The Bluebir D

TT H H E E

BLUEBIRBLUEBIR DD The voice of ASM since 1934

December 2016 Volume 83, No. 4

The Audubon Society of Missouri Missouri’s Ornithological Society Since 1901 The Audubon Society of Missouri

Officers Regional Directors

Mark Haas*+, President (2018) Charles Burwick+ (2017) 614 Otto Drive; Jackson MO 63755; Springfield (417) 860-9505 (573) 204-0626 Lottie Bushmann+ (2018) [email protected] Columbia, (573) 445-3942 Louise Wilkinson*+, Vice-President Jeff Cantrell+ (2017) (2018); P.O. Box 804, Rolla, MO 65402- Neosho (471) 476-3311 0804; (573) 578-4695 [email protected] Mike Doyen+ (2017) Rolla (573) 364-0020 Scott Laurent*+, Secretary (2017) 610 W. 46th Street, #103; Kansas City, Allen Gathman+ (2018) MO 64112; (816) 916-5014 Pocahontas (573) 579-5464 [email protected] Brent Galliart+ (2018)

Pat Lueders*+, Treasurer (2017) St. Joseph (816) 232-6038 1147 Hawken Pl., St. Louis, MO Greg Leonard+ (2019) 63119; (314) 222-1711 Columbia (573) 443-8263 [email protected] Terry McNeely+ (2019) Honorary Directors Jameson, MO (660) 828-4215 Richard A. Anderson, St. Louis** Phil Wire+ (2019) Nathan Fay, Ozark** Bowling Green (314) 960-0370 Leo Galloway, St. Joseph**

Jim Jackson, Marthasville Lisle Jeffrey, Columbia** Chairs Floyd Lawhon, St. Joseph** Bill Clark, Historian Patrick Mahnkey, Forsyth** 3906 Grace Ellen Dr. Rebecca Matthews, Springfield Columbia, MO 65202 Sydney Wade, Jefferson City** (573) 474-4510

Dave Witten, Columbia** Kevin Wehner, Membership John Wylie, Jefferson City** 510 Ridgeway Ave. Jim Jackson, 2012 Recipient of the Columbia, MO 65203

Rudolf Bennitt Award (573) 815-0352 [email protected] Dr. David Easterla, 2006 Recipient of the Rudolf Bennitt Award Paul E. Bauer, 2004 Recipient of the Rudolf Bennitt Award

+ Board Position * Executive Committee Member **Deceased

Page i THE BLUEBIRD The Bluebird

The Bluebird Editor: Bill Eddleman*+, 1831 Ricardo Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573) 335-1507, [email protected] Christmas Bird Count Compiler: Randy Korotev, 800 Oakbrook Lane, St. Louis, MO 63132, (314) 993-0055, [email protected] Communication Services: Patrick Harrison+, Webmaster, http://mobirds.org, Susan Hazelwood and David Scheu, Co-owners Listserve, [email protected],edu ASM Scholarship Committee: Sue Gustafson, Chair, 429 Belleview Ave., Webster Groves MO 63119 (314) 968-8128, [email protected] MO Bird Records Committee: Brad Jacobs+—Chair, 11300 Vemers Ford Road, Columbia, MO 65201, (573) 874-3904, [email protected] Bill Rowe—Secretary, 9033 Big Bend Road, St. Louis, MO 63119, (314) 962-0544, [email protected] Seasonal Survey Editors: Spring: Greg Swick, 1503 E. Bingham St., Ozark, MO 65721-9503, (417) 581-2757, [email protected] Summer: Paul McKenzie, 2311 Grandview Circle, Columbia, MO 65203- 7240, (573) 445-3019, [email protected] Fall: Joe Eades, 517 Willow Lane, Kirkwood, MO, 63122, (314) 835- 0353, [email protected] Winter: Mary Nemecek, 7807 N. Merimac Ct, Kansas City MO 64151- 0000; (816) 210-5148; [email protected]

* Executive Committee Member + Board Position

Deadlines for submission of material for publication in The Bluebird Manuscripts for The Bluebird—to the editor by: Feb. 1 for March issue; May 1 for June issue; Aug. 1 for Sept. issue; Nov. 1 for Dec. issue Deadlines for submissions to the Seasonal Survey Editors Winter (Dec. 1-Feb. 28)—to Mary Nemecek by Mar. 10 Spring (Mar. 1-May 31)—to Josh Uffman by June 10 Summer (June 1-July. 31)—to Kristi Mayo by Aug 10 Fall (Aug. 1-Nov. 30)—to Joe Eades by Dec. 10

Page ii THE BLUEBIRD Table of Contents

December 2016 Volume 83, No. 4

119 President’s Corner—Mark Haas

120 We Welcome our New ASM Members—Kevin Wehner

120 Membership Dues Increase for Paper Copy of The Bluebird

121 Rudolph Bennitt Award Recipient: Brad Jacobs

125 Fall Meeting Photo Collage

126 Bunker Hill Bird List Event was Great!—June Newman

128 Spring 2016 Seasonal Report—Greg Swick and Lisa Berger

145 A Birder’s Guide to Missouri Public Lands—Edge Wade & Allen Gathman

158 Peer-Reviewed Paper: “Historical first breeding records in Missouri of Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)—Mark B. Robbins

160 Time to Renew!!—Kevin Wehner

Front Cover—Missouri’s first definitive record for Hooded Oriole occurred on May 20, 2016, when this adult male was seen at a nectar feeder in Colum- bia, Boone County, by Louise and George Flenner. The bird was only observed for 10 minutes. Photo by George Flenner.

THE BLUEBIRD is published quarterly by The Audubon Society of Missouri. The submission of articles, photographs, and artwork is welcomed and encouraged. The views and opinions expressed in this journal are those of each contributing writer and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of The Audubon Society of Missouri or its officers, Board of Directors, or editors. Send address corrections to ASM, 2101 W. Broadway, PMB 122, Columbia, MO 65203-1261.

Page iii THE BLUEBIRD President’s Corner—Mark Haas

Dear Fellow Birders, As I write this at the end of Octo- ber, I am somewhat saddened to see my favorite month come to an end. Like most years, we’ve had fantastic weather and excellent birding opportunities, with the overlap of migrants during this fall season. I got another reminder of this just yesterday, when I saw a Red-breasted Nut- hatch and three Tennessee Warblers in our little city park in Jack- son. I hope you’ve had similar experiences. The birding was also good at our Fall Meeting, where it is always rewarding to renew old friendships and create new ones. This year we heard presentations on current research, wildlife photography, and Honduras as a birding destination. All were excellent. At the Board of Directors meeting, we approved funding for a matching- grant proposal to restore wetlands at Schell-Osage Conservation Area. We also approved financial support for the GLADE project in 2017. This is a summer academy for select high school students in southwest Missouri, with a mission to increase awareness of local ecology and issues, restore wildlife habitat, and develop a new gen- eration of conservation leaders. I am proud of our support of this long-running program. The highlight of the Fall Meeting had to be the presentation of the Rudolph Bennitt Award, ASM’s highest hon- or, to Brad Jacobs. Congratulations to Brad on this well-deserved award!

As I have become more involved with ASM, I’ve been impressed by the many volunteers who give of their time and energy to keep our organization running. Many work behind the scenes. Others who fill different roles are detailed on preceding pages. Look at those names and be sure to thank them. They certainly have my appreciation and gratitude.

Page 119 THE BLUEBIRD As fall turns to winter, birding opportunities still abound. Check the calendar on our mobirds.org web page. Among those are Christmas Bird Counts, which occur between December 14 and January 5. This “citizen science” program is in its 117th year! Birders of all skill lev- els are welcome to participate. There are count circles distributed around the state, so find one (or more) and sign up. You’ll be glad you did. It’s not too early to put our Spring Meeting on your calendar. May 5- 7, 2017 will find us in Springfield, where our hosts promise another outstanding event. Mark Haas, President The Audubon Society of Missouri

WE WELCOME OUR NEW ASM MEMBERS!! Kevin Wehner

Remember, new members are our future. If a new member lives near you, say, “Howdy and welcome to ASM.” In addition, recruit another new member. Welcome to these seven new ASM members in the 3rd quarter of 2016.

David & Diane Brunworth Washington, MO Tony Forsythe Webster Groves, MO Daniel Jordan Festus, MO Deborah Schneider & Alana Lawson Bonne Terre, MO Mary Wyatt Chesterfield, MO

MEMBERSHIP DUES INCREASE FOR PAPER COPY OF THE BLUEBIRD

The Board of D irectors recently approved a $5.00 increase in the annual membership dues of those people renewing or joining ASM and choosing to receive a mailed copy of The Bluebird. With The Bluebird now available online (free), we feel it is reasonable to ask you to pay extra for a paper copy. The actual cost to print and mail four issues of The Bluebird to a member each year is much greater than $5.00. This increase does not apply to life members, libraries, or other Audubon societies that receive a paper Bluebird.

Page 120 THE BLUEBIRD Rudolph Bennitt Award Recipient:

BRAD JACOBS

At the 2016 ASM fall meeting, the Rudolf Bennitt Distinguished Award, ASM’s highest honor, was presented by president Shari Harden to Brad Jacobs.

In 2012, the Audubon Society of Missouri established the Rudolf Bennitt Distinguished Service Award to recognize those who exhibit dedication to the principles of ASM and whose work has carried on the tradition of Dr. Bennitt.

More about Dr. Bennitt and the Distinguished Service Award is in the December 2004 issue of The Bluebird in an article by Sue Gus- tafson about the award and its presentation to Paul Bauer in Sep- tember 2012. Additional information appears in the December 2006 issue in an article describing the presentation of the award to Dr. David Easterla. A third article, in December 2012 about the presentation to Jim Jackson in September 2012 provides more detailed information about Dr. Bennitt and his service to Missouri and ASM.

Below is the proclamation Shari read at the presentation.

RUDOLF BENNITT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Presented to BRAD JACOBS by The Audubon Society of Missouri September 24, 2016 The Rudolf Bennitt Award for Distinguished Service is The Audubon Society of Missouri’s highest honor. It is awarded to recognize those who exhibit dedication to the principles of ASM and whose work has carried on the tradition of Dr. Bennitt by providing contributions to ornithology, the birding community, and conservation efforts of Mis- souri through outstanding service to The Audubon Society of Mis- souri. ASM has honored Paul Bauer, David Easterla, and Jim Jack- son with this award. We are very proud to add Brad Jacobs to this distinguished list.

Brad Jacobs has been an employee of Missouri Department of Con- servation for 29 years, a member of ASM for more than 25 years, and has served on ASM’s standing committee, the Missouri Bird

Page 121 THE BLUEBIRD Records Committee, since 1990 (the second longest serving member). As Chair of MBRC since 2008, he’s served as an ex officio member of ASM’s Board of Directors, and has been a seasonal editor for The Bluebird.

In 1987, Brad began work with MDC on the Missouri Breeding Bird Survey. He was lead author, with James D. Wilson, of The Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. He has revised James D. Wilson and James P. Jackson’s 40-page booklet, Enjoying Missouri’s Birds. Brad’s magnum opus, the product of five years of research, writing and coordinating artists’ work, published in 2001, is Birds in Mis- souri, a 375-page comprehensive treatment of Missouri avifauna life histories, distribution and habitat requirements.

His contributions to Missouri bird records include solo or shared documentation of the first nesting record of Inca Dove, the first twentieth-century nesting record of Least Flycatcher, the first record of Mottled Duck, the third record of White-tailed Kite, and the second winter record of Baird's Sandpiper. All of these made the top ten.

Brad is a member of the Columbia Audubon Society, and has served two terms as CAS president. He has led numerous field trips and conducted workshops in bird identification for Audubon members and MDC personnel. He was instrumental in developing the Migra- tory Bird Count Day in Missouri.

He coordinated the establishment of Audubon Missouri, the state office of the National Audubon Society, and has served continuously since 1999 as a board member.

Brad promoted and coordinated the creation of the Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI), formally established in 2003. MoB- CI now has 72 member organizations cooperating to further a variety of aspects of bird conservation through project funding, education, and information sharing.

In 2005, Brad had an idea of how to address the need for better reporting to build occurrence record data for the more than 1,000 MDC-owned and managed areas. He outlined a plan that became known as the Conservation Area Checklist Project (CACHE). A let- ter of Agreement was signed between MDC and ASM for birders to post site reports to the ASM website to build checklists and occurrence records appropriate for use by birders, researchers, and area managers.

Page 122 THE BLUEBIRD The CACHE program has continued into 2016, with Brad serving as MDC’s project officer. The agreement has provided ASM with much needed funds to further partnership conservation efforts, especially in habitat improvement projects.

Brad spearheaded work with Cornell University to have the CACHE records moved into eBird, and to establish the Missouri eBird portal to provide a website presence for multiple sources of Missouri bird- related information.

The neotropical species we enjoy in Missouri must find suitable habitat in Central and South America for most of the year. Brad’s greatest contributions to avian conservation may well be his leadership in Full Life-Cycle Bird Conservation within MDC, Partners in Flight and Southern Wings to support ornithology efforts in Latin America.

He has been a member of the national Partners in Flight Steering Committee since 1991. The PIF Steering Committee has provided support for projects and for representatives of all seven Central American countries to attend conferences.

Brad’s presentation of the full life-cycle bird conservation concept to the Bird Conservation Committee of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) resulted in the creation of the Southern Wings Program of AFWA in 2009.

Southern Wings facilitates state fish and wildlife agency partner- ships with bird conservation projects and educational exchanges in Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Since its inception, Brad has served on the Southern Wings Leadership and Technical committees. Partnership projects have included work in Mexico, Colombia, and Nicaragua.

Brad was instrumental in the founding of the Honduran Ornitholog- ical Association (ASHO), which supports bird clubs and promotes birding activities. His vision and work in Honduras made possible the production of two books, Field Guide to the Birds of Lake Yojoa and the Guide to the Birds of Honduras; as well as training and workshops for birders and guides; and land protection for bird habitat.

It is with great honor and appreciation that ASM presents the Ru- dolf Bennitt Distinguished Service Award to Brad Jacobs.

Page 123 THE BLUEBIRD

Brad Jacobs receives the Rudolph Bennitt Award from ASM President Shari Harden.

William Orellana (also of Beaks & Peaks) also presented Brad with his photo of an Honduran Emerald as thanks for Brad's work in Honduras.

Page 124 THE BLUEBIRD

PHOTO COLLAGE FROM THE FALL MEETING! Photos by Allen Gathman

Page 125 THE BLUEBIRD BUNKER HILL BIRD LIST EVENT WAS GREAT!

June Newman—Photos by Bruce Beck

Birders who are members of the Missouri State Teachers Associa- tion may have known for a long time of Bunker Hill Retreat on the banks of the Jack's Fork River in south central Missouri, but for the rest of us who saw it for the first time at the 2016 Spring Meeting, it was a like discovering a special secret. The site of a lumber mill in the late 19th century, it became a resort in 1929 after purchase by Sedalia cigar maker, E.T. Behrens. In time, his educator friend George Wattles encouraged him to leave the over 2000 acre property to the MSTA, and he deeded the land to them in 1947. MSTA used it exclusively as a teacher retreat until 2013 when it became a non- profit corporation. Now private individuals and groups can rent cabins there during May through October.

A gravel bar fronts the cabin area on Jacks Fork.

Maureen Thomas- Murphy observes one of the deer on the property.

Page 126 THE BLUEBIRD

The meal facilities are great!

At the time of ASM's 2016 Spring Meeting, Greg and Mary Howell, managers, expressed a desire to have a list of birds known to occur at Bunker Hill. Steve Paes worked with them and ASM leadership to organize an event to begin compiling such a list. Bunker Hill was registered as an eBird Hot Spot in Shannon County, “Bunker Hill Ranch (restricted access.)” The qualification indicates that it is private property; admission is by invitation.

Bunker Hill made available to ASM, at no cost, a large, modern cabin with 9 bedrooms, each sleeping 2-3 people, and 5 meals for the Bunker Hill bird list event October 21-23. Steve Paes, Cindy Bridg- es, and Bruce Beck served as leaders and formed birding teams with 8 other birders who took advantage of the opportunity. Observations brought the total list of species on eBird to 77. Visits during other seasons will certainly add to that.

The retreat grounds have many hiking trails through spectacular hardwood forest. The varied, plentiful fungi were intriguing to all of us and of great interest to the mycologists among us. Woodland wildflower species promise a first-rate show in the spring. Each par- ticipant expressed awe at this very special part of the Missouri Ozarks and a wish to return again, often.

Watch the ASM email list and for announcement of repeat events and plan to participate!

Page 127 THE BLUEBIRD Spring 2016 Seasonal Report Greg Swick and Lisa Berger

Following an El Niño winter pattern, mild March weather dominated the state with only a handful of days reporting cooler than normal temperatures. The statewide average temperature for the month was 50.2°F. It was the 10th warmest March on record and the warmest since 2012. A zonal to southwesterly upper airflow pattern occurred for much of the month, allowing few opportunities for northern cold air invasions. Coldest temperatures were reported across most of the state during the first couple days of March. With the exception of far southeastern sections and a few isolated pockets around the state, March precipitation was below average across Mis- souri.

Mild temperatures dominated in April and continued the warmer than average monthly trend that began in September of 2015. April precipitation was slightly below average and was the fourth consecu- tive month with below average precipitation. Regionally, wetter April conditions were reported across far western Missouri. The dri- est areas were confined to parts of north-central, northeastern, and south-central Missouri.

For the first time in eight months the monthly temperature aver- aged below normal in May. The average statewide temperature for May was 62.6°F, or 1.7 degrees below the long-term average. It was the first time since 2013 when May temperatures were cooler than average. May rainfall was variable across the state with heaviest totals reported across southeastern and northwestern sections, where 5-8 inches were common. Another area of higher rainfall, 5-7 inches, was located in southwestern Missouri, from Nevada to Jop- lin. Below average rainfall, with amounts ranging from 3-5 inches, were typical over north-central, northeast, central and portions of southwestern Missouri.

Generally, most species returned and departed on schedule, but as always, a few exceptions were reported and a few vagrants managed to find their way to Missouri. Mild weather with weak cold fronts created optimum migration conditions for the season. Waterfowl numbers were very low or absent for much of the period. A notable exception was 1.35 million Snow Geese. Generating excitement were two new record high counts for Surf Scoter and Whimbrel.

Two Long-billed Curlews set a second record for the east side of the state; and in the Southeast were the first two records for Neo-

Page 128 THE BLUEBIRD tropic Cormorant. Capping the season was a first definitive record Hooded Oriole, where a male at a nectar feeder granted a 10- minute photo shoot.

Note: Records marked with a single asterisk (*) require documentation, but no documentation has yet been received by the Missouri Bird Records Committee (MBRC). Observers involved with such sightings are encouraged to submit documentation. The MBRC has received documentation of those records marked with two asterisks (**), and those marked (acc.) have been accepted.

WHISTLING DUCKS THROUGH AVOCETS

Only 2 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were located this spring near Scott City Scott 7 May (Aaron Horrell, pers. comm., BR). A seasonal high count of 1,800 Greater White-fronted Geese was at DCCA, 11 Mar (MH). An individual lingered in Greene 14 May (GSw, Nate Swick) and at least one was present through the end of the season at RMBS (BR). Snow Geese were estimated at 1,350,000, 5 Mar SCNWR (JMo). Ross’s Goose high count was 1,500 at SCNWR, 5 Mar (JMo), while there were 16, 13 Mar at EBCA (Eric Fishel, MRo), and 15, 13 Mar at Busch CA (CM, JM). A maximum count for Trumpeter Swans was 185, 9 Mar (Tim Tayson). Two were present 2 Mar Columbia Bottom CA, and another at RMBS 3 Apr (BR). Two ad., 16 Apr at Rebel’s Cove CA, were the season’s last (Jake Friebohle). A male Eurasian Wigeon (acc.) from the winter season at CCNWR was last seen 1 Mar (TP). American Black Ducks were reported between 2 Mar – 23 Apr from Bol- linger, Boone, Holt, Pike, and St. Charles. There were 4 Cinnamon Teal observations of singles: 31 Mar Schell-Osage CA (MM), present until 16 Apr (m. obs.); 1 Apr SCNWR (VK), present until 23 Apr (CMc, AR, et al.); 3 Apr FRCA (Audrey Percy-Muenz) last reported 21 Apr (LOw); and 1 male, 25 Apr, the Zell Tract, Pershing SP (SK). Two Blue-winged Teal × Cinna- mon Teal hybrids were reported during this period, 1, 9-10 Apr EBCA (AK, MRo) and one at FRCA 31 Mar (SL). Seasonal high counts of Northern Shovelers were 1,800 17 Mar DCCA (MH), 1,500, 3 Apr SCNWR (Chris Foret), and 1,420, 2 Mar CCNWR (Mary Anne Marjamaa, David Marja- maa). Peak numbers of 2,000 Green-winged Teal were at DCCA 5 Mar (MH). At Eagle Bluffs, 1,274 were reported on 9 Mar (SG, CBa), and 800, 27 Mar SCNWR (Karen Stair). One lingering Redhead was spotted at SLNWR 28 May (Steve Elliott), while high counts were 73, 5 Mar RMBS (JM, CM), and 48, 2 Mar FRCA (SH, AL, et al). There were 23 Greater Scaup 20 Mar Little Creve Coeur Lake St. Louis (JM, CM), with the last reported 25 Mar RMBS (Pete Fenner). A “paltry” 110 Lesser Scaup was reported at RMBS, 3 Mar (BR). Late singles were observed at SCNWR and Bob Brown CA 26 May (DM, SM). Eight Surf Scoters discovered 24 Apr, set a new record high count, Little Prairie CA (BN, Barbara Nelson, m. obs.). Two Black Scoters were present this season, with 1, 5 Mar, RMBS (CMc, vid. AR, JM, m. obs.); and 1, 24 Apr at Little Prairie CA (BN, Barbara Nelson, m.obs.). A seasonal peak count of 200 Bufflehead was made at

Page 129 THE BLUEBIRD CCNWR, 4 Mar (BJ, PM). A maximum of 65 Common Goldeneye was present 5 Mar at SCNWR (JMo), 25, 3 Mar RMBS (Michael Matney), and 19, on 2 Mar were observed at Fellows Lake Greene (JH). Red-breasted Merganser peak numbers were 25, 14 Mar Creve Coeur Lake St. Louis (BP), 19, 13 Mar RMBS (CMc, AR, m. obs.), and in the southwest, 4 were spotted, 2 May, Fellows Lake Greene (JH). A high count for Ruddy Duck was 270, 3 Mar at RMBS (BR). The season’s last 2 were seen at Holden City Lake Johnson 27 May (DC). Greater Prairie-Chickens were noted from three locations in the state. The greatest number at a single site was 13, 3 Apr Taberville Prairie CA (Bradley Hacker). A peak of 8 was reported from Wah’Kon-Tah Prarie CA, 19 Mar and 26 Mar (m. obs.). The third site, Dunn Ranch Prairie Harrison, yielded 6 chickens 24 Apr (AR, CMc). A high seasonal count of 362 Horned Grebes was reported at Stockton Lake, 12 Mar (DB). Five Eared Grebes were reported at Binder Lake Cole on 14 May (CBa, Barbara Duncan). White-winged Doves continued in Mississippi with 1-2, 28 Apr and 19 May (MH, CBa), while single birds were spotted at three residences: St. Louis 16 Apr (ph. Geoff Anderson); Boone 30 Apr (ph. Shelby Thomas); and 3 May St. Charles (Neal Bolzenius). A high count of 29 Yellow-billed Cuckoos was recorded a week earlier than the expected peak at Rock Bridge SP 14 May (PM, BJ), and high counts for Black-Billed Cuckoos of 3 each, were reported at Watkins Mill SP 8 May (Kristi Mayo), and Phelps, 14 May (Jerry Decker). Greater Roadrunners continue to be observed singly across the southwest and west central regions; one observed with nest materials, 3 Mar Greene. It was a record-setting spring for Com- mon Nighthawks. Two new earliest records were established with 2 in St. Genevieve 22 Apr (det. Nicholas March), and 3 in Cape Girardeau 24 Apr (det. AG). Record high counts of 50 and 50-100+ respectively, both 14 May were at EBCA (TE, PM, BJ); and RMBS (JM, JH, SM, DM). High counts for Chuck-will’s-widow were 15, 21 May St. Charles (CM, JM), and for Whip- poor-will, 22, 14 Apr Sugar Camp (DB, BB). There were just two observations of Yellow, one report for King, and multiple reports of single Virgin- ia Rails, with two separate observations of 2 Virginia Rails. One Yellow Rail was recorded 29 Apr RMBS (det. Lane Richter), and a second, 9 May, Johnson Shut-Ins SP (det. MRo). A single King Rail was at Mingo 22 May (SD, CBa). Two Virginia Rails were heard at BK Leach CA, 16 Apr (PL), and 14 May at McBaine (TE). Sora made a good showing across the state. They were first reported near the Mississippi River, both on 9 Apr: 1 Dunklin, (TJ), and 2 at Little Creve Coeur Marsh St. Louis (Mark Paradise). An early season high was 15, 15 Apr also in Dunklin (TJ), but it was a full month before those numbers were replicated elsewhere, all on 14 May: 16, McBaine (TE), and 12, at EBCA (TE, BJ); and 13 each, Bob Brown CA (KD), and RMBS (Bill Duncan). Common Gallinules arrived a couple of weeks later than the norm but set a new record high of 22 at Mingo (SD, CBa). Pairs and trios of Sandhill Cranes were observed this spring. Two were spotted flying over CCNWR 5 Mar (Clayton Stapleton, CS, RF), and the same day, 2 were at SCNWR (Jennifer Hammett, VK). The SCNWR birds were joined by a third on 25 Mar (Ra Del Hinckley), where at least three continued until 26 May (m. obs.). Three cranes were first noted 10 Apr at SLNWR (June Newman, EW). Apparently two of the adults nested success-

Page 130 THE BLUEBIRD fully, when two adults with one colt* were seen 13 May (SK, Terry McNeely). Four Whooping Cranes (acc.) were observed at EBCA (PM**, m. obs.) and Plowboy CA 19-20 May. These birds wore bands and transmit- ters, originating from a Wisconsin population reintroduced in 2001. First of the season Black-necked Stilts were at OSCA 18 Mar (GSa, Laura Samu- el). Numbers were as high as 67, 28 Apr at OSCA (CBa). Outside the Missis- sippi Lowlands, two were seen 25 Apr at EBCA (JL), a single stilt was present 24 May, SLNWR (SK, m. obs.), and 4, on 26 May, RMBS (Allen Smith). The first American Avocets were 2, 4 Apr at SLNWR (SK). Numbers peaked with 15, 28 Apr at EBCA (AK, Wade Dismukes), and 16, 3 May at SLNWR (SK).

PLOVERS THROUGH PELICANS

Two Black-bellied Plovers at SOCA 24 Apr were season openers (JH). Highs for the state were 8, 17 May RMBS (m. obs.), and 17, 23 May SLNWR (SK). First American Golden Plovers included 1, 10 Mar at Hedeman Lake/England Pond Dade (GSw, CBu), and 2, 11 Mar in Dunklin (TJ). A maximum of 2,000 birds was estimated 26 Mar Dunklin (TJ), and 3,000 were present 16 Apr, SLNWR (SK, m. obs.). Eagle Bluffs CA hosted 1-2 Semipalmated Plovers 10 Apr (Joseph Bieksza, Jesse Kolar). Numbers reached seasonal highs with 40, 15 May RMBS (SM, DM, et al.), and 113, 29 Apr OSCA (CBa). The first Upland Sandpiper was noted 9 Apr Pawnee Prairie CA (SK). Two observations, each of six birds, were high counts 14 and 30 May respectively, Clay (MM), and at Dunn Ranch Prairie Harrison (JU). The season’s only Whimbrel* report was a record-breaking 22 individuals (previous high is 16) on 25 May, the Zell Tract, Pershing SP (SK). An amazing find, and accidental in the east, two Long-billed Curlews were observed 9 May RMBS (CMc,** ph. AR). This constitutes the 2nd record for that part of the state. The first Hudsonian Godwit arrived 20 Apr FRCA (GC, SL), with highs of 14, 14 May SCNWR (JU, LOw), and 22, 24 May SLNWR (SK, Larry Lade, m. obs.), the season’s last. Seven Marbled Godwits were the spring’s first, 20 Apr RMBS (CM). West-centrally, two sightings were of one bird each, 24 Apr Stockton Lake (det. ph. JH), and 9 May EBCA (BJ). The initial Ruddy Turnstone was noted 5 May SLWNR (DC). Two and 3 were seen 15 May RMBS, where the season’s high, 4, 17 May (CA) also occurred. The last individuals were: 1, 24 May SCNWR (MR), and 2, 25 May SLNWR (SK). Although Stilt Sandpiper is a more common migrant in the west, the east was the place to spot the first ones, 1, 16 Apr Ten Mile Pond was (JU), and 1, 29 Apr RMBS (BR, TP). High Counts were of 12-13, 17 May at RMBS (CMc, AR, CA), and 7, 24 May at SCNWR (MR). The last was 1, 28 May EBCA (BJ). A single Sanderling arrived 24 Apr SLNWR (CMc, AR). A maximum of 6, 7 May was at SOCA (DC, KP), and the final was observed 15 May Long Branch Lake Macon (PK). Dunlin is a rare winter visitor in the Bootheel, arriving early in the Southeast, so it is not surprising that early March reports come from that part of the state, including 10, 1 Mar Dunklin (TJ). Away from the Southeast was 1, 25 Mar

FRCA (MR). High counts: 500, 26 Mar Dunklin (TJ), and outside the Boot-

Page 131 THE BLUEBIRD heel, 200, 22 Mar EBCA (BJ). One Baird’s Sandpiper was first noted 15 Mar in Jackson (MG). Peak numbers for the season were 15, 29 Apr EBCA (AK, DH), 30, 27 Apr at Perry Memorial CA (DC), and 100, 6 May SCNWR (Norm Lewis). Twenty-five first of the season Least Sandpipers were observed 2 Mar Dunkin (TJ), and 7, 12 Mar EBCA (EW). Highs of 200 were noted 9 May RMBS (BR), and 308, 21 May OSCA (CBa). A single White- rumped Sandpiper was first reported 26 Apr, and up to 12, 28 Apr EBCA (Evan Hill, BJ). Close behind, another was observed 29 Apr at RMBS (BR, TP). Historically, these sandpipers have been seen in the 1,000s; this year high counts were 85, 24 May SCNWR (MR); and 50 each, 15 May RMBS (JM, CM), and 29 May EBCA (TE, BJ). Short-billed Dowitchers arrived with 2, 1 May SCNWR (PK). High numbers were: 34, 11 May (also the last report for the period) at EBCA (BJ); 25, 3 May Ten Mile Pond (BJ); 14, 14 May FRCA (JC). Long-billed Dowitchers were already represented in the Bootheel, with 8, 2 Mar Dunklin (TJ). By mid-month they were spotted widely. Maximum numbers: 1,250, 18 Mar Dunklin (TJ). Outside of the Southeast 230 were present 1 May SCNWR (PK). Latest was 10, 17 May EBCA (KW). High counts coincided with the start of the season for Ameri- can Woodcock, which overwinters with increasing frequency, displaying now as early as December and January (pers. comm. MR). Fourteen and eleven respectively, were observed 6 Mar at RBSP (AK, DH), and BK Leach CA (CMc, AR); and 10, 13 Mar at Weldon Spring CA (David Marjamaa, Mary Anne Marjamaa, TP). Rare in the east, five Willets were present 22 Apr RMBS (m. obs.). Three were seen 23 Apr SCNWR (m. obs.). Both 14 and 22, highs for the season, appeared 8 May RMBS (CA, LOw). Away from the east, 12 were at Lake Springfield Park Greene 30 Apr (DB, BB), and 10, 1 May SCNWR (PK). The last individual of the season was 1, 22 May RMBS (Garrett Sheets). The first Wilson’s Phalarope was sighted 31 Mar FRCA (MM). In the east, where they are less common, were 1 and 4, both 16 Apr at OCCA and Ten Mile Pond, respectively (JU). High counts were 15, 15 May RMBS (CMc, AR, et al.), 50, 12 May EBCA (TE, BJ), and capping spring, 55 were viewed 24 May SCNWR (MR). A single report of two Red- necked Phalaropes was made this spring 28 May EBCA (BJ). A first cycle Laughing Gull (acc.) was an exciting discovery 26-29 May at Table Rock Lake (JU**). This constitutes the 8th spring record for this gull away from the Mississippi River and the first for southwest MO. A Glaucous Gull remained until 5 Mar Smithville Lake (Carol Cobb). Least Terns arrived simultaneously 9 May with single birds at RMBS (CM, CMc, AR), and 9-12 May Lake Springfield Park Greene (JH, m. obs.). Peak numbers: 30, 25 May Ten Mile Pond (WB), and 13, 27 May RMBS (PK). Early season Caspian Terns were of duos on 16 Apr Stockton Lake (GSa, Laura Samuel), and almost a week later, 22 Apr RMBS (JM, CM). A maximum of 19, 15 May was at Long Branch SP (PK). Three Black Terns opened the season 2 May Bob Brown CA (PK), and on the other side of the state, where their status is uncommon, were 24, 9 May RMBS (CMc, AR, CM). Just 210, 24 May com- prised this season’s high SCNWR (MR). Reports for Common Tern came within a narrow window. The first flock of 11 was also the maximum number for the period, 9 May RMBS (BR, m. obs.). Single terns were seen 17 May Table Rock Lake (KMc), and the last, 22 May EBCA (PK, BJ). A new

Page 132 THE BLUEBIRD

A first-cycle Laughing Gull at Table Rock Lake was a surprise for Josh Uff- man, when he discovered and photographed it on May 26. It remained through May 29. The species is rare away from the Mississippi River, and a first for southwest Missouri. earliest record (photos) for Forster’s Tern (acc.) was set 15 Mar RMBS (CM**). It wasn’t until 10 Apr that 1 was spotted RMBS (JM, CM), and 6, on 21 Apr at FRCA (LOw). The high was 87, 16 May Lake Springfield Park Greene (DB). The 8th spring record of 2 Red-throated Loons (acc.), initially found by (SM, DM) was 25 Mar Stockton Lake (ph. SM**, JH**, AK**, m. obs.). At least one remained until 30 Mar (DB). Common Loon maximums were reached with 25, 12 Mar Stockton Lake (DB). Outside the southwest region, three were seen on two occasions 11 Apr and 27 May Longview Lake Jackson (Karen Davis). It was an exciting season for Neotropic Cormo- rants. Now regularly seen in the west, one new earliest record was set there, while two first records outside of the west and central regions occurred this season. An ad. Neotropic Cormorant* was reported 31 Mar – 16 Apr SOCA (ph. MM, Linda Williams). An imm. Neotropic Cormorant present 28 Apr, and last observed 19 May (MH) at Ten Mile Pond was the 1st eastern record (acc.) (ph. CBa**), while the 2nd record (acc.) for the east was an imm. 29 Apr – 1 May DCCA, (ph. CBa**, AG**). Between 600 and 800 Double-crested Cormorants gathered 9-16 Apr at Smithville Lake (Nic Allen, Matt Gearhart, Steve Bingham), and 500 were observed 12 Apr Blue Springs Lake Jackson (MB). A single Anhinga was reported 25 Apr Dunklin (ph. TJ). American White Pelican season high was 3,500, 20 Mar Cooley Lake CA (KD). Missouri’s 13th Brown Pelican (acc.) was found 22 Apr (Mick Richardson) where it remained through at least 19 May RMBS, (ph. JM**, CBa**, m. obs.)

Page 133 THE BLUEBIRD

This was a banner season for Neotropic Cormorants, including two first- ever sightings in eastern Missouri. This immature was at Duck Creek Con- servation Area, Bollinger County, April 29-May 1. Photo by Allen Gathman.

This Brown Pelican, Missouri’s 13th, was located by Mark Richardson on April 22, 2016, at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in St. Charles, Coun- ty. It was still there when Chris Barrigar photographed it on May 19.

Page 134 THE BLUEBIRD HERONS THROUGH FALCONS

A new earliest record for American Bittern (acc.) was set 12-16 Mar RMBS, (CMc**, ph. AR). An impressive high count of 7 was made 16 Apr at Black Island CA (Michael Taylor, AG, MH). The first of the season Least Bitterns appeared 7 May at Nodaway Valley CA (Dale Morris). There were counts of 3 and 4, 26-27 May SCNWR (SM, DM, m. obs.); 4, 15 May RMBS (CMc, vid. AR, m. obs.); and 4, 29 May Mingo (CMc, AR). A maximum of 12 were counted by canoe, 22 May Mingo (CBa, SD). Peak numbers for Great Egrets usually occur in May, however high counts were noted with 54, 2 Apr and 81, 20 Apr RMBS (CM, JM). Snowy Egrets made a first showing with 1-4, 6 Apr Carondelet Park (Tom Bailey, CMc, AR). Away from the St. Louis area, one was observed 16 Apr FRCA (WB), 6, 28 Apr DCCA (MH), and 2, 29 Apr SCNWR (DC). The high for the season was a flock of 30, 25 Apr Carondelet Park (CMc, AR). Most reports for Little Blue Heron came from the St. Louis area: 1, 4-7 Apr Carondelet Park (CMc, AR, m. obs.), reaching a maximum there of 32, 25 Apr (CMc, AR). Elsewhere in the state, 5 were reported 25 May Ten Mile Pond (WB) and 2, 27 May (DM, SM, m. obs.). Single Cattle Egrets debuted 30 Mar in Dunklin (TJ), and 6 Apr SCNWR (VK). Greatest numbers were: 4, 21 May Bean Lake Platte (Nic Allen), 5, 22 May Apple Creek CA (MH), and 13-14, 28 May Big Lake SP (DM, SM, Jon. Anderson, m. obs.). Green Heron is a common transient and summer resident, early reports of singles occurred 11 Apr Bradford Farms (John Besser), and Perry County Community Lake Perry (David Rudder, MH). A high of 8 was counted 17 May Table Rock Lake (KMc). The first Black-crowned Night Heron reports did not come characteristically from the Bootheel, as 2 were seen 27 Mar Carondelet Park (CMc, AR), and 3, 3 Apr Forest Park St. Louis City (JU). (JU eBird comments indicate the herons appear to be year-round residents in Forest Park, as they are not part of the zoo’s collection). Away from the east was 1, 8 Apr EBCA (BJ), 1, 21 Apr SOCA (LOw), 4, 29 Apr Bob Brown CA (DC), and a high of 9, 2 May Minor Park Jackson (Malcolm Gold). A new 2nd earliest record for Yellow- crowned Night Heron was set with 1, 13 Mar Greene (ph. CBu). Three were spotted 20-21 Apr RRSP (Thomas Gaines, LO, Nate Swick, GSw). In the north were: 2, 29 Apr Harrison Memorial Park Jackson (MB), 4, 1 May SOCA (SM, DM), and a single bird, 7 May Forest Park St. Louis City (Mike Thelen). Glossy Ibis are rare transients at this season with most records from the northwest part of the state. Arrival times for Glossy and White- faced Ibis overlap, and to confound identification, these species can hybrid- ize. The only record (acc.) for this spring is of 1, 14 May Bob Brown CA (JU**, LOw) Birders weren’t disappointed as they tallied White-faced Ibis in double digits across the state. The first report this season was of 10, 7 Apr EBCA (JL), while 17 were seen at two locations: 21 Apr Buckner Educa- tional Wetlands Jackson (MB), and 5 May SOCA (DC, KP). Season high was 24, 2 May SCNWR (PK) with last observation on 17, 27 May SCNWR (DM, SM, et al.). First of the season Ospreys 8 Mar, returned to a growing colony at Stockton Lake (vid. Mike Gordon, GSw), and reached a high of 6, 29 Mar (DB). Reports of 2 individuals include: 4 Apr Sunnen Lake Washington (PL); 8 Apr Cedar Lake St Francois (Judy Bergmann); 13 Apr Blues Lake Phelps

Page 135 THE BLUEBIRD (Tommy Goodwin, Jon Hill); 1 May Big Lake SP (PK). Mississippi Kites arrived in late April with 1, 25 Apr Cape Girardeau (Jane Nicholas); 1, 25 Apr, St. Louis (James Hickman), 2, 26 Apr St. Louis (BP): and 5, 26 Apr Greene (DB, BB). High counts were recorded in the Mississippi lowlands: 18, 13 May Dunklin (TJ), and 59, 22 May Mingo (CBa, SD). Because most migrant Bald Eagles have exited the state by early March, a count of 37, 1 Apr CBCA (BR) is a surprising number for both the date and location. All were imm. but one. Those observed after early March are presumed breeding birds, with many already attending young: Two adults and 8 juveniles, 4 and 5 May EBCA (JL, Sandra Elbert, Kathleen Anderson). Northern Har- rier migrants spotted in numbers greater than 4: 18, 6 Mar BK Leach CA (CMc); 5, 7 Mar Settle’s Ford CA (Bo Brown); 6, 13 Mar Hi Lonesome Prai- rie CA (SL, Micky Louis, ML). Broad-winged Hawks began arriving in early April across the state: one each, 5 Apr SCNWR (Don Merz), and Reyn- olds (JR); 2, 8 Apr Ritter Springs Park Greene (Betty Johnson, Dorothy Thurman); 2-3, 19 Apr Greer Spring Oregon (BEs, GSa, Cindy Bridges); and 1, 9 Apr Iron (BE). High numbers were 50, 18 Apr Dunklin (TJ), and 19, 23 Apr Mora CA (WB). The first Swainson’s Hawks spotted for the period were one, 27 Mar Greene (JU); 4, 7 Apr Barry (JC); and 2, 8 Apr Bates (MR); A maximum of six were observed 14 May Holt (JU, LOw). Red-tailed Hawk, a year-round resident, exhibits wide plumage variation, and is a challenge to identify this buteo to subspecies during winter and early spring. This spring, several reports were submitted indicating a subspecies, including harlani and kriderii. The latest Harlan’s observed was 1, 10 Apr EBC (JF); 3 lingering Krider’s were seen 25 Mar: 2 Shawnee Trail CA; 1 PSP (MR); and 1, Apr SCNWR (Gina Sheridan). Rough-legged Hawks appeared as single raptors throughout the spring. The last one was sighted 9 Apr Settle’s Ford CA (SH). There were several reports for Barn Owls of singles, both 25 Mar in Barton (MR), and Dade (DM, SM). Two were present 17 May Vernon (BJ); 3, 28 May Scott (MH), with 1-5, 22 Mar – 27 May Cape Girardeau (m. obs.) There was a single spring observation for Long-eared Owl with one seen 29 Mar Johnson (LO, Kurt Dean). All observations of Short-eared Owl were made within a month’s timeframe. Two were present 5 Mar BK Leach CA (Jamie Hubert); 1, 14 Mar Dunklin (TJ); 1, 29 Mar Niawathe Prairie CA (SM, DM, GSa); and 1 straggler 7 Apr, Bates (Larry Kraemer, Jan Kraemer). Perhaps due to a milder winter, Belted Kingfish- ers occurred in singles and twos evenly distributed between the north and south parts of the state. High numbers reached just 5 each, on 21 Apr RRSP (LO, TG), and 22 May Oregon (Scott Hampton). The final days of March and the first week of April produced seasonal highs for Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker, including 8, 30 Mar Rock Bridge SP (Kelly Parsons) and 12, 4 Apr Carondelet Park (CMc, AR). The last reported in the southwest was 1, 29 Apr McDonald (Joyce Haynes), with the final, 6 May Callaway (RA). A maximum count of 80 Northern Flickers became the new 3rd highest record, 19 Mar Wah’kon-ta Prairie CA (CBu). Three of the red-shafted subspecies were spotted this spring: 1, 6 Mar Davis Memorial Forest Barton (SH, AL), and 2, 3 Apr SCNWR (Carol Cobb). Merlins spilled over from winter into spring; all singles: 2 Mar Jackson (MB), and 3 Mar Pennsylvania Prairie CA (GSw). The latest reports were both 24 Apr at Rotary Lake Cape Girardeau

Page 136 THE BLUEBIRD (MH), and Dunn Ranch Prairie Harrison (CMc, AR, et al.) All Peregrine Falcon observations came from metropolitan Kansas City and St. Louis in pairs (one report of 3). They are likely of the same pairs, as observations were clustered geographically: Jackson 4 Mar (Emily Dillon), 21 Apr (Becky Fitzgerald), 3 May (MB); and near Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Louis City and TGP on 1 Mar (JM), 5 Mar (Nicholas Renz), 22 and 25 Apr (KMc). On 5 May, two zipped past birders at TGP while vocalizing (BR, Matt Rowe, Keith McMullen). Prairie Falcons lingered until the end of March. One was observed, 5 Mar CCNWR (Clayton Stapleton, CS, RF), and another 26 Mar at Taberville Prairie CA (DM, SM). There was one sighting of Golden Eagle, 11 Apr Little Prairie CA (PK).

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH PIPITS

Single Olive-sided Flycatchers were noted 30 April on opposite sides of the state at Fleming Park Jackson (Eric Hough), at Carondelet Park (Tommy Goodwin, Jesse Hahn), and TGP (Brad Warrick). Early birds in the south were 2, 3 May Ritter Springs Park Greene (DB), and 1, 5 May Reyn- olds (JR). Greatest numbers recorded were 3, 20 May TGP (Tom Bailey) and 8, 19 May Dunklin (TJ). A single Yellow-bellied Flycatcher arrived centrally 9-10, May, Cole (CBa). Two individuals were observed 18 May TGP (PL). Sightings on 18 May include singles: Lake Springfield Park Greene (Dorothy Thurman), McDaniel Park Greene (GSw, DB), and Knob Noster SP (MB). The first Acadian Flycatcher tied the earliest records (22-23 Apr) for the southern part of the state. One was seen 23 Apr Weldon Spring CA (JE, Sharon Lu, Mark Duchesne). The high was 23, 29 May at Weldon Spring CA (BR). Early season Alder Flycatchers appeared 7 May on op- posing sides of the state. A single was in Jackson (MB), while two visited Weldon Spring SP (LOw). Peaks were achieved on 25 May with 4 at Tiffany Springs Park Platte (Ann Inouye) and 5 at SCNWR (MR). Willow Fly- catcher movements were similar to Alder Flycatcher. Firsts appeared 6 May in two spots; one at Lake Remembrance Jackson (MB), and 2 at Stock- ton Lake (DB). A high count was of 4, 21 May RMBS (TP). The last empid is in fact the Least Flycatcher, and also the most common this season. Highs were 12, 6 May Dunklin (TJ), and 6, 18 May Knob Noster SP (TG, LO). The season’s Great Crested Flycatcher firsts were 1, 18 Apr Walter Woods CA (JC); 1, 20 April Little Dixie Lake CA (JB); the maximum was 17, 8 May Babler SP St. Louis (JM, CM). First Western Kingbird reported was 1, 24 Apr Little Blue Trace Trail Jackson (SH). In the east two birds were spotted 26 Apr St. Louis (Mike Thelen), and in the extreme southeast were 2, on 28 May Scott (MH). Maximum counts were 7 (eBird notes indicate 9) Cole (CBa, SG) and 19, 4 May Jackson (DC). The first of the season’s Scissor- tailed Flycatcher on 4 Apr was notable for its central location in Miller (CBa). Another was spotted 5 Apr in Newton (JC). In the east, an individual was seen 22 Apr along Darst Bottom Road St. Charles (Diane Bricmont, BP), and 2-3 were seen at that location through May 31 (m. obs.). Greatest counts were 7, 4 May Longview Lake Jackson (Karen Davis), and 9, 27 Apr in Greene (CBu). Loggerhead Shrikes in numbers greater than one were

Page 137 THE BLUEBIRD found near managed native prairies. High counts were all of threes on 4 Mar Tingler Prairie CA (BEs); 19 Mar Dade (DB, BB); 6 Apr Taberville Prairie CA (DC); 16 Apr Hi Lonesome Prairie CA (John Besser, Bill Mees); and 30 Apr Bois D’Arc CA (DB, BB). Four shrikes 13 Apr, all unpaired (separated by > 0.5 mile) were observed near FRCA (MR). White-eyed Vir- eos appeared first with 3, 5 Apr General Watkins CA (MH). A whopping 10 that apparently didn’t stopover in the Bootheel, appeared 7 Apr EBCA (JL). In the north was 1, 6 May, Bee Hollow CA (TE), and 4, 23 May Thousand Hills SP (Rachael Casey). A maximum number was 26 on 3 May at Busch CA (CM). Early arriving Bell’s Vireos were singles 23 Apr in Dunklin (TJ); 25 Apr EBCA (Eric Fishel); and 27 Apr Manito Lake CA (Laurie Shawver, Bill Mees, Bill Clark). Early arrivals in the Glaciated Plains included 2, 5 May at SLNWR (DC); and 3, 11 May Thomas Hill Reservoir Randolph (Eric Wood, et al.). The highest concentrations this season were 16, 14 May at PSP (Dana Hoisington); 21, 19 May Weldon Spring CA (JM); and 16, 30 May Whetstone Creek CA (Kathleen Anderson, EW). The season opener for Yellow-throated Vireo was 3, 3 Apr Red Bridge Road (DB, BB) 1, 5 Apr Reynolds (JR) and 1, 7 Apr Carondelet Park (David Dean). In the northern half of the state, 1 each, and both 2 May were present in Adair (PK), and SLNWR (WB). A new high count was 23, 16 Apr Sugar Camp (CBu, Lisa Berger). The first Blue-headed Vireo was a duo 21 Apr Big Buffalo Creek CA (Kathy Carrol, et al.) Singles occurred 2 May at SCNWR (PK); 4 May at Weston Bend SP (LOw); and 6 May Ralls (CG, AC). Peak count was 5, 14 May Three Creeks CA (Lee Elliott). Two early season single Philadelphia Vireos were spotted 27 April Rock Bridge SP (AK), and Carondelet Park (AR, CMc). In the west was 1, 6 May Weston Bend SP (Kristy Hughes); with 2 at the state’s northern border at Seat Memorial CA (JU). A high tally was 5, 14 May Knob Noster SP (Donald Stout, et al.). First single Warbling Vireos were noted 8 Apr Bridger Urban Park Jackson (MB), and 12 Apr Little Creve Coeur Marsh St. Louis (BP). Maximum counts were 20, 22 Apr, EBCA (CMc, AR, Mike Treffert), and 23, 24 May SCNWR (MR). Single Red- eyed Vireos arrived 11-13 Apr in three locations respectively: McDaniel Park Greene (JH), Tingler Prairie CA (BEs), and Shannon (JR). The high count was 91, 13 May, Sugar Camp (CH, JB, MR). Maximum number of Blue Jays on migration flights was 50, 24 May Bee Tree County Park St. Louis (Mark Duchesne), and 84, 5 Apr SOCS (aud., MR). Fish Crow migration appeared to be underway the first week of the season, with many checklists from the southern tier and eastern border counties reporting this corvid; by mid-month counts were growing: 10, 9 Mar Castlewood SP (CM); 4, 16 Mar RRSP (JC); 9, 16 Mar Van Buren River Front Park Carter (RF); and 9, 18 Mar Kellogg Lake Jasper (JC). Highest numbers were 12, 28 Apr FRCA (MR), and 20, 30 May RMBS (MH). Purple Martins arrived with 1, 7 Mar Cape Girardeau (MH); and 2, 8 Mar Busch CA (CM), (CM eBird notes indicate martins were reported 3 Mar in north central MO, www.purplemartin.org). High count for the season was 80, 21 May Little Bean Lake Platte (Karen Langtry, Sandy Vetter). Tree Swallows were present at three locations on 6 Mar: 8 at CCNWR (AR, CMc); 1 at RMBS

(CA); and 3 reached the center of the state at Binder Lake Cole (CBa). Larg- est numbers seen were: 200, 9 Apr OSCA (GSa), 500, 14 May EBCA (TE,

Page 138 THE BLUEBIRD BJ), and 600, 1 May SCNWR (PK). The first Northern Rough-winged Swallow was 1, 15 Mar at Kansas City International Airport (Raymond Nojek). High counts were 200, 14 May EBCA (TE, BJ); and 250, 15 May Busch CA (TP). Bank Swallows arrived punctually, with 4 on 4 Apr near Walter Woods CA (JC). Observations were of 1, 12 Apr at EBCA (BJ) (BJ eBird notes indicate 3), and 2 (AK, Wade Dismukes). Maximum was 1,000, 14 May EBCA (BJ, TE). Cliff Swallows debuted three weeks earlier than the norm. First observation was of 2, 25 Mar Stockton Lake (SM, DM, m. obs.), and by 29 Mar 14 were present (DB). Counts reached 1,000, 17 May EBCA (KW). Barn Swallows were also an early show, with the first reported 12 Mar setting a new 2nd earliest record Dade (DB). Peak numbers were 255, 29 Apr Lake Wappapello Wayne (CBa); and of 500 counts each, both 29 Apr at SCNWR (DC) and Bob Brown CA (DC). Since it was not a major flight year for Red-breasted Nuthatches, they were few and far between this season, with observations of single birds 3 Mar – 6 May. Brown Creepers were present 1 Mar – 15 May with highs of 9, 11 Mar Diamond Prairie CA (Lawrence Herbert, Brian Davis), and a maximum 14, 27 Mar Carondelet Park (CMc, AR). A Rock Wren, first reported 9 Nov and the 9th state record (acc.), continued into spring and apparently is the first to span three seasons in the state. It was last observed 25 Mar near Stockton Lake (SM, DM). First of the season House Wrens appeared with 1, 1 Apr Jack- son (MG), and 1, 3 Apr Red Bridge Road (DB, BB). Although these wrens have expanded south across the Missouri Ozarks, peak numbers continue to be recorded in the Glaciated Plains, with 37, 24 May at SCNWR (MR). Win- ter Wren numbers were predominantly in the singles across the state, with the last reported 21 Apr Carondelet Park (CMc, AR). Highs peaked at 5 each, 11 Mar OSCA (MH), and 10 Apr Castlewood SP (JM). Sedge Wrens were reported almost every day throughout the season; the first, a bird that possibly overwintered, was noted 11 Mar OSCA (MH). Three was the greatest number recorded on 10 checklists in the state. The season’s first reported Marsh Wren was 1, 9 Mar EBCA (SG, et al.). Count peaks, all associated with marshy wetlands, were 7 each, 14 May RMBS (Bill Duncan), and 18 May EBCA (KW). Bewick’s Wren was observed over the spring season, predominantly at residences. One was noted 3, Mar Lawrence (GSw, Phil Moran), and a high was 3, 28 May Cole (CMc, AR). Two of the thrush species hurried the season, setting or tying earliest records. A 2nd earliest record for Veery was established when 1 was sighted 23 Apr Mingo (det. MH). Other firsts outside the Southeast were of singles, all on 27 Apr: Prairie Garden Trust Callaway (Henry Domke), Babler SP (CM), and TGP (BP). The last migrants were all viewed 25 May. Another record, this one tying the earliest observation for Gray-cheeked Thrush, occurred 18 Apr OSCA (det. Judy Bergmann). High counts of 3 and 4 were submitted on multiple checklists. The last was 1, 24 May Oakwood Hills Park Boone (AK). The season’s first Swainson’s Thrush was of 1, 15 Apr Red Bridge Road, and peak numbers for spring were also reached at that location, with 52, 7 May (DB, BB). Greatest numbers of Hermit Thrushes were reported 8, 25 Mar Davis Memorial SF (MR); 8, 3 Apr Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary

Boone (Joseph Bieksza); and 11, 12 Apr Carondelet Park (CMc, AR). Last for the season was 1, 8 May TGP (JM). Wood Thrush arrived mid-April.

Page 139 THE BLUEBIRD Maximum numbers were all at Babler SP, culminating with 26, 27 Apr (det. nd CM), which tied a 2 highest count. Gray Catbirds arrived about a week early, and centrally in the state with 1, 9 Apr Phelps (John Hogan). Great- est number was 21, 3 and 10 Apr Busch CA (CM). Brown Thrasher maximum was 15, on 25 May Weldon Spring CA (Austin Lambert). Reaching the highest numbers on 19 May, 180 Cedar Waxwings were recorded where they are rare, in Dunklin (TJ). These birds appeared on at least one checklist almost every day over the season. The largest flock of American Pipits was 40 birds 17 Apr Horseshoe Lake Buchanan (LOw), and the last straggler noted was 1, 11 May Little Prairie Phelps (AK, DU).

FINCHES THROUGH ORIOLES

High counts did not necessarily correlate with peak of season historical dates, as maximum numbers of Purple Finches occurred at the same location, separated by a month: 18, 2 Mar and 21, 7 Apr Adair (PK). The final report for this finch was 1, 14 May Burr Oak Woods CA (KP). Common Redpolls continued from winter in St. Louis and Springfield with highs of 2 at each location until 13 Mar. Single birds were last seen at feeders 1, 26 Mar Greene (ph. CBu, Lisa Berger), and 1, 3 Apr St. Louis (CA). It was a flight year for Pine Siskins, occurring in flocks of 15 plus across the state in Boone, Christian, Cole, Johnson, Morgan, Platte, Ozark, and St. Louis. Season highs were 80, 4 Mar St. Louis (CA), 50, 7 Mar Ozark (Ruth Mayer), and 16, 17 May Morgan (Gail Walton). Two reports for Smith’s Longspur included 2, 3 Mar Pennsylvania Prairie CA (GSw), and 6, 14 Mar at Dunn Ranch Prairie Harrison (SK). Eleven Ovenbirds were recorded in the central Glaciated Plains on 25 Apr Sugar Creek CA (PK). Highs were 15, 14 May Cuivre River SP (BR), and a maximum of 28, 23 Apr Red Bridge Road (DB, BB). First of the year Worm-eating Warbler reports on 14 Apr, tied four 2nd earliest records, with 5 along Sugar Camp (DB, BB), and 1 from Canaan CA (JF). Greatest number for the period was 8, 28 Apr Shaw Na- ture Reserve Franklin (JF). A new earliest record was set for Northern Waterthrush (acc.) with 1 on 4 Apr (previous earliest was 8 Apr) at Gra- ham Cave SP (PM et al.). Golden-winged Warblers first appeared 23 Apr with singles along Red Bridge Road (DB, BB), and in Wayne (JR). Peaks were 9, 27 Apr Babler SP (CM), and away from the east, of 3 birds each, 1 May Bee Hollow CA (TE), and 5 May SLNWR (DC). The last for the period was 1, 20 May TGP (BR). Arriving in the south, Blue-winged Warbler was initially noted 11 Apr Busiek SF (GSw). Two reports for the north central part of the state include 1, 1 May Bee Hollow CA (TE), and a high of 8 on 25 Apr Sugar Creek CA (PK). The high count for Black-and-white Warbler tied a previous record of 53, 14 Apr Sugar Camp (det. DB, BB). The first report and peak count for Prothonotary Warbler occurred 1, 7 Apr, and with 29, 19 Apr, both Dunkin (TJ). The most reliable place for Swainson’s Warbler is Greer Spring Oregon, where 2 and 3 were first observed 30 Apr and 1 May (BE, BJ, m. obs.) at the ASM Spring Meeting. The only other location listing this warbler outside of Oregon was Big Spring Campground

Page 140 THE BLUEBIRD Carter 1, 13 May (Jerry DeBoer). An Orange-crowned Warbler, 9-18 Mar sets a new earliest season record (previous was 27 Mar), and is notable for the eastern location, Carondelet Park (det. CMc, ph. AR). Nine was a season high 6 May at Longview Lake Jackson (Eric Walters). There were two sightings of Connecticut Warbler this period; 1, 17 May TGP (CA, et al.), and 1 that gave his song twice, 20 May St. Louis (JU). A new 2nd highest record count for Common Yellowthroat was established with 100, 14 May com- bining EBCA and McBaine checklists (TE, BJ). The first Hooded Warblers reported were 11, 14 Apr Sugar Camp (DB, BB). The high record was tied again with 29, 13 May, Sugar Camp (CH, JB, MR). Outside the Ozarks one Hooded Warbler was noted 18 May Adair (PK). Thirty-seven American Redstarts was a season high count 20 May (Lori Andrews, RA). Cape May Warbler kicked off the season with a new earliest record (acc.) on 5-6 Apr Carondelet Park (CMc**, ph. AR**). The greatest number reported for the season was 2 birds (m. obs.), and the last was, 1, 21 May TGP (ph. SM, DM, JH, et al.). An initial Cerulean Warbler was seen 13 Apr Castlewood SP (JM). Away from the Ozarks Border, 1, 1 May was noted at Weston Bend SP (Robert Reed). Season highs were 9, 13 May Sugar Camp (CH, JB, MR). There was an interesting report of 3 Magnolia Warblers in the western Glaciated Plains on 2 May DeKalb (Mike Worland). The season’s first Bay- breasted Warbler occurred in the east, 1 May at Greer Spring Oregon (Mike Doyen, m. obs.). Observations in the west include 2, 18 May Knob Noster SP (m. obs.). Carondelet Park produced the maximum of 3, 15 May (CMc, AR), and last of the season was 1, 25 May St. Louis (JE). One Black- burnian Warbler arrived 18 Apr in Dunklin (TJ). Many were seen in threes, with a high of 4, 8 May at TGP. The first of the season Yellow War- bler was a single, 14 Mar, Burr Oak Woods CA (Tonie Thaden, m. obs.). High counts were 27 at Busch CA, 3 May (CM), and 71, 24 May SCNWR (MR). A Chestnut-sided Warbler debuted 25 Apr in Dunklin (TJ). Great- est numbers occurred in the east with 8, 19 May at TGP (CMc, AR). Half that number was tallied in the west with 4 at Weston Bend SP, 4 May (Don Merz). Blackpoll Warblers are common spring migrants with the first reported 21 Apr, EBCA (Robert Folzenlogen), and in Greene (JH). High counts on opposites sides of the state, both 14 May were 10, Carondelet Park (DM, SM, JH), and 7, SOCA (JC). A Palm Warbler sighting, 25 May set a new 2nd latest record, Lamine River CA (det. EW). Thirty-two was the peak count recorded in Dunklin (TJ). First single migrant Pine Warblers appeared 6 Mar Davis Memorial Forest CA (SH, AL), and at Rockwoods Reservation St. Louis on 7 Mar (CM). Highs for central MO were both at Rocky Forks Lake CA with 3, 21 Apr (AK), and 5, 14 May (Levi Vickery). A high report of 18, 3 Apr was along Lookout Tower Loop Christian (DB, BB). A Yellow-throated Warbler was first seen 1, 25 Mar Pulaski (BN, et al.). Season’s first birds in the north were 1, 12 Apr Pike (det. AC, CG), and 1, 1 May Weston Bend SP (Rodney Wright). The greatest number was 22, 16 Apr at Castlewood SP (JM). Two Prairie Warblers were spring’s first, 13 Apr at Busiek SF (DB). These warblers also appeared in the north half of the state with singles each, 19 Apr and 21 Apr respectively, in Ralls, and at

Ted Shanks CA (CG, AC). A high of 15, 22 Apr was noted at Henning CA (TG, et al.). Uncommon in the west was 1 Black-throated Green Warbler

Page 141 THE BLUEBIRD 15 May Buchanan (Tom Nagel), and 2, 14 May SOCA (JC). Nine was the high, 2 May Babler SP (CM). The initial Canada Warbler was spotted in Oregon 1 May (m. obs.) at the ASM spring meeting. Three was the maximum 23 May at Powell Gardens Johnson (DC); and the final was 1, 25 May TGP (CMc, AR). Two spring reports for single Spotted Towhees were submitted: 1, Apr Phelps (John Hogan), and 1, 30 Apr Cass (GC). Two Ameri- can Tree Sparrows lingered until 14 Apr Callaway (JB). The high count was 40, 9 Mar RMBS (CA), and last of the season high was 12, 3 Apr (Audrey Percy-Muenz). First report for Clay-colored Sparrow in the east was 1, 15 Apr St. Charles (PL), while 3 were present 20 Apr Cooley Lake CA (KD). The maximum was 4, 7 May SOCA (DC, KP). Initial Field Sparrows in the north, well before the end of March were 2, 5 Mar in Pike (CS, RF), and 1, 10 Mar at Hazel Creek Lake Adair (PK). A maximum was 38, 15 Apr Cape Girardeau (MH). A single Vesper Sparrow 5 Mar, sets a new earliest record, and is notable for its location away from the southern border at RMBS (det. CMc, AR). Lake Jacomo Jackson hosted the first Lark Spar- rows with 2, 8 Apr (MB). A maximum of 10, 22 May was reported at Plow- boy Bend CA (SM, DM), and where less common in the Southeast, were 10, 28 May Sand Prairie CA (MH). Several reports for first of the period Grass- hopper Sparrows were submitted 16 Apr; the most notable coming from the Mississippi lowlands at Sand Prairie CA (JU). Twenty-one seen on 30 May, Clay was the season’s high (MM). Henslow’s Sparrow reports were 2, 9 Apr Pawnee Prairie CA (SK) and 1, 10 Apr at Hi Lonesome Prairie CA (ML). A new 3rd highest count of 44, 24 Apr occurred also at Hi Lonesome Prairie CA (ML). A notable observation in the northeast, where LeConte’s Sparrrow is rare was 1, 16 Apr BK Leach CA (Janet Hoyne), and in the Southeast, 1, 15 Apr Dunklin (TJ). A high count for Fox Sparrow was 14, 15 Mar Carondelet Park (CMc, AK); and in the west, 30, 16 Mar at Pershing SP (SK). The last was 1, 29 Apr Jackson (MG). Slow migrating Song Spar- rows remained in the south with 4, 17 May Table Rock Lake (KMc); and the Southeast: 1, 19 May Ten Mile Pond (MH), and 1, 22 May at Mingo (CBa). A new 2nd highest count was 121, 9 Mar EBCA (SG, CBa). A peak number of 10 Lincoln’s Sparrows was recorded 30 Apr Platte (LOw), and 3, 29 Apr at RMBS (BR, TP). Those last spotted were 2, 22 May, Johnson Shut-Ins SP (MRo). Greatest numbers of Swamp Sparrows were 45, 15 Apr Dunklin (TJ), and 40 at RMBS, 17 Apr, (Lane Richter). White- throated Sparrows reached maximum for the season with 78, 27 Apr at the Columbia Audubon/Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary Boone (Susan Hazel- wood). Spring’s last was 1, 22 May Phelps (Gary Mueller). The high Har- ris’s Sparrow count was 32, 14 Apr, and the last reported was 2, 15 May, both occurring in Cass (GC). The eastern-most report came from Macon of 1, 29 April (TE). Tanagers and grosbeaks arrived mid-April appearing in multiple counties. Twenty was a high count for Summer Tanager, 13 May Sugar Camp (CH, JB, MR). Scarlet Tanager top count was 20, 29 Apr at Babler SP (JM). Rose-breasted Grosbeak maximum was 22, 27 Apr Ca- rondelet Park (CMc, AR). Blue Grosbeak migration was still underway in late May. Two Painted Buntings were first noted 1 May at the Conco

Quarry Greene and by 21 May a third was at the same location (DB, BB). A new highest count was set for Dickcissel with 260, 1 May in Dunklin (TJ).

Page 142 THE BLUEBIRD Bobolinks first appeared with 4, 24 Apr, and by 1 May the number had grown to 280, the season’s high Dunklin (TJ). Reports of flocks greater than 20 birds came from Barton, Boone, Green, Harrison, Oregon, Platte, St. Charles, and St. Louis. Western Meadowlarks in the east included 2 sing- ing plus another 6 (probably of this species) 5 Mar Lincoln (BR, JU), while 20 on 9 May remained at Bradford Farms Boone (David Starrett). A group of 30 was a high count at EBCA 5 Mar (Jesse Kolar). Yellow-headed Blackbirds away from the MO River Valley occurred with 1, 2 May Chris- tian, (GSw), 1, 3 May RRSP (JC), and 3, 8 Apr St. Charles, (Doug Hom- mert). The greatest number was 38, 29 Apr Bob Brown CA (DC). Peak count of the season for Rusty Blackbirds was 300, 18 Mar, DCCA (GSa, LS), 600 in Wehner Park St. Louis (BR), and in the north, 180 were noted 6 Mar SLNWR (EW). Migrating Brewer’s Blackbirds were observed 17, 16 Apr OSCA (JU), 7, 20 Apr DeKalb (Arron Boone), and 4, 23 Apr Henry (JMo). A peak count of 300 occurred 19 Mar at Hedeman Lake/England Pond Dade (DB, BB). A rare transient in the east during spring, 30 Great-tailed Grackles was notable 3 Mar in St. Charles (TP). Thirty was also a high count 4 Mar at Mud Lake Buchanan (Nelson Curry). The best way to con- clude a seasonal report is with a first definitive record; this one for an ad. male Hooded Oriole (acc.). The oriole was viewed for just 10 minutes and photographed at a nectar feeder on 20 May in Columbia Boone (Louise Flenner, George Flenner).

Observers: Cornelius Allwood (CA), Ryan Andrews (RA), Chris Barrigar (CBa), Mike Beck (MB), David Blevins (DB), Barbara Blevins (BB), John Bollin (JB), Will Britton (WB), Charley Burwick (CBu), Jeff Cantrell (JC), Ashley Casey (AC), Dan Cowell (DC), Ginny Culver (GC), Stephen Dilks (SD), Kyle Drig- gers (KD), Bill Eddleman (BE), Becky Estes (BEs), Tony Elliott (TE), Jack Foreman (JF), Rob Francis (RF), Steve Garr (SG), Allen Gathman (AG), Melanie Gipson (MG), Cory Gregory (CG), Mark Haas (MH), Shari Harden (SH), Jill Hays (JH), Chris Hobbs (CH), Dawn Huber (DH), Brad Jacobs (BJ), Tim Jones (TJ), Veronica Kelly (VK), Steve Kinder (SK), Andrew Kins- low (AK), Peter Kondrashov (PK), Anne Leduc (AL), Sherry Leonardo (SL), Jean Leonatti (JL), Pat Lueders (PL), Marge Lumpe (ML), Jim Malone (JM), Charlene Malone (CM), Steve Martin (SM), Debbie Martin (DM), Chrissy McClarren (CMc), Kyle McCommis (KMc), Paul McKenzie (PM), Joseph Mosley (JMo), Marky Mutchler (MM), Brian Nelson (BN), Larry Ol- pin (LO), Lisa Owens (LOw), Tom Parmeter (TP), Katy Putsch (KP), Andy Reago (AR), Mark Robbins (MR), Melissa Roach (MRo), Bill Rowe (BR), Jethro Runco (JR), Greg Samuel (GSa), Christopher Stapleton (CS), Greg Swick (GSw), Josh Uffman (JU), Edge Wade (EW), Karen Wosilait (KW).

Abbreviations ad. Adult aud. Audio CA Conservation Area det. details Page 143 THE BLUEBIRD det. Details et al. and others imm. Immature m. obs. multiple observers MO Missouri pers. comm. personal communication ph. Photo SP State Park vid. video

Location abbreviations (counties are in italics) Bradford Farms- Univ. of MO Bradford Research Center, Boone Co. Carondelet Park- Carondelet Park, St. Louis City CCNWR - Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Pike Co. DCCA- Duck Creek CA, Bollinger/Stoddard/Wayne Cos. EBCA- Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Boone Co. FRCA- Four Rivers Conservation Area, Bates/Vernon Cos. McBaine- Columbia, MO Wastewater Treatment Cells, Boone Co. Mingo- Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Stoddard/Wayne Cos. OSCA- Otter Slough Conservation Area, Butler/Stoddard Cos. PSP Prairie State Park, Barton Co. Red Bridge Road-Red Bridge Road, 4.6 mile, Christian Co. RMBS- Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles Co. RRSP- Roaring River State Park , Barry Co. SCNWR - Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Holt Co. SLNWR - Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chariton Co. SOCA- Schell-Osage Conservation Area, St. Clair/Vernon Cos. Smithville Lake- Smithville Lake, Clay Co. Stockton Lake- Stockton Lake, Cedar/Dade/Polk Cos. Sugar Camp- Sugar Camp Scenic Drive, 8 mile Forest Service Road 1180, Mark Twain National Forest, Barry Co. Table Rock Lake-Table Rock Lake, Barry/Stone/Taney Cos. TGP- Tower Grove Park, St. Louis City

References:

Robbins, Mark B., and David A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Missouri, Their Distribution and Abundance. University of Missouri Press, Colum- bia. eBird Basic Dataset. May 2016. Version: EBD_relMay-2016. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York.

Guinan, P. (Apr 2016). April 2016 Weather and Its Impacts on Missouri. Missouri Climate Center. Retrieved from: http:// climate.missouri.edu/news/arc/apr2016.php

Page 144 THE BLUEBIRD Guinan, P. (May 2016). May 2016 Weather and Its Impacts on Missouri. Missouri Climate Center. Retrieved from: http:// climate.missouri.edu/news/arc/may2016.php

Guinan, P. (Jun 2016). June 2016 Weather and Its Impacts on Missouri. Missouri Climate Center. Retrieved from: http:// climate.missouri.edu/news/arc/jun2016.php

CORRIGENDUM FOR WINTER 2015-2016 SEASONAL REPORT

Remove the report of a Fish Crow at Canton Ferry Access on 11 January. This sighting could not be corroborated by other birders who were in the area in search of Missouri's first documented Ivory Gull.

A BIRDERS’ GUIDE TO MISSOURI PUBLIC LANDS Edge Wade and Allen Gathman

DANIEL BOONE CONSERVATION AREA Edge Wade, 2016 3,523 acres Warren Co. DeLorme 39, D-8/9; GPS: 38.7755762,-91.4021856; MDC owned; for information call 636-441-4554

Directions: From Jonesburg (I-70 exit 183), take Rt. Y southwest for 5 miles, then continue southwest on Tower Rd. for 2 miles into the area. This area has been designated by Audubon Missouri as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

The 923-acre Razor Hollow Natural Area is best accessed from the third parking area (first on the left) via Area Access Trail 1213.

ADA Information: This is an area of rugged, ridge/valley terrain. There are no ADA compliant facilities. Birding from a vehicle along the roads and in parking and camping areas can be very productive, especially during passerine migration seasons.

When to Visit/Species to Expect: Reported birding trips to Daniel Boone CA show a skew to early spring (particularly March). This is because it was one of the sites at which Ruffed Grouse were re-introduced and monitored in an attempt to reestablish the species as a Missouri breeder. Drumming Ruffed Grouse have not been reported here since late March 2005. Spring migration records include Winter Wren, Gray and Swainson’s Thrush, and both kinglets, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, and Black- poll Warbler. Breeding warblers include Louisiana Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Worm-eating, Black-and White, Kentucky, Hooded, and Pine.

Page 145 THE BLUEBIRD Among other breeders are Chuck-will’s-widow, Whip-poor-will, Acadian Fly- catcher, Eastern Wood-pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Eastern Towhee, Summer and Scarlet Tanager, Blue Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole.

Features of interest to birders: Although the MDC site description touts hikes through “deep valleys, woodlands, savannas, glades and rugged hills,” it should be noted that of 3,523 acres, only 5 acres are described as “glade”, only 10 as non-praire grassland and 50 acres as “savanna”. Four ponds total 4 acres; thus 3,451 acres are forest and woodland. The “deep valleys…and rugged hills” is certainly an accurate description. Tower Rd. bisects the area in a generally northeast/southwest direction, for the most part running along a ridge top.

The pine stands along Tower Rd. often harbor nesting Pine Warblers that may arrive on territory as early as March. If the first stand has no warblers, try the next one, as the warblers may not be in all of them.

Short walks from any of the parking areas may turn up a feeding flock, any of Missouri’s resident woodpeckers, and in summer a variety of species sing- ing on territory. At the 5th lot there is a picnic table with a small open area. Check it for woodpeckers and small passerines. A short two-track road leads to a garage building and beyond is a short trail that loops around a food plot.

At the fork, a right off Tower Road leads past a small pond very near the parking area at the split. At the end is a parking/horse staging/camping area offering an open area for viewing into trees and grass, with a pond nearby.

Staying left on Tower Road leads to three more lots (all on the left). There are two ponds on the right. Pond #1 can be seen from the road and exam- ined more closely with a very short walk. A food plot behind the last lot offers a rare opportunity to bird a flat open area and the adjacent ecotone.

Toilets: None

Camping: In all parking lots, no amenities.

Hazards/Limitations: The area has rugged terrain. It is a popular hunting destination (especially deer and turkey seasons).

Nearby Birding Sites: Loutre Creek Access, Danville CA, Frank Reifsnider SF, Little Lost Creek CA, Graham Cave SP.

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****************************** KETCHERSIDE MOUNTAIN CA Allen Gathman, summer 2016

4,877 acres Iron, Reynolds Co. DeLorme 56, D-4; GPS: 37.5332167,- 90.7148314; Owned by MDC. For additional information call (573) 223-4525 or see: http://mdc7.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/ AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=7602

Directions: From Ironton, take MO 21 south 4 miles. Take Rt. CC north to fire tower, privy, upper Russell Mountain trail access. Royal Gorge and lower Russell Mountain trail access available from a gravel parking lot on MO 21, 1.1 miles south of Rt. CC turnoff.

ADA Information: Parking area and privies at end of Rt. CC are wheelchair accessible. See Hazards/Limitations below for additional information.

When to Visit/Species to Expect: Any time, but especially worth visiting during spring and fall migration. Habitats in this area are primarily hardwood forest on steep mountainsides, with some open rocky glades. Breeding warblers and vireos are common in summer; numerous migrant species have been recorded. Prairie warbler is likely in glades.

Features of interest to birders: This conservation area comprises four non- contiguous areas, and much of it is accessible only on foot via challenging trails with substantial elevation change. Russell Mountain trail provides

Page 147 THE BLUEBIRD

access for the intrepid to several Ozark glades; examples of a unique habitat with characteristic flora and fauna. The easiest access for birding is via the relatively level Royal Gorge trail, which circles a small peak, paralleling Big Creek for about half of its length. A leisurely mid-morning walk on about a half-mile of this trail in late June yielded six species of resident warblers, and eBird records suggest there will be substantial variety of migrants in season. There is also a gravel road that crosses this trail leading from MO 21 (turnoff 0.3 miles south of the Royal Gorge trailhead parking lot) to some private property east of the conservation area; this road offers even easier walking access to the Royal Gorge natural area.

The 80-acre Royal Gorge Natural features a shut-ins. Shut-ins are formed when a stream is “shut in” to a narrow canyon-like valley, typically where streams flow through soft sedimentary bedrock such as dolomite, then en- counter more resistant rock. Here it is igneous rhyolite formed from magma (molten rock) when this region was volcanic, a billion years ago. The western exposure igneous glades nearby have a distinctive, often stunted plant community with potential for bird species that exploit dry glades. For more information, see http://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/royal- gorge

1,600 of the 7,028-acre St. Francois Mountains Natural Area is also within Ketcherside Mountain CA. See http://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/ places/st-francois-mountains for additional information.

Toilets: Privies at parking area at end of Rt. CC.

Camping: Permitted year round; no amenities.

Hazards/Limitations: Trails are steep and lead to remote areas; cell phone service is limited. The usual population of ticks and chiggers can be expected.

Nearby Birding sites: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Lower Taum Sauk

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****************************** MERAMEC CONSERVATION AREA Allen Gathman and Edge Wade, 2016

3,879.4 acres Franklin Co. DeLorme 48, C/D-1; GPS: 38.4132049,- 90.8562435; MDC owned; for more information call 636-441-4554 or see: http://mdc7.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx? txtAreaID=6202

Directions: From I-44 exit 226 near Sullivan, go south on MO 185 about 4 miles, crossing the Meramec River. The first parking area, on the left, is less than a mile after the river crossing, and easily missed. The main entrance is about a mile further south on MO 185, at the Meramec Work Station. To reach the third entrance, continue on MO 185 past the work station, turn left onto Rt. K. and follow it for 1.4 miles to a left onto Spanish Claim Rd. Conservation area land begins about .5 miles north.

ADA Information: A 1.3-mile, nearly level asphalt paved loop trail wends through forestland with spurs to Meramec River viewpoints. Habitats repre- sentative of the area may be explored by car along the roads, in parking lots, or with short walks on level trails.

When to visit/Species to Expect: Anytime can be good birding, but fall and spring passerine migrations can be particularly exciting here. Blue-headed Vireo and Bewick’s Wren, Veery and Swainson’s Thrush have been seen.

Page 149 THE BLUEBIRD

Migrant warbler sightings include Blue-winged, Nashville, Cerulean, Black- and-white, Tennessee, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Canada, and Wilson’s. The area is mainly wooded; much of it is oak-hickory upland. There are numerous stands of shortleaf pine that could yield additional interesting migrants. Breeding woodland species include Worm-eating, Prothonotary, Kentucky, Pine (abundant) and Yellow-throated Warbler, Ovenbird, North- ern Parula, American Redstart, and Louisiana Waterthrush. Wood Thrush- es are common to abundant in summer, as are Red-eyed, White-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Acadian and Great-crested Flycatchers, Eastern Wood- Pewees and Eastern Phoebes, Summer and Scarlet Tanagers. Both Ameri- can and Fish Crows occur. There is access to the Meramec River, where riparian species can be expected.

Features of interest to birders: The first parking area a little less than a mile east of the river has no sign, so watch on the left for the gap in roadside trees. This is the site of the former CCC camp. An informative display de- scribes the camp, and a small network of pathways of about .1 mile leads to parts of the ruins (foundations and chimneys) with access into this woods/ scrub ecotone.

From the main entrance at the Meramec Work Station, the road leads through pines to a horse trailer parking area on the right. This is a trailhead for the moderate-rated 10.5-mile J. Avery Ruble Memorial Trail, an extensive network of multi-use trails that can be reached from most of the 10 parking lots. These trails are mostly quite wide and well maintained.

Page 150 THE BLUEBIRD Beyond the horse trailer parking area, the road ends at the head of the accessible nature trail. This 1.3-mile asphalt paved, almost entirely level loop trail goes through mixed hardwood forest with some areas of shortleaf pine.

There are several turnouts on the west branch of the loop with views of the Meramec River, and frequent benches to rest (or do a Small Sit). The north end of the loop crosses a small creek, with a boardwalk overlooking the creek bed and a cave entrance (All caves in the area are now closed to visitors; see below). The cave overlook and creek area is good for resident warblers such as Ovenbird and Kentucky in the summer, and should be excellent for migrating passerines. A poorly maintained trail leads east from the end of the loop along the riverbank, eventually joining the multi-use trail system.

The other entrance to Meramec Conservation Area is via the gravel Spanish Claim Road, extending north from Rt. K. Part of the 10.5-mile multi-use trail parallels the road for most of its distance, giving access to upland hardwood and shortleaf pine forests.

From Spanish Claim Road, Heyne Memorial Annex Road leads northeast into steep wooded country that is good habitat for Worm-Eating Warbler. The last parking area on Spanish Claim Road inside the main part of the conservation area is at the head of the 6.1-mile multi-use Old Reedville School Trail. It traverses hardwood upland forest past a historical marker at the site of the Reedville log school, and eventually joins the asphalt loop trail.

Spanish Claim Rd. continues northwest to a non-contiguous part of the area called Fife Bottom. The road dead-ends about 4.5 miles from highway K at a parking area, and an easy trail leads 200 yards through the woods to a very picturesque gravel bar on the Meramec River. Waders, swallows, swifts, and other riparian species can be expected here. Watch and listen for Prothono- tary and Yellow-throated Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers and Pileated Woodpeckers.

Page 151 THE BLUEBIRD Toilets: Privies at asphalt loop trailhead.

Camping: None.

Hazards/Limitations: The asphalt trail, itself, and boardwalk sections along it can be surprisingly slick when wet due to plant growth on the surface.

The usual ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes can be expected in season. The west bank of the Meramec is quite steep in some places, and should be ap- proached with caution.

All caves on this and other Conservation Areas are currently closed or restricted to public access. The fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome in bats was found in Missouri in 2010, resulting in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s White-nose Syndrome Action Plan that limits public access to protect bats. WNS can be spread from cave to cave by bats or possibly on the gear of explorers.

Nearby Birding Sites: Meramec SP, Little Indian Creek CA, Pea Ridge CA, Huzzah CA, Onondaga Cave SP

Page 152 THE BLUEBIRD STOCKTON LAKE STATE PARK DRAFT Edge Wade, 2016

2,175.9 acres Cedar Co. DeLorme 51, B/C-8; https://mostateparks.com/park/ stockton-state-park; GPS: 37.6138235,-93.7524908; DNR, lease agreement with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). Office open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday year-round. Phone: 417-276-4259.

A park map more detailed than the online version, and a map and booklet of the whole Stockton Lake area are available at the park office

Directions: from MO 32 in Stockton, go a total of 8.1 miles south on MO 39 and east on MO 215.

ADA Information: The park is fully compliant with ADA guidelines. Birders with limited walking ability will find this a great place to bird from, within or near a car along the paved roads or in parking lots.

Features of interest to birders: Stockton Lake (a COE impoundment) is a deepwater lake, dammed north of the confluence of the Big and Little Sac rivers. The arms form a vee, running due south and southeast of the dam. Because of the depth, open terrain (Springfield plateau), and the basically north/south orientation, this is a favored site for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

The park is on a peninsula jutting northward at the junction of the Big and Little Sac rivers (these form the two arms of the lake). Features of the Springfield plateau, Ozark hills and even some remnant tallgrass prairie aspects can be found within the park. Most of the undeveloped parts are oak -hickory forest with typical Ozark understory. There are no trails through rough, brushy terrain. Unfortunately, much of the fairly open areas (other than the mown lawn-type grass) are dominated by the invasive sericea lespedeza. Autumn olive has encroached into the brushy portions.

A good paved road system provides access to wooded and open areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat launches and beach, and affords several viewpoints of both arms of the lake.

When to Visit/Species to Expect: The 181 bird species list as of July 2016, is a bit misleading as it is derived from eBird data which include portions of the lake not visible from the park and/or habitats (shallow water shoreline of upper reaches of the lake) not found within the park. Most of the 21 shorebird species on the list at this writing were probably seen well southeast of the park in Polk or Dade County, most likely along the Aldrich arm of the Little Sac.

Stockton Lake SP is a premier locale for viewing waterfowl from late fall through early spring. Because of its location, depth and orientation, water remains open here longer than at most Missouri reservoirs. Although the Brant was a one-season bird seen to the north of the park, the 18 duck and 3 goose species (missing Ross’s) on the list are likely to be seen from the

Page 153 THE BLUEBIRD park. Expect Bald Eagles. Common Loon, Pied-billed, Horned and Eared Grebe are likely in winter. A spotting scope is essential, as the lake is wide at most points.

Birders may be missing good opportunities to observe migrating (especially spring) passerines. April and May reports here are few. The park sits on a peninsula jutting into the lake at the point the two waterways/arms con- verge. This is ideal, geographically, to form a spring migrant trap, as north- bound birds are funneled by the prevailing southwest winds to the point, then face a good expanse of water to cross to continue their journey. The woods along the road to the beach and the area near the beach parking lot probably teem with migrants on days no birder is there to observe them.

Summer records are few. As of July 2016, June is virtually unrepresented. Even with the heat expected in this part of Missouri in late June, July, and early August, the birding in the park and surrounding lake sites is rewarding, especially in the morning and early evening. Summer waders around the lake include Great Blue, Little Blue and Green Heron, Great, Snowy and Cattle Egret. All swallow species have been reported. Purple Martins stage at the lake in mid-late July. Kingfishers work shallow coves.

All woodpecker species may be seen (sapsuckers and flickers more likely fall -spring). Raptors at lakeside include Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s, Red-tailed, Swainson’s (1 record), Red-shouldered, and Broad-winged Hawk.

Breeding flycatchers include Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian and Great- crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe and a good population of Eastern King- bird. Five species of vireos probably nest in the park; Blue-headed and Phil- adelphia may be seen in migration.

Breeding passerines show a good mix of expected south Missouri species. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers bounce through the trees. Warblers include Protho- notary, Kentucky, Common Yellowthroat, and Northern Parula. Summer Tanagers seem to really like the area. Indigo Buntings are abundant. Or- chard and Baltimore Orioles nest.

Toilets: One vault toilet is at the swim beach (north end of the park); one is at both the north and south picnic shelter; one is at each of the two picnic areas reached by short roads from off the west side MO 215; and one is at the Hartley Boat Launch area. Modern restrooms are in the campground and the marina.

Camping: Options include basic and electric sites (reservation suggested for high season), one-bedroom camper cabins and one- or two-bedroom duplexes with kitchenette, patio and grill. Campgrounds feature restrooms, showers, laundry and dumping station.

Page 154 THE BLUEBIRD Hazards/Limitations: In warm seasons, ticks, chiggers and poison ivy may be present. There is a potential for many park visitors in summer and on warm weekends, most of whom are interested in water activities, leaving much of the park people-free for fairly quiet birding opportunities.

Nearby Birding Sites: Area maps show locations of other sites on the lake, designated as Public Use Areas (PUA). All have paved roads, open areas, woods, brushy fringes, and views of portions of the lake. COE sites along the west side, accessible from roads off MO 39, are Orleans Trail, Hawker Point, Mutton Creek, Ruark Bluff, and Greenfield Access. On the east side, accessible from roads off MO 32, are Old Mill, Crabtree Cove, Masters, Cedar Ridge and High Point.

The City of Stockton has a lease for Stockton Park PUA immediately south of town on Rt. RB. There are two large parking areas with a paved (abandoned road) nature trail.

The Aldrich arm (Little Sac River) at the southeast, upper reaches of the lake off MO 215, MO 123 and Rt. T, offers points to view shallow areas for waterfowl and shorebirds.

Page 155 THE BLUEBIRD SPRING FORK LAKE (Sedalia) Edge Wade, 2016

115 acres (lake only) Pettis Co. DeLorme 36, G-2; GPS: 38.5626947,- 93.2525166; Owned by Sedalia Water Department; for more information call 660-826-1234; Lake managed by agreement with MDC, call 660-530-5500

Directions: From US 65 south of Sedalia, go east on Rt. V for about 1.25 miles, then south (right) on Spring Fork Lake Road south, turn east (left) at the T intersection. Lake area entrance is on the west (right) about 1 mile beyond the T.

ADA Information: Privy and fishing dock are accessible. Beyond the parking lot, surfaces are unpredictable.

When to Visit/Species to Expect: This deepwater lake is the only one of its kind in the vicinity. Birders should check it when waterfowl are expected to be in mid-Missouri. A scope is necessary, as the waterfowl, including loons and diving ducks, tend to favor the far (west) side of the lake, away from most human activity. It is close to US 65, and the road to it is paved. It’s definitely worth more birder attention than it has received.

Features of interest to birders: Along the entrance road a savanna-like area offers easy viewing. A very short gravel road to the right (north) of the dam parking area makes a quick loop for driving or walking in a small ecotone area. The area at and along the dam offers some access to waterside birds. There is some upland wooded habitat accessible near the parking area by the dam.

For the venturesome, the trailhead for a 1.9-mile old logging road cleared by Boy Scouts in 2006 is off the road near the dam parking area.

There is excellent riparian habitat near the one-lane bridge north of the lake entrance, but this is private land clearly signed no trespassing. Birding from the road can be very rewarding, but parking may be a problem.

Toilets: 1 privy

Camping: None

Hazards/Limitations: This is a very popular fishing destination. There is a well-used shooting range just north of the lake.

Nearby Birding Sites: Mora Prairie CA, Friendly Prairie CA, Grandfather Prairie CA, Paint Brush Prairie CA, Drovers Prairie CA, Hi Lonesome Prai- rie CA, Clover Dell Park Lake, Bothwell Lodge SHS, Lamine River CA.

Page 156 THE BLUEBIRD

American Woodcock, Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area, Ste. Genevieve County, March 5, 2016. Photo by Allen Gathman.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Mag- nolia Hollow Conservation Area, Ste. Genevieve County, March 5, 2016. Photo by Allen Gathman.

Page 157 THE BLUEBIRD Peer-Reviewed Paper

Historical first breeding records in Missouri of Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Mark B. Robbins, Ornithology University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute Lawrence, KS 66045 email: [email protected]

While perusing specimen data online via VertNet (http://vertnet.org) for a new treatise on the status and distribution of birds in Missouri, I came across the surprising discovery that there were two egg sets of Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) taken in northwestern Missouri during the late 1800s. The first clutch of three eggs was collected from a nest, “a pile of rushes floating in swamp”, by A. Ward in or near Maryville, Nodaway County on 29 May 1889 (Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago 224). Data associated with the eggs indicate the adult(s) were seen. The second clutch of four eggs was collected by Earle R. Forrest on 27 June 1898 at Manning Lake, Atchison County (Carnegie Museum of Natural History [CM], Pittsburgh E10223). Online data associated with the latter egg set provided details of the nest and site: “composed of decayed reeds [cattails], flags…very neat and floating, bulky. Situated in reeds which covered half of the lake. Water 3.5 ft, reeds 7ft”.

I did not find more information on the egg collector A. Ward, however, Stephen Rogers at Carnegie related that Forrest was a well-known egg collector and that an orphan collection with much of his material was obtained by Carnegie in 2011 from Washington and Jefferson College, Penn- sylvania. Online information about Forrest indicated that he spent two summers, 1898 and 1900, at his uncle’s farm in Atchison County (http:// socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w6k07brr). Forrest also collected clutches of the following marsh-dwelling species on the same date and local- ity as the Eared Grebe eggs: Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis; CM E10229) and Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus; CM E10404).). In addition, he documented the first confirmed nesting of West- ern Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) for Missouri when he obtained a clutch of three eggs in nearby Tarkio, Atchison County on 17 June 1898 (CM E1155).

Although these represent the first documented nesting records for Missouri (Robbins and Easterla 1992) and the southeastern most area this

Page 158 THE BLUEBIRD grebe is known to have bred in North America (Cullen et al. 1999), the Eared Grebe has been documented breeding as close as central Kansas (Thompson et al. 2011), the central Nebraskan Sandhills (Sharpe et al. 2001), northwestern and north-central Iowa (Kent and Dinsmore 1996), and vagrantly as far east as northwestern Illinois (Bohlen and Zimmerman 1989). Thus, these northwestern Missouri breeding events, especially when put into the context that the species was considered a locally common breeder in northwestern Iowa during the same time period (Anderson 1907), are not totally unexpected. Given the different localities and the nine years between the Missouri collecting events, Eared Grebe may have been a local, regular breeder in that part of the state during that period. It is conceivable that following springs when this grebe is occasionally observed in unusually high numbers (Robbins and Easterla 1992) coupled when there is high water and luxuriant cattail growth in late spring and early summer, at an area such as Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, it might again nest in the northwestern corner of the state.

I thank Stephen Rogers of Carnegie for insight into both specimen data and information on E.R. Forrest and Ben Marks of the Field Museum for information associated with the Nodaway County egg set. Paul McKen- zie and an anonymous reviewer kindly provided comments on the manu- script. Literature Cited Anderson, R.M. 1907. The birds of Iowa. Proc. Davenport Academy of Sci- ence 11:125-417. Bohlen, H.D. and W. Zimmerman. 1989. The birds of Illinois. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press. Cullen, S.A., J.R. Jehl, Jr., and G.L. Nuechterlein. 1999. Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). The birds of North America (P.G. Rodewald, Ed.). Ithaca, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. DOI: 10.2173/bna.433 Kent, T.H. and J.J. Dinsmore. 1996. Birds in Iowa. Published by the au- thors, Iowa City and Ames. Robbins, M.B. and D.A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Missouri: their distribution and abundance. University of Missouri Press, Columbia. Sharpe, R.S., W.R. Silcock, and J.G. Jorgensen. 2001. Birds of Nebraska. Their distribution and temporal occurrence. Univ. of Nebraska Press, Lincoln. Thompson, M.C., C.A. Ely, B. Gress, C. Otte, S.T. Patti, D. Seibel, and E.A. Young. 2011. Birds of Kansas. University of Kansas Press, Law rence.

Page 159 THE BLUEBIRD AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE

The Audubon Society of Missouri membership year runs from Janu- ary 1 to December 31. All ASM memberships other than Life Mem- berships are due for renewal now. If you are a new member who joined ASM after September 1, 2016, you do not need to renew until December 2017. You may renew your membership online or use the membership renewal form on the back cover of any recent Bluebird.

To renew online, go to ASM’s website, www.mobirds.org/ASM/ Membership.aspx and follow the directions.

Online renewal has an advantage in that you may use the online form and still write a traditional check, or you can pay directly, using PayPal. You do not need to establish a PayPal account to use this service. Yes, ASM pays a small fee (74 cents per membership) for this PayPal service. This online service saves the Membership Chair and the Treasurer (both volunteers) a lot of time and work. Further, this saves you the need for a stamp and envelope and makes the renewal process direct. PayPal sends an email receipt for the transaction to you.

Your membership is important. Membership dues support ASM’s mission of conservation and education, and the services to enhance your birding experience in Missouri.

Please note that for 2017, you will need to pay an additional $5 if you wish to receive a paper copy of The Bluebird by mail (free for Life Members).

If you have any questions or problems with the renewal process, please feel free to contact me.

This same online process is used for new memberships also.

P.S. Please disregard this notice if you’ve already renewed… and thank you for renewing!

Kevin Wehner ASM Membership Chair 2101 W. Broadway, PMB 122 Columbia, MO 65203-1261 [email protected] (573) 815-0352

Page 160 THE BLUEBIRD The Bluebird

Awards Committee: The ASM Executive Committee

Webmaster: Patrick Harrison

Executive Committee: Shari Harden, Mark Haas, Scott Laurent, Pat Lueders, and Bill Eddleman

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative: Susan Hazelwood

Conservation Partnership Coordinator: Scott Laurent

Grassland Bird Coordinator: Mike Doyen

Missouri Bird Records Committee: Brad Jacobs, Chair Bill Rowe, Secretary Lisa Berger, Joe Eades, Brad Jacobs, Paul McKenzie, Mark Robbins, Bill Rowe, and Josh Uffman ———————————————————————————————————-

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Kevin Wehner ASM Membership Chair 2101 W. Broadway, PMB 122 Columbia, MO 65203-1261 (573) 815-0352 [email protected]

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