The Bluebird March, 1992 Volume 59, N0.1
The Audubon Society of Missouri The Audubon Society of Missouri Founded 1901
Officers* Directors *·
President
Bill Reeves (1992) Bill Clark ( 1994 P.O. Box 454 Columbia Farmington, MO 63640 (314) 474-4510 (314) 756-4160 Paul Bauer (1994) Vice President Florissant (314) 921-3972 Mark Goodman ( 1992) 104 Pinewood Dave Easterla (1993) Columbia, MO 65203 Maryville (314) 443-4261 (816) 582-8468
Treasurer Leo Galloway (1992) St. Joseph Randy Washburn (1992) (816) 232-8035 659 Oak Creek Ct. Jefferson City, MO Joan Jefferson (1992) 65101 Freeman (314) 636-2765 (816) 899-2844
Secretary Bob Lewis ( 1993) Farmington Emily Bever (1992) (314) 756-5484 704 Bitterfield Ballwin, MO 63011 Pat Mahnkey (1994) (314) 391-6693 Forsyth (417) 546-3791 Hotline Rebecca Matthews (1992) Susan Hazelwood (1992) Springfield 2710 W. Rollins Rd. (417)881-5775 #C12 Columbia, MO 65203 Nathan Fay (Honorary) (314) 445-4925 Ozark
Historian Sydney WaLde (Honorary) Jefferson City Bill Clark 3906 Grace Ellen Dr. John Wylie (Honorary) Columbia, MO 65202 Jefferson City (314) 474-4510
* (Year Term Expires)
Cover by David Plank The Bluebird-
Quarterly Magazine of the Audubon Society of Missouri
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Editor Seasonal Survey Editors Dave Witten Winter: 601 Covered Bridge Rd. Brad Jacobs Columbia, MO 65203 P.O. Box 180 (314) 442-7991 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 Conservation Issues (314) 751-4115 James P. Jackson Spring: 631 Loop Road Dick Anderson Marthasville, MO 63357 114 7 Crenshaw Dr. (314) 433-2433 St. Louis, MO 63137 (314) 868-2009 Summer: Christmas Bird Count Jim D. Wilson David A. Easterla P.O. Box 180 1420 N. Dewey Jefferson City, MO Maryville, MO 64468 65201-0180 (816) 582-8468 (314) 751-4115 Fall: Dick Anderson 114 7 Crenshaw Dr St. Louis, MO 63137 (314) 868-2009
Deadlines for submission of material for publication in The Bluebird: The Bluebird - Manuscripts to the Editor, Dave Witten for: March-----due Feb. 1 June---due May. 1 September---due Aug. 1 December----due Nov. 1 Seasonal Surveys Winter---to Brad Jacobs by Mar. 10 Spring---to Dick Anderson by June 10 Summer---to Jim D. Wilson by Aug. 10 Fall---to Dick Anderson by Dec. 10
Note: Authors' addresses are provided for the convenience of readers. Addresses of authors are not repeated if they appear on the inside cover or on two or more articles.
The Bluebird is printed by Ketch's Printing, Jefferson City. Many thanks to Jim Ketcherside for the many services he provides. Thanks to Randy Washburn and Jim Shaddy for labels and mailing.
Printed on recycled paper
The Bluebird 59(1): 1, Mar. 1992 Join The Audubon Society of Missouri
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Send checks (payable to Audubon Society of Missouri) to: Randy Washburn, 659 Oak Creek Court, Jefferson City MO 65101
The Bluebird 59(1): 2, Mar. 1992 ASMThe Bluebird
March, 1992 Volume 59, NO.1
Contents
President's Message ...... 5 Bill Reeves ASM Spring Meeting ...... Centerfold Kay & Betty Johnson Features:
Mulberries ...... 7 Paul M. McKenzie Just Birding Around ...... 9 JoAnn Garrett Backyard Birding ...... 11 Larry Rizzo New World Checklists ...... 13 Phoebe B. Snetsinger The Copperhead ...... 16 Aaron Barfield
Site Guides:
Roaring River State Park ...... 17 Vada Jenkins Birding in the Joplin Area ...... 24 Linda Childers
Regular Sections:
Book Review - My Tibet ...... 27 William H. Elder Conservation Report ...... 29 James P. Jackson Missouri Audubon Council Report ...... 31 James P. Jackson Missouri Bird Records Committee Report ...... 33 Mark Robbins Seasonal Survey - Fall Report ...... 39 Mark Robbins Contents continued page 4
The Bluebird 59(1): 3. Mar. 1992 Opinion - Where Do The Members Fit In? John Stampe ...... 46 Editor's Notes ...... 47 - Dave Witten
Area Rare Bird Alerts
Missouri: Statewide ...... (314) 445 - 9115 Burrows Au d. Soc.- Greater Kansas City ...... (913) 342- BIRD Webster Groves Nature Study Society ...... (314) 938 - 5349
Arkansas: Statewide...... (501) 753 - 5853
Kansas: Statewide...... (913) 329 - 4499
Oklahoma: Statewide ...... (405) 373 - 4531
Nebraska: Statewide ...... (402) 453 - 0724
Iowa: Statewide ...... (319) 338 - 9881 Sioux City ...... (712) 262 - 5958 illinois: Chicago ...... (708) 671 - 1522 Central Illinois ...... (217) 785 - 1083
Tennessee: Statewide ...... (615J 356 - 7636
The Bluebird 59(1): 4, Mar. 1992 President's Message
Bill Reeves
Marking the trend toward generally warmer winters, this year has been no exception. CBC's at Mingo and Taney County together netted over 100 wintering species of birds. Wetlands normally encrusted with ice and snow have remained at least partially open most of the winter season, producing some unexpected surprises. Mud flats at the Riverlands area in St. Charles County produced the phenomenal first-record Ross' Gull. Wintering Sandhill Cranes have remained on the ASM hotline from 3-4 separate locations throughout the winter season. Wintering Eared Grebes have been reported from at least three locations statewide, including a single bird in breeding plumage at Mingo NWR in January. Significant movements of geese through the greater St. Louis metropolitan area were detected by late January, considerably earlier than usual.
To the same extent that we anticipate an early transition toward spring weather, we should already set our sights on this year's spring meeting in the southwestern quadrant of the State. Late April usually means small trickles of warblers and vireos for the rest of the State, the woodland passerines should be present in relatively good numbers at this year's locale. Blue-winged, Parula, Yellow-throated and Prairie Warblers will already be establishing territories, and early-arriving Painted Buntings should be showing up by then. Permanent resident Pine Warblers, Black Vultures, and Greater Roadrunners will be lurking around, and prairie country may boast nesting Swainson's Hawk and Harrier. Holdover loons of any species remain possible at Table Rock Lake, even in late April.
The Bluebird 59(1): 5, Mar. 1992 Whether it be visions of "specialty" birds or simply the call of spring migration that lures us, the annual spring meeting is clearly one of the best opportunities for birders of all types to enjoy the pursuit ofbirdwatching. It was an ASM spring meeting some 12years ago which enticed this President (then a complete novice at birding) into banding together with other birders to form the East Ozarks Audubon Society. What followed was a succession of memberships in the National Audubon Society, Audubon Society of Missouri, and a host of other birding organizations. Rubbing elbows and jawing with top-notch birders and wildlife biologists leaves a lasting impression that fuels a lifelong enthusiasm for birding. Most of us can probably harken back to exciting and memorable experiences during past spring meetings which will likely remain forever etched in our men1ories.
Make your experiences a reality for someone else by inviting them to the best we have to offer at our spring meeting.
The Audubon Society of Missouri gratefully acknowledges receipt of a memorial made in memory of Jeremiah Lee Pulley (June 5, 1974 - December 30, 1991) by Patrice and George Shalda, Rosemary and Joseph Fisher and Krista and Michael Klein. The memorial is to be used to help fund the Missouri Audubon Camp for the Missouri teacher who is selected this year.
The Bluebird 59(1): 6, Mar. 1992 Mulberries - Concentration Sites for Rare Birds
Paul M. McKenzie U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 608 E. Cherry St. Columbia, MO 65201
While. birding in the Columbia area this past spring, I noticed numerous mulberry (Moros rubra) trees in fruit along Brush Creek. From past experiences in Louisiana, fruiting mulberry trees can be hot spots for vagrant birds, especially grosbeaks, buntings, tanagers, orioles, and other fruit-eating species. Fruiting mulberries in southwestern Louisiana in April and May have attracted such rarities as Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, and Hooded Oriole. Although mulberries in Missouri ripen later (mid May- mid June) than - those in Louisiana, they are still worth checking for rarities.
In addition to stream sides where I observed the species this spring, Steyermark (1963) listed the habitat for red mulberry as ... "rich woods, or open rocky places, either in lowland or upland, along roadsides, fields, and pastures." In addition to red mulberry, white mulberry (Morus alba) is common in Missouri, but not nearly as widely distributed as red mulberry [Steyermark (1963) indicated that red mulberry was probably in every county of the state]. Reporting on white mulberry, Steyermark (1963) stated, "Escaped from cultivation and commonly found in low wet ground along streams and stream banks, and along fence rows and pastures." Thus, because both red and white mulberry are common throughout Missouri and may occupy some of the same habitats, they provide excellent opportunities for state birders to look for unusual birds during spring migration.
Birders can locate mulberry trees by searching the above- mentioned habitats in April when the trees first leaf out. Once trees are located, they should be checked on a regular basis (preferably, at least once a day) as soon as the berries begin to ripen. The best time to check trees is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Although rarities can be found in fruiting mulberry trees at any time, they are especially worth checking immediately aft.er a bad spring storm when adverse weather conditions may force rarities to be momentarily grounded.
The Bluebird 59(1): 7, Mar. 1992 The following species could easily show up in fruiting mulberry trees in Missouri from mid-May through mid-June: Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire*, Varied Thrush*, Sage Thrasher*, Bohemian Waxwing*, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Painted Bunting (especially those that stray away from the southwestern corner of the state), Western Tanager, Hepatic Tanager (if Louisiana can get it, so can we!), Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Shiny Cowbird (they have to show up again somewhere in the state!), and Evening Grosbeak*. *Although these winter species are long shots and would not normally be expected at this season, crazier things have been known to happen during spring migration (e.g., Black-capped Vireo at Pt. Pelee, Ontario, this past spring- the bird expired, apparently from exhaustion and the specimen was preserved!), especially misplaced vagrants that might show up at good food concentrations!
In conclusion, because mulberries have been proven hot spots for rare vagrants during spring migration when the trees are in fruit, Missouri birders should check fruiting trees on a regular basis. The possibilities for rarities are endless!
Literature Cited:
Steyermark, J.A. 1963. Flora of Missouri. Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames, Iowa, 1725pp. (Pp. 1726-1728 (errata) added at second printing, 1968).
Paul McKenzie is an Endangered Species Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Columbia with M.S. and Ph.D degrees from Louisiana State University. An active birder for 19 years, he has contributed a great deal to Missouri birding since his arrival in the state in Sept. 1990.
The Bluebird 59(1): 8, Mar. 1992 Just Birding Around
JoAnn Garrett 1202 South Wind Dr. Raymore, MO 64083
January 4, 1992 started a "Gully" good year of birding for me and my friends, Nan Johnson, Jan Neale and Evelyn Johnson. Congratulations to Tim Barksdale for his 314 species of birds in Missouri for 1991 and "Thanks", Tim, for the Ross' Gull. What a way to observe a lifer! That beautiful little Siberian wanderer had an awe struck audience watching its every pigeon-like move. It preferred the far end of the mudflat where it dipped its small black bill into the shallow water and mud as it waddled along pigeon-like feeding . "In the air flying left" brought an Saw Whet Owl exhilarated stir to the crowd as the Ross' Gull took wing. It dropped down a few yards from the Ring-billed Gulls which had flushed it and proceeded to feed again but not before we had a good look at its wedge-shaped tail and a better look at the rosy blush on its breast. Across the road a Thayers' Gull, numerous Ring-billed and several Herring Gulls skimmed the water and floated around with about 300 Canvasbacks, all keeping a wary eye out for the adult and immature Bald Eagles perched in the tree line. An immature Peregrine Falcon seeming nnconcerned with all the activity was perched on the hacking tower to the right of the mud flat.
On the 5th, we followed directions from some local observers to Grafton, Illinois to see the Eurasian Tree Sparrow where we also had a Fish Crow. Persistence prevailed. We found the ETS, five of them, with house sparrows. For a closer observance and perhaps a photo I pulled into a driveway where we had good sightings of the ETS (no photo). As I backed up beside the house to tum around Jan said "look
The Bluebird 59(1): 9, Mar. 1992 at that yellow plastic-ribbon across the steps and across the entrance into that house". The ribbon was a police barrier stating to keep out under police investigation. We found out a policeman had allegedly shot his wife there the night before. We dusted out of there back across the river for one last look at the Ross' gull and headed back to Raymore.
January 9th Evelyn Johnson and I went to Perry Lake not far from Lawrence, KS to see the Saw Whet Owl. Mission accomplished! About 12 feet up in a pine tree the smallest of our eastern owls napped as we oohed and ahhed at how cute it was. It opened its big yellow eyes looked down at us and yawned--it really did! We also saw 10 adult and 8 immature Bald Eagles, 500+ Common and one Red-breasted Mersanser, 250 common and one male Barrows' Goldeneye. On January 15, I saw the male Varied Thrush not far from the Red Bridge Shopping Center in Kansas City. This handsome bird from the Northwest was feeding on juniper berries and drinking from a bird bath. This wayward bird was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Evans who said they called him "0l' Jude".
A trip to Table Rock Lake yielded the Yellow-billed Loon, a visitor from the northern hemisphere, bouncing up and down on the white-capped choppy lake as was a Common Loon and 12 Homed Grebes. Have you ever noticed the little Bufilehead ducks swimming about with uplifted stiff tales much like the Ruddy Ducks? We did. How neat it was to see the Black and Turkey Vultures circling overhead and to see the Yellow-romped Warblers flit about in the winter. An added bonus was seeing Pat Mahnkey. He clued us in on where to find the Britten Cemetery where the Black Vultures tear up the artificial flowers on the graves. Could be because they like bright objects in their nests. We also saw Cedar Waxwings and Robins bathing together in the same roadside puddle.
It is great to begin the birding year with such class birds but I wonder what has happened to the Pine Siskins and Purple Finches. Even our Goldfinches are down in numbers. Roadsides and refuges produce fewer of our usually abundant Harris', White-crowned and Tree Sparrows, also fewer Juncos. It will be interesting to see what the spring migration produces.
JoAnn Garrett, an avid birder, is past president of the Audubon* Society of Missouri and compiler of the North Center Cass County Christmas Bird Count.
The Bluebird 59(1): 10, Mar. 1992 Backyard Birding
Larry Rizzo 1909 S. Weller Springfield, MO 65804
It was a warm spring day. I had the door open and was reclined in a favorite chair watching the Royals on TV. (It was mid- May, so their pennant hopes were still alive ... ). Somehow, in between balls and strikes, my subconscious got through to me. It has been prodding the rest of my brain yelling, "Get up and grab your binoculars, stupid! There's an unknown warbler singing in your yard". That's how I saw my first Blackburnian Warbler several years back.
If that incident didn't open my eyes to the birding possibilities of urban backyard settings, the past year certainly has. Back in August, I saw a life bird -- a Canada Warbler -- in my backyard. Almost a month later, just ahead of a cold front that sent record cold_ temperatures (37 deg.F.) our way on September 18th and 19th, I looked out the window one morning to see an Ovenbird and a Mourning Warbler in the yard. During the past year I've seen . Tennessee Warblers, Swainson's Thrushes, Blue-grey Gnatcatcherd, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Magnolia Warbler and heard Whip-poor- wills and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling through the open bedroom window in the pre-dawn. I live in a totally urban setting, a few blocks east of St. John's hospital in Kansas City. I wish I could say that my yard was a mecca for birds because of all the ingenious landscaping rve done, but the truth is, my yard is pretty ordinary.
Of course, most of these birds were present only in migration. They get tired and land somewhere. Anywhere. Which means, if you're a birder, you'd better have binoculars within arms reach and have your eyes and ears open -- no matter where you are! A good example occurred on September 18 when someone brought in to the nature center an odd-looking bird they'd rescued from their lawn (a cat was about to make dinner of it). It was a Virginia Rail!
The lesson here, I guess, is that good birding spots are sometimes good because that's where birders are looking. Particularly true during migration, unusual birds can tum up darn near anywhere, and often quite literally, you need look no further than your own backyard.
In case you are wondering, yes, my address is in the book. But
The Bluebird 59(1): 11, Mar. 1992 if you're thinking about stopping by in the hopes of seeing an unusual bird, you're missing the point of this article! My backyard list is presently at 40 species and counting. But just to put "urban birding" in perspective, the next species I added after the Mourning Warbler was a dove -- a Rock Dove, that is.
(Reprinted from "Scissortales" in the Outdoor News of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, Nov.-Dec., 1991)
Larry Rizzo is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater* Ozarks Audubon Society.
The Bluebird 59(1): 12, Mar. 1992 The New World Checklists From A Birder's Viewpoint
Phoebe B. Snetsinger 420 Algonquin PI Webster Groves MO 63119
I've taken great pleasure this past year in using Sibley & Monroe's "Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World", as well as the new edition of Clement's world checklist. These two stellar publications have given world birders the best taxonomic framework we've ever had.
Sibley & Monroe is a magnificent compendium of information. It gives an informed opinion (right or wrong) on the taxonomic status of every species of bird in the world, with reasons and literature references as well as range descriptions, including those for major subspecies groups where relevant. It contains a very useful gazetteer with maps, and has the best ornithological index I've ever used. Of course there are some errors in the index as well as in the text, but given the size and scope of the work, it is probably as accurate as any human effort could be in a first edition. Monroe is actively seeking information on errors and suggestions for changes in taxonomy (with supporting details and references) or changes in English names (for referral to the appropriate IOC Committee), with the intent of publishing a '90-91 supplement during 1992. This update will, of course include new species described since publication of the book. Some of these are included in the new Clements.
Sibley & Monroe deals with 9672 species, a notable increase over most previous world lists. Clements splits an additional 41 and adds a few newly-described species, but lumps about the same number for a net gain of a mere handful of species. Sensibly, I think, Clements chooses to follow the AOU closely (except for including Asian Golden- Plover, Mountain Pygmy-Owl and Black-crested Titmouse). Monroe relegates Thayer's Gull to a subspecies of Iceland, splits all the Rosy- finches and brings in a few surprises like Timberline Sparrow and Lilian's Meadowlark, which the AOU may or may not accept. But, on the whole, Clements follows Sibley & Monroe hand-in-glove on a species level. The taxonomic arrangement of the families is considerably different in the two works, Clements having the more
The Bluebird 59(1): 13, Mar. 1992 conventional and familiar order. However, the sequence of species within each family is, with few exceptions (e.g., terns, cranes) the same in both.
The smaller size (and price!) and familiar format of Clements' checklist makes this the obvious choice for simple list-keeping purposes. But when you wonder, for example, what happened to the Montane Forest Screech-Owl (Otus hoyi) you saw in Argentina, or where Yungas Manakin came from, you'll need to go to Sibley and Monroe for the explanation. Users of Clements' previous editions will be pleased by this one, which includes Latin names for species as well as genera--an indispensable feature.
Birders will find the initially unfamiliar DNA-based taxonomic order in Sibley & Monroe to be no problem at all, because of the superb index. Any species can easily be located in moments. If you want the fascinating technological rationale behind all this DNA taxonomy, get the companion volume by Sibley & Ahlquist, "Phylogeny and Classification of Birds". There's lots of food for thought and future research here. It is in no way presented as the final answer to all avian taxonomy, but gives, with full historical perspective, the current DNA theory and methods as well as detailed results, and frankly admits to some surprises and areas where more work is needed for verification.
The endless questions of what should be lumped or split on a species level will of course never be decided to everyone's satisfaction, and some of the current treatments will certainly be changed in subsequent updates to both works. Clearly Clements disagrees with a few of Monroe's treatments, and other taxonomists, field guide authors and tour leaders will as well. Still, the two present lists are 99.9% in agreement and give us all, at long last, an up-to-date common standard to work from.
Clements changes almost no Latin names (with the exception of a few genera) from those in Sibley and Monroe. As might be expected, however, there is considerably less agreement on English names. Clements uses different English names in more than 300 cases. By and large, I intend to prefer Clements' choices for several reasons: He follows the new field guide to Madagascar, whereas Monroe (published before Langrand's guide was available) uses obscure and unfamiliar names for many Madagascar species; Clements usually uses geographic rather than descriptive names for highly localized (often island) species where location is the real key; he keeps a sense of history by preserving some proper names instead of changing to dull
The Bluebird 59(1): 14, Mar. 1992 descriptive terms; and generally he keeps names of long-standing usage that have a familiar ring. There is a definite North American bias to the names in both books (e.g. loons instead of divers), which will inevitably cause some consternation among the British and others.
Birders mostly speak in English names. The whole purpose of consistency is that we'll know what the other fellow is talking about when he says he saw a Pipipi in New Zealand. This name was a considerable surprise to me, as was the fact that both authors seem to agree on it! There is logic and consistency to many of Monroe's names, but they sometimes seem contrived and unfamiliar (e.g., Blacksmith Lapwing instead of Plover). To keep perspective remember that I'm quibbling about only 2-3% of the total. As controversial as they are, English names are probably the least important aspect of this whole fascinating business.
Altogether, I spent 3-4 totally absorbing weeks of effort in going first through Sibley & Monroe, entering lifer dates and color- coded designations for the zoogeographic areas where I've seen a given species, and rearranging my card file of nearly 7000 species to follow it. Subsequently, I went through Clements entering the same data and comparing it species by species with Sibley & Monroe. I now have a computer-less system that enables me to locate quickly (though the Sibley & Monroe index, if necessary) any card containing all sightings and any information I've ever recorded for a given species as well as a compact, convenient list record in Clements for handy reference.
My Clements total is 5 species less than my Sibley & Monroe total. Either one reflects a gain of about 140 species over my previous, rather conservative, list. Most birders will find substantial gains if they go through the lists with care and knowledge, unless they've already done an extraordinary amount of "hearsay" splitting. The whole effect has not only been tremendous fun, but it has been a rewarding review of all the birding I've ever done, as well as a great education in the new taxonomy. I've been looking for a source like Sibley and Monroe ever since I started international birding. I'm delighted it came along while I can still use it.
Reprinted from NATURE NOTES, Journal of the Webster Groves* Nature Study Society, Vol 64, No. 1, January, 1992.
The Bluebird 59(1): 15, Mar. 1992 The Copperhead
Aaron Barfield 2708 Cimarron Dr. Columbia, MO 65203
The copperhead snake is a reptile and it is also a poisonous American snake. It is a pit viper and pit vipers are known for their venom. Its body has light and dark chestnut red bands which gives it good camouflage with the leaves. It is usually about 2 1/2 to 4 feet long. The copperhead has no legs and is covered with dry scales. Under its scales, there is a skeleton with one long bone and the rest are small. It slides on its belly across the ground to get to where it wants to go. It can also swim in water. Copperheads can coil into a ball like the rattlesnake can. Its eyes are always open. Snake's eyesight is not clear. It has pits below its eyes. Its tongue is like a fork. Male and female copperheads look pretty much the same. There are about 2, 700 species of snakes. Most of the snakes live from 15 to 20 years, but some of them live for 30 years. There are more copperheads in Missouri than any other snake in Missouri. No one in Missouri _has ever died from a copperhead bite. The copperhead usually eats rodents and small mammals It kills its food with venom and swallows them whole. The venom comes out through two fangs in the front of the mouth. To digest food faster, snakes lay in the sun for awhile. Some large snakes can go for a year without food. Small snakes, like the copperhead, can go without food for 6 to 12 months. They can live without food for so long because they are cold-blooded animals. They don't move around a lot. Copperheads bear live babies. Pregnancy lasts two to three months. They have 2 to 7 babies in August or September. Then the babies are on their own because their Mom doesn't take care of them. Snakes are important because they help keep the balance of nature. And they eat pests like mice. People in Japan and China kill snakes for their meat and their skin for handbags and belts. Some people kill snakes because they are afraid of them. Some snakes are in danger of becoming extinct. Snake venom is used in making some medicine. Snakes are helpful and necessary and they shouldn't be killed.
Aaron Barfield is a 10 year old fourth grader at Millcreek Elementary School* in Columbia. He and his classmates are required to pick an animal, write a report and do a project on that animal. Aaron is just becoming computer literate and is learning to use the computer's spell-checker and thesaurus. (I wish we could all do as well Editor)
The Bluebird 59(1): 16, Mar. 1992 Site Guide: Roaring River State Park Legendary Birding Area
Vada Jenkins 349 W. Pine Monett, MO 65708
Roaring River can hardly be called a river, some say. And it hasn't roared for more than a hundred years because the stream was dammed to provide water power for neighborhood industry. Even so, twenty million gallons of water a day pouring from a hole in the ground is somewhat impressive.
Within the 20th century Roaring River Spring has been known as a tourist area, first as a private resort, then a state park. Many of the buildings were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Roaring River is one of the many tributaries of the White River. Flora and fauna can be considered to be those of the White River Basin of Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Plant communities are diverse. Though many were damaged or destroyed when the forests were improvidently logged around the turn of the century, a few were spared and are protected now.
We have no early birding records but from the variety of species found in recent years we can believe that birds have known about the region since before Time began. Even with throngs of Homo sapiens running about, the birds still stop to feed and rest during migration. Many species come to build nests and raise their young. Others spend the winter in this sheltered hollow that provides an ample food supply. The rapidly flowing stream doesn't freeze over.
If you see Roaring River State Park on a weekend from March through October, or anytime during the summer with wall-to wall campers and elbow-to -elbow fisherpersons along the stream, you might think that no bird in its right mind would stay in the area. But certainly they do. The maps may help you to discover them.
The Bluebird 59(1): 17, Mar. 1992 N T
ROARING RIVER STATE PARK (Nap courtesy o! the Nature Center)
Area #l: During spring migration, from April through May, warblers might be found anywhere in the park. One of the most productive places is the picnic shelter area just east of the motel and restaurant. Watch in the tall sycamores and other trees throughout the picnic area. One can find many species of warblers and several vireos as well as Northern and Orchard Orioles. You may hear both species of tanagers. Hundreds of American Goldfinches will be feasting on sycamore seeds and adding their twitterings to the chorus. Northern Rough-winged Swallows are commonly seen along this stretch of the river and up around the trout hatchery pools.
Area #2: The River Trail is a short mile and is parallel to the stream on the east side from the amphitheater to Hwy F. The trail is fairly level and provides easy walking. Louisiana Waterthrushes are known to nest in the area. You may see them bobbing along the path. Watch the trees for Northern Parula and other warblers. White-breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice and Carolina Chickadees are here and there. Hairy, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers are around. A Wood Thrush may be in the "draw" behind the amphitheater.
Area #3: Devil's Kitchen Trail is an interesting area during the nesting season. Entry and exit signs are located across from the lodge, and near the junction with Hwy 112. The trail is one and one-half miles in length and may be entered at
The Bluebird 59(1): 18, Mar. 1992 either end. There is a difference in To DEVILS KITCHEN TRAIL elevation of 325 feet Cassville from the start of the trail to the summit. It isn't straight up Hatchery but is rather steep on the north slope. Some find the south slope less strenuous. Ifyou start at the north entrance prepare to find Ovenbirds and Worm-eating Ridge Warblers. Both are top known to nest in the area. Near the summit expect a pair Pine Forest of Scarlet Tanagers. t Pine Warblers have \Cave \ been found in the \ , native Shortleaf Devil's Pines on the summit Kitchen and on the west slope. Yellow Warblers have been heard. Wild Turkeys are seen and Pileated Woodpeckers may call. A self- guiding brochure Missouri Department of Natural Resources Roaring River State Park that explains geologic differences along Devil's Kitchen Trail is available at the Nature Center. It's a good one. Ask for it.
Area #4: ''Warbler Woods" is a delightful place east of the Nature Center and past Camp Smokey. Take the "dead end" road to find it. You may park at the end of the road. Acadian Flycatchers are here. White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos arc usual. American Redstarts and Cerulean Warblers can be found. La. Waterthrushcs can be seen bobbing along the rocks at stream-side and can be heard singing from bushes and trees. Western Phoebes nest under the bluff. Belted Kingfishers may go rattling down the river. If you are dressed for tick season you may wish to walk the path on the north side of the stream one-half mile on east to the next stream access. The path is not maintained for hiking but may be traveled by those who like to explore. You may find Green-backed and Great Blue Herons, Yellow-crowned Night-herons, and Wood Ducks have been seen. During migration, spring or fall, you may identify a variety of warblers. Numerous Barn Swallows nest in the horse barn (the stable) on the north side ofHwy F.
The Bluebird 59(1): 19, Mar.1992 Area #5: White Cedar Glade. Take Hwy Feast past the large sign at the boundary ofRRSP. After crossing the bridge (Davis Hollow) the highway turns south. In a short distance you will see the Missouri Department of Conservation access area with a parking lot on the west side. The glade is on the east side of the highway. You '11 see State Park signs and National Forest markers. You may explore the area on foot. Notice the rare Ashe Juniper trees for which the glade was named. In and around the area you will hear Prairie Warblers. Field Sparrows, White- eyed Vireos, Yellow-breasted Chats and Blue Grosbeaks may also be heard. Indigo Buntings are abundant. In former times Bachman's Sparrows were known to be on this glade during nesting season. Eastern Red Cedars invaded the area causing a gradual but drastic change in habitat. The sparrows are no longer seen nor heard. Our last documentation was in 1956. Now the habitat is changing again (with some help) and it is hoped that Backman's Sparrows will return some year to White Cedar Glade. THE ROARING RIVER NEIGHBORHOOD
THE ROARING RIVER NEIGHBORHOOD
The Bluebird 59(1): 20, Mar. 1992 Old Roaring River Road (ORRR) is a county road through privately owned second- growth forest. Be forewarned that this old road may have washouts following a rain. Otherwise it usually is passable. The road is approximately five miles in length and it terminates through the north boundary of Roaring River State Park. To ORRR from Cassville: About three miles south of Cassville on H wy 112 you will come to the intersection of county road AA. Go on south a quarter of a mile and make a left tum (east) on to a gravel road. At first you may see Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, E. Kingbirds, E. Bluebirds, E. Meadowlarks, N. Cardinals, Brown Thrashers and Blue-grey Gnatcatchers. After you've traveled one and one-half miles to Baker Comer (map shows an arrow) make a right tum (east). Near this farmstead you may find E. Phoebes, E. Wood Pewees, Bewick's Wrens, Red-eyed Vireos and Summer Tanagers. As you get around the curve past the hay barn the road starts down ward. You could find White-eyed Vireos and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. On further there may be Yellow-throated Vireos, Scarlet Tanagers, Worm-eating, Black-and-white, and Blue- winged Warblers and a Yellow-breasted Chat. Carolina Wrens are heard. As you approach the bottom of the hollow there may be N. Parulas, Ovenbirds, Kentucky, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers, American Redstarts, La. W aterthrushes and Acadian Flycatchers. Some birders prefer to walk the road starting at the hatchery in RRSP and go up the trail as far as interest and energy allow.
Munsey Cemetery: From RRSP take Hwy Feast (toward Eagle Rock). Travel past White Cedar Glade. As Hwy F turns east a supplementary road branches off to the south. Munsey Cemetery is one-half mile down this road. You may wish to stop at the cemetery to listen for Yellow-throated Warblers. Look for Green-backed Herons and Yellow -crowned Night-herons along the stream. Little Blue Herons may be seen in Iate summer. Follow the gravel road and soon you will cross a low-water bridge over Roaring River. Go up the grade and make a sharp turn to the right, and go up the short hill. At the top the road turns south. You are in Painted Bunting territory anywhere in this broad valley. Following the road south a half-mile, you will then head east toward Eagle Rock. Watch and listen for Painted Buntings. They may be catching insects near the ground or singing from a utility wire. Listen for Blue Grosbeaks and Field Sparrows. A Loggerhead Shrike may be seen. During spring migration Empidonax flycatchers are found. You will cross Roaring River again on another low-water bridge and soon will find yourself at the Eagle Rock Baptist Church on Hwy 86.
Eagle Rock: If you have time to explore the Eagle Rock area make a left turn at the Baptist church on to Hwy 86 and go several yards north to make a right turn (east) toward ''Roaring River Village". Avoid the village and go on down to the lake shore of RR arm of Table Rock. You may find a Painted Bunting here as well as Orchard Orioles and Prothonotary Warblers. Listen for a Rufous-sided Towhee. Look for a Red- shouldered Hawk. As you return to Hwy 86 make a left turn (south) and very soon you'll see a lane on the left leading down under Roaring River bridge. There may be Cliff Swallows nesting under the bridge. Again, look for Prothonotary Warblers.
Scenic Drive: From the bridge over Roaring River on Hwy 86 it is six-tenths of' a mile south to the top of a hill. Make a right turn (west, at Eagle Rock RV Park) on to a gravel road. After a quarter of a mile you should see National .Forest road marker #197. You are now on Scenic Drive which follows a ridge top for eight miles to intersect with
The Bluebird 59(1): 21, Mar. 1992 Hwy 112 south ofRRSP. There are many places along the drive where you may stop to investigate the bird population. During migration warblers are abundant. In breeding season one may expect Ovenbirds and N. Parulas. Hooded Warblers have been seen and heard. Scarlet and Summer Tanagers are found. Red-eyed Vireos are numerous.
Butler Hollow: If you decide to do Butler Hollow there are three access points to consider. Butler Creek starts near Seligman and flows southeastward to Arkansas and Beaver Lake. The narrow gravel road parallels the creek. You may enter Butler Hollow at Seligman or you may enter from Arkansas. The trail that comes off Scenic Drive from the ridge goes more than a mile downhill into Butler Hollow. It has been extensively damaged by washouts and auto travel is no longer possible. However, you may explore on foot and you will find it to be a rich birding experience. Throughout the hollow there may be Yellow-breasted Chats, White-eyed Vireos, Kentucky and Worm-eating Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. Hooded Warblers have been found. Watch for Broad-winged and Cooper's Hawks. Scenic Drive, Butler Hollow and Wolfpen Gap are in Mark Twain National Forest. Maps are available at the Cassville Ranger Station located on the north side of Hwy 248 in Cassville, three-quarters of a mile east of the intersection of the five highways in mid-town. The office is open Monday through Friday. (It is well to stay out of the forests during turkey and deer firearms season).
Wolfpen Gap: Is one mile north of the intersection of H wys F and 86. As you travel from the intersection you will approach the gap rather suddenly as you round a curve. Be prepared to make a right turn. Drive up onto the rocky glade on the east side of the highway. Greater Roadrunners have been seen here. Broad-winged Hawks, Great Crested Flycatchers, Summer Tanagers, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Black-and-white Warblers and Indigo Buntings are here in the summer. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been seen during spring migration. Turn back to Hwy 86 and head north. You may pull into Forest Service lanes and listen for warblers, vireos, flycatchers and woodpeckers. You could see or hear Wild Turkeys and Ruffed Grouse. The lanes may be explored by auto or on foot. Be sure to have a map. Head on north to Hwy 76, turn left and after three miles you will be at Hwy 112 just south of Cassville. You can turn south on 112, go back to RRSP and head up the hill on 112 toward Seligman, and Washburn Prairie. About three miles south of RRSP you will be at the west end of Scenic Drive. If you wish to try &enic Drive from this direction, this is the place (there is a sign). Or, go on to Seligman where you can take Hwy 37 north to Washburn.
Washburn Prairie: Is an undefined area west ofRRSP, from Selingman and the town of Washburn north to Exeter, and east to Cassville. The prairie may be reached from Hwy 37 or by taking County road AA west from Hwy 112 just south of Cassville. On the prairie in summer one may find Grasshopper Sparrows, Dickcissels, Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Homed Larks, Lark Sparrows, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, E. Kingbirds, Loggerhead Shrikes and N. Mockingbirds. Bell's and Warbling Vireos and Bewick's Wrens may be found along brushy and tree-lined draws and fence rows. In winter look for Yellow-rumped Warblers along those draws. Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures may be found feeding on poultry carcasses that have been dumped (check one mile east of Washburn for the largest concentration). Short-eared Owls and Rough-legged Hawks have been seen. Red-tailed Hawks are in good supply. White-
The Bluebird 59(1): 22, Mar. 1992 crowned and Harris' Sparrows may be expected. Other wintering sparrows arc possibilities. When exploring Washburn Prairie I like to have a Barry County road map with me. There are numerous unmarked county roads and a map helps me to avoid unnecessary driving. (It keeps me from getting lost!). County maps arc available from the Missouri Highway Dept. In all seasons we wish you good birding. May you find more than a few pleasant surprises.
VadaJenkins is a retired nurse with a long standing interest in the birds of Roaring River State Park. She has lead field trips in RRSP for groups from Missouri and Arkansas.
The Bluebird 59(1): 23, Mar. 1992 Site Guide: Birding in the Joplin Area of SW Missouri
Linda Childers Rt 5, Box 312 Neosho, Mo 64850
Our southwestern location in Missouri provides sightings of occasional Greater Roadrunners, Western Kingbirds, Prairie Falcons, Swainson's Hawks, and Short-eared Owls. The tour described in this article may not guide you to a specialty, but it will help the visitor find access to birding areas. Usually omitted in the bird lists are the more common residents, but they are there too.
The tour can be made into an ali-day trip, with fast foods at Diamond and facilities (of sorts) at Tipton Access.
1
HWY "V" 2
JOPLIN AREA
The Bluebird 59(1): 24, Mar. 1992 Spring Meeting Audubon Society of Missouri Springfield, April 24-26 HOST: GREATER OZARKS AUDUBON SOCIETY Kay & Betty Johnson Co-Pres 417-887-5131
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How to find the Springfield Nature Center
From Springfield, taking Glenstone follow Glenstone south past Battlefield Mall and across M Hwy (James River Freeway). Do Not enter M Hwy. Follow Springfield Nature Center signsguiding you lefton the outer roadway (Glenstone Avenue). The outer road dead end. at the nature center entrance. From Springfield, taking M Highway (James River Freeway) Go east on freeway to Republic Road exit. Go righton Republic Road. Follow large, brown directional signs to the nature center. (same as above italicized directions.) From US-65 (either direction) Exit on US-60 West. Follow large, brown directional signs to the nature center. (Same as above italicized directions.) From east of Springfield on US-60 Exit at Republic Road. Follow signs. (Same as above italicized directions.)
Centerfold 1 AGENDA
Friday evening April 24: Dinner on your own. Evening meeting 7:00p.m. at the Springfield Nature Center. Program: ''Springfield's Back 40". Speaker, Dave Catlin, manager of the Nature Center. (see map)
Saturday April 25: Breakfast on your own.
Field Trips: All trips leave from the back parking lot of the Park Inn, 1772 S. Glenstone (Corner of Sunshine and Glen stone). 1. 8:00 a.m.-3:00p.m. Taney County & Bee Creek Areas. Leader, Pat Mahnkey. Bring sack lunch. 2. 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Aldrich area of Stockton Lake. Leader, Jeff Hayes. Bring sack lunch. 3. 8.00 a.m.-12 noon. Ritter Spring Park. Leader, Joy Goetscheius. 4. 8.00 a.m.-12 noon. Little Sac Woods. Leader, Dorothy Hagewood. 5. 8.00 a.m.-12 noon. Busiek Wildlife Area. Leaders, Nancy Barnum and Don Brink. - 6. 8.00 a.m.-12 noon. Fellows Lake. Leaders Bonnie and Charlie Noble. 7. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Wilson's Creek Battlefield. Leader, Dorothy Thurman. 8. 1:00 p.m.-4:00p.m. Springfield Nature Center. Leader, Jean Bos. 9. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. LaPetite Gemme Prairie. Leader, Susan Dornfield.
Lunch: We suggest you bring a cooler with your own lunch or on the half-day trips choose your favorite eating spot in Springfield.
Saturday evening: 6:00p.m. Dinner, business meeting and program at Park Inn. Cost of dinner is $13.50 including tax & gratuity. 7:00p.m. Program: Missouri Prairies, Tom Toney, Prairie Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation.
Sunday, April 26: Breakfast on your own.
Missouri Audubon Council Meeting: 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 at Springfield Nature Center.
Field trips: 8:00 a.m.-12:00. Springfield Nature Center-Leader, Betty Dyer. 8:00 a.m.-11:00. Ritter Spring Park. Leaders, Jan Horton and Nancy Van den brink.
Centerfold 2 7:30 a.m.-11:00. La Petite Gemme Prairie, Susan Dornfield. 8:00 a.m.-11:00. Fellows Lake. Leaders, Bonnie and Charlie Noble.
Lunch: 12:00 at Park Inn. Cost of lunch is $7.50 including tax & gratuity. Final meeting, wrap up, announcements and compilation of bird list.
Motels: YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN MOTEL RESERVATIONS!
We have booked a block of 25 rooms at the Park Inn. It is located at 1772 S. Glenstone at corner of Sunshine and Glen stone. The room rate is $45.00 plus tax per room w/1 king bed or 2 queen beds for up to 4 persons. For reservations call 1-800-749-7275. Please make your own reservations and be sure to tell them you are with the Audubon Society of Missouri. Other motels nearby: Mt Vernon Motor Lodge, 2006 S.Glenstone, ph 417-881-2833. Rooms are $38.00 plus tax 2 beds;- $36.00 plus tax 1 bed. Battlefield Inn Motel, 2114 S. Glenstone ph 417-883-1340. Rooms are $27.00 1 person, $32.00 2 persons. Camping: KOA Campground, Rt.7, Box 215 A, Springfield 417- 831-3645. Ozarks Highlands RV Park, 3731 S. Glenstone, Springfield 417-881-0066.
To assist us in planning, please check the meals you will want and forward this form with a check by April 10, 1992. All meal prices include tax and gratuity. Make checks payable to Greater Ozarks Audubon Society - ASM Meeting, and mail to Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, P.O. Box 3231 G.S., Springfield, MO 65808.
NAME ...... ADDRESS ......
Saturday banquet 6:00p.m.: Number Persons @ 13.50 each: ...... Total: $ ......
Sunday lunch: Number Persons@ $7.50 each: ...... Total:$......
We look forward to a fun-filled weekend. Springfield has a lot to offer. More details and info on the field trips will be available when you arrive. If you would like a "Visitor's Packet" on Springfield, call 800 678-8766.
Centerfold 3 New Book on Missouri Birds- Hot Off the Press/
If you haven't heard the news, Mark Robbins and Dr. Dave Easterla's long anticipated and anxiously awaited book, "Birds of Missouri- Their Distribution and Abundance," is out. Having purchased a copy and having recently finished reading the book from cover to cover, I am proud to announce, that in my estimation, this is by far the finest state bird book I have ever seen and it will set the standard for state bird books for some time to come! Because Dr.. William Elder will be doing a more in depth review of the book for the Bluebird in the near future, I will hold off any further comments except to say that it is well worth the price and every Missouri birder should be sure to purchase a copy for their library. Missouri birders should be aware that two different prices have been listed in two separate inserts in previous issues of the Bluebird. The earlier insert quoted a price of 53.95 (excluding tax) while the later listed a price of 59.95 (excluding tax). University of Missouri Press on LeMone Drive in Columbia, Missouri will honor the earlier quoted price if prospective buyers present in person or through the mail the flier with the quoted 53.95 cost. Perspective purchasers can also avoid the shipping and handling charges by buying the book from University of Missouri Press in person. Paul McKenzie Fish and Wildlife Service Columbia MO 65201
Centerfold 4 Area #1offers the unpredictable appearance of Short-eared Owls in winter, as well as Northern Harriers and Horned Larks. Migrating Savannah Sparrows are found in early April. Reach this area from the I-44 exit to 71A (Alternate) at Fidelity, east of Joplin. Go south on 71A about a mile to the first blacktop road going west. Go west a mile to the first crossroads, tum left and park along this road. The owls have been in the large field to the east.
Area #2 is the George Washington Carver National Monument, a park with a nature walk, museum, and picnic grounds. Take highway V west from 71A in Diamond about two miles. Signs will give directions there. A fee is charged for entrance to the excellent museum; the picnic grounds and 3/4-mile nature walk are Free. A bird list is available at the museum.
There is a supply of open water year round. In winter look for larks and sparrows in the fields and brushy areas south ofthe museum and northwest of the pond. Harris Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Common Snipe, and Rusty Blackbird are fairly common.
In spring, warblers and other migrants are usually seen along the wooded stream. They include Tennessee, Nashville, Yellow-romped, Black-and-white, and Yellow-throated. A little less frequent are Mourning Warbler, Blackburn ian, Chestnut- sided, Black-throated Green, Yellow, Blackpoll, Wilson's, and Redstart. Other migrants. include vireos, kinglets, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray-cheeked and Swainson's Thrush, Empidonax flycatchers and an occasional shorebird. Vesper and Savannah Sparrows go through from late March to mid-April.
Area_#3 is Diamond Grove Prairie. This is one of several regional prairies managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is a 560-acre expanse of grass bordered by brushy fence rows with a second-growth woodland in the southwest corner.
To reach it, continue west on V from Area #2 for two miles to the sign. Turn north and go 1.4 miles to the west parking lot. The prairie itself harbors relatively few species, as can be expected. Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissels, and Grasshopper Sparrows nest here. Hawks, crows, and vultures circle overhead. A Henslow's Sparrow has been seen on a yearly basis about 250 feet northeast of the parking lot. Prairie Chickens were last seen in 1986. In the fence rows can be found most of the common species of birds of this region, including Loggerhead Shrike. There is a north entrance which can be impassable in bad weather. Go north a mile, then east a mile, and then south on the lane. This is a great habitat for many species. You will be sure to see nesting Bell's Vireos in June and July.
If you are in the prairie early in the morning or late in the evening, it is very possible you will see deer and coyotes. The prairie is best known for its flora. The flowers start blooming in late March and will bloom through late September.
Area #4 is known as Tipton Ford Access to Shoal Creek, a good place to bird in spring and early summer. Reach this area by continuing west on "V" from the Carver Monument for six miles to the stop sign. There turn south and go about a mile to the access sign. As you follow the winding gravel road to the creek, watch for birds of the open, such as Killdeer, Meadowlarks, and Dickcissel.
The Bluebird 59(1): 25, Mar. 1992 The second week of May is usually good to great. Between 6:45 and 8:45A.M. in 1987, 30 species were seen and 14 more added later that day. Warblers were Black- and-white, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, N. Parula, Prothonotary, Yellow, Yellow-romped, C. Yellowthroat, and Redstart. There were White-eyed and Warbling Vireos. Rose- breasted Grosbeaks and Cedar Wax wings were there as well as the common birds such as Robin, Bluebird, Phoebe, etc. An early June search might produce up to fifty nesting species.
Fall and winter birding is much like that at Carver Monument.
Area #5 the Saginaw Cemetary. If time allows, a stop at Area #5, the Saginaw Cemetery, can be rewarding. From Area #4, return to the blacktop, turn left and continue on the old highway. This is the Highway 71 of Model T days. Red- shouldered Hawks have been seen between the "Y" turnoff and Saginaw. Spring cattle egrets have been found in the open fields on the south.
Just beyond the underpass is a round barn with Barn Swallows. Just past the barn are two spring-fed ponds and wet areas that should be checked in all seasons. You may pull off the road carefully. Herons, snipe, kingfisher, killdeer and some waterfowl are there in the winter. Little Blue Heron, Spotted and Solitary Sandpiper and sometimes Pectoral Sandpiper and Cattle Egrets move through in spring; Pied-billed Grebes, occasional Great Egrets, and Little Blue Herons linger in the fall.
Continue less than a mile to the fork in the highway. Take the right fork about a block and go under the underpass and then immediately right again up the hill to the cemete:ry. Warblers and vireos are here in late April.
Return to the underpass, turn north and go 1.1 mile to intersect with 71 in south Joplin.
Linda Childers is a retired state employee and, as she says, "a birder* since birth apparently as I can't think of a time when birds weren't foremost in my activities". Have You Contributed to The Bluebird Recently?
We need birding reports, articles, site guides and opinion on issues important to members of the Audubon Society of Missouri. Don't wait - send your material to the Editor today!
The Bluebird 59(1): 26, Mar. 1992 Book Review: My Tibet
by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet Photographs and Introduction by Galen Roswell
My first impression of this book was, "just another beautiful coffee- table book", but after reading the text and trying to absorb much of the haunting beauty of its wild country depicted by the perfection of Roswell's photographs, I realized that here is a book with a profound message for us all, all mankind, in fact.
In presenting the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, in 1989, the committee concluded, "The Dalai Lama has come forward with constructive and forward looking proposals for the solution of international conflicts, human rights issues, and global environmental problems". This was the first time that the prize mentioned a recipient's efforts in behalf of the environment. His acceptance speech included his "great reverence for all things living and the concept of universal responsibility for all mankind as well as nature".
Tibet's history of environmental thought and protection predated ours by a thousand years. All of Tibet was environmentally protected for 1300 years under Buddhist rule because respect for the natural world was instilled in every child at a young age.
But the vast herds of the Tibetan grasslands have been subject to destruction by the invading hoards of Chinese, and since 1950 have suffered the same mortality as have the Tibetan people (more than a million people killed by the superior number and fire power of Mao's troops). But, herds of antelope, blue sheep, gazelles and wild yaks still remain in the west and could repopulate the decimated areas if given protection.
The essays, so carefully and beautifully translated from the transcribed words of the Dalai Lama, continually express the non- violent philosophy of the Tibetan people and as he said, "No ruler with the traditions and training and religious grace of a Dalai Lama could possibly have become an unjust tyrant. So we are happy. Desire brings discontent; happiness springs from a peaceful mind." For many Tibetans, material life was hard but as the Dalai Lama says, "They
The Bluebird 59(1): 27, Mar. 1992 were not victims of desire and in simplicity among our mountains there was more peace of mind than there is in most cities of the world".
This was all shattered by invading Chinese armies killing, looting and wantonly destroying thousands of temples and monasteries. But with only 6 million Tibetans remaining and 1,000 million Chinese, they need help from outside to restore their Shangri La. The Dalai Llama does not propose violence but seeks world recognition for Tibet, its people, its culture and its environment in hopes that peace can be restored there and his further hope is to transform Tibet into the world's largest natural preserve.
The book has 130 pages of superb color photos of the people, the temples, the country, the wildlife -from pikas to Lammerguiers, yaks, snow leopards and pandas, all printed in Tokyo.
Mountain Light Press Book published by the University of California -Press, Berkeley, CA. 162 pp., 1990.
William H. Elder 2105 Rock Quarry Road Columbia, MO 65201
Hunter- DMW
The Bluebird 59(1): 28, Mar. 1992 Conservation Report
James P. Jackson Conservation Editor
UNWISE USE -- Conservationists have always touted the wise use of our natural resources. Today, however, that ideal has been turned on its head in the most deceptive way by a so-called "wise use movement" which is the latest sequel to the "sagebrush revolution" of the early 1980s. Financed by the logging, mining and oil drilling industries, by ATV-ORV users, and by western ranchers, its national leader is Charles Cushman, an avowed anti-environmentalist. The new movement's recently published book entitled "The Wise Use Agenda", includes the following on its wish list of goals:
Immediate drilling of petroleum resources on the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge; Opening all public lands including wilderness areas and national parks to mineral and energy production; Amending the Endangered Species Act to exclude all "non- adaptive species" such as the spotted owl and the California condor; Passage of the movement's own Global Warming Act to log off all remaining old growth forests in order to make way for new stands of"oxygen producing and carbon-dioxide absorbing trees"; Federal financing of new ATV and ORY trails on all the public lands including those designated as wilderness.
The so-called "wise use movement" gets its support from organizations with such deceptive titles as Alliance for America, People for the West, National Inholders Association, Center for Defense of Free Enterprise, and Mountain States Legal Foundation (James Watt's old organization). Beware of the entire bunch!
NEW PUBLIC LANDS-- By now we shonld all be aware that the Greer Spring controversy has finally been settled (with $500,000 in financial help from Leo Drey) and that the U.S. Forest Service is to acquire 6,500 acres from what was the Dennig estate. About one-third of this acreage is to become an integral part of the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River.
Additionally, there is to be a unique and larger land transfer
The Bluebird 59(1): 29, Mar. 1992 involving The Nature Conservancy and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Kerr-McGee Corporation has sold its 81,000 acres of Ozark forestland to TNC and it, in turn, will sell it to the MDC during the next five years. A memorandum of understanding between TNC and MDC stipulates that during 1992 TNC will determine which portions, if any it will choose to retain. Then, as remaining acreages are acquired by the MDC, they will be studied to determine their ecological features and potentials; this process will then be followed by the development of a comprehensive management plan. We should all hope that our Audubon Council and other private conservation entities will be brought into the final planning for major portions of those 81,000 acres .
STATE PARKS EXPANSIONS -- The 1991 Missouri Legislature fudged and failed to approve several important land purchases for the state parks. This should not have been; regardless of the State's financial shortfalls, it is to be noted that land acquisition money for such purposes comes from that half of the one-tenth of one percent soils and parks sales tax designated exclusively for state parks -- none at all from general revenue. The purchases requested for this year are:
2,150 acres for a new SP in McDonald Co - $1.200,000; 2,100 acres addition to Hawn SP- $1.050,000; 340 acres addition to Pershing SP- $435,000; 220 acres for new Historical Site, Clark CO. - $150,000.
NOTE: For other legislative priorities, please refer to the Missouri Audubon Council report elsewhere in this issue.
James P. Jackson IS Conservation Issues Editor for The Bluebird, a freelance writer and retired teacher.
The Bluebird 59(1): 30, Mar. 1992 Missouri Audubon Council Report
James P. Jackson
The winter meeting of the Council took place at MDC headquarters in Jefferson City on Saturday, February 1st. Though not all Audubon chapters could be represented, it was good to know that all ofthem have contributed their fair share to the minimal costs of its operation.
Bryan Forbis of DNR spoke about his departnent's current budget and legislative priorities. Anita Randolph reported on the Missouri Global Warming Commission report. Ed Keyser of MDC described the anticipated land transfer involving TNC and the MDC (this is covered in more detail in this issue's Conservation Report).
Forestry concerns were discussed by co-chairs of the Council's forestry comittee, namely Kazie Perkins and Sue Hagan. There is presently much effort by ATV-ORV advocates to have off-road trails expanded on Mark Twain NF; this is increasing, not letting up. Kazie reported that numerous charcoal mills in the Ozarks are locally polluting the air, possibly causing illness among the workers, and that nothing is being done about this.
Susan Hazelwood reported on wetlands, suggesting that this issue is currently in limbo due to on going controversy at the federal level regarding specific definitions of just what is meant by wetlands.
The focus of this report now turns to the Council's priorities for the 1992 session ofthe Missouri Legislature. They are outlined below, though not necessarily in order.
FOR: After two years of unsuccessful effort, pass a bill requiring all homeowners lacking municipal sewage connections to have adequate septic tanks and drainage fields constructed on their land. This has been opposed by various commercial home builders and there are several bills pending on this.
FOR: A new air pollution control law to put Missouri in compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act of 1991. SB 544 and HB 1107 are comparable bills addressing this matter.
The Bluebird 59(1): 31, Mar. 1992 FOR: A law specifying some sort of fee schedule to be charged to customers served by public water systems; the money would be used for necessary water testing which is now without adequate funding. SB 74 7 and HB 1393 are current proposals for this.
FOR: A record keeping requirement for the DNR described as the "Right to know about hazardous chemicals" bill, listed as SB 480.
AGAINST: a bill aimed at delaying the 1990 Solid Waste Management Act's requirement to ban any more yard wastes in the State's landfills after January 1, 1992.
AGAINST: a bill proposing a new Mozingo State Park in northwest Missouri; DNR opposes this on grounds that the area does not come up to State Parks standards.
AGAINST: A bill asking for the Department of Conservation to conduct a study on the feasibility of hunting in all of Missouri's State Parks; this bad proposal doesn't even merit comment.
In Memoriam
Robert M. Eastman (1918- 1992)
A widely known member of Audubon and the Nature Conservancy, Dr. Robert M. Eastman died in Columbia on February 4, following a rapid recurrence of cancer. He was 73. Bob was a facu1ty member of the University of Missouri College of Engineering, teaching industrial engineering from 1955 until his retirement. He was named Outstanding Teacher in 1974. He also maintained active involvement in a great number of civic, naturalist and personal interest organizations, often serving as an officer. His quiet advice was always thoughtful and practical. Bob and Kay Eastman initiated the formation of the Audubon chapter in Columbia in 1958 and have been dedicated leaders in the chapter ever since. We will miss his whole-hearted support for the conservation of nature and his calming wisdom in finding solutions to controversies.
The Bluebird 59(1): 32, Mar. 1992 Fourth Annu(zl Report of the Missouri Bird Records Committee
Mark Robbins, Secretary Acad.emy of Nat. Sciences 19th & The Parkway Logan Square Philladelphia PA 19103
This report summarizes records evaluated by the Committee between 29 September 1990 and 28 September 1991. The report is divided into three sections: First State Records; Accepted Records; and Unaccepted Records. The First State Record category includes records that were reviewed previously unde·r the Committee's old review process, i.e., a five person review. However, the Committee decided at its 1990 Annual Fall meeting to have all seven members evaluate each record. This protocol change precipitated the reevaluation of all first state records that had been received since the Committee's inception.
Birds are listed in phylogenetic order under each of the above categories. Taxonomy and nomenclature follow the A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds (1983) and subsequent supplements (35th through the 38th). For all Unaccepted Records observers names are omitted and a brief explanation is provided as to why the record was unaccepted. The Commiittee's record number follows the scientific name. When more than a single observer was involved in an observation, an asterisk (*) is used to denote which observers documented the record. All photographs are deposited in the Committee's files.
A total of 61 records were received during the above period, with 39 fully accepted, 3 accepted for only the Hypothetical List, 16 unaccepted and 18 still in review.
The Committee decided at their 1991 Annual Fall meeting not to automatically notify documentors upon receipt or finalization of their records. However, docurnentors who would like a status report on their records can write the Secretary. At the same meeting it was decided to eliminate "Rare" from the Committee's title.
Acknowledgments: The following people kindly provided outside review of various records :: Kenn Kaufman, Paul Lehman and Claudia Wilds.
The Blu.ebird 59(1): 33, Mar. 1992 FIRST STATE RECORDS
YELWW-BILLED LOON(Gavia adamsii); 1990-23; 1, 14 February 9 May 1990, Table Rock L., Taney/Stone cos.; C. Lundberg (*), D. Easterla (*), P. Snetsinger (*) et al. Accepted. See Lundberg, 1990, Western Ozark Birders Newsletter 5:11-12.
CLARK'S GREBE (Aechmophorus clarkii); 1988-29; 1, 27 November 1988- 10 January 1989, Smithville L., Clay Co.; R. Fisher(*), M. McHugh, L. Moore, D. Easterla (*) et al. Accepted.
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens); 1988-28; adult female, 28 September 1988, Longview Lake, Jackson Co.; C. Hobbs (*), R. Fisher (*), et al. Photographed by L. Werner. Accepted. See Fisher, 1989, Bluebird 56(3):79-81.
BLACK-BELUED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis); 1990-14; 18, 18 and 25 October 1989, west of Portage Des Sioux, St. Charles Co.; J. Schneithorst (*); H. and J. Belz (*). Accepted for Hypothetical List only, as description was too minimal for full acceptance.
GRA YPARTRIDGE (Perdix perdix); 1990-42; male, 18 June 1990, near Watson, Atchison Co.; David Easterla. Accepted only for the Hypothetical List because only a single observer was involved in the observation.
RUFOUS-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis); 1990-31; 1, nuptial plumage, 20 May 1990, Squaw Creek NWR, Holt Co.; D. Easterla. Accepted only for the Hypothetical List because only a single observer was involved in the observation.
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca); 1988-6; 1, mid-December- 6 February 1987-88, Mound City, Holt Co.; G. Rockwell, J.D. Wilson (*) et al. Photographed. Accepted.
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis); 1988-31; 1, 7 November 1988, Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau Co.; T. Lambert, J. Glubeck and J.D. Wilson(*). Specimen deposited at Southeast Missouri State Univ., Cape Girardeau. Accepted. See Wilson, 1989, Bluebird 56:82-84.
AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus); 1991-31; 1, 7-26 June 1991, above Cedar Groves, Current River, Shannon Co. Unaccepted. Details too brief for a first state record.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis); male, 11 November 1990, Katy Trail, along Missouri River, Boone Co. Unaccepted. The bird was only heard.
ACCEPTED RECORDS
RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata); 1990-57; adult, 21 October- 2 December 1990, Thomas Hill Res., Randolph Co.; P. McKenzie(*), T. Barksdale(*), C. Hobbs(*) et al. Tenth record.
RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata); 1990-58; 1, 11 November 1990, Thomas Hill
The Bluebird 59(1): 34, Mar. 1992 Res., Randolph Co.; C. Hobbs(*) et al. Eleventh record.
RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata); 1991-5; immature, 21 January -late February 1991, Table Rock L., Taney/Stone cos.; P. McKenzie (*), T. Barksdale (*) et al. First winter record.
PACIFIC LOON (Gavia pacifica); 1990-59; 1, 29 Nov-7 Dec 1990, Smithville L., Clay Co.; L. Moore (*), P. McKenzie (*) and T. Barksdale (*). Sixth record.
PACIFIC LOON (Gavia pacifica); 1991-7; 2 (adult and immature), 18 January - late February 1991, Table Rock L., Taney/Stone cos.; J. Day, P. McKenzie(*), T. Barksdale (*) et al. Second winter record and seventh overall record.
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis); 1991-16; 1, 10 February 1991, Stockton L., Cedar Co.; T. Barksdale. First documented winter record.
CLARK'S GREBE (Aechmophorus clarkii); 1991-2; 1, 18 November 1990 -early February 1991, Table Rock L., Taney Co.; P. McKenzie(*), T. Barksdale(*), B. Reeves (*) et al. Photographed. Second record.
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis); 1991-25; 1, 18 May - 25 Oct 1991, L. Wapappello, Butler Co.; S. & J. Brown et al. Photographed. Fourth record and first since 1950.
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK(Dendrocygna bicolor); 1990-49; 2, 30June -1 July 1990, near Steele, Pemiscot Co.; H. & N. Schanda and Bill Reeves (*). Sixth record.
SURF SCOTER (Melanitta perspicillata); 1991-15; immature or female, 19 January 1991, Thomas Hill Res., Randolph/Macon cos.; T. Barksdale(*). One of the very few winter records.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura); 1991-33; 1, 24 December 1990, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co.; P. & J. Voltz(*), B. Roberts(*), J. Rushin(*). The northernmost winter record.
OSPREY OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus); 1991-36; 1, 15 December 1990, Springfield L., Greene Co.; B. Noble (*), C. Noble. There are only about a dozen winter records. SANDHILL CRANE (Grus canadensis); 1990-56; ca. 100, 4 October 1990, Bonne Terre, St. Francois Co.; H. Ferris. A very large number for the eastern section of the state. BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus); 1990-51; 3 nests, June -July 1990, Stoddard Co; B. Jacobs(*), T. Eichholz et al. Photographed. See Jacobs, 1990, Bluebird 5& 1 ):7 -11. First nesting record. BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus); 1991-24; adult female, 17-18 May 1991, Squaw Creek NWR, Holt Co.; M. Robbins et al. Photographed. First record for the northwestern comer in sixteen years. The Bluebird 59(1): 35, Mar. 1992 BLACK-NECKEDSTILT(Himantopus mexicanus); 1991-27; 2, 30 June 1991, Riverlands Environ. Demonstration Area, St. Charles Co.; R. Widmer (*) et al. First record for St. Louis in 22 years. RUFF (Philomachus pugnax);1990-53; female, 13 May 1990, Schell-Osage WA, Vernon Co.; T. Barksdale(*), P. McKenzie(*) and R. Brundage. Tenth record. RED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicaria); 1990-60; 1, 9 October 1990, Maryville Sewage Lagoons, Nodaway Co.; D. Easterla. About the twelfth fall record. LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus); 1991-3; 2 adults, 12 February- 2 March 1991, Gravois Mills, Morgan Co.; A. Contreras(*), P. McKenzie(*) et al. Photographed. See Contreras, 1991, Bluebird 58(2):53-55. Fifth record. LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus); 1991-29; first-winter, 4 April1991, Riverlands Environ. Demonstration Area, St. Charles Co.; D. Anderson(*), J. Van Benthuysen. Sixth record. COMMON BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) 1991-4; adult, 12-27 February 1991, Gravois Mills, Morgan Co.; A. Contreras(*), P. McKenzie(*) et al. Photographed. See Contreras, 1991, Bluebird 58(2):53-55. Third record. CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus); 1991-17; adult, 10 February 1991, Stockton L., Cedar Co.; T. Barksdale. First winter record. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus); 1991-9; 2 (adult and subadult), 9 February 1991, Mel Price Dam, St. Charles Co.; P. McKenzie (*), T. Barksdale (*), R. Goetz. There are less than a half dozen records. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (Rissa tridactyla); 1991-21; adult, 7 April 1991, Schell- Osage WA, Vernon Co.; C. Hobbs(*), G. Griffith (*), T. Barksdale. Videotaped. First record of adult and third April record. FORSTER'S TERN (Sterna forsteri); 1991-10; 1 in basic plumage, 9 February 1991, Portage Des Sioux, Mississippi River, St. Charles Co.; P. McKenzie(*), T. Barksdale(*). First winter record. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus rufus); 1989-5; adult male, 25-29 November 1988, Springfield, Greene Co.; L. & J. Pyle. About the eighth record. PILEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus pileatus); 1991-14; 1, 18 February 1991, Squaw Creek NWR, Holt Co.; D. Mead(*), C. Fisher(*). Only the second record for Holt Co. in the last 30 years. ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsoletus); 1990-61; 1, 4 November - 2 December 1990, Maryville Waterplant, Nodaway Co.; D. Easterla. Photographed. Sixth record. HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon); 1990-38; 1, 16 December 1989, Blue Springs L., Jackson Co.; R. Fisher(*), C. Brobisky. One of the northernmost winter records. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides); 1991-42; male, 15 December 1990, Baine, Boone Co.; R. Brundage (*), G. Perrigo. Eighth record. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Vermivora celata); 1991-41; 1, 28 December 1990, The Bluebird 59(1): 36, Mar. 1992 L. Wapappello Dam, Butler Co.; H. Ferris. There are no more than a half dozen records for the winter. PINE WARBLER (Dend.roica pinus); 1991-19; 1, 16 December 1990, along highway 86, southern Bany Co.; P. Mahnkey. One of the very few winter records for southwestern Missouri.- DICKCISSEL (Spiza americana); 1991-20; female, 1-6 March 1991, Charleston, Mississippi Co.; N. & J. Halter(*) et al. Either a winter resident or a very early spring migrant. UNACCEPTED RECORDS RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena); 1990-55; 1, 22 September 1990, Swan L. NWR, Chariton Co. Details minimal and the white wing patches were not seen when the bird was in flight. OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus); 1991-34; 1, 16 December 1990, Knob Noster CBC. Minimal details; did not eliminate other raptors. FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis); 1989-29, 1, 9 & 11 May 1989, Squaw Creek NWR, Holt Co. Accompanying photos did not support identification. FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis); 1990-43; adult, 16 December 1989, Montrose . CBC. Minimal details that did not eliminate other buteos. FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis); 1990-46; immature, 30 December 1989, Big Oak Tree SP, Mississippi Co. Details did not convincingly eliminate other buteos. GYRFALCON (Falco rusticolus); 1990-44; 1, 16 December 1989, Montrose CBC. Almost no details. CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus); 1989-13; nuptial plumage adult, 8 May 1989, Smithville L., Clay Co. Details failed to eliminate other larids. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus); 1990-19; second-year bird, 4 March 1990, Schell-Osage WA, Vernon Co. Not all the field marks were seen by all the obsetvers. BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Columba fasciata); 1990-52; 2, late July 1990, Glasgow, Howard Co. Almost no detail to description. WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana); 1991-32; male, 4 May 1991, Thousand Hills SP, Adair Co. Minimal details. No mention of wingbars; possibly could have been a molting Summer or Scarlet tanager. VESPER SPARROW (Pooecetes gramineus); 1991-40; 1, 15 December 1990, Montrose CBC. Details too superficial to eliminate other sparrows. GRASSHOPPERSPARROW (Ammodramus savannarum); 1991-39; 1, 17 December 1990, Montrose CBC. Details did not convincingly eliminate other sparrows. The Bluebird 59(1): 37, Mar. 1992 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (Zonotrichia albicollis); 1990-54; 1, June 1990, Nodaway Co. Bird only heard. SMITH'S LONGSPUR (Calcarius pictus); 1990-45; 5, 16 December 1989, Trimble CBC. Details too sketchy to distinguish from other similar species. The following people constituted the Committee for the period covered by this report: Mark Robbins, Secretary David Easterla, Chairperson Robert Fisher Ron Goetz Jim D. Wilson William Reeves Brad Jacobs CORRIGENDA: The Committee number associated with the Aechmophorus record in the Unaccepted Section of the Committee's Third Annual Report (Bluebird 58[1]:37) should have been 1990-13, not 1989-37. New Birding Record: Tim Barksdale set a new Missouri state record by identifying 314 bird species in the state during 1991. Some highlights included all four species of loons on January 21, 1991, a burrowing owl in Columbia and one of the largest concentrations of horned grebe seen in this area in the winter. The last bird, and the one that put him over the top, was a first for Missouri - a Ross' Gull at Riverlands, near St. Louis on December 31. Congratulations Tim. TheBluebird 59(1): 38, Mar. 1992 Seasonal Survey: Fall Report 1 August-30 November 1991 Mark Robbins Seasonal Survey Editor Overall it was an exciting fall as a result of a number of very strong cold fronts that passed through the state between mid-September and November. These fronts concentrated record numbers of a few water- associated species at the larger reservoirs. August was hot and dry across the entire state. Rains that arrived in mid-September brought relief to the southern half of the state, but it remained quite dry in the north. Above average rainfall was received over much of the state in October, whereas precipitation was about normal during November. The following were rarity highlights: Red-throated and Pacific loons, Red-necked Grebes, a lingering Brown Pelican, Red Phalarope, Sabine's Gulls, Rock Wren and a Chestnut-collared . Longspur. An asterisk (*) denotes those records where a documentation has been received and is being reviewed by the Records Committee. Months are abbreviated. The county is given for each locality the initial time that it is mentioned. Please inform me of any errors or omissions. LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL-- A RED-THROATED LOON was discovered again at Thomas Hill Res., Randolph Co, on 5-6 Nov (PM,TB;*). There are now nine fall records for Missouri. The state's 6th & 7th fall sightings of PACIFIC LOON were obtained when one appeared at Riverlands Environ. Center (hereafter Riverlands), St. Charles Co, from 21-28 Nov (G. & T. Barker,DB et al.;*), and the other at Smithville L., Clay Co on 24 Nov (RF,M. McHugh). The following impressive numbers of COMMON LOON were reported: 31, 1 Nov, Smithville L. & L. Jacomo, Jackson Co (CH,TB); 38, 3 Nov, Thomas Hill Res. (PM,TB); 57, 5 Nov, Thomas Hill Res. & Long Branch L., Macon Co (PM,TB). 'What is presumed to be the same YELLOW-BILLED LOON, that was first found wintering in Jan 1990 at Table Rock L., Taney Co, reappeared by 22 Nov (J. Fitzgerald). It was still in nuptial plumage when first located! Two RED-NECKED GREBES were observed this fall: an adult, 5 Nov, Thomas Hill Res. (PM,TB;*); 1, 23-24 Nov, Riverlands (E. Larson,DB;*). These are the The Bluebird 59(1): 39, Mar. 1992 state's 6th and 7th fall records. The nine EARED GREBES at the Maryville Sewage Lagoons (hereafter SL), Nodaway Co on 2 Nov was high count (DE). Three WESTERN GREBES were encountered on each of the following dates: 5 Nov, Thomas Hill Res. & Long Branch L. (PM,TB;*); 4-24 Nov, Smithville L. (TB,RF et al.). High counts for AM. WHITE PELICAN were as follows: 450,21 Sep, Thomas Hill Res. (PM,TB); 500, 21 Sep, Montrose WA, Henry Co (SH); 300, 13 Oct, Swan L. NWR, Chariton Co (BG). The BROWN PELICAN, that first appeared in mid-May at L. Wappapello, Wayne Co, lingered until at least 25 Oct (fide PM). DOUBLE- CRESTED CORMORANTS continue to increase in numbers. Over 2,600 (1,100 at Smithville L., 1,200 at Browning L., 300+ elsewhere) were counted in the northwestern corner of the state on 5 Oct (MR,DE). Five hundred were noted at Swan L. NWR on 13 Oct (BG). A "large percentage~ of the birds seen in the St. Louis area were juveniles (fide DA). The 72 GREAT EGRETS at Swan L. NWR on 30 Aug was a good concentration for the northern section of the state (IA,JW). Thirty-one were at Browning L., Buchanan Co, on 5-6 Oct (m..ob.). Two lingered until6 Nov at Thomas Hill Res. (SH). Eight SNOWY EGRETS were at Aldrich, Polk Co on 10 Aug (BD). The last sighting at this locality was on 14 Sep (JH). Thirteen unidentified SWANS passed over Marais Temps Clair, St. Charles Co on 24 Nov (JZ). The three ROSS' GEESE observed near Annada, Pike Co on 3 Nov provided only the 3rd fall record for eastern MO (PM,TB). Fifteen CANADA GEESE of the race occidentalis were heard at Bradford Farm, Boone Co on 20 Oct (PM,TB). A . thousand GADWALL were at the Maryville SL on 25 Oct (DE). On 3 Nov, in "east-central MO", 463 CANVASBACKS and 105 REDHEADS were counted (PM,TB). Three hundred REDHEADS were at Smithville L. on 1 Nov (TB). Large concentrations of RING-NECKED DUCKS were noted on 1 Nov at the following sites: 1,000, Smithville L. (TB); 900, Maryville SL (DE). Small numbers of GREATER SCAUP were picked out of LESSER SCAUP flocks during Nov at several localities. The largest number was the twelve at the Maryville SL on 30 Oct (DE). High counts for LESSER SCAUP were: 2,000, 25 Oct, Maryville SL (DE); 3,000, 30 Oct, Smithville L. (LM); 1,000, 26 Nov, Thomas Hill Res. (BG). About 2,175 SCAUP sp. were on lakes in "east-central MO" on 3 Nov (PM,TB). There were two OLDSQUAW sightings: immature female, 25-26 Oct, Maryville SL (DE); 1, 2 Nov, Mel Price Dam, St. Charles Co (DBj. Four WHITE- WINGED SCOTERS were found in western MO between 30 Oct and the end of Nov. Ten C. GOLDENEYE had arrived by 31 Oct at Table Rock Dam, Taney Co (JH). At Smithville L. on 4 Dec, a stunning hybrid between a C. GOLDENEYE and HOODED MERGANSER was carefully scrutinized (CH). This is at least the 3rd record of this hybrid combination in the state. The 381 BUFFLEHEADS recorded on 3 Nov in "east- central MO" represent a single day high count (PM,TB). About 250 were at Thomas Hill on 6 Nov (SH). High count for HOODED MERGANSER was the ca. 600 at Thomas Hill on 6 Nov (SH). On 5 Nov, at Thomas Hill & Long Branch L., the following merganser numbers were recorded: 65 HOODED; 116 COMMON; 250 RED- BREASTED. RUDDY DUCK high counts were: 250, 25 Oct, Maryville SL VULTURES THROUGH TERNS-- The Bluebird 59(1): 40, Mar. 1992 The BLACK VULTURE seen along the Niangua River, east of Buffalo, Dallas Co on 17 Oct was unexpected (JH). Eighty-two TURKEY VULTURES were concentrated at Aldrich on 10 Aug (BD). OSPREYS were reported in good numbers, with a high count of seven during one Sep day at Busch WA, St. Charles Co (fide DA). A solitary MISSISSIPPI KITE was observed in St. Clair Co on 31 Aug (JH,JS), and three were seen flying over St. Louis on 2 Sep (V. Liddell). The earliest, non-summering BALD EAGLE sighting was of a bird along the Mississippi River north of St. Louis on 18 Sep (E. Stegner). An adult N. GOSHAWK was seen on 2 Nov at Tower Grove Park, St. Louis Co (JZ). A total of 123 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were counted during a three hour hawk watch at Rock Bridge SP, Boone Co, on 19 Sep (PM,TB). A new single day high count for SWAINSON'S HAWKS was established when 284 (267 in one flock) were seen on 1 Oct in the Missouri River valley of Holt and Atchison cos (MR). The flock spent the night and left the following morning. The earliest ''HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK was detected in "SW MO" on 21 Oct (PM,TB). The only GOLDEN EAGLE report was of a bird at Schell-Osage WA on 23 Nov (BD). On 9 Nov, 24 AM. KESTRELS were found in Lawrence Co (C. Johnson). Eight MERLINS were reported. The most noteworthy of seven PEREGRINE reports was the bird seen flying along the Missouri River bluffs near Rhineland, Montgomery Co on 3 Aug (J. Jackson). There were two PRAIRIE FALCON reports: 21 Oct, near Liberal, Barton Co (PM,TB); 27 Oct, St. Clair Co (SH). GRAY PARTRIDGES continue to increase across the northern quarter of the state. A flock of 70 were seen just north of Edina, Knox Co on 15 Nov (AD). Dowling relates that this species is now common in southern Knox Co. The GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN observed flying across the road just NW of Maryville on 17 Aug was quite unexpected (DE). An immature VIRGINIA RAIL was found at Tower Grove Park on 3 Nov (JZ). AM. COOT high counts were: 3,200, 25 Oct, Smithville L. (CH); 2,725, 3 Nov, "east-central MO" (PM,TB). Two extremely early SANDHILL CRANES appeared at Grand Pass WA, Saline Co on 6 Sep (M. McClure et al.;*). Both were still present at the end of Oct. A single bird was seen west of Big L. SP, Holt Co on 8 Nov (B. Sipes). With the exception of the Aldrich arm of Stockton L., there was very little shorebird habitat during the period. There were a total of four BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER reports, with the fifteen at Aldrich on 25 Aug the most noteworthy (JH). High count for SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was the 30 at Aldrich on 31 Aug (JH,JS). The season's only sighting of PIPING PLOVER was the single at Schell-Osage WA on 4 Aug (RF). KILLDEER peaked at Aldrich on 25 Aug, when 285 were counted (JH). Besides several sightings of single birds there were the following AM. AVOCET reports: 12, 6 Sep, Schell-Osage WA (TB); 17, 3 Oct, Maryville SL (MR); 6, 25 Oct, Maryville SL (DE); 3, 2 Nov, Montrose WA (J. Winters). Thirteen SOLITARY SANDPIPERS were at Aldrich on 18 Aug (JH). Two late UPLAND SANDPIPERS were recorded: 1, 27 Sep, Rosecrans Airport, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co (MR); 1, 12 Oct, King City, Gentry Co (JHI). The latter observation represents the state's first Oct record--there is one Nov sighting. Two SANDERLINGS appeared at Aldrich on 10 Aug (JH), and six were there during the last week of Aug (JH). The nine WESTERN SANDPIPERS at Aldrich on 31 Aug were high count for the season (JH). WHITE-RUMPEDS were seen in small numbers (high of 27) at Aldrich during the last two weeks of Aug (JH). Ten BAIRD'S The Bluebird 59(1): 41, Mar. 1992 were at Aldrich from 25-31 Aug (JH). A juvenile RED PHALAROPE was photographed at the Maryville SL on 22 Sep (TB,DE,PM,CH,JHI;*)--this is the state's 12th fall record and the 3rd for this locality. DUNLIN were recorded at Aldrich from 18 Aug (1 bird) until 11 Nov (5 birds;JH). Peak at that site was the 62 seen on 20 Oct (JH). Most observations from other areas of the state were during the last half of Oct and early Nov. The six STILT SANDPIPERS at Schell-Osage WA on 21 Oct were tardy (PM,TB). Three BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were at Swan L. NWR on 30 Aug (IA,JW), and five were at Aldrich the following day (JS). Late sightings included two immatures at Rosecrans Airport on 1 Oct (MR), with two other immatures there on 4-5 Oct (m.ob.). There was a PARASITIC JAEGER report at Mel Price Dam on 2 Nov (DB et al.). An adult LAUGHING GULL was at the dam on 2-3 Nov (J. Cook,PM,TB). Bill Goodge's comment, ''More common than I have seen in 25 years in central MO", on the status of the FR.ANKLIN'S GULL echoed the feelings of several observers. A mind- boggling 30,000+ dropped into Smithville L. during the mid-afternoon of 4 Oct (PM,CH,TB,MR). Ten thousand of these birds were still present the following morning. Other high counts included: 800, 13 Oct, Thomas Hill Res. (BG); 700+, 13 Oct, Montrose WA (TB); 1,800, 27 Oct, Smithville (TB). About 150 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were mixed in with the 4 Oct Franklin's Gull concentration. A conservative estimate of 10,000+ BONAPARTE'S were at Thomas Hill Res. on 3 Nov (PM,TB)--this is an impressive number for anywhere in North America, let alone in the interior of the continent! Four hundred were noted at Thomas Hill on 30 Nov (BG). Nearly 10,000 RING-BILLED GULLS were concentrated at lakes in "east- central MO" on 3 Nov (PM,TB). The state's earliest fall record for BLACK-LEGGED Kll'IIWAKE was established when a 1st-year bird was observed sitting on the beach at L. Contrary, Buchanan Co on 12 Oct (K. Jackson). Another 1st-year bird was seen passing over the Maryville SL on 16 Nov (CH,TB,SC). A strong cold front dropped three immature SABINE'S GULLS onto the Maryville SL on 21 Sep (DE;photos;*). Another immature was with the Franklin's Gull horde at Smithville L. on 4-5 Oct (CH,PM, TB,MR,DE;photos;*). These represent the 7th and 8th records for the state. All records have been in the fall, and every aged bird has been an immature. High count for CASPIAN TERN was the 45 at Thomas Hill Res. on 21 Sep (PM,TB). The following two COMMON TERN observations represent the latest ever for the state: 1, 13 Oct, Busch WA (JZ,S. Sutton); 1, 30 Oct-1 Nov, Smithville L. (CH,TB,LM). An immature LEAST TEBN was seen at Montrose WA on 14 Aug (TB). Sixty-two BLACK TERNS were at Aldrich on 18 Aug (JH). CUCKOOS THROUGH VIREOS-- The only GREATER ROADRUNNER report was from Greene Co on 12 Aug (RK & PK). The first migrant SHORT-EARED OWL was found at Bradford Farm on 20 Oct (PM). A roadkill N. SAW-WHET OWL was found in the St. Louis area on 25 Nov (B. Rudden, fide DA). High counts of C. NIGHTHAWK were: 200+, 28 Aug & 250+, 26 Sep, Tower Grove Park (JZ); 400, 2 Oct, Columbia, Boone Co (SH). Two very late individuals were observed on the following dates: 19 Nov, Tower Grove (JZ,BW); 27 Nov, Greene Co (B. Noble). Insects attracted to bright lights lured in two WHIP-POOR-WILL'S on 27 Sep in St. Louis (DA). Encouraging numbers of RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were observed in Aug: 45+, 9 Aug, near Horton, Vernon Co (CH,G. Pittman); over 200 The Bluebird 59(1): 42, Mar. 1992 attended feeders in Schell City, Vernon Co on 24 Aug (PM,TB). Six YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were observed at Tower Grove Park on 2 Oct (JZ). A "RED-SHAFTED" FUCKER was seen in Vernon Co on 4 Nov (R. Thorn). High count for OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was the four at Schell-Osage WA on 31 Aug (JH,JS). The following migrant flycatchers were noted in "SW MO" on 24 Aug: 25 EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES; 4 ALDERS; 19 SCISSOR-TAILEDS (PM,TB). There were no less than three Nov sightings of single SCISSOR-TAILS: 9 Nov, Greene Co CRK & PK); 17 Nov, Greene Co (JH); 21 Nov, NW corner of Dallas Co (JH). Single YELLOW -BELLJED FLYCATCHERS were reported on the following dates: 18 Aug, Tower Grove Park (JZ); 31 Aug, St. Clair Co (JH,JS). An immature ACADIAN FLYCATCHER was observed in Dallas Co on 16 Sep (JH) . The two "NORTHERN'' HORNED LARKS (nominate race) at Rosecrans Airport, St. Joseph on 27 Sep were very early (MR). On 6 Oct, three PURPLE MARTINS were still lingering in Dallas Co (JH). The following swallow numbers were recorded at Thomas Hill Res. on 21 Sep by PM,TB: 6,000 TREE; 1,000 N. ROUGH- WINGED; 500 BANK; 2,000 BARN; 500 CLIFF. There was a major BLUE JAY movement in at least the NW corner of the state on 30 Sep; over 400 were seen between 7 a.m. and mid-morning (MR). RED- BREASTED NUTHATCHES were first detected on the early date of 12 Sep at Tower Grove Park (JZ,E. Baressi), however, only small numbers were encountered during the remainder of the period. A ROCK WREN, the state's 7th, was initially found and photographed at Stockton Dam, Cedar Co on 14 Oct (TB;photos;*). It remained until at least 27 Oct (SH). CAROLINA WRENS had another successful breeding season and are currently found in relatively high numbers throughout the state. Three BEWICK'S WRENS were observed in Dallas Co on 16 Sep (JH). An early WINTER WREN was detected on 18 Sep at Tower Grove Park (JZ). Singing SEDGE WRENS were noted at a number of localities in the northern and western sections of the state during Aug. A late BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was found in Dallas Co on 5 Oct (JH). This is the 1st Oct observation for the state. State high counts of HERMIT THRUSH were recorded by JZ at Tower Grove Park:25+,6 Oct; 30+, 26 Oct. Twenty-five BROWN THRASHERS were observed at Tower Grove on 17 Sep (JZ). The largest flock of AMERICAN PIPITS was the 105 at Aldrich on 20 Oct (JH). An unprecedented 14 SPRAGUE'S PIPITS were found in short grass fields at Rosecrans Airport on 27 Sep (MR). At least 19 were there on 1 October (MR). It appears that there will be a major influx of NORTHERN SHRIKES into the state this winter, as two were found on the early date of 16 Nov: immature, Smithville L. (RF;D. Kassebaum;*); adult, extreme western Nodaway Co (CH,TB,SC;*) . In "SW MO" on 24 Aug, twelve BELL'S VIREOS were still singing (PM,TB). Eight, most in song, SOUTARY VIREOS were recorded at Brickyard Hill WA on 30 Sep & 2 Oct (MR). A late SOLITARY was present at Tower Grove on 2-3 Nov (JZ). WARBLERS THROUGH WEAVER FINCHES-- Two late TENNESSEE WARBLERS were found at Tower Grove on 30 Oct (JZ). A very early ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was found at Schell-Osage on 31 Aug (JH,JS). Twenty-five ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were found at Tower The Bluebird 59(1): 43. Mar. 1992 Grove following the passage of a cold front on 26 Oct (JZ,BW). An early NASHVILLE was seen in the extreme northwestern comer of Jasper Co on 24 Aug (PM, TB). A cold front on 4 Sep resulted in the following outstanding numbers at Tower Grove: 30 CHESTNUT-SIDED, 60 MAGNOLIA; 20 BAY-BREASTED; 25 BLACK- AND-WHITE WARBLERS (JZ)!The CHESTNUT-SIDED at Tower Grove-on 14 Aug was quite early (JZ). A female BLACK-THROATED BLUE was located at Tower Grove on 8 Sep (B. Kleiger). Eight BLACK-THROATED GREENS were seen at Busch WA on 29 Sep (JB,BR, TP). A late individual was at Tower Grove from 2-4 Nov (JZ,BW). An extraordinarily late YELLOW -THROATED WARBLER lingered at Tower Grove from 29-31 Oct (JZ,BW), and two PINE WARBLERS were there on 4 Nov (JZ,BW). A "YELLOW' PALM WARBLER was found at Thomas Hill Res. on 21 Sep (PM,TB). The AM. REDSTART at Tower Grove on 12 Oct was somewhat late. Small numbers (maximum of 2/day) of MOURNING WARBLER were seen from 20 Aug (JZ) to the late date of 10 Oct (m.ob.) at Tower Grove. Three MOURNINGS were at Aldrich on 14 Sep (JH). The single CANADA WARBLER found at Tower Grove on 15 Aug (JZ), and Columbia on 16 Aug (B. Noble) established new early fall arrival dates for the state. A late, immature male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visited a feeder near Moberly, Randolph Co from 27 Nov through 3 Dec (S. & D. Vasse;photos;*). Four ''SPOTTED'' RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEES were at Brickyard Hill WA, Atchison Co on 30 Sep (MR), and one was seen at Tower Grove on 20 Oct (JZ). CHIPPING SPARROW high counts were: 80,21 Oct, Truman Dam, Benton Co (PM,TB); 50+, 26 Oct, Dallas Co (JH). One bird was still at St. Joseph on 19 Nov (CH,TB). One to two CLAY- COLORED SPARROWS were reported from several localities--the most noteworthy observation was the two at Tower Grove on 10 Oct (JZ,JB). An amazing 515 SAVANNAH and 82 LECONTE'S SPARROWS were concentrated at Bradford Farm on 20 Oct (PM,TB)!Needless to say, both of these counts represent single day high totals. The three SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS in the Montrose/Schell-Osage area on 13 Oct was high count this fall (TB). On 11 Nov, 125 SONG SPARROWS were at Aldrich (JH). Over 500 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 250 DARK-EYED JUNCOS were estimated at Tower Grove on 10 Oct (JZ). The earliest WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW report was of the bird seen on 29 Sep in the St. Louisarea (JB,BR,TP), and high count was the 72 at Aldrich on 20 Oct (JH). Two HARRIS' SPARROWS were found at Busch WA on l0 Oct (BW). The snow associated with the cold front on 1 Nov concentrated LAPLAND LONGSPURS along roadsides in at least the northwestern corner of the state. A group of 500+ was seen on that date near Bolckow, Andrew Co (JHl). Several "very large flocks" were noted on 4 Nov in the St. Joseph area, but none could be found the following day (fide L. Galloway). SMITH'S LONGSPURS were seen in small numbers (high count of 6 birds) at a few localities during Nov. A male CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR was discovered in St. Charles Co on 16 Nov (JB;*)--this is only the 2nd fall record for the state. There were only three SNOW BUNTING reports. By far the most significant observation was the twelve birds at Aldrich on 11 Nov (JH). Two male GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES were found near West Alton, St. Charles Co on 15-22 Nov (DA,JB et al.;*). This is the 3rd St. Charles Co record. A flock of a 1,000 BROWN-HEADED COWBffiDS was encountered near Big L. SP on 5 Oct (DE,MR). Flocks of a hundred HOUSE FINCHES now appear to be of regular occurrence: 100+, late Oct, Buffalo, Dallas Co (JH); 100, 19 Nov, Independence, Jackson The Bluebird 59(1): 44, Mar. 1992 Co (RF). A few RED CROSSBILLS were found at scattered localities at the end of the period. The southernmost was the single male in west-central Dallas Co on 15 Nov (JH). An adult male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL visited a feeder in Edina, Knox Co from 10-12 Nov (AD;*). There was a small movement of COMMON REDPOLLS into the state in early Nov: 1, 2 Nov, Columbia (L. Eason); 2, 10 Nov, Columbia (B. Jacobs). The former sighting is the earliest for the state. PINE SISKINS were encountered in small numbers during Oct and Nov. Two enormous flocks of AM. GOLDFINCH were observed: 700+, 3 Nov, near McBaine, Boone Co (SH); 500+ 16 Nov, Smithville L. (RF). Only a single EVENING GROSBEAK was reported: 17 Nov, Greene Co (E. Eastland). A depressing concentration of 5,000+ HOUSE SPARROWS was observed in "SW MO" on 24 Aug (PM,TB). Sixty EURASIAN TREE SPARROWS were near Mel Price Dam on 3 Nov (PM,TB). Observers cited more than once in text: DA-Dick Anderson; IA-Ike Adams; DB-David Becher; JB..Jack Van Benthuysen; TB-Tim Barksdale; SC-Steve Crawford; AD-Anne Dowling; BD-Betty Dyer; DE-David Easterla; RF-Robert Fisher; BG-Bill Goodge; CH-Chris Hobbs; JH..JeffHayes; JHI..Jack Hilsabeck; SH-Susan Hazelwood; PK-Phillip Krummrich; RK-Rene Krummrich; LM- LloydMoore; TP-TomParmeter; BR-Bill Rowe; MR-Mark Robbins;JS..JerrySowers; BW- Bruce Wetteroth; JW..Jim Wallace; JZ-Jim Ziebol. ADDENDUM: The following significant records were either received after the Spring Report (Bluebird 58:121-127) was published or were inadvertently left out. A single PIPING PLOVER was at Riverlands on 6-7 May (M. Anderson, M. Hall). Unprecedented numbers of WILLETS were seen at Marais Temps Clair, St. Charles Co: 231 May (C. Alwood);33, 4 May (J. Cook). Apparently these totals represent different groups as none were observed there on 3 May (C. Alwood, fide DA). Both totals represent spring high counts for eastern Missouri. A LAUGHING GULL in transition from second-winter to nuptial plumage was studied at Smithville L. on 5 May (CH,TB;*). An adult appeared at Riverlands on 12 May (B. Kleiger). The spring's earliest PURPLE MARTIN report was the male seen at Fayette, Howard Co on 2 March (C. Royall). CORRIGENDA: A few readers were undoubtedly perplexed by the "Blue-throated Warbler" on 4 May at Roaring River SP (Bluebird 58: 126)--the bird is more widely known as the BLACK-THROATED BLUE! In the Summer Report (Bluebird 58:167), the 2,000 swallows at Riverlands on 20 Jul were BANK not BARN (fide DA). The Bluebird 59(1): 45, Mar. 1992 Opinion: Where Do The Members Fit In? I would like to give some views on the role that Audubon Society members play within the organization. But instead of getting into the current debate on the directions of National Audubon, I want to look at the local scene. The National Audubon Society is a grassroots organization. That means it is built from the ground up. Those grassroots are you! You keep the chapter going an4 the chapters keep national going. How can you keep the chapter moving? First, ask yourself "why am I interested in Audubon':? Then choose an activity. Each chapter has many committees which could use help in achieving their goals. The most important committees are typically: Education, Conservation, Field Trips, Newsletter, and Publicity. For example, the Conservation committee could use people to: maintain or develop a phone tree, watch specific issues and develop position statements. The Education committee can use people to help reach out to various audiences, the Newsletter committee could use people to help write and put together the newsletter, etc. For a full list of committees and chairs contact your chapter's president. If your interested in getting your hands dirty, many chapters own places that need help. With a lot of help they could become big resources to the society and the community. Museums, nature centers, and similar places are looking for help to run them and are always looking for suggestions and help in improving it. Many chapters also hold land. It takes a lot of time and effort to maintain these lands. You can help work toward maintaining and improving them for wildlife. Lastly, be active by coming to meetings and going on field trips. Meetings can be a place to learn new things on various subjects, meet people and share ideas. Field trips offer a way to get out to the outdoors and enjoy nature. To appreciate nature we must see, hear, smell and feel it first. As you can tell, Audubon has a wide range of activities to choose from. Your chapter very much needs your help in all areas. If you want more information on how best to fit into your organization, or have suggestions for the chapter, call your chapter's president. Remember, without you there would be no Audubon Society. John Stampe 310 S. Garth Ave. Columbia, Mo 65203 The Bluebird 59(1): 46, Mar. 1992 Editor's Notes: (From: Nature Notes- Webster Groves Nature Study Soc. -Dec. '91) * As part of a plan to construct a major roadway connecting St. Charles County and St. Louis County, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department plans to route a ten-lane highway through the middle of Creve Coeur Park. The park is located in northwest St.Louis County and contains the largest natural lake in Missouri. The park is an unspoiled home for various types of wildlife and contains archaeologically significant remnants of native Americans. The Highway and Transportation Department's plan is to build the highway through the park and construct a bridge over the lake. If this construction takes place it will result in noise, air and water pollution, the destruction of archaeological sites and the displacement of wildlife. However, before the construction can begin, the project must receive the approval of several federal agencies. The Highway and Transportation Department has started to meet with these agencies to obtain approval. It is urgent that our elected officials in Washington, D.C. know that we oppose the routing of this highway through the middle of this natural resource. Letters should be directed as soon as possible to: Senator Christopher Bond, 293 Russell Senate Building, Washington, DC 20510-2503 and to Senator John Danforth, 249 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington,DC 20510-2503 N ewsline (Newsletter of the Burroughs Audubon Soc. of Greater Kansas* City) reports that Lloyd Moore, their rare bird alert hotline's golden voice, received 4,600 calls during the first year! Lloyd uses incoming reports for his regional summary to American Birds. Recent rarities reported include Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Gyrfalcon and Rock Wren. [Burrows Rare Bird Alert (913) 342-BIRD] The Nature Conservancy (Missouri Field Office) is seeking help in* compiling the bird list and breeding bird survey on their 35 preserves around the state. They plan to follow the guidelines of Missouri's Breeding Bird Atlas Project. Interested birders contact Susanne Greenlee, Assistant Land Steward, The Nature Conservancy, Missouri Field Office, 2800 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63114, (314) 968-1105. Plans call for the start of counts in early spring. Ms Greenlee will meet participants on their block for orientation and to The Bluebird 59(1): 47, Mar. 1992 set up the mini-route survey. An article by P.T.Reddig and H.B.Tordoff (Minnesota Ornithologists* Union- The Loon, Vol. 63, No. 3 - Fall 1991) reports a study that attempts to identify each individual Peregrine Falcon holding a territory in the Midwest (including Missouri), to band and take a blood sample from each wild young produced and from each young released by hacking. A total of 30 pairs were on territories during the 1991 nesting season. Twenty two pairs nested; 17 pairs produced fledged young (including four fostered); 5 nesting pairs were .. unsuccessful. Eight pairs nested on cliffs (2 in old raven nests, 1 in a hack box), 12 on buildings, 1 on a bridge, 1 under a highway overpass. Their studies show that the population growth is on schedule. The regional goal of 40 nesting pairs should be reached in 1993 or 1994. A Reminder: The ASM cookbook, ''Eat Pie First" is still available from some local chapters or by mail from Joan Jefferson, Route 1, Box 18, Freeman, MO 64746. The cookbooks cost just $6 in person, or are $7.50 if they have to be mailed. Send your money to Joan at the above address and help support this worthwhile project. They make fine gifts for all occasions. The Bluebird 59(1): 48, Mar. 1992 Audubon Organizations in Missouri A Audubon Society of Missouri Statewide MN Burroughs Audubon Society Kansas City MN Chariton Valley Audubon Society Kiksville MN Columbia Audubon Society Columbia MN East Ozark Audubon Society Farmington M Elsberry Garden Club Elsberry MN Four Seasons Audubon Society Cape Girardeau MN Grand Gulf Audubon Society Mountain View MN Grand River Audubon Society Chillicothe MN Greater Ozarks Audubon Society Springfield M Hawthorn Garden Club Jefferson City MN Midland Empire Audubon Society St. Joseph M Northeast Missouri Natural History Club Hannibal MN Ozark Gateway Audubon Society Joplin MN Ozark Rivers Audubon Society Rolla MN River Bluffs Audubon Society Jefferson City MN Scenic Rivers Audubon Society Poplar Bluff MN St. Louis Audubon Society St. Louis M Webster Groves Nature Study Society St. Louis KEY: N National Audubon Society Chapter M Audubon Society of Missouri Affiliate A National Audubon Society Affiliate AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION c/o Randy Washburn 659 Oak Creek Court U.S. POSTAGE Jefferson City, MO 65101 P A I D Jefferson City, Mo. ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Pennit No. 233 Tom Nagel P.O. Box 170 Kaiser MO 65047-0170 0