds at the last location(NGE). The two reportsof N. Oriole were of a female CORRIGENDA -- The five Cattle Egretsat Long Pt. (AB 40: 1197) July 6 and three in the CranberryMarsh June15 should at a Whitby feederDec. 1-13 (MJBet al.) and a male at a Cam- have read Little Gulls (HGC).The ad. GreaterWhite-fronted Goose bridgefeeder Dec. 1-Jan. 10 (fide SRK). near Riceville (AB 40:463) was seen Apr. 3, not Mar. 29 (BMD), and the RufousHummingbird at AlgonquinP.P. (AB 40:1199) was presentJuly 30-Aup• 3 (RET). FINCHES--For the 2nd consecutive winter, the Pine Grosbeakflight was strong,but weakened by the end of the SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), CONTRIBUTORS period as birds returned north. They were presentfrom Sud- (italics),and CITED OBSERVERS -- M. Akey, G.M. Allen, R.F. bury to the s.c., reachingPeterboroughand Frontenacin num- Andde, E.R. Armstrong, J.H. Armstrong, J. Austin, F. Avis, H.H. bers. The few reporteds.w. of Shield country were one at St. Axtell, M.J. Bain, H. Baines(HBa), A. Barnsley,H. Barrett,D. Barry, Williams, near Long Pt., Jan. 10 (TS) and 10 at Harwood Jan. T.F.M. Beck,A.E. Bell, C.T. Bell, G. Bellerby(GBe), G.M. Bennett, 28 (ERM). Past Dec. 31, Purple Finches were absentvirtually J.Black, C.G. Blomme,P. Bondy,W. Botham(WBo), J.M. Bouvier, everywhere.House Finches continued to increasetheir num- R.L. Bowles, D.F. Brunton, M. Brunton, D. Bucknell (DBu), W. berswith the biggestrises occurring in the Sarnia and Ottawa Bunting, K.J. Burk, A. Cameron,R.D. Capell, A.G. Carpentier,T. Cheskey,N.P. Chesterfield,K. Chubb, B. Collier, G. Coady,S.A. areas (SAC, BMD), as this species spreads away from the shoreline of lakes Erie and Ontario. Red Crossbills remained Connop,H.G. Currie, R. Curry, W. Cutfield, K. Dan, M.P. Davis, S. Davison,N. Dekker, S. Dickson(SDi), P.V. Dijken, B.M. Di Labio, scarce,although more were reportedthan last winter. Up to J. Dunshire, T. Dyke, B. Eaton, J.H.Ellis, N.G. Escort,J. Fairchild 20 birds each wintered in the red pines near Chaffey'sLocks, (JFa), V. Fazio, M. Fleguel,J. Floegel(JFI), M.E. Foley, F. Foster, Godfrey, and Flinton, where nesting was suspectedFeb. 21 J. Foster(JFo), J. Francis,E. Frey, D. Gatdiner, L. Gaully, K. Gore, (K.F.N.). Only five were seen in Algonquin P.P., Jan. 3 (RGT), R. Gorman, E. Gray, D. Harpley, A. Harris, H. Hartman, M. Hen- but six were outsidethe park at Dorset Feb. 17 (RPi). At Pe- drick, G. Harrington, G.T Hince, R. Hubert, D. Iddison, W.R. Jar- troglyphsP.P., a male was seenfeeding a femaleFeb. 13 (HGC) main, M.W. Jennings,R. John,J.W. Johnson,B. Jones,I. Jones,H. and nestconstruction was underway late in the month (AGC). Kerr, KingstonField Naturalists,S.R. Kozak, W. Lamond,J. Larson, Four were s. to Whitby Dec. 21 (MJB).The 30 White-winged J.G.Lemon, Long Pt. Bird Observatory,V.P. Mackenzie,T.D. Mar- Crossbillsat Ottawa Dec. 15 (BMD) and 20 at Douro, Peterbor- wood, D.A. Martin, D. Marvan (DM), E.R. McDonald, K. McKeevet, ough, Jan. 30 (A. Hill) were the largestgroups noted. A few K.A. McLaughlin,S.R. McLeod,M.K. McNicholl,B. & P. McQuay, otherswere sightedat Thunder Bay, Sudbury, w. Elgin, Perth, C. Michener, J.B. Miles, Moose River Naturalists,B. Morin, D.J. Ivy Lea, and Algonquin P.P. Mount/oy,A.M. Muldal, T.R. Murray, P. & N. Nation, J.& B. Neale, Common Redpollswere commonto abundant nearly every- L. Needham.J.C. Nicholson, S. O'Donnell,M.J. Oldham, J.Olmsted, where n. to North Bay, Atikokan, and Kenora. Southbound K. Overman, B.D. Parker, M. Parker, R. Parnail (RPa),E. Pegg, migrants were passingPrince Edward Pt. by the thousands S.F.Peruniak. F. Phelan,T. Pick,J.E. Pilkington, R. Pittaway(RPi), R. Plowman (RP1),G. Pond, R. Pothier {RP), J. Pratt, P.D. Pratt, Dec. 20, and one flock in Decewsville,Haldimand-Norfolk, R.K. Prosper, B. Ralph, P.A. Read, B.D. Bennie, J.M. Richards, contained 6000 birds Feb. 14 (TW). As usual when redpoll P.W. Richter,A.H. Rider,A. Robson,K.J. Roy, D.F. Rupert, T. Sabo, invasionsoccur, some Hoaries were noted.Pine Siskinspoured D.C. Sadlet, H. Saunders,A. Scott, D. Shepherd,M. Scholz,R. into the s. during early Januaryand remainedin largenumbers Smith, W. Stone,D. Strickland(DSt), L. Taman, W. Thompson, throughcounties from Torontoe. to Ottawa-Carleton.Up to M.L. Thorpe, R.G. Tozer, C. Turner, R.V. Twest, G. Vance, G.E. 10,000were estimatedto have wintered in the Port Hope-Co- Wallace, D. Watson, R.D. Weir, P. Weller, D.V. & L. Weseloh, L. bourg area (ERM). Kent and Muskoka were other counties to Wetstone,M.P. Whelan, G. Whittaker, D.A. Wilkes, M.L Wilson, hostlarge numbers. Numbers of EveningGrosbeaks were lower W. Wilson,M. Winger,P.A. Woodliffe,T. Woodrow,A. Wormington, in mostcounties of the s.,except for Kent,Haldimand-Nor•olk, B.K. Wyatt, G. Yaki, W. Zarowski, W.E. Zufelt.--RON D. WEIR, and Leeds, where the birds were common. 294 Elmwood Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 2Y8, Canada.

NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN REGION

Douglas P. Kibbe

ter,heNovember but that expectationsnowstorm wassetthe only stage partially foragrim fulfilled.win- Although much of the Regionremained snow-coveredfrom November through the close of the season,the weather was not as severe as it has been in several recent winters. Snowfall varied considerablywithin the Region. There were few stormstracking through the Regionfrom the west, much to the relief of thosein areasnormally experiencing "lake-effect" snowfall. Buffalo,for example, enjoyed re- ceiving only 5 inches in December, a marked contrast to the 68 inches that fell the previous December. Most of the

Volume 41, Number 2 279 significantsnowfall came in Januaryfrom stormstracking Raft report.wasfrom the Rochesterarea, althoughif observers up from the southeast.The majority of this snowfall,con- were zealousenough to searchmajor marshesin the malonty sequently,was dumped on the mountainouseastern por- of the Regionthe numberof winter reportswould probably tion of the Region. February, in marked contrastto the increasesubstantially. The seasoh'screative endeavoraward precedingmonth, was the driest this century, at least in goesto the observerswho reportedSora tracks from a c. New Rochester.Temperatures remained seasonable,however, York marsh.The Sorais, asfar asis known, a very rare winter and in the absence of a thaw there was little evidence of straggler.At present,muskrat trappers,who inadvertently migration until spring officially arrived. Doubtlessthe capture far more rails than birders ever find at this season, wintery conditionsthat debilitatedareas south of us offered know more aboutthis group'swinter abundancethan we do. little to induce birds that survived to head north. Only the usualassortment of hardyshorebirds tarried past the early snowfalls.Up to sevenPurple Sandpipersand a single As usualopinions varied regardingthe birdingthis sea- Dunlin could be found at Niagara Falls throughoutmuch of son.Those glad to find open water in somesmaller lakes the season.American Woodcocks,which were hit by malor were equaledby thosewishing for a deep freeze to push snowfallsin many wintering areas,were slow to return north birds off the Great Lakes into the harbors. The early snow- in the absenceof a significant February thaw. None was re- fall may be blamedfor a marked decreasein lingeringhalf- portedto havesuccessfully overwintered within the Region hardies, but Regionwide the usual array of laggardswas As usual,New Yorkersalong the GreatLakes and the Niagara noted. and St. Lawrence rivers provided most of the notable gull While there are no data at this time to supportthis sup- sightings.The usual array of rarities in the Buffaloarea in- position,birders this summer shouldbe alert for possible cludeda peakcount of 22 Little Gullsin lateJanuary, a Frank- declinesin breedingpopulations of specieswhich regularly lin's Gull, and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Farther e., near winter in the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern states that Rochester,a Com. Black-headedGull was sightedand three received significant snowfall this winter. Comment and Black-leggedKittiwakes were found.The latter, exceptional supportingdata, pro or con,are herebysolicited. enoughat this season,included two adults.Rounding out the list were Thayer'sGulls found at Oswegoand Fulton (FS).Mfid LOONS THROUGH HAWKS -- Waterbirdcounts, partic- conditionsapparently forestailed build-ups of gulls in most ularly of thosespecies that frequent the Great Lakes,were harbors,but 3000 Bonaparte'sGulls were found at Dunkirk depressedsomewhat, probably owing to the prevalenceof open (TM) and another10,000 swarmed over the NiagaraR. in late water which allowed them to disperse.Notable sightings in- January.White-winged gulls remained very scarce,continuing cludeda WesternGrebe on L. Ontarionear GreeceDec. 6 (RS). a decline that startedwith the closeof many landfills in the The abundanceof openwaterways was presumably the factor 1970s. that induced numerousGreat Blue Heronsto linger at least •ntoJanuary. While a few arefound nearly every year, numbers OWLS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Snowy Owls stageda good this winter appearedto be the highestin at least a decade. influx with someexcellent local counts early in the w•nter, Eightwere reportedon the FerrisburgCBC alone. Central New but decreasednoticeably as the seasonprogressed. Most other York hostedmost of the exciting waterfowl. At leastfour Eur. owls were noted in usual modestnumbers except for Great Wigeonwere reported,but observersare remindedthat this Horned Owls which, for no discernable reason, set a record speciesis commonlykept by aviculturalists.The Mute Swan on the Rochester CBC, and Corn. Barn-Owls, which were un- at Buffalois even more likely to have been an escapee;but reported. the King Eider there, and three others near Rochester,were A veritable"plague of woodpeckers"attacked a Barcelona, typicalwinter stragglersto the Region.More unusualwas the N.Y., feedingstation, where about20 birds of sevenspecies Greater White-fronted Gooseon CayugaLake Dec. 20 (PM, dineddaily on suetand seed (K & DJ).Even Cornell's Laboratory fide SBS).A Barrow'sGoldeneye that winteredbelow the Ver- of Ornithologycould only mustersix speciesfor 2nd place nondam on the ConnecticutR. (m.ob.),while notunexpected, Ferrisburghosted another Red-bellied Woodpecker, indicating certainly qualified as a rarity. Vermontersmay yet addthis species to the state'slist of breed- Conditionswere apparentlyfavorable for winteringraptors ing avifauna. The only concentration of Corn. Ravens noted m many partsof the Region,but the L. Champlainvalley must was of 31 at L. Willoughbyin early February(PT, TR). have been particularlyattractive. The FerrisburgCBC hosted Carolina Wren populationsare apparently building up, five Bald Eaglesand 60 Red-tailed Hawks. The latter total is judgingfrom the numbersreported at feedingstations. In New rarely exceededeven in w. New York farmlandwhere peak York they were found as far n. as Watertown and Saranac Regionalcounts are typically taken. Bird feedingand the re- Lake, and four appearedat scatteredlocations in Vermont sultantplague of EveningGrosbeaks and, now, HouseFinches The Rock Wren at Fredonia lasted until a Dec. 3 snowstorm attendingthe feedersmay be the major factor inducingboth A Varied Thrushappeared briefly near Rochesterin mid-De- Sharp-shinnedand Cooper's hawks to overwinterin the Region cember (TP, TK). more frequently. Recent winters have also seen occasional Hermit Thrusheswere noticeably scarcein much of the Re- Merlins listedin seasonalreports. Although it is often assumed gion,possibly a resultof the shortageof berriespredicted after that thesesightings represent errors in identification,it is pos- lastspring's hard late frosts.Bohemian Waxwings, on the other siblethat the readyavailability of prey may be inducingthis hand, stageda stronginvasion. Although only singled•g•ts speciesto alter its wintering habits in the East. This year at couldgenerally be found in w. New York, flocksof up to 450 least two were convincinglyidentified, one near Rochester birds cruisedthe Champlainvalley lookingfor mountainash, and the other in Burlington.Four Gyrfalconreports added a high-bushand cranberries or apples.Perhaps the strongest•n- touchof classto an alreadyexceptional season. flux of N. Shrikesin nearlya decadeoccurred. Dozens of reports were received from throughout the Region as birds moved GALLIFORMES THROUGH GULLS -- Although efforts south,but few birds maintainedterritories through the entire are underway to establishGray Partridgein CayugaCounty, winter season. the only winter reportswere from Ellisburg(LC), a traditional area in the St. Lawrence valley. Presumably the trap and transportprogram is designedto eventuallysupplement fal- WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES -- This was not a good teringRing-necked Pheasant populations, which havedeclined year to find lingering small insectivorouspasserines, as dem- throughoutmuch of their Regionalrange to a mere vestigeof onstratedby the low numbersof warblers reported.Nonethe- their former abundance.The only SpruceGrouse report was lessthere were a few interestingrecords, including a Yellow from Vermont's"northeast kingdom" (FO). The only Virginia Warbler near Trumansburg through Dec. 5 (P & MR), several

280 American Birds, Summer 1987 Com. Yellowthroats, including one at Ferrisburg,Vt., in mid- origin of this year's invasionwas different from, for instance, December, a Palm Warbler at Buffalo into January, a Cape last year's.The generalimpression was that the current hordes May Warbler at Pittsforduntil Jan.25 (AS,EB), and an Ovenbird were smaller and darker birds from more southerly popula- at Wellsville, N.Y., Jan. 4-7 (HS, EL). tions. American Goldfinches were present in numbers but A belatedreport of a Painted Bunting at Canajoharie,N.Y., other finches in general were hard to come by outside true Oct. 20-25 (FT, DAS) was received. Equally exotic in appear- boreal areas. ance were the male and imm. Eur. Goldfinches in Addison County, Vt. ( J& MD). While it cannot be determined whether CONTRIBUTORS (boldface)AND CITED OBSERVERS- AlleganyCounty Bird Club, R. Andrle, D. Ayres, E. Brooks,Buf- these goldfinchesoriginated from this summer's releasesin falo OrnithologicalSociety, Cayuga Bird Club, L. Chamberlain, the Catskills, it is safe to assumethey were part of some mis- P. Connor,P. DeBenedictis,J. & M. Dye, GeneseeOrnithological guided introduction effort. A Brewer's Blackbird reported on Society,High PeaksAudubon Society,K. & D. Jaynes,E. Johnson, the Burlington CBC may be the first confirmed Vermont H. Kingery, T. Koszelak,E. Larsen, S. Laughlin, M. Metcalf, P. sighting. Milburn, T. Mosher,J. Nicholson, W. Norse,F. Oatman,T. Penner, The only "winter finch" to truly invade the entire Region V. Pitzrick, RochesterBirding Association, P. & M. Rice,T. Rivest, this seasonwas the Com. Redpoll. Flocks in the 100s were F. Scheider,R. Spahn,H. Shear,A. Stewart,W. Symonds,P. Tabor, commonplaceand a peak tally, 1250, came from the Rochester S. Taylor, F. Trandt, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, T. area. Surprisinglyfew "Hoaries" were spottedcompared with Woodrow.--DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, Brookside Farm, Box 34, other recent redpoll incursions and most observersfelt the Maryland, NY 12116.

APPALACHIAN REGION

George A. Hall

MICH. Personsormost whose parts of birdingthe Region activitiesitwas centered astrange on feedingwinter. stations were sure there were no birds in the area, as indeed such stationswere sparselyvisited. Personsgetting farther afield found a few more birds in local areas, but even there no lists were very large after the first of the year. But in IND. total for the whole Region a great many specieswere seen. It was a warm and generally dry season.At the Pittsburgh weather station all three months were warmer than norma] and in total showed a temperature excessof 211 day-de- grees. December was somewhat wetter than normal but Januaryhad a precipitationdeficit of 0.63 inchesand Feb- ruary with a total precipitation of only 0.71 inches had a deficit of 1.69 inches. The north had some snowfall, and several heavy snowstormsswept through the south, but the belt from aboutPittsburgh to centralWest Virginia had practically no snow. The mild weather induced many birds to stay north, and most ChristmasBird Counts showed record high numbers •TLANTIC of many species.Most of these birds did not stay after the OCEAN first of the year. There was no freeze-up of most bodies of water until quite late, and Lake Erie did not freeze entirely. There was a nice list of "half-hardy" specieslingering LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL-- Red-throated throughthe winter, and mostof them made it successfully. Loonswere reported from Bath, Va., Dec. 3 (LT) and P.I.S.P., Conspicuouslyabsent were two, Northern Oriole and Ru- Dec. 6 { J1V0.There was a heavy movement of Com. Loonsin fous-sidedTowhee, which often remain quite late. The the Elizabethton,Tenn., area until Dec. 10 (GE) and there were northern invaderswere representedby Northern Shrikes, many individual records from throughout the Region in De- Common Redpolls, and Pine Siskins, all of which staged cember. These birds had all disappearedby the first of the goodflights. year. A group of 22 Pied-billed Grebesat P.I.S.P., Jan. 22 was Perhapsthe mostinteresting news was the goodflight of the result of a partial freeze-up (JIM).Horned Grebeswere re- raptorsled by the Short-earedOwl, Bald Eagle,and Rough- portedfrom more placesthan usual. A Red-neckedGrebe was leggedHawk. Interestingly, many of these birds were at- seen in Bath, Va., Feb. 25 (LT) and one was found dead on a tracted to some of the extensive recovered strip-mines in road in Bedford, Pa., Jan. 12 {TD). Five Double-crestedCor- western Pennsylvania,areas often consideredbiological morants were at P.I.S.P. until late January and one was there deserts. Feb. 17 (JM), while other recordscame from Kyger Creek, O., Feb. 8 & 9 {TI, WA) and from Knoxville, Tenn., Jan.17, for the ABBREVIATIONS -- B.E.S.P.= BaldEagle State Park, Centre only winter record there {MD, BF). Co., Pa.; Ch.N.F. = Chattahoochee Nat'l Forest, Ga.; G.S.M.N.P. The Am. Bittern reported from Union, Tenn., in the Fall = GreatSmoky Mountains Nat'l Park:P.I.S.P. = PresqueIsle State report remained there until Dec. 30 (DS). The mild weather Park, Erie Co., Pa.; P.N.R. = Powdermill Nature Reserve, West- inducednumerous Great Blue Heronsto remain in the Region moreland Co., Pa. Place names in italics are counties. and reportscame in from 11 areaswith somehigh numbers

Volume 41, Number 2 281 being 50-75 at GlenwoodSwamp, W Va, Feb 16-28 (WA), 47 in Highland, Va (LT), and other recordscame from the George that survived the winter at P I S P (JM), up to 27 in Bath, Va WashingtonN.F, Va, Feb 7 (R B C ), and Clingman'sDome, (LT); and 10 on the Pittsburgh CBC (PH). A Great Egret was at Tenn., Jan. 24 (CN). Ft. Loudon L., Tenn., Jan.17 (MD, BF). A Green-backedHeron Record CBC counts of Am. Kestrels were of 27 at Clarksvfile, was at Roanoke,Va., Jan.17 (MP). Two Yellow-crownedNight- Pa. (RB), and 18 at Indiana, Pa. (fide PH), but Pittsburghhad Herons were seen at Elizabethton, Tenn., Dec. 20 (RL). An only half the usualnumbers (PH). Merlins were reportedfrom lmm. White Ibis (ph.)was presentat Salem,Va., Dec. 20-Mar. Westmoreland,Pa., Dec. 15 (BW), and Allegheny, Pa., Jan 5 10 (m.ob.). (MM) and Feb. 20 (EM). One was present at Apple Grove,Ma- The waterfowl picture was mixed with most placesin the son,W.Va., Dec. 31 to the end of the period (TI, WA). There s. reportinglow numbers.However, at Knoxvillenumbers were were two reports(possibly the samebird) of Peregrinesin the good early in the seasonbut declined later (CN). The only State College, Pa., area, Dec. 16 (BR) and Jan. 12 (S & RMc), large numberswere reportedfrom PresqueIsle Bay where the and one was seen at Waynesboro,Va., Feb. 15 (SR). delayedfreeze-up resulted in a Januaryconcentration of 24,000 waterfowl, including an estimated 15,000 Corn. Goldeneyes, TURKEY THROUGH TERNS -- Wild Turkeys seemto be 5000 Canvasbacks, 500 Redheads, 500 Mallards, and 300 Am. doingwell: 16 were seenon the Clarksville, Pa., CBC (RB)and BlackDucks (JM). Suchnumbers in the n. may have accounted 115 on the PipestemState Resort CBC (JPh), while 25 were for the lack of ducks farther s., as goldeneyeswere scarceat countedat Lock Haven, Pa., Feb. 24 (PS).No reportersmen- Pittsburgh(PH) and at Morgantown,W.Va. (GAH). tioned N. Bobwhite.Was this simply oversightor has this at- The S flight of Tundra Swans was still in evidence in early tractive speciessilently disappearedfrom mostof the Region? Decemberand a few stayedall winter at Kyger Creek, O. (TI), It is certainly gonefrom n. West Virginia (GAH). An Am Coot and ShenandoahL., Va. (R.B.C.), and one was on the Ohio R. wintered near Houserville, Pa. (ES). The 80 Sandhill Cranes at Vienna, W.Va., Jan. 6 (JE, NO). The N flight started in late seen at the Ch.N.F., Feb. 26 (HD) were a little early but not February but no great concentrationswere reported by the unexpected. end of the period.A Mute Swanwas in the StateCollege, Pa., Greater Yellowlegswere seen in Augusta,Va., Dec. 10 (RS) area from Dec. 20 to the end of the period (fide JP).A Greater & 20 (SR), and a Dunlin was at Boone L., Tenn., Dec. 15 (RK). White-fronted Goosewas at Mosquito Creek Res., O., from There were more reportsof Com. Snipe than usual: several Dec. I to the end of the period (CB, NB). Snow Geesewere in Centre,Pa., throughJanuary (CS); up to eight that wintered reportedfrom Point Pleasant, W.Va., Jan. 1 (blue)and Gallipolis, in Bath, Va. (LT); Fayette, W.Va., Jan. 4 (JPh); one on the O., Feb. 19 (white) (TI), plus MosquitoL., O., Feb. 17 (NB) and Waynesboro,Va., CBC (RS);and six to eight in Whitfield, Ga, Hiawassee, Ga., Dec. 14-Jan. 8 (AG). At Pymatuning L., Pa., Feb. 25 (HD), that may have been early migrants. American 12,000 Canada Geesewere present Dec. 21, but this number Woodcockhad arrived at Troutville, Va. (BK),and BeechFork declined to 1200 by Feb. I (RFL). That the Canada Gooseis S.P., W.Va. (TI) by the middle of February, but for the first increasingthroughout this Regionis indicatedby the count of time in years they had not arrived at P.N.R. by the end of 508 on the Pittsburgh CBC, 89% above the 10-year average February (RM, RCL). (PH).The 300 Am. BlackDucks at B.E.S.P.,Pa., Jan.1 (PS)was There were someunusual concentrations of Ring-billedGulls an encouragingnumber for this troubled species.Northern at someplaces: 100 at Princeton,W.Va., Dec. 11 (JPh),410 at Shovelerswere reportedin unusual numbersfor this Region. Warren, Pa. (WH), 700 at Ft. Loudon Dam, Tenn., Feb. 19 (RC), A Eur. Wigeon was at Marion, Pa., for a month (KG, JW). Old- and 5700 at PymatuningL., Pa., Dec. 21 (RFL),as well as"large" squawswere reportedfrom MosquitoL., O., Dec. 7 (CB),Kyger numberson the Ohio R. at Parkersburg,W.Va. (LR) and Hun- Creek, O., in January(WA, TI), and Huntington, W.Va., Feb. tington, W.Va. (TI). Ten Bonaparte'sGulls were at Huntington, 15 (TI). A Black Scoter and one or two Surf Scoterswere at W.Va., Feb. 18 (TI). The white-wingedgulls were lessnumerous P.I.S.P.,Dec. 20-Jan. 18 (JM), and a White-winged Scoterwas than usual at P.I.S.P., with a Glaucous Gull Jan. 11 (SS)and at Huntington, W.Va., Jan. 28 (TI). Counts of 81 Hooded Mer- an Iceland Gull Jan. 24 (JM, LS). Up to three ad. Little Gulls gansersand 191 Corn. Merganserson the Warren, Pa., CBC were at P.I.S.P., Jan. 19-24 (JM): were noteworthy(WH). There were 2 reportsof exotic water- The prize of the seasonwas a Bridled Tern seennear Fish- fowl. A Bar-headedGoose was presentwith Canadasat Mos- ersville, Va., Dec. 3 (SR). This occurrence followed a severe quitoL., O., the week of Feb.15 (NB),and two RuddyShelducks storm off the Virginia-Carolina coast and convincingdocu- were at Apple Grove,W.Va., Feb. I and were found shotFeb. mentation was submitted for this record, a Regional first 7 (•VA). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- In w. Pennsyl- RAPTORS -- Black Vultures showed a noticeable increase vania (PH, RB) and n. West Virginia (GAH), Mourning Doves in the Elizabethton,Tenn., area (GE), and flocksof 12-15 at were unusually abundant throughout the season. Speedwell,Tenn., in December (GM) were unusual, but the Owls provided the real spice of this winter season.A pos- specieswas reportedat Huntingdon,Pa., in December(JP), 2 sible new nesting site for Com. Barn-Owl was discoveredat locationsnear State College, Pa., in Januaryand February (DK), Fishersville, Va. (RS), but the only report in the Knoxville and in Bath, Va., Jan.9 (LT). Turkey Vultures arrived in Hun- area was of one Dec. 25 in Campbell (GM). While E. Screech- tingdon,Pa., by Feb.3 (DK).Ospreys were reportedfrom Star- Owls remained scarce, and Great Horned and Barred owls brick, Pa., Dec. I (fide WH), singleswere at NorrisL., Tenn., were in about normal numbers, the real excitement of the Dec. 12 (JH) and Roanoke,Va., Dec. 12 (FC, CM), and there season came from the northern visitors. Snowy Owls were were several recordsin the Parkersburg,W.Va., area (LR). It found at P.I.S.P.,Jan. 28 and Feb.4 (JM), Edinboro,Pa., Jan 29 wasa greatseason for BaldEagles with reportsfrom 23 locations (SH), State College, Pa., Dec. 17 & 18 (m.ob.), and Salem, O, of approximately37 birds. These recordsranged from L. Erie Jan.21 (WB). The only report of Long-earedOwl came from in the n. to the Hiawasseeregion of Georgia.Northern Harriers State College, Pa., Dec. 20 (HH, CS). For the 2nd winter in a were in greaternumbers than usual.All threeAccipiters seem row, Short-earedOwl stageda heavy invasion.The recovered to be doingwell. The Cooper'sHawk was reportedin good strip-minesat Knox, Pa., retained a part of the large concen- numbersat mostplaces, there were unusual numbers of reports trationreported in November(WF), at leasteight were present of Sharp-shinnedHawks, and N. Goshawkswere reportedfrom at other mines in Indiana, Pa. (M & RH), and up to 17 were at 9 locations as far s. as Highland, Va. (LT), Roan Mt., Tenn. one location near Dublin, Va. (CK). Other reportscame from (FA), and Bristol, Tenn. (GE). Rough-leggedHawks were un- Pymatuning L., Pa., Dec. 21 (m.ob.), Avis, Pa., all winter (PS), usuallynumerous and widespread,being reported as far s. as 2 locationsin Huntingdon,Pa., Dec. 21 and Feb. 9 (DK),Adams, Hiawassee,Ga. (HD). The last migrant GoldenEagle was seen Pa., in mid-January (KG), Augusta, Va., in December (SR), at Bald EagleRidge, Pa., Dec. 3 (JP). At least three wintered Roanoke,Dec. 20 (TF) and Jan.19 (BK),and Adelphia, O., Jan

282 American Birds, Summer 1987 22 (LR, LB) Only four N Saw-whet Owls, comparedw•th last Dec 15 (HD) & 27 (D & KJ),one w•nter•ng agmnat a feeder •n wmter's phenomenal92, were located at State College,Pa Knoxwile (LF), a Palm Warbler m Murray, Ga, Dec 15 & 20 (JP). Other reportscame from P.I.S.P.,scattered dates through (HD), and Pine Warblersat P.I.S.P.,Dec. 26 (F & BH) and Feb the period (m.ob.),and a new county recerd for Rockingham, 13 (JM), Botetourt,Va., Dec. 21 (BO), and Fayette, W.Va., Jan Va, Dec. 1 (R.B.C.). 4 (JPh). Other remarkable warbler records were: Nashville S•x Red-headedWoodpeckers wintered at Norris L., Tenn. Warbler in Murray, Ga., Dec. 15 (HD); Cape May Warbler at (JH), but at Elizabethton,Tenn., none was seenafter Dec. 22 Vienna, W.Va., late Decemberto Jan.25 (EA); Yellow-throated (GE). A road-killedbird was picked up in Washington,Pa., in Warbler at Huntington,W.Va., in mid-February(TI); and Com early January(JL), and there were 2 late Februaryreports from Yellowthroat at Jonesboro,Tenn., Jan.21 (RK). the Huntington,W.Va., area (TI, WA). The Red-belliedWood- An Indigo Bunting was seen at Knoxville Feb. 28, for the pecker continuedits N move. The PittsburghCBC listed a re- first county winter record (MD). Field Sparrows, White- cord36 (PH)and reportscame from Erie, Pa. (JM), Warren,Pa. throatedSparrows, and SongSparrows were all consideredto (CNe), and Lock Haven, Pa. (PS). There were more reportsof be in lower numbers than normal. On the other hand, because Yellow-bellied Sapsuckersthan usual, and 63 N. Flickers were of the delayedfreezeup, many of thesesparrows were unusu- hsted on the CBC at P.I.S.P. (JM). ally numerousalong the s. shoreof L. Erie (JM). Thesedeclines may be temporary,but the Am. Tree Sparrowhas undergone FLYCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS- An E. Phoebe a massivedecrease in the north over the last few years. Tree was seenin Wood,W.Va., Jan.6 (JE, NO). Horned Larks were Sparrowswere seen as fair s. as Highland (LT) and Rockingham, unusually commonthroughout w. Pennsylvania,with flocks Va. (R.B.C.).There were more recordsof VesperSparrows than of up to 200 seen in Lawrence (PH). Remarkably early was a usual:State College, Pa., Jan. 20 (DD), B.E.S.P.,Jan. 1 (JP),Hun- N Rough-wingedSwallow at CheshirePonds, O., Feb. 19 (TI). tington, W.Va., Jan. 2 (TI), Greenville, Tenn., seven Jan. 25 Two Com. Ravens at P.N.R., Feb. 15 (RM, RCL) were not far (GE),and Whitfield, Ga. (HW). Other unusual sparrowrecords from the normal range,but observationsof up to three on 6 were: Chipping Sparrow at Vienna, W.Va., Dec. 12-15 (LR) daysin mid-Februaryat Clarksville,Pa., were noteworthy(RB). and Norris, Tenn., Dec. 27 (CN); a SavannahSparrow at Murray, A record 676 Black-cappedChickadees were found on the Ga., Dec. 20 (HD), 10 at Greencastle,Pa., Jan. I (JW), and one Warren, Pa., CBC (WH). A Black-cappedwas found as far s. as at Ashton,W.Va., Jan. 12-Feb. 28 (WA);and a Lincoln'sSparrow V•enna, W.Va., Jan. 3 (LR), but at Pittsburgh the Carolina at Speedwell,Tenn., Jan.1 (GM). Dark-eyedJuncos were scarce Chickadeehas displaced the Black-cappedin many areas(RM). at feedingstations but were probablyreally in normalnumbers Red-breastedNuthatches were more widespreadthan in most The only reports of Lapland Longspurscame from P.I.S.P, winters but no place reportedany great numbers.The Pitts- Dec. 20 (JM), State Line, Franklin, Pa., in early January(KG), burgh CBC had recordnumbers of Brown Creepers(PH) but and ShenandoahL., Va., Jan. 2 (R.B.C.). Snow Buntings were no other area reported unusual numbers. The goodnews is numerous in n.w. Pennsylvaniaas far s. as Butler, but there that the CarolinaWren seemsto be on its way back, with good was only one recordat State College(JP). More unusual were numbers reported everywhere and reports from as far n. as buntings seen in SomersetJan. 20 (TM) and State Line, Pa., in Warren and Erie, Pa. The mild winter at most placesand the January (KG). lack of heavysnowfall should have assuredgood survival rates. There were more winter records for Rusty Blackbirds than Winter Wrens were on the low side at most places.A House normal. A roost of 250,000 Corn. Grackles was present for a Wren was seen at Jonesboro,Tenn., Jan. 21 (RK). while in Putnam/Cabell, W.Va. (TI). There was little sign of Golden-crownedKinglets were in better-than-normalnum- northbound blackbirds at the end of February. bers. More unusually, there were Ruby-crownedKinglets at The only report of Pine Grosbeakcame from Salem,O., Feb P I S.P.,Feb. 13 (LS),Pittsburgh CBC (PH),Beaver, Pa., Dec. 31 22 (RBo).House Finches continue their astronomicalincrease (RCa), Vienna, W.Va., Dec. 21 (JC), and Waynesboro,Va., all and concurrently the Purple Finch has declined asa wintering season(RS). Both Am. Robins and E. Bluebirds were in un- species,at least at feeders.The only record of White-winged usually large numbers at most places,with a roost of 4400 Crossbill came from Meadville, Pa., Dec. 6 (RFL, ML). Red robins discoveredat Pittsburgh(PH). Hermit Thrusheswere Crossbillswere found on ShenandoahMt., Va. (LT), where also in unusual numbers.Gray Catbirdswere reported from they are apparently permanentlyresident, at Ch.N.F., where Saybrook, Pa., in January and February (CNe), and at Mt. they have been regularrecently (HD), and G.S.M.N.P.,where Pleasant,Pa., Jan.22 (DC), for the first local winter record.A they may be year-round residents(CN). Other reports came BrownThrasher wintered at a heatedbird bath in Rockingham from State College,Pa., Nov. 28 (JP) and Watauga L., Tenn, (R B C.), and otherwinter recordscame from Indiana, Pa. (MH), all season(FA). and Wayne, W.Va. (TI). Out-of-range N. Mockingbirds were The finch of the year was Corn. Redpoll, which stagedthe reported from Somerset,Pa. (TM), Springboro,Pa. (CNi), and best flight in recent years. West of the moutains they came P•ttsburgh,Pa. (JL). only about as far s. as Pittsburgh,but e. of the mountains in It was a goodyear for N. Shrikes.Singles were at the Indiana, the Great Valley they occurredas far s. as Staunton,Va. (LH), Pa, strip-mine site through January (MH, TD), P.I.S.P., Dec. and Salem,Va. (D & JHo).At Lock Haven, Pa., two Hoary Red- 19-Feb. 7 (JM), Erie, Pa., Dec. 20 (RSw),Huntingdon, Pa., Feb. pollswere seenJan. 29 with the others (CH). Pine Siskinswere 16 (MK), L. Arthur, Pa., through December (reportedin No- in largenumbers throughout the Regionbut the distribution vember as a Loggerhead)(PH), and 3 locationsin Crawford, was very spotty, with some placeshaving none. The extreme Pa, Dec. 28 (RFL,RCL), Jan. 4 (RFL),and Feb. 8 (CNi). In Rock- patchinessof this distributioncan be illustratedby mentioning ragham, Va., where an intensive study of LoggerheadShrike that while I had many at my feeders,a neighborwithin a mile •s underway, 4 new possiblenesting sites were discovered of me had none. A fair number of Evening Grosbeakspassed (R B C.).A reportof LoggerheadShrike from GlenwoodSwamp, through in Decemberbut most had disappearedby the end of W Va., Feb. 19 (TI) was noteworthy. Otherwise this species the month. They were felt to be quite commonat the edgeof seemed in normal low numbers. the Smoky Mrs. (CN), but elsewhere were in low numbers, Solitary Vireos were reported from RoanokeDec. 20 (TF) and were missingfrom most places. and Feb. 28 (MP), Botetourt,Va., Jan.17 (MDo, BHu), Kingsport, Tenn., Jan.3 (RK), and Dalton, Ga., in late February (AH). CONTRIBUTORS -- RichardAlmy, Fred Alsop,Wendell Ar- gabrite,Elizabeth Armstrong, Carole Babyak, William Baker,Lynn WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES -- Yellow-rumped Barnhart,Ralph Bell, Roy Booth(RBo), Edward Brucker, Nancy Warblers were fairly commonin the s., but in n. West Virginia Brundage,Ruth Cain (RCa), Guy Clark, JeannieClark, Richard and w. Pennsylvania they were spotty and in low numbers. Clark, Fred Cramer,George Davis, Marcia Davis,Harriett DiGioia, More unusual were Orange-crownedWarblers in Murray, Ga., ThomasDick, Dan Doberneck,Mike Donahue(MDo), Glen Eller,

Volume 41, Number 2 283 JeanetteEsker, Tad Finell, Kathleen Flnnegan, Barbara Flnney, McWdhams, Matt Mezlnze (MM), Robert Mulvlh•11,Charles Noel LouiseFuller, Walter Fye, KennethGablet, Stephen Grade, Arthur (CNe),Claire Nichols(CN1), Charles Nicholson (CN), Bill Opengan, Green, Barbara Haas, Frank Haas, Anne Hamilton, Cecil Hazlett, Nina Ott, Brian Patresort,John Peplinski, Jim Phillips (JPh),M•ke Harry Henderson,John Heninger, Paul Hess, Margaret Higbee, Purdy, Robert Ringlet, RockinghamBird Club (R.B.C.), Lorraine William Highhouse,Shayne Hoachlander, David Holt (DHo),Joyce Reliefson,Stephen Rottenborn, Bruce Rowland, Conrad Schmidt, Holt (JHo), JoeHowell, Bill Hunley (BHu), Tom Igou, Daniel Ja- Paul Schwalbe, Dwayne Shoffner, Ruth Snyder, Edgar Spalding, cobson,Kathy Jacobson,Margaret Kenepp, Clyde Kessler, Barry StanleyStahl, Linda Steadman,Sam Stull (SS),Ruth Swaney(RSw), Kinzie, Rick Knight, David Kyler, Mary Leberman,Robert C. Le- Leonard Teuber, Jeffrey Walck, Barbara Wengert, Harry White, berman, Ronald F. Leberman, Richard Lewis, Jay Loughlin, Tony Merrill Wood, Jerry Young, Ruth Young.--GEORGE A. HALL, Marich, Carole Massart,Elton McFadden, RobertMcGregor (RMc), Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 6045, West Virginia Univer- Sarah McGregor (SMc), Marty McKay, George McKinney, Jerry sity, Morgantown, WV 26506-6045.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION

David J. Powell

hememoryweather throughoutthiswinter the wasRegion. unlike Theany predominant in recent weather was sunny and mild, even in Minnesota. The only severe weather was in Minnesota, where it got down to AULT STE MARIE -27 ø at Isabella in mid-December, and -42 ø at Embarrass and -45 ø at Warroad in late January,but it was short-lived. The only significantsnow was in northeasternMinnesota. The norm was temperaturesat or near freezingthroughout the Region. In Michigan, there was more sunshinethis winter than in three or four normal winters combined and residentsof the southernportion of the statehad to shovel snow only a half dozen times all winter, and most of the t•me the ground was bare. Becauseof the mild weather, birds were very widespreadand not particularly common at feeders. It was possibleto drive miles without seeing birds,owing to the lack of any concentratingfactors. There were few rarities in the Region, with Wisconsin'ssecond St. Clair, Feb. 22 (JP, JPa,AM). Canada Geesewere reported Curve-billed Thrasher the only exceptionalone. But, who in larger numbersand from morelocations than normal,with cared, because the weather was so beautiful for winter. 105,000 on the Lac Qui Parle, Minn., CBC particularly •m- In the following account,place namesin italics are coun- pressive.Wood Ducks were present for all or part of the period ties. Also, only the mostexceptional Christmas Bird Count in 3 Wisconsinand one Michiganlocations. Green-winged Teal (CBC)data are included in an effort to reduce duplication. were found at 2 Michigan and 2 Wisconsinlocations. Wintering ducks were surprisingly scarce in Michigan and Wisconsin LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- One to three Red- Three Harlequin Ducks were found: Dec. 26 on L. Michigan throatedLoons, possibly more, were in Manitowocin the first at Muskegon(JH) and Jan. 13 on L. Michigan at Ludington, one-halfof January(BC, CS et al.), extremelyunusual for Wis- Mason, Mich. (ES, GW), both normal locations;much lessnor- consin. ACom. Loon was found Jan. 27 on a lake kept open mal, however, was one all winter on a creek in Austin ms. by a powerplant in Virginia,St. Louis (SW/MS); there are very Minnesota(R & RK et al.). Observerson the Grand Mara•s, few mid-winter recordsfor Minnesota,especially in the north. Minn., CBC found 223 Oldsquaw,the mostin Minnesotam Pied-billed Grebeswere unusually scarcein Wisconsin.Single recent years. Black Scoterswere reportedfrom 4 Michigan Eared Grebeswere seen Dec. 20 at Muskegon [ JW et al.) and locations,with 14 Jan. 31 in Ottawa (BM, DD et al.), a large Dec. 21 into January at St. Joseph,Berrien (DP, JP), the 3rd numberfor Michigan.Only one Surf Scorerwas reported Decemberin a row at St.Joseph (The same bird?). Six W. Grebes were found Dec. 6 on L. Superiornear Duluth (AB), late for RAPTORS THROUGH GULLS -- Early Turkey Vultures Minnesota,and casualfor L. Superior.American White Peli- were in bothMichigan and Wisconsin,with oneFeb. 8 in Sauk, cans(three) again overwintered at Albert Lea, Minn. Double- Wis. (SS),amazingly early. BaldEagles were reportedin above- crestedCormorants were found at 2 Wisconsinand 3 Michigan averagenumbers in bothMichigan and Minnesota, with a high locationswith four overwintering in Bay, Mich. This is no single-locationcount of 12 at the ShiawasseeN.W.R., M•ch doubt a reflection of their continued increase throughout the (SSk). Rough-leggedHawks were up in s. and w. Minnesota Region.Great Blue Heronswere reportedin above-average A well-describedFerruginous Hawk wasin Bayfield,Wis., Jan numbersRegionwide, with one Feb. 25 in Michigan'sAlpena 28 (TD). GoldenEagles were seenat one Michiganand 3 W•s- (C & HP),well n. of normal.Black-crowned Night-Herons were consinlocations, with perhaps10 total individualsseen. Mer- found in both Michigan and Wisconsin. lins were seenat one Wisconsin,3 Michigan, and 5 Minnesota Tundra Swanswere presentin goodnumbers in early De- locations,continuing the goodshowings of recentyears. There cember,with 2000 Dec. I in LaCrosse,Wis. (FL) and a couple were two PeregrineFalcon sightings: Dec. 21 in LaCrosse,W•s of individualsoverwintering. Mute Swanscontinue to dowell (FL) and Feb. 26 at ShiawasseeN.W.R., Mich. (SSk).For the m the Region, with the overwintering flock in Kalamazoo, 5th consecutive winter, a Prairie Falcon overwintered at Mich., now up to 280 birds (DP, RA). Brant were found at 2 RothsayW.M.A., Aitkin, Minn. (S & DM et al.), and one was Michigan locations:Gull Lake, KalamazooJan. 21 (RA, JG)and in Moorhead, Minn., Dec. 7 and Jan. 1 (L & CF).

284 American Birds,Summer 1987 M•nnesotaobservers felt that numbersof both Gray Partridge hm•ted species,which has been qmte scarce•n recent years. and R•ng-neckedPheasant were defimtely down. Up to 18 Golden-crownedKinglets were seen•n goodnumbers in M•n- Spruce Grouse were seen at dawn in Minnesota's Lake, the nesotaand Wisconsin.A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was at a Min- 4th consecutivewinter that this elusive specieshas been de- netonka,Hennepin, Minn., feeder until Jan.5; there are very pendablysighted here. Several• GreaterPrairie-Chickens were few mid-winter records for Minnesota. Townsend's Solitaires booming vigorously on the early date of Feb. 20 at Rothsay were seen in 3 Minnesota and 2 Wisconsinlocations, slightly W M.A., Aitkin, Minn. (KE et al.). Wild Turkeys are increasing more than average.American Robinswere seen in increased in Wisconsin,particularly in the s. quarter, and also doing numbers in Minnesota, but in reduced numbers in Michigan well in Michigan. Three Virginia Rails lingered until at least and Wisconsin. Varied Thrushes were less common than usual, Jan 16 in Wisconsin'sChippewa (JPo et al.). A Sandhill Crane with only 2 Minnesota and 4 Wisconsinsightings. A late Gray was foundin Michigan'sMuskegon Jan. 19 (TH), and returning Catbird was at Trempealeau, Wis., Jan. 3 (THu). Northern b•rds arrived in Michigan Feb. 20 and Wisconsin Feb. 21. A Mockingbirdswere n. of normal Dec. 13 in Marquette,Mich R•ng-billed Gull was at Black Dog L., Dakota, Minn., Jan. 19 (TR) and all winter at a feeder in Indian River, Cheboygan, (RG),quite unusual for Minnesotain mid-winter (observersin Mich. (RD). A Brown Thrasher overwintered in n. Minnesota M•chigan wish they could say the same).Thayer's Gulls were at a Craw Wing feeder. The bird of the season,and the only found at 3 Minnesota and 5 Wisconsin locations, with a total truly exceptionalrarity, was the Curve-billed Thrasher that of at least20 individuals.Iceland Gulls were seenat 3 Michigan, appearedat the Hendricksonfeeder in Spencer,Wis., Nov. 26 3 M•nnesota, and one Wisconsinlocations (nine total individ- It reappearedin mid-December, when it was positively iden- uals),more than averagefor this rare gull. GlaucousGulls were tified. Many birders came to see it, including two overzealous seenin above-averagenumbers with peaksof 15-17 at Duluth/ out-of-state individuals who harassedit so badly that it dis- Superiorand 26 in SaginawBay, Mich. A LesserBlack-backed appeared for almost 3 weeks. In mid-January it reappeared Gull was at the Erie Gun Club, Monroe, Mich., Dec. 31 (JG, and was still present in March. Seen and photographedby BP) Great Black-backedGulls away from their normal s.e. many, this was the 2nd occurrenceof this speciesin Wisconsin M•chigan locationswere at Holland, Mich., Jan.25 (JPon,GW, BohemianWaxwings were seenin goodnumbers in Minnesota EH), Duluth/Superior (two)Dec. 15-Feb. 22 (KE et al.), Racine, and n. Wisconsin, but only average numbers in Michigan, W•s. (two) Dec. 6-31 (GD et al.), and Milwaukee Jan. 17 (JF where 500 Dec. 7 at Whitefish Point (JG, JM) were exceptional. et al ). Cedar Waxwings were scarce,inWisconsin. Northern Shrikes were seenin goodnumbers throughout the Region,surprising OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A Corn. Barn-Owl consideringlast winter's invasion. LoggerheadShrikes were was found injured Dec. 14 in Midland, Mich. (JR). This was seen in all 3 states:one on the Plymouth, Wis., CBC (JB), and the best Snowy Owl winter in at least 5 years, with many early returnees Feb. 20 in Anoka, Minn. (KL) and Feb. 27-28 reports from throughout the Region, although they seemed in Ingham, Mich. (CH, JK et al.), an encouragingnumber of less common after mid-January. After 2 years with only one reportsof this scarcespecies. A Pine Warbler was found for N Hawk-Owl (and that one found dead),hawk-owls returned only the 2nd time in winter in Minnesota, with one photo- to Minnesota in force, with no fewer than 14 individuals found graphedat a Willmar feeder in January.Two Pine Warblers from 7 counties.One was alsoin Michigan'sSchoolcraft. Min- were at a Grandville,Mich., feederDec. 29-Jan. 1 (JPonet al.) nesotahad an averagewinter for Great Gray Owls with 11 A Corn. Yellowthroat was found Feb. 20 in Waukesha, individuals from 5 n. counties. There was none elsewhere. Wis. (JBi). Long-earedOwls were more commonlyreported throughout the Regionthan in recent years, an encouragingsign. Short- GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES -- A Rose-breasted eared Owls were much more common than in the last several Grosbeaksurvived at a Chippewa, Wis., feeder until Feb. 1 yearsthroughout the Region,with birds overwinteringin sev- (fide JPo).Wisconsin had its first winter occurrenceof an Indigo eral locations,also encouraging. Boreal Owls were alsoabove Buntingwhen one was found on the StockbridgeCBC. It re- average,with 5 reports,all from Minnesota:Dec. 23 at Cook, mained into early February (DT, CR et al.). American Tree St Louis(KB); Feb. 1-2 at Saginaw,St. Louis(VR et al.); Feb. Sparrows were down in numbers throughout the Region 21 on Gunflint Trail, Cook(MN); Feb. 27 at Hovland, Cook(SL); White-throated Sparrowswintered in above-averagenumbers and a male calling on territory for the 3rd year in a row n. of in s. Michigan. The less common wintering sparrows (Fox, Isabella, Lake (SW/MS). Northern Saw-whet Owls were also White-crowned, Field, Vesper and Harris') were seen in the above averagein Minnesota, with 7 reports. expectedlow numbers.Fewer Dark-eyed Juncoswere seenin As might have been expectedwith the mild weather, Belted Minnesota.Lapland Longspurs were very scarcein bothMich- K•ngfisherswere in above-averagenumbers in Minnesota.Red- igan and Wisconsin. Snow Buntings were also less common headedWoodpeckers were very scarcein both Michigan and than usual, but a flock of 3650 was found Dec. 20 in Midland, W•sconsin.Two Red-belliedWoodpeckers were n. of normal Mich. (BG,BW). •n Delta, Mich., Dec. 20-26 (JFi). After last winter's invasion, Despitethe mild weather, Wisconsinobservers found fewer Three-toed Woodpeckernumbers returned to normal, with Red-winged Blackbirds than normal. Eastern Meadowlarks seven individuals found at 4 Minnesota locations. Northern continuedtheir pattern of recent yearswith almostnone seen Flickerswere down in numbersin Wisconsin,but up in num- anywhere in the Region.A Yellow-headedBlackbird Feb. 21 bers in Minnesota. at HoriconN.W.R., Wis. (JB i, waseither an overwintereror early returnee. A Rusty Blackbird overwintered in Monroe, JAYS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Gray Jayswere seenin Wis. (EE). Many more Brewer's Blackbirdsthan normal lin- goodnumbers throughout the n. parts of the Region,partic- geredin Minnesota,with individualsremaining into January ularly in Minnesota, where several were s. of normal and an at 4 locations,even way n. at Grand Marais. These individuals all-txme record 154 were found on the Isabella CBC. This fol- were all well documented,unusual for this frequently-mis- lowed on the footstepsof last fall's invasion.Also invading last identified species.All the normal blackbirds returned to the fall and lingering somewhat s. of normal were Boreal Chick- Regionin mid-to-late February, earlier than normal. adees, with overwintering birds at feeders in Wabasha and The winter finch picture was bleak again this winter. Pine Cottonwood,Minn. Tufted Titmice were more often reported Grosbeakswere extremely scarce, with none reported in s. thxs winter in Minnesota than normal. Red-breasted Nut- parts of the Regionand low numbers in the n. except in n.e hatcheswere lesscommon than in many wintersin Wisconsin. Minnesota,where they were noted in averagenumbers. Purple More Brown Creepersthan normal were reported in Minne- Finches were in low numbers in Michigan and Wisconsin sota Carolina Wrens were found at 3 Minnesota and one Wis- HouseFinches continue to do fabulouslyin the Region,with consinlocations, about the same as last year for this winter- Michigan numbersstill climbingrapidly. Wisconsinobservers

Volume 41, Number 2 285 found from one to 15 at feeders in 6 counties, and in Minnesota, who submittedrecords for this summary.The nature of the sum- where none had ever stayedfor any length of time, as many mary precludeslisting every individual who sent in reports; as four were at a feeder in Minneapolisall winter, and a lone therefore,only those individualswith cited recordsare listed.) female was at a Marshall feeder in late December. Perhaps Ray Adams,Karl Bardon,Jeff Baughman, John Bielefeldt (JBi), AI this speciesis ready to follow the path blazed in the other Bolduc, Bill Cowart, Rollie Dagwell, Gerald DeBoer, Dave Dister, states of the Region and become establishedin Minnesota. Thomas Doolittle, Kim Eckert (Minnesota),Eric Epstein,Laurence Crossbillsof either specieswere scarcethis winter, with only & Carol Falk, JohnFisher (JFi), Jim Frank, Ray Glassel,Jim Gran- the Red approachingnormal numbers, and only in Minnesota lund, BobGrefe, John Hamel, Tim Hicks,Ernie Hoover,Chris Hull, Thomas Hunter (THu), JoeKaplan, Ron & Rose Kneeskern,Ken and Michigan. White-wingedswere the scarcestfinches this La Fond,Fred Lesher,Sandy Lunke, JimMarkham, Anne Martin, winter throughoutthe Region.Common Redpolls were in near- Bill Martinus, Steve & Diane Millard, M. Nevers, Jim Paton (JPa), averagenumbers, but nothingspectacular as in somewinters; Carl & Helen Patzer, JeffPippen, Jarfine Polk (JPo),Jim Ponshair only a handful of Hoarieswere seen, all in the north. Pine (JPon),David Powell (Michigan),Bob Putnam, JoeRogers, Tom Siskins were probably the most common finches, and they Royal, V. Rudolph,Carol Rudy, Ellen Slater, Stan Skutek (SSk), were not seenin exceptionalnumbers. Evening Grosbeaks also CharlesSontag, Scott Swengel, Daryl Tessen{Wisconsin), George were generally scarce. Wickstrom,John Will, Steve Wilson/Mary Shedd,Brace Win- cheIL--DAVID J. POWELL, Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. CONTRIBUTORS- (I wish to thank the many individuals WesthedgeAve., Kalamazoo,MI 49007.

MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION

Bruce G. Peterjohn

anChicago?you imagineHard toa Februarybelieve, butwhen true,it anddoes itnot wassnow symp- in tomatic of a seasonwhen the entire Region never really experiencedwinter. Temperaturesgenerally averaged3- 5 degreesabove normal during all months while precipitation was below normal, particularly in the easternstates. :keye Cold temperaturesand snow coverwere short-lived.These conditions were fairly uniform acrossall states and produced the mildest winter in more than ten years. VA. Despitethe openconditions and mild temperatures,the birding was generally rather dull. Not surprisingly,waterbirds were more widespreadthen normal sinceopen water Co was unusually plentiful, even in the northern states.Pas- serines were generally reported in low numbers and bird feedersattracted a dearth of visitors,perhaps reflecting the One at Cedar Rapidsthrough Jan. 7 was late for Iowa (SD)and availability of natural foods.With the exceptionof a small the largestJanuary flocks totalled eight to 16 in Indiana and Snowy Owl movement, few birds moved into the Region Missouri. No Red-necked Grebes were discovered this winter. from farther north. Only a few scatteredrarities enlivened Eared Grebesare becomingregular late fall migrantsalong L. the birding at some localities. As expected, mild temper- Erie, where one or two were noted at three sites along the atures during the last one-half of February triggered an Cleveland-Lorain lakefront through Dec. 26 (m.ob.}.The only influx of early migrantsinto all states. other Eared Grebe remained in Iowa until Dec. 1. A late W. Grebeappeared at Carlyle L., Ill., Dec. 6-19 (LHa, BR, m.ob.), ABBREVIATIONS -- S.C.R.= SquawCreek Nat'l Wildlife Reft, while detailsprovided on two Western/Clark'sGrebes along Mo.; O.W.R. = Ottawa Nat'l Wildlife Reft,O.; Say Res. = Saylorville L. Michigan at OgdenDunes, Ind., Dec. 26 were insufficient Reservoir,Ia.; Spfid. = Springfield,I11. Italicized place names are to separatethese species.Double-crested Cormorants were counties. widely reportedinto early Januarybut the only wintering reports were of five at L. Taneycomo,Mo. (PM), plus singlesat LOONS THROUGH HERONS- A Red-throated Loon was Bettendorf,Ia. (Pet al.) and Rend L., Ill. (TFi). Reportsfrom 3 reportedDec. I from Say. Res. 0SD), where they are casual Ohio locationsFeb. 14+ may have been of wintering birds or migrants,and the previously-citedPacific Loon tarried at the early migrants. samelake throughDec. 6. Despitethe mild weather,most Corn. The mild weather induced more Great Blue Herons to winter Loonsdeparted by mid-December.The only sizableflock to- with reportsfrom all statesincluding scattered concentrations talled 65 at L. Cowan, O., Dec. 2 {LG}.As expected,a few loons of 20-58 and a maximum of 144 in w. Kentucky. Quite rare lingeredthrough Jan. 3-10 in all statesexcept Illinois, but the after early December,a Great Egret was intermittently ob- only wintering loon was reportedfrom Table Rock L., Mo. served at HorseshoeL., IlL, Dec. 26-Jan. 13 (JZ et al.) and two {PM}. Certainly the mostunexpected bird of the seasonwas remained at O.W.R. through Jan. 2 (MS, fide KA). Lingering an imm. Yellow-billed Loonthat was widely observedat Rock Green-backed Herons were documented from Warren, Ill., Dec. Falls, Ill., Dec. 14-29 (iLL lBS, m.ob., ph.}. 13 (tMBa} and SpringLake W.M.A., Ill., Dec. 27-Jan. 3 0MBa Not surprisingly,more Pied-billedGrebes wintered this year et al.). Wintering Black-crownedNight-Herons peaked with includingunusually large mid-winter concentrationsof 75 at 48 at Toledo, O., and eight at HorseshoeL., Ill. Other sightings L. Pewee,Ky., Jan.11 (BP, CJu)and 44 at Turtle Creek Res., consistedof one or two in the Chicagoarea during December, Ind., Jan.3 (CK,TK). MigrantHorned Grebes were widespread one at Eastlake,O., Jan.4 (LR, RH), and two at Hammond, Ind., during Decemberbut generallydisappeared by early January. through Jan. 16 (KB).

286 American Birds, Summer 1987 WATERFOWL -- As expecteddunng a todd w•nter, wa- to remmn well into January w•th 100 at Crab Orchard N.W.R., terfowl were more w•dely reportedthan normal The only ex- Ill, Jan. 24 (DR) and 75 at L Pewee, Ky, Jan 11 (BP, CJu) ceptranwas alongL. Erie where the usualconcentrations gen- CommonMergansers were locally numerousin the n. states, erally failedto materialize.Mild weatherduring late February particularly Iowa and Illinois, where concentrationsof 1700- triggereda fairly substantialmovement of early migrants. 4000 were reported. However, few penetrated farther south. Small numbersof Tundra Swanspassed through Ohio and Unusual for winter were 449 Ruddy Ducks at Turtle Creek Ilhnois during December when two were alsonoted at Ballard Res.,Ind., Jan.3, decliningto 150 by Feb. 28 (CK, TK). W M A., Ky. Januarysightings included 15 alongw. Lake Erie, plus a maximum of seven at 3 inland locationsin Ohio, and HAWKS -- BlackVultures may proveto be regularwinter sing]esat 2 Illinois sites.A small influx duringFebruary may residentsin s.w. Missouri.Although there was only one pre- have representedwandering wintering swans or early mi- vious winter record from the area, a roost at Bull Shores L grants.This influx was most apparent in Illinois,where as many supported45 Blacks Dec. 8 and 24 Jan. 14 (PM), while four as e•ght appearedat 6 scatteredlocations Feb. 3+, and two were alsolocated in Barry Jan.28 (LK). A flock of 31 Blacksin were found at Bark]ey L., Ky., Feb 7 (ER). Two wintering JohnsonJan. 4 provided a noteworthy winter concentration Trumpeter Swans in Mills, Ia., undoubtedly came from the for s. Illinois (TFi). The roostat Bull ShoresL., Mo., alsosup- reintroduced population in Minnesota. Small numbers of ported116 Turkey VulturesJan. 29 (PM), while 120 wintered Greater White-fronted Geeseremained in Iowa, Missouri, and at the establishedroost at Turkey Run S.P.,Ind. (AB).Scattered Ilhnoisinto Januarywith the latestreport of three at Canton, TurkeyVultures also appeared n. to Vermilion,Ill., Jan.6 (DW). Ill, Jan. 17 (MBa}.Large numbersof Snow Geesedo not nor- Migrantswere widespread during the lastone-half of February mally winter in Iowa. Hence, 2000 at DeSotoN.W.R., Jan. 5 and returnedto Lee,Ia., by Feb. 16 (RC).Lingering Ospreys were unexpected. Normal numbers elsewhere included a were notedthrough Dec. 20-27 on 2 Illinois CBCs.An early maximum of 9000 at Ballard W.M.A., Ky. Ross'Geese contin- migrantreturned to Taney,Mo., Feb.28 (PM). BaldEagles con- ued their slowincreasein the w. portionof the Region.Late tinuedtheir steadyimprovement along the MississippiR. val- m•grants included six recovered in s.w. Iowa at Fremont ley. Farther e., Monroe Res.,Ind., is provingto be a regular throughDec. 29 (CP)plus previously-mentionedfall sightings wintering area where as many as 12 were counted in mid- of four to six at Ballard W.M.A., Ky., in early December,and February (m.ob.).Indiana and Illinois supportedthe largest the Spfid.bird remainingthrough Dec. 9. WinteringRoss' Geese numbersof N. Harriers including roostsof 13-28; similar num- are still quite rare, with an adult returning to Baldwin L., Ill., bers were not reportedfrom the other states.Both Sharp- through Jan. 22+ (SR et al.) and two in Atchison, Mo., Feb. 1 shinnedand Cooper'shawks were reportedin numbersrep- (MR}. The mild weather caused fewer Canada Geese to con- resentativeof recent years.The N. ,Goshawkmovement was centrateon the refugesalong the MississippiR. not impressivewith 13 Iowa sightingsand 9 Illinois reportss Puddleducks were widely reportedand mostwere able to to Cassand Danville, plus singlebirds in Ohio and Indiana. successfullyoverwinter. However, their numberswere gen- Red-shoulderedHawks appearedto be stable and maybe erally small Only Mallards were abundantwith large flocks even improvingslightly in severallocalities. One at St. Joseph m moststates including a maximum of 41,253 at Rathbun Res., Jan. 25 provided an unusual winter record for n.w. Missouri la. (RCu).While a few Blue-wingedTeal may occasionally lin- (FL).Rough-legged Hawks were widespreadbut numberswere ger rate the CBC period, mid-winter recordsare exceptional, substantiallyreduced from last year. They were apparently suchas six in Taney,Mo., Jan.29 (PM).Gadwalls are apparently most numerous in c. and n.e. Iowa. Wintering Golden Eagles increasingas winter residents, with flocks of 105-213 noted were noted in normal numbers with a total of 11 sightings m Ilhnois and Kentucky. from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri,and Kentucky. Merlins were ob- Winter Canvasback concentrations consisted of 2500+ at servedinto the CBC period in Illinois but the only subsequent Oregon, O., and flocks of 400-700 in Illinois. These numbers report was of one photographedat Minnehaha W.M.A., Ind., were swelledwith early migrantsthat peakedat 15,000on the Jan.17 (MB).A PeregrineFalcon wintered in downtownToledo, M•ss•ssippiR. at Keokuk,Ia., Feb.22 (RC)and 8000+ at Oregon, O. (m.ob.,ph.), while other winter sightingsincluded singles O, Feb. 21 (TKe). Since Ring-neckedDucks normally winter at ChicagoJan. 17 ($RE)and O.W.R.,Feb. 7 (ET).Prairie Falcons m small numbers,a flock of 400 at L. Pewee,Ky., Jan.14 (JH) were discoveredin normal numbers for recent years with 2 was exceptional.Early migrantstotalled 3000 at Keokuk, Ia., sightingsfrom Missouri plus singlesin Iowa and Illinois. Feb 20 (RC).Greater Scaup were widely'reportedfrom inland locahtiesand normal numbersappeared on the Great Lakes. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- Flocksof 38 at Montrose Jan. 10 and 40 at Keokuk Feb. 6-7 Gray Partridgescontinued their S range expansionin Iowa were noteworthyfor Iowa. MigrantLesser Scaup totalled 8000 As a resultof extensivefeintreduction efforts, Wild Turkeys at Keokuk, Ia., Feb. 22. The previously-reportedKing Eider at are thriving in moststates, and includedflocks as largeas 100 Chicagowas last observed Dec. 8. More surprisingwas an imm. in Iowa.The mild winterundoubtedly aided N. Bobwhitepop- • KingEider discovered at Spfid.,Jan. 22+ (tH, m.ob.),providing ulations.A coveyof eight in SiouxDec. 26 (JV) was unusual one of few inland recordsfor Illinois. Harlequin Duckswere for n.w. Iowa. The only wintering rail was a Virginia at L detectedonly at BeverlyShores, Ind., with two Dec. 20 (KB). Rockwell, O. (LR}. More remarkable was a Corn. Moorhen at No concentrationsof Oldsquawwere reportedfrom L. Mich- Hammond,Ind., Dec. 27 (KBet al.), providingone of very few iganthis winter. The 9 inland sightingswere morethan normal winter recordsfor the Region.Wintering Am. Cootswere more and includedtwo s. to StocktonL., Mo., Jan.27 (LK). The last widely distributedthan normal and included flocksof 600 at Black Scotersdeparted from Iowa, Ohio, and Illinois Dec. 7- Crab Orchard N.W.R., Ill., Jan. 31 (DR), and 395 at L. Pewee, 20 Surf Scoterswere detectedat singlelocations in Iowa and Ky., Jan.14 (JH). Migrant Sandhill Cranespassed through In- IlhnmsDec. 6-18 while the onlywintering bird wasdiscovered diana,Kentucky, and w. Ohio duringDecember, and the latest m St Joseph,Ind. (m.ob.}.White-winged Scoters may be de- sightingwas of a flock of four over Hardin, Ky., Jan.4 (P & chnmgin the GreatLakes, where the largestreported "flock" DK). For the 4th consecutiveyear, one wintered in the Region wasof two. Mostremarkable of the 7 inland reportsincluded with an immaturein Knox,O. (HG, m.ob.).Early springmi- sevenat Springfield,Mo., Jan.5 (m.ob.),one at S.C.R.,Dec. 26- grantsreturned to Indiana and e. Illinois by late Februaryand Jan 1 (FL et al.}, and one near Danville,Ky., Feb. i (WK, fide includedextralimital sightings of one at Amana,Ia., Feb. 10 FLo) Fewer Corn.Goldeneyes appeared this winter with max- (CB)and four at BallardW.M.A., Ky., duringFebruary (CW). ima of 800-1000 in Ohio and Illinois. Barrow'sGoldeneyes Despitethe relativelymild weather,few shorebirdslingered havebeen discoveredon L. Erie during3 of the last4 winters; beyond normal departure dates. Only Killdeer were more th•s year's sighting was of an ad. male in Ottawa, O.-,Feb. 11 widelyreported than normal, with smallnumbers successfully (tKA) The mild weatherenticed flocks of HoodedMergansers winteringin all states.The only PurpleSandpiper discovered

Volume 41, Number 2 287 with daily maxima of three or fewer from traditional localities alongthe Great Lakes,Illinois R. system,Alton-Carlyle L., Ill., area, and the w. Kentucky lakes. Thayer's Gulls away from these localities still require documentation.For example, amongthe plethoraof Iowa sightings,only the adult at Keokuk Dec. 17-Jan. 3 (tRC, m.ob.) and the first-winter bird at Red RocksRes., Dec. 3+ (•T et al.) appearto have been correctly identified.Only smallnumbers of IcelandGulLS were scattered alongthe Great Lakes and none wandered farther inland than Joliet,Ill. More LesserBlack-backed Gulls were reported, especially inland,which may reflectthe greateravailability of openwater this winter. In additionto the expectedsmall numberssprin- kled along L. Erie, singleswere detected at Red RocksRes., Ia., Dec. 3-19 (•P, •]F), Carlyle L., Ill., Dec. 30-Jan. 6 (BR),Iowa City, Ia., ]an. 31 (•]F), and the Quad Cities area of Ia.-Ill., Feb. 6-16 (tP,m.ob.). Glaucous Gulls were restrictedto the n. states with daily maxima of three to six alongthe Great Lakes.Scat- tered singleswandered inland in Illinois to Carlyle L. Great Black-backed GulLS continued their increase in the n. states. An incredible 1000+ were tallied in the SanduskyBay area of L. Erie during the CBC period. They have becomeregular winter visitorsin the Chicagoarea where the daily maximum was of four. inland reportsincluded two Jan.3-Feb. I at Carlyle L., Ill. (LHa, BR et al.), where they have been regularly encounteredin recent years, plus an adult at Bettendorf,Ia.- Moline, Ill., Dec. 19-Jan. 25 (•P, •FM, m.ob.). Normal numbers SandhillCrane in KnoxCounty, Oh/o, Feb. 2, 1987.Photo/Mary of Black-leggedKittiwakes consisted of iramaturesat Horseshoe Gustarson. L., Ill., Dec. 3-4 (•RG, m.ob.), Carlyle L., Ill., Dec. 6-7 (LHa, m.ob.), an Iowa CBC, and on L. Erie through Dec. 20. They are was at Waukegan, II1., Jan. 3 (DJ),and Dunlins lingered into casuallate winter visitorson the Great Lakes, where one ap- the CBC period along L. Erie. Late Am. Woodcockremained pearedat Lorain, O., Feb. 21-23 (RH et al.). The mild weather in Missouri into December,and early springmigrants returned allowed one or more Corn. Terns to linger along L. Erie into to all states by the end of February. Representativearrival the CBCperiod. dateswere Feb. 12 at St. Joseph,Mo. (LGa),Feb. 14 at Carbon- dale, Ill. (TFi), Feb. 15 in Madison, Ia. (EA), and Feb. 21 in Franklin, O. (BA). CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- The small population of Greater Roadrunners in s.w. Missouri remained intact JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- An imm. jaegerwas dis- with reportsfrom Taney and Stonethis winter (fide PM). The coveredat KentuckyL., Feb.22 (tBP,tm.ob., ph.). As frequently only Corn. Barn-Owls were detected at single locationsin In- happenswith imm. jaegers,its identity becamea matter of diana and Ohio, an indicationof its bleak statusin this Region. intense debate.However, photographstaken of the bird Mar. Snowy OwLsstaged a rather unimpressivemovement into the 4 clearly demonstrateit to be a Pomarine Jaeger,establishing n. stateswith reportsof sevento 10+ birdsin each.As expected, the first record for Kentucky. mostsightings were clusterednear the Great Lakesduring De- As a whole, gullswere rather disappointingthis winter. The cember.These owLs rapidly dispersed and few were foundafter open conditionsallowed gulls to dispersewidely while the early January.This movementextended S to Dayton, O. (fide relatively mild weather did not force many of the "winter LG), Knox, Ind. (DB), Mt. Carmel, Ill. (LHa), and the only Mis- gulls" into the Region.Except in Iowa, Ring-billedsremained souri sightingat Peculiar Dec. 17 (TO). Totally unexpected the mostnumerous species throughout the entire seasonwith was a Burrowing Owl near Rathbun Res., Dec. 20-28 (•RS, a brief influx of Herrings during early February. Unusually tRCu et al.), providingthe firstwinter recordfor Iowa. Normal large concentrationsof Herrings appearedonly in Iowa with numbersof Long-earedOwls consistedof reports from 14 Il- 1500-2000 at several reservoirs. linois locationsplus scatteredsites in the other statesexcept With the steady increase in Laughing Gulls during recent Missouri. Most roostscontained eight or fewer owls. Fewer years, they are being discovered even during the winter Short-earedOwls winteredthis year. especiallyin Illinois.They months, when they were previously unknown. This winter, were scatteredacross the n. stateswith the largestconcentra- adultswere reportedfrom Lorain,O., Dec. 6 (RH. m.ob.),Cha- tionstotalling seven to 14. Numbersof N. Saw-whet Owls were tauqua N.W.R., Ill., Dec. 27 (•H, et al.), Kentucky L., Ky., Feb. alsoreduced from last winter. Scatteredindividuals were gen- 1+ (BP et al.), and Oregon,O., Feb. 21-27 (TKe). While Frank- erally detectedin the n. stateswith a maximum of eight in lifts Gulls regularlyremain alongL. Erie into the CBCperiod, Boone, Ia. (SD). few are noted anywhere in the Region after late December. Red-headedWoodpeckers received mixed reportsbut were Hence, the appearanceof an adult at Keokuk, Ia.-Hamilton, generally quite scarcein Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and n.w. Mis- Ill., Jan. 16-17 (•VK, •RC) was remarkable. Little Gulls were souri. The "Red-shafted"Flicker in Alexander, Ill., Jan.2 (•RP, reportedonly from L. Erie where as many as five wintered •MD) providedone of few Illinois recordsof this race.Pileated alongthe Cleveland-Lorainlakefront. Two Corn.Black-headed Woodpeckersare slowly expandingin the w. states.Their sta- Gulls were found alongL. Erie through Dec. 16. Since L. Erie tus is irapreciselyknown in n. Missouri, where two were ob- remainedopen until late January,Bonaparte's GulLs remained servedat Crowder S. P. in early January(LH) and one at Thur- numerouson the lake with 35,000 at Cleveland ]an. 24. Num- nau W.M.A., ]an. 30 (MR). One at Mason City, Ia., Dec. 18 was berswere greatlyreduced during February, althoughflocks of outsideof its normal range(TF). Not surprisingly,E. Phoebes 300+ were still scatteredalong the lakeshore. The only other lingeredinto the CBC period in all statesexcept indiana but wintering Bonaparte'swere noted in Kentucky and Illinois. none apparentlyoverwintered. Early migrantsreturned to s. CaliforniaGulLS are apparentlycasual winter visitorsto L. Erie, areasby the last week of February. LingeringTree Swallows where a first-winter bird was closely studied at Eastlake, O., survived along w. Lake Erie into the CBC period, remaining Jan.4 (tJ,•MG). Fewer Thayer'sGulls were reportedthis year, at O.W.R. through Jan. 4.

288 American Birds, Summer 1987 CROWS THROUGH SHRIKES -- S•zable Am Crow roosts this season'sreports were of males visiting feedersin Coles, assembledin Ilhnms, Iowa, Kentucky, and Ohio, w•th 25,000 Ill, Jan 10+ (fide BH) and Tuscumbla, Mo, Jan 29+ (tJW) at Keokuk, Ia. (RC), 10,000 at Rockford,Ill. (EW), and 3000- Wintering Dickcisselshave a similar status.One wintered at 5000 elsewhere. There was no detectable S movement of Black- a Toledo, O., feeder (ET, KO) and another appearedat Dav- cappedChickadees, and Red-breastedNuthatches were gen- enport, Ia., Jan. 24 ('•ABa). erally scarceexcept for a few local concentrationsin the s. A Green-tailed Towbee was carefully studied at Union states.The previously-citedRock Wren wasnoted at Say.Res. CountyW.M.A., Ill., Jan.3-10 ('•RP,'•MD, m.ob.),providing the through Dec. 8. The mild winter was certainly beneficial for 6th Illinois record of this vagrant from the west. Following a Carolina Wrens, which exhibited a marked improvement in generally poor fall migration, sparrowswere observedin low many areas.While a few HouseWrens lingered into the CBC numbersin most areas.While Am. Tree Sparrowsand Dark- period, mid-winter records are exceptional such as one at eyed Juncoswere exceptionally scarce,most of the other win- Louisville Feb. 8 (m.ob.).Few Winter Wrens were detected as tering sparrowswere thoughtto have been presentin below- their populationsremain distressinglylow. The only Sedge averagenumbers for recentyears. Wintering ChippingSpar- Wren was reported from an Iowa CBC, while Marsh Wren rowswere found on an Illinois CBC and at Lexington,Ky., Jan sightingsincluded birds successfullywintering at Spfld. (H) 24 (BP). Vesper Sparrows were reported from 4 locations in and L. Rockwell, O. (LR). Golden-crownedKinglets received Illinois and Ohio, including one in Platt, Ill., Feb. 8 (RCh) that mixed reports,while only the normal small numbersof Ruby- apparently overwintered. A Lark Sparrow near Lowry City crownedswere noted, despitethe lack of severeweather. Dec.27 (SH)provided the firstwinter recordfor Missouri.Small Eastern Bluebird populations were generally stable and numbersof SavannahSparrows normally winter n. to c. Ohio benefitted from the mild weather. A Mountain Bluebird turned and c. Illinois, but one at BaysBranch W.M.A., Ia., Jan.8 ('•SD) up on the JeffersonCity CBC, providingone of few recordsfor was unexpected.Given their relative scarcityelsewhere, 381 Missouri.Townsend's Solitaires may be rare but regular winter White-crownedSparrows at Turtle Creek Res.,Ind., Jan.3 pro- visitors to n.w. Iowa, where one was detected near Larabbee vided a remarkable concentrationthis year (CK, TK). Few Dec. 21 (DBi).Fewer Hermit Thrusheswere reportedthis win- Harris' Sparrowswintered in the w. statesand they wandered ter Most of the Region'sAm. Robins must have wintered in E only to s. Illinois. The absenceof snow cover resulted in a Taney, Mo., where a roost was estimated at 100,000+ during poor seasonfor longspursand Snow Buntings. Even though December (PM). Numbers were generally low elsewhere with they appearedin all states,Lapland Longspurs were generally only scattered concentrationssuch as 1000 at Evansville, Ind., noted in flocks of 50 or fewer with Jan. 10 maxima of 607 in Jan 31 (CK).Most noteworthyamong a bumper cropof Varied Polk, Ia. (SD) and 400 in Ford and Iroquois,Ill. (RCh). Snow Thrushes was Missouri's 2nd record at Columbia Jan. 21+ Buntingswere restrictedto the n. statesand included flocks ('•JW) Other singleswere discoveredat Ames, Ia., Dec. 4+ of 500 at Rockford,Ill., Jan.10 (DWi) and 400 at Killdeer Plains (EMu), Champaign, IlL, Dec. 4-9 ('•RCh,m. ob.), Bluffton, O., W.M.A., O., Feb. I (J, MG). Dec, 20-Jan. 24 (HH, m.ob., ph.), Elgin, Ill., Dec. 20+ ('•JM, Except for a few local concentrations,wintering blackbird '•EW, m.ob.), Mason City, Ia., Jan. 2-16 (BK), and Spfld., Jan. numbers were generally unimpressive. The mild weather 14+ ('•H, m.ob.). Wintering mimids were well represented.Of c•uringFebruary triggeredan early migrationof most species five Gray Catbird sightings,one in n.w. Iowa at Cherokee Jan. Singing• W. Meadowlarks at O.W.R. and Maumee Bay S.P, 2 was most unusual (DBi). A Water Pipit at Carlyle L., II1.,Jan. O., Feb. 11 (KA) and in Knox, Ill., Feb. 17 (MBa) probably rep- 7 was conceivablya late migrant[I-I et al.). BohemianWaxwings resentedearly migrantsrather than overwinteringbirds. Yel- were noted in Iowa for the 4th consecutive winter, with a low-headedBlackbirds may turn up anywhere in the Region maximum of 15 at scatteredlocations Dec. 6-Jan. 4. In n. I1- duringwinter. Most noteworthyof the 6 reportsthis year were hno•s, where they are casualvisitors, a Bohemian Waxwing one wintering at Euclid, O. (RH, fide LR), three in Holt, Mo, was discoveredamong a large flock of Cedarsat Morton Ar- Jan.30 (MR), and one at Illinois BeachS.P., Ill., Jan.1-2 ('•TS) boretum Feb. 21-26 ('•EW,m.ob.). Cedar Waxwings were gen- Brewer'sBlackbirds were detectedonly in the w. states,par- erally scarceand the expectedlate Februaryinflux produced ticularly Missouriwhere they are describedas rare but regular flocks only in Illinois and Kentucky. Good numbers of N. winter residentsin severalw. counties,with the largestflocks Shrikes appearedin Iowa with a maximum of 11 in the n.e. numbering in the "hundreds" (MR). Great-tailed Grackles counties. However, it was a poor flight elsewhere with only wintered at S.C.R.in unusually large numberswith 100+ Jan s•x other reportsfrom the other n. states.Loggerhead Shrikes 8 and 40+ Jan.30-Feb. I (FL, MR). A "large-tailed" grackleat remained fairly stablein Missouriand Kentuckybut few were Pete Marquette S.P., Ill., Feb. 7 was probablythis speciesal- noted elsewhere. thoughthe very brief view did not allow for the positiveidentification of the bird (tMD, '•RP).The only lingering N. Oriole VIREOS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- The mild weather was discoveredat ShadesS.P., Ind., Dec. 20 ('•AB,EM). enhced a few late migrantsto linger into Decemberalthough mostdisappeared shortly thereafter. A singleWhite-eyed Vireo FINCHES -- The movementof winter fincheswas hardly was discoveredon an Illinois CBC, while a Cape May Warbler remarkablethis winter. Purple Fincheswere not impressive remained at a Park Forest,IlL, feeder through Dec. 10 (JKo, anywhere. Largestnumbers occurred in s. areas including ph) Indiana's 2nd winter record of a Black-throated Blue scattered flocks of 20-35+. House Finches continued their re- Warbler was provided by a male in Terre Haute Dec. 8-Jan. lentlessW march throughthe Region.Their populationsare 9+ (JK, m.ob., ph). Yellow-rumpedWarblers were universally expandingdramatically in Illinois, where largest concentra- scarce.The previouslyreported Black-throated Gray Warbler tions totalled 100 at Danville (ME) and 40 at Spfid. (H). They was last observedat Lexington, Ky., Jan. 18. A late Black- are on the vergeof becomingregular residentsin Iowa, where throated Green Warbler appeared on an Indiana CBC. Pine this winter's sightingsincluded 17 at Muscatine(TD), four at Warblers may be rare but regular winter residents in s. Mis- Davenport(fide P), and one near Red RocksRes. (SD). souri, where two were noted in Butler Dec. 15 (MR). A Palm Red Crossbillsstaged a small movement in Missouri, Illinois, Warbler at Danville, Ky., Dec. 7 (FLo) provided the only report and Iowa, wanderingE to n.w. Indiana. Small flocksof eight of th•s typically late migrant. The hardy Com. Yellowthroat to 20 were widely scatteredin these stateswith a maximum surwved until Feb. I at L. Rockwell, O. (LR), while two were of 82 at Sand Ridge S.F., Ill., Jan. 11+ (LA). This movement noted at S.C.R., Jan. 8 (FL), and they appeared at 3 Illinois extendedto s. Missouriwith reportsfrom Cm'ter and Oregon locationsduring the CBCperiod. Certainly the mostsurprising Dec. 15-16 (MR). White-winged Crossbillswere completely lingeringpassefine was a SummerTanager at SpringfieldJan. absent.The Com. Redpoll movement was most noticeable in 3-10 [CJ,ph.), establishingthe first winter recordfor Missouri. n. Ohio alongL. Erie with scatteredreports s. to Summit.Flocks A few IndigoBuntings are encounteredduring mostwinters; of 40-90 were regularlyencountered along the lakeplain.This

Volume 41, Number 2 289 movement was not nearly as apparent elsewhere, although CONTRIBUTORS (Subregionaleditors' names in boldface; scattered small flocks and individuals were detected in the contributorsare requestedto send reports to them.) -- K. Al- other n. states. Pine Siskins were most numerous in Illinois exander, B. Andres,E. Armstrong,L. Augustine,A. Barker (ABa), where the largestflock totalled 400 at Clinton L., Jan.31 {MD). M. Baum (MBa), C. Bendorf,D. Bierman (DBi), D. Bohlen {H), K. Such numbers were not representativeof the other states, Brock,M. Brown, A. Brnner, D. Buckland,R. Cecil, R. Chapel where they were very locally distributed in small numbers {RCh), R. Cummins {RCu), M. Deaton, S. Dinsmore, T. Dwyer, M. with occasionalflocks of 20-60. They were rather nomadic Easterday,R. Eiseman,T. Fink {TFi), T. Fromm, J. Fuller, L. Gal- this winter and frequently remainedin an area for only a few loway (LGa},L. Gara, R. Goetz,H. Gratz, M. Gustafson,J. Hancock, days.Evening Grosbeaksexhibited a similar pattern but were R. Hannikman, L. Harrison (LHa), L. Herbert, M. Hiebert, S. Hilty, lessnumerous than siskins.Most grosbeakflocks totalled 30 B. Hunt, C. Johnson,D. Johnson,L. Jones,C. Justis{CJu), Charles or fewer with a maximum of 200 in Saline, Ill. (KP). Keller (Indiana), T. Keller {TI0, T. Kemp {TKe), W. Kemper, L. Kennard,T. Kent (T), P. & D. Kittie, J.Kite, Vernon Kleen (Illinois), Lastly,Eur. Tree Sparrowshave been quietly expandingtheir 7- Koutsky{JKo), B. Kupka,F. Lawhon,F. Loetscher{FLO), P. rangein c. Illinois for a number of years.They have spreadW Mahnkey, J.M•lesevich, F. Moore,E. Muench,E. Munson (EMu), to the MississippiR. at Warsaw (RC) and their appearancein T. O'Reilly, K. Overman, R. Palmer, B. Palmer-Ball {BP), Bruce s.e. Iowa is probably imminent. Peterjohn (J) (Ohio), P. Petersen(P), K. Phelps,C. Priebe, E. Ray, Mark Robbins {Missouri),D. Robinson,L. Rosche,B. Rudden, S. Russell, B. Shaw, M. Shieldcastle, Ross Silcock (Iowa), Anne Stamm {Kentucky), T. Steele, R. Strough {RS),E. Tramer, J. Van CONJECTURAL REPORTS -- An ad. • Painted Bunting Dyk, E. Walters,D. Westfall,C. Wilkins, D. Williams (DWi), J. appearedat a Bettendorf,Ia., feeder Jan.6. While a casecan Wilson, J. Ziebol. In addition, many personswho could not be be made for spring overflightswithin this Region,ad. males individually acknowledgedsubmitted notes to the varioussubre- appearingat n. locationsduring mid-winter raise the strong gional reports.--BRUCE G. PETERJOHN, 105-K E. Ticonderoga possibilityof having escapedfrom captivity. Dr., Westerville, OH 43081.

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION

David P. Muth KANS.! MO. KY wasefore generallyI begin mymild, diatribe, generallyI'llwet, dismiss exceptthein weather: Arkansas, it and lacked any really major Regionwidedisturbances; even ß Fayelteville Nash•'ille a few local storms had no discernible long-term effects. Thus, while there were few significantrarities this season, Fort Smith T E N q. there were a great many reportsof lingeringand abnormally A R K. Lonoke far-north birds. •,•xx\e%øc•'ße Refuge Now: Writing the winter report is extremely frustrating. losedale The reasonis simple:Christmas Bird Counts. I do not refer Birmingham to the fact that many countsare conductedby people who MISS. ALA. Maion do not seem to know the slightestthing about bird distri- ß Shreveport bution in their area--we all know the problems,and it is ßJackson Montgeomery up to state editors to straighten them out. I'm referring to Natchitoches an essentially logistical problem. With so much observer LA. effort being expended on CBCseach winter, I must rely on FaJse that material if I am going to make any sense out of the winter season.But the exigenciesof publishingthe CBC issue mean that under no circumstances will I see the CBC data that was sent to New York. Every personwho seesa Island significantbird, number, or trend, during a CBC should fill out a 3 X 5 card and send it to the appropriatesub-regional G U L F O•c•'•of M E X I C 0 editor. Conversely, every CBC compiler should see to it that this happens.If you rediscovera bird originally found on a CBC, report it! Do not assume that someone else will do it. Too much important data is slipping through the cracks.I don't just mean that it will not get into the winter And a pox on those of you who never quite manage to send any data in at all. report--the winter editor may or may not choose to spe- cifically cite the material. Its importance is not in being ABBREVIATIONS-- LS.U.M.Z. = LouisianaState University reportedtwice, but in allowing the editor to seethe larger Museum of Zoology;N.H.P. = National Historical Park; O.A.S. picture. Most important is the fact that recordsthat are not = OrleansAudubon Society. Place names in italicsare parishes separately reported are almost certainly lost to future re- (in Louisiana)or counties.Note: at the time of this writing, no searchers,lost to the scienceof ornithology. If you want it reportshad been receivedfrom westernTennessee. recordedfor posteritythat you found North America'sfirst LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Thereis, not surprisingly, Ashy-tailed Swift on your local CBC, you'd better not as- an increasingprobability of findingRed-throated Loons as one sume that any future Ridgway is goingto take its publi- movesfrom west to east in the Region.A õth record for the cation in the CBC issueas proof. TennesseeValley in Alabama was found at Wheeler N.W.R.,

290 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 Dec 20 (ALM et al ), prowd•ng a 13th •nland record for the by an immatureJan 11, bothrema•mng to the endof the period state F•ve were found on coastal CBCs--there are now more (GK, SK, MD) Greater White-fronted Geesewere, as has be- than 30 total records for Alabama. One was found at the Pas- come usual, n. and e. of the old range,although there were cagoulaR. marshin Jackson,Miss., Dec. 1-3 (CC, CK, DH ph.). fewer reports than in recent years. More than one hundred As usual, none was found in Louisiana. Eared Grebes were seenat a new localein Richland,La., Feb. 15 (JB)were possibly well reportede. of their usualrange with two in s.e.Louisiana, migrants.Numbers of Snow Geesepeaked there at 10,000__in four in Mississippi,three in coastalAlabama, and, farthest February (JB).More Ross'Geese for Arkansas:at Holla Bend afield, a single Dec. 25 at Andrews S.P., the 3rd for Bay, Fla. N.W.R., Jan.30, four adults were picked from the flock (CM, (SJS)One of the highlightsof the seasonwas surely the sight WM). Two Am. BlackDucks were foundamong Mallards in a of five small shearwatersduring the Gulf ShoresCBC, Jan.3 flooded rice field up in Richland, La., Feb. 21 & 25 (JB). Al- (CDC, JF), one of which was seen clearly enough to call an thoughexpected in n.e. Louisiana,suitable habitat rarely gets Audubon's Shearwater, for Alabama's 2nd winter and 3rd coverage.The mild winter wasthought responsible for 18 Blue- record overall. Another small shearwater was seen from shore winged Teal on the E1 Dorado, Ark., CBC Dec. 18, but sur- a week later feedingwith loons,gannets, and Bonaparte's Gulls, prisingly, there were no CBC recordsin mid-Tennessee--the at Gulf Shores,Jan. 10 (GDJ).Northern Gannet countswere solesighting was of one at CrossCreeks N.W.R, Jan.I (JCR) h•gh all alongthe coast,from 581 duringthe Gulf ShoresCBC Cinnamon Teal turned up away from s.w. Louisiana in un- Jan.3 to 60 countedalong Cameron, La., beachesFeb. 11 (DLD, expected localities. One was found on the New Orleans CBC SWC) Five Am. White Pelicanswere unusual in Baton Rouge, Dec. 28 and seenthereafter by variousobservers, for only the La., Dec. 25 (JPK, PMcK), but seven on the Ft. Smith, Ark.- 3rd modern recordfor s.e. Louisianaand the first for the city Moffett, Okla., CBCDec. 20, and one in Washington,Ark., Jan. Another, shot by a hunter in Richland, La. (fide MMH), was 10 (MM1, BSa, KWi) were rare lingerers in a mild winter. also from an unexpected area Jan. 17. Up to three Greater The news on Brown Pelican recoveryalong the n. Gulf coast Scaupin Benton,Ark., Dec. 6-Feb. 7 (MM1), and four in Oktib- remmns cautiouslygood. They are increasingin Florida, Al- beha, Miss., Dec. 6 (TS), were unexpected.Oldsquaws were abama, and Mississippi(CLK, TAI, JAT); one graced 2 counts reportedfrom s. Mississippiand Louisiana,but in hardly im- in Cameron,La., where they had been absentfor years;and pressivenumbers. There were 2 Black Scorerreports for Lou- for the first time since 1967, at least three were seen in New isiana CBCs,from SabineN.W.R., Dec. 20 and ReserveJan. 3 Orleans,where oncethey were common(GS, JO). One of these Three Surf Scoterswere seen in St. Tammany, La., Nov. 15 to was found dazed from a powerline collision in a suburban probablyDec. 26 (DPM, BMM). One was seen on Bear Creek backyard, and brought to Bird Rehab. at the Audubon Zoo in both Colbert, Ala., and Tishomingo,Miss., Feb. 22 (NP). (fide JAP).A Great Cormorant was reported from Hancock, CommonMergansers were well reportedthroughout the Re- M•ss, Jan.24 (JAT, DK). The details are perfectly good,but I gion s. of their usual haunts. Twenty-seven Red-breastedMer- confessto someskepticism about essentially all Gulf reports. gansersin Lawrence,Tenn., Dec. 11 (DJS)made a goodcount Th•s would be the 10th for Mississippi,all immatures. Some at an unusual location. very high numbers of Double-crestedCormorants were re- RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES- Ospreys were well portedfrom centralLouisiana and Mississippi,and a few were reportedall along the coast,but one in n. Louisianain Bossier well n. in Benton, Ark., Feb. I & 8, and Washington Dec. 20 Jan.10 (WE, AE} was the first seenon L. Bistineauin 17 years. (MM1) Anhingaswere everywhere:about 50 were seenaround One Black-shoulderedKite seenjust insideLouisiana territory Loms•ana,with the northernmostbeing three in Point Coupee near the Sabine R., Jan.22 (JPK, JG}furnished the sole Loui- Jan 7 (DWG), and one in Madison Dec. 5 perhapsonly a late sianareport. In Hancock,Miss., they continuedto occupyone migrant (HM, HC). Two or three againwintered in s. Mississippi of the original spotsand were found in 2 new areas,an en- (JAT, m.ob.).Five foundduring the Texarkana,Ark., CBCwere couragingsign (fide JAT}.Very encouragingnumbers of win- really far north Dec. 20. One found on the Gulf ShoresCBC tering Bald Eaglescame in from around the Region,and our Jan. 3 representedonly the 3rd coastalwinter record for Al- abama. nestingS. BaldEagles continue to strugglealong. The bad news included an immature killed by gunshotin Wayne, Tenn., in Two white morphGreat Blue Herons appeared in the Region, mid-January,and harrassmentby a photographerof Mississip- one at St. JosephPeninsula S.P., Fla., Dec. 28-29 (SJSet al.) pi's only interior nest, which drove the incubatingparent off and one at the e. end of Grand Isle Jan. 25 to at least Apr. 5 the nestfor one hour Feb. 8 (fide GTL}. The photographerwas (KK, AS, GS). There are perhaps 10 records for n.w. Florida; ticketed and fined. Both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper'shawks th•s was Louisiana's 3rd. The location, timing, and soft-part are doingas well or better than ever basedon mid-Tennessee colors,at leastof the Louisianabird, suggestedthat thesewere CBCs(fide SJS}.Reports from the restof the Regionwere mostly of the populationA. h. occidentalis,or "Great White" Heron, neutral. but the white morph supposedlymay occur in the mainland S.A. population.Is it possibleto resolve the questionby field ob- servation alone? Fifty-one Great Egrets were found on the Broad-wingedHawks winter regularly in the delta be- Lonoke CBC, Ark., Dec. 21, where they are normally rare. At low New Orleans. They are expected at Venice and least two Tricolored Herons wintered at Baton Rouge (JPK, Grand Isle, where they were again found on this year's m.ob ), unprecedentedat this non-coastallocation. There were CBCs.The delta, of course,forms a peninsula, iutting at least 70 Green-backed Herons found for the season in Lou- farther s. than any other point along the n. Gulf coast. isiana, many on CBCs--a reflection of the mild weather. One A great many birds winter there which are otherwise was •n Hancock,Miss., Jan.30 ( JS,MB, JAT), where, with con- not normally found n. of s. Florida, the Yucatan, or the siderably lesswetland habitat, they are quite rare in winter. Rio Grande Valley. The presumptionhas always been Yellow-crownedNight-Heron numberswere nearer to normal, that Broad-winged Hawks there, which are invariably althoughperhaps a few more than expectedcould be found immatures,missed their normal circum-Gulf migration at traditional wintering sites in s. Louisiana. Sixty Black- routeseast or west, and endedup in the delta with water crowned Night-Herons were lingering well n. in Morehouse, on 3 sidesand nothing to do but stay or head back north. La, Dec. 27 (MMH, JA, TD). Cameronin s.w. Louisiana,on the other hand, is along the normal western circum-Gulf route. Although it is intenselybirded, Broad-wingedsare rarely found there WATERFOWL -- Fewer Tundra Swanswere reportedthis in winter. Surprising, then, were the six seen on three w•nter. In Tennessee, two adults and one immature were at Cameron CBCs, half of them adults, and most of them the Duck River Unit, Tennessee N.W.R., from mid-December seenflying W along the line of the cheniers,exactly as to Feb. 16 (fide JCR),and in Mississippitwo adultswere seen one might see them in October,migrating. Dec 13 in Grenadaand an adult first seenDec. 24 was joined

Volume 41, Number 2 291 An imm Swainsoh'sHawk in Plaquemines,La (below Ven- (JP,fide JAT) LeastSandpipers were n m Stewart,Term, Dec ice m the delta) Feb 7 (DLD, SWC, DPM) was near where one 21-Jan 1 (two) (JCR),m Oktlbbeha,Miss, Dec 6 (one)(TS), m had beenreported in November(fide OAS),and furnishedthe Benton,Ark., Dec. 6-Feb. 21 (five) (MM1 et al.), and in Wash- first record for Louisiana between early January and April, ington, Jan.11 (six) (RJ).Eleven Baird'sSandpipers were amaz- and one of the few truly wintering individuals ever found in ingly early in Lawrence, Tenn., Feb. 28 (DJS).This is earlier the Region.Six dark-phaseRed-tailed Hawks in mid-Tennessee by 2 weeks than any coastalLouisiana record, and defiesex- were abovenormal (fide SJS).Rough-legged Hawk numbers planation. Incredible also was a Pectoral Sandpiper reported were down in Tennessee(SJS) but up in n. Alabama (TAI), in Stewart,Tenn., Jan. 28 (LCC, JCR).Three Stilt Sandp•pers with a coupleof dark-phasebirds. A dark-phaseRough-legged appeared during the Jackson,Miss., CBC Dec. 20, and eight was also in Benton, Ark., Jan. 21-31 (RG, JCN, DJ), for a first during the Johnson'sBayou CBC in Cameron, La., Dec 21 recordof this phasefor the Ozarksand oneof few for the state. Most unusualwas a singlein basicplumage Feb. 22 in Lafayette, Golden Eagle numberswere up in mid-Tennessee(fide BY). La., well inland (SWC,DLD). A Long-billedDowitcher was late One was in an unusual locality on the road to Gum Cove in in Benton,Ark., Dec. 8 (RG, MM1, NB). An impressivetotal of Calcasieu,La., Feb. 22 (GDJ,DJ). Another was in Polk, Ark., 230 Com. Snipewas countedin Prairie, Ark., Jan.16 (HP, MP) Dec. 27 (DB). American Kestrel numbers were reported en- An imm. Wilson's Phalaropefound during the Johnson'sBayou couraginglyup in Tennesseeand Alabama (SJS,TAI). A Merlin CBC in Cameron furnished Louisiana's 2nd winter record seenJan. 23 to the end of the period in Lauderdale,Ala., pro- Four Louisiana countsturned up a total of sevenjaegers, an vided the 7th record for the TennesseeValley there (PK, TH, unprecedentedtotal: two unidentified,four Parasitics,and one DJS).One was in Grundy, Tenn., Feb. 3 (RR) and another in Pomarine found Dec. 20 on the CBC at Sabine N.W.R., for the Franklin Feb. 20 (JP). The speciesnormally does not winter first December record for Louisiana. m Tennessee,and these may have been early migrantsin the An imm. LaughingGull, one of n. Alabama'sfew recordsat mild winter. The Prairie Falcon in Marshall, Ala., returned for any season,was in ColbertJan. 20 (DJS).A Franklin'sGull was the 3rd winter Feb. 1-10 (m.ob.).None of the many observers in Lauderdale, Ala., Jan. 17-25 (NP, DJS,m.ob.), an immature of this bird has ever sent in argumentsto dissuadeone from way out of place. To top it all off, Alabama's first Little Gull believingthis to be a falconer'sescaped bird. was there in LauderdaleJan. 24 (TAI, NP), an adult. Trying Virginia Rails were n. in Mississippi (MFH) at Noxubee not to be outdone was Grenada, Miss., with the state's 3rd N.W.R., Jan.3, Louisianain RichlandJan. 9 (MMH, EGM), and GommonBlack-headed Gull, an immature Jan.17 (JAT) Man- Tennesseein StewartDec. 21 (JCR) and two in Maury Dec. 27 made lakes and dams may be disastrousfor bottomland eco- (WNJ).A Soracaught by a cat in Oktibbeha,Miss., and rescued systems,but they're great for wayward gulls and the birders Feb. 27 (fide MFH), was probablya migrant, but two wintered searchingfor them. (When will n. Louisianaget into the act?) in Maury, Tenn. (OBL).Sandhill Cranescontinue to show up Bonaparte'sand Ring-billedgulls took advantageof the mild m unexpectedplaces. An adult and immature provideda first winter and lingeredfar n. in Mississippi,Louisiana, Arkansas, Grenada, Miss., record Feb. 13 (GK). Two were at Wheeler and Alabama (m.ob.).The Region'sfirst CBC Galifornia Gull N.W.R., Ala., Jan. 20 (RC) for a 3rd inland record. Cranes was discoveredat Sabine N.W.R., Cameron, Dec. 20. Returning showedup againin n.e. Louisiana,this time in MorehouseDec. for its 5th consecutive winter to Harrison, Miss., Nov 16 to 17 & 27 (MMH et al.)--eight adults and two immatures.The the end of the period was the Region'sonly reported Lesser Cheneyville flock was countedat 52 Jan. 10 (SN) & 11 (JMo), Black-backed Gull (JAT). The inscrutableO1' One-Footput m Rapides,La. Mostsurprising of all in Louisianawas one seen in a brief appearanceFeb. 8 (RAD)in Escambia,Fla., for about flying alongthe Mandeville lakefront in St. Tammany Dec. 7 the 9th year. Only one GlaucousGull was found,in Baldwin, (JPK),providing the first parish record in 30 years.Tennessee, Ala., Dec. 31, a first-year bird (BH). Forster's Terns were n as usual had a few reports from Wilson Dec. 14 (RA); and at and late in Arkansas, Mississippi,and Alabama (m.ob) A 3 localesin CoffeeFeb. 21 (GY, WY, NM, LM), numbers were Sandwich Tern was late in Jackson,Miss., Dec. 7 (JAT, GM, 38, 48, and 75. CC), and another was on the CBC at Sabine N.W.R., Dec 20 Alabama's 3rd winter Least Tern was found on the Gulf Shores PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS -- A Lesser Golden-Plover CBC Jan. 3. Finally, two rare Black Terns were in Cameron m Baldwin,Ala., until Dec.2 (PB)was remarkablylate. Wilson's Jan. 2 (MJM). Plovers were found, as usual, on the CBC at Sabine N.W.R., Dec. 20, but one in Lafourche,La., Jan. 31 (PW, CK, PS) was presumablywintering. Six were found in Cameron Feb. 11 DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS--A gratifying (SWC), a flock of four, and two birds already behavingterri- number of Com. Ground-Dove reports was received for Lou- torially. Peak Piping Plover counts along Louisiana beaches isiana and Mississippi.It is cautiously hoped that we may be were: three on Grand Isle during the CBC Jan. 4; 12 on Four- witnessinga comebackfor this decliningspecies. Groove-bfiled chon Beach in LafourcheJan. 25 (GS, AS, KK); eight along Ani numbers were unexceptional acrossLouisiana, although Rutherford Beach in Cameron Dec. 19 during the Creole CBC; two wintered in a previously unreported area of Vermdhon seven along Holly Beach in Cameron Dec. 20; and six along (JE, EE, BW). Three on the Gulf ShoresCBC Jan. 3 were far the Johnson'sBayou beachesduring that CBC in Cameron Dec. east. Tennessee's9th Snowy Owl was seen Jan. 5-Feb 6 in 21. Some of coastal Mississippi'sAm. Oystercatchershave Stewart(JCR, and--surprise--60+ obs.).An immature, its pel- changed their habits: they were seen throughout the winter lets revealed a diet of primarily coots,plus ducks,grebes, and on Waveland Beach in Hancock (JAT), a pattern that beganin voles (fide P. Parmalee, D. Snyder). A Northern Saw-whet February 1985, althoughbefore that time they were never seen Owl, Alabama's 5th, was found stunned but uninjured on a away fromoffshore islands. Greater and Lesseryellowlegs were road in Talladega Jan. 30 (MAH). It was releasedFeb. 4 This n with two and four in Caldwell, La., throughoutthe season speciesis probably more commonin the pine-woodsof this (JB),and six and three in Richland,La., Jan.14 (MMH, EGM), Region than is supposed.A Short-eared Owl was found well and, finally, seven on the CBC at White River N.W.R., Ark., s. on the S. Hancock,Miss., CBC Dec. 29. ACom. Nighthawk Dec. 27. Lesserswere alsopresent in Point Coupee,La., Dec. was late but not wholly unexpected in Davidson, Tenn, Dec. 27 with seven (DWG), on the Lonoke CBC with two Dec. 21, 9 (CKC). Another was on the coastin Escambia,Fla., Dec 7 and one, a real rarity, on the Percy-PriestLake CBC in David- (SD).An unidentified nighthawk was seenbriefly in Jefferson, son, Tenn., Jan. 3. Alabama's first mid-winter Solitary Sand- La., Dec. 29 (CS);on the basisof urbanlocation, it wasprobably piper was discoveredon the Gulf ShoresCBC Jan. 3; none was a Common. Three nighthawks, all probably Lessersin rural found this year on LouisianaCBCs. A SpottedSandpiper was habitat, were found on the Creole CBC in Cameron Dec 19 n in Madison,La., Dec. 13-Jan.20 (GTL,HM, m.ob.).A Whim- A LesserNighthawk was found on the St. Tammany, La, CBC brel in Harrison,Miss., Feb. 2 providedthe first winter record Dec. 26, and seen thereafter by many. Two Whip-poor-wfils

292 American Birds, Summer 1987 and two Chuck-wall's-widows found on Louisiana CBCs were was still presentfor the CBC Jan 4 Gray Catbirds!tuned the the only reports list of birds lingering n of their coastalhaunts in this mild It is perilousto make predictionsabout wintering hum- winter. Three were foundduring the EldoradoCBC in Union, mingbirds.Better to explainthings with hindsight.The relative Ark., Dec. 18. One was in Lincoln, La., Dec. 7 (JWG). One in dearth of records must have been a result of the mild weather, BossierJan. 4 (LH) and one in BienvilleFeb. 5 (PMD) provided making it unnecessaryfor the birds to concentrateat feeders. the 2nd and 3rd mid-winter records for n.w. Louisiana. Cedar A single Buff-belliedwas reported,from Terrebonne,La., for Waxwingsstaged a goodinvasion. Loggerhead Shrike numbers the 2nd year there (PA). Totals for Ruby-throated, Black- were encouraginglyup for both Alabama and Tennessee chlnneds,and Selasphoruswere down for mosttraditional lo- (TAI, SJS). cations.An Archilochusin Harrison,Miss., Dec. 20 (JAT) failed to remain to become Mississippi'sfirst confirmed Black- chinned.A Selasphoruswas in Harrison,Miss., Dec. 20 (JAT, VIREOS THROUGH BUNTINGS -- Four Solitary Vireos DK), and another in Escambia,Fla., Dec. 23-30 (JPF, KW). A were n. on 3 ArkansasCBCs. A Red-eyedVireo was a highlight firstinterior Alabama Rufous Hummingbird visited Mr. Dugle's of the CBC at Sabine N.W.R., Dec. 20. This was the 3rd winter feedersfrom Octoberthrough the period in Tuscaloosa(BS, recordfor Louisiana,all by excellent observers.(One probably GDJ,DGJ, PF). And just to keep you on your toes,those of you could not rule out the possibilitythat these were "red-eyed" who continueto reportimm. or • RufousHummingbirds, Lou- vireos from one of the South American populations.)Rare lslana's8th Allen's Hummingbird was in JeffersonJan. 12 to Tennessee and Nashville warblers were found on the CBC at the end of the period (NLN, a bandedimm. female). Sabine N.W.R., Dec. 20. A N. Parula was found in Cameron Dec. 14 (MS, JPK)and was still presentfor the Johnson'sBayou CBCDec. 21. Another was foundDec. 18 (MW), but missedon FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SHRIKES- An Empidonax the Creole CBC the next day. One was found on the adjacent flycatcherin Sumner,Tenn., Dec. 4-Jan. 14 (RN, MI, ECC ph.) CBC at Sabine N.W.R., Dec. 20, and one was seen in the Bar- was unprecedented.Only one was found on a LouisianaCBC, ataria Unit, JeanLafitte N.H.P., Jefferson,La., Feb. 8 (RJS,PMc, Johnson'sBayou in CameronDec. 21, and one passedthrough JPK).A Yellow Warbler was locatedduring the Venice CBC a backyardin JeffersonFeb. 9 & 26 (NLN). An E. Phoebewas in Plaquemines,La., Dec. 31. A Magnolia, a Black-throated n in Benton,Ark., Jan.13 (MM1). There were eight Vermilion Green, and, best of all, a Bay-breastedWarbler rounded out Flycatchersreported from around Louisiana,two from Mis- the list of rare Dendroicafor the SabineCBC. Yellow-rumped sissippi,and one from Alabama, a goodshowing. The only Warblers bucked the trend of most insectivores and headed Ash-throatedwas found on the Johnson'sBayou CBC Dec. 21. south: their numbers were off in Tennessee but new maxima An ad Couch'sKingbird found at SabineN.W.R., Dec. 20 (Dec. were achievedon Mississippiand Alabama coastalCBCs. 21 *LSUMZ), was the 2nd confirmedfor Louisiana,and about The only Black-throatedGray Warbler was in Ibberville,La., the 7th for the complex,one of which was a definiteTropical Feb. 14 (HF). Another Black-throatedGreen Warbler was late (seeAB 38:923).There were two W. Kingbirdsreported for in the Barataria Unit, Jean Lafitte N.H.P., La., Dec. 15 (DPM) Louisiana,one on the Grand Isle CBC Jan.4 and one in Ter- Yellow-throated Warblers were found in coastal Alabama, rebonnein February (FA). One was on the Mobile Bay CBC Mississippi,and Louisiana,as usual, but a Yellow-throated Dec 20, and three,Alabama's largest wintering concentration, Warbler in Benton,Ark., Feb. I furnishedthe 3rd winter record were in Baldwin Dec. 29 (BB,RAD, SD, BoS,BrS). Two to three for that state (MM1). A few Black-and-white Warblers, Am Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were presentthroughout in Terre- Redstarts,Ovenbirds, and N. Waterthrusheswere foundduring bonne,La. (RD, FA, VD). One Tree Swallow returned to Cross coastalCBCs. A late Am. Redstartwas in the Barataria Unit, CreeksN.W.R., Tenn., Feb. 20 (JCR).Two N. Rough-winged Jean Lafitte N.H.P., Dec. 3-14 (DPM) and another was 3 ml Swallowswintered very far n. in Madison,La., Dec. 17-Jan. 1 away there Feb. 8 (AS, GS, GO, JSe).One N. Waterthrush was (HM, HC, m.ob.).A few were scatteredon s. LouisianaCBCs. there Nov. 24-Jan. 12 (DPM). Two were still present in Pla- Barn Swallows are somewhat more unusual: one was with one quemines, La., Feb. 7 (SWC, DPM). Common Yellowthroats of the Rough-wingedsin MadisonJan. 1 (JBa),and two were were n. in Ouachita,La., Jan. 6 (MMH) and on the Arkadelphia quite late in Caldwell, La., Dec. 10 (JB). Four were found on CBC Dec. 20. Finally, a Wilson's Warbler Feb. 4 in Jefferson, the Gulf ShoresCBC Jan.3. Red-breastedNuthatches barely Ala. (HHK),was the first for the mountainregion, first in Feb- put in an appearance. ruary, and only the 4th in winter for the state. One or two Bewick'sWrens wintered in Grenada(GK, m.ob.) A Summer Tanager was in Escambia,Fla., Dec. 27 (CLK, and one was in LafayetteDec. 27 (MD, GK). About eight were KW, JPf).For the 2nd year in a row, one wintered at the same found in central Tennessee,a goodyear (AP, RMc). There was feederin E. BatonRouge (FG, AG). One was nearby during the only one report for Louisiana, from the Johnson'sBayou CBC Baton RougeCBC Dec. 27. A W. Tanagerwas found during Dec 21. HouseWrens were variously reportedin n. Alabama the SabineCBC, and anotherwintered in Terrebonne,La. (MSa, and mid-Tennessee and described in both areas as rare but ESa, RD, PA). One Rose-breastedGrosbeak was unusually far increasinglyregular (TAI, SJS).Four were found throughthe n. duringthe St. Tammany, La., CBC Dec. 26. One Blue Gros- seasonin Washington,Ark. (MM1).Not surprisingly,both Sedge beak was late in St. Tammany Nov. 20 (DBC, GS, DPM), and and Marsh wrenslingered in the n. as well. Two Sedgeswere one was on the Venice CBC, La., Dec. 31. An Indigo Bunting found on the Grenada, Miss., CBC Dec. 23, one was in Wash- was seen in Escambia,Fla., Dec. 20 (DC, OF). They were re- ington Jan. 27 for a first n.w. Arkansaswinter record (MM1); corded on 3 s. Louisiana CBCs; one on the Catahoula CBC in another was there Feb. 3 in another location, and one was in c. LouisianaJan. I was unexpected.A • Painted Bunting Benton Feb. 5 (RG). One or two Marsh Wrens wintered in • brightenedthe Fort Morgan,Ala., CBCJan. 1. They were found Maury, Tenn. (WNJ);one was on the Grenada, Miss., CBC Dec. on 3 s. Louisiana CBCs, and one was in the Barataria Unit, 23, and three were unusual in Richland, La., Jan.8-9 (MMH, Jean Lafitte N.H.P., La., Dec. 22-Jan. 15. A male was an eye- EGM) Naturally, a few Blue-grayGnatcatchers were up n. as opener as far n. as Point Coupee,La., Jan.25 (DWG). well one in Pope,Ark., Dec. 12 (MP), one on the Arkadelphia CBC Dec. 20, and one in Lawrence,Tenn., Feb. 7 (DJS,MAB). EasternBluebirds were reportedin goodnumbers for coastal SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES -- A Dickcissel, 30 ml Mississippiand Alabama (JAT, TAI). At the risk of my repu- inland, was unusual in Baldwin, Ala., Dec. 9 (CMK). Another tation, I reporta Swainson'sThrush seenduring the Venice was at a feederin Garland, Ark., Jan.18-Mar. 1 (BL, PL), where CBC in PlaqueminesDec. 31--the 2nd winter record for Lou- they are very rare. There were three found in Louisiana:in isiana (DPM). One Wood Thrush was found at SabineN.W.R., Iberia Jan.28 (MJM),St. JohnJan. 18 (RJS,MWo), and Cameron Dec 20, and one found on Grand Isle, La., Dec. 12 (AS, GS) Feb. 11(SWC,DLD). A Bachman'sSparrow was out of its usual

Volume 41, Number 2 293 p•ney habitat •n Grenada,M•ss, Dec 14 (TS, MFH) There CONTRIBUTORS (Sub-regionalEditors •n boldface)-- Rob- were but 2 Am Tree Sparrowreports five on the CBCat Cross ert Abernathy, J Armstrong,Fran Allen, Mickey Baker,John Bat- Creeks N.W.R., Tenn., Dec. 21, and 12 in Garland, Ark., Jan. talio (JBa),Joyce Bennett, Michael A. Beverlein,Paul Blevins,Bfil 10 (BL, PL). A Lark Sparrowwas unusual in Escambia,Fla., Bremer, David Brotherton,Nigel Ball, David Campbell, Hfida Feb. 16 (RAD, LD). It is surely time to sound the alarm for Candlish, Steven W. Cardiff (Louisiana),Chita Cassibry,Ben B. Henslow'sSparrow: despite intensive searches, none was found Coffey (w. Tennessee),Lula C. Coffey, Randy Cook, C. Dwight on the St. Tammany, La., CBC, which usually getsthe national Cooley,C. KinJanCosher Jr., E. Camille Crenshaw,Virginia Dmgie, high. If not there, then where? Lincoln'sSparrows were more Marvin Davis, Rose Davis, Paul M. Dickson, Donna L. Dillmann (Louisiana),Temple Douglas,Lucy Duncan, Robert A. Duncan, widespread,n. and e., than usual.Several observers reported Scot Duncan, Elizabeth Edwards,Judge Edwards, Ann Elston, low numbers of White-throated Sparrows;perhaps they re- Willard Elston,Owen Fang,Paul Franklin,Harold Fray Jr.,J. Fulton, mained n. of the Region.There was only one report of Harris' JohnW. Goertz, RussellGraham, JeffGreenhouse, Almena Gudas, Sparrowfrom an unusual locale--Cheatham, Tenn., Dec. 24 Fabian Gudas,Dale W. Gustin, Tom Haggetty,M.M. Haraway, (ECC,MI). One LaplandLongspur was heard duringthe Jack- LaurenceHardy, Malcolm F. HodgesJr., Doris Hope, Bill Howe, son, Miss., CBC, an unusual coastal location. One was also Marilyn A. Huey, Earl Hughes,Nancy Hughes,Thomas A. Imhof near the coastin Hancock, Miss., Jan. 11 (TS). (Alabama),Maxey Irwin, Debra G. Jackson,Greg D. Jackson,Ramon Brewer's Blackbirdsseem to be becomingmore commonin Jackson,Jerome Jackson (Mississippi), Doug James, Wilham N the e. areas of the Region (m.ob.). Bronzed Cowbirds away Jernigan,Kenn Kaufman, Cecil Kersting,Dalton King, Curtis L. from their s.e.Louisiana strongholds were on the CBCat Sabine Kingsberry(n.w. Florida), Helen H. Kittinger,Paul Kitfie, J.P Klm- N.W.R., Dec. 20 (first record),and in Iberia, La., Dec. 13 (MJM). man, Gene Knight, Shannon Knight, Claire M. Krusco,Geneweve An ad. • Orchard Oriole, nowadaysa real winter rarity, win- T. Little, Bill Lisowsky,Paula Lisowsky,O• BedfordLockridge, tered in the lushly planted Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, E.G. Maples, Wendy Margolis, Paul McKenzie, Ruth McMfilan, often seen feeding on Turk's Cap (Malvaviscusgrandifiora), Lee Medley, Nicky Medley, Anne L. Miller, CharlesMills, M•ke sometimesin the company of a N. (Baltimore) Oriole (BUM, Mlodinow (MM1), Jim Montgomery,Hal Moore, Gerry Morgan, M J JaP,DPM). Other N. Oriolesof both subspecieswere scattered Musumeche,B. Mac Myers, BufordMyers (BUM),Joe Neal, Nancy about s. Louisiana. One • "Baltimore" was n. in Montgomery, L. Newfield, Richard Newton, SteveNorman, Glenn Oussett,Jen- Tenn., Dec. 20-Jan. 26 (NH, EH, EW). Purple Fincheshardly nifer Outlaw, Helen & Max Parker (Arkansas),James Peters, James causeda ripple. House Finches do not seem to be retreating; Pfeifer (Jpf), Ned Piper, Allen Presnell, Jaime primm (Jap), R D Purrington,J.V. Remsen,J.C. Robinson, Robin Rudd, Ed Sandos, three were at a Mobile, Ala., feeder throughoutFebruary, for a 2nd coastal record there. Two Red Crossbills made it to the Maude Sandos,Bob Sanger,Terrence Schiefer, Bob Scott (BoS), BrendaScott (BrS),John Sevenair,Damien J. Simbeck,Bermce Region,in Stewart, Tenn., Jan. 1 (JCR). Pine Siskins,unlike Smalley, A1 & Gwen Smalley, Curt SorrelIs,Jim Spence,Stephen mostboreal invaders, were widespread,if not in overwhelming J. Sledman (mid.-Tennessee),Ronald J. Stein, Paul Sunby, Mark numbers. A Common Redpoll was reported from Garland, Swan,Judith A. Toups (coastalMississippi), Bruce Wade, Phfihp Ark., Dec. 18, for Arkansas'ssouthernmost record. The Benton, Wallace,Ellen Walter, Melvin Weber, K. Williams (KWi), Maureen Ark., Lesser Goldfinch continued to visit the feeder where it Woolington,Kenny Wright, Grady York, Willa York.--DAVID P. first appeared in the summer of 1983 (DJ);there are only 2 MUTH, 1110 Robert St., New Orleans, LA 70115. other Regionalrecords. Evening Grosbeakswere widespread but sporadic,and did not reach the coastaltier.

CORRIGENDA -- Boththe Wilson'sPlover in JacksonCounty, Miss.,Dec. 21, 1985 and the Red-neckedPhalarope in Cameron Parish, La., Dec. 22, 1985 inAB 40:290,291 should have been bold- faced.

PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION

We regret that at press time, we had not received the Prairie Provinces Regional Report.

294 American Birds,Summer 1987 NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

David O. Lambeth

hisdependingwinter wason thethe locality.first orsecond Temperaturesmildest ongenerally record, averaged10-15 degreesabove normal, and the massesof coldarctic air normally expectedwere experiencedbriefly only in mid-Decemberand mid-January.At Grand Forks, a subzeroreading was not recordedin all of February. It was also the first or seconddriest winter in many places, with only the northeastquadrant of North Dakotaretaining a snowpackthroughout the winter--that snowpackbeing due largely to the early November storm. Larger lakes throughoutSouth Dakota remained at leastpartially open all winter, and the reservoir at Fort Peck in Montana did not freeze over for the first time in its history. With such a mild winter, observerstended to expect a richer and more varied bird]ire than usual. Only waterfowl tographedJan. 5-6 on the MissouriR. at Great Falls, near Giant came closeto fulfilling this expectation,as they took ad- Springs(Charles Marlen). Two W. Grebeswere on L. Sakak- vantageof openwater occurringhundreds of milesfarther awea,N.D., Dec. 14 (REM),while a GreatBlue Heron wasseen north than usual.Perhaps the mostinteresting story of this at Sand Lake Ref., S.D., as late as Jan. 7 (SJY,WAS). Twenty- one speciesof waterfowlwere observedduring the periodwith winter involved such semi-hardy species as Mourning many recordsowing to late fall stragglersand early springmi- Doves,American Robins,Dark-eyed Juncos,American Tree grants-somespedes, including Canvasbacks and Ring-necked Sparrows,Western Meadowlarks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Ducks,were movingup the MissouriR. at Yankton, S.D., by Common Grackles, American Goldfinches, and various Feb. 13 (WH). Tundra Swansremained into Januaryon L. El- hawks, which were either absent or in low numbers in well near Chester,Mont. (HM), and an unidentified swan was areaswhere they oftenwinter. Explanationsoffered to ex- seenFeb. 22 near LostwoodN.W.R., N.D. (KarenSmith). Can- plain the dearthincluded: {1) the earlyand severeNovem- ada Geese,Mallards, and Corn.Goldeneye normally winter in ber storm {see the fall report) drove potential winterers large numbersin each of the 3 statesin free-flowingareas south, {2) a seriesof recent harsh winters had killed off below the mainstem dams of the Missouri River. This winter individualsgenetically disposed to overwinter,and {3)poin e. SouthDakota, mild temperatures,the lack of snowcover, tential overwinterers succumbed to the November storm and openlakes encouraged both CanadaGeese and Mallards which they were not yet physiologicallyadapted to endure. to winter widely in numbersup to severalthousand in areas wherethey are seldomfound in mid-winter(•de BKH).Canada ABBREVIATIONS -- Place names in italics are counties. Geese returned to Nelson Res., and Bowdoin N.W.R. in Mon- LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL--Montana's first tana by Feb. 1, and to n.w. North Dakotaby Feb. 11 (DLG). Yellow-billed Loon,and alsoa first for the Region,was pho- Exceptionalmid-winter records for waterfowlin SouthDa- kota included Ross' Goose at Oahe Dam Jan. 30 (BKF0,and a SnowGoose there Feb. 3 (DAT);a N. Pintail and a WoodDuck in Pennington Jan. 9 (NRW); and a Greater Scaup at'Pierre Jan.30 (DGPet al.). A 8 Barrow'sGoldeneye wintered for the 9th consecutiveyear at CanyonLake in the BlackHills (JLB)-- hasit been the samebird all theseyears? In Montana,a Green- winged Teal and an Am. Wigeonnear Malta in late January furnished new winter recordsfor L9 (J & KS). Observationsof N. Pintail included one at Garrison Dam Jan. 10 (REM), one near Malta, Mont., Jan. 21 (J & KS), and 20 at BentonLake N.W.R., Mont., during February (DLi). HAWKS THROUGH OWLS- Hawks apparentlydid not winter in exceptionalnumbers, despite the mild winter, and the numberof FerrnginousHawks in SouthDakota was much decreased{}•de BKH).An unusualnumber of Rough-legged Hawks in Deuel, S.D., in November, did not result in any win- teringthere. There were goodnumbers in w. SouthDakota, however,and Rongh-leggedsarrived late and in goodnumbers in Montana {}•de CMC}. Both N. Harriers and Am. Kestrelswere moving back into the Regionby mid-February.A Sharp-shinnedHawk apparently winteredin Bismarck,N.D. {DMRet al.), and otherswere sightedin North Dakotaat Minot Jan.30 (GBB},in SlopeFeb. 15 (GBB,REM), and in Ward Feb. 21 (REM).A Cooper'sHawk was seen Feb. 14 at Hettinger, N.D. {D & CG). A Red-tailed Hawk roostednearly every night in a yard in Bismarck,N.D., Jan.9-19 (RLQ}.Merlins winteredwide]y, and a PrairieFalcon usedthe samewindow ledges as roosting sites at GrandForks Yellow-billedLoon on the MissouriR. at Giant Springs,Great as used the previous4 winters {RL}.Peregrine Falcons were Fails, Mont., Jan. 6, 1987. Photo/CharlesMarlen. seenin Montananear HarlowtonJan. 4 (LM) and BentonLake

Volume41, Number2 295 N.W.R., Feb. 20 (DLi); and in North Dakota near BismarckDec. Springsnear Great Falls,Mont. (DLi). Red-belliedWoodpeckers 21 (GRH), near Zeeland Dec. 25 (CJB),and near BismarckDec. were reported from 5 locationsin n.e. South Dakota, and a 28 {RNR). Gyrfalcons were sightedin Montana about 50 mi female was seenin FargoFeb. 11 (MAB). A Three-toedWood- w. of Lewistown Jan. 15 (LM) and near Benton Lake N.W.R., pecker was observedin Lawrence,S.D., Jan.18 (MMM). A N. Jan. 6 & 19 (DLi). North Dakota observationswere for one in Flicker with both red "moustaches"and a red nape appeared the Lostwoodarea Dec. 9-Feb. 16 (RKM), and one feedingon at a Malta, Mont., feeder in January (JM). A Pileated Wood- a Sharp-tailedGrouse north of BismarckDec. 27 (RWH). peckernear St. John,N.D., Feb. 1 was somethingof a surprise Greater Prairie-Chickens in Bennett, S.D., Jan. 3 (D & CG) sincethis speciesis not known to occurin the Turtle Mountains were w. of their usualrange. Sharp-tailed Grouse were actively during the summer (DLK). displayingon leks throughout Decembernear Malta, Mont., Clark's Nutcrackers continued to roam the Black Hills fol- and were similarly active in the South Dakota badlands Feb. lowingthe fall irruption(MJP, RAP), and there wasspeculation 6 (MAG). An Am. Coot wintered as far n. as Sand Lake N.W.R. as to whether they would nest. American Crows wintered at in South Dakota, and six remained through at least Jan. 21 a number of locations across North Dakota. The two Mountain near Malta, Mont. (J & KS).A Killdeer and a Corn.Snipe were Chickadees appearing at a feeder at Ft. Peck in November seenon McNeill Sloughnear Malta as late as Feb. 1 (D & TP). were regulars throughout the period (CMC). The numbers of A Franklin's Gull remained at Pierre, S.D., through Jan.29 Red-breastedNuthatches reported were in the normal range: (BKH) while an ad. California Gull, two Thayer's Gulls, and the best count by far was of 13 apparentlyterritorial birds in three Glaucous Gulls were last seen at Garrison Dam, N.D., the ponderosapines of the badlandsof North Dakota Feb. 15 Jan.10 {REM,GBB). Photos of two possible,2nd-year Thayer's (REM,GBB). Both Brown Creepers and Golden-crownedKing- Gulls below Oahe Dam Jan.29-30 (DAT, BKH) are currently lets normally migrate through North Dakota well into Decem- being evaluated;two first-year and two 2nd-year Glaucous ber. Many more than usual were found in South Dakota, and Gulls were alsothere (BKH,m.ob.). Montana's 2nd Great Black- both speciesremained throughoutthe period at several loca- backed Gull, an adult at Fort Peck Feb. 21-28, was photo- tions in North Dakota. The number of Townsend's Solitaires graphedby Carlsonand observedby others(LM, DP). The bird e. of the Missouri R. in South Dakota was called "unprece- was in the companyof 16 Herring Gulls and possiblyan imm. dented"; a total of 12 was found in 8 different counties. Five Great Black-backed. How does a Great Black-backed Gull find of these were in mixed conifersin Day (DRS, MSS). Another its way to n.e. Montana in late winter? Townsend'swas found in Grand ForksDec. 12 (SOL).American Robinswintered widely, but perhapsin lower numbers than usual. Somewere reportedas singing by Feb. 6 in Brown,S.D., and Feb. 10 at Minot (GBB). A Varied Thrush was in Minot from Jan.5 throughFebruary (Zenie Herther, REM), and another was in Day, S.D., from Nov. 17 to at least Jan. 11 (DRS). It was consideredto be a "flight year" for BohemianWaxwings across much of both Dakotas. At Grand Forks, more than one thousand arrived in mid-January and remained for about a month while strippingthe numerouscrab apple treesof their fruit. Cedar Waxwingswere presentin much lower numbers; the larger flockscontained 30 birds.Yellow-rumped Warblers were found in South Dakota in Beadle Jan. 3-15 (Blanche Johnson),and in PenningtonDec. 29, the latter identified as a "Myrtle" (NRW).

CARDINAL THROUGH FINCHES- The only N. Car- dinal reportedfor North Dakota was a male wintering at Bis- marck, where the speciesnested last year. Up to 15 per day couldbe foundin SiouxFalls (MSS). A SongSparrow wintered near Fort Peck(CMC), and onewas seenJan. 7-Feb. 3 at Fargo (MAB). Wintering Harris' Sparrows were seen in New Town, N.D., Dec. 16-Feb. 28 (RAS),Hettinger, N.D., Feb. 14-25 (D & Adult GreatBlack-backed Gull (with adult Herring Gull] at Fort CG), BowdoinN.W.R., Mont., throughJanuary (KS), and Ches- Peck,Mont., Feb. 1987. ,•,pparent]yMontana's second record. ter, Mont., throughoutthe period (HM). Both Snow Buntings Photo/Charles Car/son. and Lapland Longspurswere mentionedas being very low in Great Horned Owls were on the nest by Feb. 15 near Grand numbers in South Dakota and Montana. However, flocks of Forks(SOL), and Feb. 21 near Minot (REM).Three N. Pygmy- SnowBuntings exceeding 1000 were seenin Grand Forks,N.D. Owls respondedto tape recordingsFeb. 4 alongCottonwood (DOL). Four W. Meadowlarksat Fort Peck Feb. 8 were believed Creek s.w. of Lewistown, Mont. (LM). There were about 30 to be early migrants,and one was singing (CMC). reports of Snowy Owl for North Dakota, six for South Dakota, A Yellow-headed Blackbird wintered at a feedlot near Minot and none for e. Montana. The only Long-earedOwls were (REM).Rusty Blackbirds wintered in goodnumbers in w. North found Dec. 15 in Pennington,S.D. (MMM) and Dec. 21 at Gar- Dakota,including 25 in Februaryat New Town (BCH),and 19 rison Dam (GBB). Short-eared Owls were reported from 4 at Hettinger (D & CG). Two • Brewer's Blackbirdswere observed countiesin e. South Dakota, and there was one report each carefullyJan. 4 in a feedlotnear Bismarck,N.D. (RWH),and from Montana and North Dakota. Northern Saw-whet Owls, 10 were at SandLake N.W.R., S.D., in January(DAT, DGP). a specieswhose breeding status is largelyunknown throughout In the Black Hills, up to 200 Rosy Finches (Gray-crowned) the Region,were heard Feb. 1 & 21 in the Custer area of South appearedat 2 differentfeeders during the period(RAP, MAG), Dakota (RAP, MJP),and also in February near Sawyer, N.D. with 30 at the Glass'feeder being returns from her 1985-1986 (REM).This specieswas alsofound near BismarckJan. 2 (RMR, bandingseason. A flockof 100 RosyFinches at LewistownJan. and in the North Unit of RooseveltN.P., Feb. 10 (SWS). 16-18 included seven of the "Hepburn's" form (LM). Fewer than 10 Pine Grosbeakswere reportedfor the entire Region. KINGFISHERS THROUGH WARBLERS- In contrast to Cassin'sFinches frequented 3 different feeders in the Black other semihardies, more than the usual numbers of Belted Hills. North Dakota's7th recordof HouseFinch was provided Kingfisherswere foundin SouthDakota, where they wintered by a well-describedmale at Hope Jan.25-Feb. 16 (DLK);the in at least9 areas(•fide BKH). One was alsoseen Jan. 6 at Giant previous records were for females/immatures. A female-

296 American Birds, Summer 1987 plumagedHouse Finch came to Harris'feeder in Deuel,S.D., MONTANA---Charles M. Carlson, Dave Linehah (DLi), Larry Dec. 22 throughFeb. 2. Red Crossbillswere describedas very Malone, Harriet Marble, Dwain & Thora Prellwitz, Jim & Karen common to abundant in the Black Hills, where observations Stutzman. NORTH DAKOTA---Mary Alice Bergan, Gordon B. of heavily-streakedyoung being fed Feb.28 providedevidence Berkey,Charles J. Bo6ch, Dave L. Gillund,David & CarolynGrif- of very earlynesting (RAP, MJP). More than 600 Cam. Redpolls fiths,Gerald R. Heiser,Randy W. Hill, BerniceC. Hauser,Donald were bandedin Day, S.D. (DRS),and numberswere generally L. Kubischta,David O. Lambeth,Sharon O. Lambeth,Robert Lewis, RanE. Martin, RobertK. Murphy,Rebecca L. Quanrud,Robert N. consideredto be high throughoutthe Regiondespite the mild Randall, Ruth M. Reimers,Donna M. Rieckmann, Rita A. Satermo, winter which assuredgood food suppliesaway from feeders. Skip W. Snow.SOUTH DAKOTA--JocieL. Baker,Marjorie A. There was a strong and definite influx of Pine Siskins into Glass,Willis Hall, Bruce K. Harris, Michael M. Melins, Marjorie North Dakotain January.The numberof EveningGrosbeaks J. Parker, Richard A. Peterson,D. GeorgePrisbe, William A. waslarge in the BlackHills asusual, otherwise, numbers were Schultze, Dennis R. Skadsen,Mark S. Skadsen,Dan A. Tallman, very low. Nat R. Whitney,Steve J. Young. DAVID O. LAMBETH,1909 20th CITED OBSERVERS AND AREA EDITORS (in boldface) -- Ave S., Grand Forks, ND 58201.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

Frances Williams I • •INN \ , S. DAK. i- .... - --'-• tOklahoma,was wet and most mild contributorsallwinter. In commentedNebraska, Kansas, that birdand numbers were low, especiallysparrows. Montane birds, except for nutcrackersin northwesternNebraska, and [ • - • . Lincoln •" "winter finches" were scarce throughout. But in Texas, althoughthere were few outstandingrarities, the season ! •--Nø-r'hP.-latd e------'- --•.., .... • was far from dull. Speciescounts were high, and popula- I ; Mana?tan-•Shawne tions of some species,especially berry-eaters, were spec- • •- •'• .•'• [• Hays- Cheyenne II tacular. AcrossTexas, the abundance of lush grassesand [ • •' •'•" - I•ttoms oMarais de Cygn, weedy growthsresulting from last year'sheavy rains pro- ' CimmaronKANg • l•lf'• vided abundant habitat for sparrows, and their numbers ...... :''__-- _ -I ..... were generally high. __ .,a,.s. ;.,sa ...... [ ; OK,A. % AaK. •1 Amarillo ' i•, ' i• ABBREVIATIONS -- B.B.N.P.= Big BendNat'l Park, Texas; M[:•/ 1•4[: ¾ [• ß ' 7ebl Oklahoma ..-' G.M.N.P. = GuadalupeMountains Nat'l Park, Texas; T.G.W.G. = Texas GooperativeWildlife Gollectionat Texas A & M Univer- •Muleshoe •.• $ gBroken Bow sity. Place names in italics are counties. LOONS THROUGH IBISES- A Pacific Loon in Platte, øDallas • L.A. Neb., Dec. 9 was describedwell (BJR}.At OklahomaCity, where •" --• •1.-•l•l•;P•;•;• I'aso - -Midiand ø ß •. I. Wacoß Nacogoocnes• ' • ...... c• •_•,•'T '•Lake Livingston '•!/alentlne ...... ,• Colle•eStation• gD

even one Cam. Loon has been noteworthy in past winters, as many as 20 could be counted Dec. 1-Feb. 28 (JGN). Horned Grebeswere found in the Texas hill country at Kerrville Jan. 23 and Buchanan L., Feb. 5 (E & KM). A Red-necked Grebe at BalmorheaL., Reeves,Tex., providedone of the few w. Texas records(CB, m.ob.). Eared Grebesrarely linger in the Texas Panhandle past November, so one at Amarillo Dec. 14 was noteworthy (KS). In Keith, Neb., a W. Grebe Jan. 11 provided a first winter record (RCR), and four in Wagoner, Okla., Jan. 24 were unusual so far e. (JNo, JMcM). Two Clark's Grebes wintered at Balmorhea L. (ML, NJ). Small numbers of Am. White Pelicans can be found on most e. Texas lakes all winter, but two on Red Bluff Res.,Reeves, Jan. 3 were surprising(WHH). There is nothing unusual about flocks of Double-crestedCor- morants on lakes in n. Texas in winter, but where a few hundred used to be counted, there are now flockscomprising two to four thousandbirds (/hdeAV). A singleOlivaceous Cor- Clark's Grebe (with head turned) with Western Grebe on Bal- morant was on L. Tawakoni, Van Zandt, Tex., on the late date morheaLake, Texas,w/nter 1986-1987.Photo/Mark Lockwood. of Dec. 21 (RK).

Volume41, Number2 297 An Am Bittern at Buffalo Lake N W R., Tex, Dec. 6-24, Jan 19 was unusual In Texas, Crested Caracaraswere seen providedonly the 4th winter recordthere Great Blue Herons m Van Zandt Dec 31, Medina Dec 26, and Comal Jan. 29. wtnteredn. to Saunders,Douglas, and Boone,Neb. GreatEgrets Merlins were reportedat only 12 localities.The breedingpmr remained until late Januaryat many Texas sites,with a peak of PeregrineFalcons in G.M.N.P. was on territory by Feb 28 of 12 in Nacogdoches.One at Muskogee,Okla., Dec. 14 was (OVO). A Peregrine was seen in downtown Wichita in full about 2 weeks later than normal (JMcM). A Snowy Egret in pursuitof a RockDove Jan. 14 (DK).A gray-phaseGyrfalcon NacogdochesDec. 12 and Jan.8 provided a first winter record was studiedcarefully as it perchedatop a telephonepole near (DW). A Little Blue Heron wintered in Tarrant, Tex. Cattle Angora,Morrill, Neb., Jan.10 (RCR).Although Prairie Falcons Egretswintered acrossTexas, from Nacogdochesto E1 Paso. were scarcein w. Kansas,more were observedthan usualalong About 40 Black-crownedNight-Herons fishedin floodedfields the e. edge of the Region in Nebraska and Oklahoma, and m at Midland until late January,and a singlebird was found at n.c. Texas. LubbockJan. 26. At least 300 White-faced Ibiseswintered in floodedareas of w. Texasfrom BigSpring to Odessa.Two were QUAIL THROUGH TERNS- A N. Bobwhite X Scaled found at BalmorheaL., Jan.3 (WHH), and one lingeredat Mus- Quail hybrid was killed by a hunter in Midland, Tex., Feb. 15. kogee,Okla., Nov. 20-Jan. 20 (VJ). Gambel's Quaff were located in w. JeffDavis, Tex., Jan. 20. A Com. Moorhen was found in Presidio,Tex., Feb. 17 (GWh) A WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- Tundra Swansgraced Mus- color-bandedfirst year Whooping Crane was seenJan. 30 w•th kogeeNov. 30-Dec. 24, and SteinhageL., Jasper& Tyler, Tex., a flock of Sandhill Cranes in Blaine, Okla. By Feb. 8, both the Dec. 22. One was found dead in B.B.N.P.,Jan. 23. Ross'Geese Sandhillsand the Whooperhad left, and the WhoopingCrane were carefully identified at Cedar Bluff Res., Kans.,Dec. 21 was next seen at Quivira N.W.R., Kans., Feb. 10. Then, incre- (SS), Sequoyah N.W.R., Okla., Jan. 31 (JMcM), Hagerman dibly, it appearedback in Blaine the last week of February, N.W.R., Tex., to Jan.22 (m.ob.),Panola, Tex., Feb. 14 (SC),and again with a flock of Sandhills. Sandhill Cranes have been Randall, Tex., Feb. 10-24 (DM). According to the Nebraska known to go back and forth in this manner, so possiblythe Game & Parks Commission,record numbersof geesewere in young Whooper, being lost from its own kind, was sticking Nebraska in early December, including 115,000 Canadas, closeto the only friends it had (fide IB). 50,000 Snows, and 500 Greater White-fronteds. A Wood Duck In Comal, Tex., 27 Mountain Ploverswere observedJan 29 was found in Presidio, Tex., Feb. 17. American Black Ducks (E & KM). Greater Yellowlegs remained in MuskogeeDec 1- were observedin Douglas,Neb., Dec. 2 and Jan. 17. A Cin- Jan. 12, and visited Oklahoma City Dec. 17. A Solitary Sand- namon Teal at Tulsa Jan. 1 was the first there since 1983, and piper at Big Spring,Tex., Jan.11-16 provided an extraordinary four were found in Kimble, Tex., Feb. 14-18. Greater Scaup recordfor the season(GW et al.). SpottedSandpipers wintered were carefully studied at MuskogeeFeb. 22 (JMcM), Bell, Tex., in E1Paso and Hudspeth,and remained until mid-Januaryat Jan. 9 (ML), Tarrant, Tex., Feb. 18-23 (RHa, CH), and E1 Paso Midland. LeastSandpipers lingered in MuskogeeDec. 12-Jan Dec. 7-14 (BZ, m.ob.). Oldsquaws were discoveredat Cedar 12, and one arrived in Randall, Tex., on the early date of Feb Bluff Res., Kans., Jan. 24 (SS), Tulsa Jan. 23-Feb. 28 (JCH), 21. Largenumbers of Com.Snipe wintered in the floodedfields Comanche,Okla., Jan.14 (JMM, LEM), and Randall, Tex., Dec. of n.e. Oklahoma and w. Texas. On Feb. 17, an Am. Woodcock 1-14 (DM, KS). A Surf Scorer visited a pond surrounded by probed in the wet ground in a Wichita backyard.Woodcock apartmentsat Oklahoma City Dec. 20-Feb. 7 (JGN). A Surf courtshipflights were watched in Washington,Okla., Feb. 10 Scorerphotographed at E1 PasoDec. 7 provideda first area & 18. At Tulsa, a woodcocksat on a window ledgeof a residence record (BZ). At Lake o' the Pines, Tex., 111 Com. Goldeneyes for severalhours Feb. 19. Woodcockswere sightedin Kerr Dec were counted Jan. 11. A single brightly-colored8 Barrow's 30, Tarrant Jan.23-24, and Palo Duro Canyon S.P., Tex., Feb Goldeneyewas reportedly found at a small lake near Hattab, 8. Two Wilson's Phalaropesat Amarillo Dec. 14 provided a Okla. (no date given, P & BM); there is still no specimenof this first winter sightingfor the Texas Panhandle(KS). speciesfor Oklahoma.Hooded Mergansers were foundin Llano Five Franklin's Gulls wintered with 5000 Ring-billed Gulls and Kendall, Tex., Feb. 5 & 8 (S & EW), and in Midland to Jan. in Denton, Tex., and single Franklin's were seen in Rogers, 31 (m.ob.).In Platte, Neb., 1200 Com. Merganserswere esti- Okla., Jan.10 and Washington,Okla., Jan.11. The Little Gull mated Dec. 9 (BJR).Red-breasted Mergansers were found at discoveredduring the L. Ray Hubbard (Kaufman, Tex.) CBC Tulsa Jan.3-10, Oklahoma City Dec. 1-Feb. 28, and at many remained until Jan. 24. A constantstream of Texas birders Texas lakes throughout the season. searchedfor the bird but unlessit was in flightit wasimpostable Turkey Vultures returned to Washingtonand Osage,Okla., to find amongseveral hundred Bonaparte'sGulls. Herring Gulls Feb. 8, about 3 weeks early. Two Ospreyswintered on L. Whit- were found in Texas at Llano Feb. 5, Balmorhea L., Dec. 17- ney, Hill and Bosque,Tex. Other Texas Ospreyswere located Jan.3, and HudspethFeb. 4. A GlaucousGull was reportedm m Tarrant Dec. 14, Van Zandt Dec. 3, and Lake O' the Pines Geary, Kans.,Dec. 30 (TTC). Thayer's Gulls were discovered Feb. 20. A MississippiKite in Grimes, Tex., Feb. 26 was very in GearyDec. 27 andRiley, Kans.,Jan. 4 (TTC), Cherokee,Okla, early (RJH).In Cedar, Neb., 20 Bald Eagleswere countedDec. Dec. 12 ( JCH,JA), and Tulsa Feb. 6 ( JCHet al.). A LesserBlack- 13, and in Osage,Okla., the winter congregationof BaldEagles backedGull, thoughtto be the same as the one that appeared comprised 30-35 birds. Although no large concentrationsof in the 3 previouswinters, was seen at Oklahoma City only 4 Bald Eagleswere reported in Texas, they were more wide- times amongthe 6500 or more Ring-billed Gulls. This year it spreadthan usual,as observations came from 18 countiesacross appearedto be fully adult (JGN). A Black-leggedKittiwake the state. For the past 3 years, a N. Harrier rooston the Ft. Sill that wintered at Oklahoma City was the first at that locahty mfiitary reservation,Comanche, Okla., has been censusedin since 1968. A Black-leggedKittiwake on L. Buchanan,Burnet, early February. Resultswere as follows: 1985, 311 birds;1986, Tex., Jan.24 providedan unexpectedbonus for a Sinton,Tex, 173 birds;1987, 1045 birds (JB,SO, m.ob.).Northern Goshawks bird club that had taken the "Vanishing River Cruise" to see were reportedin Pierce,Neb., Jan.7 (MB), Douglas,Kans., Feb. Bald Eagles.Forster's Terns now winter in n.c. Texas in num- 10 (KHo), and Pecos,Tex., Dec. 4 (GWh). bers.Fourteen in Panola,Tex., Jan.I providedthe first winter A Harris' Hawk in Muskogee, Okla., Dec. 3-Feb. 28 and record there in 5 years. later provideda new recordfor n.e. Oklahoma(JMcM). Other noteworthysightings of this specieswere in Dallas in February DOVES THROUGH WRENS- A small flock of White- (BH), G.M.N.P., Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (OVO), and Comanche Nov. 15- winged Doveswintered in Big Spring, Tex., and one was seen Feb. 22 (JDT). FerruginousHawks were rather far e. at Tulsa in Midland Feb. 15. It seemsprobable that one photographed Dec. 7, Mcintosh,Okla., in early January,and Tarrant Dec. 11. at PaulsValley, Okla., was an escapedor releasedbird. [But There were goodnumbers of Rough-leggedHawks in Boone, this speciesis knownto wanderwidely--K.K.] ACom. Barn- Neb., all winter, and one in Fontenelle Forest,Sarpy, Neb., Owl nestwith 4 eggswas found in Tulsa Jan.10 (CR). Common

298 Amencan Birds, Summer 1987 Barn-Owls found •n Washington,Okla, Jan. 11 were the first Tex., Jan 12-15 (GW, ph to T C W C.). A Loms•ana Water- seenthere sinceJuly 1980 (DV) An excellentdescription was thrush was found at Ft McKawtt, Tex., Jan. 31 (DE). January submitted of a Flammnlated Owl in Crockett, Tex., Nov. 13 Com. Yellowthroats were seen in E1 Paso, Midland, Bandera, (ME). Congregationsof Long-earedOwls included 18 in Chau- Tex., and Scott County S.P., Kans.A Wilson's Warbler in Dallas tauqua, Kans., 12 in Lyon, Kans., and eight in Douglas, Neb. Jan.19 was surprising(HH). In Washington,Okla., Feb. 6, 26 Short-eared Owls worked at ehmmatingthe rodentpopulation. The only otherShort-eared GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES -- An imm. • Rose- Owls reportedwere at Tulsa.In Kimble,Tex., a Com.Poorwill breastedGrosbeak lingered in Tarrant to Dec. 14 (CH). A Black- was heard Feb. 14 (DJ),and severalpoorwills lingered in Kerr headedGrosbeak in Wood,Tex., Dec. 9 was both out of range until December (S & EW). At least 65 White-throated Swifts and out of season{LC, FMW}. A Lazuli Bunting was reported foragedover BalmorheaL., Jan.3 [WHH). Two birds identified at E1Paso Jan. 4 {RG}.A brightly-plumaged• PaintedBunting as Black-chinnedHummingbirds had returned to B.B.N.P.,Feb. fed on millet at a Lawrence, Kans., residence for 3 weeks in 13 (BMcK).At leastfour Anna'sHummingbirds were present January{AC, MC}. [This could have been an escapedcage- , at feeders in E1 Paso most of the season.At Big Spring, an bird--K.K.] In Muskogee,Okla., a Dickcisselvisited a feeder Anna's remained Dec. 4-Jan. 17 [PM, m.ob.). Feb. 17 {VJ}.Green-tailed Towhees in Mason,Tex., Jan.31 and The colonyof Acorn Woodpeckersthat had residedin Kerr, Real, Tex., Feb. 12 were farther e. than usual. A Rufous-sided Tex, "always", seemsto have disappeared(E & KM). Red- Towhee was sightedin Lancaster,Neb., Jan. 12. belhed Woodpeckerswere w. of their usual hauntsin Garden, A Bachman'sSparrow provided a not-unexpectedfirst record Neb, Feb. 21, Idalou, Tex., Feb. 2-7, and Midland Feb. 15. in Shelby,Tex., Jan.1 {RP).Although Am. Tree Sparrowswere Red-napedSapsucker is the regularlyoccurring species at E1 scarcein Kansas,two managedto journey far into Texas:Hunt, Paso, so a Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerthere Jan. 13 was note- Dec.29 {JMa}and Midland Feb.1-8 {DKe,MCr). Field Sparrows worthy (BZ). A Downy Woodpeckervisited Mason, Tex., Jan. were unusually common in w. Texas and one at Hueco Tanks 24-Feb. 20 (BF).A previously-unknownclan of Red-cockaded Jan.19 representedthe first recordin the E1Paso area in nearly Woodpeckerswas foundin Hardin, Tex. (AM). A Vermilion a decade{ JDet al.}. Five Black-chinnedSparrows were found Flycatcher in Nacogdoches,Tex., Feb. 21-28+ was the first at at Hueco Tanks Jan.19 {BZ, JD}.Three Lark SparrowsJan. 26 that locality sinceDecember 1981 (JKeet al.). The bird of the providedan unusualwinter recordfor Tarrant. Grasshopper season in Nebraska was Clark's Nutcracker. After an absence Sparrowswere seenin Llano, Tex., Jan. 15 and B.B.N.P.,Feb of 10 years,they appearedin Siouxcanyons in October,1986. 6. Le Conte'sSparrows were reportedwidely during the CBC, On Feb. 7, a "nutcracker count" in Sioux totalled an unprec- but apparentlylack of effort after that event limited observa- edented 71 birds (RCR).About 50 Black-billed Magpieschat- tions, and only 2 reportswere received:Clinton, Okla., Dec tered in Knox, Neb., Dec. 13 (MB). Very few Red-breastedNut- 23 and BalmorheaL., Jan.3 (bothWHH}. Fox Sparrowswere hatcheswere reported.Rock Wrens wintered e. to Van Zandt observed from E1 Paso, G.M.N.P., and B.B.N.P. east to the hill and Wood, Tex. A Canyon Wren was discoveredat Dinosaur countryof c. Texas,while in Bell, Tex., up to 20 a day could Valley S.P., Tex., Jan.31. Elusive Winter Wrens were discov- be countedin late January.Song, Lincoln's, and Swampspar- ered in Sioux, Fontenelle Forest, Tulsa, Washington,Okla., rows were significantlymore numerousthan usual in much Kerr, Comal, and Ingram, Tex. of Texas. The Golden-crownedSparrow in Kimble, Tex., remained KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS- A monumental until Feb. 10 {N & DJ). Unusually large numbers of Harris' recursionof Golden-crownedKinglets occurred throughout the Sparrowswintered in n.w. Nebraska,but numberswere low Regmn.In somelocalities, they outnumberedRuby-crowned in the Bartlesville,Okla., area. In Texas,Harris' Sparrows win- Krugletsas much as two to one. Unusual for the seasonwere tered at many localities where they are normally absent Blue-grayGnatcatchers at Oklahoma City Dec. 13 and Llano, B.B.N.P.,El Paso,Midland, Kimble, and Llano. Longspurs were Tex, Jan.15. In Texas,W. Bluebirdsvisited Palo Duro Canyon mostlyseen in small flocksand were especiallyscarce in w S P, Feb. 18, Kerr Jan. 12, and CrockettJan. 3. Mountain Blue- Kansasand the Texas Panhandle.In Sarpy, Neb., 70 Lapland birds were numerous and widespread from the Texas hill Longspurswere countedJan. 17, and 200 fed on a golf course country w. to E1Paso and from Waqo n. to Lubbock.Elsewhere, in Tarrant Jan.18, but in Morton, Kans.,where there are usually the only Mountain Bluebirds observedwere two in Pawnee, thousands,very few could be found. Smith's Longspursre- Kans, Feb.3 (SS).Townsend's Solitaires staged a majorinvasion mained in Rains, Tex., Dec. 28-Feb. 8. In Crosby,Tex., follow- •n the w. one-halfof Texas.The highcount comprised 15 birds ing a storm and 5 inches of snow Jan. 19, more than 5000 at HuecoTanks S.P.,Jan. 19. In Nebraska,Townsend's Solitaires Chestnut-collaredLongspurs swirled acrossthe fields. "Good were recordedin SaundersDec. 1-Jan.31 (TH) and BooneJan. numbers"of McCown'sand Laplands accompanied them {ML} 18 (WJM). One remained at Oklahoma City Nov. 23-Feb. 25 RustyBlackbirds provided new recordsat BalmorheaL., Jan. (ES, MO). A Varied Thrush provided a 2nd county record in 3 {WHH} and Bell, Tex., Jan.9-Feb. 15 {ML}. In Cass,Neb., a Johnson,Kans., Jan. 17 (m.ob.).A Gray Catbird was found in N. Oriole (unspecifiedform} survived on orangesand suet Dec B B N.P., Feb. 11. SageThrashers were abundant in w. Texas 1-Jan. 14, but was caughtby a cat. Two "Baltimore" N. Orioles and were seen e. to Real, Kerr, and Mason. A Curve-billed visited feeders in Tarrant in December, and one was seen in Thrashervisited a feederin Reno,Kans., Dec. 10-28 (fide DK). Cleburne, Tex., Feb. 18. Red Crossbillswere abundant in Sioux, Small numbersof BohemianWaxwings were seenin Kansas the maximum count comprising137 Jan. 17. Small flocks of m Kearny, Morton,Ness, and Pawneeduring January.There Red Crossbillswere present in Boone,Neb., Dec. 23-Feb. 1, was a fairly goodflight in Nebraska,where 25 were counted and one dozen came to an Omaha feeder during January.In Dec 29 in Sioux.Cedar Waxwings in Texas must have num- Kansas,small flocksvisited Pawneein February, and Stafford, bered in the millions!It was a goodwinter for N. Shrikesin Reno,Sedgwick, and Cowleyin Decemberand January.Groups Boone,Neb., and Randall, Tex., but only three were located of Red Crossbillswere aboutthe only birdsactive in the higher m w Kansas. portionsof G.M.N.P. in February. A flock of Com. Redpolls An Orange-crownedWarbler wintered at Muskogee.Single comprisingabout 200 birds was observedin Sioux Jan.3 { JT} N Parulaswere noted in B.B.N.P.,Jan. 18 and Feb. 7 (AB). A Purple Finches,Pine Siskins,and goldfincheswere nowhere very late Magnolia Warbler was discoveredin Tarrant, Tex., numerous,although populations of siskinsbegan to build up Dec 7-8 (GG). A Pine Warbler provided a first county record toward the end of the period. If the Evening Grosbeaksseen at Midland Jan.4-Feb. 20 (JMe, RMS, m.ob.).Two Black-and- this winter representedan "echo" of last year's invasion, it white Warblersvisited a Norman, Okla., feedingstation Jan. was a very quiet, minor one. Reportsof small groupscame 12 (MAJ), and one was seen in B.B.N.P.,Feb. 9. The most un- from n.w. Nebraska, Ness,Kans., Muskogee, Okla., Ft. Worth, expectedwarbler of the seasonwas an Ovenbirdat BigSpring, and Nacogdoches.

Volume 41, Number 2 299 CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OBSERVERS (Area Lockwood,Jo Loyd, Art Mackinnon,Judy Mason (JMa}, Polly Mays, compilersin boldface)-- JimArterburn, Jay Banta, Anne Bel- Janet M. McGee (]MM}, Louis E. McGee, Bonnie McKinney, Jeri lamy, CharlesBender, Mark Brogie,David & LuanneBrotherton, McMahon (]McM}, loan Merritt (]Me}, ]ody Miller, Wayne ]. Ina Brown, Ted T. Cable, Steve Calver, Arlie Cooksey,Mel Cook- Mollhoff, Ernest & Kay Mueller, Patti & Brian Muzny, Don Myers, sey, Mark Cranford 0VICr},Louise Crow, JeffDonaldson, Melinda JohnG. Newell, lira Norman (]No}, Mitchell Oliphant, O.V. Olsen, Sam Orr, Loren & Bahs Padelford, Randy Pinkston, Richard C. Droege,Charles Easley, Dixie Edmiston,Price Elliot, Myrna Eng]e, Rosche,B.J. Rose, Chuck Rippy, ScottSeltman, Ken Seyffert,Eliot BobbyeFrazier, Glenn Garrett, Roger Gore, Ron Hagen{RHa}, Bill Stanley, Rose Marie Stortz, Jerry Toll, Jack D. Tyler, Allen Val- Hardesty,Carl Haynie,Rhandy J. Helton, Kelly Hobbs {KHo}, Helen entine, Don Verser, Gene Warren, Geth White (GWh}, Sue & Egon Hoffman,J.C. Hoffman, Thomas Hoffman, William H. Howe, Deb- Wiedenfeld, Frances M. Willis, David Wolf, Barry Zimmer.-- bie Jackson,Nick Jackson,Vera Jennings,Mary A. Johns,John FRANCES WILLIAMS, Rt. 4, 2001 Broken Hills Rd., Midland, TX Kelly { JKe},Donna Kelly {DKe},Dan Kilby, RichardKinney, Mark 79701.

SOUTH TEXAS REGION

Greg W. Lasley and Chuck Sexton 1[ E A.•ti.? .... ; LA. winter'sherewas weatherlittle in thehere. way Most of drama of the orRegiontrauma receivedinthe • • PALMETTOHous•n abundant rains, particularly in December, but some ob- • Son Seguin BAYSHORE•'•-• .:• Rio • Antonio serversnoted that the pondsand lakes filled up "too late" ' ' • Uvalde - to attract and hold migrant and wintering waterfowl. The seasonwas notable for a lack of hard freezing weather. •Ea•le Pass Beeville. •0 •L WelderRe • •onsas R• Austin saw only four days {barely a few hours, really) with ' '• •%•' Alice •%• Rockport sub-freezingtemperatures, with a low of 28øF January 23. The Upper Texas Coasthad only a single morning with a ? %1•• •-•j•CorpusChristi light freeze. Despite this, temperatures Regionwide were not particularly warm; Austin, for example, stayedwithin a few degreesof normal monthly means for December,Jan- uary, and February. Mike Austin noted a substantialshift in coverageon the Upper Texas Coast, where southern Waller County received unprecedented coverage after some notable fall "• • • •e•.'• •anto •eresa sightings there. The same effect was seen in the New ' c-C Braunfels and Canyon Lake areas as magnet species(e.g., longspursand loons) attracted more observers.Coverage was strong as usual in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and we seemedto get more than a usual doseof detailed reports from visiting out-of-state birders, for which we are very during appropriatewind conditions(especially easterly) from grateful. We also noted an increasingcomputer-enhance- late Decemberthrough early February {m.ob.}.They were the mostcommon speciesoff Galveston I., Jan.31 when 350+ were ment (at least word-processor-enhancement)of reports:A counted. Eleven N. Gannetswere notable off Padre I., Jan.4 small but increasingnumber of observersare delightfully {CC}as was one observedin AransasBay Feb. 14 {GB,)Sde SB}. deluging us with detailed lists and commentary. Keep it A final notablegannet record was of six birdsflying S pastthe up, we love it! mouth of the Rio Grande into Mexican waters Jan. 31; the ABBREVIATIONS- Aransas = Aransas Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; speciesis still consideredhypothetical in Mexico { JAr, DH}. Attwater = Attwater Prairie Chicken Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; Bentsen Brown Pelicans continued their good showing at numerous = Bentsen Rio Grande State Park; Laguna Atascosa= Laguna coastal locations. Five Little Blue Herons and one Tricolored Atascosa Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; Santa Ana= Santa Ana Nat'l Wildlife Heronwintered in SanAntonio, the latter speciesrepresenting Ref.;T.P.R.F. = TexasPhoto Record File (TexasA & M University); a first winter recordfor the area {MH}. Green-backedHerons, U.T.C. = Upper Texas Coast.Place names in italics are counties. always noted singly,seemed to be reportedmore often than usual throughoutthe Regionthis season. LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A Pacific Loon on Offatt's Bayou in GalvestonDec. 20 apparentlydid not stay around WATERFOWL- In general, reports of waterfowl abun- long {M & RB}. A pair of Pacific Loonson Canyon L., Jan. 27- dance were quite mixed, with little in the way of Regional 29 provideda 2nd Austin-arearecord but were impossibleto consensusor clear geographictrends for mostregular species. relocatewhen weekendboating traffic took over the lake {L & Twenty-six Black-be]liedWhistling-Ducks wintered for the SF, ph. BA}. Three W. Grebeswintered in the San Antonio first time in Del Rio (GBo,•de VH). Three Tundra Swans in area: one on Mitchell L., Dec. 13-Feb. 22, and two on Calaveras Chambers Feb. 16-Mar. 2 (MBro) were unexpected. Greater L. from mid-Januaryon {WS,CB, MH, m.ob.).Another W. Grebe White-fronted Geesewere conspicuouslyabundant in Duval was at LagunaAtascosa, where small numbersoccasionally (3500 Jan. 15; AO) and Jim Wells (5000 Dec. 13: RA). Ross' winter (SR,SL). Northern Gannets provided "the premierevent Geesecontinued their goodshowing from Fall with higher on the U.T.C. this winter" (RB),easily eclipsinglast year's populationson the U.T.C., a dozen birds near BaysideJan. 9 showing.Groups of a few to severaldozen birds couldbe seen (CC),and singlesnear CanyonL., Dec. 13-1-(SH, MH) and Alice

300 American Birds,Summer 1987 Dec. 13 (1st tim Wells record;RA). That date was apparently other uncommonspecies that was reportedmore widely this a red-letter day for geese;a Brant was noted Dec. 13 at High season. Island, for only the 2nd U.T.C. record (DAle, DM). Reportsof Muscovies tapered off to scattered sightingsof individuals RAILS THROUGH GULLS -- Several Virginia Rails were through the period.A possibleimm. Muscovy at San Ygnacio found in the marshesat L. Long,e. of Austin; the specieswas Jan.28-Feb. 1 would significantlyextend the species'known heretofore thought to be only a rare migrant in the area (PH). rangeon the Rio Grande (FM, MA). A singlepied Muscovyat The recordWhooping Crane population topped out at 110 birds RanchoSanta Margarita Dec. 30 (SCa,DD) was presumablya (one in Oklahoma; 109 in/around Aransas--TS). One of the 21 birds hatched in 1986 died ca. Feb. 25. One adult left the fetal bird (despiteits strongflight), but it highlightsthe care and caution neededin observationsof this speciesat present. refuge about Jan. 15 and spent the rest of the winter with The southward influx of Wood Ducks noted in the Fall Sandhillsat La Ward, 15 mi from the refuge. reached the L.R.G.V.. with one bird on the Rio Grande Dec. 6 There was an encouragingsighting of Piping Ploverswhen (DDe et al.) and one or two at LagunaAtascosa Dec. 28 & 29 100+ were seenat Bolivar FlatsFeb. 16 (BO). Up to 45 Mountain (fide SL). Cinnamon Teal, by most accounts,were more nu- Ploverswere foundat or near the New Braunfelsairport during merous and conspicuousthis season.Northern Shoveler was January (MH, m.ob., ph. to T.P.R.F.). The adult and imm. N. a unanimous choice for high population levels Regionwide. Jacanasat Welder Ref. were observed in January but were We're not quite sure what pattern was displayedby diving apparentlygone by Feb. 13 (MA, CC). Two different pairs of ducks which, more than other groups,were the subjectsof Solitary Sandpiperswere noted: Two birds in Karnes Jan. 23 widely contrasting(even conflicting) reports. Up to 12 Greater Scaup were at Mitchell L., Dec. 26 and one or two stayed the winter (MH, m.ob.).Another 45 Greater Scaupconstituted an unusually large flock at Canyon L., Feb. 8 (B & JR,WS). Sur- prisinglyfor the mild weather, LesserScaups may have wintered in larger than normal numbers on the far s. Texas coast and fewer than normal on the U.T.C. In contrast to last winter, scoterswere virtually absentfrom GalvestonI., and very sparse elsewhere. Three Black Scoterswere seen at High Island Feb. 19 (PL).Many wintering waterfowl reportedly"departed early" this season(m.ob.). BAPTOIq$- News on raptors was voluminous and uni- formly good.A few Ospreyswintered on reservoirsin Austin, New Braunfels,San Antonio and elsewhere where they are normally scarceor absent. Up to four Hook-billed Kites apparently became "a predictable late afternoon show" at Sali- nerio(BB, m.ob.). An imm. N. Goshawkin Bexar Dec. 29 (MI-I) was a very rare find. Single Corn. Black-Hawkswere noted Dec. 20 at Santa Ana (JI) and Jan. 18 at Falcon Dam (OC). Harris' Hawks were in good numbers in Corpus Christi and San Antonio (KM, MH); a singleHarris' Hawk wintered at Att- water, where the speciesis very rare (MA), and another was reportedeven farther e. at Sealy Feb. 22 (CB).A rehabilitated RoadsideHawk was releasedJan. 13, 25 mi n. of Harlingen (fide SH) (the bird was reportedly confiscatedfrom someone One of twoSolitary Sandpipers found in KarnesCounty, Texas, trying to smuggleit into the United States),but a confusing ]an. 23, 1987. Photo/Willie Sekula. subad.hawk (Roadsideor Broad-winged?)was periodically seens.e. of BrownsvilleDec. 27-Feb. 5 (fide TP, m.ob.).Various (WS, ph.), and two at Santa Ana Jan. 18-29 (BH, EH, m.ob.). observerswere 100% "sure" the bird was one speciesor the This speciesis rare, but possiblyregular in winter in this Re- other. To our dismay, no photographsof this bird have been gion. A Long-billed Curlew Dec. 13 and a Dunlin Feb. 12 at submitted,even thoughseveral observers reported that it al- Mitchell L. provided rare inland winter records.Graber has lowed closeapproach. A wintering imm. Broad-wingedHawk noted a seriousdecline in the number of wintering Red Knots in San Antonio Jan.7-Feb. 8 was observedby m.ob. and pho- on Bolivar Pen. in recent winters. Last Fall's Ruff finally de- tographed.Our correspondencethis seasonwas sprinkled with parted Mitchell L., Dec. 21, after nearly a 5-month stay. Two reportsof late Swainsoh'sHawks into mid-Decemberand early or three Wilson'sPhalaropes wintered at the McAllen sewage northboundarrivals by late February (AO et al.). Reportsof ponds(m.ob.), and three Wilson'swere notedJan. 30 at Laguna White-tailed Hawks were up in coastals. Texas and the U.T.C., Atascosa(BH, EH). with a singlebird asfar e. asAnahuac N.W.R. (I-IL)and another Kutac and group were startled by a brief fly-by of an ad. inland to Bastrop Jan. 10 (LB). It is interestingto note that Long-tailedJaeger on an AransasBay boat trip Feb. 10. A first- severalwritten descriptionswe have recently receivedof sup- winter Franklin's Gull was at Mitchell L., Dec. 13-26 (MH, posedimm. Swainson'sHawks in winter actually soundmore m.ob., ph.). An ad. Little Gull Jan. 21 at GrangerL. provided like imm. White-tailed Hawks. Observers need to be aware of a 2nd Austin-arearecord (tJA, GL), but after a tentativesighting the latter species'varied plumages.Two Zone-tailedHawks Jan. 23 (BFI, could not be relocated. An ad. California Gull were seen at different Bastroplocations Feb. 28 (EK, SHi et was photographedon MustangI., Dec. 3 (GL) and was seenthe al.), continuinga trend of recentyears, while otherswere re- next day (SB, PP, AO). Another ad. California was at Sabine portedat Sarita and in the L.R.G.V. (m.ob.).Ferruginous and PassDec. 21 (tTSc). This speciesis rare anywhere in the state. Rough-leggedhawks were reportedlyregular and widely scat- An ad. Thayer's Gull was found on the Mexican side of the tered in small numbers,clearly indicatingmore birds than in Rio Grandeat BocaChica Dec. 4 (•DDe,TB, GL), and a probable a typical winter. Five Merlin sightingsin the Rockportarea first-winter bird was nearby on the United Statesside. The ad. during Januaryand February was a substantialnumber (CC). LesserBlack-backed Gull on MustangI. was presentthrough Reportsof AplomadoFalcons at LagunaAtascosa December the periodand a 2nd-winter bird was at the BrownsvilleDump to Februarymostly pertained to recentlyreleased birds, but a Dec. 28 (SCa, DD, CM). Another ad. LesserBlack-backed was bird carefully studiedDec. 7 was not banded,indicating a at a CorpusChristi landfill Feb. 10 (CC). A Black-leggedKit- probable native bird (MF, fide SL, SR). Prairie Falcon was an- tiwake stayedaround the Texas City Dike Dec. 6 throughat

Volume 41, Number 2 301 least Feb. 21, providing the first U.T.C. record since 1979. An- other kittiwake, a 2nd-year bird, was at Canyon L., Feb. 10 (CB, WS).

DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- White-winged Doves are clearly increasingas a wintering speciesin urban areas n. of their regular range.Small numberswere seen in various n. Austin neighborhoods{CS et al.} with an unprece- dent 80 counted at one area Dec. 23 (AP). Highest counts of psittacidsin the L.R.G.V. included 38 Red-crownedParrots in BrownsvilleJan. 17, 26 Red-crownedsin McAllen Jan.16, and up to 50 Green Parakeetsin McAllen Feb. 1+ {SWe,JAr, m.ob.). Small numbers of Yellow-headed and White-fronted parrots were among the "extras" in the L.R.G.V. parrot scene.A pair of Black-hooded Parakeets {Nandayus henday) nested suc- cessfullyin Rockport,fiedging three young in December {CC). Numbers of wintering hummingbirdswere still low on the U.T.C., having not fully recoveredfrom pre-1983-1984 freeze levels.A few Rufousand Archilochus sp. wintered in scattered locations.All three kingfishersmade a goodshowing in the L.R.G.V., with single Ringeds especially notable in/around LagunaAtascosa Dec. 15-18. We receiveda remarkablereport Barn Swallow (center) and two Bank Swallows at Mitchell Lake, of a • Black-backedWoodpecker, as yet undocumentedin Texas,on the extremelylate date of Dec. 31, 1986. Photo/Willie Texas, that stunned itself on a window in Del Rio (fide VH). Sekula. The bird was identified in hand {"black back, black head, and three toes!")with the aid of a field guide. The bird recovered and flew off before other observers could be notified. JAYS THROUGH PIPITS-- A few Green Jayswere reporteds.e. of Pleasanton(fide VH), n. of their usual range,and up to 12 were in Corpus Christi through the period (J & PS). Two Fish Crows Feb. 15 on w. Galveston I. were a rare find FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- The con- that far w. {B& SWi). Golden-crownedKinglets were virtually tinuing vulnerability of our Regional specialtieswas high- unanimously cited for higher numbers Regionwide. The E. lighted when some brushland near Bentsen frequented by a Bluebird populationin the L.R.G.V. was highlightedby 300+ N. Beardless-Tyrannulet{and without doubt other peripheral at AnzalduasDec. 5 { JAr).Following a CBC record,a • Moun- species}was bulldozedin January{L & RG). Some interesting tain Bluebird was seen in San Antonio Dec. 23 (MH); another Empidonax showed up: A probable Willow Flycatcher was was very far e. at Attwater Jan.31 {fide MA). The Clay-colored reported Nov. 29 in Mission (L & RG), and a Least Flycatcher Robinsat Bentsenestablished clear membershipin the "junk- wintered in Waller (TE et al.). A few Least Flycatcherswere food guild" by punctuating their popcorndiet with occasional alsoreported from Santa Ana during Decemberand January. servingsof corn chips and who knows what else {fide BB}. Most remarkablewas a wintering Hammond's Flycatcher near SageThrashers were noted in small numbersduring January BastropFeb. 16-28 {tN & SN, GL, ph.). Lasley'sfirst hunch on and February at La Joya(CV}, Laguna Atascosa{BH, EH), and the identification of the bird was confirmedwith a long series the coastalbend (fide KM}. DespiteR. Braun'sanalysis {in the of photographsand brief responsesto taped calls and songs. Spoonbill} which shows Brown Thrashers at a low point of This is apparentlythe first Texas winter record, and the first their cyclic abundance,single birds made it asfar s. asLaguna recordof the speciesfor the e. one-half of the state. AtascosaJan. 25 {BH,EH), and BentsenFeb. 15 {KW}.The Long- A BlackPhoebe in FalfurriasFeb. 22 furnisheda 2nd county billed Thrasherbanded at Driftwood in Novemberwas recap- record {AO). Several Ash-throated Flycatchers wintered on tured Jan. 12 {DC). Sprague'sPipits were regularly found at the U.T.C. and elsewhere,far more than we normally expect. several L.R.G.V. locations. Two Great Kiskadeeswere found in San Marcos Jan. 14-15, for a first Austin-arearecord, far n. of the species'regular range VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES--A remarkably late {JN, fide JA). They were joined by a 3rd bird Jan. 17 and were PhiladelphiaVireo was well describedat BentsenDec. 5 ( JAr}. seenand photographedby m.ob. through Feb. 9 {BA, GL, ph. A single "Yellow-green" Vireo, a form that actually winters to T.P.R.F.). Information from local residentsindicated the birds in South America, was reported Feb. 11 at Brownsville {MH); were probablypresent since October. Silent Couch's/Tropical seeour Fall comments.Rare wintering warblers in small num- Kingbirdsoutside the L.R.G.V. were found in Victoria Dec. 23 bersincluded Yellow-throated {at least five at 3 locations),Pine {PR),near Tivoli Jan. 10 {CC},and on the Lamar Pen., Feb. 20 (widespread,including 12-15 in San Antonio and others in the {EK et al.); however, a Couch's found Feb. 7 in Rockport was L.R.G.V.), and Ovenbird {a few on the U.T.C.; also Victoria, confirmedby responseto tapesFeb. 26 (CC).Scissor-tailed Fly- SantaAna, and Bentsen).A Black-throatedGreen Warbler was catchers apparently lingered late {e.g., Dec. 31) and arrived seenin HoustonJan. 19 (MBro). A Magnolia Warbler at Brazos early (e.g.,Feb. 14), but none of the reportsclearly indicated Bend S.P., Feb. 23 {DM) provided a first February record for overwinteringby individual birds. Two Rose-throatedBecards the U.T.C. Yellow-rumpeds were widely regarded as overly were reported at Santa Ana Dec. 20-31 (fide JI). abundant this season. A • Hooded Warbler seen Jan. 13 and It was a very unusual seasonfor the number of swallow photographedJan. 14 w. of Austin provided a first area winter speciesthat lingeredlate and/or overwintered.Twelve Purple recordand about the 3rd for Texas {DA, fide CL, CS).A Golden- Martins were at San Antonio Dec. 14 (AO, N & PP, SB), with crowned Warbler s.e. of Brownsville,initially discoveredFeb. severalreported there into late December.Especially notable 1 {DH, JAr), provided to be very difficult to relocate at times were a few Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, but was seenby m.ob. through at least Mar. 7 {ph. to T.P.R.F.). and Cave Swallowsaround San Antonio all period {WS, MH, The more familiar we becomewith the habits of this species, m.ob., ph.). From two to 20 Bank Swallows were noted peri- the more we suspectthat it may be scarce but regular and odically through Januaryat Santa Ana {SCa,MO, m.ob., ph.}. overlookedin winter in th L.R.G.V. A Hepatic Tanager in n. MostFebruary records of variousspecies seemed to be of spring Austin Dec. 25 { JW) seemed to add to a pattern of winter oc- arrivals moving through or investigatingnesting areas. currencein our area superficiallysimilar to that of Zone-tailed

302 American Birds, Summer 1987 Hawksl (The tanagersdo not hang out with vultures, though) record, and two Rusheson the King Ranch Feb 15 provided A W Tanager was at Laguna AtascosaDec 25 (fide SL, SR) a first Klebergrecord (tN & PP) As many as 380 Boat-rafted A concentrationof 600-700 Pyrrhuloxiasnear Falfurnas Feb. Gracklesnear Austwell Jan. 19 were a large group for so far 21 (AO, m.ob.) was an eye-catchingphenomenon very rarely south(CC). Four Red Crossbillswere identified Feb. 17 near reported. A Black-headedGrosbeak spent its 2nd winter at Bastrop(BW), and a singleRed Crossbillwas heard at Utley Falfurrias. A • Lazuli Bunting visited a CorpusChristi feeder (closerto Austin) Feb. 22 (BF). Feb. 2-Mar. 16, with a few Indigos(J & PS).A Painted Bunting appearedFeb. 22, for a triplet of buntingspecies at that feeder! Up to seven White-collared Seedeaterswere reported at San Ygnacio during the season. CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS--Richard A Black-chinned Sparrow in Del Rio in December was re- Albert, Don Alexander (DAle), Doug Allen, Jon Andrew, Ben portedly the 2nd winter in a row for the speciesthere (VH). Archer, Keith Arnold, JohnArvin (JAr), Mike Austin, SharonBar- This is the only part of the Regionwhere we mightreasonably rels,Bob Behrstock, Charles Bender, Tony Bennett,Gene Blacklock, expect this species.A SeasideSparrow in w. Harris Jan. 24 Ginny Boland (GBo),Marcia & Ron Braun, Mark Brown (MBro), provided a rare non-coastalrecord (RC, BG). Fox Sparrows LawrenceBuford, Sheriton Burr (SBu),Steve Cardiff (SCa),Oscar were reportedly up in numbers in Austin (EK), and a single Carmona,Ronnie Carroll, Charlie Clark, Sherry & Tom Collins, bird gotas far s. asVictoria Dec. 23 (PR).Sparrows were thought Don Cormell, Wesley Cureton, Dave DeSante(DDe), Donna Dirt- to be sparseon the U.T.C., especiallyWhite-throated (m.ob.), man, Ted Eubanks, Mark Feldman, Lona & Steve Flock, Brush but a singleWhite-throated was rather far s.w. at Del Rio Jan. Freeman, Louise & Red Gainbill, Bob Gard, William Graber Ill, 12+ (VH). A SongSparrow in BrooksFeb. 12 providedonly a BruceHallerr, Ed Harper,Pat Hartigan, Vern Hayes,Steve Hawkins, secondcounty record. Longspursexcited observersin the n. Mitch Heindel, DeborahHerczog, Steve Hilty (SHi),Joe Ideker, Ed one-halfof the Region.Laplands were generally the mostcom- Kutac, SteveLabuda, Cliff Ladd, GregLasley, Paul Lehman,Harry monon the U.T.C. (e.g.,Wailer), outnumbering McCown's 100 Lehto, Tony Leukering, Kay McCracken, Chet McGraw, Floyd Murdoch, Derek Muschalek,Nancy & Skip Newfield, Jim Newman, to I Four Laplandsat San Antonio Jan.4 provided a 4th Bexar Michael O'Brien,Andy O'Neil, BrentOrtego, Nancy & Paul Palmer, record, and one dozen or so Laplands made it down to Mc- Arnold Pfrommer,Tom Pincelli, Bob Pope,David Powell, Scott Mullen (BP,fide KM). New Braunfelsplayed host to all four Rea, Peter Riesz,Barbara & JohnRibble, Sue Rice, Craig Roberts, speciesbetween December and February,with peak countsof Larry Rosche,Tom Schulenberg(TSc), Willie Sekula,Chuck Sex- 1000 McCown'sJan. 11, 60 LaplandsJan. 1, and 150 Chestnut- ton, Tom Stehn, Jimmy & Pat Swartz, Jim Tucker, CharlesVachon, collaredsDec. 25 (WS, MH, m.ob.).One to three Smith'sLong- Ken Ward, Sally Weeks(SWe), John White, Bret Whitney, Egon& spurswere seen or heard there Dec. 25-Jan. 22, but were dif- SueWiedenfeld, Beverly & SteveWilliams (B & SWi),John & Linda ficult to locate.The latter speciesis casualin the area.A Rusty Zempel.--GREG W. LASLEY,5103 Turnabout Lane,Austin, TX BlackbirdJan. 4 in Del Rio (VH) furnishedabout the 2nd area 78731, and CHUCK SEXTON, 101 E. 54th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION

W.G. Johnston and C.A. McEwen in Whitehorse,one female was seen Dec. 28 on Mcintyre Cr (GJ)and anotherJan. 10 at the WhitehorseRapids (HG). Other ducksobserved were three Corn.Goldeneyes on the PeaceR, nwinterYukon thatand wasn't."northern BelowBritish theColumbia, Arctic Circle,thiswas winter "the Jan. 11 (CS), another on the Yukon R., Dec. 28 (JM), and 3 temperaturesremained well above normal throughout the sightingsof Corn.Merganser: three at TaylorFeb. 22 (CS),three season.Temperatures were 9.8 and 7.8øC warmer than av- at Hudson Hope Jan. 11 (CS), and three on the Yukon R. at erage in Whitehorse and Fort Nelson, respectively,with Lewes R. Marsh Dec. 28 (DM, JM). precipitation also well below normal. The mild winter At least three ad. Bald Eaglesapparently wintered on the weather was reflected in the increased number of non- PeaceR. betweenF.S.J. and HudsonHope (CS).Although Gyr- falconsare probablycommon winter residentsin the northern residentspecies overwintering in the Region,and the early mountains,they are rarely observed.Only one was seen this migration of robins through the Fort Nelson and Fort St. season,Jan. 2 near the Yellowknife airport (BC).Single N. Gos- John areas (RD). The most unusual northern sightingsof hawks were noted near Yellowknife Feb. 7 & 14 (BC), and in non-resident speciesinvolved a male Mountain Bluebird the F.N. area Jan.10 & 29 (JB). inspectinga bird box'in Whitehorsein February (CH) and Ruffed Grousewere reportedfrom North Pine in the F.S.J. a Common Grackle that overwintered in Yellowknife, area,with three Dec. 27 and one Dec. 28 (CS),and one was in Northwest Territories (DMu). WhitehorseJan. 4 (GJ).A flockof 100 Sharp-tailedGrouse was ABBREVIATIONS--F.N. = Fort Nelson, B.C.; F.S.J.= Fort noted at Two Rivers, s.e. of F.S.J.,Jan. 24 (GP), four were at St John,B.C. North Pine Dec. 28 (CS), and five were near Beaver Creek, Yukon,Jan. 14 (DM).Although Spruce Grouse are commonin WATERFOWL THROUGH GROUSE -- Two Trumpeter this Region,only one observationwas reportedthis season' Swans were noted throughout the seasonutilizing tradition- one at McClintock Bay, s.e.of Whitehorse,Dec. 28 (BH).Several ally-openwater areason the Yukon R. near Whitehorse and hundredWillow Ptarmiganwintered in the Yellowknifearea, openwater in the Tagisharea (DC,fide MD). This represented as they commonlydo (JS),and 51 were countedduring the the firstwinter recordfor the Yukon. Mallardswere unusually Inuvik CBCDec. 27 (JP,BM). Flocksof ptarmigan,likely Willow ubiquitousand abundantthroughout the Region.Flocks of 250 and White-tailed, numbering into the hundreds were noted Dec. 20, 50 Jan. 12, and 10 Jan. 22 were seen in the Peace R. during aerial moosesurveys in the mountainsto the e. and arean. of F.S.J.(HE). At F.S.J.,one male was seenFeb. 14, and s.w. of Whitehorseand n. of WatsonL., Yukon, usually in the 75 malesand 10 femalesFeb. 22 (CS);at Tarten Rapidson the shrub willow habitat at treeline, often in associationwith herds YellowknifeR., N.W.T., one femalewas seenJan. 26 (iS); and of moose(GJ, SM).

Volume 41, Number 2 303 Ravenswere reportedin regularnumbers, with Decemberh•gh countsof 946 at Yellowknife(JS) and 281 m Inuvik (JP,BM). Borealand Black-cappedchickadees were reportedm usual numbers. A White-breasted Nuthatch remained at a feeder m DawsonCreek from Novemberto February(JC). A 8 Mountain Bluebirdinspecting a bird box in Februaryin Macpherson subdivision,n.w. Whitehorse(CH), providedthe first winter recordfor the Yukon.A BrownCreeper noted Jan. 28 at F.S.J. providedthe 3rd winter recordfor the area (JB,JJ). American Dippers were seen in regular numbers at openwater sitesnear WhitehorseRapids and Mcintyre Creek (HG, GJ),and on the PeaceR. at F.S.J.(CS). An early Am. Robinwas reportedjust s. of F.S.J.,Feb. 15 (RD);one to two werein Dawson Creek at about the sametime (CS),and one was in downtown F.N., Feb. 27 (JB). Bohemian Waxwings were noted in small flocksthroughout the winter feedingon ornamentalshrubs and treesin F.S.J.(CS). A rare winter sightingof a N. Shrike came from Yellowknife Feb. 12 (DMu), and the specieswas alsorecorded on 3 occasionsin the F.S.J.area (CS).Two Eur. Starlingssinging in a flock of Corn. Ravensat the Whitehorse dumpprovided the firstwinter recordfor the Yukon(GJ), and a totalof 14 starlingswas noted throughout the winter in F.S.J

LONGSPURS THROUGH HOUSE SPARROW--The first winter record of a Lapland Longspurfor the F.S.J.area was made at North Pine Dec. 27 (JB}.Snow Buntingswere reportedlyless common than usualin the F.S.J.area. Common Gracklesare unusual in this Regionat any season;one was at a feederin Yellowknife all winter (DMu}, and one was seen at F.S.J.,Jan. 18. Few White-winged Crossbillswere noted in the Yukon.Pine Grosbeaks were commonthis winter, reported in smallflocks throughout the s. partsof the Region,including the F.S.J.,F.N., Whitehorse, and Watson Lake areas (mob } Both redpollspecies were reportedas less common than usual in the F.S.J.area (CS}.However, duringNovember and Decem- ber they were abundant in the Teslin and Watson Lake areas, PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS--Although with flocksof 50-150 noted feedingin birch and alder thickets RockDoves are seendaily in the Whitehorsearea, their num- adjacentto the AlaskaHwy (GJ}.Evening Grosbeaks were noted bershave declined from a high of 150 in 1984to a maximum in the F.S.J. area, concentrated near sunflower seed feeders, of 50 this year (GJ).In 1984 their main winter roost site was with flocksof 60 at Mountney, 30 at BeattonP.P., and 60 at torndown, concurrent with a localmerchant no longer feeding StoddartDec. 27 (CS}.House Sparrows were notedthroughout them grain through the winter. Siddle notesthat Rock Doves the winter in flocks of 20-40 near feedersin F.S.J.(CS) and havealmost vanished from F.S.J.,with only two seenFeb. 21, several individuals were noted daily in Yellowknife, where but were still commonin DawsonCreek, with 100 Jan.23. they roostedin Cliff Swallow nests(JS). GreatHorned Owls were noted throughout the c. ands. parts of the Region,with recordsof one Dec. 27 and one Dec. 28 at CONTRIBUTORS-- H. Beimett,J. Bowling, J. Cook, D. Cornett, F S.J.(CS}, one Feb. 4 at F.N. (JB},and throughoutFebruary B. Croft,R. Davies,M. Dennington,B. Ferguson,H. Griinberg,B at Whitehorse (GJ}.One N. Hawk*Owl was noted 320 km e. of Hayes,C. Hayes,D. Heard, G. Johnston,J. Johnston, M. Lammers, Inuvik, N.W.T., Feb. I (DH},and a SnowyOwl was observed J.McDonald, B. McLean,S. Miller, D. Mossop,D. Muirhead(DMu), at NorthPine Dec. 27-Feb. 21 (CS).A N. Saw-whetOwl roosting G. Paille,J. Pangman,K. Poole,C. Siddle,K. Simpson,M. Singh, •n a garagein Taylor, PeaceR. area,Dec. 29 (CS}represented J.Sirois.--W.G. JOHNSTON and C.A. McEWEN, Northern Biomes the first winter record there. A Boreal Owl was heard near the Ltd., Box 4•49, Whitehorse, Yukon YIA 4N6. F N. airportFeb. 5, 6 weeksearlier than the previousyear (JB}. The firstwinter record for Pileated Woodpecker in thePeace R areawas establishedJan. 19 near Taylor (CS},and another •ndividualwas reported in the F.N. areaDec. 21 (JB}.A Hairy Woodpeckerwas noted near the F.N. airportFeb. 12 (JB},and an unusualwinter sighting of thisspecies was reported at Duck Lake,near Yellowknife, Jan. 4 (JS}.Hairy and Downywood- peckerswere noted in usualnumbers in the F.S.J.area (CS}. A Three-toedWoodpecker was notedin Inuvik Dec. 27 (JP, BM},one male was in Whitehorsethroughout the winter (GJ}, onewas seen at StoddartCr., near F.N., Dec.27 (JB},and two were near LewesR., s. of Whitehorse,Jan. 15 & 18 (ML}.

CORVIDS THROUGH STABLINGS- Gray Jays were seenin regularnumbers in all areas(m.ob.). Four to six Blue Jayswere seen almostdaily during Januaryand Februaryin F S J. (CS). Black-billedMagpies were reportedin regular numbersfrom the F.S.J.and Whitehorse areas (m.ob.}. Common

304 AmericanB•rds, Summer 1987 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN-INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

Thomas H. Rogers

snowinter incover,the presagingRegion wasa hotmild dryand summer dry, with to follow.little Several observers reported low numbers of birds, attrib- uting this to the weather, which did not force birds to concentrate in their search for food, and left much water unfrozen. Reportswere numerousof birds that normally do not winter or do soonly occasionallyor in very small numbers."Northern" fincheswere generallyscarce, presumably remaining farther north or in the mountains. Sparsecone cropsin some lowland areas no doubt were also a factor.

LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A Pacific Loon wintered at Vernon,B.C., Dec. 15-Feb. 28 {PR}.Hayden L., KootenaiCo., Ida., had a PacificLoon and a Red-throatedLoon Jan. 2-9 {PH). A Yellow-billedLoon visited Nicola L. in the Brookmere-Aspen Grove, B.C., area Dec. 29-Jan. 20 {RRH, WWe}. Three Horned Grebesand a Red-neckedGrebe were sightedon Hayden L., Jan.4 {PH, MM, ES, SHS},and another Red-neckedspent De- cember and January there {PH). Red-neckedGrebes on the Columbia R. near Orondo, Wash., were also unusual {RF}. About 500 Eared Grebeson SoapL., Grant Co., Wash., were mostly forcedout by the mid-Januaryfreezeup {RF}. Three EaredGrebes on Pend Orefile L. at Bayview,Ida., Feb. 16 were WYOMING suspectedof having wintered {DF}, and three wintered on Hayden L. {PH}.Two W. Grebeson the Snake R. at Clarkston, Wash., Jan. 27 were very early {MK, PP} as was one on the Snake at MassacreRock, Power Co., Ida., Jan. 17 {CHT}. Seven Am. White Pelicans frequented Matheur N.W.R., Burns, Ore., in early January, for one of the few winter records Feb.24 (LDN).The first two migrantSnow Geese to appearat there {CDL}.Very unusualwere two near Wallula, Wash.,Jan. Malheur N.W.R. arrived Feb. 9 but the bulk of the movement 24 {KK),and the wintering of 10 on the Hanford Reachof the was late. Six blue-phaseSnow Geesewere alongFrenchman ColumbiaR. n. of Richland,Wash. {RF}. Two that lingered Hills wasteway,Grant Co., Wash.,Jan. 4 {RF}.Canada Geese aroundKlamath Falls, Ore., throughDecember were late {SS}. were abundant in the n. Columbia Basin, with flocks of 200- Double-crestedCormorants wintered in greater numbersat 2000common. A recordnumber of CanadaGeese, 12,450 plus Malheur N.W.R. than ever before.at least 10-11 remaining. 50 "Lesser"Canadas, wintered in the Malheur-Harney Lakes Thisspecies wintered in HoodRiver Co., Ore. {DAA},and small Basin,Harney Co., Ore. Gooseand duck numberswere up at numberswere notedin the Tricities,Wash., vicinity through Bend, presumablybecause of the mild winter. Two 8 Wood Jan.2 {CR, REW}. A Great Egret,exceptionally rare in Jefferson Duckswintered at Helena,Mont., where they fedwith Mallards County, Ore., and rare anywhere e. of the Oregon Cascade on foodsupplied them (GH). Up to 24 WoodDucks were sighted Mts. in winter, was at Madras during January OH). A Cattle in the Lewiston,Ida., area in January.Green-winged Teal were Egretremained at Clarkstonuntil Dec. 16 {MK, LL, RIV0.Five common in the n. Columbia Basin; some 600 were on Potholes were sightedn. of CollegePlace, Wash., Dec. 7, and two showed Res., Grant Co., Wash., Jan. 4. Mallards were particularly up s. of Walla Walla, Wash., a week later {KK}.Eight Black- abundant in the Columbia Basin from mid-February on: crownedNight-Herons appeared in the Toppenish,Wash., res- 15,000-20,000fed in stubblefields e. of George,Wash., and identialarea Dec. 21 {CD,DG}, and two were sightedat Gleed, over 80,000 were along Frenchman Hills and Winchester Wash., Jan. 30 {ZB} for those localities' first winter records. wasteways,Grant Co., Wash., and in adjacent corn stubble- The speciesis rare there at any season. fields. Mixed with them in the latter area were several thousand N. Pintail. Some 7000-8000 Mallards at Kootenai N.W.R. WATERFOWL- Twenty-eight Tundra Swans were at were reducedto one-halfthat numberby the Januaryfreezeup. Sunriver, Ore., Jan. 17+ {DD}. An imm. Tundra Swan at the About10 N. Pintaillingered into Decemberat KootenaiN.W.R., Yakima R. mouth, Wash.,Jan. I was a rather surprisingfind and the speciesreturned Feb. 16 (LDN). Two very early N. {REW}.Small numbers wintered in Washington'sColumbia Shovelerswere on Noxon RapidsRes., Sanders Co., Mont., Basin.One on the Salmon R. 15 min. of Salmon,Ida., Jan.9 Feb. 8 (DH). About 800 Gadwallwere on MosesL., Grant Co., was also unusual {LH). Malheur had 48 wintering Tundra Wash.,Jan. 4 (RF),and fifty near CascadeLocks, Ore., Feb. 16 Swansin the s. Blitzen Valley. Over 500 Tundra Swansand was a very goodnumber there (DAA). The only Eur. Wigeons 25 Trumpeter Swanswintered at Kamloops,B.C. {RRH),as did reported were single males that wintered near Odell, Ore. 75 Tundra and 11 Trumpeter swansin the OkanaganValley, (DAA), and in Walla Walla (KK); one at Pateros, Wash., Feb. B.C. {SQ. Trumpeter Swan numbers at Malheur N.W.R. were 14 (EH, GG, S.A.S.), and one on ToppenishN.W.R., Yakima up from last winter, with 49 countedJan. 6. Ten Trumpeters Co.,Wash., Feb. 14 (BB,AS, SSt).Six Ring-neckedDucks win- at Cold SpringsN.W.R., Hermiston, Ore., Feb. 4 were gone tered on Nicola L., where they are rare in winter (RRH). Two Feb. 8 {KK}. GreaterScaup were identifiedat the Tricities Dec. 21, and 15 A small flock of Greater White-fronted Geese was at Bend, were sightedat JohnDay Dam on the ColumbiaR., Ore. (CR). Ore., Dec. 27 {MMo) and one appearednear Parkdale, Ore., The specieswas alsonoted at Wells Dam, s. OkanoganCo., Jan.4 {DAA}.This speciesbegan arriving at Malheur N.W.R., Wash.,and ChelanFalls, Wash., in February(EH, GG,S.A.S.). Feb. 14 and was commonnear Burnsby the end of the spring A pair of Oldsquawswas on Hayden L., Jan.4 (MM, ES,SHS), period. At Kootenai N.W.R., BonnetsFerry, Ida., 20 arrived and one appearedat Vernon Dec. 21 (PR). One found on L.

Volume 41, Number 2 305 Ewauna, Klamath Falls, Nov 28 stayed around until Jan 2 Noteworthy were an imm Thayer's and an ad GlaucousGull (SS) The Columbia R m Richland hosteda • Surf ScoterDec at Richland,Wash, Dec 11 (CR) A GlaucousGull in first-year 21 (PEW).A •-plumagedWhite-winged Scorer was present Feb. plumage appearedat Lenore L., Grant Co., Wash. (RF). 6-t-on SiphonPond near Pocatello(DFi, m.ob.),and one was on ShuswapL., n. of SalmonArm, B.C., Dec. 21 (SR).A 8 Bar- DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS--A Ringed Turtle- row's Goldeneyeat CascadeLocks, Ore., Dec. 27 was apparently Dove,presumably an escape,visited a Cranbrook,B.C., feeder a latilong first (DAA). Banks L., Grant Co., Wash., had 1500 in late December (MR). A surprising 25 Mourning Doves fed Com. MergansersJan. 4 (RF). Noteworthy were three Red- on the snowyground at Colburn in n. Idaho in mid-February' breastedMergansers at Vernon Dec.2-21 (PR)and four at Trail, (DF). Two were seennear FrenchglenDec. 18 for one of very B C., during December (ME). One appearedon a pond near few winter recordsat Malheur N.W.R. (CDL). Wapato, Wash., Jan. 1 (DG). An E. Screech-Owl was reported s. of Lewistown, Mont, Feb. 28 (LKM). Up to three Snowy Owls were sightedin the Reardan-Davenport, Wash., area (JA), and one was reported VULTURES THROUGH GULLS -- A Turkey Vulture at s.e. of MosesL., Wash. (RF). One appeared in the Bitterroot Hayden L., Ida., Jan. 12 was remarkable(PH) and a very early Valley s. of Missoula, Mont., in December (JS). The only N one was at PanhandleL. near Newport, Wash., Feb. 27 (EJL). Hawk-Owl reportedwas one at Kelowna Jan. 3 (fide PR) A As many as 81 Bald Eagleswere believed presentin Lincoln Barred Owl was sighted at Asotin in December (C.B.). Two and Sanderscounties, Mont., during the winter (DH). Twenty- GreatGray Owls spentthe winter at Timber L., Kamloops(RB) seven were counted in the Adam's R.-Shuswap L. area n. of A single Great Gray appeared at Tetonia, Ida., in December, Salmon Arm, B.C., Dec. 21 (RRH). The Bald Eagle count at the usual influx into that area's bottomlands did not occur Lower McDonald Cr., Glacier N.P., Mont., reached a peak of (CHT). A pair of these birds was observedtwice in February 236 Nov. 4, and the head of L. McDonaldin the park recorded at La Pine, Ore. (HH). An estimated 40 Long-earedOwls win- 1575 eagle-use-days,the highest ever there (BRM). A wing- tered in the Frenchtown valley w. of Missoula, Mont. (DHo) taggedBald Eagle,marked in Glacier N.P. in 1979, returned Seven Boreal Owls were detected Feb. 26 with the help of for the 3rd consecutiveyear to the Lemhi R. near Salmon,Ida. taped calls on a 2-hour snowmobilerun at Lolo Passon the (LH). Kootenairefuge's Bald Eaglenest site was againactive, Idaho-Montana border. The night run was in 6øFweather and with incubation under way by Mar. 5 (LDN). A nearly all- 4-6 ft of snow (DHo, RL, PLW). The only N. Saw-whet Owls white Red-tailed Hawk at Toppenish,Wash., Dec. 30 had been reportedwere two heard near Culdesac,Ida., Feb. 14 (C.B) reported as a white Gyrfalcon (BB, DG, CR, AS, REW) and a A White-throated Swift was heard in the Yakima R. Canyon very dark Red-tailed there Feb. 10 probablywas a "Harlan's" n. of Yakima, Wash., Feb. 16 (CD). An Anna's Hummingbird (CR). Falcon sightingsindicated six Am. Kestrels(and "com- stayed at Vernon December to February (PR). Fort Simcoe, mon" in the ColumbiaBasin), 21 Merlins, five Peregrines,ten Wash., had 10 Lewis' WoodpeckersFeb. 14 (BB,AS, SSt)and Gyrfalcons,and 19+ Prairie Falcons. one at Salmon,Ida., Dec. 18 was very unusual (HBR).A White- Ring-neckedPheasants were very scarcein the Idaho Falls, headedWoodpecker was in Madras, Ore., in January.The spe- Ida., vicinity (EC),but converselyincreased "dramatically" in ciesis extremely rare in that area (IH). Another one spentthe the Frenchglen,Ore., area, 185 being countedDec. 18 (CDL). winter on Anarchist Mt. near Osoyoos,B.C. (MF), and one was A 8 Blue Grouse wintered in the town of Invermere, B.C., vis- sightedat FieldsSprings S.P., s. of Ariatone,Wash., Jan. 7 (CV) iting feedersand eatingsunflower seeds (MY). SeveralWhite- A Black-backedWoodpecker was observedFeb. 9 about 40 ml tailed Ptarmiganwintered on Silver Star Mt., Vernon, a fully n.e. of Burns (CCa), and one was found at Kaslo,B.C., Jan 9 treed area some 40 mi from the nearest alpine habitat (PR). (LVD). Downriver from Spokaneone was seenin Januaryand A Virginia Rail at FrenchglenDec. 18 made Malheur's 2rid February (JA). One sighted Jan. 2 at Fortine, Mont., was the winter record(CDL) and Vernon had two Dec. 7 (PR).Presence first there since 1983 (WW). The albino PileatedWoodpecker of the speciesat Metcalf N.W.R., Stevensville,Mont., was un- returned to the Libby, Mont., feeder that it frequentedlast usualalthough not unprecedented(CC, SCa,DHo). Three were winter (DH). The earliestSay's Phoebe appeared in Asotin Feb heard at Caliche L., 30 mi e. of Ellensburg,Feb. 16 (EH, GG, 10 (BC).A very early Violet-greenSwallow appeared at Coeur S A.S.). Open water springsat Malheur enticed a Sora, seen d' Alene, Ida., Feb. 24 (MM). Dec. 10 (CDL).A SemipalmatedPlover was reportednear En- derby, B.C., Jan. 11 (no details supplied) (PL). Two Greater JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Steller'sJays visited Mad- Yellowlegswere at Asotin, Wash., Dec. 13 (C.B.),and two ap- ras, Ore., where they appearonly about once every 5-10 years pearedalong the ClearwaterR. at LewistonJan. 24 (RG, MK, (IH). A Blue Jaywas seennear FrenchglenDec. 18+ (CDL)and PS).Two LesserYellowlegs accompanied the regularwintering one was sighted at Spokane in January and February (JA) flockof GreaterYellowlegs at KlamathFalls Decemberto early Another stayedin Madraslate Octoberto mid-Januaryfor the Januaryfor the 2ridwinter recordsince 1978 (SS). Most unusual county'sfirst record(KL). The BitterrootValley had one much were 21 LeastSandpipers at Malheur N.W.R., Dec. 15-19 (GI). of the winter (BD). A Scrub Jay in Madras Feb. 14 made the A Dunlin stayedat Tranquille,B.C., Dec. 28-Jan.20; the species county'sfirst (DHr) and two were in Bend Dec. 15+ (TC, DG1) •s very rare there (RRH, RR). Up to 13 Long-billedDowitchers About 100 Com.Ravens scavenged at Coeur d' Alehe'slandfill wintered at Klamath Falls until the freezeup in early Feb. 16 (DF). Mountain Chickadeesappeared in Madras; like January (SS). Steller's Jays, they are rare there (IH). A Chestnut-backed Vernon had a Mew Gull duringDecember (PR) and 37 were Chickadee wintered in Bend (TC). A Rock Wren lingered at KamloopsDec. 28; they normally do not winter there (RRH). among the rimrocks near Harney L., Dec. 19 (CDL). S•ngle Eight California Gulls at Harney L., Malheur N.W.R., Dec. 19 Brown Creepersand Winter Wrens were sightedat SheepCr, were most unusual (CDL). Lewiston had two Herring Gulls 20 min. of Salmon, Ida. They are rarely seen in that area •n Feb. 22 (C.B.).Herring Gulls numbered 2000 at Kelowna, B.C., winter (HBR).Bewick's Wrens were found at severalspots in Jan. 3, and up to eight Thayer's Gulls were there Dec. 2-Jan. the Lewiston-Asotin-Wawawai,Wash., area during the w•nter 3 (PR).Apparent latilong firsts were a Herring Gull and several (m.ob.). Russian olive thickets along Lower Crab Cr., Grant Glaucous-wingedGulls at Ice Harbor Dam on the SnakeR., e. Co., Wash.,hosted a Hermit Thrush Feb. 22 (RF) and one was of Pasco,Wash., Jan. 24 (KK). Three to four Glaucous-winged in Clarkston,Wash., Dec. 1 (GAT). Many of this speciesw•n- Gullsappeared at Kelowna(PR) and four were seen at Karoloops tered in the Yakima Valley (Y.A.S.).Frenchglen had a Vaned (RRH, PR). A remarkableconcentration of gulls at Coeur d' Thrush Dec. 18 for a rare winter record (CDL). A N. Mocking- Alene, Ida., Feb. 14 included 30 to 50 Ring-billeds,a few Cal- bird, apparentlya latilongfirst, was sightedat Nicola L., Dec. •fornias,350+ Herrings,one imm. Thayer's,one adult and two 29-Jan.10 (RRH,WWe). One mockingbirdwintered near Twin imm. Glaucous-wingeds,and three adult and three imm. Falls, Ida. (JT, CHT), and another was reported at the Ft. Hall Glaucous(DF). Hayden L. also had a Thayer's Feb. 17 (PH). Bottoms(TR). Most unusual was a SageThrasher near Harney

306 Amencan Bkrds,Summer 1987 L, Dec 19 (CDL) A Brown Thrasher at Sunriver •n early Jan- Lac le Jeune near Karoloopshad 50 Pine GrosbeaksJan. 15 uary and later stayed closeto where one was found 2 years (RB) Several Purple F•nchesat ToppenishDec 22 supplied ago (TC). Fort Hall Bottoms n.w. of Pocatello had a Brown the first wintering record in that area (BB, CD, DG, CR, AS) Thrasher Jan. 14 (CHT, m.ob.), and another was reported in Two Purple Finches visited Vernon feedersJan. 3 (PR). A • Boise,Ida., in January(fide CHT). A few Water Pipits seenDec. Cassin'sFinch at the Yakima R. mouth Feb. 8, for the only 18 at Frenchglenwere presumedto have wintered (CDL),and report, was unusual (REW). HouseFinches, rare at Malheur one was sighted near American Falls Res. on the Snake R. in N.W.R. in winter, were sightedthere Dec. 19 and Jan.29 (CDL) s Idaho Jan. 21 (CHT). Bohemian Waxwings were commonto Red Crossbillswere "virtually absentfrom many areas"in s. abundantin mostlocalities. Conspicuous exceptions were the interior British Columbia (RRH). The only other reportswere Tncities and Missoulaareas, where the birds were decidedly of one bird at a Selah, Wash., feeder Feb. 10 (MS), and one scarce.An albino Bohemianwas sightednear Windermere and devouredby a N. Pygmy-Owl at a Bend feeder (HH). A few W•lmer, B.C., in early December (OM, DW). Cedar Waxwings Corn.Redpolls appeared in w. Montana,n. Idaho, at Panhandle were little noted,although a few scatteredflocks appeared in L., and e. of Davenport,Wash. Most apparentlystopped in s e Oregon and Washington.A N. Shrike appearedat Fortine, interior British Columbia where 100 were sightedat Kamloops Mont., where they have beenrarely seenin recentyears (WW). and 275 at Shuswap L. (RRH). A very few Pine Siskins were Malheur N.W.R. still had LoggerheadShrikes in late December, reported,in Pend Oreille County, Wash., only (SZ).American and one arrived along lower Crab Cr., Feb. 22 (RF). About 20 Goldfincheswintered in larger numbersthan usual. Evening N Shrikes wintered at Malheur. A few were reported else- Grosbeakswere mostly absent.Best numbers appearedin the where in e. Oregonand Washington. Richland area and in the Asotin-Clarkston area.

WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES -- Wintering Yellow- ADDENDA -- A pair of Red-throated Loons was observedon rumped Warblers were found in Russianolive thickets in e. Alice L., n.w. corner of Blaine County, Ida., the summer of 1978 Washington:two birds near Ephrata and several along the (DJ).Some 200 imm. Am. White Pelicanswere observedat Pelican L., n.e. of Adel, Ore., July22, 1986 (WHP). A Green-backedHeron Dodson-FrenchmanHills road (BJ).One remained at Malheur at Fields,Ore., in mid-September,1986, apparentlyrepresented N.W.R. throughDec. 19 (GI) and one was seenat Sunriver Dec. the 5th recordfor s.e.Oregon (CDL). Sandhill Cranes nested suc- 12 (DD). cessfullyin the upperBlackfoot Valley e. of Missoulain 1986(C.B) A • W. Tanagerkilled by a cat at KamloopsDec. 27 furnished The speciesalso nested at Metcalf N.W.R. (fide PLW). A Ruddy the 2nd •winterrecord for that area (EMc). A probablee Black- Turnstonewas seenat Hart L., Lake Co.,Ore., June4, 1986(WHP) headedGrosbeak was observednear Ft. Hall, Ida., Dec.21 (TR). andanother was at MalheurN.W.R., Sept. 6, 1986(CDL). Bluebird Vernon had a ChippingSparrow Dec. 11 at the samespot where nest box trails, mostly in w. Montana, were highly successful, one was photographedlast year (PR).A Fox Sparrowwas re- fledginga total of 6115Mountain and 1368Western bluebirds from ported at a Libby feeder Dec. I (DH) and one visited a Hayden 2670 boxesfor a 35% increaseover 1985 (AA, DHs). L. feederduring the winter (PH).A Lincoln'sSparrow appeared at McKay Creek N.W.R., Pendleton,Ore., Feb.4 (KK),and one CORRIGENDUM -- Panhandle L., mentioned in AB 40:1231, was at Ft. SimcoeFeb. 14 (BB,AS). A well-describedSwamp is not in Idahobut w. of Newport,Wash. Sparrow was observedalong lower Crab Cr., Nov. 27 (EM). A Golden-crownedSparrow stayed at Vernon during December OBSERVERS CITED -- Art Aylesworth,James Acton, Dawd (PR) and Sunnyside Dam, Parker, Wash., had 10 Jan. 1 (DG). A. Anderson,Arnold Bolle, Zelia Butler, Mary Berscheid,Bob White-crownedSparrows wintered in unprecedentednumbers Boekelheide,Rick Bonar,Chuck Campbell,Suzi Campbell(SCa), at Malheur N.W.R.; 24 were noted near headquartersDec. 19 SteveCannings, Canyon Birders (C.B.), Chris Carey (CCa),Eddie (CDL). A few Harris' Sparrowswere noted in every state and Chew, Bob Combs, Tom Crabtree, Bob Daniels, Dave Danley, province of the Region.Two at Libby feederswere worthy of Christina Duchesne,Maurice Ellison, David Finkelnburg specialnote (DH), aswere three that wintered in the HoodR.- David Fix, Flathead Audubon Society, Mike Force, Ron Friesz, Odell area (DAA). The specieswas describedas "getting to be RussGebhart, George Gerdts, Danny Glover (DG1),Steve Gniadek, DennyGranstrand, Lucinda Haggas, Larry Halverson(LHa), Della too commonto report" in the Missoulavicinity (PLW).A bird Hermsmeyer, Deni Hershberger(DHs), Ivy Hilty, Denver Holt •dentified as a "White-winged" Dark-eyedJunco, which would (DHo),George Holton, Helma Holverstott,Dave Horrter (DHr),Rick be a first for Oregon, visited a Bend feeder Feb. 25+ and was R. Howie,Peg Hughes, Eugene Hunn, GaryIvey, BertJahn, Dean photographed(TC, m.ob.). A lone Lapland Longspur was Jones,Ken Knittle, Merlene Koliner, Earl J. Larrison, Louise La sightedin the Frenchtownvalley w. of Missoula(SG), and one Voie, RoseLeach, Peter Legg, Carroll D. Littlefield, Kathy Luther, plus a Snow Bunting accompanieda flock of Horned Larks on Larry K. Malone, Mary Manning, Eric McAlary (EMc), B R M•chaud Flats n.w. of PocatelloJan. 7 (CHT, CW). Snow Bun- McClelland, Edward Miller, Rudy Miniutti, Margaret Morns tings were mostly very sparselyreported. Exceptionswere a (MMo), Olive Mosimann,Larry D. Napier, PeggyPedigo, W.H flock of 300 at KamloopsDec. 28 (RRH, EMc), 150 at Lincoln, Pyle,Phil Ranson,Sandy Rathbone, Tim Reynolds,Ralph Ritcey, Mont., Feb. 8 (DHo), and a spectacularmigrational movement CraigRoberts, Hadley B. Roberts, Seattle Audubon Society, Marsha in the open country w. of Spokane Feb. 15, when numbers Stansbury,Andy & SusieStepniewski, Esther Stewart, Jim Story, were conservativelyestimated at 10,000 (JA). Shirley H. Sturts, Paul Sullivan, Steve Summers, George A Red-winged Blackbirdswintered abundantly in the n. Co- Thompson,Charles H. Trost, Judy Trotter, Linda Van Damme, lumbia Basin, where flocks of 200-5000 were noted along CaroleVande Voorde, Cheryl Webb,Wayne Weber (WWe),Winton FrenchmanHills and WinchesterWasteways (RF). Hundreds Weydemeyer,Don Whetham, Robert E. Wooalley,Philip L. Wright, wintered in cattle feed lots and at feeders in the Flathead Val- YakimaAudubonSociety, Madge Young, Steve Zend•r.--THOMAS ley, n.w. Montana (F.A.S.).Ten to 15 Yellow-headedBlackbirds, H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell Ave., Spokane, WA 99206. m•xedwith largeflocks of Red-wingedBlackbirds, were sighted severaltimes in the N. Columbia Basin,Wash. (RF). One Yel- low-headedDec. 19 at Malheur N.W.R. was alsounusual (CDL), and three with Red-wingedsnear Metcalf N.W.R., Stevensville, Mont., Dec. 20•- were the first ever for January or February there (CC, SCa,DHo). A RustyBlackbird and a Brown-headed Cowbird spent Dec. 9-Feb. 21 at Vernon (PR). RosyFinches were plentiful in e. Washingtonand s. interior British Columbia. A few appearedin the Moscow,Ida.-Pull- man, Wash., area., and one stayednear Fortine, Mont., for 2 weeks in February. A few were seen near Hines, Ore., Dec. 8.

Volume 41, Number 2 307 MOUNTAIN WEST REGION

Hugh E. Kingery

xceptLoonsfor thattwo visited well andDenver widely andobserved Pueblo, theYellow-billed Mountain West this winter had fewer birds, either common or uncommon. Mild weather typified the Regional winter and / - • / probably affectedmigratory movements.The abundance of two species,and the scarcityof three others,suggested that the mildness restrained the southward movement. Particularly scarce were three winter visitors from the North: Rough-leggedHawk, Horned Lark, and American Tree Sparrow.White-crowned Sparrowsand CanadaGeese UTAH J. ORA.• OLORADO showedhigh numbers.The tally of White-crowned Spar- rows on Christmas Bird Counts almost doubled over last year; sincesouthern Nevada, Utah, and Coloradoform the northernpart of their winter range,the sparrowsapparently stayedfarther north than usual. Along the Front Rangeof Coloradoso many Canada Geeseremained that they became pests--an ironic status for a beautiful bird. ChristmasBird Counts:The report that follows includes frequenciescalculated for severalof the commonerspecies on a party-hour (p.h.) basis. The figures exclude Nevada. Swansat 250-300 (JZ). and Ruby L. had an averagepopulation of 25, with 49 at the peak Jan.15 (SB). The averagescover counts from 1972 to 1985. A surprisingnumber of GreaterWhite-fronted Geese appeared:singles at Provo,Utah, Feb. 7 (MW), Grand Jct.,Colo., ABBREVIATIONS- # = no written descriptionsubmitted Jan.18 and Feb. 14-18 (CD, A.S.W.C.),Bonny Res., Colo., Jan. by deadline;1st Lat = first latilongrecord (a latilongis that piece of geographyoufiined by one degreeof latitude and longitude). 19 and Feb. 23 (D.F.O., DL), and Windsor, Colo., Feb. 7 (DL, PO); plus one to two Julesburg,Colo., Jan. 3-24 (D.F.O., DBr) and five at Ft. Collins Feb. 21 (DL). At Ordway, Colo., 4000- LOONS TO IBISES- Observersreported Pacific Loons 5000 Snow Geesewintered (A.V.A.S.) and by late February only from Denver (threefrom Dec. 2-4, D.F.O.)and Coalville, migrantshad appearedto the n. at Ft. Collins, and Cheyenne, Utah (Dec. 13-14, tCK, ph.). A few Corn.Loons lingered into December;four to five wintered at Pueblo,Colo. (A.V.A.S.). Wyo. The only Ross'Geese were singlesat Boulder Jan. 1 (BK) and Grand Jct., Jan. 18+ (A.S.W.C., CD, RL). Canada Geese The firstspring ones arrived at Ordway, Colo.,Feb. 8 and Yel- have succeededso mightily alongthe ColoradoFront Range lowstoneN.P., very early on Feb. 23 (SD).Remarkably, two that they have turned into a pest species.In a triangle with Yellow-billed Loonsappeared in e. Coloradosimultaneously. 75-mi sides,Ft. Morganto Ft. Collinsto Denver,the wintering One stayedin Denver Dec. 13-22 (RB, D.F.O., m.ob.}. High population of 100,000 compared with normal numbers of tech preservedthe record:Wainwright documentedit on vid- 50,000-70,000.At least part of their staggeringnumbers may eotape!South 100 mi in Pueblo,a 2nd Yellow-billed, seenDec. have resultedfrom the mild winter reducingtheir migratory 14-16, may have wintered in a remote part of the reservoir. urge (C.D.W.).They grazedevery piece of open spacebigger A similar loon, presumablythe samebird and with plumage different from that of the Denver Yellow-billed, was found than an acre: their calling cards causedparticular anguish amongpark and golf coursepatrons and proprietors.To deal them Feb.1-14 (tMY, DS,m.ob.). At Boulder,one to five Horned with the associatedproblems, C.D.W. hasassigned a full-time Grebesand three to eight Westernswintered at a reservoir specialist. kept open by warm water from a power plant (B.A.S.).The Reportsof two to six GreaterScaup came from Delta, Boulder, samePueblo reservoir frequented by the loonheld four to five and Denver (3 locations; one group of six stayed Jan. 21+). wintering Eared Grebes(A.V.A.S.). Zion had its largestflock Oldsquawsstayed into Decemberat Casperand GrandJct., in of Earedsever, 115 Jan.17 (JG).Warm water in a powerplant reservoir n. of Ft. Collins, Colo., allowed five Westerns to win- Denver Dec. 28-Jan. 14, and Boulder Dec. 13-Jan. 31. Pueblo had the only scoter,a White-wingedDec. 15 (WRM). Numbers ter. About 100 Great Blue Herons wintered at Ruby Lake of Barrow'sGoldeneyes dropped a bit, althoughSalida, Colo., N.W.R., Nev. (SB), and a Great Egret, one to three Black- had its first record,with two Feb. 10 (H.R.A.S.). crownedNight-Herons, and three White-facedIbises wintered at Fish SpringsN.W.R., Utah (CDa). HA WKS THROUGH GULLS- Yellowstonereported 25 winteringBald Eagles; Ogden, Utah, counted47, and Durango, WATERFOWL-- Through the winter Utah had waterfowl Colo.,counted 34 Jan.10. CheesmanReservoir, a foothillsres- numberscomparable to thoseof last year, but the migration ervoir near Evergreen,Colo., boasted 60 Bald EaglesDec. 21; began a little earlier. By Feb. 28 the count of 66,234 ducks the resultantnews reports sent many Denver residentsto the exceededsubstantially last year'scount of 49,665 (U.D.W.R.). lake to observethem. Many observershave commentedover Denver likewise had more wintering ducks,with the D.F.O. the last year on the scarcityof N. Harriers;CBC countsof N. seasoWstotal up to 14,116 from 12,304 and 4397 the last 2 Harriers this seasonbacked up thosecomments. The tally of years.Fish Springs lxad 5480 ducks Feb. 27 (2800Green-winged 0.056/p.h.compared with an averageof 0.125/p.h. and a peak, Teal--CDa) and Kirch W.M.A., Nev. had 5,720 at its Feb. 9 in •983, of 0.24/p.h. Accipiter averageson CBCsalso dropped peak,including •805 Green-wingedTeal and •455 Canvasbacks belowaverage, 0.037/p.h. cf. an 0.052average. The two major (CS).Tundra Swansstayed in the Regionlonger than usual, winter buteosshowed opposite trends on CBCs.Red-tailed with over 100 at both Ruby L. and PahranagatRef., Nev. (SB, Hawks increased---0.21/p.h.(average 0.137)--and Rough- VM). At FishSprings, 45-50 wintered (CDa).They begantheir leggedscrashed--0.095/p.h. count (average0.178). For the N flight in February;Kirch W.M.A. counted283 Feb. 23 (CS). Rough-legged,Regional reporters almost unanimously reported Yellowstone estimated its winter population of Trumpeter scarcity(counts only •0-35% of normal), consistentwith CBCs.

308 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 The Regionreported two Gyrfalcons--theusual report from observerssaw substantially fewer than they seein mostwinters Sheridan,in December(m.ob.), and one at Julesburg,Colo., (HD,PO, D.F.O.).In contrast,at Sundance,Wyo., in the far Dec. 4, swoopingat ducksar•l gulls0JC). n.e.corner of the Region,multiple flocks contributed to double Duringthe winterJanos found two VirginiaRails killed by the usualnumbers (JA). An early Tree Swallowspent Feb. avianpredators (a Red-tailedHawk and a PrairieFalcon); he 23-26at RubyValley (C & SB).Las Vegas sported two N. Rough- marveled that "such a secretivebird would be such a popular wingedSwallows Feb. 15 (VM).CBCs counted fewer Steller's preyitem." A Corn.Moorhen was at St.George, Utah, Feb. 14 Jays,0.6/p.h. cf. a 0.8/p.h.average. Only 2 reportersmentioned (MW).Two SandhillCranes reportedly wintered at Riverton, Steller'sin town (at Ogdenand Cody).Blue Jays ventured into Wyo.(LS), about 650 min. of their normalwinter quartersin the mountainsat Salida(one to threeDec. 16+--H.R.A.S.) and New Mexico.The Regionhosted a handful of shorebirdsbe- acrossthe mountains to Grand Jct. (one Jan. 18 & 24--CD). sidesthe usualKilldeer and snipe.Overwintering Greater Yel- ScrubJays dropped into Ogden,the valleyfloor at Zion N.P., lowlegshave become regular although rare. At FishSprings Eagle,Colo., and two visitedRuby Lake N.W.R., Feb. 8-14. fiveto 10 stayedover, and 21 wereon handJan. 12 (tCDa).For Clark'sNutcrackers had begunnest building Feb. 9 at Eagle the5th year one stayed through the winter at thesame Denver (JM). CBCsfound Black-billed Magpies at an average3.13/ greenbelt(DN, D.F.O.). A SolitarySandpiper remained at Grand p.h. Chickadeecounts on CBCscontrasted: Black-cappeds Jct.until the marshfroze toward the endof January(A.S.W.C., posteda 1.13/p.h.tally, exactly on average,but the countof •RL,ph.); until the freeze that same marsh also held one each Mountains,1.07/p.h., dropped below the averageof 1.27/p.h. VirginiaRail, Sora, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Hermit The latterspecies varies considerably from yearto year,de- Thrush(CD). Grand Jct. also reported a SpottedSandpiper Jan. pendinglargely on reportsfrom several CBCs in the Colorado 13along the Colorado R. (A.S.W.C.),and Fish Springs had three foothills. Long-billedDowitchers Jan. 4 andtwo Feb.27 (•CDa). The Regionreported unusually high numbersof Golden- Manyobservers saw a LaughingGull thatwintered at Pueblo crownedKinglets, from Zion and Ogdenn. to Sheridanand (DS,A.V.A.S.); its photographprovided Colorado's first docu- Sundance,throughout the Coloradomountains, out ontothe mentationby photoor specimen (WRIV0. Two Franklin's Gulls plainsat BonnyRes., and especiallyBoulder (123 counted remainedin Denver to Jan.I (D.F.O.).Pueblo had eight Bon- throughthe winter). Even a fewRuby-crowned Kinglets stayed aparte'sGulls Jan. 10 (DBr).A latereport advises of Nevada's the winter---one at Green R., Wyo. (MA, AD), one to two at firstrecord of nestingRing-billed Gulls. First observed at the GrandJct. (A.S.W.C., CD), and one Feb. 21 only at Pueblo(DBr). nest site in 1985, a 1986 check confirmedabout 1000 nesting SingleBlue-gray Gnatcatchers in w. Colorado,at GrandJct., individuals(HJ, AG). For the seasonD.F.O. counted 579 Cal- Dec.7-8 andJan. 16 (A.S.W.C.)and at DeltaJan. 7 0VIJ)added iforrdaGulls (201 and 102the last 2 winters)and 248Herring to a CBC record at Hotchkiss.A Black-tailed Gnatcatcherwas Gulls(881 in 1985and 65 in 1984).The numbersseemed con- at BeaverDam Wash, s.w. Utah, Feb. 14 (•MW). A remarkable sistentwith a mild winter.Thayer's Gull countsdipped, with E. Bluebirdwas at Lander,Wyo., Feb. I OSF,/st Lat). Other five in Denver and three at Pueblo, but Delta, Colo., tallied its reportsincluded six Jan.10 nearYuma, Colo. (JR) and one at firstone Dec. 8 (•MJ1st Lat). Colorado reported three Glaucous the usual Bonny Res. site Feb. 23 (DL). By mid-February Gullsalong the FrontRange Jan. 20-Feb. 8. ThreeGlaucous Mountain Bluebirdshad arrived throughoutthe Region,from Gullsand onebird believedto be a Herringx Glaucoushybrid FishSprings to Cheyenne,and into the mountainsat Salida. were seenamong the 7000-10,000gulls at the SaltLake City Numbers of Townsend'sSolitaires increased in the piedmont dumpFeb. 7-8 (EB).A Black-leggedKittiwake stayed only a towns.A flock of 100 feastedon juniper berriesat Sheridan day at PuebloDec. 13 (•DS). Feb.8 (MR)and a roadsidesurvey there counted 31, twice the average.The countat Denverdoubled those of the last2 years PIGEONS TO WOODPECKERS -- Two early Band-tailed (D.F.O.).In additionto the HermitThrush at GrandJct., Zion Pigeonsperched on a phonewire at DeltaFeb. 28 (MJ).The had four observations,and onespent Feb. 19-Mar. 11 in Mow- callsof one{two?) screech-owls that winteredat Sheridanwere bray'sbackyard in LasVegas. The distributionof Am. Robins thoughtto resemblethose of both Easternand Western(BB). differed from that of most winters, with lower numbers in the Four Colorado Front Range locations from Denver n. to Ft. s. one-halfof the Regionbut surprisingflocks in Evanston, Collinsreported E. Screech-Owls.At PuebloFeb. 15 onewas, Wyo.,to Jan. 5, 215wintering in Sundance,and 89 at Sheridan by call,a Western(Dõ. Grand Jct. and Ruby Valley, Nev., also Jan.12. Observers found four Varied Thrushes: Casper Jan. 7 reportedWesterns; the latter owl roostedin an opengarage (#J& GL),Cascade, Colo., in December(A.A.S.), one that win- oneJanuary night {C & SB).Only oneforay turned up a Boreal tered at Beulah,Colo. (A.V.A.S., ph.), and one at Ft. Collins Owl: one Feb. 28 at SlumgullionPass in s.w. Colorado'sSan JuanMts. {JJR).Owling enthusiastsfound several N. Pygmy- Owls and N. Saw-whets,the latter reportedless frequently in the MountainWest. Among the Saw-whetreports, a roadkill gaveEvanston, Wyo. { JS)its 3rdrecord, all of deadbirds {CK). Yellowstonehad one Jan.25 { JZ)and Jacksonhad one Feb. 21 (PHa).The discoveryof fourSaw-whets at GlenwoodSprings Dec.27+ suggeststhat they may occur widely in the extensive pinyon/juniperwoodland of w. Colorado0VZ). An Anna'sHummingbird was at DavisDam at the s. tip of NevadaJan. 24 {VM, J & MC). On Jan.11 DevilsTower, Wyo., had its firstLewis' Woodpecker in 20 years,and the firstwinter recordof a Red-headedWoodpecker for n.e. Wyoming { JA).A Yellow-belliedSapsucker spent Jan. 9-13 at Golden,Colo. (tWF, m.ob.}.On CBCsobservations of bothDowny and Hairy wood- peckersdropped. The Downy count of 0.145/p.h. (average 0.17/p.h.)dipped to thelows of 1977-1979, and the Hairy count of O.085/p.h.{O.103/p.h. average) equaled low countsin 1981- 1982.The N. Flicker CBC countof 0.53/p.h. representedthe lowest recordedfrom 1972 to date and comparedwith an averageof 0.7/p.h. LARKS TO PIPITS- The mild winter probably spread Varied Thrush in Fort Collins,Colo., Feb. 25, 1987. Photo/Dave out the Horned Larks and kept them farther n.; mostplains Leatherman.

Volume41, Number 2 309 Thesephotographs, submitted by Pat Wheat of Boulder,Colo- rado, showan albinistic Pine S/skin (above and left), and two differentalbinistic Evening Grosbeaks. Although these photos were not taken this past winter season,we thoughtthey would be of interest to readers.

Above: Offspring of the female albinistic Evening Grosbeak pictured below and below left. All photos/Pat Wheat.

310 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 Feb. 14+ (JShet ol.). A N. Mockingbird wintered at Glenwood Springs,Colo., feeding mainly on crabapplesand occasionally on suet (tVZ). Others were at Provo Feb. 5 (MW) and Grand let., Feb. 28 (RH). Brown Thrasherswintered at Ft. Collins, Boulder (three), and Eldora, Colo. Water Pipits wintered at GrandJct. (CD), Pueblo (A.V.A.S.), and probablyat Delta (MJ), all 1st Lot winter records.

WAXWINGS TO WARBLERS -- The BohemianWaxwing invasionassumed large proportions. After thousandsmade late fall appearancesin n. Wyoming,they streamedS to s. Wyoming (250 in early Decemberand 1090 to mid-Januaryin Evanston) and Colorado.At the sametime they scatteredinto n.e. Nevada, where they rarely venture.Notable reports came from Lamoille and Ruby L., and a flock of 70 spent the whole winter at Ruby Valley, Nev. Wyoming reported few after mid-January. The numbersin Coloradopeaked in January(Boulder's season-long total mounted to 5222), although 600 flocked at Masonville near Ft. Collins Feb. 15. The Colorado birds reached s. to Pueblo, Gunnison (600 Dec. 15+), and Grand Jct. Utah's few reportscame later: Provo hosted300 all February, Salt Lake City had several February flocks,and Ogden reported 25 Feb. 28. Cedar Waxwingsmixed with someof the Bohemians,but they moved S to Salida, Durango, Las Vegas,and Davis Dam (10 Jan. 24). Several Yellow-rumped Warblers remained in the Region into early January,at Denver, Boulder, and Provo;one stayed Field Sparrow at GlenwoodSprings, Colo., winter 1986-1987. far n. in Gillette, Wyo., Jan. 5-Feb. 9 (VH). Fifty began the Photo/Victor M. Zerbi, Jr. winter at Grand Jct.but in Januarya zero-degreeinterruption to the mild weather resulted in a drastic reduction in their numbers (CD). Denver had two Pine Warblers: one Dec. 10- wintering Great-tailed Grackles, which found a congenial Jan.17 (PF et al., ph.) and anotherFeb. 16-20 (AH, D.F.O.). An feedingand roostingsite at the Del Norte sewageponds (JJR). Ovenbird frequenteda Boulder yard Jan.1-17 (JK). A Corn.Grackle spent Nov. 23-Jan.13 at the ski centerof Vail, Colo. (BRi). A N. (Bullock's)Oriole came daily to a Sheridan CARDINALS TO SISKINS--Bonny Res. reported a N. feeder Nov.l-Jan. 31 (•HD, N & MJ ph.). Cardinal Jan. 10-19 (JB).CBC numbersreflected a paucity of A bird whosedescription matched that of a Bramblingap- Am. Tree Sparrowsthat continued the entire winter; this win- peared at a Solida feeder Feb. 26 and Mar. 12 ORE). House ter's count of 1.26/p.h. comparedwith the 15-year averageof Finchesburgeoned on CBCs:2.98/p.h. vs. a 2.28 average.The 2.19/p.h. A Chipping Sparrow stayed at Rye, Colo., Jan. 14- few Red Crossbillreports included 214 on 24 occasionsat Yel- 25 0DS). The Field Sparrowreported on the GlenwoodSprings lowstone{JZ), 2 small flocksat Sheridan,and a tiny number CBC stayedto Jan.18 (tVZ, tMJ). A VesperSparrow reportedly in the c. Colorado mountains. Common Redpolls moved S wintered at a Jackson,Wyo., feeder (BR#). At Zion one to two sparingly,with few s. of c. Wyomingalthough a few reached Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen regularly, as they have Colorado.Daily in his Ogdenyard, Killpack had 100 Pine Sis- been for several years. Gifford theorizes that s.w. Utah falls kins, apparentlygypsy flocks. He banded900+ from Jan.1 on, within their normal winter range. At the same time, Golden- and had very few recaptures.Siskins ranged sporadically over crowheals wintered in Boulder and Denver, the latter for a 2nd the rest of the Region,with hundredsat Ft. Collins, Boulder, year (B.A.S.,D.F.O.). White-crownedSparrows almost doubled and Durango,and lessernumbers in e. Coloradoand at Zion. the countlevels of the past2 winters,although the CBCaverage CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND CITED OBSERV- of 2.32/p.h. did not exceed the 15 year averageof 2.02/p.h. ERS -- JeanAdams, M. Adams,Aiken AudubonSociety, Arkansas by much. They concentratedin the s. part of the Region,es- Valley AudubonSociety, Audubon Society of WesternColorado, pecially in Utah; the St. Georgecount alone had 5629, up from Mary Back {26observers}, Curt & SueBaughman, B. Berry,Eirik 1853 and 1632 the last 2 years.The numbersprobably indicate Blom,Boulder Audubon Society, R. Breckon,J. Bregar, D. Bridges that White-crowneds at least started the winter farther n. than {DBr),W.W. Brockner {20), Alex Brown {20},Diane Brown, Sara usual. Harris' Sparrowswintered throughout the Region, in Brown, Jerry Cairo, ColoradoDivision of Wildlife, J. & M. Cress- all 4 states;farthest w. were three wintering at Kirch W.M.A. man, Charles Darling {CDa},Denver Audubon Society,Denver (CS) and one Feb. 21-22 at Las Vegas(VM). The CBC count of Field Ornithologists,A. Deuel, Coen Dexter, S. Doherty, Helen Dark-eyedJunco declined, the 4.35/p.h. comparingwith a 5.9/ Downing {34),Ruby Ebright (10},Carol Evans,W. Finch, S. Fin- p.h. average. dho]t, P. Fischer,E!va Fox {5),Jerome Gifford, Dave Hallock, May Observersfound few LaplandLongspurs--a total of only 20 Hanesworth (18), R. Hanson, P. Harrington (PHa), A. Hay, Phil in Cheyenne and n.e. Colorado. Snow Buntings were also Hayes (36),V. Hays,Heart of the RockiesAudubon Society, High scarce,with only 2 reportsof three, at Walden and Julesburg, PlainsAudubon Society, Mark Janos,N. & M. Jenrich,Steve Jones, D. Johnson,H. Judd,Bob Kaempfer, Ursula Kepler (22), Craig Kes- Colo. An important Las Vegas bird spot, the Mormon Farm, selheim,Merlin Killpack, C. King (CKi),J. Knopf, J. & G. Lawrence, saw a significant reduction in large flocks of blackbirds and Dave Leatherman(15). R. Levad, Forrest Luke (5), W.R. Maynard, starlings;that and the presencethere of several dead raptors Jack Merchant (4), Ron Meyer, Vince Mowbray (3), D. Nelson, led to the discoverythat a dairy farmer had used a chemical, John Nelson, Paul Opler (15), Norma Peterson,W. Pickslay (3). Warbex, "to get rid ticks on the cows. Any bird coming in J.J.Rawinski, Bert Raynes(5), J. Reddoll,Red RocksAudubon contactwith the stuffkeeled over immediately.A federaldrug Society,Bob Righter {BRi), J.C. Rigli, M. Rozy,L. Serdiuk,J. Shal- agent told the managerto stop use of the substanceand the lenberger(JSh), Dave Silverman (6), J. Smith, Craig Stevenson, birds have started to come back" (R.R.A.S., VM). Yellow- Bert Tignor (14),Utah Divisionof Wildlife Resources,Art Wain- headedBlackbirds joined flocksof Red-wingedsat Delta, Flor- wright, Jim & Rosie Watts, Merrill Webb, Bob Weber, Roberta ence, and Boulder, Colo., and a flock of eight Yellow-headeds Winn {RWi),M. Yaeger,Joe Zarki (14),Vic Zerbi.--HUGH E. KIN- was at Rocky Ford. Colo., Jan. 8 (CKi). Colorado had its first GERY, 869 Milwaukee Street, Denver, CO 80206.

Volume 41, Number 2 311 SOUTHWEST REGION

Arizona,Sonora J NEV.! •...o•eeUTAH , COl0. ..' G•,,•'t ;• ß j ' JanetWitzeman and David Stejskal J __*•L•lefield ]•oi•ob--•ag--e-•----F-;.---- %]i,•ra•mariSla

• hemajor event ofthe season wasthe large invasion [• •0•,f-••'• 'Hoover •Dom T Grond c•,,,..I •o,,,ß SantoFe • ofthrushes throughout thestate. There was also a '•=••'• ½• •"• " " smallinvasion of Harris Sparrows.An excellentcrop of /-•e•"• i%•o.o•k*K.n•man FI0.- ß .... .•,•slo •..o•brook I Albuqu•que S..,.• / --, • •'"" esCO"..... •t JohnsNEW MEX berries and seeds supposed record numbers of several • • .... .•, ARIZ. e •, . . ' Fort- speciesaround Prescott. indudin• aninflux ofPurple JJ• • •J J rar•erF,•ke.•r...... ,Dam,, •. . •o••..,...rv,". Reserve /•So•..o Carrizozo •R•verl• Finches.The two severecold spells in Januawand Feb- I •l.:•:••,,_ P•o,,i:•,o,• ,,- •e•,,/ ' rua• seemedto have causeda setbackin the development Ilkrillß •m • L uilo•"e •roSOo,ø'•v-• •6e.•Coolidge ' . Buttev,• C] . Roswell of vegetationin southernArizona. - ,•v,,. . ks.,,o,a'l-S,,,, a• . In the report which followsare the usual interestingex- / Ik -"•0;•-- s,,, •..... '% •o., %•. •_---- amplesof speciesthat managed to winterfarther noah / I•.o;;•-• , •'• 7%•'•"•'" and/orat a colder location than usual. [ [ •?'%• s '4-a4-'o•-Ac• m..... • ABBREVlATlONS--B.T.A.=BoyceThomp•nArboretum; / I t :-:o• :• • ; o•,,a,, L.C.R.= LowerColorado River; P.R.D. = PaintedRock Dam; S.P.R. ] I •'•'•: '• * •

GREBES THROUGH IBISES -- A HornedGrebe at Many FarmsL., Feb. 15 (DS,RF, RN, SG)represented the first winter record for n.e. Arizona. Western Grebe is an uncommon winter visitor to s.e.Arizona, soof interestwere up to two at McNeal throughthe periodwere slightlymore than usual{m.ob.). Three during December{AM, BH} and one at PatagoniaL., Dec. 5 • Cam. Mergansers,uncommon in s.e.Arizona, were observed {BH et el.). at McNeal Dec. 12 {AM). A high numberof 310+ was counted An ad. Brown Pelican observed in the Bill Williams arm of at Little Mormon L. near Show Low Feb. 6 {GM). A • Red- L. HavasuJan. 15-17 {R. Beautify et al.} was most unusual,as breastedMerganser, rare in s.e.Arizona, was observedat Portal there are scarcelyany recordsof this speciesin winter and Dec. 26 {M. Ward}. only a few recordsof an adult anytime.An Am. White Pelican, uncommon in winter away from the L.C.R. and P.R.D., was at RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS -- Reportsof Bald Eagles PrescottDec. 13-20 {fide CT}. A Double-crestedCormorant in areaswhere they are not commonlyfound were: an adult was seenFeb. 23 at McNeal {AM} where it has been recorded at Many FarmsL., Feb. 8 {CL et el.), an adult and an immature only oncepreviously in winter. at GanadoL., Feb. 7 {GM, TH) and the immatureagain at Gan- An Am. Bittern, a sparsewinter resident, was observedat ado L., Feb. 15 (DS, RF, RN, SG), an adult at Parker Canyon PrescottDec. 2 {RH}.Up to four CattleEgrets, uncommon win- L., Dec.4 {TD),an adult near PortalDec. 12 {fide SS),an adult ter visitors in s.e. Arizona, were recorded at McNeal Dec. 15. at McNeal from Jan.I on, plus an immature there Feb. 17, and and oneat ElfridaDec. 3 {AM).A highnumber of 500wintering an immature at Elffido Feb. 5 {AM et el.); plus an adult and Black-crownedNight-Herons was countede. of P.R.D.,Jan. 7 immature at Cananea, Son., Mexico, Jan. 31 {AM, DD, TD). {PT}. A White-facedIbis, rare in winter away from the L.C.R., Harris' Hawk is "certainly expandingits rangeat a relatively was presentthrough the periodat McNeal {AM}. rapid rate" {GM). Additional new or unusual locationswere noted for two at Willcox in January{w & SS),one near Black WATERFOWL -- Tundra Swanswere reportedat 3 loca- CanyonCity in January{JBu), one s. of Arivaipa Cr. and one tions:one at the San BernardinoRanch, e. of Douglas,Dec. 5 w. of Oracle Feb. g {GM), and one s. of Ajo Dec. 20 and Feb. {B.Robertson, M. Ellis),one at PrescottDec. 20 {fide CT},and 17 {GM). An ad. Red-shoulderedHawk, a rare winter visitor, at 2 lakes s.w. of Conduo,n.e. Arizona, where there were 18 was observedalong the HassayampaR., s. of Wickenburg,Feb. Dec. 23 and two Feb. 6 {GlVO.Two Greater White-fronted Geese, 28 (H. Messing,fide TG). A high numberof 20 aduh and imm. sparsewinter visitors,especially in n. Arizona,were at Prescott GoldenEagles was observedfeeding on sheepcarcasses in El- Feb. 22-24 {tBT}. Four Ross'Geese were observedat McNeal ffido Dec. 3 {AM). A pair of GoldenEagles was foundnesting Dec. 3+ {AM et ol.). Twenty-two Canada Geese near Cook's Feb. 23 on the samewindmill as last year {AM). L., Feb.6 were of interestas the speciesis seldomseen on the SingleCrested Caracaras, wandering far e. of their normal fower S.P.R.{GM). range,were observedduring the first one-halfof Decemberat A Wood Duck, rare in s.e. Arizona, was observedat McNeal Elfrida {AM et el.) and s. of SierraVista Dec. 20 {fide DD). Jan. 22 {AM, BM, WS, RP). Early single6 Blue-wingedTeal Numbersof SandhillCranes at McNeal and Elffidobuilt up were seene. of PhoenixDec. 22 (A. Higgins),at P.R.D.,Jan. 24 from 600+ in Decemberto a high of 2400+ by mid-February {RW et ol.}, and at Kino SpringsJan. 31 {DD, TD, AM). Early {AM et el.). A lone Sandhill Crane alongthe Verde R., e. of single6 CinnamonTea] were seen at Effrida Jan. 11 and at Phoenix,Feb. 8 & 11 was at an odd location {M. Collie). Kino SpringsJan. 12 {JD et al.). A 6 Eur. Wigeonwas present The flock of Mountain Ploverswas presentagain at Elfrida duringthe period,for the 2nd time, at a pondin Phoenix{T. all winter; 131were countedthere Jan.27 {AM, RT et el.). At Chew};another individual was recordedat Elfrida Jan.I {JS the s. end of the ColoradoR. Indian Reservation,50+ counted et ol.). There were three Oldsquawsin the stateduring the Jan.21 {IBo, GM) were the first to be reportedin w. Arizona winter.In additionto the oneat ParkerDam {sinceNovember), for severalyears. Two very late SolitarySandpipers were ob- there was one at PrescottJan. 14-Mar. 26 {tBT, RH et ol.), and servedin s.w. Phoenix Dec. 15 {•DS, CH). A large group of one at P.R.D., Jan. 24-25 {LH, RW et ol.). The e Surf scorer at Long-billedCurlews was found wintering again in theMcNeal/ ParkerDam remainedat leastto Feb.6 {SGet ol.).The peak Elfridaarea; 75 were countedFeb. 9 {AM et ol.).Another large count of Barrow'sGoldeneyes below Parker Dam was of 15 groupof 55 wasreported at Gilbert,s. of Phoenix,Jan. 14 {SG). (includingtwo males)Jan. 23 {GM, GG). Three HoodedMar- Two Dunlins,sparse winter visitors,were presentat the Gilbert gansetsin the Phoenix area and four more in s.e. Arizona sewageponds through Dec. 12 {SG),and one in Tucson re-

312 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 mainedto Dec. 16 (H. Brody,R. Freeman).A late Red Phalarope late Barn Swallows were seen in s.w. Phoenix Dec. 15 was found at sewageponds in Tucson Dec. 7 (BH). (DS, CH) and one in Tucson "wintered" at least through Individual Bonaparte'sGulls, uncommon in winter, were Jan. 1 (m.ob). seen at RooseveltL., Dec. 10 (DB, D. Stahlecker), at sewage TITMICE THROUGH STARLING--A Plain Titmouse pondsin TucsonDec. 11 and Jan.6 (TG, WD), and near Parker was found out of its normal habitat at 2800'in FalconValley Dam Feb. 6 (SG). A California Gull was observedat Prescott Jan. 7 {GM}. Individual Winter Wrens were found at Prescott Dec. 20 (•de CT). Single Forster'sTerns were reportedat Pa- Dec. 20 {CT}, at Madera Canyon Feb. 8 at least to Feb. 14 {JBo, tagonia L., Dec. 5 (BH, JD et al.) and at RooseveltL., Jan. 12 DH), and above the dam in Sabino Canyon, Tucson, at least (TG, DB). from mid-January to mid-March {KK). An Am. Dipper at Pres- OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A road-killed ad. cott Dec. 20+ was new for that area; the one at B.T.A. remained • SpottedOwl was found on Arizona Hwy 88 n.w. of Globe at through the period {CT, RF et al.), and one was back in Cave 3500',Feb. 20 (C. McKusick,•de BJ),adding another location Cr. Canyon,Chiricahuas, for at least the 3rd winter {RP}.Gol- for the records of this seldom-encountered owl. Short-eared den-crowned Kingletswere widespreadand in high numbers Owls, uncommon in s.e. Arizona, were found near McNeal for in the forestsaround Prescott during the winter {CT).A z Black- the 2nd winter; two were observed there from Dec. 4 at least cappedGnatcatcher was heard calling and observedat Kino to Jan. 1 (BH, AM et al.). Twelve probableVaux's Swifts, seen SpringsJan. 10 {fJD, JBoet al.}; this was a new location and flying over PatagoniaFeb. 4 (tJ & AP), were n. of their usual one of only a few reported in winter. wintering grounds. The invasion of the thrushes was the main event of the sea- A • Broad-billedHummingbird was in SabinoCanyon, Tuc- son. By December exceptionalnumbers of Townsend'sSoli- son, at least from Jan.20 to Feb. 16 and probably was present taires had reachedthe s. Arizona mountains,and by mid-Jan- all winter; the speciesis scarcein winter, especiallyaway from uary there were scatteredsolitaires all over the desertsof the feeders(KK). Two 8 MagnificentHummingbirds were still fre- Tucson-Nogalesarea; many of the birds remained into April quenting feeders in Madera Canyon Dec. 6, but were absent (KK, DS et al.). There were alsorecord high numbers of Town- when feederswere checkedJan. 10 (JD). send'sSolitaires in Prescottand Camp Verde, and numbers n. Two Elegant Trogonswere found on the s. side of the Santa and e. of Phoenix. There were high numbersof both bluebirds, Rita Mts., Dec. 20-21 (G. Taylor); the speciesis rare in winter. robins,and Hermit Thrushesas well, in Prescott,Camp Verde, The Green Kingfisherat Kino Springswas presentat leastinto Sedona, and farther south. Over 1000 W. Bluebirds were February (m.ob.).One on the upper S.P.R.(since November) countedalong the Salt/Verde Riverse. of Phoenix in December remained at least until Dec. 17 (DK). (m.ob.)and this huge influx extendedthrough s. Arizona, even Four of the Lewis' Woodpeckersat Molino Basin (sinceNo- to somebeing recordedin the Sulphur SpringsValley where vember)remained through the season(m.ob.). A Yellow-bellied they are seldomseen (AM). Over 600 Mountain Bluebirdswere Sapsuckerwas observede. of Phoenix Dec. 22 (PB).Four Red- countedJan. 12 in the Kino Springs/GuevaviRanch area alone breastedSapsuckers were reported:one at Sullivan L., Prescott, (JD et al.). American Robinswere numerous throughoutthe Dec. 2 (RH), one e. of Phoenix Dec. 22 (SD),one at Sycamore state, even on the e. part of the Navajo Indian Reservation Res., Santa Catalina Mts., Dec. 21-Jan. I (JBo, JBa),and the (GM); numbersin mostareas increased in Januaryor February one at Catalina S.P., Tucson, that "clearly showed hybrid (m.ob.).A Rufous-backedRobin spent the winter, at leastfrom characteristics"(JD) was presentfrom November throughthe Dec. 14, at Kino Springs(D. Jones,m.ob.). Another uncommon period (m.ob.). FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- N. Beardless-Tyrannu- let was first found at B.T.A. as recently as Fall 1985, was found nestingthere for the first time in Summer 1986, and now was I discoveredwintering at this new northernmostlocality; an individual presentall fall remainedat leastto Jan.13 {CT, CH}. Three Greater Pewees wintered in the Tucson area and one in the AtascosaMts. {m.ob.}. A Least Flycatcher was observedalong the Salt R., e. of Phoenix, Dec. 22-24 {tDS, RN et al.); the individual at B.T.A. since Octoberwas seenagain Jan.13 {CT}. Numbers of Ham- mond's Flycatcherson the upper S.P.R. decreasedafter the large stormsin January,but the specieswas still found on a regularbasis through the winter in properhabitat (DK et al.}; four were countedalong Sonoita Cr., Dec. 5 {BH).Dusky Fly- catcherwas found to be a rare wintering speciesthroughout the S.P.R. valley, preferring tall standsof cottonwoodsand foragingin the upper one-thirdof the canopy(DK, TC}; three were countedalong Sonoita Cr., Dec. 5 {BH).Three Gray Fly- catcherswere observedat Big Wash, FalconValley, w. of Or- acle, Jan. 7 {GM}. The E. Phoebe on the upper S.P.R. {sinceSeptemberJ remained at least to Feb. 14 (DK). Ash-throated Flycatcher is uncommon to rare in winter s. and e. of Tucson, so of interest were singlesat Elfrida Dec. 18-Jan. 8, in the SwisshelmMts. w. of Elfrida Feb. 5 {AM et al.}, at PatagoniaL., Dec. 5 {BH), and in FalconValley w. of Oracle Jan.7 {GM). The specieswas alsomore commonthan usual in the SonoranDesert {GM). A • Rose-throatedBecard, found along Arivaca Cr., Dec. 23 (SM et al.}, provided the 2nd winter record for the state. EarlyTree Swallowswere oneat KinoSprings in mid-January {•de JBa}and two s. of Pinal Air Park, Pima Co., Jan. 28 {WD, GM}. The Cave Swallow returned to Tucson Feb. 23, but it Rufous-backedRobin at Kino Springs,near Nogales,Ariz., Feb- was not seen after the snowstormat month's end {TH). Three ruary 1987. Photo/Rick Bowers.

Volume 41, Number 2 313 thrush wsator was Vaned Thrush, dascoveredalong Anvaca Feb 15, and 300-400 at Canyon de Chelly Feb 16 (DS, RF, Cr, BuenosAares N W R, Dec. 23-24 (AM, DD, B Robertson) RN, SG) There were two Brown Thrashers reported during the period: one at B.T.A., Nov. 30-Dec. 1, and the other at Elfrida Feb. 11 ADDENDUM--AB 40:1237, regardingthe nesting pmr of Sharp-shinnedHawks in Cave Cr. Canyon,Chiricahuas, on July (S& RR,AM). By mid-Decemberthe numberof Sprague'sPipits 16 an adult was observedwith two fledglings(TC). at McNeal had risento at leastsix (AM et al.). An exceptionally large concentrationof 1000+ Eur. Starlingswas observedat COBBIGENDA- AB 40:1237, the Harris' Hawks at Cochlse Many Farm•Feb. 7 (GM). July 17, 1986did not representthe northernmostrecord for the SulphurSprings Valley as stated;they have beenrecorded n of WARBLERS, TANAGERS- A possibleTropical Parula there for the past2 yearsduring the breedingseason and 14 ma was reportedat SonoitaCr., Patagonia,Feb. i (tJ& AP); there n.e. of Willcoxduring migration, plus a pair n. of SanSimon an has been only one confirmed state record of this species.A 8 bothwinter and summer(JP). AB 40:1238,the BeltedKingfisher CapeMay Warbler, discoveredat FountainHills, e. of Phoenix, at S. Fork, w. of Eagar,was seenJuly 4, not June4 as stated(TC) Dec.22-24 (tM. Eubanks,A. Collister,RBr et al.), providedthe AB 40:1239, the statement that Curve-billed Thrashers had not 5th winter record and 9th overall for Arizona. A 8 Townsend's been recordedbefore at Willcox is incorrect; they are not uncom- Warbler, uncommon in winter, was seen at B.T.A., Feb. 22 mon breeders14 mi n.e. of Willcox, and the specieswas recorded (DH). Even more uncommonwas the Hermit Warbler seenin at leastonce (July 14, 1985)at Willcox (JP). Sabino Canyon Dec. 22 (JBo,JBa). A N. Waterthrush, present CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface)--Wendy sancefall, remainedat leastto Jan.4 at Nogales(JS, JBo et al.); Allen, CharlesBabbitt, John Bates (JBa, Tucson), Pat Beall,Jerry another was found Jan. 9 along Arivaca Cr. (GG, R. Dorrance). Bock(JBo), Nancy Bock, Rick Bowers(RBo), Robert Bradley (RBr), No fewer than three Louisiana Waterthrushes were found Jim Burns(JBu), Dave Busch,Troy Corman, DougDanforth, Wfi- this winter: one at Sycamore Res., Santa Catalina Mts., Dec. liam Davis, Tom Deeken, Salome Demaree, Jon Dunn, Barney 22 (JBo, JBa);one in Madera Canyon Feb. 14 (BS);and one Dunning,Richard Ferguson, Steve Ganley, Tom Gatz, Virg•ma farther n. than usual at Seven Springs,n.e. of Phoenix, Jan. Gilmore, Grace Gregg,Liz Hatcher, Dave Holmann, Roy Houser, 21-31, furnishingthe first record for Maricopa County (H. Bill Howe,Tom Huels,Chuck Hunter, Betty Jackson (Globe), Kenn Beatty,•SD, LH, RH, ph. JBu).The only Wfison'sWarbler of Kaufman,Dave Krueper (S.P.R.),Chuck LaRue,Scott Mills, Gale the winter was one seen in Huachuca Canyon Jan. 27 (J. & B. Monson, Arnold Moorhouse (Huachuca Mts. & McNeal), Bob Epler). Morse, RobertNorton, Rick Plage,Jeff & Amy Price, Steve& Ruth An ad. 8 Hepatic Tanager, uncommonin winter, was seen Russell,John Saba, Sally Spofford (Portal), Walter Spofford, Stephen anlower Madera CanyonJan. 10 (JD).A SummerTanager found Studebaker(SSt), Bill Sutton,Rick Taylor,Bob Thomen, Dick Todd, near NogalesFeb. 7 (JS et al.) representedone of only a few Carl Tomoff (Prescott),Robert Witzeman.--JANET WITZEMAN, winter records for the state. 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018; DAVID STEJSKAL, 2291/2W. Turney Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013. BUNTINGS THRO UGH FINCHES -- A • Pyrrhuloxiaat Tuba City, Navaio Indian Reservation,Dec. 20 (WA, ph. SSt} representeda big leap north; previous northernmost records were from w. of Prescott. A Blue Grosbeak, an uncommon winter resident,was observedat PatagoniaDec. 13 (R. Smith}. An Abert's Towhee at Elfrida Feb. 11 was the first for the Sulphur SpringsValley IAM}. A Black-chinnedSparrow was New Mexico, Northern Chihuahua found in Drift Hills, Cabeza Prieta N.W.R., Dec. 19 (SR};the speciesis a rare winter visitorto s.w. Arizona.Two Five-striped Sparrows,rare in winter, were foundin HoldenCanyon, Atas- cosaMrs., Dec. 26 (JBo}.An e. raceFox Sparrowwas observed at Elfrida Feb. 11 IAM, RN et al.}. A SwampSparrow was ob- John P. Hubbard served at McNeal Dec. 4 and two were seen at Kino Springs Dec. 5 (BH}. A White-throated Sparrow spent the winter at B.T.A., (CH, CB};another was seen along SonoitaCr., Dec. 5 ABBREVIATIONS--Bosque N.W.R. = Bosquedel Apache (BH}, and a few were recorded on the CBCs as usual. Two Nat'l Wildlife Ref. Place names in italics are counties. Golden-crownedSparrows spent the winter in Sedona(VG}, an immature was observed in Molino Basin, Santa Catalina GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Clark's and Mrs., Nov. 11 (BD, RBo},and two immatures were seenin Flor- Westerngrebes again wintered at CaballoL., with respective ida Wash, below Madera Canyon,Feb. 14 IDH, P. Zucker}. highs of 20 and 45 Jan. 28 (JD, BZ). One to two Westernsat A small influx of Harris' Sparrowstook placeagain as last Cochiti L., Dec. 17 & 21 (JH, WH) and Aechmophorussp at wanter.In addition to the two reportedin November,there Storrie L., Jan. 1 (JH, JV) were late. High numbersfor winter was one at Tuba City Dec. 11-Mar. 9 (WA, SSt},and two or were 37 Am. White Pelicansat L. McMillan Jan.4 (WH) and three at Sedonaall winter (VG}; farther s. were one at Tucson 25+ there Feb. 15-16 (RT). Stragglerswere one at Farmington Jan. 16 INB} and two immatures on the upper S.P.R.,one Dec. throughJan. 12 (AN) and an injured one near PleasantonDec 4-Feb. 28 and the 2nd Jan.31-Feb. 28 (ph. DK). Unprecedented 3 (SW). Late were three Snowy Egretsat CaballoL., Dec. 18 numbersof McCown'sLongspurs (150-300) were at McNeal (DM), plus another through the period at Bitter Lake N W R from early Decemberinto March (AM, S. Perry et al.). (KW). Highswere four eachGreat Egretsat Bitter Lake N.W R, The ad. Rusty Blackbird on the upper S.P.R.since Nov. 30 Jan. 9 (KW) and CaballoL., Dec. 18 (DM). was lastseen Dec. 17 (DK, ph. TC). Individual HoodedOrioles A swan in the PerchaDam area Jan. 15-Feb. 9 (DM et al ) frequentedfeeders during the winter at Tucson(H. Ware), and may well have been a subad.Trumpeter Swan, althoughthe s.e. of Phoenix at Tempe (fide PB) and Mesa (A. Comeau). identification was not verified. Notable were two Greater Purple'Finches stagedthe largest invasion ever recorded White-fronted Geese at Cochiti L., Jan. 25 and Feb. 18 (PIet anto the Prescott area; not only high numbers (i.e., over 75 al.). Out-of-the-way Snow Geeseincluded 22 at La Cueva, countedin a 5-mi stretch),but alsowidespread, in many lo- Mora, Dec. 10 (D. MacCarter),nine near the Gila Cliff Dwellings calitiesfrom the chaparralto riparianwoodlands, as well as Dec. 31 (J. Koons),and up to 75 near TularosaFeb. 8-10 (J antothe coniferousforest (CT). Pine Siskins were alsoabundant Hutto, NH). Northerly were eight Ross'Geese at Farmington an the Prescottarea (CT) and also at feeders in Portal (SS). Dec. 20-22 (AN et al.). Maximum countsof Ross'Geese at Large numbers of Evening Grosbeakswere found in n.e. Ari- BosqueN.W.R. were of 800+ Dec. 26 and 1300+ Feb. 10 (HL). zona:40 at Teec NosPos Feb. 8 (GM, CL), 150 at GanadoWash Four Mandarin Ducks were seen in the wild near Corrales

314 American Bards,Summer 1987 Dec 20, where a s•nglemale had been seen•n December 1984 Com Barn-Owls near Mes•lla Jan 4 (BZ) furrushed a h•gh (HS et al ). More Greater Scaupthan usual were reported, •n- count White-throated Swifts included 15-20 at Caballo Dam cluding four at Las VegasJan. I ( JH, JV), at least four at Zuni Jan.28 (JD, BZ) and Feb. 19 (JH et al.), plus several hundred Dec 21 and later (DC), two at Albuquerque Feb. 22-23 (WH, near Cliff Feb. 22 (RF). PS), and up to three at Caballo L., Dec. 16 (BZ) to Feb. 5 (DM). Notable numbers of Lewis' Woodpeckerswere present •n Other rare ducks were an Oldsquaw at Clayton L., Dec. 23 the Bluewater L. area (AM) and near Silver City (RF) in the and Jan.3 (WC et al.), a Surf Scoterat Caballo L., Dec. 18-Feb. period. Southerly were singleDowny Woodpeckersnear Per- 7 (BZ et al.), and two White-winged Scotersat Bitter Lake cha Dam Dec. 16 and Jan. 28 (JD, BZ), while a vagrant was •n N W.R., Feb. 16 (RT). More Hooded Mergansers than usual n.e. AlbuquerqueDec. 10 (WH). A Hammond'sFlycatcher was were reported, with a minimum of 18 statewide (v.o.). The reportedat PerchaDam Jan.28 ( JD,BZ), while a likely Dusky/ only reportsof Red-breastedMerganser were of one to two at Hammond'swas near PleasantonFeb. 13 & 23 (M. Renfro,SW) Cochiti L., Dec. 17-Feb. 21 (WH) and Bitter Lake N.W.R., Jan. Northerly Black Phoebeswere one to two at Cochiti Dam Jan 2 (KW). 7-Feb. 15 (WHet al.). Late were one to two Tree Swallows at L. McMillan Jan. 4 and two Barn Swallows at Caballo Dam RAPTORS THROUGH TERNS -- Several Black and Tur- Dec. 8 (WH); while possibleearly migrantswere about 15 Tree key vultures were near Galeana,Chih., Feb. 7, where regular Swallows at Percha Dam Jan. 19 (DM) and two N. Rough- •n winter (WB, RD). That area is about 90 mi s. of New Mexico, wingedsat CaballoDam Feb. 19 (JH). where the BlackVulture is unverified and the Turkey Vulture CORVIDS THROUGH THRUSHES -- DispersingSteller's doesnot winter. More than the usualnumbers of Ospreyswere Jaysincluded one at Bernalillo Feb. 25 (WH) and one to three seen, including single birds at BosqueN.W.R., Dec. 26 (HL), at White SandsMissile RangeJan. 29 and Feb. 12 (JM). The near Cliff Dec. 20 and Jan. 3 (RF et al.), Caballo L., Dec. 18- remnants of last autumn's Blue Jay invasion included at least Feb 27 (BZ et al.), and PerchaDam Feb. 26 (DM). SingleBlack- three in Albuquerquethrough Feb. 7 (C. Wellborn et al.) and shouldered Kites were n.e. of Deming Jan. 12 (L. Herrmann) one at Silver City Dec. 27-Feb. 27 (RF et al.). Pinyon Jayswere and at San Simon CienegaFeb. 7 (B. & M. Schaughency).Also irregularin the SantaFe area (JH et al.), while notablenumbers notable was a pair at Galeana, Chih., Jan. 29--plus another were present in the Zuni Mrs. (AM et al.) and southwardto b•rd well to the s. at Encinillas Feb. 6 (WB, RD). A total of 316 the Silver City region (v.o.). Highly unusual were about 35 Bald Eagles was counted on the annual January survey (G. American Crows near Galeana Feb. 7, in an area where about Schmittet al.), comparedto the averageof 230. The 55 birds 25 had beenseen Feb. 14, 1986(RD et al.); this specieshad not •n the Cochiti L. area Jan. 13-14 (T. Johnson)furnished the been reportedbefore in w. Chihuahua.At leastfour Am. Crows h•ghest count ever there, while a single bird at L. McMillan were in the Ribera-Villanueva area Jan. 1 (JH, JV), and a Ch•- Jan 10-11 (B. Swayze, S. West) was s.e. of the usual range. An huahuan Raven was calling at Silver City Jan. 30 (JH). Three ad. Bald Eagle was at Ascencion,Chih., Jan. 28, and two im- Bridled Titmice were at Percha Dam Dec. 16-18 and Jan. 28 matureswere near CasasGrandes Feb. 7 (WB, RD). A vagrant (JD, BZ). Fifteen-plusBushtits were in n.e. Albuquerque Jan Harris' Hawk was near TularosaFeb. 12 ( J.Garuba, JM). About 23 (WH). 20 were in the CasasGrandes-Galeana vicinity Jan. 28-29, High countswere of five House Wrens at Percha Dam Dec which is the northernmostarea of regular occurrencein that 18 and six near Mesilla Jan. 4 (BZ). The only Winter Wrens portran of Chihuahua (WB, RD). Ten N. Bobwhiteswere at reported were one to two at Zuni Dec. 17 & 21 (JT). An Am. B•tter Lake N.W.R., Dec. 6 (KW). Dipper was at Cochiti Dam Jan.25 and Feb. 8 (PI, CR). Golden- H•ghsfor Sandhill Cranesin the Gila Valley were 300+ near crowned Kinglets continued to be evident following the au- Chff Dec. 6 (RF) and 52 at Redrock,December to February(A. tumn influx--including on the CBCs at Albuquerque (HS et Ford).The maximum number of WhoopingCranes in the mid- al.) and PeloncilloMts. (RSet al.). Other reportsincluded sev- dle Rio GrandeValley was 23, while anotherwas at Ascension, eral in the foothills of the Sandia Mts., Jan. 9-Feb. 28 (WH), Ch•h., Jan.27 (WB, RD). Unusualwas a SnowyPlover at Laguna two at Silver City Dec. 15-19 (M. Moseley), and three at L. Grande, Eddy, Jan.4, along with one Western and 204 Least McMillan Jan.4 (WH). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcherwas near Tu- sandpipers(WH). A notableconcentration was of 72 Long-billed larosa Jan.3 (NH et al.), and two Polioptila sp. were at Percha Dowitchers at L. McMillan Jan. 4 (WH), while n. of the usual Dam Feb. 16 (CR). rangewere three at Cochiti L., Dec. 11 (PS).At least 35 Long- The only westerly reports of E. Bluebirdswere at Percha bdled Curlews were at Ascension, Chih., Jan. 27-28, .while Dam, with up to 12 Dec. 16-Jan. 28 (BZ et al.). Western and others occurred southward (WB, RD); the specieswinters reg- Mountain bluebirdsappeared in numbersoutside their breed- ularly in that state (RD). An imm. Little Gull was seen and ing ranges,with reports from the Peloncillo Mts. (RS et al.) e well-described at L. McMillan Jan.4 (WH), for the first report to Roswell(KW) and the TularosaBasin (RJ et al.). Both species for New Mexico; it was alsoseen there Feb. 16-17 (RT).A high were common in the Silver City area (RF et al.) and reasonably count was of 94 Bonaparte'sGulls at L. McMillan Jan.4 (WH), soin the Rio GrandeValley areato Dona Aria (BZ et al.). Notable as were up to 12 Herring Gulls at Cochiti L., Dec. 21 (JH) and reportsof Westernsincluded 70 near RodeoDec. 27 (RSet al ) e•ghtat CaballoL., Decemberto February (BZ et al.). Late Cal- and five w. of the Florida Mts., Feb. 19-20 (JH et al.), plus up ifornia Gulls were singlesat Cochiti L., Dec. 11 (PS)and Jan. to six near Alameda Dec. 30-Jan. 3 (J. Phillips). Mountran 7 (WH), plus Caballo L., Dec. 18 (BZ et al.) and Feb. 8 (WH). Bluebird reportsincluded 124 birds near RodeoDec. 27 (RSet An ad. Thayer's Gull at Cochiti L., Jan. 7 (WH) furnished the al.), large flocks at Las Cruces Feb. 27 (LS), and a few near only report. Unusual was an imm. Black-leggedKittiwake at Ascencion, Chih., Feb. 7 (WB, RD). (The specieswas present Las Cruces Dec. 21 (L. Schulte) & 23 (H. Harrison). First New andwinters regularly in the Babicoraarea of Chihuahua[RD] ) Mexico winter recordsof Forster's Terns were of singlesat By contrast,both specieswere rare in the Zuni Mts., apparently Caballo L., Dec. 18 (BZ) and L. McMillan Jan.4 (WH), plus six due to the scarcityof juniper "berries" (AM et aT.). or more at the latter site Feb. 16-17 (RT). Townsend's Solitaires in areas where infrequent were one to two at Clayton Jan.26 (WC), n.e. AlbuquerqueDec. 15 & 22 DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS--Highs for White- and Feb. 26 (WH), and Las Crucesall season(LS), plus 10 at wingedDoves were 20-30 at SocorroDec. 6-Feb. 14 (JS),eight Percha Dam Feb. 7 (PS, RT). American Robins were much •n at Percha Dam Dec. 29 (HL) and 35 there Jan. 28 (JD, BZ), and evidence in several areas of the state, including near Far- up to five at AlamogordoDec. 15-Jan. 30 (RJet al.). At Truth mington (AN et al.), Clayton and vicinity (WC et al.), Albu- or Consequences,the only one seenwas Feb. 7-8 & 12 (DM). querque (HS et al.), Silver City (RF et al.) to the lower Rm At Zuni, an Inca Dove was present Dec. 12-Jan. 15 (DC, JT). Grande Valley (BZ et al.), the Peloncillo Mts. (RS et al.), and H•ghsincluded up to nine at SocorroDec. 5-Feb. 13 (JS)and near Alamogordo(RJ et al.). By contrast,numbers were lower three at Alamogordo December to January (RJ et aT.).Eight than usual in the Santa Fe area ( JH et al.).

Volume 41, Number 2 315 MIMIDS THROUGH EMBERIZINE FINCHES- West- and eight there Jan 10 and Feb 28 (DC), and two on the Blue- erly Brown Thrashers were singles at Zum Dec 17-Jan 16 water CBC (AM et al ) Also notable were up to 50 Dec 20 and (JT), BosqueN.W.R., Dec. 26 (HL), and Percha Dam Feb. 16 Jan.9 at Silver City (RF et al.), where the speciesnow appears (CR). Notable were two CrissalThrashers in SantaFe Dec. 21 to be a local resident. North of the usual winter range were (B Moffett et al.) & 25+ (ph. A. & T. Stampfer);these and a 45 Brown-headed Cowbirds at Pena Blanca, Sandoval, Jan 7 belatedly-reportedbird there in Winter 1985-1986 provided (WH), eight•on the Bluewater Lake CBC (AM et al.), and 49 the first localreports. Cedar Waxwings were rather widespread near Cliff Jan. 3 (RF et al.). in the w. two-thirdsof the state(v.o.), with the largestnumbers Unusual were eight "Brown-capped"Rosy Finches visiting in the Farmingtonarea (AN et al.). Acceptablereports of N. a feeder in Farmington Feb. 26-28, a period of heavy snowfall Shrikeswere of two in the Zuni Mts. in December(JT et al.), (AN). Cassin'sFinches were most frequently reportedin De- plus a belated report of one at BosqueN.W.R., Nov. 26 (S. cemberto early Januaryand againin late February,with most Hoffman). Notable reportswere of a Solitary Vireo at Percha recordsin or near montaneand foothill areas(v.o.). The south- Dam Dec. 16 (JD, BZ), an Orange-crownedWarbler for the 3rd ernmost reports were of one near Cliff Jan. 3 and 47 at Silver consecutivewinter at FarmingtonDec. 19-Feb. 28 (H. H. Les- City Dec. 20 (RF et al.). Pine Siskinswere alsolimited to mon- perance),three Orange-crownedsat Mesilla Park Jan.4 (BZ et tane and foothill areas,except for being uncommonto abun- al ), a Northern Waterthrush at AlbuquerqueJan. 4 (HS),and dant in the Farmingtonarea (AN et al.), and scarceat Roswell a Com. Yellowthroat near Mesilla Jan.4 and later (BZ et al.). Feb. 2 & 12 (KW). Mainly small numbersof EveningGrosbeaks Four Abert's Towbees were at San Simon Cienega Feb. 21 were evident in Santa Fe through the period, and the species (JH),and two were nearRodeo Dec. 27 (RSet al.). Singlereddish was at least irregularly presentin the Zuni Mts. and Albu- Fox Sparrowswere at SocorroDec. 15-Feb. 20 (PB,RT), near querque areas as well. Other reports included 123 at Far- Mesilla Jan.4 and later (BZ et al.), and at Rattlesnake Springs mington Dec. 20 (AN et al.), severalat BosqueN.W.R., Jan 24 Jan.4 (WH). Northerly were one to two Lincoln'sSparrows on (LS),and four at Silver City Dec. 20 (RF et al.) and Jan.31 (JH) the CBCsat Zuni (JT et al.) and Bluewater L. (AM et al.). No- table Swamp Sparrowswere two at Zuni Dec. 21 & 31 (JT et ADDENDUM-- The maximumcount of Ross'Geese at Bosque al ) and one at PleasantonFeb. 22 (SW);at least12 were present N.W.R. was of 5000Nov. 13, includinga blue-phasebird (RD) A in the Rio Grande Valley of Dona Ana in the period (BZ et al.). RuddyTurnstone was reported and briefly detaileds. of Cliff Nov The only Golden-crownedSparrow was at Percha Dam Dec. 4, 1986 (A. & H. Parent),A bird identified as a 8 Black-backed 18 (BZ). By contrast, at least 17 Harris' Sparrows were re- Woodpeckerwas reportedon SandiaCrest, Sandia Mts., July 18, corded--all in the Rio GrandeValley or vicinity and westward; 1986(H. & J.A.MacKenzie); the descriptionfits this species, which the high count was an amazing seven at Farmington Dec. 20 is not known (or suspected)to occurin New Mexico. Regarding (AN et al.). Two Yellow-eyed Juncoswere in the Peloncillo Red Crossbillnests, 5 were observedbeing constructed at Jemez Mts., Dec. 27 (RSet al.), where rare at best.Up to 35 McCown's Fallsand Redondo Campground, Jemez Mts., June 28-30,1983 (W Longspurswere w. of Magdalenafrom early Decemberto Feb. Beckman),for the first reportedfor the state. 8, alongwith a Lapland LongspurJan. 23 (ph. HL). One to two McCown's were in s. Dona Ana Dec. 1-Feb. 11 (ph. BZ). OBSERVERS-- Pat Basham,Wendy Brown, David Cleary, Wes Cook,Jeff Donaldson, Rod Drewien, Ralph Fisher, William Howe, ICTERIDS, CARDUELINE FINCHES- Yellow-headed JohnHubbard, Nancy Hutto, Pat Insley, Robert Jenness,Harry Blackbirdsn. of the usual winter range were one at Las Vegas Lehto, Arch McCallum, JohnMcNelly, Doris Miller, Alan Nelson, Jan.1 (JH,JV) and nine at Zuni Feb.28•(DC). The onlyrecords ChrisRustay, Robert Scholes, Lorraine Schulte, Hart Schwarz,John of Rusty Blackbirdswere of three at Las VegasJan. 1 and one Shipman, Paul Steel, RossTeuber, John Trochet, JamesVaught, there Jan.24 ( JHet al.). Northerly were six Great-tailedGrack- SartorWilliams III, Kathy Wood,Barry Zimmer.--JOHN P. HUB- les at Las VegasJan. 1 (JH, JV), two at Zuni Dec. 21 (JT et al.) BARD, 2016 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

ALASKA REGION

D. D. Gibson, T. G. Tobish, and M. E. Isleib ph.) was sent via commercial airline to California a few days later. Known in Alaska only from Southeastand Southcoastal in November-December, this specieswas recorded first in No- averagetwas another precipitation mildwinter (mostlyinAlaska. rain) Therealong wasthe above-Pacific vember 1981 (Gibsonand Hogg 1982, AB 36:335) and subse- coast,and below-averageprecipitation (snow)inland. Ob- quently in November 1984 (AB 39:90). serversin all parts of the mainland mentionedan unchar- acteristicpaucity of feeder birds, including Black-capped WATERFOWL--Six Whooper Swans at Adak Dec 7 Chickadees--the visitor at many feeders, but no hard (BMW) furnished the season'sonly report. That there were 2 numbers were available for comparison.It was, as usual reportsof singleWood Ducks this seasonwas quite remarkable for birdlife, an uneventful winter away from the North for a species that had not been reported in the State in 10 Pacific coast. years. A wary imm. male was seen at Lake Louise, Kodiak, Dec. 18 (JBA, RAM), but not thereafter, and an ad. male was LOONS TO HERONS -- Three Arctic/Pacific loonswere discoveredat Auke Lake, Juneau,Dec. 20 (GVV, JGK).The seen at Adak I., c. Aleutian Is., on the CBC held Dec. 31, one latter bird, accompanyingflocks of Mallards, Canada Geese, Feb. 18 (GTM, PWd, KVR), and four Feb. 23 (GTM, FGD, KVR, and otherwaterfowl, was present in that areathrough February PWd). Field separationof these taxa remains a problem. A (MEI et al.). Whetheror not theseWood Ducks were escapees lone Horned Grebe observedat St. GeorgeI., Pribilof Is., Jan. is problematicand difficult to assess.The Kodiak bird was a 24 (RLS) furnished an unusual Bering Sea winter record. Five long way from any bonafide natural occurrenceof this species Great Blue Herons seen together at Kodiak in mid-January (and two Wood Ducks escapedfrom a Kodiak aviculturist "4 (fide RAM) provided a remarkable count at that peripheral or 5 years ago" and disappeared[fide RAM]). Alaska'sonly locality. A lone Cattle Egret caughtalive at Sitka Dec. 18 (KH (two)accepted records of the speciesare from SoutheastAlaska

316 American Birds, Summer 1987 The speciesbreeds {annually? abundance?) but doesnot winter (seePalmer 1976, Handbook of N. American Birds 3:261-263, and CBCs) as close to us as Graham I., Queen Charlotte Is., British Columbia. C.•i C I•r• CE A N ,.• Maximum count of Eur. Wigeon this seasonwas of 10 birds at Adak Feb. 16 (CFZ); a male at Womens Bay Jan. 27-Feb. 17+ provided one of few winter recordsfor the Kodiak archi- pelago(RAM), and a male wintered with other waterfowl on the Petersburgwaterfront for the 2nd consecutiveyear (PW). - Heating-plant cooling ponds at Ft. Wainwright, Fairbanks, provided overwintering recordsof seven Mallards, a 8 Am. Wigeon, a • Greater Scaup,a • LesserScaup, and two Buffle- heads (JK). All but the Mallards were most unusual in winter Nome '• • • '• ai•nks • • • in the Interior, for lack of annually-availablehabitat. American Wigeon were also unusual in winter at Anchorage {one male through Jan. 30, RLS) and at Seward (a pair through Mar. 1, RLS et al.). Northern Shoveler is scarce in winter anywhere on the Alaska Pacific coast. It was seen in small numbers at Adak (two Feb. 16 & 21--CFZ, TRE) and Kodiak (one at Kalsin Bay Dec. 17-Jan.1--RLS, RAM et al.). Interesting winter diver recordscame from Kodiak, where Canvasbacks(at least one on PasagshakR., Dec. 2-Jan. 1--JM, DWS),Redheads (two malesthrough Mar. 1--RAM, DWS),and a Ring-necked Duck (female, Buskin Lake, Dec. 26-Jan. 3-- RAM, JBA)were located.Up to six Canvasbackswere present at Adak during February (CFZ et al.). A flock of 12 Tufted Ducks at Adak Feb. 24 (FGD, GTM, CFZ, MGZ) furnished the maximum count this season; an ad. male was seen at Narrow Betuge• Cape, Kodiak,Jan. 1 (RAM). A 9 Black Scoterat St. GeorgeI., #•••S PACIFICOCEAN Jan. 19 & 22 and a pair of Surf Scotersthere Jan. 26 (RLS) numbered amongfew Pribilof recordsof these speciesat any season. dently now residentat Adak {CFZ), where singlebirds were HAWKS TO GULLS-- Observers from Wasilia and Palmer seen Dec. 12 {CFZ},on the CBC Dec. 31, and Feb. I {RPS}.At to Anchorage remarked on the above-average numbers of least two Great Gray Owls were reported in early February wintering Bald Eagles. High day counts from Anchorage between Palmer and Wasilia {RH, DJO},in an area where the through the closeof the period were of five birds {DJO,TGT}. specieshas been annual since 1978. At the very n. end of the A N. Harrier observedat WomensBay, Kodiak,Jan. 19 {DWM) species'winter range, single Belted Kingfisherswere present was of interest;this speciesis a distinctlyscarce winter visitant in the Matanuska Valley Jan. 8 {DJO}, and in Anchorage on Alaska's Pacific coast.Near the s.w. limit of the species' throughMar. I {m.ob.}. Alaska range,an imm. Golden Eaglewas seen at Avatanak I., Steller'sJay numbersreached a new upper Cook Inlet high e. Aleutians, Mar. 1, and an adult at nearby Tigalda I., Mar. 3 count when they peakedat 30 birds on the AnchorageCBC, {DRH). It is probablynot an accidentthat the Golden Eagle's Dec. 20. Two Steller'sJays appeared in the EagleRiver valley, Aleutian range parallels that of the locally-introduced arctic n. of Anchorage,in late February.Observers' impressions were groundsquirrel (Spermophi/usparr¾ii). that Black-cappedChickadees were lessnumerous at feeders Three Dunlins were seen at Adak Feb. 2, and two Feb. 18 than in previous winters. Observersfrom Palmer and An- (GTM, KVR, PWd); the speciesis an irregular winter visitant chorage,for example, commentedon an apparentreduction in the Aleutians. A lone Sanderlingobserved at St. GeorgeI., of chickadee numbers this season,especially in late winter Jan. 21 (RLS)provided a first winter record for the Pribilofs. after snowand normalcold should have promptedmore feeder This speciesis a local winter visitant in the Aleutians and on activity than earlier. The total of 715 Black-cappedson the the Alaska Pacificcoast to the east.One Bonaparte'sGull still AnchorageCBC was less than the 1984 or 1985 counts, but presenton the Petersburgwaterfront in mid-January(PW) fur- was at or slightly above the 20+-year average there. In SE nisheda mostunusual winter recordanywhere in the Region. Alaska,Golden-crowned Kinglets were amonga very few pas- A Ring-billedGull seenat Narrow CapeJan. 1 (DWS)provided serine speciesreported in above-normalabundance. Kinglet a first Kodiak winter record and one of few ever in that ar- populationswere way down in SC Alaska; no kinglets were chipelago(RAM). One California Gull was identified with con- recorded on the Anchorage CBC in 1986. Post-CBCRuby- genersat Swan Lake, Sitka, in late January(MWS), for perhaps crownedKinglets were reportedfrom Anchorage{one through Alaska'sfirst midwinter record.A few Thayer'sand Glaucous Jan.14---LW) and Kodiak{up to eightbirds into early January-- gullswere mixed in with the hundredsof wintering Glaucous- RAM, JBA). wingedGulls in the Kodiakharbor this season(RAM, JBA).In Lingering Am. Robins remained into early January at An- mostwinters Black-leggedKittiwakes are absentfrom Kodiak's chorage{six-plus--TGT}, Eagle River {oneDec. 16•MF), Hope inshorewaters, although they may be regular at the mouths {two Dec. 6--DMT}, Kodiak I. {one each Jan. I & 3--RAM}, of large baysaround the island.In winter 1986-1987, however, and Fairbanks{at least one overwintered,fide JMW}. Despite they were seenregularly in small numbers(up to six) inshore a mild winter with little snowcover in SE, passerinenumbers and onshorein inner Chiniak Bay and around the town of there were low, with, for example,very few robinsand Varied Kodiak.Increased fish-processing activity at Kodiakmay have Thrushes. Single Varied Thrushes in south and downtown held thesebirds there all winter (RAM). A first-winterRed- Anchorageon Jan.3 {TN} and Feb. 9 {RF),respectively, num- leggedKittiwake seenat St. GeorgeI., Jan.26 (RLS)may have bered among few winter recordsthere. Bohemian Waxwing providedthe first winter recordin the BeringSea. flocks,usually in evidencein SE in early winter, were almost totally absent this season:a single bird at PetersburgJan. 13 OWLS TO FINCHES -- A casualwinter visitant in the up- {PW} furnished the only report. European Starling numbers per Cook Inlet region, a Snowy Owl was present near treeline were remarkableat Kodiakthis winter. The specieswas found w. of Hatcher Passin early January {RB}.This speciesis evi- at scattered locations in the vicinity of the town of Kodiak,

Volume 41, Number 2 317 and in flocks of up to 19 birds (Dec. 11); total number present meroussmall flocksby the closeof the period,siskins became was estimated at 30 (RAM et al.). very common and widespreadin SE. Observersbeyond SE A flock of 20 Lapland Longspursat Adak, where seenwith were unanimous on the scarcity of redpolls, White-winged 40+ Snow Buntings Feb. I (CFZ), was of interest; the species Crossbills, and siskins. is an irregular winter visitant anywhere on Alaska's Pacific coast.A wintering flock of Red-wingedBlackbirds at Juneau was joined by approximately20 additional birds at the close of the period (MEI). The • Brewer's Blackbird at Sitka (see CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- J.B.Allen, R. Buxton, Autumn report}remained all winter and by mid-Februarywas F.G. Deines, T.R. Edgerton,R. Foley, M. Fowne, K. Hanson, D.R. singing0VIWS, KH, MEI ph.). Up to three • Purple Finches Hertar, R. Hulbert, J. Kelly, J.G. King, R.A. Macintosh, G.T. Mc- beganvisiting a Ketchikanfeeder in late January;by the close Clellan, J. McCrary, D.W. Menke, T. Nelson, D.J.Owens, K.V. Re- of the period the grouphad grown to four femalesand a male yor, R.L. Schar,R.P. Schulmeister, D.W. Sonneborn,M.W. Schwan, (REW}.Both crossbillspecies were widespreadand fairly com- D.M. Troy, G. Van Vliet, P. Walsh, L. White, B.M. Williams, P. mon in SE Alaska, but not elsewhere in the Region. White- Wood {PWd},J.M. Wright, C.F. Zeillemaker, M.G. Zeillemaker.-- wingedsoutnumbered Reds in n. portionsof SE. Redpollswere D.D. GIBSON, University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, not reportedin SE this period,but largeflocks of Pine Siskins Fairbanks, AK 99775;T.G. TOBISH, P.O. Box 90662, Anchorage, beganmoving in during early December;breaking into nu- AK 99509;and M.E. ISLElB, 9229 Emily Way, Juneau,AK 99801.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Bill Tweit and Philip W. Mattocks, Jr.

tsnaps, wasaand very manymild, lowlanddry winter areas withreceived no prolongedno snowat cold all. As a result, there were good numbers of many lingering species,and very few of the typical northern wanderers. Surprising and exciting, however, were the several far northern, Siberian speciespresent--Steller's Eider, Slaty- backed Gull, Ross'Gull, and Rustic Bunting. ABBREVIATIONS -- Q.C.I. = Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C.; S.J.C.R.= southjetty of the ColumbiaRiver, Ore.;V.I. = Vancouver Island, B.C. Place names in italics are counties. LOONS THROUGH PELICANS- Five reports of Yellow- billed Loons, four from s. British Columbia and one from the Q.C.I., were well below the averagenumber of reportsfor this species.Two sightingsof Clark's Grebesfrom the Vancouver, B.C., area, at Boundary Bay and near Tsawassen (tBK, tGA, Grays •JoAnneMacKenzie) Dec. 7 & 8, may have involved the same Will, Leadbetter individual. This representedonly the 2nd provincial record. Other sightingsin the Regionincluded singles at OceanShores, Wash., Jan. 16 & 20 (G & WH), Forest Grove Sewage Ponds, Ore., Jan. 25 (Linda Welland, Pat Muller), Reedsport,Ore., Jan. ¸ 2 and Port Orford, Ore., Jan.3 (DF, SH), and Yaquina Bay, Ore., • Eugene Feb. 7 (SteveJaggers). This was the largestnumber of winter recordsyet for Clark's.There are still no locationsin the Region where they are known to occur regularly. A Black-footedAl- •'•/ Bandønl Medford ß batrossseen 3 mi off Newport, Ore., Jan.10 (Marvin Penberton. jhdeHN) furnished one of only three tubenosesightings this winter, other than CBC records. One oiled Mottled Petrel was found deadon the beachnear Waldport,Ore., Dec. 15 (RL,j•de DFa) for the first winter Regionalrecord since 1978. The other sightingswere of live Short-tailedShearwaters: five at Masset, fairly large fall movement.Black-crowned Night-Herons may Q.C.I., Dec. 21 (PH, Charles Bellis) and one Jan. 24 at Florence, be far more commonwinterers here than is currently thought. Ore. (SH}. In contrast to the last several warm winters, Brown It is possiblethat every major estuaryfrom the FraserR. south Pelicansdid not lingerin the Region.There was only onereport may have a roost.Four night-heronswintered at Reifel I., Delta, from s. Oregon. B.C. ( JI} in the Fraser delta. Up to 14 were noted at a roost on the Skagitestuary, Wash. (Curt Howard et al.}. Another newly- EGRETS THROUGH DUCKS--After an excellent fall discoveredroost on Tillamook Bay, Ore., had 18 birds Dec. 20 movement,many Great Egretswintered in the Region.At least (JG), and 13 used a North Portland,Ore., roost(JG). The ibis five in Washingtonwas the highestnumber of wintering in- (Plegadissp.) found this fall at Port Hardy, V.I., was reported dividuals ever for that state. Two Green-backed Herons were until mid-March (fide DK). reported from Vancouver, B.C. (•Chris Harris, •JohnReynolds, Trumpeter Swans now winter regularly in small numbers fide DK}. They are rare in winter that far north. There were in n. Oregon.One flockwas noted in Polk (fide BB) and another no Catfie Egret reports this season,even though there was a in Lane (TIV0. Three wintered in JacksonBottoms near Hills-

318 American Birds, Summer 1987 boro,Washington (JE,Verda Teale) and thre•e were at Meares last winter (BW) There were 4 sightingsof N Goshawk in L, Tillamook,Jan. 21 (HN). Four reportsof Emperor Geese Washington,6 in Oregon, and none from British Columbia were more than usual. Two were in Oregon, one in the Wil- Two "Harlan's"Red-tailed Hawks were reported, both from lamette Valley all winter (fide BB) and the other on the Oregon(BO, ph., M & EE). Rough-leggedHawk numberswere Umpqua R. estuaryDec. 10 (Merle Archie). In Washington, low in w. Oregon (DF, BO, JG, DI) and in s.w. Washington, one was in Seattle all winter (m.ob., tEH) and the one found where one observerreported only one-fourth asmany asusual at Post Office L., Clark, this fall was apparently shot nearby (G & WH). A minimum of 47 PeregrineFalcons was reported by a hunter Dec. 27 (fide HN). Seventeen'Aleutian' Canada from throughoutthe Region,including four thought to be F Geesefound dead on the beachat PacificCity, Tillamook,Ore., p. tundrius.Two of thesewere from the Victoria area (BW), Dec I (fide DFa) appearedto have drownedin the surf. Other one from Washington(BT), and one from Oregon(TM). Recent 'Aleutian' sightingsincluded one at Ankeney N.W.R., Ore., band recoveriesindicate tundrius does occur in the Region Dec 26 with a yellow leg band (Jan Anderson),another with (SteveHerman). However, since their statushere is still unclear a blue leg band Jan. 13, and 11 at Salmon River, Ore., Jan. 21 and there is wide variation in Peregrineplumages, observers (RL) Up to 20 collared'Dusky' Canada Geese were notedat 2 shouldinclude noteson facial pattern with any reportsof tun- locationsin the Columbia R. bottomlands,Wash. (IB), where dr/us-typebirds. There were reportsof eight Gyrfalconsfrom most of the world population of this subspecieswinters, al- the Region, the majority from n.w. Washington. This was though eight 'Duskies'with red neck bandswintered in Vic- slightly below recent winters' totals. toria, V.I. (BG, Brent Diakow). 'Cackling' Canada Geesewere unusuallycommon in the Willamette Valley this winter (HN). GROUSE TO ALCIDS -- A White-tailed Ptarmiganat 3500' We received6 reportsof 'Eurasian'Green-winged Teal, from on the undamagedside of Mount St. Helens, Wash., Jan. 4 Vancouver, B.C., south to Florence, Ore., about average for indicates that some survived the explosion (Mark Chilcote, this race. Huge numbersof N. Pintail were noted during De- SteveBachhuber). Two Sandhill Craneswintered at Delta, B.C cember and January in c. Washington,Ore. (DI). Cinnamon (WW et at.), far n. of their regularwintering area on SauvieI, Teal, rare winterers, were found at 2 locationsin the Region. Ore., where a fair-sized flock wintered (HN et at.). A fulva One male and three females were noted at Reifel I., B.C. (JI), LesserGolden-Plover with a broken leg was at the ForestGrove and a pair was in the Columbia R., Wash., bottomlands(IB). SewagePonds, Washington,Ore. (DI, $Donna Lusthaft) Jan The first migrant• Cinnamonswere found in mid-February. 10-11. There were few prior winter recordsfrom the Region One • Tufted Duck wintered at StanleyPark, Vancouver(BK), There were 23 SemipalmatedPlovers, an above-averagenum- and a first-year• Tufted wintered at Green L., Seattle(m.ob.). ber, reportedfrom the Washingtoncoast (JB, BT). Above-nor- Another first-yearmale was at the Monmouth Sedimentation mal numberswere alsoin the area of Yaquina Bay, Ore. (DFa), Ponds,Polk, Ore., Jan.12-31 (tRG et at.). Three individuals is and 40 were at Bandon, Ore., Feb. 23 (HN). about normal for a winter here. The Steller's Eider found last Only a handful of Greater Yellowlegsreports came from fall at Port Townsend, Wash., was reported through Feb. 8 Washington,despite the mild winter. Willets wintered in their (mob, CP). The 1200 Oldsquaw on BellinghamBay, Wash., usual locations:Yaquina Bay (HN), Willapa Bay (G & WH), and Feb 20 (TW) and 400 on Manzanita Bay, Kitsap,Wash., Feb. one at PortAngeles (D & SS).There were 2 reportsof Whimbrels 28 (GG) were very large numbers for anywhere in the Region. in the Victoria area, where they are quite rare in winter. One A Black Scorerflock of 200+ at Lincoln City, Ore., Jan.24 (DI) was at EsquimaultLagoon Dec. 17 (J & RS), and the other in was also extraordinarilylarge in size. Barrow'sGoldeneyes SaanichJan. 21 and Feb. 17 (J & RS). Farther s., individuals have been taggedwith nasal disks and nasal saddlesduring often winter at a few consistentlocations; one at Port Angeles the nestingseason in interior British Columbia. One with a (D & SS)and another at Takeland (PM) this seasonwere ex- blue-greennose clip was noted Jan. 18 in Tacoma, Wash. (CP). amples.The compositionof the Marbled Godwit/Long-billed A Cam. Goldeneye with a nasal saddle, also taggedby the Curlew flock of 140+ birds wintering at Takeland, Willapa Canadian Wildlife Service, was noted at Shilshole Marina, Bay, was 75% godwits and 25% curlews (PM, BT). The only Seattle,Jan. 18 (Ward Beecher).Buffleheads were thought to other report from the Regionof either specieswas of a curlew be in well aboveusual numbers in w. Oregonthis winter (HN). at Ocean ShoresDec. 20 and Jan. 16 (G & WH) for the first VULTURES TO FALCONS -- Two Turkey Vultures Feb. winter record there. 18 over SaanichInlet, V.I. (BarbaraBegg), either were wintering None of the 5 Washington sightingsof Ruddy Turnstones birds or were about a month earlier than usual for this area. included details. This is a rare wintering bird that shouldbe Three winter recordsof Turkey Vultures came from Oregon: documented.Two unusually large flocksof Surfbirdswere of one in Linn Dec. 31 (fide M & EE) and two in PolkJan. 14 (PO). 40 Dec. 7 at Tongue Point, Clallam, Wash. (D & SS) and 120 The first certain migrantswere reported,as usual, in late Feb- Jan. 18 n. of Florence, Ore. (TM). There were 3 reportsof Red ruary Winter Ospreysightings included one Jan.29 in North Knots, 2 from Oregon and one from Washington,none with Saamch,V.I. (Jerry & GladysAnderson), one Dec. 20 near Eu- details. Well-documented winter records of Red Knots for this gene(PS, fide SH), and one Feb. 4 in Linn, Ore. (Ray Valburg, Regionare still very scarce.We receivedonly 3 reportsof W. fide M & EE). Recordnumbers of wintering Black-shouldered Sandpipersfrom s. British Columbia and three from Washing- Kites were reported from s.w. Washington.There were five ton. As with Greater Yellowlegsand Long-billedDowitchers, near Raymond(BT), two near Takeland (JB),three s. of Toledo, it has been learned that Westernswinter here regularly, but Lewis(Arden Hagen), and one at the White-tailed Deer N.W.R., in varying numbers.Tracking annual variation in easily-sur, Wahkiakum (N. Larson).The bird seen Feb. 6 at Nisqually veyed wintering populations,such as thoseof W. Sandpipers, N W R. (Jennifer Adams) was the farthest north. Kites were is one of the basicfunctions of this report. We hope that con- reported from at least 14 locationsin w. Oregon.Most indi- tributors will continue to record numbers of these shorebirds, mduals were in the Rogue R. valley (MM), but fair numbers even though they have lost some of their "pizzazz" as more were found in the Willamette Valley and goodnumbers were has been learned about them. There were 4 Least Sandpiper on the coast. Bald Eagles appear annually along the lower reportsin Washington,all from the outer coast(BT, G & WH) Cowhtz R., Wash., in associationwith the late-winter smelt They were unreportedelsewhere. Up to 35 Long-billedDow- run This year 51 were counted alongthe lower 10 mi of the itcherswere reportedfrom the Vancouver,B.C., area (v.o.,fide river during late February (fide IB), many more than normal. DK), where they are sporadicwinrefers, indicating a goodyear Northern Harriers were quite scarcein partsof w. Washington there. However, there were only 2 reports from Washington, and throughoutOregon (BT, G & WH, DF). where they are now regardedas regular winrefers. The usual The number of Sharp-shinnedHawk reportswas averageor few Red Phalaropesightings were of 14 seen Dec. 3 and one above in n.w. Washington(D & SS, TW) and w. Oregon (DI). Dec. 21 at the S.J.C.R.(HN). CoopeftsHawk sightingsin Victoria were about half those of An ad. Slaty-backed Gull found Dec. 31 at the Elwha R

Volume 41, Number 2 319 mouth, Clallam, Wash. (•JSk)stayed to Jan.4 (•DP, •EH, m.ob.) Don Varekamp).Short-eared Owl numbersin the Vancouver, at least.Plumage differences indicated that this was a different B.C., area were the lowest in many years (fide DK}, and the individual than the bird that appearedthis fall at Port Hardy, specieswas absentor in very low numbersat reportinglocal- V.I. This was the southernmost record on the eastern Pacific ities throughoutw. Washingtonand Oregon. Northern Saw- coast,the first s. of British Columbia, and the 3rd Regional whet Owls begancalling somewhatearlier than usual in mid- record. Additionally, a dark-backed,pink-legged gull of un- Januaryand early February at scatteredlowland sites--Bain- determined specieswas observedat the Hartland Landfill, bridge I., Vashon I.. and Sequim, Wash., and Rickreall, near Highland District, V.I., Feb. 18 (•BW, Ken Morgan). Three Salem, and Mt. Pigsahin Eugene,Ore. GlaucousGull reportsfrom the Vancouverarea (fide DK),three A bird thought to be an imm. • Rufous Hummingbird Dec. from the Victoria area (fide DFr), and five in Washingtonwere 9 at a feeder in Corvallis,Ore., was exceptionallylate (Don & averagenumbers for thoseareas. However, 14+ reportsin Or- Elizabeth MacDonald, fide M & EE}. Apparently a different egon(fide HN) representeda big winter for them there. Three bird was also in Corvallis for the CBC. Three • Selasphorus Oregonand two Washingtonrecords for Black-leggedKittiwake hummingbirds,believed to be Rufous,were foundat Brookings, were somewhatbelow average.A Ross'Gull at Yaquina Bay, s.w. Oregon,on the early datesof Jan.15 & 27 (AB,Gary Lester}. Lincoln, Ore., was discoveredby HN Feb. 18, coincident with Otherwise the first arrivals reportedwere Feb. 19 in Yachats, the first N movementsof Bonaparte'sGulls. It wasseen through Ore. {Jim& JaniceGerdemann, fide DFa}and Feb.25 on Vashon March 2 (fide FIN). This also was the southernmostrecord for I., Wash. {PM}. The first • Allen's Hummingbird was noted on the e. Pacific,and the first s. of Canada.The aestheticquaIity schedule Feb. 22 at Azalea Park, Brookings(RG}. A White- of the photographsand sketchesof this bird was exceptional. headedWoodpecker wandered W of its usualrange to Takilma, Josephine,Ore., Dec. 9 {RomainCooper, fide MM}. The Black Phoebefound on the Eugene,Ore., CBC was alsoseen Jan. 10 & 18 {TM}. SingleSay's Phoebes were alsofarther n. than usual at SalemDec. 27 {RG}and Finley N.W.R., Jan.7 {KarenRaferty, fide M & EE}.Another Tropical Kingbirdof the annual late fall movement was noted Dec. 7 near Harbor, Curry, Ore. (AB et al.). SWALLOWS TO THRASHERS- A few Tree Swallows had returned early to RidgefieldN.W.R., Clark, Wash., by Jan. 23 (BradWaggoner}. One was in the Medford area on the CBC Dec. 27 and four were there Jan. 24 (Otis Swisher}.Then Feb. 10 about 100 appearednear Stayton,Marion, Ore. {PlattDavis, fide M & EE}, and five were at Reifel I., Delta {Roy Phillips, JI) for the earliest-ever arrival date for the Vancouver, B.C., area. Widespreadarrival of the first few Violet-greenSwallows was noted Feb. 14-18. A very late Barn Swallow lingered at Til- lamook, Ore., until Dec. 20 { JJ,ph., OS} and a very early one was seen Feb. 12 at Grant's Pass,Ore. {M & EE}. Many more Steller'sJays than usualwere in the Bellingham, Wash., area this season{TW}. Two Blue Jayswintered in Chil- Ross'Gull at Yaquina Bay, Ore., Feb. 21, 1987. Photo/Owen liwack, B.C. {Jim & Linda Patterson}.A Scrub Jay wandered Schmidt. N to Tacoma, Wash., Dec. 1-6 (GeorgeAulback, fide TB}. An- Flocks of 400 Ancient Murralets off Ten-mile Point, V.I., other Clark's Nutcracker from the fall flight was well described Dec. 6 (BG), 300 off Central Saanich Dec. 6 (J & RS), and 200 from just w. of Salem, Ore., Dec. 3 (•PO}. The Mountain Chick- past Point Wilson Dec. 7 (DBe) indicated a major movement adeesfrom last fall's invasion remained in the Vancouver, B.C., in the e. Strait of Juan de Fuca at that time. Following this, area and throughoutw. Washington.Reports were widespread smallernumbers were in AdmiraltyInlet throughJanuary and also in w. Oregonbut were consideredto be in about normal there were a few Oregon reports. numbers.A new high count of 1223 Chestnut-backedChick- adees was set on the Victoria, V.I., CBC. Likewise there were DOVES TO KINGBIRDS -- A White-winged Dove seenin high countsnearby of 777 on SaltspringI., 486 at Sooke,V.I., flight Dec. 20 at Wilson Creek meadowsnear Tillamook pro- and 472 at Bellingham,Wash. The Chestnut-backedis the pre- vided the 3rd record for Oregon {•JG,DBa, JKe},each of which dominant chickadee on islands in n. Puget Sound. Only 72 has been during fall and early winter. Of the amazing48 W. were counted in Vancouver, B.C., and 156 in Seattle, nearby Screech-Owls found Dec. 27 on the Florence, Ore., CBC, 43 mainlandcensuses with high observerhours. A White-breasted were called out by one fast-movingteam working a 9-mi stretch Nuthatch was observedalmost daily near a feeder in Saanich along the N. Fork Siuslaw R. (DF, SH, PP, CB, Matt Hunter}. (Betty ]Pallow,m.ob.} for the 2nd consecutiveyear that one How many are out there in a whole count circle?The Snowy has wintered on southern V.I. Owl tally on the CBC at Ladnet, B.C., is a useful index to A female or imm. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was found Dec. annual abundancein the Region.This seasonfive were counted 6-Jan. 30 on Foster's I., Seattle, for the 3rd record for Wash- there, rs. five last year and a record high 40 the year before. ington (•DP, Netta Smith, m.ob.}. Another Blue-gray Gnat- Six Snowieswere spreadthrough w. Washington,with two at catcher was also much farther n. than usual in Medford, Ore., Leadbetter Pt. (JB) the farthest south. One of the two on the Dec. 27 {fide MM). Large-scalemovement of thousandsof Am. Skagitfiats enduredthe unseasonalheat until Feb. 15 (BT}for Robinswas noted Feb. 1 & 2 in Ashland, Ore. (MM}. Five scat- the latestsighting this season.Two BurrowingOwls wintered tered Townsend'sSolitaires were reported, not including CBC as usual at the Eugene,Ore., airport (TIV0.Wintering numbers sightings,for abouta norma]number. The five N. Mockingbirds of thisspecies in the RogueR. valleyors. Oregonhave declined found: near Siletz, Lincoln, and in Salem, Ore. (BB}, at the steadilyfor severalyears {MM}. The only report there this sea- mouth of the Humptulips R., Grays Harbor (G & WH, m.ob.), son was of a window-killed bird during January (Roger and in Bellingham, Wash. (TW). and in W. Vancouver, B.C. Schnoes}.A Great Gray Owl found Dec. 26 e. of Willow Lake, (•Allen Poynter,m.ob.), with four of thesespending the winter near Ashland {Ed Abbott, fide MM} was near the established at thesesites, was alsoabout a normal number for recentyears. populationin the s. OregonCascades. A Long-earedOwl seen A SageThrasher seen Dec. 6 along the Hylebos waterway in Dec. 27 in DiscoveryPark, Seattle,furnished the only report Tacoma furnished the 5th record for w. Washington,and the this seasonof this scarcewintering species(•David Reusser, first outside of late April-early May (•Bob Ramsey).

320 American Birds, Summer 1987 WAXWINGS TO WABBLEItS- Flocks of 100+ Bohemian their steady increase in the Region. This year's conservative Waxwings were noted in Ashland and at nearby Roxy Anne total of about 33 sightingswas more than double the average Butte during January (Bruce Stewart, Joe Shelton). Seventy of the last 5 years. (SeeAB 38:351, 1984, for exactly the same were seen at the Toketee R.S., e. of Roseburg,Jan. 29 (DF). statistic at that time.) Sma.ller groupswere noted at other localesin the interior of s. Oregon during January-February,presumably all having The media sensation of the season was the winter- moved W from the Klamath Basin. Single Bohemianswere plumaged• Rustic Bunting found Dec. 15 at the Kent, seen to the n. in Florence (SH, DI), near Corvallis (JKr), and Wash.,sewage ponds (tDBe) for the first staterecord and on the Nisqually N.W.R., Wash. (GW}. Several CBCs in s.w. only the 2nd recordfor the lower 48 states.From dawn British Columbia reported normal numbers for that area. A the next day observerslogged in from all acrossthe con- LoggerheadShrike noted Dec. 20 at Rain River Reserve near tinent (•EH) and numerousphotos were taken (DP, PM, Tillamook provided one of very few recordsfor w. Oregon JJ).The bunting spent the seasonwith a flock of the (•Jg, DBa, JKe). slightly-largerDark-eyed Junco, as had the bird at River Despitethe warmer winter, Orange-crownedWarblers were Jordan,V.I., in the winter of 1983-1984.Some slight plu- not found in larger-than-usual numbers. There were four mage changeswere noted by Feb. 8 (•DBe), but at last sightingsin Washington and three on V.I. However, one was report on Mar. 22 the bird had not molted. much farther n. than usual to Queen Charlotte City, Q.C.I., Dec. 20 (Ruth Wigmore). Certainly the outstanding warbler find of the seasonwas the Lucy's Warbler found at Florence, Ore., Dec. 27 (A1Prigge, Norm Barrett,CB) and seenby many through Jan. 25 (tDF, tSH, ph. OS). This first state record required a flight directlyopposite the species'normal migratory path, and is difficult to ascribeto a warmer winter than usual. An imm. Nashville Warbler was found the next day in the same area (AC, m.ob.)and also stayedto at least Jan. 18 (JG). Two other Nashville Warblers,scarce wintering birds here, were notedJan. 11 nearthe Nehalem,Ore., sewageponds (•Jack Corbett)and Jan.15 in Brookings(AB). In additionto the record high 25 Townsend's Warblers counted on the Seattle CBC, four others were found this seasonin King and more than usualwere seenin Whatcornas well (TW). SingleHermit War- biers possiblywintered along the Oregon coast at Florence Dec. 27 (•JKr,fide DF) and at Cutler City, Lincoln, Jan.24 (•DI, RusticBunting in a parking lot in Kent, Wash., Dec. 16, 1987. fide DF). A Palm Warbler did winter at Newport, Ore. (RL, Photo/Dennis Pau/son. m.ob.) and another found Feb. 8 at Nehalem Meadows, Til- lamook, could have also (RG,fide BB). Following the several A winter-plumaged• Rusty Blackbird was found Feb. 14-1- sightingsof N. Waterthrusheslast fall otherswere found Dec. on Sauvie I. (•JGet al.; •DI, ph. JG,BO) for only the 3rd record 23-Jan. 7 at Alaksen W.R.A., Delta, B.C. (•BL) and Jan.4-24 at for w. Oregon.In that same flock of blackbirdsFeb. 14 there the Skagitflats W.R.A., Wash. (BT et al.). Each bird was along was a • Tricolored Blackbirdas well (tJG,Richard Smith, Tim a wooded creek beside a dike. Seven Corn. Yellowthroats can Bickler, JJ, OS), presumably from the recently-discovered undoubtedlybe attributed to the warmer winter. Singleswere breeding colony in nearby Portland. Two other Tricoloreds foundDec. 23-Jan.22 on ReifelI., B.C. (tBL,JI, Eric MacBean), were noted Dec. 27 in the Medford area (fide MM). An ad. • Dec. 28-Jan. 2 in Victoria for the 2nd winter record for V.I. N. Oriole was present Dec. I near Harbor, Curry, Ore. (AB, (Keith Taylor, J & RS), Jan. 3 in Kent (EH) and Jan.4-17 at the. Steve Summers), and another • Northern was noted Dec. 25 Skagit W.R.A. (BT, TS, F1V0for the 3rd and 4th winter records in Portland (BarbaraBeale). A first-year • oriole of undeter- for Washington, Dec. 20 in Eugene (PS, Don Shrouder), Dec. mined specieswas seen Dec. 24-26 in Keizer, Marion, Ore. 27-Jan. 3 in Port Orford (DennisRogers), and Feb. 10 at Forest 0Tom Anderson,Bill & •LouiseLoomis). An almost complete Grove, Ore. (PP, DF). failure of the DouglasFir cone crop was noted this fall on the Oregoncoast (TM). This followeda bumper crop year the pre- SPABROWS TO FINCHES--American Tree Sparrows viousfall and winter, and paralleledproduction in the Cascades appearedto be presentin their usualsmall numbers. Savannah of s. Washington (Chris Chappell). Correspondingly,Red Sparrows definitely wintered in larger numbers than usual. Crossbillswere either not commentedon or reportedas absent High counts were of 20 near Parrydale, Ore., Dec. 16 (HN), or very few in those areas and the Willamette Valley (HN). and nine and 16 on the Skagit fiats, Wash., Jan. 19 and Feb. 7 Pine Siskinswere reported to be in lower numbersthan usual (DBe). Single Clay-coloredSparrows were sightedDec. 27 at in thesesame areas and in Whatcorn,Wash. (TW). Bothspecies Sauvie I., Ore. (•JJ,Rob Fergus)and Jan.4 at the Forest Grove, appeared to be present in normal numbers on V.I. (v.o., Ore., sewageponds (JE). Three Swamp Sparrowson V.I. (fide fide DFr). DFr), one Dec. 21 on the Musqueam Indian Res., Vancouver, B.C. (•RichardCannings), and singlesin Aberdeen,Wash., Dec. INITIALED OBSERVERS,with subregionaleditors in bold- 6-20 (•BT, JSket al.) and on the Skagit fiats Jan. 4 (•BT, TS, face -- Gerry Ansell, Irene Bachhuber,David Bailey (DBa),Alan FM) were morethan usualfor this portionof the Region.South Barron,Dave Beaudette(DBe), Barb Bellin, Thais Bock,Chris Bond, of the ColumbiaR. at leasteight SwampSparrows were noted, JoeBucKanon, Alan Contreras,Merlin & ElsieEltzroth, Joe Evanich, from Tillamook, Eugene,Florence, and Harbor. Good details Darrel Faxon (DFa), David Fix, David Fraser (DFr), B. R. Gates, are in hand for most of these sightings.This is one of those GeorgeGerdts, Roy Gerig JeffGilligan, Peter Hamel, MargoHeame, Steve Heinl, Glen & Wanda Hoge, Eugene Hunn, John Ireland, speciesfor which identificationis potentially difficult enough David Irons,Jim Johnson,Brian Kautesk,John Kempe (JKe), Jan that sightingsshould not be taken for granted, despitetheir Krabbe(JKr), Dong Kragh, Bill Lamond,Roy Lowe,Tom Mickel, almost regular occurrence.Twelve White-throated Sparrows Marjorie Moore,Fran Morelock,Harry Nehls, BobO'Brien, Patty were noted n. of the Columbia R., with two of these n. to the Olson,Dennis Paulson, Phil Pickering,Craig Provest,Joy & Ron Q.C.I., Dec. 20-21 (PH, MH). In Oregon, White-throateds were Satterfield,Owen Schmidt,Tom Schooley,Paul Sherrell,Jeff Skri- "widely scatteredand well reported"(HN) asusual. See Oregon letz (JSk),Dory &Stan Smith, Terry Wahl, GeorgeWalter, Wayne Birds 13:91-95, 1987, for distributionmaps of the CBC occur- Weber,Bruce Whittington.--BILL TWEIT, P.O. Box 1271,Olym- rencesin Oregonof White-throatedand Harris' sparrowsand pia, WA 98507; and PHILIP W. MATTOCKS, JR., Rt. 2, Box 200, sevenother species(AC). Harris' Sparrow numbers continued Vashon, WA 98070.

Volume 41, Number 2 321 MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION

JosephMorlan, StephenF. Bailey, and Richard A. Erickson 0 •R& E. G 0 N

helate winterautumn. season Even continuedfewer Christmas thedry Bird weather Count resultsofthe were available to us than has been the case in recent winters.

ABBREVIATIONS--C.B.R.C. = California Bird Records Bo Y ß . Reno Committee;C.V. = CentralValley; O.S.P.= OpenSpace Preserve; S.F. = San Francisco;W.A. = Wildlife Area; ph. = photo on file ' '•;• •Truckee with the RegionalEditors. Italicized placenames refer to counties. •t ß • ' MarysvilleW• J•E TAHOE All recordsfrom Palomarin and SoutheastFarallon Island (here- • r. A.... •e•o • Woodland• ,•Markleeville after F.L) should be credited to Point ReyesBird Observatory (hereafter P.R.B.O.). Referencesto the Gull refer to Golden Gate Audubon Society'spublication, whose observationscolumn is currently written by Helen Green. Most suchbirds were originally reportedto JosephMorlan for the Northern California Rare Bird / •o, , I ß I [SantoCruz 0 eMe•ed Alert. Additional help in gatheringand organizingrecords was •Katae%• ( r•e•eYI • eLosBanos _• •-" providedby Kurt F. Campbell. • ?eOaklandß Monlere• eSa• has • ••-.. .•• CANYON. _

LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS--Seven loons of three speciesoccurred from Lexington Res., Santa Clara, to '• LU•A •J SAN• Redwood City, San Mateo, in December (DLSu, m.ob.). Any PaloAlta •' R• • •s • I•] loon is rare in this area. Five Red-throatedLoons away from the coast in Santa Cruz (B. Hargis, DLSu et al.) and one in Sacramentowere unexpected.Northbound migrant loons were first notedat SantaCruz Feb. 17 (DLSu).The inland high count of Horned Grebeswas of 72 on CamancheRes., San Joaquin, Jan.3 (DGY,RA). Red-neckedGrebe numbers were very small, dark shearwaters Dec. 21 were identified as Short-tailed versus with 30 at TomalesBay, Marin, Feb. 2g (JGE)and five at Mon- only three asSooty, and mostof those not identified were be- tereyDec. 30 (SFB)representing the onlysites with morethan lieved to be Short-tailed (ADB, GSL, NEC). Of 300 dark shear- two. Only sevenindividuals were notedat 5 other coastalsites, waters seen there Jan. 10,100 were called Short-taileds versus and two were inside S.F. Bay. no Sooties(ADB). Up to 15 Black-ventedShearwaters were in Monterey Bay during December, and three were there Feb. 1 (DLSh,m.ob.). S.A. As has happened many times in past years, a late winter The winter distributionof Clark'sGrebe is becoming NW gale blew many Fork-tailed Storm-Petrelsinto Monterey clearer,but contributorsshould continue to reporttheir Bay. February 23 estimatesalong the Monterey shoreline counts.As expected,the major concentrationis on S.F. rangedup to 400 (BW, AB),making this one of the largestsuch Bay.Inland countsare usuallysmall, but this speciesis concentrationson record.Simultaneously three were at Santa sowidespread on C.V. and foothillwaters that aggregate Cruz (DLSu).After the gale abatedthe next day, only two re- numbersmust be substantial.Up to 20 were identified mained at Monterey (AB). Four Ashy Storm-Petrelswere also at Moss Landing this season(DLSu). Elsewhere along blown in to Monterey Feb. 23 (AB). the central California coast north to BodegaHarbor, AmericanWhite Pelicanshave been rare in coastalMonterey Clark's Grebe is regular in smaller numbersinside bays in recent years,so 47 flying over the SalinasR. mouth Jan.21 and harbors,but lessso on exposedwaters. On the north (DEG) was like times past. Although 550 (75% imm.) Brown coastthe speciesremains rare; this seasononly two re- Pelicansremained on Ano Nuevo I., San Mateo, Dec. 14 (GJS), portscame from Arcata.and onebird was at NavarroR. thisspecies departed the Regionby the month'send. Thereafter estuary, Mendocino, Dec. 29 (RAE). One Clark's Grebe only three individuals were reported, Jan. 3-11, Sonoma to at Tule Lake N.W.R., Feb. 21 was consideredan early Santa Cruz (DLSu,NTC). The 236 Double-crostedCormorants return (RAE, RE}. on the SacramentoCBC Dec. 27 more than doubledlast year's all-time high (j•de TDM), and 400 on ModestoRes., Stanislaus, Dec. 6 contrastedwith typical countsof 25 (HMR, SLR).The peak of about 600 in the BadgerCr. roost,Sacramento, Feb. 7 At Cordell Bank, Marin, one Laysan AlbatrossDec. 2 pre- (HK, BK) was not exceptional. Single Pelagic Cormorants at ceded an astounding 10-15 Dec. 7 (eight in view simulta- Hayward Shoreline Dec. 28 (R]R) and Menlo Park Dec. 30 neously--DLSh),and three were reportedFeb. 1 (all j•de Gull). (DLSu) were rare that far inside S.F. Bay. Another LaysanAlbatross was 44 mi s.w. of S.F., Jan.28 (ph. S.E. Smith). After 350 N. Fulmars were estimatedoffshore HERONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Monterey's first Monterey Dec. 7 (DLSh,j•de HG), only up to 10 fulmars per recordedLittle Blue Heron fed amongthe kelp bedsat Pt. Lobos day were reported.Only two Pink-lootedShearwaters were State ReserveJan. 3-4 (B. & G. Francis,tDR et al.). Cattle Egrets reported,fewer than normal.Single Flesh-footed Shearwater are experiencinga lull in their conquestof the Region.For the sightingswere offshoreMonterey Dec. 6 (DLSh,f•de Gull) and 2nd consecutiveyear they were presentin low numbersalong Dec. 30 (tSFB). Small numbers of Short-tailed Shearwaters the coast,in the SacramentoValley, and in at leastthe n. por- slighLlyoutnumbered Sooty Shearwatersfrom Monterey to tion of the San JoaquinValley. White-facedIbises again win- Marin. However, from Pt. Saint George,Del Notre, 312 of 515 tered in the SacramentoValley, with flocks of 50-60 each at

322 American Birds, Summer 1987 Delevan N.W R and ColusaN.W.R Three at Gray LodgeW.A, land sugarponds Feb 27+ prowded the first February record Dec. 20 (DES)were in Buttewhere there are st•11few records for Yolo (BM). The following were all reported as record h•gh (all fide BED). counts for these counties: 400+ Cinnamon Teal, 135 Gadwalls, A flock of 27 Tundra Swans over Coyote Pt., Jan. 16 was 65 Ring-neckedDucks, and 600 LesserScaup at College L., reportedas the largestgroup ever in San Mateo (PJM).A "Be- Santa Cruz, Feb. 24 (DLSu),and 650 Ring-neckedDucks at San wick's Swan" was at Terminous, San Joaquin,Jan. 20 (GW). Felipe L., San Benito, Feb. 8 (KVV). High numbers of ducks Trumpeter Swans were found in exceptionalnumbers with concentratedon TomalesBay, Marin, during herring spawning three on W. Butte Rd., Sutter,Dec. 30 (tRLR), two at Tule Lake included 8000+ Greater Scaup Jan. 18, 11,000 Surf Scoters N W R., Jan. 18 (tPhR), and two at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Feb. 28, 4000+ BuffleheadsJan. 18, and 3380 Ruddy Ducks Feb. 2 (NEC, RE, MR). One of the latter birds was a female Feb. 28 (JGE). bandedand fitted with a numberedgreen collar as a cygnet It was the best winter ever for Tufted Ducks, with eight at Turnbull N.W.R., Washington,in 1981. found. Males were at InvernessFeb. 15 (N. Brinkley, fide HG) B•rdershave generatedfew reportsof the large dark form and Tiburon Jan.19 (tDAH, tGC), at Mallard Res.,Dec. 27-Jan of Greater White-fronted Gooseknown as "Tule Goose"(race 10 (Contra Costa'sfirst--tRJR, tJM et al.), and San Leandro elgas0. This season,five at ColusaN.W.R., Jan. 25 (RJR),seven Bay,Alameda, Jan.11-12 (D. Leo, tPh. JM). Femaleswere s. of at SacramentoN.W.R., and six at Delevan N.W.R. (both Feb. Petaluma Feb. 28 (tJ. Anderson),at Larkspur,Marin, Feb. 16 22--MJL) were all at expected locations in the Sacramento (JCo,fide HG), and a returning bird at Golden Gate Park/S.F Valley. Another in Carmel Valley, Monterey,Dec. 29-Jan.25 Zoo Dec. 19-Feb. 23 (MW, tGMcC, tPG, ph. RS, tDLSu). The (ph MJL et al.) was on the coastwhere almost no previous only bird away from the immediate S.F. Bay area was a re- recordsexist. W ege(1984. Distribution and abundanceof Tule turning male near Grenada,Siskiyou, Feb. 15+ (RE et al.). A • Geesein Californiaand southernOregon. Wildfowl 35:14-20.) hybrid Tufted Duck x scaupsp. near Clements,San Joaquin, recentlysummarized the bird'sstatus in our area,and a popular Jan.8 (tDGY) was probablythe samebird as presentthere in article on "Tule Geese"by Elgasand Dingle appearedin the January1984. GreaterScaup were againfound inland in ex- Am. Federation for Aviculture Watchbird (1986. The Tule ceptionalnumbers at O'Neill Forebay,Merced, with up to 250 Goose... solvingthe mystery.vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 36-41.). Com- there Feb. 1-15 (MJL,JML). parativephotographs in the latter publicationshould help give The 9 KingEider found at CrescentCity Harborin November birdersthe neededconfidence to identify this bird. was presentto at least Dec. 21 (ADB, ph. WEH, tGMcC et al.) An albino Snow Goosewith all-white wings was seen at Harlequin Ducksare casualinside S.F. Bay; a male was s. of Honey Lake W.A., Lassen,Feb. 6 and a partial albino was at CandlestickPt. in San Mateo Dec. 29 (ASH, fide HG). A 9 Bar- Tule Lake N.W.R. the followingday (bothMJL). An imm. blue row'sGoldeneye at EurekaFeb. 14-Mar. 23 (M. Morrison,tRAE morph Snow Goosewintering in SantaCruz (Dec. 12+; T. Kirk, et al.) was only the 2nd found in Humboldtin 14 years.Like BLAB,ph. JM, ph. DLSu et al.) was only the 2nd to be found the Corn.Goldeneye, this speciesis surprisinglyscarce on the on the coast of our Region.Ross' Geese had another strong n. coast as compared to the rest of the Region. In contrast, 60 seasonon the coastwith 20+ reported.One at F.I., Dec. 11 was Barrow'swere againpresent at the L. Merritt outflow,Alameda, the island'sfirst. A blue morph Ross'Goose on Empire Tract Feb. 7 (JM). A 8 Red-breastedMerganser on L. ShastinaFeb Feb 12 (tDGY)provided San Joaquin's first record of this form. 27 (RE, MR, SDS)furnished the only inland report. Two were at Tule Lake N.W.R., Feb.2+ (RE,MR, tRAE, tKLH, tGMcC) with two blue morphSnow/Ross' intermediates there as well Feb. 21 (RE, tRAE). There were persistentrumors of an Emperor Gooseat Tule Lake N.W.R. this winter but some RAPTORS- This was considered the worst winter ever suspectthe dark-necked blue morph Ross'and Ross'/Snow for most hawk speciesin Marin (DDeS,P.R.B.O.). However, an •ntermediateswere actually responsiblefor the sightings.We imm. N. Goshawkon Pt. ReyesJan. 14 (tRS)was an exceptional received no direct reports of any kind. A Brant was also at find in that county.Red-shouldered Hawks continueto pioneer Tule Lake N.W.R., Feb. 21 (RAE, RE). new sites in Alameda, Contra Costa, and the Sacramento Val- Almost the entire population (ca. 5000) of endangered ley. Single-daysightings of imm. Broad-wingedHawks were "Aleutian CanadaGeese" (race leucopareia) wintered in Stan- from near Scott'sValley, Santa Cruz, Dec. 21 (BH, DM) and islausthis year. An outbreakof avian choleraat their favored Pacific Grove Jan. 8 (AB, DLSh). A light morph Swainson's mght roost,the Modesto sewageponds, was killing up to 100 Hawk at N. Midway Rd.,Alameda, Dec. 7 (tALE,A.A. Edwards) ducksa day by the end of Januaryand causingconsiderable was the 4th to straggleinto Decemberin this Region.Two dark concern.A hazing programset up at the pondskept the geese morph Swainson'sHawks at Empire Tract, San Joaquin,Feb and other waterfowl away throughthe remainder of the season 16 (tDGY,tRAE) beatlast year's earliest-ever return by 3 days, (fide HMR). The only other report of"Aleutians" was of three but manyhave returned during late Februaryand earlyMarch. at Pt ReyesJan. 25 (RS).An nearly completealbino "honker" "Harlan's" Red-tailed Hawks were reported without details (race moffetti)was at the Modestoponds for severalweeks in from Nicasio,an adult Jan.4 (RS),and e. of SacramentoN.W.R., late December (tHMR). In lowland Santa Clara, an increasein Feb. 22 (MJL).The previous8-year averagewas 2.6 per year the number of wintering Canada Geesemay be owing to the Averagenumbers of FerruginousHawks appeared,but Rough- expandingintroduced population centered in Alameda(WGB). leggedHawks were relatively uncommon. The only "Cackler" (raceminima) reportedfrom the coastwas Record numbers of Merlins were found in Santa Cruz, San at N•casio Res., Marin, Jan. 15 (RJR). Mateo, and Santa Clara. The ever-increasingnumber of sight- A 8 "Common Teal" on Brack Tract Feb. 14 (tDGY, MJL, ings of hacked Peregrine Falconsincluded a pair copulating JML) was the first of this Eurasian form of Green-winged Teal on a S.F. highriseFeb. 5 (LL,fide HG). Ten Prairie Falconswas to be found in San Joaquin.Five otherson the coastwere more a very high total for SantaClara (fide WGB). expected.A bird believed to be a Garganey was present in Arcata Jan.30-Feb. 10 (tM. Peters,tRE, tSWH, tTHK, tGSL et al ) The bird was reportedas a female but the descriptions seemedto best fit an imm. male (fide JLD).The bird accomo BAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- Yellow Rail was recorded for the pained migrant Cinnamon Teal but neverthelessoccurred a 2nd consecutive winter. In Humboldt, one found dead near month and a half earlier than any other record of Garganey FerndaleJan. 2 (*HumboldtState Univ., fide GSL)was followed •n North America. The record is somewhat controversial and by reportsof anotherat a small pondnear FairhavenFeb. 7 & shouldbe consideredtentative until a decisionby the C.B.R.C. 17 (D. Leal,fide GSL).In Marin, onewas seenat Pt. ReyesDec has been made. Two 8 Blue-wingedTeal at Hollister Jan. 9 3 (tJGE). were the first ever for San Benito (KVV) and one at the Wood- Two Black-bellied Plovers at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Feb

Volume 41, Number 2 323 14 were the earhestever for S•sk•you(RE, MR). About 40 Lesser terey Bay (AS) The largestcoastal concentration of Thayer's Golden-Ploverswere reported from the coast,w•th six win- Gulls, 1204- at Moss Landing Dec 1, probably was a record tering at the Modestosewage ponds (HMR) and one wintering high for Monterey (DR, R.E. Abbey). Conversely,in the S F at the Lodi sewageponds (DGY et al.) being inland. The San Bay area,maxima were of only 35-70 (DAH, RJR).At Bethany JoaquinValley producedanother interior winter SnowyPlover Res.,Alameda, 25 Thayer's Jan.8 was the largestnumber ever recordwhen a male was found at the LosBanos sewage ponds reporteds. of the Delta (RJR).The Thayer'sGulls farthest inland Dec. 26-27 (KFC et al.). There are only 3 other such records were singlesat Redding Dec. 27 (KW) and Modesto sewage for the Region.Five Snowiesat Pt. Pinole Jan.31 (RMcN, fide ponds Jan. 11 (HMR). HG) were in ContraCosta where the speciesis equally scarce. Up to five Mountain Ploversstraddling the Alameda/SanJoa- quin line s. of Byron Jan. 8-17 (RJR,tDGY et al.) were more s•gnificantthan might be expected. Vague reference to this A bird believed to be an ad. Iceland Gull of the race speciesfrom the last century by Grinnell et al. (1918. Game kumlieni frequentedthe Arcata sewageoxidation ponds Birdsof California.Univ. Calif. Press)is the only indicationof Feb. 6-23 (DaS,tTHK, tSFB, tGMcC, tLPL, tRAE, m.ob ) prior occurrencein the formercounty, and there are apparently Although somequestioned this identificationbased on no recordsfor over 20 yearsin the latter county(fide DGY). the medium gray-brown eye and mantle color nearly Evidence continues to accumulate for the increase of Black- the same as a Ring-billed Gull's, comparisonof all ad neckedStilts in the Region.Up to six at Gray LodgeW.A., Dec. Iceland Gull specimensin the American Museum of 6-30 providedthe first Decemberrecords for Butte(BED), one Natural Historysuggests that this bird was entirely typ- was at the Woodlandsewer pondsDec. 28 (fide TDM), and 75 ical of kumlieni (SFB).This race normally hasa mantle at the Yolo BypassJan. 13 were the first ever in Januaryfor color closer to Ring-billed Gull than to nominate glau- Yolo (BM). Another stilt at the Bolinassewage ponds Jan. 24 coides.There are no acceptedrecords of this species•n (DDeS) was very unusual for w. Marin, especially in winter. California, as the C.B.R.C.has just begun reviewing the Two Am. Avocets at Tule Lake N.W.R., Feb 144- were very controversial 1985 Sonoma adult and 1986 San Diego early migrants(RE, MR). A Greater Yellowlegsthat wintered immature. m Fall R. Valley, Shasta(BY, CY), was unexpectede. of the Cascade/Sierran crest. Two Marbled Godwits at Sacramento N.W.R., Dec. 7 were significantsince they are "still rare in the Examination of about 22,500 W. Gulls (mostly adults) m SacramentoValley in winter, though thesewere possiblymi- Santa Cruz during the period revealed 212 showinghybrid grants" (BED). charactersof Glaucous-wingedGull (DLSu).At least 11 Glau- A count of 58 Red Knots on Humboldt Bay at Arcata Feb. cous-wingedGulls were foundin the C.V. from Shastato Stan- 16 (DAH) was high for that n. locale. Two Sanderlingsat the islaus.This gull's apparentincrease inland probablyreflects Modesto sewage ponds Jan. 6-19 (HMR) were probably the observereffort. Interestingdescriptions were receivedof two same two as seen there last winter. Another at San Antonio gullsbelieved to be GlaucousX Herring Gull hybrids:a first- Res.,Dec. 12-Jan.11 (RLR)was consideredto furnish the "first winter bird at Palo Alto Dec. 26 (fWGB) and a 3rd-winter b•rd truly inland record" for Monterey (fide DR). Western Sand- at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Sacramento,Jan. 25 (tTDM, AM) p•pers are now widely acknowledgedas generally rare inland Observersshould be very cautiousin identifying such b•rds, in winter. This seasoh'stotal of nonealong the heavily worked and shouldbe aware that hybridsof largegulls occur in various coastof Santa Cruz (DLSuet al.) showedhow rare the species combinations.One that is seldom identified in our Region is can be away from specificwintering areaseven on the coast. Glaucous-wingedX Herring from s. Alaska. Of about 13 cred- LeastSandpipers are consideredcasual in winter in the moun- ible GlaucousGulls, none was farther inland than the periph- tain and GreatBasin portions of our Region,so 25 at L. Almanor, ery of S.F.and San Pablo Bays. Both ad. and imm. Black-legged Plumas,Dec. 28 (HG) and four all seasonin the Fall R. Valley Kittiwakeswere presentthe lengthof our coastand throughout (BY, CY) were noteworthy. A Rock Sandpiper with other the period.Peaks of 100were notedoffshore Monterey Jan 17 shorebirdson a tidal mudfiatat Walker Cr. estuaryon Tomales (PG, L.K. Aldrich) and alongthe Monterey shorelineduring Bay Dec. 20 (tLJP)was conspicuouslyout of habitat.A Ruff on the gale of Feb. 23 (AB). Brack Tract Feb. 7-17 (fDGY, DC et al.) was a first for San Late CaspianTerns were detected at FosterCity Dec. 18-27 Joaquin,and one in the Loleta Bottoms,Humboldt, Jan.4 (RE (PJM,DLSu) and at Pajaro R. mouth Jan. 5 (tDLSu).Also un- et al.) provided the first winter record for the n. coast.An seasonalwas one at Arcata Feb. 14-19 (GMcC, GSL).Two Ele- albino dowitcher sp. at Alameda Feb. 10 (•A1H)was possibly gant Terns at SeacliffState Beach Dec. 15 (DLSu)were late, one of two birds seenon south S.F. Bay the previousMay and but one at PescaderoBeach Feb. 15 (MW, fide Gull) was the July. Like W. Sandpiper,Short-billed Dowitcher was unre- latest ever for the Region.Wintering Forster'sTerns continue cordedin SantaCruz this winter (DLSuet al.). Largenumbers to increaseon Humboldt Bay, with a high of 21 counted at of Red Phalaropes were present on Monterey Bay at least Arcata Jan. 18 (RAE). through January(ABet al.). Six sightingsof Xantus'Murrelet inshoreand offshore Mon- terey Dec. 6 to Jan.24 includedtwo on the latter date (MJL, AB, DLSh, D. Lemon). Another was at F.I., Jan. 18. One to two Tufted Puffinsin Monterey Bay Dec. 6-7 (RST,DLSh, fide HG) GULLS THROUGHALCIDS -- The ad. Little Gull inhab- and three offshorePillar Pt., San Mateo,Jan. 18 (BGh,fide Gull) ited the Stocktonsewage ponds throughout the period (DGY, constitutedthe mostever reportedduring the Winter Season tGMcC), andthe other adult at the Lodisewage ponds remained at least through mid-February (DGY). Heermann'sGull was unusually abundant in Monterey Bay. High CBC countswere OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A Spotted Owl obtained:350 at SantaCruz Dec.21 (highestsince 1974--DLSu) heardcalling at Bonnymede,Santa Cruz, Dec. 21-Jan.4 (tDLSu and 85O at Monterey Bay Dec. 3O (AS). Beach censusesJan. et al d was undoubtedlythe same bird first found there last 16-19 found 93 in Santa Cruz (DLSu, m.ob.) and 414 in Mon- season.The statusof this speciesin the SantaCruz Mts. remains tereyn. of Pt. Joe(BW, m.ob.).Farther n. only five in San Mateo unclear, as there are very few confirmed records.The Barred and two in Marin were noted. Mew Gull was well reportedas Owl first found Nov. 28 at Tule Lake N.W.R. was seen dady more widespreadand numerousinland, especiallyin the cen- throughmid-January and sporadicallythrough Feb. 21 (MR, tral C.V. Fifty at Clear Lake S.P.,Lake, Feb. 16 were considered tRAE, ph. J.R.Silliman et al.). AnotherBarred Owl at Howland exceptional (JRW). California Gull alsoproduced record CBC Hill, Del Norte, Dec. 21 (ADB et al.) was undoubtedlythe b•rd counts in Monterey Bay: 6678 at Santa Cruz and 4237 at Mort- firstfound in March 1982which hasbeen present continuously

324 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRENS-- An Eastern Wood-Pewee at the Carmel R. mouth, Monterey, Dec. 11-14 (tDEG,•ph. DR et al.) was voicerecorded and sonngramswere preparedof its call, "a distinctupsluffed 'pwee' ". ff accepted by the C.B.R.C.,this would constitute the 3rd Regionalrecord, and the first confirmed winter record of any wood-pewee identifiedto speciesn. of CostaRica. Six W. Flycatcherswere found alongthe coastthis winter, an exceptionallyhigh seasonal total. An E. Phoebeat Pacific Grove Jan.8-10 (lB, DR et al.) was the only one seen.An Ash-throatedFlycatcher at RohnertPark, Sonoma,Feb. 9 (•KFC) providedthis year'sonly winter record.Santa Cruz had two Tropical Kingbirds,one at MontereyBay Academy Jan. 1-Feb. 22 (•S.Walters, •SFB, •ph. DLSuet al.), and anotherat Wilder Cr. mouth Dec. 21-23 (•E. Lebow,tDLSu). A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher at outer Pt. Reyes Feb.6-21 03.Allen, ph. EDG,m.ob.) represented the firstRe- gionalwinter record. A Bank Swallow at the Salinas sewageponds Jan. 18 (•CT}, and singleBarn Swallows at the Stocktonsewage ponds Dec. 16 (•DGY),Glenburn, Shasta, Dec. 16 (BVdM,jfide BY}, and two Barn Swallowsat MossLanding Jan. 1 (•PJM)were all unsea- sonal. The fall invasionof Clark's Nutcrackersfaded rapidly, with only three seenalong the coastfrom De] Norte to Monterey. Mountain Chickadeesstaged a minor invasionto coastalDe] Norte and Humboldt (ADB, BED), but one at Sacramento N.W.R.,Jan. 25 (•RJR,PEG, DES) was at a mostunusual locality.

THRUSHES THROUGH WOOD WARBLERS--Two Townsend's Solitaires reached the coast with one at Portola S.P., Jan.3 {DLSu}and one at CastroValley, Alameda, Nov. 29-Dec. 8 {PEG,RAE}. Only one coastalSage Thrasher was found, on Mr. San Bruno Feb. 7 {ph. J. McCormick}. BohemianWaxwings made a goodshowing in the extreme Barred Owl on a daytime roostat Tule Lake N.W.B., Cal., lan. n.e. partsof the Region,beginning with 14 at SusanvilleDec. 31, 1987. Photo/lohnSiiliman. 15 (tRNJ}and reachinga maximumof 78 at Yreka Feb. 24, with fewerlingering through the endof the period{MR, m.ob.}. ever since.A pair of Long-earedOwls copulatingat a nest at High countsof 60 and 52 BohemianWaxwings were recorded the Monte Bellow O.S.P., Santa Clara, Feb. 19+ (tPLN) was in n. ModocFeb. 6-17 {MJL,MR et al.}. encouraging,as this species has seriously declined as a breeding bird, and is seldomreported nesting in the Region. A Cam. Poorwill at Palo Alto Dec. 30 (DLSu) was calling during a spell of warm weather with high insect populations California's 2nd Brown Shrike was found near Olema (PLN). Warm weather may alsohave induceda Vaux's Swift Marsh, Marin, Nov. 28+ (fph. M. Denny, fKGH, m.ob.). to lingerat MossLanding Jan. 1 (tPJM).Costa's Hummingbirds The first was at F.I., Sept. 20, 1984 (AB 39:99).There are appearedas follows:an imm. male in MoragaAug. 15-Feb. 6 onlyfour other North Americanrecords, all fromAlaska. (•K. Prill) was voice-recordedby L.F. Baptista;an immature in Unsuspectingbirders on the Pt. ReyesCBC Dec. 20, un- Concordwas found injured Feb. I (•K. Prill) and later died aware of Denny's startling discovery 3 weeks earlier, (*Cal. Academy of Sciences);an ad. male found injured in misidentified it as a N. Shrike. The identification did not RedwoodCity Feb. 10 later died (*Cal. Academy of Sciences); become clear until Hintsa correctly identified it as a and an imm. male was in SacramentoJan. 2-Mar. 5 (•HK, •BK}. BrownShrike Jan. 14. It remainedcooperative for most This speciesis now consideredannual in winter. A • Rufous of its stay, generatingnational interest and even ap- Hummingbird at Tiburon Jan.1 (tDAH) was probablywinter- pearing on television. ing, but anotherat LosAltos Feb. 6 (PLN)was believedto be The only North Americanspecimen of BrownShrike, an early migrant. Male Allen's Hummingbirdsfirst arrived in an immature collected at Shemya Oct. 10, 1978, was Santa Cruz Jan. 15, a week ahead of average for the last 14 attributed to the race lucionensisby Gibson (Condor years (DLSu).Single unidentified Selasphorus were at Santa 83:65-77, 1981).That is the mostsoutherly of the four Cruz Dec. 14-18 (BLAB,•DLSu) and at Hayward Jan.8-9 (HLC). races and would appear to be the least likely race to The identity of mostwintering Selasphorusin the Regionre- reach North America. Accordingto Medway (Ibis 112: mains problematical. 184-198, 1970),imm. BrownShrikes are not identifiable Singleimm. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere at NicasioJan. to race even in the hand. Further confirmation of the 4-Feb. 21 (RS, •GMcC et al.) and Three Rivers, Tulare, Dec. 7 racial identity of the Shemyaspecimen is warranted. (•LLN); and singleadults were at Ferndale,Humboldt, Jan.4- This seasoffsbird eventually moltedinto adult plumage 23 (MR et al.) and Palo Alto Feb. 20-22 (•A. Jasberg).Either exhibitinga brightrufous crown and relativelyindistinct this speciesis increasingin the Regionor the taxonomicde- superciliumcharacteristic of the cristatus/confusussub- cisionto splitthis form from Red-napedSapsucker has resulted speciesgroup (Dean, Brit. Birds75:395-406, 1982). This in greaterobserver awareness. A total of nine Red-napedSap- groupis far more likely to reachNorth Americathan suckerswas found in the Region,and an apparenthybrid Red- lucionensison geographicgrounds, as it includes the naped x Red-breastedSapsucker was studied Dec. 21-28 at most northerly populations. Wilder Cr. Ranch, Santa Cruz (R. Morgan, •DLSu).

Volume41, Number2 325 Northern Shrikes penetratedS to San Joaquin(DGY, RAE) 31-Feb 14 (J. McConnell et al) were in an area where the and Merced (JCL, SEF) m the C.V. but apparently were scarce specieshas seldom been reported.Another Sharp-tailed Spar- elsewhere.Three wintering Solitary Vireoswere attributedto row at Arcata remained from the fall through Jan.27 (fDR et the race plumbens:one at BodegaBay Dec. 29 (RSet al.), one al.) and three otherswere seenduring high tidesat traditional near Los BanosDec. 26 (tKH et al.), and one at Modesto Jan. sitesat Palo Alto Dec. 2-Jan. 29 (fWGB, fDLSu, m.ob.). A Fox 10 (tHMR). Two other SolitaryVireos were attributedto the Sparrowshowing characteristics of the iliaca/zaboria group race cassinii:one at Olema Marsh Dec. 21 (RS)and one at Lodi was banded and photographedin SacramentoDec. 27-Feb 8 L, San Joaquin,through Feb. 16 (DGY, RAE). (•TDM). Most "eastern"Fox Sparrowsreported in our Regmn Six winteringTennessee Warblers were more than average. are actually of the reddishwestern race altivagans. Two were in Humboldt,one at KingSalmon Dec. 8-Jan. 4 (DGY, Twenty-eightSwamp Sparrows mostly along the coastfrom KH) and one in FerndaleJan. 4 (GSL).Four were concentrated De/Norte to Santa Cruz were about average,but 52 White- m Santa Cruz, two at FreedomDec. 31-Jan.30 (rS.Getty, fDLSu throatedSparrows made an exceptionallyhigh total, possibly et al.), one in SantaCruz Dec. 6-21 (fDLSu),and one at the a consequenceof moreextensive reporting from feedersthan U C.S.C.Arboretum Jan. 25-Feb. 17 (fDLSu).Eleven Nashville usual.Single Harris' Sparrowswere reportedfrom Ft. D•ck, Warblers concentratedbetween San Franciscoand Monterey De/Norte, Dec. 21 (NEC), Chico Jan. 4 (BED), Glenburn Dec were far fewer than we have come to expect, but this could 21 (BY), Tule Lake N.W.R., Jan. 18 (PhR), McKinleyville Jan havebeen an artifactof incompletereporting from Humboldt/ 5+ (fide GSL),and Lodi Dec. 20 (tDGY).The only significant De/Norte. concentrationof LaplandLongspurs was of 25-30 at the S Sp•t Twelve Yellow Warblerswere reportedalong the coastfrom of Humboldt Bay Jan.4 (ADBet al.). A Snow Buntingat Bodega Humboldt to Monterey,with five concentratedin Santa Cruz. Bay Nov. 29 (ph. JCo)and anotherat Eureka Dec. 6-8 (JCS, This was aboutaverage for recentwinters. A • CapeMay War- fph. DR, fLPL et al.) were the only onesreported. Another was bler at Ferndale Jan.4-5 (GSL,tLPL et al.) provided the first rumored to be at Arcata through Dec. 2 but no details have documentedHumboldt winter recordand one of only a handful been received. of Regionalwinter reports.A • Black-throatedBlue Warbler at Ferndale Jan. 4-5 (GSL, fLPL) was even more unusual. Thirty-oneBlack-throated Gray Warblers in the C.V. and along ICTERINES THROUGH FINCHES -- A Rusty Blackbird the coastwas a highertotal than expectedand may represent at Pescadero,San Mateo, Jan. 3+ (•RST, •PEL, tDLSu, •SEF, a real increase in recent winters. Seven Hermit Warblers were m.ob.)was possibly one of two that winterednearby last year reportedalong the coastn. of Monterey,where the speciesis AnotherRusty Blackbird put in a brief appearanceat Pacific regardedas fairly common in winter.A BlackburnianWarbler GroveJan. 3-4 (BW,ph. DR et al.). A pair of Great-tailed m PacificGrove Dec. 29+ (fDR, m.ob.)was apparentlythe first Gracklesin S.F., Jan.17 (CRC)was believedto be the same to winter in the state. A Prairie Warbler at Princeton, San pair foundin 1978-1979and present continuously ever since Mateo,Dec. 6+ (D. Keller, fPJM,fPEL, m.ob.)provided the 4th An imm. • Orchard Oriole in Union City Jan.14-24 (F. Kelly, Regionalwinter record.Two otherswere reportednear Arcata, (RAE)was a firstfor Alameda.Another was reportedly pho- Dec. 20 and Dec. 20-23 (SWH, fide GSL). Twenty-one Palm tographedat BigSur Jan. 22-31 (fide DR); but theidentification Warblers made a goodshowing and included one well inland wascontroversial and the photographswere not submitted,so m Sacramento(tJTr, fTDM et al.). we cannotjudge. Three Hooded Orioles wintering in theRegion Fifteen Black-and-white Warblers was 3 times last year's was exceptional.One at Rio Dell Jan.11-Apr. 4 (I. Sippola, total and included 2 recordsin the C.V., where this speciesis (RAE et al.) furnishedthe firstconfirmed winter recordfor seldomfound: one in SacramentoDec. 3 (SFB)and one in Lodi Humboldt. Others were at Pacific Grove Dec. 29 ((DR, S. Hen- Dec. 17+ (fDGY). An Am. Redstartreturning to the PajaroR. nessey)and Stockton Dec. 20-21 (RA,tDGY et al.). The only mouth,Monterey, Feb. 14 (DEG)for the 2nd consecutiveyear "Baltimore" N. Oriole was at Rio Dell Dec. 11-mid-March (I was the only one seen.Four of the five N. Waterthrushesfound Sippola,ADB et al.). Fourother wintering N. Orioleswere re- duringthe periodwere in Santa Cruz, and the other was just portedas "Bullock's". over the county line at Afio Nuevo, San Mateo. This is an A • PurpleFinch at CrescentCity Feb.12 (ADB)was thought excellent showing,the higheston record,but only one bird to be of the racepurpurens, but no descriptionwas recewed was believedto be actuallywintering. The otherswere prob- Thereare no publishedreports of thisrace for California,but ably late migrants.Single MacGillivray's Warblers were de- it breeds as far west as n. British Columbia and should be scribedfrom Pt. Arena Jan. 4 (fOJK)and from Morttara, San lookedfor. [Although presumably, hopefully, a sight record of Mateo, Dec. 26-27 (fPJM).This speciesis seldomrecorded in this race will neverbe acceptedwithout in-handphotos and the Regionin winter. FifteenWilson's Warblers were all along measurements--K.K.]A • Cassin'sFinch was well described the coast between De/Norte and Santa Cruz, but one was in at Lafayette,Contra Costa, Dec. 24-25 (•H. Adamson). the C.V. at Tuolumne R. RegionalPark Dec. 28 (tHMR).

SoAo TANAGERS THROUGH SPARROWS--A • Summer Two possibleEurasian Siskins were reportedfrom Ar- Tanagerreturning to CorralitosCr., Freedom,Santa Cruz for cata, and one was bandedand photographed.However, the 2nd consecutivewinter Dec. 24+ was the only one seen. the measurementsdid not quite fit, and the characters Three W. Tanagerswere below recentseasonal expectations. by which bright• Pine Siskinswith yellow rumpsand Fwe Rose-breasted Grosbeaks from San Mateo to Monterey greenbacks can be distinguishedfrom true Eur. Siskins made an excellentshowing. This speciesusually outnumbers have never been adequately addressed(cf. Blake, AB Black-headedGrosbeak during the winter. This season,no 30:770, 1976). The two speciesdiffer slightly in mea- Black-headedGrosbeaks were reported at all. surementsand bill shape,but the best field-character Up to six Am. Tree Sparrowswintered at a traditionallo- for separatingxanthochroistic Pine Siskinsfrom • Eur cality, Tule Lake N.W.R., Dec. 26+ (MR, •GMcC, m.ob.),but Siskinsis the colorof the undertail-coverts,bright yellow one at Arcata Feb. 3 (THK) was away from normal wintering in Pine and whitish or pale yellow in Eurasian. Both areas. Up to five Chipping Sparrowsnear Fairfield, Solano, Arcatasiskins had brightyellow undertail-coverts,pro- Dec. 25-Jan. 28 (SFBet al.) made a goodwinter concentration viding a positiveidentification of both birdsas Pine S•s- m a typicallocality. A GrasshopperSparrow at Dry Cr. Regional kins.Details are expected to be publishedelsewhere (JM, Park, Alameda, Feb. 19-20 (•RJR)was probablywintering lo- SFB).There appear to be nounassailable North American cally.Winter recordsare almostunknown in the Region.Four records of Eur. Siskin. Sharp-tailedSparrows at LimantourNatural Area, Marin, Jan.

326 American B•rds, Summer 1987 JaniceAndersen, Stephen F. Bailey,Alan Baldridge,Alan D. Barron, An Oriental Greenfinchin Arcata Dec. 5+ ( JCS,tJLD, William G. Bousman, Ned Brinkley, June Buntin, Kurt F. Camp- tDR, •SFB, •JML, tGMcC, •JM, m.ob.) was a first for the bell, Graham Chisholm, Neal E. Clark, Howard L. Cogswell, Clay- contiguousUnited States.It generated national interest, ton R. Coler, JohnComstock (JCo), Nancy T. Conzett,Deborah as this specieshad previouslybeen recordedonly in the Cotter, Mike Denny, David DeSante,Bruce E. Deuel, JonL. Dunn, outer Aleutians, where there are about 10 records of Adele A. Edwards, Arthur L. Edwards, Ray Ekstrom, Richard A. migrants.Its relatively largesize, combinedwith a broad Erickson,Jules G. Evens,Shawneen E. Finnegan,Bill Francis,Gin- facial stripe,broad posterior supercilium, and bold white ger Francis,Douglas E. George,Steve Getty, Brad Goodhart(BGh), Philip E. Gordon,Peter Gottschling,Edward D. Greaves,Helen edgesto the tertials were characteristicof the northern- Green, Kern L Hainebach,Keith Hansen,Bob Hargis, W. Edward most race, kawarahiba. All Aleutian specimens have Harper, StartW. Harris, Kevin G. Hintsa, Alice Hoch (A1H),David been attributed to that race as well. The literature is A. Holway, Alan S. Hopkins, A. Jasberg,D. Keller, F. Kelly, Betty somewhat contradictory,but mostsources indicate that Kimball, Harold Kimball, Tony Kirk, Oliver J.Kolkman, Theodore kawarahiba migrates S to Japanand occasionallyto Tai- H. Koundakjian,Bruce LaBar, D. Langham,Jeri M. Langham,L. wan, so a vagrant in North America might be expected LaPoint, Peter LaTourrette, E. Lebow, Paul E. Lehman, Gary S. to winter as far s. as Arcata. Apparently the speciesis Lester, Lauren P. Lester, Ronald LeValley, Mike J. Lippsmeyer, rare in captivity in California and Japan(fide L.F. Bap- JohnC. Lovio,Diana Magor,Annette Manolis, Timothy D. Manolis, tista, fide JLD),but we have heard rumors that cage-bred BruceMaxwell, Guy McCaskie,John McConnell, John McCormick, individualsof this specieswere releasedin the Okanagan RobertMcNab, PeterJ. Metropulos, Randy Morgan,Joseph Morlan, Valley in British Columbia (fide R. Odear). Preliminary M. Morrison, Paul L. Noble, Larry L. Norris, Point ReyesBird Ob- investigationssuggest that captive Oriental Greenfinches servatory, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Mike Peters,Lina JanePrairie, are not kawarahiba, but more research is needed in view Karen Prill, Harold M. Reeve,Sharon L. Reeve,Robert J. Richmond, of the lack of records between the outer Aleutians and Mike Robbins,Don Roberson, Philip Rostron(PhR), Ronnie L Ryno, California. However, this was an unusually goodseason Donald E. Schmoldt, Debra L. Shearwater (DLSh), David Sibley for Siberianstrays along the West Coast,and the Oriental (DaS),John R. Silliman,L Sippola,Arnold Small, SusanE. Smith, Greenfinchmight have been part of a general pattern Rich Stallcup,John C. Sterling,Gary J. Strachan, David L. Suddjian, which brought Brown Shrike and Rustic Bunting (in Steven D. Summers, Chris Tenney, Ron S. Thorn, John Trochet, Kent Van Vuren, Bill Von der Mehden, Sally Walters, Brian Weed, Washington) to the West Coast. Gil West, Jerry R. White, Mike Wihler. David G. Yee, BobYutzy, Carol Yutzy. Other observerswere [oo numerousto list individually.--STEPHEN F. BAILEY (loonsthrough comorants, raptors, CORRIGENDUM -- Vaux's Swifts were over Santa Cruz Jan. gullsthrough alcids), Dept. of Ornithologyand Mammalogy, Cal- 21, not Feb. 21 (AB 40:326). ifornia Academy of Sciences,Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118; RICHARD ERICKSON (herons and waterfowl, rails CITED CONTRIBUTORS (Sub-regional editors in bold- and shorebirds),4407 Holt St., Union City, CA 94587;and JOSEPH face)- Robin E. Abbey, Ray Acker, Harry Adamson,B. Allen, MORLAN (owls through finches),417 Talbot, Albany, CA 94706.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Guy McCaskie

amounthiswas a ofvery rainfall. mild Anwinter exciting withvariety less than of unexpectedthe average bird specieswas found, including a number returningfrom previous winters.

ABBREVIATIONS -- N.E.S.S. = north end of the Salton Sea, RiversideCo.; S.E.S.S.= south end of the Salton Sea, Imperial County. As virtually all rarities found in southernCalifornia are seenby numerousobservers, only the observerinitially identifying the bird is included. Documentation is on file with the California Bird RecordsCommittee (c/o Don Roberson,282 Grove Acre, Pa- cific Grove, CA 93950) for all rarities listed in this report, and 6•aro • recordssubmitted without documentationare not published. • • • • MTS•' '""•Mt. SonOorgon•o J • • 5• •x. x, 6x• •o• ,_• •,,,•' -.m--• ß • LOONS THROUGH STORK -- A Pacific Loon, casual inland, was on L. Isabella, Kern Co., Feb. 12 (KH), a 2nd was on L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co., Feb. 10-Mar. 9 (PEL), one was on Silverwood L., San Bernardino Co., Dec. 8 (CMcG), up to two were on L. Perris, Riverside Co., Dec. 14-Feb. 23 (RMcK), one was on L. Havasu, San Bernardino Co., Feb. 14 (RMcK), and another was on Castaic L., Los Angeles Co., Jan. 24. A Horned Grebeon a small pond in California City Feb. 28 (MOC) was unexpected, since most found inland in winter are fre- quenting the large freshwater lakes and reservoirs.A Red- Counts of up to 30,000 Am. White Pelicans made during necked Grebe in Ventura Dec. 15-18 (KK) was the only one aerial surveysof the SaltonSea in January(RMcK) clearly show reported. this to be a major wintering localityfor this species,particularly

Volume 41, Number 2 327 in light of the estimatedNorth Americanbreeding population ceedinglyrare The Red-shoulderedHawk presentin Brawley as presentedby Sidle, Koonz, and Roney (Am B•rds 39:859- since Aug 26 remained through the winter (RH1)with addi- 864). Up to 20 Brown Pelicansremained on the Salton Sea tional birds present near Westmorland Dec. 13-t-(GMcC), Ni- throughoutthe period(RMcK) to give us the first concreteev- land Dec. 18+ (JO'B), and in E1Centro Dec. 26-t-(JO), all being idenceof wintering on this inland bodyof water. in the Imperial Valley where formerly consideredaccidental. At least two adult and one imm. Little Blue Herons remained Since Swainson's Hawks are extremely rare anywhere in around s. San Diego Bay throughoutthe period (EC), and an- North America in winter (Browning, 1974, Comments on the other adult was on nearby San Dieguito LagoonFeb. 22 (SM), winter distribution of the Swainson's Hawk in North America but the specieswas unreportedelsewhere in the Region.The AB 28:865-867),with only 3 acceptablemid-winter records for ad Tricolored Heron found in Imperial BeachNov. 6 remained California, the presenceof one light-phaseadult near Ocean- through the period (EC) and appearsto have been the only side Dec. 27-Mar. 8 (GMcC) and a 2nd individual there Mar. onepresent in Californiathis year.The adult and imm. Reddish i (GMcC)was totally unexpected.The ad. Zone-tailedHawk Egretsthat appearedat the mouth of the Tijuana R. during seen over the Plano Trabuco, Orange Co., Nov. 28 was not the fall remained through the winter (GMcC), as did the adult seen after Dec. 7 (DRW), and the other in Vista Sept. 13-25 on s. San DiegoBay (EC), but the immature in Del Mar could wasseen sporadically through Mar. 3 (EC);but unlike wintering not be found after Jan.11 (JO'B).A Wood Stork near Oceanside Red-tailedHawks, this speciesdoes not appearto remain within Feb. 22 (JO'B) was undoubtedly wintering locally, and was a relativelysmall territory throughoutthe period,but wanders probablyone of the birdsthat have beenfrequenting this area over many miles, and hence may be hard to keep track of each of the past 6 winters. Rough-leggedHawks were exceptionallyscarce, but reports did include a dark-phasedbird near Ventura throughoutthe WATERFOWL -- The only Tundra Swans reported were period (JSR)and a typical immature asfar s. asSeeley Feb. 28 one on Oso Flaco L., San Luis ObispoCo., Jan. i (TEW), four (RHi).A GoldenEagle over GoletaJan. 3 (JP)was one of a very on L. CachumaNov. 22-Jan.25 (GT),and two in the SanJacinto few ever to be found alongthis stretch of the California coast Valley Nov. 25 (AMC). As now appearsto be normal a few Ross'Geese were found alongthe coastwith two aroundMorro CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- SandhillCrane numbersat the BayDec. 14-Jam 25 (GPS),one in SantaBarbara Nov. 5+ (JEL), another on L. Cachuma Feb. 10-21 (PEL),three near Pt. Mugu, GooseL. EvaporationPonds near Wasco,Kern Co.,peaked at Ventura Co., during December and January (JSR), one near 600_+Dec. 3 (MOC) with smallernumbers remaining through the rest of the winter, and 300_+were presentnear Brawley Santa Ana Mar. 8-17 (PE), and one near OceansideDec. 27- throughthe period(GMcC); a largewintering flock on the Car- Mar. 6 (GMcC). A 9 Wood Duck in National City, San Diego rizo Plain and smaller numbers along the Colorado R. near Co.,Dec. 20-Jan. 1 (DK)was at the s. limit of the species'winter Blytheare the only othersregularly occurring in s. California rangeon the w. coast.A • Eur. Green-wingedTeal in Goleta, Dec. 9-Apr. I (HR), was undoubtedlythe same bird that has Up to 12 LesserGolden-Plovers were presentnear Santa Maria throughout the winter (KJZ),three were near Pt. Mugu spentthe past5 wintersat this location,and an apparenthybrid during Decemberand January(JSR), five were on the Seal Eur. Green-wingedTeal X Am. Green-wingedTeal was care- Beach N.W.R., Feb. 8 (LRH), and up to two were at S.E S S. fully studied at S.E.S.S.,Jan. 14 (JLD). At least 16 Eur. Wigcon duringDecember (GMcC), all beingidentified as of the form were found in the Regionduring the period,and this no doubt fulvo. SinceMountain Ploversare now mostunusual along was only a small percentageof the birds actually present.The the coast,a flockof up to 10 near ImperialBeach Dec. 20-Feb • Tufted Duck found on Quail L., Los Angeles Co., Nov. 25 1 (GMcC)was of interest.A BlackOystercatcher in Oceanside was still presentJan. 24 (KLG),and anotherin Saticoy,Ventura Feb. 7 (JO'B)was far away from areasof regularoccurrence Co., Feb. 10+ (KS) was undoubtedlythe same bird that has As expectedsmall numbersof LesserYellowlegs were present spentpart of the past two winters at this location.A duck on at variousselect localities along the entire coastlineand around San Elijo Lagoon,San DiegoCo., Feb. 20+ (SRG),initially iden- S.E.S.S.throughout the period, but up to three on the Tulare tified as a • Tufted Duck, had a shorter crest than expected. L. DrainageDistrict pondsin Kern County all winter (RS)were Upon closeinspection, it showedgray rather than black on in an area where until recent years they were unknown at the back, so it is considereda Tufted Duck X scaup;hybrid this time of year. A Solitary Sandpipernear Corona Jan 28 Tufted Duck X Greater Scauphave been found in the wild in Europeand at least one has previouslybeen so identified in (HLJ)was only the 4th ever to be foundin winter in s. Cah- California(AB 38:352-353), indicating all "Tufted Ducks"found fornia.Up to four RuddyTurnstones at S.E.S.S.during Decem- in w. North America should be identified with caution. The • ber (GMcC)and two moreat SaltonCity Feb.8 (RHi)were all Harlequin Duck present at Bolsa Chica since 1984 remained probablywintering on this inland bodyof water. Red Knots now regularlywinter on the SaltonSea, but 12 at SaltonCity throughthe period (DRW).The only Oldsquawsreported were two at Avila Beach,San Luis ObispoCo., Dec. 27-31 (RK), one Feb. 8 (RHi) was a larger numberthan expected.Totally un- expectedwas a Baird'sSandpiper photographed near Goleta at BolsaChica Dec. 25 (Rill), two at Newport Beach Dec. 20- Dec. 10 (BA),the previouslatest date for a fall migrantbeing Mar. 11 (DRW),one near OceansideFeb. 7 (JO'B),and another Nov. 1, 1985 (AB 40:158). A Ruff near Santa Maria Jan. 24- in Del Mar Dec. 6-Jan. 11 (LuS). A Black Scoreron Morro Bay Nov. 25-Dec. 25 (K & JH) was the only one reported.A • Surf Mar. 17 (PEL) and another on s. San DiegoBay Aug. 17+ (EC) were wintering alongthe coast,while up to two on the Tulare Scoteron CastaicL., Jan.24 (JKA) and anotheron L. Cuyamaca L. DrainageDistrict pondsJan. 17-22 (MOC) and anotheron Dec. 6 (CGE) were both inland. White-winged Scoterswere the nearby GooseL. EvaporationPonds Feb. 22+ (RS) were exceptionallyscarce along the entire coast,but two were found wintering inland. A Wilson's Phalarope at S.E.S.S.,Dec 26 inland on L. Havasu Feb. 14 (RMcK). A 9 Barrow's Goldeneye at S.E.S.S.,Jan. 24 (GMcC) was only the 5th ever to have been (MJL) and another near nearby E1 Centro Dec. 26 (BN) were found on the Salton Sea. both probablywintering in that generalarea. Red Phalaropes were relatively common off San Diego during Januaryas in- RAPTORS-- At least three Black-shouldered Kites were dicatedby a count of 300 from La JollaJan. 15 (JLD),but had presentin the Imperial Valley s. of the Salton Sea throughout disappearedby February. the period (RHi), and another was found even farther e. near NeedlesFeb. 16 (RMcK). This specieswas formerly considered JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMER -- A jaeger,believed to accidental in s.c. California, but is now being found in the be a ParasiticJaeger, at N.E.S.S.,Dec. 17 (JLD) was exception- Imperial Valley annually, reflectingthe overall increasein the ally late to still be on this inland body of water..A Laughing numbersof these birds now occurringalong the coast,and the Gull, normally absentin winter, was at S.E.S.S.,Feb. 8 (RH1) consequentialexpansion of its range.An imm. Bald Eaglenear A first-yearFranklin's Gull in SantaBarbara Nov. 23-Dec 28 Pt Mugu all winter (JSR) was along the coastwhere now ex- (AB) was evidently a very late fall migrant, but another in

328 Amencan Birds, Summer 1987 Adult LesserBlack-backed Gull at the south end of the Salton Sea,Imperial County,Cal.. Dec. 17, 1986.This bird and another of the same speciesfrequented this area for the remainder of the winter. Photos/JohnO'Brien.

Malibu Nov. 23-Feb. 25 (JKA) dearly wintered.The only Mew Gull found truly inland wes a first-year bird at S.E.S.S.,Dec. 13 (GMcC).A Herring Gull on the Kern N.W.R., Jan.17 (MOC) was in an area where virtually unknown in winter. With all reportersfrom alongthe coastcommenting on the paucity of Thayer's Gulls, alongwith the remarkably few found by this editor, it is clear this specieswas notablyscarcer than normal throughout the Region. Up to two ad. Lesser Black-backed Gulls at S.E.S.S.,Dec. 13-1-(GMcC) were unexpected,considering the first ever for the Region was found only 2 years ago (AB 39:210),and anotherphotographed in Malibu Jan.19 (TK) was the first for the coastof s. California;but, consideringthe increase in numbers now being found in the e. United States, we can anticipate more. Up to six Yellow-footedGulls spent the winter aroundS.E.S.S., where 10 yearsago the specieswas unknown at this time of year. A first-year Glaucous-winged Gull at S.E.S.S.throughout December (RHi), a 3rd-year bird there Dec. 17 (CAM), and an adult there Jan. 24 (CGE) were the only ones reported from far inland. The only Glaucous Gullspresent this winter were two in SantaMaria Jan.24 (PEL). An ElegantTern on Morro Bay Dec.29 (GPS)was exceptionally late. The only Corn. Terns reported this winter were one aroundCorona del Mar, OrangeCo., Jan. 4-5 (RRV) and another near Imperial BeachJan. 6 (MAP). A Black Tern in Coronadel Mar Dec. 6 (CMcG) and what could well have been the same

First-winterplumaged Black-leggedKittiwake (aboveand left) on shoreat La Jolla,San Diego County, Cal., February 22, 1987. This specieswas exceptionallyscarce in southernCalifornia watersthis winter and to seeone on shoreany winter is unexpected.Photos/John O'Br/en.

Volume 41, Number 2 329 this speciesfrom the similar, and more likely, Red-napedSap- sucker, but the true identity of others reported could not be determined. A Red-napedSapsucker at Montana de Oro S.P., Oct. 10-Jan. 13 (BH) and another in Wheeler Canyon near Ventura all winter (KS)were a little to the n.w. of the species' normal winter range,and a Red-breastedSapsucker in El Cen- tro Dec. 26 (JO) was one of very few ever foundin the Imperial Valley. FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--An Olive-sided Fly- catcherin Santa BarbaraFeb. 2-Apr. 1 (LB}was evidently the samebird found here each of the past 2 winters, and one of fewer than one dozen ever found in California in winter. A Greater Pewee in San Diego Nov. 23+ (EC} was probably the same bird found here last winter. A Least Flycatcher near Brawley Dec. 31 {RHi} was the 7th to have been found in s. Californiain winter. A Hammond'sFlycatcher in SantaBarbara Dec. 16 (REW)was probablyan exceptionallylate fall migrant, since it could not be relocated on later dates.The only Gray Flycatchersreported this winter were one in Ventura Dec. 21- Jan. 4 (RJM), another in Oceanside Dec. 21-• (JO) evidently returning for its 7th winter, a 3rd near Brawley Dec. 28-Jan. 4 (RHi), a 4th at Yaqui Wells Feb. 8 (JO'B), and a 5th in Bow Willow Canyon in e. San Diego County Feb. 22 (SM). Three W. Flycatcherswere found, with singlebirds alongthe coast in Santa Barbara Dec. 7-Jan. 4 (PEL) and Irvine Nov. 12-Feb. 4 (DRW), and one inland in Morongo Valley Feb. 14 (DCH). Two Vermilion Flycatchers near Pt. Mugu all winter (RJM), one in Fountain Valley, Orange Co., Jan. 4-Mar. I (RF), and another near Imperial Beach throughout December (GMcC) were along the coastwhere now exceedinglyrare. An Ash- First-winterplumaged Black-legged Kittiwake seen at La Jolla. throatedFlycatcher, very rare to casualin winter, wasin Goleta Photo/JohnO'Brien. Jan.3-Feb. 6 (PEL),another was near Upper Newport Bay Jan. 24-Feb. 7 (TEW), and a 3rd was near San DiegoMar. 1 (PP).A Tropical Kingbird in Goleta Oct. 26-Feb. 21 (CDB)and a 2nd bird at nearby Newport BeachFeb. 24 (CH), alongwith one in nearby Santa Barbara Nov. 11-Feb. 21 (JLD) were unex- inland near El CentroFeb. 2 (RHi), were of interostconsidering the fact that only 12_+previous winter recordsare known for the Region.One or two Black Skimmerswere presenton the SaltonSea during Decemberand January(RHi), but not found in February, suggestingthey did not winter. DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Up to 12 White- winged Doves at Butterfield Ranch in e. San Diego County throughoutthe period(JO) and anotherat nearbyPalm Spring Jan.31 (JO'B)were in the areaalong the e. baseof the coastal mountains where small numbers regularly winter, but one near Santa Ynez, Santa BarbaraCo., Feb. 13 (PEL),up to five in Goleta Nov. 14-Mar. 31 (PEL),and another in Malibu Jan. 1-3 (KLG)were all well w. of the species'normal range.An Inca Dove in Imperial Jan. 18•c(RHi) was probablya pioneer from the resident populationof Calexicoa little to the south. Same 45 Vaux's Swifts at Morro Bay S.P., Dec. 15-21 (TME), œ0near downtown LosAngeles Jan. 19 (KLG),20 more over El Monte Jan.24 (JB),and up to 75 aroundOceanside throughout the period (GMcC) were all evidently wintering. A • Xantus' ltumminghirdreported feeding on red flowersin a desertwash at Yaqui Wells in e. San Diego County Dec. 27 (RK) was sup- portedby convincingdetails. If acceptedby stateand national committees this would be a first record for the United States; the speciesis residentsome 300-400 mi to the s. in Baja Cal- ifornia. A • Archilochushummingbird identified as a Black- chinned, considered casual in winter, was found in West- minster, OrangeCo., Jan.29 (BED),and two were on Pt. Loma Dec.28-• (JO).Six Lewis'Woodpeckers were foundat 3 widely- scatteredlocalities around S.E.S.S.,Dec. 22 (RHi) but all had disappeared10 days later, suggestingall were on the move. An Acorn Woodpecker,probably associatedwith the movement of Lewis' Woodpeckers,in El Centro Dec. 22-24 (RHi) was only the 3rd ever to be found in the Imperial Valley. An imm. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckernear GayiotaJan. 14 (BA) and Tropical Kingbird in Goleta,Santa Barbara County,Cal. This a male in Newport BeachFeb. 1-Mar. I (BED)were carefully bird spent the winter in the company of up to four Cassin's identifiedby observersfamiliar with the charactersseparating Kingbirdsat this location.Photo/Paul E. Lehman.

330 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 pected,especially considering the paucityof birdsfound during Dec. 6-12 (K & JH). A N Parula, very rare in w•nter, was in the fall The Thick-billed Kingbird successfullyspent its 5th Oceano Dec 7-Feb 16 (BS)and another was at L Mathews, winter near Tustin, being present Nov. 9-Mar. I (LRH). Riverside Co., Jan. 14 (TM). A Chestnut-sidedWarbler in Two N. Rough-wingedSwallows present near Imperial Beach Brawley.Nov. 9-{-(RHi) was probablythe samebird aspresent Nov. 8-Feb. 21 (JO), joined by springmigrants on the latter last winter. A • Cape May Warbler on Pt. Loma Dec. 25-Feb date, clearly wintered, and cannotbe consideredeither late 16 (GMcC) was the 6th to have remained in s. California fall stragglersor early springarrivals as are somany mid-winter throughthe mid-winter period.A • Black-throatedBlue War- birds Most unusual were up to four Bank Swallows near bler in Santa Barbara Nov. 30-Jan. 4 (A & JC) and another in OceansideDec. 27-Feb. 8 (RM). A Cliff Swallow,the rarestof Placentia,Orange Co., Dec. 16-Jan. 28 (L. Berry) apparently the swallows to be found in California in winter, was at Mon- did not remain through the winter, leaving the bird present tana de Oro S.P.near Morro Bay Jan.10 (LD).Single Barn Swal- in SantaBarbara Jan. 15-Mar. 16, 1982 (AB 36:332)as the only lowsover PuddingstoneRes., Los Angeles Co., Jan.24 (JB)and one known to have wintered in the Region. Four Grace's War- in Irvine Dec. 20 (HLJ)along with three near OceansideFeb. bierswere presentthis winter, three of them believedto be 8 (GMcC)and up to four near Imperial Beachduring December returning birds, with one in Santa BarbaraOct. 13-Mar. 19 and January(JO) were all mostlikely wintering. (PEL)successfully spending its 8th winter, anotherat the same locationOct. 19-Jan. 11 {TEW) spendingits 3rd winter, one in WRENS THROUGH VIREOS -- A Winter Wren in Braw- Ventura throughoutthe period (JSR)for its 3rd winter, and ley Dec. 22-24 {RHi) was only the 5th ever to be found in the the last in Newport Beach Feb. 21-Mar. 23 (BED). A • Pine Imperial Valley. Go]den-crownedKinglets were widely scat- Warbler on Pt. Dume, LosAngeles Co., Dec. 21 (KLG)was the tered, with some reaching the extreme s.e. corner of the state 8th to be found in s. California in mid-winter. A • Prairie War- asindicated by up to eight at Finney L. near S.E.S.S.,Dec. 26- bler on San Clemente I., Feb. 25 (LaS)had undoubtedlywin- Jan 25 {MJL)and two in Brawley Feb. 21 {RHi). SingleTown- tered locally, givingus the 4th winter recordfor the Region send'sSolitaires near BakersfieldDec. 1-Feb. 8 {RS),in Ojai A ProthonotaryWarbler frequentinga hummingbirdfeeder Jan 18 {KK),near Ventura Feb. 28 {RJM),and in Imperial Feb. in San DiegoJan. 25-Mar. 20 (RAb)was only the 2nd ever to 1+ {RHi) were all in the lowlands and away from areas of have wintered in California. An Ovenbird in Oceano Dec. 3- normal occurrence.A Brown Thrasher,a rare stragglerto Cal- 21 {KJZ)was apparently attemptingto winter. A 6 Kentucky dorma, was presentin Huntington BeachJan. 10-Mar. 7 {BED) Warbler in Los Osos,San Luis ObispoCo., Dec. 7-Feb. I (C & and another was at MorongoValley Dec. 15-Feb. 28 {CMcG). EB) was the 3rd to have wintered in California. A Mac- Two Bendire's Thrashers in the Chemehuevi Wash in e. San Gillivray's Warbler, very rare in winter, was on Pt. Loma Dec. Bernardino County Feb. 14-15 {RMcK) were prnbab]y early 28-Apr. 5 (REW) and another was in CoronadoJan. 10 (REW) springmigrants, since this speciesarrives on breeding terri- A PaintedRedstart, a casualto very rare stragglerto California, toriesexceptionally early. A Sprague'sPipit near Westmorland was on Pt. Loma Dec. 20-Mar. 22 (RAt). Dec 6 (RHi) was the 2nd ever to have been found in the Im- perial Valley, and another was flushedfrom tall grassnear Lakeview, Riverside Co., Dec. 12 (RMcK). TANAGERS THROUGH LONGSPURS- A 5 Hepatic A Bell's Vireo, casualin winter, was in Santa Barbara Jan. Tanagerin SantaBarbara Dec. 7-Jan. 13 (PEL)was evidently 3-Feb. 10 (JEL) and another was in Brawley Dec. 1-20 (RHi). the same bird known to have spent the past 4 winters at this A brightly marked Solitary Vireo in San DiegoJan. 16-Mar. location, and a female in Irvine Nov. 17-Feb. 15 (DRW) was 22 (JLD) was apparentlyof the nominateform solitarius,con- apparentlythe samebird presenthere during the past 2 win- sidered casual to accidental in the w. United States,and pre- ters.A SummerTanager in OceanoDec. 3-7 (KJZ)was probably viously unrecorded in California in winter. Single Solitary a late fall straggler,but one in SantaBarbara Nov. 22-Feb. 1 Vireosalong the coastin GoletaJan. 3 (PEL),Ventura through- (PEL), another near Santa Ana Jan. 4 (GF), and 10 along the out the period (JSR),and in CoronadoDec. 28 (JO), as well as San Diego County coastthroughout the period (EC) were all one in E1Centro Jan. 24-Feb. 22 (GMcC) and another at But- clearly wintering. Seven Rose-breastedGrosbeaks wintering terfield Ranch in e. San Diego County Feb. 8 (DK) were all along the coast was about average, but five Black-headed Grosbeaks in the same area was more than normal. gray birds of the p]umbeusform, while one in SantaBarbara Feb 4 (CDB),single birds in Lake ForrestDec. 20 (DRW)and A Green-tailed Towhee in Santa Barbara Jan. 4 (CL) and nearby Huntington BeachDec. 5-Jan. 10 (LRH), and another another at Upper Newport Bay Jan. 1 {RC) were n.w. of the on Pt Loma in San Diego Jan. 31q- (REW) were of the w. form species'limited winter rangein extremes. California."Several" cassmii.A Warbling Vireo, exceedinglyrare in winter, was in Brown Towheesfound in the Indian Wells Valley of extreme Santa BarbaraJan. 11-Feb. I (HR) for its 3rd winter, another n.e. Kern County during the winter (CP) were very close to in Ventura throughout the period (JSR)was apparently the the presumed isolated population in Inyo County known as same bird as present last winter, and a 3rd was seen in the Inyo Brown Towhee, P.f. eremophilus.An Am. Tree Spar- Coronado Jan. 10 (REW). row near BishopMar. 15 (TEW) was in an area where small numbersprobably occur every fall and early winter, but was WOOD WABBLERS -- It was a better-than-averagewinter much later than most previousrecords. A Clay-coloredSpar- for wood warblers in s. California with at least 20 Nashville row in GoletaJan. 3-Mar. 24 (PEL)was one of a very few ever Warblers, over 30 Yellow Warblers, 30 Black-throatedGray to have wintered in California. Two Lark Buntings,now quite Warblers, seven Hermit Warblers, and about 40 Wilson's War- rare in California,were in Niland near S.E.S.S.,Dec. 18+ (JLD), biers reported along with the commonly occurring Orange- and were the only onesfound in s. Californiathis winter. A crowned, Townsend's, and Yellow-rumped warblers and Sharp-tailedSparrow, very rare in s. California,was on Mission Common Yellowthroats. In addition, nine Tennessee Warblers Bay in San Diego Dec. 31-Feb. 27 {EC).At least 13 wintering were found along the coastbetween Oceano and Coronado, Swamp Sparrows,seven wintering White-throated Sparrows, alongwith one inland at NeedlesFeb. 16 (RMcK); 16 Palm and three wintering Harris' Sparrowsalong the coastwere Warblerswere presentbetween Morro Bay and DohenyBeach, about as expected,but a White-throatedSparrow in E1Centro and anotherwas inland at S.E.S.S.,Jan. 31 (DRW);nine Black- Dec. 26-Feb. 16 (JO) and a Harris' Sparrownear Brawley Dec and-white Warblers were at various points along the coast, 6 (RHi) were in an area where few have been found. It was a and at least four Am. Redstartswere wintering away from better-than-average winter for longspurswith a McCown's S E.S S., these all formerly consideredcasual to accidental in Longspurpresent on the PlanoTrabuco in OrangeCounty Nov California in winter. A Virginia's Warbler in Oceano Dec. 3 28-Jan. 11 (JLD), four to five near Lakeview Dec. 12 (RMcK), (KJZ) was most likely a very late fall vagrant since searches and six more at L. Henshaw in the mountains of San Diego for it on subsequentdates failed to turn it up, and the same County Jan.3-11 (DK). SingleLapland Longspurswere near can be said for the Blackburnian Warbler at the same location LosOsos Dec. 10-12 (CM), Pt. Mugu Jan.25 (RJM),on the Plano

Volume 41, Number 2 331 Trabuco Nov. 28-Jan. 18 (JLD), at L. Henshaw Jan. 3-11 (DIO, of Scott'sOrioles regularly winter, five were found in the Santa and at S.E.S.S.,Jan. 31 (RHi), along with two near Oxnard Jan. Barbaraarea Oct. 24-Jan. 15 {PEL}and another was near Irvine 11 (JSR) and two to four near Lakeview Dec. 12 (RMcIO. Six Dec. 21 (HLJ). to 10 Chestnut-collaredLongspurs were present on the Plano A flock of 200_+Rosy Finches found frequentinga bird feeder Trabuco Nov. 28-Mar. 15 (JLD), one was at Harper Dry Lake in the small community of Aspendell w. of Bishop Mar. 15 Jan. 19 (MAP), eight to 10 were near Lakeview Dec. 12-14 (TEW) could well have wintered locally. A few finches were (RMcK), three were at L. Cuyamacain the San Diego County dispersedthrough the lowlands as indicated by 15 Purple mountainsFeb. 8 (JO'B),and 30 were at S.E.S.S.,Mar. 1 (REW). Finches in Brawley Jan. 24 (RHi) and 60 Cassin's Finches in Whitewater Canyon Feb. 25-28 (DCH). Evening Grosbeaks BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES--Yellow-headed continued to attract attention with 40 on Mt. Palomar Feb. 9 Blackbirdsare rare and local along the coast,particularly so (KW) and up to 20 in the LagunaMts., Jan.2-18 (BMcC)being in winter, hence 30 near Pt. Mugu all winter (RJM},100 near the southernmost,apart from a singlefemale in Plaster City, Irvine Jan. 30 (RRV), and five near Oceanside Feb. 28 {JO'B} Imperial Co., Feb. I (RHi). were of interest. A e Rusty Blackbird near OceansideFeb. 22- Mar. 20 {GMcC} was one of fewer than one dozen ever to be CONTRIBUTORS (County coordinatorsin boldface)-- Ro- found wintering along the s. California coast. Great-tailed searmeAbnett (RAb),Jonathan K. Alderfer,Brooks Allen, RoyArn Gracklescontinued to reach the coastwith one at Upper New- (RAr), Chris D. Benesh,Louis Bevier, Allyn Bissell,Charles & Eileen port Bay Jan. 4 (HLJ},another at San Elijo LagoonFeb. 10-11 Bowen,Jean Brandt, Eugene A. Cardiff (SanBernardino Co.), Mark {RP},and up to five near ImperialBeach during December (RM}. O. Chichester(Kern Co.), Rick Clements,Elizabeth Copper(San A • Bronzed Cowbird associatingwith thousandsof "black- Diego Co.), Alan M. Craig, Art & Janet Cuppies, Brian E. Daniels, birds" at a dairy near OceansideFeb. 28-Mar. 8 ( JO'B}was an LaverneDrake, JonL. Dunn, Tom M. Edell (SanLuis ObispoCo.), immature moulting into ad. plumage, and had undoubtedly Claude G. Edwards,Paul Enger, Rick Frost, Gary Fugle, Kimball been presentall winter. This speciesis a rare summer visitor L. Garrett (LosAngeles Co.), Helen A. Green,Rick Hallowell (Rill), to extreme s.e. California, and is expandingits range with va- RobbHamilton (Roll), Keith Hansen,David C. Hatch, Karen & Jim grants recorded from as far w. as Whittier and Jacumba,but Haylena, Loren R. Hays, Roger Higson (RHi), Beverly Hodges, was previously unrecorded along the immediate coast, and CharlesHood, H. Lee Jones,Ray K. Kellman, Ted Kinchloe, Dave had never before been found in winter. King,Richard Klauke, Karl Krause,Chris Lassen,Paul E. Lehman An Orchard Oriole, considereda very rare winter visitor to (Santa Barbara Co.), Joan E. Lentz, Mike J. Lippsmeyer, Bill California, was at Pt. Dume Dec. 21-Jan. 1 {KLG}, three more McCoslund (BMcC), Chet McGaugh (CMcG), Robert McKernan were in the Newport-Irvine area Nov. 22-Feb. I (Roll, RRV}, (RMcK Riverside Co.), Curtis A. Marantz, Tony Metcalf. Steve Mludinov, Randy J. Moore, RogerMuscat, Bob Neuwirth, John and a 5th was in CoronadoDec. 20-Feb. 16 {EC},to give us an O'Brien(JO'B), Jerry Oldanettel, Joy Parkinson, Michael A. Patton, averagenumber for this time of year. Nine Hooded Orioles RobertPatton, Cliff Peterson,Phil Pryde.Sylvia Ranney-Gallagher along the coast were more than expected, one in Red]ands (SRG),Hugh Ranson,Jim S. Royer (Ventura Co.), Larry Salata(LaS), throughout the period (RMcC} was at an unusual location,but Luis Santaella(LuS), Rick Saval,Brad Schram, Gregory P. Smith, single birds near N.E.S.S.,Feb. 14 {HAG} and in Brawley Jan. Kevin Spencer,Guy Tingos,Richard R. Veit, Ken Weaver. Richard 14 { JLD}were in an area where small numbersmay prove to E. Webster,Douglas R. Willick (OrangeCo.), Tom E. Wurster, be regularin winter. Six of the 75_+N. Oriolesfound wintering Kevin J. Zimmer. An additional 75_+observers who could not be along the coast were of the e. race golbulo. Away from the individuallyacknowledged submitted reports this season.--GUY extreme w. edge of the s. deserts {e.g., Morongo Valley and McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, particularly Anza BorregoDesert Park}, where small numbers P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, CA 92112.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION

Robert L. Pyle

modestlyheencouraging above seasonal returnofnormals rainfall was, last unfortunately,fall to levels short-lived.Winter rainfall duringDecember-February was below normal at 27 of 33 reportingstations statewide, many of them with totalswell below 50% of normal. Considering that winter (December to February) is Hawaii's "rainiest" season,when 42% of the annual total shouldnormally fall, a deficit at this time hasa severeeffect on generalmoisture conditionsfor the year. Unfortunately,four of the pastfive winters have been dry, with percentagesof normal seasonal rainfall (at Honolulu}being 21%, 18%, 108%, 13%, and 36% back to 1982-1983. The low rainfall plus developmentpressures have put much wild bird habitat under stress. While most birdlife could probably take one such year in stride, a succession of this many very dry winters must be taking its toll on bird survival and breeding, even including many of the dryland species. rainfall was more than twice normal, and this winter's total One unexplained anomaly in this pattern is at Waimea was over three times normal. Waimea and two nearby sta- in north central Hawai'i Island where 1986 total annual tions on Hawaii's windward coast, plus three stations in

332 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 analogouslocations on nearby Main Island, were the only one female were seen at Kakahm'a N W R, Moloka'•, Feb 12- six stahons in Hawai• to have above-normal rain this 13 (GY), and two males along w•th two a Am. W•geonand winter. three females were at Waiakea Pond, H., during December and January(RD et al.). Ring-neckedDucks were reportedat ABBREVIATIONS -- F.F.S. = French Frigate Shoals;H.: Ha- 5 localitieson 3 islands,with the highestcount of one male wm'• I.; K.: Kaua'i I.; M. = Maui I.; O.: O'ahu I., J.C.N.W.R. and four femalesat Kealia Pond,M., Feb. 9 (GY). High counts = JamesCampbell Nat'l Wildlife Ref. on O'ahu. of Lesser Scaup were of 27 at Punamano Pond and 12 at Hale'iwaPond, both on O'ahu,Jan. 15 (PD),and 15 at Lokoaka GREBES, ALBATROSSES--Hawaii's only Pied-billed Pond, H., Jan.10 (RD). Three or fewer were reportedfrom 5 Grebepopulation, which hasbeen developingnaturally in re- other localities.The 9 Greater Scaup, much rarer than the cent yearsat AimakapaPond, H., now consistsof the original Lesserin Hawaii, remained at Aimakapa Pond, H., through breedingpair plusthree fully-grownoffspring of differentages seasoh's end. (RD). The bandedsubad. Short-tailed Albatross returning to SandI., Midway, for the 3rd straightwinter, was firstseen the 3rd week of November and was still present at the end of RAPTORS -- The Osprey sojourningon Kaua'i was seen February(KM). A Black-lootedAlbatross, rarely reported near through the winter in the Kipu Kal area (fide TT) and alsoat shore in recent years, was seen at Kilauea Point N.W.R., K., Kilauea Point N.W.R., Nov. 24 (fide KM) and at Menehune Dec 31 and landed briefly on Moku'ae'aeislet off the point Fishpondin early December(liD). The O'ahubird wasreported (JD et al.). at Punaho'olapaPond Jan.14 (SB). The season'smost exciting visitor was a Peregrine Falcon The LaysanAlbatross colony at PacificMissile Range,Bark- that roosted most of the winter between the 25th and 44th mg Sands,K., fared badly this year. By Feb. 4, dogshad de- stroyed16 of 19 nestsand killed 12 adultsand subadults(TT). floorsof a highrisecondominium in Aiea, O., overlookingPearl Across the island at Kilauea Point N.W.R., where a much Harbor and the Waipl'o Peninsula.It was seen in that area smallernesting colony is well-protected,up to 11 birds'were from Jan. 14 (PD) well into March (GG et al.), but generally seenregularly through the winter. Increasingnumbers of non- was absent each day between roughly sunrise and sunset breedingLaysans have been seen along the n. shoreof Kaua'i, Daytime observationsof a Peregrineelsewhere on O'ahu, in- w•th up to 40 reportedat one time near Pila Beach(TT). On cludingPunamano (SB) and Ki'i (DW) Units of J.C.N.W.R.at O'ahu, Laysansreturned in larger numbersto the Mokule'ia the n. tip of the island and Makapu'u Pt. (BE)near the s. tip, area High countsat Dillinghamairstrip were of at least19 Jan. suggestedeither that this bird was rangingwidely over the 25 (WG), and 23 Feb. 16 with nine othersflying nearby (AE). entire island or that more than one individual was present Fwe to eight were reportedat Ka'enaPt. during late January Earlier reportsof a Peregrinein downtown Honolulu Dec. 2 and February (JO et al.). (BE)and aboutthe sametime in Waikiki (fide PB),as well as at Kailua on the Honolulu CBC Dec. 21, could also have in- TROPICBIRDS THROUGH DUCKS -- A pair of White- volved the samebird. Peregrineshave occurredas rare strag- raftedTropicbirds, rare in the low NorthwesternHawaiian Is- glersto Hawaii sincethe first known reportof one on Hawm'• lands,nested again this winter in a flowerbox at one of the L in 1961.But they havebeen appearing much more frequently mfi•tary homeson Sand I., Midway. This is'the samelocality in the pastfew years,perhaps reflecting the species'comeback where a pair hasnested several times in the lastdecade. The in North America. adultswere incubatingan eggNov. 20, and had a largechick Feb 11 (KM et al.). A LesserFrigatebird observed sporadically FRANCOLINS THROUGH GULLS -- Black, Erckel's, and at Tern I., F.F.S.,in recentyears, was seen there againJan. 26- Gray francolinsand Chukarswere all found in goodnumbers Feb 17 (RV, JS).A vagrantGreat Blue Heronreported at Whit- Dec. 15-18 in undevelopedportions of Kohala Ranch just n tingtonPark, H., Feb. 10 (SB)might have been the samebird of Kawaihae,H. (PB).The area has recentlybeen openedto reportedregularly last year at Kakahai'aN.W.R., Moloka'i, al- public access,but is beingplanned now for residentialdevel- though Whittington would be a reasonablefirst landfall for opment.High countsof {Hawaiian)Am. Coots(Endangered) anotherstraggler crossing from North America.The strayCattle on AimakapaPond, H., were of 123 (Dec.3, SB)and 142+ {Jan Egreton Tern I., F.F.S.,remained through the fall and winter 5, RD). Among them, two cootsidentified as of the North (RV, JS). American race were found Dec. 14 (RD), and one Jan.17 (RLP). The stray FulvousWhistling-Duck at Kakahai'aN.W.R. was Also at Aimakapa, high countsof (Hawaiian) Black-necked stfil there Feb. 12-13 (GY),and a straySnow Goose wintered Stilts (Endangered)were of 20 Dec. 3 (SB)and 27 Feb. 15 (RD). at the pond on Kea'auRanch s.e. of Hilo, H. (TP). The stray Eleven Stilts at nearby Makalawena (= Opae'ula)Pond Dec. 2 Brant remained at Aimakapa Pond, H., through the end of (SB)furnished a goodcount, and five were foundJan. 15 across February (RD et al.), and anotherwintered acrossthe island the island at a small pond near the old Puna sugar mill in at the Kea'auRanch pond (TP). A 3rd Brant(mentioned in last Kea'au(RLP). It is encouragingto seethis endemicHawaiian seasoh'sreport) at Tern I., F.F.S., Dec. 5-8 is now *BPBM- subspeciesgetting a footholdon this geologically-youngestis- 175791in the BishopMuseum. land, where wetland habitat is still limited comparedto the Four Hawaiian Geese(Nene--Endangered) were seen Dec. older islands to the north. 7 flyingover Pu'uanahulu, H. (DP),an uppercoastal slope area Bristle-thighedCurlews are normally uncommonfall tran- at the n.w. edgeof the species'current range.Single free-flying sients in the main Hawaiian Is., but this year one remained Nene observedon Kaua'i at Smith'sTropical Gardens in Kapa'a near Ki'i Ponds,J.C.N.W.R., through the winter (AB, PD, DP) (Dec 30, MW) and at the pondnear LihWe Airport (Feb.15, A Sharp-tailedSandpiper at KanahaPond, M., duringthe week GY, Mar. 4-6, BH) were presumablyfrom the groupof banded of Jan.12 (SB)and singlePectoral Sandpipers at Waipi'o Dec. escapesreported last season. 20 (PD)and Punasugar mill pond,H., Jan.10 (RD)also provided M•grantwintering ducks (basically N. Pintailsand N. Shov- unusual mid-winter records.Two Least Sandpiperswere at elers)seemed low in numbersagain this year at J.C.N.W.R. Waipi'o Jan.23 (PD),and a W. Sandpiperwas reportedat Tern and Waipi'o, O., and Aimakapa Pond, H., although countsat I., F.F.S.,Jan. 3-7 (RV, JS).More than three PomarineJaegers KeahaPond, M., werehigher. Among them, up to sevenGreen- were seen offshoreof Sand I., O., Feb. 1 (PD) and 15 were w•ngedTeal were reportedfrom pondson O'ahu, Maui, and countedthere Feb. 16 (AE). Numbersin the hundredscould Hawai'i. A 9 Gadwall appearedat AimakapaPond Dec. 26 and be found there in winter before the sewer outfall was shut remainedthrough seasoWs end (RD). Ttiis was an unusually down severalyears ago.One first-winter LaughingGull was goodyear for Eur. Wigeon. One or two males were reported at AimakapaPond Jan. 4 and two were there Feb. 15 (RD).An dunng Decemberand Januaryat KanahaPond, M. (DP), Ki'i ad. Franklin's Gull in fine springplumage flew over Ki'i Pond Pond, O. (DT), and Kekaha'aRes., K. (TT). Four males with Mar. 31 (SB),but hasnot beenseen again. Three Ring-billed

Volume 41, Number 2 333 Gullswere at K]'] PondsDec 4 (MO), with two rema]mngthere be the only native landbird speciesremaining on Lanah A throughthe winter (DT, PD) A largergull at A]makapaJan Kauah Creeper ('Ak]k]k]) was seen Dec 6 near Koke'e,along 4-6 was photographedand identified tentatively asa 2nd-win- Kilohana Trail a short distancebeyond its intersectionwith ter Herring Gull (RD). Pihea Trail (PD). PARAKEETS THROUGH HONEYCREEPERS- An es- FINCHES AND ESTRILDIDS -- Several Cordonbleus and timated 30 Rose-ringedParakeets in a flockin KapiolaniPark, 10-20 Lavender Waxbills were found near Pu'uanahulu, H, O, Nov. 30 (DP) was an unusually large number and indicated Dec. 7 (DP) and Jan. 11 (RD). Warbling Silverbills, Yellow- the speciesis not only persistingon O'ahu but may well be fronted Canaries, and Saffron Finches are also seen there •n breeding. goodnumbers. Three Lavender Waxbills were alsoobserved in a yard in Kailua-Kona, H., Feb. 12 (RD), and two or more SoAo were found on Nala'au Trail, O., Feb. 2 alongwith three-plus Shrinkinghabitat has reduced (Hawaiian) Short-eared Com. Waxbills (PD).Three Orange-cheekedWaxbills were at Owls (Pueo) on O'ahu to the point of endangerment. the KaneoheWater Treatment Facility, O., Dec. 23 (PD,RLP). Thus,it was highlysignificant when an adult wasflushed More than 500 NutmegMannikins, an introducedspecies with from a nesthigh in the Wai'anae Mts. near PohakeaPass. much longer tenure in Hawaii, were concentratedin several The nest was on the groundin grasspartway down a hugeflocks on KohalaRanch near Kawaihae,H., Dec.15 (PB) steep cliff face, in a locality rarely visited becauseof Meanwhile, ChestnutMannikins are now increasingdramat- difficulty of access.The locality alsohas unusualbotan- ically on Kaua'iwhere they first appeareda decadeago. Large ical interest.The nest contained2 eggswhen first found flockswere reportedduring Decemberin many localitiesin e Feb. 26 and had one eggand a largechick when pho- and s. Kaua'i (RD, DP). tographedMar. 19 (SP,JO). No other nestsof Pueohave been reportedon any islandin recentyears. CORRIGENDA -- Hawaii'sfirst reportedSolander's Petrel received alive at a shearwater aid station on Kaua'i was not released in Decemberas stated in last season'sreport. After 2 more months Two 'Elepaiowere observedDec. 17 in an isolatedpatch of in captivityit sickenedand died Feb. 22, and hasbecome specimen foreston KohalaRanch near Kawaihae,H. (PB).The locality, BPBM-175801in the BishopMuseum. It will be submittedto spe- near 800 ft elevation, was unusually low and was cut off from cialists for confirmation of identification. Also in last season's re- sintablehabitat farther upslope.Five Red-billedLeiothrix were port, the "Sharp-tailedSandpiper" at Tern I., F.F.S.,in Augustwas foundon the HonoluluCBC Dec. 21 (PB,RLP) in the onlyplace an imm. Ruff (*). on O'ahu where the specieshas been locatedfairly regularly CONTRIBUTORS -- SteveBerendzen, Albin Bills,Phil Bruner, in recent years. However, extensive clearing in anticipation Donald Dann, ReggieDavid, GeorgeDenniston, Peter Donaldson, of residentialdevelopment has pushed the birdsupslope and JonDunn, BruceEilerts, Andy Engilis,Lenny Freed,Wayne Gagne, will make them more difficultto find. Three N. Mockingbirds George Greer, Bruce Hallett, Annette Kaohelaulii, Ken Mc- found Dec. 15 alongthe top of Lana'i Island'sonly mountain Dermond,John Obata, Mike Ord,Steve Perlman, Doug Pratt, Thane ridge (LF) seemedout of place. One briefly tried to imitate an Pratt, Keith Stratton,Joan Suther, David Takeuchi,Tom Teller, 'Apapane.A count of 25+ 'Apapanethe sameday alongthe Rick Vetter, Mike Wallace, Sidney White, Tom Willing, Dave sameridge between Lana'i Hale and Waiakeakua(LF) was an Woodside, Gus Yaki.--ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., unusuallyhigh numberfor the island.'Apapane may well Kailua, HI 96734.

WEST INDIES REGION

Robert L. Norton

theonthly lowprecipitation side at Cruz Bay,averages St. John,this in winter the U.S.were Virgin on THE NORTHERN VIRGIN ISLANDS ANO EASTERN Islands.Although December was normal, January'spre- PUERTO RICAN BANK cipitation was 56% below averageand February'swas 68% below average.The net precipitationfor the seasonwas thus 38% below average,following a net of 18% below av- , erage for the fall season. Puerto Rico'sTropical National Forest at Luquillo has apparentlybeen spareda large demonstrationproject that would have reducedthe rainforest'shabitat by nearly 20%. On the other side of Puerto Rico, a Club Med resort is plannedfor propertyadjacent to the uniqueGuanica Forest and nearby wetlands. Federal and local agencieshave studiedthe proposaland find that their jurisdictionis lim- Ited on the basisof habitat endangerment,although the U S. Fish and Wildlife Servicewarned againstthe resort (San Juan Star, March 1987). ABBREVIATIONS-- B.V.I. = British Virgin Islands; DR. = Dominican Republic; P.R. = Puerto Rico.

334 AmericanBirds, Summer 1987 SHEARWATERS THROUGH TERNS--Audubon's speciesof hummingbirds,more than any other ,sland •n the Shearwaters were heard at Frenchcap Cay, St Thomas, Jan West Ind•es Barn Swallows numbered 311 on the St Croix 14 (WS, LS,fide JCz).Nesting Red-billed Tropicbirds were sur- CBC Dec. 19 (fide FS). More than 300 unidentified swallows veyed in the U.S. Virgin Islands(JCz), with 74 nestscounted were seenJan. 9 crossingNorth Sound,Virgin Gorda (RG). between December and February. Four White-tailed Tropic- The mostextraordinary report of the seasoncame from Bar- b•rdswere seenFeb. I at a singlelocation on the s. coastof St. bados,where so many remarkable sightingshave been re- Croix (RW) where the specieshas been known to nest in the corded,including more than one-half dozenEuropean strag- recentpast. In December,Brown Pelican nests numbered about glers.On Jan.28 a White Wagtail was seen at the cruise sh•p 20 at CongoCay and 45 at DutchcapCay, St. Thomas (JCz). dockingarea at Bridgetown,providing a closeview in excellent Masked Boobynests numbered 9 at CockroachCay and 12 at light (HHF). The bobbingbehavior, black crownand bib, and Sula Cay, only a few meters away, in early December.Red- contrastingwhite plumage were carefully noted. This repre- footedBoobies continue to increaseat FrenchcapCay, St. sentsthe first sightingof the speciesin the West Indies. Ap- Thomas,where 12 adultswere seenroosting and one nestwith parently the southernmostprevious record for the New World a ch•ck was noted Jan.14 (JCz). A Red-footedBooby was seen was from La Paz, Baja California, at 24øN; Barbados hes s•tt•ngon a buoy at AnegadaJan. 26 (RG), for one of the few at 13øN. •nshore records of this otherwise pelagic species.A Greater A Yellow-throated Vireo was noted at St. Croix in early De- Flamingo was photographedat Vieques, P.R., Jan. 8 (DG) for cember (RW, fide FS). The St. Croix CBC Dec. 19 counted 15 the 2nd record there since 1985; two birds had been reported Black-whiskeredVireos, a high numberfor winter in the Virgun Jan 5 (fide DG). Two flamingoesreported at Cabo Rojo, P.R., Islands. A Blackpoll Warbler reported on the CBC at Santo Dec 21 had been monitoredby federal and local biologistsfor Domingo,D.R., Dec. 18 (fide ASD) extended the late fall date 6 months (fide JCo). for the Region.A Palm Warbler seen Feb. 8 at St. Croix (RW) The St. Croix CBC Dec. 19 reported 64 White-cheeked Pin- furnished one of few reports this far east. Worm-eating and tails, and in February as many as 206 were counted at St. Croix Hoodedwarblers were alsoreported from St. Croix on the CBC (FS), 47 White-cheeked Pintails were noted on the St. John for the first local occurrences in December (fide FS). Two CBCDec. 20 (fide GW). Noteworthyducks at St. Croix included Painted Buntingson the CBC at StaniardCr., Andros,Dec. 26 a N Pintail from Decemberto February, one N. Shoveler Dec. representedone of few recordsfor the central Bahamas. 21 and two in February, and a Ruddy Duck in February (FS). A notablecount of 45 Ruddy Duckswas made Dec. 12 at Cabo Rolo,P.R. (JCoet al.). PeregrineFalcon sightings included one CORRIGENDUM-- PWS states that Eur. Collared-Doves were at Capella Cay off St. Thomas Dec. 10 (JCz), one at Vieques, accidentallyintroduced into the Bahamasabout 1975 (Smith 1986, P R, Jan. 5 (DG), and two at St. Croix in January (FS). Single FloridaField-Nat. 14:104-107), and that the originof the Florida Merhns were noted at St. JohnDec. 20 (RLN) and at St. Croix birdsis still under investigation,contra a suggestion(AB 40:5 1260) •n January (FS). that Floridamight have been the sourceof the Bahamanbirds. Gairdner reports that a rail inhabiting a small mangrove swamp at Biras Cr., Virgin Gorda, B.V.I., for several winter seasonsfits the descriptionof a Virginia Rail or possiblya Vir- CONTRIBUTORS (Subregionaleditors in boldface)-- Wyhe g•maRail x ClapperRail hybrid [?], but the recordshould be Barrow,Jose Colon (JCo}, Judy Czarnecki (JCz), H. HainesFern- consideredhypothetical until a photograph or other confir- more, Ruthann Gairdner, Daphne Gemmi], Donald Harrison,An- mation is submitted. Bond (1979) lists only a single record of thonyLauro, Paul McKenzie,William Muchmore,Richard Perkins, V•rguniaRail for the Region (October, in Cuba). Sightingsof Fred Sladen, P. William Smith, William & Linda Southern, An- shorebirdsat Anegada,B.V.I., Jan. 19-23 included 16 Black- nabelle Stockton-Dod,Ro Wauer, Gerald Whitman.--ROBERT L. belhed Plovers,60+ SemipalmatedPlovers, two Snowy Plovers NORTON, P.O. Box 243, Cruz Bay, St. John,U.S.V.I. 00830. (residentbreeders), two Whimbrels, five Sanderlings,and 200+ Sem•palmatedSandpipers. Lesser Yellowlegs numbered 92 at V•eques, P.R., Jan. 5 (DG). A bonanzafor gull watcherswas reportedFeb. 25 from May- aguezHarbor, P.R., where 20+ LaughingGulls, one adult and one •mm. Common Black-headed Gulls, three adult and four •mm Ring-billed Gulls, three imm. Herring Gulls, and one •mm Great Black-backedGull were observed(AL). Note that one Corn.Black-headed was seenlast summerat Cabo Rojo, P R. At least one Ring-billed Gull was seenat Frederiksted,St. Croix, Feb. 19 (WM), and Sladennoted Ring-billeds at St. Croix fromDecember to earlyFebruary. The list of gullsis impressive, and posesquestions as to their statusas vagrantson the P.R. bank Also at MayaguezHarbor Feb. 25 were 60+ RoyalTerns and 80+ Sandwich Terns (AL).

DO VES THROUGH BUNTINGS- A Ruddy Quail-Dove was seenDec. 20 (RLN, DH) alongthe Reef Bay Trail, St. John, providingadditional evidence of vagrancyor limited residency e of Puerto Rico. Two Hispaniolan Parrots were reported on the CBC at CaboRojo, P.R., Dec. 21 (JCo),but it is not known whether these birds were escapeesor associatedwith some recentinvasion of birdsfrom the DominicanRepublic. A Great L•zard-Cuckoonoted at Staniard Cr., Andros, Dec. 26 (RP et al ) providedone of the few reportsof this secretiveendemic of the n. Bahamas and Cuba. A well-described • Antillean Mango at Virgin Gorda, B.V.I., Jan. 8 (RG) representedone of the few sightingson the easternP.R. bank. The Antillean Mango is still found in e. Puerto Rico; the island boastsfive

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