THETHE

BLUEBIRBLUEBIRDD The voice of ASM since 1934 June 2014 Volume 81, No. 2

The Audubon Society of Missouri Missouri’s Ornithological Society Since 1901 THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI

Officers Regional Directors June Newman*+, President (2014) Jeff Cantrell+ (2014) 209 Santa Fe Street; Carrollton, MO Neosho (471) 476-3311 64633; (660) 542-0873 [email protected] Mark Haas+ (2016) Jackson (573) 204-0626 Shari Harden*+, Vice-President (2014) Susan Hazelwood+ (2015) 513 NE Grant Drive; Blue Springs, Columbia, (573) 819-9252 MO 64014; (816) 229-3979 Brent Galliart+ (2015) [email protected] St. Joseph (816) 232-6038

Scott Laurent*+, Secretary (2014) Terry McNeely+ (2016) 610 W. 46th Street, #103; Kansas Jameson, MO (660) 828-4215 City, MO 64112; (816) 916-5014 Ruth Simmons+ (2014) [email protected] Kansas City, MO (816) 678-1217 Pat Lueders*+, Treasurer (2014) Larry Olpin+ (2016) 1147 Hawken Pl., St. Louis, MO Warrensburg (660) 747-5228 63119; (314) 222-1711 [email protected] Louise Wilkinson+ (2014) Rolla (573) 364-9552 Honorary Directors Richard A. Anderson, St. Louis** Phil Wire+ (2016) Nathan Fay, Ozark** Bowling Green (314) 960-0370 Leo Galloway, St. Joseph** Jim Jackson, Marthasville Chairs Lisle Jeffrey, Columbia** Bill Clark, Historian Floyd Lawhon, St. Joseph** 3906 Grace Ellen Dr. Patrick Mahnkey, Forsyth** Columbia, MO 65202 Rebecca Matthews, Springfield (573) 474-4510 Sydney Wade, Jefferson City** Dave Witten, Columbia** Jerry Wade, Membership

John Wylie, Jefferson City** 1221 Bradshaw Avenue Columbia, MO 65203 Jim Jackson, 2012 Recipient of the (573) 445-6697 Rudolf Bennitt Award [email protected] Dr. David Easterla, 2006 Recipient of the Rudolf Bennitt Award Paul E. Bauer, 2004 Recipient of the Rudolf Bennitt Award + Board Position * Executive Committee Member **Deceased

Page i THE BLUEBIRD THE BLUEBIRD

The Bluebird Editor: Bill Eddleman*+, 1831 Ricardo Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573) 335-1507, [email protected] Christmas Bird Count Compiler: Randy Korotev, 800 Oakbrook Lane, St. Louis, MO 63132, (314) 993-0055, [email protected] Communication Services: Patrick Harrison Webmaster, http://mobirds.org, Susan Hazelwood and David Scheu, Co-owners Listserve, [email protected],edu ASM Scholarship Committee: Sue Gustafson, Chair, 429 Belleview Ave., Webster Groves MO 63119 (314) 968-8128, [email protected] MO Bird Records Committee: Brad Jacobs+—Chair, 11300 Vemers Ford Road, Columbia, MO 65201, (573) 874-3904, [email protected] Bill Rowe—Secretary, 9033 Big Bend Road, St. Louis, MO 63119, (314) 962-0544, [email protected] Seasonal Survey Editors: Spring: Josh Uffman, 707 Ashton Way Circle, Eureka, MO 63025 (636) 587-6016; [email protected] Summer: Kristi Mayo, 1807 Clear Creek Dr., Kearney, MO 64060 (816) 289–7828, [email protected] Fall: Peter Kondrashov, Biology Department, A. T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 800 W. Jeff erson St., Kirksville, MO 63501 Mo. State Univ., [email protected] Winter: Joe Eades, 517 Willow Lane, Kirkwood, MO, 63122, (314) 835- 0353, [email protected] * Executive Committee Member + Board Position

Deadlines for submission of material for publication in The Bluebird Manuscripts for The Bluebird—to the editor by: Feb. 1 for March issue; May 1 for June issue; Jul. 15 for Sept. issue; Nov. 1 for Dec. issue Deadlines for submissions to the Seasonal Survey Compilers Winter (Dec. 1-Feb. 28)—to Joe Eades by Mar. 10 Spring (Mar. 1-May 31)—to Kristi Mayo by June 10 Summer (June 1-July. 31)—to Josh Uffman by Aug 10 Fall (Aug. 1-Nov. 30)—to Peter Kondrashov by Dec. 10

Page ii THE BLUEBIRD TABLE OF CONTENTS

June 2014 Volume 81, No. 2

51 President’s Corner—June Newman

53 ASM Lends an Ear—Ethan Duke

55 We Welcome our New Members—Jerry Wade

56 Photos from the Spring Meeting

58 400 in 2014--Part I—Bill Eddleman

60 Missouri Christmas Bird Counts, 2013-2014—Randy Korotev, CBC Editor

88 Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Report—Joe Eades

100 A Birder’s Guide to Missouri Public Lands—Edge Wade

104 Peer-edited Article: Repeat of Winter Raptor Survey Along I-55 and I-70, 28-29 Dec. 2013—Paul McKenzie

108 Peer-reviewed Paper: The Four Rivers Christmas Bird Count (CBC): A Validation for Conducting Winter Bird Surveys—Paul McKenzie

Front Cover—This Townsend’s Solitaire is the 3rd record for east- ern Missouri. Found by Josh Uffman on February 2, 2014 at Young Conservation Area in Jefferson County, and present through Feb- ruary 10. Photographed by Jim Malone.

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

Page iii THE BLUEBIRD PRESIDENT’S CORNER—JUNE NEWMAN

Dear Fellow Birders, Frances and Bill Schifferdecker's eighteen -month-old son, William Linville Schiffer- decker, died of measles in 1944. In his memory they donated an acreage north of Norborne to the Missouri Department of Conservation that is the W.L. Schiffer- decker Wildlife Area.

All over Missouri are parcels donated by families and individuals to Missouri De- partment of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, and other entities which preserve the land and give access to the public. Each time I visit those places and take time to read the memorial plaques I'm awed by those gifts and their perpetual impor- tance. They are irreplaceable and of incalculable value.

Not all donations of land have been from families and foundations with large fortunes, though some are. In an interview with the Joplin Globe, Susan Flader described Hawn State Park. “There’s scenery there, for sure, as well as a great story about the love Missourians have for their parks.

It was a Missouri schoolteacher, Helen Coffer Hawn, who over the years began buying small parcels of land with her salary. Eventually, Hawn’s holdings grew to 1,459 acres, which she willed to the state in 1952. Her donation became the centerpiece of what is today a nearly 5,000-acre park.

‘This is somebody who had a vision,’ said Flader.”

Hawn State Park is one of the focus sites in ASM's SPARKS agree- ment with DNR. It is also one of the least frequently visited of those sites. On his way to ASM Spring Meeting in Jefferson City, Mark Haas stopped there for a few hours and recorded fifty-nine species of birds, including thirteen species of warblers. He especially recom- mends the area near the entrance managed for grassland birds, and suggests you not pass it up on your way to the wooded areas. On a visit last July Edge Wade and I heard and observed Henslow's Spar- rows from every vantage point on the periphery of the grassland.

Page 51 THE BLUEBIRD The Missouri State Parks website describes Hawn: “Hawn State Park is one of the loveliest parks in a system full of lovely parks. Clear, sand-bottomed streams, wild ar- eas ripe with orchids and awe-inspiring views combine to make Hawn a place that Missourians treasure. Geology buffs love Pickle Creek for the number of exposed rock types. Hikers frequent the Whispering Pine Wild Area for its quiet trails with expansive views. Bird watchers flock to the park for its variety of birds. And there are plenty of quiet spaces for people to get away and enjoy the outdoors.” My suggestions: Visit Hawn State Park soon. Add your bird list to SPARKS. When you visit public lands, take time to read posted memorials and histories. They tell stories worth your time and contemplation.

June Newman, President

Page 52 THE BLUEBIRD ASM LENDS AN EAR ETHAN DUKE

With thanks to the support of ASM, we at MRBO are now armed with a microphone, parabolic reflector, and recorder. We have been recording birds in different habitats within and outside of Missouri. We’ve recorded a host of birds ranging from Grasshopper and Henslow’s Sparrows on our study sights to known individually col- our banded birds in feeders. Part of the long-term goal of recording Missouri’s birds is to provide samples for examining regional varia- tion. Are Yellow Warblers and Mockingbirds in boot heel like those in west-central Missouri? How might they vary from those in the Galapagos? Well, someday we’ll know.

Why record birds?

There is something about the sounds of birds that we’ll never grow tired of. They can be aesthetically pleasing and ultimately fascinat- ing. In our backyards — the long, pleasing whistles of our winter sparrows are beginning to fade out with the emergence of summer sparrows, Indigo Buntings, Towhees, and Brown Thrashers. In the wetlands — Low sounds like the “pumper-lunk” of American Bit- terns are already filling the predawn hours in Missouri. In the cool spring morning the frogs aren’t revved up enough to drown out the subtle and softer sounds of Virginia Rail squawks and Sora “peeps” or Wilson’s Snipe “ernks”. The swift spring sunrise on the prairie is met by a timeless and waning boom of our beloved Greater-prairie Chickens as yodelling Meadowlarks sing high above jumbling cheer of Grasshopper Sparrows or the less long-winded Henslow’s Sparrow rhythmic stanza. Sounds dominate and define our environment. Some might say they are downright spiritual.

It has been a passion and side-study for me for sometime. I’ve read every scientific paper I could find on vocal communication in war- blers and thrushes. Along the way, I’ve picked up a fair bit of knowl- edge on other species as well. As technology advances, new informa- tion comes to light and more frontiers of study are created. The fron- tier in research isn’t always easy to find. Even more difficult yet, is the frontier in research with a conservation application. Fortu- nately, acoustic studies of birds have been increasingly applied to direct conservation efforts. ASM's award for recording gear is some- thing we’ve been hoping and working towards for a long time.

Page 53 THE BLUEBIRD We have been recording opportunistically in attempts build a collec- tion of bird sounds of Missouri. Beginning last spring, we recorded birds at our banding sights along the Missouri River and in prairies. During the summer we recorded birds on our prairie study sites throughout Missouri. I was able to capture the calls of a unique sub- species of Velasquez’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes santacruzi). To date that is the only recording of this species on the xeno-canto. In 2014 Hi-lonesome Master Naturalists, Donnie and Kim Nichols, used the recording equipment to sample Greater Prairie-chickens on private properties in Kansas.

This spring I was fortunate to record Yellow Warblers, Mocking Birds, and other kin to Missouri birds in Ecuador. We’ll attempt to record grassland birds at many of the over 100 grassland survey sites this year and will continue to find species we have yet to record or capture more recordings of previously recorded species areas of the state.

Ethan Duke recording bird vocalizations in the rainforest in Ecuador along the Napo River.

Page 54 THE BLUEBIRD “We at MRBO have been pioneering acoustic monitoring of birds to sup- plement traditional methodologies of monitoring in Missouri. These pro- jects include nocturnal flight call monitoring, marsh bird occupancy as- sessment, Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship on prairies. We use Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) for these supplemental efforts. Unfortunately, ARUs capture a great deal of “noise”, record with no visual behavioral observations, and capture the best quality re- cordings for many other potential uses only by chance. This is one rea- son why we are requesting support from the Audubon Society of Mis- souri for the purchase of appropriate equipment to capture quality re- cordings of vocalizations of birds in Missouri. One component of the analysis protocols we use for ARU recordings requires building recogniz- ers (within Songscope software) and detectors (within RavenPro soft- ware). In order to “train” the software and incorporate accurate meas- ures of vocalizations for birds in Missouri, it would be worthwhile to obtain sample vocalizations of birds in Missouri. Capturing high quality recordings is possible through the use of a parabolic reflector, micro- phone, and recorder. Many the most high quality recordings that are available for birds are recorded outside of Missouri, where dialects and temporal variations are not the same as those of Missouri birds. Birds exhibit dialects throughout the country and even have micro-dialects within Missouri. Quality recordings of all birds in Missouri may be housed in a library for all time, available for analysis at anytime with- out degradation of the data. The captured sounds have unlimited use ranging from testing of hypothesis such as climate change, climate change, clinal shifts in species or subspecies, or even correlates of stress (i.e. fragmentation, contamination, or other health conditions).”

WE WELCOME OUR NEW ASM MEMBERS!! Jerry Wade

Remember, new members are our future!.If a new member lives near you, say “Howdy” and welcome to ASM! In addition, recruit another new member. Welcome to these 7 new ASM members in the 2nd quarter of 2014.

Henry and Clancy Domke New Bloomfield MO Tony Elliott Jacksonville MO Luke Johnson Raytown MO Ann Lever St. Louis MO Carmileta Matheney St. Louis MO Donna Whitehead Joplin MO Karen Wosilait Seattle WA

Page 55 THE BLUEBIRD Photos from the Spring Meeting

Jim Wilson and others at the Spring Meeting. Photo by June Newman

Dana Ripper shows off a Great Crested Flycatcher netted in the Missouri Bird Observatory banding setup. Photo by Steve Garr.

Page 56 THE BLUEBIRD

A very busy evening session. Photo by Steve Garr.

Broad-winged Hawk. Photo by Laura Pintel.

Page 57 THE BLUEBIRD 400 in 2014—Part I

Bill Eddleman

Sometimes the stars all align perfectly. I was taking stock last November after what was probably one of my most dull birding years ever. Changing jobs has required that I spend much of my time inside Academic Hall (the administration building) at Southeast Missouri State from 8 to 5. Additionally, weekend commitments related to University duties oftentimes eat into those hours that used to get me outdoors. The year 2013 also saw me take no dedicated trips for birding. The end result: no major outings during spring or fall migration, and birding that was largely restricted to my Breeding Bird Survey routes or Christmas Bird Counts. A trip to California for a professional meeting in December had failed spectacularly on the birding front when both Hope (my wife) and I ended up sick in bed the entire time. I’d also seen my North American Life List stagnate somewhere around 500 species for quite some time. So…...I decided that 2014 would just have to be different to keep not only my interest level up, but also my sanity. So in proper New Years’ resolution spirit, I resolved to set a moder- ately ambitious goal of seeing 400 species in the 50 states in 2014.

So what was in the pipeline for 2014? As the newly-minted Provost of Southeast Missouri State, I was due to attend two Academic Af- fairs meetings of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. One was in February on Coronado Island (San Diego, California)—the other was set for Fort Lauderdale in July. Hmm. Nice birding areas. Can’t pass those up! Also, the group of birders from Jackson with whom I sometimes travel were planning on a trip to Alaska, and I jumped on this possibility when asked if I was in- terested. (Lots of opportunity for lifers, since this was the area of the country where I had never birded nor visited.) Also, I resolved to get to at least a few of the best sites in Missouri at the “right” times (Riverlands in winter, locally during spring migration, and in the Bootheel in fall for shorebirds). I was all set! So stay with me for this and the next three Bluebirds, as I chronicle my quest for 400 species in North America in 2014. The Beginning January 1, 2014 dawned inauspiciously as an overcast winter day. However, the first bird I observed for this year list was not really that easy to see. Out the back window of the house, I caught a slight movement in the trees, grabbed my binoculars, and saw…..a Hairy

Page 58 THE BLUEBIRD Woodpecker! Not bad for a first bird of the year!. The common feeder birds—cardinals, juncos, House Sparrow, House Finch, Carolina Wren—soon followed. By the day’s end, I sat at 12 species for the year.

A few more city birds followed, but my first “real” birding began on January 20. Allen Gathman and I both had the day off for Martin Luther King Day, so we planned a foray down to Otter Slough Con- servation Area. Mark Haas reported swans from Duck Creek Con- servation Area a couple days before, so we decided we would include that in our plans as well.

January 20 dawned clear and mild—a perfect day to be out. As we drove down I-55 and then Highway 60, we tallied the common road- side and agricultural field species—Red-winged Blackbird, Rock Pi- geon, Horned Lark, Eastern Bluebird, Mourning Dove, to name a few. One of our first stops yielded a Sedge Wren—a rarity in winter, but not unheard of at the Bootheel wetland areas. The duck species mix was diverse, and we had seen most of the common dabbling ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Canvasbacks, all the geese except Cack- ling and Ross’s, and Hooded Merganser by the end of the day. The boardwalk at Otter Slough gave us a good mix of expected birds, and we were able to see several raptor species by day’s end.

About 1 p.m., we left Otter Slough to head to Duck Creek. By the time we reached the Duck Creek entrance, we had seen both vulture species along Highway 51. A short distance in, we spotted the Tun- dra Swans Mark had seen on the first large moist soil unit in Pool 2. The drive around Pool 1 got us a couple more open water species and additional waterfowl. All-in-all, a gorgeous day, and my year total sat at 74 species!

Our mild early January morphed quickly into an icy and cold late January. This didn’t do much for traveling to bird, but it did bring some oddballs into my yard and feeder. Among these were Fox Spar- row (second time in my yard in 20 years) and a first-ever American Tree Sparrow. These were unexpected “gifts” that I expected I would have to seek out by winter’s end in some spots where I’d seen them before, and I did not expect to observe them that easily.

I also observed several additional species in late January on the University Campus—White-breasted Nuthatch, some stray Ring- billed Gulls, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (to complete my com- mon Missouri woodpeckers tally). So, sitting at 82 species, I awaited the next trips! [Next time: Riverlands and San Diego.]

Page 59 THE BLUEBIRD Missouri Christmas Bird Counts, 2013-2014

Randy L. Korotev, CBC Editor

In most years about a third of the Missouri Christmas Bird Counts occur on the first available Saturday. This past season at least two of the usually first-Saturday (December 14) counts were postponed because of snow or rain. Kirksville had 4–8” of snow, but the count went on. Although temperatures were normal for the season, begin- ning- and end-of-day temperatures averaged 25 °F (13–40 °F) and 42 °F (23–58 °F), several compilers mentioned that weather issues negatively affected both participation by birders and access to areas. On the day of the Knob Knoster count, Knob Knoster State Park, the only large piece of public land in the count circle, was closed for a special deer hunt. Nevertheless, 500 field participants found 145 species on 27 counts this past season in Missouri (Table 1). The season will not be remembered for unusual species. Few reports required documentation. The most unusual sighting was that of a Dickcissel on the Horton-Four Rivers count. David Easterla reported a “Pink-sided” subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco at Maryville. Other “one-only” birds include Great Egret (Montrose Lake), Golden Eagle (Columbia), Virginia Rail (Columbia), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Confluence), Glaucous Gull (Confluence), Snowy Owl (Grand River), Long-eared Owl (Squaw Creek), and Palm Warbler (Big Oak Tree). Several counts had particularly high numbers of some species. More than a million Snow Geese were reported from 19 counts, with most from the Squaw Creek and Trimble. Trumpeter Swans occurred on 16 counts, with 700 at Confluence. Mingo reported 8650 Gadwall and 8450 Ring-necked Ducks. There were 414 Horned Grebes and 1350 Black Vultures on the Taney Co. count. The Confluence count tallied five species of gulls, with more than 6600 Ring-bills. Eura- sian Collared-Doves blessed 19 counts. In the Big Table, the column labeled L/H indicates species for which the party-hour-normalized statewide count was significantly (L or H, 95% confidence limit) or very significantly (LL or HH, 99% confi- dence limit) lower or higher than the average over the past 14 years (but only if the mean number of birds is at least 5). Species reported in substantially lower-than-usual numbers include some that were

Page 60 THE BLUEBIRD likely affected by the snow and ice, e.g., American Coot, Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, and Great Blue Heron, but also others that are hardy winter birds e.g., American Wigeon, both scaup, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Field Sparrow, Purple Finch, and House Finch. Species often observed on Missouri CBCs but not reported on any count this past season include Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Osprey, House Wren, Sedge Wren, Com- mon Yellowthroat ,Vesper Sparrow, and Snow Bunting. Species in substantially higher-than-normal numbers include Gadwall (9997), Northern Shoveler (4698), Hooded Merganser (1586), Common Mer- ganser (1376), Wild Turkey (1242), Red-headed Woodpecker (1166), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (126), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1448), and Rusty Blackbird (1422). Five counts found more than 90 species, with Horton-Four Rivers taking the lead at 99.

Page 61 THE BLUEBIRD Table 1. Missouri Christmas Bird Counts and Their Compilers.

Code Count Compiler MOBO Big Oak Tree S.P. Bill Eddleman MOBS Big Spring Steve Paes MOCC Clarence Cannon N.W.R. Bruce Schuette MOCP Cole Camp Prairies IBA Marge Lumpe MOCO Columbia Laura Hillman MOCF Confluence Randy Korotev MODC Dallas County David Blevins MOGR Grand River Terry McNeely MOHF Horton-Four Rivers Mark Robbins MOJC Jefferson City Barbara Brueggeman MOJO Joplin Lawrence Herbert MOKC Kansas City Mike Stoakes MOKI Kirksville Jason Luscier MOKN Knob Noster Vernon Elsberry MOLI Liberal Lawrence Herbert MOMA Maryville David Easterla MOMI Mingo N.W.R. Bill Eddleman MOML Montrose Lake Wildlife Area Rhonda Edmunds MOMS Maramec Spring William Wood MOPB Poplar Bluff Bruce Beck MOSQ Squaw Creek N.W.R. Mark Robbins MOSJ St. Joseph Larry Lade MOSL Swan Lake N.W.R. Steve Kinder MOSP Springfield David Blevins MOTC Taney County Charles Burwick MOTR Trimble Kristi Mayo

MOWS Weldon Spring Anne McCormack

Page 62 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 63 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 64 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 65 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 66 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 67 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 68 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 69 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 70 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 71 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 72 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 73 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 74 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 75 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 76 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 77 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 78 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 79 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 80 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 81 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 82 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 83 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 84 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 85 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 86 THE BLUEBIRD

Page 87 THE BLUEBIRD W INTER 2013-2014 SEASONAL REPORT Joe Eades ([email protected])

The 2013-2014 winter season was really, really cold. Preliminary data indicate the December-February average temperature was around 27°F, slightly more than 5 degrees below normal, and the coldest Missouri winter in 35 years, or since the brutally cold winter of 1978-1979. It appears the winter of 2013-2014 will rank as the 9th coldest winter on record for Missouri based on 145 years of data. Some snow-covered locations in northern Missouri experienced their coldest temperatures in more than a decade. A National Weather Service cooperative station located 2 miles east of Maryville dropped to -28°F on Christmas Eve. Below-zero temperatures were recorded in the state in each of the winter months and even into early March. Regionally, winter temperatures averaged 6-7 degrees below normal across the north, 5-6 degrees below normal over central portions and 4-5 degrees below normal in the south. As with every data set, there is always an outlier: St. Louis set a record with a spring-like 71°F on 20 December.

An unusually early heavy snow event impacted southern sections of the state during the first week of December with several inches fal- ling southeast of I-44 from St. Louis to Joplin with St. Genevieve, Iron and St. Francois counties receiving 11-13 inches. The St. Louis area received 12-16 inches in January, with most of it falling during a snow storm on January 5. Another significant snow storm im- pacted the state on February 4-5 with 4-12 inches accumulating. Although snow accumulations were significant, most precipitation fell in the form of snow and abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions continued to prevail throughout much of Missouri throughout the season. As one would expect, bird distribution was impacted by the brutal cold.

Certainly it was cold in Missouri this winter, but it is instructive to look beyond the horizon to view the season with a global perspective. California experienced record warmth and drought in January and it was remarkably mild across nearly all of Alaska. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that a Climate Reference Station near Port Alsworth, Alaska registered a high temperature of 62°F on January 27, tying the record for the highest temperature ever reported in Alaska in January.

Page 88 THE BLUEBIRD Argentina and China experienced some of their warmest January temperatures since 1961. According to NOAA, February was the 21st warmest globally since 1880 and incredibly, February 1985 was the last time the monthly global temperature for any month was below average. Globally, the Dec 2013-Feb 2014 period was 1.57°F above the 20th century average and the 8th warmest on record. Finally and ironically, 2014 could end up being the warmest year globally since recordkeeping began, particularly if an El Nino develops, which ap- pears to be a distinct possibility.

Waterfowl numbers were down in northern Missouri after freeze-up occurred. Land bird numbers were also down in northern Missouri. The extreme and continuous cold certainly impacted bird survival. Mike Thelen found two emaciated bird carcasses in the St. Louis area on February 11, a Carolina Wren and a White-throated Sparrow. On the other hand, it was surprising to see species such as Orange-crowned Warbler and Gray Catbird reported in the northern half of the state during such a cold winter. Trumpeter Swan numbers reached new heights and Tundra Swan was re- ported in more locations and higher numbers than usual. Bald Ea- gle numbers were up as birds concentrated around available open water along the Mississippi River. Gull numbers and diversity were the best in several years in the St. Louis area along the Mississippi River. Two years after a huge Snowy Owl influx, 5 were reported. These two Snowy Owl invasions are very interesting. On a national level both were widespread and involved huge numbers of birds. The 2011-2012 invasion centered on the Great Plains and Midwest east to Missouri and the 2013-2014 invasion was centered in the north- eastern U.S, bringing far fewer of these birds into Missouri. This suggests that the rodent populations crashed in different parts of the Arctic at different times. Northern Shrike was widely reported and two were observed and documented in the Ozarks.

Recent experience with this species seems to validate the under- standing of previous generations of Missouri bird observers that this species could be expected during the winter in south to middle lati- tudes. One wonders if there could be a multi-decadal cycle for this species as they went unreported in much of the state for a genera- tion or more. Red-breasted Nuthatch was scarce and there was no invasion of winter finches. There were no crossbills, no redpolls and only a few Pine Siskin reports. Seasonal highlights included Townsend’s Solitaire in east-central Missouri, Ferruginous Hawk and Rose-breasted Grosbeak in southeast Missouri and a

Lesser Goldfinch in southwest Missouri. Seasonal reports submit- ted from observers around the state remain a primary source, but a

Page 89 THE BLUEBIRD representative review of Christmas Bird Count and eBird data was utilized in the compilation of this report. Missouri bird watchers are encouraged to submit their observations through eBird as it is fast becoming the data repository of choice and provides a powerful tool for tracking bird populations. The author is grateful to Kristi Mayo and Joshua Uffman for reviewing this document. Their comments and suggestions greatly enhanced the quality of the report.

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

WATERFOWL

Greater White-fronted Geese numbered only 8-9 at RMBS St. Charles 10 Dec-1 Jan (PL) while much larger numbers were found on CBCs in the southeast, with 2,300 on the BOTSP CBC 19 Dec (BE) and 4,100 on the MNWR CBC Stoddard/Wayne 28 Dec (BE). There was a large influx of wa- terfowl across the state beginning 22 Feb that brought 270 Greater White- fronts to RMBS (BR), 1,800 to BKLCA 23 Feb (MT) and 2,500 to EBCA 28 Feb (BJ). Snow Geese were on the move at the same time with 500 over- head at RMBS 22 Feb (BR), 71,000 on 23 Feb at BKLCA (MT), 20,000 on 24 Feb at SLNWR (SK) and 1,000 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ). Though waterfowl numbers were down in the north as the winter progressed due to the ex- treme cold, large numbers of Snows were found on CBCs in the west with 33,660 on the St. Joseph CBC Buchanan 14 Dec (LL), 115,250 on the MLCA CBC 14 Dec (RE), 310,000 on the SCNWR CBC 19 Dec (MR) and 500,000 on the Trimble CBC Clay 28 Dec (KM). Ross’s Geese took part in the spring movement with 4 on 22 Feb at RMBS (BR), 100 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ), 88 on 23 Feb at BKLCA (MT) and 9 on 23 Feb at Rotary Lake Cape Girardeau (MH). The Trimble CBC on 28 Dec tallied 23 (KM). Cackling Goose re- ports included 10 on 18 Jan at Phillips Lake Boone (BJ), 22 on 1 Jan at RMBS (JM), 28 on the Trimble CBC 28 Dec (KM), 6 on 16 Dec in Clark (DA) and 1-5 on 7 dates 17 Dec-19 Feb in Bollinger, Cape and Perry (MH). High counts for Canada Goose included 1,500 on 9 Feb at RMBS (BR), 5,000 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ) and the Trimble CBC recorded 9,257 on 28 Dec (KM). A Mute Swan was present 11 Jan-22 Feb at RMBS (CM, JM, BR) and an- other was observed 28 Jan at SLNWR (SK). Trumpeter Swan numbers reached 269 at RMBS 10 Dec, an area high count of 800 was made there 4 Feb and a statewide high count of 960 was made during Swan Watch 11 Jan (PL). Other notable high counts included 232 on the SCNWR CBC 19 Dec (MR) and 84 on 28 Jan at SLNWR (SK). Tundra Swans were more wide- spread and numerous as well with high counts of 24 on 22 Feb at RMBS (JM, CM), 10 on 18 Jan at DCCA Bollinger, and 9 on the SCNWR CBC 19 Dec (MR). Mid-winter Wood Duck reports were sparse with 2 on 23 Dec at

Page 90 THE BLUEBIRD VWMP Greene (AK) and 1 on 19 Jan at RMBS (CM, JM). Small numbers returned to the southwest in mid-Feb (Kathleen Owens) and a large flight of 200 arrived at EBCA 28 Feb (BJ). American Wigeon reappeared in east- central MO with 10 at RMBS on 22 Feb (BR). High counts for American Black Duck included 4 on 4 Jan at RMBS (MT) and 4 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ). High counts for Mallard included 7,500 on 2 Dec at SLNWR (SK), 15,000 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ) and 73,567 on the SCNWR CBC 19 Dec (MR). A small flock of Blue-winged Teal lingered with 7 on 9 Dec at VWMP Greene (AK). High counts for Green-winged Teal were made dur- ing the big northward push with 2,510 on 22 Feb at WD&S Lincoln (CM, JM) and 3,000 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ). A seasonal high count of 2,772 Can- vasbacks was made at WD&S 22 Feb (CM, JM). Other high counts from around the state included 82 on 17 Feb at DCCA (MH, MG) 18 on 17 Feb at Lake Springfield Greene (GSa) and 20 on 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ). Redheads increased to 15 on 22 Feb at RMBS where only singles were observed during the coldest period (BR). A count of 50 was made 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ) and 90 were at SL Clay on 25 Feb (SK). Ring-necked Ducks numbered 2,300 on 17 Feb at DCCA (MH, MG) and the same general area produced an as- tounding 8,450 on the MNWR CBC on 28 Dec (BE). An extraordinary count of 36 White-winged Scoters at RMBS below the Dam on 9 Jan were actu- ally in Illinois, just a couple hundred yards from the Missouri state line (PL, m.obs.). Common Goldeneye numbers reached 500 on 26 Jan at RMBS for a local seasonal high (BR), while 750 on 16 Dec in Clark was the highest count reported for the state this season (KMc, DA). As often seems to be the case, a Common Goldeneye X Hooded Merganser was present 11 Dec-8 Feb at RMBS (CM, JM). Hooded Mergansers numbered 95 on 8 Dec at RMBS, but almost none were present during coldest period (BR); 99 were recorded on the Trimble CBC 28 Dec (KM), 250 were northbound 28 Feb at EBCA (BJ), while the highest number reported during the season was 996 on the MLCA CBC 14 Dec (RE). High counts for Common Merganser in- cluded 571 on the Trimble CBC 28 Dec (KM) and 300 on 26 Jan at RMBS (BR). Red-breasted Merganser was recorded in low numbers with 4 on 2 Feb at RMBS (PL), 2 on 9 Feb at CBCA St. Louis (SM, DM), and 5— probably representing the beginning of the return flight—at RMBS 22 Feb (CM, JM).

LOONS THROUGH EAGLES

A late-moving Common Loon was observed winging overhead on 8 Dec at RMBS (BR) and 25 were recorded 28 Dec on the Taney Co CBC (CB). A Pied-billed Grebe was present 11 Dec and 1 Jan at RMBS (CM, JM). Horned Grebe singles, 16 Jan at Binder Lake Cole (BJ), and 19 Jan at RMBS (MT) were north of their usual winter haunts, while 414 were counted 28 Dec on the Taney Co CBC (CB). American White Pelican numbers swelled to 550 on 22 Feb at RMBS (BR) and 600 on 23 Feb in Lin- coln and St. Charles (MT). A Great Egret on the MLCA CBC 14 Dec was certainly noteworthy (RE). Although hardy, Black-crowned Night Heron is seldom found during the winter season; 4 on 6-7 Feb at a pond in the St. Louis Zoo St. Louis City were not part of the zoo’s collection (Eric Jeltes †). A straggling Plegadis sp. was observed 5 Dec near CCNWR (Derick Drie-

Page 91 THE BLUEBIRD acc.). A stunning total of 1,350 Black Vultures 28 Dec on the Taney Co CBC far exceeded the number of Turkey Vultures, 370, on the same CBC (CB). The 16 Turkey Vultures recorded 27 Dec on the CCNWR CBC was a high number that far north (BS). Both vulture species continue to expand the winter range in MO. Unlike recent years, Turkey Vultures did not win- ter in Eureka St. Louis, but 2 were noted returning there 19 Feb (JU). An Osprey 16 Feb at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery Taney was an un- usual winter find (SK). Bald Eagle numbers were up this winter with 60 on 22 Feb at RMBS & Lincoln Shields St. Charles (BR), 82 on 16 Dec in Clark (KMc, DA), 109 on 2 Dec at SLNWR (SK), 90 on the Trimble CBC 28 Dec (KM), 75 on the St. Joseph CBC 14 Dec (LL) and 197 on the CCNWR CBC 27 Dec (BS). A nice count of 14 Northern Harriers was noted 7 Jan at OSCA (MH). High counts for Red-Shouldered Hawk, which seems to be continuing a long-term range and population expansion, included 6 on 4 Jan on the BCA CBC (PL) and 6 on 16 Feb at MCA (MH). Still, the southeast harbors the highest numbers by far. The MNWR CBC recorded 37 on 28 Dec (BE). One was observed 9 Feb at Poosey CA Livingston where it is still con- sidered rare (SK). A Red-tailed Hawk (Western-calarus) was observed 4 Jan on the BCA CBC (BR). A seasonal highlight was a Ferruginous Hawk photographed 27 Jan in New Madrid (Mark Greene†). Rough-legged Hawk was widely reported but contributors had varying opinions as to its relative abundance compared to previous years. Rough-legged was encoun- tered less often in the north (SK) and more often in east-central MO (PL, BR, JU) with the SW quadrant holding the highest number of birds. There were four reports of Golden Eagles: an adult on the Columbia CBC Boone 14 Dec (PMc), 1 on 23 Dec at LPL SP Macon (SM, DM), 1 on 10 Jan in Jas- per (CB) and 1 on 15 Jan in Dade (SM, DM).

COOTS THROUGH GULLS

An American Coot was present 28 Dec and 11 Jan at RMBS and 30 sud- denly appeared at WD&S 22 Feb (CM, JM). There were 110 on the Trimble CBC 28 Dec (KM). Sandhill Cranes were reported from two locations with 3-4 present 14-20 Dec Boone (PMc, John Besser, m.obs). A nice count of 15 was recorded on 3 Dec at SCNWR; 10 were still present 16 Dec and a couple remained through the winter (Darrin Welchert). American Golden- Plover reappeared record early with 21 on 22 Feb in Dunklin (TJ, acc.). Killdeer were scarce: some of the most northerly reports were from CBCs with 2 on the CCNWR CBC 27 Dec (BS) and 3 on the CSP CBC 1 Jan (RK). Single Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs arrived in Dunklin on 20 Feb (TJ). A very early flock of 8 Dunlin reached Dunklin 23 Feb (TJ, acc.). Least Sandpiper was recorded 17 Dec with 2 on the HFRCA CBC Vernon (MR). Very few mid-winter Wilson’s Snipes were reported; those few were from CBCs in the south. The first 7 returning spring migrants landed in Webster 21 Feb (GSa). American Woodcock were tardy with their spring nuptials compared to recent years, the first being reported 16 Feb in Greene (Dave Catlin). A total of 11 were found 21 Feb at BCA (CM, JM). It was a good gull winter for the first time in several years along the Mississippi in the St. Louis area. An unusual mid-winter Bonaparte’s Gull was at RMBS 1 Jan (BS, Eric Schuette). Ring-billed Gull numbers were

Page 92 THE BLUEBIRD

One of two Iceland “Kumlein’s” Gulls found at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary , St. Charles County, on January 11. Photo by Jim Malone. estimated at 2,000+ on 18 Dec at RMBS (PL). Later in the season total gull spp. numbers at RMBS and surrounding areas were in the 8,000-10,000 range, with a sprinkling of the rarer species (CM, JM). Thayer’s Gull was reported from RMBS from 11 Dec with a high of 4 on 23 Feb (CM, JM). Ice- land “Kumlien’s” Gull, which went unreported for a couple of winters, was reported from LBL (BJ, acc.) and RMBS with 2 on 11 Jan (PL) and 1 on 22 Feb (BR). As a side note, rare gull numbers at RMBS would have been more impressive but for the largely frozen conditions and the tendency for gulls to favor the Illinois side below the dam at such times. Lesser Black- backed Gull was encountered with some frequency at RMBS, with 1-2 birds 14 Dec-23 Feb (PL, CM, JM, BR, JU). Glaucous Gull was also found there with 1-2 present 28 Dec-23 Feb (BJ, CM, JM). More unusual away from the Mississippi R., a Glaucous was present in Andrew, 12-14 Dec (Brent Galliart, JH). Great Black-backed Gull was also observed at RMBS 4 Jan-23 Feb (PL, CM, JM, BR, JU), all single, first-cycles.

DOVES THROUGH SHRIKES

An Inca Dove pair visited a residence in rural Buffalo Dallas 25 Dec-4 Jan, with one bird remaining until 5 Feb (CB, Lester Hostetler, Paul Hostetler, GSa, acc.). Greater Roadrunners were reported at Turner’s Mill Greene 9 Jan (AK), Springfield Greene 20 Jan (CB) and the Taney Co CBC recorded 3 on 28 Dec (CB). A Barn Owl was reported 17 Dec from Douglass Branch CA Vernon (CB), 2 were recorded on the CCNWR CBC 27 Dec (BS) and an- other 2 were listed on the BOTSP CBC 19 Dec (BE). Only two years after a major invasion into the state, Snowy Owl again made a good showing with 5 reported: an immature male, 18 Dec-24 Jan at LBL, later joined by a sec-

Page 93 THE BLUEBIRD

First cycle Great Black-backed Gull found January 4-February 23 at River- lands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles County. Photo by Jim Malone.

ond bird (BJ, PMc); singles 14 Dec on the Grand River CBC Daviess (present for a couple weeks thereafter) (SK); at SL on 2 Dec (Doug Willis) and 15 Jan in Dade (CB). Long-eared Owl and Short-eared Owls were sparsely reported. Steve Kinder reports no Long-eared Owls after 1 Jan despite frequent checks of appropriate habitat. Short-eared Owls were re- ported from CSP with 3 on the CBC on 1 Jan (RK), 3 on the CCNWR CBC 27 Dec (BS) and 11 on the Liberal CBC Barton 27 Dec (LH). No Selaspho- rus hummingbirds were reported. The HFRCA CBC on 17 Dec recorded some excellent woodpecker counts, with Red-headed Woodpeckers total- ing 521 and Red-bellied Woodpeckers totaling 229 (MR, MG, PMc). Paul McKenzie and Matt Gearheart helped reach these heights by covering an extensive walking territory of bottomland woods. Their section of the CBC circle alone accounted for 334 and 101 of each species respectively. Merlin was widespread with nine reports, mostly singles. A columbarius and the prairie race richardsoni were observed at RMBS 11 Jan (BR) and 4 Merlin were recorded on the SCNWR CBC 19 Dec (MR). A Peregrine Falcon was observed 31 Dec landing on a Clayton St. Louis skyscraper (MT); others were at CBCA 8 Feb and RMBS 23 Feb (CM, JM). Prairie Falcon was re- ported from the southwest 18-19 Jan with 2 birds 18 Jan (CB, Greg Swick) and a single 19 Jan, all in Dade (AK). Another was observed southwest of Paris Monroe 12 Feb (BJ) and 3 were at Taberville Prairie CA St. Clair on 20 Jan (MR). Northern reports for Eastern Phoebe were of singles 4 Jan at Research Park St. Charles (RK, Matt Rowe) and 27 Dec on the CCNWR CBC (BS). Loggerhead Shrikes were reported from 11 locales with high-

Page 94 THE BLUEBIRD est numbers (up to 6-7 on a few CBCs) in the southwestern and southeast- ern portions of the state. Northern Shrikes were widely reported with 9 individuals, two of them being from the Ozarks, where still considered acci- dental, 14 Dec in Franklin (Jack Foreman†) and 5 Feb in Iron (Matt Jones†).

VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS

A very unusual winter Blue-headed Vireo was found 8 Feb in Dunklin (TJ, acc.). Fish Crows began to find their way north with 3 on 19 Feb at Cape Woods CA Cape Girardeau (MH). In stark contrast to last year, Red- breasted Nuthatch was not widespread and numbers were very low. Sub- mitted reports included singles observed 6 Feb in Jackson Cape Girardeau (MH) and 22 Feb at Pony Express CA DeKalb (SK); 2 were reported 15 Dec on the Knob Noster SP CBC Johnson (Vernon Elsberry, Shelby Palmer). A single Sedge Wren was at OSCA 20 Jan (BE). Marsh Wren made appear- ances as singles on the CCNWR CBC (BS) and on the Liberal CBC 27 Dec (LH). One wonders about Carolina Wren survival during such a long cold winter. One was found dead in emaciated condition on a residential side- walk 11 Feb St. Louis (MT). A good count of 22 was made 3 Dec at MCA (MH). A follow-up count there may be revealing. Extensive walking through bottomland woods in one section of the HFRCA CBC on 17 Dec produced an impressive 21 Ruby-crowned Kinglets (MG, PMc); the overall CBC total was 49 (MR). A Ruby-crowned Kinglet endured the bitter cold in the north- west and visited a suet feeder 10 Feb in St. Joseph Buchanan (Frances Cramer). One of the season’s highlights, a Townsend’s Solitaire—only the third for the east—was at YCA Jefferson 2-10 Feb (JU, m.obs., acc.). Gray Catbird was reported three times in the south (David Blevins, LH, AK) and two times in the north: 27 Jan in Jackson (Joseph Mosley, acc.) and 14 Dec in Adair (Peter Kondrashov, acc). A flock of Lapland Longspur blew in on one of the coldest days of the season with 305 on 6 Jan at RMBS (MT). Flocks were also found with 200 on 3 Dec in NW Livingston and 250 at SLNWR 18 Feb (SK). The largest numbers were reported from CBCA with

Large flock of Lapland Longspurs at Columbia Bottoms Conservation Aree, St. Louis County, observed February 9-15. Photo by Jim Malone.

Page 95 THE BLUEBIRD

Snow Bunting found with Lapland Longspurs at Columbia Bottom Conser- vation Area, St. Louis County, February 9-15. Photo by Jim Malone.

1000-1200 from 9-15 Feb (JE, CM, JM, JU). Snow Buntings were found in the mix with 1-2 from 9-15 Feb (JE, CM, JM, JU). Another 2 were at SWNWR on 30 Dec (SK). Orange-crowned Warbler made an appearance in the northern half of the state with 2 on the CCNWR CBC 27 Dec (Scott Schuette, acc.). A very late Nashville Warbler was observed 5 Dec in Stone (Jane Fitzgerald, acc.). A Common Yellowthroat was observed at OSCA 19 Jan (JU). A Palm Warbler was recorded 19 Dec on the BOSP CBC (BE, acc.) and Pine Warbler returned to the southwest in McDonald by 28 Feb (Joyce Haynes).

SPARROWS THROUGH FINCHES

Very few sparrows were noted in north-central and northwest MO this win- ter (JH, SK). A Spotted Towhee was a star attraction in a flock of feeder birds at CBCA 26 Jan-15 Feb (David Becher, CM, JM, JU). Other Spotted Towhees were from the southwest, where more frequently encountered: 2 were recorded on the Liberal CBC 27 Dec (LH) and 1 was observed 14 Feb at MLCA (DM, SM). Chipping Sparrow has occurred more frequently in winter over the last decade. One frequented a St. Louis feeder 13 Dec-28 Feb (Connie Alwood, acc.) and 1-2 “feeder birds” visited a Cape Girardeau yard throughout the season (MH). A good mid-state winter count for Field

Sparrow was made 4 Feb with 16 at YCA (BJ). Waterfowl weren’t the only things moving on 22 Feb when 80 Savannah Sparrows suddenly showed

Page 96 THE BLUEBIRD

Spotted Towhee observed at a feeder at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, St. Louis County, January 26-February 15. Photo by Jim Malone. up as usual on a few western CBCs north to Trimble, but one on the CCNWR CBC 27 Dec was noteworthy for the east (BS). An apparent White- crowned Sparrow “gambelii” was seen at CBCA 1 Jan (BR). An adult male Dark-eyed “Pink-sided” Junco was well-studied by an observer familiar with the race on the Maryville CBC 14 Dec (David Easterla). Diag- nostic photos of this race are desired as a definitive means of documenting its occurrence in the state. MBRC would welcome photographs along with written documentation to add this race to the list of the state’s avifauna as it is indeed overdue. An immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak fre- quented a Cape Girardeau feeder 13 Jan-26 Feb (MH, acc., Kathy Haas). A Dickcissel was observed on 17 Dec in Bates (Michael Beck). Western Meadowlark is considered regular in winter at CBCA with 2-10 observed 8 Dec-22 Feb (BR, JU). Great-tailed Grackle high counts included 15 on 5 Dec in Rogersville Greene (AK) and 18 on 24 Dec at Bryan Island Stables St. Louis (CM, JM). There was an almost complete lack of winter finches. Pur- ple Finch was not widespread; there were 7 observations from the CBCs used in compiling this report. A review of the Cornell’s eBird dataset shows a somewhat more widespread distribution but numbers were generally low. Noteworthy were 9 on 30 Dec on the Cole Camp Prairies CBC Pettis (Marge Lumpe). There were no reports of crossbills or redpolls. Pine Siskin was scarce with 1 on the Kirksville CBC 14 Dec (Jason Luscier) and 4 on the MNWR CBC 28 Dec (BE). More sightings were entered into eBird, but again numbers were very low with 1 or 2 birds being the norm. A final seasonal highlight was a Lesser Goldfinch visiting a Stone residence 15 Feb-9 Mar (Emily Berg, GSa, acc.), making this the third year in a row that this spe- cies has appeared in the southwest.

Page 97 THE BLUEBIRD

Immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that frequented a feeder at Mark Haas’ home in Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, from 13 December 13-February 26. Photo by Mark Haas.

Observers

Danny Akers (DA), Charles Burwick (CB), Joe Eades (JE), Bill Eddleman (BE), Rhonda Edmunds (RE), Matt Gearheart (MG), Mark Haas (MH), Law- rence Herbert (LH), Jack Hilsabeck (JH), Brad Jacobs (BJ), Steve Kinder (SK), Andrew Kinslow (AK), Randy Korotev (RK), Larry Lade (LL), Pat Lueders (PL), Charlene Malone (CM), Jim Malone (JM), Kristi Mayo (KM), Debbie Martin (DM), Steve Martin (SM), Kelly McKay (KMc), Paul McKenzie (PMc), Bill Rowe (BR), Mark Robbins (MR), Greg Samuel (GSa), Bruce Schuette (BS), Scott Schuette (SS), Mike Thelen (MT), Joshua Uff- man (JU).

Abbreviations CA-Conservation Area CBC-Christmas Bird Count Co-County MBRC-Missouri Bird Record Committee m.obs.-many observers R.-River SP-State Park

Location Abbreviations (counties are in italics)

BCA-Busch Conservation Area, St. Charles County BKLCA-B. K. Leach Conservation Area, Lincoln County

Page 98 THE BLUEBIRD CBCA-Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, St. Louis County CCNWR-Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Pike County CSP-Confluence State Park, St. Charles County DCCA-Duck Creek Conservation Area, Bollinger/Stoddard County EBCA-Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Boone County HFRCA-Horton-Four Rivers Conservation Area, Vernon County LBL-Long Branch Lake, Macon MCA-Maintz Conservation Area, Cape Girardeau County MLCA- Montrose Lake Conservation Area, Henry County MNWR-Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Stoddard/Wayne County OSCA-Otter Slough Conservation Area, Stoddard County RMBS-Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, St. Charles County SCNWR-Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Holt County SLNWR-Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chariton County SL-Smithville Lake, Clay County VWMP-Valley Water Mil Park, Greene County WD&S-Winfield Dam & Slough, Lincoln County YCA-Young Conservation Area, Jefferson County

References:

Guinon, P. Missouri Climate Center. Retrieved from http:// climate.missouri.edu/, 2014.

Thoman, R. NOAA. Retrieved from http://www.climate.gov/news-features/ event-tracker/alaska-unseasonably-warm-january-2014, 2014.

NOAA National Climatic Data Center, State of the Climate: Global Analysis for January 2014, published online February 2014, retrieved on May 7, 2014 from http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2014/1, 2014.

NOAA National Climatic Data Center, State of the Climate: Global Analysis for February 2014, published online March 2014, retrieved on May 7, 2014 from http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2014/2, 2014.

Thompson, A. Climate Central. Retrieved from http://www.climatecentral.org/news/a-cold-u.s.-winter-for-sure-but- 8th-warmest-globally-17196, 2014..

Sullivan, B.L., C.L. Wood, M.J. Iliff, R.E. Bonney, D. Fink, and S. Kelling. 2009. eBird: a citizen-based bird observation network in the biologi cal sciences. Biological Conservation 142: 2282-2292.

Page 99 THE BLUEBIRD A BIRDERS’ GUIDE TO MISSOURI PUBLIC LANDS Edge Wade

FRANKLIN ISLAND Edge Wade, April 2014 1626.85 acres; Howard Co.; DeLorme 37, A-7; GPS: 38.986603724,- 92.7210900681; MDC owned; for more information call 573-815-7900.

Directions: From I-70 at Columbia, take exit #121, US 40/MO 240 toward Fayette about 16.5 miles to the area entrance sign (CR 465). Two dirt county roads, CR 444 and CR 446, off MO 240 east of the main entrance lead south through farmland to Lot C on the Franklin Island CA map.

From I-70 at Boonville, take exit #103, Rt. B into Boonville, turning left onto Main St. to stay on US 40. Continue north on US 40/MO 5/MO 87 across the Missouri River. Stay on US 40, swinging east, past where MO 5 turns north, to go about one mile to the right turn into the area at the sign on CR 465.

Lewis and Clark camped here near the mouth of Bonne Femme Creek, June 7, 1804. The area is no longer an island. A remnant channel of the Missouri River was closed off by the Corps of Engineers in 1952 as part of channeliza- tion/flood control work. MDC purchased the land in 1978. Management goals include re-establishment of bottomland forest via natural succession and native species planting on 865 acres, permanent grasses and some un- harvested crops (notably sunflowers in recent years) cover the 600 acres of old field and cropland. Work continues to improve the 160 acres designated as wetland.

When to Visit/Species to Expect: The checklist total of 132 as of early 2014 is not representative of the potential for this site. Timing can be everything in birding, and this is very true of a trip to Franklin Island. A routine morn- ing of the “usual suspects” any season may become memorable with one or two unexpected sightings.

A winter trip is likely to reap a good number of juncos and variety of spar- rows (even an occasional Harris’) and woodpeckers, and perhaps birds along the Missouri or Bonne Femme Creek. A Sharp-shinned Hawk may be lurk- ing along the creek woods; watch for a Northern Harrier over the open land and Ring-billed Gulls over the river. A cold January or February day may hold a flock of Canada Geese, with the possibility of a Cackling Goose among them, or be highlighted by a flock of Trumpeter Swans. Look for Lap- land Longspurs in the open fields along the entrance road.

Spring here is as rich in potential and variety as any site along the Missouri River. Waterfowl will stop if there is water in the deeper parts of the wet- lands. American Woodcocks may be displaying in early morning or at dusk. Be sure to give close attention along the creek and to the large trees near the boat ramp (lot D) for migrating passerines.

Page 100 THE BLUEBIRD Summer can be hot and humid in the Missouri River bottomland, but spe- cial encounters with bids make visits worthwhile. Summer finds here have included Black-billed Cuckoo and as many as six Mississippi Kites on one trip. Fish Crows have become increasingly common. Typical brush-loving species such as catbirds, thrashers and towhees nest here in good numbers. Orioles, tanagers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks add splashes of color and delightful sounds to a summer visit. Listen for Northern Bobwhite. Waders include Great Blue and Green Herons and Great Egret. Red-shouldered Hawk is likely. A good variety may be found in fall migration. Be sure to check along the river. Broad-winged Hawk may be detected in early au- tumn. Watch for both kinglets and Brown Creeper.

Features of interest to birders: Access into the main area is off US 40, along CR 465, a road that traverses open land, offering good possibilities of seeing American Goldfinches, Horned Larks or Lapland Longspurs in season. About .9 miles from US 40 is a lot (Lot A) on the right, followed quickly by a road on the left. Lot A is a good place to begin a good look-over of brush and mature trees.

Staying straight will take you along a brush-lined road (watch for sparrows) that ends at the boat ramp and Lot D at the Missouri River. Spend some time watching and listening here.

Take the turn to the right onto the levee as you leave the river. The levee may be walked. If you stay with the car, this small loop leads to Lot E in a brushy area. A trail leads from this lot, giving foot access to a large area not visible from a car.

The road near Lot A goes east along the closed off chute on the left, then along Bonne Femme Creek to a gate and an open area on the creek (beware of mud there). This route gives excellent views of bottomland forest, open wetlands, brush, and grasses. Drive it slowly and stay alert for surprises. A gate on the right at Lot B closes off automobiles, but allows foot traffic along the levee that goes toward Lot E.

Lot C is a small open area around a large burr oak and access to woods on the northeast side of Bonne Femme Creek, accessible from either CR 444 or 446. This area is rich in habitat variety and on any day may offer sightings not found in a search through the main section.

Toilets: None

Camping: Primitive, at lots A, C & D

Hazards/Limitations: Dirt CR 444 and 446 may be impassible due to high water and/or mud. Recent high water along Bonne Femme Creek may leave mud under an apparent dry surface at the turn-around.

Nearby Birding Sites: Diana Bend CA, Davisdale CA, University Dairy Farm Ponds #1 and #3, DC Rogers Lake, Peters Lake, Prairie Home CA, Big

Muddy NFWR, Taylors Landing Access.

Page 101 THE BLUEBIRD POMME DE TERRE STATE PARK Edge Wade, April 2014

734.44 acres Hickory Co. DeLorme, 44, G/H, 2; GPS: 37.869783,-93.317600; DNR owned. For park office, 417-852-4291; for Hermitage area, 417-745- 6909; http://mostateparks.com/park/pomme-de-terre-state-park

This park awaits discovery by birders who will find many reasons to cele- brate their choice of birding destination and will want to return to enjoy the full round of seasons at Pomme de Terre. Autumn, winter and early spring are particularly good times to visit, as the number of campers/boaters is low and birding can be enjoyed in a quiet, undisturbed setting.

There are two units: Hermitage on the north side and Pittsburg on the south.

Directions to Hermitage Unit: From US 54 in Hermitage, go south on Jack- son Street (MO 254) to the junction with MO 64 east. Go 1.4 miles on MO 64, turn right on CR 200, go 325 feet, continue on CR 246 for .7 mile, then turn right onto Park Road.

Directions to Pittsburg Unit: To reach the Pittsburg Unit from the Hermit- age Unit, go back to MO 64 and take it to MO 64B Spur as described below.

From Jefferson City (about 1 hour, 45 minutes), from US 54 go south on Rt. D in Hickory County, just west of the intersection with US 65. At 5.4 miles from the US 54/Rt. D intersection, continue straight onto MO 64 East. At 2.5 miles, turn right onto 64B Spur west.

From Springfield (about 1 hour, 15 minutes), go north on MO 13 about 26 miles. Take MO 83 exit (Business 13 toward Bolivar). Turn right onto MO 83 N/S Springfield Ave., then right onto Broadway for .9 mile, then left onto Pomme De Terre Ave. (Rt. D). Follow Rt. D for 13.7 miles, then stay straight onto MO 64 West for 7 miles. Turn left onto MO 64B Spur west for 2.1 miles.

When to Visit/Species to Expect: Excellent birding opportunities await in spring and fall migration for passerines that may accumulate on one of the park’s peninsulas. Summer residents include a typical mix of Ozark nesters, including a good population of Prothonotary Warblers along the Pittsburg Unit shoreline.

In fall, winter and early spring the potential to see good numbers of a vari- ety of water birds is excellent. The lake attracts loons, grebes, gulls and pelicans. Ducks are surely present in season, but are severely under- represented on the checklist because of few reported visits in the appropri- ate period.

Page 102 THE BLUEBIRD In fall and winter, gulls roost on the marina roof. Bald Eagles and Osprey may join Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. The full suite of Missouri woodpeckers may be found as resident chickadees, titmice and nuthatches work the trees, joined by kinglets and creepers in the winter.

Birders at Pomme de Terre SP will likely add significant occurrence data with every trip report.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are present in the Pittsburg Unit between July and February, but are apparently gone in early spring.

Features of interest to birders: The Pittsburg unit has been in a prescribed fire rotation since 1985. It is open old growth post oak woodlands with chin- quapin oaks on the limestone ridge tops with a grassy understory domi- nated by little bluestem and Indian grass.

Each unit has a 3.5-mile trail through a natural area. Both offer good views of bird-friendly habitat—both on land and the lake. The grasses and wild- flowers are well worth the walk; the potential to find birds is very good.

Cedar Bluffs Trail loops down the long, narrow peninsula of the Hermitage Unit through a heavily wooded area and along rocky bluffs (look for Prairie Warbler in summer).

Indian Point Trail is a loop out to the Indian Point lookout in the Pittsburg Unit through savanna woodland to a wooden viewing platform. Connector loops provide opportunities for shorter hikes.

Birders should check all possible habitats and access to birds. On the Pitts- burg side, there is a swim beach, fishing pier and marina, picnic areas and campgrounds. The Hermitage side has a swim beach, picnic areas and campgrounds.

Toilets: Flush toilets are available in season; vault toilets are present year- round.

Camping: 258 sites (total includes both units). As of 2013, there are two yurts for rent on the Pittsburg side.

Hazards/Limitations: The park can be very busy with boaters and campers in the summer. Boats can be brought to shoreline campsites in the Hermit- age unit.

Nearby Birding Sites: Sentinel CA, Hermitage Access, Murphy (John F.) Mem. SF & WA.

Page 103 THE BLUEBIRD Peer-Edited Article

Repeat of Winter Raptor Survey Along Interstates I-55 and I-70, 28-29 Dec. 2013 Paul M. McKenzie 2311 Grandview Circle Columbia, MO 65203

On 28-29 Dec 2013, I repeated the raptor survey that I initiated in 2011 (McKenzie 2011). As in 2011 and 2012 (McKenzie 2012), I counted all rap- tors perched or in flight within an approximate 220 m transect along oppo- site sides of the interstate. I determined that this was likely the largest dis- tance where birds could be safely and accurately identified without the aid of binoculars and would enable me to conduct the survey as a driver or as a passenger. I recorded species and numbers in each of two sections along I- 55: mile marker 0.0 at the Arkansas/Missouri line to mile marker 80.0 at Benton, and from mile marker 80.0 to mile marker 191.0 in Arnold just south of St. Louis. These two sections correspond well to the Mississippi Lowlands or Bootheel and the Ozark Border Natural Divisions of Missouri described by Thom and Wilson (1980) and Robbins and Easterla (1992). The third section surveyed was I-70 from mile marker 210.0 in Wentzville to mile marker 130.0 in Columbia. I surveyed a total of 270 miles (80 miles in section 1, 110 miles in section 2, and 80 miles in section 3. Surveys were conducted between 1415 and 1600 on 28 Dec. and between 0850 and 1015 and between 1100 and 12:00 on 29 Dec. Because of traffic congestion, sec- tions of Interstates 270 and 64 (connecting interstates between I-55 and I- 70) between Arnold and Wentzville were not surveyed. I compared species numbers and diversity observed in 2013 with those recorded in 2011 and 2012 (Tables 1, 2).

Raptor diversity and abundance was noticeably lower in 2012 than in 2011 or 2013. A total of 75 raptors of 4 different species was observed during the 2012 survey compared to 143 individuals and 7 species observed in 2011 and 120 individuals and 5 species counted in 2013. As in 2011 and 2012, the highest species abundance during the 28-29 Dec. 2013 count was in the Bootheel section (section 1) of the survey. As in 2012, differences are un- doubtedly due to wind conditions on 28-29 Dec. 2013. On 28 Dec. conditions along the Bootheel section of I-55 were judged to be only 5-8 mph and simi- lar to conditions in 2011. On 29 Dec. however, a strong cold front passed near the start of Section 2, the temperature dropped at least 20° F, the sky became overcast, and the wind shifted from the SW at 5-10 mph to NW at 20-25 mph with gusts to 30 mph. This rapid shift in weather conditions had an immediate impact on raptor visibility because only 25 raptors were ob- served along the 110 miles of section 2 and an amazingly low total of two raptors along the 80 miles of section 3 adjacent to 1-70. After the passage of the cold front and as noted in 2012, raptors were noticeably absent from exposed perches and most that were observed were perched in positions that

Page 104 THE BLUEBIRD Table 1. Species of raptors observed in 2013.

Section RTa KRT CH SS AK TV BV Total

1-Bootheel 87 1 1 0 4 0 0 93

2-Ozarks 15 0 0 1 2 5 2 25

3-I-70 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

Total 103 1 1 1 7 5 2 120 aRT= Red-tailed Hawk, KRT= Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk, CH=Cooper’s Hawk, SS=Sharp-shinned Hawk, AK= American Kestrel, TV=Turkey Vulture, BV=Black Vulture.

Table 2. Comparison of raptor totals observed among years.

Species 2011 2012 2013 Bald Eagle 1 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 5 Black Vulture 2 0 2 Red-tailed Hawk 126 59 103 Harlan’s Hawk 1 1 0 Krider’s Red-tail 0 1 1 Rough-legged Hawk 0 3 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 0 0 Unidentified Buteo 1 5 0 Northern Harrier 1 1 0 American Kestrel 9 5 7 Cooper’s Hawk 0 0 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 0 1 Total individuals 144 75 120

Number of species 7 4 6

Page 105 THE BLUEBIRD yielded some protection from the windy conditions. One factor for the higher abundance of raptors observed in the Bootheel not previously mentioned in earlier reports (McKenzie 2011, 2012) is likely related, in part, to the topog- raphy of the landscape. In most areas of the Bootheel, strips of trees, hedge- rows, power poles, and various guard rails border what is otherwise a very fragmented landscape that dissects the numerous agriculture fields. Conse- quently, these areas provide ideal perches and in some cases are the only ones available. This facilitates locating perched raptors, especially Red- tailed Hawks that are conspicuous in this fragmented landscape. Addition- ally, these isolated and fragmented habitats may provide a concentration of small mammalian prey that would be mostly void from the monoculture crop fields. Searching for prey in this landscape may require less effort by raptors than in areas that have more contiguous habitats.

Unlike 2011 and 2012, species diversity in 2013 was highest in the second Ozarks section. This can be attributed to two factors: 1) there are an addi- tional 30 miles of roadway in this section and 2) vultures and a few other species were in flight over the interstate and likely taking advantage of opti- mum flying conditions. Interestingly, the two Black Vultures observed near mile marker 157 on 29 Dec. were within 10 miles where the species was observed in 2011.

Another interesting note was my failure to detect Rough-legged Hawk dur- ing this year’s survey. Outside of the 2011 survey when I observed three individuals along the 80-mile Bootheel portion, I can only remember detect- ing this species one other time in the lowlands of Southeast Missouri during my trips to and from Louisiana. Although I did not start the established survey until 2011, Rough-legged Hawk was a species I looked for along In- terstate I-55 on all trips. Consequently, I can calculate a rough estimate of the rarity of this species in the Bootheel. My wife and I have made the trip to Louisiana every year during the 25 years we have lived in Missouri but of those, viewing conditions were only safe during approximately 20 years. Some trips were made at night or during bad weather so I will assume that I was able to look for Rough-legged Hawk 20 out of the 25 years x two (south bound and north bound return trips). This section is 80 miles long x 20 yrs x 2 trips= 3,200 miles. On average, it takes us about 2 hrs to drive this section as we always stop at the Missouri welcome center just north of the Arkansas line. An alternate calculation would be 20 yrs x 2 hrs x 2 trips= 80 hrs of looking. The total number of Rough-legged Hawks I ob- served in 20 years was four. Consequently, I observe a Rough-legged Hawk approximately (3,200 miles/4 or 80 hrs/4) once every 800 miles or once every 20 hrs of looking along Interstate I-55 in the Missouri Bootheel. This esti- mate supports suggestive comments by Robbins and Easterla (1992) that this species is less common in natural divisions outside the Osage and Gla- ciated Plains Natural Divisions of Missouri. It should be noted and recog- nized, however, that this is not a comparison of Rough-legged Hawks ob- served in different natural divisions but simply an observation of the rarity of this species in the Bootheel. In some years I do remember observing the

Page 106 THE BLUEBIRD rarity of this species in the Bootheel. In some years I do remember observ- ing Rough-legged Hawk along my survey route outside of the Bootheel sec- tion and can only state that the species was detected more frequently than the sole two years I can account for in Southeast Missouri.

The results of 2013 further support my previous observations that the Bootheel region of the survey supports the largest number of raptors, espe- cially Red-tailed Hawks, and this year’s efforts provides additional evidence that surveys should be conducted only when winds are no more than 10-15 mph. Additionally, I noticed this year that locating raptors is easier when the sky is clear or partly cloudy vs. overcast and when driving speeds are around 65 mph. Finally, I have concluded that conducting a survey along Interstate I-70 between Wentzville and Columbia is possibly not worth the effort because traffic volume is too high. In the future, I will count raptors along this section only if driving conditions are less stressful. This year’s results provide additional evidence that conducting raptor surveys along roadways can be a useful tool in assessing changes in relative abundance of wintering species of hawks and vultures across various landscapes and to- pographic regions. This technique should be expanded to include routes among all Natural Divisions of Missouri to further assess differences in relative abundance among raptors and vultures as well as Loggerhead and Northern Shrikes if road sections could be chosen that would allow for more time to stop and confirm identification of shrikes. It is further recom- mended, however, that weather and traffic conditions be assessed before initiating such surveys.

Literature Cited

McKenzie, Paul M. 2011. Winter Raptor Survey Along Interstates I-55 and I -70, 1-2 Jan. 2011. The Bluebird 78:13-15.

McKenzie, Paul M. 2012. Winter Raptor Survey Along Interstates I-55 and I -70, 1-2 Jan. 2012. The Bluebird 79:42-44.

Robbins, M.B. Robbins, and D.A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Missouri: Their distribution and abundance. University of Missouri Press, Colum- bia, 399pp.

Thom, R.H., and J.H. Wilson. 1980. The natural divisions of Missouri. Trans. of the Missouri Acad. of Sci. 14:9-23.

Page 107 THE BLUEBIRD Peer-Reviewed Paper

The Four Rivers Christmas Bird Count (CBC): A Validation for Conducting Winter Bird Surveys Paul M. McKenzie 2311 Grandview Circle Columbia, MO 65203

Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter CBCs) were established in 1900 by Frank Chapman, who recommended conducting bird counts over the Christmas holiday period as an alternative to hunting. Since CBCs were initiated, many changes in the annual counts have occurred and now data are only available online at the National Audubon Society (NAS) website. Nonethe- less, counts have been expanded across North America, and into Central America, South America and even the Arctic (Hess 2010 ). Most ornitholo- gists and birders agree that results of CBCs can provide a rough overview of changes in bird distribution and abundance, and trends can be assessed and statistically analyzed (e.g., McKenzie et al. 1988; Butcher et al. 1990; Niven et al. 2004; Link et al. 2006; and numerous other references available at http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count-bibliography-scientific- articles).While many professional ornithologists often participate in CBCs, the value of assistance from the birding community, from the beginner to the experienced, was explicitly identified in Bancroft’s (2010).

Individuals participate in CBCs for different or multiple reasons. For some, the annual count is a social event that gives participants the opportunity to bird and interact with birding friends. There are numerous avid birders who first became exposed to bird watching while participating in a CBC and hav- ing the opportunity to show a beginner a new species of bird remains a high- light for most experienced participants. For others, CBCs are competitive ventures to determine who will find the rarest bird or the largest number of species. A third group includes individuals who participate to assess changes in the distribution and relative abundance of birds and who love the challenge of attempts to find every species possible within a count circle and estimating numbers of all birds encountered. Birders in this group tend to bird predawn until dark, are willing to walk long distances, search all available habitats to detect all potential species, and operate on very high energy levels. It should be pointed out, however, that the success of every count is dependent upon the effort of all participants regardless of experi- ence and effort. I have been conducting CBCs for 42 years and I have yet to participate in a count where some hard-to-find species observed was not discovered by a less experienced birder or someone who was unable to ex- tend as much effort as those who were physically able to participate in a more strenuous level of activity. I have also been on many counts where the least experienced birder was the one who spotted an unusual bird that was not initially detected by others.

Page 108 THE BLUEBIRD The Horton-Four Rivers CBC has always contended for the one with the highest species total in Missouri, it has large numbers of waterfowl, and unusual species are frequently located that are hard to find on other CBCs. Additionally, it has the potential for highest count for some species in North America (e.g. Mallard, Red-headed Woodpecker—for scientific names of birds, see American Ornithologists’ Union (2014)). I participate in the count and survey an area including some of the best bottomland hardwoods I had ever observed in the Osage Plains Natural Division of Missouri (Tom and Wilson 1980), encompassing sections of the Four Rivers Conservation Area and Horton Bottoms (Fig. 1). Dominant tree species in such bottomlands include bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), swamp white oak (Q. bicolor), shell- bark hickory (Carya lacinosa), black willow (Salix nigra), pecan (Carya illi- noensis), and cottonwood (Populus deltoides).

In preparation for the 2012 count, I noticed that there was a large bottom- land ENE of the small town of Horton that was part of the Missouri Depart- ment of Conservation’s Four Rivers Conservation Area. The area was a Des- ignated Natural Area (DNA) under the Missouri Natural Areas Program (Leahy 2012) and had several hundred hectares that were bordered by the Little Osage River and Marmaton River (Fig. 1). Because of limited access,

Figure 1. Google Earth view of Horton, Missouri, Horton Bottoms, the Hor- ton Bottoms Natural Area, and the Little Osage and Marmaton Rivers within the count circle of the Four Rivers CBC conducted 17 Dec. 2013.

Page 109 THE BLUEBIRD no one had previously surveyed this large area, but I noticed in viewing various maps that approach to the area was possible by walking along the railroad tracks north of Horton. Keith Brink and I accessed the area in 2012 and found it to have an abundance of woodpeckers, especially Red-headed and other species important to the count (e.g. Winter Wren, Brown Creeper). Keith and I walked transects over several hundred hectares and along with other areas we were responsible for during the count, recorded 226 Red-headed Woodpeckers. These birds along with other species were attracted to the large number of native pecans that were scattered through- out the river bottom. The all-time national high for Red-headed Woodpeck- ers was 914 counted on the Manhattan, Kansas CBC in 1979 (Ortego 2010), and this count could possibly be exceeded in a year when there was an abundance of mast in my area. Accordingly, I contacted the family of a local land owner who lived near the count circle to obtain a report on the mast crop in 2013, particularly pecans. The landowner reported a "massive" crop of pecans and another reported a good crop of bur oak acorns. Based on these observations, I predicted that it would be a good year for Red-headed Woodpeckers.

The Four Rivers CBC was held on 17 Dec 2013 and I was teamed with Matt Gearheart. Based on the results of 2012, Matt and I made a determined effort to count every Red-headed Woodpecker we encountered. We walked transects in the Horton Bottoms area south of Eziekiel Road in the morning and then walked transects in the Horton DNA in the afternoon (Fig. 1)- We walked for ca. 10 hrs and walked an estimated 11 km. We were careful not to count birds in each other's transect and we made numerous transect checks to see how many birds each counter had observed to test if one of us was counting more birds than the other. If we could assume birds were pretty much evenly distributed over the landscape, then there should not be much difference in numbers at check points. Matt and I never deviated more than 4-6 birds at check points—sometimes he had more birds than me, and vice versa.

At the end of our tally in the DNA, Matt had recorded 118 Red-headed Woodpeckers, while I counted 114, to confirm that neither counter was overly estimating abundance of this species along transects. This total of 232 birds was in addition to the 112 we had counted in the morning, bring- ing our daily total to 344. The pecan crop was just as "massive" as re- ported—the ground was literally covered with pecans and we saw several trees with thousands of pecans still in their shells. Despite this concerted effort, we estimated that we only able to cover no more than 1/5 of available habitat in our area. Thus, in a good mast year with enough counters walk- ing transects in our area, it is possible that 1,000 Red-headed Woodpeckers are within reach for this count—a potential new national high for North America.

Our count of Red-headed Woodpeckers could have been even higher if we had searched additional suitable habitat, but we had to look for other spe- cies which our party needed to make every effort to find- We did get a num-

Page 110 THE BLUEBIRD Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, Lincoln's Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Brown Creeper, LeConte's Sparrow, and Short-eared Owl.

In addition to the high count of Red-headed Woodpeckers, our party re- corded 21 Ruby-crowned Kinglets. To put this in a personal perspective, this was more than the total I have seen on Missouri CBCs in over 25 years. This is especially noteworthy given the cold weather we experienced in No- vember and early December and further validates the value of conducting CBCs to assess changes in bird distribution and relative abundance. Matt and I were was not the only party during this year’s count that had good numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglets—the total recorded for the count was 49. Although Ruby-crowned Kinglets are generally insectivorous (Ingold and Wallace 1994), they are also known to eat plant material, including the ber- ries of poison-ivy (Rhus radicans), winged sumac (Rhus copallina), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginianus), and various species of dogwood (Cornus spp.) (Ingold and Wallace 1994). These species all occur within the Four Rivers CBC count circle and surely provide food for kinglets. Additionally, there is an abundance of American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) on the area and the fruit of this vine was utilized by multiple species of passerines (e.g., American Robin, E. Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped War- bler). What is not understood, however, is why there was such a noticeably larger number of Ruby-crowned Kinglets this year than in previous counts, especially the 2011 count when it was exceptionally warmer than this year’s surveys.

A total of 98 species was recorded on the Four Rivers CBC and the combined 521 Red-headed Woodpeckers, 229 Red-bellied Woodpeckers and 49 Ruby- crowned Kinglets were a new high for the count and the total for the king- lets would establish a new all-time count high for this species during the winter in Missouri in a single calendar day [Robbins and Easterla (1992:247); Mark Robbins and Bill Eddleman (pers. comm. 17 Jan. 2014)]. The count also had its share of rarities: a Dickcissel was recorded for the first time and Fish Crow was observed for only the second occurrence. De- spite the impressive Red-headed (RHW) and Red-bellied (RBW) Woodpecker counts, the largest number of these two species ever recorded, respectively, in one day in winter in Missouri is 592 RHWs on the 2 Jan 1989 Mingo CBC, and the 238 RBWs counted on the 29 Dec 1957 Weldon Spring CBC (Robbins and Easterla 1992:188, 190). It is likely that both of these records will be exceeded on the Four Rivers CBC in the future during years when there is an abundant mast crop and with sufficient effort.

The results of the Four Rivers CBC further substantiate the importance of conducting winter bird surveys. Without such efforts, the number of winter- ing Red-headed Woodpeckers, changes in abundance of such species as Ruby-crowned Kinglets and the documentation of such rarities as Dickcissel and Fish Crow would go undetected. I am convinced that with additional effort, it will be discovered that this count supports that largest population

Page 111 THE BLUEBIRD of wintering Red-headed Woodpeckers in North America, and it will con- tinue to be one of the top contending counts for supporting the highest di- versity of species found anywhere in winter in Missouri.

Literature Cited

American Ornithologists’ Union. 2014. AOU Checklist of North and Middle American Birds. American Ornthologists’ Union. Accessed 15 May 2014 at: http://checklist.aou.org. Bancroft, G.T. 2010. Citizen scientists make a difference- Conservation pol- icy is defined by the data you collect. American Birds 64:9-12. Butcher, G.S., and M.R. Fuller. 1990. An evaluation of the Christmas Bird Count for monitoring population trends of selected species. Wildlife Society Bulletin 18:119-134. Hess, P. 2010. Birding in the twilight zone- Arctic CBCs- Are you up for the challenge? American Birds 64:13-17. Ingold, J.L., and G.E. Wallace. 1994. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calen- dula). In The Birds of North America, No. 119. (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds). The Birds of North America, Inc., Phildelphia, PA. 24pp. Leahy, M. 2012. The Missouri Natural Areas program celebrates 35 years- our past and future. The Missouri Natural Areas Newsletter 12 (1):2-3. Link, W.A., J.R. Sauer, and D.K. Niven. 2006. A hierarchical model for re- gional analysis of population change using Christmas Bird Count data, with application to the American Black Duck. Condor 108:13- 24. McKenzie, P.M., P.J. Zwank, and E. Barry Moser. 1988. Mottled Duck popu- lation trends based on analyses of Christmas Bird Count Data. American Birds 42(4):512-516. Niven, D.K., J.R. Sauer, G.S. Butcher, and W.A. Link. 2004. Christmas Bird Count provides insights into population change in land birds that breed in the Boreal Forest. American Birds 58:10-20. Ortego, B. 2010. All-time highest counts of individual species on United States CBCs. American Birds 64:121-128. Robbins, M.B., and D.A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Missouri: Their distribu- tion and abundance. University of Missouri Press, Columbia. 399pp. Thom, R.H., and J.H. Wilson. 1980. The natural divisions of Missouri. Transactions of the Missouri Academy of Science 14:9-23.

Page 112 THE BLUEBIRD THE BLUEBIRD

Awards Committee: The ASM Executive Committee

Conservation Area Checklist Project (CACHE) State Parks & Historic Sites Project (SPARKS) Patrick Harrison, Web Development; Database Administrator Mike Thelen, Editor

Executive Committee: June Newman, Shari Harden, Scott Laurent, Pat Lueders, and Bill Eddleman

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative: Susan Hazelwood

Conservation Partnership Coordinator: Edge Wade.

Grassland Bird Coordinator: Mike Doyen

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

ADDRESS CHANGES If you move to a new address or you register a temporary address with the post office, PLEASE let ASM know. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward bulk mail. It returns it to the sender with the for- warding address label on it. When a BLUEBIRD is returned, we end up paying double – the return postage and the postage to remail it to the new address. For an address change, just send me an email with your new address or mail me a note. If it is a temporary address, do the same thing but also let me know the date of your return and whether you want THE BLUEBIRD sent to your temporary address or held and sent after you return home. The simple act of letting me know saves ASM money and work. Thank you! Jerry Wade; ASM Membership Chair; 2101 W/ Broadway, PMB 122; Columbia, MO 65203-1261; 573-268-3713; [email protected]

JOIN

The Audubon Society of Missouri Membership Brings You The Bluebird—quarterly journal of the ASM Birding Fellowship Spring and Fall Birding Weekends Organized Input into Conservation Issues Birding Education Go to www.mobirds.org and pay using Paypal, or by mail: Application for ASM Membership Name: ______Address: ______City / State / Zip: ______Phone, Home: ______Work: ______Email Address: ______Please CIRCLE the information you do NOT want included in The ASM Membership Directory. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **Indicate whether this is a NEW membership or a RENEWAL** _____ New _____ Renewal **Please check the Membership Category that applies** _____ Individual—$20.00 _____ Contributing—$50.00 _____ Family—$25.00 _____ Benefactor—$150.00 _____ Student—$15.00 _____ Life—$250.00

Send checks (payable to Audubon Society of Missouri) to:

The Audubon Society of Missouri, 2101 W. Broadway, PMB 122, Columbia, MO 65203-1261

THE BLUEBIRD