CONTINENTAL SURVEY

The AutumnMigration

August1-November 30, 1986

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION

Richard A. Forster : • • 9/•OUNOLAND•

normalheweather throughoutforthe the fall season.averaged August notably andcooler November than were wetter than normal while the middle period was somewhatdrier than expected.In Newfoundland, summer ended in mid-Septemberwhen November weather com- menced and by mid-November winter had set in. There were numerous cold fronts, most notably in late August when it was downright cold, but impressivewaves of mi- grants failed to materialize much to the chagrin of most observers.Once again there was widespreadconcern that bird populationsare not what they were formerly, and this observeris beginningto believe there may be some truth to that allegation.Passefine migration varied from average to the "dullest of the dullest."At AppledoreIsland, Maine, David Holmes reportedhis highestbanding totals ever, but since the net hours were so high they drove the birds/net hour averageto the lowest point yet. The shorebird mi- gration was almost universally average or below-average. Pelagicspecies were alsounderreported with a few excep- tions. The scarcity of sand launce (Ammodytes sp.) on StellwagenBank, Massachusettsresulted in paltry numbers of pelagics.Even HumpbackedWhales, bread winners of occurrenceof a given speciesis not obsolutelyconclusive. whale watching trips, were scarce and frequently unob- My apologiesto all observerswhose reports were over- served. lookedand/or do not appearin this account. Not all groupswere representedon the down side how- ever. The hawk migration through southern portions of LOONS, GB•B•S • Loon migration through the Re,on the Region was spectacularand, if equalled or surpassed proceedson a predictableschedule and is seldomcommented in subsequentyears, will be worth seeing. Also, the con- on u•ess someth• out of the ordinaryoccurs. Common Loons centrationsof someother diurnal passefinemigrants were start migratingin the beginni• of Septemberand Red-throat- truly staggering,particularly at LighthousePoint, Con- edsfollow about one month later. Repo•s are mostprevalent as a result of stor• or strongonshore •n• when birdsare necticut. Likewise, in a seasonthat spanssuch a lengthy concentratedal•g the co•t or blo• inl•d. This fall the period during which anything is seemingly possible,this lack of stormsbrought few loon report, es•cially no signifi- fall seasondid not disappoint and the usual array of im- c•t in]and reports. The o•y signific•t report of •grating probablespecies was recorded.Indeed, it is almostdifficult Red-throate• occurred Nov. 6, at Denis, •ss., when 395 to determine what is improbable. It is the task of the re- were observedin only one hour •N). The same date at Pt. gional editor to sort through these reports,weigh the docu- Judith.R.I., only 14 were seen(•de DLE). A con•nci• report mentary evidence, and make value judgmentson the va- of a Pacific Loon came from Saco, Me. on the u•easonable lidity of the reports--rightly or wrongly. No reports are date of Aug. 16 (G. Lemelin).•other w• reportedfrom Na- categoricallydismissed, but, on occasion,some are down- patme Pt., R.L, Nov. 5 (•de DLE). No major movementsof played becausethe necessarydefinitive evidence of the Corn.Loons were noted• the Re,on throughoutthe period.

52 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 Numbersof Pied-billedGrebes seem to be recoveringsome- 4 (BH). Typical counts of Wilson's Storm-Petrel were "thou- what from recent low totals.In Nova Scotia they were said to sands"at Mount DesertRock, Me., Aug. 28 (•de WT), 1000•- be "as usual" (•de PP) but in RhodeIsland they were "more at HydrographerCanyon, Mass., Sept. 4 (BH)and a like number numerous than usual" during September and October. In in Cape Cod Bay, Mass., Aug. 23 (j•de RHS). Most, however, Massachusetts12 were at Lakeville Sept. 20, 18 were there had departed by mid-September. Although an abundant Nov. 1, and during Octoberthey were well reported.Horned breederin the Region,Leach's Storm-Petrel is seldomreported Grebes likewise continue in depressednumbers and were in appreciablenumbers. Rather typical countswere 31 on a generallynot commentedon exceptin Nova Scotiawhere they Bluenosecrossing Aug. 31 (CDD) and 20 at HydrographerCan- were termed "rather scarce" (j•de PP). A Red-necked Grebe yon, Mass.,Sept. 4 (BH), but 15 observedduring a storm at in breeding plumage appearedinland and early at Clinton, Cable Head, P.E.I., Sept. 27 (BD) were consideredunusual. A Mass., Aug. 14 (j•de RHS). At Mount Desert Narrows, Me., 110 single Band-rumped Storm-Petrel at HydrographerCanyon, Red-neckedswere noted Aug. 31 (KJ).This was apparently a Mass.,Sept. 4 (BH) was expected. routine occurrencewhere they appearearly and undergomolt PELECANIFORMES- Northern Gannets are a feature before moving on. Elsewhere in the Region they were fairly well reported and at P.E.I., where they are consideredrare, along the coastat this season,especially in October and No- there were 21 at Rustico Bay Nov. 8 (BD). The W. Grebe re- vember during onshorewinds or storms.Representative high turned to Reid S.P., Me. during November for its 10th consec- totals were 5000 in one hour at Cable Head, P.E.I., Sept. 27 (BD), 1200 in one hour at Dennis, Mass., Nov. 6 (BN) and utive winter there (j•de WT). 10,000q-in 2 hours at Eastham, Mass., Nov. 19 (WRP) when at times they were passingat the rate of 475/minute. TUBENOSES -- As mentionedpreviously, this was a very poor year for this group. Most unexpected, however, was a Black-browed Albatross well observed from the Cabot Strait The event of the seasonwas the presence of tropic- ferry July 21 (CG). Consideringtheir scarcity, six N. Fulmars birds. A sub-ad.White-tailed Tropicbird was seen and at Rockport,Mass., Sept. 27 (RSF0were surprising.The only photographedat HydrographerCanyon, Mass.,Sept. 4, other reportswere of singlesat StellwagenBatik, Mass., Oct. where an immature thought to be this specieswas seen 26 (j•de RHS) and Eastham, Mass., Nov. 19 (WRP). The ap- 2 years ago. More exciting, however, was an ad. Red- pearance of Cory's Shearwater in our area is always unpre- billed Tropicbird which made 2 brief appearancesat dictable, and dependenton warm waters in the s. portion of Mount Desert Rock, Me., Aug. 31 (D. James,•de HC). the Region.Hence, the coolweather may have beenresponsible Even more amazing was the appearance of what was for the low numbers. Far offshoresix were noted at Hydrog- likely the same individual discoveredat Gay Head, rapherCanyon, Mass., Sept. 5 (BH)and severalwere still pres- Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Sept. 15 (J. Rosenwald, m. ent at GeorgesBank, N.S., in early October (j•de RGBB).At oh.).This individual madeseveral brief visitsto the clay the local strongholdat Cox's Ledge,R.I., the maximum count cliffsdaily to the delight of many observerswho flocked was of only ten Sept. 4 (j•de DLE). In view of their scarcity, to see the bird even in this remote location.It was present three at Eastham,Mass., during a storm Aug. 28 (WRP, RAF) at least until early November but its precise departure were most unusual. Greater Shearwaterswere best reported date is unknown sinceby that time it had becomeroutine from the Bluenoseferry with 400 Aug. 20 (j•de WT) and 527 and localobservers had becomebored with makingdaily Aug. 31 (CDD). On Sept. 4, 200 were observedat Cox's Ledge, observations. R.I. (j•de DLE) and 100+ at HydrographerCanyon, Mass.(BH).

Bed-billedTropicbird at Martha's Vineyard, Mass.,Oct. 21, 1986. Photo/Alan Brady.

Six laggardGreaters were at Eastham,Mass., Nov. 22 (BN). Both speciesof cormorantscontinue their population increase The bestcount for SootyShearwater was of nine on a Bluenose annually. As a consequencethey are frequently observedbut crossingAug. 13 (j•de WT). Otherwise countsthere and else- seldomcommented upon. Largeflocks of Double-crestedsare where averagedonly one to three on numerousoccasions. The noted migrating beginning in early September.Included in besttally for Manx Shearwaterwas 15 at Eastham,Mass., Aug. these flocks are small numbers of Great Cormorants which 28 (WRP, RAF). Otherwise they were routinely seen in low move in unobtrusivelyand accumulatein favored wintering numbersin offshorewaters, including the Bluenose,through areas.More and more Double-crestedsare lingeringinto winter September. The only Audubon's Shearwaters were three at and Great Cormorants sometimes remain in summer. Inland the now traditionalHydrographer Canyon, Mass., locality Sept. reports,while still noteworthy, are becomingroutine.

Volume 41, Number 1 53 54 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 HERON AND ALLIES -- Most membersof this groupoffer with maximum countsof 5500 at Orwe]] Bay W M A, Oct 4, no surprisesand carry over from the breedingseason wh•le 3000 at Powna]l Bay Nov. 17, and 2500 at Tracadle Bay Nov concentratingin late summerroosts in greatlyincreased num- 23 (fide BD). bers American Bitterns continue to be reported in reduced An excellentpo•t-breeding concentration of 318 WoodDucks numbers.Only sevenwere reportedfrom Connecticutduring was at Norfolk, Mass.,Aug. 31 (fide RHS). Green-wingedTeal the period (DV) and other areasreported equally discouraging were widely noted throughoutthe period but no major con- totals. Least Bitterns were reported only from Massachusetts centrationswere reported. Good numbers of N. Pintail were where a family groupof five was presentat Plum I. through reportedfrom P.E.I., where 300 were observedat Pt. Prim Oct much of Augustand a singleindividual was notedat Concord 4 (BD).Rather sizable numbers of Blue-wingedTeal were noted Aug 3 where it may still breed.Great Blue Heron breedingis in the Maritimes early in the periodwith 165 at PrinceEdward very successfuland goodnumbers were widespreadthrough- Island N.P., Aug. 27 (BD) and a "goodyear" in Nova Scotia out the Regionduring the period.Excellent numbers of Great They were equallyprevalent s. of there but mosthad departed Egretswere reportedin Massachusetts.Forty-seven were noted by early October. Northern Shovelerswere normal this fall in S Dartmouth Aug. 25 (fide RSH) and 46 were at Plum I., Best counts were 12 at Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary (here- Sept 27 (RSH). Late summer numbers were high in Rhode after, A.P.B.S.),N.S., Nov. 4 (fide PP) and 60 at Monomoy I, Islandand many continuedinto Octoberwith a few remaining Mass.,Oct. I (BN). Gadwall continueto increasein the Region in November (fide DLE). Farther n. two were reported from with 3 broodsnoted at P.E.I., in late August (BD) and two seen Nova Scotia in late August (fide IAM). The Snowy Egret is at A.P.B.S., N.S., Nov. 4-8 (fide PP). One hundred Gadwall perhapsthe mostfamiliar heron in the Region,present in most were at MonomoyI., Mass.,Oct. 19 (BN).About 10 Eur. Wigeon coastal marshes from Maine southward. A summer roost at were observedduring the period,the earliestappearing at Plum Plum I., Mass.,Sept. 27 contained750 birds (RSH).Farther n. I., Mass.,Aug. 21 (fide RHS). Noteworthy were a female at St an individual was seenat Norris Pt., Nfid., Aug. 8-11 (RB)and John's,Nfid., Oct. 6-Nov. 9 (RB),two shot in mid-Octoberat late individualswere at SableI., N.S., Nov. 2 (ELM, fide IAM) Colinet, Nfid. (fide BMt) and a pair at St. Pierre and Miquelon and at Eel Brook,N.S., Nov. 3-18 (PRD,fide IAM). Little Blue (hereafter,S.P.M.) Sept. 26-Nov. 2 (RE).Several reports of 100•- Heronswere sparselyreported from northeastcoastal areas Am. Wigeonwere reportedfrom Nova Scotiasouthward but but four in Nova Scotiawas a goodshowing including a late no noteworthycounts were reported.In Connecticutthey were bird at CanningOct. 19-20 (fide IAM). TricoloredHerons have said to be late and in low numbers(fide DV). becomevery scarcein the Region.In Maine, one was at Ken- Canvasback were either overlooked or absent. Best totals nebunkportAug. 14 with two at ScarboroughAug. 31 (fide were from urban Cambridge,Mass., where 625 were seenNov WT) Two were presentat MonomoyI., Mass.,during the latter 17 (fide RHS)and Nov. 15 when 550 were observedat E. Prov- part of August (BN) and one was noted at Milford, Conn., in idenceRes., R.I. (DLE).Rather low numbersof Redheadswere late August and early September (DV). In the Ipswich-Essex notedin s.portions of the Regionindicative of the late season area,Mass., the bestpost-breeding assemblage of CattleEgrets Ring-neckedDucks continued recent high totals. Peak numbers was of 49 birdsAug. 31 (JB).Otherwise there were few reports were recorded at Lakeville, Mass., Oct. 18 (WRP) when 1100 with one at ScarboroughMarsh, Me., Aug. 30, one at Light- were notedand 800•- were at E. Winthrop, Me., Oct. 19 (JEW) housePt., Conn., Sept. I (fide DV) and two late individualsat Newfoundland's 2nd Tufted Duck was an imm. male shot at Falmouth, Mass.,Nov. 23 (ML). Black-crownedNight-Herons Colinet Nov. 3 (BMt). LesserScaup tend to be maskedby the were presentin usual numbersand mostdeparted in October. much more numerousGreater Scaup.One was reportedfrom The usualfew Yellow-crownedNight-Herons were in favored Parson'sPond, Nfld., Sept.20 (BM) where they are now annual areasin s. New England.More unusualwere one at Dartmouth, and 15 were at Souris,P.E.I., Nov. 2 (BD). Typical high counts N S, Sept.7 (fide IAM), one at Grand Manan I., N.B., in August were of 100 at E. Providence Res., R.I., Oct. 30 (DLE) and 375 (fide WT) and an adult at BassHarbor, Me., Sept. 27 (JEW). at Lakeville,Mass., Nov. 1 (WRP).Common Eider is a common GlossyIbises depart from our area soonafter nestingand the breedingspecies from Maine northward and this speciesis only sizable count was of 20 at Plum I., Mass., Aug. 17 (.fide sometimesfound in large wintering flocksoffshore when mi- RHS) None was reportedafter September. grantsaggregate. An estimated50,000-75,000 at S. Monomoy I., Mass.,Nov. 28 (WRP,BN) was one of the largestsuch con- WATERFOWL -- Waterfowlis a featuremigrating through centrationsin recent years. King Eider was very sparselyre- the Region,especially during the latter one-halfof the reporting ported. Two were seenat SachuestPt., R.I., Nov. 13 (JB) and period, but elicit little comment except when major concen- three were at Pt. Judith, R.I., Nov. 21 (fide DLE). Elsewhere trahonsoccur. A FulvousWhistling-Duck was present off-and- only occasionalsingles were seen. on at Nantucket I., Mass., Oct. 9-Nov. 7 (fide RHS). Tundra An early Harlequin Duck was observedat Rockport,Mass, Swanswere scarcesave a group of 21 over Branford, Conn., Sept.27 (RSH)and by Oct. 28, sevenhad arrived at Sachuest Oct 19 (NP, fide DV). Otherwise the only other reportswere Pt., R.I., where 19 were presentNov. 28 (fide DLE).A male at two at Middleboro,Mass., Nov. 16-t-(WRP) and one at E. Haven, Milford Pt., Conn., Nov. 12-14 (fide DV) was unusual. Olds- Conn.,Nov. 29 (fide DV). After breeding,Mute Swanscongre- quaw, althoughlargely unreported,are commonduring this gate in flocks on coastalponds. An indication of how well- seasonas are scoters.Average migratory countswere of 450 establishedthey have become were groupsof 400 at Briggs Black Scotersin 1.5 hours at Manomet, Mass., Oct. 11 and 1650 Marsh, R.I., Aug. 17 (DLE)and 280 in Little Compton,R.I., Oct. Surf Scotersduring the sameperiod the sameday (WRP).Only 4 (DLE).Greater White-fronted Geesecontinue to be reported a few Com. Goldeneyeswere reportedduring the period. Bar- in the Region.One was shot at Cole Harbour, N.S., Nov. 20 row's Goldeneyesbegan arriving in P.E.I. at the end of the (PP),one was presentat Storrs,Conn., Nov. 12-27 (m.ob.)and period with six at Oyster Bay BridgeNov. 16 and 18 at West one appeared briefly in W. Newbury, Mass., in mid-October River Nov. 30 (BD). Singleswere noted in southernareas by (fide RAF). The SnowGoose passage through s. portionsof the the end of the period.Both Hooded and Com. merganserswere Regionwas early and impressive.There wasa major movement well reported from lakes and reservoirsin October and No- beginningthe last few days of Septemberand the first week vember. At Souris,P.E.I., 1200•- Commonswere reportedNov of October.At LighthousePt., Conn., 2287 were migratingSept. 2 (BD).The largenumbers of Red-breastedMergansers present 28-Nov. 5 with the peakoccurring Oct. 5-10, while in w. Mas- at Cape Cod, Mass., in previous falls failed to materialize. The sachusetts3427 were observedmigrating during the season bestcount was of 2200 at MonomoyI., Nov. 22-23 (BN). It was (fide SK). anotherexcellent fall for Ruddy Ducksin s. New Englandwith Prince Edward Island is a major stagingarea for Canada a well defined peak in late October. The highest count was of Geese.Approximately 25,000-30,000 birds appearedthis fall 330 at Monomoy I., Mass., Oct. 25 (BN).

Volume 41, Number 1 55 DIURNAL RAPTORS -- Usually this group•s g•venrather Maritime Canada The early ewdenceindicates Gyrfalcon wfil little attentionas a number of other journalsreport m depth be scarcethis winter. One at St. John's,Nfid., Oct. 11 (BMt) on the fall migration.However, this year'sevents were soim- could be considerednormal, but one at LighthousePt., Corm, pressiveas to warrant morethan a cursoryoverview. The Black Nov. 21 (m.ob.) must have caused much excitement. Two Vulture is extending its range just to the s. of the Region and probableGyrfalcons were seen in Massachusettsduring Oc- reportsin our area reflect this increase.Two Black Vultures tober. were seen near Charlottetown, P.E.I., Oct. 4 (BD), one was in Essex,Mass., Aug. 1 (fide RHS)and onewas at Branford,Conn., Oct. 19 (NP, fide DV). Turkey Vultures continue to be very SoAo well reportedthrough October as far n. asNova Scotia. A winter An imm. falcon was observedperched and in flight at roost was discovered in Voluntown, Conn., near the Rhode Morris L, Chatham, Mass.,on the afternoonof Sept. 21 Islandborder where 30 were observedNov. 29 (fide DLE). Os- (WB, CAG). In all aspectsthe bird fit the descriptionfor preys are recoveringvery well from lows of only 2 decades Hobby(Falco subbuteo) and even the voice,heard briefly, ago.At LighthousePt., Conn., 1490were recordedin September was consistentwith that species.It was locatedagain and Octoberwith peaksof 159 Sept. 27 and 150 Oct. I (NC). during the ensuing week on nearby S. Monomoy I. It The Bald Eagleis likely to be found almostanywhere in the was observedperched at somedistance by a small con- Regionat any time as a resultof increasedproductivity of the tingentof skilledobservers, some familiar with the spe- wild populationand local hackingprograms. Fall totalswere ciesin life, on the morning of Sept. 27, and all agreed•t 13 at LighthousePt., Conn.(NC) and 23 at QuakerRidge, Conn. most closely resembled a Hobby. It took flight and (ESJ).The seasontotal for N. Harrier at LighthousePt., Conn., quickly disappeared,not to be seenagain. was 989 (fide DV). Peak dayswere Sept. 16 with 108 birds and Sept.27 with 127 (fide NC). Harrierswere well reportedelse- where in the Regionbut nowhere near the order of magnitude as at LighthousePt. Sharp-shinnedHawk numberswere im- GROUSE THROUGH CRANES -- The Gray Partridgehas pressive.At Harpswell,Me., 3506 were observedduring the a smallestablished population in the Region,mostly in Nova season(GNA) and 11,943 were tallied at LighthousePt., Conn. Scotia where six were seen at Port Williams Nov. 7 and 12 m with daily totalsexceeding 1000 Sept. 16, Oct. 4 & 5 (fide NC). Wolfville Nov. 15 (fide IAM). Also in Nova Scotia Spruce A respectable450+ Sharp-shinnedswere at Brier I., N.S., Sept. Grousewere reportedin better than normal numbers(fide 27 (fide IAM). LighthousePt. also corneredthe market on IAM). A rare Black Rail was seen briefly at Hammonassett Cooper'sHawk. The seasontotal of 476 included62 on Sept. S.P.,Conn., Oct. 6 (Clay Taylor, fide DV). Railscontinue to be 27, 59 on Oct. I and 86 on Oct. 5 (fide NC). Ten Cooper's sparselyreported with no significantsightings of Soraor Vir- observedat Harpswell, Me., Oct. 25 representedalmost one- ginia Rail. The only reports of Clapper Rails were one each half the seasonaltotal (GNA). Northern Goshawksenjoyed a from coastalRhode Island and Massachusetts.The 2rid pro- goodfall on Newfoundland's Avalon Pen. (BMt) and five were vincial recordof Com. Moorhen on P.E.I. wasprovided by two presentat Brier I., N.S., Oct. 11-12 (fide IAM). Elsewherere- immaturesobserved at EastPoint Sept. 28 (BD).Several migrant ports were rather scanty although the seasontotal at Light- moorhens were noted in Rhode Island, the last at Echo Lake housePt. was 24 (fide DV). Nov. 30 (fide DLE) being quite late. American Cootsbegan The spectacleof the fall was the Broad-wingedHawk flight appearingin mid-Octoberand asthe seasonprogressed num- at Quaker Ridge,Conn. On Sept. 14, 30,535Broad-wingeds bers graduallybuilt up but still fell short of counts2 decades were observedwith an amazing17,301 passing in one hour ago.Hundreds were reportedin the Newport,R.I. vicinity Nov between3 and 4 PM (ESJ).Counts from other areaspaled by 12-14 (JB). Sandhill Cranes were well reported. Two at St comparison,with a total of only 10,105reported from all of w. Johns,Nfld., Sept.22 (D. Phalen,fide BMt) were possiblythe Massachusetts.In a normal year 4000+ at Lighthouse Pt., sameas two seennearby in early August.One at Elderbank Conn., Sept. 16, 7200+ at Fairfield, Conn., the same day (fide Marsh,N.S., waspresent from Juneto Aug. 6 (fide IAM). Three NC) and 2500 at Brier I., N.S., Sept.27 (fide IAM) would have flyoverswere seen at Branford,Conn., Sept. 7 (NP, fide DV) been respectabletotals. An imm. Broad-wingedat PrinceEd- and one was seenat Eastham,Mass., Oct. 11 (CAG,fide WB) ward Island N.P., Nov. 8, provided only the 2nd provincial record(BD). The only Swainson'sHawk reportfor the season SHOREBIRDS -- By all accountsthe shorebirdflight was was one at Branford,Conn., Sept. 12 (NP, fide DV). An imm. poorwith generallylow numbersof mostspecies. Black-belhed Red-tailed Hawk at St. John's,Nfld., Oct. 11 [BMt) furnished Ploverswere present in varyingnumbers throughout the period, only the 5th provincialrecord. Reports of Rough-leggedHawks the peakrecorded in late Augustand early September.Lesser beganfiltering in beginningin mid-Octoberbut by the end of GoldemPloyerswere well reportedin s. portionsof the Regmn the period reports were sparseindicating a below-average in late Augustand early September.Fifty-two were presentat winter for the species.Totals of migratingGolden Eagles, most Richmondturf farm, R.I., Aug. 30 (fide DLE),100+ were noted reportedafter mid-October,were of six at Quaker Ridge,Conn. on NantucketI., Aug.27 (SAP)and a like numberwere present (ESJ),five at LighthousePt., Conn.(fide DV) and three at Han- on Martha's Vineyard, Mass., in early September(VL). The cock, Mass.(fide SK). flight of immaturesin Octoberwas mostpronounced, but not American Kestrelstotalled 4140 at LighthousePt., Conn., in great, in the MarRimes and late individuals were seen Into Septemberand Octoberwith a peakSept. 25-27 (fide DV). A mid or late November in many areas.Semipalmated Plovers goodflight occurredat Brier I., N.S., Sept.27 when 160+ were noticeablypeaked in the latter one-half of August with the seen (fide IAM). The best Merlin flight in memory occurred best total of 920 at Plum I., Mass.,Aug. 16 (RSH).A count of this fall. Fifty were noted at Block I., R.I., Sept. 19-20 [fide 100 at S.P.M.,Oct. 15 (RE)was high for sucha late date.Piping DLE). At Harpswell, Me., the seasontotal of 218 included 76 Ploverswithdraw from breedingareas early in the period and on Sept. 25 [GNA), and at LighthousePt., Conn., the season are mostlygone by early September.Perhaps the mostnote- total was 442 with a peak during the first week of October worthycount was of five at Kennebunkport,Me., Aug.14 (JEW) (fide DV). Peregrine Falcons also stageda banner flight with American Oystercatcherswere unreported away from estab- a pronouncedpeak in early October.As many as30 were found lished s. New England breeding areas. Post-breedingaggre- on BlockI., R.I., Oct. 4-8 (fide DLE).About 25 Peregrineswere gationsincluded 67+ at Monomoy I., Mass., in August (BN) at NantucketI., Mass.in early October(fide RHS) and a like and22 at NapatreePt., R.I.,Sept. 8 (fideDLE). Yellowlegs were number were present on Cape Cod during the same period. generallyunremarked upon with Lesserspeaking in early Au- Regionwidethe total number of Peregrinesprobably totalled gustand Greatersin early October.Solitary Sandpiperswere 200 or more but only a handful of thesewere reportedfrom widespreadthrough the Regionfrom July throughSeptember

56 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 w•th no appreciableconcentratmns Forty Upland Sandp•pers filter •nto rockycoasthnes •n the Regionin late October Dunhn, at the Deblms, Me. blueberry barrens was a post-breeding our latestm•grat•ng shoreb•rd, reaches peak numbersafter m•d- bufidupbut 11 at the Richmondturf farm, RhodeIsland, Aug. October with possibly 10,000 present at 4 Massachusettslo- 12, and 13 there a week later (fide DLE)were migrantsduring cations Oct. 21-Nov. I (fide GWG). Only two Curlew Sand- the normal migration period. In Nova Scotia the Whimbrel piperswere observedin the Region--one at Cherry Hill Aug m•grationpeaked at CapeBreton in mid-Augustand 200 were 30 (SJF,fide FS) and a molting adult at Quicksand Pond., R I, at W. Miquelon Aug. 2 (AD). Over 400 were observedflying Aug. 23-28 (fide DLE) which furnishedonly the 4th state re- to an evening roost at Monomoy I., Mass., Aug. 5 (fide WB). cord. For the 2nd consecutiveyear a Stilt Sandpipergraced The usualfew Whimbrelswere reportedthroughout the Region Newfoundland,this one at CapeFreels Aug. 15 (RB).Only mx throughlate October.Hudsonian Godwits did not distinguish Stiltswere reportedfrom Nova Scotiain August and Septem- themselves,the best countbeing of only 100 at MonomoyI., ber. The bestcounts were of 25 at Ninigret Pond.,R.I., Aug 3 Mass., Aug. 10 (BN) and at Biddeford,Me., 19 were observed (fide DLE) and 34 at Plum I., Mass., Aug 16 (RAF) while a Aug 15 (JW). The usual singlesand small flocksof juveniles notably late individual was at Rockport, Mass., Nov. 5 were reported in October with four at 3 locationsin Connect- (fide GWG). •cut •nto early November (DV) being somewhat unusual. Buff-breastedSandpipers put in the poorestshowing in re- Fewer than normal Marbled Godwits visited the Region. cent memory. Only 12 were reported including one at Grand Dunng Augustand Septemberone was in Maine, two in Rhode Manan I., N.B., Sept. 27 (CDD), two at the Richmond turf farm, Island (fide DLE), three in Connecticut (fide DV), and two in R.I., Aug. 28 (fide DLE), two at Guilford,Conn., Aug. 31 (fide Massachusetts.Laggards were seen at Ninigret, R.I., Oct. 16 DV) and four at Monomoy I., Mass., Sept. 27 (fide GWG). A (fide DLE) and MonomoyI., Mass.,Nov. 15 (BN). Red Knots Ruff was observedat Guilford, Conn., Aug. 22 (fide DV) and peakedat 1200 at Scituate,Mass., Aug. 16 (fide GWG) and 400 two rather late individuals were noted in Nova Scotia, one at were at Monomoy I., Aug. 10 and 100 were there Nov. I (BN). Cherry Hill Oct. 5 and at Hartlen's Pt., Nov. 5 (fide FS). The Otherwise, 157 at S.P.M., Sept. 22 (AD) was the only note- Short-billed Dowitcher is an early migrant in the Region, worthy report.Twelve hundredSanderlings were at Monomoy reachingpeak numbersmid-July-early August but a notably I, Mass.,from mid-Augustto mid-Septemberand 1000 were late individual was at Stratford,Conn., Nov. 1-3 (DV). The there Oct. 10 (BN). There was a noticeable movement of Semi- Long-billedDowitcher is regularonly at Plum I., Mass.,where palmated Sandpipersin both Connecticut and Massachusetts typical totalswere 82 on Aug. 16, 85 on Sept.4 and 75 on Oct •n m•d-Augustand they were present"in thousands(as usual)" 21 (fide GWG).Otherwise they are scarcevirtually everywhere •n Nova Scotiafrom Augustto mid-September.A notablylate in the Regionwith mostoccurrences late in the season.Typical, Sem•palmatedwas at Cape Race, Nil&, Nov. 12 (BMt). It was and the firstgood provincial record, was one at PrinceEdward a poor seasonfor W. Sandpiperswith fewer than 20 reported. Island N.P., Oct. 25-Nov. 2 (BD) and one at Scarboro,Me., Nov Nova Scotiahad two, RhodeIsland five, with the highestcount I (JW). Over 100 Com. Snipe in Monmouth and E. Winthrop, of e•ghtplus at Eastham,Mass., Sept. 18 (BN). A fairly bright Me., Oct. 18-19 (JW) was a goodfall count. but fadingLittle Stint was discoveredat Duxbury, Mass.,Aug. Wilson'sPhalarope seemsto be declining as a migrant •n 6 (M Kasprzyk)and identifiablyphotographed. It was last seen the Regionwith fewer than ten seen this year with one each Aug 14 but seen by only a few observersowing to the remote in Rhode Island and Connecticutin August and two at Scar- Iocatmn.Judging from the lack of commentthe LeastSandpiper boro,Me., Aug. 26 (PaulLehman). Red-necked Phalaropes were m•gration could best be characterized as routine. observedin "disturbinglylow numbers"(CDD) at GrandManan Basin, a major staging area. The best count was of 2000 at SoAo Mount Desert I., Me., Sept. I (fide WT). The Red Phalarope Not all shorebirdswere poorly represented.White~ seemedto be holdingits own with 1364 seenfrom the Bluenose rumpedSandpipers elicited commentsfrom mostof the ferry Aug. 31 (CDD) and "thousands"off Brier I., N.S., Aug Region.The first indicationthat somethingunusual was 30-31 where 200 were still present Oct. 11-12 (fide FS). Off- happeningcame from Plum I., Mass.,in early September shorepelagic trips reportedvery small numbersof either spe- when 600-800 were estimated on various dates. More ciesthroughout the period. routine were 200 at Grand Barachois,S.P.M., Aug. 17 (RE) where they remainedfairly commonto late Sep- JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Small numbersof jae- temberand 100-t-at Halifax,N.S., Sept. 6 (FS).Elsewhere gerswere reportedby intrepid offshoreobservers through Oc- they were reasonablyscarce. They again flooded into tober. At L'Anse-aux-Meadows,Nfid., a NE gale Sept. 3 pro- the Maritimes beginningin late October.In Newfound- duced two Pomafine, 40 Parasitic and 12 Longstailedjaegers land"an exceptionallymajor movement" (BMt) occurred where the latter speciesis to be expectedat that time of year Oct. 25-26 when dozensof flocksnumbering 20-30 birds (BMt). Otherwise, only a handful of Pomatines and Parasitics were flying aroundSt. John'sbut had no place to land. were noted on Bluenosecrossings and other pelagicventures At Gros Morne N.P. (hereafter, GMNP) flocks of from Surprisingin light of their scarcity offshorewere land-based five to 40 White-rumpedswere "everywhere" (BM) Oct. sightingsduring stormsat Eastham,Mass., of nine Pomatines 28-31 but total numberswere beyond estimating.At Aug. 28 (WRP, RAF) and ten there Nov. 19 (WRP). S P.M., there was another wave Oct. 24 to Nov. 4 (RE) Perhapsthe mostperplexing problem in the Region,both •n andat P.E.I.270 were foundOct. 19 and320 were present terms of identification and temporal distribution, is the oc- Nov. 8 (BD). In Nova Scotia 180 were present at Cherry currence of skuas.South Polar Skua was reported from the Hfil in early November (FS) and lower numbers were Nova Scotia side of a Bluenosecrossing Aug. 17 (IAM, fide reported elsewhere.Not surprisinglyWhite-rumpeds RGBB),at Cox'sLedge, R.I., Aug. 23 and againsomewhat farther were still being seen as November drew to a close. s.,Sept. 4 (fide DLE) and at HydrographerCanyon, Mass., Sept 4 (BH). At least four unidentified skuaswere seen including one from land duringa poorlydefined storm at Eastham,Mass, It was a fairly averagefall for Baird'sSandpiper with reports Aug. 28 (WRP, RAF). totalhng more than 30 individuals. Four were at Brier I., N.S., Reflectingtheir increasingbreeding and dispersalfrom more Sept 3 (fide FS), eight were at Plum I., Mass.,Sept. 14 (fide southerly breeding areas, Laughing Gulls were present •n GWG)and five were at MonomoyI., Mass.,Sept. 27 (fide GWG). southern areas until at least mid-October but one in New- The PectoralSandpiper flight consistedmainly of immatures foundland, where it is increasingas a vagrant, Aug. 23 (BMt) •n Octoberwith 120-t-at SheffieldMills, N.S., Oct. 11-14 (fide was noteworthy.The Region'sfirst inland recordfor Franklin's FS), seven at E. Winthrop, Me., Oct. 18-19 (JW) and 100 at Gull was furnished by a bird at Amherst, Mass.,Sept. 15-22 Monomoy I., Mass., Oct. 12 (BN). Purple Sandpipersbegan to (C. Withgott, fide SK) and what was probably the same bird

Volume 41, Number 1 57 wasseen at Longmeadow,Mass, Sept 22 (fideSK) A Frankhn's nectlcut coastw•th one to s•x seen per stop (DV), 60 were at Gull was at GMNP, Nfid., Aug. 9-10 (RB, BM) and an adult Eastham,Mass. (WRP) and 60+ were at Nantucket I., Mass was off Plum I., Mass.,Aug. 16 (RSH).Single Little Gulls, both (SAP). Obviouslythey are not uncommonin offshorewaters •mmatures, were seen at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Nfid., Aug. 31 at this season.The usualfew BlackSkimmers appeared in late & Sept. 5 (BMt) and two were at CampobelloI., Oct. 5 (fide summer in s. New Englandbut one that remainedto Aug 18 WT). South of there they were very scarce.A small flock of at Grand Manan I., N.B. (fide WT) was decidedly unusual Com. Black-headedGulls had returned to Glace Bay, N.S. by Alcids were generallyscarce in keepingwith recentreports Sept.29 (fide RGBB)and the high Novembercount at St. John's, except in northern areas.They were "common as usual" •n Nfid., was a rather low 44 on Nov. 13 (BMt). Four Black-headeds Newfoundland including Dovekies with 1500 observedat St wasa good'countat Rockland,Me., Nov. 30 (KJ)but onlyscat- John'sNov. 17 (BMt). From one to three Com. Murres were •n tered individuals could be found elsewhere. Ten thousand the Grand Manan Basin,N.B., in late September(CDD). In the Bonaparte'sGulls were at HeadHarbour Passage, N.B., by Aug. samearea Razorbills were slightlymore numerous and Atlantic 6 but were less numerous than usual during the season(fide Puffinseven more sowith 26 observedSept. 20 and 56 present WT). Farther souththey were well reportedin normal numbers Oct. 3 (CDD). Twelve puffinswere seen at Brier I., N.S., Oct through November. An ad. Mew Gull was early at St. John's, 11 (fide RGBB).On Nov. 22, 40 Razorbillsand 700 unidentified Nfid., Aug. 8 (BMt) and another was seenthere Oct. 10-Nov. largealcids, most likely Razorbills,were seenat Eastham,Mass 16 (m.ob.). (BN). Black Guillemots are widely scatteredin small numbers Reflectingtheir widespreadabundance, especially in fall, alongrocky sectionsof the n. coastbut 36 at AcadiaN.P., Me, Ring-billedGulls were virtually uncommentedupon. Gulls Oct. 3 (JB) was a better-than-averagecount. are a standard feature of coastal areas in late fall. However, a late November concentration of gulls at the Parson'sPond, DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- The only White- Nfid. fish processingplant containedan astounding5000 Ice- winged Dove reportedin the Regionwas at a Chatham,Mass land, 3000 Great Black-backed,2000 Herring and 100 Glaucous feederAug. 8-10 (fide BN). A Yellow-billed Cuckoowas noted gulls(BM). Farther s.both Iceland and Glaucousgulls in limited at Cape Spear, Nfid., Sept. 12 (BMt), two were at Seal I., N S, numbersdo not appearroutinely until winter weather hasset Oct. 16 and one was in Nova Scotia Oct. 29 (fide IAM). Very •n. A possiblesecond-winter Thayer's Gull was seen at Cam- few Black-billedCuckoos were reported.A migrantCom. Barn- pobelloI., N.B., Nov. 23 (CDD). ScatteredLesser Black-backed Owl was noted at LighthousePt., Conn., Nov. 20 (fide DV) Gulls are now the norm but two at Block I., R.I., Oct. 6-8 and Perhapsthe mostexcitement of the fall was engenderedby one at Fresh Pond, R.I., Nov. 6-9 (fide DLE) were among the the Snowy Owl flight which did not begin until November At few state records.Black-legged Kittiwakes, very commonoff- St. John's,Nfid., where they are rarely seen,six appearedNov shoreon the fishingbanks, were poorlyreported inshore owing 28-30 and were termed possibleprecursors of a "goodflight" to a lack of severestorms. Perhaps most unusualwere four at (BMt). At S.P.M., one appeared Nov. 17 and five were seen Pt. judith, R.I., Nov. 6 and a like number there Nov. 21 (fide Nov. 26-28 (RE). A similar pattern occurred in Nova Scotia DLE). A well describedad. Ross'Gull was seenfrom a fishing where four were seen beginning Nov. 16. Farther s. one first boat about2 miles off L'Anse-aux-Meadows,Nfid., Sept.22 (L. appearedat Napatree, R.I., Nov. 12, three more were found Millman). Sabine'sGulls were poorly reportedoffshore prob- Nov. 18-29 (fide DLE) and two were at LighthousePt., Corm, ably becausewhales and other pelagicswere scarce--lackof Nov. 20 (fide DV). However, most of the action was in Mas- food.The only reportswere of an adult at Mount DesertRock, sachusetts.The first Snowy appearedin the Plum I., Salisbury, Me., Sept. 8 (B. Agler, fide KJ) and one at StellwagenBank, Mass. area Nov. 8 and a peak count of 11 was recordedNov Mass., Sept. 5 (BH). An early Ivory Gull was observedat St. 23 (P. Roberts,fide RHS).In Bostonat LoganAirport they were John's,Nfid., Nov. 16-24 (M. Parmenter,fide BMt) where it is presentthroughout most of the month with a maximum single rare. day count of 18 recordedin late November (Norman Smith, The only Gull-billedTern notedwas an adult reportedafter fide RHS).Scattered individuals were reportedin other coastal a storm at Eastham,Mass., Aug. 19 (RSH). As many as 35 Cas- locations,mostly after mid month. It could be an interesting pian Terns were at P.E.I. late August-early October (BD) rep- winter for SnowyOwl. Stay tuned for further developments resentinga post-breedingbuildup. South of there singlesor A Burrowing Owl that was first discoveredat Katama, Mar- small groupswere noted passingalong the coast with most tha's Vineyard,July 17 (P. Vickery) was still presentuntfi at reportsin late Septemberand early October.The typical few least early Octoberand somefortunate observers were able to late summer Royal Terns were in s. New England with the recordit and the tropicbirdon the samevisit. Long-eared Owls greatestconcentrations in Rhode Island where three were at are uncommon fall migrants with numbers varying widely Nmigret Sept. 15-23 and two to three at Chariestown Sept. from year-to-year.This year three were found at Brier I., N S, 17-29 (fide DLE). Unique for the seasonwas a SandwichTern Oct. 11-13 (fide IAM) and four were at LighthousePt., Conn, at MonomoyI., Mass.,Sept. 10-13 (BN).Thousands of Roseate Nov. 21. Otherreports indicated it wouldbe a poorwinter for Terns were present as usual on Monomoy I., Mass., in early the species.Likewise Short-eared owl reportswere low except September(BN) where local breederstend to concentratebe- for nine at a rooston Monomoy I., Mass.,Sept. 28 (BN) and s•x fore departingfor the wintering grounds.More surprisingwere on Nantucket I., Mass., Sept. 18 (fide GWG), both breeding 130 at NapatreePt., R.I., Aug. 5 (fide DLE) and 110 at Nantucket locales.In Connecticut small numbers, one to three individuals, I, Mass., Oct. 3 (fide GWG). ScatteredCom. Terns were re- were noted at several locations Oct. 15-20 (fide DV). The N ported until late November in s. areas. Saw-whetOwl is alsoa migrantin the Regionbut againreports Arctic Terns depart on migrationquickly after the young were few except for 20+ at Brier I., N.S., Oct. 12-13 (fide IAM) fledgeand were almostuniversally uncommentedupon. Fors- The Com.Nighthawk migration is visibleand consistent from ter's Terns were very scarce before mid-Septemberwhen year-to-year. A coordinatedwatch in Massachusettsrecorded numbersincreased significantly. Sixteen were at Ninigret,R.I., 23,770 Aug. 20-Sept. 7 with nearly 16,000 observedAug. 31- Sept. 25 (fide DLE), 12 at Chatham, Mass.,Oct. 19 (BN), 23 at Sept. 2. Ruby-throatedHummingbirds were sparselyreported Duxbury, Mass.,Oct. 27 (DEC) and 20 in Westport,Mass., Nov. but at LighthousePt., Conn., where a daily watch of migrants I (RHS).Least Terns had generally departedfrom the Region was conducted,158 hummingbirdswere recordedin late Au- by the beginning of September. An ad. Sooty Tern at Petit gustand Septemberwith the peak occurringSept. 5-13 and Manan I. and Matinicus Rock,Me., in late July (M.P. Drennan, the specieslast noted Oct. 16 (fide DV). An imm. Selasphorus, C Treyball) and at Mount DesertRock, Me., Aug. 12 (HC) was almostcertainly a Rufous,was presentAug. 27-29 at S. Well- very unusual since no storm brought it there. Black Terns fleet, Mass.(D. Reynolds).This representsonly the 5th record were very sparselyreported. However, after the remnants of for the speciesin the Region. hurricaneCharles Aug. 19 there were numbersalong the Con- One of the highlightsof the seasonwas a Lewis'Woodpecker

58 American Birds, Spring 1987 discovered at Cow Head, Nfld, Aug 14 where •t remained October and five •n November (fide JSC) There was a good until at least Sept. 11 (Dave Fiddler, m.ob.). This is only the but not spectacularcoastal fi•ght of Blue Jaysin RhodeIsland 4th recordfor the Region.Few Red-headedWoodpeckers were and Connecticut. On Sept. 27, 800 were at Sakonnet Pt., and noted. Three were reportedfrom Nova Scotiain October (fide 400 at Watch Hill, R.I. (fide DLE). At Lighthouse Pt., Conn, IAM) and five were seen at LighthousePt., Conn., Sept. 25- 27,239were observedmigrating Sept. 13-Oct. 30 with the peak Oct 31 (fide DV). Red-belliedWoodpeckers continue to grad- occurring Sept. 20-Oct. 7 (fide DV). Common Ravens have ually becomeestablished in limited numbersin s. portionsof now becomefirmly establishedin w. Massachusettswith 65 the Region. One was at Halifax, N.S., Nov. 5-30 (fide IAM) birds reportedfrom 23 locations(fide SK) althoughsome may and one at CambridgeNarrows, N.B., Nov. 2-6 (David Christie, have been duplicate reports. fide BD) representeda first provincial record. Yellow-bellied The Eurasian Jackdaw continued on Nantucket I., Mass, Sapsuckershave a narrow migrationwindow in late September throughNovember (fide LET). Black-cappedChickadees were to early Octoberand often seemto passthrough virtually un- migratingat Brier I., N.S., Oct. 11-12 when 250 were noted, noticed. Best count was of 15 at Block I., R.I., Oct. 4-5 (fide and at EastPt., P.E.I.,Sept. 28 chickadeeswere very prevalent DLE) with six at Plum I., Mass.,Sept. 28 (fide GWG). Northern with every 10th bird a Boreal Chickadee (BD). Beginning in Fhckers are commonlyencountered in numbers alongcoastal late October in Newfoundland flocks of 10-20+ Boreal Chick- beachesin fall but 500+ at Brier I., N.S., Sept. 27 (fide IAM) adeeswere flying acrossroads and landing in deciduoustrees was much better than an averagehigh count. (BMt). At Pubnico Pt., N.S., Sept. 28, 30 Boreal Chickadees were moving, and again in late October small numbers were FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS- Last seasonOlive-sided found in 2 locations(fide JSC).In areass. of the breedingrange Flycatchersstaged a goodflight but this year was poor. The Boreals were particularly scarce with singles seen only in only reportsof more than singleindividuals were three banded Connecticut at Branford Oct. 19 and Groton Oct. 28 (fide DV) at Appledore I., Me., Sept. 4 (DWH) and three at Martha's In Newfoundland Red-breasted Nuthatches were in normal Vineyard,Mass., Sept. 9 (VL).Empidonax flycatchers are largely or slightlyabove-normal numbers. However, s. of there a malor ignored during fall unlessthey can be identified as Yellow- movement was noted but was restrictedalmost entirely to the belhed. At Bon Portage,N.S., Aug. 16-22 there were five Yel- coast.At Bon Portage,N.S., 220+ were observedAug. 16-22 low-bellieds, eight Leasts,and 43 Alders. A secondwave on and at Brier I., they were "all over the place" Aug. 31-Sept Sept I had 10 Alders and an amazing 300+ LeastFlycatchers 3. At Appledore I., Me., 97 were banded with 30% of these (fide JSC).Banding totals for AppledoreI., Me., Aug. 19-Sept. Aug. 31-Sept. 4 (DWH). At BlockI., R.I., 325 Red-breastedNut- 14 included 37 "Traill's," 62 Leastsand 72 Yellow-bellied fly- hatches were found Oct. 4-5 (fide DLE). There were more catcherswith a maximum of 22 Yellow-bellieds banded Sept. than 40 White-breastedNuthatches in Nova Scotiaduring the 4 (DWH). fall where it is considereda rare bird (fide JSC).As a result of The W. Kingbird is a rare but regular fall migrant in the mild wintersthe CarolinaWren populationhas been building Regionbut the timing of the appearancesdefies comprehen- up in s. New England.A Bewick's Wren, well seen and de- sion Early arrivals occurred at Appledore I., Me., Aug. 20-21 scribed,was an extremely rare find at Chatham, Mass.,Sept (DWH) and Nantucket I., Mass., Aug. 27 (SAP). The monthly 14 (WB, CAG). Winter Wrens musthave slippedthrough almost regionaltotals were six in September,20 in October and six unnoticedand nonewas reportedfrom n. areas.A rare migrant in Novemberwith a peak countof three at Martha's Vineyard, SedgeWren was seenat Block 1.,R.I., Sept. 19 (TK) for the only Mass.,Oct. 3 (P. Vickery). In someyears they are prevalent in report. September,almost totally lacking in October only to reappear KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Golden-crowned againin November.The typical fall migrationof E. Kingbirds failed to materialize. The best day at Digby, N.S., was Sept. 1 Kingletsenjoyed a goodfall flight which commencedin late (fide JSC)and only 34 were tallied at LighthousePt., Conn., Septemberand 60 were observedat Brier I., N.S., Sept.28 (fide Aug 19-Sept. 9 (fide DV). JSC). In Maine they were considered common to abundant The Scissor-tailedFlycatcher is, at best, a rare fall migrant. during the fall (fide WT) and at Block I., R.I., 200+ were found This year one appearedat CampobelloI., N.B., Oct. 12 (CDD), Oct. 4-5 (fide DLE). Unlike the Red-breastedNuthatch flight, Eastport,Me., Oct. 21 and a remarkable two at Old Town, Me., kingletswere found inland aswell asalong the coastbut num- Nov 6 where one remained until at least Nov. 10 (fide WT). bers there were considerablyfewer. Ruby-crownedKinglets Yet another Scissor-tailedturned up on Nantucket I., Mass., were alsoprevalent during the sameperiod but on a consid- Nov 9 (fide EA) where it remained to the end of the period erably lower order of magnitude. and was subsisting(in part) on winterberry (Ilex verticillata). Blue-gray Gnatcatchersoccurred in normal numbers in s The Region'ssmall populationof Purple Martins apparently areasbut in n. areaswhere they do not breed they continued pulled out on time in late August and no late individuals were to appear at late dates.A gnatcatcherappeared at Cape Spear, seen In Nova Scotia,Tree Swallowshad a poor breedingseason Nfld., Sept. 14-Oct. 4 (BMt, CB), the 2nd record for P.E.I. oc- resulting in an early departure (fide JSC)and in Rhode Island curred at SourisNov. 2 (BD) and three were present in Nova the flightwas greatly reduced (fide DLE). Few N. Rough-winged Scotia Nov. 3-16 (fide JSC).At least five N. Wheatears graced Swallowslingered beyond mid-Augustand the only late in- the Regionat CapeSpear, Nfld., Oct. 11-14 (RB,BMt), at Port- dividual was one at Napatree Pt., R.I., Sept. 27 (DLE). Cliff land, Me., Sept. 8 (fide WT), at Westport, Conn., Sept. 29-30 Swallows depart in August and become lost in the hordes of (fide DV), and at Plymouth and Wellfleet, Mass., Sept. 20 Tree Swallows.Fairly typical countswere ten at NapatreePt., (fide LET). Eastern Bluebirds received few comments. A 3 Mountain R I, Aug. 12 (fide DLE), eight in Halifax, Mass., Aug. 30 and 50 in Norfolk, Mass., the same day (fide LET). Late reports Bluebird was discovered at Miquelon Nov. 4 (AD, fide RE) included a Cliff Swallow at Cape Tormentinc, N.B., Oct. 14 where it remained for 2 or 3 days.This was only the 2nd re- (BD),four were at CapeRace, Nfld., Oct. 11 (BMt) and one was gionalsighting. Thrushes continue to occur in alarminglylow seen during snow squalls at St. John'sOct. 31 (BMt). Barn numbers.Banding totals for AppledoreI., Me., Aug. 19-Sept Swallows also depart early and are seldom seen in October 14 were 16 Veeries, eight Swainson'sand two Gray-cheeked but almost invariably reverse migration occursin early No- thrushes. At S.P.M. Gray-cheekedswere reported as more vember and did again this year from Connecticut to Maine conspicuousthan usual Sept.2-14 (RE) but otherwisethrushes totalling about ten individuals. Four were noted at Portland, were unreported. However, Am. Robins were well reported Me, Nov. (fide WT) and a very tardy individual was headed A heavy movementwas noted at P.E.I., Oct. 25-26 (BD) and N (•) at Plum I., Mass.,Nov. 29 (WRP). on the latter date 1000 were observed at Petit Manan, N B (CDD). An excellent migration occurred in Maine (fide WT) COBVIDS THROUGH WRENS -- Gray Jayswere said to and at LighthousePt., Conn., the seasontotal was 5859 with becomemore visible in fall in Nova Scotiawith six reportsin peak occurring Oct. 16-20 (fide DV). Fewer Brown Thrashers

Volume 41, Number 1 59 seemto be reportedeach year In Nova Scotiathey continue Southernwarblers were few ProthonotaryWarblers were scarcew•th "none m the usuallycertain spots"(fide JSC). noted only at Monhegan I., Me., Sept. 15 (fide WT) and The first Water Pipits were rather early with eight seen at Chatham,Mass., Aug. 21 (fide WB). On Aug. 29 both Kentucky Brier I., N.S., Aug. 29 (fide JSC).Then came a consistentre- and Worm-eatingwarblers were bandedat AppledoreI., Me g•onwidepattern of arrival the latter part of Septemberwith (DWH). Two KentuckyWarblers were reportedfrom Massa- a peak occurringin the latter one-half of Octoberwith several chusetts,one each in August and September.Nine Hooded countstotalling 100+ individuals.Two BohemianWaxwings Warblerswere seenin RhodeIsland in Augustand September seen at Port Saunders,Nfid., Aug. I (J. Zickefoose,fide BM) and the only other'report was of one at Chatham,Mass., Sept suggestedbreeding but the Region'sfirst nestingoccurred at 6 (WB). Cerulean Warblers were noted in Massachusettson Mount Denson,N.S., when a nestwith three youngwas found NantucketI., Sept.5 and Martha'sVineyard Sept. 9 and one July 20 (fide JSC).Six Bohemiansappeared at Grand-Anse, was seenat BlockI., R.I., Sept.19 (TK). Yellow-throatedWar- N B.,Oct. 17 (MichelGosselin) and in s.w.sections of the prov- blers were found at Nantucket I., Mass., Aug. 22 (SAP), •n •nce appearedin flocksof 50-100 in late October (fide BD). Chatham, Mass.,Sept. 8 (WB) and remarkably another late The first largeflock of Bohemians,130 birds,appeared at St. individual was discoveredat St. John's,Nfid., Nov. 17-19 (J John's, Nfld., Nov. 23 (BMt) and in Nova Scotia 55 were at Maunders,fide BMt). Of the 7 provincialrecords for Yellow- GlaceBay Nov. 4, 50 in PictouCounty Nov. 9 and 30 at Wolf- throated Warbler, six have been in November and/or De- v•lle Nov. 12 (fide JSC).The first Bohemiansof the seasonwere cember. at E. Machias,Me., Nov. 16 (fide WT). It appearsanother good Other late warblers found in St. John's,Nfid., included a w•nter for the speciesis in the offing.Cedar Waxwingswere Yellow Nov. 3-18, Prairie Nov. 17-19, two Black-and-whites, unusually numerousin all of e. Maine where 50+ were noted and a Yellow-breastedChat Nov. 18-23 (fide BMt). Late war- dmly during August(CDD). At LighthousePt., Conn.,'2691Ce- blers at Portland, Me., were a N. Parula Nov. 9, a Nashville dar Waxwingswere recordedmigrating during the seasonwith Nov. 9-15, and a TennesseeNov. 9 & 13 (RichardEakin). Two peaksSept. 13-15 and againNov. 10 (fide DV). of the commonestmigrant warblers were in low numbers A few N. Shrikesfiltered into n. partsof the Regionin October Yellow-rumpedWarblers were "scarce"in Nova Scotia,the and by the end of Novemberfair numbershad appearedex- best count beingof 25 at Seal I., Oct. 16 (fide DAC) and at tendingto s. New Englandwhere they are decidedlyless com- LighthousePt., Conn., they were in "pitiful numbers" w•th mon. There were five reportsof the now rare Loggerhead only 29 recordedOct. 10-Nov. 29 (fide DV). Other observers Shrike. In Connecticut one was at Hammonassett S.P. in mid- made similar comments.Nobody commented specifically on August and another at BranfordOct. 3 (fide DV). One was at the low numbersof BlackpollWarblers but they were not ob- N•nigret, R.I., Oct. 23 (fide DLE) and the two Massachusetts vious in roamingflocks as usual. reportswere at MarshfieldSept. 2 (fide LET) and Chatham Not all specieswere representedon the low side. Someof Sept. 17 (WB). the earlier migratingwarblers put in solidappearances. Band- ing totalsat AppledoreI., Me., Aug. 19-Sept.14 were 195Am VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- A count of nine White-eyed Redstarts,140 N. Waterthrushesand 111 CapeMay Warblers V•reos at Prudence I., R.I., Aug. 30 was most likely a post- of which 61 were bandedAug. 20-23 (DWH).An extraordinary breedingconcentration. Solitary Vireos passed through in un- 110 MagnoliaWarblers were seenat Chatham, Mass.,Sept 17 •mpressivenumbers in late Septemberand early October with (WB) the same day good numbers were banded at Manomet notablylate individualsoccurring at St. John's,Nfid., Oct. 28- and on Nantucket I. Both Orange-crownedWarblers and Yel- Nov. 5 (D. Barton,fide BMt) and Seal I., N.S., Nov. 10 (fide low-breastedChats were reportedin averagenumbers w•th DAC/. The Yellow-throated Vireo is a scarcemigrant and is reports on chats most prevalent in Septemberand Orange- reportedin very small numbers.One observedat Appledore crowneds in October. The usual few Connecticut Warblers I, Me., Sept.2 (DWH)was only slightlyunusual. Six Warbling were reportedand three (two banded)were at AppledoreI, V•reoswere bandedat AppledoreI., Me. (DWH) and the only Me., Sept.7-10 (DWH). In Connecticutthey were "more com- Nova Scotiasighting was of one at Brier I., Sept.28 (fide DAC). mon than usual"in late September-earlyOctober (fide DV) PhiladelphiaVireos were seenin goodnumbers but are more hkely to be soughtout and reportedthan others.Four were TANAGERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- The only s•g- seenin Nova ScotiaAug. 21-Sept.15 (fide DAC) and 41 were nificant report of a ScarletTanager was of a late individual bandedat AppledoreI., Me., Sept. 1-14 (DWH). The Massa- rather far n. at S.P.M., Oct. 5 (RE). Fifty-three Rose-breasted chusettstotal for Augustand Septemberwas 34 includingsix Grosbeaksat Chatham,Mass., Sept. 17 (WB) was well above at MarbleheadSept. 4 (fide LET) and a like number at Plum expectedtotals. Blue Grosbeakswere very scarcewith only 7 I, Sept.24 (RHS).The Red-eyedVireo is easilythe mostcom- reports,the most unusual at Pubnico Pt., N.S., Oct. 24 (fide mon migrantof this groupas is amply illustratedby a total of DAC). Two late IndigoBuntings were at St. John's,Nfld., Nov 143 bandedat AppledoreI., Me. (DWH). Very late individuals I and then again Nov. 8-12 (BMt) and at Hartlen's Pt., N S, occurredat Cape Spear,Nfld., Nov. 9 (RB)where it had been Nov. 11 (fide DAC). About 35 Dickcisselswere reportedin the presentsince Oct. 11 and at Halifax, N.S., Nov. 20 (fide DAC). Regionspanning August to Novemberwith aboutone-half the It is exceedinglydifficult to piece togetherthe warbler mi- reportsin October.October 1-7 five were flyoversin Guilford, grationfrom the bits and piecesreported. Most observersfelt Conn. (fide DV) and three were at Lighthouse Pt., Oct 22 there were few, if any,good waves yet somefortunate observers (fide DV). faredquite well. If no majorwaves occur then reportsgenerally AmericanTree Sparrowsbegan filtering into the Regionon are lackingbut any late appearancewill be reported.Hence time in late October.Reports of Clay-coloredSparrow were the preponderanceof late occurrencesin this report. Good down.With one exceptionall were from coastallocalities and numbers of resident warblers were noted moving at Gros mostwere seenin October.A Field Sparrow at St. Peter'sHar- Morne N.P., Nfld., for 2 days beginningAug. 31 (BM). Blue- bor, P.E.I., Nov. 2 (BD) furnishedonly the first fall record for wingedWarblers observed at CapeSpear Sept. 15 andSt. John's, the province.Also in P.E.I.,Vesper Sparrow is still a common Nfld., Sept.24 (BMt) providedthe 3rd and 4th provincialre- breeder,and, in late Augustflocks of 10-40 could be found •n cords.Five seen in Nova Scotia Aug. 17-31 was average and suitablefields. However, s. of there the speciesis still an un- 11 were bandedat AppledoreI., Me. (DWH). Golden-winged usual,but not necessarilyunexpected, find during migration Warblershave become very scarcein the Regionas is reflected Lark Sparrow remains a rare migrant in the Region with a •n the reports.At AppledoreI., Me., one was seenAug. 27 and preponderanceof recordsin late August-earlySeptember. Th•s anotherbanded Sept. 7 (DWH) and in Massachusettsone was fall more than one-halfthe reportswere from Nova Scotia bandedat ManometAug. 20 (M.B.O.)and one seenin Peabody where three were found at Lower West PubnicoAug. 31 and Sept. 19 (RSH). two at SealI., Sept.2 (fide DAC). Sightingsof Lark Buntingare

60 American B•rds,Spnng 1987 alwayspleasant surprises •n the Region Th•s year there were were present•n Newfoundland•n fmr numbers(BMt) and at 3 reports,all •n Massachusetts,at MonomoyI., Aug. 23 (BN), S.P.M.were regularlyseen •n small numbersdunng September at Martha's Vineyard Sept. 14,.and in RockportSept. 18 (fide (fide RE). Small numbersbegan appearingat P.E.I. in early LET). The only Henslow'sSparrow reported in the Regionwas November but no flight was evident (BD) and many small oneat Bolton,Mass., Oct. 3 (ML,fide LET). Similarlythere was groupswere reportedin Nova Scotiafrom Yarmouth to Cape only oneLe Conte'sSparrow, that at Newburyport,Mass., Sept. Breton in October and November (fide DAC). Purple Finches 27 (RSH). appearedto be in n. sectionsin normal numbers.At Brier I, SeasideSparrow is a very uncommonbreeding resident in N.S., Oct. 11-13,100 PurpleFinches were observed(fide DAC) coastalmarshes. An optimal high tide at Plum I., Mass.,the n. and 41 were at Peabody,Mass., Sept. 26 (RSH).Red Crossbills hm•t of the species'range, produceda surprising17 Seaside were presentonly in Newfoundlandwhere they were in fair SparrowsSept. 27 (RSH).Fox Sparrowswere commonin both numbers (fide BMt). Small scatteredflocks of White-winged Newfoundland and S.P.M. in early September but scarce Crossbillswere present from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia thereafter.Farther s. migrationpeaked in mid-Novemberbut but s. of there were seen only in Connecticutwhere 20 were was below average.Lincoln's Sparrows were reportedlyfairly observedat LighthousePt., Nov. 21 (fide DV). Likewise, small numerousin early Septemberin several locationsbut were scatteredflocks of Com. Redpollswere noted in the Maritime fewer than normal duringthe main migrationperiod mid-Sep- Provinceslate Octoberthrough November and beganappearing tember-mid-October.The White-crownedSparrow migration in Maine by mid-November (fide WT). Then a large group of •n the Regionis either feastor famine, and this was a famine 700 invaded Cutler, Maine, Nov. 28 (CDD). year. First arrivalsappeared on scheduleat severallocations Numbers of Pine Siskinswere observedmoving overhead •n very late Septemberbut the highestcount was of only five beginningin October from Nova Scotiasouthward. At Brier at Block I., R.I., Oct. 4-5 (fide DLE). An ad. Harris' Sparrow I., N.S., there were 400 Oct. 11-13 (fide DAC) and in Con- ws•ted a feeder on Nantucket I., Mass.,Nov. 12-21 (EA). necticutthere were largenumbers for a shortperiod (fide DV) Once again Lapland Longspurreports were few. Only 40 At LighthousePt., 2932were recorded,the first appearingOct were reportedfrom Nova Scotiaduring the season(fide DAC) 11 with a peak Oct. 25. Most of these must have moved on and they were presentthroughout November at Monomoy I., through as very few were observedin November. An excep- Mass.,where the highestcount was 10-t-on Nov. 11 & 22 (BN). tionally goodAm. Goldfinchflight occurredat a few locations Snow Buntingswere well reportedduring the late fall with One thousandwere present at Brier I., N.S., Sept. 27-29 (fide many reportsof flocksnumbering in the hundreds.First ar- DAC) and at Grand Manan, N.B., 250 were seen Sept. 26 & 27 rivals generallyappeared in mid-Octoberand the best count (CDD).At LighthousePt., Conn.,11,000-t- Am. Goldfincheswere was of 1000-1500 at S.P.M., Nov. 3 (AD). In Connecticut they recordedmid-August-November with a peak Oct. 1 (fide DV) were commoner than normal. Migrant Bobolinks passing EveningGrosbeaks were presentbut no areahad a greatabun- L•ghthousePt., Conn., during the seasontotalled 9812 with dance.In Maine they beganarriving in greaternumbers after the peak occurringSept. 1 (fide DV). A more modest300 were mid-October (fide WT) but s. of there they appearedonly •n at Ipswich, Mass., Aug. 30 (RAF). Yellow-headedBlackbirds scatteredsmall flocks overhead through November. are rare but regular migrantsin the Regionwith a preponder- ance of recordsin a short period spanninglate August and early September.Of approximatelyten reportsthis season, OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS- C.R.K. Allen, Edith one-half were found in October, the most unusual being a Andrews,George N. Appell,Jim Berry, Chris Brown, R.G.B. Brown, female at S.P.M., Oct. I (AD, RE). Followingclose on the heels RogerBurrows, David Christie, David E. Clapp, ]. Shirley Cohrs, of last fall's first regionalrecord, a Boat-tailedGrackle was at Harriett Corbett,Nell Currie,Brian Dalzell, Alain Desbrosse,Phylhs Stratford,Conn., Nov. 20-23 (fide DV). Thirty N. Orioles at R. Dobson,Charles D. Duncan,Dave L. Emerson,Roger Etcheberry, Bon Portage,N.S., Aug. 30 (fide DAC) was an averagecount Carl A. Goodrich,Clive Goodwin,George W. Gove,Bruce Hallett, during peak migration period and one at S.P.M., Oct. 3 (RE) RichardS. Hell, David W. Holmes,Elspeth S. Johnson,Kyle Jones, was rather late and far afield. An Orchard Oriole at Bon Por- Seth Kellogg,Timothy Koebel, Vernon Laux, Bruce Macravish tage, N.S., Sept. I (fide DAC) was surprisingand unique for (BMt),Blake Maybank, Ian A. McLaren,Eric L. Mills, Blair Nikula, the Regionas most of the breedingresidents depart in July. PeterPayzant, Simon A. Perkins,Wayne R. Petersen,Noble Proc- tor, FrancisSpalding, Robert H. Stymeist,Chris Taylor, Lee E WINTER FINCHES- This group probably shows the Taylor, William Townsend,Dennis Varza, JeffWells.--RICHARD greatestvariation in regionaldistribution of any which is con- A. FORSTER, MassachusettsAudubon Society, Lincoln, Mass. s•stentwith its notoriouserratic wanderings.Pine Grosbeaks 01773.

QUEBEC REGION

Richard Yank, Yves Aubry, and Michel Gosselin LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- Seldom observed ollowingaboveaverage acool across and wetthe provincesummer, in rainfall August continuedand Sep- in overland migration, 27 Red-throatedLoons paused on L tember, accompaniedby below-normaltemperatures in Osisko,T•miscamingue Co., Nov. 2 (JL).A SootyShearwater, mostareas. Cold weather persisted during October although rare in the St. Lawrence Estuary, was seen from the Trms- precipitationlevels moderatedsomewhat. November was Pistolesferry Aug. 31 (JPO).Manx Shearwatershave entered even colder, with temperaturesranging from 2øC below the Estuaryin unprecedentednumbers during the last2 years, normal in the south to 6øC below normal in the north. this fall, 4 sightingsof one to two birds were made from the Agmnthis fall, high water levels in the Upper St. Lawrence Trois-Pistolesand Matane ferry crossingsabout Aug. 25-Sept greatly reduced available shorebird habitat in western 3 (CGo,KB, TF, JPO,MGo, ML). Alsounusual were single Quebec. son'sStorm-Petrels reported off Trois-PistolesSept. 14 (YA,

Volume 41, Number I 61 (AGu et al.). A Gray Partridge at Sillery Nov. 30 (JPO, ML) addedto recentsightings from the QuebecCity area. An imm. Purple Gallinule found dead at Bonaventure Oct. 20 {*N.M.N.S.)provided Quebec's 7th record.Migrating Sandhill Craneswere spottedat Baie-d'Urf• Aug. 26 {MM) and Philips- burg Sept. 27 (MA et al.); unprecedentednumbers were en- countered in Abitibi County, with 22 at Val-Senneville for about one week in mid-September(f•de SG) and scatteredre- portsof one to three individuals from 5 other sitesin the area Aug. 15-Oct. 5. A Willet strayedto GodboutOct. 21 (TW) and an impressive flock of 300-400 southboundWhimbrels passedover the w. tip of Montreal I., Sept.2 (MM). HudsonJanGodwits also made a goodshowing with a total of 27 birds found w. of Trois- Pistoles, and a Marbled Godwit reached Saint-Germain-de- KamouraskaAug. 23 (JPO,ML). A juv. Western Sandpiperwas studiedat MontmagnySept. 6 (MGo, ND, RY, EK), while a very late Baird'sSandpiper lingered at Pointe-au-P•re Nov. I (GG, DR). A moultingad. Curlew Sandpiper,only the Region's3rd, was an exciting find at Sainte-Anne-de-PortneufAug. 9 (GC, ND) and Painte-au-P•re Oct. 24 (GG, DR). Immature Great AP, SM, RGi); it is thereforeworth mentioninga possiblewin- Cormorantswere out-of-rangeat the latter location Sept. 6 ter-plumagedbird at the same location Oct. 14 OMGa,RGo) (YG), off the Matane ferry Oct. 12 (IJ,MGa) and at Saint-Ro- and two more encounteredat New Richmond Oct. 22 (TW)-- muald-d'Etchemin Nov. 13-28 (AGu et al.). Southern waders both reportssubmitted by careful observersunable to study were scarce and limited to a Great Egret at Sainte-Anne-de- the birdsin completedetail. A 8 Ruff was describedat Grosse- la-P•rade Sept.5 & 6 (CL) and a GlossyIbis on I. aux Fermiers lie Aug. 20-21 (PPe) and Pt. Betsiamitesproduced a female Aug. 8 (FB, GD). Oct. 13 (IJ,MGa, RGo). An imm. Long-billedDowitcher was This spring'srecord-high Canadian Wildlife Service census notedat Pointe-au-P•reSept. 29 (YG et al.) and againOct. 11- of 300,000+ Greater Snow Geese was followed by the lowest 12 OMGa,IJ, RGo)--like the W. Sandpiper, this is a rare but reproductivesuccess rate since 1974, judgingby the lack of regular migrant in the area. juveniles (<3%) in southboundflocks this fall (AR). JAEGERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- The only jae- ger detectedin the Upper St. Lawrence R. was an ad. Parasitic on L. Saint-Pierre Sept. 20 (DJa).The Long-tailed Jaeger,our The presenceof a blue Ross'Goose at Cap Tourmente rarest jaeger, occurseach fall in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Oct. 20-23 (TW, SLe) was certainly one of the outstand- where 4 sightingsof one to two birds were made Aug. 8-Sept. ing events of the season.First describedin 1979, this 14. Rarer larids included a LaughingGull at CacounaSept. 14 exceedinglyrare morph of the Ross'Goose has never (JPO,ML) and a Franklin's Gull at Hull Sept. 4 (DD). Notable before been recorded in the East. Ross' Geese have been were a 2nd-year Little Gull at Blanc-SablonAug. 15 (BM, DF, known to exhibit dark and light morphsin the downy JE)and two at PabosAug. 30 (PPo)--there exist relatively few plumage.but it is apparentlynot until recentlythat di- recordsof this speciesin the Gulf of St. Lawrence. No longer morphismhas gainedaccess to the adult plumage,pos- unexpected were single Com. Black-headed Gulls at Trois- sibly triggeredby the backcrossingof Ross'Geese with PistolesAug. 15 (JPO),Barachois Aug. 24 (PPo),and Rimouski hybrid Blue x Ross'Geese. The emergenceof dark birds Sept. 1 (GG, DR). Our first recordsof Thayer's Gull from e. of among populationsof Ross'and Greater Snow geese, the SaguenayR. were apparentlyprovided by an adult at Hau- alongwith their increaseamong Lesser Snow Geese,de- terive Nov. 18 (GC) and a first-winter bird at Rimouski Nov. servesto be monitoredclosely (taking great care to dis- 26 (GG, DR). Four LesserBlack-backed Gulls were found this tinguish them from hybrids, see Auk 96:544-550). The season:adults returned to Boischatel(f•de CV) and Kirkland predominantly white colorationof the North American (MM, m.ob.),where they were presentlast fall, another adult Chen geesemay well have been an adaptationmainly turned up at Saint-G•d•on OMSa,CGi), and a 3rd-year im- suitedto their environmentduring the lastglacial period, mature was at Montmagny (JH, CV). Sabine'sGulls can also and they may now be slowlyreverting back to a darker be found each fall in the Estuary,and four birds (two adults, plumage. two immatures) were seen there Sept. 7-Oct. 12. A CaspianTern at CacounaAu• 3 (JPO)and two at Rimouski Aug. 21 (GG) were locally rare, while an Arctic Tern, not often A Wood Duck was present at Sept-tiesOct. 27 (SLv); this seen in fall migration. was at Saint-Nicolas Aug. 30 (LM). A specieshas been found with increasedfrequency along the Forster'sTern seenfrom the Trois-Pistolesferry Sept.14 (JPO, North Shorein recent years.Two Green-wingedTeal at Inuk- ML) and an imm. Black Tern at L'Isle-Verte Aug. 30 (JPO, juak Sept. 5 (GB) were n. of their breedingrange, and worthy MGo) were both exceptionalfinds for the Lower St. Lawrence. of mentionwere an Eur. Wigeonat CacounaSept. 17 (GG,JPO) A Razorbill presentat Saint-Vallier Sept.28 (LM) and an imm. and lone Redheadsat BergeronnesAug. 31-Sept. 1 (AB) and Black Guillemot at Quebec City Aug. 2 (CV, AGo) were both PabosSept. 13 (PPo). farther w. than usual on the St. Lawrence. An early Snowy Owl at Pointe-au-P•reSept. 1 (YG) presaged RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- A Turkey Vul- a better-than-averagelate fall movement into s. Quebec, and ture wandered to Blanc-SablonAug. 3 (WW), providing the N. Hawk-Owls appeared at Falardeau Nov. 20 (GSa)and Cap Region'smost northerly record, while a roostdiscovered at L. Tourmente Nov. 25-28 (LM et al.). Three Short-earedOwls at Memphremagogharbored a maximum of 56 birdsSept. 19 (Jide Inukjuak Sept. 22 (GB)were n. of their usual range,and only PL). Montreal hawkwatchers(MM, BB) tallied 98 Ospreys,612 one Boreal Owl showed up, at CharlesbourgNov. 24 (JG).A Sharp-shinnedHawks, and 79 Rough-leggedHawks--record- late Whip-poor-will was still calling near P•ribonka in late high totals after 11 years of observation.Three Gyrfalcons September(f•de MSi). Red-bellied Woodpeckerswere found reached s. Quebec in November: at La Baie (GSa, CC), Saint- at HudsonOct. 26-Nov. 5 (8--PB, m.ob.),Chicoutimi Nov. 21+ Charles-de-Bellechasse(RL), and Saint-Romuald-d'Etchemin (•---RI et al.), and BuckinghamNov. 29 (MD); while this species

62 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 was recorded only 12 t•mes •n the prownce pr•or to 1985, the EverangGrosbeaks •nvaded s Quebec•n August,earher than past 2 years have produced6 records.A 3 Three-toed Wood- normal, but most had moved on by the latter one-half of the pecker observedat Pointe de l'Est Oct. 14 (MGo, EK) repre- season. sented one of the few records for this speciesin the Made- leone Is. SoA. Another chapter in the sagaof the Eurasian Jackdaw SWALLOWS THROUGH FINCHES -- Rare in November, came to light when RE found a storywritten by the chief a Barn Swallow was still at CacounaNov. 9 (JPO).Gray Jays engineerof a French freighter,in a magazinepublished were widely reportedoutside their boreal forest haunts. The in France (Ca m'int•resse61:37, 1986). The engineer re- most unusual sightingwas of one on Brion I., Oct. 15 (PF), as latesthat in October1984, when sailingfrom Dunkerque the speciesis a rare winter visitor in the Madeleine Is. A Tufted to Port-Cartier, his ship was invaded by hundreds of T•tmousedelighted observers at PhilipsburgSept. 27 (GMo et jackdaws, lost at sea off southern England. The birds al ) and the Carolina Wren made its best showing in recent stayedwith the boat and acceptedfood handed out by years with singlesat Philipsburg(RPr), Saint-Bruno-de-Mon- the crew. Off Newfoundland, they were decimatedby tarvalle(fide ND), Boucherville(FB), I. desSoeurs (GD), Pierre- coldwinds and storms.Some of them took refugeinside fonds(YP, m.ob.),and Lac-Beauport(RB) during the period. A the ship and, upon reachingPort-Cartier, the remaining flockof 26 E. Bluebirdsat Neuville Sept.28 (PO, GMe) followed 30-50 jackdawsleft. A year later, dead bodiesof jack- another successfulyear for this speciesin the n. part of its daws were still being found in hidden cornersof the range,and a N. Mockingbirdwas noteworthyat GodboutOct. ship. The timing of this incident suggeststhat the jack- 21 (TW). For the 2nd consecutiveyear, Bohemian Waxwings dawsreported from Port-Cartierin November1984 (see were commonin many areas,including 360 at Chicoutimi Nov. AB 39:149) were survivors of this crossing. 13 (MSa) and 450 at RimouskiNov. 15 (GG, DR). A Golden- w•ngedWarbler at BoischatelOct. 10 (CS)was our latestever, a P•ne Warbler at a Chandler feeder Nov. 15-23 (HB) repre- CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS- M. Ainley, Y. Aubry, sentedonly the 2nd recordfrom the Gasp6Pen., and an Am. P. Bannon, B. Barnhurst,]. B•rub6, K. Blanchard, F. Blouin, A Redstartwas quite late at SennevilleNov. 2 (RC). Bouchard, G. Bouchard, R. Boucher, H. Briand, R. Carswell, C. The province's6th and 7th WesternTanagers, the first since Cormier, G. Cyr, D. Dallaire, M. David, N. David, G. Duquette, J 1973,were •-plumagedbirds at WestmountAug. 31 (GSe)and Ellis,R. Etcheberry,P. Fradette,D. Fiddler,T. French,S. Gagnon, Cap Tourmente Oct. 3 (JPO,RB). Northern Cardinals,still rare Y. Gauthier,M. Gawn (MGa), G. Gendron,L. Gervais,R. Gilbert •n the Quebec City area, included a female at Charlesbourg (RGi), C. Girard (CGi), J. Giroux, C. Goodwin(CGo), R. Gorman Nov 11-21 (RL) and a male at Beaupr6 Nov. 17-20 (SLb). A (RGo),M. Gosselin(MGo), A. Gouge(AGo), F. Grenon,A. Guimond D•ckcisselwas identified by its distinctive call as it flew over (AGu),]. Hardy,J-M Hardy, R. Imbeau,D. Jauvin (DJa),I. Jones, Pt aux OutardesOct. 13 (RGo,IJ, MGa) and another (possibly D. Jutras(DJu), E. Krzykwa,S. Labont6(SLb), M. Lafieur,P. Landry, J. Lapointe, S. Lavigne (SLy), C. Lemay, R. Lepage,S. L6vesque the same?)stopped at nearby Hauterive Oct. 13-18 (JB). Ex- (SLe),S. Martin, J-GMatte, B. Maybank,M. Mcintosh,G. M•nard trahmital sparrowsincluded a Rufous-sidedTowhee at Baie- (GMe),L. Messely,G. Montgomery(GMo), P. Otis,J-P Ouellet, A CorneauNov. 6-30 (LG, GC),a Clay-coloredat Cap Tourmente Pelletier, R. Pelletier (RP1),P. Perreault (PPe),R. Perreault (RPr), Oct 7 (FG, JPO),and singleField Sparrowsat Rimouski Nov. P. Poulin (PPo),Y. Pr•novost,A. Reid, D. Ruest,G. Savard(GSa), 5 (GG) and Baie-ComeauNov. 16-18 (GC).Two ad. Lark Spar- M. Savard(MSa), G. Seutin(GSe), F. Shaffer,C. Simard,M. Simard rows at Sainte-Sophie-de-MbganticAug. 11 (DJu)brought to (MSi),Y. Th•bault,C. Vachon,W. Watson,T. Woodrow,R. Yank.- 12 the number of Quebec sightings.Two recently-fledged RICHARD YANK, 566 ChesterRoad, Beaconsfield,Que. H9W 3K1, young accompanieda pair of House Finches at Rivi•re-du- YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wildlife Service,P.O. Box 10100, Sainte- LoupAug. 15 (YT), suggestinglocal breeding. A • Eur. Goldfinch Foy, Que. GIV 4H5, and MICHEL GOSSELIN,Ornithology Dept., v•s•ted a feeder in Saint-L•onard, Montreal I., Aug. 23 (JGM). National Museum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa, Ont. KIA OM8.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION

Robert O. Paxton, William J. Boyle, Jr., and 3000 Bobolinks,among many other diurnal migrants, and David A. Cutler passedthe hawk watch at Cape May Point (FN). Hurricane Charley passedup the coaston August 18, but this weak storm veered out to sea after brushing the Vir- frontsigration broughtstarted down offwith a lot aofbang. passerinePrecociousmigrants cold in ginia coast. The main effects were Cory's Shearwaters, August.Blicharz found eighteenspecies of warblers in the Wilson's Storm-Petrels, and terns on shore, and an errant Princeton Woods between August 24 and the end of the Franklin's Gull. month, and Crossley and Dowdell found over 23 species Followingthese tempestuousbeginnings, September and of warblers, including early Blackpollsand Cape Mays, at October brought calmer weather and, some thought, dull Higbee's Beach, Cape May, August 25. Maurer was at Cape birding. Even so, there were notable dawn rushes at Hig- May at midday August 28 when a cold front came through, bee'sBeach on September7 (5000-6000passetines between stopping the morning's southeast winds and rain. "Shore 6:30and 9 a.m., including27 speciesof warblers,JDo), Sep- birds began to drop into South Cape May Meadows, stayed tember 9 (20 speciesof warblers),and October16. Novem- for five minutes or less, and then flew off." He saw about ber brought record cold. Following a strongcold front on 200 waders of 21 speciesin the Meadows that afternoon. November 10, thousands of American Goldfinches and In the next morning'snorthwest winds, 150 Northern Ori- House Finches, hundreds of Pine Siskins, and a couple of oles were at Higbee'sBeach, and 2300 Eastern Kingbirds Redpollswere movingnorth alongthe beachnorth of Cape

Volume 41, Number 1 63 ble-crestedCormorants brought 11 to York-Lancaster,Pa. (DH), one to Green Lane Sept. 6-Oct. 4 (GLF), and 38 over Allentown Sept. 20 (F. Brock).Ward counted4130 passingAvalon in an hour and a half Oct. 8. Corm i Low water at severalprime coastalspots favored prodigious assemblagesof herons.The mostnotable counts were of 175+ Great Blue Herons at Tinicum Sept. 13 (JCM), and 800 Great Egretswith 2000 Snowy Egretsat Brig Sept. 3 (PL). The 15th annual count at Rookery Island, Washington Boro,Lancaster, Pa., found nine speciesof heronsAug, 6, led by 4598 Cattle Egrets,and including one Tricolored Heron and, once again, WR an imm. White Ibis (RMS). The Region'sonly other White Ibis reportedwas a much rarer adult at BrigSept. 3 (IB, H. Wallurn). A White-faced Ibis was diagnosticallyphotographed at Brig Aug. 2-3 (ph. S. LaFrance,B & NM), for the 6th Regionaloc- currence since the first was found there in 1977.

WATERFOWL -- Five Greater White-fronted Geese were NWR reported,up to two in Dutchess,N.Y. (P.& T. Haight, M. Yegella, D. Fleury), one at Mecox Bay, L.I., Nov. 2 (K & SF, MC), and two with about one thousand Canadas at Strawbridge L., Moorestown, N.J., Nov. 17-18 (JGo, BMo). All were believed to be of the Greenlandrace. The fall build-up of Snow Geese at Bombay Hook reached a record 72,000, about 20,000 more than usual, by plane count Oct. 22 (fide APE). There were very few youngamong them, suggestinga poorbreeding year in the arctic (DAC). One or two Ross'Geese, a speciesprobably overlookedin this Regionbefore easternrecords began to ac- cumulate, were studied among the Snows at Brig Oct. 5-11 May into a northwest wind (RDB). At dawn on November (MG, REM, B & NM), as well as one at Bombay Hook Nov. 4- 14 the thermometer fell to record lows of 21 in Newark 8 (B. Sehl, tA. & J. White). A Brant was unusual far inland at and 15 in Atlantic City. StrawbridgeL., Moorestown,N.J., Nov. 17 (JGo).But sinceBrant are regularly observedfrom inland hawk watches, it is odd that more are not groundedinland. Peak ridge countsof Brant ABBREVIATIONS--Bombay Hook = Bombay Hook Nat'l this fall came on Oct. 30, when 2000 passedover Raccoon Wildlife Ref., near Smyrna,Del.; Brig = BrigantineUnit, Edward Ridge, Warren, N.J. (FPW), and 220 over Baer Rocks,Lehigh, B. Forsythe Nat'l Wildlife Ref., Atlantic Co., N.J.; Green Lane Pa. (KKr). Two Barnacle Geese,of unknown provenance, ar- = Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery Co., Pa.; J.B.W.R. = Jamaica rived at Brig with an influx of Snow Geese Oct. 3 and were BayWfidlife Ref., New York City; L.I. = LongIsland, N.Y.; Tinicum observedby many thereafter (REM, B & NM, RG). = Tinicum Nat'l RecreationCenter, Philadelphia. Place names in SevenEur. Wigeon on LongIsland and two, possiblythree, italics are counties. at CapeMay were aboutpar. CommonEiders reached a healthy 60 at Montauk Pt., Nov. 29 (MC, K & SF), five at Avalon Nov. 15 (DWa), and seven at N. Cape May Nov. 23-30 (KB, AB, KS). LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- SingleRed-throated Loons, In addition to six King Eiders at Montauk and one at Shin- far rarer inland than Corn.Loons, were at Muddy Run, Dru- necock Inlet, L.I., Nov. 29 (MC, K & SF), singleswere as far more, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 30 (RMS), over the Baer Rocks, Le- south as Stone Harbor Nov. I (B & NM) and Cape May Nov. high, Pa., hawk watch Nov. 20 (KKr), and at Cedar Grove Res., 29-30 (KB).In addition to the usual few Harlequin Ducks on Essex,N.J., Nov. 28 (D. Oster). Along the coast 14,620 loons, e. LongIsland, four reachedcoastal New Jersey(fide PBa).Dry 90% of them Red-throated,passed Avalon, Cape May, N.J.,in weather in Octoberproduced few interior groundingsof diving 50 hoursof coast-watchingin late Octoberand early November ducks.The best inland count of Oldsquawswas of 30 at Cul- (DWa). Outstanding was a Pacific Loon discoveredAug. 4 at ver'sL., Sussex,N.J. (F. Tetlow), while 100 at Chelsea,Dutchess, Tuckerton,Ocean, N.J. (M. Gochfeld,m.ob.). Apparently unable N.Y. (EP, M. VanWagner, F. Germond),was a notable Hudson to fly, perhapsbecause of molt, it was seenby many observers R. count. The best Black Scotercount was of 17 at Harvey's over 3 weeks. Lake, Luzerne, Pa., Oct. 24 (WR). Two White-winged Scoters In addition to the usual half-dozen Red-necked Grebes on at Blue Marsh L., Bucks,Pa., Oct. 26 (BSt)furnished the only the coast,one was weather-groundedat Maiden Creek, L. On- inland report. Rarest inland, as usual, was one Surf Scoter at telaunee, Berks, Pa., Nov. 2 (BSt). Three Eared Grebes were Cedar Grove Res., Essex,N.J., Nov. 28 (D. Oster). found:J.B.W.R., through September (JR, K & SF, MC, FF), Brig Sept.1 (WJB,RElVl}, and near BarnegatLight, Ocean, N.J.,Nov. RAPTORS -- A Black Vulture at Nysox, Bradford, Sept. 28 4 (AG). furnished the first record known to us from the n. tier counties Cory's Shearwatersand Wilson'sStorm-Petrels were onshore of Pennsylvania(WR). Two around Mt. Peter, s. Orange, N.Y., on LongIsland after Hurricane Charley, Aug. 18 (AJL,P. Buck- in Septemberwere not migrants (AM, JC). ley), and one Wilson's Storm-Petrelwas flying up the Hudson It was a "great year" at Hawk Mt., Pa. (LG), and goodat most R. at Piermont Pier, Bockland, N.Y., that day (tPDe), for the hawk watches. Osprey counts reached all-time record levels first river record since 1933 (R. Deed). at almost every site. Hawk Mt.'s 798 was the most in 52 years An imm. N. Gannet injured at a small pond near Pough- (LG), and Upper Montclair's 839 and Cape May's 3438 were keepsie,N.Y., Oct. 27 (m.ob., ph. J. Key) furnished the 2nd also records(FN). One Osprey came aboarda fishingboat 50 Dutchessrecord, and recalled a similar inland grounding in mi off Cape May Oct. 27 (fide PS). A single MississippiKite New Jerseylast fall. Ward counted 11,000 southboundpast turned up at Cape May Aug. 30 (RC), as in most falls since Avalon, N.J., in 37 hours in late October and November. An 1980. Bald Eagleshad a very encouragingfall migration.It is Am. White Pelican was around Cape May Sept. 23-Oct. 6 (CS, impossibleto summarize the widespreadsingle observations, D. Sibley).The lastsummering Brown Pelicans were seenthere but 51 at Hawk Mt. were the most since 1956 (LG), and 18 at in mid-August.An "explosion"(DH) of inland recordsof Dou- Montclairand 55 at CapeMay hawk watcheswere alsorecords.

64 American Birds,Spring 1987 N•neteen passedthrough lower Westchester,N Y, from late Masswe shoreb•rd concentrationsof 5000-6000 budt up •n Augustthrough September (fide TWB). NorthernHarriers were Augustat BombayHook, where bothRaymond and Shearness not quite up to recent high levels. Fifteen that passedhigh Pools were drained, and other locations with low water levels overthe CapeMay Pointhawk watch at dawnfollowing a cold such as Tinicum, Green Lane, and SpruceRun Res.,Hunterdon, front Oct. 16 may have been migratingat night (FN). The long N.J., had excellent shorebirding.These local hotspotsmight Acc•piterclimb may be levellingoff. Cape May's 28,980 Sharp- givea deceptiveimpression, however, for Morris'careful aging sh•nnedHawks were the fewestin 10 years,but the ridgesdid of shorebirdsat J.B.W.R.showed late arrivals and low propor- better. Hawk Mt.'s 9239Sharp-shinned Hawks were abovethe tionsof juveniles,suggesting a poornesting season in the arctin 10-year average (LG) and Mt. Peter's 2440 set a record (AM). LesserGolden-Plovers were patchily abundant,low •n (AM, JC). Delaware and in the HudsonValley, but up to 152 near Sharp- After dribbling through for several falls, Broad-winged town, Salem, N.J.,Sept. 11 (E. Manners)and 200 on a sodfarm Hawks formed a memorable concentration unusually early near Allentown, Monmouth, N.J., Sept. 6 (L. Larson). All else and closeto the coast.On Sept.14, 30,535over the Greenwich, paledbeside a flockthat built to 1500by Sept.3 on a sodfarm Ct, Audubon Center passedinto adjacent Westchester,N.Y., newly transformedfrom potatofields at Cutchogue,L.I. (PBe, followed by an echo 13,057 at Butler Sanctuarythe next day A. Dove, P. Gillen). A remarkably late Wilson's Plover was (TWB).The same2 daysbrought 17,000 and 13,000over Upper describedfrom BrigOct. 14 (tP. Hoppin).Local beach-breeding Montclair, and thousandsover the PrincetonWoods (fide IB, ploversusually leave early, and the 42 PipingPlovers gathered RJB).The main inland passageof Broad-wingedHawks came at Corson'sInlet, N.J.,Aug. 14 (REM) could have represented later, on Sept.20 (e.g.,3194 at Hawk Mt., 2000+ at Bake Oven one-tenth of the n.e. breedingpopulation. Knob, and 2380 at Baer Rocks,Lehigh, Pa.). Remarkably late Black-neckedStilts built to 20 in Delaware by Aug. 9 (BMo), fi•ghtsbrought 1700 over Baer Rocks Sept. 29 (KKr)and 1500 and post-breedingAm. Avocetsat BombayHook and Little over RaccoonRidge Sept. 30 (FPW).The coastalpassage was Creek reachedan exceptional300 (CS,ROP). Up to three avo- even more protracted.An early 54 passedCape May Aug. 25 cets at Brig throughthe fall (REM, B & NM) marked their (CS,DWi), and an extraordinary2986 there Oct. 2 helpedmake northern limit this time. A count of 850 Greater Yellowlegs at up an astounding12,000-hawk day at the Point (FN). Five Brig Nov. 5 (REM) was worth recording.A Willet on the Co- Swainson'sHawks passedCape May (Sept.9, 13, 16, & 22, and nejohela Flats, WashingtonBoro, Aug. 3 (EW, TG) provided Oct 20, FN), and one was at Bake Oven Knob Sept. 11 (R. only the 2nd Lancaster,Pa., record;it may have been a western Bardman).Red-tailed Hawks also did better on the coastthan migrant.Upland Sandpiperconcentrations were not very en- •nland, with a record 3375 at Cape May but a mediocre3269 couraging.Except for 35 at Cutchogue,L.I., Aug. 24 (PBe)and at Hawk Mountain. Rough-leggedHawks were mostly low, 32 at St. Charlescemetery, near Farmingdale,L.I., Aug. 5 (AJL), exceptfor a healthy 10 at BaerRocks (KKr). the best countsknown to us were of a poor 13 at the Columbus Golden Eaglesput on a goodshow over the inland ridges sod farm, Burlington,N.J., Aug. 23 (J. LaVia), and 12 at the when cold weather came in November.Although Hawk Mt.'s Philadelphiaairport Aug. 19 (JCM).Since Whimbrels are rarely total of 44 broke no records,record daily highsof five passed groundedinland, 30 passingeast acrossScott's Mt., Warren, on Nov. 10 & 19. UpperMontclair had a recordfive, and Orange, N.J.,Sept. 7 (GH, J. Ebner)made a fine sight. N Y, a record seven (fide JPT). The coastdid well too, 16 at It was a very goodgodwit season. An estimated24 Hudson- Cape May tying the record. Good finds away from the hawk ians passedthrough Tinicum during the season,with a max- watchesincluded one at Berwick, Pa., Nov. 6 (D. Gross)and imum of seven Oct. 20 (JCM); the largestassemblages were of one feedingon a deer carcassat Fishkill, Dutchess,N.Y., Nov. 12 on the Line Islands,L.I., Aug. 24 (AJL),and an astonishing 21-26 (fide EP). 22 at Bombay Hook Sept. 23 (KKa). Exceptionalinland were American Kestrelsseem to be pulling out of their slump. three at Green Lane (GLF, GAF, m.ob., ph.) and one at Spruce Coastalcounts were generallyabove the lows of recent years Run (JDeM).A greatconcentration of shorebirdsat Zach'sBay, (e g, 12,415at CapeMay), but 455 at Hawk Mt., while a slight JonesBeach S.P., L.I., in early November, mostly Dunlins and •mprovement,was still belowthe 10-yearaverage (LG). Merlins Black-bellied Plovers, included at least four Hudsonian and continue to increase.Coastally, Fire Island'stotal climbed to nine Marbled godwits.Inland, two Marbled Godwits were at a new record for the 2nd year in a row, with 1087 (DP), and Middle Creek W.M.A., Lancaster,Pa., Aug. 17 (SS),and West- Cape May's 2449 came in just under last year's record.Few chester,N.Y.'s first remained at Rye Aug. 26-Sept. 13 (TWB, Merlins use the ridges,but Hawk Mt.'s 78 set a 52-year record m.ob.). Among the rarer shorebirdsinland were a Ruddy (LG), and Upper Montclair's 23 was alsothe most ever there. Turnstoneat L. Marburg, York, Pa., Sept. 27-28, only the 2nd One Merlin was found 35 mi off the Delaware coastSept. 21 there in 8 years(DH), two Red Knotsat Tinicum Aug. 31 (JCM) (APE).Cape May's 615 PeregrineFalcons were well aboveany and one at Green Lane Oct. 31 (RG), and rather widespread figure since the new hawk watch was establishedin 1975, Sanderlings,including five at LeaserL., Sept. 5, for the 2nd w•th a historicpeak of 140 on the big day of Oct. 2 (FN). Several Lehigh,Pa., record(BLM), two at Green Lane Oct. 28 (RG),two Greenland-bandedbirds were retrappedthere. At Hawk Mt., at Tinicum Sept. 1-2 (BSt,B & NM), and one at Pittston,Luz- 24 Peregrineswere more than the 10-year average,and 17 set erne, Pa., Aug. 29 (WR). a recordat Mt. Peter.At J.B.W.R.on Sept.30, an ad. 9 Peregrine A juv. Little Stint at south Cape May Meadows August 28 killed and ate an imm. • Sharp-shinnedHawk that had rashly was impeccablydescribed ($REM, DWi, R. Dorrance).Condi- stoopedat her (TL). A gray-phaseGyrfalcon tangled with a tions were favorable for White-rumped Sandpipers;the best perceptiblysmaller Red-tailed Hawk overthe CapeMay hawk coastalcount was of 80 at CapeMay Sept.4 (PL),and the best watch Oct. 31 (tFN), and anotherwas reportedfrom Fire Island, inland an amazing 64 Sept. 9 at SpruceRun (E. Patten). It was L I, Sept. 29 (J. Holman). alsoa goodfall for Baird'sSandpipers. In additionto widespread singlesand reportsof two or three from Brig (B & NM, REM), Green Lane (GLF, GAF), Tinicum (JCM), Spruce Run (GH), RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- A Yellow Rail was and LongArm Res.,York (DH), four were at L. Marburg, York, p•cked up injured and taken to a rehabilitation center on L.I., Sept.28 (DH) and a remarkablenine were at SagaponackPond, Sept. 24 (fide TWB). A Black Rail came into view under the L.I., Sept. 20-21 (HMcG, R. Kelly). Exceptionally90+ Dunlins CapeMay hawk watch Sept.15 (FN). A color-bandedSandhill were inland at Green Lane Nov. 9 (GLF), and one was at Pitts- Crane was around Cape May much of the fall (CS,KB, m.ob.) ton, Luzerne, Pa., Sept. 19 (WR). and another on a farm near Woodstown, Salem, N.J., since Curlew Sandpiperswere the lowest in years, with only a June 10 was still presentin late September (fide JKM). A 3rd coupleof reports.Stilt Sandpiperswere in goodnumbers. The appearedbriefly on the SusquehannaR. at HarrisburgOct. 19 best coastalcounts were of 120 at south Cape May Meadows (G Wertz, m.ob.). Sept.4 (RC)and 100 at BombayHook Aug. 4 (CS),and the best

Volume 41, Number 1 65 Black-backedGulls on LongIsland and about sevenin coastal New Jerseywere normal;inland, one returned for its 3rd winter at Bergey'sPond, Hatfield, Montgomery,Pa. (m.ob.,fide BLM). Rarestof all, Sabine'sGull made its first multiple recordsin this Region.An immature was at Great Kills Harbor, StatenI., Sept.12-18 (R. Clermont, m.ob., ph. P. Post),and reportswere received from Montauk Aug. 7 and ShinnecockOct. 21 which we could not assess. A 2nd-winter Sabine's Gull was at the Lewes,Del., ferry slip Oct. 26 (BW) and an adult was at Cape May Pt., Nov. 12 (J. Donahue,FN, KB, PD). A singleCaspian Tern at Mountain L., Warren, N.J.,Aug. 18 (GH) may have been groundedby Hurricane Charley, and an- other was at Spruce Run Aug. 28 (JDeM). The best coastal count was of 32 at Brig Aug. 27 (REM). The first Lehigh, Pa., Com. Tern was at LeasetL., Sept. 5 (S.Smith). Two ad. Arctic Terns were ashoreat Cape May Aug. 18 in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley (JDo,REM). A surprisingBridled Tern was reportedoff Montauk Aug. 23 (fide TWB). It was the best fall migrationin many yearsfor BlackTerns. Over 50 were reported from coastalNew Jersey,17 at CapeMay alone (PBa).Elsewhere the bestcount was of 12 at Mecox Bay, L.I., Aug. 18 (fide TWB), the effectof Hurricane Charley on this highly pelagicmigrant. Alcids were thin, with only one Dovekie report (CapeMay, Nov. 1, DWa), one murre (sp.)off Avalon Nov. 23 (DWa), and luvenileRuff at Tinicumrefuge, Philadelphia, Pa., October1986. four Razorbills,two on the New Jerseycoast (KKa, DWa) and Photo/Franklin C. Haas. two on LongIsland, all at the end of November. inland counta record17 at LongArm Res.,York, Pa., Aug. 21 (DH). Buff-breastedSandpipers were all but nonexistent.Ruffs were low aswell, the only multiple countbeing of two at Bom- OWLS TO WOODPECKERS- bay Hook Oct. 11 (PH). The statusof Long-billedDowitchers needscareful study in our Region,with particular care given to possibleconfusion with henderson/Short-billedDowitchers. This fall, they seemto havebeen unusually numerous at Bom- CapeMay banderscaptured 104 owlsthis fall: 15 Corn. bay Hook, with countsof over a hundred Sept. 6 (all adults, Barn, three E. Screech, two Great Horned, one Barred, PL) and Sept. 28 (MVB, GKH). Two iramatureswere carefully five Long-eared (low), and 78 N. Saw-whet (K. Duffy). studied at Green Lane Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 19-20 (GAF, Two of the Corn. Barn-Owls had been banded as chicks GLF, m.ob.). in June 1986, one by Hannah Richard at J.B.W.R.,and A remarkable 50 Wilson'sPhalaropes were at Dutch Neck one by Len Soucy at W. Somerville, N.J. Not all the Road, Delaware City, Del., Aug. 23 (PH). But they were not barn-owlswere dispersingjuveniles, however; at least particularlynumerous in the usualcoastal lagoons, and inland oneadult wasbanded, and it is clearthat they do migrate. recordswere limited to singlesat Middle Creek W.M.A., Lan- One, perhaps a wind-borne migrant, came in off the caster-Lebanon,Pa., Aug. 17 (SS),Green Lane Aug. 14 (GLF), ocean at Cape May at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 17 (FN). A Long- and Swan L., Sullivan, N.Y., Oct. 11 (Sullivan Co. Audubon eared Owl did the same at 7:15 a.m. on Oct. 16 (FN). Soc.),and one or two at Tinicum Aug. 29-Sept. 7 (JCM, B & NM). Red-neckedPhalaropes were ratherwidespread. One was inland at Tinicum Oct. 6 (BSt),and in additionto severalsingles A few Snowy Owls arrived late in the season,harbingers of on the coast,multiple countsincluded three at Brig Aug. 24 more to come. The earliest was at Piermont Pier, Rockland, (DF) and at J.B.W.R.,and two at BombayHook Sept. 26 (KKa). N.Y., Oct. 16-18 (PDe, m.ob.), followed by another Nov. 7 on The only Red Phalaropewas one at Green Lane Oct. 19-20 a Bronxrooftop (G. Anger),and three moreon LongIsland and (GAF, GLF, B & NM, RG,ph. BLM). in s.e. New York ( JRet al.). The mostsoutherly was near Bur- JAEGERS TO ALCIDS- A few Pomarine Jaegerswere lington, N.J., Nov. 9-11 (J. Baillet). identifiedfrom shore:singles at JonesInlet, L.I., Nov. 9 (tMC, A prodigious35 Ruby-throatedHummingbirds passed the KF) and Cape May Oct. 9 (CS), and two at Cape May Nov. 4 Cape May hawk watch Aug. 31 (FN) and 28 were counted at (JDo).Parasitic Jaegers were much in evidencefrom Long Island Hawk Mr., Sept.6, but the seasoffstotal at Hawk Mt. was only and the Jerseyshore. The biggestcounts were of eight at Island 81, well below that of last year (LG). Few Red-headedWood- Beach Nov. 8 (RK) and 15 at Cape May Oct. 26 (fide PS). A peckerspassed through, the season'stotal at Hawk Mt. reaching remarkable juv. Long-tailed Jaeger,injured by a car in a only 16 (LG), the 2nd-lowestin the pastdecade. McDonald'sparking lot at Ocean City. CapeMay, N.J.,Sept. 8 (J.Baker), was releasedOct. 15 after care at the Surf City Re- habilitation Center (B. Jones). FLYCATCHERS TO WARBLERS- Yellow-bellied Fly- It was an excellent seasonfor the rarer gulls.In addition to catchers reached their peak in the 2nd week of September the ad. Franklin's Gull in breedingplumage at Great Gull I., {e.g., five Sept. 13-14 at Cape May, REM, and seven banded off e. Long Island, Aug. 18, related in some way to Hurricane Sept. 14 at Hopewell, Mercer, N.J., P. Rodewald, H. Suthers). Charley (JDiC, H. Hays), a 2nd-winter Franklin's Gull was A pale Myiarchusflycatcher at Battery Park, N.Y.C., Nov. 10 carefullydescribed at MontaukPt., Oct. 25 (tM. & P. O.'Brien), suggestedAsh-throated, but it flew before all determining and a first-winterbird was at ShinnecockNov. 29-Dec. 1 (JDiC, marks could be noted 0SW). A Say's Phoebe was carefully m.ob.).There had been about11 previousLong Island records. describedat West End, JonesBeach S.P., L.I., Oct. 4 {A. Ben- About seven Little Gulls and about five Corn. Black-headed dinget). No W. Kingbirdsturned up inland, althoughnine on Gulls, all in coastalLong Island or New Jersey,and all but one LongIsland, 14 at the CapeMay hawk watch,and six elsewhere in November,were normal.An ad. CaliforniaGull wasreported in coastalNew Jerseyseemed about normal. A Scissor-tailed Aug. 15 at ShinnecockInlet, L.I. (N. Wagerich).About six Lesser Flycatcher lingered near Bake Oven Knob from Aug. 10 to

66 American Birds, Spring 1987 a peak of 12 Oct. 16 (FN, JDo).Five Clay-coloredSparrow re- portswere a bit below normal, and sparrowsseemed generally scarce.An oreganusDark-eyed Junco was at Peconic,L.I., Nov. 12 (P. Stoutenburgh).Snow Buntingswere widespread,with goodinland reportsincluding 28 over Hook Mt. hawk watch, Rockland, N.Y., Oct. 21 (P. French) and 13 at Green Lane Oct. 24 (B & NM). At least one ad. • Yellow-headed Blackbird was around Cape May all fall (PDu, JDo,PS, FIN),but we had no other reports. Asidefrom sporadicmasses of Pine Siskinsand a few Evening Grosbeaks,it was not a major "winter finch" fall. We heard of only a handful of scatteredRed Crossbills.A lone White- winged Crossbillwas reported at Morris Plains, N.J., Nov. 15 (DF). Common Redpolls were almost non-existent; aside from the two mentioned in the opening paragraphs,we knew of only six at Pound Ridge, Westchester,N.Y., Nov. 23. Siskins were sporadicallyabundant both on the coastand inland. Fire Island hawk watch counted 1650 Oct. 18-19 (DP), and 150 were around Dallas, Luzerne, Pa., through November (E. Johnson). A slightlyfrayedScissor-tailed Flycatcher near Bake Oven Knob, LehighCo., Pa., Aug. 13, 1986.Photo/Rick Wiltraut. EXOTICS -- Escapedwaterfowl and parrotsswell this ru- bric steadily.Four EgyptianGeese were at Haven L., Milford, Sept. 12 (K. Grim. ph. RW, m.ob.), for the first Lehigh record Del., throughSeptember and October(WJW). A Ruddy Shel- and aboutthe 8th for Pennsylvania.At one point, apparently duck was at J.B.W.R.through October,and a Red-crestedPo~ inebriated on fermenting choke cherries, it allowed itself to chardhung aroundthe Bergen,N.J., lakes. A Rose-ringedPar- be picked up. "After this incident it appearedto go on the akeet was at Hawk Mt., Sept. 28 (LG), and a Monk Parakeet wagon" (BLM). Another was at Fort Tilden, N.Y.C., Oct. 5-9 was at Titusville School,Dutchess, N.Y., all fall (C. Vincent). (m.ob.,fide TWB). An Aratingaparakeet, still unidentified,was seen almost daily Red-breastedNuthatches staged a goodflight, which was at Cape May Point. A RingedTurtle-Dove was reportednear surprising,since local nestinghad been low. Golden-crowned Elmer, Salem, N.J. (JH). One shouldkeep an eye out now for Kingletswere everywhere. Particularly remarkable were 75 the closely similar Eurasian Collared-Dove(Streptopelia de- caocto),which has colonized w. Europe in the last 2 decades foragingintently on the parkwaymedian lawn at RobertMoses and has now been confirmed in Florida. S.P., L.I., Oct. 19 (ROP, J.Gerhart, V. Emanuel, AF). Northern Wheatear,nearly annual now, turned up in 2 places:Jones BeachS.P., L.I., Sept. 28 0VIC,K & SF, TWB, m.ob.) and Milton Harbor, Westchester,N.Y., Oct. 17 (ph. AF). There were also OBSERVERS (Subregionalcompilers in boldface)- Peter two probablydifferent Varied Thrushes, a male at SagHarbor, Bacinski (PBa) (coastalNJ: 511 ProspectPlace, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071),R.D. Barber,Ray Barnes(RBn), M.V. Barnhill,Paul Bernath L.I., Sept.20 ( J.Leo) and a dull-plumagedmale at BatteryPark, (PBe),Irving Black (n.e.NJ: Eagle Rock Village, Bldg. 26, Apt. 8B, N.Y.C., Oct. 30 (SW, F. Baumgarten,tTL, JDiC). Budd Lake, NJ 07828),R. J. Blicharz (n.c. NJ: 827 Pennsylvania A very few N. Shrikes reached the northern and western Ave..Trenton, NJ 08638), Kate Brothwaite, Joe Burgiel, T.W. Burke edgeof this Regionlate in the season,at Beltzville L., Carbon, (s.e.NY: 235 HighlandAve., Rye,NY 10580),Sam Chevalier, Judy Pa., Nov. 2-3 (RW, ph. G. Yoder),near Ephrata,Lancaster, Pa., Cinquina,Richard Crossley,J. D. Danzenbaker,John DeMarrais Nov. 30 (EW, TG), and at Bedford,Westchester, N.Y., after Nov. (JDeM), Steve Dempsey, Peter Deryen (PDe) (Rockland, NY: 70 10. At least two LoggerheadShrikes were around Cape May Third Ave.,Nyack, NY 10960),Joe DiCostanzo, Richard Ditch, Jim Aug. 29-Sept. 12 (FN, C. & M. Richberg),but elsewhere we Dowdell (JDo), Peter Dunne (PDu), A.P. Ednie (New Castle and had only one reportfrom CaumsettS.P., L.I., Sept. 17 (Lyreart Kent, DE: 21 N. Wells Ave., Glenolden, PA 19036), Andrew LangdonAudubon Soc.), and one from Sandy Hook, Monmouth, Farnsworth, Ken & Sue Feustel, Fran Fine, Bill & Sally Fintel, N.J., Sept. 20 (DF). G. A. Franchois,W.W. Frech (Sussex,DE: 301 County Rd., Lewes, PhiladelphiaVireos were in goodnumbers, with at leastsix DE 19958),G.L. Freed, Dave Freeland, Padraic French, Tom Garner, in the PrincetonAve. Woods,Mercer, N.J., Sept. 6-18 (RJB, Jerry Golob,Laurie Goodrich,Ed Graham, Ron Gruleb, AI Guar- m.ob.)and a peakcount of eightat Higbee'sBeach, Cape May, ente,Mary Gustarson,Jerry Haag, Barb & FrankHaas, Greg Hanisek Sept.7 (DWa).Possibly as many as six Golden-winged Warblers, (n.w. NJ:RD 3, Box263, Phillipsburg, N) 08865),Dorothy Hartmann rare on the coast,passed through Cape May Aug. 22-Sept. 13 (DHa),Dan Heathcote,G.K. Hess,Armas Hill, PhyllisHurlock, Rich (JDo, DWa, REM, PL). "Brewster'sWarblers" were reported Kane, Kevin Karlson(KKa), Kenneth Kranick (KKr), Don Kunkle, A.J.Lauro, Paul Lehman, Tony Leukering,Edward Manners, Adam fromCape May Aug.30 (JDo),Prospect Park, N.Y.C. (fide TWB), Martin, R. E. Maurer, Hugh McGuinness,J.K. Meritt (s.w.NJ: 809 and White Clay Creek, Del., Sept. 7 (D. Miller). A "Lawrence's SaratogaTerrace, Turnersville, NJ 08012), Arthur Morris, B.L. Warbler"was at CapeMay Aug.23-25 (JDD,REM), and another Morris (e. PA: 825 N. MuhlenbergSt., Allentown, PA 18104),Brian reportedfrom Sand'sPoint, L.I., Sept. 10 (G. Quinn). Connec- Moscatello(BMo), Bill & Naomi Murphy, Frank Nicoletti, Drew ticut Warblers also seemed more evident than usual in coastal Panko,Eleanor Pink, William Reid (n.e.PA: 73 W. RossSt., Wilkes- New Jersey,and 11 were found in Mercer, N.J., Aug. 31-Oct. Barre, PA 18702),Don Riepe, JohnRuscica, Steve Santner, Keith 2 (RIB). Seager,R.M. Schutsky,Barbara Spencer, Bill Stocku(BSt), Clay & PatSutton, J.F. Swiertinski, J.P. Tramontario (Orange and Su/livan, GROSBEAKS, ICTERIDS, FINCHES- An imm. • Black- NY: OrangeCo. Community College, Middletown, NY 10940),Steve headedGrosbeak was at Higbee'sBeach, Cape May, Sept. 5 Walter, David Ward (DWa),R.T. WatermanBird Club (Dutchess, (ph. KS), and another imm. male or female was at the Lincoln NY), W. J. Wayne, Berna Weissmann, R.L. West, Paul Wierick, Park gravel pits, Morris, N.J.,Sept. 7 (DF). We had the usual DavidWiedner (DWi), Rick Wiltraut, Eric Witmer, F.P. Wolfarth, scatteredDickcissel reports, mostly from the coast(tTL, FF), JohnYrizarry.--ROBERT O. PAXTON, 460 Riverside Dr., Apt. but the bestmeasure of thisbird's coastal passage is probably 72, New York, NY 10027,WILLIAM J.BOYLE, JR., 13A Kensington careful listening to calls overhead at a coastalhawk watch. Rd., Chatham, NJ 07928, and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock CapeMay tallied about 25 betweenAug. 25 and Nov. 10, with Creek Dr., Wyncote, PA 19095.

Volume 41, Number I 67 MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Henry T. Armistead

eportingwith regardwas toexcellent repeated this visits,fall, perhapsoften week]y,thebest to ever key areas such as Hart-Miller Islands, Blackwater and Chin- coteague refuges, Liberty Reservoir, Hunting Creek, and the Susquehanna River. This combined with intensive bandingat Kiptopeke,Damsite, and Adventure, plus var- ious activities by raptor watchers, provided a wealth of records.Shorebird and waterfowl coveragewas superior. So was possefinecoverage, but with disappointingresults. The severe drought continued until November. It was a mild fall with few strongfronts. Deviation from norma] of temperature: August -2.3øF, September+0.2 ø, October+2.g ø, November +0.6ø; of pre- cipitation: August +0.5 inches, September -2.3 inches, October -1.3 inches, November +O.4 inches.

ABBREVIATIONS -- Adventure = Adventure Sanctuary,Po- tomac, Md.; Assat. = AssateagueI. {Md. section unless specified otherwise);Bait. = Baltimore, Md.; the Bay = ChesapeakeBay; Black.= BlackwaterNat'l Wildlife Ref.,Md.: C.B.B.T.= Chesapeake Bay Bridgeand Tunnel, Va.; Chinc. = ChincoteagueNat'l Wildlife Oct. 15 and Nov. 10 (DC), along the Potomacin Fairfax, Va., Ref.,Va.; Craney = Craney IslandDisposal Area, Portsmouth,Va.; Septemberto November{DFA, EMW, RAA}, and up the James Damsite = bandingstation at TolchesterBeach, Md.; D.C. = Wash- R. at Hog I., Surry, Va., Oct. I {BP). Eleven were at Lower ington, D.C.; Hart = Hart and Miller Islandsin the Bay e. of Bal- MachodocCreek, Westmoreland,Va., Nov. 9 {JEJ)and five were timore; Hunting Creek = Hunting Creek, Va., on the Potomac R., at Ocean City Oct. 18 {PO}. Double-crestedCormorant also scenein pastfew yearsof rapid spreadof the exotic aquaticplant was in excellent numbersagain with a record 60 in D.C., Oct. /-/ydrille; Kipt. = Kiptopeke,Va., collectiveterm to include Cape 3 {DC}, 1190 as early as Sept. 2 at Kipt. {HTA}, 4455 at Chinc., Charles,Wise Point,Townsend, and the Kiptopekebanding station; Oct. 23-24 {CPW},2500 at Assat.I., Oct. 5 {EBet el.}, and a late Susq.= lower SusquehannaR. at ConowingoDam. Md. Date in individualNov. 30 at LochRaven {HK) in Maryland'sPiedmont. italicsindicates bonded bird{s). Place namesin italics are counties. A successfulnest, Maryland's first,was found on a lake inland in Montgomery{•de RFR, detailsto appearin Maryland Bird- LOONS THROUGH FLAMINGO--At Swan Pt., Kent, life) this past summer.A very late and unsuccessfulnest was Md., 350 Cam. Loonswere seenNov. 4 {JG),the only notable found at Hunting Creek Aug 26, an adult was on it Sept. 5 looncount of the fall. Pied-billedGrebes made a strongshowing when anotherflew in with a longstick, but it was abandoned with 79 at Lock RavenRes., n. of Bait., Oct. 22 {EB},5g at Swift on later dates{JMA}. Two Anhingaswere at StumpyL., Virginia CreekRes., n. of Richmond,Nov. 12 {LR),47 at HuntingCreek Beach,Aug. 2 {JS,DFA). in the mat of exoticwater plant Hydrille Nov. 16 {JMA},and Herons,mainly owing to impoundmentsthat were either 36 at Chinc.,Oct. 2-3 {CPW},the besttotals at strongholdDeal too dry or too high, formed no big concentrations.At Susq.in IslandW.M.A., Md., beingof only40 Oct. 13 {RFR}and 37 Aug. n. Maryland, a Cattle EgretNov. 11 waslate {EB},and 550 were 14 {HTA). Single Red-neckedGrebes were at Piney Run P., at Kipt., Sept. 2 {HTA}. Also late was a Green-backedHeron Carroll, Md., Nov. 6 {MW}, Loch Raven {HI(, BB) and Chinc., at Chinc.,Nov. 30 {HN, GR et el.}. Unique was an imm. White Nov. 30 {GR,GA, HTA, HN} and four were at DownsP., Anne Ibis at FishermanI., Sept. 6 {DFA} and a GlossyIbis at Elkton Arundel, Md., Nov. 20 {MR}. Ocean City pelagictrips were Aug. 14 & 17 was unusualfor Cecil,Md. (EB}.A flamingo{sp.} weatheredout Sept. 13 and Oct. 4 and the resultinghegira turned up again at Craney, Va., Sept. 14-23 {GTH, TRW et el.}. producedfine land birding on Assat.and hawk countingat Kipt., respectively(q.v.). A trip was made up to g0 mi off Vir- WATERFOWL -- A massive influx of Tundra Swans took giniaBeach Aug. 16 which reported500 Wilson'sStorm-Petrels, placein Maryland Nov. 12 when between1:00 and 2:30p.m., 66 Cory's, one Greater, six Audubon's, and one Manx shear- 1150 passedover Laurel {HLW) and 1100 over tum Suden water (DFA, MRB, BT, BP,PMc, GP).On the heelsof Hurricane Sanctuary,Herford {EB},with 1000 over Howard {MC}, while Charlie, Schwab found seven Wilson's Storm-Petrels at Back Gruborsaw many thousandsat EasternNeck N.W.R. Seldom Bay N.W.R., Aug. 18 in the bay. At Chinc., one to two Am. is such a big flight of a specieswitnessed on so broada front, White Pelicanswere seenSept. 25-Nov. 30 (m.ob., ph.), and all the more remarkable becauseit happenedat mid-week. singles(same birds?) were noted s. of there at WallopsI., Oct. Mute Swanscontinue to thrive in the mid-Bay EasternShore 4-5 (JR),Metomkin I., Sept.13 (MA), and CedarI., Sept.16 (AC countieswith big groupsof 130 at EasternNeck N.W.R., Sept. et el.). Brown Pelicanswere legion in s. Virginia again with 21 (RFR,SR} and 138at Hooper'sI., Md., Aug. 14 (HTA}.Greater up to 200 at Chinc., Aug 23 (JB), 74 at Cape Henry Aug. 2 White-frontedGeese were widely reportedincluding an adult (GTH), 90 at Kipt., Aug. 31 (HTA), and a Regionalrecord count at Remington Farms, Kent, Sept. 21 (record early date; RFR, of 600 on FishermanI., Aug 31 (BP, DFA, HTA, GA); 45 at SR), Oct. 19 into November in Gaithersburg(EMW, WS, PO, CapeHenry Nov. 11 (GTH)provided one of the few November LDB) and Oct. 5 at Black. (SR)in Maryland, as well as at least reportsthis year. The only Maryland recordswere from Assat. 5 localitiess. of Richmond(DB, BiV0, plus two adultsin Louise I.: one Aug 23 (MO, LD) and two Sept. 5 {EB, PL el el.). As Nov. 16 (JBB,ph.) and one at Nokesville Nov. 11 (RAA) in usualthere were no reportsaway from the oceanor the mouth Virginia, a fine showingfor this Region.All birds,where spec- of the Bay. ified, were thoughtto be of the Greenlandrace. An ad. Barnacle Great Cormorant continuesto increaseslightly, the most Gooseof unknown originwas at Fruitland,Md., Oct. 13 (RFR notablerecords being of up to five immaturasat the head of et el.). the Bay at Hart Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 (RFR, HK, BD et el.) with Much of this fall's waterfowl watchingwas in the Hydrille otherspresent Aug 10-Oct. 19. Singleimm. birdswere in D.C., beds at Hunting Creek s. of D.C., which provided D.C. area

68 American Birds,Spring 1987 birderswith excellentduck and shorebirdact•mty High duck Rounding out the coastal raptor hlghhghts,for the 17th countsthere included 200 Blue-wingedTeal Sept. 27, 300 Am. straightyear Peregnneswere bandedon AssateagueSept. 19- WlgeonOct. 14, 150 N. ShovelersOct. 23,600 N. Pintails and Oct. 24 with 856 seen and 231 banded (surpassingprevious 3000 Ruddy Ducks Nov. 16, and 1000 CanvasbacksNov. 22 highsby 176 and 80 respectively!),or a better than one out of (JMA); an albino Canvasbackwas there Nov. 30 (SH). At every four birds seen captured ratio. Best days for sightings Sunken Meadows,Surry, Va., 250 GadwallsNov. 30 were an were Oct. I (51), Oct. 2 (81), Oct. 3 (71), Oct. 4 (117), Oct. 5 excellent count (PB).A • Corn. Eider was at Wallops I., Aug. (41), and Oct. 9 (53), and 32 as late as Oct. 14. From Sept. 26 18 & 30 (CRV), and up to nine King Eiderswere at SandyPoint to Oct. 6, 20 or more birds were seeneach day, for 25 straight S P, Md, Nov. 22-24 (LD, HLW, WK, KG, PO), an unprece- days (Sept. 21-Oct. 15) 10 or more were seen each day, and dented number for the Bay. A female at Chinc., Oct. 16 was from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 10 or more were banded each day new and overduefor the refugelist (CPW), and an ad. male (FPW,WSS, MAY). Eighteenpreviously-banded birds were re- was at Kipt. and FishermanI., Sept. 20 throughOctober (CRB, captured,including one from Greenland.Only a very small HG, HTA, BW et at.). Up to 12 HarlequinDucks were reported percentageof thesePeregrines represent birds from restocking from C.B.B.T.,Nov. 12 (JS,VK et al.), and an ad. male was at programs. Crmfield,Md., Nov. 29 (JB).A Surf ScorerNov. 5 providedthe Severallate Ospreyswere seen,such as singles at WestOcean 3rd record for D.C., and five White-winged Scoterswere also City Nov. 27-28 (MD, LD, MO), Susq.,Nov. 26 (EB), Char- seen there then (DC). lottesville,Va., Nov. 27 (MDP),and a largelyalbino bird catch- Interestingduck counts elsewhere included 240 Wood Ducks ing fish at Richmond Nov. 16-26 (PD, m.ob.). Up to 28 Bald at MasonNeck N.W.R., Va. Oct. 28 (DAD),800 Am. BlackDucks Eagleswere at MasonNeck in November,17 of them previously inland at Loch Raven in company with 410 Mallards Nov. 17 banded,including one from Tupper L., N.Y. (DAD), and as (SS),and 2500 Ruddy Ducks at BrandonShores, Anne Arundet, many as 20 were in sight at once along the Susq., Nov. 20 Md, Nov. 22 (RFR). The amazingimpounded area at Hart was (RMS).Wolfe saw a Sharp-shinnedHawk catch a Mourning a magnetfor ducks,attracting 13 speciesduring August, and Dove at Virginia BeachOct. 24. An ad. N. Goshawkwas seen with these maxima: 150 Blue-winged Teal Sept. 28, 175 N. s. of Frederick, Md., Nov. 22 (PO). Several flights of Broad- ShovelersOct. 11,400 N. Pintails Oct. 19, 3000 Ruddy Ducks winged Hawks were noted Sept. 14 in Maryland in Kent (DC) Nov 2, 600 Green-wingedTeal Nov. 9, and 175 N. Shovelers and Howard (JS),and Reesesaw 3000 at Tilghman I., Tatbot, plus 22,000 scaup (sp.)Nov. 16 (EB, RFR, HK, BD et al.). that day. An imm..Golden Eagle was seen by multitudes at Black., Nov. 27-30 (ph.). Fifty Soraswere at JugBay on the RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES -- A tremendousraptor Patuxent R., Md., Sept. 13 (JB). Good Am. Coot totals were passageoccurred Oct. 3-4, especiallyof Ospreysand Peregrine 2100 at Hunting Creek Nov. 16 (JMA), 210 in D.C., Nov. 23 Falcons in record numbers. On Assat. I., Md.-Va., on Oct. 4, (DC),and 350 at Swift Creek Res.(LR) and 501 at Loch Raven Ward et al. saw 117 Peregrines,capturing 22, surpassingtheir Res.,both Nov. 12 (SS).A genuine rarity was an ad. Sandhill total of 71 Oct. 3, when 19 were banded. At Kipt. on Oct. 3, Crane near Cheriton, Va., Nov. 19 (HG). 89 Peregrines,321 Ospreys(both new Virginia high counts), 61 N. Harriers, 1096 Sharp-shinnedHawks, and 75 Merlins SHOREBIRDS--Waders were best away from the coast were counted (DM, DSi, HTA, CWH et at.). The next day 179 for a change,one of the highlightsbeing the high profile of Ospreysand 40 Peregrineswere counted nearby (HLW, LD, Baird's Sandpiperbest describedby Ringler: "Normally rare WK et al.) while onemi southanother observer independently in fall but this year merely uncommon."Let's start with Liberty (and gratifyingly)also counted 40 Peregrines(RC). Meanwhile Res.,a big lake on the Carroll-Balt.,Md., border. Here 18 visits on the upper Bay at Rock Hall, Kent, Md., Gruber estimated were made July 6-Nov. 15. Low water levels attracted 15 4594 Broad-wingedHawks Oct. 3. October3 & 4 were hot days shorebirdspecies, such as 22 Solitary SandpipersAug. 2, 78 with temperaturesin the 90s and moderateSW winds in the PectoralSandpipers Aug. 9, from two to five Baird'sSandpipers s part of the Region!At Kipt. (Wise Pt.), Cashwellbanded 879 on 6 datesAug. 30-Sept. 28 (five on Sept. 20), 53 LesserYel- raptorsincluding 324 Merlins with 5 days when 20 or more lowlegsand a White-rumpedSandpiper Sept. 13, 14 Stilt Sand- Merlins were tagged,including 29 on Sept.22. CountingMer- pipers Sept. 28, and 114 Killdeer Oct. 25 (RFR et at.), not bad hns capturedby othersnearby, at least393 were bandedthis for a Piedmont lakebed. fall, closeto the 431 counted by the hawk watchers at Kipt., The celebrated Hydrilla beds on the Potomac at Hunting indicatinghow many must be missedby counterspositioned Creek were censusedat least 19 daysJuly 6-Nov. 6 (JMA, DFA m one small spot.In a similar vein, one groupsaw 1729 raptors et al.) with these results:70 Leastand 60 Western sandpipers at Klpt., Oct. 4 (HLW, LD, WK et at.) while counterslocated Sept.1; 65 GreaterYellowlegs Sept. 6; 150 PectoralSandpipers lust 3 mi n.w. of them saw but 695, perhapsindicative of the Sept.9; 80 LesserYellowlegs Sept. 14; 55 LesserGolden-Plovers differencebetween the seaside(first group) and bayside(latter Sept. 27; four HudsonianGodwits Sept. 21-Oct. 5; one to two group),a situationthat mightbe reversedon the next day by Willets Sept. 6-27; one to nine Red Knots Sept. 6-Oct. 5; one a changein the wind. This writer believesthat becauseKipt. to two Baird's SandpipersSept. 21-Oct. 14; single Curlew has large areas of bay, marsh, and islandsboth to the south SandpipersSept. 21 and Oct. 23; one to four Buff-breasted (FishermanI.) and east (Smith and Mockhorn Is.), raptors, SandpipersSept. 14-27; a Wilson'sPhalarope Sept. 1-27; and thoughhighly concentrated,do not massin quite suchnumbers an Am. Avocet Sept. 27-Oct. 14. as at less-spread-outCape May, althoughjust as many birds Back up the Bay at Hart, e. of Balt., 19 visits were made to probablydo passthrough this area but are more widely dis- this island July 5-Nov. 16, recording30 speciesof shorebirds persed.The Kipt. hawk watch recorded15,104 raptorsin 382 (RFR, EB, HK, BD et at.): a Marbled Godwit Aug. 3-Sept. 21, hourson 57 daysAug. 25-Nov. 14, amountingto a rather poor oneto four Willets Aug. 10-Sept.28; one to five Red Knotson rate of 39.5 birds per hour (cf. 58 in 1985, 72 in 1983, 96 in 8 dates Aug. 10-Oct. 19 (five Sept. 7); 25 Ruddy Turnstones 1982;BW, DSi, DRM, MA et at.). Very early there were a Sharp- Oct. 19;one to three Wilson'sPhalaropes Aug. 17-Oct. 11 (three shinnedHawk Aug. 26 (MA), a Merlin Aug. 31 (BW), and a N. Sept. 14); 250 SemipalmatedSandpipers Aug. 24; one to 30 GoshawkOct. 2 (DSi).Notable counts were of 483 Am. Kestrels White-rumped Sandpiperson 9 dates Aug. 31-Nov. 16 (two, Oct 2,149 Ospreysand 997 Sharp-shinnedHawks Oct. 5, and 30 Sept. 7); three Red-neckedPhalaropes Aug. 31, one Sept. 7, 2233 Sharp-shinnedHawks, 35 Cooper'sHawks, 72 Merlins, oneto four HudsonianGodwits on 3 datesSept. 7-Oct. 19 (four and a N. GoshawkOct. 11 (bestday with 2893 raptors).Single Sept.7); a Whimbrel Sept.14; Baird'sSandpipers on 8 consec- GoldenEagles were seenNov. 1 & 14. Nearby at FishermanI., utive visits Sept. 14-Nov. 9, with seven Oct. 5, five Oct. 19, a Rough-leggedHawk was captured Oct. 20, not only early and four Sept.21; 85 SanderlingsOct. 11; and a Semipalmated but also far south, by a man nearing 80 who banded 219 Plover and 325 Dunlins Nov. 2. other raptorshere including 36 Cooper'sand 29 Red-tailed Down at Black. HeadquartersPond, normally a pedestrian hawks (PSB). collection of Mallards and Canada Geese, at least 14 counts of

Volume 41, Number 1 69 waders were conducted Aug 14-Nov 15 (LD, MO, HTA, PP Sept 7 (KHB).Less unusual but en massewere 5000 Laughing et al.). This pond was drainedto kill carp, with theseresults Gulls plus 1000 Com. Terns at Ocean City Sept. 5 (EB, PL) amongthe 24 shorebirdspecies found there: 600 Semipalmated SingleFranklin's Gulls were at PotomacBeach, Westmoreland, and 150 Least sandpipersAug. 15; 48 SemipalmatedPlovers, Va., Aug. 19 (MRB), on the Susq.,Sept. 20-27 (EB, LD, RFR) 22 Stilt Sandpipers,and 122 Short-billedDowitchers Aug. 17; and at Hunting Creek Sept.27-30 (BH, JMA, EMW, RAA), w•n- six Hudsonian Godwits Sept. 5 (PL, EB); six LesserGolden- ter-plumagedadults in each case.New for Fairfax was an imm Plovers,one Marbled Godwit (new to refuge),and 85 Long- Little Gull at Hunting Creek Sept.21-27 (HE, JMA, DFA, RAA) billed Dowitchers Sept. 6; 68 LesserYellowlegs and 37 White- The only Iceland Gull was an immature at C.B.B.T.,Nov 30 rumped SandpipersSept. 13; 75 PectoralSandpipers Oct. 3; (CZ et al.), where a record eight LesserBlack-backed Gulls one to two Baird's SandpipersSept. 27-Oct. 28 (RFR, SR, LD, were seen Nov. 6 (HEL, RD; all ph.). The Ft. McHenry, Balt, JO,PO, DC et al.; new to Dorchester);two late Stilt Sandpipers Lesser Black-backed, a distinctive individual, was seen Nov Nov. 9; a Ruff Sept. 27-Oct. I (LDB, CPW, LD); a Red-necked 4 for the 9th straightwinter (RFRet al.), three were at Susq, PhalaropeAug. 31-Sept. I (PP, LD, CB); and a Buff-breasted Nov. 11 (EB), two were at Hart Nov. 2 (RFR, EB et al.), two SandpiperSept. 24 (CPW; new to refuge).Such quality shore- were at Ocean City Oct. 4 (EB), two were at Chinc., Oct. 9-10 birdingis unprecedentedfor this county. (CPW),one was in D.C. for the 7th year (DC), and one was in For most of the fall the normally superb impoundmentsat the middle of the Choptank R., Md., 3 mi from land, Oct 12 Chinc.were either bone dry (firstone-half of August)or held (CS, HTA, GA). too much water (mid-Augustuntil October),and Wilds found CaspianTerns lingered into the 2nd week of November •n SemipalmatedPlover, Least and Western sandpipers,and numbers higher than usual (v.o.). Best countsearlier were of grasspipersto be in especiallypoor numbers. Her numbers of 125 at Havre de Grace,Md. (plus420 Forster'sTerns) Sept 28 wadersfrom July through Octoberwere 61%, 46%, 45%, and (EB),76 in D.C., Sept.16 (DC), 168 at Chinc., Sept.18-19 (CPW), 62% of the pre-1986mean. Highlights of her 12 two-daysurveys 150 at Hunting Creek Sept.27 (DFA), and a whopping350 at Aug. 7-Oct. 24 include: Piping Plover 15, Whimbre147, Lesser Hart Sept. 21 (EB, PP, BD et al.). Far up the Bay, eight Royal Yellowlegs63, LeastSandpiper 86, Short-billedDowitcher 158, Terns at Hart Sept. 7 and one there Nov. 16 were noteworthy and Stilt Sandpiper36, Aug. 7-8; SemipalmatedPlover 411, (EB, BD, RFR), and one even headed up into fresh water on Ruddy Turnstone 253, Pectoral Sandpiper80, and Semipal- the Susq.,Sept. 30 (EB).Royals dallied into late November at mated Sandpiper 856, Aug. 14-15; Sanderling 1767 and Wil- SandyPt. (HLW et al.) and Deal I. (DC), and three were st•11at son'sPlover one, Aug. 21-22; five Marbled GodwitsSept. 11- Ocean City Nov. 28 (MO et al.). Davidson found the only 12; Red Knot 283 and Baird's Sandpiperthree, Sept. 25-26; MarylandSandwich Tern reported,a bird on n. Assat.I., Aug LesserGolden-Plover five, Oct. 2-3; Greater Yellowlegs 247 23. On Aug. 17 two RoseateTerns were reported from Back and White-rumped Sandpipernine, Oct. 9-10; Black-bellied Bay (MRB, BP) and one from C.B.B.T. (DFA), plus one at Back Plover 184, Long-billedDowitcher 82, and Ruff one, Oct. 16- Bay Aug. 30 (DFA). By local standards,105 Forster's Terns 17; and W. Sandpiper159 and Dunlin 2540, Oct. 23-24. Single Nov. 15 (SD, GA, PRS, HTA) and two Royal Terns Aug 27 Wilson'sPhalaropes were seenAug. 7-8 and Oct. 16-17, eight (MO, GG) were remarkableat semi-inlandBlack. Off Virg•ma HudsonJanGodwits were presentAug. 14-15 and Oct. 23-24, Beach, a minimum of one Sooty and 35 Bridled Terns were and 10 Am. Avocetsand a Buff-breastedSandpiper were there reportedAug. 16 (MRB, DFA et oi.) and a Bridled was at Ocean Sept.25-Oct. 3. The number of birds on the FishingPt. beach City Aug. 18 (CES),the day before and after Hurricane Charhe areaswas also depressed. respectively. Far more Black Terns than normal were seen, LesserGolden-Plovers lingered until Nov. 1-4 at Hunting especiallyin August, in small numbersand at many Iocahtms, Creek (EMW, DFA). The mudfiats at Thoms Creek e. of such as nine at Triadelphia Res.,Howard, Md., Aug. 2 (HM), MockhornI., Va., produced52 Marbled Godwitsand 360 Black- and Truitt saw 104 in the Metomkin and Assawoman Is. area bellied Plovers Aug. 31 (BP, HTA, DFA, GA et al.), and 29 Aug. 21. A latish one was at Susq.,Sept. 28 (EB).Up to 2000 Marbled Godwits, 175 Willets, and 285 Am. Oystercatchers Black Skimmerswere at Cape Henry during September(RLA) Oct. 5 (HTA, GA et al.). At Craney, Am. Avocetswere in low and 700 were nearbyat LynnhavenInlet Oct. 5 (BP,MRB) supply,with a peak of just 30 Oct. 3 (MRB, BP).More unusual were two at Ocean City Aug. 18 (CES)and one at JugBay Oct. 30 (DMd). A Peregrine dove on the Craney avocets Oct. 16 CUCKOOS THROUGH SHRIKES- An extremely late (TRW), and one chaseda late SpottedSandpiper Nov. 20 at Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at Swift Creek Res., Nov. I (PB) Locustville,Va. (GR).The top Upland Sandpiperreport was of SingleSnowy Owls were seenat Alexandria, Va., Nov. 14 (BRu only nine seenin Talbot, Md., s. of QueeneAnne Aug. 15-16 et al., fide EMW) and on Assat.I., Nov. 29 (TB, fide RFR) A (MO). HudsonJanGodwits had a goodfall here with one at Long-earedOwl was at Arlington Oct. 19 (RAA, SE) and one Ocean City Oct. 12 (RFR), two near Tanyard, Md. (first for was in Loudoun, Va., Nov. 28 (DFA). Short-earedOwls were Caroline) Oct. 22-Nov. 4 (EE, JGR et al.), and five at Tower widely reported but in modest numbers, the earliest a b•rd Gardens,Kent I., Md., Sept.5-21, two of theselingering until flying N over the Bay at Fisherman I., Oct. 11 (m.ob.). The Nov. 2 (SRet al.). Four late LeastSandpipers were still at Hog same may be said for N. Saw-whet Owls, with the first b•rds I, Nov. 30 (PB).Other Baird'sSandpipers were at Ocean City at DamsiteOct. 20 (JG)and AdventureOct. 23 (MD).The biggest Oct. 12 & 21 (RFR, LDB), two at Craney Oct. 3 (MRB, BP), two Com. Nighthawk flight seen was of 205 over Arlington Aug. at Back Bay Aug. 30 (DFA), one e. of Balt., Aug. 30-31 (MR et 22 (RAA). Chuck-will's-widow is one of thosemysterious spe- al.), and one to two at Summit Hall Turf Farm, Montgomery, cies which, like Orchard Oriole, is seldom encountered after Md. (LD, PO). Rare on the Bay, a Purple Sandpiperwas at late July.But this fall singleswere seenat DamsiteSept. 5 (JG), SandyPt., Oct. 31 (HW). A Buff-breastedSandpiper was seen Assat.I., Sept. 14 (EB, SRD et al.), and Kipt., Sept.27 (CWH) near Pt. Lookout,Md., Sept. 19-20 (LD, JO).Single Ruffs were In D.C., 2000 Chimney Swifts massedat a roostSept. 24 (DC) near Chinc., Sept. 14 (SE),and at Stumpy L., Aug. 2 (DFA). In Sixty Ruby-throatedHummingbirds were capturedat Dams•te Virginia a Red-neckedPhalarope was at FalseCape S.P., Aug. (JG) and Reesealso found them to have increasedthis year 16 (GTH), two were at Craney Aug. 15 (DFA), and one plus Avian star of the seasonwas a spectacularad. • Rufous Hum- five Wilson'sPhalaropes were there Sept.18 (BP). mingbird, pugnaciousand dependableat a feedernear Melfa in the center of the Virginia Eastern Shore Aug. 4 to about JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMER- A Parasitic Jaeger September9 (J & RB, SK, m.ob., ph.). The vast majority of was seen at sea off Virginia Beach Aug. 16 (MRB, BP et al.), easternrecords are during the late fall and early winter and one was at Chinc., Sept. 9 (MRB), and two plus a Pomarine in Florida, making this fellow a very early one (cf. AB March Jaegerwere at BackBay Oct. 11 (DFA). Unusualfor the Virginia 1979, pp. 130-132). Nine Red-cockadedWoodpeckers were Piedmontwere 60 LaughingGulls hawking bugs at Nokesville found at 2 sitesin Sussex,Va., Nov. 25 (BP).

70 Amencan B•rds,Spnng 1987 Adult male RufousHummingbird at Melfa, Va., Aug. 22, 1986. Photos/SabraKimball. Susq.(Harford side) Nov. 20 (RMS).At Adventurethe lowest number of Swainson's Thrushes since 1974 was caught (253) with a late one Oct. 31 and a very early Hermit Thrush Aug. 30 (MD). A total of 3890 Am. Robinspassed over Kipt., Oct. 25 (BR,HTA, BW). Two LoggerheadShrikes were at Orange,Va., Nov. 7 (MRB)and two were in Frederick,Md., Nov. 29 (RAA). WARBLERS TO FINCHES- Most found the passerine flightvery poor. There was a lackof strongfronts, but tolerable flightstook place Aug. 24, Sept.6-7 & 14, and Oct. 6-7 & 12. At TilghmanI., Sept.7, birdspassed through "like water going over a fails" with 25 warbler speciesincluding 15 Blackbur- nians, 30 Chestnut-sideds,and 30 Tennessees(JGR et al.). Twenty-onewarbler specieswere seen on Assat.I., Sept. 14 (EBet al.}. Hot Oct. 3 was the bestbanding day at Kipt., with mostbirds (391} and mostspecies (37; WPS, FRS} This station had a very pooryear for Tennessee,N. Parula,Bay-breasted, and Prairie warblers, N. Waterthrushes, and Ovenbirds, but caughtonly their secondCerulean Warbler Oct. 7 (WPS}.Still they banded 3503 birds of 88 speciesAug. 30-Oct. 18 in 8019 net hoursincluding 31 warblerspecies. Damsite banded 1686 An Empidonaxflycatcher (probably an Alder Flycatcher)at AssateagueIsland, Md., Sept.14, 1986.Photo/Michael O'Brien. birds of 84 specieson 25 days Aug. 1-Nov. 2 in 11,085 net hours (JG et al.}. Adventure banded2645 birds of 88 species Olive-sidedFlycatchers were seen at 9 localitiesAug. 25- on 75 daysAug. 15-Oct. 31 (MD et al.}."Lawrence's Warblers" Oct. I (v.o.),all w. of the Bay.September 7 was a peak Empi- were seenat TriadelphiaRes.. Sept. 6 (RFR}and in Richmond donaxday with seasonhigh totalsof 15 "Traill's," sevenAca- Aug.20 (PB}.On Sept.7, 31Tennessee and 12 Canada warblers dians, and seven Yellow-bellied Flycatchers at Kipt. (WPS), were banded at Damsite,and 63 Cape Mays were there Sept. and sevenYellow-bellieds at Damsite (JG).Least Flycatchers 14 (JG}with 30 the same day on Assat. (JO}.A Connecticut seemedto be in a slumpwith noneall year at Kipt., only two Warblerat FinksburgSept. 28 was a firstfor little-birdedCar- at Damsite,and but five at Adventure (WPS,JG, MD). An Ash- roll, Md. (RFR}.Of the scarcerspecies there were reportsof throated Flycatcherwas reportedat Chinc., Sept. 13 (DFA). but sevenPhiladelphia Vireos and six Golden-winged,eight Western Kingbirdswere at 3 sites in early Septemberin s. Orange-crowned,and 18 Mourningwarblers. Virginia (RLA, DFA, MA, YL et al.), two were w. of Princess At Tilghman 30 Scarlet Tanagersand 25 Rose-breasted Anne, Md., Oct. 13 (RFR et al.), and one was at Kipt., Nov. 28 Grosbeakswere seenSept. 7 (JGRet al.} anda SummerTanager (CZ et al.). At Hampstead,Carroll, Md., 45 Cliff Swallowswere near Balt., Sept.24 was unusual(BMR}. Dickcissels were at seenSept. 4 (MW). Therewas somewhat of a rashof late Barn HuntingCreek Sept. 9 (DFA},Assat., Oct. 4 (EB}.Balt., Oct. 7 Swallow sightings,with singlesat Hart Nov. 2 (RFR, EMW et (BMR},and in Hampton,Va., Oct.30 (WPS}.Clay-colored Spar- al.), Gloucester,Va., Nov. 6 (TK), and HogI., Nov. 23 (PB).Some rowswere seenat Assat.,Sept. 14 (two;JO, MO, ph.} and also 1500 Barn Swallowsplus 1000 Bank Swallowswere at Susq., Oct. 4-5 (EB},on the C.B.B.T.,Oct. 5 (MRB,BP}, and at Back Aug. 14 (EB).The BlueJay prize goesto Gruber,who had470 BayOct. 11 (DFA}.Lark Sparrows were at Chuckatuck,Suffolk, at Rock Hall Oct. 2 and 4324 there the next day. The Fish Va., Aug. 14 (TRW},Back Bay Aug. 15 & 30 (DFA},and Assat., Crow prize was awardedSept. I when there were 844 at Kipt. Sept.13-14 (ph.}and Oct. 4 (MO, DC, SRD,EB et al.}.A count (HTA). There was but a fair flight of Red-breastedNuthatches of 35 Sharp-tailedSparrows at ElliottI., Md., Aug. 17 was ex- with a very early one at Mt. Vernon, Va., Aug. 18-20 (JMA). cellent(LD, MO}. The mostnotable Lincoln's Sparrow records August23 wasa strangedate for a BrownCreeper in Carroll, were of four in Rockville Oct. 11, three there Oct. 13 (MO}, Md., probablya breedingbird (EB).Sedge Wrens were found and a late one at Chinc., Nov. 30 (DC, ph.}. A singingSwamp only at ElliottI. (two,HTA), ColdSaturday, Carroll, Md. (one, Sparrowwas seen 5 mi e. of Easton,Md., Aug.17 (JGR},prob- MW), these Aug. 14, and one was at Irish Grove Sanctuary, ably part of a very small and isolatedbreeding population. Somerset,Md., Nov. I (SR et al.). Oddwas a White-throatedSparrow at Wheaton,Md., Aug. 15 October7 & 16 were goodflight daysfor both kinglets.There (GM}. Eight LaplandLongspurs were at Craney Nov. 26 (BP} were severalearly reportsof Ruby-crownedKinglets, such as andone was at DealI., Oct. 28 (PO}.Snow Buntings were widely singlesat Ft. Hunt, Fairfax, Va., Aug. 11 (DP) and Tilghman reportedand on the early side, with 3 earlyrecords in Maryland I., Sept. 7 (JGRet al.). A late Blue-grayGnatcatcher was at Oct. 19: two on Assat.(EB, HLW}, one at Hart (RFR;200 there

Volume41, NumberI 71 Nov. 16), and one at Hyattsville (SD). The first Virginia bird S.R. Drennan, Sam Droege, S.H. Dyke, Stephen Eccles, Howard was one at C.B.B.T., Oct. 26 (HTA). Elitzak, Ethel Engle,A.J. Fletcher, R.B. Fletcher, Steve Ford, Hans SingleYellow-headed Blackbirds were near Pt. LookoutOct. Gablet,Kimball Garrett,Grog Gough, James Gruber, Marge Habdey, 18 (PO, LD) and in Surry, Va., Nov. 13 (FD, fide BP). A Red C.W. Hacker,Bob Hahn, SusanHaines, G.T. Harris,Margaret Hawk, Crossbillwas at Assat..Nov. 22 (LD) and a Corn. Redpollwas Floyd Hayes,Steve Horn, M.W. Hewitt, RobertHilton, H.C. Irving, seenat SandyPt., Nov. 28 (JP).There was a goodflight of Pine J.E.Johnson, Alice Jones,Hank Kaestner,Teta Kain, SabraKimball, Siskinsin late Octoberand November,most of the birdspassing Dennis Kirkwood, Val Kitchens,Wayne Klockner, Alicia Knotts, Yulee Larner, H.E. LeGrand, Paul Lehman, Gail McKiernan, Paul through without lingeringvery long. At Kipt., 375 were seen McQuarry(PMc), D.R. Miller, Dorothy& Mike Mitchell, Dick Mor- in a morning flight Oct. 25 (BW, BR, HTA). Reeseestimated ton, HarveyMudd, DottieMumford (DMd), R. Munro, Bill Murphy, 500 each of HouseFinch and Am. Goldfinch at Tilghman I., Paul Murphy, Heather Nicklas, JohnO'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Oct. 19, and at Rock Hall Gruber saw 250 House Finches and Paul O'Brien, JohnPangborn, Kenneth Parkes, Brian Patteson,M.D. 450 Am. GoldfinchesOct. 3. The first Purple Finches were Patteson,Grayson Pearce, Don Peterson, Paul Pisano,Marie Plante, seen Sept. 14 at Hooper's I., Md. (HTA, AJ), Assat. (MO, JO), Bill Portlock (BPk), J.G.Reese, Bruce Reid, GeorgeReiger, Mike and alongthe PatapscoR., Md. (JSh). Resch, Sue Ricciardi, R.F. Ringlet, Wilbur Rittenhouse, Larry Robinson,B.M. Ross,R.R. Runkles,Bob Russell (BRu), Kurt Savoie, OBSERVERS -- D.F. Abbott,J.M. Abbott, Margaret Abbott, R.A. JamesSchlesinger (JSc), R.M. Schutsky,Don Schwab, F.R. Scott, Anderson,R.L. Anderson, George Armistead, Bob Augustine, Terry W.S. Seegat,Carl Shoppard,Jay Shoppard (JSh), Wayne Sieck,Dot Bashore, P.S. Baker, K.H. Bass, J.B. Bazuin, Paul Bedell, Bruce Silsby(DSi), Steve Simon, W.P. Smith, Jo Solera (JSm), Jo Sometrill, Beeblot,John & Ruth Benedetti,John Bjerke, C.R. Blem, Eirik Blom, P.R. Spitzer,Mike Stinson,C.E. Swift, Brian Tabor, R.J.Tripician, M.R. Boatwright,L.D. Benham, Ginger Boyce,Dana Bradshaw,L.J. BarryTruitt (BTt),Peter Vankevich, C.R. Vaughn, F.P. Ward,K.H. Brindza, J.H. Buckalew, Cole Burrell, Rudy Cashwell, Martha Weber,Harold Wierenga,H.L. Wierenga,C.P. Wilds,Bill Williams, Chestem,Louis Comi, Barry Cooper,Anne Cotson,David Czaplak, Gary Williamson, E.M. Wilson, T.R. Wolfe, Mark Wright, M.A. John Dalmas, Lynn Davidson,Ricky Davis, Fenton Day, Harold Yates, Charles Ziegenfus.--HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 523 E. Dur- Day, D.A. Dewhurst,J.W. Dillard, BobDixon, MargaretDonnald. ham St., Philadelphia. PA 19119.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. I / ,,,1 ...... -"t"..... '•' • .• - .•'"•"T•'- - -- - T-•-- buthedrought heavy rainsof1986 during inthe the South latter madeone-half national of August--news, -'1 •'•I•TH • L•E•.•)i GREENSBORO more than ten inches at many locales--quickly filled the TENN.• ß reservoirs.Much of the rain came from Hurricane Charley, which hit the North Carolina Outer Banks on August 17. However, the rest of the fall was relatively calm, with no other hurricanes or tropical storms,and rainfall again be- came scarce. Again this autumn, strong cold fronts--es- pecially those bringing northwest winds--in September ATLANTAAUGUSTA and October were rare, a situation that seems to be recur- • FallLine • • x• •O•A• ring nearly every fall in this decade. • •cE•o•v•c• X ø• t• This was anotherlackluster fall of birding,in part because the lack of strongfronts resulted in a scarcityof passerine waves and notable hawk flights. Most of the fronts were rather dry and producednortheast winds, and such winds caused the cancellation of many a pelagic trip. The hur- ricane seasonwas a disappointment,with several Bridled or Sootyterns over mainland Dare County, North Carolina, on August17 (asseen by JohnFussell) being the only certain displacementsfrom Charley. A strongsouthwest and west state: Clayton County Water Treatment Plant Sept. 2-4 (TM wind flow in early October brought several southwestern et al.), Jekyll I.. Sept. 28 (PR, RM. NK), and Forsyth County, birds to the coast, and a few other western and midwestern Oct. 11 (JP). visitorsalso were notableduring the season.A modestflight This was the poorestpelagic effort for an autumn seasonin of winter fincheswas evident by early November,and the perhaps5 years,in part becausealmost no trips were reported Regionhad an "invasion" (= one record)of Snowy Owls! from Georgiaand South Carolinaand becauseperhaps 70% of Actually, the highlight of the seasonwas the incredible the 15+ scheduledfor North Carolinawere cancelledby high crop of berries and mast. My commentson the wild food winds. And thosethat did reach the Gulf Streamyielded pre- crop in the Summer Season report were erroneous; the dictableresults, with few rarities (and, alas, no White-faced drought during the previous winter and spring was clearly Storm-Petrels).Only three speciesof shearwaterswere noted responsiblefor the heaviestcrop that most birders could all fall; the best recordsof them were onshore--two Cory's remember. seen from Atlantic Beach, N.C., Nov. 27 (JF, RH), and an Au- dubon'sdriven by a storm severalmiles inland to a ball field LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS- The only inland in Havelock, N.C., Aug. 5 (fide JF). A Wilson's Storm-Petrel Red-throated Loonswere at JordanL., Chatham Co., N.C., Oct. was surprisingin RoanokeSound, N.C., at the US 64 bridge 28 and Nov. 23 (RD). Eared Grebe records are rapidly accu- Aug. 24 (HL, RD); and excellent countsof this speciesin North mulatingin Georgia,and all 3 Regionalreports came from that Carolinawere of 1200off OregonInlet Aug. 23 (DC party) and

72 American Birds, Spring 1987 246+ off OregonInlet Nov. 9 (DL). Leach'sStorm-Petrels were difficult to find off OregonInlet this fall, being encountered only Aug. 15 and Nov. 9 (DL). Outstanding Band-rumped Storm-Petrelcounts in that state were of 70+ off OregonInlet Aug. 15 (DL, BO, WI), 35 off that inlet Sept. 2 (BBet aL), and 16 off Hatteras Inlet Aug. 28 (RA, PD). The two White-tailedTropicbird sightings were bothoff Or- egonInlet, one Aug. 15 (DL) and the other Sept. 2 (BBet al.). Probablyonly the 3rd MaskedBooby seen from the North Car- olina shorewas a subadultat CapeHatteras point Sept.1 (HL, ML, BB, BBa).Five Am. White Pelicansat BogueInlet, N.C., Oct. 29 (HHa) furnishedthe only report for that species.Not unexpectedly,Great Cormorantswere notedat 3 sitesalong the coast in late November, with three at Murrells Inlet, S.C. (RC),the bestcount. Inland sightingsof Double-crestedCor- morantscontinue to multiply and have becometoo common- placeto list in detail, although16 at Greensboro,N.C., Sept. 24 (HH) made a goodcount for that area. WADERS, WATERFOWL--Fussell observed a Great Egretwith yellowishlegs at Stacy,N.C., Sept. 7; how unusual are yellow-leggedGreats? That bird was definitelynot a white- AmericanSwallow-tailed Kite in McDowell County, N.C., August phaseGreat Blue Heron, but therewere two birdsof this form 1986. Photo/RobertBuiz. ("GreatWhite Herons")reported in Georgia:at JekyllI., Sept. 28 and Oct. 20 (PR et al.), and at Tybee I., Nov. 16 (DS). A our nestingpopulations going to increase?No major raptor ReddishEgret at LockwoodsFolly Inlet, N.C., Aug. 4 (FI, MB) flightswere reportedfrom the foothills,but therewere a few providedone of fewer than 10 recordsfor that state.Inland moderateflights along the coastin October.A Broad-winged dispersalof waderswas aboutnormal, with few notablyhigh Hawk on the coastat Avon. N.C., Oct. 5 (HL, RD) was unusual. totals. Probablythe best inland recordswere of five Wood PeregrineFalcons continue their upsurgein numbersas fall Storksover the CongareeR., S.C., at US 601 Aug. 3 (RC), and migrantsalong the coast,and 20+ were seendaily Oct. 3-5 on 80-96 post-breedingstorks in early fall at pondsmanaged for the North CarolinaOuter Banks(C.B.C.). Five Peregrineswere them at the Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary,S.C. (DCo et al.). seen on the beach at one time at Bald Head I., N.C., Sept. 26 A flamingo(sp.?) was present Oct. 25-Nov. 29 in tidal areasof (DC,ML), yet the only inland sightingswere from that state-- n.e. Pamlico County, N.C. (PJCet al.). near RaleighOct. 12 (HL) and JordanL., Oct. 28 (RD).Merlins Strangely,the only FulvousWhistling-Ducks reported were were encountered inland at 4 locales, all in North Carolina, in North Carolina: one in late October at Cape Hatteras light- and Masseyhad a goodtally of 27 at Ft. Fisher, N.C., Oct. 24. house (EB) and four at Carolina Beach Oct. 22-Nov. 2 (KK). An imm. Golden Eagle flew over Jordan L., Oct. 28 (RD) to Eleven Greater White-fronted Geese were at a semi-regular providethe only reportof the season. wintering site at Santee N.W.R., S.C., Nov. 27-29 (RC, CE, M At a well-knownbreeding location for the BlackRail, Fussell & PF); and a few blue phaseSnow Geesewere found near saw a Blackbeing chased in flight by a Virginia Rail at North Townville (JDB)and EdistoBeach (DS) in South Carolina and R., CarteretCo., N.C., Sept.9. Two or three BlackRails were near Dublii• (TKP) and L. Lanier (JP) in Georgia.An ad. Ross' flushedduring a mowingof fieldsnear L. Juliettein c. Georgia GooseOct. 18 at PeaI., N.C. (AB,RD, JF),was by far the earliest in September(FG, fide TJ), and singles were tower kill victims ever for that state. The other 2 statesin the Region are still near the South Carolina coast at Awendaw Oct. 7 & 10 (SG, without a recordof this goose.Single Eur. Wigeonswere found CB).At least60 Sofaswere heardcalling from a pondedge at at Bo.die I., N.C. (HL, RD) and neighboringPea I. (AB, RD, JF); SavannahN.W.R., S.C.,Nov. 16 (DS)for an excellentRegional and about 50 mi farther south, a Redheadwas at a Cape Hat- count. A few Sandhill Cranes were detected e. of their narrow teraspond Aug. 22 (HL,RD). Noteworthy duck totals included migrationroute: singles at AugustaOct. 22-Nov. 30+ (FD, AW, 40 Green-wingedTeal and 1100+ Ring-neckedDucks on DS) and near Townville, S.C.,Nov. 9 ( JDBet al.). Peachtree City L., Ga., Nov. 27 (PB), and 5000 Am. Wigeons SHOREBIRDS -- The year-long drought left many reser- most of November at Bodie-PeaIs. (HL). In addition to the voirs several feet below normal in the first one-half of August, Redhead,other early waterfowlwere a Ring-neckedDuck Aug. beforeheavy rains filled them by the endof the month.Jordan 6 at FallsL., N.C. (RD),three Ring-neckedsall monthin Monroe Lake in c. North Carolina had the bestflurry of notable shore- County, Ga. (TJ), a LesserScaup Sept. 16 at Augusta,Ga (AW, bird records,owing to Davis' and LeGrand'sfrequent visits. VW), and three Corn.Mergansers Nov. 11 near Vass,N.C. (DT). Their highlightsat that lake werepeaks of sevenBlack-bellied The eight Surf Scotersat Sweetwater Creek S.P., Ga., Oct. 26 PloversAug. 11, five LesserGolden-Plovers Oct. 28, 85 Semi- (PR,NK) might have beenan inland Regionalhigh; other Surfs palmatedPlovers Aug. 11, 38 Ruddy TurnstonesAug. 11-13, (singles)were inland Nov. 10 at CrowdersMountain S.P.,N.C. singleRed KnotsAug. 11 and Oct. 21-24, 10 SanderlingsAug. (PH, HW) and Oct. 26-Nov. 6 at RoanokeRapids L., N.C. (FE). At the latter lake, Enders also had two White-winged Scoters 13,two White-rumpedSandpipers Oct. 24,440 Pectoral Sand- pipersAug. 11, 31 DunlinsNov. 7, 60 Stilt SandpipersAug. 11, Oct. 29, and another appeared near Griffin, Ga., Nov. 29 35 Short-billedDowitchers Aug. ll, and two Long-billedDow- (PB, HG). itchers Oct. 21. LesserGolden-Plovers were widespread,although in very KITES THROUGH CRANES -- Causingquite a stir in the smallnumbers; there were reportsfrom 10 locales,all of five foothills of North Carolina were two Am. Swallow-tailed Kites birds or fewer except for 13 near Duluth, Ga., Sept. 1 (HG). in w. McDowell and e. Buncombecounties, early August to The bestUpland Sandpiper count was ofll at the New Hanover Sept.3 (DS1,LM, m.ob.,ph. RR}.This hawk is reportedfrom County,N.C., airportAug. 7 (KK);and singleswere observed the upperPiedmont only onceevery 5 to 10 years.Late kites inland at JordanL., Aug. 11 (RD),c. Halifax County,N.C., Aug. were an Am. Swallow-tailed Oct. 3 at the 1-20 crossingof Wa- 12 (FE),and Six Mile, S.C.,Oct. 10 (DM).Very rare inland was teree R., S.C. {RC,CE}, and an ad. MississippiNov. 9 near Eliz- a Whimbrel found deadon a road near Greensboro,N.C., Sept. abethtown,N.C. (PJC}.Bald Eagle sightingsat inland locales, 5 (HH).It wasencouraging that Long-billedCurlews were noted particularlyin North Carolina,continue to increase.When are at 5 coastalsites--Portsmouth I. (JF) and WrightsvilleBeach

Volume41, NumberI 73 (GM) in North Carolina, Hunting Island S.P. (DAB,KP, DS) in for the state, at a pond at Pea I., Oct. 26 and Nov. 8 (JF, ph.). South Carolina, and Little St. SimonsI. (D & JD) and St. Simons Probably the earliest-ever Iceland Gull for that state was an I. (PM, TM) in Georgia.Just the 2nd inland recordof HudsonJan Oct. 15 bird at BogueInlet (HHa), and a GlaucousGull at Topsail Godwit for North Carolina occurred when four appearedat a I., N.C., Oct. 22 (GW) was likewise very early. Even more re- quarry in New Bern Nov. 1-9 (BH, RB). Also notable were markablyearly was an imm. Black-leggedKittiwake Aug. 29 three Hudsoniansat a spoil pond in South Carolina (near Sa- at Hunting Island S.P., S.C. (DS). LesserBlack-backed Gulls vannah, Ga.) Aug. 30 (DS) for about the 6th state record, and were reported10•- times in North Carolina (eightby Fussell) one at Hatteras Inlet, N.C., Sept. i (JS, AS, DP). A Marbled and twice in Georgia,all in tidewater areas. Godwit near Macon Aug. 10 provided the 3rd inland record The usual small numbers of Caspianand Forster'sterns oc- for Georgia (TI). curred at many inland sites,but the Com. Tern was detected Besidesthe remarkable numbers at JordanL., seven Ruddy inland just once. Such sightingsof Com. Tern continue to de- Turnstones were near Cartersville, Ga., Sept. i (K & DJ) and cline, and I suspectthat the breedingpopulation on the Great three were near Macon, Ga., Aug. 30 (TI). Sanderlingsappeared Plains and Great Lakes is faring poorly. Perhapsthe 2nd U.S. inland at 5 locations,but White-rnmped Sandpiperswere noted recordfor the CayenneTern raceof SandwichTern was made away from the coastonly at JordanL. and at New Bern, Oct. when LeGrand and Lynch observedone at Cape Hatteras point 12 (BH).All Baird'sSandpipers were alongthe North Carolina Sept. 1. Ironically, the first record was at this identical site, coast--at Bodie I., Oct. 5 (HL, DC, RD, ML), Pea I., Aug. 15 (JF, but during the nesting season--May 30, 1983 (Buckley and RW) and Oct. 11 (JF), Cape Hatteras point Oct. 4-11 (DC, ML, Buckley,Auk 101:396-398).An ad.Arctic Tern at CapeHatteras CM), and BogueInlet Oct. 24 (JOP,EP). Perhaps a recordinland point Aug. 30 (WI, BO, PWS) may have beenjust the 2nd seen count of Dunlin for North Carolina was of 80+ at JordanL. in ashorein North Carolina, and another was reported offshore late November (BW, MW). The only Curlew Sandpiperfor the of this point Sept. i (RA, PD). Three Bridled Terns were late season was a holdover from summer, as the individual at off Oregon Inlet Nov. 9 (DL). but the only Sooty Tern report Portsmouth I., N.C., in July was seen again Aug. 8 (JF, JW). was Aug. 12 at that hotspot for terns--Cape Hatteras point Notable inland countsof Stilt Sandpipersfor Georgiawere of (BL). This was the best seasonfor Black Terns inland in a 46 near Macon Aug. 3 (TI) and seven at Clayton County Sept. handful of years.They were notedat 9•- lakesor ponds,the I (PB, TMi). highesttotals being of 22 at JordanL., Aug. 11 (RD) and 20•- Where have all the Buff-breastedSandpipers gone? They at Goldsboro,N.C., Aug. 12 (ED). have almostdisappeared as migrantshere for the last several years.Is there a continent-widedecline in numbers,or is the DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS--Probably the absenceof inland mudfiats in September (when 95% pass first North Carolina report of White-winged Dove in over 15 through)causing the birds to fly over without stopping?The yearswas of oneseen briefly at PeaI., Oct. 6 0RD,DC). Black- 3 reports were of single birds--Aug. 31 near Brunswick, Ga. billed Cuckooscontinue to be very elusive in the Southeast, (JR), Sept. 28 in n.e. Laurens County, Ga. (TKP), and Oct. 4-5 with 3 of the 4 reportsbeing coastal. Of interestwas one banded at CapeHatteras point (DC, ML, CM, m.ob.).A Ruff on Nov. 2 at JekyllI., Ga., Oct. 6 (TM). Undoubtedlythe bird generating near the mouth of the SanteeR., S.C. (RC), provided about the the mostexcitement was the Snowy Owl seendaily Nov. 18- 5th recordfor that state.Only a handfulof Wilson'sPhalaropes 26 in n.e. RichlandCounty, S.C. (LG,RC, CM, m.ob.).Although were reported,all from the North Carolina coastat expected there were a handful of previousstate records,this tame in- sites. A Red-necked Phalarope was a good inland find at dividual waslikely seenby more birdersthan any otherSnowy Goldsboro,N.C., Sept. 23-24 (ED), and the best offshoretotal in the Region.It was so confidingthat it chasedand caught was of 83 off Oregon Inlet Aug. 23 (DC party). live mice releasedfor it; unfortunately,it wastoo tame, because a concernedcitizen capturedit by hand and turned it over to JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS -- As usual,small numbersof the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, which sent the owl to the Pomarine Jaegerswere observed on North Carolina pelagic RaptorRehabilitation Center in Minnesota.As might be ex- trips, but most surprisingwere immaturesthat mingled with pected, many birders were upset about this turn of events, gulls at the tidal pond at CapeHatteras point Aug. 31 ifiL, ML) particularlythose wishing to seethe owl who hadn't already and Oct. 4-18 ifiL, RD, JF,m.ob.). The ParasiticJaeger, hard to seen it. Short-eared Owls were encountered thrice inland, find on Atlantic pelagic trips, was reported only from shore: where quite scarce--oneOct. 24 migratinghigh over Jordan three from Cape Hatteras Oct. 17 (AB, RD) along with four L. (RD, HL), another at the Gainesville,Ga., airport Nov. 15 Pomarines.Lee collecteda Long-tailedJaeger Nov. 9 off Oregon (JP),and anotherfound injured nearBadin, N.C., Nov. 27 (fide Inlet, but no one encounteredany others,nor were any skuas DB).Atlanta birdersnoted thousands of Com.Nighthawks mi- seen. Inland LaughingGulls were reported from Jordan(RD, gratingoverhead Sept. 5 (fide TM), and an injured Chuck- HL) and RoanokeRapids lakes (ML) and at SweetwaterCreek will's-widow was found near Townville on the late date of S.P., Ga. (PR), but the rarest gull was a first-winter Franklin's Oct. 11 (PLW et al.). The 3rd goodGeorgia record of Rufous Gull, just the 2nd for the North Carolina coastand 4th overall Hummingbirdwas provided by an imm. male (rustyback) at

First-winterFranklin's Gull at Pea Island N.W.R., N.C., autumn 1986.Fourth recordfor North Carolina. Photo/JohnFussell.

74 American Birds,Spring 1987 Fitzgerald Sept 18-19 (FP) Recordsof this speciesm the elusivesparrows were goodfinds of Henslow'sOct 17 near L Southeasthave multlphed in this decade,partly m response Phelps,N.C. (AB, RD), and Oct 16 at Jekyll I. (bandedby TM), to more hummingbirdfeeders in operationin fall and winter. and a Le Conte'sSparrow at a drained lake bed at Aiken Oct 28 (DS).A Sharp-tailedSparrow seen at JordanL., Oct. 12 (JOP, FLYCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS -- Olive-sidedFly- EP) was alsoan excellent find and perhapswas a migrantfrom catcherswere found at 2 placesnear Kelly, N.C., Aug. 26 (DL), the interior of the continent,but tower-killedSeaside Sparrows and alsonear Duluth, Ga., Sept.6 (HG, PB);whereas the almost Oct. 8 (WP) & 12 (SG)at Awendaw,S.C., were obviouslyfrom equally rare Yellow-belliedFlycatcher was reportedonly Aug. farther n. alongthe Atlantic seaboard.Four reportsof Lincoln's 29 at Wilmington, N.C. (KK), and Sept. 8 near Atlanta (PR). Sparrowwere aboutaverage, with a goodcount of three near S•bleyencountered both Willow and Leastflycatchers at Mil- L. PhelpsOct. 17 (AB,RD). The only reportof LaplandLongspur len, Ga., during the season.The 2nd Vermilion Flycatcher for was from mudfiats at L. Lanier, Ga., Nov.19-20 (JP); whereas North Carolina was a 2hal-yearmale Oct. 4 at Pea I. (RH et al., the very erratic (from winter to winter) Snow Bunting was ph RD); the other record for the statewas also along the coast encountered 3 times, all along the North Carolina coast. of Dare County in early October, 14 years ago.Flocks of 200+ A tally of 5000 Bobolinkswas impressiveSept. 6 at Mount Bank Swallowswere reportedat Falls L. (HL) and Macon (TI) Pleasant, S.C. (PN, CW). Yellow-headed Blackbirds make a Aug 30, and near Atlanta Aug. 31 (PR),clearly indicatingthe regularappearance along the coasteach fall, and this season peak flight period in 1986; but very late Banks were one at all reports fit the pattern: singlesat a feeder at Sullivans I, AugustaOct. 25 (AW, VW et al.) and three at New Bern, N.C., Sept. 5-6 (WP), at OcracokeI., N.C., Oct. 4 (DC, ML), and Pea Nov 3 (RB). An excellent Barn Swallow tally was of 30,000+ I., Oct. 4-5 (RD et al.). In the 1970s there were very distinct m•gratingS at Cherry Grove Beach,S.C., Aug. 10-11 (ML). An "off years" and major irruption years for cardueline finches IndmnHouse Crow (Corvussplendens) was againreported from and Red-breastedNuthatches in the Region.Such distinctions the Charleston area, this time Oct. 29-Nov. 2 in Mount Pleas- have been blurred in this decade, and Fall 1986 continued this ant, m an urban area (WP). One must suspectthat the crow trend; the flight of such birds was "moderate". Red-breasted arrived on a ship. A few Fish Crows were found all seasonat Nuthatches were very scarce and Evening Grosbeakswere a landfill near Atlanta (PR), where moderate numbers were uncommon;however, Pine Siskinsand Purple Fincheswere presentin summer.A recently-drainedpond near Aiken, S.C., fairly commonin someplaces by early November.American had as many as eight SedgeWrens Nov. 9 (DS),and at nearby Goldfincheswere very numerous, as were House Finches Augustaa goodtotal of fiveBlue-gray Gnatcatchers was present Again this fall, Red Crossbillsstayed in the Far North and in Nov 27 (AW, VW). Also late was a White-eyed Vireo at York, the mountains. S C, bandedOct. 27 and recapturedNov. 23 & 29 (BHi). There were 4 PhiladelphiaVireo reportsfrom the Atlanta area Sept. OBSERVERS -- Robert Ake, Mason Baldwin, Elizabeth Ball, 14-Oct. 5 (fide TM), and four from elsewhere, all in North BentonBasham (BBa), J.D. Batson, Carroll Belser, Rich Boyd,Patrick CarolinaSept. 1-0ct. 5 (WI,RD, PH, HL). Brisse,Bill Brokaw,David Brown (DAB), Dick Brown,Allen Bryan, Carolina Bird Club, Derb Carter, J.H. Carter III, Robin Carter, P.S WARBLERS--Sibley'svery thoroughcoverage in the Coleman,Dan Connelly(DCo), P.J. Crutchfield, Ricky Davis,Eric Alken area turned up numerous recordsfor many warblers Dean, Fielding Dillard, Paul DuMont, Don & JoyceDuncan, Car- consideredquite scarcenear the Fall Line. He had 11 Blue- oline Eastman,Frank Enders,Mitch & Phyllis Feller, JohnFussell, winged Warblers in the Aiken and Millen, Ga., area Aug. 17- Hugh Garrett,Sidney Gauthreaux, Lex Glover,Fred Granitz,Henry Sept 18, plus sevenrecords of Golden-wingedWarblers Aug. Haberyan(HHa), Robert Hader, Paul Hart, Herb Hendrickson,Bill 19-Sept. 15 in the samevicinity. He had a Lawrence'sWarbler Hilton Jr. (BHi),Bob Holmes, Fran Irvin, Wayne Irvin, Ty Ivey, at Savannah N.W.R., S.C., Aug. 17, and a Brewster'sWarbler Kathy & Dan Jacobson,Terry Johnson,Nell Kirkland, Kitty Kosh, DaveLee, Harry LeGrand,Bob Lewis, Merrill Lynch,Robert Manns, was noted Aug. 30 near Atlanta (PB).The few reportsof Nash- LauraMartsberg, Chris Marsh, Greg Massey, Douglas McNair, Terry ville Warblers were much lower than normal, and the same Miller O•Vii),Peggy Moore, Terry Moore,Perry Nugent, Bob Odear, couldbe saidfor the majorityof warbler species.A Nashville JohnPaget, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Parrish,T.K. Patterson,David Pear- collectedat SullivansI., S.C., Nov. 3 (PSC)was the 2nd fall son, Will Post, Kristin Poulsen,Elizabeth Pullman, J.O. Pullman, coastalspecimen for the state, and a Chestnut-sidedWarbler Paul Raney,John Robinson, Robert Ruiz, JaySheppard, Dave Sib- was quite early Aug. 3 n. of Atlanta (TM). The first goodsight ley, Don Slye (DS1),Arnold Small,P.W. Smith,Dick Thomas,Bill record of Kirtland's Warbler for North Carolina since the 1940s Wagner,Margaret Wagner, Heathy Walker, Charlie Walters, Anne was a very belated report of one seenAug. 29, 1982 about 10 Waters, Vernon Waters, Zora Weisbecker,Gail Whitehurst, Ray m• n of Statesville(ZW; Chat, in press).Another Kirtland's Winstead,P.L. Worthington, John Wright.--HARRY E. LeGRAND, Warbler was reportedthis fall Sept. 17 at Simpsonville,S.C. JR., 331 Yadkin Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609. (PLW);there are at least 6 previousrecords for that state, al- though none in over 10 years. Despite the lackluster season for warblers,the elusiveCerulean was reported18 times--12 from the Atlanta area Aug. 3-Sept. 6 (fide TM); in South Car- ohna Aug. 26 near Jackson(DS), Sept. 5 & 11 at Aiken (DS), and Aug.9 in OrangeburgCounty (RC); and in North Carolina Aug 29 at Falls L. (RD) and Aug. 30 at Carolina Beach S.P. (two birds--GM). There were no sightingsof MourningWar- blers, and the two ConnecticutWarblers were coastal,as ex- pected-at WilmingtonSept. 4 (KK)and Pea I., Oct. 5 (HL, ML, DC, RD).The firstcoastal specimen of Wilson'sWarbler for South Carolina was one taken Oct. 14 at SullivansI. (PSC). TANAGERSTHROUGH CARDUELINES • A Scarlet Tanagernear Roswell,Ga., Nov. 2 (PM, TM) providedthe first state recordfor that month. Only two reportsof Dickcissels (d•sappointinglyfew) were received;birds were detectedover- headat PeaI., Oct. 4 (RD)and bandedat JekyllI., Oct. 16 (TM). A late nestingof Bachman'sSparrow was documentedby the findingof a nestwith an eggand a nestlingAug. 17 at Ft. Bragg, N C (JHC).Lark Sparrowswere reportedfrom Salvo,N.C. (JF, RW), Aiken (DS),and OhslowI., Ga. (RC).Among the truly

Volume 41, Number 1 75 FLORIDA REGION

Lyn S. and Brooks H. Atherton CENTRALSOUTHERN REGION• • ...... -I--•-{ rTALLAHASSEE .• ATLANTIC easonalexistent.variation In fact, itin seemedweather aspatterns though wasfall neveralmost came.non- ,., t '•._1_ DIVISION i..•.?'•. OCEAN •.fa• • /•:•--~•' .... 'I;' Jac•sonvil!e The reoccurrence of conditions resembling "El Nif•o" in ••Tallahassee • ..... ' •S• JohnRiver the equatorial Pacific Ocean establisheda strong south- westerly air flow that blocked the normal southward mi- gration of fall storms and cold air masses.Exceptions to /Do•/•.L • NORTHERN• the continuingsummer pattern were few, but notable for their apparent effect. An intense double-cell low pressure All:g ator Ced•Ke • Orlanda••a • errJttls. area developedover Hudson'sBay August 27-29, with up- per level circulation plunging from Canada's Northwest ßampa • •. •ale• Territories southeast to Tennessee at velocities of 50 to SLPeters:burg •• ...... •F ' over 100 mph. This suggeststhat the extraordinaryinvasion of Hudsonian Godwits as well as high numbers of Lesser Sa:rasofa• 3eermg'•'• L.Ok•c obee Golden-Ploversand White-rumped Sandpipersmay have ' :. ,Y. =-•Clewiston ("• LOXA- been the result of a disruption in the normal migration • •amDel •S.•e Fort •-.'• HATCHEE pattern of tundra nestersby this storm. The season'sonly notable cold front October 14-16 produced rain that Ma,•OIS.• Miami• broughtthe eastcoast their bestpasserine day. Finally, an unusual and intense Gulf of Mexico storm formed south . :DryTort•gos Key •Flamingo of New Orleans November 28-30 and brought high winds ': • West•*•Upper Keys and lots of rain to both coastsof Florida, generating large JFLORIDA Bep.eKeyJ•X movementsof offshoremigrants. LO•ER • ABBREVIATIONS -- F.O.S.R.C.: Florida Ornithological So- ciety RecordsCommittee; S.T.P. = SewageTreatment Plant; Tall. e•s" bews•e•Cles• Spdn• Mine •8d • very biB5 total of Div.: Tallahassee Division. Place names in italics are counties. G]oss•Ibises Nov. • (PF],and • •ose8te S•nbilJs 8t Ceds• LOONS THROUGH PELICANS -- The Palm Beach and Ke• in ]ste Septembe•(D•ff] •de 8 •iB• number thst no•. Browardareas had only one Corn.Loon the entire season(•de HPL),but no otherareas reported lower-than-normal numbers. Most thou•t t•8t duckswe• well below usual numbers, One had arrived in the Keys at ConchKey by Nov. 20 (HND) especis]J•on the s.w. •st w•e•e the• were so scs•cet•st and another was 20 mi offshoreof Cape Canaveral Nov. 22 the usus] 8eris] supers were not even done (}}P]. •went•- (DD, DK). Palm Beachhad only its 3rd fall sightingof Horned two FuJvousW•ist]inB-Du•s at L An•e, HiBhJands,Nov. Grebewhen eight flew by the Lake Worth Pier Nov. 29 (PWS, (•H•, MM) were t•st •unt•'s • ever.Most pmbsbl• HPL).Interestingly, the earlierrecords were on that samedate ove• •e peninsu]8,but somemove offs•o•e. In the n.e.,w•e•e with two birdsthe previoushigh (•de HPL).A very earlyEared t•e• 8re quite•8re, •5 flew offshoreof Ft. CJinc•S.P., Nassau, Grebe,the only one reported,was againat Clear SpringsMine, Nov. 17 [PP,HP•). Sixt•-six were counted•om t•e •e Polk,Aug. 25 (PF, SB).Providing one of only a few recordsfor Pie• Nov. 2g•30 (•, G•. •e outstsndinBduck of t•e period the state, a Red-billed Tropicbird was found ill on the beach wss 8n i•. 8 C•mm•n •i•r 8t Port •ve•Jsdes Nov. at s. Hutchinson I., Ft. Pierce, Aug 27. It was taken to the Martin Animal Hospitalwhere it died Sept.3 (JMB, * to USF). Goodnumbers of N. Gannetsmigrated along the AtlanticCoast in late November.For a week beginningNov. 21, a "continuous movement"headed S 12 mi offshoreof ConchKey. Composed of 70% immatures, flocks averagedsix to 12 birds with the largest38 (HND). On Nov. 29, in 3 hours,120 movedpast Play- linda Beach,Merritt Island N.W.R. (JD), and 268 flew by the Lake Worth Pier during a 5-hr. observation(HPL, GH). On the s.w.coast, southbound flights of Am. White Pelicanswere more numerous than usual, but Brown Pelicanswere at their lowest numbersever during surveystaken from BocaGrande to Shark River. The preliminary indicationwas that becauseof the warm weather the bait fish moved to cooler waters well off- shore,reducing the numbersof coastalfeeders WADERS THROUGH DUCKS -- Reportedlate, an Am. Bittern at Wellington,Palm Beach,June 22 (cP) could have been a breeder.The sameapplies to one near St. Marks Light Aug. 5 (CSG),which was consideredtoo early to be a migrant (•de HMS). A "Great White" Heron, rare n. of the Everglades, was also near St. Marks Light Nov. 24 (CSG, m.ob.), as were three imm. ReddishEgrets Aug. 18+ (CSG,RW). Another Red- dish was at St. GeorgeI., Oct. 29 (DCB).Were they straysfrom Texasbreeding colonies or wanderersfrom our northernmost coloniesin TampaBay? A "dark"Scarlet Ibis flying with Whites CommonEider at Port EvergJades,Broward Co., FJa.,Oct. 23, Oct. 27 (WF) overDisney World wassurely an escape,so "list- •986. Photo/RonaldDoig.

76 American Birds, Spring 1987 (SH, WG, ph. and t to F.O.S.R.C.).The only Oldsquawwas a Div. (fide HMS). Four otherswere at East Point Nov. 13 (JEC) female at Merritt Island N.W.R., Nov. 164- (DK, LA, m.ob.). and 17 flew over Wakulla SpringsNov. 14 (DCB). Last fall, Black Scoters invaded the state and over 1000 flew High countsof 11 LesserGolden-Plovers were at Zellwood pastthe Lake Worth Pier in November.However, only 47 were Sept. I (LA, m.ob.) and Duda/Bella Glade Sept. 7 (BH, EF). tallied from the pier this year, despitegood coverage (HPL). Rare in the Tall. Div. were singlesat the TallahasseeS.T.P., Few were seen elsewhere. The only Surf Scotersoutside the Oct. 8 (TM) and at the s.e.Tallahassee sprayfield Nov. 19 (HMS), Tall. Div. were severalat Ft. De SotoP., Oct. 2-3 (LH, LA, DG), the latter accompaniedby a high count of 75 Killdeer. Clear and a White-winged Scoterwas very unusual at McKay Bay, SpringsMine had the largestconcentrations of Black-necked Tampa, Nov. 15 (RH, m.ob.).Buffleheads appeared again in Stilts, 190 Oct. 13 (PF), and Am. Avocets,141 Sept. 28 (CG). goodnumbers and three at Clear SpringsMine Nov. 26 (B & Rare in the Keys, an avocet was at Geiger Key Nov. I (J & JF) LC, m.ob.)were consideredrare there. St. Marks Light had a and five visited the Key West Dump Nov. 16 (JO). Unusual at high count of 88 HoodedMergansers Nov. 23 (DCB) and ex- Fort Jeffersonwere lone Greater YellowlegsAug. 20 and Sept. cellent numbersof Red-breastedMergansers were recordedat 1, LesserYellowlegs Aug. 2-9 & 20, and a Whimbrel Oct. 31 the Lake Worth Pier the last 2 weeksof November (HPL, GH). (DOL). Another Whimbrel was a Keys rarity at Cudjoe Key Nov. 19 (PB, HND). In the fall, Upland Sandpipersare uncom- RAPTORS -- The besttime and placeto observethe Turkey mon but regular in the agricultural fieldsin the e. part of the Vulture migrationis Novemberin the Keys,and this year was Region,but are rare farther west. Noteworthy were four at the no exception.Big Pine Key had 123 headingNE Nov. 13 (MB), s.e. Tallahasseesprayfield Aug. 14 (HMS) and singlesat Clear 50 first headed W, then abruptly turned and moved E over SpringsMine Aug. 23 (2ndPolk record--CG, m.ob.)and Ft. De Key West Nov. 18 (JO), and 5004. in 2 large kettles moved Soto P.. Sept. 13 (L & BA). One of the most surprisingevents slowly down the Keysat mi marker 99 on Nov. 23 (KS).Sixty of the season was the "invasion" of HudsonJan Godwits at headedS over s. JacksonvilleNov. 26 (JPC).Submitted too late Zellwood. Three Aug. 31 had increasedtheir ranks to 32 by for the summer report was a count of 67 Am. Swallow-tailed Sept. 3 and some remained through the following weekend Kites migratingS in n.w. BrowardJuly 28 (ER, JB),the largest (KD, TR, m.ob., t and ph. to F.O.S.R.C.).Three at Duda/Belle concentrationever in that county(•ide HPL). Late-nestingones Glade Sept. 7 (BH, EF) and one at Clear SpringsMine Nov. 1 were still feedingyoung at PlantationKey Aug. I (KS, JCO). (H & WD, PF) could have come from Zellwood. Lone ad. Black-shoulderedKites near Lower Myakka L., Aug. 6-8 (RD, DJ)and LoxahatcheeN.W.R., Nov. 22 (PF, Mid) pos- sibly had dispersedfrom the recently-discoveredbreeding site in n.w. Broward (seeSpring Report). Encouragingwas a no- ticeableincrease in the Snail Kite population.The 560 tallied were mostly at L. Okeechobeeand Conservation Areas 3A and 2B, the latter with one roostof 169 birds (JAR).One at L. Pierce, Polk,Nov. 27 (TP) was outsidethe usualrange. Thirty Missis- sippi Kites circling over s.w. Gainesvillein mid-August(JCB) made a very high number for the peninsula,although that locality is at the s. breedinglimit for the species. Becausethere were no significantfronts, the hawk migration was rather unexciting. A N. Harrier was early at mi marker 18 in the KeysSept. 13 (JO).Large numbers of Accipitersusu- ally move throughthe Keys,but only two Sharp-shinnedsand two Cooper'swere recordedthe entire period.The only large hawk movementswere at NaplesOct. 19 (J & PW, HC), where 107 Sharp-shinnedsheading N were recordedin 2 hours,and betweenJohnson and Horseshoekeys Oct. 14 (TW), where 135 Broad-wingedsheaded up the Keys.Short-tailed Hawks outside their usual rangewere at the w. Delray S.T.P., Sept. 21 (PWS) and at NaplesOct. 29 (dark phase--PW). One of the more re- liable locations to look for Short-taileds in late fall is in the Keys,especially at BigPine Key where two appearedOct. 274. (dark and light phases--TW, MB). A dark-phasebird moved N for 11 mi to GrassyKey Nov. 14 (HND).The only Swainson's Hawks reported,both dark-phase,were at Big Pine Key Oct. 23-Nov. 27 (TW, MB) and LignumVitae Key Nov. 14 (JP).Two CrestedCaracaras about 30 mi s.w. of ClewistonNov. 27 (WG) were outside their usual range. Totals of 12 Merlins and 29 Peregrine Falconswere up from the past few years. A Merlin at Casey Key Oct. 29 (A & SS) was the first ever banded there and two Peregrineswere early at Key West Sept. 14 (JO). RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- There hasbeen only one confirmed nestingof Virginia Rail in the state. However, HudsonianGodwit at Zellwood,Fla., Sept.6, 1986. Florida re- too early to be assumedmigrants were one near St. Marks cordedexceptional numbers of thisspecies during the 1986fall Light Aug. 6 (RC) and another that had been recently killed migration. Photo/GeorgeGoodrob. by a predatornear Alachua Sink, Paynes Prairie, Aug. 22 (BPM, CNP, * to FSM). Rare for the Keys(because of the shortageof Rare inland in the Tall. Div., a Ruddy Turnstone and three fresh-waterhabitat) were two Purple Gallinules Sept. 7 and a Sanderlingsvisited the TallahasseeS.T.P., Aug. 13 and another Sora Nov. 16, both at the Key West Golf Course (JO). An Am. Sanderlingwas at the s.e.Tallahassee sprayfield Aug. 14 (HMS). Coot at Ft. Jefferson,Dry Tortugas,Nov. 17 (SN) was one of Three Red Knots were s.e. coast rarities at S. Hutchinson I., few ever recordedthere. Althoughmigratory Sandhill Cranes Ft. Pierce,Oct. 17 (JMB).White-rumped Sandpipers, normally winter in large numbersin the peninsula,they are rare in the very rare in fall, were widespread.Zellwood had two Aug. 31- panhandle. So 125 cranes at the Panacea Unit, St. Marks Sept. I (KD, m.ob.), n. Jacksonvilleone Sept. 3 (RHC), Duda/ N.W.R., Nov. 7 (AD) were probablythe most ever for the Tall. Belle Glade 15 Sept. 7 (EF, Bid),and Clear SpringsMine "sev-

Volume 41, Number I 77 3rd-winter birds were at the PompanoBeach landfill Nov. 16+ (EF, WG, BH). One on the beach at Delray Nov. 30 (BH) was only the 2nd for Palm Beach. Rare away from the east coast, where they are common,were an "imm." Great Black-backed Gull at Ft. JeffersonSept. 29 (DOL) and an adult at John'sPass, Pinelias,Nov. 1 (LA, EF). The only Black-leggedKittiwake was 5 mi offshoreof Cape Canaveral Nov. 22 (DD, DK). The out- standing gull of the seasonwas a juv./first-winter Sabine's Gull at the Lake Worth Pier Nov. 13-28 (HPL, m.ob., t and ph. to F.O.S.R.C.).It spent most of its time on top of the pier's shelter,but would fly down and begfrom fishermenattempting to bait their lines. Unusual so far offshore was a Gull-billed Tern 23 mi e. of Cape CanaveralAug. 17 (LA, LH, m.ob.).Sand- wich Terns netted alongthe s.w. coastduring September were very light and appearedunhealthy, and there was a "drastic" reduction in numbers from previous years. However, Royals appeared very healthy (THB). At the Lake Worth Pier, 38 Sandwich Terns Nov. 29 (HPL, GH) and 45 Black Skimmers Nov. 10 (HPL, TT) were consideredhigh counts for the s.e. coast. An excellent count anywhere in the state, 409 Black Ruff at Zellwood,Fla., Aug. 16, 1986.Photo/George Goodroh. Terns were at Clear SpringsMine Sept.1 (PF).A BlackSkimmer at Fort JeffersonNov. 17 (SN) provided one of few fall records there. eral" Oct. 5-19 (PT, m.ob.).A well-documented Baird's Sand- DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS--Homing pi- piper at Homeland Mine, Polk, Nov. 8-9 (PF, RP, BN, m.ob., t geonsfrequently land at Ft. Jefferson(fide WR), but an "all to F.O.S.R.C.)was remarkably late. Although the specieswas white" RockDove there Sept. 2 (DOL) must have escapedfrom recently removed from the RecordsCommittee's review list, a vesselin the vicinity. Now that many Florida birders consider the extremely late date warrants the Committee's closescru- "Caribbean" Coot records invalid, the new game is finding tiny. A Purple Sandpiperat Port EvergladesNov. 27 (BH, MG) Eurasian Collared-Dovesoutside the major coloniesat Home- waswell s.of its usualrange. Submitted too late for the Summer stead and Islamorada. What would have been passedoff as Report were recordsof Ruffs at Duda/Belle Glade, two July "j ust" a RingedTurtle-Dove is now carefullychecked for voice 18 (BH, A & MG) and one July 25 (BH, PWS). Zellwood had and color of primaries. Widely scatteredreports of Collared- one Aug. 16 (JMF, LH, m.ob.),as did the Lakeland S.T.P., Oct. Doves came from Delray Beach, Wellington, and Palm Beach 25+ (SB,PF, m.ob.).An Am. Woodcockat the Wakulla R., Aug. (fide HPL). Summerland Key had one Oct. 2 (MB), the first 9 (JE)was early and furnishedone of few Augustrecords (fide known s. of lslamorada.An adult with two fledglingswas at HMS). Two Wilson'sPhalaropes at the TallahasseeS.T.P., Aug. SimmonsP., Ruskin, Nov. 2 (LA, EF), and others were discov- 13 (HMS) were Tall. Div. rarities, and 18 at Clear SpringsMine ered in Pinelias, where the major Ringed Turtle-Dove popu- Nov. 8 (PF) representeda high count so late. lation is (DG).A White-wingedDove at Zellwood Aug. 27 (TS) JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMER--During a 3-hr. was probably a dispersedresident, but others at Ft. Jefferson watch, 202 jaegersheading S flew offshoreof Playlinda Beach, Oct. 19 and Nov. 4 (DOL, JL, S & WS) and Key West Nov. 16 Merritt Island N.W.R., Nov. 29 (JD). The only Franklin's Gull (JO) were most likely w. strays. reported fed at the St. Lucie landfill, Ft. Pierce, Nov. 30 (H & The only Black-billedCuckoo reported was at Birch P., Bro- WD). An ad. LesserBlack-backed Gull was at n. LongboatKey ward, Sept. 14 (WG, FJ),and two Yellow-billed Cuckooswere Oct. 23 (M & RS), an adult and a 3rd-winter bird were at Red- late at Delray Beach Nov. 3 (PWS) and Lake Worth Nov. 4 ington BeachNov. 1+ (LA, EF, m.ob.),and four adults and two (I-IPL).Good news about Mangrove Cuckoosin the Tampa Bay area was that one found at Camp Key Aug. 27 (RTP 9t al.) was aboutone-half min. of a previously-unreportedone discovered July 29 (AB). These were the first reports of this speciesin many yearsfrom the e. shoreof Tampa Bay (fide RTP). Another at Bill BaggsS.P., Key Biscayne,Sept. 6 (EF, FJ, WG) was just n. of the usualrange along the Atlantic Coast.A Smooth-billed Ani was one of few ever at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Oct. 4-12 (staff3.Another was the first ever at Ft. De Soto P., Nov. 24-30 (LA, DJD,AM) and the first in Pinellassince the Toytown Landfill colony disappeared several years ago. An errant Groove-billed Ani wandered to Tall Timbers Research Station Oct. 8 (BM, TD). A Burrowing Owl at Ft. JeffersonSept. 21-Oct. 24 (DOL) was one of few ever there. Another was a rarity in the Tall. Div. at St. GeorgeI., Oct. 21-22 (JEC,HH). Hard to find Short-eared Owls were at PaynesPrairie Oct. 4 (early--JM), St. Marks Light Nov. 21 (TM), and the St. JohnsR. at the Orange/Brevardline Nov. 22 (CJG).A Chuck-will's-widow lingered at Ft. Jefferson Aug. 27-Oct. 27 (DOL). One of the earliestWhip-poor-wills ever was at the Wakulla R., Aug. 19 (JE). Another was early at GainesvilleSept. 16 (JHH) and one at Delray BeachSept. 22 (PWS)provided only the 2nd Septemberrecord for Palm Beach Sabine's Gull at the Lake Worth Pier, Fla., Nov. 21, 1986. This (fide HPL). bird is largely in worn juvenal plumagebut may be beginning At a feeder in Tallahassee,an imm. 8 Selasphorushum- its transition to first-winter plumage, rarely seen in North mingbird Oct. 22+ was joined by a • or imm. 8 Archilochus America. Photo/H.P. Langridge. hummingbirdOct. 29-Nov. 25 (DY, m.ob.).

78 American Birds, Spring 1987 Sodo were still there by winter (fide H & WD) The award for best Late •n November 1985 at Plantation Key, a hum- performanceof the seasonwent to a N. Mockingbird that ren- mingbird was discoveredand initially identified as an dered a "perfect imitation" of an Antillean Nighthawk's call "imm. • BahamaWoodstar" because it appearedto have at Key West Sept. 20 (JO). Sixteen Com. Mynas at a Tequesta a deeplyforked tail and, in certain light, a rather brassy shoppingcenter near Jupiter Nov. 30 (JC, SG) were the first gorget.Many came from throughout North America to largenumbers of the speciesreported outside the Miami area see the bird, which spent the entire winter at that lo- cation. Although most agreed with the identification, VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Rare in fall at the Dry Tortugas, several observerswith whom we spoke were not con- three White-eyed Vireos stoppedat Ft. Jeffersonbetween Sept vinced that the bird was anything more than a feather- 22 and Nov. 4 (DOL, S & WS). HoneymoonI. had a high count worn Ruby-throated.Because of the controversy,we felt of 37 Sept.28 (LA, AM, MW). Outsidethe Tampa Bay/Lakeland it bestnot to publishthe sightinguntil any doubt was area, Philadelphia Vireos are rare in fall, so one at s. Jackson- eliminated.After seeingthe bird in February,we were ville Oct. 15 (JPC) was noteworthy. Rare on the e. coast,Blue- positive that the bird was a Ruby-throated. Some felt winged Warblers were at s. JacksonvilleSept. 2 (JPC) and Ft that those who doubted the identification as a woodstar Pierce Inlet S.R.A., Sept. 9 (JMB). Dunedin Hammock P. had had perhapsseen a different bird (see Winter 1985 re- the only "Brewster's"hybrid Sept. 19 (LA et al.). Rare fall port).However, photos taken in earlyDecember, January, migrants at Ft. Jeffersonwere a • Golden-winged Sept. 1, a and February (ours)prove that all are of the same bird Tennesseeand Bay-breastedNov. 5, and an Orange-crowned and are indeed of a Ruby-throatedHummingbird. Be- Nov. 4-5 (DOL, S & WS). Rare anytime, Nashville Warblers causenone of the popular field guidesstress the char- were at Casey Key Sept. 12 (A & SS), Birch P., Sept. 28 (WG), acteristicsthat could have prevented this misidentifi- and Ft. De SotoP., Oct. I (MW). Late were a Prairie Warbler cation, mostobservers were fooledby featuresthat are near St. Marks Light Nov. 21 (TM) and two Blackpollsat Birch not truly diagnostic.An article on separatingthe two P., Nov. I (WG, FJ).Rare alongthe e. coastand Keys,Cerulean specieswill be forthcomingin the near future. Warblersstopped at Plantation Key Aug. 6 (JCO), n. Jackson- ville Aug. 10 (RHC), and ColohatcheeP., Ft. Lauderdale,Aug 20 (WG, FJ).Gainesville had a tardy ProthonotaryOct. 12 (LL, BPM), and Big Pine Key had a late or wintering Worm-eating WOODPECKERS THROUGH MYNAS -- Twelve mi s.e. Nov. 29 (JK, MB). Rare peninsular migrants,Swainsoh's War- of Ft. Piercein St. Lucie,a newly-accessiblearea of pinewoods biersvisited Birch P., Aug. 31 (BH, WG, EF), Dunedin Hammock being developedas a residential community had two Red- P., Pinelias,Sept. 6 (L & BA) and Ft. De SotoP., Sept. 13 (LA) cockadedWoodpeckers Sept. 26-Oct. 2 (JMB}, the first found Kentucky Warblers are rare anytime in the Keys, so one at in the county since 1979 (fide H & WD}. Unfortunately, the Lignum Vitae Key Aug. 18 (JP)was an excellent find. A Hooded developmentof the area will mostlikely causethe demiseof Warbler at BigPine Key Nov. 29 (JK, MB) was not only rare the colony.A rare Olive-sidedFlycatcher visited the Wakulla there but late statewide. The only Wilson's were at Key West R, Sept.27 (JE},but the mostoutstanding bird of the season Sept. 11 (JO), and at both Casey Key (banded--A & SS) and was the first state record of Western Wood-Pewee at St. Marks Saddle Creek P. (CG, m.ob.) Oct. 4. Six Canada Warblers in- Light Oct. 26-28 (NW, JEC et al., ph., recording and t to cluded the earliest at Ft. De Soto P., Sept. 14 (LA, LH), the F O S.R.C.}.At Saddle Creek P., Polk, there were as many as latestat SaddleCreek P., Oct. 11 (CG, m.ob.),and one bathing nine Empidonaxflycatchers per day for severalweeks in Sep- in a saucerat s. JacksonvilleSept. 19 (PP).Another peninsular tember (fide CG}.A callingWillow Flycatcherwas at Spanish rarity was Ft. Pierce Inlet S.R.A.'sYellow-breasted Chat Oct River P., BocaRaton, Sept. 28 (BH, PWS), only the 2nd ever 16 (JMB). for Palm Beach(fide HPL). Two Leastswere at Ft. De SotoP., TANAGERS THROUGH ORIOLES -- A • Scarlet Tanager Sept. 13-14 (L & BA, LH et al.} and three had arrived on their was a fall rarity at Ft. JeffersonNov. 4 (S & WS), and rare wintering groundsat Ft. Lauderdaleby Oct. 25 (WG, EF, FJ). anytime in the statewas a W. Tanager at the Brevard Museum Another exciting discovery was a calling Couch's Kingbird Nature Center, Cocoa,Oct. 21 (AGr, JJ).Especially early so far near St. Marks Light Sept. 26-27 (JEC et al., ph. and t to s. was a ChippingSparrow at Hypoluxo I., Sept. 21 (PWS).A F O S.R.C.). Although there have been several others of the rare imm. Clay-coloredSparrow Oct. 6 (DOL) and a Grasshop- Tropical/Couch's complex, this was only the 2nd Couch's per SparrowNov. 5 (S & WS) were excellentfinds at Ft. Jef- confirmedby call. The only largeconcentrations orE. Kingbirds ferson. Although three Lark Sparrowsnear St. Marks Light were of 250 near St. Marks Light Aug. 21 (CSG),290 headed S Sept. 4-30 (JEC) were unusual, one near Gainesville Sept. 12 at s JacksonvilleAug. 26 (JPC}, and 130 roostingin tree tops (JHH) and another'at Hypoluxo I., Sept. 21-27 (PWS) were at KeyWest Sept. 5 (JO}.Rare well inland wasa Gray Kingbird more surprising.A Lincoln's at Wellington Nov. 2 (HPL) was at Duda/Belle Glade Sept. 13 (EF, WG}. in an area where others have wintered previously, although Thousandsof PurpleMartins congregatedover Disney World the speciesis considereda rare visitor in the state. A White- Aug. 9 & 19 (WF}, and 1100were put down by showersat Stock crownedSparrow at CorkscrewSanctuary Oct. 22 (staff) was I, the Keys,Sept. 7 (JO}.In 3 minutes,600 BarnSwallows flew rare so far south. SW pastPlantation Key Nov. 28, a very late datefor that many. A Yellow-headed Blackbird strayed to St. Marks Light Sept Thirty yearsago, there were no Am. Crowsin Collier.However, 18 (JEC), and an Orchard Oriole at Ft. JeffersonSept. 8 (DOL) over the pastfew years,small groupsof 10 to 20 were observed was one of few ever noted there in fall. Quite rare on the e. flying overhead, but none was found roostingin the county. coast,one wandered to Merritt Island N.W.R., Sept. 15 (LE, JJ) This fall somestarted roosting at the RookeryBay Sanctuary Every year, small numbersof wintering "Baltimore"N. Orioles and there were 300-400 there by season'send (THB). Talla- are found--usually lonebirds frequenting feeders at scattered hasseehad an early Brown Creeper Oct. 18 (TM}. More House locationsin the state.Why relativelylarge numbers find Haines Wrens than usual were banded at Casey Key and a Marsh City so attractive is a mystery,but seven had returned to the Wren Oct. 21 was only the 2nd ever banded there (A & SS}. usual roostthere by Oct. 16 (TP). A much rarer 9 "Bullock's" By the end of the period, Golden-crownedKinglets were easier N. Oriole was quite early at Delray BeachAug. 10 (BH) and a to find than usual in the Tall. Div. (the only place they are male and female were alongsideU.S. 98 near the Ochlochonee found with regularity), and Ruby-crownedswere unusually R., Sept. 16 (JEC). abundant (LH, LA, m.ob.}.A Gray-cheekedThrush lingered late near TallahasseeOct. 31 (TM). Ft. Piercehad an unusually INITIALED OBSERVERS (Area and seasonal editors in good migration of Gray Catbirds, including 50 at Ft. Pierce boldface)-- Brooks& Lyn Atherton,Jocelyn Baker, Oron Bass, Inlet S.R.A., Oct. 14 (JMB, H & WD}. Many more than usual SteveBasserr, Ted H. Below,Jane M. Brooks,Marge & PageBrown,

Volume 41, Number I 79 Dana C Bryan,Judy C Bryan,Allan Burdette,Judy Canavan, James Lohrer, Lyla Lundeen, Anme McKelvey, M•ke McMflhan, Joel E Cavanagh,Ted Center, Ron Christen, RogerH. Clark, Juhe P. Mann, Gaff Menk, Thomas Morrill, Brad Mueller, Barbara P. Cocke,Henry Colteryahn,Byron & Linda Cooper,Harry N. Darrow, Muschlitz, Sherry Nelson,Bruce Neville, JohnC. Ogden,Joe On- Jerry De Boer, Don Devitt, Ted De Vos, A. Donaldson, Helen & drejko, Tom Palmer, Craig N. Parenteau,Rebecca Payne, Richard William Dowling,Kevin Dowling, D. JackDozier, R. Dye,Lon Ellis, T. Paul, Jim J. Perkins, Cynthia Plockelman, PeggyPowell, S JohnEpler, Dot T. Fagan,Jean & JoeFalasca, Paul Fellers,Judy M. Reeves,Robert Repenning,William Robertson,Ted Robinson, F•sher,Dot Freeman, Wilson Freeman,Emery Froelich, Charles JamesRodgers, Edward Rosenberg,Susan & William Smith, Margie Geanangel,Wally George,G.S. Gidden, Ann & Mark Ginsberg, & RobertSokol, Annette & Stan Stedman,Henry M. Stevenson, Dave Goodwin,Charles J. Graham,Ann Griggs(AGr), Sylvia Gua- JamesM. Stevenson,Floyd Storms, Karen Sunderland, Paul W danoli, Sharon Hampton, Mae Hartshaw, Rob Heath, Hugh Hill, Sykes,Tadziu Trotsky, Charles Turner, Noel Warner, Jim & Pat JohnH. Hintermister,Brian Hope,Larry Hopkins, Gloria Hunter, Ware, Margie Wilkinson, Tom Wilmers, Robin Will, Dave Yon -- FrankJeter, D. Johnson,Johnnie Johnson, Steve Jones, Jeff Kingery, LYN S. and BROOKS H. ATHERTON, 1100 Pinelias Bayway, Dan Klick, Howard P. Langridge,Deborah O. & Jay Liggett,Fred I-3, Tierra Verde, FL 33715.

ONTARIO REGION

Ron D. Weir

Augustongbirdsand tookSeptember advantage to of migrateideal nightsouthwards weather and during most epSl•perlørGogama flycatchers,vireos, and warblersmoved out early. Ground- ragsby day were infrequent. High water levels along the Great Lakesand tributariesreduced shoreline feeding areas ;) SaultSaint • •e,no,ra . • Cochr.ane• and observersreported low numbers of almost all wader species.Waterfowl (especiallypuddle ducks),jaegers, and mostgulls were in low numbers.Poor seed and berry crops, compoundedby a wet seasonover much of central and northern Ontario, were assumedto have triggeredseveral sedentaryspecies to movesouthwards for the secondsuc- cessiveautumn. Among the irruptives were Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk-Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, L.ob•m•

Gray Jay.,Black-capped and Borealchickadees, and Red- • ...... Rat ri• Pet erborough breastedNuthatch, plus several of the finchspecies inhab- (I MarshL.t •-; --' •r•"ø••Wolf King•to•e Is. iting the boreal forests.The Blue Jayflight alongthe lower I ..... ••Prince Edward Great Lakes was one of the best on record. From the arctic • • •Y•ry ' • ...... regionscame the Snowy Owl and redpoll into the south. '•nJa PP •iltop L.St.• : ,London •NiagaraFalls L. ONTARIO Raptormigration along the north shoresof the Great Lakes c•ai• F • wasspectacular, and recordnumbers were tallied for Tur- • / • •Fort Erie • • . L•g Point key Vulture, Cooper'sHawk, and Golden Eagle. Rarities • RondeauPP Point •lee always add to the excitement;this season,they included NP k. ERIE Northern Gannet, Mew Gull, Burrowing Owl, Sulphur- bellled Flycatcher(new to Canada),Say's Phoebe, Town- send's Solitaire, and Yellow-throated Warbler, among (K.F.N.), and 72 at Long Pt., Oct. 18 (L.P.B.O.), where they others. were late arriving.The 153+ Red-neckedGrebes were the most sinceautumn 1977. The largestgroup was of 66 at Burlington ABBREVIATIONS- P.E. Pt. = Prince Edward Point; Pelee Nov. 2 (KAM et al.) and the one at Pelee Oct. 13 was a local = Pt. PeleeNational Park & vicinity; Algonquin,Holiday Beach, Presqu'ile,and Rondeauare ProvincialParks. Place names in italics rarity (MPW et al.). By contrast,the only Eared Grebewas at denote counties. StrathroyAug. 14 and Sept. 21 (DEW et al.), bringingthe pro- vincial total to only two for the year, the lowestsince 1978 LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- Red-throated Loons totalled The imm. Northern Gannet at the Cornwall dam Nov. 22-30 52+ in the south,an above-averagenumber, but Ottawaand (ph.ET, KWT et al.) wasOntario's first since 1983. Single Am Sarniawere without the largenumbers seen in the previous White Pelicansstrayed E to CamdenL., Aug. 31-Sept. 14 (ph 2 autumns.One wasdowned on the Pictonfairgrounds wearing JC et al.) and WellingtonSept. 26-29 (RTS). Singleswere at a plasticbeer can carrier around its neck. The bird was disen- Long Pt., Sept. 27-30 (TW et al.) and Hawk Cliff Oct. I (KF tangledand released successfully (RTS, KC). A heavyflight of et al.). Commonswas notedin the south,and the largestconcentra- Numbersof Double-crestedCormorants increased again w•th tions were of 375 at P.E. Pt., Nov. 8 (K.F.N.), 273 off the Cran- 1500 at Presqu'ileAug. 24-Sept. 13 (J & JT), 1500 at P.E Pt, berry marshOct. 12 (GC),177 at KingstonNov. 2 (K.F.N.),150 Sept.7 where 500 were still presentNov. 2 (K.F.N.),and 875 at WestportNov. 29 (SP),and 97 at PeleeNov. 7, a recordhigh at PeleeSept. 16 (GTH et al.). Singlelate GreatBlue Herons there(AW et al.). Pied-billedGrebes, usually scarce in autumn, tarried at Thunder Bay to Nov. 24 (LJ)and MoosoneeNov 27 numbered 55 at Stoney Pt., Aug. 31 (KAM), and up to 50 per (WT). Only 15 GreatEgrets were reportedaway from the tra- day at LongPt., Sept. 13-23 (L.P.B.O.).Horned Grebes were ditionals.w., of which two lingeredin the Brucepeninsula to confinedto the lower Great Lakes,led by 340 at PeleeNov. 7 Sept. 30 (JWJ,TRM) and one was e. to near Napanee Aug. 28 (AW et al.), 164 at KingstonNov. 2, 100 at P.E. Pt., Nov. 8 (NW).The adultand three juv. SnowyEgrets raised at Hamalton

80 American Bn:ds,Spnng 1987 this summer were ]olned Aug 11 by another •n first-summer late date (AW) Peak counts of Red-tailed Hawks were 917 at plumage(RC, KAM). One of the juvenilesremained until Oct. Holiday Beach Oct. 30 (fide AC) and 500 at P.E. Pt., Nov. 2 5 (CBet at.). One Little Blue Heron is a typical autumn number (K.F.N.). One netted and banded at Hawk Cliff Oct. 6 was a for the province,and this season's was an immatureat Sudbury dark-phasebird of the western race (SF). Aug 1, the area'sfirst (JCN, MAC). Cattle Egretnumbers re- boundedonly slightly,to 15, of which the singleand then two at MatachewanOct. 27-28 were way n. of range (LT). Up to SoA. two imm. Green-backedHerons were in Thunder Bay Aug. The 80 Golden Eaglesset a record high, 77 of which 30-Sept. 5 (NGE, AH), where they are rare. The juv. Yellow- were in the south.Since 1977, an averageof 35 per au- crownedNight-Heron at PeleeOct. 4 (GTH)provided Ontario's tumn has been tallied in the s., and their numbers have first autumn record since 1964. The only GlossyIbis reported increasedgradually since 1983. Half of this autumn's was a singleat Waterloo Oct. 17-19 (R. & K. Little et at.). The total was countedin a 7-day periodled by 11 at Holiday ibis (sp.)there Oct. 15 was probablythe samebird (JP et at.). BeachOct. 30 (fide AC) followedby one near Stratford Oct. 31 for that area's first (MPD). The blitz continued SWANS, GEESE DUCKS--The summering Greater with singlesat Wiarton Nov. I (GMB, DFi) and P.E. Pt., White-frontedGoose at Thunder Bay stayeduntil Sept.27 (AW Nov. 2 (K.F.N.), five, six, and six at Pelee, Rondeau, and et at.). Other singles,bringing the year'stotal to 15, were at Hawk Cliff (.MPWet al., PAW et al., DEF) respectively, Port Perry Aug. 4 (JLC, CP),Richmond Hill Sept. 27 (RT), Hol- seven more at Holiday Beach Nov. 4 (fide AC), and one iday BeachOct. 4 (fide AC), and KomokaNov. 2 (RP, PR). A at Ottawa the following day [BMD). Two Goldenswere late N. Pintail was near SudburyNov. 10 (JCN) and late Blue- caughtin a mink trap at Sault Ste. Marie during Novem- w•ngedTeal were off Wolfe I., Nov. 2 [ JPr,MA) and at Lakefield ber and sent to Guelph for treatment of their injuries Nov 11 (DCS).A 3 hybrid Blue-wingedTeal X N. Shoveler (JCN). How many of this seasoh'simpressive number was in Hamilton Bay Nov. 15-30 (WL, KAM). Two 3 Eur. Wi- nested within Ontario's vast hinterland will never be geonin Toronto'sHumber Bay Sept.27 (MKM) and a male at known. Hopefully a recoveryof the speciesis underway. KingstonOct. 17 (RDW) raised the year's total to five, which •s the annual averagesince 1980. The 11 KingEiders in the s. were aboutaverage numbers. One in • plumageat Presqu'ile Merlins were well distributed and their numbers continue Aug 7-8 was extremely early (ph. VM et at.). The othersoc- curred Oct. 4-Nov. 30 and included five more at Presqu'ile, to rise. Excluding the higher-than-normalnumbers at Pelee, 263 were noted in the s. and another 38 were seen in the north two of which were shot(fide RDM), two at NiagaraFalls (GBe), and singlesat Ottawa (BMD), Humber Bay (CEG, JG), and The 181 Peregrine Falcons in the s. were below last year's Kingston(MJE). The four Harlequin Duckswere well below record220. The differenceis more than accountedfor by many the averageof nine for autumn since 1979. Two were along fewer at LongPoint. One hatching-yearbird was hit by a car Toronto's waterfront Oct. 19 (WHN) and the others were at in Ottawa Sept. 28 and rehabilitated at the Avian Care & Re- Pelee Nov. 7 for the park's 4th ever (AW) and in Sarnia Nov. searchFoundation, Verona, but, unfortunately, the falcon is 28 (DFR). Five 3 Barrow'sGoldeneyes were in Ottawa Oct. 26- unreleasable(KC). Single gray-phase Gyrfalcons were at Moose 28 (TH, BMD et at.) and furnishedthe only reports. R., Sept. 27 (SM, AMM) and near Thunder Bay Oct. 14 (MZ) Noteworthy concentrationsin a generally poor movement In the s., anothergray bird was at LongPt., Sept. 24 followed of waterfowl included 400 Am. Wigeon at KingstonOct. 16 there by a brown-phaseGyrfalcon Nov. 2 (L.P.B.O.).Only 3 (RDW), 5000 Canvasbacksduring November and 10,000 Old- previous recordswere known for Long Point. squawsNov. 7 at Long Pt. (L.P.B.O.),2500 Redheadsat Rice L, Oct. 25 (WS), and 2000 Ring-neckedDucks Oct. 14 and 1800 Black Scoters Oct. 30 at Ottawa (BMD). Others were of 64 Table 1. Hawk totals at two Ontario stations, Autumn 1986, Hooded Mergansersat Rondeau Nov. 22 (KJB),10,000 Com. compared with the annual average from 1982-85 inclusive Mergansers at Cornwall Nov. 29 (BMD), and 17,000 Red- breastedsat Pelee Oct. 24 (AW). The Ruddy Duck flight was Holiday Beach noted mainly alongL. Erie with peaksof 500 at LongPt., Oct. P.P. Hawk Cliff 18 (L.P.B.O.)and 400 at Blenheim Oct. 21 (JW). 1982-85 1982-85 HAWKS--The 14,000 Turkey Vultures tallied along the Species 1986• avg. 19862 avg. lower Great Lakesmade the highestnumbers ever, led by re- cordtotals at Holiday Beachand Hawk Cliff (seeTable 1). The Turkey Vulture 10239 5347 3385 1808 species'fortunes as a breederin Ontariohave improved steadily Osprey 99 63 106 60 sincethe 1960s.The 295 Ospreysin the s. were a big increase, Bald Eagle 41 13 20 5 of which 90 were away from Hawk Cliff and Holiday Beach. Northern Harrier 978 640 901 574 Late singleswere at Pelee Nov. 2 (AW), Stratford Nov. 5 (MPD), Sharp-shinnedHawk 16135 12329 9422 6974 and P.E.Pt., Nov. 6 (PF).Record high totalsof BaldEagles were Cooper'sHawk 761 532 882 384 noted at Holiday Beach and Hawk Cliff, and the 51-t-in the s. Northern Goshawk 37 41 27 30 away from these lookoutsrepresented an increase,which is Red-shouldered Hawk 777 994 105 94 goodnews. The N. Harrier flight was strongin additionto haw Broad-wingedHawk 43251 54556 7387 1004 mg startedearly in the season,as 19 passedPelee Aug. 18 (AW, Red-tailed Hawk 6762 5625 1636 2616 GTH) and 17 flew over Holiday BeachAug. 20 (fide AC). Early Rough-leggedHawk 160 91 6 9 Sharp-shinnedHawks included75 immaturesthrough P.E. Pt., Golden Eagle 36 16 11 5 Aug 24 (K.F.N.)and 41 overHawk Cliff Aug. 31 (DEF).Cooper's American Kestrel 4442 2591 2470 1543 were counted in record numbers at the 2 stations listed in Merlin 32 20 38 15 Table 1, and the 85 at P.E. Pt., Oct. 5 also set a record high Peregrine Falcon 22 16 12 15 (K F N.). An ad. male trapped at Hawk Cliff Oct. 6 (SF) had unidentified 363 335 20343 573 been bandedthere as a hatching-yearbird Oct. 8, 1974 (DEF). The 105 N. Goshawksin the south representednon-invasion Totals 84135 83209 28442 15709 numbers.The big day for Broad-wingedHawks was Sept. 16, when 38,000 passedHoliday Beach (EC, A. Weir), 6200 went (RLBeet al. Aug. 20-Nov. 30, 96 days] over Toronto'sHigh Park (RY), and 4125 passedHawk Cliff (DEFet al. Aug.22-Nov. 30, 71 days) (DEF). The 5700 at Pelee Oct. 2 were large numbers for the (includes6 eagles(sp.))

Volume 41, Number 1 81 GROUSE THROUGH PHALAROPES- The 24 Spruce in a storm at Erleau Nov 15 (KJB) The 19 Paras•ticswere the Grouses•ght•ngs exceeded the total of all reported s•ncethe fewest since 1980, 12 of these occurred at Hamilton during late 1970sand probablyreflect a highpoint in their population Septemberand October(KAM). Followinglast autumn's record cycle.The only Sharp-tailedGrouse noted was on Great Cloche incursion,Laughing Gulls returned to their normal numbers I, Oct. 18 (JCN). The high number of King Rails seen were at three. An immature was in the Cranberry marsh Aug 10 hkely a result of high levels along the lower lakes. Eight and (MJB),while one first-winterand one 2nd-summerplumaged one were at Pelee Aug. 2 and Sept. 21 (CML, RM), and others birds visited Long Pt., Aug. 12 and Sept. 9 respectively were seen on Walpole I., Aug. 16 and Sept. 19 (SAC et el.). (L.P.B.O.).The 16 Franklin's Gulls were slightlymore than Away from the n.w., Sandhill Craneswere distributedthinly. their post-1976average of 14, and were foundat Sarnia,Pelee, F•ve over RussellAug. 31 were well e. of usual range(BL) and Fort Erie, St. Catharines,Niagara Falls, and Cornwall, Aug the two overKleinburg and TorontoOct. 6 (AR, RY) may have 10-Nov. 16. Little Gull numbers were down sharply at their been the samebirds. Singleswere at PeleeSept. 6-7 and Nov. traditionalsites along L. Erie, but were increasedalong L On- 10 (MWJ et el., JBet el.). tario led by 15+ at OshawaAug. 1-Sept. 21 (MJB).Six were e Noteworthy peaks in a lacklustre migration of littorals in- to the Kingstonarea Sept.27-Nov. 2 (K.F.N.)and at leastfive cluded150 SemipalmatedPlovers at InglesideSept. 21 (BMD), visited the Cornwall dam Sept. 14-Nov. 8 (BMD et el.). One 315 Killdeer and 55 Greater Yellowlegsat Pelee Oct. 4 (AW), ad. Com. Black-headedGull remained at Long Pt., Aug 25- and 64 Corn.Snipe at Maple in mid-September(DN et el.). Sept. 13 (L.P.B.O.)and another was at QueenstonNov. 1-22 Among late lingering waders were Black-belliedPlover Nov. (RFA, HGC). The species'annual fall averageis three, based 12 (RS)and SemipalmatedSandpiper and Dunlin Nov. 11 (TB on post-1976data. The peak number of Boneparte'sat Niagara et el.), all in the Peterborougharea, SemipalmatedPlover at Falls was estimatedat 100,000birds Nov. 15 (BMD et el.) RondeauNov. 16 (PAW), SpottedSandpiper at Pelee Nov. 16 An imm. Mew Gull was photographedat Grand Bend Aug (AW), and Ruddy Turnstone at Winona Nov. 15 (WL, KAM). 27 (AJ,MS) followedby an adult at the Cornwall dam Oct 4- Others were Semipalmated Sandpipersat Sudbury Nov. 2 5 (ILJ,MG et el.). Fewer than 10 acceptablerecords are known (JCN),Port Rowan Nov. 7 (L.P.B.O.)and MunsterNov. 8 (BMD), for this speciesin Ontario.Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue LeastSandpiper at Harrow Nov.8 (AW),and Pectoral Sandpiper to make inroads. The 25 this fall tied the record set in 1984, at Lakefield Nov. 11 (TB). and were well above the seasonalaverage of nine since 1976 The two Am. Avocetsat Long Pt., Sept. 24 (DB et el.) were Three at Ottawa Oct. 25-Nov. 30, one in Belwood,Wellington, averagefall numbers.However, the four Willets were only Sept.8 (MDG),and anotherat GuelphLake to Nov. 15 (VM et half the usual number, made up by two at Sarnia Aug. 7 (SAC) el.) were the only birds away from the lower Great Lakes At and singlesat Long Pt., Aug. 10 (DB) and Thunder Bay Sept. Pelee, eight different adults were present Sept. 30-Nov 28 22-28 (AH et el.). HudsonianGodwits totalled 296+, thereby with a highof four Oct. 25 (AW, KAM et el.). Only eightBlack- settinga recordahead of their big invasionsin 1985 and 1975. leggedKittiwakes were reported,the fewest since 1978. Two However, this season'stotal was distorted by no fewer than each were at Hamilton Oct. 26 (JGa et el.) and Niagara Falls 260 suddenlygrounded at Ottawa Aug. 21 (BMD, JRH et el.). Nov. 15-29 (fide RFA). Singlesappeared at Cornwall Oct 4- The only Marbled Godwit was at Tilbury Sept. 11 (AW). The Nov. 29 (BMD et el.), Pelee Nov. 8 (GTH), Erieau Nov. 15 (KJB), 21 WesternSandpipers represented a goodflight, led by six at and SarniaNov. 28 (DFR).The four Sabine'sGulls, all imma- SarniaSept. 3-8 (AHR et el.). A late bird was near Hamilton tures, comparedwith this species'post-1976 autumn average Nov. 24-28 (BMD). White-rumped Sandpipersnumbered 124 of three. Two were at Hamilton BeachSept. 16 (RC), before •n the n. and 236 in the s., which are high totals. The peak anothershowed up at the Cornwall dam Sept.21-Oct. 5 (BMD, count was of 61 at Ottawa Sept.7 (BMD),and late singleswere RJ et el.). A single bird ranged between Niagara Falls and at Long Pt., Nov. 29 (L.P.B.O.)and RondeauDec. I (PAW et QueenstonOct. 13-Nov. 8 (GEW, RFA et el.). el.). Among the 73+ Baird'sin the s., Aug. 5-Nov. 8, was a Peak concentrationsof Com. Terns were of 10,000at Long juvenile in AlgonquinSept. 12 (ph. RDS) for the park's first Pt., Aug. 27 (L.P.B.O.)and 4000 and 3000 flying pastPelee's record. In the n., two were noteworthy at MoosoneeSept. 7 tip Oct. I & 9, respectively(AW). The only Arctic Tern report (SM, AMM) and another at nearby Moose R., Oct. 17 (DA). was from the Cornwall dam Oct. 5 (RABet el.). Forster'sTerns Only 10 Purple Sandpiperswere noted, of which six spent were in greatly reducednumbers along L. Erie, althoughone November at Niagara Falls (fide RFA, MPW). The one at at Turkey Pt. to Nov. 7 was the latest by a month (TW, LW) Presqu'ileOct. 5 (HKM, RDM) was a month early and arrived Only three were e. of Niagara: a single at Cranberry marsh at the sametime as eiders.Another appearedat Winona Oct. Aug. 10 (MJB)plus two late birds in HamiltonBay Nov. 9 (RC, 19 (WL, KAM), after which two were in Ottawa Nov. 13 (BMD). WSm). The imm. Black Tern in Sudbury Sept. i was also Only 25 Stilt Sandpiperswere in the s., Aug. 3-Oct. 3, a sharp late (JCN). drop from normal numbers.Buff-breasteds were alsoin lower numbers,at 28 sightings.At Pelee,where 30+ are normal each autumn, only three were noted (GTH et al.). Easternmost DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS -- An active Mourmng s•ghtingswere at Presqu'ileSept. 6-9 (J & JT et el.), Kingston Dove nestat Presqu'ilecontaining an eggand one youngSept Sept.18 (FA, WC), and Ottawa Sept.21 (RABet eL). The only 13 waslate (WE).The SnowyOwl flight waswidespread, w•th Ruff reportedwas a male at KingstonSept. 22 (JHE,PG). Long- 67-• sightingsrepresenting the strongestirruption in several bfiled Dowitchers numbered 18 at Tilbury Aug. 28 (RC, GDB), years. The earliestmigrants in the s. arrived at St. Thomas which increasedto 22 by Aug. 31 (AW et eL). A singleand two Oct. 10 (DEF)and KingstonOct. 11 (fide LSF).Five N. Hawk- were at Holiday BeachSept. 3 (fide AC) and LongPt., Sept. 5 Owls s. of their breedingrange were alsoinvasion numbers (RC) respectively,followed by a late bird at Harrow Nov. 8 These were at the Cranberry marsh Nov. 21-23 (JH et e•), (AW). The Red-neckedPhalarope flight wasstrong at 73 sight- Orillia Nov. 22 (fide RLB, WEZ), near Minden Nov. 27 (MT), •ngsAug. 18-Sept. 20, of which 63 were in the s., too many to near SudburyNov. 28 (CJW),and Tayside,Stormont, Nov 28- hst. The Red Phalaropemovement was alsostrong at 26 sight- 29 (GTH et eL).A BurrowingOwl at ThunderBay Oct. 4 (NGE •ngs.The 23 in the southoccurred within the periodsSept. 3- et eL) was a first for the area and the 6th or 7th for Ontario 8 at Ottawa and Blenheim, Oct. 4-19 at Ottawa, Cornwall, Irrupting Great Gray Owls numberedtwo in the Sudburyarea Townsend,and Pelee, and Nov. 4-10 at Bright'sGrove, Long Nov. 15 & 30 (GW, RE), and one eachin St. LawrenceIslands Pt., and Winona. One was still 'at East Pt., James Bay, N.P. near GananoqueNov. 18 (GK) and GeorgianBay Islands Nov. 4 (RDM). N.P., Nov. 24 (GEG).The main flight of Saw-whetOwls passed P.E. Pt., Oct. 7-21, where 421 were banded,highlighted by a one-nightrecord of 181banded Oct. 18-19 (K.F.N.).Their mmn JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- SinglePomarine Jaegers passageat Long Pt. occurredOct. 15-25, with 126 banded were foundat Ottawa Oct. 6 & 30 (BMD)and two were moving (L.P.B.O.).The eight admittedto the OntarioResearch & Re-

82 Amencan Birds,Spnng 1987 habd•tat•on Foundation, V•neland, Oct. 13-26, sustmned •n- was only moderatelyheavy alongthe lower lakes, although lunes assocmtedw•th migration (KMcK). Peak numbers of m•- what beganat P.E. Pt. as a strongmovement up to 100 per day gratingCom. Nighthawks were 200 and 300 at Lively Aug. 7 in early Septemberpetered out quickly.The 25 CarolinaWrens & 9 respectively(JGL), where they approachedfrom the w. representedtheir best showing since the 32 in fall 1974. The and departedtowards the s.e., and 260 over Toronto Sept. 1 only birdsaway from their more usual hauntsin the s.w. were (GC, Ril). Of the 1155 Ruby-throatedHummingbirds tallied singlesat Presqu'ileSept. 14 (DFB), KingstonOct. 25 (RDW), pastthe Holiday Beachhawk lookout,an impressive304 oc- and Demorestville,Prince Edward,Nov. 27-Dec. 5 (RTS). A curred Sept. 13 (fide AC). A recordlate Ruby-throatedfor the late SedgeWren was on Garden I., Nov. 10 (DVW). Peaksin a Pelee area was at Leamington Oct. 30 (P & JW). Red-bellied heavy migration of kinglets were of 6000 Golden-crowneds Woodpeckersreported out of range included three at Peter- and 4000 Ruby-crownedsat P.E. Pt., Oct. 5 (K.F.N.). Single boroughNov. 11-30 (fide DCS), two on Wolfe I., Nov. 2-30 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers tarried at Cranberry marsh Oct. 18 (K F N.), and one at P.E. Pt., Nov. 2 & 15 (K.F.N.). Only two (LR), Long Pt., Oct. 20 (L.P.B.O.),and Pelee to Nov. 30 (GTH Three-toedswere s. of range, at Ottawa Nov. 15 (fide BMD) et al.). and Manitoulin I., Nov. 17 (RRT). For the 2nd successiveau- tumn, Black-backed Woodpecke•rsirrupted. The nine at THRUSHES THROUGH WARBLERS -- The first autumn Thunder Bay Aug. 26-Nov. 9 were considereda goodflight Townsend'sSolitaires since 1983 were singlesat Pelee Nov. 6, (NGE). The 15 in the s. were moderate numbers, and birds the area's3rd ever (SW, KW et al.), and at Clarkson'sRattray reachedOttawa, Kingston, Peterborough, Presqu'ile, Muskoka, marsh Nov. 16-30 (AG et al.). Late thrusheswere a Veery at and Manitoulin Island. PeterboroughOct. 10 (JF) and a Wood Thrush at Dundas Oct One Acadian Flycatcherwas bandedat Long Pt., Aug. 19 19 (BW). Peak numbers reportedfor thrusheswere 60 Gray- (BC,SAM), where the last Alder was nettedSept. 24 (L.P.B.O.). cheekedsat LongPt., Sept.13 (L.P.B.O.)and 3200 Swainson's A late Empidonax,thought to be Alder, was still in Moosonee at PeleeSept. 5 (AW). One • Varied Thrush appearedin Ottawa Sept 19 (AW et al.). The Say's Phoebeat Long Pt., Sept. 21 Nov. 2 (MG, ILJ et al.) and another settled in Sudbury Nov (JCu, KT) occurred3 days earlier than the one seen there in 24-30 for the area's2nd ever (ph. P & IlB). The Gray Catbird 1985. This year's bird was Ontario's 7th ever and 5th in au- at ThunderBay to Nov. 23 (JO)furnished the latestof 3 reports tumn. A stray Great Crested Flycatcher near Thunder Bay duringNovember. Well n. of rangewas the N. Mockingbirdat Oct 25 was late (NGE, AH). The Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher MoosoneeSept. 21 (KJRet al.). Low numbers of Bohemian at Presqu'ileSept. 28-Oct. I was Canada'sfirst (ph. TFMB, Waxwingsreached Ottawa by mid-October(BMD) and the only MG, TP) and was seenby many. This speciesreaches the n. other report s. of Sudbury was of two birds at Port Rowan Nov edgeof its breedingrange in s.e.Arizona and migratesS through 7 (MKM). Only three Loggerhead Shrikes were noted, at Central America to winter in Peru and Bolivia. Single W. Smithfield near Presqu'ileAug. 13 (RDM), Long Pt., Aug. 28 Kingbirdswere in Algonquin Aug. 13 (PDM), the area's first, (L.P.B.O.),and near WoodstockSept. 5 (RDM). Two White- PeleeSept. 11 (KAM et al.), andHeathcote, Grey, Sept. 10 (MW). eyed Vireos in the s.w. were expectednumbers for autumn Three during autumn were average numbers for this fly- One was at Iloliday Beach Sept. 14 (fide AC), the other at catcher.Late E. Kingbirdswere at MooseFactory and Moosonee Pelee Oct. 30 (TP, MPW). flowever, a White-eyed Vireo at Sept 18-21 (MWJet al.), near Thunder Bay Sept.26 (MWJ et MarathonOct. 13 (AW) was unexpectedand way n. of range, al ), and on Manitoulin I., Sept.27 (CTB).Peak countsof swal- providingthe first recordfor n. Ontario. Recordearly and late lowsincluded 2420 Purple Martins and 121,000 Tree Swallows Solitary Vireos were recordedat Pelee Aug. 19 and Nov. 16 in Kingston'sGreat Cataraqui marshesAug. 10 (K.F.N.) and respectively(JL, GTIl). 90,000 Bank Swallowspassing Long Pt., Aug. 7-12 (L.P.B.O.). The latestof 12 Blue-wingedWarbler reportswas in Toron- Late single N. Rough-wingedswere at Niagara Falls Nov. 8 to's Mount PleasantCemetery Oct. 4 (HCK). Rare for autumn (RWB)and LondonNov. 19 (GM). Late Barn Swallowswere in in Algonquin were a Golden-wingedWarbler Sept. I (DJM) Moosoneeto Sept. 21 (MWJ et al.), KingstonOct. 31 (VPM), and a ConnecticutWarbler Aug. 24 (JS,RGT), the latter pro- Toronto's Humber Bay Nov. 9 (VH), and Holiday Beach Nov. vidingthe park's3rd ever. A Yellow-throatedWarbler at Ot- 11 (fide AC). tawa Nov. 10-Dec. I (ph. DFo, BMD et al.) was the first •n autumn since 1983 and was of the subspeciesalbfiora. Only JAYS THROUGH GNATCATCHERS- A major move- one Prothonotarywas noted at LongPt., Aug. 17, where num- ment of Gray Jaysoccurred all alongthe n. shoreof L. Superior, bers were way down (L.P.B.O.),and the only other sighting beginningSept. 21, with up to 100 per day counted (NGE). was of a singleat Pelee Aug. 20 (WLP).Poleo's 5th fall Worm- Thmr irruption was noted at SudburyOct. 11-Nov. 30 (JCN), eating Warbler was seen Aug. 22 (J. Burns). The 3 reports of Mamtoulin I., Oct. 18 (JCN), and Minden during all of fall Iloodedswere from P.E. Pt., Aug. 24 (JilE, RDW), and Eagle (RIP),it reachedKingston Nov. 22, when one was found (RDW). and PeleeSept. 5 ( JR,LG). Three Yellow-breastedChats were The Blue Jayflight alongthe lower lakeswas extraordinarily banded at Long Pt., Aug. 14-Sept. 29 (L.P.B.O.),and another heavy. A huge flight passedHawk Cliff from Sept. 19 (DEF) was e. to Presqu'ileSept. 16 (IIS). The number of late warbler andHoliday Beach from Sept. 17 (fideAC). Over 323,000passed reportswas normal and included a Nashville at Long Pt. to HohdayBeach with one-dayhighs of 49,280,41,960, and 25,100 Nov. 9 (L.P.B.O.).A N. Parula near PeterboroughOct. 20 (RB) on Sept. 24, 27, & 28 respectively(fide AC). The only Black- was the latest ever there by 22 days,but another was in Scar- balled Magpie reported was at Atikokan Nov. 26 (fide SFP). boroughto Nov. 7 (EJ).One Yellow Warbler at Sudbury Oct Black-cappedChickadees irrupted S beginningin mid-Sep- 4 was the area'sfirst ever for October(GMC) and one lingered tember through P.E. Pt., where 200 per day were noted until in Claremont to Oct. 21 (EP). Other late warblers were a Nov 2 (K.F.N.), and by early November they reached Pelee, Chestnut-sidedat Red Rock Oct. 18 (AW, NGE), a Cape May where 400 passedNov. 3 (GTIl et al.). SomeBoreals accom- Nov. I (S & Jil), Pine Nov. 17 (S & All), and Cerulean Oct. 5 painedthis incursion, but their 36+ reportsin the s.were fewer (MTh et al.), all three at Pelee, a Blackpollat Sudbury Oct. 13 than in previousirruptions of 1972, 1975, and 1981. LongPt. (JGL),and a N. Waterthrush at Ottawa Nov. 30 (CG). was the center of abundance with 15 found Nov. 23 and five banded(L.P.B.O.). Singles reached P.E. Pt., Nov. 2 (RDWet al.), TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES -- Autumn Summer Garden I. near Wolfe I., Nov. 8 (DVW), Niagara Falls Nov. 22 Tanagersare extremelyrare in the province,so the 2 sightings (MPW), and PeleeNov. 10 (GTIl). In the n., a maior movement this fall were noteworthy. One female was at FanshawOct. 5 of Borealswas notedat ThunderBay from Sept.18 (NGE).The (DAM) and a male was n.e. of range at Petawawa Nov. 2-12 Tufted Titmousewas scarceagain after last autumn'srebound. (ph. VW, JMBet al.), both late datesas well. A • ScarletTanager The only reportswere of singlesat PeleeNov. 6 (GTII), Wards- at MooseFactory Sept. 19 was well n. (MWJ et al.). Late Rose- wile, Middlesex,Nov. 20 (Nil), and up to three at an Oakville breastedGrosbeaks were a female at Virginiatown to Nov. 2 feederfrom Sept. 15 (DG). The Red-breastedNuthatch flight (PWR) and a male at a Thunder Bay feeder (BA et al.). Last of

Volume 41, Number 1 83 reaching Marathon Oct. 13 (AW), Sudbury Oct. 24 (JCN), Ot- tawa and Toronto in late October (BMD, GMB), and Long Pt., Nov. 24 (L.P.B.O.).The moderate emigation of Pine Siskins was strongestin e. Ontario, where 600 passedP.E. Pt., Oct. 19 (K.F.N.)and reachedLong Pt., where the peak was of 175 birds Oct. 14 (L.P.B.O.),Kent, and Pelee. Peak daily counts of Am. Goldfinch past shoreline lookoutswere of 4044 at Holiday BeachSept. 24 (fide AC) and 2000 at P.E. Pt., Sept. 21 (K.F.N.). The movementof Evening Grosbeakswas modestnearly ev- erywhere in the south.

CORBIGENDA -- AB 40:275 column 2, line 50, for Little Gull replaceWhitby by Wheafiey:AB 40:463 column 1, line 10, for pelicanchange NG to D. Graham;466 column1. line 35. for Ken- tucky Warbler changeApr. 17-May 24 to Apr. 27-May 24; 466 column1, line 3 frombottom, delete for Lark Sparrow"and Pelee May 22 (GM)."

SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS {boldface),CONTRIBUTORS (italics),and CITED OBSERVERS-- D. Abraham,M. Akey, R.F. Andrle, B. Atkinson, F. Avis, M.J. Bain, P. & H. Baines, D. Beadle Lark Sparrow(still showing traces of juvenal plumage)at Moose (DB},T.F.M. Beck, C.T. Bell, G. Bellerby (GBe},G.M. Bennett, R.L. Factory, JamesBay, Ont., Sept. 18-19, 1986. Photo/Alan Wor- Benoit(RLBe}, T. Bigg,C. Bishop,J. Boissonneault,J.M. Bouvier, mington. R.L. Bowles(RLB}, R.A. Bracken,R. Bringeman(RBr}, R.W. Brock, D.F. Brunton,G.D. Bryant,D. Bucknell,K.J. Burk, M.D. Cadman, A.G. Carpentier, A. Chartier, J. Christie, K. Chubb, G. Coady, B. severalIndigo Bunting reports were singlesat TerraceBay Oct. Collier, S.A. Connop, M.A. Cooke, G.M. Courtin, J.L. Cranmer- 16 (AW et al.), PeleeOct. 17 (fide AW), and LongPt., Oct. 28 Byng,H.G. Curt/e,R. Curry,J. Curson { JCu}, E. Cusick,W. Cutfield, (L.P.B.O.).A Dickcisselat Holiday Beach Sept. 24 (fide AC) M.P. Davis, B.M. DiLabio, B.W. Duncan. W. Edmunds, J.H. Ellis, plusanother at LongPt., Oct. 17 (DB)equaled average numbers R. Ellis, N.G. Escott,M.J. Evans, K. Ferguson,D. Fidlet {DFi},L.S. in recent autumns.A Field Sparrowat MoosoneeSept. 20-21 Fisher,M.E. Foley, D. Forsythe{DFo}, F. Foster,D.E. Fowler, P. (WL et al.) was the area's 2nd ever, and a Lark Sparrow at Fowler, S. Fowler, J. Fraser.R.A. Gaitdrier, J. Galloway { JGa},C. nearby MooseFactory Sept. 18-19 (ph. MWJ et al.) provideda Gaskell, M. Gawn, G.E. Gemmeli, L. Girardin, P. Good,C.E. Good- 4th local record.A recordlate date was set by a Savannahat w/n, J. Goodwin, A. Gray, D. Gunn, J. Hammonds { JH), S. & A. Sudbury Nov. 3-10 (JCN). An ad. Henslow's Sparrow was Hanft, T. Hanrahan, A. Harris, J.R. Harris. R. Harris, V. Higgins. feedingtwo youngAug. 23 on WalpoleL, where they remained G.T. Hince, S. & J. Hughes, N. Hurdle, A. Jaramillo, W.R. Jarmain, until Sept. 19 (SAC,YPT), and singleswere at Pelee Oct. 18, L. Jarvis,M.W. Jennings,R. John,E. Johns,J.W. Johnson, B. Jones, 24, & 30 (S& AH et al.). Nine Sharp-tailedSparrows away from I.L. Jones,H.C. Kerr, G. Kiery, J.Kingery, Kingston Field Naturalists, their breedingareas were notedat New LiskeardSept. 18 (SM, S.R. Kozak, B. Ladouceur,S. Laforest,W. Lamond, J. Larson,C.M. SL),Pelee Sept. 25 ( JKet al.), near BarrieSept. 28 (T. Pirk), and Lemieux, J.G.Lemon, LongPoint Bird Observatory,S.A. Machell, in the Dundas marsh where six were found Oct. 5 (JO1,R. V.P. Mackenzie, H.K. MacPherson, R. Manone, D.A. Martin, V. Snider).The only report in the s. of Harris' Sparrowwas of an Martin, S. McGregor (SMcG),K. McKeevet,K.A. McLaughlin, S.R. McLeod,M.K. McNicholl, R.D. McRae, P.D. Middleton, J.B.Miles, immature at Rondeau Nov. 1 (PAW, KJB). D.J.Mountjoy, A.M. Muldal, S. Muldal (SM),G. Muller, T.R. Mur- Two late Bobolinks,a typical number for autumn, were at ray, D. Newton, J.C. Nicholson, J. Olmsted (JO1),J. Organ (JO), Long Pt., Oct. 2 (L.P.B.O.) and Smithville Oct. 20 (BJ, JO). B.D. Parker, C. Parsons,S. Parsons,E. Pegg,W.L. Penning, S.F. Blackbirdnumbers were low everywhereand their departure Peruniak,R.J. Pittaway, T. Plath,J. Poklen, J. Pratt (JPr),R. Prior, was earlier than usual. The 30,000 Red-wingedsand 10,000 L. Raczkowski,B. Ralph, W.]. Raynor, P. Read, J. Reive, P.W. Corn. Gracklesat Long Pt., Sept. 8 and Oct. 23 respectively Richter,A.H. Rider,K.]. Boy,D.F. Rupert,A. Rusnell,D.C. Sadler, (L.P.B.O.)were the largestflocks by far. Typical fall numbers H. Saunders,J. Skevington,R. Smith, W. Smith (WSm), R.T. of Orchard Orioles do not exceed two. This fall's flurry of Sprague,M. Stabb,W. Stone,R.D. Strickland, L. Taman, R.R.Tas- sightingswas led by 14 at PeleeAug. 14, where two were pres- ker, K. Thomas,I. & I. Thomson,K.W. Thorpe,M. Thorpe (MTh), ent Aug. 27 (AW), one bandedat LongPt., Aug. 5 (SAM), and R. Tilt, R.G. Tozer, E. Tull, M. Turner (MT), W. Turner, Y.P. Tym- one on Walpole I., Sept. 19 (SAC).The imm. Orchard Oriole stra,G.E. Wallace,G. Walli, D.E.Walpole, J. Waltz, P. & J.Watson, at Terrace Bay Sept.25 (WL et al.) was the first for n. Ontario. K. Wedow, R.D. Weir, D.V. Weseloh, West Humber Naturalists, Late N. Orioleswere near PeterboroughSept. 17 (DCS)and at M.P. Whelan,C.J. Whitelaw, M. Wiercinski,L. Wikstrom,M. Wilson PeleeSept. 24 (JK et al.). Pine Grosbeaksirrupted in numbers (MWi), N. Wilson, V. Wilson, S. Wingfield, P.A. Woodliffe, T. for the 2nd successiveautumn, and six reachedLong Pt., Oct. Woodrow,A. Wormington,B. Wylie, R. Yukich, M. Zettee, W.E. 23, earliestever (L.P.B.O.), and Whitby Oct. 25 (fide MJB).Once Zufelt.--RON D. WEIR, 294 ElmwoodStreet, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7M 2Y8. againthe moderatePurple Finch exodusparalleled that of the Red-breastedNuthatch, leaving somebehind to over-winter on their breedinggrounds. House Finches were seenmigrating at P.E. Pt. in small numbersAug. 30-Nov. 2 (K.F.N.) and at Sarnia, where 70 were countedNov. 22 (DFR). Low numbers of Red Crossbillspenetrated the s., as 20 reached Long Pt., Nov. 14, followed by 26 othersthere (L.P.B.O.),and 12 in the Kingston area Nov. 30 (K.F.N.). No reports of White-wingeds were receivedfrom areass. of Manitoulin I., where a migration was detectedNov. 17-21 and 100 birds were presenton each day Nov. 18 & 19 (fide JCN). Common Redpolls poured S,

84 AmericanBirds, Spring1987 NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN REGION

DouglasP. Kibbe

achfishermenseason scared bringswaterbirds another showeraway, high of waterexcuses, floodede.g., all the shorebird habitat--usually followed by an unbe- lieveablearray of raritiesin bewilderingnumbers. The ex- ceptionally wet Augustthis year producedyet a new ex- cuse, "green growinglawns necessitatedconstant mowing which in turn reduced time available for birding." None- theless,backyards yielded someremarkable finds, includ- ing two Regionalfirsts. A lakewatch and hawkwatches at Braddock Bay and Derby Hill yielded someexceptional tallies of waterbirds, shorebirds,and birds of prey. Evidenceof Lake Ontario crossingsby at least six speciesof raptorswas observed. The bulk of the landbird migrationslipped by in September dison,Vt. (J & MD), and Oneonta (fide JL)and Perinton, N.Y. and Octoberunder cool,rainy skies.The only tower mon- (JT et al.). Peak count (14-•-)of GroatEgrets occurred at Mon- itored for weather-associatedmortality yielded some in- tezumaN.W.R. (C.B.C.).Vermonters hosted up to five at Dead teresting species,and it is regrettable more structures Creek W.M.A. throughout the Region are not under study. SWANS THROUGH EAGLES--Mute Swans normally Novemberbrought more cold weather and significant givelittie evidenceof northwardpost-broeding wandering, but snowfall to much of the Region. Half-hardies, already the occurrence of one to two birds on the Connecticut R. near stressedby coolweather and modestnatural foodsupplies Rockinghamsuggests this may occur.Of coursethero is always (probablya consequenceof late springfrosts), became even a possibilitythe birdswere localreleases. As usualthe Tundra scarcer.Considering what followed,all were well advised Swan flight was strongestin w. New York, as evidencedby to head much farther south. the top tally of 400 at Mayville. Overall the waterfowlflight this fall drew few accolades.Some of the bettercounts reported included30,000 Canada Geese in the ChamplainValley {JW), LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Exceptional tallies of 2016 Wood Ducks on Toad Harbor Sept. 28 (FS}, 150 Green- both Common and Red-throated loons were made at Hamlin wingedTea] at Swanton,Vt. {RL},300 N. Pintail on L. Ontario Beach (WS et ol.}. Commonspeaked at 3000 Nov. 1, nearly a w. of RochesterSept. 27 {RSet al.}, 11,250Ring-necked Ducks month ahead of the Red-throateds,which broke one thousand at MissisquoiN.W.R. in October{JG}, 3500 GreaterScaup off on Nov. 28. Althoughboth were recordcounts, caution is sug- DurandNov. 15 {RO,RS}, 8000 Canvasbacksin MissisquoiBay gestedin interpretingpopulation trends. Counts based on mi- on L. Champlain{JG}, 476 HoodedMergansers at SodusBay grationnumbers are subjectto a myriad of factorswhich may Nov. 15 {DT},and a half-hourcount of 2075Red-breasted Mer- negateapparent trends (witnessthe variability in annual gansetspast Hamlin Nov. 14 {CC,NB}. The preponderanceof hawkwatch totals),and loon countsare so difficult to make high countsfrom c. New York highlightsboth the importance (and so seldommade} that even record numbersmay reflect of this portionof our Regionto migrantwaterfowl and the anythingbut populationincreases. Regardless of their signif- regularitywith whichthat area's observers make comprehen- icance,the numbersare impressive,and future monitoringis sivecounts. In additionto the normalsmattering of KingEiders, highlydesirable. Grebes were muchless abundant; 120 Horned three HarlequinDucks buzzed Dunkirk Harborand another Grebesfurnished the bestcount on L. Ontario (CC, N-B},while wasfound at Nine Mile Point(FS). Thero were two exceptional fewer than 2 dozenPied-billeds at Montezuma N.W.R. topped waterfowlreports: three FulvousWhistling-Ducks (two shot) all other areas.An Eared Grebe,very taro in the Region,was at Oak Orchard/IroquoisW.M.A. (fide RS),and a Corn.Eider found at Oswego,N.Y., in late November(FS}. on MaidstoneL., July7 throughAug. 25 (KW et al.). If correct, A fall countof 267 Double-crestedCormorants at SandyPond the latter sightingis all the more remarkableby virtue of its was the bestof severaltallies which would have raised eye- timing,although there is anotherVermont sighting in July. browsa few yearsago. before Regional breeding populations While fall hawk watchesin thisRegion aro not mannedwith exploded.Great Cormorantswere reportedfrom Rochester the vigorthat typifiesspringwatches, considerable monitoring (fide RS}, Island Pond (WE, NM}, and Herricks Cove (WN}, of raptor movementsdoes occur. Braddock Bay, famousas a indicatingsome observersare not casuallypassing all cor- spring concentrationpoint, received extensive coverage in morants off as Double-crosted. An American Bittern at Mon- August,and variouspeaks in Vermontwere mannedsporad- tezumaN.W.R. (fide C.B.C.} Nov. 2 wassomewhat late. A canoe ically. Observersalong L. Ontariorecorded Merlin, N. Harrier, trip on CranberryPond Aug. 2 yieldeda "Cory's"(dark-phase} Osprey,Sharp-shinned Hawk, and PeregrineFalcon crossing LeastBittern (BK}. Since most reports of the speciesare of birds the lake. All 2075 raptors (including 1782 Red-tailed Hawks heard rather than seen,the statusof this "taro" color morph and 273 Broad-wingedHawks) recordedat BraddockBay in anywhere in this countryis a mystery;few regionaltexts even Augustwere judgedimmatures. Clearly thesespecies are not acknowledgeits occurrence. migratingin family groups.Top Vermonttallies included243 An exceptionalconcentration of GreatBlue Heronswas ob- Broad-wingedsSept. 13 over Mt. Philo, 254 Red-tailedsSept. servedin the vicinity of Upper and Lower LakesW.M.A. Some 17 & 18 at Fuller Mt., two Golden Eaglesat Manchester(TH) 200were talliedas they headedW in groupsof up to one dozen and anotherat Benson(PT), and 17 OspreysSept. 21 in 4 hours (LW,fide LC}.No influx of southernherons occurred although (J & MD). The latter specieswas notedthrough Sept. 10 at the singleibises (presumably Glossy} were recordedat Middlesex, South Slangnesting area althoughno youngwere seen.The Vt. (MM), and over SapsuckerWoods Sanctuary (fide C.B.C.), 16 young Bald Eaglesreleased at Alcove Res. this summer andthere was an intriguingreport of 75white egretsat a beaver swelledthe total numberhacked over the past11 yearsto 166. pond in the St. RegisIndian Reservationin August(fide JP). Watchfor breedingat MontezumaN.W.R. next springfollowing SolitarySnowy Egrets were spottedat the SouthSlang in Ad- courtshipactivity there this fall!

Volume 41, Number 1 85 PHEASANT THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- Ring-necked July 12--at least two N Rough-w•ngedshngered at N•agara Pheasant numbers have dechned dramatically over the past Fallsinto November.The lasts•ghtmg there was Nov. 8 (B.OS ). decade.The decline has apparentlyspurred New York State's Fish Crows continue at Ithaca. There have been no assessments •nterestin revivingthe nearly-defunct,antiquated, and hope- regardingthe dynamicsof this isolatedpopulation, although lessly cost-inefficientsystem of put and take game farming. more than 12 years have passedsince its initial discovery How, for example, one justifies release of over 1000 Ring- CommonRavens continue to be sightedin Allegany County neckedPheasants (at $7 per bird) for huntersin areaswhere and one was found at WebsterSept. 9 (SS).Whether the Ap- there are no establishedpopulations (and presumably no palachianpopulation is the sourceof all sightingsin w. New pheasanthunters) is somewhatobscure. All Gray Partridges York is unknown but it, like the Adirondack and Green were seenin the n. end of the ChamplainValley at Missisquoi Mountainpopulations, certainly appears to be thriving.A very N W.R. and on Grand Isle. Spruce Grousewere unreported. gooddescription was received of theRegion's first Steller's Jay NorthernBobwhites, apparently as a resultof releasesby local at a Topsham,Vt., feederOct. 20 (EM), and New Yorkersgot sportsmen,showed up at severallocations. Even a Chukarwas their firstRock Wren when it appearedin a Fredoniabackyard found in W. Newburg, Vt. Nov. 29 & 30 (TM, m.ob.).The latter speciesis surprisingly The shorebirdflight was abysmal in the eyesof manyveteran rare in e. North America consideringits breedingrange and observers.Weather, absenceof habitat, and reproductivefail- its frequentoccurrence on migrationin plainsareas well re- ure were amongthe reasonspostulated for apparentscarcities. movedfrom suitablebreeding habitat. Inobtrusivewhen not On the other hand, no one explainedthe recordflight (212)of breeding,doubtless most stragglers elude discovery. The same Whimbrelsthat cruisedby Derby Hill (GS),or the two Willets can be saidfor Sedgeand Marshwrens, whose post-breeding and 200 LesserYellowlegs at Montezuma N.W.R. Vermont was behavioris poorlyknown. Consequently, the Oct. 16 sighting gracedwith two Willets, one at St. AlbansSept. 14 (JC)and of a SedgeWren at BurgesonNature Sanctuaryand the Nov anotherat AlburgOct. 26 (RL).Up to 17 Stilt Sandpiperswere 29 Marsh Wren at Tonawanda W.M.A. (B.O.S.)were not un- at Montezuma (WL, MAS) plus eight Baird'sSandpipers (CC, expected,although there are few comparablerecords. A very NB) and at leastone HudsontanGodwit in September.All the late Swainsoh'sThrush was found in Ithaca Nov. 13 (MS,fide phalaropeswere reported in better-than-usualnumbers, thanks C.B.C.).The top EasternBluebird tally, 45, came from Amity •n largepart to the BraddockBay lakewatch.Red Phalaropes Lake (VP),where some121 young were fledgedthis summer were particularlywell reported,even in Vermont.Better cov- Waxwingswere scarce,as were many fruitsand berriesfol- erageof L. Champlainhas clarified the statusof PurpleSand- lowingthis spring'slate frosts. pipersin Vermont.At leastthree were found this fall, two at the mouth of the WinsoskiNov. 2 (JM) and one on RockI. in St Albans Bay Oct. 26 (RL). SoAo LARIDS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS- The jaegerflight Aboutthe only way an observeris likely to encounter was unspectacularthis fall. Only a handful of Parasiticsand a White-eyedVireo after the breedingseason is if it is one Pomarine were identified, all on L. Ontario, the last Par- caughtin a mist-net.Banders at BraddockBay were so aretic Nov. 16. The near-absenceof Pomarinesand general blessed,netting one on the recordlate date of Oct. 29 scarcityof Parasiticswas unexpectedgiven recent trendsin (EB,WS). Bandingstations and tower kills contribute occurrenceand observercoverage. Gulls were more cooper- sucha disproportionateportion of the skulking,hard- atlve, nearly all the usual rarities appearingon L. Erie, L. On- to-identifyrarities (e.g., Orange-crowned and Connect- tario,or theNiagara River. Rochester hosted an ad.Lesser Black- icut warblers, and Lincoln's Sparrow) that one must backedGull on LongPond (KG)and an imm. Thayer'sGull on conclude that field observations of relative abundance IrondequoitBay (FN) in August,but failed to producemore are severelybiased towards conspicuous species. than a modestshowing of Little Gulls prior to the seasoh's close.The Niagarafrontier was more fortunate with up to one- half dozen Little Gulls, two Franklin's, a Com. Black-headed Gull, a Black-leggedKittiwake, and a Sabine'sGull by No- The ColdenTower yielded four PhiladelphiaVireos Oct 2, vember (B.O.S.).Vermonters finally spottedthe previously late for somany, and one was bandedOct. 9 at V.I.N.S. A very predictedflight of Little Gulls. From two to eight were found late Hooded Warbler was identified at Tifft Farm Nature Pre- on L. Champlainbetween Oct. 5 and Nov. 7 (RL, WE et al.). serve Oct. 5. A ProthonotaryWarbler Sept. 6 in the Cayuga Lakebasin (fide C.B.C.) furnished a rarefall sighting.Unusual The tern flightwas generally poor. Forster's put in the worst in Vermontat anyseason, a CeruleanWarbler at WinhallSept showingwith a highcount of six.Two youngCom. Nighthawks were banded in the "nest" on the rather late date of Aug. 6 in 3 (WN) was exceptionallylate. A ConnecticutWarbler there Sept.15 (WN) apparentlyprovided the only recordfrom Ver- Vestal (LB). mont this fall. Fewer warblersthan usual were tardy this fall, A strongflight of SnowyOwls heightened hopes that a major a BlackburntanNov. 9 on GoatI. nearNiagara Falls (fide B.O S ) •nfiux of other northern raptorswould develop.One Short- earedOwl was notedmigrating across L. Ontario.Other owls being a noteworthy exception. were even more poorlyreported than usual. A late September At leasttwo Sharp-tailedSparrows were discoveredat Ho- report of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher brought up the question gan Pt. near Rochesterin late Septemberand early October of whether variouswestern species were consideredand elim- (MD et al.). How manymight be mist-nettedin similarhabitats inated when the identificationwas made. The presencein New in w. New Yorkis anyone's guess. Concentrations ofBobolinks York of singleWestern Kingbirdsat Dryden Aug. 6 (DE,fide oftengo unreportedin fall. Exceptionaltallies were of 300 at C B.C.) and GreeceSept. 12 (KG), and of a Say's Phoebeat Dead Creek W.M.A., Aug. 25 (J & MD) and 1500 near Ithaca SavoyPond Oct. 23 (FS),highlighted the potentialfor western Aug. 7 (PM).Montezuma N.W.R. hosted a quarterof a million vagrantsto appearin our Region(presumably enroute to At- blackbirdsNov. 2 (WL,MAS), while 1300Brown-headed Cow- lantic coastareas where their occurrenceas late-seasonstrag- birds inundated one Hamlin lawn Nov. 13 (FD). A • Yellow- glersis well documented).Lacking good natural fall landbird headed Blackbird was discoveredin Hamlin (RO). Common migrationtraps, Regional observers stand little chanceof find- Redpolls,Pine Siskins,and both crossbillswere widely scat- lng most of the rarities that passthrough. tered, raisinghopes of anotherfinch invasion.Meanwhale, House Finches dominated most feeders.At Middleburg, Vt, a SWALLOWS THROUGH FINCHES- While the bulk of pair that fledgeda broodin early Augustwas observedgath- the swallowspass through before the seasonofficially starts-- eringnest material the followingmonth. Small wonder we're e g., 15,000Bank Swallowstallied alongthe L. Ontarioshore being overrun!

86 American Birds, Spnng 1987 CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS--Allegany calf, J. Morse, T. Mosher, J. Nicholsen, F. Nicoletti, W. Norse, R. County Bird Club. R. Andrle, L. Bemont. N. Boudrie, E. Brooks. O'Hara, J. Peterson,V. Pitzrick, RochesterBirding Association,F. Buffalo Ornithological Society, C. Cass, Cayuga Bird Club, L. Scheider,M. Shepard,G. Smith, R. & S. Spahn, M.A. Sunderland, Chamberlaine, M. David, Delaware-OtsegoAudubon Society, F. W. Symonds,P. Taber, D. Tetlow, Vermont Institute of Natural Dobson.J. Dodge,J. & M. Dye. S. Eaton, W. Ellison, D. Evans, J. Science. L. Wallace, J. Wiggins, D. & M. Witman, K. Wood.- Gallegos,Genesee Ornithological Society, K. Griffith,J. Hayes, High DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, BrooksideFarm, Box 34, Maryland, NY Peaks Audubon Society,B. Keelan, S. Laughlin, R. LaVallee, J. 12116. Lehman, P. Lehman, W. Lloyd, E. MacDonald, N. Martin, M. Met-

APPALACHIAN REGION

George A. Hall

thet was birdingapleasant was notseason, especiallyas far asspectacular. the weather As goes, the butfol- lowing accountshows there were about the usual numbers •' } PittsburghState College of rare birds, but the normal birds of the Region staged OHIO / (• ß •a •/ only a fairly averageflight. At the Pittsburghweather station,August and November were coolerthan normal but Septemberand Octoberwere • •_ • • •.•.o• t • warmer. August through October were much drier than w.w.q. ,.,': usual, but November had heavy rainfall with an excessof almost4 inches.Other localitieshad similar weather except that the long-standingdrought in eastern Tennesseewas broken in September.There were few hard frostsand only the extreme north had had any snow by the end of the period. The prolongeddrought in the south had dried up most of the pondsand marshes,but at the other end of the scale Lake Erie had its highest water levels in recent years, ad- versely affectingboth waterfowl and shorebirds. As in every fall season,many of the data came from the banding operations, particularly the two big operations, GA.' • ' Powdermill Nature Reserveand Allegheny Front Migration Observatory, that have become a regular feature of the LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- The only reports of Red- season.Other stationsoperated at PresqueIsle State Park, throatedLoons came from P.I.S.P.,Nov. 9 (BS}& 11 {IM}. The Pennsylvania,and at Austin Springsand Norris, Tennessee. Corn.Loon flight was excellentwith numeroussightings com- The seasonat Powdermill was an average one with 7216 ing from all over the Region.The more interestingincluded bandings,while the Allegheny Front had a very goodyear an unusually early report Aug. 16 at Asheville, N.C. (RY), a with 8778 birds banded. Other numbers were 741 at countof 28 flying pastthe TuscaroraMt., Pa., hawk watching Presque Isle, 618 (secondbest) at Austin Springs, and 511 stationon Nov. 30 {CG},large flocksin Rowan,Ky., in mid- at Norris. November{BA, RMo), up to 100 at Allegheny Res.,Warren, The migration got underway rather early, with good Pa. {JH},and 400+ at WataugaL., Tenn., Nov. 12 {RK}.Horned warbler flights in mid-August, and a number of species Grebeswere more common than in recent years, and a total arrived at early dates. At the other end the mild weather of 75 was seen at Cave Run L., Rowan, Ky., Nov. 29 (BA}. The producedsome late datesfor many species.There were no only reportof Red-neckedGrebe came from P.I.S.P.where at pronounced frontal systems and hence no pronounced least four were presentNov. 8-16 (JM}. waves of birds, although a great influx of waterfowl was The Double-crestedCormorant boom continued with reports noted in easternTennessee in early November.The peak of goodnumbers throughout the Region.At P.I.S.P.,numbers day of bandingsat AlleghenyFront Migration Observatory continued to increase {JM}, and 170 were seen Nov. 12 on was September26, with 670 birds handled. Watauga L., Tenn. {RK}. Bitternsare rarely reportedin this Regionso records of Am. Hawk watching continues to be a major fall activity in Bitterns from Titusville, Pa., Aug. 2 {RFL}, Fishersville, Va., the Region, and hawk observerssee many other species. Sept. 28 {SR},Murray, Ga., Sept. 17 (HD}, Carter L., Ga., Nov. For example, on one day at Rockfish Gap in Virginia, be- 10 {JD},Union, Tenn., Oct. 24-26 (fide CN}, Tellico L., Tenn., sides the raptors, 27 Snow Geese, 2000 Cedar Waxwings, Nov. 16 {CN},and P.I.S.P.,Oct. 14 (DF}& 18 (LS}were of interest. and 18,000 American Robins were tallied (fde RS). Least Bitterns were seen at P.I.S.P., Aug. 7-Sept. 7 {JM}, at ABBBEVIATIONS -- A.F.M.O. = Allegheny Front Migration Hendersonville,N.C., Aug. 19-24 {DM), and at Fishersville, Observatory,Grant/Tucker cottaties,W. Va.; B.E.S.P.= Bald Eagle Va., Sept.28 {SR}.Great Egrets were widely reportedand were State Park, Centre Co., Pa.; Ch.N.F. = Chattahoochee Nat'l Forest, in aboutnormal numbers for the fall. The onlyreports of Snowy Ga.; E.B.F.H. = Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery, Tenn.; G.S.M.N.P. Egretscame from AnstinSprings, Tenn., Oct. 6 (RK}and State = Great SmokyMountains Nat'l Park; P.I.S.P.= PresqueIsle State College,Pa., Oct. 25, for the latestlocal record(HH}. Little Blue Park, Erie Co., Pa.; P.N.R. = Powdermill Nature Reserve, West- Herons were seen in Erie, Pa., Sept. 9 {RSt},E.B.F.H., Tenn., moreland Co., Pa. Place names in italics are counties. through Aug. 6 {CN, LF}, and DouglasL., Tenn., Aug. 3 and

Volume 41, Number I 87 Sept 6 (JK) A Cattle Egret was seenat Austin Springs,Tenn, and Nov 26 (RSt),and Tlona, Pa, Nov 3 (DW) The two August Sept. 13 (RK) and severalwere presentat Stuart's Draft, Va., reportswere very early, and suggestednestings in those areas Aug. 13-Nov. 10 (YL, RS). The Broad-wingedHawk flight had mixed results,being poor An ad. White Ibis was at PittsburghAug. 12 for the 2nd w. at TusseyMt., Pa. (TD) and Allegheny Front, W. Va. (NL), but Pennsylvaniarecord (LC), and one was seen at Salem, Va., excellent at HangingRock, W. Va., with 5991 birds (GH), and Nov. 26 (PSp). GlossyIbises were present at P.I.S.P., Oct. 4, at RockfishGap with 27,783 for the season,11,783 of these providingthe 2nd fall recordthere (JM, DF), and at Roanoke, Sept. 16 (YL). Rough-leggedHawks were more commonthan Va., Nov. 3-5 (MD). usualand were seenas far southas Pendleton, W. Va. (R.B C ), and Highland, Va. (LT). WATERFOWL -- Few reporterscommented on the overall statusof waterfowl. It would appear that the flight was gen- erally poor,but that someunusual counts were madelocally. S.A. In the Elizabethton,Tenn., area a cold snapproduced an un- What has happenedto the Golden Eagle, and from precedentedinflux of waterfowlNov. 11-14 and localobservers where are they coming?Not too many years agoit was recorded 20 species,most in good numbers. On Nov. 12 the notableto see one in this Region.But we have had a Tussey Mr., Pa., hawkwatch station counted 1000 Tundra steadyincrease for severalyears, and this year a total Swansand 1600 Snow Geeseflying past(TD). of well over 100 birds from 15 locationswas reported The outstandingrecord was of a group of three Fulvous These locations,which extended from Bald Eagle Mt, Whistling-Ducks at Fishersville, Va., Oct. 25 (SR). Tundra Pa., to Roan Mr. and G.S.M.N.P.,Tenn., and the high- Swanswere widely reported,even as far s. as BooneL., Tenn. landsof North Carolina,included all the organizedhawk Nov. 12, but the only great concentrationreported was near watches and several other placesas well. High counts Johnstown,Pa., where "several thousand"occurred in early for the seasonwere 50 at Bald Eagle Mr. (JPe), 30 at November (TD). Mute Swanswere seen in Warren, Pa., Sept. TusseyMr., Pa. (TD), and 25 at TuscaroraMr., Pa. (CG) I (WH) and Botetourt,Va., Oct. 30-Nov. 2 (BK, BH, MD). A On Nov. 13, Bald Eagle Mt. counted 18 and Tussey Mt Greater White-fronted Goosewas seenat MosquitoLake S.P., counted 11. One was caughtin a bobcattrap in Green- O, Oct. 19-Nov. 30 (ph. CB).Unusually early were Snow Geese brier, W. Va., Nov. 3, bandedand released(JCr). at B.E.S.P., Sept. 20-28 (CH, HH). Twenty-seven were seen in one day from the hawkwatch at RockfishGap on the Blue Ridge (fide RS). Other reportscame from Pymatuning L., Pa., Oct. 27 (RFL, ML), Cave Run L., Ky., Nov. 29 (BA), and Carter Nineteen Merlins were reported from 9 different locations, L., Ga., Nov. 16 [fide HD). The Canada Goosepopulation at includingeight for the seasonat RockfishGap, Va. (YL). The Pymatuning L. increasedup to 12,000 on Nov. 12 (RFL). Else- PeregrineFalcon was alsoin unusuallygood numbers with 29 where the numberswere goodalthough it becomesmore and birds reported from 14 locations.At Tuscarora Mr., Pa, 10 more difficult to separatewild populationsfrom the semi-do- were seenfor the seasonwith six on Sept.30 (CG).A Peregrine mesticated ones. that had been banded at SondreStromfjord, West Greenland, Some noteworthy numbers for this Region were: 40 N. on July29 was pickedup injured near Charleston,W. Va., Oct Shovelersin Westmoreland,Pa., Oct. 5 (E & MWa); 40 • Can- 24 (W.V.D.N.R.). vasbacksat SomersetL., Pa., and 2000 Corn. Goldeneyesat PymatuningL., Nov. 22 (ML, RFL). The only reportsof Surf CRANES AND SHOREBIRDS -- A Sandhill Crane was Scoterscame from P.I.S.P.,where up to five were seen from presentremarkably early near FrontRoyal, Va., Aug. 27-Sept Oct. 18 to Nov. 30 (JM, LS) and from B.E.S.P.,Nov. 5 (CS).The 3 (RSi), and two were seen at Troutville, Va., Oct. 21 (BK) usuallyrare BlackScorer was reported from 5 locations:P.I.S.P., More expectedwere the 200 at the Ch.N.F., Ga., Nov. 4, and Nov. 11-30 (JM), PymatuningL., Nov. 30 (RFL), Bakersville, the four at Dalton, Ga., Nov. 19 (HD). Pa. (picked up on the highway moribund),Nov. 8 (fide RCL, The contrastingconditions of high water levels in L. Erie RM), East Liverpool, O., Nov. 3-5 (DSt, NL), and Boone L., and dried-upponds in the ShenandoahValley ande. Tennessee Tenn., Nov. 11 (RK),the latter furnishingthe first e. Tennessee were not conduciveto goodshorebirding. However, at State record. The White-winged Scorer,usually the most common College,Pa., a lake partially drainedfor maintenanceproduced of the three, was found at P.I.S.P.,Oct. 18 to end (JM),Latrobe, somegood results. American Avocetswere at Kingston,Term, Pa., Nov. 10 (GR),L. Arthur, Pa., Nov. 6 (MG, BSt),Fishersville, Aug. 11 (v.o.),and DouglasL., Tenn., Nov. 1 (JK).Lesser Golden- Va., Oct. 30-Nov. 5 (SR), and BooneL., Tenn., Nov. 14 (RK). Ploverswere reportedfrom P.I.S.P.,up to 11, Sept. 20-Oct 4 (JM), Salem, O., Aug. 20 (WB), and Lyndhurst, Va., Sept 27 RAPTORS -- Organizedhawk watchingwas carried out at (MH). Black-belliedPlovers were at Austin Springs,Tenn., Aug 7 stationsthat reported(several other known stationssubmitted 8 (RK), B.E.S.P., Aug. 22 (MW), Colyet L., Pa., Sept. 5 (DP) & no report),and the resultswere mixed. HangingRock, W. Va., 27 (M & PLo),and Guilford L., O., Nov. 3 (WB). Oddly, neither had its 2nd-bestyear with 5629 birds (GH);East River Mr., W. plover appearedat PymatuningL., Pa. (RFL).A Piping Plover Va., had the best numbers since 1974 of Ospreys,Sharp- was at E.B.F.H., Aug. 25 (LF). shinnedHawks, and Am. Kestrels(JP); and RockfishGap listed Willets were seenat P.I.S.P.,Aug. 17-19 (SS,JHS) and Roans 34,191 birds (YL). Creek, Tenn., Aug. 8 (RK). As many as five Whimbrels were Ospreyswere reportedin unusuallygood numbers, and not at P.I.S.P.,Aug. 2-Sept. 7 (m.ob.),and this area alsoproduced all of thesewere from the lookouts.A count of 36 Sept. 30 at recordsof HudsonJanGodwit on Oct. 4 & 18 (JM, DF). A Hud- Tuscarora Mr., Pa,, was noteworthy (CG). An Am. Swallow- sonian Godwit was also seen in the Pymatuning area Nov 2 tailed Kite was seen near Chattanooga,Tenn., Aug. 19-28 (MV). Several Ruddy Turnstoneswere at Roanoke,Va., Sept (m.ob.),and two were presentin McDowell,N.C., Aug. 1-Sept. 3-6 (MD), Kingston Steam Plant, Tenn., Aug. 9 (FB), and 3 (RR). There were reportsof 49 Bald Eaglesfrom 19 locations E.B.F.H.,Aug. 10 (B & JC).Sanderlings at B.E.S.P.,Aug. 25 (MW), throughoutthe Regionwith a season'scount of 11 at Tuscarora State College,Pa., Sept.20 (JPe),and Stuart'sDraft, Va., Aug Mr., Pa. (CG). At RockfishGap, Va., on the Blue Ridge, 159 N. 20 (YL) were unusual. Baird's, Western, and White-rumped Harriers were recorded(YL). The Sharp-shinnedHawk flight sandpiperswere more common than usual. A PurpleSandpiper was generally good with 218 at Hanging Rock, W. Va. (GH), was at P.I.S.P., Nov. 8 (BS, F & BH). Stilt Sandpiperswere at 268 at Bald EagleMr., Pa. (JPe),and 3644 at RockfishGap, 509 P.I.S.P.,Aug 24 (JS)and Sept.11 (JM);Colyet L., Pa., Sept 6- of theseOct. 4 (YL).While 3 recordsof N. Goshawkcame from 21 for the 3rd local record(JPe); Jonesboro, Tenn., Aug. 7 (RK), the lookouton BaldEagle Mr. (JPe),all otherreports were from andKingston Steam Plant, Tenn., Aug.23 (AH et al.). The Buff- the lowlands:Colyet L., Pa., Aug. 7 (ES),Allegheny, Pa., Aug. breasted Sandpiper was reported from P.I.S.P., Sept. 6 (F & 31 (PH),Henderson, N. C., Sept.8 (JY),P.I.S.P., Sept. 21 (JM) BH). PresqueIsle alsoproduced a Wilson'sPhalarope Aug 29

88 American Birds,Spnng 1987 There were no reports of great concentrations of Com. Nighthawks,although the specieswas widely reported.There were several reportsof Chimney Swifts still presentin early October. The 169 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds banded at P.N.R. was 159% aboveaverage (RM, RCL). At A.F.M.O., 178 hummingbirdswere netted and releasedunhanded, and on September6, no fewer than 223 hummingbirdswere observed to fly by the station (GAH). A • Rufous Hummingbird {ph.) was at a feeder in Henderson, N.C., from Nov. 3 to the end of the period{RR}. WOODPECKERS THROUGH WRENS--During the bandingseason 13 Red-headedWoodpeckers were seenflying by A.F.M.O., includingfive at the hawkwatch stationSept. 26 (GAH). Other reportscame from Mountour,Pa. (SSt),Highland, Va. (LT), Vienna, W. Va. (LR), East River Mt., W. Va. (JP), Fair- view, N.C. (RY), and 2 locationsnear Knoxville (fide CN). Hairy Woodpeckerswere thought to be in low numbers at Lock Haven,Pa. (PS),but at Morgantown,W. Va., they seemto have made a slight recovery (GAH). Olive-sided Flycatcherswere seen in Centre, Pa., Aug. 21 (TS, RH), P.I.S.P., Aug. 21 and Sept. 16 (JIM),Murray, Ga., Aug. JuvenileBaird' s Sandpiper at North Branch,Allegan y Co.,Md., 28 (HD), and Fort Loudon, Pa., Sept. 5 (CG), but for the first Sept. 12, 1986. The very long-wingedprofile is evident in this time in 7 yearsnone was banded at P.N.R. (RCL,RM). At P.N.R., view. Photo/R.F.Ringler. E. Wood-Peweesand Acadian,Yellow-bellied, and Traill's fly- catcherswere bandedin slightly above-averagenumbers but & 30 (JM) and the only recordsfor Red Phalaropes,Sept. 7, the Least Flycatcher was below average (RM, RCL). For only abouta monthearly (KA)and Oct. 20 (SS).A Wilson'sPhalarope the 2nd time in 10 years no Yellow-bellied Flycatcherswere was alsoat Lyndhurst,Va., Aug. 2 (SR).Red-necked Phalaropes banded at A.F.M.O. (GAH), and there was only one sightedin were reported from Yellow Creek S.P., Pa., Aug. 28 MHi), the StateCollege, Pa., area. A Western Kingbird was at Colyer ShenangoRes., Pa., Sept. 6 (T & NM), Latrobe Res., Pa., Oct. L., Pa., Sept. 5 (DP, AS). 19 (TV, M & EWa), Pymatuning L., Nov. 23 (SF), and Douglas A Bank Swallow at Colyer L., Pa., Sept. 18 (JPe)and a Cliff L., Tenn., Sept. 6 (JK). Swallow at B.E.S.P.,Sept. 13 (CH) were somewhat late, but one or possiblytwo Barn Swallows sighted at P.I.S.P., Nov. 2 GULLS AND TERNS- Laughing Gulls were seen at & 9 were very late ORKo).A group of 200 imm. Purple Martins B.E.S.P.,Sept. 13 (MW}, Botetourt,Va., Nov. 2 (MD}, and Mos- at P.I.S.P., Sept. 8 was good news (F & BH), and a very good quito Lake S.P.,O., Nov. 16 (CB}.Three Little Gulls were seen nestingseason was reportedfrom Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE). at P.I.S.P. (JM et al.}. Bonaparte'sGulls were reported from There were severallowland sightingsof Corn. Ravensin the Phillipsburg,Pa., Aug. 4 (MW}, Lock Haven, Pa., Sept.29 (PS}, Elizabethton, Tenn., area (GE), and ravens occurred near Bowan, Ky., no date given (BA}, and Pymatuning L., Pa., 150 BrasstownBald, Ga., Aug. 10 (MO). There were severalrecords on Oct. 27 (RFL}. The Ring-billed Gull population at Pyma- at LockHaven, Pa. (CH), severalreports from Warren,Pa. (WH, tuning was estimatedat 15,000 on Nov. 22 (RFL}.An ad. Lesser TG), and one at SpruceCreek, Pa., Oct. 14 (SG).A large flock Black-backedGull was at P.I.S.P.,Sept. 27 (J & BB}and one in of about 100 Fish Crowswas seennear State College,Pa., Nov. winter plumageOct. 2 & 4 couldhave beenthe samebird (JM}. 30 (HH). A Black-leggedKittiwake was at P.I.S.P.,Nov. 30 (SSet al.}. There was no evidenceof any major S flight of Black-capped Caspian Terns were reported from Colyet L., Pa., Sept. 5 Chickadees,and the flight of Red-breastedNuthatches was (JPe}and L. Arthur, Pa., Sept. 12 (MHi}. Forster'sTerns are only moderate. At Pittsburgh,the flight of Brown Creepers being reported more often than Com. Terns, and while this was the best in a decade (PH). The Carolina Wren apparently may be the "Rarity Syndrome"it would appearthat they are had a goodnesting season and was in goodnumbers going into increasinginour Region.At P.I.S.P.,20 Forster'swere observed, the winter with some reports even from Erie, Pa. (JM). Sedge and this was only slightly fewer than the number of Com. Wrens were reported from Botetourt,Va., Sept. 23 (YL), Austin Terns (JM}. There were 5 reports of Forster's Terns from 3 Springs,Tenn., Sept. 14 & 15 and Oct. 9 (RK), and Kingsport, areas near Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE},and they were reported Tenn., on the late date of Nov. 1 (RP). Marsh Wrens were re- from Fort Loudon, Pa. (CG}, Partort, Va., Sept. I (CK}, Hen- ported from the State College,Pa., area Oct. I (ES)& 10 (CS), dersonville, N.C., Aug. 19 (DM}, and Asheville, N.C., Nov. 17 Fort Necessity, Pa. (RSt, DK), Austin Springs, Tenn., Oct. 7 (RY}. There was a late report of a Least Tern at P.I.S.P.,May (RK), Kingsport,Tenn., Oct. 30 and Nov. I (RP), Knox, Tenn., 28 (DF}, and one was seen in Floyd, Ky., Sept. 13 (FB}. Oct. 11 (BS),and TeIlico L., Tenn., Nov. 2 (CN et al.). DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS--A Common KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Both kinglet spe- Ground-Dove was seen at P.I.S.P., Oct. 19, for the first w. ciesstaged very goodfall flights.At P.N.R.,the Golden-crowned Pennsylvaniarecord (SS}. Both species of cuckoowere uncom- was handled in numbers 105% above normal and the Ruby- mon. The only reportsof Com. Barn-Owlscame from Clarks- crowned 68% above normal {RCL, RM}, and at A.F.M.O., both ville, Pa., where one was heard callingin the daytime Oct. 23 specieswere handled in record numbers. There were several (RB), and from Jefferson,W. Va., where juveniles were seen early Septemberrecords for the Golden-crowned.Rather than on the rather late date of Oct. 18 (GC).A Snowy Owl was at early migrantsthese may indeed have representednew breed- P.I.S.P., Nov. 10 (B & F/I). One or two Short-eared Owls were ing areasfor this expandingspecies, and I suggesta followup at P.I.S.P.,Oct. 25-Nov. 7 (JM et al.). A large concentrationof at these locations next summer. Short-earedOwls was found in the extensivegrasslands of the If the kinglets are booming,the Cathar•s thrushes seem to recoveredstrip-mine areasof Clarion, Pa., from about Oct. 15 be in trouble. At P.N.R., the Hermit Thrush was in average to the end of the period. An estimatemade on Nov. 2 was that numbers,but the Veery and the Gray-cheekedwere in below- 75-100 were present(WF). Northern Saw-whet Owls were on averagenumbers and the Swainsoh'sThrush wasin the poorest TusseyMt., Pa.,where they had beenreported earlier, on Aug. numbersever, with only 86 banded {RM, RCL}. At A.F.M.O., 7 and Oct. 7 (JPe). results were similar, with Swainsoh'SThrush in better numbers

Volume 41, Number I 89 than in 1984and 1985but still 15%below average(GAH). The The Red Crossbill population in the southern mountains reportsfrom field birders alsonoted low numbersof Swainson's seemsto be booming.A nestwas foundat Highlands,N.C, in Thrushes,although a massivenight flight was observedat late July,and youngbirds were seenin September(DM) and Cumberland,Md., Sept. 13, with none seenthe next day (RRi). other birdswere in the generallocality. A family groupwas More cheerfulnews was the reportof 161 E. Bluebirdsfledged seen on Roan Mr., Tenn., July 12 (T.O.S.). Fall reports also from 36 boxesin Augusta,Va. (RS). came from Ch.N.F., Nov. 13 & 18 (HD), the Blue Ridgenear A N. Mockingbirdat Girard,Erie, Pa., Oct. 19 wasnoteworthy .Dalton,Ga., Nov. 13 (JJ),and Unaka Mt., Tenn., Oct. 24 (RP) asbeing well north of its usualrange (JBx). There were some as well as the usual locations on Shenandoah Mt., Va. It is largeconcentrations of CedarWaxwings at someplaces, as for probablethat all theserecords refer to the s. Appalachianpop- examplethe 2000 that flew pastthe RockfishGap, Va., hawk- ulation, and that the only recordof northern (or western)birds watch on one day (fide RS).There were 3 reportsof N. Shrikes: camefrom Bald EagleMr., Nov. 28 (JPe).Reports of Corn.Red- Butler, Pa., Nov. 16 (PH), Erie N.W.R., Pa., Nov. 12 (DS), and pollscame from 2 widely separatedlocations: P.I.S.P., Nov 26 P I.S.P.,Nov. 26 (JM).The reportsof LoggerheadShrikes were (JM) & 27 (SS),and PipestemS.P., W. Va., Oct. 26 (JP). concbntratedas usual in the Great Valley from Augustaand Pine Siskinswere staginga moderately heavy flight with Rockingham,Va., where a populationof 15 was estimated(KF), goodnumbers at manyplaces starting in mid-October.Evening to Elizabethton,Tenn. Outsideof this area reportscame from Grosbeakswere in small numbersbut by the end of November Murray, Ga. (HD), and L. Arthur, Pa. (MG). small flocks had appearedat most places.It did not seem to Philadelphia Vireos were reported more commonly than be a majorinvasion. Most unusualwas the EveningGrosbeak usual,and SolitaryVireos were unusuallycommon. A novelty at Warren, Pa., Aug. 26 and Sept. 15 (DD). was the sightof wave after wave of SolitaryVireos crossing the mountain at CraggyGarden, N.C., Sept. 21 (RY). There were the usual mixed reportson the warbler flight. EXOTICS -- An apparently ill flamingo(sp.?) was seen at Most field birdersreported an averageto slightlybetter-than- Rockingham,Va., Oct. 10 & 11 (R.B.C.).A swan-goosemated averageflight. The bandingstation at Norris,Tenn., had a poor with a Canada Goose and raised a brood at Guilford L, O flight (CN), P.N.R. had an averageflight (RCL),and A.F.M.O. (WB).A Yellow-headedParrot was seenat StateCollege, Pa, hadan above-averageflight (GAH). At P.N.R.,11 specieswere Nov. 12 (MW). handled in above-averagenumbers, four in averagenumbers, and seven in below-averagenumbers, while at A.F.M.O. 13 CONTRIBUTORS- Richard Almy, Kevin Anderson, Brad specieswere aboveaverage, five average,and only one below. Andres,Carole Bahyak, Bonnie Baird, Jim Baird (JB), William Baker, Only five species,Nashville, Black-throatedGreen, Blackpoll, JimBaxter, Ralph Bell, Frank Bostick,Nancy Brundage, Fred Bus- Am. Redstart,and Wilson's,were aboveaverage at both P.N.R. roe,Leslie Calvert, Betty Campbell, Jim Campbell, Guy Clark, Jim and A.F.M.O. The reports of field birders from various areas Crum (JCr),Harriett DiGJoia,Thomas Dick, JeffDixon, Dan Doh- showed similar contradictions,but all stationsagreed that erty,Mike Donahue,Glen Eller, KathleenFinnegan, Sarah Flaugh, Wilson'sWarbler wasin above-normalnumbers. The Orange- Dave Flynn, Linda Fowler, Walter Fye, Carl Garner, Marguerite crowned Warbler was reported from more placesthan usual. Geibel, Steve Grado, Joe Greenburg,Ted Grisez, Barbara Haas, A Yellow-rumpedWarbler was at Linville Falls,N.C., Aug. 12 Frank Haas, Jack Hamblin (JH), Randy Harrison, Cecil Hazlett, (DM). While not thoughtto be a breedingbird there, the early Harry Henderson,John Heninger, Mozelle Henkel, Paul Hess, date suggestsbreeding not too far away. A Yellow-throated Margaret Higbee (MHi), William Highhouse,Audrey Hoff, Bill Warbler at B.E.S.P.,Sept. 20 providedthe first local fall record Hunley, GeorgeHurley (GH), JamesJones, Clyde Kessler,Barry (HH, CS). Pine Warblers are seldom reported in the fall but Kinzie, Rick Knight, John Koella, RamseyKoury (RKo), Dave there were numerousreports this year. Krueger,Nevada Laitsch,YuLee Larner, Mary Leberman,Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F. Leberman, Mary Lovett (MLo), Phillip Lovett (PLo),Anthony Marich, Nellie McGary,Tom McGary (TM), Doug McNair, Jerry McWilliams, Terry Moore, Robert Morris CARDINALINES THROUGH FRINGILLIDS -- At Pitts- (RMo), RobertMulvihill, CharlesNicholson, Mark Oberle, David burgh,Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were in extremelylow num- Pearson,John Peplinski (JPe), Jim Phillips,Rick Phillips,Robert bers(PH), while at P.N.R.,the bandingswere 18% below av- Ringlet(RRi), Rockingham Bird Club (R.B.C.), George Roland, Lor- erage(RM, RCL), but at A.F.M.O., bandingswere 35% above raine Rollerson,Stephen Rottenborn, Robert Rulz, Terrence average.A Black-headedGrosbeak killed itself on a window Schiefer,Conrad Schmidt, Paul Schwalbe (PS), Boyd Sharp, Robert in late Septembernear Milepost176 on the Blue RidgePark- Simpson(RSi), Arnold Small (AS), Donald Snyder (DS), Ruth Snyder way, Va. (HS). (RS),Edgar Spalding, Peggy Spiegal (PSp), Stanley Stahl (SSt),Anne A Lark Sparrow was at Daleville, Va., Oct. 12 & 13 (JV et Stamm,Betty Starr (BSt),Russ States (RSt), Linda Steadman, Daniel al.). Henslow'sSparrows were reportedfrom Lycoming,Pa., Stewart(DSt), Bill Stocku(BS), Roger Stone (RSt), Hal Strickland, Aug. 10 (SSt),Daleville, Va., Oct. 11 (IV[D,BK) and Lyndhurst, JeanStull, SamStull (SS),Tennessee Ornithological Society, Leon- Va., Nov. 8, for a new countyrecord (SR). There were 2 records ard Teuber, Mark VanderVen, Tim Vechter, Jerry Via, Jeffrey of Le Conte'sSparrows, Stuart's Draft, Va., Sept. 11 (SR),and Walck, EvaleenWatko (EWa), Michael Watko (MWa), Don Watts, Rockingham,Va., Oct.11 JR.B.C.).There was an excellentflight West Virginia Department of Natural Resources,Merrill Wood, of Fox Sparrowsat Pittsburgh(PH), and at P.N.R.,bandings JohnYoung, Ruth Young.--GEORGEA. HALL, Departmentof were up 84% (RCL, RM), but at Morgantown this species Chemistry, P.O. Box 8045, West Virginia University, Morgan- and,very strangely,Song Sparrows were almostabsent (GAH). town, WV 26506-6045. The flight of White-throatedSparrows was generallyon the poor side. A Harris' Sparrow was found near Rome, Ga., Nov. 21 (JG). The only reportsof Lapland Longspurscame from P.I.S.P.,from Sept. 20 (early) to Nov. 16 (JM et al.), and Py- matuning, Pa., Nov. 13 (ML). Snow Buntingswere reported from n. and c. Pennsylvaniaand n.e. Ohio, where they are usuallyfound, but four flyingpast the TuscaroraMr. hawk- watch Oct. 16 (CG) and othersnear CanaanValley, W. Va., Nov. I (R.B.C.)and ShenandoahMt., Va., Nov. 2 (R.B.C.)were well southof the normal range.Concentrations of 350 Bobol- inks in Butler, Pa., Aug. 31 (GW) and 100+ near Kingsport, Tenn., Sept. 18 (RP) were noteworthy.

90 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION

Daryl D. Tessen

weather,ugusthad with alternating average precipitation.periodsof warm The exceptionand cool was Milwaukee, which received 7 inches in several hours, causinglocalized flooding. September was unbelievably wet Regionwide. Repeated rainfalls of up to 13 inches within 24 hour periodswere recorded.Flooding occurred m variousparts of the Region.October entered warm but quickly changedto cooler,drier conditions.The exception wasMichigan, where excessiverainfall continued.The first two-thirds of November was record cold. Several cold/ Arctic fronts moved through the Region,producing tem- peratures around zero, strongwinds, and wind chills of -10 ø to -40 ø (!), unheard of for this time of the season. Snowfall was above averageduring this period with one particularly strongstorm passingthrough Wisconsin.The last one-third of the month saw a return to normal, even above-normaltemperatures, and drier conditions. roeredat AgassizN.W.R. remaineduntil late August.Late was The fall migration was very early. Passerinemovement a Green-backedHeron Nov. i in Dane,Wis. (JS).Single Yellow- was already occurringin late July. During August the in- crownedNight-Herons were seenin Milwaukee during Sep- tensityincreased and continuedunabated into September. temberand early October(m.ob.). A Plegadisibis was found It was difficult to analyze the migrationduring September, at GoosePond, Columbia,Wis., during late Septemberand early October (m.ob.). as weather conditionswere so poor, but commentsfrom observersindicated a continuation of the rapid exodus WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES--Tundra Swan southward. The extreme cold of early November induced peaksincluded 10,000+ at Weaver and Winona, Minn., 3000 the majority of remaining birds to migrate, so by late No- at LaCrosse,and 2500 at Shiawassee N.W.R. Ross' Geese were vember birding was discouraginglyquiet. found in Michigan with two Oct. 5 at the KelloggBird Sanc- The passerinemovement, like last fall, was good.Hawk tuary (JJ)and two Oct. 25 at Allegan State Game Area (JK) and shorebird migrations were unusually poor. Finches CanadaGeese arrived earlier than normal with major move- againproved variable with the key beingthat the few spe- ments noted especiallyduring early October.Peak numbers ciesthat were quite plentiful did not linger in decentnum- were similar to last year. A • Eurasian Wigeon spent Oct. 4- bers,suggesting yet anotherin a seriesof finchlesswinters. early Novemberat Wood L. in the Twin Cities (m.ob.).An Raritieswere disappointinglyfew with mostproving un- eider (sp.)was observedNov. I in Bay, Mich. (RW). Two Har- cooperative.Highlights included MississippiKite, Clark's lequin Ducks were found in Minnesota. One was at Grand MardisOct. 18-Nov. 2 (m.ob.).The other was at the unusual Nutcracker, Rock Wren, and McCown's Longspurfor Min- site of Austin, in a creek near the Iowa border, Nov. 17 into nesota, Black-necked Stilt, Mew Gull, and Curve-billed December(m.ob.). The Brassershad one in the Sheboygan Thrasher for Wisconsin, and Ross' Goose and Least Tern (Wis.)harbor .Nov. 8-9. Very early was an OldsquawAug. 16 for Michigan. at GrandMardis, Mich. (JG).Inland sightingsincluded Free- ABBREVIATIONS- Place names in italics are counties. born, Minn., •hd Chippewa,Wis. Early scotersightings in- cluded White-wingedAug. 16 at Grand Mardis, Mich. (JG), LOONS THROUGHIBISES-- Few Red-throatedLoons and 27 BlacksAug. 27 in Ozaukee,Wis. (BC). The main scorer were found this fall. A Pacific Loon was in St. Paul Oct. 10- migrationwas slightlylate and at bestaverage. 22 (m.ob.).Minnesota has had about12 previousrecords. Late Minnesotahad its 3rd and 4th MississippiKite recordswith grebesincluded a Hornedat Madisoninto December(PA) and an Aug. 19 sightingin Fillmore (AP)and one Sept.23 in Duluth a Red-neckedNov. 17 in Ozaukee(SS), both Wisconsin.In (LE). Unusually late were 3 Osprey sightingsin Wisconsin Michigan singleEared Grebeswere seen Oct. 13-19 at Dow Nov. 4 in Taylor (TR) and Nov. 9 at Cedar Grove (DB) and Ponds(RW, TW, GK), Oct. 19-21 at CoopersvillePonds (JM, Ozaukee (JB). North of normal range were Red-shouldered BB, SM, JG) and Oct. 25 at Baw BeeseL. (JR). One was in Hawks in ItascaSept. 18 (TL) and Duluth Oct. 20 and Nov. 10 Milwaukee at the CoastGuard Impoundmentbetween Sept. (KE, M & DE). Very late was a Broad-wingedHawk Nov. 6 •n 18-Oct.19 (m.ob.).The summeringW. Grebeat HoriconN.W.R. Taylor, Wis. (TR), with one found Nov. 23 in Shawano,Wls remainedinto August (SSet al.). There was a surprisingnumber (fide MP) dying 2 dayslater. Hawk Ridgetallied 16,500Broad- of Am. White Pelican sightingsin Wisconsinand Michigan. wingedsSept. 18 (fide KE).A Swainson'sHawk was notedSept Three were at HoticonN.W.R. late Augustto early September 12 at the CedarGrove hawk station(DB). Early Rough-legged (DT, JB et al.), five were at LaCrosseAug. 28 (FL), two were Hawk sightingsincluded Sept. 2 in BaySeld(AR), Sept. 18 •n flyingwith migratinghawks along the MississippiR. in Grant Taylor (TR) and Sept.19 in Door (R & CL), all Wisconsin.Th•s Sept. 27 (ST), one was in Milwaukee Oct. 8-10 (BC,JF et al.), fall'sflight of Rough-leggedsin Wisconsinand Minnesotawas and eight were in Superior Oct. 11 (RJ).For Michigan single very good.Golden Eagle sightings in Wisconsinincluded Oct birdswere at the MuskegonWastewater System Aug. 24 (DJe, 3 and Nov. 12 at Cedar Grove (DB), a dead bird (shot)Nov 6 MH) and in Midland Aug. 23-24 (TW, CF, GK). in Shawano(fide MP), and two Nov. 11 in Ashland (SS).The A GreatEgret found dead in Duluth duringearly September Merlin flight in Wisconsinand Minnesota was excellent, com- was north of its normal range (fide KE). Snowy and Cattle ing earlier than usual.Likewise the PeregrineFalcon flight •n egretswere found in Taylor, Wis., during mid-August (TR). all 3 stateswas againvery good.A Prairie Falconreturned for CattleEgrets were alsoat GreenBay and Madisonduring Au- the 5th consecutiveyear to RothsayWildlife Area, Minn. It gust In Michigan birds were found in Bay Aug. 19 (CF, TW) was first noted Oct. 16 (TT). The hawk flight this fall in both and m MarquetteNov. 5 (RS).The Tricolored Heron that sum- Minnesotaand Wisconsinwas poor.For example,Hawk Ridge

Volume 41, Number I 91 talhed only 35,000-t-for the season,one of thmr poorestever at Tawas Pmnt S P, Nov 8 (RP, MP), and one •n Bay Nov 22- The mmn negativefactor was the poor weather that prevafied 29 (JSw).A Black-leggedK•tt•wake was at Port Huron Nov 27 especiallyduring September. (JG). Michigan had its 3rd Least Tern record when an •m- Ring-necked Pheasant numbers showed a decline•in Min- mature was observedAug. 17-21 at the Erie Gun Club (EK, JK nesotaand Wisconsin.A Yellow Rail was seenSept. 23 at Fish et al.). Pt., Mich. (JZ). A King Rail was at NayanquingPt., Mich., Aug. 19 (TW). Late was a Sandhill Crane Nov. 26 in Dane, Wis. (JS). CUCKOOS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS- For the first SHOREBIRDS -- An Oct. 19 SemipalmatedPlover at Du- time in severalyears Snowy Owls appearedin excellent num- luth (KE) was late. Killdeer concentrationsincluded 350 Aug. bersRegionwide. Indications were for a goodwinter population 27 in Marathon (K & JL) and 380+ Nov. 9 in Ozaukee (BC), A N. Hawk-Owl Oct. 24 in Roseau,Minn., was early (RG,RJa) both Wisconsin. Wisconsin had one of its few records for the Minnesotahad a total of 6 Great Gray Owl reportsfrom Aitkm Black-necked Stilt when two were discovered at Horicon and St. Louis. In Michigan one was near St. Helen Nov. 17 N.W.R. in mid-August.The birds were seenintermittently into (SSm).Very few Long-earedOwls were reportedin Michigan early September (ph. Horicon staff, SS, DT). Late Greater Yel- and Wisconsin.A few Short-earedOwls were alsoin Michigan, lowlegs included Nov. 7 in Eau Claire (JP) and Burnett (JS), but Wisconsinhad moresightings than in the pastseveral years Wis. Willets observedat Manitowoc, Wis., included sevenAug. The unmated • Boreal Owl continued calling until Aug. 7 •n 6 (CS) and one Aug. 22 (DT). In Michigan one was at Nayan- Lake, Minn. (SW,MS). One was bandedat Duluth Oct. 29 (DE) quing Pt., Aug. 19 (TW). Also at Manitowoc was a Whimbrel and anotherwas found roosting there Nov. 18 (JN).There were Aug. 4 (CS).Single Whimbrels stayed at 2 Duluth sitesSept. several impressive(!) Com. Nighthawk flights this fall. Cam- 4-27 and Sept.9-23 (m.ob.).A HudsonianGodwit was at Beaver burn counted16,494 flying over his Duluth yard Aug. 16. In Bay, Minn., Sept. 10 (SW, MS) and Pt. Mouille, Mich., Aug. 22 Wisconsin "thousandsupon thousands"were tallied Sept 4 in Ozaukee by Cowart. Lesher had "thousands"at LaCrosse (JR). Two flocksof Marbled Godwits were seen in Minnesota, the latter groupbeing especiallyimpressive. On Aug. 22, M. Sept. 26. Late was an Oct. 2 Whip-poor-will near Moorhead, Hendricksonrecorded 25 at Duluth, but on Aug. 12,J. Peterson Minn. (L & CF). A • Rufous Hummingbird came to a feeder and Sheddhad 150 in Dakota. One was observedin Michigan near Zumbro Falls, Minn., Sept. 16-23 (ph. m.ob.). •n Midland Sept.3 (RW, TW, CF). Red Knots were recorded at several Wisconsin sites, includ- WOODPECKERS THROUGH WARBLERS- Northern ing three inland. A single W. Sandpiperwas at Erie Marsh observationsof the Red-belliedWoodpecker included Sept 13 Aug. 22 (JR) with six at MuskegonS.P., Aug. 23 (DP,JPi). Two in Duluth (PE) and Nov. 17 at Leech L., Minn. (TK). Black- were noted at Manitowoc Aug. 5 (SS).Several White-rumped backedWoodpeckers were sightedin more normal numbers Sandpiperswere recorded in Wisconsin and Michigan, but in the n. one-third of the Regionafter the recordinvasion of Minnesotahad its bestfall flight ever, includinga recordlate last fall and winter. Late was an Olive-sidedFlycatcher Oct. date of Nov. 5 at Duluth (DK). A Purple Sandpiper was ob- 5 in Dakota,Minn. (TT). A W. Kingbirdwas in Duluth Sept 1 served with Dunlins at Superior Oct. 15 (RJ). Buff-breasted (TS), and one at Grand Marais Nov. 2-3 (KE, K & MH et al ) Sandpipersightings for Michigan included two Aug. 3 in Clin- representedMinnesota's latest record. Gray Jays staged a record ton (JR), three Sept. 6 at Muskegon (JPo, EH), and one Sept. invasionin Minnesotathis autumn, especiallyat Duluth. Be- 25 in Van Buren (RA). For Wisconsin, 11 were seen Aug. 12 in tween mid-Septemberand late October,470 were countedm•- Shawano(DT) and one Aug. 28 at LaCrosse(FL). Late was one gratingthrough Duluth (m.ob.).The invasionwas notedas far at Duluth Oct. I [DK). The Oct. 9 Short-billed Dowitcher at south as Chisago,Isanti, Washington,Anoka, and Hennepm Duluth represented a record departure date (m.ob.). Red- Unexpectedwas the Clark's Nutcracker that appeared•n neckedPhalaropes were seenin all 3 states.Single Red Phal- Austin, Minn., Sept. 13 (DS). South of its range was a Com aropes were found in Michigan at Fort Sheridan Oct. 6 (JG, Raven Sept. 19 at Cedar Grove, Wis. (DB).The BorealChickadee JM) and MuskegonOct. 18 (JPo,EH, GW). likewise stageda major invasioninto Minnesotawith impres- sive numbers noted. It was seen as far south as St. Paul and LARIDS -- An imm. jaeger (possiblyPomafine) was seen Lake City. One in Shawano,Wis., Oct. 27 was far s. of its normal at GrandMarais, Mich., Aug. 16 (JG, CG). An ad. jaeger(pos- range (MP). sibly Pomafine)was observedin Ozaukee,Wis., Sept.10 (BC), A Rock Wren was found by Camburn Oct. 17 in Duluth It and an ad. Parasiticwas at SuperiorSept. 20 (RJ).Duluth had was seen and photographedby many other birders later that Parasiticsintermittently between Aug. 2 and Sept. 26, with a day. A Carolina Wren was seen Nov. 17 in Calhoun, M•ch maximum of four Sept. 11 (m.ob.).There were at least 7 Frank- (MI, RT). Golden-crownedKinglet numberswere up in M•n- hn's Gull sightingsin Wisconsinwith 2 in Michigan.However, nesota,but averageelsewhere. A Blue-grayGnatcatcher Sept Minnesotarecorded a major movementin the s.c.part Oct. 1- 4 at Duluth (KE)was n. of its normal range.Late thrushsight- 2 In Faribault 10,000 were noted Oct. 1, with thousands in ingsfor Minnesotaincluded a Veery Oct. 19 in Hennepin(OJ) WasecaOct. 2 (RJa).As usual Little Gulls were recordedalong and a Wood Thrush Oct. 19 in Freeborn (NH). Four Varied the Wisconsinside of L. Michiganduring the fall. At Manitowoc Thrusheswere seenin Minnesotaincluding a very early one a maximum of 11 was noted in early August, with the last Oct. 6 at Grand Marais (K & MH). Wisconsinhad one Nov. 23-t- s•ghtingin late August (m.ob.). One was found at Kewaunee at Park Falls (fide MHa). Wisconsinhad only its 2nd Curve- Sept. 8 (SS).Milwaukee had its usual buildup along the lake- billed Thrasher record when an immature appearedat the front (mainly the Coast Guard Impoundment)between Sep- Hindrickson feeder in Clark Nov. 26. However it was not con- tember and November with a maximum of 12 (m.ob.). firmed until mid-Decemberwhen it commencedappearing Last spring Wisconsin recorded its first Mew Gulls with two regularlyat the feeder.Record-early dates for BohemianWax- •n Milwaukee for severaldays. Surprisingly, another was found wingwere establishedfor Wisconsin--Sept.19 in Ashland(DV) this fall for the state's2nd record.It was discoveredby Baugh- and Minnesota--Sept.30 at Duluth (KE,DM). After the record man at Manitowoc Oct. 30 and was seen later that day by N. Shrikeinvasion last fall andwinter it wassurprising to note Sontag.Unfortunately it could not be locatedon ensuingdays. the goodnumbers in Wisconsinand Michigan this autumn S•ngleThayer's Gulls were found at St. JosephOct. 5 & 12 and Three White-eyedVireos were in Hillsdale,Mich., Sept 6 Nov. 15-16 (JG, JM, JK) and MuskegonOct. 24 (JPo,GV). An (JR). A late Philadelphia Vireo was in Duluth Oct. 14 (KE) early GlaucousGull was at Manitowoc Sept. 13 (CS)with ad- Above-normal numbers of Cape May Warblers migrated ditional sightingsin CrawfordOct. 5 (EM) and at SuperiorOct. through Wisconsinand Minnesota. One of the Yellow-throated 28, with four there Nov. 22+ (RJ).Besides the usual Monroe, Warblersin s. Wisconsinthis summerwas still presentAug Mich., sightings,Great Black-backedGulls were found at Nay- 2 in Rock (DT). The Bay-breastedWarbler found in Duluth anquing Pt., Aug. 23 (RW), Muskegon Oct. 24 (JPo, GV), two Oct. 25 (m.ob.)represented a record departure date. Almost

92 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 (JF). Snow Buntingsappeared with surprisingregularity by mid-October in Wisconsin.Impressive flocks included 2000 Nov. 14 near Muskegon,Mich. (JPo)and 4000 Nov. 17 in Lay- fayette,Wis. (RH). An Orchard Oriole was in Milwaukee Sept. 20 (DH). The finchpicture proved mixed againthis year.A few species moved through the Regionin excellent numbers,but in most casesfew lingered.Other specieswere almostnonexistent this fall. Again it looked like a poor finch winter was developing. Pine Grosbeaksand White-winged Crossbillswere unusually scarceRegionwide. Average numbersor slightly below were noted for Purple Finch, Red Crossbill,and Evening Grosbeak. Common Redpolls,Pine Siskins,and Am. Goldfincheswere observedin above-averagenumbers, especially adjacent to the Great Lakes. Hundreds to thousands were noted for all three species,but only the goldfinchseemed to remain in adequate numbers.In mid-Novembersmall flocksof both crossbillspe- cies were seen migrating along L. Michigan on the Wisconsin side.The HouseFinch continuesto increasein Michigan and RockWren at Duluth, Minn., Oct. 17, 1986.Photo/Kim Eckert. now in Wisconsin. In the latter state, birds came all fall to several Milwaukee and Racine feeders. aslate was the BlackpollWarbler Oct. 24 in GrandMarais (KE e! al.). Very late was a N. Waterthrush Nov. I in Ozaukee, Wis. (DT).Single Kentucky Warblers were in EastGrand Rapids Sept. 19 (JW) and at KalamazooNature Center Sept. 27 (JG). CONTRIBUTORS -- Ray Adams,Philip Ashman,Jeff Baugh- HoodedWarblers were in Milwaukee Aug. 29 (WW) and Sept. man, Dan Berger,Bill Bouton,Dave & Margaret Brasser,K. Cam- 23 (BF). In Michigan they were found at KalamazooNature burn, Bill Cowart, Kim Eckert (Minnesota),Paul Egeland.Laura Center Sept. 7 (JM) and at BloomfieldHills Sept. 18 (JK). Erickson,M & D. Evans,Laurence & Carol Falk, Chip Francke, Beth Frank, Jim Frank, Ray Glassel,Cheryl Granlund, Jim Gran- TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES--A Rose-breasted lund, JanetGreen (JGr), Don Hanbury,Maybelie Hardy (MHa), M. Grosbeakin Dane, Wis., Nov. 16 (PA) was late. Dickcissels Hendrickson(MHe), Mary Hicks,Gary Hindrickson,Ken & Mary were found in Rock (DT) and Fond du Lac (JB), Wis., and in Hoffman,Randy Hoffman, Nancy Holway, Ernie Hoover, Maybelle Duluth Sept. 29 (JGr) and Oct. 21-23 (KE). The latter set a Isham,Robert Janssen (RJa), Dave Jefferson(Die), Dave Johnson. recorddeparture date. Unusually far north were a Field Spar- JoeJohnson, Oscar Johnson, Robbye Johnson, Joe Kaplan,Gene row in Grand Marais Oct. 24 (K & MH) and a Lark Sparrowin Kenaga,D. Kienholz, Everett Knapp, Tom Kogut,Harold Koop- Duluth Sept. I (TS). Unusual were single Lark Buntingsin mann, T. Lamey, Fred Lesher,Ken & JanLuepke, Roy & Charlotte Grand Marais Oct. 19 (K & MH) and Duluth Oct. 28-29 (JN). Lukes,Jim Markham, Ed Merz, D. Meyer, SteveMinard, J.New- man, ion Peterson(JPe), Mark Peterson,Jeff Pippen (JPi), Marlene A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was in Manitowoc Oct. I (HK). The Planck,Rod Planck, A. Plunkerr,Janine Polk, James Ponshair (JPo), Harris' Sparrow migration was unusually poor in Wisconsin, David Powell (Michigan),Jack Reinoehl, Tim Risch, Albert Roy, even in the w. one-half of the state. However, one came to an T. Savaloja,R. Schuldt,Mary Shedd,D. Smaby,Scott Smith (SSm), Ashland feeder for 2 months, last seen Nov. 29 (DV). A Mc- Charles Sontag,James Surman (JSu),ion Sutton, Scott Swengel, Cown'sLongspur discovered by Egelandand Janssenin Duluth Daryl Tessen(Wisconsin), Steve Thiessen, Robert Tompkins, Tom Oct. 19 representedonly the 2nd record for this century. It Tustison,Gus Van Viet, Dick Verch, Terry Walsh, Ron Weeks, was seenand photographedby many the followingday--last GeorgeWickstrom, Steve Wilson, JoanWolfe, Winnie Woodman- seenat sunsetbeing chasedby a N. Shrike towardsWisconsin. see, Jerry Ziarno.--DARYL D. TESSEN, 2 Pioneer Park Place, Early was a Lapland Longspur at Horicon N.W.R., Sept. 14 Elgin, IL 60123.

MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION

Bruce G. Peterjohn

migration,f oneuses thethennumber it was ofanrarities eventful as fall.the measureA surprisingofa number and variety of casual and accidental speciesap- peared in all states.These strayscame from many different areasof the countryand there was no apparentexplanation for their appearancein this Region.However, if movements of the regular migrants are used to measure a season,it was not a spectacularfall. The passefinemigration was particularly disappointing. Migrants were quite evident during late August but were reduced to a trickle in Sep- tember. The mostpronounced flight occurred October 3- 6, but few migrantswere noted during later weeks. Non- passerineswere better represented but their concentrations tended to be very local.

Volrune 41, Nmnber I 93 Weather acrossthe Regioncan be summarizedin three Missouri as evidencedby one or two near Caruthersville words, wet and warm. Above-normal precipitatmn was through Aug. 28 (iL, CP et al.). generallyrecorded during all monthsand approachedor HERONS THROUGH SPOONBILL- Increased reports exceeded record levels during September and October in of both bitterns were encouragingwith a maximum of five many areas.Temperatures were alsogenerally above nor- Americansat 17 locationsand 16 sightingsof Leastsincluding mal in most states.The only unusually cold weather oc- late birdsin Buchanan,Mo., Nov. 11 (LGa)and Coles,Ill., Nov curred during mid-November,but temperaturesquickly I (BH).Normal numbers of GreatBlue Herons included con- rebounded.Unlike previousyears, winter weather had yet centrationsof 92-221 in most states.Great Egretswere wide- to make an appearancein most areasby the end of No- spreadonly in Illinois,with maxima of 200-300 at 4 locations, vember. while 134at RunnelsW.M.A., Aug.30 (JSi)made a largenum- ber for Iowa. Goodnumbers of SnowyEgrets consisted of 11 ABBREVIATIONS- Spfid.= Springfield,Ill.; O.W.R. = Ot- reports from all statesexcept Indiana with flocksof 44 at tawa Nat'l Wildlife Ref., O.; M.M.W.A. = Magee Marsh Wildlife HorseshoeL., Ill., Aug. 27 (RG)and 11 in Fremont,Ia., Aug 2 ManagementArea, O.; S.C.R.= SquawCreek Nat'] Wildlife Ref., (RM, SD).Except in s.e.Missouri, Little Blue Heronswere rel- Mo.; Say.Res. = Say]orvilleReservoir, Ia. Italicizedplace names atively scarcealong the MississippiR. Elsewhere,they ap- are counties. pearedat 15 scatteredlocations in all stateswith maximaof 31 at Havana,Ill., Aug. 17 (RCh)and 20 in s.w.Iowa and n w. LOONS THBOUGH ANHINGA- Red-throated Loons Missouri. The Tricolored Heron was noted at L. Calumet, Ill, returnedto normal after last year'sinflux with one or two at throughAug. 3O.Except near their s.e. Missourinesting col- a total of 5 locations in Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana Nov. 8-22. onies,Cattle Egrets were ratherscarce for the 2nd consecutive More PacificLoons were reported,possibly a resultof increased fall. Largestconcentrations were of 200 at S.C.R., Aug. 23 (L), observerawareness of a speciesthat may prove to be a rare plus 112 in w. Kentucky,71 in s.w. Iowa, 48 alongw. Lake but regularfall migrantthrough the n. states.Acceptably doc- Erie, and 46-47 in Illinois. The expectedstragglers during No- umented recordsconsisted of singleimmatures at Horseshoe vember were last noted in s. Illinois Nov. 23. Green-backed L, Ill., Oct. 29-Nov. 8 (BR,tRG, m.ob.)and Say.Res., Nov. 22- Heronswere greatlyreduced in mostareas. Only Illinoissup- 30 (tRM et al., m.ob.),a 2nd-winter Pacificat Lorain Nov. 22- portedscattered small flocks with a maximumof 30 at L. Cal- 30 for Ohio's2nd record (tJ, tMG, m.ob.),and an adult at Alton, umet Aug. 30 (RP).Black-crowned Night-Herons were scarce, Ill, Now. 18-20 (tCP, tPS, m.ob.). Movements of Com. Loons even in areaswhere they normally congregate;the largest were associatedwith November cold fronts,producing local concentrationwas of 116in n. Illinois.The 17 reportsof Yellow- concentrationsof 327 at Say. Res., Nov. I (SD), 220 at Monroe crownedNight-Herons were normal for fall and included15 Res.,Ind., Nov. 2 CMMa),550 at Port of Indiana, Ind., Nov. 11 in Fremont,Ia., Aug. I (JF). UnidentifiedPleqadis ibises were (KM), 236 at Cleveland Nov. 19 (TL), 162-240 at 3 Indiana detected in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. By far, the most sur- lakes Nov. 27-29, and 357 in Delaware, O., Dec. I (CJ). prising wader was an imm. RoseateSpoonbill discoveredat Pied-billedGrebes were reducedfrom last year with maxima DefianceSept. 24 (tRE, •DD), establishingthe first recordfor of 286 at Say.Res., Ia., Sept.29 (SD)and 28-103 in the other Ohio. states.The earliest Horned Grebe returned to Iowa Aug. 25. Numbersimproved somewhat with maximaof 200at Louisville WATERFOWL -- An early Tundra Swan at Sandusky,O, Nov. 3 (BP),125 alongL. Erie, and 37-90 elsewhere.An ex- Sept. 14 (RH) may have summeredlocally sincethe first rin- ceptionalnumber of Red-neckedGrebes consisted of 5 Iowa, grantsdid not returnuntil earlyNovember. There were strong 2 Ohio,and 2 Illinoisreports, Sept. 29-Nov. 24.They are casual movementsalong L. Erie Nov. 2 & 11, particularly the latter migrantsin Kentucky,where singleswere discoveredat Jackson date, when thousandsmigrated along the entire lakefrontand Oct. 16 (tA & TR) and BarkleyL., Nov. 29 (tBP et al.). Few throughoutn.e. Ohio while 113 appearedon c. Ohio lakes Eared Grebeswere detected in the w. states,while as many This movementwas not evidentelsewhere along the traditional as three at 4 locations in Illinois and two in Ohio constituted migrationcorridor, as the largestconcentrations totalled 150 normal numbersfor recent years.Seven reports of W. Grebes in n.e. Iowa Nov. 15 and 80 in n. Illinois Nov. 5. The few ex- from the w. statesincluded an early migrant at Say. Res.,Sept. tralimital reportsincluded three at Truman Res.,Mo., Nov 13 (SD).They have recentlybecome regular fall migrantsin 23 (WL), two at BallardW.M.A., Ky., Nov. 30 (BPet al.), and Illinois where one or two were acceptablydescribed at 4 lo- one at HorseshoeL., II1.,Nov. 6 (PSet al.). Few GreaterWhite- cations Oct. 19-Nov. 19. fronted Geesewere reportedin the w. statesand there was An immature N. Gannet at Lorain Nov. 23-27 (tTL, m.ob.) onlyone Illinois sighting. They are casualfall migrantsfarther provided Ohio's first record since 1983. A flock of 4400 Am. east, where nine wandered to Monroe Res., Ind., Oct. 5 (DW White Pelicansat Say.Res., Sept. 21 (SD)was ratherlarge for et al.) and three to BallardW.M.A., Ky., Nov. 30. In the w Iowa. They also appearedin goodnumbers farther east. Six stateswhere they are expected,Ross' Geese peaked with 11 Illinois reportsincluded flocks of 65 at Mark Twain N.W.R., at DeSotoN.W.R., Ia., Nov. 11 (RM). They are becomingannual Oct. 14 (GB) and 22 at Navoo Oct. 15 (RCr). Casualor rare migrantsthrough Illinois where one was studiedat Spfld.,Nov migrantsin othere. states,singles were discoveredin Kentucky 23-Dec. 9 (•H, m.ob.).In Kentucky,a Ross'Goose was discov- at TaylorsvilleL., Aug. 8-13 (CR, BP et al.), Cornith L. in late ered amongthe largeflock of Snow Geeseat BallardW.M A, October(RMo), and Louisville Nov. 10 (JC),while oneappeared Nov. 30 (•BPet al.), providinga firstrecord for the state.The at MonroeRes., Ind., Oct. 3 (LS,DW), and Ohio reportsconsisted speciesmay prove to be regularat that locationas well. Last of one or two at Hoover Res.,Sept. 5-8 and Oct. 14-Nov. 8 (CJ, year'sBrant flight was not repeated,as the only reportwas of TT, m.ob.) and one at L. Cowan Oct. 29-Nov. 1 (fide LG). Dou- a flock of 18 along L. Erie Nov. 4. ble-crestedCormorants were notedin unprecedentednumbers. The puddleduck migration was lackluster at best,the only Iowa reportsincluded an impressive2305 at Say. Res.,Oct. 14 notable concentrationbeing of 3500 Green-wingedTeal at (SD)and 600-900 at 3 other lakes,while an estimated1000+ O.W.R.,Oct. 5. A • Eur. Wigeonwas widely observedin Cook, roostedat O.W.R. in September.An Oct. 4 movement along Oct. 12-31 (PW, m.ob.),providing one of few fall recordsfor L Michigantotalled 367 at Wilmette, Ill. (JL)and 115at Miller Illinois.Diving ducks were betterrepresented although they Beach,Ind. (KB et al.), and flocksof 450 at Carlyle L., Nov. 8 were alsothought to be in low numbersin many areas.The (MC) and 354 in Carroll Aug. 21 (SB)were large for inland expectedconcentrations at Keokuk,Ia., totalled10,000 Can- Illinois. Most unexpectedwas an ad. OlivaceousCormorant vasbacksand 15,000 LesserScaup Nov. 2 (RC). King Eiders observedin the Joliet,Ill., area Aug. 22-Oct. 5 (tJMi, m.ob.). It were noted for the 2nd consecutive fall in Iowa where two providedthe 2nd staterecord, the first beinga specimencol- were shot out of a flock of four at Clear L., Nov. 17 (JH, * to lected in 1878. Anhingasare becomingregular visitorsto s.e. ISU). The only Great Lakesreport was of one at'ChicagoNov

94 American Birds, Spnng 1987 Res., Sept. 20 (CK, TK) were unexpected for fall. An excep- tionally late ad. Broad-wingedwas thoroughlystudied at Spfid., Nov. 28-30 (•H). As expected, small numbers of Swainsoh's Hawks filtered through the w. stateswith a maximum of 30 in Woodbury,Ia., Sept. 27 (DT). The only sighting farther e. was of an immature at Spfid., Sept. 25 (•H). The largest Red- tailed Hawk flightswere composedof 78-97 in Iowa and Illinois. An early Rough-leggedHawk returned to Iowa Sept. 28, but only small numberswere scatteredthroughout the Regionby late November.The 7 GoldenEagle sightings in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri made a normal number for fall. Both Merlins and PeregrineFalcons were widely reported in numbers that surpassedlast year's totals. However, Peregrinesightings are augmentedby captivebirds being released in severallocalities. Unlike last year, there were no exceptional flights of either species,and the largest movements consistedof five Merlins at Wilmette, IlL, Oct. 5 (JL)and sevenPeregrines at Mississippi Palisades,S.P., Ill., Sept. 27 (P). A dark-phaseGyrfalcon was studiedat Miller Beach,Ind., on the exceptionallyearly date Immature male King Eider near MontroseBeach, Chicago, Ill., of Sept.16 (•KB),providing the first documentedrecord for the Nov. 29, 1986. Photo/JoeMiloserich. state. While this early date raises questionson the falcon's possibleorigins, in all likelihoodthese questions will neverbe 24-30 (•m.ob.).Normal numbersof Harlequin Ducks consisted conclusively answered. In any event, the bird behaved nor- of singlesat one L. Michigan and 2 L. Erie locationsNov. 4- mally as it chasedgulls along the lakefront. 23. Oldsquawswere lessnumerous than last year with a max- The rail migration was unremarkable. Single Kings were imum of 90 along L. Michigan and 12 inland reportsfrom the discoveredin Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Soraspeaked with n. states.Scoters were reducedfrom last year although their 60 at SauerheberW.M.A., Sept. 7 (BP), an impressivenumber numberswere still impressivewhen comparedwith reports for Kentucky, and a late migrant remained at Perry, Ia., Nov. from 10 years ago.Black Scoterspeaked with 55 on L. Erie and 17 (RM). Normal numbers of Com. Moorhens included a max- 13-14 on L. Michigan. Six inland reports from the n. states imum of 31 in n. Illinois plus lingering birds through Oct. 29 included 3 Iowa sightingswith a maximum of six at Diamond in Kentucky. Unlike ducks, Am. Coots remained plentiful as L., Oct. 31 (DK). Surf Scoter was the most numerous scoter evidencedby 25,000at S.C.R.,Oct. 19 (L). The Sandhill Crane this fall with 65 on L. Michigan at Wilmette, Ill., Oct. 18 (JL) migration acrossn. Illinois peaked Oct. 5 with flocks of 109- and a maximum of eight at 23 inland locations in all states 165. Migrants from Jasper-PulaskiW.M.A., Ind., passedover except Missouri.White-winged Scoterswere reported from 15 Kentucky and Indiana during November, with a peak of 4596 inland sites,and 20 on L. Michigan constitutedthe largestGreat near Monroe Res., Ind., Nov. 2 (LS). Two reports from s.w. Lakesflock. ACom. Goldeneyeat L. Lemon, Ind., Oct. 10 (LS) Ohio included a maximum of 75 at L. Cowan Nov. 14-18 (LG), was early, while three Com. Mergansersat Barkley L., Ky., and extralimital singlesappeared at Say. Res., Nov. 22 (B & Sept. I (BP) had probably summeredlocally. LPa et al.) and BallardW.M.A., Ky., Nov. 30 (BPet aL).

HAWKS THROUGH CRANES--It was an exceptional SHOREBIRDS -- The excessiverainfall floodedmany tra- year for migratinghawks, with substantialmovements across ditional shorebirdareas although local concentrationsdevel- a broad corridor extendingfrom c. Iowa to n.w. Indiana and oped in most states.The flight was respectablebut generally souththrough Illinois and Missouri.The only extralimitalBlack lacked large concentrations.A botulismoutbreak at Cleveland Vulture wandered N to Delaware,O., Oct. 23 {KA) while flocks unfortunatelydecimated shorebirds migrating along the lake- of sevenat 2 roostsin Taneywere indicativeof their abundance front. Black-bellied Ploverswere unusually scarceand Lesser in s.w. Missouri {PMa). Ospreysstaged their best movement Golden-Ploverswere reducedfrom last year with a maximum in many years with peaks of six to 15 in all states.As their of 188 in Iowa. The latter specieslingered through Nov. 16 in numbersincrease, Ospreys are lingeringlater eachfall; singles Iowa, Ia. (LH} and Nov. 22 at Mermet Lake W.M.A., Ill. (DR, remained through Nov. 20-25 in Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. TF). It was a poor year for migrant Piping Plovers with a Two extralimital MississippiKites wandered to n.w. Missouri total of only 4 reportsfrom Ohio and Illinois plus one at Ken- at St. JosephSept. 21 {L). Bald Eaglescontinued their steady tucky L., Ky., Oct. 4 {m.ob.)where they are very rare migrants. improvement. Seven at O.W.R. in Octobermade a large num- American Avocets were representedby 17 reports from all ber for Ohio, and the expected larger concentrationswere states except Missouri, constituting a fairly good fall flight. noted farther west. The Sharp-shinned Hawk migration The largestflocks appeared in Iowa with 22 at Say. Res.,Aug. through Iowa peaked Sept. 21 with 128 in Polk {SD)and 108 12 (SD)and 13 at the IPL pondsSept. 23 (B & LPa). One lingered in Marshall (M & BPr), while the largest Illinois movement at Navoo, IlL, through Nov. 9 {RC). A Greater Yellowlegsin totalled 311 Sept. 28 and 168 Oct. 5 in DuPage(HC et at.) plus DeKalb,Mo., Nov. 23 {LGa)was late, aswas a SolitarySandpiper 177 at Carlyle L., Oct. 4 (RG et at.). Inland movementsof such at Spfid., Oct. 27 {H). Willets were rather scarcewith only 11 magnitude are unexpected in this Region. Good numbers of reportsfrom all statesexcept Kentucky including maxima of Cooper'sHawks were reportedand included movementsof 37 12 in Iowa and six along L. Erie. The latest SpottedSandpiper in Polk, Ia., Sept. 21 {SD)and 20 at MississippiPalisades S.P., remained at MississippiR. Dam 18, Ia.-Ill., through Nov. 2 IlL, Sept. 27 {P). An early N. Goshawk at the latter location {m.ob.).A normal Whimbrel flight alongthe Great Lakescom- Sept.27 presageda very small movementwith only 9 reports prised 7 sightingsfrom Ohio and Illinois, with maxima of 15 from Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio. at O.W.R.,Aug. 4 and three on L. Michigan.They are accidental The Broad-wingedHawk flightsconveniently coincided with inland, where one was reported from Rend L., Ill., Sept. 21 weekends. The largest movements totalled 923 in Marshall, {•TF}. It was a poor year for Hudsonian Godwits with only 4 Ia., Sept. 21 {M & BPr), 2800 at MississippiPalisades S.P., Ill., Great Lakes sightingsand a maximum of eight at O.W.R. The Sept. 27 (P), 1800 in Henderson,IlL {MB) and 1500 in Ames, only inland Hudsonianwas discoveredat Woodburn,Ind., Sept. Ia., Sept. 28 (SD), and 2178 at Carlyle L., IlL {RG et at.) and 7-8 (Haw). Marbled Godwits were alsoscarce with a maximum 2000 at Spfid., Oct. 4 (H). In Indiana, reports of 200-220 at of four alongL. Erie and one at Rend L.. IlL, Aug. 2 (tTF). A Dunes S.P., Sept. 17 & 20 {PW, JKe) and 173 at Eagle Creek late Ruddy Turnstonelingered at Lorain, O., Nov. 27 (m.ob.).

Volume 41, Number I 95 Normal numbers of Red Knots migrated along the Great bfileds The earhestThayer's Gulls returned to ChicagoNov Lakes w•th a maximum of nine on L. Erie. S•ghtmgsfrom 9 9 (JL) and Alton, Ill., Nov. 13 (CP),with reportselsewhere on roland sites were more than normal; singles on 3 dates at the Great Lakes and southto Spfid.by the end of the month Louisville Aug. 24-Sept. 10 (BP),three at Say. Res.,Aug. 5-6 One at Say. Res., Nov. 23-26+ ($SD,$m.ob.) provided a 2nd (tSD, tTM), and one at Rend L., Ill., Aug. 20 (•TF et al.) were acceptablydocumented record for Iowa. Iceland Gulls at East- at locationswhere they are casualmigrants at best.Sanderlings lake, O., Nov. 11 (D & JHo,RHn) and ChicagoNov. 16 (JL) were were numerousonly in Iowa with a maximum of 49 at Big early for a speciesseldom observed before December. The ex- Creek L., Sept. 11 (SD)and a late bird at Cone Marsh Nov. 10 pandingLesser Black-backed Gull appearedat 3 inland loca- (TD). Good numbers of W. Sandpiperswere represented by tions where still accidental,with singlesat Keokuk, Ia.-Ill, 75+ at O.W.R., Sept.21 (Jet al.) and 30 in Carlisle,Ky., Aug. Oct. 20-21 (tRC), L. Gibson,Ind., Nov. 2 ($DJet al.) and Say 31 (BP).A flock of 750+ LeastSandpipers in Fulton Oct. 4 (BP) Res.,Nov. 29 ($SD,$BW). There was also one report from L constituted a large number for Kentucky, and one remained Michigan and as many asthree at scatteredsites along L. Erie throughNov. 27 in s.Illinois. White-rumped Sandpipers peaked Accidental inland, a Great Black-backed Gull was discovered with 13 alongL. Erie, and a late bird was discoveredin Monroe, at Joliet,Ill., Nov. 19 ($JMi),and oneat Say.Res., Nov. 30 (tSD, Ind., Nov. 10 (DW). It was a goodyear for Baird's Sandpipers $PM) provided the 3rd Iowa record. Black-leggedKittiwakes with maxima of 61 in Polk, Ia., Sept.9 (SD)and sevento 16 in were scarcewith only 2 reportsfrom L. Erie including an adult the other states.A few lingeredinto early Novemberwith the at Cleveland Nov. 15 (Jet al.). An extraordinary sevenimm latest at C.J.Brown Res.,O., Nov. 13 (DO, KA). Pectoral Sand- Sabine'sGulls graced Carlyle L., Ill., Sept. 23-28 (LHa, BR, p•pers peaked with 2000 at Rice Lake W.M.A., Ill., Aug. 28 m.ob.), providingan unprecedentedinland concentrationfor (TP). Purple Sandpiperswere scarcealong the Great Lakes this Region. One also appearedat Say. Res., Oct. 5 ($SD)for with singlesin Ohio and IndianaNov. 11-16. The mostunusual Iowa's 6th record. shorebirdof the seasonwas an ad. Curlew Sandpiper widely Numbers of most terns continued their long-term dechne, observedat L. Calumet,Ill., Aug. 24-31 (•JP,m.ob.). Stilt Sand- especiallyalong L. Erie where few were noted w. of O.W R p•pers accumulated in local concentrationssuch as 100 at Caspianspeaked with 321 at Say. Res.,Sept. 13 (SD) and 175 HorseshoeL., Ill., Aug. 15 (PS)and 80 alongw. Lake Erie. Buff- at O.W.R., Aug. 28 (ET), and lingered through Oct. 31 in In- breastedSandpipers were universally scarce.Ruffs appeared diana. Largest concentrations of Com. Terns totalled 1000+ m the Chicagoarea with two males at L. Calumet, July 26- along w. Lake Erie and 260 on L. Michigan in n.w. Indiana A Aug. 25 (•m.ob.)and a female at Gary, Ind., Aug. 9-10 (•KB, total of 78 Forster'sTerns at Kentucky L., Oct. 5 made a large m.ob.).Short-billed Dowitchers at Lake St. Marys, O., Oct. 12 numberfor Kentucky(BP) and a maximum of 130 was reported ( JM, DO) and ChicagoOct. 24 (JL)were late. Long-billedDow- along w. Lake Erie. A late Forster's remained at Barkley L, •tchers peaked with 250+ at O.W.R., Oct. 5 but were scarce Ky., Nov. 29 (BP). A remarkable 36 Least Terns congregated elsewhere.It was a poorfall for Wilson'sPhalaropes with few at StocktonL., Mo., Sept. 5 (RMa et al.) while flocks of 10-12 reportsand no more than five at any location.In contrast,Red- in w. Kentucky and eight in w. Iowa were more representative neckedPhalaropes were widely scatteredin all statesexcept of recent years.Extralimital Leastswandered to all statesex- Kentucky includingflocks of 30 at Big Creek L., 'Ia., Sept. 1 cept Ohio including adults with two dependentyoung at L (SD),22 at O.W.R.,Sept. 28 (Jet al.), and 13 at RiceLake W.M.A., Gibson,Ind., Aug. 22 (AB) and singlesE to Louisville Sept. 2 Ill., Sept. 3 (TP). Only one Red Phalaropewas reportedalong (BP et al.) and Green River L., Ky., Sept. 14 (DS, FS). It was a L Erie where they are regular migrants.Elsewhere, one ap- poor year for Black Terns with maxima of 160 at Cleveland peared at Port of Indiana, Ind., Oct. 16-18 (CFi, m.ob.), and Aug. 12 (TL) and 20-63 in the other states. roland singles were detected at Hoover Res., O., Sept. 19 (tJ, MG), Thomas Hill Res., Mo., Sept. 21 (•RB), C.J. Brown CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- Low numbers of Res., O., Oct. 20 (•KA et al.), and Lake of Ozarks S.P., Mo., both cuckooscontinued throughout the fall, and the customary Oct. 26 (WL). stragglersremained into late October. Small numbers of Greater Roadrunnerspersist in s.w. Missouriwith severalre- JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- It was anothergood fall portsin Taney this fall. Two Com. Barn-Owls were discovered for jaegerswith most confinedto the Great Lakes:Parasitics Sept. 12 in Dallas, Ia. (RM) where they are rare summer res•- were mostnoticeable on L. Michigan with three at Hammond, dents. Small numberswere also reported from Missouri and Ind., Oct. 4 (•KBet al.) and a remarkablenine at Wilmette, Ill., Kentucky.The earliestSnowy Owl returnedto ClevelandNov Oct. 25 (JL).Only oneParasitic was adequately described from 3, but they generallyappeared in the n. statesduring the last L Erie and an immaturewas closelystudied and photographed week of November with a more substantialmovement dunng at Monroe, Res.,Ind., Sept.5-9 (•LS, DW). There were 7 other early December.A maximum of three at 7 locationsin the n reportsof unidentifiedjaegers on the Great Lakes and one in stateswas indicative of a modestflight at best.They are casual n Illinois. visitorsto Missouri, where there were 3 reportss. to the St LaughingGulls stagedanother goodmovement but not in Louis area by early December.Three Burrowing Owls in Sac, the large numbers of last year. Only single birds were en- Ia., Aug. 15 may have indicated a successfulnesting attempt counteredat 3 Great Lakeslocations. Inland reportsconsisted in the area (fide JD).The other migrant owls were noted •n of one in Ohio, a total of four at Kentucky L. and Barkley L., normal numberswith 5 Long-earedsightings in the n. states, Ky., Oct. 25 (BP), and sightingsat 7 Illinois locationswith a 13 Short-earedreports in all statesexcept Missouri, and single maximum of five at Clinton L., Aug. 30 (•RCh) and a late bird N. Saw-whetsin eachstate. The latter speciesis rarely reported at Alton Nov. 16 (RA).Early Franklin'sGulls returned to Spfid., in Kentucky,where an injured bird was foundin NelsonNov Aug. 2 (H) and KentuckyL., Ky., Aug. 9 (MM, JEr).Small num- 11 (JA). The Corn. Nighthawk migration was normal with a berswere widely reportedin all statesbut largeconcentrations maximum of 1200 in ChicagoSept. 4 (JL) and flocks of 500+ appearedonly in Iowa with 37,840at Say.Res., Oct. 9 (SD)and in many other locations.Late migrantsincluded one at Spfld, 1500 at 2 other lakes. Little Gulls were rather scarce on L. Erie Oct. 26 (H) and eightat Keokuk,Ia., Oct. 24 where one remained w•th only scatteredsingles reported. More noteworthy on L. throughOct. 29 (•RC).A Chuck-will's-widowin CallowaySept Michigan were different birds at Michigan City, Ind., Oct. 23 9 providedan unusual fall recordfor Kentucky (MM). (tKB, LHi) & 24 (•CFi), and one at ChicagoNov. 26 (•JMi). The Late Chimney Swiftswere notedthrough Oct. 26 in Warren, only Com. Black-headedGull observedwas at ClevelandNov. Ia. (SD)and Oct. 28 in Buchanan,Mo. (L). Ruby-throatedHum- 14+ (WK, m.ob.).A total of 539 Bonaparte'sGulls at Say.Res., mingbirdsreceived mixed reportsalthough 38 accumulated Oct. 17 made a large number for Iowa. For comparison,Bona- at MiddleforkW.M.A., Ill., Sept.6 (SB).They remainedthrough parte's along the Cleveland-Lorain lakefront in November Oct. 13-15 in several states.Selasphorus hummingbirds at- probablyexceeded 100,000 and were joined by 200,000+Ring- tracted more attention. Single immatures at Eldon, Mo., Nov

96 American Birds, Spnng 1987 Sept.14 (HZ). The only concentrationof Barn Swallowstotalled 1400 at S. BassIs., O., Aug. 18 (KA). They lingered into No- vember at 4 locationswith the latest Nov. 11-12 at E. St. Louis, Ill. (tRG) and Nov. 10 in Iowa, Ia. (LH].

CORVIDS THROUGH SHBIKES-- The largest roostsof Am. Crows totalled 12,000at Keokuk, Ia., Nov. 17 (RC) and 10,000 at Harvey L., Ind., Nov. 16 {CK}. Fish Crows were re- stricted to their normal MississippiR. range with a maximum of 45 in Monroe, IlL, Sept. 27 {RG}.There was no noticeableS movementof Black-cappedChickadees this fall. Red-breasted Nuthatcheswere generallyscarce except for local concentra- tionsof 15-19 in Illinois.Scattered Brown Creepers during late Augustand early Septemberwere probablysummer residents. Migrants were scarce in many areas. Three reports of Rock Wrens were unexpected. There are few recent recordsfrom Iowa, where singleswere noted at Cedar RapidsOct. 30 {fD & HF} and Say. Res., Nov. 22-30 {lB & LPa, m.ob.}. They are accidentalin Illinois, where one appearedat Fulton Sept. 28 {tRPe}.Small numbersof Bewick'sWrens were reportedfrom Kentucky, Missouri, and s. Illinois while one was discovered Sept.1 in Lee,Ia., where they are casualvisitors {fRC}. A singing Winter Wren in Des Moines, Ia., Aug. 28 {P} was probably a summerresident. Migrants were not particularlyplentiful with a maximum of 25 alongL. Erie. Small numbersof SedgeWrens were scatteredacross all statesincluding possibleterritorial birds at ReelfootW.M.A., Ky., Sept. 1+ {BP}. Kingletsstaged an excellentmigration along L. Erie but only local concentrationsdeveloped elsewhere. Golden-crowneds Selasphorushummingbird (Rufousor Allen's) at Eldon, Mo., peakedwith an estimated2500 on S. BassIs., O., Oct. 5 {KA} Nov. 14, 1986. The throat pattern indicatesan immature male, and 130 in Polk, Ia., Oct. 3 {SD}.An early Ruby-crownedre- but the bird cannotbe identifiedto species.Photo/Jim Ratbert. turned to Allamakee, Ia., Aug. 6 {MD} and the Oct. 5 flight along L. Erie produced concentrationsof 1400 on S. BassIs. 14+ and Salisbury,Mo., Nov. 15-30 (tJW)were thought to be and 400 at O.W.R. The thrush migration was unimpressive.A Rufousalthough their tail patternswere not describedin ad- Townsend'sSolitaire was discoverednear LedgesS.P., Ia., Oct. equatedetail to eliminateall similarspecies. It isnot necessarily 29 {fSD} where they are casualmigrants. Catharus thrushes safe to assumethese hummers are Rufous. A Selasphorus were scarceon the ground although substantialnumbers of hummingbird at a Virden, Ill., feeder since late August was night migrants passedoverhead. The only Varied Thrush re- identifiedas an imm. Broad-tailedHummingbird Nov. 22-24 ported was at St. Joseph,IlL, Dec. 5 {PB,•EC}. Mimids elicited on the basisof its tail pattern,which includedentirely green few commentsexcept for the customarylate migrantsand 60 central rectricesand largelyblack outer rectriceswith rufous Gray Catbirds at Lacey-KeosauquaS.P., Ia., Sept. 27 (JSa et basesand extensivewhite tips (fH, m.ob.).It providedthe first al.}. BohemianWaxwings are rare migrantsin w. and c. Iowa, Regionalrecord for this species.Migrant woodpeckers elicited where one or two appearedat 4 locationsNov. 15+; none was few comments.Two Yellow-belliedSapsuckers near Bellevue, recordedelsewhere. Flocks of Cedar Waxwings were wide- Ia., Aug. 22 (P) were probablysummer residents.They were spreadthrough October but numberswere greatlydiminished scarcein many areaswith a maximum of 30 alongL. Erie Oct. in November.The earliestN. Shrikereturned to ChicagoOct. 4. Therewere few substantialmovements of N. Flickersexcept 12 {JL}.A goodflight developedin Iowa with 12 reportss. to for 110 along w. Lake Erie Oct. 5. Mills, but only 2 sightingsin Indiana and 3 in Illinois repre- The flycatchermigration was unremarkablewith no large sentednormal numbersfor fall. Few LoggerheadShrikes were movements reported. Noteworthy late records included reportedfrom n. areas. Olive-sided Flycatchersin Dallas, Ia., Oct. 5 (RM) and Bu- chanan, Mo., Oct. 1 (L), an Acadian at HeadlandsS.P., O., Oct. VIBEOS, WARBLERS -- Both groupsreturned early and 5 (J, JM), and Great Crestedin Vermilion, Ill., Oct. 7 (SB).Nor- were widespreadin s. areas by late August. The September mal numbersof W. Kingbirdspassed through the w. states movements tended to be local and unremarkable with the most while extralimitalsingles appeared at L. Rockwell,O., Sept.6 pronouncedRegionwide flight occurringOct. 3-5. This flight (LR), Hoover Res., O., Sept. 14 (MG, •J) and Fairmount, Ill., producedan abruptend to their migrationexcept for scattered Sept. 15 (JS).Largest movements of E. Kingbirdstotalled only stragglersthat lingeredinto November.The only exceptionally 24-27. A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher near Jasper,Mo., Nov. 20 late vireo was a Solitary in Burlington,Ia., Nov. 2 {fC & JaF}. was also late (JDo). Noteworthy concentrationswere reportedonly from Iowa with The swallow migrationwas typical for fall with local con- 26 Solitariesat AmesAug. 30 {SD}and 75 Red-eyedsat George centrationsin most states.Purple Martins were rather scarce Wyth S.P., Sept. 7 {RC, JSa}. with the only reportedroost of 8000 at S. BassIs., O., Aug. 23 SingleBlue-winged and Golden-wingedwarblers at Louis- (KA). They remained through Oct. 12-15 at several Illinois ville Oct. 10 were both late (DN}.Three "Brewster's"and two sites.Tree Swallows were numerous with a maximum of 12,000 "Lawrence's"hybridswere reportedthis fall. TennesseeWar- in Henderson,IlL, Oct. 4 (MB) and flocksof 1000-6500 in most blerspeaked with 80 at Warsaw,Ill., Aug. 27 (RC}and 50-65 other states.Northern Rough-wingedspeaked with 2500 in at othersites in Illinois and Iowa. NashvilleWarblers lingered Buchanan, Mo., Oct. I (L) and 2000 at Mark Twain N.W.R., into November in Indiana and Kentucky with the latest at Ill., Sept.28 (SRet al.). The largestconcentration of BankSwal- Berea,Ky., Nov. 17 {tA & TR}. A Virginia's Warbler at S.C.R., lows totalled 3800 in Hancock,Ill., Aug. 9 (RC)while a max- Aug. 30 {fWL} was completelyunexpected, providing the first imum of 2500 congregatedalong w. Lake Erie. A flock of 1000 recordfor Missouri. Rarely observedafter early September,a Cliff Swallowsin VermilionSept. 10 waslarge for Illinois,while Yellow Warbler at ClevelandOct. 4 {LR}was late. An early a similar number was estimated at Hendrickson Marsh, Ia., Chestnut-sidedWarbler returned to Charleston,Ill., Aug. 11

Volume 41, Number I 97 (BH) and 72 at LedgesS P, Ia, Aug 23 made a large concen- stltuteda noteworthytotal for Kentucky(BP et al ) An early tration for fall (SD). Cape May Warblers stagedan excellent White-throated Sparrow returned to Ames, Ia., Sept. 4 (PM) flight as evidencedby 135 at S. BassIs., O., Sept. 5 (KA) and but numberswere low with only scatteredreports of 100-292 31 in the Dunesarea of n.w. Indiana Aug. 28 (KB et al.). They Few Harris' Sparrowswandered E with only single sightings are normally rare in Iowa, where there were 10 reports,in- in c. Illinois and n.w. Indiana. Accidental anywhere in the cluding an incredible 11 at Ames Aug. 27 (PM). One was also Region, a McCown's Longspur was flushed from Tabervllle noted in n.w. Missouri. Unusual numbers of Black-throated Prairie, Mo., Nov. 15 (tWL). Lapland Longspursreturned to Blue Warblers appearedin the w. stateswith at least 12 in e. Cleveland Sept. 25 but were numerous only in Illinois and and c. Iowa and four reportedfrom Missouri.A Yellow-rumped Iowa, with maxima of 1250 in Polk, Ia., Oct. 30 (SD)and 1210 Warbler at M.M.W.A., Aug. 31 (ET)was earlybut their numbers in Vermilion, Ill., Nov. 14 (SB). Smith's Longspurswere re- were unimpressivewith a maximum of 200 in s. Illinois. In portedonly from one Illinois location.An early Snow Bunting keeping with the other w. strays this fall, Kentucky's first at Hinckley, O., Oct. 8 (RH) was followed by a good move- Black-throated{gray Warbler was discovered at a Lexington ment acrossn. Ohio, n. Indiana, and Iowa, including flocks cemetery Nov. 28•- (tBA, m.ob.). A Yellow-throatedWarbler of 100-350. at O.W.R., Sept. 13 (J, MG) providedone of few fall records Few Bobolinkswere reported,and this once-commonmi- for n.w. Ohio, while another was equally unusual in n.e. In- grant appearsto be declining.The largestconcentration was diana at Fox Is., Aug. 12 (Haw). A very late Yellow-throated of 100 in Iowa. Extralimital Yellow-headed Blackbirds ap- was noted at Berea, Ky., Nov. 10-11 (tA & TR). Two Prairie peared at 3 c. and s. Illinois sites,with a maximum of six at Warblerswere detectedAug. 12-15 in s.e. Iowa in Lee (RC), Spfid., Oct. 3 (H), and one was noted at Cleveland Sept. 28 where they may be summer residents.One in Andrew Aug. (RH).Normal numbersin the w. statesincluded a late migrant 18 (LGa)was unusualfor n.w. Missouri.Palm Warblerspeaked in Iowa through Nov. 19. Brewer'sBlackbirds were scattered with 75•- in the Chicagoarea Sept. 27. The earliestBay-breasted acrossall statesexcept Kentucky with a maximum of 12 in c Warbler returned to ClevelandAug. 4 (DC) while one at Rad- Illinois.The expandingGreat-tailed Grackle peaked with 114 cliff, Ky., Nov. 15 was late (RHe). Goodnumbers of Blackpoll at S.C.R.,Aug. 11 (LGa) and 30 in Fremont,Ia., through Oct 2 Warblers also appeared along the Great Lakes. A Cerulean (m.ob.). Late Orchard Orioles were noted at L. Manawa, Ia, Warbler at AmesSept. 26 (PM) providedone of few fall records Oct. 19 (tTB, B & LPa) and Shelby,Ill., Sept. 20 (KF). for Iowa. The winter finch movementwas lessthan impressivethis Other late warblers included a Black-and-white at Kaskaskia year. The only Pine Grosbeakwas found dead in Chicagoin W.M.A., Ill., Oct. 31 (YM) and an Am. Redstart at Berea, Ky., October (WM). A Purple Finch at Ames, Ia., Aug. 26 was Oct. 27 (A & TR). A Worm-eatingWarbler at ChicagoSept. 14 thought to be an early migrant. Generally small numberswere providedthat area'sfirst fall recordsince 1969 (WM). Ovenbirds detected in most states. House Finches have become common were numerousonly as casualtiesat a Spfid.tower during early in Illinois with flocks of 25+ noted in Spfid. and Evanston October.One at ChicagoNov. 5 was late (JL). A tardy Hooded They are becomingregular in Iowa, with 2 reportsin the Dav- Warbler was notedat L. Rockwell,O., Oct. 11 (LR) while an enportarea and 3 sightingsnear Amesthis fall. Missourisingles exceptionallylate Wilson's Warbler was discoveredat Ken- appearedat Mountain View Nov. 25 (JE) and SpringfieldNov. tucky L., Ky., Nov. 30 (•JR).To completethis fall's assortment 15-19 (tCT), asthis speciesmarches towards its inevitable ren- ofw. strays,a PaintedRedstart appeared at Nevada,Mo., Oct. dezvouswith native w. populations.A Red Crossbillat Ames, 19 (SW),providing a first recordfor the state. Ia., Sept. I (EM) was followedby a small movementwith one sightingin Missouri,5 in Illinois, and 8 in Iowa. Largestflocks TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES- Tanagers elicited totaled 37-40 as they wandered S to Buchanan, Mo. (L) and few comments except for a Summer Tanager at Dunes S.P., Spfid.(H) and E to Urbana, Ill. (RCh).The only White-winged Sept. 17, providing the first fall record for n.w. Indiana (FK, Crossbill appeared in Illinois. A modest movement of Com HM). The grosbeakmigration was unremarkable with Rose- Redpollswas mostapparent in n.e. Ohio, where they were first breastedsremaining through Oct. 18 in Ohio and Blue Gros- notedat ClevelandOct. 22 (TL). The largestflocks consisted beaks through Sept. 21 in Kentucky. An Indigo Bunting at of 15-20 and they were notedonly at widely scatteredlocalities Mermet Lake W.M.A., Ill., Nov. 22 (•DR, TF) was late. in the other n. states.Pine Siskinswere the only widely re- The sparrowmigration was one of the poorestin recentyears. portedfinches. They returned to most statesby mid-October Except for a local flight at Cleveland Oct. 4, substantialmove- althoughthe largestnumbers did not arrive until late Novem- ments were unreportedand numberswere unusually low in ber. Most reportswere of 30 or fewer with a few flocksof 40- most areas.An early Am. Tree Sparrow returned to O.W.R., 60. EveningGrosbeaks were universallyscarce with scattered Oct. 5. A total of 120 ChippingSparrows at Big River S.F., Ill., singlesin all states except Missouri plus flocks of 12-35 in Sept. 15 was a large number for fall (MR). Clay-coloredSpar- Ohio and Indiana. rowsare rare but regularmigrants through Illinois, where there CORRIGENDUM -- The early Bay-breastedWarbler at Spfid were 3 reportsSept. 23-Oct. 14;one at Carlyle L., Oct. 14 (•LHa) this springwas actually observedApr. 30, not Apr. 3 (AB 40:480) was noteworthyfor s. Illinois. A Clay-coloredSparrow was alsobanded at ClevelandOct. 4, providingone of few fall re- CONTRIBUTORS(Subregionaleditors' names in boldface, cordsfor Ohio (DC, JT). A Lark Sparrowat S. BassIs., Aug. 27 contributorsare requestedto send reportsto them.) -- K. Al- constitutedan unusual fall recordfor Ohio (KA) and two late exander,R. Anderson,B. Andres,J. Andriot, S. Bailey,M. Baker migrantswere notedat CoralvilleRes., Ia., Oct. 5 (T). The only (MBa),G. Barker, Tim Barksdale(Missouri), M. Baum,CarI Bendorf migrant Henslow's Sparrow detected was in Illinois Oct. 11. (Iowa),R. Bodman(RBo), D. Bohlen(H), T. Bray(TB), K. Brock,P Le Conte'sSparrows may proveto be rare but regularmigrants Brock,R. Brundage,A. Bruner,J. Callahan,R. Cecil, R. Chapel along L. Erie, where one was detected at Cleveland Oct. 1-3 (RCh), E. Chato, H. Cohen, M. Conlin, D. Corbin, R. Crompton (•TL et al.). Normal numbersappeared farther w. includinga (RCr), M. Dietzenbach,J. Dinsmore,S. Dinsmore,J. Dobbs(JDo), D. Dunakin, T. Dwyer, J. Eberly, R. Emerling,J. Erwin (JEr), C late migrant at Cone Marsh, Ia., Nov. 15 (JSa). Sharp-tailed Fields (CFi), T. Fink, K. Forcure, C. & Jan Fuller (C & JaF), Jim Sparrowswere detected at 8 locations,a normal number for Fuller (JF), D. & H. Fye (D & HF), L. Galloway(LGa), L. Gara, R fall. Two at SauerheberW.M.A., Oct. 12 providedone of few Goetz,M. Gustafson,L. Haldy,J. Hancock,R. Hannikman(RHn), recordsfor Kentucky (BP et al., ), while as many as four at R. Harlan, L. Harrison (LHa), J. Haw (Haw), R. Healy (RHe), L HorseshoeL., Ill., Oct. 11-18 (tRBo,m.ob.) were noteworthy Hinchman (LHi), D. & J. Hoffman (D & JHo),B. Hunt, D. Jones,C for the St. Louisarea. Fox Sparrowspeaked with 32-42 at scat- Johnston,F. Kase,Charles KelIer (Indiana),T. Keller,J. Kendall, tered sites in Indiana and Illinois. Lincoln's Sparrowswere T. Kent(T), W. Klamm,Vernon Kleen(Illinois), D. Koenig,J. Land- scarceexcept for a remarkable100•- at ClevelandOct. 4 (m.ob.). ing, F. Lawhon(L), W. Leitner,T. LePage,M. Mahaffa(MMa), P The 200 SwampSparrows at SauerheberW.M.A., Oct. 12 con- Mahnkey(PMa), W. Marcisz,P. Martsching,R. Matthews(RMa),

98 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 Y. Maynard, J. McCormac, H. Michalik, K. Miller, M. Miller, J. J. Smith, P. Snetsinger,Anne Stature (Kentucky), F. Stamm, L. Milosevich (JMi), R. Morris (RFMo), E. Mumon, R. Myers, D. Sterrenberg,D. Summerfield,J. Talkington, T. Thomson,E. Tramer, Noonan, D. Overacker,B. & L. Padelford(B & LPa), R. Palmer, B. D. Trapp, C. Tyndall, P. Walsh, S. Weltmer, D. Whitehead, C. Palmer-Ball (BP), C. Patterson, R. Peiser (RPe), Bruce Peterjohn Wilkins,B. Wilson,J. Wilson, H. Zaletel.In addition,many persons (J) (Ohio), P. Petersen(P), J. Polk, M. & B. Proescholdt(M & BPr), who could not be individually acknowledgedsubmitted notes to T. Pucelik, A. & T. Rickerrs, D. Robinson, J. Robinson, L. Rosche, the varioussubregional reports.--BRUCE G. PETERJOHN,105-K C. Roth, B. Rudden,S. Russell,J. Sandrock(JSa), J. Sinclair (JSi), E. Ticonderoga Dr., Westerville, OH 43081.

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION

Robert D. Purrington KANS.! MO. KY. tumnsseems of almost1985, theinevitable weather after thisa fallseason was likelargelythe un-au- eventful, with no tropical weather at all (what a change ß Fayetteville Nash•,ille from the year of hurricanes Danny, Elena, and Juan), near Fort Smith droughtconditions that prevaileduntil October,and finally Memphis TENN. two wet months that erased most of the moisture deficit A R K. Lonoke for the Regionbut groundedonly modestnumbers of tran- Wheeler sients.In Alabama and Louisiana,for example, rainfall def- Refuge icits of up to 20 inchesthat carried into the early fall were Birmeingham balancedby excessesof 10 inchesor more in October and MISS. ALA. November. Marion ß Shreveport On the whole, most observersfound birding slow until ßJackson MontgOmery the first week in October,when a frontal passagetriggered Natchitoches a large movement of nocturnal migrants, resulting in LA. (amongother things) a tower kill amounting to 625 birds False at Little Rock on the night of October 4-5. This front also brought with it the first significant influx of western va- grants. In southeasternLouisiana, easily the largest con- centrationsof the fall resultedfrom the cool front of August Island 28-29. The "fallout" experiencedby the Smalleysat Grand Isle, Louisiana, on August 29 was almost unprecedented GULF MEXICO for so early a date. Typifyinga rather mixed and undistinguishedseason, the extent of western vagrancywas alsoequivocal. While This writer was provided with a detailed description of the there were many recordsof Groove-billedAnis, Western bird, which was as closeas 80 yardsfrom the observers,who Kingbirds, Scissor-tailedFlycatchers, and Yellow-headed have recently moved to the U.S. from England. At least one Blackbirds, western hummingbirds put on a very poor of the observers(JRC) has lived near breedingfulmar colonies show. Similarly, while there was a sizableinflux of Golden- in SouthWales (fide TAI). The descriptionis clearlyof a large, light-ooloredtubenose, bull-headed, with flap-and-glideflight crowned Kinglets into the Region, there were few Red- pattern, and with primariesshowing light at the base--evi- breasted Nuthatches, and most boreal finches were absent dentlya "double-light"N. Fulmar.While thereare no previous or nearly so. records for the Gulf of Mexico, there have been several con- firmedsightings from the coastlineof the Carolinas(especially ABBREVIATIONS- L.O.S. = Louisiana Ornithological So- Oregon Inlet) since 1973. Two large shearwaterswith light ciety; M.O.S. = MississippiOrnithological Society;T.O.S. = Ten- underpartsseen from shoreat Ft. Morgan, Ala., Nov. 22 (RLB, nesseeOrnithological Society; LSUMZ = LouisianaState University RWB),were thoughtto be Cory's;no signof white on the tail Museum of Zoology;B.R.C. = Bird RecordsCommittee. Italicized or napewere seen.If accepted,this would be the 4th record place names are parishes(in Louisiana}or counties. for the state. A number of recordsof migratingAm. White Pelicanswere LOONS THROUGH STORK--While Com. Loons were submittedfrom inland portionsof Arkansas,Mississippi, and early in Coahoma,Miss., Oct. 8 (MD, GK) and in BatonRouge, Tennessee,where their occurrenceis unusual,mostly during La., Oct. 18 (MS}, the 61 in Henry, Tenn., Nov. 8 {JCR}and 150 the 2nd and 3rd weeks of October. Immature Brown Pelicans along coastal Harrison, Miss., Nov. 26 {JT, CD} represented were seen Aug. 2 & 9 in Cameron, s.w. Louisiana (SWC, DLD), good numbers.Three in inland Lawrence,Ala., July 27 {NP} where they hadbeen absent for 2 decades,and an encouraging were unusual,but not unprecedented.Records from Tennes- concentrationof 20 was seenin Jackson,Miss., Nov. 2 ( JT, MD, see,Mississippi, and Louisianaindicated that Horned Grebes TLS, CD). Notablesightings of Double-crestedCormorants in- had moved south in good numbers,and the few recordsof cludedtwo, onean immature,in Lafayette,Miss., Aug. 11-12 Eared Grebesalso suggestedincreased numbers. One of the (MD, GK), an early individual in Washington,Ark., Aug. 24 more interestingrecords of this specieswas of one in St. Tam- (MMI), and a maximum of 329 in Humphreys, Tenn., Oct. 19 many, La., Nov. 15 (MM, DM}, for the 8th s.e.Louisiana record. (MHI, AHH). The first record of an OlivaceousCormorant in Without disputethe bird of the season,subject to further scru- s.e.Louisiana in nearly 30 yearswas of one carefully studied tiny of the excellentdetails provided, was a Northern Fulmar at GrandIsle Aug. g (DM, RDP).An Anhingain Grenada,Miss., seenat RomarBeach near Gulf Shores,Ala., Nov. 9 { JRC, Sept.27 {GK,MD} provideda first area record.

Volume 41, Ntrrnber I 99 Recordsof Great Egretsbetween Oct 19 and Nov 8 from n the hawkwatches conducted by Chuck Feerick, Paul Mc- M•ss•ss•pp•and w. Tennessee,totalhng over 350 •nd•viduals, Kenzie, and others •n Loms•ana. These data •nclude a total of representedlarge numbers and late datesfor thoseareas (MHI, 651 migratingBlack Vultures in E. BatonRouge in the perrod MD, GK, LCC, BBC, TLS). A Snowy Egret in Sumner, Tenn., Sept.27-Oct. 5 (CF). A roostof 450 Black Vultures in Sumner, July 26-Aug. 23 (DTC, JPC,m.ob.) provided the first county Tenn., Nov. i (DTC, JPC)was the largestflock reportedfrom record,and onein StewartAug. 17 & 23 (JCR)furnished another middle Tennesseein years.At least 21 reportsof Ospreyswere unusual Middle Tennessee record. Inland records of the nor- received, involving 41 individuals; most of the reports were mally coastalTricolored Heron included sightings in Madison, from Louisianaand Mississippi.Black-shouldered Kites con- E BatonRouge, and PointeCoupee, La. (HM, DWG, SWC, DLD, tinue to be reported from s.w. Louisiana,where one was seen JK). Cattle Egrets,which retreat toward the coastin winter, Oct. 18 in Cameron (DLD, SWC), and from s.w. Mississippi, were late in Washington,Ark. (KS, JN), Stewart,Tenn. (JCR), where two were recorded Oct. 23 and Nov. 15 (DK, JT). The and Lauderdale, Ala. (DS) between Nov. 8 & 11. Records of latter recordswere from the Hancocklocale, where the species Black-crownedNight-Herons Sept. 28 in Benton,Ark. (KS,BS, has nested, and were the first records since December 1985 NB, MM1) and from late August into Novemberin Grenada While Feerick and McKenzie counted354 migratingMississ•pp• and Layafette,Miss., were unusual,as were reco.rdsof White Kitesat BatonRouge in Augustand September,other migrating Ibis from inland Louisiana and Mississippiduring the same flocksincluded three in w. Arkansasat Clear Creek Park Aug period.A GlossyIbis was seenin Adair, Okla., just acrossthe 11 (KM), 25 in Warren, Miss., Aug. 23 (GTL, MB), and 20 on borderfrom Benton,Ark., Aug. 26 (MM1);there are no previous Aug. 30 at Little Rock (TF). A juvenile in St. Tammany, La, recordsfor n.w. Arkansas.Single Plegadisibises in Okaloosa Sept.27 (AS,GS, JSe)was very late. Sightingsof 26 Bald Eagles and SantaRosa, Fla., on 3 occasionsbetween Sept. 15 and Oct. were reported (15 adults, 11 immatures), including five •n 20 (DW, BG, RT, PBa,RAD) were unusualas well. There were coastalMississippi. Northern Harriers were very early in Sum- more reportsthan usual of Wood Storks,highlighted by 500 ner, Tenn., Aug. 15 (CKC),earliest for the Nashville area, the •n Madison, La., Aug. 19 (GTL, MB, JW) and 100 there Aug. 30 AtchafalayaBasin, La., Aug. 23 (KC), and Warren,Miss., Aug (HM). There were 8 other recordsthrough Oct. 11 in Noxubee 30 (GTL). Although numbersof Sharp-shinnedHawks were and Grenada, Miss., Perry, Ala., and Rapides and E. Baton slightlydisappointing, there were 12 reportsfrom middle Ten- Rouge,La., involving 87 birds. nessee(fide SJS)and 14 from coastalMississippi (fide JT).Lou- isiana recordswere dominatedby the hawk watch resultsof WATERFOWL--Two sightings of presumed Tundra Feerick and McKenzie, who had 161 at Baton Rouge dunng Swanswere reported:an immature Nov. 13 in Natchitoches, Septemberand October,and a total of 611 in CameronOct 15 La. (LT) and an adult at Murfreesboro,Tenn., Nov. 16 (TJW, & 16. DMM). A Mute Swan, origin unknown, was seen at L. Fay- RuffedGrouse in Putnam and Coffee,Tenn., on the Highland etteville, Ark., Nov. 23 (MM1). Up to seven Greater White- Rim Nov. 3 & 19 (RWS, WY, GY), were unusual in being off fronted Geese were seen at Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Oct. 6 & 7 the adiacent Cumberland Plateau. There were 2 records of (DW, HK);they are consideredaccidental in the Floridasection. migratingYellow Rails:Sept. 13 near Pangburn,Ark. (TB, HP, The 2 reportsof Ross'GOose included a first recordfor Ten- MP), and Sept. 27 in Davidson,Tenn. (CW). A very early V•r- nesseeat CrossCreeks N.W.R. on Nov. 20 (JCR),and another ginia Rail was seenat JacksonCity, Miss., Sept.4 (JS),and an at Holla Bend N.W.R., Ark., Nov. 23 (CM, WM). Both were early Sorawas in Williamson,Tenn., Aug. 4 (JCR,SJS). Whale well described.A Green-winged Teal in Maury, Tenn., Aug. numbers in coastalLouisiana and Mississippicontinue to be 9 (SJS,JCR, DTC, JPC,BHS) was very early, as was an eclipse low, singlebirds Oct. 30 & 31 at SardisWaterfowl Ref., Lafay- • N. Shoveler in Cameron, La., Aug. 10 (SWC, DLD). Three ette,Miss. (VT) representedthe firstfall recordsthere. The first nearly-flightlessGadwalls in eclipseplumage at Cameronthe record ever of Com. Moorhen for the Grenada, Miss., area was sameday (SWC,DLD) were probablysummering, while three a breeding record: one adult and two immatures Aug. 23 (GK, in Jefferson,Ala., Aug. 29 (TAI) were thought to be migrants. SK) and two immatures Sept. 27 (MD, GK). Sandhill Cranes Also very early was a Canvasbackin CameronSept. 28 (MS). made an excellent showingin Middle Tennessee,with a total AlthoughToups thought that numberswere up in coastalMis- of over 2300 countedbetween Oct. 16 and the end of the perrod sissippi,there were no recordsfor s.e.Louisiana. It is gratifying (someduplication is possible).Best days were Nov. 3 & 4 •n to hear of a count of 20 Redheads on Bobb Kidd L. in Wash- Pickett (RH, DH, MZ), where over 750 were noted, and Nov ragton, Ark., Nov. 18 (MM1). 10 there and in Putnam (RWS),totalling some 600 individuals Two inland recordsof GreaterScaup were considerednote- Two were seen Oct. 15 in Baldwin, Ala., where a few winter worthy: an immature Nov. 14-19 in Oktibbeha,Miss. (MFH, each year (AM, ADM). A singlebird in Hancock,Miss., Sept TLS, DI), and a female in Colbert,Ala., from Nov. 26 on (DJS, 21 (JP)was early and unusualif notpart of the Jacksonbreeding TH). At least 100 were counted in Hancock, Miss., Nov. 28, population. following heavy rains and N winds (JT), outnumberingthe LesserScaup present. A Nov. 15 record of Oldsquawfrom L. SHORERIRDS -- There were 5 records of Lesser Golden- Pontchartrain(CB) foreshadowed a better-than-averageshow- Ploverat CrossCreek N.W.R., Tenn., betweenJuly 22 and Nov •ng for this species,one presentin Okaloosa,Fla., Nov. 3-19 6 (JCR);of interest as well were sightingsin Baldwin, Ala, (BW, RWB, RLB,RSB, RAD, AF, DF, GF) was earliestever by Sept.5 & 7 (PB),St. Charles,La., Sept. 17 (RJS),and Nov. 7 & 9 19 days,and a maleat L. Millwood,Ark., Nov. 27 (CM)provided at Ft. WaltonBeach, Fla. (RWB,RLB, et al.). One at Ft. Morgan the first record for that well-birded locale. There were two Nov. 30 (RAD) was latest ever for Alabama except for an records of Black Scoters, Nov. 11-12 on Franklin Res., Tenn. anomalous Dec. 18, 1976, occurrence. (SJS,CKC, JRP,CP), the 5th Nashville area record,and up to 15 at Gulfport, Miss., Nov. 17-28 (DK, JT, m.ob.).There were SoA, at least 11 recordsof 27 Surf Scotersbut only two of White- A juv. MongolianPlover molting to firstbasic plumage wingedScoters, the leastcommon of the 3 speciesin the Region. was collected on Rutherford Beach, Cameron, La., Oct One was in Sumner,Tenn., Oct. 25-26 (CKC, m.ob.),and an- 18 (SWC, DLD, GR) for the 2nd state record.The bird other was in Harrison, Miss., Nov. 17-20 (NA, JT). While a was very similar to a Wilson'sPlover, differingin more Ruddy Duck in Jackson,Miss., Aug. 29 ( JT,CD) was presumed uprightposture, shorter bill, olive-grayvs. grayish-flesh to have summered,counts of 74 in Washington,Ark. (MM1) legs,dark nape, more developed superciliary stripe, buffy and 200 in coastalJackson, Miss. ( JT, CD), both Nov. 18, were wash to underparts,and different call. Readersmay re- high for those areas. call that the first recordof this speciesfor the lower 48 states came in 1975 when one was photographedat RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES -- Again this fall, much Grand Isle, La. (AB 31:140). of the systematicinformation on migratingraptors came from

100 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 Recordsof 32 Snowy Plovers •ncluded 12 at Rutherford Gulls on RutherfordBeach, Cameron, Sept 27 & 28-29 (SWC, Beach, Cameron, Oct. 12, and 10 there Nov. 1 (DLD, SWC), DLD, CEQ) representedthe 7th and 8th recordsfor Lorestuna, one at Gulfport Aug. 22 (MFH, m.ob.) was unusual. The en- all in the last 2 years. The birds were in adult winter and 2nd- dangeredstatus of the PipingPlover has generated more nearly winter plumage,respectively. An imm. Herring Gull on Sardis completereporting of Regionalsightings; this fall there were L., Miss.,Aug. 19-30 (MD) was earliestever there by 11 weeks, over 15 reportsof at least 50 individuals, mostly from coastal and an adult in Jefferson,Ala., Oct. 4 (TAI, BM) was the 2nd- s w Louisianawhere the high count was of seven Nov. 1 in earliest for the Birmingham area. While there are always Cameron (DLD, SWC). One in Sumner, Tenn., Aug. 16 (CKC) stragglerson the coastalbeaches throughout the summer,work was the only report of the seasonfrom middle Tennessee,and this fall showed that they trickle into coastals.w. Louisiana Toupsthought numbers were down slightlyin coastalMissis- throughoutAugust. Lesser Black-backed Gulls againappeared s•pp•.Black-necked Stilts were unusual inland in PointCoupee, on Cameron,La., beachesin late Septemberand were goneby La, Aug. 13 and Sept. 15 (DWG), and in Warren, Miss., Sept. November.The records,all of adults,were: one Sept.25 (PMcK, 23 (GTL), and there were a number of inland recordsof Am. CF), three Sept. 27-29 (DLD, SWC, CEQ), two Oct. 12 (SWC, Avocet in Adair, Okla., Middle Tennessee,Mississippi, and DLD), two Oct. 18-19 (SWC, DLD, GR), and one Oct. 26 (KVR, Lomsianabetween Aug. 19 and Oct. 16. While four Solitary GR,RM). The totalnumber of individualsinvolved was thought Sandpipersin Cameron,La., Aug. 1 & 2 (DLD, SWC, DM) were to be five or six. Alabama's 3rd record of the specieswas of very early, singlebirds in Cameron Nov. 2 (SWC, DLD) and in one in Marshall Nov. 7 (AM, ADM), and an adult on the Gulf- Washington,Ark., Nov. 23 (JN) were late. There were several port-Biloxibeach from Nov. 17 on (JT, DK--ph. JT)was thought •nland records of Willets from central Louisiana and Missis- to be the same individual that had wintered the previous 3 s•pp•,mostly during Aug. 17-20. The Whimbrel is an uncom- years. A Great Black-backed Gull at Dauphin I., Oct. 3 (PK, mon fall migrant through the Region,becoming less common ER, BR, JR) was the earliest ever for Alabama by one month as one moves W. The 10 records received this fall, all from Observersin other parts of the Region, especially along the Cameronin s.w. Louisiana,were thus of interest.A Long-billed coast,may be perturbedto learn that Sabine'sGull, represented Curlew at the Mobile Causeway Aug. 24-Sept. 1 (RAD, GDJ, this fall by the sighting of a juvenile on Oct. 10 (CM), is no CDC) providedthe 4th Augustrecord for Alabama.A Marbled longerregarded as unusual at Arkansas'L. Millwood! Godwit in LonokeSept. 13 & 14 (HH, EH, HP, MP) was unusual Inland middle Tennesseesightings of single Com. Terns at for Arkansas,and one Oct. 10 in Pointe Coupee,La. (DWG), CrossCreeks N.W.R., July 13 (JCR)and at PercyPriest L., Aug was unexpectedat that inland locality. Also unusual inland 8 (TJS,DMM) were quite unusual,and while thesereports are were eight Ruddy Turnstonesat the Bonnet Carre Spillway, secondedby Stedman,observers are reminded of the identi- La, Aug. 9-16 (MW, RJS,MA), and severalin Grenada and fication problems, especially that posed by imm. Forster's Lafayette, Miss., Oct. 13 and Nov. 13 & 22 (GK, MD). Terns. Numbers of Com. Terns along Cameron beaches de- A Sanderlingat SardisL., Lafayette,Miss., Nov. 14 (MD, GK) clined from over 100 Aug. 1-2 (DLD, SWC, DM) to only a few providedonly the 2nd record there in over 20 years. Semi- in September.Dirtmann and Cardiff concludedthat migrants palmatedSandpipers were recordedin coastals.w. Louisiana beganto arrive in late August and early September,and 60 through Nov. 2 (SWC, DLD*); there are few recordsfor the seenin Hancock,Miss., Aug. 25 (JT, DK) were alsothought to state after early November.There were 2 recordsof White- be migrants. Two Least Terns in Lauderdale, Ala., Aug. 17 rumped Sandpipers,Aug. 10 in Cameron (DLD, SWC*) and (NP) were worth noting,while four in LonokeOct. 4 (HP, MP) Sept 1 in Mobile,Ala. (GDJ,CDC). A concentrationof 35 Baird's were latest ever for Arkansas by nearly 2 weeks. An imm Sandpipersin Lonoke,Ark., Oct. 4 (HP, MP) was notable, as SootyTern at RutherfordBeach, Cameron, Sept. 30 (DLD, SWC) were up to 23 in Oktibbeha,Miss., Sept. 27-Oct. 11 (TLS,MFH, providedone of the few Louisianarecords away from the Cur- m oh.); one or two at the latter locality Nov. 8 were late, as lew I. breedingcolony. Black Terns were late in CameronNov was one in CameronOct. 26 (SWC, DLD, VR). Also very late I (SWC) and in Jackson,Miss., Nov. 30 (TLS, MFH). was a Pectoral Sandpiperin Stewart, Tenn., Nov. 26 (JCR). Three early Augustrecords of six Dunlin from Cameron,La., DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Records of •ncluded four birds in alternate plumage presumed to have White-winged Doves suggesteda good movement into the summered.There are few Augustrecords for the state.While coastalpart of the Region.The earliest record of all was the two Stilt Sandpipersin Hancock, Miss., Nov. 6 (JT, GM, JS) easternmost,Oct. 13 in Escambia,Fla. (RAD), where the species were late, a Buff-breastedSandpiper in Stewart Aug. 2 (MHI, is rarely encountered.There were several recordsfrom Ft mob.) furnishedone of the earliestrecords for Tennessee.The Morgan,Ala., coastalMississippi, and GrandIsle and Cameron, 2nd substantiated record of a Ruff for Arkansas was obtained La. An Inca Dove was seen in Cameron Oct. 26 (NN, RDP, MM, Sept.14 when onewas photographed in Lonoke(HP, MP). Red- DM). Although individual recordsof Corn. Ground-Dovedo neckedPhalaropes were notedSept. 27 (three)in Benton,Ark. not merit recounting,the situation may soonchange for th•s (NB), the next day (two) in Davidson,Tenn. (ACN), Oct. 17 apparently-decliningspecies. There was an early sightingat (one)in Lonoke,Ark. (MP), and Nov. i (one)in Cameron,La. Cameron,La., Aug. 30 (KVR)and a reportof 5 observations (VR*). Red Phalaropeswere recordedin Perry, Ala., Sept. 13 involving sevenbirds in Hancock,Miss., Oct. 6-Nov. 26 (JT) (HHK, BG), this the earliest recordever for Alabama'scoastal One Oct. 4 in Williamson, Tenn. (SJS),provided the first de- plmn, and Oct. 26 in Sumner,Tenn. (CGD, m.ob.). finitive Nashville area record. Late for n.w. Arkansas was an imm. Black-billedCuckoo in BentonOct. 19 (MM1).Indications GULLS AND TERNS--Records of Franklin's Gulls of declining numbers of Greater Roadrunnersat the edge of spannedthe period Oct. 5-Nov. 24. Of specialinterest were their rangein Arkansasand Louisianahas stimulatedmore s•ghtingsat Dauphin I., Oct. 15 (RAD, SD, AF, DF) and Ft. careful reportingof their occurrence.This fall there were 2 Walton Beach, Fla., Nov. 11 (RAD, LD, SD, HC). An inland reportsfrom each state, from Caddo and Ouachita, La. (HHJ, Alabama record, Nov. 22 & 24 in Lauderdale (TH, DJS),was SK, CMD), and Franklin and Madison, Ark. (DJ, NB). There also notable, being the first November record for Alabama's were 16 reportsof Groove-billedAnis from n.w. Floridato s.w TennesseeValley. High counts of migratingFranklin's included Louisiana, all in coastal or near-coastal locations. Most inter- 550 over Cameron,La., Oct. 26 (KVR, GR, PM), and 456 Oct. estingwas an unprecedentedlyearly recordin Harrison,Miss, 30 and 700-800 Nov. 1 at L. Millwood, Ark. (CM). Over 100 Sept. 8 (HS) and up to three at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Oct. 7-26 were counted on Cameron'sbeaches Nov. 1 & 2 (DLD, SWC). (RAD, PB, LGa, AMe, CDC). Numbers in s.w. Louisianawere A Little Gull at L. Millwood Oct. 15 (CM, DRH) providedthe thought to be up, but there were few recordsfor the s.e. part 2nd record for Arkansas(and the lake). Recordsof a total of of the state. A Burrowing Owl recovered as a roadkill at L tone Ring-billed Gulls on SardisL., Miss., Aug. 19-30 (MD) Millwood, Ark., Oct. 16 (DRH*) furnishedthe first local record were the first Augustrecords for that locality. SingleCalifornia There were 3 reportsof Long-earedOwl: one heard at Vicks-

Volume 41, Number I 101 burgSept 4 (GTL),one seenat Holla BendN W R, Ark, Nov will be actedupon by the L O S Bird RecordsCommittee One 23 (CM, WM), and perhapsas many as six in a roostnear Ox- shouldadd that the idenhficatlonproblems are far from trwlal, ford,Miss., Nov. 22 & 23 (JM, GK, SK,MD). A Short-earedOwl whether one is distinguishing Brown-crestedfrom Great at CrossCreeks N.W.R., Nov. 16 (JCR) providedthe first fall Crestedor from Ash-throated.Twelve reportsof W. Kingbirds record for middle Tennesseein some years.Late Cam. Night- involving over 20 birds were received, indicating a good hawkswere seennear Decatur,Ala., Nov. 7 (AM, ADM) and movement along the coast.These included early recordsm •n Davidson, Tenn., Nov. 28 (PBH). Three reports of Whip- Cameron,La., Aug. 21 (DLD, SWC), and at Lafitte N.P., La., poor-willsfrom Cameron,La., are mentionedhere becauseof Aug. 26 (DM). A Gray Kingbird in lackson,Miss., Sept. 6 (JT, the suggestionthat the frequency of sightingsin fall is de- CD) was unusual;most Mississippi records come from the bar- creasing.The sightingswere Aug. 15 (MJM), Sept. 15 (SWC, rier islands.At least 18 Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were seen DLD), and Sept. 28 (MS). While western hummingbirdswere away from s.w. Louisiana,where numbersare often sizeable, rather scarce,especially in Louisianawhence most records betweenSept. 14 and Nov. 2. Interestingrecords included one originate,the seasonwas not without its interestingrecords Sept. 14 at Memphis (RP), another in Baton Rouge,La., Sept. of hummingbirds.McKenzie reported a peak numberof 250- 28 (KVR),single birds in Warren, Miss., and nearbyMadison, 300 Ruby-throatedHummingbirds in the vicinity of his Baton La., Oct. 6 & 8, respectively(GTL), an adult at Ft. MorganOct Rouge,La., residenceAug. 30. Black-chinnedrecords included 26-27 (LGa, FS, CDC), and a very late individual for n.w Ar- an imm. male at the end of the period in Reserve,La. (RJS), kansasNov. 2 (NB). At the L.O.S. fall meeting, every party where the speciesis regular in winter, and a report from Ft. counted 100 or more Scissor-taileds. Walton Beach,Fla., Nov. 12 /DW), which would providethe Three Horned Larksnear ShreveportOct. 19 (HHJ,SK) may 4th record for n.w. Florida if accepted.Again capturing the have been the first recorded in Louisiana in October. Late and headlineswas a e Calliope Hummingbird at Stein'sfeeders in possiblylatest ever for Alabamawas a • PurpleMartin at Ft ReserveNov. 12-18 (RJS,KVR, NLN), the 3rd recordthere in MorganNov. 17 (GDJ,DGJ), and late as well for middle Ten- 4 years!The bird was bandedby Newfield, who preserveda nessee was a Tree Swallow at Cross Creeks N.W.R., Nov 26 tail feather(to LSUMZ). Recordsof RufousHummingbirds in- (JCR). Tree Swallowswere thought to be presentin reduced cluded an ad. male at Hattiesburg,Miss., Aug. 30-Sept. 4 (TG, numbersin w. Tennessee(BBC, LCC). A continuousmigratory LG), another ad. male at Florence, Ala., Aug. 29-Sept. 3 (PK, movementof N. Rough-wingedSwallows in Cameron,La., Oct DK, NP, m.ob.), and an ad. female in Baton RougeAug. 29 to 15 (KVR) was estimatedto involve some25,000 birds; five in the end of the period(PMcK) which had arrived Nov. 30, 1984, lackson,Miss., Nov. 29 (MFH) were very late, althoughbirds was banded3 dayslater, departedMarch 1985,returned the winter occasionally.Unusually large for what is basicallyan following Oct. 2, left again in April, to return this fall! En- uncommonmigrant was a count of 800+ Cliff Swallowsover couragingwas a count of 122 Red-headedWoodpeckers in Cameron,La., Aug. 30 (KVR,MS). Late reportsof BarnSwallows Shelby ForestS.P., Tenn., Oct. 26 (T.O.S.). came from Rutherford,Tenn., Nov. 16 (MHI) and Hancock, Miss., Nov. 28 (TLS, MH, JT). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- There was some evidence from reports submitted that it was a better- CROWS THROUGH WAXWINGS--Are Am. Crows than-averageseason for Olive-sidedFlycatchers; among the nocturnalmigrants? No, onemight say .... Yet Jamesobserved records,which spannedthe period Aug. 12-Sept. 27, was a a flockof 14 flyingS afterdark (18:30CST) and callingtogether report of six in Cameron, La., Aug. 30 (KVR, MS). A wood- on Nov. 5, low enoughto be detectedin the glowof streethghts peweecollected Sept. 29 in Cameron(RJS, •*) wasidentified on a night of very low ceiling. The first record of Carohna by Cardiff as beinga W. Wood-Pewee.One E. Wood-Peweein Chickadeefor Grand Isle, La., a barrier island separatedfrom Benton,Ark., Oct. 16 (MM1) and two at CameronNov. I (SWC, foreststo the north by more than 20 mi of coastalmarsh, was DLD] were late migrants.There were 22 recordsof specifically- obtained when one was seen there Aug. 9 (RDP, DM, MM) identifiedEmpidonax flycatchers submitted, including all the AlthoughStedman thought Red-breasted Nuthatches in middle eastern species.Of Yellow-bellied Flycatchers there were 7 Tennesseemore numerousthan in a normal year (but well reportsspanning the periodAug. 2 to Oct. 7. The formerrecord, below the invasion of 1985), there was only one other report of one in Cameron(SWC, DM, DLD*), was the earliestever for submitted to this writer, that of one Oct. 19 in Madison, Miss Louisiana.The other recordsincluded one calling in Ozark ( JT,MD, M.O.S.].Of the Blue-listedBewick's Wren there were N.F., Ark., Aug. 31 (MM1), a well-describedbut silent bird in 5 reports:Aug. 5 in Sebastian,Ark. (KM), Oct. 9 in Newton, Montgomery,Ala., Sept. 22 (LGa),for the 3rd recordfor the Miss. (JMM), Oct. 20 in Gulf Breeze,Fla. (RWB),Oct. 26 in Alabamacoastal plain, singingbirds at Hattiesburg,Miss., Oct. Cameron,La. (NN, RDP, DM, MM), and Nov. 1-15 in Green- I & 3 (TG, LG), and single calling individuals Oct. 6 & 7 in ville, Ala. (CK).Golden-crowned Kinglets made a bigshowing, Lafitte N.P. (DM). Finally, one was retrievedas a tower kill at arriving in numberson the Louisianacoast by the last week Nashville'sWSM-TV Oct. 6 (KAG). Although "Traill's"-type in October. Flycatcherswere reportedbetween Aug. I and Oct. 12, the It was generallyconceded to have been a very poorfall for only bird that could be confidentlyidentified to specieswas a migrant thrushes; Muth, for example, saw no Catharus Willow Flycatchersinging in Benton,Ark., Aug. 2 (MM1].Least thrushesand one Wood Thrush during the migrationseason Flycatcherswere reportedfrom Cameron,La., between Aug. at LafitteN.P., birding nearly every day.The authorsaw neither I and Oct. 24, with a maximum of eight Aug. 1-2 (SWC, Veery nor Gray-cheekedThrush all fall. On the other hand, DED, DM). a Veery wasearly at NashvilleAug. 31 (KAG),single Swainsoffs Of 5 recordsof Vermilion Flycatchers,3 were datedOct. 25: Thrusheswere consideredunusual in Washington,Ark., Sept Ft. Morgan, Ala. (LGa, AMe), and Johnson'sBayou (GR, KVR, 17 (MM1, BS),and one was mildly late in Cameron,La., Oct PM) and Gum Cove (VR, DLD, SWC) in Cameron,La. Another 26 (DLD, SWC).While a Hermit Thrush in Washington,Ark, was in CameronOct. 26 (MM, DM, NN, RDP), and there was Oct. 7 (MM1) was said to be earliest for the state by one day, one in lackson,Miss., Nov. 18 (iT, CD). Recordsof western the speciesroutinely reachesthe Louisianacoast by aboutthe Myiarchusincluded an Ash-throatedFlycatcher in Baldwin, end of the first week in October. A Sage Thrasher photo- Ala., Oct. 17, two at CameronNov. I (BZ, VR*), and one at Ft. graphedat Ft. MorganOct. 14 & 15 (SD,m.ob., ph. AM) provided Plckens,Fla., Nov. 15 (RWB). A Great CrestedFlycatcher in the 3rd record for Alabama. A flock of 10 Cedar Waxwings in Shelby,Ala., Oct. 11 (GA, HHK) was the latest for the state Benton,Ark., Aug. 16 (MM1) was unusual for such an early except for 2 very old coastalrecords. An apparentBrown- date. crestedFlycatcher was seen at Grand Isle, La., on the re- markably early date of Aug. 24 (NN, RDP); for s.e. Louisiana, VIREOS, WARBLERS- A White-eyed Vireo in Benton there is no previousrecord before late November.The record Nov. 22 (MMI) waslate for n.w. Arkansas.There were 3 records

102 American Birds,Spnng 1987 of Bell's V•reo, •nclud•ng2 from n w Florida, where there had the period in nw Arkansas and nmghboringAdmr, Okla been only 4 prewous records.One was m Cameron, La., Sept. (MM1)were considerednotable by Neal. 15 (SWC, DLD, JH) and the Florida recordswere Sept. 21 at Ft. TANAGERS THROUGH TRUE FINCHES -- A • Summer Prokens(RAD) and Sept.27 at Gulf Breeze(LD, SD, RLB,RWB, RAD). Quite early was a Solitary Vireo in Washington,Ark., Tanagerin Plaquemines,La., luly 26 (DLD)was a month early Sept.6 (MM1),while a Yellow-throatedVireo there Oct. 7 (MM1) if a migrant, but the speciesis not known to occur within 50 waslate for n.w. Arkansas.Reports of WarblingVireos included mi of this localeduring the breedingseason. A • ScarletTanager a very early one in Cameron, La., Aug. 30 (DM, SWC, DLD). in Madison,Ark., Sept. 24 (IN) was late for the n. part of that On the biggestday of the fall at Grand Isle, La., Aug. 29--a state. While early datesfor Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were set rather early date for sucha fallout--over 100 Red-eyedVireos by onein Washington,Ark., Sept.6 (MM1),Sept. 12 in Cameron, were amongsome 500+ transientscounted in 31/2hours. While La. (MS),and Sept.15 at Starkville, Miss. (JAI, BI), a Blue Gros- a Blue-winged Warbler at Lafitte N.P., La., Oct. 28 (DM) was beak at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Nov. 16 (RAD) was late, as was an nearly a month later than the expecteddeparture date for the IndigoBunting in Washington,Ark., Oct. 25 (MM1).There were species,Golden-winged Warblers were somewhatlate at Grand but 4 reportsof Clay-coloredSparrows: Oct. 8 in Reserve(RIS), Isle, La., Oct. 12 (AS, GS) and at Lafitte N.P., Oct. 14 (DM). On Oct. 15 at New Orleans (RDP) and in Cameron (DLD, SWC-- the other hand, one at Gulf Breeze, Fla., Aug. 4 (RAD, LD, SD) two), and Nov. 6 in Hancock,Miss. (IT, GM, IS--two). Single was the earliest ever there. A classic "Brewster's" Warbler in Sharp-tailedSparrows found by Robinsonat CrossCreeks Montgomery,Tenn., Sept.9 (AHH) was the only report of this N.W.R., Stewart, Tenn., Nov. 8 and in Henry, Tenn., the next hybrid complex.The earliestfall recordfor s.e. Louisianaof day were unusual.There were early recordsof Swamp Spar- TennesseeWarbler was establishedAug. 29 at Grand Isle (AS, row, Sept. 7 in Warren, Miss. (GTL), White-throatedSparrow, GS), when 20 were seen!Also early was one in Adair, Okla., Oct. 12 in Harrison, Miss. (IS), and Dark-eyed lunco, Oct. 22 lust acrossthe Arkansasline Sept. 2 (MM1), and an Orange- in Harrison, Miss. (IT, CD), the latter being the earliest ever crowned Warbler in CameronSept. 28 (MS) was probably the by 9 daysand the only report to the end of the season.Lapland earliest ever for Louisiana. Among a number of records of Longspurswere seen in the Memphis area Nov. 9 (ICR) and Nashville Warbler in s.w. Louisiana, where it is not unusual had reachedthe Alabama coastby Nov. 26 when one was seen in migration, was a probable earliest-ever record Aug. 22 at Ft. Morgan (CDC); two were also seen in Mobile Dec 2 (SWC). Recordsin Hancock, Miss., Sept. 24 and Oct. 20 (JT, (TAT, CKr). DK) were noteworthy. Reportsof Bobolinkswere Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 near Grand Isle, La. (AS, GW, NN, RDP), Benton,Ark., Sept. I (MM1), and A Yellow Warblerin CameronOct. 26 (GR)was some2 weeks late. Nine records of Chestnut-sided Warbler in n.w. Arkansas Ship T.,Miss., on Oct. 22 (IT, CD); Yellow-headedBlackbirds were in BentonSept. 28 (NB, KS, BS, MM1 et al.) and Oct 5 between the early date of Aug. 28 and Oct. 7 (MM1) added to (DI, IF, LO), and at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Oct. 15-22 (RAD, PB).The the limited knowledgeof the movementof the speciesthrough sightingof Brewer's Blackbird in Lawrencein Middle Tennes- that area in fall. Very early was an imm. * Magnolia Warbler see for the 3rd fall in a row was of interest; the speciesis a at Cameron, La., Aug. 29 (SWC, DLD, DM); peak numbers in rare winter resident in the area. A flock of Great-tailed Grackles coastalMississippi were 100+ Oct. 7 in Hancock (JT, DK, GM). in Benton Oct. 5 (DI, IF) representedthe northernmostrecord In spiteof severalrecords last fall, the Cape May Warbler con- for Arkansas. Bronzed Cowbirds are now well-established as t•nuesto be an unexpectedbird in fall over much of the Region, breedingbirds in New Orleans and Reserve,La. (well-birded especiallyto the west. This fall the lone recordwas of one in areas;no doubt the speciesis somewhat more widespread) CameronSept. 28 (MS*). There were at least5 recordsof Black- This fall that was indicatedby the 3rd breedingrecord for the throated Blue Warblers from s.w. Louisianabetween Sept. 30 latter location, establishedby the observationof a fledgling and Oct. 25, and one from coastalMississippi Oct. 6. An Oct. beingfed by Orchard OriolesAug. 1-18 (RIS).Furthermore, 3 4 s•ghtingin Washington(MM1) providedthe first recordfor recordsfrom Cameron Oct. 13-Nov. 2 (SWC, DLD, FB, GB) n w. Arkansas.There were 2 reportsof"Audubon's" (Yellow- documentedgrowing numbers in s.w. Louisiana.Only one re- rumped)Warblers from Cameron,Sept. 30 (RJS,MW) and Oct. cord of Purple Finch was receivedand indicationswere that 25 (KVR, GR, PM, m.ob.). While three Black-throated Green numbers would be low. Information submitted on House Finch Warblersin LafitteN.P. on Nov. 11 (DM) were late, 25 at Grand consistedof a male at Oxford, Miss., since May 4 that was Isle under "fallout" conditionsAug. 29 (GS, AS) were early and a high number for any date. A Yellow-throated Warbler joined by a female around Aug. 6, both presentuntil Aug. 29 (MD, SD), a female in coastalHancock, Miss., Oct. 23 (JT), and at FontainbleauS.P., La., Nov. 30 (JK)was probablywintering. a not particularly surprisingseven in Marshall, Ala., Nov. 29 At least 300 Palm Warblers seen in Hancock Oct. 22 (CC, HC, (GDJ,HHK, BG). A LesserGoldfinch reported from Benton, JS)far exceededprevious high numbersfor coastalMississippi. Ark., Nov. 25 (AE) was said to have been visiting the same Earliest ever for s.e. Louisiana by nearly 3 weeks was a Bay- feedersince the summer of 1983.A breeding-plumaged• Am breastedWarbler at Grand Isle, La., Sept. 2 (RDP, NN). Quite Goldfinchin W. Carroll, La., on the remarkable date of Sept unusual was an imm. * Blackpoll Warbler in Cameron, La., 7 (CMD, ph. to LSUMZ) suggestedbreeding nearby; there is Sept. 15 (SWC, DLD, JH*), for one of the few fall recordsfor the state. one nestingrecord for Louisiana.According to Stedman,there were reports of a few small flocks of Evening Grosbeaksm Eighteen Cerulean Warblers at Grand Isle Aug. 29 (AS, GS) middleTennessee, norle documented; there was no otherhint following a frontal passagerepresented a s.e. Louisiana all- of a movementthat might bring birds farther south. time high count; other high totals on that date included 30 Black-and-whiteWarblers, 20 Am. Redstarts,150 Prothonotary CORRIGENDUM -- The reportof a "Red-backedSandpiper" Warblers, 40 Worm-eating Warblers, 25 Ovenbirds, and 18 N. (:Dunlin) at CapeSan Bias, Fla., June26, 1954(AFN 8:350)should Waterthrushes. Fifty redstartsin Hancock, Miss., Oct. 7 (JT, be deleted.According to the observer(Henry M. Stevenson),the GM, CD) were also notable. A N. Waterthrush at Ft. Morgan reportresulted from an errorin transcription. Nov. 26 (CDC) was the latest for Alabama, exceptfor wintering records(and we all know the problemof making that distinc- CONTI!IBUTORS (sectional editors in boldface)- Guss•e tran), and one was present into the winter period at Lafitte Arnett, NancyAtcheson, Mahlon Ayme, Mickey Baker,Nigel Ball, N P., La. (DM). Without precedent in s.e. Louisiana in the fall Richard L. Ballman, Richard W. Ballman, Fred Barry, Geneva were the 80 Kentucky Warblers at Grand Isle Aug. 29 (AS, GS). Barry, PeggyBartlett (PBa),Paul Blevins, Marian Bragg,Benton An ad. • Mourning Warbler was locally early in Washington, Brewer, Carolyn Bullock,Terry Butler, StephenW. Cardiff (Lou- Ark., Aug. 24 (MM1) and a female in Birmingham Sept. 3 (TAT) isiana),Robert Casey, Chita Cassibry,Hugh Cassibry,Howard trodthe earliestdate for Alabama.A very early CanadaWarbler Chambers, Ben B. Coffey, Lula C. Coffey, C. Dwight Cooley, C was in Cameron,La., Aug. 9 (SWC,DLD), and 5 recordsduring Kinian Cosnor,1ohn R. Couchman,Anne Couchman,Gay Craft,

Volume 41, Number 1 103 Dot T Crawford, J Paul Crawford, Marvin Davis, Sandra Davis, (AMe), Ann Miller, AID Miller, Charles Mills, Mike Mlodlnow CharlesDelmas, Donna L, Dirtman (Louisiana),Christine M. Drane, (MM1), Hal Moore, Gerry Morgan, Michael J. Musumeche, David C GeraldDrewry, Robert A. Duncan (n.w. Florida),Lucy Duncan, Muth, Mac Myers, JoeNeal (Arkansas),Norton Nelkin, Nancy L ScottDuncan, Arthur Evans,Owen Fang,Chuck Feerick,Sue Fer- Newfield, Liz Odom, ChristopherParish, Helen Parker, Max Par- guson,Jane Fitzgerald, Gene Fleming, Ann Forster,Dan Forster, ker, D. Patterson,Rob Peeples,Joree Pennell, JamesR. Peters,Ned Tom Foti, Larry Gardella (LGa), Ben Garmon, Terrie Gates,Larry Piper,Robert D. Purrington,K. Pyle, CarlosE. Quintela, JohnRan- Gates, Bill Gericke, Katharine A. Goodpasture,Dale W. Gustin, dolph, Elberta Reid, BobReid, Van Remsen,John C. Robinson,Bill Tom Haggetty,Edith Halberg,Henry Halberg,Paul B. Hamel, Rob- Rodgers,Gary Rosenberg,K. V. Rosenberg,B. Sanger,Terence L hie Hassler,David Hassler,Annie H. Hellman, Malcom F. Hodges, Schiefer, JohnSevenair (JSe),Floyd Sherrod, Damien J. Simbeck, Jim Holmes,David Hunter, David R. Hunter, Thomas A, Imhof Richard W. Simmons, Harry Slack, AI Smalley, Gwen Smalley, (Alabama),Danny Ingold, Maxey H. Irwin, GregD. Jackson,Jerome Kim Smith, Curt SorrelIs,Jim Spence, Stephen J. Stedman(Middle A. Jackson(Mississippi), Bette Jackson,Doug James,Horace H. Tennessee),Barbara H. Stedman,Ronald J. Stein, Henry M. Ste- Jeter, Charles Kennedy, Dalton King, Helene King, Curtis L. venson,Mark Swan, Lynn Tenelove,Vic Theobald,Judith Toups Kingsberry (n.w. Florida),Helen H. Kittinger, Paul Kittie, Donna (CoastalMississippi), Phillip Wallace, Don Ware, Melvin Weber, Kittie, JoeKleiman, Steve Klotz, Gene Knight, Shannon Knight, Cliff Whitehead, JaneWilliams, Terry J. witt, Willa York, Grady Claire Krusko, Jo Levy, Genevieve T. Little, Brian Makemson, York, MargaretZimmerman, BobZink.--ROBERT D. PURRING- Wendy Margolis,P. Marra, Jim McCafferty, David M. McCarroll, TON, Dept. of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA KarenMcGee, Joseph M. McGee,Paul McKenzie,Andrea Menyhert 70118.

PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION

Wayne C. Harris

ofhe 1985.fall weatherAugust wasin 1986 generally wasalmost warm a andduplicate dry, followedofthat by six weeks of coolwet weather and then our traditional "Indian Summer," a two-week mild dry spell.Snow arrived over much of the Regionat the end of October and the weather becameprogressively colder through November w•th temperaturesreaching the -30øC to -40øC rangeby month's end. The pattern just describedis typical of this area, although the lengths can vary: a warm dry end to summer, a cool wet beginningto fall, then a warm dry interlude before winter! How did this affect bird migrations?It meant a rather orderlysouthward movement of passetineswith few really large waves,and a rather large movementof largerbirds, primarily waterfowl and raptors,just before the onsetof MONTANA NORTH DAKOTA coldweather. The cold November meant few later lingering speciesremained or survived. ABBREVIATIONS- N.L.M.L. = north end of Last Mountain Lake, Saskatchewan. WATERFOWL, RAPTORS- The majority of waterfowl moved S at the end of October with the advent of winter-hke LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- MostCorn. Loons were gone conditions.Wood Ducks are regularonly in Manitobaand s e by late October,the largestcounts occurring in early October Saskatchewanand rare elsewherein the Region.Consequently, with 22 on L. Diefenbaker Oct. 7 and 17 at N.L.M.L., Oct. 10; three Aug. 29 at Calgary were noteworthy, as was one at the last dates were Nov. 2 at Cold Lake, Alta., Nov. 3 at BlackstrapL., s. of Saskatoon,Sept. 1-7 (JP, SA, MAG). Peak N L.M.L., and Nov. 8 at BlackstrapL., s. of Saskatoon(PM, RK, numbersof Blue-wingedTeal were reportedAug. 8 at Chaplin WCH, JBG).Pacific Loons were reportedin their normal low L., where 2400were seen,and Green-wingedTeal peakedAug numberswith two at CalgaryNov. 4, two separateindividuals 25 with 2005 at Crane L. (MAG). American Black Duckswere in the Regina area, and one Nov. 3 at N.L.M.L. (DC, AS, CA, seenin unprecedentednumbers with 117 Aug. 22 at Oak Lake, TR, BK, WCH). Rarities in the south were a Red-throated Loon Man., and 30 Oct. 21 at Churchill(RFK, GG, BC). of interest at ReginaBeach, Sask., Oct. 25-27 (BL,TR, m.ob.),and another were seven Black x Mallard hybrids at Whitewater L., Man at CalgaryOct. 11 (JBS).An Eared Grebeat LethbridgeNov. (CC). Also seen in impressivenumbers were Ring-necked 8 was unusually late (MOS). Ducks with 390 in the Spiritwood,Sask., area Aug. 9, and 110 At L. Diefenbaker, countsof Am. White Pelican were of 200 in the same area Aug. 26. Also on Oct. 5 there were 85 on Aug. 3 and 740 Aug. 27, both excellentcounts for a non-breed- Thackray L., Sask.(MAG). The 3500 Corn.Goldeneyes Nov •ng area (SOJ,MAG). Also at L. DiefenbakerAug. 27 were 44 15 probablymade the largestconcentration of thiss•3ecies ever GreatBlue Herons (MAG). Only Manitobareported Great Egrets reportedin Saskatchewan(BL). Now for the rarer clucks--all with 7 sightingsfrom 5 locationsAug. 11 to Oct. 5 (fide RFK). are divers.Greater Scaup were againseen at the s. end 9f Last The highestcount of Black-crownedNight-Herons was of 59 Mountain L., with four seenboth Oct. 18 and Nov. 4 (RK,CA) Sept. 10 at Crane L. (MAG). The ibisesreported during the There were alsofour at Calgary Oct. 26 (RS, MH, SA). Single summer remained and numbers increased.Michael Gollop, HarlequinDucks were seenat ColdLake, Alta., Oct.30, Patricia who made regular checksof both Chaplin and Crane lakes, Beach,Man., Oct. 26, and Grand Beach,Man., Nov. I (PM, RP, found four ibises(sp.) at Chaplin and three at Crane Aug. 8. BB).Black Scoters, rare inland, were seenat ReginaBeach Oct On Aug. 25 there were nine ibisesat Chaplin and three at 29, Cold Lake Nov. 2, and St. Ambrose,Man., Oct. 15 (CA, PM, Crane; and on Sept. 20 there were two Glossy,five White- RK, RFK, RT). A large numberof HoodedMergansers was re- faced, and two unidentified ibises at Crane Lake. ported at the s. end of Last Mountain L., with 109 Oct 31

104 American Birds, Spnng 1987 furnishing the highest count and the greatestnumber ever entire Region,and someobservers would normally see that seen in Saskatchewan(BL). many in November by themselves.There were some excep- On Sept. 28, Guy Wapple witnesseda spectacularS move- tionallylate datesfor Com.Nighthawks with singlesseen Sept ment of Swainson'sHawks. As he approachedWeyburn, Sask., 27 in the Qu'appelleValley n. of Regina,Sept. 29 at Winnipeg, he stoppedto check a few buteos, and was amazed to find and Oct. I at Raymore(BL, RFK, WCH). A • Black-chinned numerous Swainson's Hawks. Within 10 minutes 425 had Hummingbird was seen at Weyburn Aug. 11 (NP). A Least passedby, alongwith 40 Red-tailedHawks and 50 unidentified Flycatcherat Otter Falls,Man., Oct. 18 was exceptionallylate buteos.Such a countis totally unexpectedat this latitude, and (RFK),as was a Great CrestedFlycatcher at RaymoreOct. 2 is reminiscent of Central America rather than Saskatchewan. (WCH,SML). A rarity wasa Scissor-tailedFlycatcher near Cal- Other goodSwainson's counts included 50 at Tribune, Sask., gary Aug. 22 (HH, DE). Sept. 23 and a flock of 60 presumedfailed/non-breeders near The S movement of Com. Ravensonto the plains has over Bromhead,Sask., during August (RM, CB). A late Swainson's the past 10 yearsbecome a regular occurrence.There were Hawk was seen near Dilke Oct. 11 and another was near Mel- up to 10 daily at GoodSpirit L. (WJA),at Shehothe highest fort Nov. 3 (MB, FM). Larger concentrationsthan normal of count was of four Oct. 19 (WN), and on Nov. 15, 20 were seen Red-tailed Hawks were also reported;there were 100 in the between Wynyard and Yorkton (DGH). Farther s. there were Qu'appelleValley n. of ReginaSept. 7, and 50 roostedovernight two at Round Lake, nine at Regina, five at Spy Hill, one at in one farm shelterbeltnear Bromhead(TR, CB). A rare Red- Raymore,one at N.L.M.L., one at Hanley, and 16 sightingsin shoulderedHawk was seenat Oak Hammock, Man., Aug. 22- the Saskatoonarea (DF, DGN, FWL, SJS,WCH, MDG). Medicine 23 (GG,RFK, RT). The Rough-leggedHawk migrationwas the Hat's first Mountain Chickadee records were of two seen Oct best in severalyears and goodnumbers were still presentat 27 & 31 (MOS).There was alsoan increasein White-breasted penod'send. A total of 34 PeregrineFalcon sightings was re- Nuthatch numbers at Medicine Hat, with 30-t-sightings com- ported,somewhat more than usual,compared to only 18 Prairie pared to the normal one (RG)!A late Marsh Wren was seenat Falcon sightings(fide WCH). Edmonton Oct. 14 (RK, PM). SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS- An exceptionally BLUEBIRDS THROUGH WARBLERS--In s.e. Sas- goodcount of 100Black-bellied Plovers was at MooseJaw Aug. katchewan and s.w. Manitoba, E. Bluebirds were more com- 14 (PRK).More LesserGolden-Plovers than usual appearedin mon than usualwith five at Carlyle,Sask., Sept. 20-23, one at Alberta, with peak numbersof 20 at EdmontonSept. 14 and Oxbow, Sask., Oct. 13, and 36 sightingsat Stonewall, Man, 18 at Calgary Oct. 12 (PM, RK, JBS).Some exceptionallygood Sept. 8-Oct. 11 (DS, JHP, KG). Farther west, where they are countsof Am. Avocet were received,the best being of 350 at rare at best,a pair was seenin CypressHills P.P.,Sask., Aug. CalgaryAug. 3 and 200 at Chaplin L., Aug. 12 (JBS,MAG). 30, and one was at Benyon near Calgary Oct. 26 (RDW, RS, Small numbers(up to 18) of HudsonianGodwits were reported MH, SA). American Robins were much more common than at Churchill up to Aug. 18 (BC),while in the souththere were normal at Carlyle, Medicine Hat, Oxbow, Dilke, Melfort, and 29 at Clearwater, Man., Aug. 12 and 250 at Chaplin L., Aug. Sundre,Alta. (DS,RG, JHP,MB, FM, FH). They were alsomore 8, at Saskatoonthey were presentuntil Sept.I with the largest commonat Raymore,where numbersapproached those con- number being437 Aug. 10 (CC,MAG). There were two Ruddy siderednormal in the 1960s.There were up to 450/day seen Turnstonesat Churchill Oct. 9, yet the latest report in the in Septemberand early October.These numbers and the as- south was Aug. 3 at Calgary (BC, JBS)!Red Knots are rarely sociatedgood counts of N. Flickers and Merlins were remi- reportedin fall; this fall the only reportwas of one at Meadow niscentof daysbefore the populationdecreases associated with Lake P.P., Sask.,Sept. 3 (RDW, GJW).There were 3 sightings the DDT era. It has taken 20 years,but slowly somespecies totalling four individuals of W. Sandpipersat Calgary (fide are returningto someresemblance of formernumbers (WCH) DC), while in Winnipegthere were four singlesreported Sept. Varied Thrushes were seen at Kleefeld, Man., the first week 7-Oct. 15 (fide RFK). The Region'sfirst Rufous-neckedStint of October,Churchill Oct. 5, Winnipeg Oct. 29, and Saskatoon was an adult at Calgary, Alta., Aug. 6 (RS). A flock of 3000 Sept. 26 (RD, BT, KC). Whlte-rumped Sandpipersat Churchill Oct. 9 was a large Late LoggerheadShrikes were seenat Bobram,Sask., Sept numberfor sucha late date (BC).Saskatchewan's first Purple 13 and Wolseley Sept. 21 (FHB, JDH). There were more N Sandpiper was a singlebird with two Sanderlingson the icy Parulas than normal reported in s. Manitoba, while one at edgeof LastMountain L., n.w. of Govan,Nov. 3 (WCH). A very FrancisAug. 31 was unusual(fide RFK, GL). A Chestnut-sided late Am. Woodcockwas at Winnipeg Oct. 31 (RFK). Warbler at CalgarySept. 14 waslocally rare, aswere two Bay- The only jaegersreported this fall were Parasiticswith singles breastedWarblers Aug. 25 (JM, HP). A very late Cape May at Winnipeg Sept. 13, SaskatoonSept. 14, and L. Diefenbaker Warbler wasfound at VictoriaBeach, Man., Nov. I (fide RFK) Sept.20 (RWK,RFK, PT, JAW,SOJ). A very late Franklin'sGull A Black-throatedBlue Warbler Oct. 2, and 5 sightingsof Pine was found at Tisdale Nov. 3 (FM) and a Bonaparte'sGull at Warblers Aug. 29-Sept. 26, at Francis were unusual (GL) WabamumL., Alta., Nov. 10 was equallylate (PM, RK).There Manitoba's 8th Hooded Warbler record was of a female at were 3 reportsof single Little Gulls: at Grand Rapids,Man., Winnipeg Aug. 17 (RFK). Sept. 23 and Oct. 15, and at Beaverhill L., Alta., Oct. 14 (JC, OTHER PASSERINES--A Rose-breasted Grosbeak at DH, RK, PM). A California Gull at Cold L., Nov. 20 was very late (PM, RK). Increasingnumbers of Thayer's Gulls are re- Calgary Oct. 31-Nov. I was exceptionallylate (JBS).A late ported each fall. This year there was a single at Cold L., Oct. Chipping Sparrow was at Oxbow Nov. 28 (JHP) and a late 27-Nov. 21, up to five at Regina Beach Oct. 5-Nov. 11, and Baird'sSparrow was at Weyburn Oct. 12 (NP). A Field Sparrow one at Patricia Beach Nov. I (RK, PM, CA, BL, RP). A Great was found at SaskatoonAug. 14 (HL). Black-backedGull was found at Edmonton Oct. 26 (PM, RK, On Oct. 27, JoyceAraka watcheda flock of approximately ph ). There were at least three Sabine'sGulls at BlackstrapL., 100 Snow Buntingsover the open water of GoodSpirit Lake Sept. 7, and singleswere at Grand Beach Sept. 9 & 23 and There was an offshorewind creatinga slightly wavy surface, CalgarySept. 19-20 (SJS,MDG, MS, JC,RS, AS). A singleCom. and the birdswere very low over the water, apparentlyfeeding Tern at Lac des Arcs, Alta., Oct. 11 was exceptionally late on insect life and behaving very much like swallows. They (JBS), and an Arctic Tern at Delta Sept. 13 provided a rare dippeddown to the surfacerepeatedly and one actuallydipped inland record of this species(CC). into the water momentarily and resumed flight. The flock workedfarther on, stayingabout 150 m from shoreand grad- CUCKOOS THROUGH WRENS -- A Black-billed Cuckoo ually moving east. at GrandePrairie Oct. 9 was a monthlater than they are nor- Both speciesof crossbillswere very scarcefor the 2nd year mally found in this area (KRL).Snowy Owls were conspicu- in a row. In fact, all winter finches had failed to show up in ously absent;in fact, there were not even 20 reportsfor the any numbers by the end of November.

Volume 41, Number 1 105 &A. Competingfor the bird of the fall (with Rufous-necked Stint) was a Eurasian Tree Sparrow that showedup at the feeder of Jim and Helen Owen near St. Francois Xav- ier, just w. of Winnipeg, Nov. 2 and remained until the end of the period. It was seen and photographedby nu- merous observers.The first impulse would be to pass this off as an escapedcage bird, but details suggestoth- erwise.The bird appearedduring the first major winter weather system (associatedwith snow and strong S winds) of the fall. It survived a major blizzard and tem- peraturesin the -25øC rangewithout showingill effects, indicatingthat it was quite hardy. The bird was not un- usuallytame, nor did it showany physicalsigns of having been in captivity. Its plumagewas in perfect condition and sowere the legsand feet.It is not a commoncagebird and checksof possiblelocal sources turned out negative. The origin of the bird has been the subjectof somede- bate. It appearsto belongto the westernEuropean race, the same as the St. Louis, Mo., birds. None of the ob- serverswas familiar enoughwith Asiatic races to rule theseout, but it apparentlywas not of the Japaneserace. Eurasian Tree Sparrow at St. FrancoisXavier, Manitoba, Nov. A sightinglast winter in Vancouverwas believed to have 4. 1986. Photo/R. G. Tester. been man- or ship-assisted,so ours may well be the first "natural" ("wild") occurrencein Canada. E.W. Kern,R. Klauke,R.W. Knapton,L. Knight,R.F. Koes,B. Kreba, F.W. Lahrman, H. Lane, G. Leibelt, K.R. Lurehis, B. Luterbach, E. OBSERVERS(local compilers in italics,provincial compilers Mah-Lim, F. Markland, P. Marldevitz, R. McKague,J. Moore, R. in boldface)-- C. Adam,G.D. Adams, S. Alexander,W. &J. Anaka Nero, W. Niven, M. O'Shea, R. Parsons,J.H. Paton, S. Pavka, H. (WJA),R. Andrews, B. Ball, P.L. Beckie,M. Belcher,C. Bjorklund, Pinel, J. Podlubny,N. Postey,J. Riddell, T. Riff, l, B. Rippen, B. D.W. Black, F.H. Brazier,F. Bogdan,B. Chartier, N. Cleveland,D. Robinson,J.F. Roy, M. Siepman,S.J. Shadick, D. Silcox,A. Slater, Collister,H. Copland, C. Cuthbert, R. Dixon, D. Fast, D. Francis, J.B.Steeves, D. Stiles,R. Storms,B. Taylor, P. Taylor, R. Tkachuk, K. Gardner,R. Gardner,M.D. Gilliland, J.B.Gallop, M.A. Gallop, J. Triffo, S. & G. Wait (SGW),R. Wang, G.I. Wapple, R.D. Wapple, G. Grieef,M. Hag,l, W.C. Harris, F. Haug,D. Hayward,H. Hick- J.A.Wedgwood, D. Weedon,D. Weidl.--WAYNE C. HARRIS, Box lands, D.G. Hjertaas, G. Holland, B.W. Johns,S.O. Jordheim, 414, Raymore, Sask. SOA 3JO.

NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

David O. Lambeth

wetnesshisfall seasonof Augustwascontinuedeven more into varied September, thanusual. setting The record rainfall totals in some communities. The remnants ...... '" of hurricane Paine off the Mexican coast produced the :-. •_•i-: f •:• • •Molm• MissouriK *• .Upham lowest-everbarometric reading in BismarckSeptember 25, :•'•': •.••5 .• ..... • •MONT ' F-r. rec•P.•N' Riverdale' i •'•- winds up to 90 mph in the North Unit of Theodore Roo- • •..•._,..•,• -•.•i, .... '"•' . •.. sevelt National Park, and torrential rains in Montana re- ...... • •' ..• '• ' YellowstoneR. C•u . suiting in record inflows into Fort Peck Reservoir and the .•-• • 'm'"' • J e •--• / Wout •Y.•'"' •"• first flood in fall ever recorded on the Milk River. October .... • '::• ...... • •nu• n •'•'.'•-• was very dry, the driest ever at Fargo.Then, a major bliz- •. ..•. • .•.:.:.•.."• • ß•pia ci• • -•;..::•:.:. zard November 7-9 dumped heavy snows(up to 25 inches) over much of the Region,except for the eastern Dakotas ! '-,?t t- '.... ,'"-' ¾•"•' where mostly rain fell. After the storm, temperatures plummetedto near-recordlaws (-5øF rangeat Fargo),and accidental in North Dakota. GascoyneReservoir lies in the widespreadfreezeup occurred.Several hundred thousand unglaciatedand well-drained area of the Dakotaswest and waterfowl, which had been induced to linger by October's southof the Mi,ssouri River. In this area, the few permanent protractedIndian Summer, apparentlyrode out the brunt bodiesof water that are presentmay serve as efficienttraps of the snow beforemoving on. Amazingly, no major losses for migrating,water-associated species--the numerousun- were reported! usualrecords now beingturned in by the Griffithssuppert this premise. American White Pelicans at New Town, N.D., and LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- Montana's 7th re- Fort Peck,Mont., both Nov. 16, were extraordinarilylate. The pertedRed-throated Loon, and the firstdocumented by photo, same could be said of Great Egretsat Tewaukon Ref.. N.D. was at Fort Peck Oct. 9-18 (CC, LM). One was also seen Oct. (Dave Potter),and in Kingsbury,S.D. (LW), both on Oct. 25. A 19 at GascoyneRes., N.D. (tD & CG);this speciesis considered Snowy Egret in Kingsbury,S.D., Oct. 25 (LW) was the latest

106 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS--Thirteen Os- preys were reported for w. North Dakota during the period. Bald Eagleswere again reportedin impressivenumbers, the highest being 25 adults and three immatures Nov. 27 in the first 3 mi downstreamfrom GarrisonDam (GB).Northern Gos- hawks appearedin low numbers.Approximately 1000 Swain- son'sHawks passedover Medicine Lake N.W.R., Mont., Sept. 29 {SM}, and 300 were seen at Sawyer, N.D., Sept. 26 {RM). A banded Peregrine Falcon consuminga Baird's Sandpiper at Grand Forks Sept. 14 allowed an approachclose enough to read a band number {DL}.The bird had been releasedin Min- neapolisduring the summer {•de BobAnderson). Three large falcons--one adult and one imm. Peregrine, and a Prairie-- were hunting over the same cell at the Fargo lagoonsOct. 3 {BKH, DL). Peregrines were seen in Montana near Medicine L., Sept. 18 {SM),and GrassrangeNov. 15 {LM). A white-phase Gyrfalcon was eating its prey in a ditch in Butte, S.D., Oct. 4 {EM), and gray-phasebirds were seen Nov. 11 in Perkins, S.D. {D & CG}, and Nov. 16 in Dunn, N.D. {GB,RM}. Three Whooping Cranes in Brule, S.D., Nov. 3 were very late {MM}. A Yellow Rail was "ticking" during the afternoon of Aug. 3 in a wet meadowe. of Dunseith, N.D. {DK). Drawn- down lagooncells at Fargodrew peak numbersof 250 Black- be]lied Plovers and 1000 Lesser Golden-Plovers in mid-October, and 200 Baird'sand 3000 Pectoralsandpipers in ]ate September (GN, MAR). A Piping Plover in Butte, S.D., Aug. 16 provided only about the 3rd record w. of the Missouri R. in that state (JR).In Montana, Bowdoin and Medicine Lake refuges,re- spective]y, had more than 200 and 100 Long-billed Curlews in August {CC, SM). Single Red Knots were recorded Sept. 1 on Devils L., N.D. {DK},Sept. 5 in Deuel, S.D. {BKH),and Sept. 7 at Stewart Lake N.W.R. in w. North Dakota {D & CG). A Red-throated Loon at Fort Peck, Mont., October 1986. The dark HudsonJanGodwit was present at the Fargo lagoonsSept. 24 forehead,pale bill, and elongatedwhite feather-edgings on the and Oct. 16 {MAR); this specieshas been recordedin fall in e. upperpartsindicate a juvenile:this bird is unusuallydusky on North Dakota in 8 of the last 9 years.The total of seven Am. the face and neck. Photos/CharlesCarlson. Woodcocksreported for the easternpart of the Regionincluded the latest ever date of Nov. 5 in Burleigh,N.D. (MR). ever. Single Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were found in JAEGERS THROUGH OWLS -- Single jaegerswere seen Faulk, S.D., Aug. 12 {BKH),Brown, S.D., Sept. 13 {DT), and Sept. 10 at Fargo (MAR) and Nov. 5 near Billings, Mont. (Bill Long Lake Ref., N.D., Oct. 7 { JM). Twenty-five White-faced Roney). An imm. Thayer's Gull was at the Grand Forks la- Ibisesin Day, S.D., Nov. 9 were the latest ever { JK}. goons/landfill Oct. 24-Nov. 1 {ph. DL). Adult California, Thayer's, and Glaucousgulls (at least one of each) were at WATERFOWL -- Very early Greater White-fronted Geese Garrison Dam Nov. 16, along with a few imm. Thayer's and were in Yankton, S.D., Aug. 28 {KK), and Salyer Ref., N.D., Glaucous(DL). But the bestgull of the seasonwas an ad. Black- Sept. 7 (JP}. Twelve Ross' Geese were at Bowdoin N.W.R., leggedKittlwake, also at Garrison Dam, N.D., found Nov. 29 Mont., Nov. 1 (JS}.Peak estimatesof 12,000Green-winged Tea]. (tD & CG) and photographedDec. 7 (GB). An imm. Sabine's 75,000 Mallards, 25,000 N. Pintaft, 20,000 Blue-winged Tea], Gull was at the Grand Forkslagoons Sept. 24 (DL), while two and 20,000 Am. Wigeon at Sa]yer Ref. were attributed to the adults were found Sept. 20 at Bowman-Haley Res., N.D. (tD & drawdown and refioodingof a 5000-acreunit {•de WW). The CG). CaspianTerns were found in South Dakota Sept. I & 10 respectivepeak counts of 1500, 2000, and 1500 Canvasbacks in Roberts(BKH), Sept. 19 at Sand Lake N.W.R. (DT), and Sept. reportedfor the Arrowwood,Upper Souris, and Salyerrefuges 26 in Brookings(SVS). Latest dates for Commonand Forster's in North Dakota would normally be consideredto be note- terns in North Dakota were recorded Oct. 19 and Oct. 9, re- worthy counts.However, H.A. Kantrud recently reported in spectively(D & CG). Adult Forster'swith four youngfound in The Prairie Naturalist (18(4}:247-253,1986) that more than Butte,S.D., Aug. 16 (JR)provided the first South Dakota nesting 27,000 Canvasbacks,about 8% of the North American popu- record w. of the Missouri R., outside of LaCreek N.W.R. A lation, stagedon WesternStump L., N.D., during October1985. The attractiveness of this 2400-acre saline lake to Canvasbacks Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Marmath, N.D., Aug. 23 was carrying food (D & CG); there are only one or two nestingrecords for is attributed to its shallownessand extensive growth of sago the state. This specieswas observed3 times in South Dakota, pondweed. with two on the late dates of Sept. 27 in Sanborn (RR) and Northern Shovelersand Ruddy Ducksstaged on the Minot Sept. 28 in Day (DS). Only 8 reportsof Snowy Owl were re- and Grand Forks lagoonsin numbersof approximately 5000 ceived, with one each in South Dakota and Montana. There of each speciesat each location.One Oldsquawwas reported were 7 observationsof Long-earedOwls, and the only Short- for Yankton, S.D., Nov. 11 {WH}, and a 8 Oldsquawwas at the earedsreported were from North Dakota with nearly one-half Yellowtail Dam Afterbay Nov. 20 {CC). An ad. 8 Surf Scoter of these, three, being road kills (D & CG). Tallman banded was on the MissouriR. at Fort Peck Oct. 12 {LM). SingleBlack seven N. Saw-whet Owls in Brown, S.D., Oct. 11-Nov. 10; five Scoterswere at the Minot lagoonsOct. 4 and Upper Souris were youngof the year. N.W.R., Nov. 2 (GB). At ]east 18 White-winged Scoterswere found in c. North DakotaOct. 10-Nov. 27 {GB,RM). Reports HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH CHICKADEES -- Much of Red-breastedMerganser, which are infrequent in fall, in- was reported on hummingbirds this year. Herkey indicated eluded:four at SnakeCreek Oct. 26 and eight at UpperSouris there were far more sightings{about 20) of Ruby-throatedsin Nov. 2 in North Dakota {GB,RM), and two each at 2 different w. North Dakota than in any of the last 10 years.One in Bis- reservoirsin Perkins,S.D., Nov. 2 {D & CG). marck Oct. 3 was very ]ate. In Montana, where other species

Volume 41, Number I 107 become increasingly likely, three Ruby-throateds were in Malta Aug. 26-Sept. 2, and one of thesewas a male (TP}. A • Ruby-throatedwas on the nest in Roberts,S.D., Aug. 13, and a fledglingwas seenthe 26th (BKH}.An ad. • Rufousappeared at a feeder in Rapid City Aug. 17 (NW). Four youngLewis' Woodpeckerswere found in Custer,S.D., Aug. 26 (MP}. An imm. Red-headedWoodpecker in Grand ForksNov. 10 was very late (DL).The Red-belliedWoodpecker at Waubay N.W.R., S.D., Oct. 8 (JK) was a first for the refuge, and two were found in Richland,N.D., Sept.20 (DL). A Pfleated Woodpeckerwas in Grant, S.D., Oct. 21 (GP}; this speciesis now consideredrare in that state.Perhaps as many eight Pi- leatedswere in Fargo(fide MAB}, and the speciescan be found with regularity on all tributaries of the Red R. in e. North Dakota. At least 10 W. Wood-Pewees were seen in the area of Marmath, N.D., Aug. 10 (D & CG). A Dusky Flycatcher was reported to be in Lawrence,S.D., Aug. 17 (JB).The latest-ever Say'sPhoebe for South Dakota was at Sand Lake N.W.R., Oct. 24 (DT). A Vermilion Flycatcher Sept. 27, also at Sand Lake, provided the 2nd record for South Dakota (GP, PC). VariedThrush at Grand Forks,N.D., Nov. 11, 1986.Photo/Dave Lambeth.

Sprague'sPipits were singingover wet meadowse. of Dunseith, N.D., Aug. 3 (DK), and one observedat GascoyneRes., N.D., Sept. 17 (D & CG) may have furnished the latest date for the state. A Bohemian Waxwing at Fargo Oct. 2 was early (W & EM). Exceptionallylate reportsof LoggerheadShrike included Oct. 26 in Fargo (JW),Oct. 30 in Hettinger, N.D. (D & CG), and Nov. 9 in Brown, S.D. (GP). The earliest N. Shrikes arrived in mid-October,as usual. The migrationof vireoswas exception- ally late.Solitary, Yellow-throated, Warbling, Philadelphia, and Red-eyedvireos were seenSept. 15 at Grand Forks,and all of these except Philadelphia were seen again the 18th (GL). A Warbling Vireo in Brown.S.D.. Oct. 1 was very late (GP). Night-time August showersproduced the grounding con- ditions that made this an excellent seasonfor observingwar- blers. On the northern plains, towns are widely spacedand it Clark'sNutcracker at New Town,N.D., Nov. 15, 1986.Photo/ Dave Lambeth. seemsprobable that city lights may attract night migrants, thereby concentratingwarblers in towns on nights that are foggyand/or rainy. The excellent groundingconditions may Gray Jayswere in Pembina(Laura Mitchell) and Grand Forks, largely account for 11 arrival dates for warblers in eastern N.D., in early November.One at SandLake Sept.27 furnished North Dakota and 9 in South Dakota as early as, or earlier the 2nd recorde. of the MissouriR. in South Dakota (GP,PC). than, thosepreviously recorded. An irruptionof Clark's Nutcrackersinto the BlackHills began North Dakota's first Yellow-throated Warbler was found in by mid-September(MM). Petersonfound 10 at Custer S.P., Grand Forks Aug. 9 (DL, SL) and photographedon the 10th Nov. 23, and he reportedthat nutcrackerswere soeasy to find (GL). A Golden-winged Warbler was seenon the earliest-ever that he believedhundreds were presentin the s. BlackHills. date of Sept. 1 in Brown,S.D. (DT). Northern Parulas were in One was present as far east as New Town, N.D., Nov. 3-21 Fargo Aug. 6 (MAB) & 15 (GN), and at Arrowwood N.W.R., (BH, ph. DL). Unfortunately,the pine forestsof the North Da- Sept. 17 (PVN). A Yellow Warbler in Minot Oct. 4 was excep- kota badlands,where nutcrackershave occurredin the past, were not checked. Common Ravens were seen near Minot tionally late. The Cape May Warbler has been consideredto be occasional in fall in North Dakota, but the recent increased (GB, RM) and in the Turtle Mts. (DK) in the mid-October to interestin fall warblershas producedfar more recordsthan early November period now expectedfor their arrival. One expected. Twelve were reported, including the earliest one was also seen near Carrington,N.D., Nov. 21 (iF}. A flock of Aug. 16 at Fargo(LF), three ad. malesand an immature in the 48 Black-billedMagpies in Grand Forks,N.D., Oct. 3 furnished same bush at Minot Sept. 13 (GB), and two latest-ever near a surprisingnumber that far east. A Mountain Chickadeein New Town Oct. 19 (BH). One found Aug. 19 in Roberts,S.D., Fort Peck, Mont., Nov. 5 providedthe easternmostrecord for was the earliest ever there (BKH). Black-throated Blue War- the state (CC]. biers were presentAug. 17 in Fargo(TD), Sept.2 in Minnehaha, S.D. (AH), and Sept. 14 in Gregory,S.D. (GS). South Dakota's KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS--Ruby-crowned 4th Black-throated Gray Warbler appearedin BrownSept. 1 Kingletsin FargoAug. 15 (GN} and Minot Aug. 16 (GB}were (GP, DT). At least eight ConnecticutWarblers were in a short very early,while thosein FargoOct. 24 (GN}and Moody,S.D., stretch of a dry coulee in Grand Forks Aug. 20 (GL), and a Oct. 26 (LW} were very late. Five flocksof Mountain Bluebirds MacGillivray'sWarbler wassighted in Lawrence,S.D., Aug. 24 totalled 300 in the Black Hills Sept. 20 (RP). A Townsend's (JB). A Wflson's Warbler banded in Brown, S.D., Oct. 25 was Solitairein Brown,S.D., Sept. 22 wasvery early (NancyErnst}, very late (DT). and four were in Day Nov. 27 (DS,MS}, a surprisingnumber consideringthe easterlylocation. A Wood Thrush at Fargo Aug. 26 was a very rare observation for fall (TD}. Varied TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES- A Summer Tana- Thrusheswere in Day, S.D.,Nov. 16-27 (DS},Bowdoin, Mont., ger was viewed at close range in Deuel, S.D., Sept. 7 (BKH). Oct. 11 (KS},and Grand Forks Nov. 10-20 (DL). A N. Mock- Recordsin North Dakotafor the departureof severalgrassland ingbird was in Hand, S.D., Aug. 14 (GeorgePalmer}. Eleven speciesare sparse,but the following seemedparticularly late:

108 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 Lark BuntingOct. 11 in Dunn (JM), and Baird'sSparrow Sept. Hope,and Denhigh,but onein Codington,S.D., was the earliest 23 and GrasshopperSparrow Sept. 14, both at Hettinger (D & ever for e. South Dakota (JG). CG). A late Le Conte'sSparrow was in Sanborn,S.D., Oct. 27 (RR).Harris' Sparrowswere still appearingat feedersin Fargo and Hettinger,N.D., andBowdoin N.W.R., Mont., the lastweek AREA EDITORS (in boldface) and CITED OBSERVERS. of November.A Smith'sLongspur was seen and heard in Deuel, MONTANA--Chuck Carlson, Larry Malone, Steve Martin, S.D., Nov. 5, the latest date ever (BKH). Rosy Finches appear Dwain Prellwitz, Thora Prellwitz, Jim Stutzman, Karen Stutz- to be in the badlands of either of the Dakotas any fall that man. NORTH DAKOTA--Gordon Betkey, Mary Alice Bergan, Tom Dahlen, Larry Falk, JohnFoster, Dave & Carolyn Griffith, observersare there to see them; 200 were present in Billings, Bernice Hauser, Donald Kubischta, David Lambeth, Greg N.D., Nov. 7 (RM), and they were also seen in South Dakota Lambeth, SharonLambeth, Jens Munthe, Ran Martin, William Nov. 6-7 (NW, MG). A House Finch appearedsporadically at & Elaine Malaski, Gary Nielsen, Jay Peterson,Marynell Red- my feeder in Grand ForksAug. 16-Sept.14. The only report man, Paul Van Ningen, William West, Jim Withnell. SOUTH of Pine Grosbeakwas of one at FargoNov. 7 (TD). Red Crossbills DAKOTA--Jocelyn Baker, Ralph Bryant, Peter Carrels,John moved into the Dakotasbeginning in mid-October, but most Gilman, Marjorie Glass,Willis Hall, AugustHaeger, Bruce K. of thesemoved on beforethe end of the period.A Cam. Redpoll Harris, JohnKoerner, Karen Kronner,Ernest Miller, Michael at Waubay N.W.R., S.D., Oct. 12 was the earliestever for the Melius, GeorgePrisbe, Marjorie Parker, Richard Peterson, state(RB). They were widespreadin moderatenumbers by the RobertRogers, Dennis Skadsen, Mark Skadsen,Galen Steffen, end of the period. Three Hoary Redpollswere with 20 Cam. Dan Tallman, Steve Van Sickle, Lois Wells, Nat Whitney.- Redpollsnear Malta, Mont., Nov. 28 (DP). The first Evening DAVID O. LAMBETH, 1909 20th Ave S., Grand Forks, ND Grosbeaksin North Dakota were found Oct. 10-12 at Fargo, 58201.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

Frances Williams I • MINN , S. DAK. k .... - --- nmal,western 30 inchesTexas, fellwhere Junethrough 14inches November.ofrain ayear Draws is nor-that had been dry sincethe glacial agebecame flowing rivers. Playasfilled. There was a fantasticgrowth of grassesand WYO.• c;•?.at7••,•,.•,,L .e ,/•••d• .. . .Omaha IOWA•'' weeds. Abundant food and water resulted in a large pop- r- ...... • . Lincoln•" ulation of the usual speciesand a few new records. ß - ...... ",' In northeasternOklahoma, Septemberbrought 30 inches of rain building up to the great"500 year" floodof October 4 when the gates of Hulah, Copan, and Keystone Dams • I'O/• • Hays.Cheyenne ' II were openedto accommodatethe great influx of water. '" "" Cimmarofi• KANSB;,ttoms -•a,a.,• d,,Cy;.MO The usual mudflats and shorelines were under water, but ...... ß fields and pastureswere greatfor shorebirdswhen birders ..,sa ...... could get to them. Melinda Droegein Bartlesville wrote, .,OKLA. ARK. "We'll never know how much we missed because of flooded • Amarillo ' 1• ß roads and washed-out bridges." Id•.'•l luir¾ •i ß ' '•'/•,,.. Oklahoma .."• A cold front on October 4 unlooseda flood of migrants [•Muleshoe • • •eroken Bow that moved throughnorth Texas on the daysimmediately • -Refuge • Res. • ß Wi;hi•a'- .. •._Hagerman•' - ...... NW R following. Observersin Fort Worth saw 250 warblers of • Lubbock eaus Dallas • -- eight speciesin an hour October 5. At the Plano Outdoor • r Abilenß Fo,tWo,th' ' • LA ' Learning Center, 90 birds of 16 specieswere banded Oc- .... c: .• • . N•cogdoches 2 • ..... MId•nd ß • Waco .... tober 7, and at the Heard Natural History Museum in • ...... •- . -._q •LaKe •i•ngston McKinney, 140 birds were banded October 8. Especiallynoteworthy was the northward dispersalof White Ibises,Roseate Spoonbills, and Wood Storks.The "yard bird" of the seasonwas at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, where Jeri McMahon looked out her kitchen window and saw a Common Loon. recordin 40 years(RNLS, m.ob.). Red-necked Grebes appeared ABBREVIATIONS -- B.B.N.P.= Big Bend Nat'l Park, Texas; in Lancaster,Neb., Oct. 25-26 (D & MG, m.ob.),Osage, Kans., G.M.N.P. = GuadalupeMountain Nat'l Park, Texas; Buffalo L. Sept.28 (MM), and Tulsa Sept. 14 (E & KH). Western Grebes = BuffaloLake Nat'l Wildlife Refuge,Randall County, Texas; Hag- were observede. to Douglasand Osage,Kans., and Osage,Okla. erman = HagermanNat'l Wildlife Refuge,Grayson County, Texas. Place names in italics are counties. Clark'sGrebe was reportedat TregoOct. 18 (SS)and El Paso Nov. 26 (BZ, SW). At least 10,000 Am. White Pelicanspassed LOONS THROUGH STORK-- A Pacific Loon in Lancaster, through HagermanOct. 9 and nearly as many rested on L. Neb., Nov. 15-16 providedonly the 3rd recordthere (BJR, Keystone,Osage, Okla., Sept. 20. Hordesof Double-crested m.ob.).This speciesvisited 2 Kansaslocalities: Trego Nov. 8- Cormorants moved into n.e. Oklahoma as the flood waters re- 14 (SS),and Lyon Nov. 27 (JSc).Common Loonswere present ceded,with flockscomprising 1000 birds in WashingtonOct. at many placeswhere their statusis "rare vagrant."A Horned 4-8 and 4000 in Tulsa Oct. 19. Olivaceous Cormorants were Grebe in Brozos,Tex., Nov. 22, was the first there in 12 years reportedat Douglas,Kans., Sept. 15 (BF, KHo), and at 4 Texas (PVD), and one at Midland Nov. 27-30 providedonly the 6th localitiesin Septemberand October.

Volume41, NumberI 109 LeastB•tterns were noted in Keith, Neb., Aug 30 (RCR)and the w•de-open spaceswhere I hve Cooper'sare more abun- Omaha Oct. 2 (KG). Great Egretswere abundant and wide- dant." One N. Goshawkwas s•ghted•n G.M.N.P. three hines, spreadand remained until Nov. 30 at severallocalities. Note- but whether it was one individual or three is unknown An worthy numbers included 11 in Harlan, Neb., Sept. I (RCR) ad. • Harris' Hawk was observed in Comanche, Okla., where and six at E1 Paso Oct. 24 (BZ, JD). Snowy Egrets remained the speciesis accidental, Nov. 15 (JB). Broad-wingedHawk until late November at severalsites. A singleSnowy found a flights included 5114 birds at NacogdochesSept. 27, 400 at small pool of water in the desertof Hudspeth,Tex., Sept. 28 Hiawatha, Kans.,Sept. 30, and "thousands"in Henderson,Tex, (OVO). Two Little Blue Heronsvisited Randall, Tex., Oct. 19, Oct. 8. Peak Swainsoh's Hawk migration occurred the first and two remained until Nov. 20 in Tarrant, Tex. Tricolored week of October,with flightscomprising 200 or more birds •n Heronswere found in Texas in Tarrant Sept. 26, Coma/Oct. the Texas Panhandle Oct. 4, and McClain, Okla., and Tarrant 30, and B.B.N.P.,Aug. 10.About 500 CattleEgrets spent October Oct. 5. At Lubbock, 150 Swainson's remained until Oct 11 near Lubbock,Tex. A singleCattle Egret in Cimarron, Okla., FerruginousHawks were rather far eastin Garfield,Neb., Nov Aug. 16 may have furnisheda first countyrecord (JAG). When 21 (WJM) and Tulsa Oct. 26-Nov. 30 (m.ob.).Golden Eagles temperatures in Omaha fell below zero Nov. 11, a Black- unusually far eastincluded one at Omaha Nov. 12 and one m crownedNight-Heron was rescuedand cared for until tem- Washington,Okla., Nov. 15. peraturesmoderated. A Yellow-crownedNight-Heron visited Merlins were reported at 21 localities,often with 2 or more Black Gap W.M.A., Brewster,Tex., Aug. 8 (BMcK). Immature sightings.Prairie Falconswere seene. to Boone,Neb., Tulsa, White Ibises,wandering widely in Texas Aug. 12-Oct. 5, were and Ft. Worth. Very early PeregrineFalcons arrived at Midland recorded in Panola, Midland, Tarrant, Van Zandt, and Kerr. Aug. 15 and Waco Aug. 24. In Tarrant Oct. 5, three imm. Per- There were unusualsightings of White-facedIbises at Keith, egrinesplayed havoc with the local populationof heronsand Neb., Aug. 9 (RCR, DJR),and Muskogee,Okla., Nov. 20 (VJ). egrets.Three Peregrinesat once is a stellar occurrence,and RoseateSpoonbills were found in Kansasin OsageAug. 30 and even three in a season,as at NacogdochesSept. 27 & 29 and CheyenneBottoms W.M.A., Sept.6. In Texas,spoonbills visited Oct. 1, is a red-letter event. At least 19 Peregrines were seen Van Zandt Aug. 10, WashingtonOct. 18, and Fannin Sept. 29. in the Region. Wood Storks were seen in Texas in Van Zandt Sept. 8 & 28 (RK),Fannin Sept. 28 (LB),and HendersonSept. I (MMa). PARTRIDGES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS--Coveys of Gray Partridgeswere found in Wayne, Neb., Aug. 15, and WATERFOWL- Fifteen Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks Pierce,Neb., Nov. 7. Along the road from Kerrville to the Kerr appearedin Uvalde, Tex., Sept. 17 (E & KM). Tundra Swans W.M.A., Tex., on Nov. 30, 222 Wild Turkeys were counted graced the Texas hill country at Kerrville Nov. 26 and Fred- The reintroducedMontezuma Quail in G.M.N.P. producedat ericksburg Nov. 16-19. Two Tundra Swans were seen at Mus- leastone coveyof juvenilesthis year. Tiny N. Bobwhitechicks kogeeNov. 30 (JMcM).A TrumpeterSwan visited Cherry, Neb., were seen on the late date of Aug. 31 in Washington,Okla Aug. 23 (B & MPr). A Snow Goosein Osage,Okla., Sept.5 was Gambel'sQuail are making a comebackin B.B.N.P.,as a small very early (MH). Ross'Geese arrived at Washington,Neb., Nov. covey was observedAug. 17. Six King Rails were counted•n 15, SequoyaN.W.R., Okla., Nov. 15, Hagerman Nov. 20, and Midland Sept. 28 (JCH). A Virginia Rail in Brazos,Tex., Oct E1Paso Nov. 11. Very early Green-wingedTeal were discovered 7 representedthe first fall record at that locality since 1971 in Oklahoma, Okla., Aug. 21 (JAG) and Brewster,Tex., Aug. (KA), and one in Uvalde, Tex., Sept. 17 was also noteworthy 19 (RP).American Black Duckswere seenat Quivira N.W.R., (E & KM). A Sofa in Garden,Neb., Nov. 22 was very late (RCR, Kans.,Sept. 6-7 (SS,TC), Platte, Neb., Oct. 10 (BJR),and Doug- DJR).In the TexasPanhandle, Corn. Moorhens were foundm las, Neb., Nov. 11 (BJR).Mottled Ducks were found in Van Donley Oct. 12, providing more evidence of their recent ex- Zandt Aug. 6 (RK).Cinnamon Teal were notedin Pierce,Neb., pansion. This specieswas also seen in Tarrant Sept. 27-Oct Nov. 5-7 (MB). Oldsquawswere encounteredin PierceNov. 4 12 and Uvalde Sept. 17-18. The highlight of the year in s w (MB), TregoNov.' 16 (TS),Rooks, Kans., Nov. 22 (SS),Oklahoma Oklahoma was provided by a Whooping Crane family (two City Nov. 13 (MO), and Randall, Tex., Nov. 19 (DM, KS).Surf adults,one immature) that restedin a wheatfield in Comanche Scoterswere found in Washington,Neb., Nov. 9 (MB), Omaha Nov. 10 (JMM et al.). Nov. 10 (BJR),and Oklahoma City Nov. 5 (JGN).White-winged There wasa conspicuousmovement of Black-belliedPlovers Scotersvisited Trego Nov. 8-28 and Wichita, Kans., in late throughoutthe RegionAug. 12-17. LesserGolden-Plovers, al- November. HoodedMergansers were recordedat Tulsa Nov. ways scarcein fall, were seenat BartlesvilleOct. 18-19, Hag- 9-20 and at 5 Texas sites in late November. erman Oct. 2 & 9, and E1 Paso Sept. 16 and Oct. 8. One at Topeka Nov. 15 had a broken leg. The only Snowy Plovers RAPTORS--Observers at Nacogdoches,Tex., tallied 93 reported were two very late onesat Midland Nov. 29 (RMS, migratingBlack Vultures Oct. 4. More than 100 Black Vultures m.ob.).._Theonly Mountain Ploversseen were in Cimarron, roosted on the Guadalupe R., Kerr, Tex., Nov. 19 (JM). The Okla., Oct. 5 (JSS).In early October,Am. Avocetsfound the peak date of Turkey Vulture migrationat Nacogdocheswas rain-filled "salt fiats" of Culberson,Tex. (BW). Willets were Oct. 4, when 242 were counted (D & MW). Ospreyswere re- seenin Washington,Okla., July11 (DV), and E1Paso and Rams, portedat 20 localities.As the floodwaters retreated at Midland, Tex., Aug. 14-17. An UplandSandpiper in Washington,Tex, dozens of fish were left stranded in roadside ditches, and seven Oct. 4 was late (KA, DC). A Whimbrel provideda first record Ospreyscame to partakeat the sametime. Eight were counted at L. Somerville, Washington,Tex., Aug. 17 (DC, RB). Long- at Oklahoma City in October. A late Osprey at Tulsa Nov. 29 billed Curlews, usually scarce in the Texas "hill country," was observedcarrying a rodent.Kettles of migratingMississippi were encounteredat IngramAug. 10-11 and ComfortNov 15 Kites comprised79 birds at Amarillo Aug. 31, 70 at Wichita, (TG).Marbled Godwitswere commonin the TexasPanhandle Tex., Sept. 2, 60 at Oklahoma City Sept. 6, and 47 in Hardin, throughAug. 16 (KS).Two were foundat Omaha Sept.4-6 Tex., Sept. 17. A nestlingMississippi Kite was found in Tarrant (BJR,MB) and one wasat Nowata,Okla., Sept.13 (DV, MG) A Aug. 12, providinga first breedingrecord there. Unusual Mis- singleRuddy Turnstoneremained at Omaha Sept. 4-Oct 30, sissippiKite sightingsincluded three in n.e. Nebraska Sept. one was in Kerr Nov. 8, one was shot by a vandal at E1 Paso 26-28 (m.ob.),one in B.B.N.P.,Sept. 24 (BMcK),and a very late Oct. 7, and two visited Tarrant Sept. 20-25. one in Randall Oct. 5 (PA).In Van Zandt the peak of Accipiter Red Knots,among the rarestshorebirds in the Region,were migration was Oct. 5, when 42 Sharp-shinnedHawks and 10 found in Platte, Neb., Sept. 4-5 (BJR,BP), Cheyenne Bottoms Cooper'sHawks were counted (RK). In w. Kansasduring the Sept. 6 (SS),and Nowata, where one provided a first county season,Seltman counted 50 Cooper'sand fewer than 20 record,Aug. 7 (MD, DV). Very late Sanderlingsvisited Coffey, Sharpies.He wrote, "I think one reasonthat Sharpiesare con- Kans.,Nov. 15 (BF,MM) andTulsa Nov. 16 (JWA).Late Pectoral s•deredmore common is becausethey are the Accipiter most Sandpiperswere observedat Midland Nov. 29 (BE, GW) and likely to be seen in cities where most birders live. But here in Tarrant Nov. 21 (RDC,AY). Dunlinswere reportedat 6 local-

110 American B•rds,Spring 1987 21, and Midland Oct. 31. Groove-billed Anis were seen in Hudspetb,Tex.. Oct. 7 (BZ) and Kimble, Tex., Oct. 5 (N & DJ). In s.w. Oklahoma, 3 pairsof Com. Barn-Owlsraised 2nd broods of young in October after having fledged their first young in May (PWW). In B.B.N.P.,a N. Pygmy-Owl was found on the early date of July 29 (EH). A Burrowing Owl that stoppedat Rooney's Bar in Omaha was taken to the Raptor Recovery Center. Four Com. Poorwills were discovered in the Oklahoma City area in early October. Newell asked, "From where do they come?"An estimated8000 Chimney Swifts assembledat Tulsa Sept. 28. A Magnificent Hummingbird was discoveredin B.B.N.P., Aug. 19 & 23 (GL et al.). A Lucifer Hummingbird at Black Gap W.M.A., Aug. 8 had not wanderedfar (BMcI0 but one at Mid- land Sept. 3-5 was about 200 min. of any previous sighting (ME, RMS). A Ruby-throated Hummingbird in B.B.N.P., Aug. 14-22 provided a rare record, but disappointedvisitors who were searchingfor rare westernhummers. At leastfour Anna's Hummingbirdsvisited feeders at El Pasomid-October through November. Calliope Hummingbirdsbrightened Midland July Red Phalaropeat Lake Babcock,Platte Co., Neb., Oct. 13, 1986. 28, LubbockAug. 20-Sept. 1, El Pasoarea Aug. 22-Sept. 9, and Photo/B.l. Rose. B.B.N.P.,Aug. 4-5. Adult • RufousHummingbirds delighted observersat Wichita Aug. 9-10 and Tulsa Aug. 2. There were ities in Octoberand November.Buff-breasted Sandpipers pro- many late lingeringRufous Hummingbirds, which is not un- videdfirst records in Kimble,Tex., Aug.28 (N & DJ)and Bush, expected.More unusual were birds identified as late Broad- Kans.,Sept. 10 (SS).Fourteen Buff-breastedSandpipers were lailed Hummingbirdsat G.M.N.P., Nov. 23 and Ft. Davis,Tex., Nov. 29. counted at Cheyenne BottomsSept. 4, 17 were seen at Tulsa Sept. 28, and 11 rested in Platte Sept. 4-13. Well described Green Kingfishersfished in small pondsnear the Rio Grande Short-billedDowitchers were reportedat El PasoAug. 22 and in B.B.N.P., Aug. 6 (female) and Sept. 5 (male). Red-bellied Oct. 6 (BZ) and Tarrant Aug. 9-10 (LH). American Woodcocks Woodpeckerswere west of their usual range in Keith (RCR) were discoveredin Washington,Okla., Nov. 8-13, Van Zandt Sept.27 and Kendall,Tex., Oct. 28 (JM). Red-napedSapsuckers and Hunt, Tex., Nov. 19, Kerrville Nov. 26, and Bastrop,Tex., were found in Morton, Kans., Sept. 27 (TC) and Hueco Tanks Nov. 15. Red-neckedPhalampes were presentat El PasoAug. S.P., Tex., Sept. 27 (BZ, GL). Williamson'sSapsuckers visited 26-Oct. 13, with a high count of 25. Four were found in Platte Buffalo L., Oct. 15, El PasoSept. 17, and G.M.N.P., Oct. 20. A Sept.4-6, 15 at MuleshoeN.W.R., Sept.20, and one at Midland Pileated Woodpeckerprovided a possiblefirst record in Kerr Sept. 27. A Red Phalarope in Platte Oct. 10-13 evidently pro- Nov. 30 (TG). vided only the 2nd documentedNebraska record (BJR,BP). Most Empidonax flycatchers went unidentified, as only a few were so lypical of their speciesthat their identity could JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMER- Three Parasitic Jae- be discernedby a careful observer.Some of the more note- gersdined on Barn Swallowsat OklahomaCity Sept.6-7 (JGN, worthy empids recordedwere Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in JAG,JSS). A 4th ParasiticJaeger appeared at the samelocation Washington,Tex., Sept. 13 (EB),Acadian Flycatcher at Tulsa Oct. 17 (JGN). First-year Laughing Gulls visited Cheyenne Aug. 9 (TLM), Alder Flycatcherin Washington,Tex., Sept. 30 BottomsAug. 19 and Sept.4 (m.ob.).At L. Somerville,Laughing (DC, NB), about 25 Willow Flycatchersat Oklahoma City Sept. Gulls Nov. 8, 15, & 23 providedthe only recordsfor that month 6 (JAG), Willow Flycatcher at Elk City, Okla., Oct. 3 (IB), Ham- (KA et al.). About 3000 Franklin's Gulls swarmed at L. Ta- mond'sFlycatcher in Morton Sept. 21 (SS),Dusky Flycatcher wakoni, Rains, Tex., Nov. 9 (RK), while a singlebird visited in Morton Sept. 27 (SS,TC), and Gray Flycatchersin B.B.N.P., El Paso,where the speciesis rare in fall, Oct. 24 (BZ, JD).Two Sept. 2 (BMcK) and El PasoSept. 4 (BZ). Black Phoebeswere ad. CaliforniaGulls were found at L. McConaughy,Keith, Aug. n.e. of their usual haunts at Midland Sept. 28-30 (RMS, m.ob.) 9 (RCR, DJR)and one was photographedthere Aug. 14 (MR). and Bandera, Tex., Oct. 30-Nov. 3 (JM, MBo). Three Great Thayer's Gulls were reported in Jefferson,Kans., Oct. 8 (TC), CrestedFlycatchers visited Midland, where even one is un- and Douglas,Kans., Nov. 16 (MC, LM). A Black-leggedKitti- usual, Aug. 28, Sept. 28, and Oct. 2, and singlesreached the wake at Oklahoma City Nov. 8-30+ was the first there since w. edgeof the state at HudspetbSept. 3 and El PasoSept. 15. 1968 (MO, JGN).Each state in the Regionboasted a Sabine's A Brown-crestedFlycatcher was observedin B.B.N.P., Oct. 9 Gull: Sheridan,Neb., Oct. 9 (RCR,DJR), Osage, Kans., Sept. 21 (AB). A Thick-billed Kingbird remained in B.B.N.P.,Aug. 6- (MCo, BF, MM), Tulsa Oct. 14-15 ( JL,PSe, m.ob.), and Tarrant, Sept. 2 (JA. m.ob.). Scissor-tailedFlycatchers are rare in the Tex., Oct. 18-20 (LH, CBH, m.ob.). trans-Pecos area of Texas, so one in B.B.N.P., Oct. 8 was note- A congregationof 44 CaspianTerns at Oklahoma City Sept. worthy (BMcK,AB). Great flocksof Scissor-tailedsstaging be- 7 constituted an unusual number anywhere on the Plains. fore migration usedto be commonplace,but the only one re- Common Terns were well documentedat Dallas Sept. 6, E1 ported was a roost comprising400 birds at Norman in late PasoSept. 24, Tulsa Oct. 3, and Rogers,Okla., Sept. 14. Least September(JAG). Tern chicksstill unable to fly were found at Tulsa Aug. 19 and MuskogeeAug. 13. Only 5 localitiesreported Black Terns and the only flock of any size comprised60 birds in Washington, MARTINS THROUGH SHRIKES -- During the week of Okla., Aug. 8. A Black Skimmer paid a brief visit to a flood- Aug. 17, about 20,000 Purple Martins descendedon a Wichita formed lake at Midland, Tex., Aug. 26 (D & JM). apartmentcomplex. Health departmentemployees, "thinking" they were starlings,shot scoresbefore Wichita Audubon So- DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS--An Inca Dove ciety membersintervened (DSK).During the sameweek, 1200 was unusually far north in Palo Duro Canyon S.P., Tex., Oct. martinsgathered in Omahaand 600 flew over Comanche,Okla. 28 (KS). A Corn. Ground-Dove was discoveredin BrazosOct. A lone e Purple Martin appearedin B.B.N.P.,where there are 11 (RP).The only Black-billedCuckoos reported were at DeSoto few records,Aug. 26 (AB, CS). A Violet-green Swallow darted N.W.R., Neb., Aug. 6 (BP,TB), Omaha Oct. 8 (TB),and Crowley, over Garden, Neb., Aug. 29 (RCR). Flocks of Bank Swallows Tex., Oct. 7 (MR). Very late Yellow-billed Cuckooswere found comprisingmore than 200 birds passedthrough the Amarillo at Norman, Okla., Oct. 19, Tulsa Nov. 1, Sherman, Tex., Nov. area Aug. 3-17. Four very late N. Rough-wingedSwallows

Volume 41, Number 1 111 wrote that Nashville Warblers were "a dime a ton" in Tarrant the week following the Oct. 4 cold front, and this was also true in B.B.N.P., where at least 100 Nashvilles swarmed Oct. 10 (AB). Northern Parulaswere seenat Omaha Sept. 7, Otoe, Neb., Sept. 18, Tarrant Sept. 13, and Van Zandt Oct. 5. A Chestnut-sidedWarbler was foundin KeithAug. 30. A Mag- noliaWarbler graced Rush, Kans., Oct. 3. Far out of rangewere Black-throatedBlue Warblers in MortonSept. 21 (SS)and Buf- falo L., Oct. 19 (KS).At least 100 Townsend'sWarblers flitted about B.B.N.P., Oct. 24. A Hermit Warbler was observed in B.B.N.P., Aug. 20 (RP). A birder perched on the roof of his floodedhouse in BartlesvilleOct. 4 foundit easyto seea Black- throated Green Warbler in a nearby tree (BPo). Of seven BlackburnianWarblers in Texas, the most out of range was one in B.B.N.P.,Sept. 10. Pine Warblerswere unusually com- mon in n.e. Nebraska, and one in Wayne, Neb., Nov. 7 was late. A Pine Warbler in Uvalde, Tex., Nov. 30 was rather far west. A Prairie Warbler provideda first county recordin Kim- ble, Tex., Aug. 17 (N & DJ)and one in Bell, Tex., Sept.9 was also exceptional(ML). A Palm Warbler visited Lubbock Oct. RockWren at the spillwayat Lake Tawakoni,Rains Co., Texas, 23. ^ Bay-breastedWarbler was seen in BrazosNov. 12. The in November1986. Photo/George Harmon. Bartlesvilleflood victim birding from his roof also glimpsed an Am. Redstart.Three Octobersightings in Bartlesvilleof this were noted at El Paso Nov. 11. Clark's Nutcrackers were dis- normally early fall migrant were unusual. covered in Sioux and Dawes,Neb., Aug. 22 & 26 (M & BPr, ProthonotaryWarblers brightened Bell Sept. 14 and Kimble GWo). Migrating flocksof Blue Jayspassed over Washington, Aug. 30. A Worm-eating Warbler was discoveredin Huntsville Okla., Oct. 3 and Van Zandt Oct. 5. A Black-billedMagpie in S.P.,Tex., Oct. 18, and a Swainsoh'sWarbler was in Bell Sept. Riley, Kans.,Nov. 28 was farther e. than usual. At Midland, a 21. At CollegeStation a N. Waterthrushfound dead Sept. 12 Corn. Raven provided a not unexpectedfirst record Nov. 28 provided the first fall record since 1975. A Louisiana Water- (GW, BE).Red-breasted Nuthatches were scarce,as only 5 re- thrush in B.B.N.P.,Aug. 7 waswell described(PS). A Kentucky ports were received. A White-breasted Nuthatch was found Warbler in Kimble Oct. 7 representeda new county record (N in Beckham, Okla., Oct. 26 (IB). A Rock Wren was observed & DJ).Hooded Warblers were found at Tulsa Sept. 1, Buffalo in Madison,Neb., Oct. 7 (JDu).Winter Wrens were discovered L., Sept.1, and Bell Oct. 5-8. A very confusedWilson's Warbler at 6 localities,all after mid-October.About 14 SedgeWrens found its way to the baggageclaim area of the Dallas-Fort gatheredin a bluestempasture in Washington,Okla., Aug. 11- Worth airport. He was caught and ejected becauseafter all, 25 (DV, m.ob.).There was a widespreadincursion of Golden- he didn't have a ticket! A CanadaWarbler gracedTulsa Aug. crownedKinglets beginning in mid-Octoberand by Nov. 30 a 12. A Scarlet Tanager provided a first fall record at College few had reached B.B.N.P. StationOct. 1 (GD).At leastten W. Tanagersbrightened Morton It was not a bluebird year, as all three specieswere in low Sept. 20. numbers in very scatteredlocations. In w. Texas, Townsend's GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES--In Texas, Rose- Solitairesarrived early and in good numbers.In Midland, breastedGrosbeaks were seenat HagermanOct. 8, Van Zandt where usuallyone solitaireper seasonis exciting,10 couldbe Sept. 29, and Uvalde Sept. 18. Late-lingaringfinches included foundin 2 hoursof birding.In w. Kansas,seven solitaires were a Blue Grosbeakbanded in Coilin,Tex., Nov. 1 (AV), an Indigo encounteredat Cedar Bluff Res., Nov. 28. Except for Am. Bunting at Waco Oct. 27 (JO), and a Painted Bunting in Kerr Robins and Townsend's Solitaires, thrushes were scarce Nov. 17 (TG). Dickcisselswere west of their usual haunts at throughout.The few reportedincluded a Veery in Dodge,Neb., El PasoAug. 25 and Sept. 27 and B.B.N.P.,Sept. 2. A Field Aug. 21 (BJR),a Gray-cheekedThrush in OmahaOct. 10 (TB), Sparrow at Hueco Tanks S.P., Nov. 28 represented the first and Wood Thrushesin Kendall, Tex., Oct. 25 (E & SW) and area recordin almosta decade(JD, JSp).A Henslow'sSparrow Tarrant Oct. 26 (HE). A Gray Catbird lingered at Hagerman in Washington,Okla., provideda 2nd county record(DV), and until Nov. 20 (KH) and one was seen in Kerr, where it is an one in BrazosNov. 22 representedonly the 2nd record for that uncommon migrant, Oct. 16 (E & KM). In Morton, 18 Sage month (PVD). Le Conte'sSparrows were unusually common: Thrasherswere countedSept. 27, and 20 were foundat Hueco sevenin Douglas,Neb., Oct. 5, one in Pierce,Neb., Oct. 18, 11 Tanks S.P. the same day. One in Kendall Oct. 25 was rather at HagermanOct. 19, eight in Bains,Tex., Nov. 30, and one in far east(E & SW). In Rushand Pawnee,Kans., 40 Sprague's Tarrant Oct. 26. Four Sharp-tailedSparrows at HagermanOct. Pipitswere tallied overseveral days in early October(SS) and 19 were the first at that location since 1979 (KH, LL). Sharp- three were discoveredin TulsaOct. 15 (JWA).The only Bohe- tailedswere alsodiscovered in PierceOct. 18 0VIB)and Bogers, mian Waxwings were two in Keith Nov. 23 (RCR, DJR). A Okla., Sept.14 (JWA, JCHo).A Golden-crownedSparrow that Phainopeplaprovided a firstrecord in Oldham,Tex., Aug. 26 remained in Kimble, Tex., Oct. 25-Nov. 30 provided a first (RSc). Northern Shrikes were numerous in Boone, Dakota, county record (N & DJ, m.ob.). McCown's Longspurswere Garfield, Holt, and Stanton,Neb. abundantin Denton,Tex., Nov. 23. About 1000Lapland Long- VIREOS THROUGH TANAGERS--A late White-eyed spursswirled in Platte,Neb., Nov. 12. Smith'sLongspurs were Vireo was at Midland Nov. 11 (D & JM). Black-cappedVireos observedin Osage,Okla., Nov. 23 and Tulsa Nov. 16-18. In El were encounteredin Canadian,Okla., Aug. 31, ComancheSept. Pasoand Hudspeth,Chestnut-collared Longspurs were unusu- 20, and B.B.N.P.,Aug. 19 & 30. A late Solitary Vireo was at ally commonOct. 15-Nov. 30. Four Snow Buntingsarrived in BuffaloL., Nov.9. A Yellow-throatedVireo lingeredin Brazos Platte Nov. 4. until Nov. 22, and one visited Hunt, Tex., where it is uncom- Unusual Octobersightings of Yellow-headedBlackbirds oc- mon, Aug. 5. The seldom-reportedPhiladelphia Vireo was dis- curred in Washington,Osage, and Tulsa, Okla., and Panola, coveredin G.M.N.P., Sept. 18 (CB, WS) and Wagoner,Okla., Tex. Rusty Blackbirdswere unusually far w. in Garden, Neb., Sept. 6 (JMcM). Nov. 22 and Buffalo L., Nov. 27. Great-tailed Grackles have Golden-wingedWarblers brightened Tulsa Sept. 7, Lancaster, unfortunately reached G.M.N.P. A late Orchard Oriole was in Neb., Aug. 22, and Tarrant Oct. 5. TennesseeWarblers were Nacogdochas.Tex., Oct. 5 {DW} and a late N. Oriole was still observedin Tarrant Oct. 11 and BuffaloL., Aug. 27. Hayhie presentin Cass,Neb., Nov. 30 {GWo}.The only Cassin'sFinch

112 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 reported was at E1Paso Nov. 12-14. Red Crossbillswere ob- NormanBeal, Anne Bellamy,Charles Bender, Eric Benson,Robert served in Nebraska at Nemaha Aug. 22, Sarpy Oct. 19, Cedar Benson,M. Boyd{MBo), Tanya Bray, Mark Brogie,David Broth- Oct. 27, and Knox Nov. 7, and at Hays, Kans., Nov. 1. The Red erton, Ina Brown, Lillian M. Brown, Ted Cable, JamesS. Calver, Crossbillsthat summeredin G.M.N.P., were still present Aug. R.D.Coggeshall, Dawn Conway, Mel Cooksey,Mark Carder0riCo), 30. Pine Siskinswere presentin small numbers at scattered JeffDonaldson, Gin Doran, Melinda Droege,Jane Dunlap { JDu), localities. Very early Evening Grosbeaksarrived in Dawes, Paul Van Dyke, Bill Edwards,Helen Ekholm, Midge Erskine, Bob Neb., Aug. 22 (RCR).One appearedat Muskogeeon the more Fisher,Tony Gallucci,Daryl & MargaretGiblin, Mark Gray, Kathy usual date of Nov. 26 { JMcM). Gross,J.A. Grzybowski,Karl Hailer, Larry Halsey,Eric Haskell, Elizabeth& KenHayes, Carl B. Haynie, J.C.Henderson, Kelly Hobbs {KHo),Margaret Hochmuth, J.C. Hoffman { JCHo),Nick & Debbie EXOTICS -- An African Crowned Crane at a Tarrant water Jackson,Vera Jennings.Daniel S. Kilhy. Richard Kinney, Greg treatment plant Oct. 12 was a refugeefrom the nearby Inter- Lasley,Lee Lemons,Mark Lockwood,Jo Loyd,Art MacKinnon, national Wildlife Park. Four Ringed Turtle-Doves spent late MichaelMaloch (MMa), JudyMason, Janet M. McGee(JMM), Mick summer in Wichita. Monk Parakeetswere nest-buildingin McHugh, Bonnie McKinney, Jeri McMahon (JMcM). Don & Joan downtown Dallas in October (JP). Two Monk Parakeetssur- Merritt, Terry L. Mitchell, WayneMollhoff, Lloyd Moore.Ernest vived at Midland for more than a year. A Rose-ringedParakeet & Kay Mueller, Don Myers,Don Neff, JohnG. Newell, Mitchell was found in Grady, Okla., Aug. 31 (JAG). Oliphant, O.V. Olsen, JuneOsborne, Bahs Padelford, Jim Peterson, RandyPinkston, Ben Powell (BPo), Beth & Mark Proe•choldt,Midge Randolph,Richard C. Rosche,Dorothy J. Rosche,B.J. Rose, John CORRIGENDA--AB 40:491: A Cam. Loon and a Yellow- Row. JeanSchulenberg (JSc), Peter Scott, RosemaryScott (RSc). crowned Night-Heronreported in Rains,Tex., should have been PatriciaSeibert (PSe). Willie Sekula,Scott Seltman, Kenneth Scyf- in Van Zandt, Tex. AB 40:494: The Red Crossbill was at Tulsa, not fert, JohnS. Shackford,Tom Shane,Cindy Simmons,John Sproul Bartlesville. (JSp),Allen Valentine, Don Verser, Gene Warren, Brent Wauer. Egon& Sue Wiedenfeld,Frances Willis (FWi), Paul W. Wilson. CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OBSERVERS (Area ScottWilson, David & Mimi Wolf,Gertrude Wood (GWo), Ad York, compilers in boldface)- PeggyAcord, Keith Arnold. J.W. Ar- Barry Zimmer.--FRANCES C. WILLIAMS, 2001 Broken Hills E., tarburn,John Arvin, MichaelJ. Austin, Jay Banta, Lorraine Bartlett. Rt. 4. Midland, TX 79701.

SOUTH TEXAS REGION

Greg W. Lasley and Chuck Sexton

.,• ßBastrop Beaumontß ,,• j• lthoughweather patternsitmay bewere a misleading describedas concept nearly "normal"in Texas, • -- .•4,•r• PALMETTOHouston ß •Cove •' X ,a•tCO•E•'ESC•P• • eSS-•r. LaPorte•H• Island by several observers.A number of early and uncommon • S•n Seguin BAYSHOeE•, • migrantswere noted in Austin after a long string of 100øF DelRio ß Antonio • R•ER •-- •mveston days broke on August4-5. There was a notable absenceof •L Uvalde •;eepo,, inclement weather in August and September, which %•EaglePass Beeville. • O.4 • WelderRefuge ß•A ..... sRdu• seemingly resulted in a rather late migration (i.e., obser- ß- •%•- -,- - •,• Rockport vations of migrant concentrations),although a fairly good • •. •u•s• Po••ansas fallout of passetineswas noted on the Upper Texas Coast with a windshift August 29. The first strongfront brought some rain October 5-9 along with some good fallouts Re- • . L•Le Roymond•dle gionwide. Rainfall was generally above normal during the latter one-half of the season,but was not enough to fill ponds and lakes at Laguna Atascosa,Kingsville, and Fal- furrias, for example, which had dried up during the hot summer. Many of our wintering migrants arrived with the first solid Arctic air mass that came in November 11-13. In the absence of any tropical storm activity, the re- markable movement of coastalwading birds to inland lo- cationswas puzzling. Reasonsfor such an influx might be soughtin an examination of our coastaland estuarine pro- ductivity, but we lack sufficientinformation for a detailed such as Hudsonian Godwit, Baird's and White-rumped analysis.As we speculatedin this column some years ago sandpipers,Red-necked Phalarope, and late LesserGolden- regardinga widespreadinflux of western species,contrast- Plovers suggestedperhaps a phenomenon of larger-than- ing conditions of high productivity or drastic ecological Regionalscope. failures might precipitatemajor movementssuch as these. Happily, we have someindications at leastfrom the central ABBREVIATIONS- Aransas= AransasNat'l Wildlife Ref.; coast that the former condition might have been at work Bentsen= BentsenRio GrandeState Park; Laguna Atascosa = La- this season. gunaAtascosa Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; L.R.G.V. = Lower Rio Grande Finally, it was evident that San Antonio's Mitchell Lake Valley;Santa Ana= SantaAim Nat'l Wildlife Ref.;T.P.R.F. = Texas PhotoRecord File (TexasA & M University);U.T.C. = UpperTexas was itself an ecologicallyproductive haven for not only Coast. Place names in italics are counties. the coastal visitors but also the tremendous numbers and diversity of migrant shorebirds.In fact, the Regionwide LOONS THBOUGHSPOONBILL -- A Cam. Loon showed scattering of several uncommon and rare fall shorebirds up at Rockporton the early date of Sept.24 (CC).Least Grebes,

Volume 41, Number I 113 which had been sparsein the L R G V during the summer, and one at La JoyaNov 4 (GD) were late. An ad Bald Eagle returned to Santa Ana and began nestingin late August (JI]. at Los FresnosOct. 29 (fide SRi) was unusual. The Broad- Five LeastGrebes were found on a smallpond near SanAntonio winged Hawk migration was extremely late in the L.R.G V Sept. 14 (MH, WS), a larger number than usual for the area. and CorpusChristi areas(GD, TAet al.). There were no large On Oct. 4 an ad. pair and four smallyoung were photographed numbersreported on the U.T.C. in Septemberor October.The at this same pond; the family group remained until at least first substantialnumbers of Broad-wingedsdid not show up Nov. 15, apparentlythe first successfulBexar nestingin 28 in the L.R.G.V. until Oct. 6, and 10,000+ Broad-wingedsat years. One Masked Boobywas seen off Port AransasSept. 6 Santa Aria Oct. 14 was the only sizable (>1000) report. (CB et al.]. San Antonio's Mitchell L. hosteda remarkable con- Two White-tailed Hawks near SeguinSept. 24 (MH) and an- centrationof long-leggedwaders during the period.A peak of other in KarnesOct. 30 (WS)were farther inland than is typical 2000+ birds was reached during October,composed of about for the species.A singleZone-tailed Hawk was seenon several 60% Cattle Egrets,20% Great Egrets,and 20% Snowy Egrets, occasions in late November in the Falcon and Salinerio area plus small numbers of other herons and egrests(MH, WS et An early FerruginousHawk was at Palmetto S.P.,Aug. 17 (PH) al ). ReddishEgrets were again quite conspicuousinland this Two Ferruginous Hawks (including one dark-phase) were season.Lake Alice hostedfour ReddishEgrets Sept. 28 (RA et carefully describedat Artwater Prairie Chicken N.W.R., Nov al ), and from two to four birds (includingone white-phase] 29 (JM). A Rough-leggedHawk near High I., Nov. 15 (WG) were at Mitchell L., July 29-Oct. 22 (m.ob.].Small numbers of provideda rare U.T.C. record,as did a Golden Eagleon the White Ibiseswere in the Austin and San Antonio area Aug. same date near Anahuac N.W.R. (BB,GS). CrestedCaracaras 5-Oct. 11. This is another speciesnot usually expected that seem to be experiencinga moderate increasein numbersin far inland.A RoseateSpoonbill visited an Austinsewage pond the Region (JA, GL, m.ob.). A flock of nine caracarasjust e of Aug. 27-Sept. 27 (m.ob.)for a rare area record, and from one Austin Nov. 9 (BF) was a sizablenumber for that area. Aplo- to five spoonbillswere at San Antonio Sept. 13-Nov. 2. mado Falcon reportsat LagunaAtascosa most likely pertained to the four young falconsreleased there last summer. There WATERFOWL -- FulvousWhistling-Ducks seemed in low were sightingsat various locationson the refuge Aug. 5 & 14, numbersRegionwide, especially on the c. coastwhere C. Clark Sept. 17, Oct. 6 & 25, and Nov. 10 & 14 (fide SL, SRi).Peregrine found them nearly absentat Rockport.In contrast,Black-bel- Falconswere widely reportedRegionwide throughout the pe- lied Whistling-Duckscontinued to be presentin high numbers riod, including individuals that spent several days in urban in many areas.The most notable concentrationwas again at locationssuch as Austin, McAllen, and CorpusChristi. Warren L., near Houston, where from 1000 to 2000 Black-bel- heds were present during September(BH, JM, TE et al.). RAILS THROUGH SKIMMER -- On a night in early Oc- Strangely, the specieswas at times difficult to find in the tober, Gallucci attended a high school football game near L R.G.V. late in the period while birds were still present in Houston. During the game a migrant Virginia Rail landed in goodnumbers at locationssuch as San Antonio, Austin, and the crowd.People screamed, and the rail flew acrossthe stad- Houston.A Tundra Swan showedup at AransasNov. 18 (TS] ium to another location and again landed in the crowd with for a very rare record.A Ross'Goose at Alice Sept.13 wasvery the same reaction on the part of the spectators,causing the early, and provideda firstJim Wellsrecord (RA]. C. Clark care- bird to again changelocations and yet again land on top of fully counted38 Ross'in a Snow Gooseflock in Victoria Nov. some frightenedfan. Tiring of this sport the bird flew down 9, probablythe largestconcentration ever reportedin this Re- ontothe playingfield where it soondiscovered 22 playerstrying gion. to trample it. By now the rail had surely decidedthat this was MuscovyDucks continued to add a tropicalflair to the Region no place to spendthe night and it flew off into the darkness, this season.There were severalreports of a lone imm. Muscovy to the relief of all concerned.A callingSofa at SantaAna Aug skulking in tall vegetationbelow Falcon Dam from Sept. 14 6 (JI) was very early. FourteenPurple Gallinulesat Welder into mid-October (CB, JA et al.]. Then, during the. first week Ref., Sept.4 (CC] was a notable number. of November there were reports of three Muscoviesseen at several locationsbetween Falcon and Salinero (L & RG, SR et al ). Finally, six Muscovies(3 ad., 3 imm.] were flushedfrom SoAo a secludedspot near SalinerioNov. 22 (B & JRet al.] and were For the first time sinceearly in the century the Whooping seenregularly for severaldays. The editorsregard these par- Cranepopulation passed 100 in Texas!Stehn reports that ticular individuals as wild vagrantsand not barnyard birds. the first bird, a subadult, arrived Oct. 19, with a 2nd Three Wood Ducks at Riviera Nov. 17 (SB] were unusual, bird arriving Oct. 25. The first family grouparrived on and another 18 were counted at Welder Ref., Nov. 26 (CC]. or before Nov. 2. The 28 cranes counted Nov. 10 indi- WoodDucks are rare in the s.portions of this Region.A Greater cated the whooper migration was the 2nd sloweston Scaup (perhapsthe summering bird mentioned last season] record.Over the past 26 years,an averageof 81.8% of again showed up at Mitchell L., Aug. 16 (C & MH], and re- the craneshave reachedthe wintering groundsby Nov mained into October when it was joined by a secondbird. 10; this fall only 25% had arrived by that date. The ma- Four Greaterswere at Mitchell L., Nov. 30. An Oldsquawwas jority of the cranesarrived with the first substantialcold found at Austin Nov. 13 (EK, GL] and remainedthrough the front to reach s. Texas on Nov. 11-13. A total of 60 cranes period. There were severalreports of Surf Scotersat inland arrived between the censusflights of Nov. 10 and Nov locations,including Austin and Sinton, Oct. 25-Nov. 17. A 18. Twenty youngcranes hatched in 1986 arrived safely Com. Merganser in Harris Nov. 17 (tGC] provided the first at Aransas, an all-time record production. The final U T.C. record since 1972. A Masked Duck was reported at winteringpopulation of 105 is a milestonein the con- HoustonAug. 4 (BGet al.) and anothervisited SantaAria Oct. tinuing fight to save this species. 22 (JI). RAPTORS-- What certainly must have been one of the most spectacularmigrations of Am. Swallow-tailed Kites in A LesserGolden-Plover at Austin Nov. 13-22 (EK, GL) and Texas in the past 50 years occurredAug. 17, when 20 kites another at San Antonio Nov. 15-18 (WS, MH) recall last year's were seens.w. of Beaumont(tph., JDon,fide WG). SingleSwal- unusually late golden-ploveron the U.T.C. Photosof the San low-tailedswere also noted at FalfurriasAug. 28 (AO) and Antonio bird appearto pertain to the race dominica,the ex- near ColumbusSept. 8 (fide JM).The MississippiKite migration pectedrace in this Region;however, observersshould be alert was virtually missedthis seasonwith 150 at San MarcosAug. to the possibilityof a wanderingbird of the race fulva, espe- 29 (DHen) the only large concentrationreported. Mississippis cially sincesome authorities consider it to be a separatespecies at BentsenOct. 10, one at RanchoSanta Margarita Oct. 13 (JA), A flock of 27 Wilson'sPlovers on MustangI., Aug. 25 (CC)was

114 AmericanB•rds, Spnng 1987 a notable concentration.Impressive concentrations of Piping DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- The most excit- Ploversincluded 59 at BolivarFlats Aug. 4 {DW), 51 on Mustang ing find of the seasonhad to be the pair of Ruddy Ground- I., Aug. 25 (CC), and 25 on MustangI., Oct. 5 (TA, SB et al.). A Dovesdiscovered Nov. 14 at AnzalduasPark in Hidalgo 0 JD}. PipingPlover at Mitchell L., Aug.16-26 (TH, ph. MH) furnished The male remained in the area with a small flock of Inca Doves a rare record. A pair of N. Jacanasraised a brood at Welder and was seenby about 50 observersNov. 17-21, but then dis- Ref. (GB,fide CC), and one of the adults and one immature appeared{ph. to T.P.R.F., GW, GL). Small flocks of six to 10 were still present Nov. 26. Green Parakeetswere seensporadically around McAllen dur- A HudsonianGodwit at AnahuacN.W.R., Sept.27 (MA) and ing October {SWeet at.}. By mid-November a flock of 25-30 another (or the same?) in ChambersOct. 26 (DM) established birds was reportedby m.ob. in McAllen with isolatedreports the firstU.T.C. recordsfor Septemberand October.A Red Knot of a few Green Parakeets in Brownsville and other areas. The visited Austin Sept. 21 (CA). SemipalmatedSandpipers were Red-crownedParrots were seenregularly in moderateflocks almostabsent on the c. coast(CC), but were seenregularly in at the usual locationsbeginning in late September.By late in Austin and San Antonio. One of the most intriguing reports the period, however, the Red-crownedsin Brownsville were was that of a possibleTemminck's Stint at Mitchell L., Sept. becoming harder to find, while they were seen more often 14 (tMH, WS).The white outer tail featherswere seenand the at Har]ingen and McA]len. distinctive call heard as the bird flew, but unfortunately the Black-billed Cuckoos in San Antonio Sept. 19 and Oct. 7 bird could not be relocateddespite extensive searching. A pair {MH} provided rare fall records,and Yellow-billeds in Wim- of White-rumped Sandpipersat Mitchell L., Aug. 23 (SHaw et berley and Austin Nov. 2-5 {BA, GL} were very late. Post- al.) provideda very rare fall record.A Baird'sSandpiper Oct. nestingGroove-billed Anis wanderedN and E to San Antonio 5 at Galveston(JB) furnished only the 2nd U.T.C. Octoberre- and Galvestonduring Septemberand October.A Ferruginous cord, and three Baird's Oct. 12 at Rockport (CC) were rare. Pygmy-Owl was reported at Santa Ana Oct. 10 {fide JI), and One Baird'sSandpiper and two Stilt Sandpipersat Austin Nov. the pair below Falcon Dam was occasionallyseen despite ad- 21 (JA. BW, GL) providedlate recordsfor the area. ditional clearingof the riversidevegetation in the area {JA et The Ruff at San Antonio reportedin the summer remained at.}. A migrant flock of 200+ LesserNighthawks near Pettus through the period and was regularly seen by many (ph. to Sept. 5 {CB, WS, MH) was a notable concentration.ACom. T.P.R.F.). A late Wilson's Phalaropewas at GalvestonNov. 15 Pauraquewandered N to Bastropjust e. of Austin and was (BB, GS). This Region usually has one to three Red-necked seenregularly Aug. 17-Sept. I {BFet at.}, for the first Austin- Phalaropeseach fall, usually at inland locations.This year area record since 1975. Arvin found 21 Chuck-will's-widows Red-neckedsshowed up in much higher numbersthan usual at a single Brownsville location Oct. 7. Sekula reported an and at widely scatteredlocations. One to three Red-neckeds amazing3500 Chimney Swifts in migration over San Antonio were at San Antonio Sept. 14-Oct. 4 (MH, WS et at.), and an- Oct. 3; flocks of this size are seldom observed. other was found at San Luis PassSept. 20 (T & VE) for the 6th There was a remarkablevariety of hummingbird speciesin U.T.C. record.Up to five Red-neckedswere presentat High I., the Regionduring the period, including several exceptional Oct. 5-7 (MA et at.), onewas at Port MansfieldOct. 6, and four rarities.In addition to the speciesdiversity, the sheernumber were at McAllen Oct. 8 (JA). There were also several late Sep- of individualsof our more commonspecies was just asamazing. tember reportsfrom the Austin area. where the speciesis more McCracken summed up the reports well when she wrote, expected. "there were swarmsof hummerssimply all over southTexas." Unfortunately, no accurate count or censusof migrantswas conducted,but from all reportsthe numbersmust have been exceptional. Among seven speciesof hummers at O'Neil's feeders in Falfurrias, the most unusual was a • Lucifer Hum- mingbird that stayedfor 2 hours Oct. 10. Also presentthere were a • Calliope, 6 Broad-tailed,and 6 Rufous Oct. 8. An Anna's Hummingbird was identified in San Antonio Sept. 24 {MH} and singleBroad-taileds turned up Aug. 29 at Santa Ana and Sept.7 at Aransas.A bird showingthe plumageof an ad. 6 Allen's Hummingbird was at a Columbusfeeder Aug. 13- Sept. 14 {JD},the same feeder where the Broad-billedwas in November1984. The bird eludedattempts to net it for species verification. A Pileated Woodpeckerwas found Nov. 20 at Utley, just e. of Austin (BF).Perhaps this specieswill gradually extendits rangeupriver to Austin onceagain, as it did earlier this century.

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THIL4SHERS--A calling W. Flycatcherwas describedwell at San Antonio Aug. 29 {C & MH), and also studied the next day {D & SH}. This species The Ruff that was presentthe entire seasonat San Antonio, is not known to occur in this Region,but fall birds shouldbe Texas,photographed Sept. 13, 1986. Photo/Mitch Hainder. watched for. Two W. Flycatcherswere also reported at Alice Sept. 28 {RA} and another at San Antonio Sept. 8 {CB};quite a A bird identifiedas a possiblefirst-winter Thayer's Gull was flurry of reportsfor a speciesnot observed in thoseareas before. at San Luis Passin GalvestonNov. 8-9 (tJM, TE, GL). (Photos Wandering Ash-throatedFlycatchers were at High I., Nov. 1 of the bird are currently being circulated.)This speciesis rare, {M & RB} and in Harris Nov. 30 {TE, JM}. A Great Kiskadee but probablyregular, in the state.The ad. LesserBlack-backed was in n.e. Live Oak Aug. 2 {SHaw},a little n. of their regular Gull returned for its 4th winter in a row to Mustang I., Nov. range. A carefully-describedkingbird in Brazoria Oct. 6 was 17+. Several observers remarked on an abundance of Gull- identified as a Couch's{T & VE}, eliminating Tropical on the billed Terns on the U.T.C. Concentrationsof up to 35 were basis of call notes heard. This is the first such identification noted at several locations. Three Sooty Terns, a speciesthat by ca]] in this area since the specieswere split. Forty-six can be difficult to find from land, were seen Sept. 14 near S. Couch's in Falfurrias Sept. 14 {AO} was an unusual concen- Padre I. (SB).Up to three Black Skimmerswere inland at San tration. Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were certainly on the move Antonio'sMitchell L.. Aug. 12+, with one immature still pres- Oct. 20 when 3000 to 5000 were estimated in the area around ent until at least Oct. 8 (MH et at., ph. to T.P.R.F.). Falfurrias {AO, N & PP, SB}.

Volume 41, Number I 115 The large Purple Martin roost near Corpus Chnsh was not 29 (VH) A bird fitting the descriptionof • Gray-crownedYel- usedthis year, but a spotin Austin hosted15,000 martins dur- lowthroatwas seenbriefly by a singleobserver at BentsenNov ing the first 2 weeksof August(BF, GL, VEet al.). SingleBrown 2 (SR).We occasionallyreceive reportsof this speciesin the Jayswere seen at Santa Ana Aug. 20 & 29 (JI), for the first L.R.G.V.,but so far none of the reportedbirds has remained refugerecords, and anotherwas heard there Oct. 29. This was longenough to be photographedor seenby other observers the first time, to our knowledge, that the specieshas been recordedthis far downriver. A SedgeWren at Anahuac N.W.R., GROSBEAKSTHROUGH ORIOLES -- A migrantflock of Aug. 23 (MA) was early. EasternBluebirds were more common 20+ Rose-breastedGrosbeaks in Brownsville Oct. 7 (JA) was than usual in the L.R.G.V. during November (m.ob.)..AVeery noteworthyfor that area.A Black-headedGrosbeak netted at at San Antonio Oct. 4 (WS) provided a rare fall record, as did DriftwoodNov. 2 (DC)provided a firstdocumented Hays record a Gray-cheekedThrush there Oct. 20 (CB,WS). A Long-billed (DaC, ph. to T.P.R.F.). Two Cassin'sSparrows Sept. 28 at Vic- Thrasher was netted and photographedin the hand at Drift- toria (PR)were e. of their normal range,and a SwampSparrow wood Nov. 2 (DC, GL) for the 2nd Austin-area record, and the banded at Driftwood Oct. 18 (DC) was early for the Austin northernmostc. Texas record ever (ph. to T.P.R.F.). area. Sorting through a flock of 1500 Lapland Longspursin VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- A Bell's Vireo at High I., Harris Nov. 30, Morgan and Eubanksfound 25 McCown's,an Oct. 10 (DM) was a rare find. There were unusually large num- extremelyrare bird on the U.T.C.Two Bobolinksat Wimberley bers of reportsof Philadelphia Vireos in the c. Texas area this Sept.12 (tBA)provided the Austinarea's first fall record.Single fall, including three in the Austin area Sept. 5-Oct. 8 (GL, BA), Bobolinkswere also at GalvestonSept. 13 (tRM, JB)and s. of and four in San Antonio Sept.8-Oct. 3 (CB,WS, MH). Several Falfurrias Sept. 25 (AO, SB, PP). Altamira Orioles that wan- "Yellow-green" Vireos were reported at Santa Ana during the dered n. of their usual range during the period were one at period,including a bird seenNov. 5. This race of the Red-eyed Kingsville Sept. 2 (•H & HS) and another n. of Alice Sept Vireo (which may be re-split into a distinct species)winters 14 (tCB). in South America and is not expectedin Texas after September (fide JA).The editorswould like to seewritten documentation ADDENDUM -- The BroadSbilledHummingbird at SantaAna of any report of this race, but especially any reported after in the winter 1985-1986was last seenFeb. 12 (D & JH). September.A Golden-wingedWarbler Oct. 14 at Rockport(CC) provideda rare fall record,and a Nashville Warbler Sept. 6 at CORRIGENDUM-- Delete the record of four Upland Sand- Houston(M & RB) set a new early fall date for the U.T.C. Trop- pipersreported Feb. 2, 1986. ical Parulas were scarcein the L.R.G.V. this season.A Cape May Warbler Sept.6 on GalvestonI. (TE) set a new early record CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS- Richard for this very rare fall migrant. Cape Mays were alsoseen Oct. Albert, CharlesAlexander, Tony Amos, Ben Archer, Eddie & N•na 18 & 19 at Galveston (BH, MA). Arnold, Keith Arnold, JohnArvin, Mike Austin, Sharon Barrels, A Black-throated Gray Warbler at Aransas Aug. 8 (BJ,fide Bob Behrstock, Charles Bender, Gene Blacklock, Marcia & Ron CC) set a new early recordfor that area,as did a Black-throated Braun,John Buckman, David Connell (DaC}, Don Connell, Charhe Green at RockportSept. 8 (CC). SingleBlack-throated Greens Clark, Gary Clark, Wesley Cureton,Joyce Dolch, JohnDonaho in Austin Nov. 22 and BastropNov. 23 (JA, DHer) were quite (JDon},Gladys Donohue, Victor Emanuel, Ted & VirginiaEubanks, late. Prairie Warblers clearly were more in evidence this fall, BrushFreeman, Tony Gallucci,Louise & RedGambill, Bill Goloby, with 11 reportsreceived from the U.T.C. during the period. A William GraberIII, Diane & SteveHanselmann, Pat Hartigan,Tyr- Prairie was in Austin Aug. 5 (GL), for a very rare record,and rell Harvey, Steve Hawkins (SHaw},Vern Hayes,Cathy & Mitch Heindel, Dick Henderson(DHen}, Deborah Herczog (DHer), Dick Prairie Warblers were also seen at San Antonio Sept. 11 and & JeanHoffman, Bob Honig, Joe Ideker, Barry Jones, Mark Kulstad, Oct. 5 for the 3rd and 4th fall records for that area (MH). A Ed Kutac,Steve Labuda, Greg Lasley, Mark Lockwood,Jane Lyons, Palm Warbler in Jim Wells Nov. 20 (KA) and another on S. Kay McCracken,Jim Morgan,Terry Morgan,Derek Muschalek, PadreI., Oct. 8 (JA) were at unusual locations.Single Blackpoll RogerMuskat, Andy O'Neil, Bob & Pam Odear, Nancy & Paul Warblers, rare in fall, were reported Oct. 7 at San Antonio Palmer, Scott Rea, Barbara& JohnRibble, Sue Rice (SRi},Peter (MH) and Nov. 16 at Galveston(DM). A Cerulean Warbler at Riesz,Harry & Helen Sanders,Gloria Saylor, Willie Sekula,Chuck San Antonio Sept. 12 (MH) providedthe area's first fall record. Sexton,Tom Stehn,George Wagner, Sally Weeks (SWe),Egon & Small numbers of migrant LouisianaWaterthrushes showed SueWiedenfeld, Bret Whitney, David Wolf, Bob& CarolYutzy -- up over much of the Region Aug. 5-16. Late MacGillivray's GREG W. LASLEY, 5103 Turnabout Lane, Austin, TX 78731, and Warblers were at Bentsen Nov. 3 (ML) and Del Rio Nov. 27- CHUCK SEXTON, 101 E. 54th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION

C. McEwen and W. G. Johnston Beaufort Sea coast (Herschel Island) as well as the Cop- permine area of the central Arctic coast.

hemild.period At Fortfrom Nelson,August athrough cool spot October of windy was weathergenerally in ABBREVIATIONS -- F.S.J.= Fort St. John,B.C.; Y.T. = Yukon late Augustset somebirds on their southwardmove. Three Territory. main low-pressure systems(August 24, September 16-17, LOONS THROUGH FALCONS -- Three of the four loon and October 2) at Fort St. John caused fallouts of migrants. speciesknown from HerschelIsland were recordedin 1986' Winter came to the southern Yukon and northern British there was breedingevidence only for Red-throatedLoon (2 Columbia in November, with temperatures rarely rising known nestsfailed), while Yellow-billedand Pacificloons fre- above -10øC and often falling to -30 ø. quentedthe island'scoastline (DT). An ad. Yellow-billedLoon Geographiccoverage for the seasonwas from the usually- seenAug. 30 at SummitL. (JB)provided the 5th autumnrecord coveredareas of Fort Nelson,Fort St. John,and Whitehorse, for interior British Columbia, and an ad. Red-throated Loon with further observations from the Yukon Territory's at Charlie L., Aug. 21 (MF, CS) furnishedthe 8th recordfor

116 American B•rds,Spnng 1987 the Peace R., B C, area Charhe L also hosted 162 Pacific Loons Sept. 16 (CS). Single Horned Grebes•n w•nter plumage were noted at Swan L., Y.T., Sept. 14 and Oct. 5 (HG). Pied-billed Grebesmade their usual early departure from F.S.J.,with the last bird notedSept. 6 (CS).The sightingof an imm. Double- crestedCormorant at Hudson Hope Aug. 18 representedthe 3rd record for the PeaceR. area (MF). Four swans(sp.) were notedat the F.S.J.sewage lagoons Aug. 21 (MF). Tundra Swanmigration through F.S.J. was noted Oct. 8-24, with a peak of 141 on Cecil L. (CS).Tundra Swan is an uncommonbreeder on HerschelI., where a family groupwas seenAug. 3 (DT). A family of Trumpeter Swanson Mud Lake Rd, Y.T., July 22 (CH,fide HG) was of interest,as no nestsite •s known locally. Small flocksof Trumpeter Swans(four to six b•rds)flew overwetlands along Tagish Rd., southernY.T., Oct. 18 (GJ,SM). A Brant at the n. lagoons,F.S.J., Sept. 16 (CS)was a first for n.e. British Columbia. The first wave of Snow Goose m•grationwestward along Yukon's n. coastwas noted at Phil- hpsBay Aug. 24 (JH).During the firstweek of September,large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geesewere noted flying E at PhfilipsBay, where as many as 3180 passedin one hour (JH). The prolongedmild fall temperaturesinfluenced migration of ducks,with Gadwalls,Blue-winged Teal, Redheads,and Ruddy Ducks lingering to late October at F.S.J.(CS). Unique was a • Greater Scaup at F.S.J., Sept. 16 (CS). A • Harlequin Duck at Charlie L., Nov. 7 was rare for the F.S.J.area (CS). A very rare sightingfrom the previous reportingperiod was of a Steller'sEider that remainednear pondsat HerschelI., June30- July 7 (DT). A relatively late sightingof Bald Eaglefor the s. Yukon was made Nov. 30 on Hot SpringsRd. near Whitehorse (ME, fide DM), and two were noted Nov. 2 at Kluane L., s.w. Yukon (DM). Two Sharp-shinnedHawks were seen Aug. 24 at Swan L, Y.T. (HG, TM). Migration of Sharp-shinnedswas well- markedat F.S.J.:Aug. 14 to Sept.30, with 2 late datesin October (CS) At Fort Nelson,the span of the migrationwas briefer: Sept.4-Oct. 24 (JB).A rare sightingof an imm. Cooper'sHawk was made Nov. 24 at F.S.J.(CS, MF, JB,JJ). Northern Goshawk sightings.In the F.S.J.area, two juvenileswere at Boundary numberswere still considereddown in the F.S.J.area relative L., Sept.9, and two morewere heardcalling and seenat the to the early 1980s(CS). Broad-winged Hawks were noted only n. lagoonSept. 22 (CS);one bird was alsoseen at Nisutlin Bay, •n the F.S.J.area, where singleswere seenJuly 15 (RC), Aug. Y.T. (GJ,CM). Anotherscarce transient through interior British Columbia was a Dunlin seen Oct. 8-16 at F.S.J.(CS). A Stilt 9 (CS), and Aug. 20 (MF, CS), and a family group was seen Aug 13 (MF, CS).Rough-legged Hawks are abundantbreeders Sandpiperat SwanL., Y.T., Aug.24 (HG)furnished an uncom- on HerschelI., where the 24 locatednests represented a breed- mon sighting.The largestconcentration of Stilt Sandpipersat •ngdensity of one pair per 4.16 squarekm (DT). Rough-leggeds F.S.J.was of 92 birdsSept. 5 (CS).A rare sightingofa juv. Buff- were conspicuousnear Copperminein fall afterthe vegetation breastedSandpiper was made at the n. lagoons,F.S.J., Sept. 14 had died back,making lemmings more visible.A late straggler (CS, ph.). There are very few records of Ruff for British Co- at Fort Nelson was a Merlin noted Oct. 29 (JB). lumbia; one juvenile was at F.S.J.,Oct. 2 (CS). Long-billed Dowitchersare uncommonmigrants and rare summervisitants to HerschelI., where groupsof five to 20 were noted the first GROUSE THROUGH TERNS -- Ruffed and Sprucegrouse 2 weeks of September(DT). populationswere high in the Fort Nelson area (JB) and the. An ad. ParasiticJaeger was sightedat Charlie L., F.S.J.,Aug Yukon (DM). A groupof 25 SpruceGrouse was noted Sept. 18 24 (MF, CS,JB, JJ). No Long-tailedJaegers were seenin an area on Cultus Cr., s. Yukon (GJ).Peak Sandhill Crane migration of the Ogilvie Mrs. off the DempsterHwy, Y.T., where they at Fort Nelsonwas Sept.6-17, with Aug. 29-Oct. 16 beingthe are usually common in July and August (CM). Herring and entire spanof migration(JB). Flocks of 60+ craneswere noted Thayer'sgulls, uncommon visitants to HerschelI., were sighted Sept.10 at DragonL. on the N. Canol Rd. and at Carmacks(GJ, in the 1986season (DT). Rare sightingsof GlaucousGulls were CM). SingleBlack-bellied Plovers were sightedat HerschelIs- reportedfrom n. BritishColumbia and s. Yukon:one near F.S.J., land in early September(DT), five were at Nisutlin Bay, Y.T., Oct. 2 (CS), one at Nisutlin Bay Oct. 5 (DM, GJ, SM), and 25 Oct 5 (DM, GJ,SM), and one was at Fort Nelson Oct. 9 (JB). Oct. 21 also at Nisutlin Bay (DM). Two unusual sightingsof An unusual flock of 13 Upland Sandpipersstaged for a day Sabine's Gulls came from F.S.J.:an adult Aug. 6, a juvenile (Aug. 17) at the Fort Nelsonairport; other sightingswere of Sept. 19 (CS). Uncommon for the Peace R. area was a bird one Aug. 4 and four Sept.8 (JB).Well off its understoodfall identifiedas an Arctic Tern (winter plumage)Aug. 18, 23, & m•grationroute, one HudsonianGodwit was seen Sept. 11 at 24 (CS,MF). A late sightingof a Black Tern at F.S.J.was Sept F S J. (CS). Single Ruddy Turnstones, casual fall migrants 16; they usually passthrough the area in late August (CS). throughthe F.S.J.area, were sightedAug. 22 at Charlie L. and Sept. 9 at BoundaryL. (CS).Sanderlings are uncommonvisi- OWLS THROUGH REDPOLLS -- A pair of Snowy Owls tants to Herschel I., where noted in late July and early Sep- was seenOct. 16 e. of Fort Nelson (JB).As very rare visitants tember (DT). Groupsof two to six White-rumpedSandpipers to HerschelIsland, N. Hawk-Owls were sightedon 2 occasions were seenin Juneand Auguston HerschelI., where the species in September(DT). Late observationsincluded a Hairy Wood- •s considereda rare migrant (DT). One PectoralSandpiper was peckerNov. I at Whitehorse(HG) and a Horned Lark at Fort noted at Swan L., Y.T., Aug. 24 (HG). Despitethe rarity of Nelson Oct. 28 (JB). North of their understoodrange, two N Sharp-tailed Sandpiper in this Region, there were several Rough-wingedSwallows were well viewed Aug. 18 near the

Volume 41, Number 1 117 PeaceR. (MF, CS);however, they have beenrecorded breeding (lB). Likely influencedby the severecold of November,Snow farther n. on Swift R., B.C., near the Yukon border (GJ,CM). Buntingsin small flocks(<10) were not seen beyond Oct. 29 A rare sightingof a Brown Creeper was made at Taylor Aug. in the Fort Nelson area, where present until late November 22 (MF, CS). A very rare visitant to the Yukon, a Clark's Nut- the previousyear (JB). One Snow Bunting was observedon crackerwas reportedfrom Teslin on 2 separateoccasions: Oct. the Alaska Hwy near Teslin late in the season,Nov. 18 (GJ). 15 (PD) and Oct. 12 (JM). The 2nd record of RosyFinch for the PeaceR. area was made Four American Dipperswere noted at WhitehorseNov. 30 Nov. 22 at a local feeder (CS).Pine Grosbeakswere first noted (HG). A groupof 200+ BohemianWaxwings was at Kluane L., Oct. 17 in F.S.J.(CS) and Oct. 15 in Fort Nelson (JB), and com- Y.T., Nov. 2 (DM). An ad. PhiladelphiaVireo was noted Sept. monly seenin small flocksin the Whitehorse area throughout 3 at Fort Nelson, and a Solitary Vireo was heard there Sept. 4 the fall (GJ).Few White-winged Crossbillsand Red Crossbills (JB).The last large wood warbler wave through Fort Nelson were noted during the fall, their numbers having declined (90 Yellow-rumped, two Palm Warblers)was noted Sept. 16 dramaticallyover the last 2 years.Large flocks of Com.Redpolls (JB). A • Connecticut Warbler was noted n. of F.S.J.,Aug. 17 (50 to 150) were noted along roads in the Watson Lake area (MF, CS). Only two or three White-crowned Sparrows were Nov. 18-21 (GJ),and a local movement of redpolls was noted seendaily during the relatively brief migrationperiod of Sept. Oct. 21 near F.S.J.,with groupsof 20-40 birds, totalling 500+, 9-15 at Fort Nelson (JB).Le Conte'sSparrows are rare local noted flying W throughoutthe morning (CS). summerresidents in n.e. BritishColumbia: two were seenAug. 13 and one Aug. 26 near Boundary L. (CS). Rare as a migrant CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS--Tim Acey, Lucy to the F.S.J.area, an imm. Golden-crownedSparrow was noted Acey, JackBowling, R. Campbell,Patricia Denison, Mike Emslie, Oct. 3 (CS). Harris' Sparrow is becomingan uncommonbut Mike Force, Helmut Grunberg,Jim Hawkings,Carolyn Hayes, regular fall migrant through KS.J, with this year's movement Gavin Johnston,Joan Johnston, C. McEwen, Tom McIlwain, Jane Sept.12-Oct. 16 (CS).Dark-eyed Juncos were notedin n. Yukon Mcintyre, Alan McLeod,Sam Miller, Dave Mossop,Chris Siddle, at Herschel I. in September (DT) and the north coastalplain Merna Singh,Darielle Talarico, Mary Whitley.---C. McEWEN and Sept. 13 & 14 (JH). Lapland Longspurmigration through Fort W.G. JOHNSTON, Northern Biomes Ltd., Box 4849, Whitehorse, Nelson peaked Sept. 6-10 with an averageof 80 birds/flock Yukon, YIA 4N6.

NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN-INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

Thomas H. Rogers

again"utumn weatherinthe Region pattern continued of the summer.the"on August again was, off almostwithout exception,unusually hot and dry. Most of the reportinglocalities had less than 0.25 inches of rain, someof them had none at all. Septemberturned cool and ALBERTA wet after the first week. October temperatureswere about normal but precipitation was again low, with the majority of localities receiving less than 0.5 inches, resulting in a very pleasant month. NOvember conditionswere about normal except for an unseasonablecold snap the second week, temporarilyfreezing some waters. Relatively little snow fell and it was mostly goneat the end of the period. The erratic weather did not appear to changethe migra- tion pattern,except as noted in the speciesaccounts. Winter berry supply appearedsparse, at least in the Libby and Missoula, Montana, areas and at Spokane, Washington. Buteo numbers were impressivein some areas and the shorebirdmigration showed high numbers and diversity. A scarcityof"northern" finchesseemed evident, although EveningGrosbeaks showed good numbers in a few local- ities.

LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A Red-throated Loon on Pend Oreille L., at Sunnyside,Ida., Nov. 2 was the latilong's first;nearby was a PacificLoon, vagrant in that latilong(PRS). A Yellow-billed Loon was photographedin the Pack R. Flats near SunnysideNov. 15 for the latilong'sfirst fall recordand its 2nd ever (PRS).Single Pacific Loonswere sightedon Clear L., up the Tieton R., w. of Yakima, Wash.,Oct. 26 (AS, SS);at tenai Co., Ida., Oct. 4 (JFG),and a vagrant was on the Snake the Yakima R. mouth, Richland, Wash., Nov. 16 (REWJ; and R. at Clarkston,Wash., Oct. 18 (IP, JP).Two sightingsof this at Hat RockS.P., e. of Umatilla,Ore. (TG, REW).In Idaho,four specieswere made at Richland, where it is very uncommon appearedat MassacreRocks S.P., Power Co., Nov. 7, at least (TG, REW). Some 1500-2000 Eared Grebesspent September- three were near Springfield(CHT), and another was sighted November on Soap L., Grant Co., Wash. (RF). MosesLake, on American Falls Res., Nov. 13 (BJa). Wash., had about 80 grebesidentified as Clark's through Oc- At least30 Red-neckedGrebes frequented Hayden L., Koo- tober (RF), and the specieswas noted at Wallula, Wash., Oct.

118 AmericanBirds, Spfing1987 way, w. of Moses Lake, Wash. (JT). Impressive were the 75 found at Hayden L., Kootenai Co., Ida., Sept. 22 (JFG). A pair of Am. Black Duckswas identified near Rexburg,Ida., Nov. 9 & 16 (DHu). A rare visitor to Hood River Co., Ore., was a 8 N. Pintail at Cascade Locks Nov. 11 (DAA). Turnbull N.W.R. counted 1240 Gadwalls Sept. 19. The only Eur. Wigeons re- portedwere singlebirds at Odell, Ore. (DAA), on PattersonL., OkanoganCo., Wash. (LHo, WM), and at Walla Walla (SM). A notable concentrationof 5000 Canvasbacks,accompanied by severalthousand other ducks,was on the Wanapum Dam pool of the Columbia River near Vantage, Wash., Nov. 14 (RF). A wounded Greater Scaup found at American Falls Res., Nov. 2 (KS, CHT) and one on nearby SpringfieldPonds Nov. 18 (KS, JTi) furnished the only reports. Two Harlequin Ducks were spottedat Fontaine Flats along Highway 410 n.w. of Yakima Aug. 18 (BR) and a female was on the Salmon R. near Shoup, Ida., Nov. 8 (BJ).Springfield Pondshosted another • HarlequinNov. 15-23 (CW, CHT, m.ob.) From an earlier season:Yellow-billed Loon on Pend Oreille Lake, and up to four Oldsquaw Nov. 14-27 (EC, WHS, CHT). Two to Idaho, March 1986.Photo/Paul Sieracki. three Oldsquaw appearedbelow Dry Falls Dam near Conlee City, Wash., in early November (WHa, S.A.S.,JA) and one was at Bend, Ore., Nov. 19-27 (TC, CM). A sewagepond at the 4 (DH, JJ,SM). Clark's were sightedat Malheur N.W.R., Burns, Idaho Nat'l EngineeringLab, Arco, Ida., attracted an imm. Surf Ore., Sept. 13 (TC), and one was with W. Grebesat Hood River, Scoter Oct. 24 (EC, TR, BV) and sevenwere on Lenore L., Grant Ore., Oct. 12 (DAA, DL, VT). Co., Wash., Oct. 19 (JA). The SpringfieldPonds had one Oct. Sightingsof Am. White Pelicanswere sparse.Eastern Wash- 25 (CHT et ul.) as did Hayden L., Kootenai Co., Ida. (JFG), and ington reported a few; the largest numbers were 20 on the Clear L., w. of Yakima, Oct. 26 (AS, SS). A few White-winged North Potholes, Grant Co., and 18 on the Columbia near Scotersappeared in w. Montana, s. Idaho, and e. Washington. Brewster. A stray Double-crestedCormorant showed up at Hooded Mergansernumbers reached 195 at Turnbull Oct. 31 Messiter, n. of Blue River, B.C., Oct. 26 (CR). (JB). Three reports of single Red-breastedMergansers came Great Egrets numbered 50•- in the North Potholes Oct. 9 from the Walla Walla-Kennewick-Richland, Wash., area (TG, (RP, Jr). Nesting pairs numbered 10 to 12 there this year (RF). REW). Ruddy Ducks numbered 3000-5000 on SoapL. and Le- A flock of 54 Snowy Egretson the Snake R. below Minidoka nore L., Grant Co., Wash., October to early November (RF). N.W.R., Rupert, Ida., indicated good nesting successin that area (CHT). A Snowy Egret along the Coeur d' Alene R., Koo- VULTURES THROUGH CRANES--The Frenchtown tenai Co., was n. Idaho'sfirst (JN). Cattle Egret sightingscon- Valley w. of Missoulahad a movement of 40 Turkey Vultures tinued to increase, with birds in the Shuswap and Vernon, Sept. 12 (DHo). A very late Osprey was at Vantage, Wash., Nov. B.C., areas (PR, SR); at Clarkston (MK et ul.), near Mazama 24 (REW). Lincoln County, Mont., had Bald Eagle sightings (WM, BS), Rock Island (BJ,CV), Richland (REW), and Walla believed to represent 73 individuals, as early as Aug. 16 but Walla, Wash. (CS,JJ, SM), and near Umapine,Ore. (DH, JJ,SM). mostly in November (DHe). Northern Harrier and Swainson's, A disabledone picked up near Eureka, Mont., made a latilong Red-tailed, and Rough-leggedhawk numbers in the Walla first (*Montana State Univ.--WW). A flock of 60 was near Walla area were "tremendous,"with total daily countsof over Springfield,Ida., Aug. 11; they nestedat the e. end of American 200. An imm. Red-shonlderedHawk at Paisley, Ore., Sept. 25 Falls Res. and have been increasingslowly for several years was possiblythe first for Lake County (ME, EE). Falcon sight- in that area (CHT). Single Green-backedHerons appearedat ings,some probably duplicates, were: Merlin 10, Peregrinesix, L. Wenatchee,Wash., Aug. 29 (BJ);at CollegePlace, Wash., Gyrfalcon two, and Prairie 17, plus "several" and "common". Sept. 6 (SM, DH, JJ,JTo); near Yakima Aug. 25 (BB); and at Gallinaceousbirds had a good year in the Kamloops,B.C., Fields,Ore., Sept. 18 (CM). Rare sightingswere of an adult and area but were down in numbers around Walla Walla. Ring- two imm. Black-crowned Night-Herons at Lewiston, Ida. necked Pheasants were scarce in the Flathead Valley, n.w. (WH, C.B.). Montana, supposedly resulting from an increased raccoon WATEBFOWL -- The early November cold snapwas be- population and reduced cover from the clearing of rights-of- lieved responsiblefor the groundingof 1300 Tundra Swans-- way (JR). Fifteen Wild Turkeys with young were sighted at around 500 is normal--at Metcalf N.W.R., Stevensville, Mont. Wenas Cr., n.e. of Yakima (EH). Three Trumpeter Swansstopped at the Albion, Wash., sewage By far the largestgroup of migratingSandhill Cranesseen pond Nov. 19 (JP,IP, CVV). A few Greater White-fronted Geese on the ground was of 600 in DouglasCounty, Wash., Sept. 25 were reportedfrom s. interior BritishColumbia, e. Washington, (RF).Eight Sandhill Cranes fed in an oat field near Windermere, and Idaho. About 12 Ross' Geese again appeared at Metcalf B.C., Sept. 21 (LH), and two adults were seen in a field near N.W.R. (fide CP] and two were with SnowGeese at the entrance Metcalf Sept. 17 (C & SC)--a pair had raised one chick there to American Falls Res. (CHT). Canada Goose numbers at this summer (CH). A single bird was at the Walla Walla R. Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney, Wash., peaked at nearly 3000 in delta, Wallula, Wash., Sept. 13 (B.M.A.S.),and 27 were sighted late October. there Sept. 28 (JFG). One at Kootenai N.W.R., Bonnets Ferry, The early Novemberfreezeup drove out the 22,000 Mallards Ida., made a rare sighting(LDN). At a ranch near Libby, Mont., at KootenaiN.W.R., BonnersFerry, Ida., but milder tempera- one fed with domestic turkeys for a week in October (DHe). tures and rain createdopen water, causinga return of 28,500, All Sandhill and Whooping cranes had departed Grays Lake the highestcount since1978. Freezeup Nov. 29-30 then forced N.W.R., Ida., by Oct. 10. Fosterparent Sandhillsthere fledged mostwaterfowl out again. only two Whooper chicks this year from 15 eggs.Predators The November storm brought a peak of 20.000 ducks to were believed to have causedthe losses.Nine older Whoopers Metcalf N.W.R. Peak numbers for some of the waterfowl on summeredthere, but migrantsstopping in Coloradonumbered n. Idaho's lakes were: Canada Goose 3474, Wood Duck 620, .at least 24 by October's end (EB). Mallard 10,205, Am. Wigeon 9675, Canvasback900, Redhead 16,500, and LesserScaup 12,300 (I.F.G.). More than 60 Wood SHOREBIRDS -- Black-belliedPlovers were movingthrough Ducksfed under Russianolive treesalong Winchester Waste- the Regionbetween Aug. 14 and Oct. 26. The greatestnumbers

Volume 41, Number I 119 sightedwere 52 at SpringfieldOct 26 (CHT) and 75 at the placeon tire floats(CHT) SingleGlaucous-winged Gulls were Walla Walla R. delta Oct. 19 (DG,AS). Six Black-belliedPlovers seen at Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake R. e. of Pasco and at and one LesserGolden-Plover stopped at the Missoula,Mont., Richland.Up to ten Glaucous-wingedswere seenalong the pulp mill Sept. 12 (DHo). One or two LesserGolden-Plovers Columbia R. in Hood River County (DAA). A lone Sabine's appearedAug. 31-Oct. 11 at the Walla Walla delta (BB,DG, Gull frequentedBanks L. in September(S.A.S., JA) and an imm TG, AS, SS, REW). Near Springfieldthey appearedSept. 7- Sabine'swas identified at Red Rock Lakes N.W.R., Beaverhead Nov. 2 with 15 on the latter date (CHT). Other Novemberrec- Co., Mont., Sept. 10 (MCN) for the first in that area. ordswere of one at Karoloops,B.C., Nov. 2 (SRo)and one near A CaspianTern at KaroloopsSept. 12 was unusual (Silo) CollegePlace Nov. 14 (KK).Kootenai N.W.R. had a peak of 15 KootenaiN.W.R. had 25 Corn.Terns Sept.4 (RDC)and three SemipalmatedPlovers Sept. 15 (RDC). A few were observed at the Walla Walla R. delta were noteworthy(AS). An ad. Arctic at Springfield,Clarkston, the Walla Walla delta,and Kamloops. Tern at American Falls was s. Idaho'sfirst (CHT, KM). A few Marbled Godwits were sightedat the Walla Walla delta (TG, REW); at Spangle,Wash. (CVV); at Hart Mt. Nat'l OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- At least 15 Com. Barn- AntelopeRef., Harney Co., Ore. (WHP);and at Adel, Ore. (SSu, Owls were found at Ice Harbor Dam Nov. 8. A Flammulated EE, ME, D & CM). Five at KootenaiN.W.R., Sept. 15 added the Owl, rare at Malheur N.W.R., was sightedthere Sept.27 (TC, speciesto the refugelist (RDC).A Ruddy Turnstoneat Kam- O.F.O.).One at TurnbullN.W.R. addedthe speciesto the refuge loopsSept. 2-6 was the first ever there and the 2nd for the list (RW). The only Snowy Owls reported were single birds latilong (RH, EM, RR). One of this species,very rare in the near Moses Lake and at Rathdrum and Moscow, Ida. A rare Helena,Mont., area, was seenat L. Helena Sept.6 (DLe, GH). sightingwas of a N. Hawk-Owl at the latter placeNov. 30 (EJL) One appearedat the Walla Walla delta Sept.7 (REW)and two A BurrowingOwl at Karoloopsmade a very rare sighting,for were there Sept.13 (TG). A breeding-plumagedRed Knot was the specieshas been virtually extirpatedthere (DJ). Noteworthy at SpringfieldJuly 31 and two were there aboutAug. 2 (DT). Barred Owl sightingswere of single birds near Elk City, Ida A few Sanderlingswere sightedat the Walla Walla delta (BB, (KC, KH), near Asotin (C.B.),and alongMill Cr., e. of Walla AS), BanksL., Grant Co., Wash. (JA), Malheur N.W.R. (MA, Walla (RL, CPf, m.ob.).A few Great Gray Owl sightingswere EE, ME, D & CM), and Missoula(DHo). Up to 18 stoppedat the obtained in n. and e. Idaho and at Rock Cr. near Ovando, Mont SpringfieldPonds (CHT). FourSemipalmated Sandpipers were The speciesnested in the Sunriver, Ore., area, the farthest reportedat Fortine,Mont., Aug. 20 (WW) and one was at Kam- north in the OregonCascades they have been found (TC) A loopsSept. 5 (RR).Hood River had a LeastSandpiper Oct. 25; Long-earedOwl was found in the Sunriver area, where the the speciesis rare in the county (DAA). speciesis very rare (TC). A Boreal Owl at Fish Cr., Mineral Missoulahad 165 Baird'sSandpipers Sept. 12 (DHo)and the Co., Mont., Nov. i was notable(TRy). A N. Saw-whetOwl was specieswas locally abundantin Washington'sColumbia Basin, sighted,appropriately, on Hallowe'enat Market LakeWildlife with the highestnumber, 60, at the Walla Walla delta (REW). ManagementArea, Roberts,Ida., for apparentlythe first rec- Two were discoveredin an alpinemeadow at JasperN.P., Alta., ord there (SRe). Rare was a sighting of one at Malheur Aug. 1 (RCB)and one fed with a LesserYellowlegs on Kootenay N.W.R. (TC). R Flats,Kootenay N.P., B.C.,where it is very rare, Aug.8 (LH). Vaux's Swifts roosted in numbers in excess of 3000 in the A few Baird'swere noted at Spangle,Wash. (C.B.) and Turnbull, chimneyon Whitman Collegecampus, Walla Walla (SM).An andone was seen at Malheur (MA). SevenPectoral Sandpipers Anna'sHummingbird was at Vernon throughoutthe fall period alongthe Pend Orefile R., Bonner Co., Ida., were noteworthy (FP, JQ). Four imm. Broad-tailedHummingbirds visited Kla- (BM). A Sharp-tailedSandpiper at the Yakima R. delta Oct. 12 math Falls,Ore., feedersSept. I (B & CY). was Woodley's2nd there in 20 years. At leastone dozenLewis' Woodpeckerswere at SummerL, A very few Stilt Sandpiperswere reportedfor Karoloops(RR), Lake Co., Ore., and another dozen were at Malheur N.W R, the Walla Walla delta (DG, AS, TG, REW), the Yakima delta Sept.25-28 (EE, ME, D & CM). Tranquille, B.C.,had 22 Aug (REW),Reardan, Wash. (JA), Spangle(C.B.), Kootenai N.W.R. 26 (CR), and about 15 were sightedn. of Brewster(fide RF) (RDC),and Springfield(CHT). SingleBuff-breasted Sandpipers Ten were seenin ManashtashCanyon w. of Ellensburg,Wash, at Riske Creek, B.C., Sept. 12 (PR) and at KaroloopsSept. 14 Aug. 23, and 10 alongthe American R., Yakima Co., Wash, (RH)were decidedrarities. Single Short-billed Dowitchers were Sept. 7 (EH). Niarada, Mont., had four Aug. 20 (EH).Very few •dentifiedat Missoula(DHo), Reardan (JA), and the Walla Walla were reportedelsewhere. A few Williamson'sSapsuckers were delta(DG, AS), and a few were notedat Springfield(DT, CHT) reported.Single White-headed Woodpeckers were sightedin and Bend (TC). Some400-500 Red-neckedPhalaropes were 3 localities.A Pileated Woodpeckers. of Helena Sept. i was on SoapL., late Augustto early September(RF). A notablefind noteworthy, as the speciesis very rare e. of the Continental was of two Red Phalaropesat the Walla Walla delta Sept.13- Divide in that area (LMc). 14 (TG, REW). An imm. LeastFlycatcher was identifiedin the hand at Hart Mt., Sept. 21 (WHP). A Black Phoebewas at Market Lake for JAEGERSTHROUGH TERNS -- An imm. ParasiticJaeger Idaho's2nd record(SFR). A very late Say'sPhoebe appeared was foundat WallowaL., Wallowa Co., Ore., Sept.15 (JBu). s. of The Dalles,Ore., Nov. 28 (BW). September27 was a very SingleFranklin's Gulls appearedat the Walla Walla delta and late date for a flock of over 50 Violet-greenSwallows over the on the ColumbiaR. to the north, and at Spokane,Wash. Koo- SpokaneR. at Spokane(JA). tenai N.W.R. had two, aswell astwo Bonaparte's.A very few Bonaparte'swere sightedin e. Oregonand Washington.Metcalf JAYS THROUGH WARBLERS- One or two Blue Jays had one (C & SC). Up to sevenMew Gulls appearedat Hood appearedin the Vernon vicinity in early November(PR), and Riverin November;they are regularfall migrantsthere (DAA). one was at Nakusp,B.C., Oct. 14-16 (GD).Single birds showed The only otherswere single birds at Vernon, B.C., Nov. 27 up in Idaho at Idaho FallsOct. 26 (C & ES) and near Pocatello (PR),and at TumaloRes., providing a firstrecord for Deschutes Oct. 18 (CHT, m.ob.).One or two visitedfeeders at Stevensville, Co., Ore. (TC). About 180 Ring-billedGulls lingeredat Libby Mont., all fall (BD,CP), and onefrequented a feederat Eastport, Dam. HerringGulls appear to be regularfall migrantsat Hood Ida., in late October (JM). Remarkable was the sightingof a River (DAA).One showedup near Asotin,Wash., Oct. 25 (C.B.) ScrubJay at Twisp,Wash., Sept. 8, the firstfor the latilongand andmany imm. HerringGulls at Springfieldwere accompanied for n. Washington(DJo). by an imm. Thayer's (CHT). Vernon had two Thayer's Oct. Chestnut-backedChickadees were showingup in unusual 11+ (PR).The PackR. Flatshad an imm. Thayer'sand an imm. numbersin the lowlands in every state and provinceof the GlaucousNov. 23, along with a large increasein Herring Region.Particularly notable were groupsof up to five at feeders Gulls (PRS). in Bend (TC). One in the Ketchurn-Sun Valley, Ida., vicinity A W. Gull, apparently the same one that has returned for provideda rare treatfor birdwatchers(WHS). At least25 Bush- several years at American Falls Dam, was back at its usual tits were observedat Hood River Oct. 4 (DAA). Bewick'sWren

120 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 appearsto be well estabhshed•n the Asohnwc•nity S•ngleN The earhest appearanceof RosyF•nches was at Smith Cr, Mockingbirdsvisited Malheur Sept 13 ITC) and Hart Mr, Aug Boundary Co, Ida., Oct. 20 (PRS) A few small groupswere 22-29 [WHP). One was seen near Minidoka N.W.R., Sept. 1 reportedelsewhere. A few Pine Grosbeaksappeared, with the (WHS), and another was at Stevenvillein late October(CP). southernmostsighting between Anatone and Fields Springs The earliestsighting of BohemianWaxwings was in the Sel- S.P., Nov. 22 (JP, DP, CVV). Purple Fincheswere reported at k•rk Mrs.,Boundary Co., Ida., Oct. 15 (PRS).The largestnumber Libby (DHe); Hell's Canyon N.R.A., s.e. of Imnaha, Ore. (JB), reportedwas 3000at Vernon Nov. 22 [PR).A very late Orange- ToppenishN.W.R., Yakima Co., Wash. (CD, DG, AS); and •n crownedWarbler was at NakuspNov. 16 (GD). An imm. Mag- the Klamath Basin area, Ore. (SJ).Few Red Crossbillswere nolia Warbler at Sullivan L., Pend Oreille Co., Sept. 13 was reported,the largestnumber being 67 at CrystalL. in the Snowy apparently e. Washington's first (CVV, m.ob.). One visited Mts. of c. Montana (LM). CommonRedpolls had appearedonly American Falls Sept. 14 (CHT). A • Cape May Warbler in Col- at Fortine (WW) and at TungstenMt., BoundaryCo., Ida. (PRS), orado Gulch w. of Helena Sept. 13 was Montana's 4th and the by the end of the period. latfiong'sfirst (G & NN). Another Cape May at Malheur Sept. 13-18 was Oregon's6th (KT, TW). Malheur alsohad Oregon's first Blackburnian Warbler Sept. 15-18 (CDL, CM, DPa) and CORRIGENDUM--AB 40:501. The Cape May Warbler was a BlackpollWarbler was there Sept.27 (TC). A Blackpoll War- photographedby Tom Crabtree. bler at the Davenport,Wash., cemetery Sept. 20 was apparently the state's2nd (JA). A Black-and-whiteWarbler was observed on Asotin Cr., w. of Asotin, Oct. 25 (JP, DP). An imm. N. Wa- terthrush was mistnettedat Hart Mr., Sept. 3 (WHP). OBSEBVEBS CITED--James Acton, David A. Anderson, Merle Archie, EugeneBarney, June Bergquist, Bob Boekelheide, GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES -- A College Place Blue Mountain Audubon Society (B.M.A.S.},Robert C. Bradley, feeder enticed an imm. Black-headedGrosbeak to stay into JoeBuchanan {JBu), Chuck & SuziCampbell, Canyon Birders {C.B }, Keith Carlson,Eddie Chew, Tom Crabtree,Bob Daniels, Gary Da- late November,remarkably late (SM).A pair of Blue Grosbeaks vidson, Rich Del Carlo, Christina Duchesne, Elsie & Merlin Eltz- near PocatelloAug. 1 was suspectedof havingnested nearby roth, EdsonFichter, Ron Friesz, John F. Gatchet,Denny Granstrand, (CHT). Sightingof a Lark Sparrowalong the LinctonMr. road Tony Greager,Warren Hall (WHa), Larry Halverson,Kent Hen- near Milton-Freewater, Ore., Aug. 31 was unusual (DH, SM). derson,Cal Henry, Winhie Hepburn, Della Hermsmeyer(DHe}, A well-described Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Sullivan L., Pend Dave Herr, L. Hoffman (LHo},Denver Holt (DHo), GeorgeHolton, Orefile Co., Wash.,Sept. 14 providedthe state'sfirst sighting Rick Howie, EugeneHunn, Donnell Hunter (DHu}, Idaho Fish & (WH, MK, JP,DP, CVV). A SwampSparrow, no detailssupplied, GameDept. {I.F.G.), Bert Jahn, Bryan Jamison (BJa), Judy Johnson, was alsoreported at Sullivan L., Sept. 14 (MK et al.). A White- Don Jole(DJo), Stuart Johnston,Doug Jury, Ken Knittle, Merlene throated Sparrow,Crook County'sfirst, was seenin Prineville, Koliner, Earl J. Larrison,Don LeHeup (DLe},Ruth Lepiane, C. D Ore, Sept. 26 (CSt). Golden-crownedSparrow was described Littlefield, DonnaLusthoff, Dave & CharleneMacManiman, Larry for the Hart Mr. areaas an "occasionalspring migrant, common Malone,Eric McAlary, Lawrence McEvoy (LMc), W. Meyers,Craig fall migrant, and to this date,unrecorded as a winter resident" Miller, Bob Moate, KendrickMoholt, JeanMonks, Shirley Muse, (WHP). A sprinkling of Harris' Sparrowsappeared, the first Larry D. Napier, JohnNigh, Gene & Norma Nixon, Michael C Oct 10 at Missoula (PLW), the others in November. Twelve Noland,Oregon Field Ornithologists (O.F.O.), Deanna & JeffPalmer, to 15 LaplandLongspurs ]seemingly early for suchnumbers] Richard Parker, Frank Paul, Dave Paullin (DPa), Ian Paulsen, droppedin on the summitof Mr. Spokane,Spokane Co., Wash., CleOraPfiugrad {CPI], Colleen Powell, William H. Pyle,John Quirk, Sept 7 (LT). EasternWashington had the lion's shareof Snow Phil Ranson,Sandy Rathbone, Sylvia F. Reichel,Tim Reynolds, Bunting sightingswith over 400 between Reardan and Dav- Clara& RalphRitcey, Syd Roberts (SRo), Jean Robocker, Bill Ryan, Tim Ryan(TRy), Ken Salzman, W. H. Shillington,Paul R. Sierack•, enport Nov. 16 (JA). This speciesalso appeared at Frenchtown Cyril & Elyira Slansky,Snake River AudubonSociety (S.R.A.S.}, near Missoula,where it is not common(PLW). The only Bob- SpokaneAudubon Society (S.A.S.), Christy Steck (CSt},B. Steel, ohnk reportedwas one at KaroloopsSept. 4 (SRo).A late Yellow- Andy & SusieStepniewski, Steve Summers (SSu}, Charlie Swanson, headedBlackbird was sightednear Wapato,Wash., Nov. 27 Marj Swanson,Jim Tabor, Dan Taylor, Verda Teale, Karen Theo- (BB, AS). Vernon had a Rusty Blackbird Oct. 11 (PR), and 2 dore, Larry Thieman, JoelTinsley {JTi}, Jim Todd {JTo},Charles s•ghtingscame from the vicinity of Glacier N.P., Mont. (fide H. Trost, ConnieVance, CaroleVande Voorde(CVV}, Bill Vogel, JR).A few Brewer'sBlackbirds lingered in the Eureka vicinity CherylWebb, Ralph Webber, Winton Weydemeyer, Ted Wise, Bing as late as Nov. 29 (DHe). A Corn. Grackle visited a Pocatello Wong,Robert E. Wooalley,Philip L. Wright,Bob & CarolYutzy.-- feeder in late November(EF). THOMAS H. ROGERS,E. 10820 Maxwell, Spokane,WA 99206.

MOUNTAIN WEST REGION

Hugh E. Kingery Denver, and Yellowstone National Park) report grossnum- bers of birds sighted during the season,so that the same birds seen two weeks in a row are counted both times; see, better-than-averagenotablefinds, including fallthe migration first stateproducedrecord of Black-many e.g., Western Grebesin Boulder County. shouldered Kite in Utah. LOONS TO IBISES -- The [incredible]flock of 13 Red- The Regionreported 374 species,against a peak of 376 throatedLoons reported at KeyholeRes. near Sundance,Wyo, last year and an averageof 361. As usual, Colorado had Nov. 4 exceededthe highestseason's total ever reportedfrom the top count, 329 (average 317), followed by 265 in Wy- the Region (tJA). Other reportersfound single Red-throateds oming (254), and 244 in both Utah and Nevada. For the Oct. 24-26 at Sheridan (tHD, MC) and Nov. 3-9 at Denver year, the Regionrecorded 408 species(Colorado 372, Wy- ($D.F.O.).Pacific Loonsshowed strong]y, with 12 individuals oming 311, Utah 295, and Nevada 267). seen in Yellowstone N.P., Sept. 24-Oct. 21 (S & LF), single Several locations (notably Boulder County, Colorado, birds at Rock Springs,Sheridan, and Sundance,Wyo. (MA,

Volume 41, Number 1 121 peak came Sept. 22 with 10,610, including 1950 wigeon and 1740 Gadwalls (CS).Stillwater had 17,000 Tundra SwansNov. YELLOWSTONEß •/ ßSHERIDAN 18 [ST, LN), but the Salt Lake valley continued to miss them • o• I • •'q•t• (top countsof 221 in the U.D.W.R. count Oct. 16-31,200 Nov. I """" ""4' % wYo,,NO 15-30). Yellowstone'scollective count topped735 Oct. 19-Nov. 18 (TM). Kirch had 214 Nov. 10, 5 times last year's peak. To the east, the 75 at Casper Nov. 17, six at Lander and nine at Green R., Wyo., 43 along the ColoradoFront Range,and five at Salida, Colo., Nov. 9-10 (RE) exceeded the usual count. A Trumpeter Swan, probably from South Dakota, visited Sun- ; uz•. • CO•O.A.O danceNov. 5 (•JA).Colorado reported 19 GreaterWhite-fronted NEVADA j [ eGRANO Geese Oct. 26-Nov. 23. On the stormy weekend of Oct. 11- % . i ,..-,o. 12, Cheyenne, Wyo., observerscounted overhead flocks of % •.o.. •,-.. 2500-3500 Snow Geese(perhaps twice asmany actually passed over---H.P.A.S.).To the south,Colorado observers saw nowhere near as many, with peaks of 150 in Boulder County and 430 at Julesburg,both in November.Regional observers found one I ' Ross'Goose at St. George,Utah, Nov. 5+ (SH), one at Casper Nov. 29 (JH), and 21 in Colorado.Wood Ducks expand in the Region;one to two appearedat Ruby Lake N.W.R., Nev., Aug. 18 and Sept. 30 {SB),Jackson, Wyo., Sept. 19 {KDu), and Yel- tHD, tJA), and eight in Coloradoat Delta, Pueblo, and Denver. lowstonePark, Wyo., Aup• 30 (TM), and over 20 visited Grand Half of the 228 Com. Loonsreported occurred in Yellowstone, Jct.,Colo. (CD, RL). A Eur. Wigeon stoppedat CasperNov. 23- one stoppedat Kirch W.M.A., Lund, Nev., three at the Great 27 (•JH, FL). Canvasbackspeaked at 24,000 at Stillwater Oct. Salt Lake, and the rest in Coloradoand Wyoming. Among the 16 (ST,LN). Coloradoreported 10 GreaterScaups Oct. 12-Nov. 50 Common, Pacific, and Red-throated loons at Sundance that 21. The Oldsquawcount, one at Kirch, three at Casper,one at Nov. 4, two birds were identified as Yellow-billeds, based on Grand Jct.,and one at Ft. Morgan, Colo., droppedfrom 13 and color of the culmen and other marks (•JA);if accepted,this 10 the last 2 years.The count of 14 Surf and 20 White-winged would mark Wyoming's2nd observationof this tough-to-iden- scotersreflected the usual number and proportion of those tify speciesout of place in the Mountain West. two species.Most unusual was a White-winged at Reno Nov. Denver's Pied-billed Grebes more than doubled over last 14+, joinedby a 2nd Dec. 13 [HJ,ph.). Delta, Colo.,had a high fall, with 129 seenon 13 of 20 field trips (D.F.O.).Two observers count of 57 Red-breastedMergansers Nov. 3 {MJ). reported large flocks of Horned Grebesin heavily-observed locationswhere othersreported few: 411 Oct. 6 and 500 Nov. RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES- A massive bubonic I at Great Salt Lake (BW), and 500 in Longmontand Ft. Collins, Colo., Nov. 4 (JC). Two Red-necked Grebesstopped at Sund- plaqueepidemic killed all the prairie dogsin a 25-square-mile anceAug. 18 (JA), three at YellowstoneSept. 29 (AS), and one area of BoulderCounty; hawk numbersdropped drastically. each at JacksonRes. near Ft. Morgan, Colo., Oct. 27 (HH) and Monthly transectsshowed these average daily totals(compared at Denver Nov. 26 (JR).Eared Grebestopovers declined--Kirch with the 2 previous years):N. Harrier, 0.4 (2, 2); Red-tailed reportedthem down by 50-90% from last year; the peak there Hawk 3.2 (5.3,9.2); Ferruginous 0.5 (2.3,4.4); Rough-legged 0.5 reached 68 Oct. 13-27 (CS). The Great Salt Lake's count has (0.5. 0.2) (SJ).Yellowstone's Ospreys fledged 42 young; 21 of declineddrastically with that lake'shigh water problems;peaks 40 nestssucceeded. The Region reported 54 migrants.Shirley discovered Utah's first Black-shouldered Kite Nov. 6. Over a reportedwere of only 50. BoulderCounty, Colo., tallied 12,289 large grebes;of thoseidentified to species,1972 were Westerns dozen Utahans observedit Nov. 6-14 (•MW, CKn). Bald Eagles and 110 Clark's--a ratio of 5.6% Clark's. Observers at Las Ve- made 9 nest attempts in Colorado,up from 3 nesting pairs 2 gas,Yellowstone, Sheridan, Pueblo, and Denver alsoreported yearsago; this year they fledgedfour young(C.D.W.). At Kirch, Clark's Grebes.At PuebloNov. 30, a bird of the year appeared Accipitersstaged their strongestmigration in at least5 years, to be a hybrid: it had an orangebill but black surroundingthe with three to five daily seenat refugeheadquarters. Nevadans eye (BM). continued to find Red-shoulderedHawks, with singlebirds at American White Pelicans achieved record production at LasVegas, Mt. Charleston,and Ruby Lake, plus an adult and Anaho Island N.W.R., Nev., with 7500 young produced, and immature at Kirch Aug. 12-Oct. 13; on Sept. 28 Stevenson for the first time sincethe 1930sthey nestedat PelicanIsland, foundthe adult deadin the graspof a GreatHorned Owl, also Stillwater N.W.R., Nev., producing350 young (ST, LN). At dead, amidst evidence of a classicstruggle. At Promontory, Stillwater, 20,000-30,000 spent the fall. Near Bear River Utah, U.F.O. found a Broad-wingedHawk Sept. 14. A C.D.W. N.W.R., 2100pelicans presented the largestother concentration surveyfound 21 PeregrineFalcon aeries in Colorado(DP). Ob- in the Region(JN). Groupsof pelicansscattered over n.e. Col- serversreported two singleGyrfalcons, at SheridanSept. 16- orado; e.g., Boulder County reported 290 in August and 225 22 (HD) and Windsor, Colo., Oct. 12 (tDHi). in September.Sundance reported thousands of Double-crested A Sora could show up for your yard list: Kesselheimfound Cormorantsat the migration peak (JA). The Region reported one dead in an Evanston,Wyo., alley Sept. 3! The usual strong 16 Am. Bitterns. Lahontan Valley, Nev., had 550 Great Blue migrationof Am. Cootsincluded 23,000 at Ruby Lake Aug. 15 Heron, 185 Great Egret, and 250 Snowy Egret nests(ST, LN). (SB},4850 at Fish SpringsSept. 16 (CRD},8470 at Kirch Oct. The Regionreported 20 migrant Great Egrets:six in Nevada, 27 (CS},and 5293 through the fall at Denver {D.F.O.}. three in Utah, four in Wyoming,and sevenin Colorado.With At leastfour Am. White Pelicansand possiblyone Whooping 1500 nests,Stillwater's White-faced Ibises declined slightly (ST, Craneflew with the Denverflocks of Sandhills.One Whooping LN). Migrant ibis flockspeaked at 500 at Fish SpringsN.W.R. Crane arrived at Barr L., n. of Denver, Oct. 14; by its band and 183 at Bear River. number a GraysLake bird, it had stoppedin the same vicinity last year (BR}.Later, Oct. 24-30, on the e. line of the Region, WATERFOWL -- Stillwater hosted the most waterfowl-- thousands of Sandhills flew over Sundance, 75-100 over Ft. 300,000 ducks Sept. 16-Oct. 16, and 400,000 Nov. 18, with Morgan, and 1000 over Baca County, Colo. These probably peak speciesincluding 210,000 N. Shovelers,80,000 Green- came from Canada. The San Luis Valley hosted 22 different winged Teal, and 63,000 Ruddy Ducks (ST, LN). Fish Springs WhoopingCranes during the migration,including only one had 19,870 ducks at its peak, toppedby 6100 Green-winged juvenile (EM). Singlesstopped at YellowstoneAug. 29-Sept. Teal, 4700 N. Pintails,and 3400 Am. Wigeons(CRD). Kirch's 10 (TMi) and Farson,Wyo., in September(FL).

122 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 SoAo (a drop of 90-95%, with a peak of 22 Aug. 25--CS). A Red Sandhill Cranes staged a spectacle along the Front PhalaropeOct. 3-4 convenientlyposed near three Red-neckeds RangeOct. 11-12. A stormyweekend that broughtlight to provide a direct comparison,and the first record from Logan snow and low clouds forced them down to 500-1000 ft (1st Lat, iKFA, MT). abovethe ground,probably well below the elevationat The Regionhad only four jaegers:one well-observed Parasitic which they usually migrate; over 100 birdwatchers, te- with long tail streamersat CarsonCity Sept. 14 (lJW, ph.), two lephoning back and forth, followed their progress.At Parasitics near Ft. Morgan, Colo., Oct. 27 (HH), and a jaeger Cheyenne, observersout to look for the Snow Geese (sp.) there Oct. 2 (JC). The flocks of Bonaparte'sGulls have found 400-500 cranes instead. In the Denver/Boulder diminished in e. Colorado from peaks of a few years ago, al- area an estimated20,000-30,000 cranes flew over during thoughD.F.O. reported100 Nov. 17 in n.e. Colorado.Besides the 2-day weekend. The cranes veered away as they that flock, reportstotalled only 23 in Colorado,three in Wy- approachedthe foothillswhose tops the cloudscovered. oming,and one at Logan,Utah. CaliforniaGulls had 3000 nests However, to the south they ventured into the foothills, at Anaho Island N.W.R. and 1700 nestsat Stillwater (ST, LN). since 5000+ flew over Wetmore, Colo. The SW orien- Thirteen Sabine'sGulls (an averagecount for the Region)oc- tation of someof the flocks suggestedthat their course curred at Loganand BearL., Utah, RockSprings, Yellowstone, aimed toward the San Luis Valley. which had 15,000 at and Sundance,Wyo., four at PuebloOct. 12 (DS,DJ), and singles its peak Oct. 15. Most of the cranes there come from at Longmont, Greeley, and Ordway, Colo. Stillwater hosted Idaho, so that if the Front Range migrants came from 475 nestsof CaspianTerns (ST, LN). The tally of 55 Corn.Terns there, they traveled a circular course. Other flocks of included two at Las Vegas,22 at Great Salt L. on 3 dates,seven 500-1000 passedto the east, over Pawnee Nat'l Grass- at RockSprings Aug. 16 (•FL, ph.),three Sept.17 at Yellowstone land, Ft. Morgan, and Holyoke, 140 mi e. of the foothills. (AS), and 21 in Coloradoincluding three at Pueblo (•DS) and Farmers reported hundreds e. of Pueblo (nightly from five at Delta on 3 dates (MJ). late Septemberto mid-October). DOVES TO WOODPECKERS- Inca Doves appeared in s. Utah for the state's 3rd and 4th records: three stayed Aug. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- Seven Lesser Gold- 21-Sept. 19 at St. George(iMW, ph.), and one appearedat Zion en-Ploversoccurred at Provo,Salt Lake City, and Logan(MW, N.P., feeding with White-crowned Sparrows(iKW). The mys- CKn, RKA), Casper(JH, FL), Delta, Colo. (MJ), and Windsor, tery of screech-owl ranges attains a semblance of a pattern: Colo. (JC), Sept. 4-Nov. 8. Fish Springsreported a peak of 80 Easterns inhabit the Denver area, while Westerns range into Snowy PloversSept. 16 (CRD), 25 scurriedalong the Great Salt n.e. Wyomingat Sundance.A BorealOwl traveled on an au- L., Sept. 6 (CKn), and CarsonL., near Fallon, Nev., had 15 Oct. tomobile bumper from Yellowstone to JacksonSept. 14 (JZ, 10 (ST, LN). The Piping Plover near Denver Aug. 11-12 pro- *W.F. & G.). vided a 1stLat record (iKL). The Lahontan Valley near Fallon SoAo had 5000breeding Black-necked Stilts (ST, LN); largestmigrant flocks were of 300 at Fish SpringsAug. 8, and 150 at Bear R. Extremely rare in Nevada, a Magnificent Humming- and Great Salt L., Aug. 18 and Sept. 6. At Carson L., 1000 Am. bird showedup at a feederat Jarbidge,on the Idaho line. Avocetsstill remained Nov. 26, yet only one stilt even stayed It stayedfor only 3 days, June 12-14, but long enough into November, until Nov. 4, and it had a bad leg (ST, LN). for goodphotographs to document the occurrence(lE & The LahontanValley refugecomplex saw impressive shorebird GB). Although rangesof both the Blue-throated and totals: 20,000 peepsOct. 10, 90% Westerns,the rest Baird's, Magnificenthummingbirds ostensibly extend no farther Pectoral, Least, and Dunlins; 50,000 Long-billed Dowitchers n. than c. Arizona, Coloradohas recordsthroughout the in September(but Bear R. had a peak of only 800--CKn); and state n. almost to Wyoming; it has confirmed nesting 10,000 Red-neckedPhalaropes Aug. 6 (ST, LN). Among the recordsfor Magnificent,but only suspectednesting Blue- otherwise reduced counts of shorebirds, observers reported throateds.A plethora of hummingbirdfeeders through- the following top counts:188 LesserYellowlegs Aug. 17 in out the Colorado Rockies has produced these records. Boulder County (PY), 105 Marbled Godwits at Bear R., Aug. Probablya concertedcensus of hummingbird feedersin 18 (HK), 1036Long-billed Dowitchers at PromontorySept. 13- other western stateswould turn up a lot of these (and 14, and 100-1-Corn. Snipe there Sept. 23-24 (RR). perhapsother) southwesternhummers. Late shorebirdsincluded a Solitary Sandpiper to Nov. 27 and a Spotteduntil Nov. 21 at Grand Jct.(CD, RL), and a Long- billed Curlew with a bad leg to Nov. 26 at CarsonL. (ST, LN). A Whimbrel stoppedat a Weld County, Colo., lake Oct. 12 (DHi). Two Ruddy Turnstones turned up: at Casper Sept. 14- 15 (JH, FL) and Longmont, Colo., Sept. 28-29 (DN, BP). Las Vegas saw two Red Knots Sept. 26 (MCr), and five visited e. ColoradoSept. 7-28. At Logan,"the usual 2-4-1-Semipalmated Sandpiperswere presentin flocksof Westernsin a ratio of 1: 25" (MT), and one Semipalmated mixed with peeps at Great Salt L., Sept.6 (CKn).Semipalmateds occur regularly in e. Col- orado and e. Wyoming, and Tove reportsthat his observations indicate that more occur in the Salt Lake Valley than conven- tional wisdomdictates. What would happen with a day-long scopingof the CarsonLake peeps?Further studiesin the Great Basin may bear out Tove's theory that data from coastalCal- ifornia doesnot apply to the Mountain West. Wyoming reported2 setsof Buff-breastedSandpipers: four Aug. 30 at Casper (JH) and one Sept. 6-7 at Farson (1st Lat, iFL, MA). A flock of 30 Short-billed Dowitchers was reported at Pueblo Aug. 10 (•DBr); singleswere reported at Las Vegas Sept. 26-27 (R.R.A.S.), Milford, Utah, Sept. 6 (1st Lat, MW), Female Magnificent Hummingbird at Jarbidge,Nev., June 14, Rock Springs,Wyo., Oct. 25 (1st Lat, •FL), and Boulder Aug. 1986. Possiblythe secondrecord for Nevada. Photo/Garland 31 (•PY). Wilson'sPhalaropes declined at Las Vegasand Kirch and Ethlyn Barneby.

Volume 41, Number I 123 A ½Broadstailed Hummingbird banded at Gothic, Colo, on Wyomingand n ColoradoA PhiladelphiaVireo wasat Boulder July 21, 1976, flew into a mist net in Gothic in August--10 Oct 2 (WHK) A Red-eyedVireo stoppedat Eagle,Colo, Aug. years later. Bander Calder, who has studied the correlation of 26 (llm). bird longevity with body weight, said, "When size is taken into account,11 years for the hummingbird is equivalent to WARBLERS, TANAGERS -- Generally,warblers seemed 39 years for a Canada Goose.The oldestknown Canada Goose lesscommon than in mostfalls. Orange-crowneds made a good hved only 24 years." The 35 Lewis' WoodpeckersAug. 2 at showingin Grand Jct. and Boulder (84 and 39 total), and the Ouray N.W.R. in n.e. Utah exceededthe total reported from 15 for Denver matched last year's D.F.O. field trips count Utah for the pastyear and a half; apparentlythey live in various Nashville Warbler records continued to indicate a modest mi- isolatedpockets over the state.Two Acorn Woodpeckerswere grationthrough Utah with one at Ogden,one at Milford, and in Coral Pink Sand Dunes park near Kanab, Utah, Oct. 8, in six at Promontory.Two visited SundanceSept. 24 (lJA). A late the same place as last year's birds; this provided Utah's 5th Lucy's stoppedat Las Vegas Nov. 8 (VM). Three N. Parulas record (iSH). appearedin the Front Range--two at Denver Sept. 13 & 19-24 (DN, RS), and one at Ft. Collins Oct. 3 (iDH). Two Black- throated Bluesstopped at Stillwater Oct. 7 (ST, LN, ph.), single FLYCATCHERS TO VIREOS- Flycatchersstayed into femaleswere at Las VegasOct. 17 and Nov. 19 (VM, CT), and October in Grand Jct. (W. Wood-Peweeand Gray Flycatcher, otherswere at Pine Bluffs,Wyo., Sept.13 (iPO), Masters,Colo, and Say's Phoebe to Nov. 2), Ft. Morgan (Least Flycatcher, E. Sept.21 (DBr),and Denver Oct. 5 (RS).Yellow-rumped Warbler Phoebe, and Cassin'sKingbird), Boulder (Cassin'sKingbird), numbersseemed good; Yellowstone tallied 765, the last Oct and Davis County, Utah (E. Kingbird). An imm. • Vermilion 18, Boulder counted 599, and Grand Junction 115. Evanston Flycatcher arrived at Provo,Utah, after 3-4 daysof bad storms reporteda strikingmigration; 145 were estimatedSept. 13, and and stayedOct. 14-17 (iMW, ph.; 1st Lat). Las Vegashad its Sept. 17-20 "every tree in town was twitching with them" first Brown-crestedFlycatcher in 2 yearsAug. 8 (MCr), and an (BW,CK). Unusual numbersof Townsend'sappeared at Green E KingbirdAug. 31, the 7th year in 17 it has appearedat the R., Wyo., with 20 at the peak in early September;otherwise same time (VM, KW). An Ash-throated Flycatcher strayed to normal numbers appeared throughout the Region. A Black- CasperAug. 28 (JH) and a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher to Denver throatedGreen Warbler showedup late--Nov. 16+--at Lyons, Aug. 2 (HS). Tree Swallows stayed until Nov. 9 at Grand Jct. Colo. (BP, DL, ph.). A Blackburnianspent Oct. 23-Nov. 2 at (CD) and Nov. 9-10 at Delta (lMJ), and a Barn Swallow to Nov. Boulder(A & GB).A • PineWarbler was reported [suspiciously 2 at Grand Jct. (CD). A Blue Jay was found at Salt Lake City early] at Masters,Colo., Sept. 7 (lDBr),a Palm Warbler at Den- Nov. 22 (MW). A few mountain jays moved out to the valleys ver Nov. 8 (RLe), a Bay-breastedat Denver Sept. 20 (DN). The and plains:Steller's to Ogden,Ft. Morgan, and Ft. Collins, and ProthonotaryWarbler at Green R., Sept.2 gaveWyoming its Clark's Nutcrackersto Fish Springs,Sundance, and Ft. Collins. 4th record(iMA). An Ovenbirdwas at LasVegas Sept. 21 (MCr) Large flocksof Am. Crows included 4000 at Sheridan Oct. 7, and a N. Waterthrush was there Aug. 31 (KW, VM). The N 2000 at Grand Jct.,Oct. 12, and 1200 at Salida Oct. 15. Florence, Waterthrush at Milford, Utah, Sept.6 provided a 1stLat (MW), Colo.,saw a horde of 555 Com. RavensOct. 31 (NP). A number another was at Beaver Dam Wash in the s.w. corner of Utah of mountain speciesseem to have started to recover from de- Sept.13 (SH).An ad. • HoodedWarbler stoppedat Denver Sept dines. Theseinclude somefinches, Mountain Chickadees(4.0/ 19 (iRS). An elusive Summer Tanager showed off to the ob- hr on the Indian Peaks fall count, cf. 3.37/hr last year), and serverswho managedto find it in Septemberat Denver(D.F.O), RedsbreastedNuthatches (50 seenSept. 1 in the mountainsw. and a ScarletTanager was in Weld County, Colo.,Oct. 2 (tiC) of Sheridan,and •100-150there in 3 days---MR).Red-breasted Nuthatch reports came in from Ogden, Utah, 4 Wyoming lo- SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES- A Field Sparrow cations,and 8 Coloradosites, half of them on the plains. was found at Denver Oct. 4 (DL). Sheridan counted520 Vesper Many observerssaw Golden-crownedKinglets, including one SparrowsAug. 27, a goodtotal (HD). Eagleattracted a Black- at Kirch Sept. 15 (CS), and others down from the mountains throated SparrowSept. 29 (1stLat--tJM ). Of two Fox Sparrows [or, more likely, from more northerly populations]at Ogden, at ColoradoSprings Oct. 18, one appearedto be of one of the Salt Lake City, Denver, Durango, ColoradoSprings, and Ft. redder eastern forms (iBM). Other Fox Sparrowsappeared in Collins. Ruby-crowned Kinglets moved through in modest Green R., Aug. 16 (FL) and Cody, Wyo., Nov. 18+ (JGa). Chey- numbers;on Aug. 24 a large flock, estimatedat 150, stagedon enne reportedthree SwampSparrows Sept. 12 (lAK--lst Lat) the n. slopeof the Uinta Mts., n.e. Utah, with 500 other birds The 15 White-throated Sparrows(from all 4 states)seemed a including juncos, sparrows,and finches (BW). The Colorado typical number for this Regionalstraggler. Boulder had Golden- Front Rangeattracted a typical roll call of E. Bluebirds:two in crownedSparrows Sept. 28 and Nov. 6+ (B.A.S.,iPY). Although the foothillsat EvergreenOct. 6 (WWB) and othersat Virginia the Sept. 13 fall count in the Indian Peaks area w. of Boulder Dale, Colo., on the Colorado/Wyoming line Sept. 18 (HD), recorded a drop in White-crowneds(.48/hr cf. 1.42/hr last Pueblo Nov. 2-12 (DS), and Boulder Nov. 9 (four--WHK). year), Weld County on the plains e. of there had thousands Brockner theorized that these fall birds come from the north- Oct. 2 (JC). Harris' Sparrowswere widely reported:four from e g, nesting birds from Alberta; Silverman thinks they often Utah, 45 from Wyoming including 25 at Sundance,and 22 in come up the S. Platte and Arkansasrivers after nestingto the Colorado.At Ogden, Killpack banded 383 Dark-eyed Juncos, east in Kansasand Nebraska. Las Vegas enjoyed an unusual twice as many as last year, but D.F.O. recordedonly 89 on its influx of Townsend'sSolitaires, with 20-30 feedingon Russian Denver-area field trips, down from 200 in 1985. The discrep- Olives with robinsand waxwingsSept. 30-Oct. 19 (VM). Oth- anciesin relative abundanceof White-crownedSparrows and erwise they moved into their usual winter range, plus three juncosillustrate the difficulty of drawing conclusionson bird to four far out on the plains at Holyoke, Colo., Oct. 4+ (CH). populationswithout consistentstudy formats, and oneswhich A surprisingcollection of Brown Thrashers strayed W to the cover big chunks of geography. mountainsof BoulderCounty Oct. 14+ (DH, DB),Jackson (two A roadsidesurvey at Sheridan turned up 203 W. Meadow- Aug. 12--HSa) and SeedskadeeN.W.R., Wyo. (one Sept. 17-- larksSept. 12, twice the prior peak;they have startedto recover FL), and Kirch (Oct. 7-15--CS) and Las Vegas(Nov. 9-11--J from a 4-year decline (HD). Rusty Blackbirds showed up in & MCr). A Curve-billed Thrasher made a first appearancein Las Vegas Nov. 9-11 (J & MCr, VM) and Pueblo Nov. 23 PenroseOct. 1 (RW). Four Sprague'sPipits were reportedfrom (A.V.A.S.). Large blackbird flocks included 10,000 mixed CasperSept. 6 (lJH, OKS) and one from Yellowstone Oct. 12 grackles,starlings, and Red-wingedsat Sheridan Aug. 21, and (TM). Bohemian Waxwings appeared early and abundantly. 7000Brewer's at Greeley Sept.10 (JC).Common Grackles have The earliestreport of 175 Sept. 28 in Morgan County, Utah becomewell-established in e. Utah, with 85 counted at Vernal (BW), was followed by November flocks of 10-1000 all over Aug. I (CKn). A N. (Bullock's) Oriole showed an inclination

124 Amencan Birds, Spnng 1987 to winter at a Sheridan feeder, after showing up Nov. I (HD). neby, D. Bridges(DBr), W.W. Brockner (21), A. & G. Brown, Diane Purple Finches were at Evanston,Pueblo, and Denver (tCK, Brown, Sara Brown, Jerry Cairo (4), W. Calder, M. Collins, Col- tDS et al., •BR). Yellowstonereported a healthy populationof oradoDivision of Wildlife, J. & M. Cressman(MCr), C.R. Darling, Cassin'sFinches, with 642 recordedon 43 days to Oct. 2 (JZ), DenverAudubon Society (27), DenverField Ornithologists,Caen but the Indian Peaks count tallied only three (DH, DR). House Dexter, Beth Dillon, Keith Dixon, Helen Downing (44), K. Duffy Finchesin Ogden,Colorado Springs, and Denver have become (KDu),Margaret Ewing, S. Findholt,Fort CollinsAudubon Society, severelyafflicted with avian pox; apparently thosethat attend Elva Fox (6), J. Gautsch (JGa). JeromeGifford (5), J.R. Guadagno, crowded backyardfeeders spread the vital disease.Red Cross- Dave Hallock, May Hanesworth (26), Carol Hargreaves, Phil bills have returned to Wyoming and Colorado: Yellowstone Hayes(20), Steven Hedges, Jim Herald (7),D. Hill (DHi), High Plains Audubon Society, Mark Janos, Steve Jones, Hugh Judd, tallied 783 on 87 different days, Sheridan had 25 in August, W. H. Kaempfer, Ursula Kepler (20), Craig Kesselheim,Merlin Boulder County had 85 through the fall, and several other Killpack, A. King, Craig Kneedy (CKn), K. LaBorde,Dave Leath- mountain observerssaw them. Among the Reds were two erman (8), F. & J. Lebsack,Paul Lehman(PLe), R. Lentz (RLe), White-wingeds at Minturn, Colo., Aug. 10 (•BR) and seven at Richard Levad, PeggyLocke, Forrest Luke (8), Bill Maynard, T. Cody, Wyo., Aug. 22 {SA). McEneaney, John Merchant (3), Ed Merritt, T. Michael (TMi), CORRIGENDA -- Maynard respondedto my speculationabout Vince Mowbray (7). Larry Neel, D. Nelson.John Nelson, M. No- nesting Vermilion Flycatchersin n.e. Colorado(AB 40:504);he land, Paul Opler, Norma Peterson,Bill Pickslay(BPi), Bill Prather, suggeststhat extralimitalreports in otherstates indicate this species D. Pratt,Bert Raynes(10), J. Reddall, Red Rocks Audubon Society, overshootsfrequently and doesnot infer nesting.Correct 2 credits Bob Righter, J.C. Rigli, M. Rozy, R. Ryder. H. Sanders(HSa), D. in the Springreport: Kesselheim saw the RosyFinches at Evanston Shirley (DSh),A. Siebecker,David Silverman (14), H. Singer,R. (AB 40:506).I omitted Casperreporter Jim Herold from the list of Spencer,Craig Stevenson,Steve Thompson, Bert Tignor, (12), C. Titus, Mike Tove, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources,Utah Field Spring seasoncontributors (40:506). Ornithologists,Alan Wallace, K. Wallace, Jack Walters, Rosie CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface)and CITED OBSERVERS-- Watts, Merrill Webb, BobWeber, Roberta Winn (RWi), Wyoming JeanAdams, S. Anderson,R.K. Archibald (9 observers),Arkansas Fish & Game Department,Peter Yaukey, JoeZarki (11).--HUGH Valley Audubon Society,Mary Back (11), Ethlyn & Garland Bar- E. KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee Street, Denver CO 80206.

SOUTHWEST REGION

Arizona, Sonora J NEV.• Oeo•eeUTAH ! COLO, David Stejskal, Janet Witzeman I x•o*%•j" • PJa(e..Kay .... , F..... gton ']ao. J •ov•e• TM• • • Chlnle. J LosAlamos J •'Ci• 'Hoover Dam TGrond t ,. ß Santo Fe '%.... ß Canyon Ga up ß oughlyomeoutlying than otherspartsof at Arizona different are seasons,covered moredepending thor- I -•e•. • ßK rigman ß .•s•o I Albuquerque• upon whether those areas receive visits from birders or if there is a census being conducted there. This fall there were few records from the Lower Colorado River, as the J • •j"• WickenburgR--s- -h •6• •pr,ngerv,,,e JSocorro census team has completed its work there; however, the continuingcensus on the upperSan Pedro River is increas- --- PicaSSoß . ß . Alamogarda ing our knowledge of that area. Some important records / i•Z•Z Aioß R...... k • .... % LasC.... Cadsbad were also found during a number of birding trips to the northeasternpart of the state. Throughout the report are recordsof small numbers of normally higher-elevation speciesscattered through the lowlands, but nothing seemedto materialize into an in- vasion for any one of them.

ABBREVIATIONS -- B.T.A. = BoyceThompson Arboretum; L.C.R. = Lower ColoradoRiver; P.R.D. = Painted Rock Dam; S.P.R. As usual, a few imm. Brown Pelicans entered the state from = San Pedro River. the Gulf of Californiaduring ]ate summer and early fall, in- cluding one along 1-10w. of BensonAug. 22 {M & KL), one at LOONS THROUGH STORK -- Pacific Loon, always note- Pena BiancaL., Aug. 27 {BH),and anotherat the HyarmisCattle worthy away from the L.C.R.,was reportedfrom PrescottNov. Co. pond near McNeal Aug. 31 {B. Smith}. A Double-crested 2 {CT)and from TucsonNov. 9-10 {DT,JD, WD et oI.}.Common Cormorant at Ortega L., Nov. 8 would seem to be very late for Loons in s. Arizona included one at Parker Canyon L., Nov. 4 this speciesin n.e. Arizona {GM, TH}. Two O]ivaceons Cor- {AH), oneat Ruthrauffpondin TucsonNov. 5 (EB},and another morants, rare wanderers from n. Mexico, were reported for at TucsonNov. 9-10 (DT, JD,WD et aI.}. Very unusual was the the period: an adult at Guevavi Ranch, NogalesAug. 31 {BH} report of a LeastGrebe at the SnyderHill sewageponds, w. of and another adult at PatagoniaL., Sept. 13-22 (•S. Benn, B. Tucson Sept. 3 {•RT}. There have been very few goodrecords Brodie et al.}. for this speciesin the state since 1978. Horned Grebesaway More reportsof Am. Bittern were receivedthis fall with the from the L.C.R. included one at Prescott Oct. 9, two at Clarkdale most unusual being one at SellsNov. 19 {GM}; one at Prescott Oct. 28, and up to three at Prescottduring November(H & AG, Nov. 28-30 provided one of very few records for Yavapai CT, SGa); one was at Tucson Oct. 31 (MC, DT). County {A. Greene et al.}. Recordsof Cattle Egret from s.e.

Volume 41, Number 1 125 Arizona and the n one-half of the state continue to accumulate, pnslng were four Red Phalaropesat Willcox Aug 21 (•M & the mostnoteworthy being 30 at Many FarmsL., Sept.28 (DSj, KL); the speciesis usually seen singly or in pairsin Arizona CB, JS)and one in GuadalupeCanyon Nov. I (R. Turner). The A first-yearHerring Gull was found in the Bill Williams arm formerrecord represents the largestnumber ever found in n.e. of L. Havasu Nov. 28 (PL, SF). An ad. Sabine'sGull, a very Arizona. The White Ibis first reportedin June1986 from Pi- sparsefall migrant through the state, was found at Douglas cachoRes. was rediscoveredthere Sept.12-14 (PBet al.). Four Sept.15 (•RT, R. Crabtree,F. Mallard).TWO Caspian Terns at Wood Storkswere reportedfrom a stocktank on the Cabeza TucsonOct. 2 providedthe first recordfor that area(GM, EB), PrietaN.W.R., Aug. 26 (fide JBa),representing one of a handful another in the Bill Williams arm ofL. Havasu Nov. 28 was late of recordsfor this speciesaway from the L.C.R. and P.R.D. for that locality (PL, SF). A late Forster'sTern was alsoin the same area Nov. 22-28 (CH, PL, SF). WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- Unprecedentednumbers of GreaterWhite-fronted Geese were reportedthis fall, including DOVES THROUGH FLYCATCHERS--White-winged 60+ at McNeal Sept. 22, and 76 at the BuenosAires N.W.R., Dove usually exits the state by the first week of September, Sept. 27 (W. Schifflet)with five remaining until Oct. 12 (J & so six individuals at B.T.A., Nov. 2 and one there Nov. 11 were AP). Another small flock of six birds was seenat PicachoRes., very late for that locality (SGa}.A very late Yellow-billedCuc- Nov. 2 (JBo).Ross' Goose is a regular fall and winter visitor to koo was heard on the Salt R., s.w. Phoenix, Oct. 11 (DSi, CB, s e. Arizona, so two to four individuals at McNeal Nov. 13-28 RN}. An iniured Flammulated Owl found in Phoenix Oct. 12 (AM) were not unexpected.As last year, an Oldsquaw was wasa real surpriseand furnishedthe 3rd recordfor the Phoenix found againat Parker Dam Nov. 22 (CHet al.). A • Surf Scoter area in October(K. Ingram}. wasfound at the Chandlersewage ponds Nov; 16-17 (C. Clarke Extremelyfortunate was the discoveryof an apparentBlack et al.) and a 2nd • Surf Scoterwas at the nearby Gila Farms Swift in a huge flock of White-throated Swifts over GanadoL, pond Nov. 17 (PB, RBr); a 3rd • Surf Scoterwas at Parker Dam Sept. 28 (DSi, JS};there are still no confirmedrecords for the Nov. 22 (CHet al.). A HoodedMerganser found e. of Vernon, state. Vaux's Swift is quite rare e. of the Huachuca Mts., so ApacheCo., Nov. 10 furnishedone of only a handful of records one s. of St. David Sept. 11 (DK} and another near Hereford for n.e.Arizona (TH, GM).Red-breasted Merganser is alsoquite Sept. 14 (TC} were noteworthy. rare in n.e. Arizona, so three at Ortega L., Nov. 8 were note- An imm.9 Broad-billedHummingbird at a Portalfeeder Sept worthy (GM, TH). 14 wasin an areawhere it is consideredrare (WR}.Two White- A flock of 190•- Black Vultures at Sells Nov. 19 was the eared Hummingbirdswere found again alongS. Fork, Cave largestflock ever encounteredin Arizona (GM, WD, EB). A Cr. Canyon, Chiricahua Mts., Aug. 3 (CD}, another ad. male Gray Hawk in California Gulch, AtascosaMts., Aug. I was was found at Rustler Park, Chiricahuas,Aug. 21 (tM & KL}, unusual(JBa et al.). A Red-shoulderedHawk reportednear and possiblyone or two different birds were found along S KansasSettlement Nov. 3 providedone of only a few records Fork Sept. 14 (WR, R. Dotrance}.The only Berylline Hum- for s.e.Arizona (AH); anotherindividual foundat PrescottNov. mingbirdreported was oneat the SouthwestResearch Station, 15 representedthe first recordfor YavapaiCounty (CT et al.). Portal, Aug. 5 (T. Mack}. A • Lucifer Hummingbirdwas seen There are very few recordsfor Zone-tailed Hawk for n.e. Ar- off and on at a Portal feeder Aug. 8-20 (S & WS} and one to Izona, soan adult at KeamsCanyon Oct. 12 was very unusual three e LuciferHummingbirds were alsothere Aug.29 through (JS).A FerruginousHawk Oct. 9 at McNeal was about 2 weeks the first week in October (m.ob.}.Unusual were one to four early (AM). Two Crested Caracaras near Toltec on 1-10, Oct. CalliopeHummingbirds at a feederon the upperS.P.R. near 18 (Jim Burns) added to the growing number of recordsfor Sierra Vista Aug. 23-Sept. 25 (DK}; Calliope Hummingbirds the speciesoutside the TohonoOodham (formerly Papago) In- are usually found at higher elevationsduring the fall. dian Reservation. A 9 Green Kingfisherwas seen at Kino Springs,Nogales, Aug. 5 (BF}.This specieshas been seen at this localitysporad- RAILS THROUGH TERNS--Clapper Rails were again ically for the last 2 to 3 years.Intriguing were the numerous recordedfrom PicachoRes.; one was seen there Oct. 8 (C. reportsof GreenKingfisher on the upperS.P.R. in November, Green,AM) and anotherone was heardNov. 8 (GM, D. Lee). at least three individuals were recorded: an imm. male Nov This specieshas been recordedsporadically in this areasince 12-14 (•DK, L. Lay}, an ad. female Nov. 29 (DK et al.}, and an about1975. Perplexing was the reportof an apparentCarib- ad. male Nov. 30 (CH, DK, TC}. The area where these birds bean Coot near NogalesOct. 4 (JS, BS et al.). Can individual were foundwas previouslyclosed to the public. variation in Am. Cootsexplain away this record? Lowlandreports of Lewis'Woodpeckers were of onein Tuc- A late Black-belliedPlover was found at the Snyder Hill sonSept. 9 (SM},one in SabinoCanyon Sept. 27 (fide JBa},and sewageponds Nov. 11 (J & AP et al.). This fall's reportof a one in the HassayampaR. valley s. of PrescottOct. 20 (CT}, LesserGolden-Plover came from TucsonOct. 13 (tJP,C. John- four were at Mollrio Basin,Santa Catalina Mrs., Nov. 2+ (J & son,JS). The only SnowyPlover reported away from Willcox AP, m.ob.}.The only Yellow-belliedSapsucker reports came wasan imm. bird at the Chandlersewage ponds Oct. 23 (SGa). from the upperS.P.R.: an immature Nov. 2 (•DK}and another Mountain Plover was againfound near Elfrida this fall with a near there Nov. 28 (DK}.A Red-breastedSapsucker, a sparse flockof 30, Nov. 7 (AM). The Elfridaarea is now the only winter visitor, was found in PrescottNov. 27 (BT}. The only reliablelocality known for thisspecies in the state.More Lesser lowlandWilliamsoh's Sapsucker reported was in TucsonNov Yellowlegsthan usualwere reportedthis fall, including46 at 16 (SM). W•llcox Aug. 11 (GM), 120d-at the E1 Mirage ponds.w. of Reportsof Least Flycatcher increasedthis fall with a total Phoenixduring the lastweek of August(DSj), and 50 at Bisbee of three reported.One was found near EagarAug. 31 (DSj et Sept. 6 (AM, TD). The only Sanderlingsreported were just s. ol.), another was observedat B.T.A., Oct. 27 (}CT), and the of Phoenix,with oneat the Gilbertsewage ponds Sept. 13-16 third was found on the upper S.P.R.,Nov. 30 (}CH, DK, TC) (DSj,SGa), one at the Gila Farmspond Oct. 17 (PB,RBr), and A very early Hammond'sFlycatcher was reportedjust s. of St another,or the same,at the Chandlersewage ponds Oct. 23 DavidJuly 28 (DK,TC). Encouragingwas an additionalreport (SGa).From one to threeSemipalmated Sandpipers were re- of oneto two Buff-breastedFlycatchers above Madera Canyon, portedfrom Willcox Aug. 9-15 (J & AP, tPL, •TC et al.);another SantaRita Mrs., Aug. 17 (tD. Holway). Reportsfrom this range juvenilewas found at GilbertAug. 10 (RN,RF), and still another have been increasingduring the past one to 2 years.An E was at E1Mirage Aug. 27 (DSj, CH). From one to two Dunlins Phoebeon the upperS.P.R., Sept. 6 (DK)and another at Picacho at Willcox Aug. 11-14 (•PL, B. Zimmer et al.) and anotherat Res.,Nov. I (GM, DL) were the only onesreported. A late W GilbertAug. 17 (PB)were morethan a monthearly. Another Kingbirdwas reported from Arivaca Nov. 16 (CG);any kingbird Dunlinat SierraVista Nov. 6 wasnotable (AM, TD). The only in Novemberrequires written details.Two E. Kingbirdswere Short-billedDowitchers reported were two at E1Mirage Aug. reportedfor the period,one at Ft. HuachucaAug. 6 (BF) and 27 (DSj, CH) and anotherone there Sept13 (RW et al.). Sur- anotherat Many FarmsL., Sept.28 (JS).While the Many Farms

126 AmencanBirds, Spnng 1987 bird is somewhatexpected, there are still very few recordsfor Five Black-and-white Warblers, 10 Am Redstarts,and nine s e Arizona. N. Waterthrusheswere reported,all more than usual. JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- The only reportof Pinyon TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES--A late Summer Jayaway from n. Arizona was of a flock of about 100 near Rye Tanagerwas found in a yard in Tempe Nov. 6 (CH). Only one Sept 13 (J. & W. Spencer).There were two lowland reportsof Rose-breastedGrosbeak was reportedfor the entire period-- Red-breastedNuthatch--one was at Tonapah,w. of Phoenix, a male on the upper S.P.R.,Oct. 20 (iDK). A Rose-breastedx Oct 23 (M. Jakle) and the other was at Green Valley Nov. 3 Black-headedGrosbeak hybrid was at a Portal feeder during (D Garver). Really surprisingwas the discovery of a dead the first week of October(S & WS). Certainly out of placewas PygmyNuthatch in n.w. PhoenixOct. 23 (TC).Lowland records the 6 Varied Bunting at BeckerL., Aug. 30-31 (RF et al.); this for this speciesare almostnonexistent. Equally unusualwas wasthe firstrecord of this speciesn. of the MogollonRim. Two an Am. Dipperat B.T.A. from Nov. 8 at leastthrough the end • Painted Buntings were found at the BuenosAires N.W.R, of the period(CT, RF). This is the first recordfor this area and Sept.20-23 (MAC, m.ob.).Once again Dickcisselswere found one of few records for the lowlands. duringmid-September in n.e. Arizona:one at BeckerL., Sept Golden-crownedKinglets were scarcein the lowlandsthis 20 and two at ConchoL., Sept. 21 (RN, RF). fall with the only reportsbeing of one on the upper S.P.R., A • Black-chinnedSparrow at Hart Tank in the SierraPinta, Nov 2 (DK) and five at B.T.A., Oct. 29-Nov. 11 (CT et al.). A Cabeza Prieta N.W.R., Sept. I was certainly unexpected (J Black-tailedGnatcatcher along Silver Creek,Chiricahua Mts., Dunning,S. Vetault).A nice yard bird wasa Five-stripedSpar- Aug 14 was in a new locality (RT). An imm. Townsend'sSoli- row in Sasabe,w. of Nogales,Aug. 31 (MAC). It is interesting taire along S. Fork, Cave Cr. Canyon, Aug. 3 could have in- to note that Five-stripedSparrow can wander from its usual dicated breedingin the Chiricahuas (CD). A scarcelowland haunts from time to time. The only Fox Sparrowsreported reportof this specieswas of a singlebird in Ahwatukee,s. of were singlese. of TucsonNov. 20 (fide JBa)and at Patagonia Phoenix, Oct. 3-7 (PB).Two individual Aztec Thrusheswere in late November(KK, m.ob.). A SwampSparrow at the Snyder reported:one ad. male photographedalong S. Fork, Cave Cr. Hill sewageponds Nov. 11 (JBo)and another near St. David Canyon,Aug. 11was the firstfor the Chiricahuas(ph. B. Tintie), Nov. 13 (DK)were the only onesreported. Two White-throated and anotherad. male in MaderaCanyon Aug. 13-17 (tJ.Cooper, Sparrowsin Ash Canyon,Huachuca Mts., Nov. 1 (J. & B. Epler) ph R. Behrstocket al.) was the 5th for that area. All but two and another bird at a Portal feeder Nov. 15-19 (S & WS) were of the previousrecords have been in this time period--between the only onesfound. A Golden-crownedSparrow was observed late July and early September. alongthe SantaCruz R., s. of Green Valley, Oct. 4 (JS,BS). An Amazing,if accurate,was the reportof an ad. N. Shrike at ad. Harris' Sparrowwas photographedat GanadoL., Nov. 11 NogalesOct. 4 (tJS,BS). The date and the locality make this (ph.D. Cleary) and anotherimm. bird was seenat B.T.A., Nov record difficult to believe. 11-28 (CT). Unusual were nine Chestnut-collaredLongspurs near Sells Nov. 19 (GM); it is out of characterfor the species VIREOS, WARBLERS -- A pleasantsurprise was a singing to be in this area. • White-eyedVireo at B.T.A.,Sept. 6 (RF,fRN et al.); this bird A nicesurprise while lookingfor oneof the GreenKingfishers obligedArizona birdersby remainingin the area until Sept. on the upperS.P.R., was the discoveryof an ad. RustyBlackbird 22 (CT). This was about the 5th state record. Also at B.T.A. Nov. 30 (tCH, DK et al.); RustyBlackbird is a very sparsewinter was a Gray Vireo Sept. 27, which was a local first recordand visitor to the state. A flock of 18 Great-tailed Grackles at Nelson alsoa bit late (RF).A late WarblingVireo was alsothere Nov. Res., Apache Co., Nov. 9 was consideredquite late for n.e 2 (SGa).Three Red-eyed Vireos reported for the periodincluded Arizona (GM, TH). An Orchard Oriole was found in a Tucson one at Madera Canyon Aug. 19 (M & KL), another at Sanders yard Sept. 14 (RBr). Aug 31 (RF et al.), and a 3rd at GanadoOct. 11 (JS). Entirely unexpectedwas a Pine Grosbeaknear Strawberry, A TennesseeWarbler was foundin SabinoCanyon Sept. 19 n.w. of Payson,Aug. 19 (B. Burch);this area is not near any (WR), another was on the upper S.P.R.,Sept. 24-25 (fDK), a known breedinglocality in the state. Interestingwas the re- 3rd was e. of TucsonNov. 9 (JBo),and a 4th was near Nogales captureof a bandedPurple Finch in Bear Canyon,Santa Ca- Nov 20 (KK,LHK). The only Chestnut-sidedWarbler reported talina Mts., Nov. 11 (B.Dunning); the bird was thoughtto have wasone at AhwatukeeSept. 26-28 (PBet al.).An ad. 6 Magnolia been banded in the same area in 1985. The only lowland Cas- Warbler was a nice surpriseon the Verde R., e. of Phoenix, sin's Finch report was of a male at Sunflower,n. of Phoenix, Oct 9 (fTG, R. Mesta). An almostunbelievable four (one male Oct. 8 (H. Longstreth).Since this was not an invasion year, it and three female)Black-throated Blue Warblerswere observed was surprisingto learn of a small flock of Lawrence'sGold- at St JohnsOct. 5 (B. Heap). All previousrecords have been finches(up to 16) at B.T.A., Oct. 27+ (CT); this was the only of single birds. Two Black-throatedGreen Warblers showed reportfor the state.An EveningGrosbeak was at Portal Sept up in the Prescottarea, one Sept. 8 (CT) and a male s. of Prescott 2 (TM) and a flock of 20 was found at Canoa Ranch Sept. 6 Sept 20 (BT).A Yellow-throatedWarbler, a very sparsemigrant (TM). Two more individualswere found in Elk Canyon,Ba- in the state, was found in Madera Canyon Aug. 3 (fRT, C. boquivari Mrs., Oct. 25 (CG). Evening Grosbeakswere also Robbinset al.); another individual was found n. of CordesJct., passingthrough in onesand twosat B.T.A. during Octoberand PrescottNat'l ForestAug. 17 (tJBu).A very probablead. Pine November (CT). Warblerwas observedon the unusualdate of Aug. 11 in Bisbee (fDD); if accepted,it would providethe first record for this ADDENDUM-- An imm. 8 PhiladelphiaVireo was found (a speciesin the state. roadkill)Oct. 5, 1985in n.w. Tucson(* to Univ. of Ariz.). Again, as last fall, a few reportsof LouisianaWaterthrush were received for early August. One was found at Patagonia CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface)- Charles Aug 2 ($W.Weber, W. Neilly, D. Maynard et at.); and another Babbitt,John Bates ( JBa,Tucson), Pat Beall, Ed Bessler,Jerry Bock (JBo),Robert Bradley (RBr), Josh Burns (JBu), Mary Ann Chapman, one was found in Madera CanyonAug. 20 (R. Helton). These Troy Corman,Doug Danforth, Chris Danzenbaker, William Davis, were the 3rd and 4th recordsthis year between mid-Julyand Tom Deeken, John Drewick, Ben Feltnet, Richard Ferguson, mid-August.A real surprisewas the imm. Mourning Warbler ShawneenFinnegan, Harold & AgnesGaither, Steve Ganley (SGa), foundat BeckerL., Springerville,Aug. 31 ($DSjet at.);this was Tom Gatz,Sharon Goldwasser (SGo), Clive Green, Bill Harrington- the 2nd year in a row that this specieshas been found in Tweit, Armas Hill, Tom Hueis, Chuck Hunter, Betty Jackson Apache County. Three HoodedWarblers were found during (Globe),Kenn Kaufman,Lynn H. Kaufman,Dave Krueper (upper the period:the individual in Bisbee(since June) remained to S.P.R.),Dwight Lee, Paul Lehman, Merrill & Karen Lynch, Scott Aug 6 (DD), a femalewas foundin EagarSept. 27 (DSj, JS), Mills, Gale Mormon, Arnold Moorhouse (Huachuca Mts. & and another one was found in Molino Basin, Santa Catalina McNeal), Terry Morgan,Robert Norton, Jeff& Amy Price, Wall Mts, Nov. 1-6 (J & AP et at.). Russell,John Saba, Sally Spofford(Portal), Walter Spofford,Bill

Volume 41, Number 1 127 Sutton, Rick Taylor, Dave Thayer, Bob Thomen, Carl Tomoff RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- A count of rap- (Prescott),Robert Witzeman.--DAVlD STEJSKAL(DSj), 2291/2 W. tors in the Manzano Mts., Aug. 23-Oct. 31, yielded 4019 birds Turney Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013; JANET WlTZEMAN, 4619 E. of 16 species( JLDet al.). Highs included 1303 Sharp-shinned Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Hawks, 992 Cooper'sHawks, 124 GoldenEagles, and 755 Am Kestrels.Others included 12 Ospreys,20 N. Goshawks,and 16 Merlins, plus single Broad-wingedHawks Oct. i & 7, and a Zone-tailedSept. 30. SingleTurkey Vultures at PerchaDam Nov. 13 (JH) and T or C Nov. 23 (KZ) were late. Late Ospreys were one to two at Clayton L., Oct. 31 (WC et al.), Cochiti L., New Mexico Nov. 15 (RO, CR), near Cliff Nov. 20 (SOW), and SumnerL, Nov. 22 (LG). At least two Black-shoulderedKites were in the Rodeoarea Aug. 1-5 and Oct. 1-7 (SSet al.). Two Mississipp• Kites harassedan imm. Com. Black-Hawk near Escondido,So- corro,Aug. 24 (TM). A N. Goshawkwas in the s. Guadalupe John P. Hubbard Mts., Oct. 18 (SWet al.). A possiblesubadult White-tailed Hawk was seennear Gila Aug. 19 (GP);there is one previouscredible state record. South of the normal range was a White-tailed ABBREVIATIONS- S.G.R. = State Game Refuge;T or C = Truth or Consequences.Place names in italics are counties. Ptarmiganon SantaFe BaldyAug. 9 (E. Johnson).Montezuma Quail alongthe New Mexico border in Eddy Oct. 18 (PS)were GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Six Horned no doubt from a recent introduction in adjacent Texas (fide Grebeswere in the Rio Grandeand Pecosvalleys Oct. 19-Nov. M. Fletcher). 23 (PS et al.). Very rare in the state, an imm. probableRed- Up to 29 WhoopingCranes from the Idaho flock were ex- neckedGrebe was at SandiaPark Nov. 12 (PS).Adult Aech- pectedin New Mexico in the period, only two of which were mophorusgrebes with young included Westerns at Maxwell 1986 young (R. Drewien). The earliest was one at Bernardo N W.R., Aug. 6 (PS),Clark's at ElephantButte L., Aug. 22 (TM), Oct. 23 (fide RT). Two LesserGolden-Plovers were at a turf and both at CaballoL., Sept.28 (KZ et al.). Other Clark'sGrebes farm near Los Lunas Oct. 4, along with 33 Mountain Plovers were four at StubblefieldL., Colfax, Aug. 6 [PS) and one at (WH). Up to 312 of the latter specieswere near Moriarty Aug Fenton L., Jemez Mts., Nov. 3 (TH). 10-19 and Sept.21 (D & JHet al.). West of the usualrange were two Snowy Plovers at Zuni Aug. 11 (JT). Late were eight GreaterYellowlegs at CochitiL., Nov. 15 (RO, CR),while highs for Lesserswere of 48 near Clayton (WC), 78 at Zuni, and 30 at Bluewater L., McKinley (iT), Aug. 10-Sept. 15. Up to 45 Now that two speciesof Aechmophorusgrebes are Upland Sandpiperswere in the Clovis area Aug. 13-21 (WH), recognized,observers should redouble their effortsto small numberswere s. of Clayton (D. Dallas, N. Gray), near make reliable identifications of them. Birds should be Carlsbad(SW), and in s. Dona Ana (BZ), Aug. 16-Sept.9. Late identified as Clark's Grebesonly when the eye is com- were 65 Long-billedCurlews s.w. of Hatch Nov. 9 (WE, WH), pletely surroundedby white and the bill is orangishin and a high count was of 77 near Tularosa Sept. 20 (J & NH). color(the plumage of downyyoung is whitish).Western SingleRuddy Turnstoneswere at Bitter Lake N.W.R., Aug. 14 Grebeshave the black cap extendingto or throughthe (K. Wood et al.) and Hollomon L., Otero, Sept. 28 and earher eye,plus the bill coloris greenish(the downiesare gray- (E. Wootten et al.; ph. BZ). Other notable shorebirdswere a ish). If one is uncertain as to the identities of birds, call Red Knot and a Dunlin at Holloman Sept. 28 and Oct. i (BZ et them "western"grebes or Aechmophorussp. Also, these al.), five Sanderlingsat Maxwell N.W.R., Aug. 6 (PS), and a grebesare often paired,so check carefully to determine Sanderlingand a SemipalmatedSandpiper at Bluewater L, the identities of birds that seem to be so associated. Aug. 14-15 (iT). PectoralSandpipers were rather frequent, includingone to two at CochitiL., Oct.14 (WH),Bosque N.W R, Sept. 18 (PS, RT), and near Arrey, Sierra, Sept. 11 (JD, BZ) Stilt Sandpiperswere numerous,including 60 nearClovis Aug Some 150-180 Am. White Pelicans flew over the Manzano 19 (WH) and up to six at Maxwell N.W.R. (PS),near Clayton Mts., Sept. 30 (JLD et al.); peripheral reportsincluded Cochiti (WC), Bernalillo (WH), and near Alamogordo (D & JH et al ), L, Aug. 24 (L. Sager),Zuni Oct. 5 (DC), Sumner L., Oct. 6 (DM), Aug. 6-Sept. 16. A first for New Mexico, an apparentimm • near TularosaNov. 5 (J. Hutto), and Black R., Eddy, Oct. 20- Ruff was at BosqueN.W.R., Sept. 18 (PS, RT). Red-necked 24 (CP). Northerly was an OlivaceousCormorant at La Joya Phalaropehighs were of 50-60 at Holloman L., Sept. 28 and S G.R., Sept. 25 (WH). Oct. i (BZ et al.), and LagunaGrande, Eddy, Oct. 18 (PS). Notableconcentrations of waterbirdsat VadoBosque, s. Dona Ana, Aug. 30-Sept. 5 included 400-1000 Snowy Egrets,2000- GULLS THROUGH TROGONS -- An imm. LaughingGull 3086 Cattle Egrets,and 1809-2000 White-faced Ibises (JD et was at CochitiDam Oct. 31 and Nov. 11 (PS).Late were eight al ). Also there were up to four Little Blue Herons,two Tri- Franklin'sGulls at Maxwell N.W.R., Oct. 24 (BD,WH) and one colored Herons, and four Yellow-crowned Night-Herons. at Cochiti L., Oct. 31 (PS),plus up to four Californiasat Coch•h S•ngle Great Egrets were at Morgan L., San Juan (HL, AN), L. (WH), Sumner L. (WE, WH), and Caballo L. (KZ), Nov. 10- Cochiti L. (WH), and Zuni (JT) Aug. 11-Sept. 18, while four to 23. Thirty-five Bonaparte'sGulls were at Sumner L., Nov. 15 five Little BlueHerons were at ElephantButte L., Aug.22 (TM). (WE, WH). A Caspian Tern was at Clayton L., Aug. 22 (WC, Other Cattle Egretsincluded 55 at Clovis Aug. 13 (WH) and AK), plus one-two Commonsat Morgan L., Sept. 3 (HL, AN) 10 at BlackR., Oct. 20-24 (CP),plus singles at the Nutria Lake, and La Joya S.G.R., Sept. 14 (BD, WH). Late Forster'sTerns McKinley (DC), Sumner L. (LG), and MangasSprings, Grant includedone at CaballoL., Nov. 11-13 (JH) andfive at Bosque (RF), Oct. 26-Nov. 22. Northerly was a Green-backedHeron N.W.R., Nov. 15 (fide RJ).Eleven Least Terns were at Bitter at Watrous Oct. 24 (WH). One to two Snow Geese were near Lake N.W.R., Aug. 17 (RT). White-winged Dove highswere of MangasSprings Nov. 8-9 (RF, SOW), while summer stragglers 38 at SocorroNov. 13 (JS)and 41 at CarlsbadOct. 11 (SW),vs at Bitter Lake N.W.R. were two SnowsAug. 10 (D & JH) and a up to four in the Alamogordoarea (RJet al.). Out-of-rangewas Ross'Aug. 17 (RT). The autumn peak of Snow Geesein the one in Juan Tabo Canyon, Sandia Mts., Aug. 28 (LG), whfie m•ddle Rio Grande Valley was of 30,000, much lower than very late was one at San Simon CienegaNov. 6 ONE,WH). One expected(fide DM). Two White-wingedScoters were at Clayton to two Inca Dovesat Zuni Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 (DC) were strag- L, Nov. 14 & 27 (WC et al.). glers.Highs were of up to four at Socorro(iS), near Tularosa

128 AmencanB•rds, Spnng 1987 (J & NH), and Alamogordo(RJ et at ). A Black-billed Cuckoo was unusual, another was at Percha Dam Sept 28 (GL, BZ) A was near Gila Aug 19 (GP),while late Yellow-bfiledswere at "black-eared" bird was among 15+ Bushtitsat Santa Fe Sept AlbuquerqueSept. 27 (WHet at.) and RattlesnakeSprings, 13 (JH). Alsonotable were flocksof Bushtitsat 10,000ft in the Eddy, Sept. 28 (CR). SandiaMts. (WH), at San Simon Cienega(CGS), and at Hol- Extremely late were four callingElf Owls at San SimonCie- loman L. (BZ et al.), Nov. 1-7. A Rock Wren seemedout-of- negaNov. 3-7 (CGSet at.). Alsolate were singlenighthawks place amonghay balesat Clovis Aug. 18-19 (WH), as did a at La JoyaOct. 11 (S. Hoffman);Carlsbad (SW), Alamogordo Canyon Wren in farmlandsnear Loving Aug. 30 (SW). The (GS,J. Talley), and High Rolls, Otero (GS) Oct. 16-17; and Percha only Winter Wren was in Hondo Canyon in the SandiasOct Dam Nov. 5 (PS).The last Corn.Poorwill at Albuquerquewas 24-26 (HS, R. Rasmussen).An Am. Dipper was in that range on Oct. 25 (G.Cohn) and at Pleasanton,Carton, Nov. 10 (SOW). in WaterfallCanyon Oct. 5 (HSet al.). Golden-crownedKnights A Whip-poor-will was at Durling's Farm, s. Dona Aria, Sept. stageda notableinflux intomontane areas throughout the state, 25 (BZ). A pair each of Blue-throatedand Magnificenthum- plus in small numbersto suchlowland areasas Kirtland Oct mingbirdswere at RobertsL., Grant, Aug. 24 (RF); one to two 11-13 (CGS),Albuquerque Nov. 19 (WH), and Holloman L., Magnificentswere alsoat PleasantonSept. 21 (SOW),T or C Oct. I (JD, BZ).Peripheral montane reports included three to Aug 31 (DM), and CloudcroftAug. 24 and Sept.2 (N. Dobbins). five on SierraGrande Sept. 20 (CGS)and in the PeloncilloMts, Up to nine Lucifer Hummingbirdswere in PostOffice Canyon, Nov. 18 (WE et al.). Late was a Blue-grayGnatcatcher in Em- Peloncillo Mts., Aug. 8 (PL), with the latest ones Oct. 5 (R. budito CanyonNov. 7 (HS),while a possibleBlack-tailed was Scholes).The only Anna's Hummingbird was an ad. male at in the Florida Mrs., Luna, on the samedate (PS).The only E Los AlamosSept. 8-Oct. 5 (C. & T. Jerviset at.). Late were Bluebirdsw. of the PecosValley were a few near Mesilla Nov single Broad-tailedand Rufoushummingbirds in Embudito 8 (PS)& 22 (KZ et at.).Western and Mountain bluebirds staged Canyon,Sandia Mts., Oct. 19, alongwith some10 unidentified a minor influx into the south, from the s. GuadalupeMts. w hummers(HS). A • Broad-tailedwas at ClovisAug. 18 (WH). to the Arizona border--including at San Simon Cienega, s A probableElegant Trogon was in SpringCanyon, Burro Mrs., DonaAria, and the PeloncilloMrs. (v.o.).Overdue in the state-- Grant, Sept. 5 (A. Ford). althoughunexpected so far north--a Rufous-backedRobin was near SocorroOct. 23-25 (PB et at., ph.). WOODPECKEBS THBOUGH COBVIDS- Young Lewis' Westerly Brown Thrasherswere singlesnear Cedar Crest Woodpeckerswere still being fed at Clayton L., Aug. 7 (WC) Oct.1 (D.Carlson) and Socorro Oct. 26 (PB).The onlyBohemian and San IldefonsoPueblo Aug. 13 (DH). The speciesmoved S Waxwings were two near Santa Fe Nov. 11 (CR). Easterly later in the season,with up to 14 over the Manzano Mts., Sept. Phainopeplaswere one to three at Three Rivers, Otero, Oct 20 and earlier (JLDet at.). Eight to ten were in the Silver City 18 and near AlamogordoNov. 22 (JM). A late cassiniSolitary area Nov. 27-30 (RF et at.) and PerchaDam Sept.28 (GL, BZ). Vireo was at Percha Dam Nov. 5. (WE, WH). SingleRed-eyed One or two Gila Woodpeckerswere at San Simon Cienega Vireos were at Madrone PondsAug. 26 (PS, RT) and Hobbs Nov 6 (CGSet at.). Early was a Red-napedSapsucker at Mad- Aug. 27 (C. Levine).Late Orange-crownedWarblers were sin- rone Ponds,Vatencia, Aug. 26 (PS,RT), while southerlywere glesat SanSimon Cienega Nov. 6 (WE, WH) and PerchaDam oneto two DownyWoodpeckers at Ft. SumnerNov. 15,Percha Nov. 13 (JH). Rarer warblersincluded a Black-throatedBlue Dam Nov. 5 •vVE,WH), and RattlesnakeSprings Sept. 28 (CR). at AlbuquerqueNov. 5 (J.D. Ligonet at.)and a Yellow-throated Late were one to two Dusky-Hammond'sFlycatchers at Percha Warbler there Nov. 3 0NH), plusa probableBlackpoll Warbler Dam Nov. 5, San Simon CienegaNov. 6 (WH), and near Silver at FentonL., Sept.3 (TH). Townsend'sWarblers ranged from City Nov. 23 (RF,M. Zimmerman);early was one in PostOffice an early one in PostOffice Canyon Aug. 8 (PL)to the latestat CanyonAug. 8 (PL).Two Gray Flycatcherswere singingnear CorralesOct. 26 (RT et at.). A • Olive Warbler was in Emory Taos Aug. 13 (DH), while an early migrant was in PostOffice Pass,Black Range,Sept. 28 (GL, BZ). Canyon Aug. 8 (PL). An E. Kingbird was at Durling's Farm Sept 18 (BZ). North of the usual range were single Scissor- TANAGEBS THBOUGH FINCHES- Lazuli Buntings tailedFlycatchers at ClaytonAug. 24 (M. Mayfield)and n.w. were unusually numerousin s. Dona Aria, beginningin early of RoswellAug. 31 (Be). Up to 15 were in the Carlsbadarea, August(BZ); easterlywas one near ClovisAug. 17-19 (WH) with the latest Oct. 21 (M. Medrafio, SW). Westerly Painted Buntingswere singlesat Percha Dam Sept The last Cave Swallows were at Carlsbad Caverns N. P., Oct. 11 (JD, BZ) and Durling's Farm Aug. 18 and Sept. 8 (BZ). Two 15 (SW),while late Barn Swallowswere one to two at Mangas Dickcisselswere singingnear Clovis Aug. 16-17 (WH). Eight SpringsNov. 8 (RF)and CaballoDam Nov. 13 (JH). Blue Jays were s. of AlamogordoSept. 27 (JM), rs. the only Dona Aria were feedingfledglings at RoswellAug. 31 (Be), and a juvenile record being of one Aug. 29 (JD, BZ). The first Green-tailed was bandedat Carlsbad(SW). The speciesalso staged a mod- Towbee at Santa Fe was a grown juvenile Aug. 16!; late was erate influx W to the middle Rio GrandeValley area. The ear- a bird at Monticelloin the SandiaMts., Nov. 30 (HS).Six Abert's liest report was of four in the Costilia,Taos, area Sept. 14 (CR), Towbees were at San Simon Cienega Nov. 3-7 (GS). Cassin's followed by up to five birds at Tucumcari L., Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Sparrowswere still numerousand skylarkingin the Carlsbad (CGS),San Ildefonso Pueblo Oct. 13 (E. Espinoza),Albuquerque area Aug. 7-9 (D & JH). Clay-coloredSparrow numberswere Sept 15-17 (M. L. Arthur), and BosqueN.W.R. (J. Taylor).Ju- down in s. Dona Ana, with the latest at Owen's Farm Oct. 28 rerole Pinyon Jayswere heard in Santa Fe Aug. 23 & 26 (JH). (JD, BZ). SeveralBlack-chinned Sparrows were n.e. of Corona A Clark's Nutcracker was feedinga fledglingon SandiaPeak in early August (SS).Two late Lark Sparrowswere at Owen's on the late date of Aug. 3 (WH). A few Black-billed Magpies Farm Oct. 28-Nov. 4 (JD, BZ), while one at Fenton L., Aug. 2 moved into the middle Rio Grande Valley area, including to (TH) was high. A singingGrasshopper Sparrow was at LasVegas San Felipe Pueblo, Albuquerque,and Cedar Crest, Sept. 11- N.W.R., Aug. 5 (PS),while 15 (plus several iramatures)were Nov 13 (v.o.). Highs for Am. Crows included 75 on Sierra nearClovis Aug. 15-20 0NH)and up to threewere s. of Carlsbad Grande, Union, Sept. 19-20 (CGSet at.), 30 at MangasSprings Aug. 7 & 9 (D & ]H). An eastern-typeFox Sparrowand a Lin- Nov 22-23 (RF), and 15+ at Percha Dam Nov. 11 (JH). Very coln's Sparrow were near Ft. Sumner Nov. 15 (WE, WH). A high for the Belen area were 89 Chihuahuan RavensSept. 25 White-winged(Dark-eyed) Junco was at FentonL., Oct. 31 (TI-I) (WH); at least five were with Corn. Ravens near Silver City A well-describedSmith's Longspur was at a turf farm in s Oct 10 (JH). DonaAria Nov. 11 (JD, BZ), for perhapsthe mostreliable state reportto date.Also there Nov. 10-30 werea LaplandLongspur CHICKADEES THROUGH WARBLERS -- An apparent and up to 100McCown's and 30 Chestnut-collaredlongspurs Black-cappedx Mountain Chickadeewas at Madrone Ponds (BZ et at.). Two McCown'swere near LosLunas Oct. 29, and Sept 11 [WH). Eight Mountain Chickadeeswere on Sierra a singleChestnut-collared was at Cochiti L., Oct. 14 (WH). GrandeSept. 20 (CGS)and at BosqueN.W.R., Oct. 2 (RT et.at.). Five E. Meadowlarkswere at Ft. Sumner Nov. 15 (WE), while A Bridled Titmouseat San Simon CienegaNov. 16 (WE, only W. Meadowlarkswere heard at Clovis Aug. 13-21 (WH)

Volume41, NumberI 129 Early were 15 Brewer'sBlackbirds near AlamogordoAup• 12 rencesat Chama,Abiquiu, Espafiola,Santa Fe, Cochiti L., and (JM). Peripheral Great-tailed Gracklesincluded two to three Albuquerque(v.o.); other reportsincluded up to 10 at Clayton at Pojoaque(JH) and BluewaterL. (JT), plus 15 at ClovisAug. Oct. 11 (WC), SocorroNov. 18 (PB), and Rattlesnake Springs 13-21 (WH); late birds were at La Cienaga,Santa Fe, Nov. 15 Sept. 15 (•de SW). (RO, CR) and Silver City Nov. 14 (RF). Late Com. Grackles were at Clayton Sept. 3 (WC), EspafiolaSept. 13 (PIet al.), CORRIGENDA -- The Am. Dipper reportednear Alamogordo WagonMound Sept.20 (CGS),Santa Fe Sept.29 (PI),Tucumcari May 4-5, 1986 [AB 40:511,1986) was actuallyin the Sacramento L., Oct. 1 (CGS),and Albuquerque Oct. 7 (WH); about 500 were Mts. between Sunspotand Timberon on May 4. The Purple and n. of San Antonio Nov. 2 (CGS). Also late were 25 Brown- Cassin'sfinches reported at PleasantonMay 15-16,1986 (ibid) were headed Cowbirdsat Kirtland Oct. 11-13 (CGS).A • Orchard actuallypresent Apr. 15-16, 1986. Oriole was at Percha Dam Sept. 28 (GL, BZ). Rosy Finches on Sandia Crest Nov. 27 included birds apparently of the Hep- OBSERVERS -- Pat Basham, David Cleary, Wes Cook, James burn's race (GP).The state'sfirst reportednest of Red Crossbill Daly (JLD),Bonnie D'Angelo, Jeff Donaldson, William Eley, Ralph was on the Zuni Reservation,where adultswere feedingnes- Fisher, Jr., Larry Gorbet,Dick & JeanHoffman, William Howe, flingsAug. 15 (JT). Peripheralrecords of the speciesincluded JohnHubbard, Tyler Hurting,David Hunter, Joe& Nancy Hutto, 16 on Sierra Grande Sept. 20 (CGS), three at Santa Fe Nov. 16 Pat Insley,Robert Jannass, Adolf Krehbiel, GregLasley, Paul Leh- (JH), and one in Clanton Canyon,Peloncillo Mts., Nov. 8 (WH, man, Don MacCarter,John McNelly, DorisMiller, Tim Mitchusson, CGS). Up to six Am. Goldfincheswere at Zuni Aug. 10-15, Robert Olcott, Bruce Ostyn, CharlesPainter, Gary Parker, Chris including a female with a brood patch (JT). Small to moderate Rustay, Greg Schmitt (CGS),Hart Schwarz, Scott Seltman, John numbers of Evening Grosbeakswere in and/or near the San Shipman,Gerri Smith,Paul Steel,Ross Teuber, John Trochet, Steve Juan,Sangre de Cristo,Jemez, Sandia, and Sacramentomoun- West, Sartor Williams III (SOW), Barry Zimmer, Kevin Zimmer.- tains and in the Black Range, with lower elevational occur- JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2016 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

ALASKA REGION

D. D. Gibson, T. G. Tobish, and M. E. Isleib -IIC --'-'-•n"•CE A N / fromutumn beginning1986was tomild end. from Intensive coast to mid-coast andand, late-au-mostly, tumn field work on Alaska's Pacific coast produced nu- merous late records as well as a new bird for the state.

GREBES TO SHEARWATERS -- At least•ve Pied-billed Grebeson pondsat Annette I., SE Alaska, Sept. 11-16 (MEI, RLS, TGT) provided a new high count for the State. Other, •4• • e single, Pied-billed Grebeswere present during October at Ju- neau and Sitka (MEI, MWS, RHA). Western Grebesobserved in the e. Aleutians--one at Akun Bay,Akun I., Sept.21 (tDRH) and one in Beaver Inlet, Unalaska I., Sept. 30 (MSWB, f•de • Is ) o'/" MT M.•cK_INLEY,---• . • •Tok Jct. DRH)--were most unusual. There is a prior (winter) Aleutian record, but this species' occurrence anywhere west of SE, •.-'• • Paxson where it winters annually, is erratic and not at all well un- derstood. A Pink-looted Shearwater seen one mile off e. Kodiak I., • im ß Valdez ' between CapeChiniak and SequelPt., Sept.11 (JBA)provided the observer's3rd record in 4 yearsin that area at that season (seeAB 39:90). In the Oct. 10 wake of a storm, three Buller's Is. Dillingham • • •ome• PENINSULA Shearwaters and four LaysanAlbatrosses were the highlights •_..• _•GULF OFALASKA of a trip alonge. Kodiak I. from Ugak I. to the town of Kodiak, a trip that included 1000+ N. Fulmars, one Mottled Petrel, hundreds of Sooty Shearwaters,and hundreds of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (JBA). GEESE TO COOTS -- A census at Izembek N.W.R., Alaska Peninsula,Oct. 20 producedthe following mid-autumn data • •-•$ PACIFICOCEAN of interest (CPD):Emperor Geesenumbered 5227--1670 were immatures,3% more than the 20-yr averageproportion of this age class;Brant numbered 98,718--15% immatures was 7% below the 24-yr averageproportion of the ageclass; and Canada our 2nd reportin 18 months(see AB 39:338).Two •-plumaged GeeselB. c. porvipesof Palmer 1976, Handbookof N. Am. Garganeyswere recorded at Shemya I., w. Aleutians, Sept. Birds,Vol. 2, which includestoverneri Delacour] numbered 3 (DWS). 40,664, a total nearly 20% below normal. An estimate of 700- Two Am. Cootsat Annette I. Sept. 14-16 (MEI, RLS, TGT), 800 Canadas(B.c. occidentalis)at Middleton I., Nov. 5-12 (MEI) were record-early fall arrivals. There were numerous reports suggeststhat this Gulf of Alaska island may be an important from SE after mid-October, maximum a flock of 12 at Blind late-autumn stagingarea for this Prince William Sound sub- Slough,Mitkof I, Nov. 7 (PW). One coot amongpintails at species.A BarnacleGoose with Canadas(B.c. minitoo) at Uga- Ugashik Bay Oct. 13 (BD, US, BR, •de REG) was out of place shik Bay,Alaska Peninsula, Oct. 12-13 (BD, US,•de REG)was anywhere in SW Alaska.

130 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 SHOREBIRDS--A Semipalmated Plover at Anchorage near Fairbanks,however, at Mile 10 5 ChenaHot SpringsRoad, Oct 2 was latest-everthere (TGT), aswas a Killdeer there Nov. Oct. 20 (JD et al., *) was the first certain Interior recordsince 11 (TGT). An ad. MongolianPlover at Savoonga,St. Lawrence 1963(contra AFN 21:67).Following the discoveryof a roostof I, Aug. 13 (RRV),an adult at St. Paul I., Pribilofs,Aug. 21-23 some 70 Am. Crows at Hyder in June (seeSummer), only four (IJ,GVB), and a juvenile at St. Paul Sept. 2 (IJ, DED) were of crows were seen there Aug. 11 (GFW), and not one was seen interestbecause this speciesis not reportedannually at this Aug. 29 (RSH).Puzzling. season,probably the resultof few observers.Two Eur. Dotterels Probablyestablishing the northernmostrecord of the species, observedat ShemyaSept. 5 (tDWS) furnishedthe seasonally- a Northern Mockingbird at FairbanksOct. 2 ( JLS,DDG, RHD) earliest of the 4 Aleutian records,all of them in September. was quite extraordinary. The 3rd Alaska record (seeAB 37 Two Com. Greenshanksreported at St. GeorgeI., Pribilofs, 214, 38:1053),this bird (*) was a worn adult caught up in the Aug 15 (CJ,fide GVB) providedthe earliestof the only 5 au- leadingedge of a coldfront advancingfrom the NW. (There is tumn recordsin the Region(cf. AB 40:156).At leastthree Wood no physicalevidence [e.g., long claws] to suggestthat the bird Sandpiperswere seenat St. Paul Aug. 15-30 (IJ,GVB, HD); the was an escape[cf., Phillips1986, The knownbirds of North speciesis rare in autumn, althoughuncommon to fairly com- and Middle America,Part I].) mon in spring.Single Upland Sandpipersat GustavusSept. 12 (RJG)and at AnnetteI., Sept.17 (MEI, RLS,TGT) addedto few WOOD WARBLERS TO BLACKBIRDS--Late wood SE records.Fifty-one Marbled Godwitsamong 200 Bar-taileds warblers included two Yellow-rumped (one "Myrtle" and one at Cinder Lagoon,Alaska Pen., Oct. 3, and eight Marbledsin "Audubon's") in Juneau Nov. 15 (MEI] and two Townsend's flight SW with three Bar-tailedsat Hook LagoonOct. 15 (REG, there Oct. 5 (MEI, KEG]. An imm. • Rose-breastedGrosbeak SV) were mostinteresting; one bird at UgashikBay a year ago observedclosely at Annette I., Sept. 15 (•MEI, •RLS] added a had furnishedthe only prior Octoberrecord (AB 40:156).One speciesto the Alaska List. A meadowlark observedon the SemipalmatedSandpiper ("an adult in arrestedmolt") observed Mendenhall wetlands,Juneau, Nov. 13 (JGK, MLK] provided at Cinder LagoonOct. 3 (REG, SV) was by weeks the latest Alaska's 6th record of a Sturnetta.Of these 6, the 2 specimen- Alaska record. A juv. Temminck's Stint and up to two juv. substantiated records are of Western Meadowlark. A lone • Curlew Sandpipersat St. Paul Aug. 15-21 (tIJ, CB, GVB) num- Brewer's Blackbird present about Swan L., Sitka, Nov. 19+ beredamong very few autumnrecords of either speciesin this (MWS, MEI ph.] furnishedAlaska's 3rd confirmedrecord of Region.One RockSandpiper at AnchorageOct. 26 was a local the species.There were many more reportsof Brown-headed first (TGT). JuvenileStilt Sandpiperswere seenat Fairbanks Cowbirdthis fall than in any prior autumn, all but one of them (up to six, Aug. 27-28, PDM, BEL),Juneau (up to three, Aug. from SE: three at Hyder Aug. 11 (GFW], one at Juneau Aug 25 & 28, RJG),and Kodiak (one, Aug. 21-23, RAM; two Sept. 27 (RJG],one at PetersburgAug. 29 (PP,fide WALl, "several" 7-8, RAM, JBA);one at KodiakSept. 18 (RAM) provideda new at Wrangell "in August" (HS],two in Ketchikan Sept. 10 (MEI, departurerecord for Alaska.One Broad-billedSandpiper ob- RLS, TGT), and one at Metlakatla Sept. 14 & 17 (MEI, RLS, servedclosely at ShemyaSept. 3 (tDWS,ph.) providedAlaska's TGT]. This situation might reflect better and more timely 3rd record, all of them between Aug. 19 (1977) and Sept. 6 communicationamong observers than an increasein cowbird (1978).Buff-breasted Sandpipers, all juveniles, were recorded numbers. All for which age was mentioned were young-of- at St Paul (two Aug. 24, GVB; one Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, GVB, the-year.An immatureseen at TrapperCreek, n. of Anchorage, DED) and at Annette I. (one Sept. 14; MEI, RLS, TGT). Aug. 23 (DKP ph.] providedthe only report from west of SE Alaska. GULLS, ALCIDS -- Single Franklin's Gulls at Ketchikan (first-winter,Sept. 10-20; MEI, TGT, RLS ph.) and Petersburg (ad winter, Sept.27-Nov. 30+, $PW)provided the 8th and 9th FINCHES -- A Bramblingfirst seen at a Juneaufeeder with Regionalrecords--four of them this year--and the first ones a flockof juncosOct. 23 disappearedwith that flock Oct. 28 in autumn. Well-known in the Aleutians and Bering Sea in (RJG,RHA). There were no other reportsof the speciesthis springtime,Corn. Black-headedGull is reported only infre- season.Small flocksof each (and often both) crossbillspecies quently in autumn. An adult at St. Matthew Aug. 5-22 (BEL, were widespreadand regularly observedin Southeastern PDM, BAC, ECM) was noteworthy, as was Anchorage's2nd Alaska during the autumn (MEI, RJG,WAL, SEQ et al.), but record of the species,an adult Sept. 14-23 (TGT, tGJT, DWS theseitinerant birds had poorreviews elsewhere in the Region ph, et at.). Carefulperusal of Anchorage'sgulls also produced BeyondSE, Red Crossbillswere recordedonly at peripheral a rare Ring-billed(adult, Sept. 20-21; DWS ph., JMA, et at.) KodiakI. (flockof 11 on Nov. 12, JBA),where crossbillsof any and the first CaliforniaGull found there in 2 years(2nd-winter, descriptionwere scarce(RAM, JBA), and at St.Matthew I., Ber- end Octoberthrough at least Nov. 10; DWS ph., et at.). Some ing Sea,where a femalewas observed Aug. 5 (BAC,BEL, ECM) 30 California Gulls at Ketchikan Sept.9•10 and 20 there Sept. White-wingedCrossbills were essentiallyabsent from the 18-20 (MEI, RLS,TGT) were goodcounts of the speciesin this Anchoragearea (TGT), and few were seenon the neighboring Region.Two Dovekiesobserved in the North Pacific,south of KenaiPeninsula (MAM, TGT). Reportsfrom Galena(TO0) and Unimak I. at 53ø37'N164ø12'W, on Sept. 29 (DMT} furnished the Fairbanks area (DDG) suggestedthat they were more or the 3rd Regionalrecord s. of the Pribilofs. less absentin the Interior too. That this specieswas on the move in November,however, seemeda reasonableinference to draw from several extralimital records: small flocks seen at OWLS TO MIMIC THRUSHES- A Long-earedOwl seen repeatedlyin riparian willows on Farm I., Stikine R. mouth, Middleton I., Gulf of Alaska, Nov. 5-12 (MEI--maximum a Oct 10-11 (iREW) provided Alaska's 3rd record since 1909, flock of five, on 6th); a tired immature observedat Adak I, all of them on the Southeasternmainland. Eight Black Swifts Nov. 10 (CFZet at.),providing the 2ndAleutian record of the over Annette I., Sept. 18 (MEI) were record-late.An Aug. 10 species;and a smallflock at treelimit in n.w. Alaska--atSan- WesternKingbird at Juneau(RJG) was Alaska's6th, and 2nd ningaruq,at the NoatakR. mouth--Nov. 11 (RU,fide TJD). in 1986. A Tree Swallow seen at Operl I., Izembek N.W.R., Oct 28 (EJTet at.,fide CPD) was nearly the latestever in Alaska. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- J.B. Allen, J.M. An- There is one November record. A juv. Violet-green Swallow drew,R. H. Armstrong,C. Baggot,M. S. W. Bradstreet,G. V. Byrd, observedat St. Paul Aug. 27 (IJ,GVB) provided the 3rd Pribilof B. A. Cooper,C. P. Dau,R. H. Day,B. Deuel, J. Dirksen, H. Douglas, record and only the 6th one anywhere in Alaska west of the T. J.Doyle, D. E. Dragoo,R. E. Gill Jr.,R. J.Gordon, K. E. Graham, mainland. One Bank Swallow at Shemya Sept. 4 (DWS) fur- R. S. Hadley, D. R. Herter, C. Johnson,I. Jones,J. G. King, M. L nished the 3rd autumn record in the w. Aleutians. King,B. E. Lawhead,W. A. Lehnhausen,R. A. Macintosh,P. D A Clark'sNutcracker in the alpine zone of DouglasI., Sept. Martin, M. A. Miller, E. C. Murphy, T. O. Osborne,D. K. Porter, 26 (MZ) establishedthe first SE report sincefall 1984; another P. Puleston,S. E. Quinlan, B. Roberts,R. L. Scher, M. W. Schwan,

Volume 41, Number 1 131 J. L. Sease,D. W. Sonneborn,H. Sundberg,U. Swain, G. J. Tans, at the University of Alaska Museum.--D. D. GIBSON, University E. J.Taylor, D. M. Troy, R. Uhl, S. Vacca,R. R. Veit, G. F. Wagner, of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775; P. Walsh, R. E. Wood, M. Zahn, C. F. Zeillemaker. Convincing T. G. TOBISH, P.O. Box 90662, Anchorage, AK 99509; and written details (t), spedmens(*), and photographs(ph.) are on •le M. E. ISLEIB, 9229 Emily Way, Juneau, AK 99801.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Philip W. Mattocks, Jr. and Bill Harrington-Tweit

continuousheseason beganlight windswarm, from dry, the and north clear, throughwith August nearly to mid-Septemberenabling migratory passerinesto depart early. Another dry, clear two weeks with continuous northerly winds in early October moved out most of the remaining migrants. In the interim between these two fa- vorableair flows,extraordinary concentrations of passerine migrantswere noted September26-30 in Discovery Park, on the shoresof PugetSound in Seattle. After October 25 heavy rain, one to two inches above normally high levels for fall, hindered field effort, and presumablymigration. There was a notableirruption of Clark's Nutcrackersand Mountain Chickadeesprobably related to cone crop failure in the Cascades,and with Northern Pygmy-Owlspossibly being affected as well. Two exciting northern visitors, Slaty-backedGull and Steller's Eider, generatedmuch travel time by eager ob- servers.The eider was accessibleand cooperativeand was seen by multitudes, the gull was not. Record numbers of Sharp-tailedSandpipers and Ruffsshared the samegeneral direction of origin. Most vagrantsthis seasonoriginated to the east of the Region--Clark's Grebe, White-faced Ibis, Piping Plover, American Avocet, HudsonJan Godwit, Forster's Tern, Black-chinnedHummingbird, LoggerheadShrike, North- em Waterthrush,Clay-colorod Sparrow, Lark Bunting,and record numbers of Bank Swallows and Harris' Sparrows. Their presencehere was at least correlated with the west- erly airflow from the generally•tationary high pressure 5 from Ucluelet, V.I. (MF), 2 out of Newport, Ore. (HN, SH), zone present for about two months just east of us. and one each from Garibaldi and Manzanita, both Tillamook Co.. Ore. {TC).Black-footed Albatross numbers were slightly ABBREVIATIONS -- V.L = Vancouver Island, B.C. lower than usual, with the high count of 80 seenoff Westport Sept.13. Northern Fulmarscontinued last summer'strend of LOONS THROUGH IBISES--Major southward move- higherthan usualnumbers, especially off V.I. The high counts ment of Rod-throatedand Pacificloons was notedSept. 19 on were of about 1000 out of Ucluelet Aug. 31,428 off Westport the Oregon coast(TC, HN) and in the Vancouver,B.C., area Sept. 14, and 50+ out of Newport Sept. 17, and a surprising (JI).Subsequent high countswere of about1000 Red-throateds 200+ were seenfrom the north jetty of the SiuslawR., Nov. at ReifelI., B.C.,Oct. 7 (JI) and 2000+ off OceanShores, Wash., 16 (SH).The 407 Pink-footedShearwaters off WestportAug. Oct. 18 (DP, JEr).The usual few Yellow-billed Loonswere 23 and 45 off GaribaldiSept. 7 representedusual numbers for found,all Nov. 11-22: singlesoff OrcasI., San JuanCo., Wash. these areas, but only one to three found on 4 trips out of (JohnWingfield), on Beaver Harbour, V.I. (MF, WW, Hue & Ucluelet was unusuallylow. Hordesof Sooties,a few dozen JoAnneMacKenzie), and on Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, B.C. Buller's,3 scatteredsightings of Short-taileds,and 4 of Flesh- (•de DK). The 25 Eared Grebesfound on CordovaBay, V.I., footeds were usual numbers for these shearwaters. The 450 Nov.30 (Vic Goodwill)made a largeconcentration. High counts Fork-tailed Storm-Petrelsseen over Grays Canyon Sept. 13 elsewherewere of only two per locality,and only two were providedthe 2nd-highestfall count there in 18 years (TW). seenall seasonin the Vancouver,B.C., area (MP, FW, Allen Elsewhere.120 were countedout of Ucluelet Sept.28, and all Poynter).An adult and two half-grownyoung Western Grebes other reportswere of fewer than 27 birds. A Leach'sStorm- found Au• 29+ in a brackish marsh off Reftel I., s.w.B.C., Petrelseen Sept. 14 off Westportwas later than normal.Two indicatedprobable nesting in that area (JI}.All other known onshoresightings of this specieswere mostsurprising: one Oct. nestinglocalities in BritishColumbia are on the s. edgeof the 13 over CowichanBay, V.I. (tColinButt, tDave Aidcroft)and interior of the province.Single Clark's Grebeswere notedOct. one in heavyfog Nov. 2 at the Everett,Wash., sewage ponds 13-26 in Victoria,V.I. 0B & MMc et al.) for the first confirmed 0Fred Bird). recordfor the province,and Oct. 30 at Tillamook, Ore. (tBO). BrownPelicans moved N this seasonin their now-usuallarge We receivedreports of 14 offshoretrips this fall, Aug. 16 to numbers.Apparently none reached British Columbia, but 500 Nov. 8, with 6 out of Westpert,Wash., to GraysCanyon (TW), were countedalong the n. shoreof Willapa Bay, Wash.,Sept.

132 American Birds,Spring 1987 20 (CC),with 10+ still there Oct. 27-31 (PM, WW). Latereports were of 25+ at OceanShores, Wash., Nov. 12 lB & GR), and two at Florence,Ore., Nov. 16 (SH). Northward movement of Brandt'sCormorants was marked by the passageof 200/hr off Cannon Beach,Ore., Aug. 31 (DF), 1000 at the n. jetty of the ColumbiaR., Sept.20 (CC), 1500 off San JuanI., Wash.,Sept. 21 {ML), and 3000+ at Cattle Pt., Oak Bay,V.I., Oct. 3 (B.Gates, f•de MMc). Great Egretsalso moved northward,earlier and in greater numbersthan usual.Forty-four were at Gardiner,Douglas Co., Ore.,Aug. 1 (fide M. Sawyer).One reacheda regularwintering area at the mouth of the Palix R., on Willapa Bay, Wash.,by Aug. 8 (Evelyn Peaslee),and one was north to Dungeness, Wash.,Aug. 12 {TW). Thereafterreports of one to three came from7 Washingtonlocalities, of oneto sixat 9 Oregonlocalities, plus 12 on Sauvie I., Ore., Sept. 22 (•de HN), 40 at the mouth of the SiuslawR., Ore., Aug.31-Oct. 2 (DF,SH), and 14 at Fern Ridge Res., Eugene, Nov. 14 (BO). A Snowy Egret graced CrockettL., Whidbey I., Wash., Nov. 1-8 (fTB, m.ob.) for the 4th recordfrom w. Washington.Another was seen Nov. 19 on the KoksilahR. estuary,near Duncan,for the 2nd recordfrom V.I. (fBarbara & Roy Begg).Following last year's absenceof Canada Goose,apparently of the Aleutian race, at Vancouver, Cattle Egrets,this year one or more were in Delta, B.C., Oct. B.C., Oct. 26, 1986. Photo/Paul Yorke. 10-Nov. 9 (Allan Schutz,GA, JI),25 were countedOct. 30+ at 4 Oregonlocalities (Florence, Siletz Bay,Sauvie I., and Clat- on Green L., Seattle (•EH, BS) and one remained into early skanie), and at least two were in Pacific and Wahkiakum December. A 9 Tufted Duck noted Nov. 9+ at Stanley Park, counties in s.w. Washingtonin late November (f•de Irene Vancouver,B.C., was believed on the basisof plumageirreg- Bachhuber).The first Black-crownedNight-Herons arrived ularities to be the same female presentthere last winter Aug. 23 at their Skagit flats, Wash., winter roost site (Tom et al.). Both these localities have become regular wintering Madsen,•de Idie Ulsh). One arrived at the roostsite on Reifel sitesfor Tufted Ducks in the last few years. A 9 King Eider I., B.C., Sept. 16, and four there Nov. 22+ was the highest seen closelyOct. 29 off the w. side of Lopez I., San Juan Co., countyet for that roost(JI). An imm.Plegadis ibis, presumably Wash.,provided about the 12th staterecord (•ML}. A • Steller's a White-faced Ibis, was presentNov. 2+ at Beaver Harbour, Eider was seen Oct. 18 at Pt. Wilson, Port Townsend, Wash., near Port Hardy, at the n.w. end of V.I. (•WW, ph. MF, m.ob.), in companywith a small group of Harlequin Ducks (Alex & for only the 6th or 7th record for British Columbia. Charlene Ferkovich,ph.). The bird was independentlyredis- coveredNov. 2 (Hank Vail) and wasseen almost daily thereafter SWANS THBOUGH FALCONS--The first six Tundra for the first record for the state {m.ob.,ph. Don Johnson).Mi- Swansof the seasonflew on S over Ocean Shores,Wash., Oct. gratory gatheringsof Barrow'sGoldeneyes were of 82 noted 18 {DP,JEr}. Arrival was otherwisein early November.Trum- Oct. 6 on the sewageponds at Diamond L., e. Lane Co., Ore. peter Swan arrival was marked by seven birds at Reifel I.. (DF) and 1230 on Capitol L., Olympia, Wash., Nov. 27 (Glen & Delta, B.C., Oct. 30 (]I) and the high countof 100 was there Wanda Hoge).Numbers gradually decreased at both sitesover Nov. 29 {JI). Singlead. Trumpeterswere south to Tillamook, the next few weeks. Ore., Nov. 12 (HN)and Fern RidgeRes., Eugene, Ore., Nov. 14 The Turkey Vulture migration was again thoroughlymon- (ph. BO).The VancouverIsland Mute Swanpopulation con- itoredon southernV.I. (f•deMMc) and in Ashland,Ore. (MMo). tinueshealthy with countsof 50-60 on CowichanBay in mid- Total counts were 1260+ on V.I. and 841 in Ashland. Inter- August{Jerry & GladysAnderson; WW). estingly,the time of peak movementon southernV.I. was Sept. The first Greater White-fronted Geese noted were 16 over 21-26, with 200-335 per day, and Sept.19-28 in Ashland,400+ Naselle,Pacific Co., Wash.(Alan Richards)and six on Seuvie mi to the south. These birds must follow the river valleys I., Ore. (Jim Johnson),both Aug. 25. Widespreadarrival was westward(which would accountfor the relatively large num- asusual in earlySeptember, with 70 nearSalem Sept. 13 the bersfor this far north), gatherat the coast,and move south in high count (BB).Near-daily countsof Snow Geeseat Reifel I. late September.There were 28 Black-shoulderedKites reported in the Fraser R. delta of s.w. British Columbia showed 1000 this seasonfrom 8 Oregonlocations and 10 from 4 Washington present Oct. 8, 4000 Oct. 12, 12,000 Oct. 17, and the seasoh's sites, which is now about normal. Concentrations included 11 highof 15,000there Oct. 25 (JI).A first-yearEmperor Goose, adultsin the Ashlandarea (MMo) and sevennear the Raymond, still a scarcevisitor here, was presenton PostOffice L., n. of Vancouver,Wash., Oct. 27-Nov. 10 (Larry Price; WC) and at nearbyRidgefield N.W.R., Nov. 26 (SS).Another was seenNov. 23+ at Ankeny N.W.R. near Salem, Ore., (Joe Silvera, Escapedand now free-flyingBarnacle Geese reappeared at Star L., Kent, Wash., in mid-Octoberand at Ankeny N.W.R., Nov. 8 ( ]A, f•de BB).Among the numerousCanada Geese noted this fall were seven"Dusky" Canadas (occidentalis) with red neck bands Nov. 16 & 24 on southernV.I. (Alan MacLeod; Brent Diakow),and an "Aleutian" CanadaGoose (leucopareia) Oct. 22+ in StanleyPark, Vancouver, B.C. (•BK, ph.). A neck-banded "Cackling"Canada (minima) seen Nov. 1 at YaquinaBay, Ore. {DL} had been banded as an adult on the Yukon R. delta in 1985 and spentlast winter at Finley N.W.R., Ore. Single Am. Black Ducks were found at 3 Victoria locations {J& RSa),and in Beach Grove, Delta, B.C. (BK), in addition to Male Steller'sEider {with two Harlequin Ducks)at Port Town- the 12+ regularly found at the Everett, Wash., sewageponds send,Wash., Oct. 18, 1986.First recordfor Washington.Photo/ (m.ob.}.Two imm. • Tufted Ducks were found Oct. 18-Nov. 2 Alex Ferkovitch, Jr.

Volume 41, Number I 133 Pacific Co, Wash, tarport (WW, mob ) The only immature FourteenBuff-breasted Sandpipers were noted,Aug 22-Sept. noted was at Ocean Shores,Wash., Oct. 21 (Mike Carmody). 30. This count•s back down to the long-termaverage, following Our roughAccipiter index showed100 Sharp-shinnedreports, last year's record66-•-. At least 21 Ruffswere counted,a new 98 Cooper's,and 16 N. Goshawks,for normal numbers.A sim- Regionalrecord. Three were at the S.J.C.R.,Sept. 6-23, four fiar tally for falconstotalled 85 Peregrines(including 14 imm.) were in Washington,and the remainder is a conservativees- and 87 Merlins,likewise normal numbers for the lastfew years. timate of numerous sightingsin the Vancouver, B.C., area, mostly by JI at Reifel I. The 400 Long-billedDowitchers on SHOREBIRDS--Forty Lesser Golden-Ploversat Ocean SauvieI., Sept. 9 (HN) and 600 on Reifel I., Oct. 4 (MF, WW et Shores,Wash., Aug. 15 (TW) and 50 there Sept.10 (DH) were al.) were high counts. The usual few Red Phalaropeswere the high counts.Separation of the formsdorninica and futva foundwith Red-neckedrhalaropes on the pelagictrips, and a has receivedmore attention each fall, but is still not enough small crashin late November yielded countsof 150-200 at the to sort out the migrationpatterns. Only 19 ploverswere spe- Siuslaw R. mouth (SH) and at CoosBay, Ore. (Craig Miller, cifically reported as futva, and 30 as dorninica,and for only fide HN). half of all these was age reported. Examination of available specimensfrom the PacificNorthwest indicates that juveniles JAEGERS THROUGH AUKLETS -- On an exceptionally of both formsare presenthere, but that almostall adultstaken clear and calm Aug. 23 an all-time high countof 190 Pomanne in the fall have been fulva (Dr). Two Snowy Plovers were Jaegerswas noted northwestout of Westport(TW). Trips over north to DungenessSpit, Wash., July 31, near where six had the sameroute the lweeksbefore and after found only 20-35, beenseen July 6, but no evidenceof breedingwas noted (Roger alsoslightly above average tallies. Parasitic Jaegers were widely Hoffman).The 250 SemipalmatedPlovers seen Aug. 10 along scattered as usual at shoreline locations. Eleven at Leadbetter BoundaryBay (BK) furnished a high count for s.w. British Co- Pt., Wash., Aug. 31 (B & GR) and seven at Pt. Roberts,Wash, lumbia. About 400 Semipalmatedswere found Aug. 6 at Til- Sept. 22 (Alfred Lau, BK) were the high counts,and one still lamook,Ore. (HN) and Aug. 22 near Waldport,Lincoln Co., at West Pt., Seattle, Nov. 8 (DR) furnished the last sighting Ore. (R. Lowe,fide HN). On Sept.8 a Piping Plover was noted Forty-sevenLong-tailed Jaegers, a normal number, were re- amongthe Semipalmatedsat Manzanita, Tillamook Co., Ore. cordedin 5 trips out of Westport,and four were seenSept 13 (tTC), for the first recordfor Oregonand the Region.The same out of Newport, Ore. (J. Carlson,fide HN). Twenty S. Polar bird had apparently been seen there on Sept. 6 by another Skuas, an above-averagenumber, were seen on 6 Westport observer,but not positivelyidentified. trips, and singleswere found out of Garibaldi, Ore., Sept 7 Single Am. Avocets,rare migrantshere, were found Sept. (TC) and Ucluelet, V.I., Sept. 27 (MF, DK et al.). 5-Dec. 4 at Iona I. (tMF, m.ob.)and Sept.6-12 at JerichoPark Fewer than usual Franklin's Gulls were recorded this fall ($BK,m.ob.). From Sept. 14 to Oct. 4, two were presentat Iona About54 birds,all immaturesas usual, were represented, with I (Mark Gawns,Bill Crins, m.ob.).Two Am. Avocetswere also high countsof 14 at the Everett,Wash., sewage ponds (EH) found Sept. 27 on the Nisqually N.W.R. (Marty Hanson)and andfour at SpanishBanks, Vancouver, B.C. (BK). Five sightings Aug. 13 on Plat I Res., DouglasCo., Ore. (DI, fide SH). The in Oregonincluded one Sept. 17 at the Monmouth sewage Willet noted Oct. 2-3 at Cattle Pt., Oak Bay (KT, J & RSa), ponds($RG). Single Little Gulls appearedas usualwith Bon- furnished only the 12th record for V.I. Twenty-two Solitary aparte'sGulls at 8 locationsfrom Nanaimo,V.I. (DK),south to Sandpipersreported were slightly more than usual.An inter- Everett, Wash., Aug. 13-Oct. 27. Each of these sitesis within estingsighting of a WanderingTattler occurredAug. 23 about a shortflight for the wanderingflocks of Bonaparte's,and the 12mi up the HammaHamma R. on the s.e.slope of the Olympic only date on which Little Gulls were seen at 2 locationswas Mts., MasonCo., Wash. (Bill Reichert).Two WanderingTattlers Oct. 18, when singleswere at Everett (DR) and at OgdenPt, at Ocean ShoresOct. 18 (Dr, JEr) and one still there Nov. 12 Victoria (MMc et at.). However, on Oct. 6 two Little Gullswere (B & GR) were very late. seensimultaneously at the Everettponds (PM) and threewere A Hudsonian Godwit spottedSept. 29 with a Marbled God- there togetherOct. 11 (EH). High countsof Bonaparte'sGulls wit at Grice Bay,Pacific Rim P.r., providedonly the 5th record were of 6000 at Everett Sept. 25 (RS) and 4500 on Boundary for V.I. (DK). Another Hudsonianwas seenOct. 4-5 at the end Bay, B.C., Oct. 12 (BK). An adult Common Black-headedGull of 112th St. on Boundary Bay (tBK, $MF, MB). Bar-tailed God- was seenat Dungeness,Wash., Aug. 27 ($JoeVan Os et al ), wits were noted Aug. 8 on Boundary Bay ($MF, GD), for the and probablyalso Oct. 18 (tStanSmith), for only the 2nd sight- 4th Vancouver,B.C., record, and Oct. 11 in Tacoma ($TB)for ing for Washington.The high count of Heermann'sGulls was the first Washingtonrecord away from the outer coast.Single of 3000•- on the n. shoreof Willapa Bay, Wash.,Sept. 2 (JR) Marbled Godwits Aug. 27 at Blackie Spit (tDavid Martin) and An ad. Slaty-backedGull presentonly Nov. 11-12 near Port Sept.4-6 at BeachGrove (LK,JI) provided the only reportsthis Hardy,northern V.I., providedonly the 2nd documentedrecord seasonof this scarce migrant in the Vancouver, B.C., area. for British Columbia ($MF, ph., tWW, $GA). Force'sdetailed Elsewhere,44 were seenon Leadbetterft., Wash., Aug. 31 (B descriptionincluded discussion of the slate-graymantle, black & GR, JG)and 70-100 were at nearby Tokeland Oct. 27 to late wingtipsseparated from the mantleon primaries7 & 8 by white November (PM; Paul Meehan-Martin, fide CC). spots,pinkish legs, a magenta orbital ring (at 20m), and a Despitethe high numbersof SemipalmatedSandpipers re- brown-fleckediris appearingdark at a distancebut with the cordedat Iona I. last July, only a few remained into August. pupil clearly visible. In addition to the usual countsof 30-70 A total of 36 Semipalmatedswas reported,with sevenof these Sabine'sGulls on pelagictrips off BritishColumbia and Wash- on Oregon'souter coast,four in the Willamette Valley and on ington,single immatures were foundSept. 20-21 on the sewage SauvieI., six aroundPuget Sound, and noneon the Washington pondsat Monmouth, Polk Co., Ore. (Lowell Spring,ph. RG, outercoast. Three at ReifelI., B.C.,Sept. 20 (JI) were the latest. BB) and Sept. 29 on the ponds at Forest Grove, Washington Baird's Sandpiperswere widely reported. Fifty at Sauvie I., Co., Ore. (Leila Weiland, Pat Muller, fide HN). Ore., Sept. 14 (RSm,fide HN) was the high count, and one at Flocks of 400 Corn. Terns at Port Angeles,Wash., Oct 12 Ocean ShoresOct. 18-19 (Dr, JEr, B & GR) and three near (PM et al.) and of 200 at OgdenPt., Victoria, Oct. 18 (B & MMc Waldport, Ore., Oct. 19 (DL, VT) were later than usual. More et al.) were later than usual. Twenty-eight Arctic Terns off Sharp-tailedSandpipers than ever were reported.All were WestportAug. 30 (TW) providedthe high count.Singles were found Sept. 5-Oct. 9, almost all were in the Vancouver, B.C., seenonshore at SpanishBank, Vancouver,B.C., Aug. 31-Sept area, and 14 noted Oct. 4 on Reifel I. providedthe high count 7 ($BK)and on the ForestGrove, Ore., sewageponds Sept 29 (MF et at.). SingleCurlew Sandpiperswere found Sept. 15 on ($HN, JEv). Single Forster's Terns were found Oct. 13-18 at ManzanitaBeach, Tillamook Co., Ore. (WC, photo)and Sept. OgdenPt., Victoria ($KT,ph. TZ, m.ob.)for the first recordfor 23 at the S.J.C.R.($HN, JEv),for aboutthe 7th and 8th records V.I., and Nov. 9 at the Everettponds (flan Paulsen,Jeff Palmer for Oregon. et al.) for the 6th recordfor w. Washington.Three BlackTerns,

134 American Birds,Spnng 1987 Forster'sTern at Victoria, B.C., Oct. 13, 1986. First record for Tropical Kingbird at Nehalem Meadows,Ore., Nov. 11, 1986. VancouverIsland. Photo/Tim Zurowski. Photo/RobertO'Brien. a scarcebut regular migrant, were at BaskettSlough N.W.R., 19 at Yaquina Bay, Ore. (RSm,fide HN). Two were found Nov. near Salem, Ore., Sept. 12 (]'StephenDowland, BB) and four 4-11 farther north at the Nehalem sewageponds (tHN, JEv, were found in w. WashingtonSept. 12-27. ph. BO, m.ob.) and one stayedthere through Nov. 15. Another Four Parakeet Auklets were briefly observedSept. 7 about Tropical Kingbirdwas noted Nov. 16 in Tokeland,Pacific Co., 20 mi out of Garibaldi, Ore. (tTC, tJG), for one of very few Wash. (•EH, Bob Morse) for the 6th record for Washington,all recent recordsfrom anywhere in the Region.An averageof in late fall. 36 Cassin'sAuklets found on each of 9 pelagic trips out of Sightingsof 97 Bank Swallowsat 9 locationsin the Vancou- Ucluelet, V.I., and Westport,Wash., during Augustand Sep- ver, B.C.,area Aug. 5-Sept. 23 (DS,FW et el.) were many more tember was still low comparedto pre-El Nifio totals. than usual. Five were seen on V.I. and one was in Westport, Wash.,Aug. 22 (TW, DP). Evidenceof fall movementof Steller's OWLS THROUGH SHRIKES -- The only SnowyOwls re- Jayswas provided by a flock of 45 that flew acrossSaanich portedwere in Delta,B.C., where two seenNov. 10 (RoyPhil- lips) were the first. Single N. Hawk-Owls were found in Gar- Inlet, V.I., Sept. 5 (Glen Smith, Ron Jakimchuk)and a count of 85 moving south along the Seattle shoreline Sept. 7 (RT). ibaldi P.P., Aug. 16 at Helm Creek (•JohnTabak) and Sept. 20 Nineteen Clark's Nutcrackerswere reportedfrom sitesclearly at BlackTusk (PeterBallin et el.). Thesesites are interestingly outsidebreeding areas, for the largestmovement noted since closeand similar to a recentbreeding location in Manning P.P. October 1979. Eleven of these birds were found Oct. 10-27, Reportsof 33 N. Pygmy-Owlswere many more than usual, from Skidegate,Queen Charlotte I., Gabriola I., SaltspringI., but no apparent pattern or lowland movement was detected. Richmond,and Victoria to Cape Flattery, LeadbetterPt., and A Burrowing Owl was found Sept. 15 at the unusual altitude Toledo, Oregon. Five others were seen Sept. 19+ on Mary's of 6700'on Mt. Hood(Christopher Raithel). There were several Peak in the OregonCoast Range w. of Corvallis, where they reportsof SpottedOwls, including an immature found Aug. do not nest(David Marshall, m.ob.). Likewise, the 68-t-Moun- 15 in the Hoh R. rain forest,Wash. (EH et el.). tain Chickadeesat lowland sites during October-November A late Com. Nighthawk was found roostingin a backyard constituteda major invasion. High counts were of 25 in Dis- in W. Seattle,Wash., Sept. 28-Oct. 3 (GregParks, ph.). Sixteen coveryPark, Seattle,Nov. 8 (DH) and 11 on Reifel I., B.C., Oct. BlackSwifts over Plat I Res.,near Roseburg,Sept. 19 (DF, DI) 11 (JI, LeonaHaggert). Conifer cone crop reports for Washington were the only onesreported from Oregon,and 30 at Prospect indicated very little production during 1986, following the L., Saanich,V.I., Sept. 28 (GC) were the latest. Four large mi- bumper harvest of 1985 (CC). gratory roostsof Vaux's Swifts were noted in Oregon: about 1000 in a chimneyin SalemAug. 28 (ChristyGalen, ]]de BB), Two Bohemian Waxwings were found Oct. 11 at 5200' in 1000-2000 in Waldo Hall, O.S.U. campus,Corvallis, Sept. 14- the WashingtonCascades at Chiwaukum L., 10 mi e. of Stevens 30 (Angie Cromack et el., ]]de ME), 1500 in Stayton, Marion Pass,Chelan Co. (Mark Breuninger).This is south of the gen- Co., Sept.18 (B. Height,]]de HN), and 5000-7000 in an Armory erally suspectedbreeding areas. The first N. Shrikesarrived on schedule Oct. 4 in Vancouver, B.C. (MF, GD), Oct. 6 in incinerator chimney in RoseburgSept. 18-21 (DF, DI]. A 3 Black-chinnedHummingbird, very rare w. of the Cas- Seattle(DR), and Oct. 13 at Tillamook, Ore. (B. Shelmerdine, fide Hb0. A LoggerheadShrike wasseen Nov. 27 at LongBeach, cades,was seen Aug. 1-7 nearLebanon, Ore. (Bill Thackaberry, Pacific Co., for about the 10th record for w. Washington,and •M & EE). A young 3 Calliope Hummingbird was netted and the first ever in the fall (•BO). examined in hand Aug. I at Schrieber'sMeadow, Mt. Baker, Wash. (SaraHiebert) and anotherCalliope was seenAug. 2 in Mr. Rainier N.P. (CC), for the only reportsof this primarily VIREOS THROUGH GROSBEAKS--A Solitary Vireo eastsidespecies. found Oct. 12 at Cape Blanco, Ore. (Paul Sullivan), was the The last flycatcher sightingswere: Olive-sided, Sept. 20 on latest of only two seen in October.The last Red-eyedVireos San Juan I., Wash. (ML); W. Wood-Pewee,Sept. 24 in Eugene reported were two on Reifel I., B.C., Aug. 30 (JI) and one in (SH);Willow, Sept. 22 in Saanich (GC), and Oct. 2 at Heceta GoldstreamP.P., V.I., Sept.2 (DaveFraser). A • Nashville War- Head, Lane Co., Ore. (SH);Hammond's, Sept. 26-30 at Seattle bler seen Nov. 19 along the S. Umpqua R. near Canyonville, (SA, DR), and Sept. 30 at Vancouver, B.C. (DK); and Western, Ore., was late and possiblywintering (Merle & Anne Archie). Sept. 27 at Seattle (SA), Sept. 28 at Metchosin, V.I. (AM, RSa), The last Yellow Warblers were seen Sept. 26 in Seattle (SA), and Oct. 1 at Portland(DI). A probableDusky Flycatcher care- Sept. 30 in Vancouver, B.C. (GA, DK), and Oct. 2 at Heceta fully describedSept. 26-27 in Seattle was the latest ever of Head,Lane Co., Ore. {SH).A very well-describedPine Warbler few w. Washingtonrecords (•SA). Single Say's Phoebes strayed was seenOct. 23 just south of Harbor, s. Curry Co., Ore. (tAlan west to the Montlake fill, Seattle, Sept. 18 (•DB) and Delta, Barron). Roughlysummarizing the description,the bird had B.C., Sept. 24 (WW). A Tropical Kingbird was observedOct. brownishupperparts with faint olive on the head and back,

Volume 41, Number I 135 whitish taftspots,black tarsl, two prominentw•ngbars, a pale Sparrowswere more than twice as many in previousyears eyebrowline, a small pale neck patch, and ashy-whiteun- Two were in Oregon,three in Washington,three on V.I., and derpartswith no streaking.Seventeen Palm Warblers were a conservativelyestimated 10 individuals in the Vancouver, noted, slightly more than usual. One at Amphitrite Pt., near B.C., area. The peak of the Lapland Longspurmigration was Ucluelet,V.I., Sept.27 (MB] was unusuallyfar north. One other marked Sept. 21 by flocksof 30 at CrockettL., Whidbey I, wason southernV.I., threewere on the Washingtoncoast, and Wash. (KB), and 40+ on Grand Meadow, Indian Heaven Wil- 10 on the Oregoncoast. In addition,singles were foundinland derness,Skamania Co., Wash. (SS). at 5500'near Packwood,Lewis Co., Wash., Oct. i (tGR] and in A CommonGrackle sightedSept. 27-30 in C. Saanichpro- Eugene,Ore., Nov. I (Paul Sherrell,Dennis Arendt, fide SH). vided the first record for southern V.I. (KT, Charles Harper, Seven sightingsof N. Waterthrushesrepeated last fall's un- ph. TZ, m.ob.). Small groupsof up to 30 Red Crossbillswere precedentedmovement. Singles Aug. 18 at AlaksenN.W.A., noted on the Oregon coast and in the lowland areas of w Delta (DS, FW) and Reifel I. (JI, FW) were the first. Two were Washington,V.I., and s.w. mainland British Columbia. Pmrs seen Aug. 21-23 in JerichoPark, Vancouver, B.C. (tDS, MP] were gatheringnest material and singingAug. 30 and Sept 3 andone was (still?) there Sept.21 (FW,Wayne Diakow). Singles at the S.J.C.R.and Tillamook, Ore. (DL, David Hoffman) and Aug. 26-27 in Bellingham,Wash. (TW] and Sept.8 in Seattle feedingbroods Oct. 18 in the WashingtonSan Juan Is. (ML) (•RT] providedthe 10th & 11th recordsfor w. Washington;all Both Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins were absent from the s but one have been in fall and early winter. Cascadesof Washingtonthis fall (CC). Five Corn.Redpolls seen A Clay-colored Sparrow was noted Nov. 9 at Comber's Nov. 4 on Reifel I., B.C. (JI), furnished the only report of th•s Beach,Pacific Rim P.P. (LK, Mark Wynja, •MF et al.] for the irregularwinter visitor.Larger numbers than usualof Evening 2nd recordfor V.I. A female or imm. Lark Buntingwas seen Grosbeakswere noted this fall in the lowlands of w. Oregon closely on TatooshI., at the n.w. tip of Clallam Co., Wash., (fide HN), particularly in the Medford-Ashlandarea during Sept. 17-18 (•Tim Wootton, Bob Paine, Ladd Johnson)for the September(MMo). 5th stateand 2nd fall record.The previousfall recordwas also at Cape Flattery Sept. 2, 1973 (AB 28:97].Another female or INITIALED OBSERVERS, with Sub-regional editors in lmm. Lark Bunting was found Sept. 28-30 in Jericho Park, boldface- ScottAtkinson, Gerry Ansell, JonAnderson, Dave Vancouver,B.C. (Bruce MacDonald,•WW, tDick Cannings, Beaudette,Barb Bellin, Mike Bentley,Thais Bock, Ken Brunner, •MF, m.ob.)for the 3rd Vancouverarea record. A Grasshopper JoeBuchanan, Wilson Cady, Gift Calvert, Chris Chappell,Tom Sparrow,rare w. of the Cascades,was seenSept. 19 at Plat I Crabtree,Gary Davidson,Merlin & ElsieEltzroth, Jim Erckmann Res., near Roseburg,Ore. (DF, DI). (JEr),Joe Evanich (JEv), David Fix, Mike Force,Roy Gerig,Jeff A Fox Sparrowat the Montlake fill, Seattle,Aug. 31 (KB] Gilllgan,Steve Heinl, EugeneHunn, David Hutchinson,John Ire- land, DaveIrons, Brian Kautesk, Linda Koch, Doug Kragh, Mark was an early arrival in the PugetSound lowlands. Only two Lewis, Donna Lusthoff, Alan MacLeod, Barb & Mike McGrenere Swamp Sparrows,still rare winter visitors here, were found, (B & MMc), Marjorie Moore (MMo), Harry Nehls, Bob O'Brien, and both were immatures. One was at Florence, Ore., Oct. 19 DennisPaulson, Mike Price, Bob& GeorgiaRamsey, Joy & Ron (•SH, Alan Contreras)and the other was near Smith Cr., w. of Satterfield(J & RSa),Susan Saul, RichardSmith (RSm),Daphne Raymond,Pacific Co., Wash., Oct. 31 (fWW] for only the 11th Solecki,Bob Sundstrom, Keith Taylor, Verda Teale, Rob Thorne, record for the state. Twenty-four White-throatedSparrows Terry Wahl, Frank Walker, WayneWeber, Tim Zurowski.--PHI- were seen,a normalnumber, in asmany locationsand spread LIP W. MATTOCKS, Jr., Rt. 2, Box 200, Vashon, WA 98070, and throughoutthe reportingareas of the Region.Eighteen Harris' BILL HARRINGTON-TWEIT, P.O.Box 1271, Olympia, WA 98507.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION

StephenF. Bailey, Timothy D. Manolis, LOONS THROUGH PELICANS- Migrant loons were Alan D. Barron, and Richard A. Erickson detectedearly, with three Commonspassing Pt. Pinos,Mon- terey, Sept. 6, and two Red-throateds,six Pacifics,and three Commons migrating at Santa Cruz Sept. 10 (all DLSu). The hecoastalfirst fog, one-halfwhich of depressedthe period the countswasdominated of migratingby flight was very intense at Santa Cruz Nov. 26, as 800 Red- raptorsat Pt. Diablo.October and Novemberwere dry. throatedsand 5100Pacifics passed in one hour (DLSu).Again Point ReyesBird Observatorycontinues to provide ex- an early PacificLoon visited L. Shastina,Siskiyou, Aug. 19-31 tremely valuablereports from Palomarinand especially (RE), and anotherat BridgeportRes., Mono, Oct. 31 (DS, SJ) Southeast Farallon Island, without which our seasonal was alsofar inland. CrescentCity Harbor attractedDel Norte's summarieswould be quite incomplete. The authorsthank first Yellow-billedLoon Oct. 28-30 (L. Jonsson,fADB, tGSL, Kurt F. Campbellfor extensivedata handling and editorial fLPL et al.). Sixty Horned Grebesin Lake Oct. 24 (JRW)was a contributions. large inland concentration.As in 1983, Eared Grebesnested at Moffett Field, Santa Clara, producingat least 15 young ABBREVIATIONS -- C.B.R.C. = California Bird Records Com- (m.ob.).Both Western and Clark'sgrebes were "stillwidespread mittee',C.V. = CentralValley; O.S.P.= OpenSpace Preserve; S.F. and abundantin the Great Basin/ModocPlateau region" Oct = SanFrancisco; W.M.A. = WildlifeManagement Area; ph. = photo 31-Nov. 4, with "many adults still feeding1/2 to 3/4adult-sized on file with the RegionalEditors. Italicized namesrefer to counties. young" (SJ,DS). Repeatedsurveys of S.F. Bay in Marin, Ala- All of the many records from PalomarJanand S.E. Farallon I. meda, and Contra Costafound 8.2% Clark's Grebesamong (hereafterF.I.) should be creditedto Pt. ReyesBird Observatory Aechmophorusidentified this fall (DDK). (hereafterP.R.B.O.). References to the Gull refer to GoldenGate Unseasonalsingle Black-footed Albatross sightings were off- Audubon Society'spublication, whose observationscolumn is shoreMonterey Oct. 11 to Nov. 6 (SFB,DLSh). One Laysan currentlywritten by HelenA. Green.Most such birds were orig- Albatrosswas off Monterey Nov. 30 (PhR).Up to 25 N. Fulmars inally reportedto JosephMorlan. per day were offshorefrom Monterey to HumboldtAugust to

136 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 October before numbers jumped to 100 beyond Cordell Bank Nov. 1 (SFB)and 130 offshoreMonterey Nov. 6 (DLSh). Flesh- O •R• E. G O N footed Shearwatersproduced an unprecedentednumber of sightings.One was offshoreHumboldt Bay Sept.14 (NEC), one Yrek• •Z• t•w S•DSN.M. to three were offshoreMonterey on 9 boat trips Sept. 20 to •t•tE• S * •. eAltu•a• Nov. 21 (GMcC, DLSh, m.ob.), and one to four were at and • Shasta•- , beyond Cordell Bank Oct. 19 to Nov. 2 (KFC, SFB, m.ob.). A y •s ßroeDer II ß Eureka •N • I' ' light-morphWedge-tailed Shearwater (Pu•nus pacificus)fol- C.Mend•ino•( •4ss • ALMANO• •JJ lowing a boat 5 mi w. of Pt. PinosAug. 31 establishedthe first recordnorth of Mexico (ph. RS et ul.). This tropicalbird would RE• • P. r' 3'•ohV ' • ' Re•Blu• . Reno have beenless surprising had it occurredduring an "El Nifio" year. Buller's Shearwaterswere exceptionally abundant, ex- Fo•BroGG•A.w.• Nevada• 'm•T• • '• Citye • e• emplified by the peak 2000 offshoreMonterey Oct. 2 (PJM, DLSh). Unprecedentednumbers could be seen from shore • • ' Arena•ah•kO•ep •' LEARWoodlandL' •arysvJll•w•[•E • e•MarkleevilleT•OE around Monterey Bay,including 200 in 30 minutes passingPt. Pinos Sept. 21 (DR, GMcC). At Cordell Bank, 670 on Nov. 2 • Santa•osa eHa•a •e• • eBnd•e• (DLSh)marked the highestcount. The last Buller's was seen / Faraq•' •. •Mr. • øtOc•, øno r • • •os•tE Nov. 21 offshore Monterey (DLSh). Short-tailed Shearwaters ; • • Fran•o•odeSt ' •WH•E MrS appearedmostly as singlesbeginning in mid-September,but •ael / • •SantaCruz e•eM .... d 30 were estimated offshore Monterey Oct. 23 and 44 were ,- - -- ,--lay • Los Banos • eg • ß• e• •O• La•ß '• - e•es•o"•_• counted there Nov. 6 (both DLSh). Small numbers of Black- • •OaklandMortI•Z' S•i•t•A c•s • ventedShearwaters appeared from Montereyto San Mateo be- San• •/O•e• • •0• ':N.•. Visalia..TM¾• ' ' ginningSept. 12 (DLSh,DLSu et ul.). t • •asco • • • •ommga •_.• One Wilson's Storm-Petrel was in Monterey Bay, Monterey Redw•d• City. BAY O • -- ...... • • & Santa Cruz Aug. 31-Oct. 26 (RS,DLSh, tRAE), with two seen there Oct. 12 (tJML,•DLSu). A Fork-tailedStorm-Petrel was a surprisein the Monterey Bay storm-petrelflock Sept. 25 & 27 (DLSh),and one was by itselfthere Oct. 12 (DLSu).Single Fork- taileclsin the Cordell Bank/F.I. area Oct. 12 to Nov. 2 (DLSh, T. Johnson)were topped by 16 seen passingPt. Pinos during high winds Nov. 7 (DR). Two LeastStorm-Petrels were detected Mountain View (M. Moyer) aswell asa calicobird at Palo Alto in the Monterey Bay storm-petrelflock Oct. 5-12 (RS, DLSh, BaylandsSept. 17 to end of period (TAC, fide PMB). An imm. T. H. Koundakjian). Green-backed Heron was at 7000 ft elevation at June L., Mono An imm. Brown Pelican on L. Kaweah Sept. 30 to Oct. 9 Oct. 30 (SJ,DS). White-faced Ibis were reported in average representedthe firstrecord for Tulare (ph. LLN). BrownPelican numbersat the Region'sbreeding areas but a singleimmature flocksin Santa Cruz averaged75-79% iramatures(DLSu), pre- in the Arcata Bottoms,Humboldt, Sept. 27 (tFJB)furnished the sumably reflecting consecutiveyears of good reproduction only coastalreport. south of the Region.Maximum Brown Pelican countson Ano An early Tundra Swan was at L. Almanor, Plumas,Aug 17 Nuevo I., San Mateo, were 3000 Oct. 30 and 2400 Nov. 29 (GJS). (PDG).A Greater White-fronted Gooseat F.I., Sept.25 provided a 2nd island record. Snow Geese are uncommon on the coast, HERONS THROUGH DUCKS- A good inland concen- and continueto be outnumberedby Ross'Geese there in fall, trations of 212 Great Egretswas at Pattersonsewage ponds, but 10 Snows,mostly singles, were reportedfrom Montereyto Stanislaus,Nov. 15 (HMR}. Four Little Blue Heron recordswere Del Norte. Sixteen Ross' Geese found coastally included 11 all from Santa Clara, includingan unseasonalbird Nov. 26 in birds 5 mi n.w. of Tomales Pt., Marin, Nov. I (SFB, m.ob.). A

Establishingthe first record north of Mexico,this light-morph Wedge-tailed Shearwater was observed five mileswest of PointPinos, California,on August31, 1986.Photo/Rich Stallcup.

Volume 41, Number 1 137 dark morph Ross"Goosewas well describedat Gray Lodge e to Mono L, Oct 29 and Janeswile,Lassen, Nov 1-27 (both W.M.A., Sutter,Nov. 23 (iDDK). The only EmperorGoose re- DS, SJ).The 26 Broad-wingedHawks that passedPt. Diablo cordedwas an immature at Tule Lake N.W.R., Oct. 19 to early did so Sept. 24 to Oct. 20 (CLF, m.ob.). Other Broad-winged November (iMR, m.ob.).This speciesis almostannual in the Hawks visited Santa Cruz Sept. 29 (DLSu)and Palo Alto Oct Klamath Basin. An ad. Barnacle Goose near Colusa Nov. 22 31 (iDLSu), the latter a first for Santa Clara. A flock of 25 throughthe period (DES)was "probablythe samebird I saw Swainsoh'sHawks in SanJoaquin Aug. 10 was a welcomes•ght with Cacklersin s.w. Alaska in October" (BED)and may well (PLN,P. Gottschling).Eight Ferruginous Hawks Oct. 4 to Nov be the sameindividual tracked through at least Oregonand 11 made a high total for Humboldt, where they are rare (JCS Californiafrom November1984 to April 1985 (AB 39:345).The et al.). The flightof Rough-leggedHawks into centralCaliforma bird is likely an escapee,but the record is currently in cir- was light,but onewas early for the coastOct. 19 at Half Moon culation through the C.B.R.C. Bay, San Mateo (GJS).On F.I., Merlins tied last year'srecord A Gadwallat F.I., Aug. 17-21 furnishedthe 3rd islandrecord, total of 11,while the 51 that passedPt. Diablowere astounding the first since1969. All but 2 of about20 Eur. Wigeonreports consideringthe species'former rarity at this lookout.The pe- were coastal.A • Ring-neckedx Tufted Duck at Stocktonsew- riod's first Merlin landed at Oakland Airport, Alameda, Sept age ponds,San Joaquin,Nov. 12 (tDGY) was an interesting 3 (LRF, fide HAG). find. A 9 Tufted Duck was at the Smith R. mouth, Nov. 16 (tADB, •GSL et al.) for a first De/Norte record.A 9 King Eider RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS--An imm. Purple at CrescentCity Harbor, Nov. 21 through the period (BMu, Gallinulebraved passing joggers, dogs, and hordes of gawk•ng tADB, tGSL, iLPL, ph. IAR, m.ob.)was Del Norte's2nd. A total birders at L. Elizabeth in Fremont's Central Park, Alameda, of up to 15 Harlequin Ducks was reported coastallysouth to Oct. 17-27 (•A1H,•m.ob.). Although this speciesis a well-known Monterey,while at the more regularPt. Saint George,Del Norte, wanderer, the nearest previous records come from Utah, s locality, a statehigh of 33 was seenOct. 26 (ADB).At leastsix Nevada, Arizona, and San Diego (an immature in October Oldsquawswere reported coastally,which is about average. 1961--California's only other record). A White-wingedScorer at the Lodi sewageponds Nov. 16 (TR) The racesof LesserGolden-Plover were againreported •n furnished "a first San Joaquin record" (DGY). A Barrow's aboutequal numbers from the interior:dominica at L. Shast•na, Goldeneyeat PaicinesRes., San Benito,Oct. 10 (tKVV) was a Siskiyou, Sept. 11-17 (RE, MR); returning ad. fulva at Lod• first for that county.Forty HoodedMergansers were at L. Earl, sewageponds Oct. 11+ and a dominicathere Oct. 11-Nov 16 Del Norte,Nov. 15 (GSL,RLeV, PFS,LD), while a singleHooded /bothJML, DGY); up to five of eachrace at the Modestosewage was at the Tracy sewageponds, San Joaquin,Nov. 28 & 29 (TR, pondsafter Aug. 17 (ERC,HMR); and a bird of unknownrace DGY) for a rare C.V. floor record. An interestingdescription in the Tulare L. basin, Kings, Oct. 24 (RHG, GWG). Approxi- of a • HoodedMerganser hybrid at L. Merritt, Alameda, Nov. mately 100 birds reportedalong the coastwere aboutequally 28 (ALE, GFB, L.A. Rhodes)suggested a Com. Goldeneyewas divided between dominica,fulva, and unknown. Someb•rds the other parent. This combinationhas been reportedin the appearto havebeen reporteddifferently by differentobservers, literature. especiallylater in the seasonwhen molting fulva may not ap- RAPTORS -- Despiteprevalent fog, increasedcoverage of pear quite as bright as observershad come to expect from the raptor migrationat Pt. Diablo,Marin, recordednew high freshjuveniles. CoastalMountain Ploverswere at the Sahnas countsof six species(Table 1). SingleBald Eagleswere early R. mouth Oct. 3 (PIM) and Pt. ReyesNov. 11 (fide HAG). Na- at CamancheRes., San Joaquin, Aug. 16 (DGY)and at Sequoia tional attention centered around a juv. Eurasian Dotterel at L, Fresno,Sept. 14 (RHG).Three Red-shoulderedHawks were Pt. ReyesSept. 6-9 (iDAH, •DDK, ph. •m.ob.).Two early Sep- n to SiskiyouSept. 9 to Nov. 5 (RE, MR), while singleswere temberrecords from Washingtonand one at F.I., Sept.12-20, 1974,were the only previousNorth American recordsoutside of Alaska. Table 1. Five year comparison of fall migration raptor Santa Clara's 2nd Black Oystercatcherwas at the Palo Alto counts at Pt. Diablo Flood Control Basin Aug. 20 (DLSu). A LesserYellowlegs at (Carter L. Faust, m.ob.) Mt. Meadow Res.,Lassen, Aug. 25 (DCR) providedone of few (-- = not recordedor not reported) reports from the mountains of the Region. Twelve Solitary 1982 1983 •984 1985 1986 Sandpipersalong the coastwas a goodshowing. The mosts•g- nificant of eight additional inland birds were one at Big L, Shasta,Sept. 14 (RE), and the first Stanislausrecords, both at count days 50 65 94 99 120 count hours 225 285 400 403 536 the Modestosewage ponds Aug. 10 and Oct. 5 (ph.ERC, HMR) Another countyfirst was the WanderingTattler at the Modesto Turkey Vulture -- 590 900 303 385 pondsSept. 7-22 (ph. •ERC, •HMR). Osprey 15 16 45 51 66 Black-shouldered Kite I 9 51 28 15 SignificantRed Knot reportswere of two adults at the Mo- destosewage ponds Aug. 12 with another there Aug. 15 (Stan- Bald Eagle 2 0 0 2 0 Northern Harrier -- 137 273 171 158 islaus'sfirst--ph. ERC, HMR), a juvenile at Mono L., Aug. 29- 30 (DS, GMcC), and a record high Monterey count of 80 ju- Sharp-shinnedHawk -- 883 3245 2890 1879 veniles at the SalinasR. mouth Sept. 6 (DR). Approximately Cooper'sHawk -- 781 2477 2298 1068 Northern Goshawk I 2 I 2 2 40 SemipalmatedSandpipers were reported,all juvenilesand nearly all alongthe coast.Inland birds were one at Mono L, Accipiter sp. ------589 459 Red-shouldered Hawk 12 67 110 104 122 Aug. 29-31 (DS, HAG), up to three at the WoodlandSugar Ponds,Yolo, Aug. 8-12 (iMIL, IML), two at the Lodi sewage Broad-wingedHawk 16 26 9 45 26 Swainsoh's Hawk I 0 0 I 2 pondsin the periodAug. 7-21 (DGY),and one at the Modesto Red-tailed Hawk -- 1004 2500 2683 3263 sewageponds Aug. 6 (ph. •ERC). One at Martinez Oct. 2 (RIR) wasContra Costa's first, and eightat the SalinasR. mouthAug FerruginousHawk 2 6 7 10 13 13 (•DLSu)furnished the high count. A PectoralSandpiper •n Rough-leggedHawk 12 I 17 14 6 FremontDec. I (•A1H)was very late. Five Sharp-tailedSand- GoldenEagle 3 7 13 11 18 American Kestrel -- 282 336 244 291 piperswere found:Salinas sewage ponds Sept. 11-14 (BHG, Merlin 5 3 11 16 51 •m.ob.); Moss Landing Sept. 21-27 (iGMcC, ph. DR, m.ob), Sunnyvale sewageponds Sept. 30 (•PLN); and up to two at Peregrine Falcon 4 4 18 13 10 Prairie Falcon I 4 6 4 3 LimantourEstero, Marin, Oct. 3-5 (ALE et al.). The summenng Dunlin remained in Arcata to Aug. 31 (FJB).Only one Shit total (incl. unident.) -- 4150 10823 9516 8063 Sandpiperwas found, a juvenile at Abbott's Lagoon,Mann,

138 American B•rds,Spnng 1987 Two more viewsof the Eurasian Dotterel on Point Reyes, Sept. and a narrow•/e band acrosslhe chest.Photos/Rick Ha!lowell. 6-9, 1986. Note the small headand bill, prominentpale supercilium, Sept. 24-27 (tDDK, RS et al.}. The season'sfour Buff-breasted tiwakes were obtainedNov. lq- over the length of the Region Sandpiperswere at L. Talawa, Del Norte, Aug. 17 {JAR, ADB}, and included at least three adults. Sabine's Gulls were seen the Salinassewage ponds Aug. 28-sopt. 2 {two--tPJM, •n.ob.}, on mostpelagic trips Aug. 2 to Nov. 1, with a peak of 430 over and Asilomar Beach,Monterey, Sept. 6-8 {SHa,tDR et al.}. It BodegaCanyon, Sonoma,Oct. 12 (RS, DLSh). Two strayed in- was the best fall on record for Ruffs, with at least 13 found land to sewageponds, an adult at Davis Sept. 12 (fide Gull) along the coastAug. 30-Nov. 11 {tm.ob.}.There were six in and a juvenile at StocktonSept. 19 (DGY).Very late Sabine's I-tumboldt,one to two in Marin, one in Santa Cruz, and five in Gulls were a juvenile at Pt. Pinos Nov. 9-10 (L. Jonsson), Monterey.At Mono L., 30+ juv. Short-billedDowitchers Aug. and adults at Monterey Nov. 10 and Pacific Grove Nov. 21 29 were apparentlynot unexpectedas "in fall this speciesis (both BW). as common(perhaps more common)as the Long-billedDow- A juv. Corn.Tern broughtyet anotherfirst Stanislausrecord itcher" there {DS}.Impressive high countsof Red Phalaropes to Modestosewage ponds Sept. 22-23 (ph. ERC, HMR). Of 700 at Cordell Bank, Marin, were of 6000 Oct. 12 and 5650 Nov. 2 Arctic Terns offshoreSonoma & Marin Sept. 14, 500 were in (DLSh, RS}. one flockonly 2 mi s.w. of BodegaHead (DLSh).The leveese. of CrittendenMarsh, Mountain View, hostedthe only known JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Long-tailedJaegers were major post-breedingconcentration of LeastTerns, at leastAug. foundon 8 tripswell offshoreMonterey Aug. 31 [o Oct. 5 (DLSh, 20-Sept. 7 (m.ob.).The only coastalmigrant that was seenfor- m.ob.),with a high of 12 Sept. 12 (DR et al.). Meanwhile, two aged at Santa Cruz Sept. 3 (DLSu). Three or four coastward were at Cordell Bank Sept. 14 (DLSh) and three were offshore Black Terns included one of the latest Regionalrecords, Oct. HumboldtBay Sept. 20 (SWH et al.). South Polar Skuaspro- 30 at Scott Cr. mouth, Santa Cruz (GJS,RAE). The pair of ad. ducedan excellent flight. OffshoreMonterey, this speciesap- Black Skimmers was last seen, with one immature, on Oct. 12 pearedon 15 trips Aug. 17-Oct. 18, with a high of six Sept. 7 at the Tulare L. basin,Kings (RHG, GWG). (DLSh,m.ob.). Five CordellBank trips Sept. 14-Nov. 1 included A starvingjuv. Com. Murre aiTived at the mouth of Artesian the peak of nine Oct. 17 (KFC, fide HAG). Singleswere near Slough,Santa Clam, Aug. 24 {K. Hobson).Pigeon Guillemots F.I., Sept.14 and Oct. 26 (T. Johnson,fide HAG), and two were producedno young this year in Santa Cruz (DLSu), like the offshoreHumboldt Bay Sept. 20 (SWH). failure at F.I. but unlike the successin Monterey.A pair of ad. Five Franklin'sGulls were all immaturesat sewageponds: Xantus' Murrelets guardinga fledgling4 mi w. of Pt. Joe,Mon- SalinasAug. 18-28 (BGM et al.), Hollister Oct. 10 (first for San terey, Aug. 8 (DLSh, fDLSu) provided strongevidence of the Benito--•KVV, BHG), Modesto Oct. 26-Nov. 11 (first for Stan- Regional nesting hypothesizedlast season.Many Xantus'/ islaus--ph. ERC, HMR), and StocktonOct. 28-Nov. 19 plus Craveri'smurrelets went unidentified,but up to four Xantus' another Nov. 7 (both DGY). Our Little Gulls were also all at and 10 Craveri's were listed in Monterey waters Aug. 9 to sewageponds, beginning with a bird moltingfrom first-summer Sept. 27 (DLSh,m.ob.). At Cordell Bank, four Xantus' Sept. 14 to 2nd-winterplumage at Arcata,July 31 to Sept.14 (PFS,•RAE, (DLSh)preceded eight Xantus' and Marin's first Craveri'sOct. tLPL, m.ob.). The returning ad. Little Gull at Stockton Oct. 12 (RS,DLSh). Far north were four Xantus' Murrelets offshore 14-t-was expected,but a 2nd adult there Nov. 5q- (KGH fide Humboldt Bay Sept. 20 (SWH et al.). Finally, one Xantus' and Gull; DGY) providedthe first multiple sightingduring fall. An two Craveri's flew past Pt. Pinos during high winds Nov. 7 adult at Lodi Nov. 16-28 (DGY, •MJL) was consideredone of (tDR).An AncientMuiTelet in breedingplumage s.w. of Bodega the same birds, as only one was at Stockton between those Head Sept. 14 was early (JLD, DLSh). Santa Clara's "bird of dates.The adult Com.Black-headed Gull that spent8 consec- the year" wasa Cassin'sAuklet on ShorelineL., Sept.9 (•DLSu, utive winters at the Stocktonsewage ponds failed to return fPLN, fDCu). Unexpectedly, Tufted Puffins were widely scat- this fall; "It will be missed."(DGY). Regularsurveys of Heer- tered from Humboldt to Monterey. mann'sGulls in SantaCruz foundthe percentageof immatures to decreasesteadily from 17% on Aug. 7 to 0.8% on Oct. 4 CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS--Unprece- (DLSu). A Thayer's Gull molting from 2nd-summer to 3rd- dented in one fall were two Black-billed Cuckoos,the Region's winter plumageat BolinasAug. 5-11 (SNGH,SWW) was a rare 6th (and first inland) at Mono Co. Park Aug. 29 (•DS), and an- summerfind. Modestosewage ponds added two more gulls to other at the Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey, Oct. 2-4 (fDGe, tDR, the Stanislauslist. One Thayer's and two Glaucous-winged fMJLet al.). A BaiTedOwl roostingin treesat Tule LakeN.W.R., gulls were identifiedNov. 9 (ph. fERC), and by Nov. 30 the Nov. 28-Dec. 6, furnished a Regionalfirst away from the n. numberswere reversed(ERC, fHMR, DGY, RAE). The period's coastal ranges, indicating a possiblenew direction for the only GlaucousGull was an immature at American R., Sacra- species' expansion into California (Lynn McCullough, ph. mento, Nov. 29 (MJL).Counts of one to five Black-leggedKit- RE, m.ob.).

Volume 41, Number I 139 A Cam. Nighthawk at SantaCruz Oct. 14 (tDLSu)set one of the latestrecords for the Region.A Cam.Poorwill found dying at GasquetSept. 21 (MM, fide ADB; *Humboldt State Univ.) providedDe/Norte's 3rd record.Most astoundingwas Califor- nia's first Chuck-will's-widow, found "disabled" in a Half Moon Bay, San Mateo, road Oct. 16. Effortsto recuperatethe sick bird, a female,failed Oct. 20. There appearto be no pre- viousreports w. of central Texas (W. Levett,fide SFB,*C.A.S.). An amazingreport of two Broad-hilled Humminghirds at a SantaCruz feederAug. 18 (tDLSu)was but the tip of the iceberg in a rather bizarre tale. A female, unreportedto us, was first noticed Oct. 5-Nov. 8, 1985, returning June 15-August 1986 (I. Britton). Another bird had been suspected,but was only identified(judged an imm. male, tDLSu)Aug. 18. This report raises some questions as to the origins of these birds that C.B.R.C.review will have to try to sortout. Then, a 3rd Broad- billed Hummingbirdwas found, an ad. male briefly noted at Ano Nuevo S.P., Oct. 19 (tMCM). Following closeon last fall's island first, an imm. • Ruby-throated Hummingbird visited F.I., Sept.12 {tPP)for a 3rd stateand Regionalrecord. Two tail feathers{*C.A.S.} and "double-checked"measurements were SedgeWren at Fort Funston,Son Francisco,Cal., Oct. 24, 1986. taken. Another 2nd F.I. record was provided by a Black- Photo/StephenF. Bailey. chinned Hummingbird Sept. 2-4. Notable amongthe late-lin- geringhummingbirds reported were a • Selasphorusin Stock- fell in the period Aug. 22-29. Brown Creepersjoined the ton Nov. 24 to the end of the period {DGY et al.) and F.I.'s 6th downslopemovement. Twenty-two between Oct. 4 and Nov. Calliope Hummingbird Oct. 5-9. i were "significantlyabove average" for F.I. (fide PH), at least Lewis' Woodpeckerswere widely reported.A total of 200+ three were found in SacramentoOct. 11-Nov. 27 (TDM et al.), flew pastPt. DiabloSeptember to November{CLF), and reports and it was "a better than normal fall for them" in San Joa- of one to two were scatteredalong the coastfrom Humboldt quin (DGY). to San Mateo. Single Red-napedSapsuckers at JasperRidge, The 3rd state and Regionalrecord of SedgeWren was fur- Santa Clara, Oct. 5 {fide Gull} and Mines Rd., Alameda, Nov. nishedby a bird found skulkingin ice plantsand bush lupines 2-22 {JMD, fide tALE) were apparentlyreturning winrefers at Ft. Funston, San FranciscoOct. 23-24 (tDDK, ph. tSFB, tJLD. from last year. tDAH, tJM et al.). KINGLETS THROUGH VIREOS -- Unlike other montane FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRENS--A 3rd F.I. and specieson the move this fall, Golden-crownedKinglets drew state report of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was of a bird mist- commentonly from the C.V., where in "goodnumbers" in San nettedand watchedSept. 3-5 {tPP,details to C.B.R.C.).Reports Joaquin{DGY) and frequently encounteredin Sacramentoand of sevenLeast Flycatchers {four from Pt. Reyes,three from Yolo {TDM}. Mountain Bluebirds also made down-mountain F.I.) Sept.12-Oct. 23, followedthe recentpattern. Eight Ham- news. Impressivewere 184 in Del Puerto Canyon,Stanislaus, mond'sFlycatchers noted Sept. 18-Oct. 28 were regardedas Nov. 15 {HMR, SLR) and 50-70 near PattersonPass, Alameda "considerablyabove average" for F.I. {fide PH); four additional Nov. 15-22 {fide Gull}. Sevenbirds found coastallyincluded reports west of the Sierras {three coastal,one from the C.V.) an "above average" four on F.I., Oct. 12-Nov. 15, three on the were abouttwice the recentaverage. Nesting of W. Flycatcher latter date, and one on Cape Mendocino,Humboldt, Nov. 1 in San Joaquinhas never been confirmed,but was suggested {SDF).Two Townsend'sSolitaires were at F.I., Oct. 4, but no by a pair feedinga fledgedcowbird at ComancheRes., Aug. other extralimitals were reported. A 9th F.I. Gray-cheeked 16 (DGY). Thrush was observedbriefly Sept. 26 {tPP,tSNGH). This was The only E. Phoebereports were the F.I. 6th and 7th, Oct. the Region'sfirst since 1979, but at a spotwhere 7 of 9 prior 19 and Nov. 20. Of 13-14 coastalTropical Kingbird reports fall recordshave been logged, Sept. 12-Oct. 10.A SageThrasher Sept. 28-Nov. 20, one in Richmond, Contra Costa, Nov. 11-20 at CrescentCity Nov. 1 {MR, ADB et al.) was late that far north (T. Koundakjian,fide Gull) would be a county first if docu- along the coast. mented.Unusual along the coast,a Cassin'sKingbird was near Motacillidsmade quite a splashcoastally. A Yellow Wagtail ButanoS.P., Nov. 18-21 (fide Gull). Four E. Kingbirds,at Zmu- was reported at Crescen! City Sept. 12 {tADB, details to dowskiState Beach, Monterey, Aug. 15-18 (tMDa, tDLSu, ph. C.B.R.C.) for Del Norte's first and the Region's5th, all on the RFT), Mona Co.Park Aug. 30 (•GMcC,tMJL), Laguna Cr. marsh, outercoast Sept. 12-19. Red-throatedPipits were more widely Santa Cruz, Sept. 2 (DGe), and Pt. Reyes Sept. 7 (tJML et al.), reportedthan ever in one fall. The F.I. had its 3rd Sept. 24-27 were a bit above the recent average. {tPP},one to two were on Pt. Reyes Oct. 6-11 {tDDK, tRAE, Clark's Nutcrackers moved W in numbers unrivaled since tDAH, m.ob.), and Monterey's2nd was at MossLanding Oct. 1972-1973. At least six were seen at various spotsbetween 13-18 {JMD, tDR et al.). The 2nd F.I. and RegionalSprague's 5000-6000 ft elevationin the Sierra N.F., Fresno,Sept. 2 to Pipit was a surprise birthday gift for the finder Oct. 10-11 mid-September(JCL), described as "widespreadearly down- {tKH}. The bird was "photographed,sketched, and enjoyed slope movement." A 6th Butte record came from Summit L., from as close as 6 ft." Sept. 11 (JHS), and by October birds had reached the coast, A BohemianWaxwing was reportedfrom E1Granada, San with 5 reports from Marin Oct. 4-Nov. 3. The incursion ex- Mateo, Oct. 22 (fide Gull). Solitary Vireos reportedas eastern tendedas far west as F.I., with a 4th island recordlogged Oct. typeswere on Pt. ReyesSept. 12-13 (•JML,MJL, tPEL) and Oct. 8-12, and one was southto Jack'sPeak, Monterey, from before 5 (DLSu), and at the Little Sur R. mouth, Monterey, Oct. 11 Nov. I to the endof the period(J. Taylor, tDR). Common Ravens (tDR).Individuals reported as plumbeus types were at Inverness continuedto increasein San Mateo as evidencedby a flock of Sept. 25 (RS) and near Nicasio Nov. 13 (JSL),both Marin. Ap- 117+ along Upper PescaderoRd., Oct. 31 (DLSu). parently wintering cassinitypes were at Olema, Marin, Nov. A goodflight of Red-breastedNuthatches was noted along 21 (RS) and near Lodi Nov. 11-30+ (DGY et al.). Four Phila- the central coast(135+ reportedfrom Marin to Monterey)and delphia Vireos were reported, as follows:one at Fairhaven, in the C.V. (33+ from Butte to Stanislaus).The F.I. had one as Humboldt,Sept. 13-14 (JCB, •GSL, tLPL); two mist-netted at early as Aug. 4, but first arrival datesat most other locations F.I., Sept. 12-15 (tPP) and Sept. 19-22 (tPP, *C.A.S.);and one

140 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 on Pt ReyesSept 27 (iALE et al ) SevenRed-eyed Vireos along TANAGERS THROUGH FRINGILLIDS -- Male Summer the coast Aug. 31-Sept. 23 were a bit above the recent fall Tanagerswere reportedat Carmel Sept.13 (JB,PhR, R. Doudiet) average.A Montereyfirst "Yellow-green Vireo",at the Little and Capitola,Santa Cruz, Sept.23 (•DLSu). Of one dozen Rose- Sur R. mouth Oct. 3 (tJML, tEDG) was only the 5th or 6th for breastedGrosbeaks Aug. 19-Oct. 26, only one was inland, near the Region,all since 1978 in the period Oct. 3-30, but there Lodi Sept. 25 (•DGY). Two Blue Grosbeakswere reported have been single annual occurrencessince 1984. coastally,on Pt. ReyesSept. 7-8 (fide Gull; JM, RAE, m.ob.) and F.I., Sept. 10. An "above average"nine Indigo Buntings WOOD WARBLERS -- Migration seemedearly or on time were tallied at F.I., Aug. 13-Nov. 2, but there were only 3-4 for mostspecies, including the "eastern"ones, of which inland other coastalreports. The 5th F.I. Painted Bunting was netted observers found more than their usual share. A modest 14-17 Sept.23 (•PP).A Dickcisselat MossBeach Aug. 16 (•PJM),San TennesseeWarblers Sept. 7-Nov. 10 were mostly early, only Mateo's2nd and the earliest ever in fall, was followedby one two being found after Sept. 28, which is usually around the at F.I., Aug. 28. A Green-tailedTowhee at SalinasNov. 4-Dec median date for fall records.Single Virginia's Warblers were i (BHG) was late. A Cassin'sSparrow, F.I.'s 10th, was reported at the Carmel R. mouth,Monterey Sept. 21-22 (•GMcC,•JML, Sept.22. Reportsof singleAm. Tree Sparrowscame from Pt •DR et al.) and on F.I., Nov. 2. Among three N. ParulasAug. ReyesSept. 7-11 (remarkably early--JML et al.) and Oct. 5 28-Sept. 14 was Sacramento's2nd, Aug. 28-Sept. 6 (•JML, (DLSu,fide Gull), as well as F.I., Oct. 28, and Albany Nov 9 tTDM, JTr). (Alameda'sfirst--tDDK). A Chipping Sparrow at Janesville, Of 13-14 coastalChestnut-sided Warblers, a sparseturnout Lassen,Nov. I (SJ,DS) was very tardy and far north. Clay- Sept. 3-Oct. 17, all but three were in September.Magnolia colored Sparrow reports numbered 18, all coastal Aug. 24- Warblerswere alsoearly, with half of 17-18 birds, Aug. 28- Nov. 1. The only Black-throatedSparrow reported, San ]oa- Oct. 28, reportedby Sept.7, prior to all "first fall arrival" dates quin'sfirst, was at the StocktonSewage Ponds Nov. 16-28 (S since 1980. One inland at ModestoSept. 13 (•HMR, ph. ERC) Schaeffer,•DGY, MJL).A well-describedjuv. Le Conte'sSpar- was Stanislaus'2nd. For the 3rd fall in a row there was only row netted Sept.11-12 (•PP),and anotherbanded Oct. 11 (de- one Cape May Warbler, at F.I., Oct. 11. Eight Black-throated tails not yet seen), furnished the 2nd and 3rd F.I. records, Blue Warblerscoastally Sept. 21-Nov. 9 was a typicalshowing. pendingC.B.R.C. review. There are but a handful of records Black-throatedGray Warblers were quite numerousin the for the Region.Single Sharp-tailedSparrows were noted at C V., Aug. 15 through the end of the period. Sacramentoob- Palo Alto Baylands,Santa Clara, Nov. 4-30 (•SEF,•JM), Bolinas serversreported 20+ (TDM et al.), and a peakof 18 was noted LagoonNov. 28 (tBDP), and overwintering at Arcata Oct. 22+ in StanislausSept. 14 (HMR). At least 10 lingeringto the end (Humboldt'sfirst--fide RLeV).A good-sized,early influx of Fox of the periodRegionwide were noteworthy.Eight Townsend's Sparrowswas commented on by a numberof observers(DLSu, Warbler reportsin SacramentoAug. 18-Oct. 9 (TDM et al.) BVdM, BY, DGY, TDM). Also noted in goodnumbers were 19+ were aboveaverage, but nine Nov. 23 and at leastsix through Swamp SparrowsOct. 4-Nov. 23, all coastalbut one at Mono the end of November in Stanislauswere remarkable (HMR). L., Oct. 29 (SJ,fide DS), and 62+ White-throatedSparrows, all All BlackburnianWarbler reportscame from Inverness,with but a few on the coast.Five coastalHarris' SparrowsNov. 2- two to three Sept. 27-Oct. 10 (RS), and F.I., with three Sept. 26 was alsoslightly above average. Five possible"Pink-sided" 4-Oct. 10, saveone from FairhavenOct. 22 (JCS).Exciting but Dark-eyed]uncoes were reportedSept. 21-Nov. 30. Although brief views were had of F.I.'s 5th Yellow-throated Warbler Oct. someof thesereports seem quite reasonable,caution is called 21 (•SNGH). Eight to ten coastalPrairie WarblersSept. 3-Oct. for until the complexitiesof junco identificationcan be more 25 included Sonoma's2nd at BodegaBay on the latter date thoroughly unraveled. A "Gray-headed Junco" was on Pt (RS,m.ob.). An estimated96+ Palm Warblersalong the coast ReyesOct. 20 (•DAH, DDK). Sept. 3 through the period'send was the best turnout since Longspursattracted a bit of attention this fall, most notably 1983. A Bay-breastedWarbler was reportedat RodeoLagoon, Alameda'sfirst (andthe Region'scoastal 2nd) McCown'sLong- Marin, Sept.28 (RSet al.). About 60 BlackpollWarblers on the spur at Hayward Oct. 17-24 (JSL, •RAE, •JM, •GMcC, m.ob.) coastSept. 4-Oct. 23 was a moderatetotal. Twelve+ Chestnut-collaredLongspurs Oct. 5-Oct. 28, includ- Of 14-16 coastalBlack-and-white Warblers Aug. 11-Nov. ing a "very unusual" six on F.I., three at Hayward Oct. 14-17 10, one on the former date set an early fall arrival record for (R]R, RAE, ]SL) for Alameda's 2nd record, and one over the F I A sparse23+ Am. RedstartsAug. 20-Oct. 23 includedonly Cordell Bank Oct. 12 (fide DLSh), were interesting, as well. A one inland, at SacramentoSept. 3-4 (BWb,•TDM). Three Pro- Snow Bunting visited F.I., Nov. 10 (tPP). thonotaryWarblers, at McKinleyville,Humboldt, Sept. 11-14 Bobolinkshad an exceptional fall, with 30+ reports Aug (J Houck, •LPL, m.ob.),Pacific Grove Sept.13-20 (D. Thomas, 10-Oct. 23. One of these was Alameda's first, at Fremont Oct tDR, m.ob.), and Pt. ReyesSept. 18-21 (ScC,RS, m.ob.), made 18-19 (B. Chilson,EHa, m.ob.).Two Rusty Blackbirdswere a goodshowing. Observers tallied sevento eight coastalOven- encountered, Mendocino's first at the Garcia R. mouth Oct. 13 birds Sept. 7-Oct. 12. The 15-16 N. Waterthrushesfound in- (•K. Wilson,DT), and one on F.I., Oct. 28. An Orchard Oriole cluded two earliest-everfall arrivalson F.I., Aug. 12 & 14, a on F.I., Aug. 14-15 providedthe Region'searliest fall record, 3rd Butte recordnear Chico Aug. 28-29 (JHS),and one found with 3 more reportscoming from Pt. ReyesSept. 21-Nov. 1 dead at Davis Sept. 12 (ECB).Not surprisingly,the only Con- Purple Fincheswere in "above averagenumbers" in Sac- necticutWarblers were two nettedat F.I., Sept.12 (one*C.A.S.). ramento, San Joaquin,San Francisco,and on F.I., but not com- Six MourningWarblers made the Region'sbest fall total ever. mented on elsewhere. Two o Cassin'sFinches at ]ack's Peak Predictably,five were at F.I., Sept.3, 10, & 12 (two birds), and Nov. 23 (•DR) were consideredMonterey's "first acceptable Oct. 20 (•PP), and one was at the Carmel R. mouth Nov. 4 records."There were scatteredreports of Red Crossbillsto the (•DR). A HoodedWarbler was at Carmel Sept. 18 (RS,m.ob.). coast.One to two Lawrence's Goldfinchesat Crescent City Four CanadaWarblers Aug. 23-Oct. 5 was an averagenumber, Sept.9 (ADB)were the farthestnorthwest the specieshas been but one in Sacramentowas Sacramento'sfirst, Aug. 23-Sept. recorded(no Oregonrecords). Evening Grosbeaks made news 8 (GEw, •JML, •MJL, tTDM, m.ob.). As rarely seen in fall on throughoutthe Region,but reviewswere mixed. "Huge num- the coastand the C.V. floor as are many "eastern" warblers, bers" were noted throughoutSiskiyou in late September(MR, singleYellow-breasted Chats at SacramentoAug. 30 (L. Brown) RE et al.), stayingthrough the period'send, and "100 per day" and Sept. 9 (TDM), near Lodi Sept. I (DGY), at Muir Beach, throughSeptember were at Westhaven,Humboldt (GSL). Sep- Marin, Aug. 24 (fide Gull), and on Pt. ReyesSept. 8-12 (DLSu tember 27 saw the first of a seasontotal 100+ passPt. Diablo et al.) were worth noting.A singlechat in the Yuba foothills (CLF), and Sept.26 was the first date for one near Lodi (DGY) Aug. 29 (PBS)and the "last of the season"at Summit City, But 170+ for the season in Santa Cruz was considered "not Shasta,Sept. 10 (BVdM) were within the species'breeding exceptional"(DLSu), and numbersin San Joaquin"sputtered range. out, asnone was seenin November" (DGY). None was reported

Volume 41, Number 1 141 from Stanislaus(HMR), but 10-60 were "seen daily" in the StevenN.G. Howell, Tom Johnson,Stuart Johnston,Lars Jonsson, Madera foothills to the south, Nov. 25-t- (JCL)! Then again, Durrell D. Kapan,Theodore H. Koundakjian,Linda Kypta (LKy), Evening Grosbeaks(and birds in general) wouldn't be as en- JeriM. Langham,Paul E. Lehman,Gary S. Lester,Lauren P. Lester, joyableif they were too predictable,would they? Ronald LeValley, William Levett, Mike J. Lippsmeyer,John C. Lovio,John S. Luther, Bill G. Manolis,Timothy D. Manolis,Guy ADDENDA -- Editorialtrimming of the belatedAutumn 1985 McCaskie,Lynn McCullough,Peter J.Metropulos, Mike Morgan, seasonreport (AB 40:329-333) unfortunately removed all mention JosephMorlan, M. Moyer, Bob Mutchie (BMu), Paul L. Noble, of the 2nd-largestirruption of Black-ventedShearwaters in recent Larry L. Norris, Point ReyesBird Observatory,Benjamin D. Par- Regionalhistory. The Heermann's Gull at Stocktonand the Thick- meter, PeterPyle, Harold M. Reeve,Lori A. Rhodes,David C. Rice, billed Murre should have been boldfaced. A Black-billed Cuckoo RobertJ. Richmond, Jean Richmond, Mike Robbins,Don Roberson, at F.I., Oct. 18, 1985 (tPP--P.R.B.O.), was the island'sfirst and the Terry Ronneberg,James A. Rooney,Philip Rostron(PhR), Peter B. Region's 5th. Sands,Barry Sauppe, Steve Schaeffer, Donald E. Schmoldt,Debra L. Shearwater(DLSh), Dave Shuford,Jim H. Snowden,Jean Marie CITED CONTRIRUTORS (Sub-regionaleditors in bold- Spoelman,Paul F. Springer,Rich Stallcup,John C. Sterling,Gary face)- Stephen F. Bailey, Alan D. Barron, Edward C. Beedy, J.Strachan, David L. Suddjian(DLSu), Steven D. SulT•ers, Chris GeorgeF. Binp, Irene Britton, William G. Bousman,Fred J. Broer- Swarth(CSw), Jack Taylor, DougThomas, Robert F. Tintie, Dorothy man, Lee Brown, Phyllis M. Browning,June Buntin, Eric R. Caine, Tobkin, JohnTrochet (JTr}, Kent Van Vuren, Bill Von der Mehden, Kurt F. Campbell, Scott Carey (ScC), Theodore A. Chandik, Bill BruceWebb (BWb),Sophie W. Webb, Brian Weed, JerryR. White, Chilson, Bill Clark (BC),Neal E. Clark, Derek Currail (DCu), Mar- Katherine Wilson, David G. Yee, BobYutzy. Other observerswere yann Danielson (MDa), J. Michael Danzenbaker, Bruce E. Deuel, too numerous to list individually.--STEPHEN F. BAILEY (loons Linda Doerfiinger, Ruth Doudiet, Jon L. Dunn, Alan M. Eisner, through pelicans, raptors, jaegers through alcids), Dept. of Or- Arthur L. Edwards,Ray Ekstrom,Richard A. Erickson,Gil Ewing nithology and Mammalogy, California Academy of Sciences, (GEw), Carter L. Faust,Leora R. Feeney,Shawneen E. Finnegan, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118; ALAN D. BARRON Sam D. Fitton, DouglasGeorge (DGe), Bruce H. Gerow, Greg W. (herons through waterfowl), 2460 Maciel Lane, Crescent City, Gerstenberg,Ron H. Gerstenberg,Peter Gottschling, Edward D. CA 95531; RICHARD A. ERICKSON (rails through shorebirds), Greaves, Helen A. Green, Paul D. Green, Keith Hansen, Stan W. 4407 Holt St., Union City, CA 94587;and TIMOTHY D. MANOLIS Harris, Syd Harrison (SHa),Edward HaseIII (EHa),Kevin G. Hintsa, (cuckoosthrough fringi!!ids), 3532 Winston Way, Carmichael, Kathy Hobson, Alice Hoch (AIH), David A. Holway, J. Houck. CA 956O8.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Guy McCaskie

herewere nounusual weather conditions insouthern o • N E v Californiathis fall, the periodbeing drier than normal, -•. and lacking Santa Ana conditions.Numbers of migrant landbirds found along the coast and at inland "migrant traps" were about average and contained enough "va- grants" to maintain most birders' enthusiasm and interest. Colorado ABBREVIATIONS -- F.C.R. = Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, Inyo Co.;L.A.C.N.H.M. = LosAngeles County Natural His- tory Museum; N.E.S.S. = north end of the Salton Sea, Riverside Co.;S.B.C.M. = San BernardinoCounty Museum; S.C.R.E. = Santa Clara River Estuary near Ventura, Ventura Co.; S.D.N.H.M. = San Diego Natural History Museum; S.E.S.S.: south end of the Salton Sea,Imperial County. As virtually all raritiesfound in s. California are seenby numerousobservers, only the observerinitially iden- tifying the bird is included. Documentation is on file with the CaliforniaBird Records Committee (c/o Don Roberson,282 Grove Acre, PacificGrove, CA 93950)for all raritieslisted in this report, and recordssubmitted without documentationare not published.

LOONS THROUGH STORK- A Pacific Loon on L. Per- PAC I F IC san ris, Riverside Co., Nov. 19 (CMcG) was the only one found OCEAN inland.Five Com.Loons on L. Palmdalein the AntelopeValley, LosAngeles Co., Sept. 28 (KLG) were early fall migrants,and 16 on L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co., Nov. 12 (PEL) was a large numberfor an inland locality.Eleven Horned Grebes 9 (JSR) was the only one identified. A Black Storm-Petrel at were forced down onto Weist L. near the S.E.S.S., Nov. 17 N.E.S.S.,Sept. 28 (JO'B) was the first ever to be found inland (RHi)by stormyweather, and 35 on L. PerrisNov. 9 wasa high in California. Twelve LeastStorm-Petrels off San Diego (some count for an inland locality. off n. BajaCalifornia) Sept. 7 (JLD)were the only onesreported, A N. Fulmar off Morro Bay Aug, 5 (MC) had undoubtedly and basedon the amount of time birders spentoffshore it was summered locally. Two Flesh-looted Shearwaters, rare in s. clear that very few, if any, were present n. of San Diego. California waters, were found off Morro Bay Aug. 13 (MC). A A flock of 200 Am. White Pelicans over Dana Pt., Nov. 2 Buller'sShearwater off San DiegoSept. 6 (JO) was in an area (LRH) was a large number for along the coast,but at the time where few are found,but one off Ventura Nov. 9 (JSR)and 43 of the year large numbersare movingS acrossthe easternpart offMorro Bay Sept. 28 (TME)were in waterswhere the species of the Region.Brown Pelicannumbers remained higher than regularly occurs.A Short-tailed Shearwater off Ventura Nov. normal throughout the period on the Salton Sea, with more

142 AmericanBirds, Spring 1987 than 50 still present at the end of November (GMcC); large tion in numbersfrom thoseencountered 25 yearsago; an adult numbers were along the coastduring most of the fall, with near Pauma Valley, San DiegoCo., Nov. I (CGE)was not only someimpressive concentrations reported, such as the 2500 on late, but also along the coastalslope where now considered the Marina del Rey breakwater Oct. 19 (KLG). The ad. Oli- casualat best. Zone-tailedHawks were presentaround the vaceous Cormorant at N.E.S.S. during the summer was last nest site on Hot SpringsMt., San Diego Co., through Aug. 10 seen Aug. 24 (RHi). The only Magnificent Frigatebirdwas an (DK), one seenover Vista Sept. 13-25 (CW) was apparently the immature at S.E.S.S.,Aug. 20 (RHi). samebird which haswintered in this area for the past4 years, An imm. Little Blue Heron in GoletaAug. 17-Sept.16 (BA) and another at the Plano Trabuco Nov. 28+ (JLD) was un- and anotherat BalsaChica Aug. 17-Sept. 13 (JS)were the only doubtedly the same bird present here last winter. A Rough- onesfound away from s. San DiegoBay, where up to three leggedHawk near S.E.S.S.,Nov. 8 (RHi) was far to the south adultsand one immaturewere presentthroughout the period. and the only one reported.An ad. GoldenEagle near Brawley The only TricoloredHeron to be found was a winteringadult Sept. 30-Nov. 4 (RHi) was one of a very few ever to be found in Imperial Beach Nov. 6+ (D & MH). Four Reddish Egrets in the Imperial Valley. appearedin the San Diegoarea with an immature at the mouth of the Tijuana R., Sept.4+ (CGE)joined by an adult Nov. 8 CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- A Sandhill Crane at the Goose (GMcC),another adult, the bird known to have spentthe past L. Pondsnear Wasco,Kern Co., Sept. 14 (RHa} was exception- 4 winters on s. San Diego Bay, back Oct. 13-t-(NBB), and an ally early, and 300 were there Oct. 19+ {MAC};11 near Needles immature in Del Mar Nov. 16+ (JO'B), being more than nor- Nov. 12 (TlVOwere the only othersreported away from known mally expected.The ad. Wood Stork found in the PradoBasin, wintering localities.With the potential splitting of the Lesser RiversideCo., in July was presentthrough Aug. 25 (LRH). Golden-Ploverinto two species,more observersare attempting to identify these birds to "race", the gray birds being called WATERFOWL -- A flock of 38 FulvousWhistling-Ducks dominica and the yellow birds fulva; however, we still have near Brawley Oct. 12 (RHi) was a large number for this day much to learn about the variation in the plumage coloration and age.Five Tundra Swanson Morro Bay Nov. 24 (RC),an- of these two "races", and the characterswe can rely on to other there Nov. 30 (GPS),and four on L. Cachuma Nov. 22+ separatethem. At least 18 birds considereddominica were (GT) were the only ones reported, and indicate the normal found along the coast between Sept. 26 and Nov. 28, along time of arrival of wintering birds in s. California. A flock of 45 with one near Rosamond,Kern Co., Aug. 29 (]LD) and six at GreaterWhite-fronted Geese flying S over Pt. Lama Sept. 29 S.E.S.S.,Oct. 26 (REW) being inland. In addition, 35 birds (in- (REW)was a little early and a largenumber for alongthe coast. cluding a flock of 22 near SantaMaria, Santa BarbaraCo.) felt The "Cackling"Canada Goose is a rare late fall and earlywinter to be fulva, the only form known to winter in California, were visitant to s. California, hence three with 125 Canada Geese at various points along the coastafter Sept. 12. Fifty Snowy at CastaicDam, Los AngelesCo., Nov. 28-29 (JLD), two with Ploversat Harper Dry Lake, San BernardinoCo., Oct. 2 (EAC) 1000Canada Geese over EncinoNov. 29 (JLD),and sevenwith was a large concentrationfor an inland locality. A Solitary 80 Canada Geesein Huntington Beach Nov. 8 (RAH) were all Sandpipernear Oxnard Oct. 21 (JSR)was late, and another in of interest.Two of the endangered"Aleutian" CanadaGeese Tapia Park near Malibu Nov. 20-27 (KLG)was exceptionally were also with the 125 Canada Geese at Castaic Dam Nov. 28- late. A Red Knot on the Kern N.W.R., Kern Co., Sept.14 (MAC) 29 (JLD). A/• Eur. Wigeon on Morro Bay Oct. 25-26 (VP) was and another near Lancaster,Los Angeles Co., Oct. 4 ( J & ES) the earliest to be found this fall, and at least 12 were known were the only two found inland away from the Salton Sea. to be presentin the Regionby the end of the period.A • Tufted Likewise, a Sanderlingnear LancasterAug. 8 (NBB), four more Duck on Quail L., Los AngelesCo., Nov. 25+ (AS) is believed there Oct. 5 (KLG), and another on nearby L. Palmdale the to be the same bird seen here off and on during the past 8 same day (KLG) were also the only ones found inland away winters. A Greater Scaupin San Simeon,San Luis ObispoCo., from the SaltonSea. As is now expectedthere was a movement Sept. 12 (TME) had undoubtedly summered locally, one in of juv. Semipalmated Sandpipers through the Regionin August SantaBarbara Sept. 27-Oct. 8 (PEL)was an exceptionallyearly and early Septemberwith 20_+reported between Aug. 4 and fall migrant, and one at F.C.R., Nov. 15-19 (DRW) was at an Sept. 7; one well-studied near Santa Maria Oct. 30 (PEL)was unusuallocality. A • HarlequinDuck at BalsaChica Oct. 25+ exceptionallylate, the previouslatest record being of one in (CH)was undoubtedly the samebird seenhere off andon since the samearea Oct. 19, 1980 (AB 35:226).A PectoralSandpiper December1984. Up to two Black Scoters,quite rare in recent in GoletaNov. 9-11 (CDB)was the latestthis fall. A juv. Sharp- years, were on Morro Bay Nov. 27+ (GPS) and another was tailed Sandpiper,a casual stragglerto s. California, was on at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co., Nov. 22 (LB); these were the only Upper NewportBay Oct. 13-14 (DD, ph. AS). A RockSandpiper onesfound. An imm. Surf Scoterat N.E.S.S.,Nov. 22 (EAC), at Avila Beach,San Luis ObispoCo., Oct. 31+ (CMa) was un- another in El Centro Nov. 15 (RHi), and five maleson nearby Weist L., Nov. 17 (RHi), alongwith a White-winged Scoteron L. Perris Nov. 19 (CMcG), were the only scotersfound inland...... RAPTORS- An imm. MississippiKite at Oasis Aug. 30 (GMcC} was only the 4th fall migrant ever to be found in California.An imm.Bald Eagle over the PlanoTrabuco, Orange Co., Nov. 29 (CMa) was evidently a migrant movingS closeto the coast and was in an area where now considered exceed- ingly rare. An imm. N. Goshawkin TecopaOct. 13 (iT) was . in the n.e.corner of the Regionwhere small numbers probably occur each fall and winter. Red-shouldered Hawks are now found annually as post-breedingwanderers at suchlocalities asDeep Springs and F.C.R.in extremee. Inyo County,and are startingto be foundwith regularityin the Imperial Valley in s.e.California, with an adult in BrawleyAug. 26+ (RHi),sug- gestingthis speciesmay be expandingits California range eastward.An imm. Broad-wingedHawk over Pt. LomaSept. 28 (JO'B}was the only one found this fall. A flock of 28 Swain- son'sHawks near BakersfieldSept. 5 (MOC) and six over Red- landsSept. 12 (RMcK)indicate small numbers still pass through JuvenileSharp-tailed Sandpiper at Upper Newport Bay, Cal., this Regionduring migration, although this is a drasticreduc- Oct. 14, 1986.Photo/Arnold Small.

Volume 41, Number I 143 Albino dowitcher(probably Long-billed) with a flock of Long-billedDowitchers near Chino,San BernardinoCo., Cal., Sept.22, 1986. Photo/Henry Childs. doubtedlythe samebird that was presenthere last winter. A Heermann's Gulls, casual inland, were at N.E.S.S., Aug. 3-9 Stilt Sandpiper in San Luis ObispoOct. 7 (ph. GPS), up to six (MAP), another was there Sept. 28 (GMcC), and a 4th was at at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co., Oct. 12-Nov. 16 (JSR),and another S.E.S.S.,Aug. 23-25 (JO'B).A juv. Mew Gull on Pt. Loma Aug. in Long BeachAug. 31-Sept. 6 (BN) were all along the coast 30 (REW) was remarkably early. A Herring Gull near Santa where consideredvery rare to casual. A Buff-breastedSand- Maria Sept.23 (JLD)was the earliestthis fall. Unexpectedwas piper, very rare in Californ/a, was near Imperial Beach Oct. an ad. LesserBlack-backed Gull, only the 3rd ever to be found 11 (Rlv0.Ruffs were more numerousthan usualwith as many in California, at N.E.S.S.,Sept. 14-Oct. 5 (ph. RHi), and what as sevennear Santa Mafia between Aug. 31 and Oct. 17 (DRW, was felt to be the samebird at S.E.S.S.,Oct. 25 (RHi). Western CDB) including four together Oct. 6 (KJZ), one in Anaheim Gulls continue to be found on the SaltonSea, where up until Sept. 5-12 (DRW), one on BatiquitosLagoon, San Diego Co., recently consideredaccidental, with a juvenile photographed Sept.4-13 (REW),another near Imperial BeachSept. 13 (GMcC), at SaltonCity Aug. 15 (DH), an adult there Sept.16 (REW),and and the returning male on San DiegoBay Aug. 17+ (•O'B) all a first-year bird there Sept. 28-Oct. 3 (GMcC). One or two being along the coast,and single birds near Norco, San Ber- Glaucous-wingedGulls, rare far inland, were at S.E.S.S.,Nov. nardino Co., Aug. 22 (LRFO,at S.E.S.S.,Aug. 3 (•O), and in E1 2+ (RHi). The GlaucousGull that spentthe summerat N.E.S.S. Centro Nov. 4+ (RHi) being inland. A Corn. Snipe near Santa was still presentNov. 8 (CMa). Three ad. Sabine'sGulls were Maria Aug. 2 (GPS)was an early migrant. found inland, where considered casual, with one on the Goose L. Pondsnear WascoSept. 14 (RHa), another near Lancaster JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Up to six ParasiticJae- Sept. 21-28 (JLD), and the 3rd on Baldwin L. in the San Ber- gersa day were to be seenon the SaltonSea between Sept. 16 nardino Mts., Aug. 21 (BSK);one off Montana de Oro S.P.,Nov. and Oct. 27, but the specieswent unreportedanywhere else 28 (ISR) was exceptionallylate. An Arctic Tern in San Luis inland. Three S. Polar Skuas20 mi off Morro BaySept. 28 (JLD) ObispoAug. 13 (ph. GPS)was slightly oiled and another near were in an area where probably regular at this time of the Santa Maria Sept. 23 (PEL)had a slightly iniured wing; a full year. A LaughingGull in E1Centro Nov. 15-26 (RHi) was quite adult at N.E.S.S., Oct. 3 (REW) provided the first true inland late. SevenFranklin's Gulls, all first-yearbirds, along the coast occurrence in s. California in fall. A Black Tern at S.E.S.S., between SantaMafia and Anaheim between Sept. 23 and Nov. Nov. 2 (GMcC) and another at Dana Pt., Nov. 25 (LRH) were 23, along with one more near Lancaster Oct. 4-15 (JKA, ph. both late. A Black Skimmer in Carpinteria Oct. 12 (JC) was SVW), was about average for this time of year. One to two the only one found north of the S.C.R.E.;this speciesis now

First-winter Franklin's Gull at Santa Barbara, Cal., Oct. 13, 1986. Ancient Murrelet on NewportBay, Cal., Nov. 12, 1986. Photo/ Photo/Paul Lehman. lames Gallagher.

144 American Birds, Spring 1987 found regularly along the coastat suitable locationsnorth to not as unexpectedas the • White-headedWoodpecker at the S C R.E., being common around San Diego and BolsaChlca. same location on the same date (JLD). A PigeonGuillemot in Carpinteria Nov. 5 (PEL) was a little FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES--A Greater to the south of the species'normal range on the coast,and somewhatlate for alongthe immediate coast,this speciesev- Peweein SanDiego Nov. 23+ (EC)was undoubtedlythe same idently moving far out to sea or northward in winter. Two bird presentat this very locationall of lastwinter. A W. Wood- Marbled Murrelets off San SimeonSept. 13-14 (CMa) and an- Pewee in Oceano Oct. 18 (BS) was late, and another wood- other off nearby CayucosNov. 12 (TME) were at the s. limit pewee in nearby Los OsosOct. 21 (CMa) was possiblyan E of the species'range. An Ancient Murrelet in Newport Harbor Wood-Peweebased on call. A Willow Flycatcherin Huntington Nov 10-12 (DRW, ph. JRG),another at the nearby Newport Beach Nov. 12-16 (LRH) was exceptionally late. Four Least Pier Nov. 10-23 (CMcG), and a third on San Diego Bay Nov. Flycatcherswere found along the coastwith singlebirds in 26 (D & MH) were all far to the south of the species'normal CarpinteriaOct. 16 (JLD),Anaheim Sept.16-18 (DRW), on Pt range. LomaSept. 27-28 (REW),and in CoronadoOct. 10 (EC)for an averagenumber for fall. Three E. Phoebes,a very rare to casual DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A White-winged ßstraggler to California,were reportedwith oneinland in Braw- Dove in San Simeon Oct. 12 (GPS) was the northernmost of ley Oct. 12-14 (RHi),and singlebirds along the coastat Malibu the 15+ found alongthe coast.A Yellow-billed Cuckoo,now Oct. 12-Nov. 1 (RS)and LongBeach Oct. 25 (BED).Up to three casualto accidentalon the coast,was in Carpinteria Sept. 18- Vermilion Flycatchersnear Imperial BeachSept. 22+ (DPo) 25 (PEL).A Groove-billed Ani near Seeley,Imperial Co., Oct. were the only onesfound alongthe coast.Tropical Kingbirds 25 (PU) was the 3rd ever to be found in California. A recently- were exceptionallyscarce with an exceptionallyearly bird in dead Flammulated Owl found on a road through the Granite GoletaSept. 5 (HR)followed by anotherthere Oct. 26+ (CDB), Mts, San Bernardino Co., Oct. 10 (EAC, *S.B.C.M.) was un- one in Santa Barbara Nov. 11-28 (JH), and a 4th at Pt. Mugu doubtedly a migrant, since the location is far from suitable Oct. 12 (JSR)being the only onesfound. A Thick-billed King- breeding habitat. A Great Horned Owl at Finney L. near bird near Tustin Nov. 9+ (LRH) was undoubtedly the same S E S S., Aug. 10 (JLD) was felt to be a migrant, becausethe bird that had spentthe past4 winters at this location.Six E speciesis believedextirpated as a nestingbird in the Imperial Kingbirdswere found alongthe coastwith one at Arroyo de Valley. Every year a few Com. Poorwillsare found away from la Cruz, San Luis ObispoCo., Aug. 24 (K & JH), another in areasof normal occurrenceduring October,suggesting October Gaviota,Santa Barbara Co., Sept. 1 (CDB),single birds in Goleta is the peakperiod for migration,and this year was no exception Sept. 6-13 (MH) and Sept. 16 (Roll), another in Huntington with 10 reportedbetween Oct. 8 & 25 includingone on a shop- BeachSept. 10 (JLD), and the 6th at San Elijo Lagoon,San ping center parking lot in W. Los AngelesOct. 9 (BP),one on Diego Co., Sept. 28-Oct. I (CGE). An ad. Scissor-tailedFly- the SantaMonica Pier Oct. 23 (KLG), and another in the Braw- catcher,a casualstraggler to California,near Imperial Beach ley Cemetery Oct. 17-19 (PEL). Two Black Swifts over the Aug. 17-Oct. 19 (GMcC) arrived in worn summer plumage, PradoBasin Aug. 14 (LRH) were the only onesreported. A • molted into fresh winter plumage,and moved on. Broad-billedHummingbird, a rare to casualstraggler to Cali- More than the averagenumber of Red-breastedNuthatches forma, was in OceansideSept. 23-24 (TK). A minor influx of were found in the coastallowlands and s.e. deserts,indicating Lewis' Woodpeckersmoved into s. California as indicated by a movement of these birds into the Region, with individuals suchconcentrations as 15 movingthrough Oak SpringsValley at Morro Bay Aug. 18 (JMcD) and Harper Dry Lake Sept. 3 along the n.e. edge of the San Gabriel Mts., San Bernardino (EAC) being the earliest. Only a few were still presentat the Co, Sept.29 (WDW), and 15 on W. Big Pine Mt., SantaBarbara end of the period.Brown Creepersalso appeared in the coastal Co, Nov. 13 (IS), alongwith suchreports as five in GoletaSept. lowlands and s.e. desertsduring late October and early No- 26 (AB), two at Iron Mt. Pump Station in e. San Bernardino vember. One of six presentaround Brawley Nov. 14-19 (RHi) Co, Oct. 4 (EAC), and two in Tapia Park near Malibu Oct. was collectedNov. 19 (PU *S.D.N.H.M.) and found to be amer- 27 (AS). icana, a race not normally found west of Texas in winter, and previously unrecordedin California. A CactusWren at Scotty's $oAo Castlein Death Valley Oct. 26 (RM) was north of the species' With the splittingof the Yellow-belliedSapsucker and normal range.A slight movementof Winter Wrens brought Red-naped Sapsucker, there is increased interest in individuals to the coastal lowlands and desert oases,with one identifying and reportingbirds out of range.Yellow-bel- in La JollaNov. 18-19 (JM)and anotherin WhitewaterCanyon, lied Sapsuckersare believed to be casual stragglersto RiversideCo., Oct. 18 (DCH) beingthe southernmost.Golden- Californiaat best,yet five were reported,including adult crownedKinglets were alsoon the move during Octoberand males near Oxnard Oct. 3 (JSR)and at MorongoValley November, gettingas far south as the Mexican border along Oct. 4 (CMcG), and an immature at F.C.R., Oct. 9 (JLD). the coast.One at Mojave Sept. 21 (JLD) was a little early for However,there are hybrids,and everysapsucker lacking such a locality, and two in Blythe Nov. 9 (AME) along with red on the nape may not necessarilybe a Yellow-bellied three to four in BrawleyNov. 1-25 (RHi) were far to the south- Sapsucker.I feel we are goingto have to learn exactly east. what plumagecharacters are diagnosticbefore we can Forty-five Mountain Bluebirdson Santa RosaI., Nov. 11-14 report Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswith certainty, and (PWC) and 30 on the Plano Trabuco Nov. 10 (BED) were high determine their true status in California. numbers for the coast. Four Townsend's Solitaires found aroundSan Diegobetween Oct. 9 & 22 (EC,REW) were unusual for the immediatecoast. A Gray-cheekedThrush seenon Pt A Red-napedSapsucker near San MarcosPass behind Santa LomaOct. I (REW)was the first ever to be reportedin s. Cal- BarbaraNov. 5 (SB)and another in Montana de Oro S.P., Oct. ifornia, but disappearedbefore other interestedbirders arrived 10+ (KJZ)were both a little to the n.w. of the species'normal on the scene. A Wood Thrush, casual to accidental in Califor- range in s. California. A • Williamson's Sapsucker at the nia, was at F.C.R., Nov. 15 (BED, ph. DRW), and was the first SchulmanGrove in the White Mts., Aug. 7 (JLD) was in an to be found inland in California. A scattering of Varied area where breedingis unrecorded,and was therefore consid- Thrushesbrought individuals south to KelsoOct. 12 (CMcG) ered an early migrant; a female in Kelso,San Bernardino Co., and Pt. Loma Nov. 2-6 (B & MMcI). Oct• 5 (EAC, *S.B.C.M.),another female near Victorville, San Bernardino Co., Oct. 12 (RMcK, *L.A.C.N.H.M.), and a male THRASHERS THROUGH VIREOS -- A Gray Catbird, a on the PalosVerdes Peninsula, Los AngelesCo., Oct. 31-Nov. casualstraggler to California,was photographedin TecopaOct 8 (AS) were all at most unusual localities. A Downy Wood- 3-8 (JT) and anotherwas presenton Pt. LomaOct. 16-23 (REW) peckerat Mojave Oct. 10 (JLD)was far out into the desert,but A BrownThrasher in MorongoValley Nov. 27 (SP)and another

Volume 41, Number 1 145 on Pt Loma Sept.21 (JRM) were the only onesfound this fall 18 (WC)was the only one found.Blackpoll Warblers were also Red-throatedPlp•ts were again found alongthe coastwith the quite numerouswith 35_+along the coastbetween Sept. 9 and first near Santa Maria Oct. 5-6 (PEL),one in Goleta Oct. 14- Oct. 25, and three more inland, with very early birds at Deep 15 (TEW),another rather late bird there Nov. 4-15 (PEL),and Springs,Inyo Co., Aug. 30 (GMcC) and California City, Kern up to three near Imperial Beach Oct. 14-Nov. 2 (RM). Up to Co., Sept. I (JWi), and the third alsoin CaliforniaCity Sept five Sprague'sPipits were foundin alfalfa fieldsjust n. of Nee- 21 (NBB).A CeruleanWarbler on Pt. LomaSept. 13 (REW)was dlesNov. 2+ (EAC) and another was seenat Brawley Nov. 29 only the 8th ever to be found in s. California. (GMcC);this speciesis provingto occurregularly in California SingleProthonotary Warblers, casual vagrants to California, in small numbersduring fall and winter. were at Oceano Oct. 17-22 (KJZ), in Long Beach Oct. 16-25 A Bell's Vireo in Brawley Nov. 10+ (RM) was apparently (BED),on Pt. LomaSept. 20-21 (REW),and nearImperial Beach wintering at that locality. A Gray Vireo at Harper Dry Lake Oct. 22 (JWa).The only Ovenbirdsreported were a deadbird Sept. 3 (AM) was one of a very few ever to be found away from near Santa Maria Sept. 29 (MB), singlebirds on Pt. Loma Oct known breedinglocalities. A Yellow-throatedVireo, a casual 12-14 (DPa) & 26 (MAP), and a 4th inland at F.C.R., Oct 26 stragglerto California,was in HuntingtonBeach Oct. 23-Nov. (GMcC).A • Kentucky Warbler in La Crescenta,Los Angeles I (DRW). A PhiladelphiaVireo in CarpinteriaOct. I (TEW) Co., Sept. 11-Oct. 18 (CMu) was the 23rd to be found in s was the long-awaitedfirst for Santa BarbaraCounty. A Red- California.Two Mourning Warblerswere reportedwith one eyed Vireo at Morro Bay Sept. 21 (GPS)was the only one re- at Montana de Oro S.P., Sept. 7 (JMcD) and the other near ported;this speciesis certainly scarcerin s. Californiatoday Oxnard Sept.27 (AS), there now being 23 recordsfor this spe- than it was 20 years ago. cies in s. California. A • Hooded Warbler, rarer in fall than in spring,was in Del Mar Oct. 11-13 (RM). A CanadaWarbler, WOOD WARBLERS -- This was a better-than-averagefall another of the rarer vagrantsto reach California, was in Mon- for seeingnumbers and variety of wood warblers in s. Cali- tana de Oro S.P., Sept. 14-17 (GPS), another was in Oceano fornia,with all the regularly-occurringspecies being relatively Sept. 5 (CDB), a 3rd was at Gaviota Oct. 17-20 (EAC), a 4th numerous,and a total of 39 speciesbeing recorded. Twenty- was accompanyingthe HoodedWarbler in Del Mar Oct. 10- two TennesseeWarblers along the coastbetween Sept. i and 13 (EM), and a 5th was in nearby La Jolla Oct. 23 (JO'B) A the end of the period was about average,as was 12 Virginia's Painted Redstart,always a colorful find, was at Torrey Pines Warblers in the same area between Aug. 27 and Oct. 5. A S.P.,Oct. 6 (SW), singlebirds were on Pt. Loma Sept. I (FD) Lucy'sWarbler in Del Mar Oct. 4 (EM)was the only onefound. andSept. 29-30 (CGE),and a 4th wasinland at MorongoValley The summeringN. Parula in SantaBarbara remained through Oct. 7-9 (SVW). Sept.27 (CDB);single fall vagrantswere at RefugioState Beach Oct. I (PEL),in Santa BarbaraSept. 17-29 (PEL),near Oxnard TANAGERS THROUGH LONGSPURS- A • Hepatic Sept. 11 (JSR),in Irvine Oct. 22 (DRW), near Imperial Beach Tanagerin Irvine Nov. 17+ (DRW) was undoubtedlythe same Oct. 15-23 (GMcC), and inland near Blythe Nov. 28-29 (PEL) bird found at this location during the past 2 winters. Fifteen and at Brock Ranch, Imperial Co., Nov. 28 (RMcK), and an or so Summer Tanagersalong the coastwas about average, exceptionallylong-staying bird was in OceanoAug. 3+ (BS). one in CaliforniaCity Nov. 16 (ph. JWi),a femalein Brawley Seven Chestnut-sidedWarblers were found along the coast Nov. 10 (GMcC), and a male there Nov. 14 (RHi) furnished between Sept. 7 and Oct. 25 and an 8th was inland at Brock interestingrecords from inland. A ScarletTanager, very rare Ranch Nov. 30 (RMcK); one in Brawley Nov. 9+ (CMa) was in s. California, was on the Palos Vetdes Peninsula Oct. 30- undoubtedlythe samebird found wintering here a year ago. Nov. I (BED),another was in Del Mar Oct. 11 (JO'B),one was SingleMagnolia Warblers were at OceanoSept. 5-6 (TME), in on Pt. LomaOct. 19 (REW),and a 4th was inland at Thousand Santa BarbaraSept. 21-29 (PEL),in HuntingtonBeach Sept. Palms Oasis Oct. 3 (JLD). Twenty-five or so Rose-breasted 9-10 (LRH),on Pt. LomaSept. 5 & 28 (REW)and Oct. 12 (BED), Grosbeakswere reportedfrom alongthe coast,but one at F.C R, and inland at SeeleyOct. 25 (RHi). A • CapeMay Warbler, a Oct. 9 (JLD)was the only one found inland. IndigoBuntings speciesthat hasbecome remarkably scarce in Californiaduring were scarcerthan usual with only eight reported.A Painted the past5 years,was in Tapia Park near Malibu Oct. 26 (CB). Bunting,casual to accidentalin California,was at GayiotaSept Three Black-throated Blue Warblers were found with a male I (CDB) and a secondwas found on San ClementeI., Sept 9 near Tecopa Oct. 18 (DG), a female in Yucca Valley Oct. 7 (LS). Four Dickcissels,rarer today than 20 years ago, were (CMcG), and another female in HuntingtonBeach Oct. 15-31 found, with single birds in Goleta Sept. 26-27 (PEL), Oct (BED).Seven Black-throated Green Warblerswere more than 1-3 (JLD), and Oct. 15 (JLD), and the 4th on Pt. Loma Oct expectedwith one in Los OsosOct. 10-Nov. i (TME) and six 4-7 (FD). around San Diego between Sept. 22 and Oct. 25. The only Am. Tree Sparrowfound this fall was one Nov 15 SevenBlackburnian Warblers were foundwith singlebirds at F.C.R. (BED), an area where small numbersundoubtedly in OceanoOct. 5-12 (CMa), in SantaBarbara Oct. 6 (JLD), near occur regularly. Ten Clay-coloredSparrows along the coast OxnardSept. 28-Oct. 1 (TEW),in TapiaPark Nov. 15-23 (NBB), between Oct. 4 and Nov. 8 was about average,but one at Scot- on Pt. Loma Sept. 6 (REW), and near Imperial Beach Oct. 12 ty's Castlein Death Valley Aug. 31 (GMcC)was exceptionally (REW) and Oct. 15-23 (FB). A Yellow-throated Warbler, one ear]y, and another at nearby Mesquite SpringsOct. 26 (JO'B) of the rarer vagrantsto reach California, was in Montana de wasthe only other one foundinland. A Black-throatedSparrow Oro S.P.,Sept. 7-8 (TME) and anotherwas at Torrey PinesS.P. in CarpinteriaSept. 10 (PEL)and anothernear Malibu Oct 27 near SanDiego Oct. 8-9 (JO'B).It was certainly an exceptional (MCL) were along the coastwhere consideredcasual, and one fall for Pine Warblers with a female in Montana de Oro S.P., at Finney L. near S.E.S.S.,Aug. 10 (JLD)was in an area where Oct. 26-27 (TME), a male at Gayiota Oct. 30 (PEL), a female very few have been found. The only Lark Buntingsreported thereNov. 1 (TEW),a malenear Imperial Beach Oct. 15 (GMcC), were one near B]ythe Nov. 29 (PEL) and another on San Cle- and a male and female togetherthere Nov. 8 (EC), to give us menteI., Sept.9 (ph.LS). Single Grasshopper Sparrows in Go]eta an unprecedentedsix individuals. Six Prairie Warblers were Sept. 14 (HR) and Oct. 24 (PEL), a 3rd on Pt. Loma Oct. 30-31 foundwith singlebirds in Morro Bay S.P.,Sept. 3 (TME) & 10 (REW), and a 4th near Blythe Nov. 29 (PEL)were away from (GPS),one at Montanade Oro S.P.,Sept. 5-9 (GPS),another in known nestinglocalities. A Sharp-tailedSparrow, very rare in Oceano Oct. 13 (SF), and one on Pt. Loma Sept. 2-5 (REW) California, was at Morro Bay S.P., Nov. 2 (LT). Only seven beingalong the coast,and the 6th beinginland at L. Palmdale SwampSparrows were reported,all in November.Up to seven Sept.28 (KLG).Twenty-seven Palm Warblerswere foundalong Harris' Sparrowswere present at F.C.R., Oct. 9-Nov. 29, but the coastafter Sept. 26, and three morewere seeninland, where one near LancasterNov. 14 (NBB) was the only one found much rarer, with one at Panamint Springs,Inyo Co., Oct. 26 away from Furnace Creek Ranch. A McCown's Longspuron (GMcC),another at S.E.S.S.,Oct. 11 (RHi),and the 3rd in Braw- the Plano Trabuco Nov. 28+ (JLD)was the first to be found m ley Oct. 22 (RHi). A Bay-breastedWarbler in OceanoOct. 17- Orange County. The only Lapland Longspursfound this fall

146 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 eyed Vireo near Palo Verde, Imperial Co., June 21, 1986 (Steve Laymore) was a late spring vagrant at an unexpected locality. A LaplandLongspur near Madulce Peak Mar. 14, 1985 (JS)was at a most unusual locality. COBBIGENDA -- The 27 PomarineJaegers at the N.E.S.S.last spring (AB 40:524) were seen May 4, not Apr. 5. Photographsof the "HoodedWarbler" in CaliforniaCity May 24 (AB40:525) clearly show the bird to be a Wilson'sWarbler, thus castingdoubt on the correct identity of the May 11th bird; hence, both sightingsmust be deleted. CONTRIBUTORS (County coordinatorsin boldface)-- Jon- athan K. Alderfer, BrooksAllen, Fred Baker,Larry Ballard,Suzanne Barrymore, Chris D. Benesh,Chuck Bernstein,Allyn Bissel,Mick Bondello,N. BruceBroadbooks, Eugene A. Cardiff (SanBernardino Co.}, Ralph Cass,Judy Chambarlain, Mark O. Chichester (Kern Co.},Paul W. Collins,Wanda Conway, Elizabeth Copper (SanDiego Co.},Michael Craig, Fred Dexter, Dorothy Dimsdale, JonL. Dunn, Tom M. Edell (San Luis ObispoCo.}, Claude G. Edwards,Alan M. Eisnar, Richard A. Erickson, Shawneen Finnegan, JamesR. Gal- Summer Tanager at California City, Cal., Nov. 16, 1986. Note lagher. Kimball L. Garrett (LosAngeles Co.}, Dan Guthrie, Robb that this fresh-plumagedbird, seenfrom this angle, showsa A. Hamilton, Rob Hansen (RHa), Don & Marjorie Hastings (D & faint suggestionof wing-bars.Photo/John Wilson. MH), David C. Hatch, Karen & Jim Haylena (K & JH),Loren R. Hays, RogerHigson [RHi), Ron Hirst (Roll), Jim Hodgeson,Mark Holm- gren,David Holway, CharlesHood, David King, Tania Kinsey,Betty were singlebirds near SantaMaria Nov. 2 (PEL)and in Goleta S. Kleiner, Paul E. Lehman (SantaBarbara Co.), Michael C. Long, Curtis Marantz (CMa), John McDonald (JMcD), Chet McGaugh Nov. 4-5 (PEL), two near Oxnard Nov. 2-16 (JSR), and up to (CMcG), Bert & Margaret Mcintosh (B & MMcI), Robert Mc- two on the PlanoTrabuco Nov. 28+ (JLD)along the coast,and Kernan (RMcK---RiversideCo.), Ed Mersky, Tracy Meyers, Joanne singlebirds inland at F.C.R., Nov. 19 (JLD) and near S.E.S.S., Moore, JamesR. Morris, Chuck Murdoch (CMu), Roger Mnscat, Nov. 20 (RHi). Chestnut-collared Longspurswere relatively Bob Neuwirth, John O'Brien, Jerry Oldenettel, Bob Penn, Dennis scarcewith one near Oxnard Nov. 2-16 (JSR), up to eight on Parker (DPa), Vern Pascal,Michael A. Patten, Sally Pearce, David the Plano Trabuco Nov. 10+ (BED), one near Needles Nov. 16 Povey (DPo),Hugh Ranson,Jim S. Royer (Ventura Co.), Larry Sal- (BED), and two in Baker Oct. 12 (EAC) being the only ones ate, JohnSchmitt, Brad Schram, Arnold Small, Gregory P. Smith, reported. RussStone, Jim & Ellen Strauss(J & ES),Jan Tarble, Guy Tingos, Lisa Trayset, Phil Unitt, William D. Wagner, Stanley Walens, John Walters (JWa), Richard E. Webster, DouglasR. Wi!lick (Orange BLACKBIRDS, FINCHES- Thirty Bobolinksalong the Co.), Cora Wilson, JohnWilson (JWi), Summer V. Wilson, Tom E. coastbetween Aug. 28 and Oct. 27 were far fewer than ex- Wurster, Cal Yorke, Kevin J.Zimmer. An additional 60_+observers pected. A • Rusty Blackbird in California City Nov. 15-19 who could not be individually acknowledgedsubmitted reports (MOC, ph. JW) was the only one found. Six different Great- this season.--GUY McCASKIE, San DiegoNatural History Mu- tailedGrackles were foundalong the coast,indicating this spe- seum, Balboa Park, P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, CA 92112. cies is still expandingits range,and one near LancasterNov. 11 (CY) was the first to be foundin that area.Up to five Bronzed Cowbirdsin Brawley Aug. 1-25 (RHi) supportedthe idea that this speciesis a regularsummer visitor to the Imperial Valley. SingleOrchard Orioles, rare but regularstragglers to California, were in Goleta Sept. 13 & 29-30 (CDB), one was in Irvine Nov. 22 (RAH), anotherwas on Pt. LomaSept. 30 (REW),and a male was found inland in Baker Oct. 12 (CMcG). The presenceof up to 15 Purple Finchesin Brawley Aug. 28+ (RHi) suggestedsmall numbers moved into the lowlands of s.e. California. SingleCassin's Finches in California City Oct. 10 (RAE), near Seeley Nov. 9 (CMa), and in Brawley Nov. 10-14 (RHi) were probably associatedwith the movement of Purple Finches, and 17 on Figueroa Mt. near Santa Barbara Nov. 9 (PEL) was a large number for that locality. Two Red Crossbillson FigueroaMt., Nov. 9 (PEL) were the only ones reported. Evening Grosbeaksmoved into the s. California mountainsin large numbersas indicated by such reportsas 120 on Piute Mt., Kern Co., Nov. 22 (AS), 4504- on Mt. Pinos Nov. 19 (JLD), 30 at Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mts., Nov. 23 (DRW), and 25+ on Figueroa Mt., Nov. 9-15 (PEL); however, the first to arrive were singlebirds on the high desertat Baker, Kelso,and L. Palmdale, all on Oct. 5 (EAC, KLG), with up to five found at similar localitiesthrough November to as far south asWhitewater Canyon (oneNov. 23--DCH); singlebirds near Malibu Oct. 12 (KLG)and Nov. 16 (KLG),one in San Pedro Oct. 15 (KLG), and another on Pt. Loma Nov. 13 (REW) were the only onesfound alongthe coast.

ADDENDA -- An ad. N. Goshawkin an area of open chaparral at 4500 ft near Madulce Peak,Santa Barbara Co., Feb. 1, 1985 (JS} wasfar from the nearestknown nestinglocality. A singing8 Red-

Volume 41, Number I 147 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION

Robert L. Pyle

easonalacrossthe rainfall state, was bringinggenerally a littleslightly reductionabove in averagethe cal- endar year deficitsgenerated last winter and early spring. Slackeningof trade winds broughtwarm, muggyweather, especiallyduring late Augustand early Septemberwhen recordhigh temperatureswere equalledor surpassedon severaldates. Honolulu's all-time recordhigh temperature of 94 degreesset three yearsago was equalledtwice during the first week of September. ABBREVIATIONS -- F.F.S. = French Frigate Shoals;H. = Ha- waii I.; K. = Kauai I.; M. = Maui I.; ¸. = ¸ahu I.; J.C.N.W.R. = James Campbell Nat'l Wildlife Ref. on Oahu; K.M.C.A.S. = Kaneohe Ma- rine CorpsAir Station on Oahu; H.R.B.P.= Hawaii Rare Bird DocumentaryPhotograph File. PETRELS AND SHEARWATERS-- A (Hawaiian) Dark- rumpedPetrel {Endangered)picked up in Lanai City, Lanai, {PC}were in rarely-reportedlocalities for thisspecies. Another Nov. g was releaseda week later in apparentlyhealthy con- sightingof a LesserFrigatebird at Tern I., F.F.S.,this time an dition {fide TP). Dark-rumpedsare thought to nest on Lanai immature, was recorded Aug. 5 {JS). in small numbers,and occasionallyin fall in past yearsim- The GreatBlue Heronseen sporadically at KakahaiaN.W.R., matureshave been found groundedin or near Lanai City, the Molokai, since last winter was still there Oct. 9 {DW, SB). A only night-lightedarea on this small island.Seven downed flockof 180 CattleEgrets flying over Kalae, Molokai, ih August Dark-rumpedswere turned in this fall to the shearwateraid (CS)was a very high count for that island.Cattle Egretsalso stationson Kauai {TT). Their nestingarea on this island has were reportedto be widespreadon the Kulaslopes of Haleakala not yet been discovered.,6 strangeprocellarid turned in to the Mr. in c. Maui this fall (PC), and at least 700 were counted aid station at Lihue, K., Nov. 25 was identified {TT) as a So- coming to roost at Kanaha Pond Sept. 30 (RLP). lander'sPetrel, for the first documentedrecord of this species The little populationof FulvousWhistling-Ducks at Ki'i Unit, for Hawaii. It had been pickedup alive near Kipu Kai in s. J.C,N.W.R.,is still flourishing;six adults and three ducklings central Kauai and turned in by the Manager of Kipu Kai Ranch. wereseen there Sept. 26 (DP,RLP). The loneindividual resident The bird was banded,transported to Sea Life Park, O., and at Kakahaia N.W.R., Molokai, was still there in October and later releasedin apparentgood health Dec.15 (TP).Photographs November(DW, SB).A Brant returned in November to winter and extensive measurements were taken, and its identification as a Solander's Petrel rather than a dark Herald or Kermadec againthis year at AimakapaPond, H. (RD).Single Brant were also recordedin the ocean just offshoreof Makaha, O., Nov. Petrel was concurred in by TP, PP, & RLP. The preliminary 27 (DC}and at Tern I., F.F.S.,Dec. 5. The latter bird was found count of just over 1000 Newell's Shearwaters{Threatened} turned in to the aid stations on Kauai and released alive this dead 2 days later (RV*). The small CanadaGoose oversum- meringat Amorient Aquafarm,O., remainedthrough the fall fall was downsignificantly from recentyears despite the dark (BE,DA et aI.), but had not beenjoined by other migrantCan- moonoccurring close to the time of peak fiedgingthis year adas before November's end. {TT). Youngbirds leaving nestinggrounds in the mountains to fly to seaare more apt to be confusedby coastallights and groundedduring the dark nightsof new moon.The low count S.A. may indicatea poorproductive year, or perhapsmore young Five banded Hawaiian Geese (Nene--Endangered) fledgingearlier or later than the usual peak time in late Oc- from a captiveflock at Kipu Kai, Kauai turned up 11 km tober-earlyNovember. distant at Ahukini Landing Nov. 3 {TT). After a news- Procellaridsreported from a researchvessel off Kailua-Kona, paperstory solicited observations from the public,sight- H., Aug. 16 included one Bulwer's Petrel, one Christmas ingsof free-flyingNene were reportedfrom 5 other lo- Shearwater,and two Newell's Shearwaters,among 30+ Wedge- calities in s.e. Kauai. Nene, the noble state bird of Hawaii tailed Shearwaters(RD). One Flesh-looted Shearwater was and long an EndangeredSpecies, has been known his- sighted10 mi off Kailua-Kona Oct. 12 and several other times toricallyonly on Hawaii I., althoughfossil remains have during the fall {RD).Hawaii's first recordof this specieswas been found on Kauai and several other islands. recordedin the samearea 6 monthsearlier. An injured Leach's Storm-Petreldied soonafter being found in an open hanger on SandI., Midway Atoll, Nov. 28 (KM*). Six HawaiianDucks (Koloa--Endangered) were on the pond near Lihue Airport, K., Oct. 7 (DP, RLP). Single Koloa found TROPICBIRDS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Two at KanahaPond, M., Nov. 9 {RD)& 28 (PP)and at Pa'akaiPond, White-tailedTropicbirds in KaupoGap on HaleakalaMt., Sept. K.M.C.A.S., Dec. I (pP) furnished unusual locality records. 3 (PC) providedan unusual report of this specieson Maul A WinteringN. Pintailsand N. Shovelersseemed late in arriving single Red-tailed Tropicbird was reported again at Ki'i Unit, this year, althoughnumbers of shovelershad built up to 100 J.C.N.W.R.,Sept. 6 {PD, RD, RLP). A juv. MaskedBooby has at AimakapaPond, H., Nov. 22 (PP)and to 250 at KanahaPond, been reported roostingat South Pt., the southernmostpoint M., Nov. 28 (pP). Two Garganeys were reported at Kanaha on Hawaii I., since early October {fide RD), and one of this Pond, M., Nov. 10 {RD), and one male and two • Blue-winged specieswas seen from a researchvessel 10 mi offKailua-Kona, Teal were at Aimakapathrough late summerand fall {RD). H., Oct. 12 (RD}.Masked Boobies are very, very rarely reported Also at Aimakapa,one • Ring-neckedDuck, one • Greater anywhere in the main Hawaiian Islandss. of Oahu. Seven Scaupand three• LesserScaup were seenfrom Oct. 25 onward Great Frigatebirdsnear the SheratonHotel at the w. end of (RD, PP}.Four Ring-neckedDucks were seen at Kahuku, O., Molokai Sept. 16 (EE), and one at Kahului Harbor, M., Oct. 2 Sept. 23 (PD).

148 American Birds,Spring 1987 HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- A Hawaiian Hawk the chest,prominent when the bird was first seen,had largely ('Io--Endongered)was sightedNov. 15 near Pu'u Mali, at 7000- faded away by the end of August. Details of descriptionand 8000ft, highon the n. slopeof MaunaKea, H. (TP).An Osprey identificationare in preparationfor publication.Also, a Curlew temporarilyresident on Kauaiwas seen at MenehuneFishpond Sandpiperstudied well at Areorient Aquafarm, O., Sept.8 (PD, severaltimes from July 14 throughNov. 3 (SB,TP) and alsoat RD, RLP) and later by othersremained until at least Sept. 23 nearbyKipu Kai Oct. 9 (/•de TT) and near PoipuNov. 12 (SD). (PD).Finally, a Buff-breastedSandpiper was a highlightof an The Osprey on Oahu was sighted at Punamano Unit, Audubon field trip to Waipio Sept. 14 (PD, RLP et al.). All three J.C.N.W.R., Aug. 25 (BE). are speciesrecorded fewer than 5 timespreviously in the state. Seven Erckel's Francolins were found near the end of Other casualshorebird species recorded this seasonincluded Waianae Valley Rd., O., Aug. 19 (KF). Gamebirdsin the Pu'u a LeastSandpiper at Waipio Sept. 6-28 (m.ob.)and a Western Mali area at 7000-8000 ft on Mauna Kea, H., Nov. 15 included Sandpiperat Kealia Pond, M., Nov. 9 (RD) & 30 (PP). Another 2 coveysof Chukars,one Japanese Quail, and two Kalij Pheas- Western remained at Tern I., F.F.S., Sept. 6 through Nov. 13 ants, along with abundant Erckel's Francolins and California and a Semipalmated Sandpiper was also reported there Oct. Quail (TP). At least 15 Wild Turkeys were found Sept. 18 in 9-16 (LM, RV, JS).Single Pectoral and Sharp-tailedsandpipers scrublandnear the SheratonGolf Courseon w. Molokai(EE), were at Tern I., Aug. 14-22 (NN, RV, LM), but elsewhere in and 10-t-adults including one with 13 half-grownchicks were the statereports of thesetwo speciesthis fall were fewer than seen in several places along w. Saddle Rd., H., Oct. 4 usual. An estimated 200 Sanderlingsat Kealia Pond, M., Nov. (DP, RLP). 9 (RD) was a very high count. More Black-belliedPlovers were reported this fall than in Five Ruffs at Waipio Sept. 6-14 (PD, RD, RLP) were not seen recent years,including two at Waipio, O., Sept. 6 (PD), one at thereafter, although individuals have frequently wintered Kanaha Pond and two at Kealia Pond, M., Nov. 28 (PP), and there in recent years. A juv. Short-billed Dowitcher, rare in one at Tern I., F.F.S., from Nov. 21 onward (RV). Two rare Hawaii, was first seen at Waipio Aug. 28 and last identified speciesseldom recorded in Hawaii were a Greater Yellowlegs Oct. 3 (PD).Dowitchars (probably mostly Long-billed) increased at Waipio with Lessersfor closecomparison Sept. 14-Oct. 11 at Waipio thereafter to high countsof 17 Nov. 9 (RLP) and 19 (PD,MO, DP et •1.), and a palearcticWhimbrel with prominent Nov. 21 (PD). A dowitcher was reportedat Tern I., F.F.S.,Sept. white lower back at KealiaPond, M., Oct. 1-2 (DP, RLP).The 24 (LM), and four Long-billedswere at Kanaha Pond, M., Nov. firstBristle-thighed Curlew of the seasonwas seen well Aug. 11 (RD). 11 flying down Vineyard Blvd. in downtown Honolulu as the observerwas waiting at a trafficlight (AE).Bristle-thigheds at GULLS AND TERNS -- LaughingGulls are becomingquite the traditional fall stopoverspot near Ki'i Unit, J.C.N.W.R., regularnow as visitingindividuals to Hawaii in fall and winter. built up to at least five in September(DW, PD), with one re- Single birds were reported this seasonat Tern I., Aug. 4-15 maining through seasoh'send. (RV), Keahole Pt., H., Nov. 13 (CT, RD ph.) and Kealia Pond, Outstandingshorebird of the seasonwas a Rufous-necked M., Nov. 30 {PP). Two Ring-billed Gulls were at Kri Unit, Stint studiedand photographedwell (H.R.B.P.498-500) at Ai- J.C.N.W.R.,Nov. 6 (PD),with one seenoccasionally thereafter, makapa Pond, H., Aug. 18-31 (JL, RD, PD, RLP). Rufous on and three were at Kealia Pond, M.. Nov. 30 (PP).

Rufous-neckedStint (an adult in fading alternateplumage) near Aimakapa Pond, Hawaii L, Aug. 20, 1986. Photo/Reginald First-winter Laughing Gull at Keahole Point, Hawaii I., Nov. David 13, 1986. Photo/ReginaldDavid.

Volume 41, Number I 149 S.Ao Golf Course•n w Honolulu Oct. 16 (MO) Many Yellow-fronted Status of Least Tern and/or Little Tern in Hawaii is Canaries were heard and seen on Na Laau Trail Sept. i (KF) becoming more and more of an enigma. Numerous sightingsof small terns over the years have generally HAWAIIAN HONEYCREEPERS, ESTRILDIDS -- The beenreported as Leasts without carefullydistinguishing populationof LaysanFinches (Endangered) is still healthy on betweenthe two forms,which now are regardedas sep- severalislands at Pearl & HermesReef (SC),where they were arate species.The only Hawaii specimen now extant, introduced in 1967 from LaysanI. 'Amakihi are beingreported taken at F.F.S., has been identified as the old world Little more frequently at lower elevations in Honolulu. One was Tern (RogerClapp, U.S. Nat'l Mus.). found Sept. 29 on Tantalus Drive (DP, RLP), where they have Following last season'sreport of two small terns at beenknown previously.Also, they were reportedseveral times Pearl & Hermes Reef (170 km e.s.e.of Midway) in early this fall in the PacificHeights area of Honolulu, includingdown June, two adults with a subadult and an immature were to 120 ft elevationnear PunchbowlCemetery, where they have sightedthere on several visits between Aug. 12 & 23 not been known before(JL). An ad. Kauai Creeper,difficult to (SC). Two adults with an immature had also been found find in the Koke'e area, was sightedAug. 3 on Pihea Trail (TP) at Pearl & Hermes a year earlier, in the summer of 1985 On Hawaii I., the three rarest endemic forestbirds, 'Akiapo- (AB39:964). Breeding by oneor the otherof thesespecies la'au, Hawaii Creeper, and 'Akepa (all Endangered),were all at Pearl & Hermes has been speculated,but would be found this summer and fall on several visits to a choice forest far outsidethe traditional breedingrange of either spe- habitat in the Kulani area (m.ob.). cies. Orange-cheekedWaxbills still hang on along the Na Laau One or two recent reportsof small terns on Oahu have Trail, O., where four were found Sept. i (KF). Groupsof Red- beententatively identified as Least Tern by call (SB,DP). cheeked Cordonbleu and Lavender Waxbills were seen several If Least Terns do occur in Hawaii, the nearest and most times during October and November at the traditional spot likely sourcepopulation would be the form browni of near Pu'uanahulu, H. (DP, PP). Two Lavenderswere reported the North American west coast. Since browni is classified near Honaunau, H., Aug. 11 (DP), and two were on Na Laau as Endangered,further collecting to establishwhich Trail, O., Sept.1 (KF).This speciesis reportedto be increasing speciesis here is besetby legal hurdles. around Kailua-Kona,H. (RD). Warbling Silverbillsseem to be On Oahu, meanwhile, followingthe odd early-summer establishingthemselves now on Oahu, where five were ob- reportof a Least/Little Tern at Waiawa Unit, P.H.N.W.R., served feeding in Diamond Head crater Nov. 22 (DM). Two reported last season,one was seen there regularly from JavaSparrows near Lihue, K., Aug. 29 (TP) and two at a b•rd Sept.24 throughNov. 13 (SB,PD, RLP).Possibly the same feeder in Kihei, M., Sept. 21 (MS) documented incipient es- bird was reportedat nearby Waipio Sept. 19 (MO, EE). tablishment of that specieson those islands.

CONTBIBUTOBS -- Dave Anderson, Steve Berendzen, Sheila PARROTS THROUGH CANARIES -- Free-flyingparrots Conant,Peter Connally,David Cooper,Susannah Dahill, Reginald David, Peter Donaldson, Bruce Eilerts, Elinor Elder, Andrew En- and parakeets,long a feature of Hawaii's birdlife, are being gilis,Karen Falkenmayer, Lawrence Hamilton, Jaan Lepson, Larry reportednow more often and in larger numbersaround Ho- Martin, Ken McDermond, Dorothy Myers, Nancy Norvell, Mike nolulu. One flock of 22 Amazona parrots, primarily Red- Ord, Doug Pratt, Thane Pratt, Peter Pyle, Milton Seibert,Cappy crowned but possiblyincluding individuals of other species Summers,Joan Suther, Tom Telfer, ChrisThornton, Richard Vet- as well, was sightedat the Diamond Head end of Kapiolani ter, Dave Woodside.--ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., Park Oct. 12 (TP). A (not necessarilyHawaiian) Short-eared Kailua, HI 96734. Owl has been residentat Tern. I., F.F.S.,since Aug. 6, feeding on turnstones,golden-plovers, and Wedge-tailedShearwater chicks (RV). These owls turning up from time to time in the western portion of the Hawaiian chain might well be coming from n.e. Asia rather than from the main Hawaiian Islands. An (almost certainly Hawaiian) Short-eared Owl (Pueo) has beenseen several times in late summerat Ki'i Unit, J.C.N.W.R., indicatingthat the speciesis still hangingon tenuouslyin n. Oahu. It is alsostill recordedoccasionally at Waipio. Two Gray Swiftlets, a speciesresident and nesting on Oahu since the early 1960s,were seen Oct. 31 near the lower end of Halawa R•dgeTrail, O. (DW). Continuingon to the known nestingcave at the head of Halawa Valley, the observersfound remains of older swiftlet nests,but no active or recent nests at this season. A Melodious Laughing-thrush and several Red-billed Leiothrix were heard singingalong Wiliwilinui RidgeTrail in s e. Oahu Sept. 1 (TP). Both are hard to find now on this island. Red-whiskered Bulbuls are still expanding their range on Oahu. Four were seenon Aiea LoopTrail Nov. 23 (RLP),while several at Ho'omaluhia Park in Kaneohe in late November were the first reported acrossthe Koolau Mrs. in Windward Oahu. Two Red-crestedCardinals Aug. 30 at Kapalua Beach m extreme n.w. Maui (DA) and three at Kanaha Pond in n. central Maui Nov. 28 (PP)were notable for that island, where the species is still scarce. Yellow-faced Grassquits were re- ported this seasonat 2 interestinglocations on Oahu: two in a grassyarea on Aiea Ridge Trail Aug. 24 (BE) and a total of s•x (including one in • plumage) at 4 widely-scatteredspots on upper PoamohoTrail Sept. 15 (TP). A fine • SaffronFinch, unreportedon Oahu in severalyears, was sightedat Salt Lake

150 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1987 WEST INDIES REGION

Robert L. Norton

THr NORTHrRN VIRGIN ISLANDS AND rASTrRN U.S.recipitation Virgin Islands,duringwas the 13%fall asbelow measured normalat forSt. August, John, pUrRTO RICAN BANK -85% for September,and -22% for October,but November was 63% above normal so that the precipitation for the , , entire period was only 18% below normal. Cuba claimed • ANI;GADA to have its worst droughtin 27 years (Daily News,Dec. 8, 1986) and reportedthat the droughtcondition has been a problemsince 1981, with considerablelosses to agriculture. The Cuban Institute of Hydro-economyreported that rain- fall there was 80% below normal in 1981, 91% in 1982, 73% in 1983, 75% in 1984, 78% in 1985, and finally 68% below normal in 1986. The proposedtimber harvestof 20% of E1Yunque rain forest in eastern Puerto Rico threatens the last vestige of tropical rain forest in the United States. The Luquillo Mountains' CaribbeanNational Forest,managed by the U.S. ForestService (see Wiley and Bauer1985, American Birds 39 12-18), is home to the endangeredPuerto Rican Parrot and several other rare or endemic forms. The Forest Service wishesto use the harvestasa model for managementplans KrauseLagoon). According to Sladenthis is now largelyinop- in other tropicalcountries. With only 27,000acres left, the erative, which may be partly responsiblefor the reduced Caribbean National Forest can ill afford to have 20% of its numbersof somemigrant species. Only two Red Knotswere forestopen to experimentationand the risk of extinction seenthere Aug. I (FS).Other shorebirdcounts for St. Crmx of a nationalsymbol. (This issue'sICBP column is devoted included90 W. SandpipersOct. 2, 12White-rumped Sandpipers to the Puerto Rican Parrot. See page 28.) Sept.7, threePectoral Sandpipers Aug. 14 and 12 Oct. 12, and oneWilson's Phalarope Oct. 6 (FS).Table I offershigh counts ABBREVIATIONS -- G.B. = Grand Bahama Island; P.R. of migrantshorebirds at 3 locationsin the e. Caribbean. = Puerto Rico.

Table 1. Highest count and date of shorebirdsobserved in GREBES THROUGH TERNS- A Least Grebe was seen the eastern Caribbean Nov 29 at West End, G.B., while 10 Pied-billed Grebes were noted in the samearea (PWS,SD). Nineteen Double-crested Eleuthera Providenciales St. Croix Cormorantsmade a rare occurrenceon EleutheraNov. 24 (RG). Species (RG) (BA) (FS) Also noted Nov. 29 at West End, G.B., was one Least Bittern (PWS,SD). White and dark phaseReddish Egrets numbered Black-belliedPlover 6 (11/20) 8 (9/29) 56 (9/21) four each at ProvidencealesNov. 15 (BA). Countsof White- Wilson'sPlover 12 (11/20) 2 (9/18) 65 (8/17) SemipalmatedPlover 10 (11/20) -- 36 (8/26) cheekedPintails at St. Croix were of 64 Aug. 14, 51 Sept. 13, GreaterYellowlegs -- 4 (11/15) 21 (9/21) 58 Oct. 3, and 74 Nov. 23 (FS).Providenceales had 24 (including LesserYellowlegs I (11/20) 12 (11/15) 59 (8/14) ]uveniles)Sept. 26 (BA),and 10+ were on G.B.,Nov. 29 (PWS, Ruddy Turnstone 22 (11/20) present 80 (9/26) SD) The continued,albeit sporadic,sightings of Cinnamon Sanderling 9 (11/20) 2 (9/26) 15 (8/14) Teal on St. Croix, seenNov. 7 this season(FS), suggest that the SemipalmatedSandpiper -- 75 (11/22) 460 (9/13) speciesmight be encounteredelsewhere in the Region.A single LeastSandpiper 19 (11/20) I (10/18) 112 (9/13) N Shovelerwas seenon St. Croix Oct. 12-Nov. 22 (FS).Another Stilt Sandpiper -- I (9/26) 100 (9/17) was on G.B., for a rare occurrence in the Bahamas, and the Short-billedDowitcher 42 (11/20) 75 (11/15) 200 (9/17) samelocation yielded five Ring-neckedDucks and a 9 Hooded MerganserNov. 29 (PWS, SD). At St. Croix, singleMerlins were seenOct. 24 and Nov. 21, Two Ring-billed Gulls were seenNov. 30 at St. Croix (FS) and singlePeregrine Falcons were seenOct. 24 and Nov. 22 At Providenciales,two Gull-billed Terns were noted Sept. 26 (FS) Two N. Harriers were seenNov. 29 near West End, G.B. (BA).Eight LeastTerns were notedon migrationat St. Crmx (PWS,SD). A Purple Gallinuleseen Sept. 11 at St. Croix (RW, Oct. 5, and two Com. Terns were noted there Oct. 7-12 (FS) FS) was probablya vagrantfrom P.R. One CaribbeanCoot was The Region'smost outstanding record of the year againcame carefully noted amongAm. Cootsat West End, G.B., Nov. 29 from St. Croix, where. a White-winged Tern was seen and (PWS, SD). A singleAm. Coot was noted at St. Croix Aug. 1 photographed(FS, RW), providingonly the 3rd recordfor the and Sept. 12 (FS). West Indies.The previoussightings occurred at Great Inagua S•x LesserGolden-Plovers were observedat St. Croix Sept. and Barbados. 8 (FS).An intriguingcount of ninePiping Plovers at Eleuthera Nov. 24 (RG)provided one of the few majorrecords of winter DOVES THROUGH BLACKBIRDS- On Aug. 14, 39 occurrencein the Region.A SolitarySandpiper was seenAug. White-crownedPigeons were noted at St. Croix (FS),where 10 and aslate asOct. I at St. Croix (FS).A singleUpland Sand- the speciesis apparentlycoming back from overhunting(Nor- p•per seenat CaboRolo N.W.R., P.R., Sept. 7 (TB) apparently ton and Seaman 1985). One of the newest additionsto the providedthe first recordfor the s.w. cornerof that island.One exotic fauna of the West Indies is Eur. Collared-Dove. It is now of the mostimportant shorebird spots on St. Croix hasbeen locally common in Freeport, G.B., where 50 were seen Nov the industrial settlementlagoon system (carved out of the 29 (PWS,SD). A Yellow-billedCuckoo was seenfrom mid- to

Volume 41, Number 1 151 late November at Providenciales(BA). Ten Antillean Night- of winteringin the Virgin Islands,in additionto recordsfrom hawkswere notedon migrationat St. Croix Aug. 4 (FS).A bird the n. islands.A Blue-wingedWarbler was noted on St. Croix identified as an E. Wood-Pewee at St. Croix Oct. 9 (FS, RW) Oct. 18, and two were seen there Nov. 15 (RW, FS). Another would, if confirmed, provide the first record for the Virgin Blue-wingedwas at ProvidencialesOct. 21, while a Golden- Islands and the southernmost for the West Indies. wingedWarbler seen there Oct. 17 furnisheda firstrecord for Sladen noted a Tree Swallow at St. Croix Aug. 15 (earliest Providenciales(BA). A TennesseeWarbler was noted at Prov- date for the Region),another Oct. 25, and 15 Nov. 23 {perhaps idencialesOct. 20-Nov. 4 (BA), and anotherwas on G.B., Nov. the highestcount for the VirginIslands). Six N. Rough-winged 29 (PWS,SD). The local racesof Yellow-throatedWarbler and Swallows were noted at ProvidencialesNov. 14 (BA), two were Olive-cappedWarbler were seen only sparinglyNov. 29 on at St. Croix Nov. 25 (FS), and one carefully studied Nov. 30 on G.B.Pine Warbler, anotherlocally-breeding parulid of the Ba- G.B.(PWS, SD) representedthe latestfall datefor the Bahamas. hamas,was sparsely reported in the pinelandsof Lucaya,G.B. At St. Croix, Cliff Swallows numbered 24 Oct. 25 and 20 Nov. (PWS,SD). Two LouisianaWaterthrushes noted Oct. 19-20 27 (FS).The singleCuban Crow on Providencialeswas recorded furnished the first record for Providenciales (BA). One to two again Sept. 25-Nov. 23 (BA). EuropeanStarlings have been Connecticut Warblers were seen at Cabo Rojo N.W.R., P.R., making it big in Freeport,G.B., as evidencedby 100 noted Sept.22-Oct. 29 (PH, CS, TB). An imm. ScarletTanager was there Nov. 28 (PWS,SD). Sladen also reported that two starlings noted Sept. 13 at St. Croix (FS). remainedat St. Croix Aug. 29-Oct. 24, and then one was seen Nov. 4. CONTRIBUTORS (Subregionaleditors in boldface)-- Bev- A White-eyed Vireo was noted Nov. 22 at Providenciales erlea Aidridge, Troy Blodgett,Susan Dolder, Ruthann Gairdner, (BA),and singleWhite-eyed and Yellow-throatedvireos were Peter Hark, Fred Sladen, P. William Smith, Cindy Staicer, Ro seenNov. 30 on G.B.(PWS, SD). The firstYellow-throated Vireo Wauer.--ROBERT L. NORTON, P.O. Box 243, Cruz Bay, St. Iohn, for St. Croix was seen Nov. 27 (FS, RW), providing evidence U.S.V.I. 00830.

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Hairy Woodpecker{Picaides villosus]. Illustration/James Coe.

152 American Birds Spring 1987